Blog
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Hello Sweet Friends!
It has been a little while since my last post, and so much life has happened in the spaces between.
I feel like I’m finally emerging from the graduation haze and finding my way back to my writing. This milestone felt different somehow. Not because it was our first time—we celebrated Marin’s high school graduation three years ago—but because this season seemed to require more of us in so many ways.
Not more emotionally. Tucker was more than ready to graduate and take his next steps, and I think that made us ready, too. I didn’t feel sad that this chapter of our family story was closing. Instead, I felt excited for him and incredibly proud. He crossed that finish line fully prepared to step immediately onto the starting line of his next chapter, and what a gift it is as a parent to witness that.
What felt bigger this time was everything leading up to graduation day.
Over the past year, our home has been undergoing a bit of a transformation, and there were still projects I wanted to complete before hosting Tucker’s graduation party. Could I have left them unfinished? Absolutely. Was I going to? Not a chance.
And then there were the gardens.
This past winter was brutal, and our gardens showed every bit of that wear. There was pruning, planting, redesigning, and plenty of TLC needed to get everything celebration-ready.
For months, I carried around a running list of to-dos. If you know me, you know there are few things in life more satisfying than crossing items off a list. One by one, we tackled projects, checked boxes, and somehow managed to get nearly everything done. A few non-essential items were left behind, but there comes a point when you have to wave the white flag in the name of self-care—and I have learned that lesson the hard way.
Then graduation weekend arrived.
It was wonderfully full—from the ceremony itself to all the celebrations that followed. I made a conscious effort to soak in every moment. Being fully present isn’t always my strongest skill. My mind often races ahead to what’s next, but these once-in-a-lifetime moments deserve our full attention, and I tried my best to stay right where my feet were.
Of course, Mother Nature decided to keep things interesting.
It rained for most of the weekend, which is never ideal when you’re hosting an outdoor tented event. Thankfully, just when we needed it most, the rain stopped and the sun made an appearance. It felt like a little gift.
The party was everything I hoped it would be and more.
From beginning to end, it was filled with joy, laughter, and love. Tucker has surrounded himself with truly wonderful people, and seeing so many of them show up to celebrate him was incredibly special. As parents, there is nothing better than watching your child be loved well by the people in their life.
My heart was overflowing.
My body, however, had other plans.
After days of preparing, hosting, celebrating, and being completely “on,” I crashed. Hard. I knew it was coming—I just didn’t realize how much the physical and emotional investment had taken out of me. Looking back, it makes perfect sense. I poured my heart and soul into every detail, every project, every flower planted, every table set, and every moment celebrated.
Because here’s the thing…
You only get one high school graduation for each kiddo.
And when it comes to celebrating the people we love most, I’ve always believed in going big or going home.
This time, we definitely went big—and I wouldn’t change a thing.
With graduation season firmly behind us, summer has officially arrived—my favorite time of year.
Lately, I’ve been seeing the “90’s Summer” trend everywhere. You know the one. A return to slower days, less scheduling, fewer screens, and more simple fun. A longing for the way summers used to feel.
But honestly? I want to go back even farther.
Take me back to an early 1980s summer.
Back to when I was little and every day felt like an adventure waiting to happen. Back when neighborhood playdates weren’t scheduled, coordinated, or even called playdates. They just happened. Naturally. Organically. Effortlessly.
Growing up in the suburbs during that time was pretty idyllic.
Our street was filled with young families, and most of the moms were home during the day. We ran a little wild, in the very best way. Each morning we’d head outside and somehow all end up together. By lunchtime, whichever mom’s house we landed at became the gathering spot.
The moms created their own little village.
One would bring hot dogs, another would bring buns, someone else would show up with chips, fruit, or popsicles. Looking back, they weren’t just feeding us. They were building community. They were creating a support system for one another while giving us memories that would last a lifetime.
Our play was imaginative, active, and wonderfully messy.
Swing sets became castles. Playhouses transformed into restaurants, schools, and imaginary worlds. Giant sandboxes entertained us for hours as we built roads, towns, and elaborate creations only kids could dream up.
A trip to the neighborhood pool felt like a major event, but honestly, most of our summer days were spent in backyards. Sprinklers. Slip ‘N Slides. Plastic pools. Popsicles melting faster than we could eat them.
Simple things. The best things.
And then there were the garages.
Our garages became theaters and performance spaces. The older kids would direct elaborate productions while the rest of us followed along. Many of those performances were set to the GREASE soundtrack because, for some reason, we were all completely obsessed.
We sang every word.
We danced our hearts out.
And of course, costumes were essential.
Most of us had dance recital costumes hanging in our closets because nearly every girl in the neighborhood took lessons at one of the two dance studios nearby. Those costumes got plenty of mileage long after recital season ended.
