One thing I have never purchased is a dining room table and chairs. Doug’s parents were gracious enough to gift us their old one and we inherited the chairs to go with it. It’s a sturdy table and has done the job but after nearly 23 years, I’m about ready to do something on my own.

I’ve been dreaming about what I want my dining room to look like for while now and it has definitely taken on a few iterations. But on a recent visit to Ballard Designs I happened upon this wallpaper and fell in love. Things escalated from there and now I have a full design plan in place for the dining room (if there is one tip I’d share on designing spaces it is to find that one thing that lights you up - paint color, light fixture, rug, wallpaper - and start designing from there.)

I thought about color drenching the room, but with our open floor plan I don’t think it will work so will plan to make everything from the chair molding down a high gloss in the same color as the molding. We did want a pop of color and while I am afraid that I might get sick of these pink chairs, I do think they will be super fun in the space!

And for a little extra punch of fun, I’d love to commission something like this for the table. A splurge, but her pieces are gorgeous!

Sources:

Dining Room Chairs - Dayna Side Chair in Peony

Rug - Tamsin Performance Rug

Dining Room Table - Alva Extension Dining Table

Wallpaper - Brevard Wallpaper

Drapes - Vision Home Storm Blue Velvet Pinch Pleat Drapes

Can you see the vision?

Doug and I found ourselves in sunny San Diego last month for my work’s yearly conference. It is definitely a work trip for me but the ocean water and the California sun had me feeling so grateful for so many things. I’ve been at my company for eleven years and this was my tenth conference. This was Doug’s second time to join me - mainly because he always needed to stay back with the kids. My work is so much a part of my community and it was great for him to get to meet so many of my friends, colleagues, and Operators. I know his introverted self was worn out by the end of the week, but he was a trooper and we had a great time.

But the trip had me grateful! Grateful for this stage of life we are in. Grateful for my work. Grateful for the friendships I’ve made along the way. Grateful for the income my job provides me - especially in hard economic times. Grateful for a hubby who supports my dreams and I can have fun with. Grateful for kiddos who can now stay home by themselves. And grateful for home once we got back. Sometimes we need reminders of the things to be grateful for and last month was that for me!

get your mammogram

Ya’ll, I’m embarrassed to say this but I had my second mammogram ever last Monday. I believe I got one around 40 but I honestly can’t remember. That is nearly six years since my last one. It wasn’t because I didn’t think about it. I did. Covid happened, we moved, and I just never got around to it.

Ironically, I had an order and was ready to schedule when I found a lump and of course this had me spiraling and so mad at myself for going so long. Irresponsible, yes! And a reminder that these routine appointments do matter. We have to make them.

Thankfully, the lump disappeared before I even got my screening and everything came back clear (they set up a diagnostic just in case), but don’t live by my example. Go get your mammogram!

spring is springing

If you have never experienced Spring in Atlanta then you are missing out. It is glorious and everything seems to erupt all at once. We have had a few warmer days so Mother Nature is teasing us, but the first signs of the floral season is upon us.

As a child growing up in South Alabama the daffodils were the first indicator to me that Spring was right around the corner - popping up in the last weeks of February - and they do that here as well. Before you know it I will be making my way to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to see all their tulips in bloom. It is my favorite visit of the year!

trying a new skin care product

Over the holidays I had the opportunity to get a gold infusion facial from SkinPharm. It was a treat and I was impressed with how my skin looked after one treatment - but it’s not cheap. So I set out to find something that might be similar and I found Qure.

Micro-needling has long been a treatment at home or in a clinic that helps to reduce fine lines, produce collagen, and improve your complexion. I’ve looked into rollers before but never thought about how a roller can drag the needles across your skin instead of just puncturing them. When you get a treatment done in a clinic, the needles just puncture. The great thing about this system is it does that and the head of needles is replaced each time - warring off potential infection.

I’ve used the system twice so the jury is still out on some results, but I do love how it makes my skin look after a few days. And if you are wondering, it isn’t crazy unpleasant. Sensitive areas like around the eyes, neck, and mouth can be a little painful (I’d say scale of 2-3) but it is bearable.

when your design hits the real world

Some of you may know that I sell some of my designs on Spoonflower. I had a large order over a year ago of my palms print in wallpaper and I did a little digging to find out who purchased it. The designer was based out of Charleston and working on a beach rental not too far away. She recently posted pictures and here was the print on full display.

It’s always fun to see your work show up in places and while I don’t get to tap into this creative side of myself as often anymore, I still enjoy seeing how others are using the things I create.

worth a listen

Definitely worth your time. Listen here.

Doug and I purchased a Tempur-pedic several years ago. What we didn’t know is how heavy this mattress and boxsprings were. We found out quickly after selling our bedroom furniture when we moved into the city and purchasing a bed frame from Wayfair. The slats that went across the frame to support the mattress and boxsprings were pretty thin and after a few months we both noticed that our backs were hurting. We removed the mattress and found that the weight of the mattress - plus our weight - was no match for those piddly slats.

