It wasn’t even 8am yet and I already had laundry going. One of those mornings where you don’t fully know what the day will become—but you know you want it to be something . And I had the itch to go somewhere. By mid-morning, we decided on a Connecticut beach. Nothing overplanned. Just a quick grab of snacks, a stop to pick up some sand toys, and a waterproof blanket (best last-minute decision, seeing as I forgot one). The kind of trip where you throw on hoodies and go anyway

Alice in the Village café at Olde Mistick Village featuring whimsical Alice in the ceiling display above a macaroon dessert case We decided to go because at 8:45am the kids were already restless. It just felt like one of those mornings where staying home was going to turn into chaos anyway, so we chose to get out and move the energy somewhere else. We started our day in Mystic with no real strict plan—just the idea that we’d explore a little, eat something good, and let the k

Yesterday was a pretty good day. In between runs at work, I got some playground time in with my little one, which I always love. We ended up taking an impromptu trip to the casino with the 12-year-old and the 2-year-old. The drive down and back offers extra bonding space for the 12yo and I. Any bonding time I can add is welcome..I originally wanted to go to the beach since it’s not far from the casino, but by the time we left, it was already getting dark. We kept it simple—wa

I've been caught up in life recently, but making some new vegetarian recipes. One that I love (and so do the kids, even my toddler) are Spinach Mozzarella flagels. Recipe: About a cup of flour (I used 1/2 c of bread flour and 1/2 c of whole wheat flour) Handful or two of low moisture, part skim shredded mozzarella Couple handfuls of Spinach, chopped into small pieces 1 cup (maybe a bit more) of small curd cottage cheese, you can use a blender or food processor to smooth, I j

My toddler had hot chocolate, fries, and munchkins for breakfast. I’m usually the mom making pancakes or toasting my homemade bread with vegan butter or olive oil. Orange juice. Plant milk. Intentional meals. This particular morning, I didn’t have the energy. Her dad had already gotten munchkins. Otherwise, it would’ve been hot chocolate and fries. Breakfast of champions. I’m okay with it. Ninety-eight percent of the time, I make healthy, nutritious, homemade meals. One hundr

This birthday, I needed to be at peace and wrapped in spiritual warmth. I needed to fully enjoy this one, and I was going to make it happen—no question. My last milestone birthday was marked by grief and tragedy. I lost a very dear and loved friend, one of the hardest losses I've endured. It's a bittersweet link between him and me that will forever be there. I wondered if I’d ever be able to experience a birthday without sadness. Now, though, he’s one of the first people I ta

I absolutely love being a Mom— and yet if I’m honest, I’ve often found myself feeling torn between gratitude and exhaustion. It’s the one job I’d never quit. The one that comes before all else. My why for almost everything. And still… it can be overwhelming. When I’m sick and still have to work, and none of the motherly duties can be put on hold. Then one kid gets sick. Just as they’re getting better, the next one goes down. Then, as a surprise bonus, I break my toe. Followe

As the big snowstorm looms closer, I’m in parent prep mode — making sure we have everything we need. Food is important (kids eat nonstop). So I’m stocking the basics: pasta, cereal, tortilla chips, cheese. I bake my own bread, so yeast and flour are definitely on hand — I’ll share an easy bread recipe soon. Milk, of course (non-dairy for us). I’ve gone vegetarian, hoping to go vegan… though I haven’t quite broken up with cheese yet. Hot chocolate is non-negotiable. Wine is

Something budget friendly, easy and fun to do with your little ones! My toddler and I enjoyed this arts and crafts project, and it's just short enough to keep your young one engaged the entire time. Materials Brown Craft paper - https://www.lowes.com/pd/Trimaco-18-in-x-180-ft-Craft-Masking-Paper/3076711 $4.98 Clear Packaging Tape - Dollar tree Cotton balls - Dollar Tree Scissors - I already owned, but can be purchased at Dollar Tree Pencil/Marker Optional Glue and glitter, a