Bike riding, roller skating, Big Wheels, and endless games up and down the street filled our days. We were outside constantly. It wasn’t something we thought about—it was simply how we lived.
When it rained or the Ohio heat became too much, we’d migrate to a neighbor’s basement.
One family had an old-school jukebox, and to this day it remains one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen. They taught us how to use it, and we’d spend hours dancing, singing, and pretending we were stars. That memory remains one of my absolute favorites.
We’d eventually collapse into a pile of kids on the floor, watching movies on a tiny television. I’m pretty sure that basement is where I first watched Raiders of the Lost Ark.
As I sit here typing this, memory after memory keeps flooding back.
The sounds. The smells. The freedom. The friendships. The simplicity.
Maybe that’s why this “90’s Summer” trend resonates with so many people right now. I think we’re all craving a little less noise and a little more connection. A little less structure and a little more imagination.
We miss the days when fun didn’t require a reservation, an app, or a packed schedule.
Those 80s summers weren’t perfect, but they were beautifully simple.
And maybe that’s exactly what we’re all looking for again.
Our family has officially reached a brand-new milestone: no more kiddos in our suburban school district.
You know what? I thought I would be much more emotional about it.
But honestly, it feels really, really good.
Marc and I have completed a major chapter of our parenting journey. We watched both kids make their way through K-12, learning, growing, accomplishing, stumbling, succeeding, and becoming exactly who they were meant to be. That’s something worth celebrating.
We are incredibly fortunate to have raised our family in a school district that offered so much—not only for our kids, but for us as parents as well. The teachers, staff, opportunities, activities, and experiences helped shape these years in meaningful ways, and for that I will always be grateful.
Now, will I miss the constant communication? The updates? The endless reminders?
Let’s just say I am thankful for all of it…but I won’t miss the multiple emails landing in my inbox every single day.
This summer feels different in the very best way.
There is a new hum in our house.
Marin is spending her summer interning at a local PR firm, gaining real-world experience and doing work she loves. Tucker is building his landscaping business, working hard, serving clients, and creating something of his own. Watching them step into adulthood and take ownership of their next chapters has been such a joy.
Marc and I couldn’t be more proud.
As much as I loved the school-aged years, I am genuinely enjoying this transition. I wasn’t quite sure how I would feel when this season ended, but what I’ve realized is that there is so much excitement in watching your children grow into themselves.
Maybe that’s why letting go of what was has felt easier than I expected.
The past will always hold some of our favorite memories, but watching the kids become who they were created to be is one of life’s greatest gifts.
And right now, this new chapter feels pretty wonderful.
I am absolutely the person who will take on all the projects.
If I can do it myself, I will. If I don’t know how to do it, I’ll figure it out. And if there isn’t a clear way to make it happen, I’ll probably create my own.
Hiring someone is almost always my last resort.
Now, does that mean some of these projects are hard? Absolutely. Do some of them take way longer than expected? Also yes. Would it occasionally be easier to write a check and let someone else handle it? Probably.
But at this moment, I am capable, and there is something in me that loves the challenge.
I love learning a new skill. I love solving problems. I love taking an idea that exists only in my head and bringing it to life with my own two hands.
And if we’re being honest, there is a level of satisfaction that comes from standing back and looking at the finished project knowing, “I did that.”
Not because it was perfect.
Not because it was easy.
But because I was willing to learn, work, adapt, and see it through.
Whether it’s inside the house, out in the garden, or some random project I convinced myself I could tackle, the process is almost as rewarding as the finished product.
Almost.
Because seeing the final result and knowing it came from your own vision, effort, and determination? That feeling never gets old.
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Hello my sweet friends!
Have you ever had something touch your life so deeply that it just stays with you…forever? I’ve been lucky to have a few of those moments growing up—and tennis is absolutely one of them.
I picked up a racket at 7 years old…a tiny wooden one, taking lessons through our local parks and rec. And I LOVED it. Every summer, back out on the courts, soaking up every single second. It became part of me. As I got older, my bedroom walls were covered with posters of Andre Agassi, Steffi Graf, and so many more. Watching the slams? Non-negotiable. Any tournament I could find…I was all in.
Tennis has always been a connector for me. It’s woven into my family—my uncle played, so did other family members—and now I get to see that same love carry into this next generation. Marin picked up a racket at 5, and Tucker will jump on the court here and there too. It’s one of those things that just brings us all together in the best, most natural way…a shared rhythm, a shared joy, something that truly connects us.
This week ON THE LIST…I’m taking you into one of the loves of my life. A little peek into the world of tennis—a true lifetime sport that continues to evolve in the best way.
WHAT’S IN MY BAG?
And let’s be honest…it’s also about the gear, right? From the very beginning (and honestly, with anything I do), what I wear and bring into the experience matters. I want to look the part…because when I look the part, I feel the part. You get that. This is just a teaspoon of what is in my bag.
