Currently…

Last week on my birthday during our daily afternoon walk together, my husband asked me, “Did you accomplish everything you wanted last year?” I typically peg my accomplishments to the calendar year, not my birthdays. Yet, there I was, taking a stroll down memory lane.

Thinking back, I realized how much it was a year of true self-discovery. Just one year ago, I was in the thick of transitioning from breastfeeding to formula feeding. That phase was tough mentally, but it was a pivotal moment for me. I began to emerge from the postpartum fog, feeling more and more like myself with each passing day. But with clarity, came the realization—I was stuck in a career rut. My job wasn't fulfilling. It wasn't me anymore.

I felt this undeniable pull toward something more meaningful. I kept thinking about other busy, working moms like me, trying to juggle it all. That's when the light bulb went off. Why not use my experiences to help them find peace and confidence in their own journeys? And just like that, what I initially thought of as a "little passion project" took on a life of its own. I poured everything into transitioning my career, using my skills to create something truly impactful.

This past year has been about growth and connection. I've had the privilege of meeting many of you, sharing stories, and tackling the chaos together. It became clear that providing resources on pregnancy and postpartum for busy working moms - the seasons of life I've been consumed in the last 5 years - was just the beginning. With my 2024 vision board by my side, guiding me these past few months, I've never felt more confident in my career decisions and business direction. Sure, it's pushed me to my limits—bandwidth, comfort zone, you name it. But it's forced me to innovate, to create new systems and practices that not only benefit me but also the community we're building together.

Most importantly, this past year I chose happiness. Every. Single. Day. That doesn’t mean I was happy every single day. But I was making the tough decisions to work towards that goal. And that’s the biggest achievement I could ask for. So to answer Jason’s question—yes, I accomplished a sense of fulfillment.

For this next year, I’m all about riding this wave of passion. But in order to do this, I want your help. What do you need from me? How can I support you this year in simplifying the chaos and creating more joy in your life?

Currently…

Last week on my birthday during our daily afternoon walk together, my husband asked me, “Did you accomplish everything you wanted last year?” I typically peg my accomplishments to the calendar year, not my birthdays. Yet, there I was, taking a stroll down memory lane.

Thinking back, I realized how much it was a year of true self-discovery. Just one year ago, I was in the thick of transitioning from breastfeeding to formula feeding. That phase was tough mentally, but it was a pivotal moment for me. I began to emerge from the postpartum fog, feeling more and more like myself with each passing day. But with clarity, came the realization—I was stuck in a career rut. My job wasn't fulfilling. It wasn't me anymore.

I felt this undeniable pull toward something more meaningful. I kept thinking about other busy, working moms like me, trying to juggle it all. That's when the light bulb went off. Why not use my experiences to help them find peace and confidence in their own journeys? And just like that, what I initially thought of as a "little passion project" took on a life of its own. I poured everything into transitioning my career, using my skills to create something truly impactful.

This past year has been about growth and connection. I've had the privilege of meeting many of you, sharing stories, and tackling the chaos together. It became clear that providing resources on pregnancy and postpartum for busy working moms - the seasons of life I've been consumed in the last 5 years - was just the beginning. With my 2024 vision board by my side, guiding me these past few months, I've never felt more confident in my career decisions and business direction. Sure, it's pushed me to my limits—bandwidth, comfort zone, you name it. But it's forced me to innovate, to create new systems and practices that not only benefit me but also the community we're building together.

Most importantly, this past year I chose happiness. Every. Single. Day. That doesn’t mean I was happy every single day. But I was making the tough decisions to work towards that goal. And that’s the biggest achievement I could ask for. So to answer Jason’s question—yes, I accomplished a sense of fulfillment.

For this next year, I’m all about riding this wave of passion. But in order to do this, I want your help. What do you need from me? How can I support you this year in simplifying the chaos and creating more joy in your life?

Currently…

Starting something new is synonymous with an adventure - it's unpredictable, exciting, and unquestionably intimidating. It's filled with a mixture of fear and anticipation; it's no wonder then that the hardest part of growing is, in fact, starting.

This weekend I was enjoying a silent car ride during some solo time to yoga, listening to The Mel Robbins Podcast episode boldly titled “How to Achieve Your Most Ambitious Goals.” And I knew I had to share this with you, because I assume since you’re here, you consider yourself a go-getter, dreamer, and above all, ambitious individual just like I do myself.

"The hardest part of growing is starting." Those words from Mel struck a chord deep within me. They resonated because like so many of you, I've been there. Meeting with some of you over Zoom, chatting IRL, or bouncing ideas back and forth in DMs has surfaced a common narrative. Many of you have a strong sense you're meant for more beyond your current jobs, companies or careers—a clarity that motherhood can unexpectedly bring into focus.