Our solution was to remove the slats and place the bed back in the frame - making the mattress sit on the floor (but still looked like it was in the frame) until we could purchase something new. What we started to find as we searched - options were limited. Most bed frames looked like they would put us right back into the same situation we already had found ourselves in.

So our bed was on the floor for a good 2-3 years. Some of this was because I just didn’t know what to do. Some of it was because lack of time. And some of it was because we moved.

But after a few boutique hotel stays I started getting a vision for what I wanted and we decided to have a headboard and frame custom made.

Obviously I want our bedroom to feel comfortable, but I decided to lean into this boutique hotel idea. Things I noticed about these spaces - velvet headboards, beautiful lighting, unique art, plush linens. Rooms struck the balance between luxury and comfort and they weren’t always just neutral. The ones I seemed to love the most had a bit of a moody vibe.

The beautiful thing about having something custom made is that they can create it to your specifications. One of the issues we had with current bed frames was they weren’t made to accommodate both mattress and boxsprings. The boxsprings really help support this heavy mattress so when we did look at beds, the height of the bed would be too high when all was said and done. I also have very tall ceilings and wanted the headboard to come to a specific place on both the sides and at the top. My upholsterer was able to accommodate this. So when the bed finally arrived, the height of everything was perfect.

But going custom is not for the faint of heart. The project took three times longer than what we anticipated. Finding the right fabric can also be daunting. And I’ll admit, it’s a lot of money to spend if you have a hard time visualizing your space. Even with my confidence, I always get a little nervous when it’s “go time” with an item I’ve ordered.

But we are so pleased with the result. I’ve provided sources for those interested (a few folks have reached out about fabric and who we used). And if there is any advice I can give to someone considering this for the first time, find some photos of what you like to share with your builder/upholsterer. It will help both of you settle on the direction and get closer to accomplishing your vision.

Sources:

Upholstery fabric

Lamps

Rug

Upholster/Builder

Bedside tables were thrifted and I refinished them years ago (and we also plan to replace them).

Some of you know that I’ve been trying my hand at housing and loving a Fiddle Leaf Fig. These finicky trees are temperamental and can be referred to as “treenagers.” They are definitely not a leave and water when it shows signs of thirst. So I bought one off of Facebook marketplace and ordered a book on how to care for them and have learned now through the seasons that I have to pay attention.

Before Christmas I came downstairs one weekend to find that my husband had left a very yellow and brown leaf lying near the trash can. I kind of freaked out knowing that this could be a sign of bad things to come. It got my attention and I started inspecting her a bit more often using the tricks I had learned for watering. What I didn’t know is that the drier air indoors with heat in the winter can dry up the soil faster and she was starting to show signs of distress. This resulted in my watering her a bit more often.

And just this week, there were new signs of growth. A new baby leaf is popping up. It was a reminder to me of the need for checking in to our needs. There are seasons where even the slightest adjustments in our self care and/or development can help foster growth in seasons of drought.

january

I don’t know about you but this past month kicked my tail. I hit the ground running the second week of the year and it has been non-stop ever since. I always forget just how intense January is. How was yours? Was it the same?

GLP-1s

I’ve debated sharing about this here and I may expand more in the future, but after three years of working diligently with a doctor, nutritionist, and wellness coach along with consistent lifestyle changes and no results (actually weight gain instead - a whopping 14 pounds to be exact) I finally caved and started on Tirzepatide. I experimented with Semaglutide three years ago but it made me incredibly sick and I saw very little results. To say I was leery of trying another option is an understatement but if I’m honest, I was beyond frustrated and my weight loss was getting worse not better.

I’ve been on them since right after Thanksgiving and the weight is coming off slowly, but I have lost 12 pounds. I instantly saw a difference in my inflammation and the food noise is almost non-existent. I’ve also noticed less of a desire for alcohol and my clothes are starting to fit better. I generally feel less swollen. Thankfully, side effects have been minimal and I’m so grateful to finally see something that is working - since all the natural changes didn’t.

There is so much judgment around these meds, which is one reason I’m sharing. We are learning a lot about what these drugs can do and they are helping so many people including myself. Oprah recently shared a podcast that provided a lot of great information and if you have been curious about these meds or quietly questioning people’s choices to use them, I encourage you to take a listen.

dePop

In my quest to organize and clean out I have found myself with clothing and shoes that I need to get rid of. I donate a lot but my daughter just turned me onto this resale app that has seriously been super easy to use and I’ve already sold several pieces. If you are interested in what I have for sale, feel free to stop on over and if you are looking for a platform to do the same, it’s worth a shot. I’ve definitely enjoyed it more than Poshmark and I feel like I actually make better commissions off of it as well.

sadies

My Charlotte had her Sadie’s dance this past weekend. She took her boyfriend, Matt, and I thought she looked quite stunning. She really has the best hair!

As I sat curling her hair helping her get ready I was reminded to savor the moment. It was one of those afternoons where I was feeling a bit rushed - trying to help her, workout, get dressed before Matt and his mom stopped by for pictures and I was feeling a bit annoyed. Not at her, but the lack of time. And then I stopped, paused, took a breath and reminded myself that the 45 minutes it took me to do her hair would be THE thing I would remember and savor in years to come. Guessing I’ll have many of these moments in the next couple of years with the kiddos finishing high school.