ON TOUR
What is ATP and WTA all about?
The ATP and WTA tours are the premier, separate, worldwide circuits for professional men’s (Association of Tennis Professionals) and women’s (Women’s Tennis Association) tennis. Both tours feature similar tournament tiers—Grand Slams, 1000s, 500s, and 250s—where players accumulate points over 52 weeks based on performance to determine rankings, seeding, and tournament entry.
The ATP Tour (Men’s)
- Organization: Founded in 1990, it operates the top-tier men’s circuit.
- Structure:
- Grand Slams: Four major tournaments (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, US Open).
- ATP Finals: Season-ending tournament for the top 8 players.
- ATP Masters 1000: Mandatory high-prestige events.
- ATP 500 & ATP 250: Regional events with lower points and smaller draws.
- Sub-level: The second-tier is the ATP Challenger Tour, followed by the ITF World Tennis Tour.
The WTA Tour (Women’s)
- Organization: Founded in 1973 by Billie Jean King, it represents women’s professional tennis globally.
- Structure:
- Grand Slams: Same four as the ATP.
- WTA Finals: Season-ending championship for the top 8 women.
- WTA 1000 (Mandatory & Non-Mandatory): High-level events.
- WTA 500 & WTA 250: Mid-tier tournaments.
- WTA 125: The “middle tier” between main tour and lower-level events.
Key Similarities and Differences
- Rankings: Both use a 52-week rolling points system, meaning players must “defend” points earned at events from the previous year.
- Co-ed Tournaments: Major tournaments like Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Beijing are “combined events,” where both ATP and WTA players compete at the same venue.
- Ranking Calculations:
- WTA: A player’s ranking is based on their top 16 singles results (or 18+ for specific scenarios), generally including Grand Slams and mandatory 1000 events.
- ATP: A player’s ranking is based on their best 18 results (plus the ATP Finals if they qualify).
CINCINNATI OPEN
One of my favorite ways to experience it all is heading down to the Cincinnati Open. A quick drive south for us here in Ohio—and something we’ve looked forward to every summer for the past six-ish years. It’s a 1000-level event for both the WTA Tour and ATP Tour, which means you’re seeing the best of the best.
Held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, the entire experience has leveled up in such a beautiful way with recent renovations. It truly lives up to its motto—the heart of tennis. There’s something so special about how the space is designed…you feel close to the game, close to the players, fully immersed in it all.
WHY TENNIS?
IT IS CONSIDERED THE WORLD’S HEALTHIEST SPORT
KEY HEALTH BENEFITS
- Significant Longevity Boost: Tennis players live on average 9.7 years longer than others.
- Superior Heart Health: The interval training nature of tennis-improves cardiovascular health.
- Total Body Workout: It engages every muscle group.
- Mental and Cognitive Benefits: Tennis requires high-level thinking which improves brain function and reduces stress.
- Low Impact on Joints: Provides a high-intensity workout while being relatively gentle on the body.
- Accessible Social Sport: It is a “lifetime sport” and can be played by all ages and skill levels.
If you have never picked up a racket or if you have and it’s been a while…it’s time! Hit the courts and have some fun!
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Hello sweet friends!
Ohio has truly been giving us a little bit of everything these past few weeks. A few days of fake spring sprinkled in between bursts of crazy snow and plenty of rain. My mood definitely seems to flow right along with the weather…on snow days I tend to drag a bit, but when the sun pops out and it feels even slightly like spring, I instantly have a pep in my step.
I am beyond ready for the rebirth of all the things—bright colors, longer days, sunshine on my face. How about you? This winter has felt especially brutal. I think Mother Nature might need to relax and unwind a bit, don’t you?
Connection. Being close to others. Opening your heart and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, even when there is no guarantee the people around you will always be the safe keeper of what you share.
We need each other. We truly do.
Taking that initial step toward connection can feel like a risk, but honestly, I’ve never really looked at it that way. I’m the kind of person who jumps in with both feet, heart on my sleeve. Have I been hurt by being that open? Yep. Have I learned something from every single connection? Absolutely.
Each experience has helped me better understand what I truly need in a friendship and in the connections I choose to keep close. I made the decision long ago not to shut the world out. Not to let a negative experience close off my heart to new people. Instead, I learned from it, grew from it, and continued to seek out relationships that feel fresh, authentic, and real.
Because as humans, we need connection. We thrive in it.
I recently read a post that really stuck with me. One line in particular made me pause: “My son said he doesn’t need friends.”
It made me a little sad. Because the truth is—we all need friends.
Some people thrive with a big circle, others with just a small, tight-knit few. But either way, we need each other as we move through life. We need people to share our gifts and our light with. People who laugh with us, support us, experience life alongside us.
Life is simply better when you have someone to share it with.
