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As this year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the past 12 months and the delicate balance of living between two worlds.
On one hand, I’m ready for a shift in my career—a new chapter, or at the very least, some clarity and grounding around my current role. The constant need to create and share content daily, adapt to ever-changing algorithms, and present an online version of myself that’s authentic but also “likeable” can feel like running on a hamster wheel that never stops. My job is silly and also exhausting, and at 45, I’m starting to feel the weight of it all.
But I also know this is an opportunity to pause, reset, and not only dream about what comes next, but start to put a plan together.
On the other hand, my personal life feels like a season I wish I could pause forever. All three of my girls are under one roof, and our home is alive with laughter, love, and a comforting rhythm that feels just right. They’re happy, thriving, and kind—the very things every parent dreams of.
These moments are precious and fleeting, and I find myself savoring them, knowing how quickly life will change.
So, as we wrap up the year, I thought I’d share a little glimpse of the incredible girls who are my heart and my greatest reason for everything I do.
You probably know how much I love being a girl mom by now. There’s something truly special about raising daughters, and I genuinely believe teenage girls get an unfairly bad rap. In my experience, this generation are some of the most hilarious, quick-witted, brilliant, and kindhearted people you’ll ever meet.
I’ve been lucky enough to have a steady stream of them coming into and out of my house for years, and they never fail to amaze me. These young women are thoughtful, resilient, hard working and endlessly entertaining—it’s an absolute privilege to watch them grow up.
Next Christmas, Maddie will be away at college. She’ll still be close to home, and for that, I’m grateful, but it won’t be the same. I’ll miss her constant chatter, sharp wit, and the comfort she brings to me every day. I’ll even miss the mess she leaves behind, or hearing the sound of her car pulling up after practice knowing she’ll debrief her day in full detail over dinner.
Ava, already a freshman in high school, feels like a constant reminder—especially with it also being Maddie’s senior year—of just how quickly these years fly by. She’s grown from my scrappy little buddy into a confident, hilarious, and unapologetically girls-girl young woman in what feels like the blink of an eye. Watching her discover who she is brings me so much joy, but every time she says she wants to go to college “somewhere warm,” I cheer her on with a smile while quietly bracing my heart for the day she’ll spread her wings and leaves too.
And then there’s Vivi, who turns six this weekend. How? I know it’s a little cliché to say, but she truly is the happiest, funniest, most joy-filled little girl. Her laughter lights up every room, and her curiosity makes every day an adventure. She’s just this sweet little soul that made our family complete and a reminder to find joy in the little things and to treasure these simple, beautiful moments.
As I look ahead, I’m reminded that life is full of seasons—some that challenge us, some that fill us with joy, and many that do both at once. This year has been a beautiful mix of both for me, and I’m so grateful for all of it.
To our readers, thank you for being a part of this journey with me. Your support, kindness, and encouragement mean the world, and I hope this holiday season brings you moments of peace, joy, and connection with the people you love most.
I’m officially taking a few weeks “off” starting today because, truth be told, I’ve got more unwrapped gifts than I care to admit, PILES of laundry that still need folding, no stocking stuffers, a Christmas party to prep for, and a menu that’s still very much a work in progress.
But don’t worry—I’ll be back in January, ready to kick off a brand-new year!
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Here’s to embracing the year ahead with gratitude, intention, and maybe even a little bit of magic.
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