January’s theme really was one of reminding me to pause long enough to live and enjoy life’s moments. It’s hard to do in seasons of busyness but I’m grateful for the reminder. What is life teaching you lately?

Snow days in Georgia are just magical and that is just what this weekend gave us! A rare occurrence and something that when it comes brings joy far and wide (unless we lose power of course). There is something about the serene, quiet of a snowy landscape!

Our little neighborhood comes alive with all the charming bungalows and hills in parks perfect for sledding.

a happy holiday

Maggie represents just how our holiday felt… restful. I took 2.5 weeks off and enjoyed soaking up all the time with my family. After a full year of travel for work it was just what the doctor ordered . A few highlights were the following:

A mother/daughter brunch with my daughter and some of her friends.

• Decorating my home and trimming packages

• Holiday Lanterns at the Zoo with the fam

• Hosting my annual holiday brunch for work friends - if you live in our area and want something like this catered look no further than Casseroles.

• A Christmas Dinner with the family at Amore e Amore (reserve early if you want to go - but the best Christmas decor).

• Candlelight service, hot cocoa, the first present of Christmas, baking Christmas cookies, and watching movies until midnight on Christmas Eve (some of our fave family traditions)

a trip back “home”

Austin, Texas is not where I’m from but almost half of my family is there including my mother. So we packed our bags and flew West on Christmas Day.

Quality time with my mom is always precious and I finally got to meet this sweet little nugget, Fae (my niece and grandchild #15). Isn’t she the sweetest.

a few of my favorite gifts

This is one of my favorite scents from Le Labo. I love several of their scents but The Noir 29 is my all time favorite!

I fell in love with this trendy sweatshirt on Cleobella. I purchased the green one (seen in the photo with Charlotte at our mother/daughter brunch) and asked for this one for Christmas. It’s a splurge but the style can definitely be dressed up or down (size up).

The kids spoiled me with all things cozy and I’ve lived in these slippers and this robe since the 25th. The robe is extra soft - so much so that Maggie loves to cuddle up next to me when I wear it.

sprucing things up

And last but not least, there is something about the new year and taking all the Christmas decor down that makes me want to organize and reset everything. So I worked on my closet, a few cabinets, and…

my toiletry drawer. Not sure how my organized husband didn’t kill me with this mess. Things look SO much better now. See a few of my fave products I found below:

• Amber glass spray bottles - use for stain remover and for water to spritz my plants

• Under cabinet organizer - game changer

• shelf dividers to help organize my closet

• this water bottle organizer

• and I just purchased this for all of our pill and vitamin bottles

  ---

Wishing you and your family many blessings in the year ahead and be sure to be on the lookout for more musings in the month ahead!

Cheers!

Whether you are getting on a plane or taking a road trip, all of these items are my “go to’s.” I don’t leave home without them.

Packing Cubes

I try to pack in a carry on - but even if I’m checking a bag or heading off to a week at the beach these things just help. I’m always amazed at what I can get in my bag and they also help me keep items organized. Definitely a game changer.

Packable Fragrance (small enough to get through security)

The fragrance from Maya is both fresh and has staying power. It’s a roller so easy to apply. AND it is so easy to pack because it is so small! I also love the price point and it lasts forever!

Dry Shampoo

It’s a must for on the road (and let’s be honest in everyday life) but with this travel size, you can refresh the hair while also getting through security. This is my favorite brand but here is another option that is a little less expensive that also gets the job done!

Exercise Bands

You never know what your day is going to look like and depending on where you go, there isn’t always a gym to take advantage of. These bands are great and I use them both on the road and at home.

Bed/Pillow Spray

A new additional to my arsenal of goods, I love that this spray is focused on a scent that encourages rest. It also just feels kind of luxurious to spray your linens before you hop into bed after a long day of travel.

Electrolytes

Staying hydrated is actually one of the hardest things to do - especially when you fly. I have a tendency to get the air bloat that comes with flying the friendly skies so electrolytes are helpful in getting things back on track while on the road (especially for long flights). I especially love this brand.

This waterbottle

Speaking of hydration, having a water bottle on hand all the time helps you stay hydrated and I love this one. I’m definitely a Stanley fan - so when I found this lightweight option I went for it!

My favorite backpack

I get compliments on this thing ALL THE TIME! I chose it for several reasons - the storage and varying compartments. The ability to have a charging port for those times where charging ports aren’t available. The spot for a water bottle AND my favorite, it easily slips over the handle of my carryon so I can roll all of it together and save my back/shoulders.

Depuffing Mask

This is a splurge, but worth it on the road and off. My puffiness shows up more on the road due to not getting as much sleep or hydration, but also because of the types of foods eaten. BUT, if you have a high salt/alcohol kind of day this stuff can work magic the next morning. Ten minutes can get the job done but if you have a little extra time leave on for 30 and you will be shocked at it’s magic!