Taking the time to show up for one another, creating a safe place to land when life gets messy—that’s what connection is all about. And I am incredibly grateful for the friends in my life. In all the ways.
My heart and my life feel full because of the connections that carry me along this journey.
With Marin at school and Tuck here, there, and everywhere, it’s a rare moment when the four of us are together in one place. But by pure magic, Marc, Tuck, and I were able to pop over to Wittenberg on a Sunday and grab Marin for lunch.
Seeing her face after more than a month was the absolute best. Tennis season is in full swing for her right now, and between classes, practices, lifts, and her on-campus job, she is busy in the best kind of way.
Sitting around a table with all four of us together felt like such a gift. One that definitely wasn’t lost on me.
I couldn’t contain all the questions—I always try to hold back a little, but I just can’t help wanting to know all the things she’s been up to. We text and check in at least once a week, but face-to-face conversation? That is something else entirely.
That short, sweet lunch absolutely made my week. Moms (and parents) of big kids know exactly what I mean. Those moments together become so special.
There is something about sharing a meal with the people you love. Sitting close, making eye contact, exchanging smiles, hearing each other easily. It’s such a simple thing, yet it creates the kind of connection that fills your heart right up.
That little lunch was exactly what my “mom of big kids” heart needed.
Now…let’s talk spring cleaning.
I am all in this year—and honestly, a little ahead of schedule. The very first spring-feeling day we had, I threw open the windows and went straight to work in the kitchen. Every cabinet. The fridge. The pantry. Everything came out.
I purged, reorganized, and tried to create a new flow—an easier flow—for how our kitchen works. Truthfully, I hadn’t really wanted to cook or even spend time in that space lately because it just felt chaotic. The buzz and busy of the holidays definitely took its toll, and I kind of ignored the mess…until that first warm day when fresh air was flowing through the house.
Spring cleaning is definitely not my favorite chore, but once it’s done? It makes such a difference in everyday living.
So here is your little nudge for the week—get yourself outside. Sunshine or rain, it doesn’t matter. Step outside and feel that fresh air that is slowly making its way back in.
Spring is right there on the edge, bringing with it a fresh start and a new rhythm.
Get your toes in the grass.
Take a few deep breaths.
Reset a little.It’s time to bloom, my friends. 🌸
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Hello sweet friends!
ON THE BLOG and ON THE LIST will now be coming to you every other week through the spring. Taking a little break from every week posting. This spring’s schedule is starting to buzz and I want each issue to be the best I can give you.
The next ON THE BLOG will drop on Monday March 9th…chatting all things spring!!! See you right here then!
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Hello my sweet friends!
I think you all know by now… pink is my forever favorite. 💗 Followed closely by kelly green and navy. I mean — I scream preppy, don’t I?
Preppy is my core. It’s who I’ve always been, who I am now, and who I’ll always be. Classic with a twist — that’s my sweet spot. Living in color. Wearing color. I’m pretty vanilla in most other areas — no tattoos, one piercing in each ear (usually pearls), nail polish bright but nothing wild. Color is how I express myself. Even just a pop of it feels like me.
PERSONAL STYLE
Style evolves as we do, but certain pieces of you stick around — tried and true. I’ve loved fashion since I was little. I used to change outfits multiple times a day depending on what I was doing… and honestly? I still do. I dress for the activity, for the mood, for the energy I want to bring.
When I dress, I dress head to toe for the occasion. Tennis. Running. The gym. Dinner out. Whatever it is — I make it an event. I’ve always needed the full look, the just-right gear. The look creates a feeling. It helps me show up grounded and powerful. It doesn’t create confidence — but it absolutely enhances it.
VINTAGE PIECES
One of the greatest gifts has been inheriting garments and accessories from the women in my mom’s family. Each piece carries a story, a memory, an imprint of someone I love. The craftsmanship, the quality, the details — they just don’t make things like they used to. Incorporating vintage into my everyday preppy style is one of my favorite things. That unexpected pop of something special? It ties it all up with a bow.
PASSION FOR HIGH FASHION
Fashion is art. Truly wearable art. Runway shows mesmerize me — the movement of fabric, the manipulation of texture, the form. The creative genius behind each piece. Some looks aren’t ready-to-wear, sure — but I love the beyond-the-everyday thinking. The imagination.
I can appreciate high fashion without it being my personal style. It doesn’t have to be. The artistry, the influence, the way designers set tones and color palettes each season that trickle all the way down the fashion chain — that’s the magic of it all.
DRESS FOR YOU
Dress in what makes you feel powerful. Dress in what makes you smile. Own your personal style. Trends will always come and go — but who you are? That’s steady. Walk the runway of your life with confidence and a smile.
Mimosa cheers to the gift of fashion — for giving us a way to express who we are outwardly with color, texture, strength, whimsy, and joy.
