I don’t really believe in sugar before the age of two. Of course, I make tiny exceptions. But, I don’t really see the need. We sweeten our treats with some honey, opt mostly for homemade, and try to find the healthiest snacks possible. When we’re around other kids and they’re all having ice cream, if Meki asks for it, I’m not going to say no. I’m not some kind of monster over here! I’m just trying my best to keep him eating as healthy as can be while we’re at home.

That’s what led me to making popsicles. In the beginning, it started because Meki was teething and I was trying to offer some relief, then it became a game to hide vegetables inside when he would refuse them at mealtime, and now it’s become part of our daily rituals. I don’t feel bad giving him a popsicle at eight in the morning because they’re packed with goodness inside! So, why not share that wealth with you. I’m not even going to call these toddler popsicles because, the truth is, we eat them too.

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First thing's first! You're going to need the correct equipment — usually I gauge this based on age and whatever stage of food introduction they're in.

When Meki started teething, at around 3 months, we started by freezing breastmilk and formula into the Haakaa popsicle molds. They were perfect for teething, and later, around 6 months, we started introducing fruit popsicles. At this age I kept things relatively simple by pureeing fruit and freezing it directly.

For the actual popsicle molds, I go back and forth between two styles depending on the day. The Ice Pop mold is my go-to at home — the shape makes it easy for Meki to hold and eat, and it keeps things pretty spill-proof (though honestly, he just bites right into his popsicles, so there’s not much dripping happening anyway). The trade-off is that it’s not great for on-the-go, since you don’t want to lose the sticks out and about.

That’s where the silicone molds come in. They’re smaller, which I love because it means they take up way less room in my freezer, and — this is the real selling point — you can toss the stick once he’s done. That means I can hand Meki a popsicle on our way out the door and not worry about a stick making its way back home. The only downside is they’re a bit more of a process: you freeze them in the mold on a tray, then transfer them into baggies once they’re set. They also seem to get freezer burn a touch faster than the Ice Pop mold does.

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When Meki was around 7 months that we started having a little more fun — mixing fruit with bone broth, adding in vegetables, and blending unique flavors.

At first, I stuck with recipes from my Milk to Meals book. These recipes consisted of yogurt and berries, mango, cauliflower and coconut milk/cream, and bone broth mixed with fruits — blends his little tummy could easily digest.

Then, I graduated to creating my own recipes! It’s not always rocket science. Sometimes I find myself making him smoothies in the morning and freezing whatever’s left into popsicle molds — it’s a win-win, he gets a popsicle and packs in protein and nutrients without knowing it. My smoothies are always a bit of random — usually frozen banana, avocado, spinach and milk as the base, then whatever extras I have on hand: hemp seeds, flax seeds, peanut butter, berries, sometimes zucchini. Whatever’s about to go bad gets blended in.

Other times, I’ll work with ChatGPT to create recipes based on what ingredients I have laying around. I never want my fruit to go to waste, and blending it into popsicles is a good solution to that.

At this point, popsicles have become less of a snack and more of a love language in our house. Whether you’re soothing a teething baby, sneaking in extra veggies, or just trying to survive a hot afternoon, I hope these recipes give you a place to start — and full permission to make them your own with whatever’s in your fridge.

If you try one of these, or dream up your own combo, tell me about it in the comments. I love seeing what you come up with!! Do you want more recipes?!

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Now if you’ll excuse me, I have a very persistent toddler yelling “patttiiii” at me as I type this ◡̈

Thoughtfully Yours,

Juani

We arrived in Sweden the day before Midsummer. Because the trains to Tällberg were already sold out — that was my bad for waiting so long to book — we made the three-hour drive up instead.

As soon as we arrived and got settled at our hotel, we made our way down to the lake. We met our friends and let the kids play in the water before heading back up to the hotel for dinner. During our time in Tällberg, we stayed at The Green Hotel. It has the most welcoming staff, amazing food and is the most charming hotel with an incredible view of the lake. Because it doesn't get dark during this time of year, we really soaked up every minute of the view.

While The Green Hotel doesn't celebrate Midsummer until Saturday, the rest of the town celebrates on Friday evening — which can only mean one thing: we were able to experience this magical celebration twice. On Friday afternoon, we went down to the field where the official Maypole in town was being raised. We watched it go up from afar, then joined in for some dancing.

The next day, on Saturday morning, we gathered around 10 AM to pick flowers for crown-making and to adorn the Maypole. The kids were dressed in traditional outfits and it really set the mood as the rest of the hotel staff was also in traditional Swedish folk costumes.

By the time most of our kids were going down for their naps, the Maypole-raising ceremony at the hotel was commencing. The hotel guests gathered on the lawn, and a group chosen to help raise the Maypole was selected — my husband included. The process is pretty intricate: there's a leader who decides where each stake should be placed on the pole, then, like a conductor, orchestrates the exact timing for everyone to lift.

The ceremony is really beautiful and the meaning behind Midsummer is even more special — Midsummer marks the summer solstice and celebrates the peak of the sun’s power, fertility, and the summer growing season. Given the season of life we’re in, it felt like the perfect time to take part in the celebrations. If you’re ever in the mood to plan a trip to Sweden, I suggest this very experience if you want something that truly feels authentic and special.

In and around Tällberg, we found lots to do. We explored neighboring cities for ice cream, hung out around the town center and swam in the lake.

Tällberg Highlights

• The Green Hotel Bakery Cottage — my favorite experience by far. We visited twice: once for a bread and pizza baking session, and again for a crayfish soiree.

• Dalmål Kafé & Hantverk — for pizza and pastries (especially their Kladdkaka)

• Klockargården — for souvenirs

• Holens Kaffestuga i Tällberg — for pastries, waffles and a sandbox for the kids

• Tällberg Campground — for lake swims and a playground for the kids

• Leksand — a neighboring town worth a visit for ice cream or fika ◡̈

• Garsås Outlet for nygårdsanna sample sale — I've gathered it opens twice a year: once during midsummer and another during Christmas. Worth a visit if you're a fan of quality linen, cotton and wool.

After a week in Tällberg, we made our way back to Stockholm. This time around, my family and I made it onto the train while the rest of our crew drove. Because we didn’t have our suitcases with us — thanks to our friends and their rented cars — we were cruising through the train station. Upon arrival in Stockholm, we made our way to our hotel. We stayed in the city center — not an area we’d normally choose, but it was fun to explore a part of the city we hadn’t spent much time in before.

We only had two days in Stockholm and we really made the most of our time there.

Stockholm Highlights

• Rolf’s Kök — for dinner

• Punk Royale — for a wild dinner with Michelin recognized food

• Café Pom & Flora Södermalm — for healthy eats

• Nitty Gritty — for curated shopping

• Grandpa Södermannagatan — more shopping

• Acne Archive — for discounted Acne Studios

• ReRobe — vintage shopping

• Café Pascal

Our third and final stop was Dalarö. We rented a house on the water with our friends for a week of hanging out together. We spent our days taking the kids to the park, exploring every pastry at the local bakery and taking trips to the Smådalarö Gård hotel for their crème brûlée — my favorite sweet treat.

This was the best way to close out our trip. We relaxed, we laughed, we hung out as friends and played with each other's kids. One particular afternoon was especially memorable. We rented a boat — adults only ◡̈ — and made the two-hour journey to an island called Idöborg.

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We had lunch at the restaurant on the island, Strandbaren, hopped in the sauna and took a swim in the water before jumping back onto the boat. It all felt so picturesque.

Dalarö Highlights

• Dalarö Bageri — for their chai latte and cardamom bun

• Strandbaren on Idöborg Island

• Smådalarö Gård — for a meal and an afternoon at the spa

• Bistro Solsidan Dalarö

• The perfect place to take your kids for a picnic and to swim with ducks

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What I Wore in Sweden

I have to say, this trip was more casual than I expected. I think it had a lot to do with our laid-back itinerary, the cities we visited and the fact that we were traveling with kids (five in total — all under the age of four).

When packing, I made sure to pack basics I could mix and match, some more fun pieces to layer and casual, more lounge-forward options.

THE BASICS

• Tricot V-Neck Cashmere Sweater (layered with the perfect white tee underneath)

• Staud Red Shorts (on sale!)

• Guest in Residence Layered T-Shirt

• Jeanerica Utility Trousers — in blue plié

• BODE Zoologist Cardigan

• LESET Kyoto Carpenter Pant — in chocolate

• Dôen Marcelle Dress (perfect for Midsummer!) — in gateau

• With Jéan Silvie Top

• LESET Kyoto Carpenter Pant — in ice

• FLORE FLORE Olivia Long Sleeve Top

• BUCK MASON Short

• LESET Rio Bandeau — in natural

• LESET Nando Slim Fit Tee

• Dôen Iona Short (on sale!) — in eucalyptus

• LESET Nando High Neck Tank — in white

• AGOLDE Parker Long Short (I sized up for a baggier look) — in replica

• BUCK MASON Cardigan — in soft white

• BODE Linen Smith Shorts

BUILDABLE LAYERS

• BURBERRY Checked Wool Scarf

• Guest In Residence Wild Rag Cashmere Scarf (sadly, sold out) — in scarlet / mist

• Guest In Residence Jane Cardigan (on sale here too!) — in cream

• Camo Yankees Hat

• Guest In Residence Jane Cardigan (on sale!) — in scarlet

• HUNTER Unisex Downpour Tall Boots (Maison Kitsuné Colab) — I was weirdly picky about which rain boots I bought and I promise to tag if I find them again!

• ARC’TERYX Ifora Jacket Women’s

BIG NIGHT OUT

This was my favorite outfit I wore on our trip to Sweden — or maybe of all time!! I knew — from our gorgeous itinerary put together by my fabulous bestie, Kari — that we had one fun night out while in Sweden. So, I kept my "fun outfits" minimal and opted for packing just one. This was it, and I can happily say it delivered. I wore this outfit to our dinner at Punk Royale in Stockholm — a dinner that was then followed by an outing to one of Stockholm's nightclubs.

I have to say, I bought this skirt last year and so far, it's just the skirt that keeps on giving. It's proven to be quite versatile in my opinion. A skirt I thought I'd wear once, I've worn — in just one year — maybe five times. That's pretty good for a skirt of its kind if you ask me!! The sunglasses I obviously wore all night long. These were actually a Stockholm purchase from our shopping day. They are now my favorite sunglasses.

• BODE Ducat Tank Top

• BODE Beaded Fringe Mini Skirt

• CHIMI Tome Sunglasses (on sale!)

• Miu Miu Ivy Beaded Bag (a splurge!!!)

• Miu Miu Patent Leather Mule

Looking back, this trip didn’t run on much of a plan — just good friends, five very small kids, and a holiday about growth and renewal that felt fitting for the season we’re all in. Closing it out on the water in Dalarö, watching our kids splash around with the people we love most, was the perfect final note. If any part of this made you want to book a slower, more low-key trip to Sweden, save this post — the highlights above (and my toddler packing list) should do most of the planning for you.

Keeping things lean is a non-negotiable for me. And yet — I still found myself at the airport with three suitcases, a travel crib, a portable car seat, and carry-ons for days. I’ve decided to simply accept this phase of parenting (at least I’m trying to).

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THE GEAR

My least favorite part of traveling with a toddler is lugging all the gear. But this trip had 24/7 daylight, long car rides, and a lot of walking — so every piece earned its place.

• Guava Lotus Travel Crib — I’ll be honest, I resisted this crib for a long time. Something about the mattress sitting on the floor bothered me — partly bugs, partly the cold tile floors we’re always dealing with in Colombia. But I finally got over it, and I’m so glad I did. It packed down small, assembled in minutes, and Meki slept great in it every single time.

• SlumberPod — If you’re traveling to Sweden in the summer, let me save you: bring a SlumberPod. It never gets dark. Like, ever. I’d always written the SlumberPod off as one more thing to carry, but I found ours on GoodBuy Gear for half the price and it was completely worth it. Meki napped longer and slept better. The one downside is that it gets warm in there, so we kept the windows open and tucked a small fan inside the crib. Problem solved. Plus, it fit perfectly inside the WAYB Pico bag.

• WAYB Pico — I will never compromise on car seat safety, which means I’ve spent my time as a toddler mom dreading the logistics of traveling with a full-size seat. The WAYB Pico was a revelation. It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to move between cars. The one honest note: it’s not ideal for long, sleepy rides. We had one drive that stretched past three hours, and keeping Meki comfortable took some maneuvering. It worked, but it’s worth knowing going in.

• Toddler Airplane Bed — Now that Meki is a bit older, we decided his own seat made more sense for a long haul flight. With an overnight flight there and a long day flight home — where missing his nap was not an option — we opted for a toddler airplane bed. I'll be honest, I was nervous the airline wouldn't allow it. But every other parent on the plane had the same setup, which was both reassuring and a little funny. It was a total game changer. Meki slept like a champ. And so did we.

