Hello sweet friends!

2026 is officially in motion. Christmas is finally organized, packed up, and put away. And can we talk about how putting Christmas up feels so easy, joyful, and magical… yet taking it all down feels exhausting, taxing, and honestly kind of annoying? You would think the start of a fresh new year would make it exciting to clear it all out and move forward, right?

Most of it went pretty quickly, but the main tree? That one took me out. Just the thought of un-decorating it… whew. But it’s done. The tree is tucked away until next year, and now it’s time to move forward. I’m feeling fresh, clear, and powerful. With my words of the year guiding me, I’m ready to take on these next twelve months with a new kind of strength. There is no time like right now — go BIG, go BOLD, take up space, and own your place in this world.

These tag lines are how I see things now — thoughtfully created, deeply intentional, and shaped by a whole lot of living. They are the lenses through which I choose to look at life. Life is meant to be lived LARGE. It’s meant to hold at least a teaspoon of HAPPINESS every single day. It’s meant to be received as a GIFT. Life lived in gratitude, in the light, pushing through the uncomfortable. Loving yourself and the circle around you, fully and unconditionally.

When I write under this title, these ideas will always be at the heart of it — every subject, every topic tied back to living colorfully, boldly, and brightly. 2026 is our time to bring the color and share our bright. We all need it. And at the end of the day, we’re here to live a lovely life — so let’s freaking do it. Why wait?

MOM-ING BIG KIDS

Ms. Marin is back at school. And just like that, the house feels like it’s missing a piece… because it is. College kids — always coming and going — exactly as it’s meant to be.

There are so many emotions wrapped up in these goodbyes and reunions. Deep pride in her doing the things she’s worked so hard for. Excitement for all that’s waiting for her this semester. And yes, a little sadness too — because I’ll miss having her in my everyday world. It’s the natural push and pull of this season of life.

I feel like there’s so much conversation about MOM-ing when our kids are little, but not nearly enough about what it’s like when those wee ones grow up. And honestly? This stage of parenting has been my favorite. The emotions shift, the connections deepen, and what we share now brings us together in ways it simply couldn’t in those early years.

I miss her. And I’ll admit it — I check Life360 every now and then. Not to helicopter, just to be a quiet fly on the wall for a minute. I know she’s going to have a tremendous semester. I’ll be watching from the wings, cheering her on, always her safe place to land whenever she needs it.

And this spring… we’re hosting a GRAD PARTY!

Tuck is graduating from high school, and of course we’re celebrating big. There’s a lot we want to do to make it a truly lovely celebration, and the party will be at our house — exactly where it should be. That means a growing to-do list, which honestly feels like the motivation I need to finally tackle some home projects that have been lingering a little too long. I’ll be sharing that list and the progress along the way. My heart beats for beautiful visuals, especially inside our home, and hosting a party is the perfect finish line to get things moving.

I’ve already booked the tent, tables, chairs, and linens, and we have a clear direction for everything else. Booking rentals early is key — and was my biggest stress point — but the sweetest part? The rental company had our order on file from Marin’s grad party three years ago. Copy. Paste. Done.

This is a milestone moment for our family, closing a chapter that feels like a lifetime in our school system. A huge moment for Tuck, one we are incredibly proud to celebrate. Honoring him at our home just feels right. Soaking in all the lasts while looking ahead to spring and the celebration to come.

And because life always weaves in beautiful connections — there are two Tucks in my life. One is my son. The other is my dear friend Aaron Tucker, who goes by Tuck. He is a whole vibe. Someone I’m deeply grateful for. He inspires me with his outlook — through the ups and the downs, he has a gift for seeing the ups while still honoring the downs. His energy is infectious, his smile bright.

So let’s make this week about finding the ups in the downs. Be the inspiration. Pull others into your light and let them shine.

As Tuck always says… #begreat
GEAH GEAH!!

You can find Tuck on IG: @ajtucker31

Hello my sweet friends!

ON THE BLOG is taking a little pause this week—making space to refresh the house after the holidays. Not going to lie…the tree is still up. The very last piece of Christmas waiting to be packed away. I’m working on putting the period at the end of that sentence before moving forward.

I’m so excited to spend time here in this space this year. There’s so much I’m ready to write about, share, and create.

A brand new ON THE BLOG will be live next Monday.
See you right here on the 19th! ✨

Hello sweet friends!

Happy New Year! The holiday season is officially behind us, and here we are—hello, 2026. This is that moment when all the lists start forming, right? Goals, intentions, decluttering, organizing… all of it.

I’m leaning into it this year—refreshing myself and the spaces around me. Stepping into 2026 with a renewed sense of engagement, curiosity, and a little wonder for what’s ahead. Who’s with me? ✨

MY WORD OF THE YEAR

I usually choose one word to anchor me for the year… but this year, I landed on three. Looking back, I really simmered on what was, and through that reflection, these words rose to the top. They feel strong. Clear. They perfectly capture how I want to level up in 2026.

