What I love most is that this bowl actually supports what women's bodies need. Digestion support, fiber-rich ingredients, and satiety, all wrapped up in something that tastes like dessert. The cherries and kiwi bring the fiber, the hemp and flax seeds bring the omegas, and the honey-mixed yogurt brings the protein to keep you full.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 5 cherries, pitted and halved

• 0.5 Sungold kiwi, sliced

• 1 tablespoon hazelnut butter (Fine + Raw)

• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds

• 0.5 teaspoon bee pollen

• 1 teaspoon flax seeds

• 2 tablespoons granola

Method

Stir your raw honey into the greek yogurt until fully mixed. Then top with sliced cherries and kiwi. Add a dollop of hazelnut butter, then sprinkle with hemp seeds, bee pollen, flax seeds, and granola. Voilà!

Hope you love it as much as I do!

Lauren

• Went to the beach for a solo sunrise swim every week. I’ve made it my mission to wake up before the kids and get to the ocean. There is something about being at the beach before the world starts buzzing that feels like a reset. Laying on the sand isn’t even on my radar, all I’ll be doing is floating in the ocean for the entire duration that I’m there.

• Practiced the Big 6. One of my highlights from the year so far is committing to working with a practitioner. Nadine has been incredible in helping me find my vibrance and vitality again. Together we did bloodwork, hair mineral analysis, the DUTCH test, and a stool test, and I've been following a protocol based on my results. One of her recommendations was the Big 6: a daily lymphatic drainage routine that opens up six key detox pathways in the body. Five minutes a day and it feels amazing. You can learn more here.

What I Made in the Kitchen

• Sipped on my iced tea elixir. Steeping my signature herbal blend of licorice, nettle, ginger, and orange overnight, then enjoying it over ice with fresh pineapple juice. Between working out, long hot sweaty walks, and chasing the boys outside, I am in deep need of mineral restoration all day long. This cooling drink is both refreshing and therapeutic for my body.

• Celebrated Father’s Day with a baking tradition. We spent most of the day outside swimming and playing, so we ducked inside and baked. Coconut sugar chocolate chip cookies. Simple, delicious, and a tradition we're keeping: making cookies on Father's Day. I froze half the dough for later. Recipe here.

• Prepped my high-fiber Basil Chia Pudding. I’ve been making this daily! The benefits are too good. We’re talking blood sugar balance, improved digestion, reduced inflammation, and a serious boost of fiber and protein to keep you full and grounded all morning. I make mine with 2 cups of coconut milk, 1 cup greek yogurt, 1/2 cup chia seeds, 1/2 cup holy basil seeds, 2 tbsp cacao powder, 1 tsp maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp pinch of cinnamon and a scoop of collagen.

• Homemade sourdough discard tortillas. I make these at least once a week! They're so easy, and the boys love them. What starts as tortillas for a ground beef taco dinner ends up as a bean and cheese quesadilla for lunch, a quick snack with jam and peanut butter, or breakfast tacos the next morning. This is the recipe I’ve always followed.

• The most delicious egg bites. I made the high protein bites from Jenn Lueke's cookbook for the first time and I really enjoyed them. They made early, hectic mornings before the gym easy, and they were also nice to pop onto the boys' breakfast plates.

What I Created

• Arts and crafts with the boys has been a highlight. If you saw my last post, I redid Beau's room and added a cabinet dedicated entirely to his art supplies. I've also been building the boys an activity book. Anytime I come across a fun idea, I write it out in Canva, print it, and add it to the book. We flip through it together and pick our activity of the day, whether that's painting, collecting flowers on a walk to press and glue to paper, or just creating something from scratch. It's become one of our favorite parts of the day.

• Organized my Pinterest boards. I go in and out of using Pinterest but lately I've been loving it as a space to collect inspiration and ideas. I reorganized my kids board into mini boards like scrapbooking, birthdays, outdoor, mud kitchen, routine, and toddler meals, and my recipe board into sections like breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, on the go, and baking. There is something really satisfying about having a place to pour all of your inspiration into and actually being able to find it when you need it. You can check out my boards here.

• Compiling my recipes for cycle syncing. I've always loved eating this way. It's wild how much of a difference it makes when you're actually eating to support your hormones instead of working against them. Excited to finally have all these recipes in one place to share with you guys!

What I Read

• My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares. My mom came to visit and had this book with her. I read a few pages while walking around and was immediately hooked. I finished it 24 hours later. 5 stars!