Or perhaps, you’re curious about my leap of faith—from a corporate role to the exhilarating (and at times, terrifying) world of entrepreneurship. Whether it's changing careers, discovering a company that serves you more purpose, or finding a brand new venture, the starting line seems to be the steepest part of the mountain, doesn't it?

Here's the thing—just get going. It's all too easy to get caught up and overwhelmed. Juggling the intense load of motherhood, the logistical nightmare of managing a home, the emotions of your team and the pressure from your boss? It’s made for paralysis by analysis.

But trust me when I say this, you can do it. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is any endeavor worth pursuing. My advice is simple—it's as uncomplicated as starting small and building from there. Two hours a week? Thirty minutes a day? For three years I spent 2% of my time here on New Modern Mom, dreaming of what could be. As Mel shared, your ambition is like a plant, and these pockets of time are the seeds from which your dreams can grow, bit by bit. This vision you nurture, it'll bloom. 

One massive catch though, you can't do it all—at least not all at once. Every 'yes' to something new might mean a 'no' or a 'not now' to something else. Priorities shuffle, and that's okay. Life isn’t about doing everything; it's about doing the right things at the right times.

Perhaps you're nodding along, finding threads of your own story woven into mine. We are all on parallel journeys, striving to grow, to start, and to overcome our hesitations. It's about taking that first step. And with each step comes growth, confidence, and a sense of achievement that runs deep.

Growth is a gradual, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding process. You’ve got this. And I'm here, cheering you on, from one ambitious mom to another.

Currently…

Starting something new is synonymous with an adventure - it's unpredictable, exciting, and unquestionably intimidating. It's filled with a mixture of fear and anticipation; it's no wonder then that the hardest part of growing is, in fact, starting.

This weekend I was enjoying a silent car ride during some solo time to yoga, listening to The Mel Robbins Podcast episode boldly titled “How to Achieve Your Most Ambitious Goals.” And I knew I had to share this with you, because I assume since you’re here, you consider yourself a go-getter, dreamer, and above all, ambitious individual just like I do myself.

"The hardest part of growing is starting." Those words from Mel struck a chord deep within me. They resonated because like so many of you, I've been there. Meeting with some of you over Zoom, chatting IRL, or bouncing ideas back and forth in DMs has surfaced a common narrative. Many of you have a strong sense you're meant for more beyond your current jobs, companies or careers—a clarity that motherhood can unexpectedly bring into focus.

Or perhaps, you’re curious about my leap of faith—from a corporate role to the exhilarating (and at times, terrifying) world of entrepreneurship. Whether it's changing careers, discovering a company that serves you more purpose, or finding a brand new venture, the starting line seems to be the steepest part of the mountain, doesn't it?

Here's the thing—just get going. It's all too easy to get caught up and overwhelmed. Juggling the intense load of motherhood, the logistical nightmare of managing a home, the emotions of your team and the pressure from your boss? It’s made for paralysis by analysis.

But trust me when I say this, you can do it. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is any endeavor worth pursuing. My advice is simple—it's as uncomplicated as starting small and building from there. Two hours a week? Thirty minutes a day? For three years I spent 2% of my time here on New Modern Mom, dreaming of what could be. As Mel shared, your ambition is like a plant, and these pockets of time are the seeds from which your dreams can grow, bit by bit. This vision you nurture, it'll bloom. 

One massive catch though, you can't do it all—at least not all at once. Every 'yes' to something new might mean a 'no' or a 'not now' to something else. Priorities shuffle, and that's okay. Life isn’t about doing everything; it's about doing the right things at the right times.

Perhaps you're nodding along, finding threads of your own story woven into mine. We are all on parallel journeys, striving to grow, to start, and to overcome our hesitations. It's about taking that first step. And with each step comes growth, confidence, and a sense of achievement that runs deep.

Growth is a gradual, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding process. You’ve got this. And I'm here, cheering you on, from one ambitious mom to another.

Currently…

I've just returned from what I like to call a "week of slow" - a parents-only getaway. Imagine waking up to a watercolor sunrise, the gentle sound of waves, and your only plan is to decide which book to read or cocktail to sip next. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it was a dream turned reality, but let me tell you, it wasn’t without its share of mom guilt, middle of the night anxiety and logistics to get there.

I was chatting with a mom at the playground the week before we left, and she said something that stuck with me. She envied my trip but couldn’t fathom leaving her two toddlers even for a couple of nights, worried something terrible may happen. This got me thinking.