• Bugaboo Butterfly 2 *gifted — I've had my eye on this stroller for a long time, and I can now confirm: worth every bit of the hype. The thing that sold me immediately was that it fits in the overhead compartment of the airplane. No gate-checking, no waiting on the jet bridge while a long immigration line builds on the other side. Just grab it and go. It's lightweight but genuinely durable — we took it over cobblestones, through grassy fields, on bumpy roads — and it handled everything without complaint. The basket at the bottom is surprisingly generous, and the pocket on the back of the seat became my default spot for my wallet and phone. This one's a forever yes from me.

OUR ITINERARY

After landing in Stockholm, we made our way to Tällberg — a small village perched on the shores of Lake Siljan, about three hours by train. We traveled with two other families and spent the week swimming in the lake, celebrating Midsummer, and wandering through some of the most quietly beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.

From there, we headed back to Stockholm for a few nights before making our way to the Swedish archipelago. We rented a house in Dalarö for a week of proper lakeside living — morning (and afternoon) bakery runs, boat days, park runs with the kids. The kind of trip that doesn’t feel real until you’re home and scrolling through photos.

My husband and I have been to Sweden before, but never like this. More on everything we did in a future post! We have a lot to discuss ◡̈

PACKING FOR A TODDLER

Okay, now for the part you actually came here for.

Swedish summer weather is wildly unpredictable. Every time I checked the forecast it had flipped from sunny to rainy and back again. Packing layers wasn’t a preference — it was a requirement. And because we were traveling with a toddler, rain was never going to be a reason to stay inside. So I packed like someone who meant it.

Outerwear

Four layers for maximum versatility:

• Rain jacket, Halcyon Nights

• Puffer vest, The Animals Observatory

• Sweater vest, The Animals Observatory

• Windbreaker, Ziggy Zaza

Cozy Layers

I packed three sweat sets and I’d do it again — especially for the changing weather and cooler days:

• Sweatpants (×2) and sweatshirt, KOKO MOMO

• Hoodie, The Animals Observatory

• Knit sweater and pant set, Halcyon Nights

Pants

Four pairs, all chosen with mix-and-match in mind. If you know me, you know Meki’s outfit coordination is something I take very seriously.

• Light linen pair

• Loose striped pant, Ziggy Zaza

• Polka dot pant, Ziggy Zaza

• Thick canvas green pant, Ziggy Zaza — I’ll be honest, this one never came out. When it got cold, we went straight for the sweats.

Shorts

At this point, Meki might as well be a walking ad for Ziggy Zaza. Australian kids’ brands are just built differently — the oversized fit looks great and means the clothes actually last longer than a season.

• Long shorts (here and here), Ziggy Zaza

• Trek shorts, Ziggy Zaza

• Tie-dye long shorts, KOKO MOMO

• TINY shorts

Tees

We were mostly blessed with sunshine, which meant the short sleeve tees got a real workout. I packed seven:

• Ziggy Zaza oversized tees (here, here & here)

• Bold flower tee, Fostered Collection

• Black space tee, H&M

• Tie-dye tee, LABANANITA

• Lion tee, The Animals Observatory — I genuinely cannot believe this still fits him as it’s 12m. An era I’m not ready to let go of.

• Tie-dye tee, KOKO MOMO

I also packed four long sleeve tees, which I leaned on more than I expected — mostly for cooler evenings and layering under everything else:

• Long sleeve, KOKO MOMO

• Long sleeve t-shirt, The Animals Observatory

• Kith jersey

• Long sleeve, Ziggy Zaza

Sun Protection

Sweden doesn’t have a punishing UV index, but we were outside from morning until — well, always, because the sun never set. Two wide brim hats (here and here), a baseball cap, and two full-body rash guard swimsuits (here and here) meant Meki could spend hours at outside without me doing constant mental math about how long he’d been in the sun. Worth packing no matter where you’re headed.

Also: my favorite sunscreen for Meki’s face in case you’re in the market ◡̈ I find this one so easy to apply.

Shoes

Eight pairs of socks and shoes covering most situations: rain boots, water-friendly sandals, and his Nike Swoosh 1 sneakers, which went with everything.

Sleep Essentials

No trip is complete without the comfort items. We traveled with Meki’s hippo & panda (a dynamic duo really), his pillow, sleep sack, and eight pajamas — a mix of short and long sleeve, because again: unpredictable weather.

This was the most magical trip. I won’t pretend it was all easy — toddlerhood has a way of humbling you at the most beautiful moments. There was a meltdown at The Green Hotel in Tällberg that I will likely remember for the rest of my life. But even in those moments, I kept thinking: how lucky are we?

We were surrounded by friends who felt like family — the kind you can completely exhale around. We co-parented, laughed, cried a little, and started what I hope becomes a yearly tradition. Our kids may not remember this trip. But we will. And I think that’s the whole point.

More on Sweden soon. I have so much to tell you.

Thoughtfully yours,

Juani ✨

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This year I promised myself I wouldn't commit the same mistakes I did last year. Last year, during our trip to Europe, we lugged around two suitcases, a tote bag, my husband’s backpack, a travel crib, a massive car seat, and my everyday stroller — a mistake I won't make again. It was just too much stuff. It made transitions from city to city pretty miserable and I just felt like we were living in a sea of stuff. To be fair, we did spend one month in Madrid and we did use and need everything we took with us. But even then, I could have cut back.

This year, Meki will be nearly two when we travel. Did I tell you where we're going? Sweden! We're officially six weeks out from our trip — and I could not be more excited. We'll be celebrating Midsummer, spending time in Stockholm, and soaking up a week in the Swedish archipelago. We're doing it with two other families — five kids in total — which means the chaos will be real and packing smart is non-negotiable.

This is our big summer adventure as a family. While we have other smaller trips planned, this one has my full attention because it’s coming up fast.

The Stroller

Now, let’s talk gear. Because this year, things will be different.

Instead of taking my Uppababy Vista, I'm bringing a smaller stroller — our Cybex Mios, a generous gift from the Cybex family after we lost our stroller in the Palisades Fire. It feels like a travel stroller that packs down compact but doesn't sacrifice the smooth ride — comfortable, well-padded seat, not bulky. I wasn't really aware of the Cybex world before receiving it and I've since become a massive fan. While it doesn't fit in an overhead compartment, it's manageable enough on the road without compromising Meki's comfort — and after lugging around a huge stroller last year, that feels like a win.

I'm still a little undecided on the car seat situation. I'm leaning toward the WAYB Pico, but I haven't fully committed.

Please drop your car seat recs in the comments. I'm all ears and clearly still figuring this out!!

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The Suitcases

Last year, I packed Meki in a carry-on and my husband and I shared The Large suitcase by Away. It worked for us last year as we spent a month in one place with a few solo trips mixed in. But this trip is different. We’re moving locations three times over two weeks, which means I have to be smart.

This year, we’ll again take two suitcases. My husband and Meki will share The Medium, and I get The Bigger Carry-On all to myself. Why? Because I refuse to sacrifice my looks! I’m a fashion girlie and it’d be a shame to not look cute while traveling around Sweden. You get it. Right?

My favorite packing cubes are from Quince. I designate one set per family member, each in their own color. Meki’s are blue, so when I’m digging through a suitcase at 6am in a Stockholm hotel room, I know exactly where to look.

I’m a bit Type A about packing, so everything has its place. Here’s how I organize Meki’s cubes:

1. Outfits. The largest cube, and I pre-plan every outfit before we leave. It saves time and keeps me from overpacking.

2. Pajamas, sleep sacks & nighttime diapers. My nighttime cube. Before bed, I grab a pajama already paired with a diaper — it makes the whole bedtime routine while traveling efficient and painless.

3. Socks. These cubes compress down beautifully — zip the middle zip and it becomes a little envelope. Perfect for something small like socks.

4. Swimwear & hats. Sweden in June means we’ll need both.

5. Misc. This year: rain boots, warm weather shoes, and any extra layers. Sweden’s weather is unpredictable and I’d rather be prepared.

(More on Meki’s full packing list in a separate post — that one deserves its own moment.)

The Toiletry Bag

Meki’s toiletries live in a BAGGU Dopp Kit in the suitcase — separate from the med kit, separate from everything else. Daily care in one place, emergency care in another.

Inside you’ll find:

• EllaOla Moisturizing Face Cream & Baby Lotion — gentle, clean ingredients I trust on his skin

• Erbaviva Shampoo — we’ve used this since he was a newborn

• Earth Mama Baby Wash — great for the whole family

• Weleda Toothpaste — fluoride-free and one of the few he’ll actually tolerate

• Dr. Brown’s Dinosaur Toddler Toothbrush — because dinosaurs make everything easier

• Frida Baby Nail Clippers — the best, full stop

• Coconut Oil — I use it to remove sunscreen from his face at the end of the day. Gentle & effective.

• Attitude Mineral Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 — for his face, easy stick application on a wriggly toddler

• Attitude Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 — for his body

And because spills and stains are not a matter of if but when, I always pack Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Laundry Detergent Sheets and Stain Spray. The sheets are perfect for the occasional laundry run on vacation and the spray lives in my bag ready for whatever Meki decides to do to his outfit that day. If you travel with a toddler and you’re not packing these, trust me — add them to your list.

The Med Kit

I always have a med kit with me when we travel. Since becoming a mom it’s become a non-negotiable — I never leave for a trip without it. You just never know what can happen and I want to be prepared with the basics.

My approach leans natural and homeopathic where possible. This list reflects that.

For the kit itself, I use my Cadence Medium Parcel. It’s the perfect size for everything I need, the compartments keep things organized, and if something spills it wipes clean without any drama.

Inside you’ll find:

• Frida Baby FeverFrida Cool Pads (x2) — instant cooling patches for fever relief

• Dr. GreenMom D-Congest — natural drops for congestion

• Dr. GreenMom Ear Relief & Resolve — homeopathic ear discomfort drops

• Dr. GreenMom Nature Profen — natural ibuprofen alternative for pain and fever

• Dr. GreenMom Poo Motion — natural digestive support drops for constipation relief

• Camilia Drops — homeopathic single-dose liquid drops for teething pain and cold symptoms

• Active Skin Repair Kids Spray — clean, non-toxic wound and skin repair spray

• Frida Baby NoseFrida Saline Spray — gentle saline spray to loosen congestion

• Genexa Infants’ Pain & Fever — clean-ingredient acetaminophen with dosing syringe

• FridaBaby Thermometer — fast, accurate temperature reads

• Dr. Talbot’s Daily Allergy Relief — homeopathic syrup for allergies

• Enterogermina Kids — probiotic oral drops to restore gut flora during and after illness or antibiotics

• Portable Nebulizer + Frida Baby Sterile Saline Vials — for when congestion gets serious on the road

• Colorful kids’ Band-Aids — because fun bandages hurt less 🌈

• Nantucket Spider Extra Strength Tick Repellent & Natural Bug Repellent — DEET-free and essential for summer

• Just Thyme Herbal Body Cream — soothing herbal cream for congestion

There’s nothing worse than being in a foreign country at midnight with a sick toddler and nothing to reach for.

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The Plane Bag

That's what's inside our suitcase. Now let's talk about what comes on the plane — because that's another beast entirely.

Most of our flights have been 5+ hours, and the older Meki gets, the more entertainment and snacks I find myself needing. One thing I've learned the hard way: don't save new toys for the plane. I made that mistake once already — he didn't touch a single thing I brought. While we found other ways to entertain him, it wasn't ideal. Stick with toys he already knows and loves. Safer bet every time.

We're not a big screen-time family — but on an airplane, anything goes. I mean… anything. You want to lick the window? Lick it. You want to watch 12 hours of Puffin Rock? Be my guest. Okay, I'm exaggerating a little (the window thing is gross and I would not actively promote it, duh). But I think every parent will agree: we will go to any lengths on an airplane to avoid a meltdown.

Because Meki is currently obsessed with goats — yes, goats — I'll pre-load the iPad with about 50 pictures of them. I'll also add photos of his favorite people, mainly his cousins, and download a few episodes of Puffin Rock on Netflix, the Dragons Love Tacos read-along on YouTube, and Kipper The Dog. I did a bit of research and found headphones for kids with noise control. Those will come along too.

Beyond the iPad, I'll pack sticker books (did you spot the goat?), a few of his favorite books, animal figurines, a doodle board, some art supplies and Popplers — a game I kept seeing on Instagram and finally caved and bought. It's been great.