MOVE — take action, even when unsure
BUILD — create consistency and depth
UNSTUCK — release hesitation and old patterns

Together:
I move forward with purpose, building a life that feels aligned—and I don’t stay stuck anymore.

If you’re looking to make changes this year in a new way, try choosing a Word of the Year. Truly—trust me on this one. It’s grounding in a way I can’t fully explain until you experience it.

I also love reading. There’s something so special about holding an actual book, flipping the pages, and getting lost in the words. Wandering through a bookstore and walking out with a tall stack of books used to be one of my favorite things. Somewhere along the way, I drifted from that practice—and I miss it. So this year, I’m jumping back in. Sitting quietly, learning, and soaking it all in feels healing. In the constant buzz of life, reading has become a sweet form of meditation for me.

This list is just a small glimpse of the books I’m excited about. I know as the year unfolds, that list will grow right along with me.

HOW I WANT TO FEEL IN 2026

Grounded. Energized. Confident. Present.
Clear in my choices and intentional with my time.
Less waiting. More living.

And then there’s this list… ahhhh. I’ve never looked at the year ahead quite like this—by feeling. How do I want to feel? Have you ever thought about it that way? It’s fresh. And honestly, kind of life-changing. The way I felt last year deeply impacted how I showed up, and I didn’t fully realize that connection until now.

How do you want to feel in 2026, think about it.

MY FOCUS AREAS

So I’m sharing this list with you because it’s helped my busy mind zoom in on what I truly want out of 2026—in every space of my life. It breaks goal-setting down in a way that feels doable, intentional, and not overwhelming.

Personal Growth:
I act on ideas instead of sitting with them. I trust my voice and my instincts.

Health & Energy:
I prioritize strength, movement, and energy so I can show up fully for my life.

Family & Relationships:
I create meaningful, shared moments—especially in this season with big kids.

Creative / Purpose:
I show up consistently. I create, share, and build without overthinking.

Home & Environment:
My home supports forward motion—organized, intentional, and ready for what’s next.

MY PROMISE TO MYSELF

In 2026, I will move—even when it feels uncomfortable.
I will build what matters with intention.
I will not stay stuck.

What will you promise yourself this year? Remember—you are the priority. It all starts with you.

My sweet friends, 2026 is here. GO GET IT. ✨

Hello, sweet friends!

Here we are in the space between—Christmas has wrapped, and now we’re waiting for the New Year. Does anyone else have absolutely no idea what day it is? Just me? This moment in time feels cozy… and also a little strange. We’re coming down from all the merry and slowly working our way toward all the happy. Just waiting, right?

There’s been lots of couch snuggling, movie watching, takeout dinners, and trying out all the things Santa brought. Life feels slower right now—and honestly, I don’t mind it one bit.

This space between is always interesting for me as an overachiever. I’m ready to jump into what’s next, but I also know I need to pause and really soak in what’s right in front of me. It’s that constant push and pull.

So here we are—in the space between. Let’s enjoy it. Find the good in simply being. 2026 and all the celebration that comes with it will be here in just a few days. A fresh, exciting new chapter is about to begin.

2025 is almost in the rearview mirror, and wow… it’s been a year, hasn’t it?

As the new year approaches, the questions start to surface. What do I want to take with me? What do I want to leave behind? How do I want to show up—for myself and for the people I love?

Goals. Resolutions. Sometimes the answers come easily, and sometimes they take time. I’m someone who likes to simmer on my plans for the year—giving myself space to be intentional about what I truly want and need. I always start with a Word of the Year—my anchor and guide.

2025 was a year of thinking and talking, but not enough doing for me. Not my usual rhythm. I can see now that I was in a bit of a funk. But toward the end of this year, something shifted. A leveling up. A clearer mindset.

I feel excited and energized heading into 2026—ready to set goals, take action, and make things happen. I’m ready to kick some ass in the year ahead. Who’s with me? ✨

FAMILY LIFE WITH BIG KIDS

This Christmas was wonderful. Just the four of us and our pups. We were up before sunrise—just like the Christmases when the kids were little. The magic of the day is still there for them, and I absolutely love that it is. Marc and I even managed to surprise them with a few gifts, which felt like a major win. Most of their wish lists come in the form of links these days, so true surprises are rare. It was totally priceless.

The day itself was simple and perfect—a mix of eating, movie watching, and walking. We’re so lucky to have a metro park right behind our backyard, so we grabbed the pups and headed out for a short afternoon walk together. It’s become one of our favorite traditions.

I’m soaking in the gift of a full house and time together, knowing how fleeting it all is. Every moment feels worth holding onto.