• Conform by Ariel Sullivan. One of my favorite dystopians. A five-star read that I couldn’t put down at night. Seriously, I stayed up way too late reading this one.

• One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune. The most perfect summer read. The lake, a cozy setting, and romance is my favorite trio. Currently feeling homesick and need my toes to touch the Muskoka lakes right now.

• The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings. I'd give this book 10 stars if I could. If you know Jessa Hastings, then you know the Magnolia Parks series (I am still hungover from those books!!!!) So naturally, my next step was to pick up this one, and wow, I'm really glad that I did.

• My Friends by Fredrik Backman. I grabbed this one up because it was highly-rated. It took me a long time to get into this book. I debated giving up but I pushed through and ended up giving it three stars. Different than the books I usually pick up. I didn’t love it, but I’m happy that I read it.

• Currently reading… The Midnight Train by Matt Haig and Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke.

Follow me along on Goodreads here. My favorite app to track what I’m currently reading, what I’ve read, and what I want to read.

What I Purchased

• Fujifilm x100vi. Photography has always been something I've loved but I never fully committed to learning. This summer I wanted to change that, so I invested in this camera to dive in properly and start capturing our family in a way that feels intentional. I'm excited to learn how to actually shoot and see where it takes me.

• Supplements for Beau. We've officially entered the stage where some days we eat the rainbow and other days we don't. I searched high and low for a high-quality daily vitamin to support his body and found SubLuna. Their Nourished Child gummy is made with beef liver and ancestral ingredients in a chocolatey gummy form, designed to fill the nutritional gaps that come with picky eating. I was immediately impressed. I purchased the Nourished and Balanced. Learn more here.

• Glass bottles on Amazon. I got these bottles to store my fresh juices in. I can quickly make mocktails with them, sip them poolside, chug one post walk during a heat-warning, or just enjoy throughout the day. I just made a carrot juice with turmeric, orange, lemon, and ginger. Shop them here.

• The best fricken matcha ever. I'm obsessed with this stuff. I ordered it back in January and the three bags lasted me all the way until now. I don't even get matcha out of the house anymore because I'm so hooked on this one.

Hope everyone had a great June!

Xx,

Lauren

I wanted this space to feel like him. Playful and a little wild but calm enough to actually rest in. Not too baby, not too big. Just right for this season of his life, which I’m already trying to slow down and hold onto.

Beau has always been incredibly independent. He loves his own space, his own projects, his own little world, so designing a room that actually supported that felt important. That meant thinking hard about organization too, because a room he can actually use on his own was the whole goal.

The wallpaper set the tone and I built everything around it. His reading nook is probably my favorite corner in the house right now, and his pin board where he displays his own artwork might be a close second. Something about seeing his little creations up on the wall like that gets me every time.

His blocks and Air Toobz live in the woven storage trunks, some of his favorite things sit on the Serena and Lily low bookshelf, and his magnets, cars and everything else are organized in toy storage in his closet that he can easily get into himself. No asking, no help needed.

His old room had a House of Noa mat that covered the entire floor and I loved it so much I couldn’t let it go completely. I kept a piece of it by his reading nook near his toys and it naturally created this little designated zone for building and playing. It just made sense and pulled the whole corner together.

The art cabinet has a little lock on it so all the glue, paint, and chaos is safely tucked away when he isn’t being supervised, but the second he wants to create, everything is right there. I’ll create a detailed post on all of Beau’s art supplies and how I organized them in this gorgeous cabinet from Mustard.

I also wasn’t afraid to mix colors, patterns and materials in here. I think kids rooms are one of the few spaces where you can really have fun with that and it just works. Somehow it all comes together and feels cohesive without taking itself too seriously, which felt very on brand for Beau.

Thanks for checking out Beau’s new room!

Everything in Beau’s room is linked here!

Every night, once the kids are tucked in, I do my little closing-down-the-house ritual. My husband takes Beckham, our youngest, and I take Beau, our oldest. When I’m done saying goodnight I let the dogs out for their last pee of the night, and I always go with them. I step outside, lift my face to whatever light is left in the sky, close my eyes, and take a breath. A little prayer to the universe. A moment of thanks. It’s quiet and it’s mine and it takes maybe two minutes, but I’ve come to need it.

Tonight I stepped outside and spotted it immediately. A poop bag, floating in the pool. Now, you need to understand: we just had the pool fixed. Two weeks without swimming because of some issue with the filter and the pipes. Two weeks in Florida. In May. Which is basically a form of punishment. So when I saw that bag drifting around in there, something in me just said absolutely not. I am not letting that thing potentially destroy another two weeks of pool access.

