Hi! I am sorry for my long absence from my blog. I’ve been so busy and I also haven’t felt inspired to write about anything lately. Sometimes, I’d much rather read or pursue one of my other hobbies and passions instead of typing on my laptop. But, with that being said there’s so much to catch my readers up on and I felt compelled today to check-in. I hope all of my loyal, amazing readers are doing well and staying healthy. It is, of course, my favorite time of the year! With Thanksgiving in a few days and Christmas just around the corner I am in full holiday mode (I finished decorating for Christmas a couple of weeks ago, as per usual). Despite any stresses or bad days, take a moment today to write down what you’re thankful for. We all have something to feel thankful for.

It has been a year…to say the least. Our exterior home improvement company is thriving and we are staying busy running the company together (my husband Andrew and I). Running a business is 24/7 and it takes up so much of your time, energy, and attention. We are constantly thinking of marketing, upcoming jobs, finances, etc., but owning and operating a successful business is incredibly rewarding. You feel amazing after each five-star review, finishing the jobs, and crushing the goals you set. Greyson, our three-year-old is turning four in December, which is exciting, yet mind-blowing. I am also pregnant with a baby girl and am due in February! It has been a rougher pregnancy than my first, which was such an easy pregnancy. I’ve had issues breathing, I am constantly nauseous, and I am just completely drained. Greyson is being homeschooled for preschool at the moment and some days it is a challenge, but I know he’s learning and absorbing so much of our lessons. I just wish I had my old, pre-pregnancy energy level back, which would be helpful as a busy mom. I will be writing a Greyson Diaries this weekend and talking about life with an almost four-year-old because there’s so much to discuss! I know I am not alone in the never-ending adventures (and tears) of life with a three-five-year-old child, which is an age group unlike any other, which is why I’m looking forward to this week’s Greyson Diaries so much. As for my baby girl and I, despite feeling uncomfortable daily (which I know is what it is), we are doing well and I’m so excited to meet her in February. I’m also really excited for Greyson to have a sibling and for him to become a big brother, which I feel will be a life-changing event for him (in a positive way).

There have been a lot of rough days this past year for Andrew and me, from family issues and painful drama caused by others to my pregnancy emotions and minor health issues, but together we’ve built a really beautiful life and I’m thankful to have him by my side (through the rain and shine). Trying times and long days are a reminder of how important having the right person beside you is. Choose the right person to spend the rest of your days with because you’ll need not only a lover but a best friend to get you through the cloudy days. The rough days this year were even rougher for me because I suffer from anxiety and at times my anxiety can be crippling. Sometimes, I need to distance myself from people and experiences that bring me stress and discomfort for my mental health. I have learned this year that my mental health and feeling comfortable are more important than anything else. If it bothers someone else that I am protecting my mental health and my emotions, that is their problem and I don’t care. I will continue to do what’s best for myself and my little family. Never allow someone to steal away your comfort, happiness, or your peace of mind. Do what feels best for you and walk away from whoever (or whatever) makes you unhappy. Yes, sometimes that includes walking away from family members and friends.

The colder weather is finally arriving here in New Jersey, which makes me so happy. I am not a hot weather person and this summer was in the upper 90s every single day, which was awful. I love the beach and I do miss my days spent in Long Beach Island, running in and out of the waves, but I am ready for snow! I decorated for Christmas and winter on my birthday (November 4), which is my tradition. My birthday is always the beginning of the holiday season for me. I love the glow from my fireplace and the glistening of my Christmas tree. Nothing makes me happier than walking around a store that’s fully decorated for Christmas and enjoying winter outings (Christmas villages, tree lightings, and restaurants during the holidays). I was raised Jewish and Catholic and I still celebrate Jewish and Catholic holidays, although I am not a religious person. I will be lighting a menorah, of course for Hanukkah and I do say the Hanukkah blessing in Hebrew as I light the candles. I’m a spiritual person, but I respect both Judaism and Catholicism very much, and I love tradition. Holidays to me are about tradition and I love celebrating each year, especially now that I’m a wife and mom. I get to share my love for the holidays and traditions with my husband and children. My two favorite holidays are Christmas and Easter. I love Christmas because of the colder weather, the beautiful tree, and the magic of Santa. I love Easter because it’s the beginning of spring, with beautiful flowers and spring decorations, and I enjoy cooking an Easter meal. Easter will always be the meal that I want to host and that I enjoy cooking for the most. Holidays are a beautiful aspect of the calendar and they’re a great way to reconnect with your creativity and the people that mean the most to you.

I turned twenty-seven this year and I have so much to be thankful for. Age to me is simply a number and youth is something that lives within you. I’m someone who is still a child at heart and I believe in magic. I believe in the magic of the holiday season, the magic of getting lost in nature, and the magic of being a parent (even on trying days). I am at a point in my life where I don’t care about social media or likes on a photo I upload, I don’t care about selfies, I don’t care about the opinion of others, and I don’t care about unnecessary drama. I live for the simple moments, like a cold afternoon, with a candle lit and a good book in my hands.

I’m excited for the upcoming Greyson Diaries, a new Boho Chickie, chatting more about my pregnancy and advice for moms expecting baby number two, and of course, my yearly Christmas/winter interior decorating post (Coming Home)! I am going to make an effort to continue posting and writing on my blog every month, which I know is therapeutic for me, and my readers appreciate it, but if I ever disappear again, just know that I’ll always be back. Life is crazy, complicated, and beautiful…and I’m here to talk about it all. Have a beautiful and healthy Thanksgiving, loves. I am sure you will hear from me before then.

Xo