Live Joy

  Everyone who knows me knows how much I love Christmas. For us, it’s not just a holiday, it’s a whole season that runs from November 1st through December 25th. Even though the boys are teenagers now, we still celebrate exactly the same way. And every year, just when I think they’ve outgrown our traditions, they prove me wrong by asking if we’re still doing them. It always makes me smile and reminds me how special these little rituals truly are. My hope has always been that they carry these memories with them, the same way I carry mine from childhood and that one day they’ll create the same kind of magic for their own families. I also love sharing our traditions because if you’re looking to start something new with your own people, sometimes all you need is an idea or two to spark something special. It’s hard to choose favorites, but two traditions are definitely at the top of my list. First: our yearly ornaments. Every time we visit a new state, we bring home an ornament, a...

Every year, I love sharing a list of my favorite things, not just to help you shop for the people on your Christmas list, but also to remind you that gifting yourself is absolutely allowed. I firmly believe the best gifts are the ones we already use and love, so all year long I keep a running list of products I can’t live without. When the holiday season rolls around, I simply repurchase these favorites for others, and they never disappoint! All these items are on Black Friday Sale right now!!  1. Comfrt Hoodies These hoodies are next-level cozy, I genuinely can’t explain how relaxing they feel until you put one on. I bought myself one, and now my 13-year-old has three on his Christmas list and my 12-year-old niece wants one, too. They’re a hit for men, women, and honestly, any age. (try code Welcome15 for 15% off) 2. Candle Warmer I am obsessed with candle warmers. I have three in my house! They give all the scent you love from candles without the fear of forgetting to bl...

  Sometimes, the best thing we can do for ourselves isn’t pushing harder, it’s pressing reset. Life gets busy, and before we know it, our routines, energy, and focus start to feel a little off. That’s your body and mind whispering, “Hey, I need a break.” A personal reset doesn’t mean an all-or-nothing overhaul. It’s about creating space to breathe, recharge, and realign with what matters most. Here are a few simple ways to reset this weekend (or anytime you need a fresh start): 1. Unplug for a Weekend Detox Step away from screens, even for one day. No doom scrolling, no constant notifications. Instead, read, rest, move, and reconnect with real life. Notice how calm your mind feels when it’s not being pulled in ten directions. 2. Move Your Body Gently A 30-minute morning walk can shift everything. The fresh air, sunlight, and quiet time are medicine for your mood and energy. Leave the headphones behind and just be present with your thoughts. 3. Journal Your Way Back to...

  I was talking to a friend recently who admitted something that really stuck with me. She said, “It’s really a miserable way to live, always worrying about things.”   She’s the kind of person who plans for every worst-case scenario, who tries to think ten steps ahead just to avoid being caught off guard. The irony, of course, is that most of the things she worries about never actually happen. And yet, she spends so much time and energy preparing for them, living, in a way, through experiences that never come to pass.   That conversation made me realize something important: worrying less isn’t just a mindset, it’s a skill. And like any skill, you can practice it, strengthen it, and get better at it over time.   Worry is, at its core, our brain’s attempt to protect us. It’s a survival mechanism that has gone into overdrive. A little bit of it helps us plan, prepare, and stay alert. But when it becomes constant, when every unknown turns into a mental storm,...

Every year, the great debate begins, when is the “right” time to put up the Christmas tree? Some say not until after Thanksgiving, others hold off until December, and then there are those of us who just can’t wait.   For most of my adult life, I put the tree up the weekend before Thanksgiving. But in 2020, I needed the joy of the season early. That year changed everything. I put my tree up on November 1st and I’ve done it ever since.   What’s funny is how much people seem to care about when others decorate. I’m always amazed by how passionate people get about it. But honestly? I’ve realized that if something brings you joy, why not embrace it fully?   Because for me, there’s something about Christmas lights that lights me up inside. All week long, I’ve been jumping out of bed early just to sit with my coffee in the quiet, while it’s still dark outside, surrounded by the soft glow of the lights. It’s peaceful. It’s magical. It’s energizing.   The whole...

Start (and Keep) a Gratitude Practice — Even After November We’re a week into November, and this is when many of us start thinking more about gratitude. I’m a big believer that gratitude isn’t just for one month—it’s a daily practice that can change how you feel, how you think, and how you show up. My goal is to help you start now and keep it going long after November ends. What is a gratitude practice? It’s simply choosing to notice what’s good—on purpose—every day. Then take it one step further and write it down . When you train your brain to look for the positive (or to find the lesson inside something hard), you build a habit that boosts overall happiness and resilience. A few science-backed benefits of gratitude: Improves physical and psychological health Reduces stress and enhances sleep Builds empathy, mental strength, and emotional toughness Strengthens relationships Increases overall happiness How to Start (5 Minutes a Day) Every morning , look back at t...