I lost my brother when I was very young. At the age of three, I didn’t understand death the way adults do. I understood the world through television — through stories where help always arrived in time. When they took him away in an ambulance, I believed everything would be okay. On TV, 911 saved everybody. I remember watching the ambulance drive away with my baby brother truly at ease because I just knew he would be coming home. At his funeral, I shushed my cousin. I thought

My earliest memory is that of domestic violence. My body learned tension from watching adults. From the energy in the room — or even the next room over. I paid attention to what couldn’t be seen but could be felt. I somehow knew I needed to stay quiet. It wasn’t something I thought through — I just knew. Maybe it was fear. I’m not sure. I only know that silence felt necessary. It became normal for me to focus on the TV when these violent situations happened. I would lock my a

Once upon a time, accomplishments were things you could put on a résumé. Now they’re more… situational. If everyone eats — success. If no one cries in public — exceptional performance ( this one deserves a medal ). If I drink my coffee while it’s still warm — historic achievement ( still, no crying in public takes the win). Some days, being productive looks like doing laundry and putting it away. Other days, it looks like offering every possible solution you can think of — sn

Lately, I’ve noticed something quiet happening. I still run every scenario through my head—that part of me hasn’t disappeared. But the fear behind it has softened. I’m no longer convinced that the worst-case outcomes are the ones that will play out. For someone who spent most of her life in survival mode—where a lot actually did go wrong—this steadiness feels unfamiliar in the best way. It’s welcome. And it feels like something that’s been a long time coming. Something I neve

There comes a moment in healing when you realize something uncomfortable but freeing: you weren’t “too sensitive,” “too emotional,” or “bad at coping.” You were surviving — and you survived for a very long time. When a child grows up in chaos, inconsistency, emotional neglect, or fear, survival mode isn’t a choice. It’s a necessity. The nervous system learns to stay alert, scan for danger, and prepare for the next problem before it arrives. That adaptation can save a child. B

There comes a moment when survival ends — not because life is suddenly easy, but because clarity finally arrives. This is where I’m at now. Right now, I’m in a place of clarity I didn’t always have the energy or safety to reach. I’m not angry the way I used to be. I’m not scrambling to explain myself. I’m not questioning what I already know in my body. I’m quieter — not because I have less to say, but because I no longer feel the need to convince anyone of my truth. I’ve spen

Introduction Some grief doesn’t come from losing a person—it comes from letting go of the family dynamic you hoped would exist. This kind of grief is quiet, ongoing, and often carried while you’re still showing up every day as a parent. It’s grieving expectations, support, and the version of life you once believed would feel more shared. This grief can show up in co-parenting relationships, extended family dynamics, or anywhere expectations once lived. Grief That Isn’t Always

Introduction Co-parenting is often framed as a team effort—but what happens when you’re doing most of the work alone? This piece is for parents navigating co-parenting with someone who is emotionally inconsistent, unreliable, or minimally involved. It’s about telling the truth without shaming, setting boundaries without guilt, and choosing healing for yourself and your child. The Reality No One Likes to Say Out Loud Some parents show up only when it’s convenient. Others want

Feeling Lost or Overwhelmed? Your Inner Child Might Hold the Key Sometimes, in the natural progression of life, we forget a part of ourselves - the little child inside who still needs love, attention, and care. That little one carries memories, emotions, and dreams that shape who we are today. Healing your inner child isn't about dwelling on the past. It ' s about noticing the parts of you that still feel unheard, unseen, or unprotected - and gently giving them what they mis

The Simple Joy That Sparked This Reflection My little one recently celebrated a birthday, and she absolutely loves balloons. They bring her so much joy. Watching her light up over something so simple made me think about the children who can’t — or haven’t — experienced that same joy. Children who have never played with a balloon. Children who don’t get to experience the simple, magical moments that so many of us take for granted. That thought makes my soul ache. Because every

I've been carrying this dream in my heart for a long time - the dream of creating spaces where love and healing can take root and flourish. A place where children who've known pain can rediscover joy, and where I can keep learning what it means to continue living through authenticity and faith. But even soul work begins in small ways. Today, mine begins here - with a single note from the heart. My thoughts have felt tangled lately, but I am learning that clarity doesn't alwa