Eye Patches

I love these and I pop them in the fridge once I get to my hotel . I use them at night or in the morning. These also help with depuffing but they also just make my dry eyes feel better. There is something about the recycled air or a new climate that shifts my skin and as I’ve gotten older, my eyes don’t just feel it, they show it.

Bonus - for the eyes, this stick. You can use it under or over makeup and it’s great for other areas like your neck lines that might be poppin’ after a long trip.

I hope your summer travels are full of wonderful places and memories with the folks your love the most and I hope these travel faves/tips help these times be just a little more manageable.

And as a heads up, I’m going to be working on an Atlanta guide - sharing a ton of my favorite spots and restaurants - perfect for a staycation for my local friends or a weekend trip for those looking to enjoy my beautiful city!

I’ve long loved a matchbox. Not the traditional kind that you can find at the grocery store - but the kind you generally find at restaurants. Maybe it is because they are small but usually it is the way each small box is designed.

I started collecting them - much to my husband’s dismay. Close friends know and will actually bring me cool ones they find here and there, but after years of collecting I started thinking, “what do I do with these?”

I got an idea - create a piece of mixed media art. Something I could hang on my wall - featuring match boxes from restaurants that mean something to me. I shared it on social media and was surprised at how many folks were into it as well.

I now offer commissions - so you can create your own unique piece - and I also have a few small pieces available for sale on the website.

I hope you will pop over to the site and take a look and if you get a chance, let me know what you think!

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They were microsuede and we got them from Ashley. Dark in color, they held up well against the dogs and small kids. BUT, they weren’t beautiful and stylish and didn’t feel high end, but they served a purpose and met our budget.

So I was thrilled when I got to finally purchase a beautiful sofa from West Elm. It was delivered right around my birthday and I’m not sure I could be so excited about a piece of furniture.

But like many bright, shiny new things, within three months this coveted couch was showing me that it was most definitely not a great pick. I noticed it started pilling - this great fabric that was supposed to be high performance - and then early on we noticed the pillows started to sag. As more time went on, we could feel the wood and metal through the cushions on the seats and backs of the couch and now after three years, it looks absolutely awful. It got so bad, in fact, that my husband had to stop sitting on it because it was hurting his back.

I learned my lesson - research, research, research… and much to my dismay, Macy’s rose to the top. Not a brand I had considered, but after we went to look there was no denying the quality of construction - and the price point was closer to what we were looking for. Additionally, they had over 100 fabrics to choose from and the sectional could be customized to meet our needs. AND the service from start to finish has been amazing.

So what did we go with? We chose the Radley sectional in Contessa Ivory. It’s a thick poly upholstery, feels great, and is supposed to hold up to the wear and tear of dogs and kids. Also, the construction (firmness) of the couch and pillows doesn’t even compare to what we had before. While I know we are still in the honeymoon phase with our couch, I already know it will hold up better to what we had before.

For those asking about the fabric, here is a pic of the swatch up close and personal.

Daffodils are such a cheery flower and it doesn’t surprise me that this simple bloom generally marks the first signs of Spring. After a cold, and drab winter - a flower with bright yellow petals and vibrant green stems alerts us that the gray world we have all been living in is coming to a close. A spark of hope if you look at it metaphorically - a simple reminder before the glory and splendor of the Spring!

Ironically, this pattern erupted from a sketch on my iPad several years ago - three little blooms that reminded me of daffodils. I built out the pattern over time and this sweet little sketch turned into a whimsical pattern. As I played with colors, I found that I liked it even more and this year decided to let her have her debut.

I’ll be offering these in a variety of applications - tea towels, cocktail napkins, Monogramed notecards, and even pillows. You can shop tea towels now and be on the lookout as new products pop up over the next few weeks.

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I’ll admit, lately things have been so busy there are days where I just don’t feel like I have my head screwed on straight. I recently scheduled a multi trip flight when I was only going to one city. I forgot about pacing my travel and booked in person meetings for nine weeks straight instead of my three weeks on/one off. And I booked my flights for travel with Douglass over his Spring break a week after his time off (face palm).

So when I went to reschedule our trip on the right days I just booked a flight based on what we were trying to do and didn’t even pay attention to the day. Now, he and I are flying out at 9:40 a.m. on Easter morning. Sigh…

When these things happen I always feel bad. I wonder how I could have messed something like this up - but if I’m honest, Easter has been hard since the pandemic. We didn’t have services for two years, then we attended a church Easter service that wasn’t “our church”, and then last year we had Covid. And if I’m really honest, we just don’t feel connected to church - a systemic issue we have experienced almost our entire adult lives regardless of our involvement (and maybe a story for another time).

Maybe I subconsciously messed up intentionally or maybe it’s just the pattern of the last several years. Maybe it’s the lack of connectivity I feel with organized religion or maybe it is just the busyness of life that I let get in the way.

But there is one thing I know - the regard and celebration of Easter is not present only in the four walls of a building. The celebration and resurrection of my Savior is lived out in my heart. While I’m not proud of my mistakes, I realize - like most things in my faith - it matters more what is in my heart vs the attendance of a service in a building.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter! He is risen! He is risen, indeed.