We have a little shelf along the edge. I took off my socks. I tiptoed on, leaned over as far as I could on my tippy toes, reached for the bag and went completely in. Clothes and everything.

The bag, for what it’s worth, was fine.

And I treaded water for a second, alone in my backyard in the early evening, and I just started laughing. Because here’s the thing: on any other night, I’d be back inside by now. Getting ready for bed. Brushing my teeth. And then getting into bed and picking up my phone, telling myself I’d read or stretch or do gua sha while I waited for my husband to finish rocking Beckham to sleep. And what would I actually do? Scroll. Every time, scroll.

But tonight I had nowhere to be. No feed to check. No stories to watch. No quiet, creeping feeling that everyone else’s life was moving while mine was standing still. Just me, the water, the sky turning pink, and the dogs watching me from the edge like I’d lost my mind.

I stayed in for an hour. Watched the sun go all the way down. Skinny dipped, because why not, it’s my backyard, and felt for the first time in a long time completely free and completely present. It sounds simple because it is simple. But sometimes simple is exactly what you’ve been starving for without knowing it.

Here’s the deeper story. At the beginning of this year, I left my business. And when you walk away from something you’ve built, something that was tied up in your identity and your days and your sense of purpose, it cracks everything open. Suddenly you’re looking at your whole life differently. Your relationships, your routines, the things you give your time and energy to. And you’re asking, with real honesty. Does this fill my cup? Does this deserve to take up space?

Instagram did not pass that audit.

To be fair, I think I’d known for a while. I just needed the bigger unraveling to finally see it.

I’d been on there long enough to know what it was doing to me. The performing. The curating. The way I’d reach for my phone at the beach, my kids right there playing in the ocean, not because I wanted to be on my phone, but because documenting the moment had become as automatic as living it. The way I’d hear a friend’s news and realize I already knew, because I’d seen it posted. The quiet thrill of a pregnancy announcement or a big life moment, gone. Replaced by a double tap.

I want those moments back. I want a friend to call me and for it to feel like something because I genuinely don’t know what’s been going on in her life. I want my kids to remember summers that felt like summers, slow and a little wild and completely unrecorded. I want to get paint on my hands, cook big messy meals, go on road trips and not feel the pull to document any of it.

I want to be in my life, not narrating it.

So this morning, I deleted the app. And tonight, the universe pushed me into a pool and made me stay there for an hour with no phone and no audience and nothing but the sky and the water and the feeling of... oh. This. This is what I’ve been missing.

This is the summer I logged off. I’m so glad you’re here for it.

Vodka Pizza with Roasted Garlic & Basil Oil

Ingredients

For the pizza:

• 1 ball Whole Foods pizza dough

• ½–¾ cup vodka sauce

• 1–1½ cups low-moisture mozzarella (shredded)

• ½ ball fresh mozzarella (torn + patted dry)

• 3–5 roasted garlic cloves (see below)

• Light sprinkle pecorino or parmesan

• Olive oil (for pan)

For the basil oil:

• 1 cup basil

• ½ cup olive oil

• 1 small garlic clove

• Pinch salt

For the vodka sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion (very finely diced)

• 3–4 garlic cloves

• ½ tsp chili flakes

• ½ cup vodka

• 1 can (28 oz) San Marzano tomatoes (crushed)

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup grated parmesan

• Salt + pepper

Method

1. Make the vodka sauce

Cook onion in butter + olive oil over medium heat for 8–10 min until soft and sweet. Add garlic and chili flakes, cook 1 min. Pour in vodka and simmer 2–3 min. Add crushed San Marzano tomatoes and simmer 15–20 min. Blend smooth. Stir in heavy cream and parmesan. Taste and season.

2. Roast the garlic

Preheat oven to 400°F. Slice the top off a head of garlic to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap in foil. Roast for 35–40 minutes until soft and golden. Squeeze cloves out and set aside.

3. Make the basil oil

Optional: blanch basil for 10 seconds in boiling water then transfer to an ice bath (this keeps the color bright). Dry well. Blend basil, olive oil, garlic clove, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Strain if desired.

4. Prep the dough & oven

Let dough sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Preheat oven to 450°F with your pan inside for 20–30 min.

5. Build the pizza

On parchment, stretch out the dough. Spread a thin layer of vodka sauce. Add shredded mozzarella as the base layer, then torn fresh mozzarella chunks. Scatter roasted garlic in small pieces. Finish with a light sprinkle of pecorino.

6. Bake

Bake at 500°F on the bottom rack for 5–10 min, then move to the middle rack until done, approximately another 10 min.

