Sharing some simple and practical tools I’ve found helpful during this time. It goes without saying that taking space is an important part of honoring yourself wherever you are and what you’re experiencing.

Healing Circle

There are many ways to engage in therapy or support. I recently attended a healing circle that was specifically to support black people. There was tremendous power in seeing so many beautiful faces smiling back. It was a space I didn’t know that I needed and I for sure wasn’t aware that something like them. was even out there. A quick Google search will return local resources close to you.

Here’s why it’s important. First of all your mental health is always important and requires regular maintenance and support. There are annual physicals for your body and you should also do one for your mind and soul!. It’s June 2020 and there is a huge movement in support of Black Lives Matters and anti-racism. For some, myself included, it’s possible to feel hyper-visible which can bring up grief, trauma, and other complex emotions. A safe space to process and a community to be a part of can support you in the work you are doing whether it’s marching, talking to your friends and family, making art that speaks to your truth, or even raising your children.

Journal (I know I just sighed too!)

I’m the first to admit that I have never really kept a consistent journal. Instead I have notebooks filled with half pages here and there. I’m more of a notebook collector than someone who is able to organized enough to remember to fill the pages. I’m here to share that it’s okay…it doesn’t have to be consistent. It can be whenever you can do it or want to. Don’t force yourself but it is a tool that can help work through what your experiencing in your inner and outer world

So hurry up grab a pen, paper, and tiny scrap of paper and pour out your heart. It might lead to a page or 2. Don’t worry about filling the entire book!

Healing and selfcare

If I was a mess in life before (which I was) you bet I'm a mess now right?! The nuance is just that now I don't get to leave my house for Target trips, to see friends, or just in general to run away from crying children. We are living in a pandemic and it's weird, scary, and complicated. Here are tools i've been using to cope.

Disney+ 

We gave in and upgraded and I feel guilty but it was also a great decision. But, just to be clear my daughter did start to pretend she was Ariel .... and as you know Ariel kind of ran away and yelled at her dad...so read into that what you will

Some Mama Self-care

I may not be able to go anywhere but I've started taking more baths and doing a mask once a week in the shower. There are so many great deals out there so take advantage of them. Here are my favorites that help my skin glow and stay hydrated…but also water works too

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask

Tat Harper Resurfacing Serum

Sunday Riley CEO Glow - Vitamin C and Turmeric Oil

Therapy

Have you heard of a healing circle? It's magical and uncomfortable but really helpful if you're feeling alone. I've found them helpful to listen and share during this time.

Every year around this time it starts…the worry and dread and yet hope for the holiday season. This year i’ve decided to take a step back and start with self-care before I dive into the flurry of planning. 2019 has been quite a year for me with lots of ups and down.

Here’s the thing, I’ve been focused on reseting myself before the holidays hit as a way to thrive. I’ve spent over a year and a half (for various reasons) putting myself last. Since September i’ve been working on prioritizing my self-care while keeping the planning pieces of life moving forward. What point is self-care if things pile up that detract (know what I mean) from how great you’re feeling.

Here’s a mom holiday starter pack to add some levity to this season.

A Classy Gift For You and The Host/Hostess

Soho House (SH) is known for their impeccable taste in interiors and hospitality for style makers and the famous who are interested in exclusive access and experiences. And for the rest of us we can enjoy the pictures but here’s the thing, we can also recreate the Soho vibe in our own lives. While I’ve been known to enjoy a fabulous glass of champagne I find the $110 price tag for two bottles too steep. One does have to draw the line somewhere (right?!).

If you want to experience the lifestyle in your everyday life, here’s a dupe for you or to gift to a friend. Soho House Master Sommelier Vincent Gasnier has selected a sparkling wine selection which is described as “ fresh, light and crisp – perfect to open your taste buds pre-party.” Doesn’t that sound like perfection? Unfortunately, for all of us outside of the UK it cannot ship and perhaps we’re lucky. I say that because I managed to find a few options to recreate the same experience on an everyday budget. That way you won’t feel like you’re drinking money just casually enjoying a Monday night. It’s kind of like having access to a Sommelier without the price tag and the pomp and circumstance. If you have $110 to spend on champagne you might as well get 2 bottles of Veuve and call it a day. But also… I’d like to point out that idea was shared with me from my husband (hahaha who would be irritated if I did that btw)!

About the selection

Champagne Testulat Carte d'Or, Brut Blanc de Noirs

What you should know: It’s rated 4.5 out of 5, the price tag is a reasonable $11.99 -$15

Pairing Notes: Several sites describe this sparkling wine as good on it’s own, fruity, and a good pairing for most meals.

Where to get it: You can order it online in a few places but I found it here for the best rate.

Charles de Fere Blanc de Blancs, Brut Reserve

What you should know: This is a harder bottle to track down and is currently $36.85 in the USA. The price is driven by the fact that it’s considered a hand batch vs. a mass produced sparkling wine and of course has excellent reviews. Wouldn’t expect anything less!

Where to get it: If you’re into that sort of thing, create an account on the Charles do Fere website and set-up an alert and/or go to a local wine shop and ask around.

Alternatives: As an alternative, I highly recommend a bottle of Gloria Ferrer Brute that can be picked up at Trader Joe’s or Target. Some Costco’s also carry Gloria and it’s approximately $14.

Presentation still matters

And don’t forget the beautiful purple box. Hay (a company that specializes in furniture, accessories, and lighting) offers several sized boxes in gorgeous colors. Look for a stockist near you. I’ve also found some of their products at Home Goods but they are rare finds my friends.

It’s always fun to give a gift in a beautiful container or thoughtfully wrapped especiallu when the gift boxes/containers can find a second life as a part of your interior design shelfie. If you’re looking for something easier to get your hands on, consider World Market (for a wire basked) or Amazon for a box.

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Tools for Celebrations

While planning for birthdays can be fun they can also sneak up on you with all the other things you do to keep life moving.

Here are some tips on keeping TWTWD simple.

Best source for cards, bags, and tissue paper

Dollar tree is kind of like IKEA. It's more of a place we all need to go rather than want to go. I LOVE Paper Source. Everything is whimsical, beautiful, and on trend. $25 is also the price point for most things, and it makes things a bit out of reach say for a 3 year olds birthday party...and let's be honest the hours aren't really friendly for working people. So, let's just decide to embrace that dollar store life whole heartedly. How many are you planning for?

Planning

Let's simplify the planning here a bit using with a real life example. Get a total count so you can limit how you buy, potentially waste, and reduce the number of times you go to the store. We typically go to 5 birthday's a year for kids since my children are still small. Then I think about adults who need gifts and cards, and those who just need cards, and let's be honest there are a bunch of people I call and/or message and/or Facebook. 

Getting Organized

Ahead of time

Checklist for Cards and Gifts

Who I think about

My children

5 children we know

Partner/spouse 

My partner/spouses parent(s)

My parent(s)

Grandparent(s)

Great grandparents

Relatives we are close to

Close friends

What I get

Card/Bag/Tissue Paper

Small toys gifts 

Party favors

Party supplies - utensils, bins, table cloth, decorations

Pro Tip

February - April is a great time to buy party supplies and favors from either Dollar Tree or Target. The colors are bright and everything is stocked. By the time December roles around for my daughters birthday everything is white, gold silver, and snow flaky, or is sold out. I've never regretted having something on hand even if it wasn't what birthday dreams are made of.