Many of you know my schedule. I travel for work three weeks out of the month. Usually I’m gone for two nights but with flights home after a long day this usually means that I miss three dinners during that week.

This also means that I don’t cook. There was a day, back when the kiddos were little and I was at home with them where I cooked every meal. I got pretty good at it and with a very limited budget learned how to stretch a dollar and meals to feed our little family.

But it was hard! Doug was usually coaching and that timeframe between late afternoon and dinner is usually a fussy time for littles. Let’s just say I wasn’t finding the joy in cooking. But there were times I did enjoy it and it did get easier as the kids got older.

Fast forward and I am slap out of practice. When Doug left education several years ago we literally flopped duties and he took his turn at being home and managing the majority of the household. The kids don’t remember my years cooking and swear their father is so much better at it than I am - and admittedly he is. But recently, he started training for a new role - getting certified in air traffic dispatching. This has him away from home much more not to mention the amount of prep work he has to do. With his added load we had to discuss what my new involvement would be in the day to day when I am here. One thing he said that would help - could I cook dinner once or twice a week?

Sunday night is one of the easiest times for me to cook. It is also one of the few times we are all together. For the last few weeks I’ve been preparing Sunday Supper. Surprisingly, I’ve found joy in cooking for my family. But it’s less about the cooking and more about the time around the table.

You see, recently, I had to ask myself the question, “What do you want the next 2-3 years to look like?” Charlotte, my daughter, graduates two years from this May and my son, Douglass, three years from then as well. I’m realizing those moments sitting around the table as a family unit are almost over and while there will be more moments around the table after they leave, this chapter with them home is almost complete.

And so I find myself soaking up as much as I can as we sit around that dinner table on a Sunday night. Talking, laughing, and joshing each other. The meals I prepare aren’t always perfect and sometimes a bit of a flop, but the time together is so, so precious.

Wish I could go back and tell that weary momma that the memories she was creating and the time she was prepping would one day be cherished. There was a lot of fun yet to come with her one day teenagers sitting around the dinner table on a Sunday night!

I’ve been pretty open about my weight loss struggles over on the gram. Being in my mid-forties and perimenopausal I’m learning that weight loss just isn’t as simple as the traditional health world makes it. Diet culture preaches calories in and calories out - but as someone who has been trying to lose weight for more than five years (with the scale only increasing), I’ve learned that that just isn’t always true.

For me, thyroid, insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, hormones, chronic underrating, and sleep apnea (not to mention genetics) have all played a role in my body holding weight. The good news, I feel SO much better than I did two years ago - there were days where I could barely get out of bed because my fatigue was so bad. It’s taken me two years to get many of my labs in a better place. It took a year for sleep. So while I’m frustrated with the lack of weight loss, I’m realizing when things are really out of whack it takes a lot of time and effort to right the ship.

Our most recent strategy is increasing calories (I was eating anywhere from 1500-1700 a day) to 1800 and increasing protein from 90 grams daily to 135. The hope is that with my strength training (and all the other things I’ve put into place) I’ll start seeing those body comp changes.

I have struggled with disordered eating my entire life - so tracking calories has always been triggering for me. But this time around, I’m actually finding it freeing - which again is a mark of progress (which is a story for another time - progress is not always a number on the scale).

At first the protein amount was overwhelming. We - especially women - historically don’t eat enough calories or protein - so I understand why this was hard for me. But I have found several things that have helped me reach my protein and calorie goals daily - even while traveling on the road.

Protein Round-up

• Protein Powder - my favorites are Be Well in vanilla and Active Stacks in chocolate. Part of my daily shake and if I’m short at the end of the day I do a version of this (which really feels like a treat) if I need to add protein.

• Vital Proteins - this goes in my shake or coffee in the morning - just one scoop and gives me an extra 10 grams. Since it doesn’t have a taste or texture it’s an easy way to add a little bit here and there.

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It’s even more fun when I put something on Spoonflower and someone buys it - I always wonder how they are using it.

So when I decided I needed to do a little creating lately I turned to my iPad to do some sketching. My process for creating patterns can be anything from painting in watercolor to sketching something out on my iPad. Then I scan or convert the design into a graphic that then I manipulate in Adobe Illustrator.

Today, my inspiration was this pattern by Sarah Sherman Samuel and this pattern from a dress I recently purchased from Farm Rio.

I’m not done yet, but I’m loving the direction of both and can see them in several applications. Curious, do you see these in home decor items, clothes, textiles, or something else?

Many know the very conservative upbringing I had - which has resulted in a lot of interesting conversations in my adult years, especially when everyone around the table assumes we had the same experiences. From college, to prom, to many other “normal” scenarios.

So when the question came up over a team dinner recently, “What was your wedding song,” I found myself wracking my brain thinking “what am I going to say?”

