What’s good in your world?

Small wins and big joys.

Hey friends!!

In a world that often feels overwhelming (to say the least), I think it's more important than ever to celebrate our small wins. Those little moments of joy, those tiny victories, those everyday triumphs—well, they all add up to something pretty big.

This month in particular, I'm all about honoring those successes and finding moments of peace amidst all the craziness. Whether it's finally potty training my twins (hallelujah! 🙌), crushing a new fitness goal, or just taking 10 minutes to breathe and recenter myself, I'm choosing to focus on the good.

So…are you gonna join me? ✨

A couple weeks ago, I posted a selfie on Instagram asking, “What’s good in your world?” I was just curious to see what people were celebrating, and to be totally honest, I was blown away by the response.

My comment section was flooded with uplifting stories—people sharing job interviews, engagements, follower milestones, and other badass personal achievements. It was a simple but powerful reminder that even in a world full of heavy news, we can always find something to appreciate.

Since then, I’ve been ruminating on how necessary it is to focus on the good, especially when things get tough. Because as we know, life can be a lot sometimes. We're constantly juggling multiple roles—parent, entrepreneur, partner, friend—and it's way too easy to feel burnt out and defeated. We must make that effort to bring a little joy into our lives. And when we take a second to appreciate the small wins, it can shift our whole perspective.

I recently attended OLLY x Dear Media’s Galentine’s Day event, and was a guest for a live recording of the What She Said podcast (shoutout to Jaci Marie and Chelsey Jade!). It was a really fun conversation all about the different facets of womanhood (also, I’m obsessed with the OLLY Sleep Gummies). Along the way, we got on the topic of recentering. We were talking about how we navigate all of our different responsibilities, and I shared how I intentionally take time to “re-enter” each role in my life—like stepping out of work mode and into mom mode, or out of mom mode and into date night mode.

I start by setting the intentions in my head of what I’m walking into and how I want to show up for it. It's not complicated, and you don't have to make it a big ritual. It's more about how you hope to re-enter the role you're about to shift into. That small pause makes all the difference in my ability to be fully present with my people.

Here are a few more things I do on a weekly basis that help me stay cool, calm, and collected:

• 🧘‍♀️Mini meditations: Before I move between roles, I try to take 10 minutes to myself. Sometimes it's taking a few deep breaths in the car before heading inside somewhere. Other times, it's a quick stretching session or meditation on the Word. I choose a Bible verse for the week, memorize it, and implement it in my daily life.

• 🌿Nature therapy: Even if it's just for a few minutes, getting outside and connecting with nature always helps me feel more grounded and refreshed. I love using the AllTrails app, because you can search for specific paths—biking, hiking, running, walking, you name it—and it keeps tabs on you so you don’t get lost (my biggest fear!).

• 📓Journaling for clarity: Writing down my thoughts and feelings lets me process the day and clear my head. I love to journal before bed, especially when I'm feeling overwhelmed or stressed. It's a great release for any pent-up emotions and creates a sense of calm before I knock out for the night.

• 📵Digital detox: Setting screen time boundaries has been huge for my work-life balance! I try to stay off social media and go screen-free on weekends whenever possible. If you're looking for some helpful tools, I recommend checking out Freedom or AppBlock—they're good for setting limits and staying focused. And if you’re an iOS girlie, you can also set app limits in your iPhone settings.

Taking a moment to re-enter lets us show up more completely in each role and avoid feeling like we're constantly switching gears without a break. I swear, it's such a simple thing, but it can have a massive impact on your mental health.

I came across an article about the "three-month rule" that really resonated with me. Have you ever tried it? The gist is that you can get through anything for three months. It's a mindset that's mostly used to help new parents survive the newborn phase (which, let's be real, can feel like a freaking lifetime!), but I think it applies to so many other life transitions—work stress, personal upheaval, career shifts.

When we're going through something hard, it can feel like it's never going to end. But if we break it down into smaller, more manageable timeframes, it can make things a little less terrible.

So, if you're going through something difficult right now, try to remember the three-month rule; it's a pretty wonderful way to reframe challenges and adjust expectations. And it might just be the thing that helps you get through it.

As for me…I'm about to embark on a new adventure that might just be more intense than childbirth (and yes, I realize that's a very high bar 😂). I’m so excited to tell you more, but I’m about to go hard for the next three months and will definitely be pushed outside my comfort zone. Don't worry, you'll be the first to know all the details.