His backpack this trip is dedicated almost entirely to him, organized with pouches on pouches so everything is easy to find:

• Clear Hard Shell Pouch / Art Supplies — markers, colored pencils, and coloring pages I made using Gemini (Google's AI)

• Pehr On-The-Go Essential Pouch / Books & Toys — 5 or 6 of his favorite books (Meki is a serious bookworm), animal figurines, a wind-up car, and his Camp Snap Camera (gifted)

• BAGGU Go Pouch Set / Snacks — Dino Bars, fresh fruit, Amara Smoothie Melts, Tractor Wheels and Lovebird’s Unsweetened O cereal

• Kindred Bravely Quick Change Kit — diapers, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, wipes and poop bags (if you know, you know)

• Water Bottle

Does this feel like a lot? Maybe. But these things genuinely make traveling with Meki feel easy and breezy. I know families who pack more and families who pack less — this is just what works for us.

When I can request a travel crib at our accommodation, I do. When I can’t, I bring ours. When the flight is long, I pack breakfast and lunch to hold us over. It’s all just tetris — you figure out what fits, what works, and what your family actually needs.

And at the end of the day, we're just so lucky to be able to do this. To travel, to explore, to show Meki the world while he's young enough that everything still feels like magic. We're building lifelong memories together and I feel genuinely grateful for every single trip.

Happy traveling! 🌍

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Last year, I would have been very excited to receive a custom cigar band with Meki’s name on it, a purse that could keep up with both NYC and the park, or flowers that would stand the test of time.

At the time, I was coming from a place of fresh loss — our belongings, gone in the Palisades fire. I was focused on rebuilding our life. So, I leaned heavily on the value I put on material things because I had been stripped of them. We still had our health, we were all safe and had a temporary roof over our heads. But, getting dressed for the day or going out to dinner felt insurmountable. I found myself torn between practical purchases — socks, underwear, white T's, jeans — and the fun stuff. The purses, the accessories, the little pieces of a life that made me feel like me.

And then, just as we were finding our footing, I got news that sent me down a different kind of rabbit hole entirely.

If you read my last post — where I detailed the procedures and heartache of my journey to a second baby — you might assume I haven't been in the most balanced state. Which would be a fair assumption. This year, my wishlist looks different. (These things are still on it, don't get me wrong.) But my focus has shifted somewhere deeper: my mental and physical health.

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I recently took a step back from work — something I'm very lucky to be able to do — to focus on nourishing both my physical and mental health. I know this isn't a quick process. And I want to give my body a fair shot at recovering.

I'm no longer thinking about when to try to conceive, or what the perfect month is, or the question I used to lose sleep over: what's the perfect age gap. Because those are things I can't control. And coming to terms with that — really coming to terms with it — is already a big step for me. The path to our next baby isn't a straight one. I'm learning to stop pretending otherwise.

This has meant focusing on what comes next — my next check-up, my next milestone in this healing process. With my first hysteroscopy behind me, I feel relieved. I was so scared leading up to it, terrified of what they might find. Now I have more answers. And somehow, even more uncertainty. So my focus has become this: healing a uterus that was left severely scarred. That's all I can do right now. Everything else is out of my control.

I’m not overhauling my life. I’m simply making room for myself within it.

Because I’ve been prescribed more recovery and hormone medications than I’d like, I’ve been following a low inflammation diet to keep my gut from feeling overwhelmed — and to make sure these meds don’t lead me back to SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth). That doesn’t mean dieting. It means mostly avoiding inflammatory foods, while still believing wholeheartedly in everything in moderation.

Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, I fill up my water bottle with electrolytes and get to the gym. For the past two months, I’ve been using ChatGPT as my personal trainer — and honestly, it’s been a game changer. I feed it information like what day of my cycle I’m on, how my body feels that day, how much energy I have, what procedures I’ve had — and it tailors my workouts accordingly. It takes a little training to get right, but I’ve hit my groove. Here’s an actual prompt I used recently:

It is Monday. I am on day 8 of my cycle. I am taking estrogen and progesterone post my hysteroscopy. My back is still a little sensitive — so I don't want to cause any more damage to it. I am doing pilates at the end of the week and plan to strength train two more times this week. Give me a 45 minute workout that focuses on leaning out and toning. I also plan on getting in the sauna after my session.

Thursdays are for physical therapy. I’ve been dealing with a lot of lower back pain, and these sessions have brought real relief — we stretch, do cupping, and finish with taping my back.

Bi-weekly, I’ve brought acupuncture back into my routine. There’s something about that hour that I can’t quite replicate anywhere else. It’s where I go to breathe. To let my body catch up to everything my mind has been carrying. And selfishly, it’s one of the only places where slowing down feels not just acceptable — but necessary.

I’ve also gotten back into reading, which might sound small but isn’t. I’m the type of person who can’t focus on a page when my mind is loud. So the fact that I’ve been on a roll lately feels like a sign that something is shifting. I’ve even started a loose book club with my girlfriends — coordinating reads, comparing notes. It keeps me accountable and gives me something to look forward to that has nothing to do with appointments or timelines.

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So what do I actually want this year?

A meditation mat. A red light therapy panel. Compression boots. A vagus nerve stimulator. Nothing that goes in a closet or sits on a shelf looking pretty — everything designed to bring me back to myself.

Some of these I've tried. Others are new to me. But every single one of them is intentional. The meditation mat because I need a dedicated space to be still — something I've never been good at but am committed to learning. The red light therapy for recovery and inflammation. The compression boots because after physical therapy, my body is asking for more support than I've been giving it. And the vagus nerve stimulator because I want tools that work with my nervous system, not against it.

This year is about investing in the version of myself that my son deserves to grow up with. Grounded. Healing. Present. I want to feel proud of the work I’m putting in, not just the results. Because the tools that help you regulate, recover and reconnect with yourself? Those don’t take a backseat. Not anymore.

And to the dads — or anyone looking to show up for the mother in their life — it’s simpler than you think. Make her feel loved. Make her feel seen. Acknowledge what she carries, quietly and constantly, and tell her it matters.

To all of the mothers, and to the women on their own journey toward motherhood: I see you. I see the late night hours spent wondering if you’re present enough. I see the way you put yourself last, almost always. I see the sacrifices you’re making to build a family, the ones nobody claps for.

Motherhood doesn’t look the same for everyone. For some it comes easy. For others it’s years of fighting, grieving, and hoping for a dream that hasn’t arrived yet. Each journey carries its own weight — its own challenges, sacrifices, and heartache. But know this: it is the most selfless, most rewarding thing I have ever done.

Everything I’ve been through, I’d do it a thousand times over just to feel this love again. It’s not a love you can explain. It’s the way their little hands feel like magic on your cheek. The way their laughter stirs up both tears and belly laughs… a happiness unlike anything else.

But it’s hard. It’s relentless. And in the end, being a mother is so much more than bringing a child into the world. It’s who you become in the process.

The room started to spin as she told me about what would come next: multiple surgeries to remove the scarring and months of healing in between. When I asked whether I’d be able to try for a baby this year, a long pause followed.

A few days later, the email read: “It does look like there could be adhesive disease inside the uterus.”

Adhesive disease. Scar tissue. A uterus that had once carried life, now unable to carry another. My heart sank.

Before I had Meki, I was so naive. I had no idea the level of sacrifices that came with becoming a mother and the reality that everyone’s journey is so different. We got pregnant somewhat unexpectedly and I skipped over the season of having to try for a baby. In fact, I found out I was pregnant on the night of my 30th birthday, ten days after my wedding, having just celebrated surrounded by my closest friends in Cartagena, Colombia. While I was shocked to learn I was pregnant, looking back, it now all feels like a fairytale. I’ll never forget how still the world felt when I saw the positive test or the sinking feeling in my stomach because my body was no longer my own. The feeling that trumped it all: LOVE. Never had a connection run so deep — to someone I had never even met.

My pregnancy was uncomplicated. Steady. Healthy. Work was on pause, and I gave myself fully to eating well, exercising and resting. Yes, it was hard to see my body expand and grow. But, it was also magical to feel my son move and wiggle and kick. I shopped and shopped for baby clothes. I decorated the nursery with the help of my mom and husband. I took courses with Patti Quintero, worked out with a trainer, got acupuncture and lymphatic drainage massages. I found my doula, my chiropractor, my people. I didn’t know then how precious that slowness was.

Until the third trimester. My OB pushed me to deliver by a specific day. I learned she had a vacation planned. The suggestion was made that delivering before then would be… easier. I went back and forth on a home birth a million times. Ultimately, on the morning of August 28, 2024 at 9:42 AM, my water broke — slowly at first. By 11:16 AM, a big gush like what you see in the movies. I was 41 weeks pregnant.

At 12:30 AM on August 29th, I checked into the hospital. The thing I fought so hard to avoid became inevitable. I was induced and the real “fun” started. By 6:40 AM, the contractions were picking up and I wasn’t dilating much. It started to become evident that the road was long and if I didn’t sleep, I wouldn’t have energy to push Meki out. By 9:00 AM, I chose an epidural. I had already been in labor for more than 24 hours, the pain from the contractions was becoming excruciating, and I felt exhausted. By 1:30 PM I was still only 1 cm dilated. It wasn’t until 11:30 PM that night that I finally hit 9 cm. I was close.

More and more, control of the birth I wanted was slipping away. However, with my doula by my side, advocating for me, and my husband – who never left my side – I felt supported and knew I had them looking out for me. Looking back, I’m so glad I had them. I remember vividly being called to push. My doula encouraged me and guided me through the process. I felt like I was making progress. In the background, my OB was trying to keep me from pushing. I panicked – I knew it was time. I no longer cared if she was there for the birth or not. The room felt peaceful and I felt confident that I could push my son out on my own.

In a matter of seconds, the feeling in the room shifted. My OB arrived and chaos ensued. The room went from 3 people to 20. She gave me an ultimatum: a vacuum assisted birth or the possibility of my son passing during the birthing process. My legs were numb. My heart was racing. The walls closed in. The rest is a blur. In 3 pushes, she pulled him out. The moment I so wished for vanished. They rushed him away. Time stopped. Silence. The cry. Where was the cry? Why wasn’t he crying?

It finally came. Those were the longest 8 minutes of my life. Finally, my son was on my chest and again the world felt still. I felt complete. I didn’t know what he looked like. I didn’t know how many toes he had. I didn’t care. All that mattered was that we were reunited.

Postpartum was chaos. We ended up with a night nurse who wasn’t a fit. Breastfeeding was another challenge. My son had a narrow palate, and on top of that, I experienced D-MER, which felt like a surge of anxiety every time I breastfed, pumped, or felt my milk come in. That happened every two hours, around the clock, leading to severe PPD. I got to a point where I would take a shower only to lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling, feeling so empty inside. I felt like I was unraveling.

Twenty days postpartum, I was still bleeding heavily, and passing blood clots the size of my hand. With each day, I felt worse than the last. I saw other new moms bouncing back quickly. While I couldn’t walk more than a block without collapsing from pain.

One night, as I breastfed my son in bed, surrounded by my mom and husband, I felt a gush of liquid. I handed my baby off to my mom and ran to the bathroom. A wave of panic rushed over me. Blood. Buckets of blood with no plans of stopping. We rushed to the hospital. I continued to pass massive clots and the blood ran down my legs. I was immediately rushed through the ER into a room. It turned out I had retained 71 grams of placenta, which led to hemorrhaging. At 20 days postpartum, I had an emergency D&C to remove the placenta. Before being wheeled into surgery, I remember thinking: there’s a chance I won’t come out. I prayed for the best, kissed my husband and closed my eyes.

When I woke up, I was shaking uncontrollably from the anesthesia. The cold seeped in and all I wanted was my husband by my side. I was promised that if I could walk to the bathroom and back, I could go home to my baby. So, I tried my best. I made it there before my vision got blurry and the world suddenly went black. I remember thinking: I’m going to die. I had lost a lot of blood. In the end, the doctors couldn’t explain why there was no infection. They were able to save my uterus. It felt like a miracle. I didn’t know then that the miracle would leave scars.

When I was finally able to go home to my baby, my mental health was struggling and all I wanted was to hold him close and never let go. I begged my mom to stay a few more days, as she was due to go home after having spent the last 20 days by my side. During this time, I struggled to shake the feeling of betrayal. I didn’t know if this could have been prevented. I didn’t know if I had been wronged. I only knew I spoke up and wasn’t heard.

Fast forward to today. It’s been nearly 20 months since I gave birth to Meki. In those 20 months I’ve found my purpose: being a mom. My priorities changed and I realized that more than anything else in my life, I felt called to have more babies. I started to envision my life filled with kids running around, a full dining table, chaos and a love that keeps multiplying.

For months, we agonized over timing — when to try, whether the moment was right. I had no idea that while we were going back and forth, the decision was already being made for me. Here’s the thing no one really talks about: you and your partner may not be ready at the same time. I felt heartache and with time, our marriage suffered more and more.