Our trees are still up, but on Saturday I started the un-decorating process. We usually leave everything up through New Year’s, and most of it still is—but this season, I’ve felt ready to move forward. The mantel garland, stockings, and the rest have been packed away.

With the warmer temps on Sunday, the front porch got a fresh little “January” vibe. While the house always looks and feels magical at Christmas—and it’s never easy to take it all down—this year, it actually feels good. Packing it away feels intentional. Starting the new year with our home ready for what’s ahead feels motivating. Not being stuck in what was, but making space for what’s next—that feels freeing.

Welcome, sweet friends, to ON THE LIST!

I am such a list maker, so what better way to talk about my favorites than by… making lists about them? ON THE LIST is meant to be a fun, casual space to share and chat about all the things. I love, love, love pop culture, fashion, athletic gear—you name it. I could go on and on. And honestly? I probably will. 😊

That’s how ON THE LIST was born—a cheeky, stand-alone, bi-weekly little pick-me-up filled with all the things, both trending and classic. It’s a snapshot of my world—the things that make me happy, bring me joy, and truly fill my bucket. And honestly, who doesn’t love a good chat sesh about all the things?

My hope is for this to feel like a coffee (or cocktail) conversation—just in list form. It may take a few tries to find its rhythm, but I’m excited about where ON THE LIST can go.

And since it’s Christmas week, it feels like the perfect time to chat about where we are right now—my favorites for this special season. So what am I freaking waiting for? Time for a little merry, right? 🎄✨

Let’s talk Christmas books—children’s books. Our collection includes stories from when I was little, along with ones we bought for Marin and Tucker. They’ve been tucked away in storage for a few years, and honestly, I think as the kids got older we just forgot to pull them out. Kinda crazy, right?

I just rediscovered the container they’re stored in, and it felt like opening a treasure chest. Pure magic. So many memories, all at once.

Here are a few of my favorites from our collection: ✨📚

• The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson– one of the best! It was also adapted into a play. I was lucky enough to perform that play when I was in middle school. I think it was middle school. Seriously, what a fun and lovely story!
• You are My Miracle by Maryann Cusimano Love and Satomi Ichhikawa-creators of You are My I Love You. We have both of these books…they are heartwarming.
• The Sweet Smell of Christmas by Patricia Scarry-it has scratch and sniff scents inside…this was a book my Mom would read to me when I was little. I LOVED it so much the scratch and sniffs had no smell left. The book was so worn we parted with it. When Marin was born I hunted for a new copy and found one!
• The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore-A classic that most of us know, some probably by heart. I it read all season but on Christmas Eve is the one thing that is read right before bed.
• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss-of course, right? A Christmas book collection is not complete without this one, right?

Classic list, I know. I’m a true child of the ’80s, and my top four? I actually saw them in theaters when they were first released. I love them for the memories they bring flooding back from my childhood—and let’s be honest, they’re just plain genius.

I tend to stay firmly in the classic Christmas movie lane. Hallmark Christmas movies don’t really spark me much. Any others you’d add to the list?

Music. Christmas is made by music, isn’t it? The songs of the season instantly put you in the holiday spirit. They add a little pep to your step and somehow make everything feel more festive. December basically becomes one long playlist… and honestly, for some of us, it starts way earlier than that.

And this season? I can’t blame anyone for spreading Christmas cheer and singing loud for all to hear—Elf quote, obviously.

I love a good cheesy pop song, and cheesy Christmas pop songs? Chef’s kiss. But the classics… they hit the heart. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Eartha Kitt, Dean Martin—they are the season for me.

Just a few of my favorites below—because truly, there are way too many to count. 🎶✨

• Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree-Brenda Lee
• The Christmas Song-Nat King Cole
• It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year-Andy Williams
• Santa Baby-Eartha Kitt
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas-Judy Garland
• Santa Claus Is Coming to Town-Frank Sinatra

This time of year, there are more favorite, memory-making moments than I can count—most of them happening right within the walls of our home. It’s also the season that brings me right back to everything my mom did to make Christmas feel truly magical for my sister, me, and all the friends who filled our house.

From polishing all the sterling silver to creating a Christmas Eve table that felt stunning and special for everyone gathered around it, she always went above and beyond. She wove pieces of our British family heritage into the recipes she chose, and without even realizing it at the time, she was creating traditions that would last a lifetime.

I have gone on to continue her traditions as well as start new ones with Marc. Giving Marin and Tucker the best of their Mimmy as well as the best of us. Hoping they take the memories we have created for them into their adult lives and add to them.

Ending this first ON THE LIST with a list of GLIMMERS. I love GLIMMERS. They are little pieces of life that seem ordinary. They maybe things you seriously don’t even notice but if you pause and become still, you will. With your attention they then become extraordinary. Look for the GLIMMERS this week-they will only enhance your holiday in the most wonderful and lovely way.

MERRY MERRY AND HAPPY HAPPY TO YOU ALL!!