I stand firm by the belief that taking time away from the kids is necessary; and one of the best gifts you can give them and yourself. It's not about what you're missing out on but what you stand to gain.

The concept of a getaway without kids might sound like an impossibility, and that’s understandable. I admit, we had been slowly convincing the grandparents to take the kids for almost a year. 

Now, I get it. Not everyone has grandparents on standby for a week-long babysitting marathon. But, don't let that stop you. Whether it's leaning on your community for a weekend swap, planning a solo retreat, or even a quick girls getaway, it's about carving out that space for yourself.

The hardest part is obviously the logistics. Here’s how we made it work:

1. Daily childcare: Our au pair still worked. This gave our parents a necessary break during the day.

2. A stocked fridge: Grocery delivery with milk, kids favorite foods and snacks.

3. Pre-trip prep call: We shared the daily schedule, things to watch-out for, and common scenarios.

4. Packed the comforts of home: Loveys, sound machines, blankies, blackout curtains, etc.

5. Morning check-ins: We recorded “good morning” videos, and in turn Caden wanted to record his own for us. 

It's about prioritizing figuring out how to make it work, recognizing its worth not just for you but for your relationship and your family. This break allowed us to rediscover each other as partners, not just co-parents, and find happiness doing things we enjoyed pre-kids.

Returning home, I feel like a new person. More patient, more present, and, dare I say, a bit more fun? It’s about stepping back to leap forward, embracing a better version of yourself for everyone’s sake. You control your own happiness. And investing in that doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you the best version for your family.

So if you’re teetering on the edge of decision, let this be your nudge. Plan that trip.

Currently…

I've just returned from what I like to call a "week of slow" - a parents-only getaway. Imagine waking up to a watercolor sunrise, the gentle sound of waves, and your only plan is to decide which book to read or cocktail to sip next. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, it was a dream turned reality, but let me tell you, it wasn’t without its share of mom guilt, middle of the night anxiety and logistics to get there.

I was chatting with a mom at the playground the week before we left, and she said something that stuck with me. She envied my trip but couldn’t fathom leaving her two toddlers even for a couple of nights, worried something terrible may happen. This got me thinking.

I stand firm by the belief that taking time away from the kids is necessary; and one of the best gifts you can give them and yourself. It's not about what you're missing out on but what you stand to gain.

The concept of a getaway without kids might sound like an impossibility, and that’s understandable. I admit, we had been slowly convincing the grandparents to take the kids for almost a year. 

Now, I get it. Not everyone has grandparents on standby for a week-long babysitting marathon. But, don't let that stop you. Whether it's leaning on your community for a weekend swap, planning a solo retreat, or even a quick girls getaway, it's about carving out that space for yourself.

The hardest part is obviously the logistics. Here’s how we made it work:

1. Daily childcare: Our au pair still worked. This gave our parents a necessary break during the day.

2. A stocked fridge: Grocery delivery with milk, kids favorite foods and snacks.

3. Pre-trip prep call: We shared the daily schedule, things to watch-out for, and common scenarios.

4. Packed the comforts of home: Loveys, sound machines, blankies, blackout curtains, etc.

5. Morning check-ins: We recorded “good morning” videos, and in turn Caden wanted to record his own for us. 

It's about prioritizing figuring out how to make it work, recognizing its worth not just for you but for your relationship and your family. This break allowed us to rediscover each other as partners, not just co-parents, and find happiness doing things we enjoyed pre-kids.

Returning home, I feel like a new person. More patient, more present, and, dare I say, a bit more fun? It’s about stepping back to leap forward, embracing a better version of yourself for everyone’s sake. You control your own happiness. And investing in that doesn’t make you selfish; it makes you the best version for your family.

So if you’re teetering on the edge of decision, let this be your nudge. Plan that trip.

Currently….

If patience is a virtue, then anyone with a toddler has probably felt at some point like the least virtuous person on the planet. Whether it's mealtimes, bedtimes or getting-out-the-door times, I often find myself internally screaming, "I'm over it!" (although let’s be real… it's gone from internal to external rather fast depending on my mood). But now? Now, I take a deep breath and think to myself, "How lucky am I to get to experience this?"

This perhaps sounds like one of those overly optimistic affirmations that people with organized sock drawers and alphabetized spice racks tell you to try. But here's the thing: it works.

While listening to a book recently recommended to me, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, a little lightbulb flickered on in my mind. The book, all about embracing the finiteness of our time, somehow grounded me — made me see my everyday struggles through a different lens.