In the end, I decided to freeze my eggs. This gave me purpose and a safety net that guaranteed me the chance of becoming a mother again, someday. The process itself was clinical. Efficient. Measured. So different from birth. The retrieval was successful and the shots, while uncomfortable, were manageable. I felt calm during the procedure and when I came out of surgery, I was given good news about the quantity of eggs retrieved. I had hope.

The weeks to come weren’t easy. The hormonal comedown was extremely taxing – very postpartum like. The sadness came back and it became harder and harder to find myself amongst the haze of emotions. If you’ve been through the egg freezing process, you know the amount of appointments, blood work and ultrasounds that this takes. During one of those ultrasounds, it became clear there might be some scarring in my uterus. That little voice inside my head, reminding me of that possibility got louder and louder. While I waited for my period to come, in order to schedule my saline sonogram, I grew more and more anxious.

During this time, everyone around me started to become pregnant. I became an expert at smiling through pregnancy announcements. You can feel the utmost happiness for your friends and family, while also being sad that it’s not you.

The words “major scarring” have consumed my thoughts. The thought of having to spend the next few months in and out of surgeries, my dream of becoming a mom for the second time slipping further and further away. Feelings of anger and sadness have come and gone. Questions have flooded me: will I carry again? Was I failed? Questions I knew were nonsensical and, frankly, a waste of my time. But, one question stood out: when will I be able to have another baby? That question sits unanswered. The truth is, I don’t know. I have no idea how many procedures it’ll take to rid my uterus of the scars left behind from the emergency D&C.

I never imagined I’d face something like this. It feels so unfair to want a baby so badly and be told your body can’t support it. I’ve been going through the stages of grief: anger, sadness, numbness and slowly, acceptance. I know there’s a path forward. Whatever happens, I have my eggs — a chance I’ve given my future self, no matter what.

I don’t know what my path to another child will look like. I only know I’m not done trying.

Something else I’ve realized during this process is how little we know about each other’s experiences in becoming mothers. We may feel shame in our journey, or even emotional exhaustion that makes us want to not even think about it ever again. But, it’s important to share our experiences. I’m sharing this in hopes that if you’re someone who is experiencing something similar, this might make you feel less alone.

Last night, I watched Meki sleep. One arm flung above his head. Lips slightly parted. Stuffed animal smooshed along his cheek. I’m learning to believe that my body is not broken.

One step at a time.

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While we have weekly date nights, getting away — just the two of us, without friends or Meki — has taken a backseat. This past year especially, after the fires, it felt harder to justify escaping. How can you relax, when you just don’t feel settled? There was so much uncertainty around what came next for us as a family, and the idea of getting away together felt… daunting.

But this year, everything shifted.

We moved into our own apartment in New York and, for the first time in a while, felt settled enough to plan a proper couples escape. My parents flew in to spend time with Meki, and we flew to Grenada for five days — just us.

Our plan? NOTHING!!!

It’s the first trip I think we’ve ever taken where we truly let ourselves slow down. Mornings at the beach, sneaking in a workout, reading a book — or two — long dinners, a few games of chess… and letting each day unfold as it wanted to.

PLANNING THE GETAWAY

I can’t take credit for any of the planning — my husband handled everything.

He chose Grenada for its beautiful beaches and the ease of a direct flight from NYC. He also wanted something a bit more under-the-radar compared to some of the other Caribbean islands.

We stayed at Silversands Beach House, which feels more boutique and intimate than its sister property, Silversands Grand Anse. Our days fell into an easy rhythm: mornings in the outdoor gym, afternoons by the ocean, and evenings at the sister property for dinner and a game of chess.

While I won’t rave about the food on the island, I will rave about the people. Grenadians are some of the warmest, most welcoming people — deeply proud of their island and incredibly kind.

On our first night, we went to Dodgy Dock for their Street Food Wednesday. It was mostly locals — which we loved — and we spent the evening trying different dishes and listening to a live band.

At every stop, we kept asking about local food. The dish that came up over and over again? Oil Down — Grenada’s national dish. It’s a hearty stew made with breadfruit, callaloo, dumplings, and vegetables simmered in coconut milk, herbs, and spices. We were determined to try it… but quickly learned breadfruit wasn’t in season. Still, we were on a mission.

One afternoon, we ventured into town and wandered until we found a small local spot — Patrick’s — with one serving left. Chickens clucking nearby, the sweetest women running the kitchen, and a plate of Oil Down waiting for us. We finished every last bite before heading back to the hotel, watching a few episodes of Game of Thrones, and calling it a night.

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WHAT I WORE

I relied heavily on accessories this trip — and had so much fun pulling everything together beforehand.

Before almost any trip, I plan my outfits in advance and pack them with their corresponding accessories. It makes getting dressed while traveling feel effortless. Of course, once you’re there, you can mix and match. But, this way, I don’t have to make any decisions while I’m there. And that was the whole point of this trip: to truly disconnect.

This is what I wore to our first dinner. It felt fun, bold — a little sexy, a little flirty, but still comfortable. The only thing missing? An anklet. I didn’t order it in time, but this beaded Chan Luu piece would have tied everything together perfectly.

I use clear pouches to store my swimsuits — it makes it so easy to just grab and go. I usually tuck the accessories I plan to wear with each suit right into the bag as well.

I packed a few bucket hats, but the brown polka dot was my most worn. It has a strap that allowed me to secure it in place — the island was often very windy.

P.S I did see that the Mikoh team is closing their store. So, if you like the one piece I wore, get it before it’s too late!!

I have a whole post coming about my favorite custom gifts — my Bode Senior Cord bag being one of them. It’s the most special bag and I can’t wait to share it with you!

Another fun bag — my Colombian Mur Artesanias bag. My cousin’s wife owns the brand, and when I saw her wearing it on our last trip to Colombia, I bought it right off her. I couldn’t leave without it.

The straps are usually longer, but she had this one custom-made for herself — well, I guess… for me ◡̈

If you love a shorter strap like I do, you can reach out to her on Instagram to customize yours.

I can’t take full credit for this black-and-white look — I pulled inspiration from Lucy Williams. I feel like she’s always either on safari or at the beach, and her outfits never miss. Whenever I need a little inspo, I turn to her.

While I love dressing up on vacation, I also love keeping it comfortable. I pack some work-out outfits and always leave room for lounge wear and clothes that don’t feel like “work”. Some days, dressing up just isn’t in the cards!

MY SELF-CARE

Sun protection is non-negotiable for me — and it should be for you too.

I can’t tell you how many people I saw while we were in Grenada that were so sunburnt I could see blisters start to form on their skin. Even if vanity isn’t your reason, do it because you want to avoid the risks that come along with sun damage (or the inevitable leathery skin?! No thanks!!).

1. Color Science Face Sunscreen (SPF 50) — this product is new to me and I love, love, love. It’s lightweight, so easy to reapply, and hasn’t broken me out.

2. Dune Suncare (The Bod Guard (SPF 30) + The Lifeguard) — perfect for long beach days. I love how silky it is — barely any scent, and not a sunburn in sight.

3. Attitude Lip Balm (SPF 15) — because lips are always the first to burn.

4. The Lux Unfiltered (SPF 30) — who doesn’t want to protect their skin from the sun and feel a little sexy at the same time?

5. Collagen Face Mask — I packed a few face masks for those evenings when all you want to do is sit on the balcony, freshly showered, sip an Aperol spritz, and watch the sunset.

6. Pique Beauty Electrolytes — originally packed for workouts, but became a daily go-to for staying hydrated in the heat.

WHAT I READ

One of my goals for this trip was to get back into reading. I usually browse Reese’s Book Club, check Goodreads, or ask friends for recommendations. For this trip, I picked up The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah — and it did not disappoint.

Just be warned: you will cry. I found myself hiding under my hat and sunglasses while tears streamed down my face. It completely sucked me in. Easy 5 stars.

After finishing it, I started Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.

Not exactly a light, fluffy beach read — but I enjoyed it. I’d give it 3.5 stars. The ending didn’t quite land for me, but I’ll let you decide.

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This was exactly what we needed. A pause, just for us.

We came back to our boy feeling lighter, more connected, and full of energy — reminded that taking care of us is just as important as taking care of everything else.

Thoughtfully Yours,

Juani ✨

I always try to remind myself that he’s just a child — and he won’t always be. So when it comes to getting him dressed each morning, I hope his days feel as bold and bright as his outfits. And if you’ve been wondering where I shop for Meki these days, you’ve come to the right place.

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I guess you could say my love of dressing boldly started when I was a child. My family still talks about my yellow lycra shorts — paired with my favorite tucked-in t-shirt, my flashiest accessories, and shoes that rarely matched anything else I was wearing. I was drawn to bold colors and expressive textures. Feathers, tulle, sequins — if it sparkled or made a statement, I loved it.

There’s something about those early memories that still feels close to me. I can picture us dipping our lollipops into the pool without a second thought, the weight of our boots as we ran across the Colombian countryside, the endless adventures with backpacks full of snacks slung over our shoulders.

I never believed in rules when it came to getting dressed. I wore what made me feel happiest. That little girl still exists in me. In many ways, she’s simply picking up where she left off — only now, she’s styling Meki.

Motherhood can often feel like a vortex. The days are filled with planning balanced meals, tracking sleep schedules, keeping up with diapers, folding tiny laundry — the list goes on. Somewhere in the midst of it all, it can feel hard to find your way back to yourself.

One thing I can say with certainty is that dressing Meki has given me a creative outlet I didn’t realize I needed so deeply. His clothes tell a story — one of joyful childhood, play, imagination, and laughter. He’s often described as fun, playful, and full of spunk. His outfits simply reflect that energy.

Here’s my philosophy on childhood: it should be joyful. It should inspire play. It should feel expressive and alive.

I truly believe color has the power to shape how we experience our days. Color theory suggests that yellow can lift mood, while blue evokes calmness and rest. Neutrals can be beautiful and grounding, but childhood itself is rarely neutral. It is bright, experimental, messy, emotional, and full of discovery.

In some small way, I hope that dressing Meki in color helps shape his own sense of expression later in life. I know the day will come when he’ll want to choose his own outfits — and likely reject many of mine. Just the other day, I pulled out a pair of pants and was met with immediate rejection. A tiny hand shot up, pointer finger raised, and a firm “no” came out of Meki’s mouth. He simply wasn’t in the mood. Instead of turning it into a battle, I gave him a few options, and together we chose a new pair. It was a small moment, but a reminder that his voice — and his taste — are already beginning to take shape. For now, I’m soaking in the ritual of picking out his clothes each morning. When the time comes, I’ll happily pass the torch so he can express himself in his own way.

I don’t think my approach to dressing Meki fits neatly into one category. Some days he looks like he belongs in art school; other days he has a sporty edge. I’m never striving to create the “perfect” outfit — I’m more interested in creating a feeling.

I’m drawn to pieces that feel playful, expressive, and slightly unexpected. I love pairing graphic prints with sporty silhouettes, mixing bold colors with varied textures. I don’t believe children should dress like miniature adults — they should look like children.

Getting him dressed each morning feels like a quiet act of imagination. It sets the tone for his day and, in some ways, allows me to hold onto the magic of childhood just a little longer.

I also tend to gravitate toward oversized, relaxed fits. I’d rather roll pants and start wearing pieces early than save them for when they feel “just right.” If you’re a parent, you know clothes often fit perfectly for about a week before they suddenly feel too short, too tight, or completely outgrown.

Over time, I’ve developed a little roster of brands I consistently return to when dressing Meki. I gravitate toward pieces that feel expressive, comfortable, and slightly unexpected — clothes that allow him to move, play, and fully inhabit childhood. I also mix investment pieces with more accessible finds, and I’m always happy to size up or wait for sales so we can get the most wear out of each item.

Here are some of my current favorites, in alphabetical order:

• Bobo Choses — Truly love everything. Their color stories, prints, and relaxed fits consistently feel joyful and thoughtful.

• Halcyon Nights — I reach for their knitwear and zip-up pajamas often. They strike a beautiful balance between comfort and fun.

• Kith — Mostly for outerwear and sporty pieces. Their jackets add structure and a slightly urban edge to more playful outfits.

• Koko Momo — I adore their entire catalogue.

• Little Lawless — A longtime favorite. Whenever Meki wears their shorts or pants, someone inevitably asks where they’re from.

• Milk Teeth — I especially love their pants and socks.

• Mini Rodini — Another brand where I love nearly everything. Their wide sizing range and relaxed fits make them especially practical for growing toddlers.

• Mmoody — I haven’t ordered yet, but they’re very much on my radar.

• Molo — Great for stretchy denim and tie-dye sweatsuits. Their pieces feel playful but durable.

• Patagonia — Our go-to for coats and winter jackets. Practical, warm, and built to last.

• Petite Plume — Now that Meki is older, I love their pajamas. They feel classic and beautifully made.