7. Finish & serve

Drizzle with basil oil, top with fresh basil, and add a tiny extra sprinkle of parm if needed.

Classic Cheese Pizza with Marinara Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 ball Whole Foods pizza dough

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup marinara sauce

• 1 to 1 1/2 cups low-moisture mozzarella, shredded

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves

• Olive oil for finishing

Method

1. Make the marinara sauce

Warm olive oil in a pan over medium heat and gently cook the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in fresh basil at the end and set aside.

2. Prep the dough & oven

Let dough sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours so it relaxes and becomes easy to stretch. Preheat oven to 450°F with your pan inside for 20–30 min.

3. Build the pizza

Stretch the dough on parchment paper to your desired shape. Spread a thin, even layer of marinara sauce over the surface, then distribute the shredded mozzarella evenly.

4. Get it in the oven

Carefully remove the hot pan from the oven and add a light layer of olive oil. Transfer the pizza onto the pan using the parchment. Bake for 2–4 minutes until the dough begins to set, then gently slide the parchment out from underneath.

5. Bake

Continue baking directly on the pan on the lower rack for 5–7 minutes to develop a crispy bottom, then move to the upper rack for another 2–4 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.

6. Finish & serve

Let the pizza rest for 1–2 minutes, then top with a light drizzle of olive oil.

Xx,

Lauren (and Grammy Laura!!)

Lambswool Hot Water Bottle

A practice that is so simple, yet so effective. I crawl into bed every night with my hot water bottle and I look forward to it every single day. I've taken a big liking to TCM over the last few years, and a core part of the teachings is warmth in every form. From what we consume to how we dress, warmth is always best. Applying heat to the abdomen supports the digestive system and soothes the uterus.

The one I have is from Maison Flaneur and it is stunning. The cover is handmade in Hampshire from 100% lambswool, soft, sustainably sourced, and biodegradable.

Dr. Stolberg Tea

My current evening staple. The Rest & Digest blend is made with just two simple ingredients: organic coriander and organic cumin. Two warming herbs that naturally stimulate digestive enzymes, support bile production, and ease bloating after meals. I have mine right after dinner or just before bed, paired with my hot water bottle. The ultimate wind-down duo.

T3 Hair Tool

My hair routine has done a complete 180. I used to skip products entirely and just let my hair air dry, which in Florida heat meant one thing: poufy and frizzy. Now I wash, let it air dry a little, work in the Crown Affair leave-in conditioner, and style with the T3. The result? A fresh blowout that looks like I just walked out of the salon. I'll also run it over dry hair when I need a refresh and the before and after is honestly insane. So smooth, so sleek. You know that feeling when you leave the salon and think how will I ever recreate this at home? I finally have my answer.

Lagree Classes

I love trying new things, but I am pretty picky when it comes to workouts. I will never be a HIIT girl. It just does not feel good for my body. Strength training will always have my heart, but I was recently invited to try a Lagree class and I really enjoyed it. It is slow, intentional, and completely humbling in the best way. The whole point is to move slower than you think you need to. We are almost a year postpartum and my core is still very much a work in progress. Lagree has been incredible for rebuilding that deep core strength in a way that feels safe for where my body is right now.

Putting my phone away on the weekend

Something has shifted in me lately and I cannot unsee it. Everyone is on their phone. All the time. I miss when people had hobbies and passions and could just sit with themselves. Technology as a whole has been feeling like too much and I needed to do something about it. So I challenged myself to put my phone away on the weekends and it has been one of the simplest, most therapeutic things I have done for myself in a long time. As silly as that sounds. More presence, more stillness, more of the life I actually want to be living. I really encourage you to try it.

Sunday’s for Dogs

Ingredients matter to me, and that extends to my dogs too. Both of mine have super sensitive tummies so finding food that actually agrees with them is not always easy. Sunday's sent over a few bags for us to try and they took to it so well. We just finished the last one and I will absolutely be reordering. Clean ingredients, no unnecessary extras, and my dogs genuinely love it. It is so nice to finally find a food that they love and that loves them back.

March Five Star Reads

Three books, all equally deserving of five stars. The Selection by Kiera Cass, The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez, and The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman. Lately I have found romance books to feel too young, a little cringy if I am being honest, but The Night We Met completely surprised me. I loved it so much I have been pushing everyone around me to read it so they can experience it too. That is always the sign of a great book. All three of these left me with that rare feeling of wishing I could read them for the very first time all over again.