So here's a slice of my life from before this shift and after:

Pre-Shift:

It's bedtime—again. Caden is performing the nightly ritual of purging every stuffed animal from the bed, demanding milk - not too cold, not too warm - then, of course, needing the bathroom right after finally tucking in. I’m begrudgingly tickling his back for what feels like the one hundred and tenth minute since bedtime began, praying I can sneak away without a fight in “two more minutes,” thinking about all the other things that could be more productive to do during this time.

Post-Shift:

Bedtime is still the same tactical operation, but as Caden orchestrates the perfect location of his animal friends in bed, critiques the temperature of his milk, and begs for 8 more minutes of back rubs as I lay next to him, I remind myself, "How lucky am I to be needed this much, to be loved this hard, to get to cuddle in bed together." It doesn't make each night any shorter, but it sure makes the minutes feel less heavy, more filled with something precious.

Here's why this mantra has worked for me:

• Perspective. Instead of seeing a challenge, I see a privilege.

• Presence. This shift snaps me back to the present. I stop racing through the moment.

• Patience. What once was a countdown to freedom is now an exercise in mindfulness. 

But let’s keep it real. Obviously, there are days when this mindset shift can’t pivot the most-exhausted of thoughts. But it certainly helps lighten the mood, even for a few minutes.

Try it next time you're in a frustrating situation. Ground yourself with a "How lucky am I," and watch how, bit by bit, your patience grows.

Currently….

If patience is a virtue, then anyone with a toddler has probably felt at some point like the least virtuous person on the planet. Whether it's mealtimes, bedtimes or getting-out-the-door times, I often find myself internally screaming, "I'm over it!" (although let’s be real… it's gone from internal to external rather fast depending on my mood). But now? Now, I take a deep breath and think to myself, "How lucky am I to get to experience this?"

This perhaps sounds like one of those overly optimistic affirmations that people with organized sock drawers and alphabetized spice racks tell you to try. But here's the thing: it works.

While listening to a book recently recommended to me, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, a little lightbulb flickered on in my mind. The book, all about embracing the finiteness of our time, somehow grounded me — made me see my everyday struggles through a different lens.

So here's a slice of my life from before this shift and after:

Pre-Shift:

It's bedtime—again. Caden is performing the nightly ritual of purging every stuffed animal from the bed, demanding milk - not too cold, not too warm - then, of course, needing the bathroom right after finally tucking in. I’m begrudgingly tickling his back for what feels like the one hundred and tenth minute since bedtime began, praying I can sneak away without a fight in “two more minutes,” thinking about all the other things that could be more productive to do during this time.

Post-Shift:

Bedtime is still the same tactical operation, but as Caden orchestrates the perfect location of his animal friends in bed, critiques the temperature of his milk, and begs for 8 more minutes of back rubs as I lay next to him, I remind myself, "How lucky am I to be needed this much, to be loved this hard, to get to cuddle in bed together." It doesn't make each night any shorter, but it sure makes the minutes feel less heavy, more filled with something precious.

Here's why this mantra has worked for me:

• Perspective. Instead of seeing a challenge, I see a privilege.

• Presence. This shift snaps me back to the present. I stop racing through the moment.

• Patience. What once was a countdown to freedom is now an exercise in mindfulness. 

But let’s keep it real. Obviously, there are days when this mindset shift can’t pivot the most-exhausted of thoughts. But it certainly helps lighten the mood, even for a few minutes.

Try it next time you're in a frustrating situation. Ground yourself with a "How lucky am I," and watch how, bit by bit, your patience grows.

Currently….

You know that saying, "The days are long but the years are short"? It really hit me this past Sunday. Willow, my little 1.5-year-old, decided naptime was for the weak during our drive home from Tahoe. But while the football game hummed in the background when we arrived home, she nestled into my husband's lap and passed out. Something she has not done in months.

I marveled at her legs that once could be scooped up in our arms, now dangling off my husband—and it hit me: my baby is no longer a baby anymore.

It's weird, isn't it? How when you're knee-deep in motherhood, every minute can feel like an eternity. Like when you count down the seconds until bedtime, or when a quick car ride feels like a cross-country trip because your baby refuses to stop screaming. But those moments, as teeth-grindingly long as they are, they're temporary.

Motherhood is like one big paradox, a collection of fleeting eternities. Just when you think you've got it all mapped out, your toddler throws you a curveball that knocks your compass way off course. And suddenly, you have to learn to navigate a whole new terrain.

This reflection isn't about nostalgia or longing for what once was. It's about the celebration of growth—for Willow and me.

Motherhood didn't steal my identity; it revealed it. Through sleepless nights and messy mealtimes, it shows me patience, it tests my limits, and it makes me resilient. It’s motherhood that taught me how to stand strong in who I am, not who I'm told to be.