You may wonder why I didn’t have a wedding song - something I knew I’d have to explain in this conversation. I struggled to quickly contrive a concise answer without dampening the mood of something that was so joyous for everyone at the table. At the time, dancing and any music that was mainstream (or Christian rock) was off limits. Part of my parents conservative beliefs. No dance with father. No dance with my new husband and a reception that was an hour at most because we knew no one would stay long without any entertainment.

Years later at my sister’s wedding, we partied like it was 1989 - dancing, singing, and celebrating. My father grabbed me for a moment and as we danced together he leaned in and apologized for never giving me that party at my wedding. Even after 21 years of marriage Doug and I still talk about throwing a wedding party one day for ourselves.

I know my mother will read this and she will feel bad, but my wedding day was still special and beautiful despite our lack of a wedding song.

I share because we all have things that make us feel “other.” This can come to life in the typical ways like race, gender, and sexuality but the question reminded me that we all have unique experiences and while we share a lot we also are very different as well. It can make for rich conversation if we lean in and those of us that wind up in the seat of “other” can bring that gift to the conversation if we are willing to allow others to lean in.

I don’t say this lightly - “otherness” comes with insecurity and many times pain so we avoid it or we are fearful of how others will react. But, if we always assume we are all the same and those of us with “other” experiences never share we lose out on the richness of life and the human experience.

So the next time you get to sit in the seat of “other” I hope you remember this little post and choose to use it’s power because your “otherness” is what makes you so unique and special!

It’s an intention I realized I needed to put into practice this year. I shared a vulnerable incident on social after a visit with my wellness coach back in January - I cried over the frustration of not losing weight after a two year focus. But I realized, I cried because I was ashamed. Ashamed of my weight. Ashamed of my reaction to it. Ashamed that I still have this internal dialogue even after all these years.

And then I realized, I wasn’t being kind to myself in a lot of ways. I was “doing all these things” but not listening really well to what my body needed. The thing was I felt like my stomach was in my chest all the time. With work stress, travel, being a mom, wife, friend and family member and then this added shame around my body, I was not feeling a lot of peace.

So I started asking myself, what does it look like to be kinder to myself this year? Here are four things I came up with and so far, it’s making a difference:

1. I am asking myself what I need - a question that helps me determine this from this lens is to say, “what does being kind to yourself look like today?” For example: I’ve committed to 3-4 weight lifting sessions a week. When I woke up one morning really sore and not feeling 100% instead of doing said workout, I opted for a stretch, cardio, and a mobility workout instead and gosh, did I need it!

2. I’ve started meditating in the morning again. Why I stopped this, I don’t know but after a month of spending 10 minutes a day meditating that “stomach in my chest feeling” is not rearing its ugly head. Additionally, I woke up on a trip after a rough night’s sleep with the intention to head to the gym. I couldn’t figure it out but my anxiety was off the charts (guessing poor sleep). So instead of a workout I knew that being kind to myself that day meant getting my nervous system into a better place. I did this 20-minute breath work meditation and no lie, it got rid of that awful, anxious feeling.

3. I did dry January. Ya’ll, I know I’ve shared about this but I really didn’t think this would make a difference and WOW, it has! I’m seeing how drinking can contribute to my anxiety and I feel so much better - more myself, less inflamed.

4. My internal conversations about my body are not very nice sometimes - so when these thoughts crop up I remind myself to be kind. This is harder for me than the other things but reminding myself to be kind helps put me in check instead of harping on “the thing” I don’t like.

Curious, what do you do to be kinder to yourself?

We started our day at Friedman’s again - I told you it was a fave - leaving about the same time we did the day before (around 9:30/10).

We headed down to the Financial District to explore the 911 memorial. It was about a 30-minute Uber ride from our hotel and the weather was sunny but cold. We walked around the memorial for a bit before we popped into a mall that was close by to warm up and get a snack. Our tour wasn’t until 1:00 so we did a little shopping while we were there. I do believe if wasn’t so cold we would have explored more of the area.

At about 12:30 we headed over to get in line for our tour (which took about an hour). If you haven’t done the tour, I highly recommend it. Everything is so well done and while sobering, it was good for both us and the kids to hear and walk through the memorial.

Once we were done we spent some time in the gift shop and then made our way to One World Trade Center where we had made reservations to go to the top. That appointment was at 3:00 and they give you two hours to explore. Going at this time of day was perfect for this time of year because we got to watch the sun set over the Hudson/Lady Liberty! The views are probably some of the best in the city and they also have a snack bar/restaurant at the top if you need to grab a snack (which we did).

Dinner reservations were at P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson. It was actually in the mall and right off the water. Dinner was great (Doug’s favorite meal) and had something for everyone. We did arrive an hour early for our reservation but they were able to accommodate us (helped that it was like 5:00 p.m.).

I do think if it hadn’t been so cold, the spacing between reservations (from the tour to One World Trade Center to dinner) would have worked because we would have explored more - but it did feel like we were waiting for the next thing a little bit.

After dinner it was dark and we took a short walk on the boardwalk. It was beautiful with all the Christmas lights, Lady Liberty, and looking back at the One World Trade Center. It was probably about 7:00 when we took an Uber back to the hotel.

