Category: motivation

General, Inspirational, Living, motivation

Why I’m Stepping Away from Instagram for Now

For a long time, I genuinely enjoyed sharing parts of my life online.

I loved capturing beautiful moments like travel, homemaking, style, decorating, meals, holidays, and the little details that make life feel meaningful and lovely. There is creativity in that, and I will always appreciate the beauty and inspiration that can be shared through platforms like Instagram.

But over time, I began noticing something happening internally that I could no longer ignore.

Somewhere along the way, I started experiencing my life partially through the lens of how it would be perceived by others. Even when my intentions were good, I found myself becoming attached to the reflection of my life rather than simply living it. The affirmation, encouragement, admiration, and interaction became emotionally reinforcing in ways I didn’t fully recognize at first.

And while social media can absolutely be used positively, I also began to see how a carefully curated “highlight reel” even an honest one – can unintentionally create distance, comparison, envy, or disharmony in real-life relationships with people I meet.

That realization has stayed with me for a long time.

The truth is, I no longer want to feel divided between:

living a moment and presenting a moment,

being present and being perceived,

connection and performance.

As my children are growing (especially my teenager) I feel increasingly called to give my attention, emotional energy, peace, and presence more fully to the people closest to me.

I want a quieter life.

A more grounded life.

A more private life.

Not because I suddenly dislike beauty, creativity, travel, fashion, homemaking, or sharing inspiration. I still love all of those things deeply. But I am learning that not everything meaningful needs an audience.

There is something sacred about a life that is simply lived instead of displayed.

I also want to model something healthier for my daughters: that a woman’s worth is not measured by visibility, admiration, engagement, or external validation. That peace is more valuable than performance. That relationships matter more than image. And that fulfillment comes from being rooted in who you are and not in how others respond to you.

Stepping away from social media feels like a sacrifice in some ways because I am letting go of a space that has been part of my identity for years. But I believe it is a sacrifice that will create something better in the long run:

more presence,

more peace,

deeper relationships,

greater clarity,

and a stronger foundation for my family.

So for now, I am choosing to step away.

I want to spend less time curating life and more time truly inhabiting it.

Less time seeking reflection and more time building reality.

Less noise, more depth.

Less audience, more intimacy.

Thank you to everyone who has followed along, encouraged me, supported me, and shared kindness with me here. I am genuinely grateful.

This is not coming from judgment or negativity. It is simply a personal decision born out of reflection, growth, and a desire to be more intentional with the life God has given me.

For this season, I believe my heart, my home, and my family deserve my full attention.

And I think that is where I’m meant to be.

Household Management, Inspirational, Living, motivation, Travel, Uncategorized

Tea by the Sea: Creating Everyday Beauty at Home

There is something quietly transformative about a simple cup of tea, especially when it is …

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Inspirational, motivation

Giving Thanks

Fall carries a quiet kind of wonder, but Thanksgiving crowns the season with meaning. When leaves begin their graceful descent in shades of honey gold, rustic red, and blushing orange, creation is already practicing gratitude. The trees give first, then celebrate later. They let go freely, trusting that what falls becomes nourishment for the soil. Nothing is wasted in a season surrendered. It is a gentle sermon written in petals of autumn. What we release with trust returns as life, rest, and future bloom.

Thanksgiving turns giving into a lifestyle, not an occasional act. It invites us into open-handed gratitude that says, there is enough here to share and enough still to spare. You feel it when organizing your home for guests, clearing counters, fluffing pillows, folding throws, and making room not to impress but to welcome. A tidy home becomes an offering of love. A table prepared becomes evidence of anticipation. Candles lit, flowers gathered, dishes planned and placed, every detail communicates presence, care, and intentional gratitude. Thanksgiving says, pull up a chair, slow your heart, and be fully here.

Giving at Thanksgiving doesn’t need grand gestures to carry impact. It lives in the overlooked moments. The extra place setting for someone who might come alone. The healthy meal lovingly planned so family bodies feel honored and hearts feel comforted. The slice of pumpkin pie handed quietly to the neighbor who works long hours. The winter coat from last year donated because someone else will need warmth soon. The modest outfit shared online as inspiration not for accolades but as gentle encouragement for women who want beauty wrapped in humility. The heartfelt caption posted simply to lift someone’s spirit toward hope. Thanksgiving giving is practical, purposeful, heartfelt, and human.

Thanksgiving is not a moment that ends when the dishes are washed. It becomes the spirit behind every full pantry, every organized closet, every routine that brings peace instead of overwhelm. Gratitude and stewardship walk hand in hand. When we care for our blessings well, we create more to give. More time, more joy, more resources, more encouragement, more peace. You cannot pour hope into others if your own world is frantic. But when your world is gently ordered, prayer-soaked, and purpose-led, hope pours out naturally.