• Roux — When Meki was younger, I relied heavily on their onesies. Now I gravitate toward their oversized tees and sweatshirts.

• Studio Blinky — My go-to for custom pieces. We have something fun in the works… stay tuned.

• The Animals Observatory — I especially love their t-shirts and hoodies. Their graphics feel artistic and playful. While I admire their pants and sweats, I often find the cut runs a bit slim, and I personally prefer a baggier silhouette on toddlers.

• TINY — Another brand I consistently love across the board. Their designs feel playful but elevated.

• Vintage Levi’s — A bit trickier to source, but worth it. I often find mine through @thislittlepiggywearsvintage.

• Vintage Tees — Many of Meki’s come from @retrorollinkids. They add personality and a sense of nostalgia to his wardrobe.

• Ziggy Zaza — Truly one of my favorites. Their silhouettes and prints are exceptional, though tariffs sometimes make purchases harder to justify.

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It’s not lost on me that many of these pieces are expensive. I often wait for sales and try to maximize wear from each item by sizing up, cuffing pants, and embracing an oversized look.

I also swear by Miss Mouth’s stain remover — truly a magic potion every parent should have on hand. I wash Meki’s clothes on delicate, use a gentle detergent, and hang dry. I’ve found this helps his clothes last longer and allows me to save my favorite pieces for the next little one.

And of course, if dressing your child in bold color isn’t your style, there are still so many ways to create expressive outfits. Mixing neutral tones with interesting textures or subtle patterns can feel just as thoughtful and playful.

At the end of the day, getting dressed should feel like joy — for both of you.

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Until next time,

Thoughtfully Yours ✨

I always thought I had a solid immune system—until I had a toddler… in NYC… in the middle of winter.

A humbling experience.

We’ve had it all: viral pink eye (I still can’t believe this exists), the flu, ear infections—you name it. We’ve seen everyone from ENT doctors in Colombia to ER doctors in New York. Somehow, though, my toddler has fared better than we have. And I can’t help but think that’s because we’ve been incredibly intentional about immune support, gut health, and prevention.

This post is a little guide to surviving this season. It’s an explanation of everything I do to set my toddler up for success.

If you have any additional tips — drop them in the comments below! I’d love to hear them 💕

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Our Preventative Winter Routine

This isn’t a miracle cure or a promise that your child won’t get sick—because toddlers will toddler. My goal isn’t even to avoid illness altogether (because that would be wishful thinking), but to help his immune system respond better. Think: shorter illnesses, fewer severe symptoms, and a healthy gut.

Every morning, we start the day with: Zinc, Immunity Boost and Probiotics.

Because he’s been congested, I add a few drops of D-Congest to his water bottle to support drainage and help his little system clear things out naturally.

Before bed, I spray each nostril with Saline Nasal Mist. If he has a runny nose, I’ll follow with the Frida Baby electric nose sucker.

This thins mucus, flushes allergens, and helps him sleep—which helps everyone sleep.

Our winter routine is my way of keeping us out of the ER. I’m not trying to keep him in a bubble. I want him outside, exposed, living his little life. This is simply how I feel like I’m protecting him while still letting him be a kid.

Plus, I’d be lying if I said I was obsessively washing his hands or even watching what he was putting in his mouth. Sorry. I said it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.

Our Sick-Day Comfort Foods

When the inevitable flu hits our house, I lean on one thing: chicken and rice soup. It’s easy, nourishing, gentle on Meki’s tummy—and surprisingly, one of the only “mushy” foods he will eat.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain brown rice, rinsed

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken (breast or thigh)

• 6 cups bone broth (chicken)

• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, diced

• 2 celery stalks, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1–2 slices fresh ginger (about 1”)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 bay leaf or thyme

• salt & pepper (light for toddler portions)

Instructions

1. Sauté onion, carrot, and celery in olive oil (5–6 min).

2. Add garlic + ginger, cook 1 min.

3. Add broth, rice, chicken (+ herbs if using).

4. Simmer covered 35–40 min.

5. Remove chicken, shred, return to pot.

6. Thin with broth if needed, remove ginger/herbs, season lightly.

With any leftovers, I’ll freeze them in Weck jars to have on hand for a cozy meal on a cold night, or the next flu.

Another comfort I keep on hand are popsicles. I find that Meki eats less when he’s not feeling well and it’s even hard to keep him hydrated. So I keep homemade popsicles on hand and adapt my favorite recipe from the Toddler to Table book.

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen berries (or pears as they’re gentler on the tummy)

• 1/2 cup coconut water (for electrolytes)

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (only if over 1 — honey soothes coughs and throat)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder

• ½ cup unsalted chicken bone broth (immune support + minerals + protein)

Instructions

Blend all ingredients until smooth and pour into molds. Freeze for at least 4–6 hours.

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What I Keep in Our First Aid Kit

The final thing I’ll share is the small first aid kit I keep tucked away. It’s not meant to replace medical care—just to give me peace of mind when something pops up at 2 a.m.

For Meki, it contains:

• Active Skin Repair — a clean alternative to Neosporin. For everything from cuts and scrapes to bruises and irritated skin.

• A rectal thermometer — because accuracy matters!!

• Bandaids — simple, obvious, but essential.

• Dr. Talbot’s Allergy Medicine — for unexpected reactions, or environmental allergies.

• Genexa Pain & Fever — clean, and effective for fevers, teething discomfort, or body aches.

• Frida Baby Nebulizer & Saline — for respiratory support when congestion moves deeper into the chest.

• Dr. GreenMom NatureProfen — a plant-based alternative for inflammation, fever, and pain support when his body needs relief but not harsh meds.

• Ear Relief & Resolve — because ear discomfort is common in little ones, and having gentle support on hand prevents escalation.

• Temperature Tamer — for regulating fevers naturally and supporting the body instead of shocking it.

• LungClear & Cleanse — for respiratory and chest support when congestion lingers and the body needs help clearing it out.

• Erbaviva Chest Balm — a gentle, organic chest rub I reach for during colds or congestion.

• Frida Baby Cool Pads — instant relief for fevers!

• Cicaplast Balm B5+ Soothing Therapeutic Multi-Purpose Cream — my go-to for irritated skin.

A Gentle Disclaimer

As always, this is simply what works for our family based on my own research and comfort level. I’m not a doctor, and there’s no one “right” way to handle sick season. But, I will tell you this: Sick season is exhausting, emotional, and relentless. If this guide helps even a little, I’m glad. And if you have tips that have saved your sanity this winter, please share them in the comments—I’m all ears!!

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Bookmark this, share it with a friend, or come back to it at 2 a.m.—that’s usually when I need it most. You can find all product links from this post here.

Until next time ✨

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Years ago, when I moved from LA to Austin to live with my (now) husband, I sold all of my Christmas decorations to stay nimble during the move. Fast forward to now, with a toddler in tow, that minimalism is officially out the window — it’s time to bring holiday cheer back into our home.

While we don’t usually spend Christmas at home, that’s not going to stop me from creating special memories as a family during the holidays. So, I’m going all out. Think: matching pajamas, ornaments that mean something to our family, custom wrapping paper (that you can purchase too!), roping my mom into DIY crafts, and stockings for the whole family.

SHOP WRAPPING PAPER

DECORATIONS

I want Christmas to feel whimsical, happy, and magical. I’m not a beige mom — so I’m definitely not setting up a beige Christmas. After all, Christmas isn’t really for me anymore; I had my time. My mission is to make it feel as special as possible for Meki. Here’s where I’ve landed.

ORNAMENTS

This year, I selected a few ornaments from Craftspring to adorn our tree. It’s easy to go overboard, so I chose ornaments that felt like us. I also needed pieces that would survive a toddler’s curious hands, so I went with handmade felt ornaments.

Eventually, I’d love to try making my own felt ornaments, but for now, since I’m starting from scratch, I went with pre-made ones. Here’s what made the cut:

• Tree Topper: Christmas Horse
  Horses feel important to our family. We’re surrounded by them in Colombia, I grew up around them, and they’re featured in Meki’s first birthday painting. It felt fitting to have a holiday horse top off our tree.

• Mushroom
  A bit of an inside joke. If you know, you know.

• LA Santa
  Meki was born in LA, and it’s where we’ll eventually call home again. So, a nod to LA was non-negotiable.

• Humpback Whale
  Whales have always been a family symbol. My brother, Mateo, was obsessed with them as a kid. Over time, I became a fan through his love — they’ll always remind me of home.

• Plesiosaurus
  Am I even a boy mom if dinosaurs don’t make it onto our tree?

• Reading Lion
  For my book-obsessed boy. Also, I’ll do anything to hear him roar.

• Tin of Sardines
  One of Meki’s first foods!

• Subway Card / NYC Santa / NYC Taxi
  An ode to our new home — a city that welcomed us with open arms after we were kicked out of our home in LA.

• Camping Backpack
  My husband is an adventure junkie, so this one’s for him.

• Donkey with Gifts
  A sweet reminder of Colombia and the iconic Juan Valdez donkey carrying coffee sacks.

• Stars
  Fingers crossed I can get these in time. They’re made in India, and the two colors I want are currently sold out — but I have faith they’ll arrive before decorating day.

• Colombian Christmas Baubles (from here too)
  A few years ago, at a fair in Manizales, Artia and I picked out a few baubles for our “future” tree. We lost them in the fire, so it feels full circle to replace them — a piece of home, if you will.

GARLANDS & LIGHTS

I was originally obsessed with adding tinsel — until I imagined tiny strands of it showing up in every corner of the house. That idea died quickly. Instead, I opted for a custom felt pom-pom garland in an ombré of greens and blues to wrap around our 7-foot tree (the size I randomly decided our tree would be). According to my AI friends, I’ll need at least 63 feet of garland (and I’ll order more if needed).

And of course, the lights. I went with the Easy Wrap LED Light String from Balsam Hill — the GOAT of fake Christmas trees.

STOCKINGS

I knew I needed six stockings: one for my husband, one for me, one for Meki, and one for Suzie — Meki’s nanny and an honorary member of our family. (I could write a whole post on how grateful I am for this woman and her love for our son.)

For the adults, I fell in love with the stockings from Schoolhouse — playful patterns that feel cohesive yet unique.

But where I really had fun was with Meki’s stocking. I commissioned Studio Blinky, who made Meki’s beloved birthday pants, to create a custom piece. The brief: books, balls, cars, dragons, dogs, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, bananas, a blowfish (his Halloween costume), LA roots, and NYC life. It’s going to be so special — I’ll update this post once it arrives.

THE BASE

Since we’re going with a real tree, I wanted a sturdy, quality base. After some research, I ordered the Krinner Christmas Tree Genie. To dress it up, I chose a Sage & Olive Gingham Tree Skirt from Hawkins New York. As playful as the rest of the décor is, I like balancing it with a few classic touches

SHOP THE DECORATIONS

CUSTOM WRAPPING PAPER

Out of all my holiday traditions, this might be the one I’m most excited about — custom wrapping paper that reflects the stage of life we’re in as a family.

For the first design, I reimagined elements from Meki’s first birthday and Christmas-fied them: his favorite fruit (a strawberry), our inside-joke of mushrooms, a bear holding salmon for my husband’s love of Alaska, a roll of film marking the year 2025, and of course, a nod to our home — NYC.

For the second design, I wanted something friends and family might love too — fun for kids, mature enough for adults: a Barbie convertible (for my girlies), a classic red Christmas truck, Santa’s sleigh featuring Rudolph, a police car, a school bus, and the iconic NYC taxi.

SHOP WRAPPING PAPER

Pre-orders are open — click the link here to order!

Wrapping paper ships in early December. Orders close Sunday, November 17th. U.S. shipping only (for now!) — hoping to open international orders next year.

I can’t wait to wrap the season together — this is just the first of many designs to come.

GIFT GUIDE

If I had a little girl, I’d be raiding Super Smalls — from dress-up sets to craft kits for the girliest girls. My niece loves all things sparkly, so we’ve gotten her their nail kit, leopard earmuffs, jeweled gloves, and the pretend makeup set so she can “get ready like mom.”

But, I’m a boy mom through and through — and Meki’s a bookworm. So, my focus this year is on gifts that nurture curiosity, movement, and imagination.

By Christmas, he’ll be nearly 1.5, so keep that in mind when browsing my picks.

For the adventure-loving toddler who thinks he’s a big kid:

1. Wind Up Train Book — Meki was gifted this book for his first birthday by one of our dear friends. It’s a total hit. The pages unfold into a track for the little train to zoom around.