The kids were beat and just wanted to chill so Doug and I headed up to the bar at the top of the hotel. We almost didn’t go and we are so glad that we did. I love an espresso martini and theirs was the best I had all week. The views from the top are to die for and the bar decor dreamy. And ask for the truffles - they were delicious and come in the cutest box (you know I kept it).

Day four:

Our last day was much more low key. Our flight was leaving at around 5:00 and we knew we would have to head to the airport around 2:00 (we flew out of Laguardia). We still hadn’t been to Macy’s so we grabbed breakfast at La Pain Quotidien and headed down to the iconic store. We explored for a bit and Char did a little shopping.

We headed to our next stop - which was a must for me. Culture Espresso was another rec from a local and I had been once before. They have great coffee and cookies to die for - with a special one just for me - a gluten free peanut butter cookie. Not usually what I would go for (I’m def a chocolate chip kind of girl) but this is worth every bite (and calorie). It’s also just a cute spot - so worth popping in and between Macy’s and Bryant Park.

We actually headed back to the Holiday Market at Bryant Park and spent a little more time there. Charlotte and I both wanted to take something home so I found a beautiful scarf and she found some chic ear muffs.

We were pretty tired and everyone was pretty much done, so we headed back to the hotel and rested for a bit/got things ready before we called our Uber.

It was a wonderful trip and I think just enough time. I kept telling Doug that I want to go back with just him so we can eat all the food, pop into art studios and museums, and walk through various boroughs of the city.

Maybe, one day, I’ll get to share that trip - because once you hit all the touristy spots there are so many other wonderful things to discover in the city that never sleeps!

This book is focused on the spirituality of the two halves of life - something that I have definitely come to understand more on the other side of my 40’s. But something I read this morning struck a cord and was a good reminder - especially in those times when life might feel mundane, hard, or even a bit lack luster.

He said:

As the body cannot live without food, so the soul cannot live without meaning… Humans are created for meaning, and finding deep meaning in our experiences is not just another name for spirituality but is also the very shape of human happiness.

It was a reminder to me that meaning in our lives is vital to our wholeness. It isn’t just spiritual but mental and even physical. Just like we cannot live long without food, we also cannot live long without meaning.

Life in so many ways gets eaten up with the mundane, the hard, the things we are discontent with, the relationships that are broken, the financial or health pressures that are there, our worry, anxiety, ego, and more. You can see how easy it is to lose sight of meaning whether that be the core of your why or the things that have significant meaning in our lives.

This challenges me to make time to remember it, define it (because I don’t think this is a stagnant thing), cherish it, and look back to it often - because without meaning it’s hard to have hope and without hope life can and will feel pretty void of anything remotely beautiful!

I don’t know what it is about this year, but I feel like dry January is all the rage. I didn’t choose it because everyone is doing it. It’s actually been a thought every January for the last several years.

I didn’t grow up with alcohol as a part of my life. In fact, I waited until I was 21 before trying it. It was one of those things that I honestly didn’t care for when I first tried it and in hindsight, maybe I should have left well enough alone. But as the years progressed and I got more and more interested in the food scene (and travel), I found myself exploring various cocktails and wines to pair with the food I was eating.

Drinking for me has really become something I enjoy and it is very rare that I ever over indulge (just isn’t worth it the next day). It’s a fun social activity and as I’ve grown more fond of red wine, I’ve enjoyed exploring all the different tastes and learning how they are made, how regions impact flavors, etc.

But since Covid, I’ve seen my frequency with alcohol grow. I was good for a long time to hold my glasses of wine for the weekend - maybe a special dinner out or grilling with friends. Then I started finding myself grabbing a glass or cocktail during the week - after a long day of work or on a work trip with colleagues. Then I started noticing that when we were out I’d have a cocktail with apps, a glass of wine with dinner, and an espresso martini with dessert. And what used to be a treat, started feeling like a habit.

I’m ashamed to admit that for the last two years I considered a dry January - but I honestly didn’t want to give it up for the whole month. This year, I don’t know what changed but I have craved the reset. And two weeks in, I haven’t missed it. It’s also made me grateful for seasons where I just say “no.” Not because it is bad or good - but because I can. Feels a little like a life metaphor to me? Makes me wonder, what else should I be saying “no” to. Curious, what do you think?

As many of you watched our little excursion unfold you reached out asking for both our recs and our itinerary. So, as promised, I’ve provided all of that below:

We elected to stay for three nights but flew in early enough to have time the day we got in and we flew out late enough on our last day to enjoy our morning so you will see four days outlined with our recs thrown in:

Day one:

We landed mid afternoon and headed to The Moxy Chelsea. We chose this location because it was walking distance to so many things we wanted to do and see. It’s a cute hotel but be warned, super small. While it was closer to many of the things we did on day two I would have loved to have been a little closer to the Highline.

We grabbed a late lunch at Friedman’s - a location that was recommended to me because of their gluten free options. It wound up being a favorite of our trips with enough options that pleased everyone in the fam.