Thanksgiving also teaches optimism. Not the loud kind of optimism, but steady confidence. The kind that believes even when the season grows colder. The kind that whispers, God has not stopped providing, winter is not evidence of His absence, only of His wisdom. Gratitude looks backward for perspective but forward for hope. We gather around tables not just to remember blessings, but to announce trust for what comes next.

So as pumpkins sit plump in the fields, and apples crisp in the harvest baskets, may we hold the season as proof. Proof that abundance grows sweeter when shared. Proof that welcome matters more than perfection. Proof that giving while grateful becomes the great distributor of hope. Proof that faith rooted in gratitude carries optimism into every coming season.

Thanksgiving invites us to live lighter, give warmer, hope forward, serve others quietly, and anchor every blessing in the One who gives without limit. The table is ready, the harvest secure, the hearts expectant. Gratitude is falling all around us like holy confetti, and optimism waits in every surrendered seed. This is the season to give from gratitude, love with intention, and trust with joy.

Until Next Time,

Household Management, Inspirational, motivation

7 Mistakes to Avoid Making This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is one of the most cherished holidays of the year. It is a time for gratitude, gathering, and of course, great food. But between hosting, cooking, decorating, and trying to make it all “Pinterest-perfect,” it is easy to lose sight of what truly matters.

Whether you are a seasoned hostess or hosting for the first time, avoiding a few common pitfalls can make your Thanksgiving not just successful, but genuinely joyful and stress-free.

Here are seven mistakes you will want to avoid this Thanksgiving and how to sidestep them gracefully.

1. Waiting Too Long to Plan

The biggest Thanksgiving stressor is procrastination. Waiting until the last minute to plan your menu, guest list, or grocery shopping almost guarantees overwhelm. Popular ingredients and turkeys can sell out quickly, and a rushed week can leave you frazzled.

How to avoid it: Start planning at least two weeks in advance. Choose your menu early, write out your shopping list, and take inventory of what is already in your pantry. If you are hosting, plan your tablescape and serving dishes ahead of time too. A little organization goes a long way toward a peaceful holiday.

2. Taking On Too Much Yourself

Many hosts make the mistake of thinking they have to do everything from cooking every dish to setting the table, cleaning, and entertaining. The result is exhaustion before the guests even arrive.

How to avoid it: Remember that Thanksgiving is about togetherness, not perfection. Delegate. Ask guests to bring a side dish, dessert, or even drinks. Kids can help with simple tasks like folding napkins or arranging centerpieces. The joy of the day comes from sharing, not shouldering everything alone.

3. Trying Too Many New Recipes

It is tempting to scroll through Instagram or food blogs and try five brand-new dishes to impress your guests. But Thanksgiving is not the best time for culinary experiments. New recipes can take longer than expected or flop right before dinner.

How to avoid it: Stick to tried-and-true favorites that you have made before, and add one new dish if you are feeling creative. Test it a week early to ensure it works for your taste and timeline. Classic recipes done well will always impress more than complicated ones that go sideways.

4. Forgetting About Dietary Needs

These days, it is common to have guests who are vegetarian, gluten-free, or have allergies. Forgetting to plan for dietary needs can make some guests feel left out or leave them with little to eat.

How to avoid it: Ask about dietary restrictions when you invite guests. You do not need to overhaul your menu; just make sure there are one or two options everyone can enjoy. Roasted vegetables, mashed sweet potatoes, and salads are easy, inclusive choices. Labeling dishes on the buffet is also a thoughtful touch.

5. Neglecting the Atmosphere

Sometimes, in the rush of cooking, hosts forget that ambiance plays a big role in how people feel. Harsh lighting, cluttered counters, or even silence during dinner can make the evening feel flat.

How to avoid it: Set the mood intentionally. Light candles, dim the overhead lights, and put on a cozy playlist. Add simple touches like fresh greenery or pumpkins for natural charm. Remember that the warmth of the room, both in décor and spirit, creates lasting memories more than fancy centerpieces do.

6. Overlooking Gratitude

In the flurry of serving food and managing guests, it is surprisingly easy to forget the true purpose of Thanksgiving: giving thanks. Skipping this part can make the day feel like just another big meal.

How to avoid it: Before dinner, invite everyone to share something they are thankful for. It can be as simple as going around the table or writing blessings on cards. These moments of reflection bring meaning and connection that linger long after dessert.

7. Forgetting to Enjoy Yourself

Perhaps the most common mistake is focusing so much on the doing that you forget to be present. If you are running around stressed, guests will feel it too.

How to avoid it: Give yourself permission to slow down. Prepare as much as possible the day before.

Set the table, bake desserts, and prep ingredients. On Thanksgiving Day, get dressed early, take a few quiet moments to breathe, and remember that it does not have to be perfect to be beautiful. A relaxed, smiling host sets the tone for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is not meant to be a performance; it is a pause. It is the gentle rhythm of conversation around the table, the laughter of children, and the comfort of familiar dishes shared with people you love. When you let go of perfection and focus on presence, you will find that Thanksgiving has a way of becoming everything it is meant to be: warm, joyful, and full of gratitude.