2. Bath Letters and Numbers – Great for early learning and sensory play.

3. Rufus Red PLAYFOREVER Car – Meki’s obsessed with dogs and cars, so this was an easy pick.

4. Stepping Stones – to encourage climbing, balance, and coordination.

5. Toy Vacuum – Meki see, Meki do! Why not let him pull his weight around the house 😉

6. Car Track – This may not be a gift for RIGHT NOW. But, it will definitely come in handy soon.

7. Micro Scooter and Helmet — My parents gifted this to Meki for his first birthday and it’s been a hit. While we took a little break from it during the winter months, it was fun to push Meki around on his scooter while it was warm. This scooter grows with him until he’s about 5! So, it feels like a great gift.

For the music loving bookworm:

1. Yoto Mini + The Travel Case + Cards
   (Old MacDonald, Beatles Songs, Canta Con Sonia, Farm Songs, Spanish O+, Dancing Songs, Row Your Boat)

2. The Going to Bed Book

3. The Grinch’s Great Big Flap Book

4. Go, Dog, Go!

5. Yo Quiero Mi Sombrero

6. Un Pez, Dos Peces, Pez Rojo, Pez Azul

7. Spot Goes to the Farm

8. The Snowy Day

9. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Bilingual Book)

10. Toniebox + Tonies
    (Favorite Children’s Songs, Ms. Rachel, Daniel Tiger)

Bonus ✨: To give your little one a place to sit and read, consider the House of Noa Play Chair or Lorena Canals Big Puff!

STEM Play & Little Chefs:

1. Wood Marble Tree — I love the sensory experience this brings to a playroom. The sound of the marbles cascading down is so calming — it’s one of those toys that’s as satisfying for adults as it is for kids. This is high on our list!

2. Helper Tower + Safety Net + Cutting Board — We have this and are already using it with Meki. He loves watching what we’re doing and it’s been an amazing way to start involving him in the kitchen!

3. Interactive Recipe Book — Cooking and baking are two of my big loves. These books are such a fun and hands-on introduction to those worlds — it feels like a beautiful way to nurture curiosity and confidence early on.

4. Air Toobz — We’re always on the lookout for engaging STEM toys, and these feel like the perfect pick for both baby and parents.

SHOP MY TODDLER GIFT GUIDE

And of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a DIY project from my mom. After a failed attempt to order a personalized Santa sack, I enlisted her to make one for Meki. I know these handmade pieces will become family heirlooms — it’s not every day your grandma stitches magic into your holidays.

Finally, it’s important to us to give back during the Holiday Season. If that’s important to you too, here are some organizations I suggest looking into: Angel Tree and Be An Elf.

That ties up my Christmas plans: the décor, the traditions, and Meki’s toddler gift guide. What are some of your favorite holiday traditions?

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In just a few days, we’re moving into a temporary apartment while we wait for our more permanent apartment to become available. With that comes the potential to dream up our new home and the spaces inside of it. I thought I could show you what I have planned for Meki’s room and tell you a bit about my design process.

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THE PROCESS 🎨

I always start with the floor plan — it’s my canvas. While I took a bit of inspo from Meki’s room back in the Palisades, I see this as an opportunity to fine-tune it.

Once I have a vision, I map out how everything will fit. I try to make it as close to real life as possible — reading product descriptions carefully and building each shape to scale inside my layout.

My philosophy for Meki’s room is simple. I aim to keep things fun, inspiring, and playful — a space that sparks awe, invites imagination, and still feels calm and safe enough for rest.

READING NOOK 📚

I wanted to create a little corner for Meki’s books — if you know him, you know he’s a total bookworm. In his previous room, I used the same acrylic bookshelves and hung them up along the wall. This time, I’m keeping them closer to the ground so he can easily pick and choose his own books. After all, he’s a boy who knows what he wants — and those tippy-toes deserve a break from working overtime.

And if you’re wondering about his current favorites… well, let me spill the tea. His lineup includes The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Goodnight Moon, Dr. Seuss’s ABC, and Little Blue Truck. There’s also a sweet addition we picked up in Spain: Una Semillita. He loves books with sounds and flaps like Around The Farm and Pop-Up Dinosaurs (though you have to use your imagination now because he ripped half of the dinosaurs out). You also can’t forget Los Angeles, Baby! and New York, Baby!.

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Books have really helped Meki’s language explode. We always hoped he’d love reading — but never imagined just how much. So creating a cozy reading corner felt like a must.

To make it extra comfortable, I chose the Lorena Canals Puff (the larger size — so it can grow with him!). I also picked up two acrylic shelves from West Elm and plan to hang his “MEKI” letters by Paula Atelier. I haven’t been able to repurchase his Chance Athletics basketball hoop yet — but they told me more are coming soon!

A CORNER FOR SLEEP 💤

I’ll be honest: the Babyletto Swell crib wasn’t my first choice. When we arrived after the fires, it was the only one I liked that could arrive in time. In the Palisades, we had the Nestig Wave crib, which felt sturdier and better made. But I’m embracing where we are now — and bringing this one along for the next chapter.

For baby monitoring, we use the Nanit baby monitor. It might not be a must for everyone, but I love being able to check in on my sleeping boy, even when I’m out. (It travels with us too — though it’s a bit annoying if the Wi-Fi’s spotty.)

For bedding, I purchase the muslin fitted crib sheets from Mushie and always use… what I like to call… bed sheet suspenders to keep them from scrunching up. This boy is a wiggle worm at night, and I’ve noticed these really help keep the sheets in place.

As part of the reading nook, I repurchased the Mr. Maria Smiley Lamp. This is so Meki — the happiest boy to ever live. I know he’ll have the best time with it.

And if you’ve caught glimpses of the rug, it’s the Luca rug by Maman — one of my favorites. My friend Samira, who designs them, has such an incredible eye. Her rugs are playful, unexpected, and always bring so much character to a space.

A PLACE FOR PLAY 🧸

It was equally important to carve out a space for Meki to play. While I love seeing him sprawled out around the house, I also wanted to give him a place where he can be his most wild and free.

I’m hoping to paint his room again and rehang the same wallpaper he had before. That explosion of color really brought his Palisades room to life — and since he didn’t get much time to enjoy it, it feels right to recreate a bit of that magic here.

Something missing this time around is art. We still haven’t recovered all our pieces, but we’re slowly rebuilding our collection. Framebridge was kind enough to reprint a few, and we’ll be hanging Meki’s first birthday gift — a piece of art we bought for him — in his room.

For storage, I bought the Lovevery Play Shelf, and for crafts and play, I splurged on the ecoBirdy table and chairs set. I fell in love with its design and sustainability — and like so many things in his room, I hope it grows with him (and maybe future siblings too!).

So there you have it — a space for play, a space for rest, and a space for reading. Each one designed with a little imagination, a lot of love, and the hope that Meki feels at home wherever we land.

If you’re curious about any of the pieces I mentioned, you can shop Meki’s room here.

Do you want to see my designs for the rest of the house?

Once a month:

• Lymphatic drainage massage

• Acupuncture session

• Mani & pedi

Every six weeks:

• Facial

• Eyebrow shaping

Weekly:

• Two to three pilates classes

• Two strength training sessions, followed by a 15-minute sauna

• One at-home face mask

But, the world isn’t perfect and it’s not always possible to fit this much self-care into one month — especially when you’re on the go, have a baby to care for, or are juggling work.

As a lover of all things beauty and wellness, there are some things I simply can’t live without. I’d like to share those with you. I know these products can add up quickly — I’ve learned this firsthand while slowly rebuilding my routine after the Palisades fire back in January. And of course, what works for me might not work for you. Still, I hope you’ll discover something here that becomes a ride-or-die for you too.

Because really, isn’t this what girlhood is all about? Sharing our favorites, putting on face masks together, catching up on the latest goss, and swapping lip gloss. So, consider this post me sharing my lip gloss with you!

Some of these items I’ve already mentioned before, but I’m constantly revamping my beauty, body, wellness, and makeup routine. I thought it would be fun to walk you through how I care for myself head to toe. If you love a beauty haul, hang tight! If not, this post might not be your vibe ◡̈ I love you nonetheless and want to thank you for always for coming back to see what I’ve got to say!

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Originally, I planned to just share my updated makeup routine. But what’s makeup without a base? The post grew from there. My approach is pretty simple. It’s been years since I’ve seen a dermatologist, so everything here is trial and error, tips from facialists, and product recommendations from friends and influencers I trust.

MORNING SKINCARE ROUTINE

• Rinse — I splash my face with cold water (I should mention, I don’t pat my face dry…ever).

• Tone — I sprinkle Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 on a cotton pad and pat into my skin (never swiping).

• Oil — Tata Harper Bio Shield Face Oil. Protects my skin and gives me a dewy glow.

• Moisturize — Tata Harper Fortifying Moisturizer.

• Sunscreen (IMPORTANT 🚨) — Beauty of Joseon (the Korean version). Lightweight, sinks right in. Please wear sunscreen — it’s non-negotiable. Skin cancer is no joke and it can’t help to be a little vain.

NIGHT SKINCARE ROUTINE

1. Cleanse — Osea Ocean Wave Cleanser (for makeup days) and Ocean Cleansing Milk (always).

2. Tone — Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 again.

3. Serum — Osea Dream Night Serum on face and neck.

4. Moisturize — May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon. I will never go without it.

5. Lip Care — Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (new love).

6. Anti-Aging (sometimes) — LYMA Laser for glow and even complexion.

FACE MASKS:

• Once a week, I mix Biologique Recherche Masque VIP O2 with Masque Vivant. These two bring my skin back to life. I’m trying to move away from Botox and embrace aging gracefully. That means getting my products right and focusing on skin health inside and out. That’s not to say I won’t ever get Botox again. For now, I’m just embracing other anti-aging methods.

• In my shower, you’ll find May Lindstrom’s Honey Mud Mask. It tingles, but leaves my skin feeling activated.

• I’ve also fallen for Medicube Collagen Masks — I first tried one before a date night and immediately saw the glow. My friend Bella used them on her wedding day (her skin was unreal). She’s influenced me on a few things recently — including this mask, the Laneige lip mask, and a lipstick you’ll meet later.

WANT: BEAUTY TOOLS

• I keep things intentional. On my wishlist: the Celluma Face Panel, which helps with both aging and acne. I’ve tried it during facials and acupuncture sessions and loved the results.

TEETH

Pregnancy took a toll on my gums, so I’ve become very particular with oral care:

• Floss: Cocofloss — feels like it actually gets in there and cleans thoroughly.

• Toothbrush: Sonicare Protective Clean 6500. Look, I’ve tried others and it feel like my brain was getting electrocuted. They just weren’t for me. I love this toothbrush!! It gives me the best clean, it’s gentle on my brain and gums. So, it’s really a win win.

• Brush Head: Sonicare Sensitive Head. Again, my gums became super sensitive during pregnancy; so, I try everything I can to minimize any potential pain.

• Toothpaste: Linhart Whitening Toothpaste.

• Tongue Scraper: Just stainless steel from Amazon — does the trick.

• Rinse: Herbal Oral Rinse with essential oils. This is a new product for me and I’ve really been liking it! It was recommended to me by my dentist and it’s alcohol free and uses essentials oils.

It’s so fun to be a girl and to get to chat all things beauty with your friends. It’s one of my favorite parts of girlhood honestly. At Bella’s wedding, as well as at my own back in December of 2023, I did my own makeup. I’ve found over the years that I simply prefer doing my own makeup to ensure I look and feel like myself for special events. I find that the wrong makeup can often age you and, in turn, make you feel less confident. So, in order to avoid that, I have tuned into hours of YouTube makeup tutorials to learn how to perfect my makeup routine.

What I’ve learned: your base matters, cream before powder, and listen to Mary Phillips and Katie Jane Hughes.

I tend to go for a natural no-makeup-makeup look.

MAKEUP ROUTINE

• Contour: I start with the Westman Atelier Face Trace Contour Stick in Biscuit, applied with the Yachiyo Tapered Medium Brush from Hakuhodo.

• Concealer: I go in with the Farah Homidi Essential Face Concealer and Foundation. Honestly, I just use my fingers here — I find the warmth of my hands helps it melt right in. I use the color Sable!

• Foundation: Next, I grab the Chanel Water-Fresh Complexion Touch in shade B10 or B20 (depending on the season). I pump it onto the back of my hand, mix it with a drop of moisturizer, and then use the Yachiyo Tapered Large Brush from Hakuhodo to buff it into my face in soft, circular motions. It gives me that sheer, skin-but-better finish I’m always after.

• Powder: For setting, I use Saie’s Slip Tint Undetectable Baked Setting Powder. I like to be precise about where I place it — usually just under the eyes and around the T-zone — so I reach for the Saie Targeted Fluffy Brush.

• Bronzer: Farah Homidi Essential Bronzer in Lumen, applied with their Shader Brush.

• Cream Blush: For blush, I grab Rhode Pocket Blush in Sleepy Girl. I tap it on with the Hakuhodo Yachiyo Round Large Brush, which makes it look really diffused and effortless.