So here's my words of wisdom for my fellow moms in the trenches—the new moms, the working moms, the we've-got-this-down-to-a-science moms:

• Your journey is uniquely yours—cherish it.

• The hard parts? They're not forever.

• Every stage is a new adventure—embrace it.

Willow's little nap on my husband's lap wasn't just a momentary pause in a busy day; it was a gentle nudge, reminding me that time marches on, and with it, we march too, into a chapter brimming with new beginnings and rich with self-discovery.

And to you, the mom reading this while feeding your baby or hiding for a moment of peace in the bathroom—know this: you're not just surviving. You're evolving. And like those long days and short years, you’re doing something extraordinary—you're growing up alongside your baby.

Currently….

You know that saying, "The days are long but the years are short"? It really hit me this past Sunday. Willow, my little 1.5-year-old, decided naptime was for the weak during our drive home from Tahoe. But while the football game hummed in the background when we arrived home, she nestled into my husband's lap and passed out. Something she has not done in months.

I marveled at her legs that once could be scooped up in our arms, now dangling off my husband—and it hit me: my baby is no longer a baby anymore.

It's weird, isn't it? How when you're knee-deep in motherhood, every minute can feel like an eternity. Like when you count down the seconds until bedtime, or when a quick car ride feels like a cross-country trip because your baby refuses to stop screaming. But those moments, as teeth-grindingly long as they are, they're temporary.

Motherhood is like one big paradox, a collection of fleeting eternities. Just when you think you've got it all mapped out, your toddler throws you a curveball that knocks your compass way off course. And suddenly, you have to learn to navigate a whole new terrain.

This reflection isn't about nostalgia or longing for what once was. It's about the celebration of growth—for Willow and me.

Motherhood didn't steal my identity; it revealed it. Through sleepless nights and messy mealtimes, it shows me patience, it tests my limits, and it makes me resilient. It’s motherhood that taught me how to stand strong in who I am, not who I'm told to be.

So here's my words of wisdom for my fellow moms in the trenches—the new moms, the working moms, the we've-got-this-down-to-a-science moms:

• Your journey is uniquely yours—cherish it.

• The hard parts? They're not forever.

• Every stage is a new adventure—embrace it.

Willow's little nap on my husband's lap wasn't just a momentary pause in a busy day; it was a gentle nudge, reminding me that time marches on, and with it, we march too, into a chapter brimming with new beginnings and rich with self-discovery.

And to you, the mom reading this while feeding your baby or hiding for a moment of peace in the bathroom—know this: you're not just surviving. You're evolving. And like those long days and short years, you’re doing something extraordinary—you're growing up alongside your baby.

Currently….

Is it just me, or was last week the ultimate week of circling back on every single conversation that started in Q4 but never progressed? My inbox and to-do list is growing by the minute. It's all positive, it's just... a lot to digest and make room for in my life. So in the theme of "circling back," I wanted to give you all an update on the progress I'm making after my "offsite" for setting up a fresh approach for this year.

This year feels different, and not just because it's a fresh calendar unfolding before us. It's my first full year of navigating the exhilarating yet demanding realms of running my own business and being a mom to two active, energetic toddlers. There is a lot of chaos. My health – physical, emotional, and mental – has been top on my agenda as I chart the course for the coming months.

As I design the projects and experiences I want to prioritize, my North Star has been the vision words I selected for the year: intention, passion, creation, and connection. But I am also drawing inspiration from a couple Netflix documentaries - "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" and "You Are What You Eat" that I recently watched. And I've been riding the wave of positivity from daily movement, something I've been consciously incorporating into my routine for the past six months and plan to continue. Finally, I've been intrigued by the concept of a 'unicorn space,' aptly named by Eve Rodsky to represent an activity in your life that fills your cup.

So, how do I bring all these threads together? By setting clear lifestyle goals that align with my values and iterating and learning along the way. Here are the rituals I plan to test out over the next month to see which I want to commit to becoming a permanent part of my routine:

DAILY

• 20 mins of morning movement.

• Stretching before bed.

• Opting for reading or listening over bedtime scrolling.

• A daily probiotic.

• Transitioning to a 'mostly plant-based' diet.

Okay, okay. I'm sure you're wondering why plant-based? The documentaries I referenced made me see food as a tool for longevity and wellness (and yes I fully acknowledge there are flaws in the conclusions and biases in the stories told, but the ideas resonate). Cooking is a shared passion in our household, and while we usually cook healthy, the idea is to shift from a meat-centric approach to meals centered around plant-based foods. We're not turning entirely vegan, our 'mostly plant-based' approach will include eggs and a small amount of sheep or goat-based dairy. The idea is that with a stricter plan over the next month, we'll really force new habits in how we meal plan and cook.