Until Next time!

Inspirational, motivation, Travel

FAMILY ADVENTURES IN SANTORINI

We spent a week in the breathtakingly beautiful volcanic island that is Santorini, Greece. We overlooked a majestic volcano submerged into the Aegean Ocean every morning for seven days and never grew weary of the site.

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When we could tear ourselves away from the gorgeous view, we took a sailing tour in the Aegean for a closer look of the active volcanoes of the island. We also ventured to Perissa beach to check out the Santorini Water Park for our 6 year old daughter which provided a great day of fun.



Finally we checked out the glamorous town of OIa for lunch and then headed to Fira to enjoy the jaw dropping views from the cable cars and then travel back to the old world with donkey rides back up the volcano.

All together it was an amazing holiday. Check out the video to join us on our family adventure!

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About Town, General, Household Management, Inspirational, motivation

HOW TO START A BOOKCLUB

Married in the suburbs with kids? Suddenly realize you don’t go out with your girlfriends anymore? Sure you may still meet up every few months (or six) for the odd drink, but that elusive casual meet-up is often hard fraught, preempted by a children’s crisis and other commitments that get in the way of a fun time with the girls. That’s where a book club comes into place!
A book club gives shape and meaning to an otherwise amorphous hangout session. After all, you are meeting to discuss an important book, not just to drink wine and have a few laughs. And while the latter is of the utmost importance to the joy and energy of the group, meeting around the premise of a book club gives it structure.
So where do you start? First of all you have to be at the right time within your own life. Can you commit to meeting a group once a month? Can you commit to reading and finishing a book? If the answer is no, then you may want to think of a more casual group with less commitment. I remember trying to start a book club years ago with women who all just had babies recently. Needless to say, that club never made it off the ground as the members had more pressing priorities. Which leads me to my next point — get the right members.
I brought the idea to a couple of girlfriends as we were all enjoying a beautiful sunny day together. Since both women and myself have some free time during the day, this was a perfect group to be receptive to the idea of launching a formal book club where we meet during the daytime. They invited 3-4 friends each as did I, and a group was formed.
Look for members who share a common interest and will have similar availability to you.
Once the group is set, think of a name for the club. Google is a great place to start, and perfect to inspire you with ideas. Then send out an e-vite to your prospective members with your new group name to help you keep track of acceptances and regrets. Also begin to think of how the first meeting will go and how you will get the members to talk about themselves so that everyone gets to know each other. We went around the room and introduced ourselves. Them we followed up with a game I created called “Books & Experience” where we share how we have been inspired by a book we have read and how that relates to something we have just learned from something shared by someone in the room.
It was a great ice-breaker and led us to discover which kind of book we were most interested in reading. The group selected The Handmaid’s Tale, by Margaret Atwood. It is a powerful story of female struggle and empowerment.
As for decor to set the scene, I set our dining table with several small center pieces to create a whimsical summer theme. The small vases were purchased from Dollar Tree and were offset by beautiful sunflowers, daisies and purple hibiscus from our garden.
Our book club turned out to be a great event and loads of fun!

We are all looking forward to our next meeting and are all super excited!

If you would like to start a book club and have any questions or if you already have one going leave me a comment on how you got it started!

Until Next Time!

Inspirational, motivation, Travel

My #BLOGHER17 RECAP -THE CON-DOWN

BlogHer17 took place this year in warm and sunny Orlando Florida at the stunning Hilton Bonnet Creek Resort. I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of the event and had the great honor to hear so many inspiring women speak during my very short stay.
Since this was my first conference that I actually flew to attend, I was a bit weary of going the whole hog and attending all of the days, so I decided to test my conference confidence and warm up to the event beginning with a splendid 2 day bit of solitude, in which I have called my mommy vacay or #momcation. This was my time to recharge my batteries and relax and unwind. So in reality it meant long days spent in the hotel’s lazy river lagoon and cozying up at night with a bit of reality TV and room service!
When it was time for the conference to begin I was psyched. The amazing female panelists for the keynote included Chelsea Clinton, Cecile Richards, Tai Beauchamp and Margaret Cho among others. I was mesmerized, inspired and so proud to be in the same room with such inspirational women who were changing the world and making no apologies.
After the Keynote, I met up with some awesome bloggers at the hotel bar and I feel like I have really made some new friends. It was such an amazing time for me, short albeit sweet and I cant wait for next year. I’m going full blogger throttle!

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So now its back to reality, back to being a lady with her blog. I have to admit there is a bit of a come-down or a con-down after attending such a powerful conference.  One thing is clear and that is my resolve to commit to finding my voice and niche in the blogging space, because as I have learned from the event, there is still room for success.  What are your BlogHer17 stories and takeaways if you attended? Would love to hear from you!  Also if you have any questions for me about the event, feel free to leave them for me in the comments below.

Don’t forget to check out my video for more details of my stay in Orlando and the conference!

Until Next Time!

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