• Liquid Highlighter: On top of that, I add a little glow with the Dior Forever Glow Maximizer Longwear Liquid Highlighter in Rosy — applied with the same Yachiyo Round Large Brush. (Yes, this brush gets a lot of love!)

• Powder Blush: If I want to add more dimension, I’ll layer the Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Cream Highlighter in Peau de Rosé, again with that trusty Yachiyo Round Large Brush.

• Highlighter: Finally, I take the Chanel Baume Essentiel Glow Stick in Dragée and just use my finger to tap it onto my cheekbones — and sometimes onto my eyelids for that glossy sheen.

• Eyelashes: For lashes, I always curl them first — I have the Tweezerman Eyelash Curler. Most days, that’s all I do; I love the natural, wide-awake look. For a night out, I’ll layer Chanel La Base Mascara as a primer and then go in with Westman Atelier’s Mascara. That combo keeps everything from smudging. And if it’s a special occasion? I’ll skip the mascara and pop on a pair of Falsies Press-On Self-Adhesive Lashes — just one at the outer corners makes such a difference.

• Eyes:

  • I’m not a big fan of a smokey eye, so I usually keep my lids pretty simple. Most days I’ll reach for pinky hues or a subtle shimmer — like Urban Decay’s Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow in Space Cowboy, which is such a pretty wash of sparkle.

  • Before the fires, I had two Pat McGrath palettes and I was obsessed. If you love your eyelids to shine, her shadows are unbeatable. Instead of replacing the full palettes, I went for something more compact: the Voyeuristic Vixen quad, which has four versatile shades I can throw in my bag.

  • Right before Bella’s wedding — when I realized I had zero eyeshadows with me — I picked up the Chanel Les 4 Ombres Multi-Effect Quadra Eyeshadow in Spices. It’s shimmery, shiny, and just beautiful.

• Lips: I’m a gloss girl through and through — I don’t love lipsticks that feel too heavy or too bold. My everyday go-tos are the Rhode Peptide Tint Nourishing Glazes in Ribbon and Toast. I love the shades, though my only gripe is that they get a little grainy over time.

  I also recently added the Dior Lip Glow Oil in Pink to my lineup, and I’ve been obsessed. The color is perfect, it’s not insanely sticky, and it doesn’t dry out my lips — which is basically my holy trinity when it comes to lip products.

Those are my makeup essentials and a bit about what my routine looks like when I’m going out on the town. For day-to-day, I pare it back to concealer, blush, and curled lashes. While I don’t wear makeup everyday, I’m still a big fan of the process and love to stay on top of the latest and greatest. In my cart at the moment:

• Mary Phillips m.ph Underpainting Palette (have been testing and love).

• Fara Homidi Soft Glass Lip Plumping Oil (I simply can’t decide on which shade to get… maybe both).

• Rhode Peptide Lip Shaping Contouring Lip Shaper. For a girl that doesn’t love having a ton of color on her lips, I’m going a bit out of my comfort zone trying this out. But, curiosity killed the cat!!

• Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Lip Balm. This was another product my friend Bella influenced me to buy. It felt super cooling on my lips and I just loved the color and shine!

• It feels like I cannot keep my under-eyes from creasing — regardless of how many powders I try. Recently, a friend recommended Pat McGrath Lab’s Under Eye Powder (she swears by it) and it’s currently sitting in my cart.

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BODY

I’ve talked about Osea before — raved about it, in fact. But it’s truly one of my favorite brands to exist. I’ve even met the founder and watched how she lives, eats, and breathes what she’s selling. That kind of authenticity hooked me, and now I love exploring everything they make.

• In my shower, you’ll always find the Undaria Algae Body Wash. It’s silky, smells amazing, and — most importantly for me — it doesn’t irritate my skin. As a fellow sensitive-skin girly, I’m very careful about what I use, and this one checks all the boxes.

• On damp skin, right after a shower, I mix one part Anti-Aging Body Balm with one part Undaria Algae Body Oil and smooth it from shoulders to toes.

• You’ll never catch me toweling off after a shower. I love to air dry and let my products really seep into my skin. I swear it helps everything absorb better. So instead of a towel, I wrap myself in a robe and go straight from shower to skincare to getting dressed. It’s like I’m waking up at a spa — but in my own home.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

• Honorable Mentions: In my purse at all times (and on my nightstand, too) you’ll find Weleda Body Butter and Furtuna Skina Olive Oil Lip Butter Balm. These are non-negotiables for me. I cannot stand when my lips or hands are dry — it’s like I can’t think or focus on anything else until I fix it. So these two are always within arm’s reach. Before bed, I slather the Weleda Body Butter on my hands and feet, and it’s become a little ritual I can’t go without.

• Another favorite: May Lindstrom’s The Happy Galaxy. I’ll massage a pump or two into wet hands right after the shower and before drying off. It gives my skin hydration, a hint of sparkle, and that subtle glow that just feels perfect before a night out.

HAIR ESSENTIALS

Recently, I got my favorite haircut ever from Stevie at IGK in SoHo. To do it justice, I’ve really set out on a journey of tools and products:

• Tools: Dyson Hairdryer (I’m not repurchasing my Airwrap this time around), Crown Affair Brush & Comb, Bio Ionic Curling Iron, BondiBoost Thermal Hot Round Brush (obsessed).

  • Side Note: I also didn’t repurchase my Mason Pearson brush. I can’t say this one isn’t worth the money because it felt like the hairbrush that keeps on giving. But, at the time, it felt like there were other places I’d rather be investing in.

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My hair hasn’t been colored in over three years now, and I really think that’s been the secret to having the healthiest hair I’ve ever had. My ends don’t feel broken, I get trims about every six months, and I don’t deal with as much buildup as before — all thanks to my beloved haircare products.

• On hair-wash day, I’ll usually apply Fable & Mane’s HoliRoots Pre-Wash Scalp & Hair Treatment Oil. I don’t use it every single time, but I love putting it on before a workout so it has time to sit, especially on days I know I’ll be washing my hair afterward.

• RŌZ has quickly become one of my favorite brands. I use their shampoo, conditioner, and heat protectant oil, and honestly, the combo has done wonders for my hair!

• Every now and then, I’ll treat myself to a hair mask in the shower. My go-to is also from Fable & Mane. It smells like banana — and while I usually avoid fragrance in my products, this one is worth the exception. It leaves my hair feeling silky, smooth, and so refreshed.

WHAT I’M TRYING NEXT

I’ve always believed wellness starts from the inside out. When you feel good on the inside, it shows up everywhere else — your skin glows, your hair and nails thrive, and your confidence naturally lifts.

Lately, I keep hearing that I’d benefit from meditating. And honestly? I think it’s true. I’m in a season of life with so many transitions, and I can’t say I’ve handled them all gracefully. I have my go-to’s — acupuncture, workouts, therapy — but I’m realizing there are other practices worth exploring. So meditation feels like the next step.

On a completely different (but equally exciting) note: my friend Jessica is launching her first drop for Celisse, a chic new brand all about nails by you. The idea is to make nail care portable and simple with tools that actually elevate the experience. Some might say I inspired the nail file in the kit… and I’ll happily take the credit because it’s truly to die for. As a nail enthusiast, I couldn’t be happier to see a brand like this come to life.

Anything else I need to try next?

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That’s a lot to take in! I hope you found something new that you’re excited to try. I promise to keep updating this list as time goes on and my routine and favorites continue evolve. In the meantime, please drop your favorite meditating tools and tips on how to get started!

Thoughtfully Yours ✨

Juani

On the morning of Meki’s actual birthday, we found ourselves in Bodegraven, Netherlands — a small city on the outskirts of Amsterdam where my host sister, Margaux, lives with her family. We spent the day exploring the city center, baking cakes, playing at the neighborhood playground, and watching farm animals wander about. I had debated skipping a party altogether, as our day felt special enough; but in the end, we caved. My ideal vision was something simple: a music performance, bites that worked for both kids and adults, bubbles, and a few toys scattered across the rooftop of my brother-in-law’s New York apartment.

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It all started with the crown. I kept seeing these adorable handmade crowns that moms were making for their kids’ birthdays. I immediately pulled my mom into the project and together we started planning Meki’s. I found the perfect template on Etsy, downloaded the pattern, and began searching for inspiration. Since Meki has been all about animal sounds lately, I landed on a “party animals” theme. Not the most original, I know — but I wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel.

I designed each animal in Illustrator (a bit randomly, if I’m honest). To create the patterns, I had to separate everything into layers, which made the process longer but worth it. Once that was finished, I loaded the files onto my mom’s Cricut account, and she took on the cutting and sewing. How special is it that Meki might one day pass this crown down to his own kids? Or maybe he won’t — but either way, it’s so meaningful to have something handmade by my mom that will always tie back to this milestone.

Of course, once we had the crown, we couldn’t stop there. I designed more animals, and together we made a birthday banner. This banner traveled with us from Indianapolis — where my mom lives — to New York, then all throughout our summer in Europe, and finally back to New York for the big day. I created patterns for the animals and the flags, then mocked up what I wanted the final design to look like.

I can be particular about details, and I’m sure my mom both loves and rolls her eyes at that. We ended up with a few different versions of the banner since Meki was lucky enough to celebrate his first birthday alongside his friend, Grey.

Grey’s mom, Kari, and I met through a music class in Tribeca. The class was hosted in the playroom of our building, and we both happened to sign up by chance. We had just moved from LA to New York, and I was desperate to meet mom friends. Kari — saved in my phone for months as “Grey’s Mom” — has been such a blessing. Not only is she an amazing friend, but it’s also such a comfort to share this season of life with someone whose child is hitting the same milestones as mine.

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Because I already had all of these little animals designed, the next step was creating the birthday invite. Pinterest is always my go-to for inspiration, and this time was no different. My goal for anything I create for Meki — whether it’s his room, his invites, or even his wardrobe — is that it feels fun, playful, and full of life.

While most of the animals were pretty simple, one design was special. Back in our Palisades home, Meki had a small collection of Jellycat animals. Though he barely pays attention to stuffed animals now, I decided to weave a small surprise into the design: a Jellycat dragon. I picked up a new dragon for him and designed a matching character to tie into the theme.

After we finished the crown and the banner, I couldn’t resist one more project. Using my Cricut machine, I made little bamboo skewers to adorn our bites. We served turkey meatballs, chicken dumplings, pancake skewers with fruits and falafel bites.

In case you’re curious about the tools I used, I’ll link them here. If you’re the type who loves an arts-and-crafts project — DIY birthday parties, handmade thank-you cards, all of it — these tools are for you. And if you’re not? No stress. There are so many incredible artists and makers on Etsy who can bring your vision to life. Or, of course, you can always pop into Paper Source for something sweet and ready-made.

The day itself was beautiful. There was just the right amount of breeze, with shade drifting in from the nearby buildings. And something about Meki: he would not take off his birthday crown. He wore it proudly all afternoon, without me having to beg him to keep it on.

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous about how he might react — all the singing, so many people coming up to him, the energy of the afternoon. But he thoroughly enjoyed himself. He danced to every song during the music class, reached for the bubbles, played with his friends, and posed happily for photos with anyone who asked. And when it came time for cake — he dug right in.

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Looking back, I’m so grateful we hosted a party. It felt magical to see so many of our friends and family singing and dancing the afternoon away with Meki. More than anything, it felt like a celebration of our first year as a family — a year filled with love, learning, and deep appreciation for this phase of life. I’ve never felt more sure of where I’m meant to be. Motherhood has been the most fulfilling role I’ve ever stepped into, and it’s fun to imagine the future: a dining table filled with kids, their friends, and one day their partners. Late nights waiting for them to come home. Driving them to practices. Listening in on their stories and gossip.

Artia and I have talked a lot about how we want to raise our kids. Something we always come back to is raising them with intention — we hope for them to grow into well-rounded, kind-hearted, generous, humble, and honest individuals. When it comes to gifts, we would never hold anyone back from giving Meki presents. But we also want to balance that with giving back.

For Meki’s first birthday, instead of buying him more toys, we chose his very first piece of art. We had it framed through Framebridge and asked them to include an envelope on the back so we could tuck in a letter to him to mark the milestone. My hope is that he’ll grow up appreciating art, carrying this piece with him from home to home. It feels like a tradition we’d like to continue — marking milestone birthdays with art for each of our kids, something lasting and meaningful that reflects the stage of life they’re in.

We also want Meki to learn the joy of giving back. So with every gift that came in — okay, maybe not an exact one-to-one science — we made sure to donate or give something away. It’s a small practice, but one that reminds us not to drown in piles of toys. More importantly, it’s a way of weaving generosity into his life from the start.