PerioPull

I’ve been using this for a while but finally getting consistent with it. The ingredients are what got me. MCT oil, annatto seed extract, bromelain, and CoQ10. A formula that supports gum health, whitens teeth, and freshens breath from the root. I oil pull while I am getting ready in the morning and it adds nothing to my routine. In motherhood, habit stacking is everything. If it does not fit seamlessly into the flow of the day, it is not happening.

Life Coaching with Kenzie on HatchPath

I am in a season of rediscovering myself. A lot has shifted over the past while. Doors have closed, new chapters have opened, and new connections have found their way into my life at exactly the right time. For a while I was living in fight or flight without even fully realizing it. When your nervous system is in survival mode, you just keep moving. It is only when the body starts to come down from that state that you begin to feel again. To notice what actually feels good. To hear yourself.

That is the season I am in now. One of slowing down, honoring what I know to be true for myself, and reconnecting to my spiritual practice in a way that feels really intentional. Starting to work with Kenzie has been a beautiful part of that. If you are in a season of transition, feeling like you are somewhere between who you were and who you are becoming, I really encourage you to explore this. Sometimes you just need someone to hold space while you find your way back to yourself.

Check out Kenzie on Instagram. You can book with her on HatchPath!

***Shop available products here.

Hope everyone has a great April!

Xx,

Lauren

I’ve grown to love living in rhythm with my cycle. but it didn’t start that way. When I was sixteen, I began noticing signs of hormonal imbalance, and I remember feeling so angry and confused. Why wasn’t it common practice to teach girls about their bodies?Why was the answer always a prescription, a quick fix that masked symptoms instead of helping us understand what our bodies truly needed?

I got curious. I started learning. I recognized the corruption and disservice that we as women experience. We’re raised that our menstrual cycle is an inconvenience, that debilitating periods are normal, that we should show up the same way day after day even though our energy naturally shifts throughout the month.

The process of reconnecting with myself has been one of the most empowering journeys of my life.

Listening to Your Body’s Rhythm

Cycle syncing is about paying attention to the natural shifts in your body throughout the month. Hormones rise and fall, and with them, our energy, digestion, and overall sense of well-being changes. Each phase asks something different of us, and each invites a unique way of showing up.

During the menstrual phase, estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Energy naturally dips, the body can feel more sensitive, digestion may slow, and rest becomes more restorative.

When we notice these patterns and respond with intention, we begin to meet our bodies where they are instead of pushing against them. Choosing the foods, movement, and rituals that support each phase becomes a way to honor ourselves and reclaim the wisdom our bodies have been trying to teach us all along.

Hazelnut Cacao Butter Buckwheat Porridge

Serves 2

*Shop the exact ingredients and brands I use to make this porridge here.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cream of buckwheat

• 2 cups coconut milk (or a mix of coconut milk + filtered water for creaminess)

• 1 tsp ceylon cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

• 2 tsp maple syrup (or to taste)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1-2 scoops Ballerina Farm vanilla protein powder

• pinch of sea salt

Toppings:

• 1 tbsp butter, melted

• 1 tbsp hazelnut cacao butter

• 1 tbsp coconut flakes

• 1 tbsp cacao nibs

• 3 Brazil nuts, chopped

• 1 tsp bee pollen

Method:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the buckwheat, coconut milk, sea salt, and ceylon cinnamon. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

2. Cook until the buckwheat is soft and creamy, about 5-10 minutes.

3. Stir in maple syrup, vanilla, and protein powder.

4. Pour into a bowl and top with melted butter, hazelnut cacao butter, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, Brazil nuts, and bee pollen. Enjoy warm.

This meal is best paired with:

• A slow morning with natural light streaming through your windows

• Soft music or the quiet of stillness

• A warm cup of herbal tea nearby

• A few moments to simply sit and savor each bite (even if that means waking an hour before your children to enjoy it!)

Why I love it for the menstrual phase:

• Warm and grounding

• Supports digestion and circulation

• Rich in minerals and healthy fats

• Helps ease cramps and gently stabilize energy

Thanks for being here,

Lauren

I was brainstorming what I’d make for dinner the other day, and I thought of how my version of comfort looks like my parents’ home in Toronto. Sitting on the couch, nothing on the agenda, my mom nearby, and the smell of takeout containers being opened from our favorite Thai restaurant down the street. The kind of restaurant that doesn’t look like much, but the flavor has you coming back. Before Uber Eats was a thing, and a takeout night was something you cherished the practice of. We had our usuals from this restaurant, and mine was always the peanut chicken satay, pad thai, and a side of coconut rice.