And speaking of secret projects, I shot a big campaign this month (I can't reveal the brand quite yet, but stay tuned!), and it was extra special because my boys were in the first shot.

My mom shuttled them to the city in a van while I was already on set, and it was pure madness. 😂 Temper tantrums were had, tears were shed... and then there was the speaker issue. We were trying to play music to get the boys moving and grooving, but the speaker wasn't connected to my phone, so it was just blasting static. This was a very big deal since there's always music playing in my house. It was a mess!

But, we persevered. Once “Smooth Criminal” started playing, the boys snapped into it, and we got the shot. My trick to get them excited? Bribing them with smoothies for 24 hours prior. Not only did it inspire them to behave, but it gave them something to look forward to after the shoot.

Whenever the boys are in a campaign or featured on my social media, I deposit a check into their individual savings accounts. It's my way of helping them save for the future and teaching them about the value of hard work. 💰

This shoot was such a meaningful full-circle moment for me as a working mom. I've always wanted to find ways to involve my kids in my work—without showing their sweet faces, of course— and this was the perfect opportunity. Of course, I couldn't have done it without my amazing team, who helped me keep my cool and get the job done. (Thank you, Mom!)

Okay, I'm just going to say it: I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day. I get that it’s supposed to be the most romantic day of the year, but it just feels a little…forced? For me, it seems like the perfect way for Hallmark to make a lot of money. 😂

Don't get me wrong, I love a good date night with Justin, but I don't need a holiday to remind me to show my affection. We make time for romance throughout the year. We even do quarterly check-ins—basically going to dinner and asking each other “What's up? How are you? How can we be better?”

Honestly, I think Valentine's Day can actually put a lot of unnecessary pressure on couples: what to do, where to go, what to buy. If you're constantly feeling like you have to go hard with fancy dinners and expensive gifts, it can take away from the joy of just being together.

This year, Justin and I kept things low-key. He did surprise me with fresh-cut flowers on my desk, which was very thoughtful. I also got a beautiful handwritten card (he’s always been so good with his words). That was great! I loved that so much.

But then…we went to a steakhouse that, to put it kindly, wasn't the best. I got bean soup that gave me gas, and the steak was cold! Here's the kicker: we had to be there at 4:45 because we couldn't get a reservation since we were so last-minute. And when you go for dinner on Valentine's Day, everybody and their mother is out. So, there I was, at 4:45 in the afternoon, farting because of the beans. 😂It's safe to say we'll be sticking to the quarterly check-ins.

I think what matters most is to find what works for you and your partner. If you love going all out for Valentine's Day, then go all out! But if you're like me and prefer to keep things more natural (and eat hot steaks and beans that are properly rinsed), that's totally fine too.

And to all my single folks out there: please don’t let Valentine's Day get you down, because it’s so not worth it! I hope you treated yourself and celebrated all the amazing things about you. You are strong, beautiful, and worthy of love all year long, and no matter what your relationship status is.

Exciting news, friends!! I've moved to Substack, it's a world of connection and community over here. Don't worry, this monthly newsletter you're reading will always remain free, but I'm also adding some fun new features:

• 💬 Live chat on Sunday nights: Consider this your Sunday Scaries support group, but fun and interactive. We'll hang out, chitchat about life, share wellness and self-care tips, and do some Q&As. For now, these chats are free, but eventually, there will be a small paywall to keep this space intentional, safe, and full of people who truly want to be there.
  

• 💡 Community Q&A & product research: We’re building a community here, people! Let’s share our knowledge and experiences and connect on a more intimate level. I'm talking about crowdsourcing the best bras for date night, deep-diving into our favorite brands, and maybe even having some guest co-hosts in the future.
  

• 📣 Introducing…Snapshot Newsletters: These are shorter, exclusive features on specific events, projects, or behind-the-scenes moments in my life (à la 48 Hours in Paris). Think of it as an upgraded experience for my inner circle—the speakeasy of newsletters, if you will. 😉 The next installment will be free, and then they’ll be available through a paid subscription for those who want even more access to yours truly.

I'm sooo excited to develop this community with you on Substack! I want this to be a space for us to lift each other up and celebrate all the small wins and big joys that life throws our way.