WEEKLY

• 'Sunday Sync' Part 1: my weekly check-in with myself to plan out my daily deep work, priority to-dos and maintenance tasks

• 'Sunday Sync' Part 2: a live conversation with my husband to review the week's childcare and social schedule along with meal planning.

MONTHLY

• A dance class - a little physical fun that also serves as a creative outlet

These habits are my experiments, trials to see if they fit into the tapestry of a fulfilling life. My future self is my motivation, and my present self is ready for the challenge. If you're looking to create an intentional routine that resonates with your values, I hope my journey serves as your inspiration. Let's make each day count!

Currently….

Is it just me, or was last week the ultimate week of circling back on every single conversation that started in Q4 but never progressed? My inbox and to-do list is growing by the minute. It's all positive, it's just... a lot to digest and make room for in my life. So in the theme of "circling back," I wanted to give you all an update on the progress I'm making after my "offsite" for setting up a fresh approach for this year.

This year feels different, and not just because it's a fresh calendar unfolding before us. It's my first full year of navigating the exhilarating yet demanding realms of running my own business and being a mom to two active, energetic toddlers. There is a lot of chaos. My health – physical, emotional, and mental – has been top on my agenda as I chart the course for the coming months.

As I design the projects and experiences I want to prioritize, my North Star has been the vision words I selected for the year: intention, passion, creation, and connection. But I am also drawing inspiration from a couple Netflix documentaries - "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" and "You Are What You Eat" that I recently watched. And I've been riding the wave of positivity from daily movement, something I've been consciously incorporating into my routine for the past six months and plan to continue. Finally, I've been intrigued by the concept of a 'unicorn space,' aptly named by Eve Rodsky to represent an activity in your life that fills your cup.

So, how do I bring all these threads together? By setting clear lifestyle goals that align with my values and iterating and learning along the way. Here are the rituals I plan to test out over the next month to see which I want to commit to becoming a permanent part of my routine:

DAILY

• 20 mins of morning movement.

• Stretching before bed.

• Opting for reading or listening over bedtime scrolling.

• A daily probiotic.

• Transitioning to a 'mostly plant-based' diet.

Okay, okay. I'm sure you're wondering why plant-based? The documentaries I referenced made me see food as a tool for longevity and wellness (and yes I fully acknowledge there are flaws in the conclusions and biases in the stories told, but the ideas resonate). Cooking is a shared passion in our household, and while we usually cook healthy, the idea is to shift from a meat-centric approach to meals centered around plant-based foods. We're not turning entirely vegan, our 'mostly plant-based' approach will include eggs and a small amount of sheep or goat-based dairy. The idea is that with a stricter plan over the next month, we'll really force new habits in how we meal plan and cook.

WEEKLY

• 'Sunday Sync' Part 1: my weekly check-in with myself to plan out my daily deep work, priority to-dos and maintenance tasks

• 'Sunday Sync' Part 2: a live conversation with my husband to review the week's childcare and social schedule along with meal planning.

MONTHLY

• A dance class - a little physical fun that also serves as a creative outlet

These habits are my experiments, trials to see if they fit into the tapestry of a fulfilling life. My future self is my motivation, and my present self is ready for the challenge. If you're looking to create an intentional routine that resonates with your values, I hope my journey serves as your inspiration. Let's make each day count!

Currently….

Hello from not-so-snowy Lake Tahoe! As we kick off the first week of 2024 in our home away from home, I'm taking a moment to reflect and reset. Despite no longer being part of a larger organization, I'm holding onto the tradition of thoughtful annual planning. So, welcome to my "offsite" week!

Last year was a rollercoaster of incredible highs and weird lows. We managed to pack in 21 trips - with and without the kids - to places like LA, Tahoe, Joshua Tree, Cabo and Cancun. I saw all of my long-distance best friends at least once - some even three times! Breastfeeding Willow for 10 solid months (phew!) and helping Caden transition out of his crib and master potty training were feats of love and patience. I confronted loneliness head-on and ended the year feeling like I'm right where I'm meant to be.

But most importantly, I took the leap and made the transition from my "dream job" to focus full time on New Modern Mom. I'm proud to say that with my complete dedication we more than doubled our viewership on the website, produced more than 60 helpful resources, launched this newsletter in an effort to build a deeper connection with you, and more than doubled our community of ambitious moms on Instagram. And all this was made possible by the team of 5 women I was fortunate enough to bring on board to this journey part-time.

So, how am I setting up 2024? I'm taking a three-pronged approach: visioning, planning, and communicating. I’m time-boxing this exercise into 3 days while we’re in Tahoe to allow myself to ask the hard questions, creatively explore and develop clear focus.