So I decided to make my favorite dish. To actually get back into the kitchen and create something that felt like home. This is my take on the Chicken Satay. I hope that if you choose to recreate this dish, it brings you back to a moment or a place that you cherish. Sometimes cooking and eating isn’t just about the food. Sometimes it’s about finding your way back to yourself.

For the Chicken: Makes 8-10 skewers

• 1 lb chicken thighs, cut into cubes

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

• 1 tbsp lemongrass turmeric paste

• 3 tbsp coconut aminos

• 2 tbsp fish sauce

• ½ cup light coconut milk

• 2 tsp coconut sugar

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp cayenne

• Juice of half a lime

Method: Combine all marinade ingredients and coat chicken well. Let sit in the fridge all day, or a minimum of 2 hours. Thread onto soaked skewers and grill on high heat until charred and cooked through. Top with sliced green onions and fresh cilantro.

For the Peanut Sauce:

• ½ cup peanut butter

• ¼ cup light coconut milk

• 3 tbsp coconut aminos

• 1 tsp lemongrass turmeric paste

• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil

• 1/2 lime, juiced

• 1-2 tsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• ¼ cup filtered water to thin as needed

Method: Whisk everything together in a bowl. Adjust ingredients to taste.

For the Carrot and Cucumber Salad:

• 2 large carrots, shaved

• 1 cucumber, shaved

• Drizzle of toasted sesame oil

• Drizzle of honey

• Pinch of salt

Method: Shave carrots and cucumber into thin ribbons. Drizzle with sesame oil and honey, season with salt, and toss gently to combine.

This meal is best paired with:

1. Dinner jazz playing in the background

2. A warm ginger tea on the side (trust me)

3. A little bowl of peanut sauce on your toddler’s plate for dipping, they’ll love it

4. Natural light flowing through your windows — turn off those overhead lights!

Thanks for being here,

Lauren

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This guide is filled with nurturing essentials to support expecting moms through their incredible journey. From cozy comforts to wellness essentials, each item has been chosen to make her feel loved, cared for, and pampered. Think comfortable clothing, pregnancy-safe skincare, and thoughtful products that she’ll actually want.

Supporting new moms in their postpartum period can make such a difference, and this guide is dedicated to exactly that. It includes soothing items that promote healing, relaxation, and a bit of "me time" that every new mom needs. I’ve selected a range of products, from luxurious wellness products to convenient meal delivery options, ensuring she feels nurtured during this transformative time.

For that friend who’s always up for a green juice, meditation session, or yoga class, this wellness-inspired guide has everything they’ll love. Here you’ll find a collection of holistic health essentials, from high-end water filters to herbal teas, acupuncture mats, and everything that aligns with their wellness lifestyle.

Lastly, I couldn't forget the classic stocking stuffers! These are the little, thoughtful touches that bring extra joy, from wellness goodies to small luxuries they may not treat themselves to. Perfectly sized for stockings but packed with personality and thoughtfulness, these gifts make the holidays even more memorable.

Happy gift giving!!!

Xx,

Lauren

Moving from Toronto to Florida a few years ago has by far been the best decision my husband and I have ever made. I gave birth to my sweet son here, and now the beach is practically our backyard. So, I consider myself an expert in the beach tote department.

With the sunny days of summer in full swing, I thought it would be fun to share a peek inside my beach tote. Whether you're planning a day by the ocean or a relaxing afternoon by the pool, having the right essentials can make all the difference. From non-toxic sunscreen to healthy snacks, here are my must-haves for a perfect day in the sun.

1. The Tote: I bounce between three bags: the Large L.L.Bean Tote in Dark Green, the Las Bayadas Striped Cotton Tote, and the Saint Laurent Rive Gauche Large Tote. They each offer enough space for the essentials plus room for stuffing a towel or two.

2. Face and Body: I've tried plenty of sunscreens, but I always come back to the EltaMD UV Clear Tinted. I reapply this to my face and follow up with a generous lather of Living Libations Everybody Loves the Sun oil on my body. When I need a refresh, I'll spritz my face with Rose Glow Complexion Mist by Living Libations and my underarms with the Dr. Mist Unscented Deodorant. All four of these products go everywhere with me—beach and beyond.

3. Lip Care: While I was pregnant, Jane Iredale sent me their LipDrink® Lip Balm SPF 15 in shade Crush, and it quickly became a daily essential. I love the beautiful color and the reliable sun protection it provides, making it perfect for frolicking in the sun.

