Have you heard the saying "dress for the job you want"? Well, I took that to heart for my Halloween costume this year and for a party on Saturday night I dressed up as... Read more →

Exercising feels like an essential part of my life for both my physical and mental health. When I workout consistently I have more energy, feel healthier, have a positive body image, and see the world more optimistically. Even during the most demanding years of having babies I prioritized making time for some kind of exercise (even if it was something easy just once per week), knowing that the benefits far outweigh the challenges of making it happen. My exercise phases have included: running with my dad starting in 6th grade; running track and playing basketball in middle school; going to... Read more →

Usually a resident on my bedside table, I've banished my phone from the bedroom. We go to bed together. We wake up together. We're hardly ever apart. To describe a relationship with a person in this way speaks of new love. But taken to describe another relationship, the one many of us have with our phones, the words betray a love twisted into dependency, and perhaps ring a bit too true. At times I could describe my own relationship with my phone in this intimate way, and it doesn't make me feel great. Even though I try to be conscious... Read more →

From now through the new year, going to Trader Joe's is not just a trip to the grocery store – it's a seasonal excursion. Pumpkin products are hitting their peak and soon Thanksgiving and Christmas/winter holiday items will start rolling in. It's the most wonderful time of the year! Speaking of seasonal shopping, are you listening to the Inside Trader Joe's podcast?? The most recent episode is all about holiday items and they mention a few new ones heading to stores this year! I am very excited for a bûche de Noël ice cream and an apple brandy cheese. There... Read more →

A funny thing is happening this October that I can't remember ever happening since living here: it actually feels like fall this month! It is GLORIOUS. October came in with rain, grey, and a morning chill and has continued in the same manner. Just this weekend on Saturday it rained all day (all day!) and we were the most cozy. Chris and I got an extra dose of fall and nostalgia with a trip to New York City and New Haven, CT at the beginning of the month. How strange it is to return to a place you used to... Read more →

I grew up watching my parents read the paper, as you probably did too. My dad would often leave the arts and culture section of the daily paper on the table so that I could read it as I ate my morning cereal. Later I think it was the full paper but the arts and culture was the perfect place to start for a young reader. When my parents read something remarkable or about something they disagreed with in the paper they would talk about it. In that way my parents modeled the practice of reading about the world and... Read more →