We decided to rest for a little bit and then headed down to the Highline. It was a pretty straight shot from the hotel. We followed it until it dead ended and made our way to Chelsea Market. We spent about an hour walking around looking at shops. It was super festive with lots of holiday decor and live entertainment - a small five person orchestra playing Christmas carols. It was magical.

From there we headed to dinner at The Mermaid Inn. I received so many wonderful food recs but with a family with varying degrees of adventure (Doug and I being adventurous and the kids not so much), I tried to find options everyone would be happy with. The food and service were great and I think three of the four of us would definitely go back (my pickiest eater wasn’t a fan). It was cold and about 8:00 when we finished so we headed back to the hotel after dinner.

Day two:

I tried to build enough margin in our schedule that we also weren’t rushing out the door. Doug and I grabbed coffee at the cafe in the hotel - a cute little spot that if alone I would have opted to spend some time in. Around 9:30 we headed out and landed at Chick-fil-A for breakfast (the irony, right, but it is one of my kids favorites. Our NYC stores are usually pretty large and they are fun to see if you haven’t been.)

From there we made our way to Bryant Park for their Holiday Market. This was one of the activities that was recommended to me the most by everyone who found out we were going to NYC for the holidays. It was magical and well worth the visit (and on our way to all the touristy things near Central Park).

After Bryant Park we hit all the big areas - Rockefeller Center, Saks Windows, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (go in! It is stunning), The Plaza Hotel, and Central Park along with watching ice skating there (magical even if you don’t wait in the crazy long line to skate). If we could do it again, we would definitely spend more time in Central Park.

We had tickets for Wicked at 2:00 at the Gershwin Theatre so made our way down to Times Square to grab a snack before the play. We landed at Angelina’s, a French cafe that we found quite by accident. Nothing gluten free there but I did indulge in a sour cream croissant which was heavenly. It also hit the spot for the fam as they also had sandwiches and flatbreads and the location was pretty dreamy!

Wicked was everything and more that we were hoping for. None of us had seen the play and let’s just say, the talent on stage blew us away. When asked, it was Douglass’s favorite part of the trip and I’d go see it again tomorrow if I could!

After the play, we headed to dinner. With a little time before our reservation we decided to spend a little time in Times Square. It was already dark and the kids were enamored with everything about it. It was one of Charlotte’s favorite stops. We popped in the M&M Store (which none of us were very impressed with) and then walked to dinner.

The kids had requested authentic NY style pizza and one of my Operator friends at work recommended a place a local NY Operator had taken him to. It felt a little like a hole in the wall but it was probably my favorite meal of the whole trip and it was SO GOOD! I knew we had chosen the right spot when I started to see the lines piling up in the hallway of the stairwell up to the restaurant. Thankfully we made a reservation so didn’t have to wait (recommend if you go - it is a tight spot and definitely popular). They also have gluten free crust and it was delicious. Lazzara’s Pizza Cafe is worth a stop if you are ever in that area of the city.

It was still early, so we made our way back to Time’s Square, walked around a bit, stopped into a few shops, and then three of us tried a decadent hot chocolate from the Hershey Store (which was more impressive to the fam than M&M’s) and we did grab a decadent hot chocolate! We did watch some of the street performers but be warned, the throngs of people are no joke.

We headed back - making the long walk to the hotel. It was still early but we were beat and headed to shower and go to bed. Day two was definitely the favorite day for the entire family!

(stay tuned for part 2)

Coat | I couldn’t justify a Canada Goose (if you don’t know what this is you can find it here but it’s quite the investment). After consulting with quite a few friends up North I landed on this coat and I LOVE it!

Gloves/Hat/Socks | You can find a ton of options out there but I’ve become a big fan of this brand. These kept me warm for hours (especially my toes and fingers) through hours of walking all over Manhattan in 20 degree weather.

Boots | I also asked a ton of locals which brands to consider and this one came out on top. I love this winter boot. It is comfortable, waterproof, and does great in the snow. If you are looking for something a little dressier, I also found this boot on major sale before Christmas and grabbed it up. I like this enough that I’ll probably grab another pair next year in another color when they go on super sale again.

Scarf | I’m not a huge fan of scarves, but they are a MUST in cold weather. I love this one from Target and the neutral color goes with everything.

Tips | The biggest tip is layer. I wasn’t exactly sure what this meant when every Northern friend shared this with me (like I need details) but I learned quickly. Example: Start with a long sleeve shirt, add a sweater or for me, I like a nice cardigan. Add a scarf, then your coat, hat, gloves and boots. Why this combination - because when you go into a building you most likely will remove everything but your shoes and your long sleeved shirt (and pants of course). Cold places keep things toasty inside so you can get hot quick.

Choose a longer coat - either mid thigh, to your knees, or all the way to the floor. May sound silly (for those of us that come from hotter regions) but it makes a world of difference when you are out and about in the elements.

Shop now for end of season sales (this stuff ain’t cheap) or Poshmark - where I found my Sorel boots.

A couple more of my faves|

These leggings - size up

This sweater - size down

… and this one too

oh, and I have these on my list too (for those days I just don’t want to mess up my hair in a hat).

Do you have any cold weather faves. Please do share.