Visioning: I started with a vision board exercise, outlining how I want to feel this year and make decisions. This involves defining key words and phrases that resonate with my aspirations for the year, both personally and professionally. I'm using a Canva template to visually represent these goals, creating a vivid and tangible reminder of my path ahead. I included my final product above 🙂

Planning: I’m spending focused time to address these areas…

• Calendar Management: Balancing personal travels, childcare coverage, professional milestones, holidays and family events. This is very much a collaboration between me and my husband. In fact, we review our calendar almost weekly.

• Start, Stop, Continue Exercise: Evaluating what to embrace, let go of, and continue in my personal and professional life.

• Wellness Incorporation: Defining how I can incorporate daily movement, nutritious meals, and indulging in life's little luxuries.

• OKRs: Specific to NMM, assessing last year's goals to understand the why behind falling short or overachieving each item; and setting new, actionable objectives for 2024 with clear ownership to understand and address where I’ll be overextended.

• Self-Discovery Zone: New for this year, I want to allocate time for activities that fuel my soul.

• Professional Development: Identifying podcasts, courses and books to grow and evolve.

Communicating: Arguably the most important step, I’ll share my goals and priorities with my partner and team, inviting them to provide feedback and ideas to contribute to this vision.

Given this 2023 look back to move forward, I’d be remiss to not take this opportunity to acknowledge my tremendous gratitude to you. The support I've received since announcing my transition has been overwhelming and heartwarming. From commenting on an Instagram post to sharing articles, your active participation has not gone unnoticed. One of my key words for this year is "connect", and I’m excited to deepen my connection with this incredible community of ambitious moms. So please, don't be a stranger, reach out - even if it's just to say "this resonates" or "can you give recommendations for X". I look forward to hearing from more of you this year.

Currently….

Hello from not-so-snowy Lake Tahoe! As we kick off the first week of 2024 in our home away from home, I'm taking a moment to reflect and reset. Despite no longer being part of a larger organization, I'm holding onto the tradition of thoughtful annual planning. So, welcome to my "offsite" week!

Last year was a rollercoaster of incredible highs and weird lows. We managed to pack in 21 trips - with and without the kids - to places like LA, Tahoe, Joshua Tree, Cabo and Cancun. I saw all of my long-distance best friends at least once - some even three times! Breastfeeding Willow for 10 solid months (phew!) and helping Caden transition out of his crib and master potty training were feats of love and patience. I confronted loneliness head-on and ended the year feeling like I'm right where I'm meant to be.

But most importantly, I took the leap and made the transition from my "dream job" to focus full time on New Modern Mom. I'm proud to say that with my complete dedication we more than doubled our viewership on the website, produced more than 60 helpful resources, launched this newsletter in an effort to build a deeper connection with you, and more than doubled our community of ambitious moms on Instagram. And all this was made possible by the team of 5 women I was fortunate enough to bring on board to this journey part-time.

So, how am I setting up 2024? I'm taking a three-pronged approach: visioning, planning, and communicating. I’m time-boxing this exercise into 3 days while we’re in Tahoe to allow myself to ask the hard questions, creatively explore and develop clear focus.

Visioning: I started with a vision board exercise, outlining how I want to feel this year and make decisions. This involves defining key words and phrases that resonate with my aspirations for the year, both personally and professionally. I'm using a Canva template to visually represent these goals, creating a vivid and tangible reminder of my path ahead. I included my final product above 🙂

Planning: I’m spending focused time to address these areas…

• Calendar Management: Balancing personal travels, childcare coverage, professional milestones, holidays and family events. This is very much a collaboration between me and my husband. In fact, we review our calendar almost weekly.

• Start, Stop, Continue Exercise: Evaluating what to embrace, let go of, and continue in my personal and professional life.

• Wellness Incorporation: Defining how I can incorporate daily movement, nutritious meals, and indulging in life's little luxuries.

• OKRs: Specific to NMM, assessing last year's goals to understand the why behind falling short or overachieving each item; and setting new, actionable objectives for 2024 with clear ownership to understand and address where I’ll be overextended.

• Self-Discovery Zone: New for this year, I want to allocate time for activities that fuel my soul.

• Professional Development: Identifying podcasts, courses and books to grow and evolve.

Communicating: Arguably the most important step, I’ll share my goals and priorities with my partner and team, inviting them to provide feedback and ideas to contribute to this vision.