Alright, it's time to sign off, but before I do, I want to hear from you: what's a small win you're celebrating this month? Did you finally nail that yoga pose, conquer a big work project, or just make it through the week without a meltdown? 😉 Hit reply and share your victories—big or small. I love celebrating with you all.

And on that note, don't forget to join me for our first-ever Sunday Night Live Chat on Substack! We'll be kicking things off this Sunday at 7 PM ET, and I can't wait to connect. It’ll be like a virtual slumber party, where we can hang out, spill the tea, and share recommendations. It's gonna be fun, I can feel it.

One more thing before I bounce: how do you like to re-enter between different roles in your life? I don’t care if it's work, parenting, relationships, or personal time, I'm always looking for new ways to stay grounded and present. Give me your tips.

Sending you all my love!

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I have to be honest, I never get the chance to go to the actual grocery store, so delivery from Whole Foods has become my go-to. Mama's gotta eat, and so do her growing boys. So, I'm sharing a peek at my grocery list this week, in case you need some mealtime inspiration.

• Staple meal: We've been on a major kick with this gluten-free chicken dish, which the boys have affectionately nicknamed "favorite chicken." It's very popular in our house, and I love that it's packed with protein and perfect for those busy weeknights when I don't have a lot of time to cook.
  

• Kid-approved snacks: My boys are always hungry, so I need to have plenty of healthy snacks on hand. This week, it's all about fresh fruits and veggies (grapes, berries, carrots, and cucumbers are always a hit!), whole-grain crackers, and yogurt pouches. Also, Applegate organic chicken sausage (maple flavor—the kids get upset when they see the apple one 😂) And for travel days, I always pack Bob's Red Mill cinnamon oatmeal cups. They’re the best for a quick breakfast on the plane. Isaac likes to eat it raw and it's the strangest thing I've ever seen in my life. He calls it "little oatmeal"—I wonder if he'll be upset with me when he's 18 and reads this?
  

• Mama's must-haves: You know I’m serious about self-care, so I always make sure to have a few things on hand that make me feel fabulous. This week, it's a bottle of Lambrusco (a little bubbly never hurt anyone), Hu dark chocolate, and a new face mask. Any mask is good; the key is to slather on moisturizer immediately after.🍷🍫🧖‍♀️
  

• Healthy drinks: I’m very big on hot water these days, because my acupuncturist (Sandra from Lanshin) says it's the best thing for our bodies. I like to add electrolytes to my hot water and sip healthy shots, and the brand I’m loving right now is Solti. The flavors are delicious, and they can help with everything from immunity and digestion to glowing skin. It's been my saving grace through all my travels!

And there it is—a little glimpse into my grocery cart. What are your go-to meals and snacks? I’d love to hear your favorites.

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A Bible verse I love
Philippians 2:14-15: Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.

A cause or charity close to my heart
I'm so inspired by the work that the Malala Fund is doing to empower girls through education. Every girl deserves the chance to reach her full potential, and I encourage you to learn more about their mission, and consider donating if you can!

The TV shows I’m diving into
I'm still in my Yellowjackets era! I'm all caught up and SO looking forward to this new season. I also recently binge-watched Apple Cider Vinegar. (That was a wild ride.) I'm also wanting to get into Severance—do you watch? What do you think?

A movie I saw recently
I recently watched All That Jazz, and I'm obsessed!

A piece from my fantasy fashion wishlist
I'm coveting this beautiful Balenciaga bomber jacket I saw in Paris. It was stupid expensive and I would never spend that much money on a jacket…but a girl can dream. (Or a girl can find a more affordable dupe, like this one!)

A documentary I’m planning to watch
I've heard such great things about Smartless: On the Road, so I'm going to check it out soon.

A restaurant I fell in love with
Chateau ZZ’s in Miami. It’s a gorgeous spot with the most delicious dishes, inspired by authentic Mexico City street food. Justin and I overindulged, especially on the Ocho—no hangover, thankfully, but we did have a few. 😉I’ll be sharing more details from the trip in my next Snapshot newsletter!

A random thing I bought
A travel bidet. It’s battery-powered and has great pressure. 😉

A thought I’ve been reflecting on
That “beauty sleep” is a real thing. My under eye bags have become much less noticeable since I started going to bed a few hours earlier each night. That’s a small victory I’m absolutely celebrating.