Hi, loves! I hope everyone woke up on Christmas morning feeling blessed and grateful. I know that I did. As I always say, Christmas isn’t about what’s under the tree…it’s about whose gathered around it. Of course, COVID-19 has changed our world immensely and many of us played it safe this year, only celebrating with immediate family. Andrew, Greyson, and I spent Christmas Eve at home and Christmas Day we woke up, opened gifts, and in the evening we had dinner with my parents. I cooked slow cooker apple crisp, three cheese scalloped potatoes, homemade dinner rolls, and Andrew made a ham. It was simplistic, yet perfect. I’m a homebody, especially during the holidays. I missed seeing my brother, sister-in-law, and other family members this holiday season, though. Here’s to family gatherings in 2021 (I hope)🥂

The beauty of sitting under the glistening Christmas tree while opening gifts, knee deep in wrapping paper, makes me so happy. This girl loves Christmas, forever. I’ll never be too old to search the skies on Christmas Eve and I’ll never stop believing in the magic of the holidays. Our Christmas tree will be up until New Years Day and then we’ll wave goodbye to it’s beauty and pack everything away, starting fresh in the new year. Post Christmas vibes are alive and well in our home as we prepare for 2021. One of Andrew’s Christmas gifts was an adorable coffee corner that I created in our living room, since we’ll be spending more time at home as we continue navigating the new normal. He’s tiling our entryway this upcoming week and we have big plans for our farm. Andrew built a lattice wall going all the way up our two story deck and in the spring we’re going to plant climbing hydrangeas that will grow up the wall. I’ve always wanted a wall of green and flowers. I’ve created a beautiful creative space at my desk in our bedroom and I’m in love with it. It’s been a good year for creativity and inspiration. We’ve accomplished more home projects this year than ever before and I’ve never been more organized, which is saying a lot because I’ve always been an organized freak, haha.

Andrew and I have a lot of plans and goals for the new year and I got a jumpstart on my fitness goals this week. I am intermittent fasting (no food after 8pm until 12pm noon), fasting for 16 hours. I’m filling my days with lots of water, fruit, veggies, and low calorie meals. I’m sticking with my mile long walk during the day and yoga, of course. Andrew bought me a gorgeous, good quality yoga mat for Christmas that I’m obsessed with, along with so many other gifts. I felt spoiled. He’s a keeper. Greyson went into a present coma Christmas Day and had the best day ever playing with all of his new toys. Mommas, make sure you donate all of your kids old toys to make room for anything new. It makes organizing a lot easier! The best part of the holidays as a parent is seeing the magic and sparkle through your child’s eyes. It’s beautiful. I love making each holiday special for Greyson and Andrew.

I’m making myself a priority in 2021 from fitness to passions. I’m going after everything I want and need this new year and I’m not apologizing for any of it. As a mommy, Greyson is always my priority, but I can’t forget about myself. I’ll be taking more day trips to my favorite places, which Greyson will also love, never skipping my fitness routine, and writing/reading more. I can’t stress enough how important it is to take care of your body. When I say take care of your body I don’t mean having abs and being a size 0…I mean, doing yoga, going for walks and runs, and eating healthy because it’s good for you. Take your vitamins, lotion your skin, hydrate as much as possible. Don’t smoke, drink less, and get some sleep. Do what’s best for your health because you only get one body in this lifetime. Your body is your vessel and your anchor. I’m not perfect, nor will I ever be, but I love who I am and I’m happier than I’ve ever been.

For those of you who hated every aspect of 2020, I don’t blame you. But, for me, it has been a great year filled with new beginnings, inspiration, my passions coming to life, and surprising adventures. There have been so many beautiful moments and although we’ve all experienced losses this year, I think 2020 is a year we have all learned from and grew from. It has made us stronger and wiser (if we allow it). We’re ready for whatever 2021 brings and we’ll never forget the lessons we took away from this past year. I hope for beauty, good health, and prosperity in the new year. I feel good vibes and good energy coming our way in many forms.

I’m going to try to write more on my blog because I know many enjoy reading my words and I love to share my stories and thoughts with the world, but this year I dropped the ball. I was busy and creative in other ways, but I’m back (hopefully to stay). I want to share a 2021 bucket list I’ve made with all of you and I hope it inspires you to make one of your own.

• New York City adventure
• Endless Long Beach Island days
• Camping out under the stars
• Road trip
• Upscale shopping spree
• Wine tasting at a new winery
• Poconos getaway
• Bonfire & drinks with close friends

🖤 Cheers to 2021😘 I’ll be drinking Veuve Clicquot out of our wedding champagne flutes with my other half, watching the ball drop, in our living room on New Years Eve. Stay safe and try to behave this NYE, loves. Pop some bubbly and make your wishes for the new year.

Xoxo