4. My Kindle: I never go to the beach without a good book to read. My Kindle is loaded with my summer reading list, ensuring I have plenty of options no matter what I’m in the mood for. Follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m reading!

5. Journal: It's so magical bringing your journal to the beach. This usually only happens during my solo dates, as otherwise, I'm entertaining or chasing after Beau, making pen-to-paper moments rare. When it's just me and the sound of the waves, I'll take out my Leuchtturm green notebook and brain dump.

6. The Perfect Hat: So many options! Usually, it depends on what matches the 'kini best. My Anine Bing Hat, Caviar Cowboy Cap, a straw hat that I purchased from a farmers market, or any dad hat hiding in my husband's closet. Each offers great sun protection and a bit of beachy style.

7. Snacks: If we plan on being there for a long time, we’ll make salads and pack them in glass Tupperware. Hummus and crackers, a variety of cut fruits, Chomps beef sticks, peaches, and tortilla chips with guacamole are also beach staples. If we’re feeling fancy, we might even order organic tacos to the beach.

8. Hydration: We’re big Spindrift fans, so we always bring some along. We also pack large water bottles pre-filled with electrolytes. Occasionally, I’ll make a mocktail at home and bring it in a bottle, usually a mix of mineral water, pure cranberry juice, and a squeeze of lemon.

9. Music: A laid-back playlist that falls under the category "chill" or "country" is always playing, either in my ears or on a portable speaker.

10. Hair Care: I mix Shine on Hair Conditioner into my roots before jumping into the salty water — the travel size is perfect for the beach, and I always bring a wide-tooth comb to detangle my hair after a swim.

11. Get Dry: Both new purchases—I love having a large blanket to lay down on and cute pink towels that absorb the salty water from my hair or body.

12. The Suit: It'll either be a Hunza G 'kini or one from 437. I love that Hunza fits and hugs your body during any chapter of life—I wore these throughout my entire pregnancy. The Strapless Gloria in Metallic Moss with a Tortoise Ring is my all-time favorite. My go-to 437 suits are the Sanders Set in Espresso and the Piper Duo in Crush.

13. Clothing: I've been loving a comfy pant look lately and rotate between my Donni blue striped pant, Zara palazzo linen pant, and the Reformation Olina pant.

14. For the Toddler: The totes I bring are usually big enough to fit Beau's essentials. This includes a Little Unicorn Waterproof Large Blanket, Baby 3-in-1 Cleansing Wipes, Lovery wooden toys, Amara snacks (he will mostly eat the fruit we bring), an Elk and Friends toddler cup, Badger Baby Mineral Sunscreen, a Waboba to throw in the water, Coterie diapers and wipes, and any hat that provides shade.

I hope my list inspires your next beach outing. What are your beach tote essentials?

Love,

Lauren

We attempted baby-led weaning right at 6 months, but Beau wasn't interested in eating the food—only playing with it. I continued to introduce foods and allowed him to figure it out at his own pace. Around 7 and a half months, he started showing interest. It's been quite the journey since—full of nerves about choking and meticulously cutting foods into tiny pieces when moving on from purees. Some days, he devours everything on his plate, while other days, he prefers a pureed pack of squash. Every day is different, but most of the time, he's eating what we’ve prepared for ourselves.

Recently, we switched from using a suction plate because Beau was throwing the food or flipping the plate. Now, we use a mini cutting board from Caraway, and it works great—we joke that it's because the presentation is much more beautiful. If you’re currently dealing with every last crumb being thrown at the dogs, give a non-toxic board a try! You might be surprised.

Before diving into his meals today, I wanted to share some items that are staples on his grocery list. I love exploring my cookbooks, especially those focused on ancestral farming, to find seasonal goods that make cooking vegetables like rhubarb fun and exciting for toddlers (and husbands).

Beau’s Pantry List:

Focusing on high-quality ingredients that are gentle on Beau’s tummy while supporting his growth and development, a balanced diet filled with wholesome foods is the foundation for happy, healthy toddlers.

Fruits

• Raspberries

• Blueberries

• Peaches

• Bananas

• Apples

• Mangoes

• Avocados

Protein

• Grass-fed and finished beef

• Free-range organic chicken

• Wild fish (salmon, branzino, sea bass, etc)

• Pasture organic eggs

Vegetables

• Sweet potatoes

• Broccoli

• Yellow Squash

• Pumpkin

• Zucchini

• Asparagus

• Carrots

Dairy

• Raw cheddar cheese

• Ghee or grass-fed butter

• Greek or coconut yogurt

Nuts and Seeds

• Chia seeds

• Hemp hearts

• Organic peanut butter

• Organic almond butter

• Organic tahini

Grains

• Sourdough

Oils

• Coconut Oil

• Olive Oil

• Tallow

The Meals

Breakfast:

Lunch:

On-The-Go Snack:

Dinner:

Here's to nourishing our littles with the best nature has to offer! These foods are not only rich in essential nutrients but also help foster a healthy gut microbiome.