Given this 2023 look back to move forward, I’d be remiss to not take this opportunity to acknowledge my tremendous gratitude to you. The support I've received since announcing my transition has been overwhelming and heartwarming. From commenting on an Instagram post to sharing articles, your active participation has not gone unnoticed. One of my key words for this year is "connect", and I’m excited to deepen my connection with this incredible community of ambitious moms. So please, don't be a stranger, reach out - even if it's just to say "this resonates" or "can you give recommendations for X". I look forward to hearing from more of you this year.

Currently….

I’ve had the exact same conversation twice with different groups of friends in the past week: the challenge of balancing motherhood with a career and time for ourselves feels nearly impossible. It's a sentiment that seems to resonate universally, especially as we navigate the multifaceted demands of life.

The holiday season intensifies this struggle. We find ourselves in the role of festive 'magic makers', balancing the emotional needs of our children with end-of-year work deadlines, managing holiday cards, gift shopping, social obligations, and somehow, remembering the tiny details like 'funny sweater day' at preschool.

But here's what I keep reminding myself: we're deep in the thick of life's busiest chapter. We're expected to be nurturing, maintain fitness, feed our families, prioritize self-care, nurture our marriage, and climb the career ladder. It's a lot of expectations, and sometimes, it feels like we're just a step away from losing our sanity.

With this reminder, my holiday wish for you is to find joy in the small victories. Let's appreciate the moments when we do get everyone out the door on time, or when we manage to get a home cooked meal on the table. Let's practice patience in our parenting, remembering that this stage of life is as fleeting as it is challenging.

Let's focus on connection over striving for holiday perfection. Remember, it's in the imperfect moments that the most genuine memories are often made - feelings, not things should be prioritized.

Self-compassion is crucial. In the pursuit of juggling everything, it's important to remind ourselves that it's okay if we “drop the ball” or lose our cool momentarily. Our best is more than enough.

Let's try to maintain an overwhelming positivity, focusing on the good moments. Our energy and attitude makes a significant difference in how our kids perceive their experiences.

Trust in the decisions you make for yourself and your family. You know your needs and circumstances better than anyone else.

And finally, a true 'Out of Office': the importance of unplugging, stepping away from work, and being fully present with our families.

With this mindset, I'm heading off to Mexico for a week of uninterrupted family time ✌️

Currently….

We're in the final sprint of the year, a month filled with never-ending to-do lists, holiday celebrations, work deadlines, late-night shopping, family travel, plenty of coffee, and spirited drinks. It can feel overwhelming, even for the most organized among us.

I started to realize that maybe my aspirations for this month are a bit too ambitious. Can you relate? It was time for a pause and some thoughtful life planning.

In an effort to declutter my mind, I made a list of all the things to be done, categorizing them as "personal" and "professional."

Next, I used the "start-stop-continue" framework to prioritize each category. I asked myself: What impact does this have on my goals? What can I postpone until after the holidays? What can I delegate? What can I cancel? This helped me determine which plans and projects were truly important.

At the top of my list (and I highly recommend this for you too) is self-care. I've been incorporating some simple morning wellness into my routine, like 15 minutes of exercise while listening to a podcast, quick 5-minute makeup, and a protein-packed breakfast. During the holidays when overstimulation is at its highest, the more vital it becomes to protect our daily rituals.

Then I reviewed our calendar with my husband. By aligning on dates for events, travel, childcare and deadlines, we can navigate this busy time more smoothly as a team.

Every Sunday night, I plan to implement the 3-3-3 method and schedule out my week. This reflective exercise helps me understand my limitations. To be honest, there are days when the method will become 2-2-2, or just 1-1-1. But understanding this ahead of time allows you to set crucial boundaries.

Here are some strategies I'm using to simplify tasks:

• Attending a social gathering? Grab something from the Trader Joe's frozen aisle like Fried Olive Bites, Pastry Pups or A Dozen Macarons instead of homemade treats.

• Have big projects with looming deadlines? Delegate components to your team. The key here is setting clear expectations on the outcome, not telling them how to do it.

• Dealing with tedious tasks at work? Consider hiring a virtual assistant from Fiverr. I just found one I started working with and it's a game-changer for time optimization.

• Don’t know what to wear for an event? Lean on capsule wardrobe pieces to mix and match closet staples. No need for a new outfit for every occasion.

• Laundry piling up? Ask your local moms’ Facebook group for cleaner recommendations.

• Need to holiday gift shop? Skip extensive research and choose a hand-picked gift from one of my gift guides. BTW did I mention they are officially live?! You can find them below ⬇️

I know it seems daunting, but the pause in daily action to run your own strategic planning session will be worth the benefit. Because you may be able to have it all this month, but you certainly can’t do it all. Cheers to hoping we can fully immerse ourselves in the magic of the season.