Dress: Loft Outlet | Cardigan: Banana Republic | Sandals: Old Navy | Sunnies: A New Day via Target | Necklace: via FabFitFun

Hi, friends! It’s been a busy few weeks but this dress just couldn’t stay off the blog.

I didn’t think Nick had gotten me anything for Mother’s Day – because he hadn’t! – so we went shopping at the Tanger Outlets in Mebane where I picked up this cute dress and a few other things from the Loft Outlet. It’s my favorite color (purple) and feels like those t-shirt sheets we all had on our dorm beds in college, which is to say it’s so comfortable. This particular Loft outlet has a great selection of petites and that’s why this dress fits so well.

Memorial Day Weekend came and went without much fuss. It was the one year anniversary of my heart attack and, because I was afraid that would trigger my anxiety, my therapist suggested I make plans to help keep my mind off of it. We decided to go on a little picnic, head over to the Museum of Life and Science, and then go to a cookout/BBQ at our neighbor’s house. MLS is one of my favorite places to take Sebastian because there’s so much for him to do and see, and every time we go, he’s a little bit older and a little more aware of the things around him. This is what I wore for our outing. I’ve been wanting a pair of scallop shorts for a while now, and J. Crew did not disappoint. These are great!

I love shoes but my natural preference is barefoot. Always has been. As soon as the weather shows the slightest bit of warmth, I kick off my shoes every chance I get: at home, in the car, at my desk, you name it. I’d rather not wear shoes when I don’t have to.

I once read an article about the positive effects of walking barefoot on the ground. This phenomena, called “grounding” or “earthing,” basically says that you will see some health benefits — such as decreased inflammation and stress, and improved circulation — when you put your body in direct contact with nature and the Earth. As new age-y and alternative medicine-y as it sounds, I have to say I agree that there are some benefits to reconnecting with nature. But then again, science agrees, too!