Love,

Lauren

Step 1: Identify What’s Draining You

Grab a notebook and write down everything that’s currently making you feel less than great. Be honest and detailed. Whether it’s certain foods, activities, people, or habits—list them all out. This step is crucial in pinpointing the energy drainers in your life.

Step 2: Highlight the Feel-Goods

Jot down everything that brings you joy. Think about the activities, foods, routines, and people that uplift you. This will help you see what you need more of in your life to feel your best.

Step 3: Set Your Health Goals

Write down your health goals, both short-term and long-term. Be specific and realistic. Whether it’s improving your diet, getting more exercise, or focusing on mental health, having clear goals will give you direction and motivation.

Step 4: Design Your Ideal Morning Routine

Think about how you want to start your day. Write out your ideal morning routine that sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. Include activities that energize you from Step 2, such as a healthy breakfast, a short workout, or some quiet meditation time.

Step 5: Plan Your Nighttime Routine

Equally important is how you end your day. Write out a calming nighttime routine that helps you unwind and prepare for restful sleep. This could include activities like reading a good book, enjoying a cup of herbal tea, or practicing some gentle stretches.

Step 6: Implement and Adjust

Now that you have your lists and routines, start incorporating them into your daily life. Be patient with yourself and make adjustments as needed. The goal is to create a balanced, joyful routine that works for you.

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Don’t put away your journal just yet. Now that you've completed the six steps, it’s time to dive deeper. Here are some detailed questions I ask my clients or anyone who feels like they need a reset. Let's get into the nitty-gritty and uncover what’s holding you back from feeling your best.

1. What are you saying to yourself in the mirror? Do these words make you feel good? Remember that words have power. You cannot expect to see positive changes if your inner dialogue doesn’t reflect self-love and encouragement. Say you're struggling with acne. Instead of looking at yourself and saying, "I hate my blemishes! They are so ugly. Why is this happening to me?" switch it to, "Thank you to my body for highlighting that something within me needs to change. I love my skin as it is right now. I understand that I am healing. I am excited for my journey to clear skin."

2. What are your current eating habits? Are they nourishing your body and mind? Take a moment to reflect on your daily diet. Are you eating whole, nutritious foods, or relying on processed, quick fixes? Identify one small change you can make today to improve your eating habits.

3. How much water are you drinking each day? Hydration is key to overall well-being. Are you getting half of your body weight in oz of fresh, filtered water a day? If not, what can you do to increase your water intake? Maybe carry a water bottle or set reminders on your phone. Tip: add trace minerals to your morning cup!

4. How are you moving your body? Physical activity is essential for maintaining energy and mood. Are you getting at least 30 minutes of movement each day? Whether it’s a walk, yoga, or a dance session, find an activity you enjoy and make it a part of your routine.

5. How much time are you spending on screens? Consider the amount of time you spend on your phone, computer, or watching TV. Is it excessive? How can you reduce screen time and replace it with activities that rejuvenate you, like reading a book, going for a walk, or spending time in nature?

6. How much sleep are you getting? Is it quality sleep? Reflect on your sleep patterns. Are you getting 7-9 hours of restful sleep each night? If not, what changes can you make to improve your sleep hygiene, such as establishing a bedtime routine or creating a calming sleep environment?

7. Are you getting enough sunlight? Are you spending time outdoors each day? How can you incorporate more sunlight into your routine, even if it’s just a few minutes of morning sun?

Bits of what helps me feel my best (separate post coming on this)

Morning meditation, stretching, protein-rich breakfast, lots of movement, minerals, Sunday meal planning, castor oil packs, getting out of the house, home-cooked meals, dinner parties, epsom salt baths, magnesium oil on the bottom of my feet, decluttering, an infrared sauna session, a chill playlist, moisturized lips, superfood matcha, phone breaks, laying in the sun, a honey face mask, probiotics, breath work, reading a good book, social interaction, time alone!

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I hope this guide helps you feel better and sets you on the path to rediscovering your vibrant self. Remember, small, consistent steps can lead to significant changes. If you have any questions or need further guidance, please leave a comment below—I’m here to help!

Love,
Lauren