motherhood - growth - living
Alternate title: Cookies That’ll Make You Lose All Self-Control. They really are that good. I saw these on Sally’s Baking (the GOAT) and had to make them! They’re chewy, huge, sweet, and are even better after a day or two.
I have a cute recipe card available for free download at the bottom!
Read moreWrapping gifts is one of my favorite parts of the holidays. It is the moment when everything slows down just enough to be thoughtful, intentional, and a little creative. Christmas is my favorite holiday, and every year I find myself lingering over the wrapping, wanting it to feel just as meaningful as what is inside.
Using photographs in gift wrapping is one of the simplest ways to make a present feel personal and ~elevated~.
This way of wrapping does not require perfection or expensive supplies. It invites you to look through old photos, choose moments that matter, and let them set the tone. In this post, I am sharing how to wrap gifts with photos, along with inspiration, printing ideas, and simple ways to turn everyday presents into keepsakes your family will want to save!
Read moreThis year, I want to write more and take this blog to the next level in 2026, but in a way that still feels honest and grounded in real life at home with kids. This post is a collection of January blog ideas inspired by slower days, colder weather, and a gentler approach to goals and routines.
The idea for this travel inspired nursery came straight from real life. In the summer of 2024, we packed up and traveled with our two daughters who were 1.5 and 4.5 at the time. From California to Connecticut, t was busy and stretching in the best way. Seeing the world through their eyes made me fall in love with traveling all over again.
A travel inspired nursery is about creating a space that feels welcoming and full of possibility. It’s a gentle reminder that the world is wide and worth exploring, even from the very beginning!
Read moreIf you’re dreaming of a nursery that feels calm, cozy, and effortlessly beautiful, a Scandinavian-inspired space might be exactly what you’re after. This timeless style is all about simplicity — light colors, natural textures, and thoughtful details that make the room feel peaceful and lived-in.
Think soft woods, cozy knits, and sunlight pouring through sheer curtains. It’s clean and modern but never cold, perfect for creating a space where both you and your baby can breathe, relax, and grow together. I always think of Ikea when I think “Scandi nursery”; there are so many great finds there! Keep reading to see how to put these design elements into the perfect calming nusery.
Read moreIf I’ve learned one thing since becoming a parent, it’s that simple is better. As Halloween approaches this year, I’m happy to say that we’ve had a spooky, spirited, and simple October that didn’t break the bank or destroy the peace that we’ve found this year.
If you’ve read some of my other posts, you’ll know that I’ve been on a journey through peace and simplicity- I’ve cut a lot of the “background noise” out and I’m really proud of the slow way that I’m living now. And that doesn’t change with the holidays! There are so many expenses and fun things to plan around Halloween. Here’s how I’ve kept it easy, but still magical for my two kids.
Read moreLiving on Long Island, there is hardly anything more serene than the water. The sound of sail lines clinking against masts, the smell of salt, and the sparkle of the waves when looking out onto the Long Island Sound are a source of comfort now.
When it came time to dream up a nursery for a baby girl, it felt natural to pull inspiration from the coast. A nautical theme can be soft, sweet, and timeless. What’s more calming than the gentle rocking of a sailboat? Think gentle waves, cozy textures, and classic colors that never go out of style. Here are some of my favorite ideas to bring a coastal feel to a little one’s space.
Welcome, October. My favorite month.
It stays warm, hot and humid. Pretty light here on Long Island. I can feel like true summer wow into the end of September. Today, October 1, is the first day it really feels like fall. I’ve been up since 5 AM watching the leaves swirl outside the window, fall lights lit up on the bookshelf, with bats crudely taped all around the living room by my almost 5-year-old.
Fall for me is about new routines, embracing traditions and nurturing my quiet little life. Today it begins.
Read moreIt’s been a transformative year! Now that the school year has started and I have emerged from the new baby fog, I’ve been taking stock of all the changes I’ve made since last September.
Read moreI have two small children, limited help, a tight budget, and I don’t end most days overwhelmed. I don’t start conversations describing my burnout, or lamenting how long the summer can feel.
This might sound a little high and mighty, a little self-righteous, sure-it’s-easy-now-just-you-wait. But stick with me, I want to help you. There’s are some of us out there making choices to live a simpler life, and reaping the benefits.
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