Meki is the sweetest boy. He lights up every room with his smile and easygoing spirit. He’s discovering his voice, loves yelling “dada,” and will bounce to any beat. I love being his mom. How lucky am I? How lucky am I that he chose me — and that I get to learn from him every single day. Meki has taught me to slow down, to live in the moment, and to let go of having everything my way. So here’s to my boy.

Come back this time next year to see what we DIY for him then ✨

Thoughtfully Yours,

Juani

We spent a little over a month in Europe: we frolicked through Madrid, soaked up the sun in the south of France, biked through Amsterdam, celebrated love in the UK, and ended the trip in Paris. We left with an infant and came home with a toddler. How is this chapter of life speeding by so quickly?

I’m so grateful for my village, and especially to have been able to bring my mom along — she helped take care of Meki while my husband and I had some time to ourselves. After settling them into an apartment in Madrid, our solo trip began in the south of France, on a small island off the coast of Cannes. With a packed itinerary and dress codes to match, my packing list was deep.

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One of my favorite days was spent dancing away at La Guerite, where I wore Bode sequin shorts with a Pucci scarf. My shoes flew off the minute my feet hit the sand, and when the music started, my hair went up. It felt amazing to be carefree again after having a baby. Every now and then, it’s necessary to carve out time for yourself — to re-center before diving back into the beautiful chaos of motherhood. While this chapter as a mom is my favorite yet, I still find joy in revisiting the party girl I once was — young, wild, and free.

Perhaps my favorite outfit this summer was also my most impractical: a Bode fringe skirt and a beaded bralette paired with Gucci wedges. It was made for dancing the night away. The theme was “white night,” and while the skirt didn’t make it out of the suitcase much, it’s a statement piece I can’t wait to wear again for summers to come.

During this part of the trip, we spent plenty of time in the sun and the water. You’d think after writing an entire post on bathing suits, I’d have an arsenal by now. But the truth is, I hate buying just for the sake of buying. So this time, I packed the fewest swimsuits I’ve ever brought on a trip: a Missoni suit, a sparkly Mikoh one-piece, and a Tropic by C two-piece. Perhaps even more important than the swimsuits was my sun care: Dune Suncare, Freaks of Nature SPF 50, High Gloss Oil SPF, After Sun Gel & Lip Balm SPF. Honorable mention goes to the hat of the summer: my Gucci GG Canvas bucket hat. It gives the most incredible coverage and shields my face from every angle.

After our week in France, it was back to Madrid. On travel days, I leaned on my comfiest set from Paloma Wool. The only drawback? Dry-clean only. But the fabric was airy, comfortable, and elevated — all things I want when I’m moving from place to place. A tote bag was always by my side, and while it wasn’t the Gucci canvas tote I’ve been eyeing, I wish it had been.

We spent the next two weeks exploring Madrid, making the most of the weather — and the fact that half the city shuts down in August. Out of all the cities we visited, Madrid felt the least baby-friendly. The heat limited activities, and while there were parks scattered around, the city didn’t feel especially geared toward kids. You might disagree with me, and if you do, please tell me what I missed!

For those on-the-go mom days, I leaned on a few trusty basics. While my Khaite crystal-embellished flats aren’t exactly “practical,” they’re easily my most-worn shoe. At this point, a million crystals have fallen off, but they still elevate even the simplest outfits. And let’s be honest — fabric glue exists for a reason.

I have to say, the solo moments were fun, but nothing compares to experiencing life through your child’s eyes. Watching Meki play with his cousins, crawl through wet grass, and blossom into such an adaptable little human has been the most rewarding part of all. How lucky am I to show him the world and take time off to be fully present? No matter where life takes us, he’ll always find in me an adventure buddy.

Anyway, you’re probably here for the fits — and I respect that. So, off to the UK we go! Our first few days were spent in London, where we explored the city and experienced the one and only Gymkhana. After getting creative with what I had in my suitcase, I landed on a Pucci scarf as a top, lace pants from Eliou, and a Paco Rabanne statement bag.

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All summer, we carried our trusty Contax T2. This camera comes everywhere with us, capturing the in-between moments so beautifully. I still shoot film because I find the grain poetic and the photos romantic. Looking back at them feels like stepping into those moments again. There’s a movement in film that I just don’t feel in iPhone pictures.

As big Harry Potter fans, we took a day trip to Oxford to see “the library.” Only to find out Oxford is actually made up of 38 different universities — each with its own entrance fee and no library access. A little Google search would have gone a long way! Still, we tagged along on a few Harry Potter walking tours before heading back to London. The city itself is stunning and well worth the visit. Next time, I won’t forget my wand.

After Oxford, and before Amsterdam, we popped over to Tunbridge Wells to attend the wedding of our dear friends Bella and Ollie. It was a day filled with sunshine, champagne, immaculate vibes, and love. The bride — one of my best friends — looked absolutely breathtaking, and I felt so lucky to stand by her side.

As a bridesmaid, I wore a butter-yellow Simkhai dress, a Miu Miu beaded purse, and Jimmy Choo heels. I’d spent all summer breaking them in, and mission accomplished: I was comfortable all day. And I have to give Artia a mention here too — his outfit was one of my favorites. He wore a silk, beaded Bode shirt with Theory linen pants and Lemaire shoes. Casual, cool, and perfect for an English countryside wedding.

And that’s a wrap! Cheers to a beautiful summer filled with adventure 🥂 Should my next post be about essentials for traveling with a baby?

To see what else I packed this summer, please direct your attention here ◡̈

I wasn’t sure how these two worlds would collide, and now I’m facing a hard truth: I can’t do it all. I can’t cook three meals a day for Meki while working in my field. I can’t give all of my energy to our family while also trying to thrive in my career. In other words, something has to give — and I’m just now starting to figure out how to potentially balance the two going forward. We can dissect that in another post.

For now, let’s talk about something a little lighter: what I wore to work this week. You might remember from my last post that I was on the hunt for a new work purse. I can now joyfully confirm that I’ve chosen my new wurse — and it’s a dream.

Quick disclaimer: if you’re here for traditional “professional” outfits, this may not be the post for you. Dressing for a role in advertising is nothing like dressing for a role in banking. You’ll see what I mean. In this field, the vibe is much more relaxed — and often, your work wardrobe and your personal wardrobe are one and the same.

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TUESDAY

For my first day back in the office, I wanted to feel like myself. I went with a laid-back look: my Bode patchwork pants (shared with my husband), a Flore Flore tank, a Bode beaded cardigan, and Alaïa crystal-embellished flats. One thing I had to remind myself when getting dressed? No matter how warm it is outside, you’re dressing for air conditioning. Bring a sweater.

WEDNESDAY

It was drizzling, and I was finally reunited with my new wurse: the suede Isabel Marant cutie. I love it — not too big, not too heavy, and it fits everything I need, including my laptop. (Yes, I sprayed it with Jason Markk Repel Spray before taking it out for its first spin... in the rain, no less.) Luckily, my Barbour jacket came to the rescue.

The rest of my look: a flowy Dôen skirt, Leset Margo tee, Bode rugby sweater, and Khaite mesh flats. Not ideal for a rainy day — I know. Some rain boots would’ve helped, but hey, I made it work.

WHAT’S IN MY WURSE

Let’s pause for a moment to talk purse essentials. You already know I need my Weleda Body Butter and Fortuna Skin Lip Butter — if my lips and hands aren’t moisturized, I’m not myself. I also keep a claw clip and hair ties on hand because I can’t stand hair in my face. I was excited about the Crown Affair clips but felt a little let down by the quality. I’m trying Emi Jay next — I actually already had a few, but they’re stuck in LA.
And of course, hydration! I always have water with me — usually lemon water or electrolytes — plus either a matcha or green juice. Always.

THURSDAY

Another rainy day — this time I was determined to dress appropriately. I wore my vintage corduroy Levi’s from The Dig, my Khaite Benny belt, a white Leset tee, Converse, and my husband’s Knickerbocker rugby polo sweater.

FRIDAY

Friday was a work from home day. As you know, work from home day = comfort first. I spent the day in another Leset white tee and my Balloon Pants in naturel from Le Bon Shoppe. Sadly, they’re sold out — but if you ever see them come back, grab them. They’re the best sweats.

BONUS

A casual day out and about in New York with my family called for simplicity: my vintage Levi’s (again, from The Dig), a Knickerbocker striped tee from my husband’s closet, Khaite Benny belt, Khaite flats, and a Brandy Melville tee.

ChatGPT called my style playful, polished, and eclectic — and honestly, I mostly agree. I’m still redefining my style after the Palisades fire rendered most of my wardrobe unwearable. Since then, I’ve become really intentional about what I bring in.
Right now, I have a small but considered wardrobe, mostly made up of basics that pair well together. If there’s one recurring theme in my closet, it’s this: the perfect white tee. You can never have too many.

See you next time ✨

In case you’re just here for the fit links, pop over here.

When you lose your closet to a fire, you start slow. As you know, I’ve been really intentional with what I bring in — and now, I’ve become somewhat of an over-thinker when it comes to buying new clothes. With work picking back up, I’ve realized my purchasing priorities are clear: get a purse. A work purse… a wurse. Let’s start there.

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Motherhood is a crazy ride. There are twists and turns at every corner — even in places you don’t expect. I always knew I wanted to keep my career after having kids. But, what I didn’t realize was how hard that would be. Not only does your paycheck go straight to childcare, but even more than the financial strain, it’s the emotional weight that gets me. Am I failing my kid by leaving him to keep my career alive? Is all the mental gymnastics worth it? Who stays with Meki while I’m at work? Can our nanny make the extra hours work? Will any daycare take Meki as a Plan B? Will I like the daycare?

Freelancing right now gives me space to test the waters before committing to full-time work. It’s a beautiful way to explore my new priorities — and how to balance motherhood with being a working mom.

When it comes to buying my new wurse — work purse — I’m looking for a few key things: practicality, lightweight, and multi-purpose. Can I use it outside of work? Is it casual but elevated enough that I still feel polished? Will it hold up over time? I don’t work a traditional nine-to-five, so while I’m on set, can it handle whatever surface it gets thrown on? And yes — you’ll see a lot of suede. I know. But sometimes I really care about aesthetics.

Here’s where I’ve landed: I want a tote or a hobo bag. I love neutral colors but wouldn’t mind a bit of a wild card. I like leather and suede. I want something classic and versatile enough to move from work to errands, from meetings to mom-mode.

While it seems like everyone and their mom has a Dragon Diffusion bag — likely because of the price point and materials — the Japan Basket Tote really spoke to me. I like the dark brown, but I’m also tempted by the black. It’s very chic.

Next up is a longtime wishlist item: the Bottega Veneta Andiamo Bag. I probably don’t need to elaborate. It’s timeless, beautifully made, and just so chic.

Then there’s the Toteme Belted Tote — the Mary Poppins bag of totes. It’s large, roomy, and ready to handle whatever you toss inside. That said, I suspect you’ll need a whole system of pouches to keep it organized, or you’ll never find anything in there.

The Row Blake Hobo Bag is another favorite. If I were really going to splurge, this would be it. It’s spacious enough for work essentials but would transition beautifully into a mom bag. Snacks? They fit. Wipes? There’s a pocket in the back. I really love this one.

Lately, I’ve been walking past the Isabel Marant store and eyeing the Altay Woven Hobo Bag. I worried it might be too heavy, but when I finally went in to try it on, it was comfortable, lightweight, and incredibly chic. This may be the one.

And finally, a bag that’s been sitting on my wishlist for months: the Liffner Sprout Tote in Army Suede. I love the green. It fits a computer and feels like it could handle the realities of mom life. Sadly, that color’s sold out — so onto the “notify me when available” list I go.

Here’s what I love about New York: rain or shine, we’re out and about. No matter the weather, I try to get out of the house with my son at least once a day. Whether it’s a playdate, a quick errand, or a grocery run, he’s loaded into the stroller — rain cover on — and we’re zoomin’.

He doesn’t need much gear thanks to the rain cover, but I’m the one on the hunt for proper rainwear. When it comes to surviving spring showers, I feel like you really need two out of three essentials: rain boots, a rain jacket, and a trusty umbrella.

An umbrella in the rain isn’t always my favorite accessory. But, at times, there’s no way around it: maybe it’s too hot for a jacket or your hands are full pushing the stroller. Then there’s umbrella etiquette and walking around the city when everyone and their mom is also carrying around an umbrella. Sometimes it’s just easier to travel light — sans umbrella. Which brings us back to the basics: a good rain jacket and a pair of solid boots.

I haven’t landed on rain boots yet. But, I did land on a great rain jacket: the Barbour Mae Showerproof Jacket. I’ve worn it out once and loved it. It has everything I was looking for: it’s lightweight, chic and… will keep me dry in the rain. That’s it. That’s all I needed.

I had a few strong contenders, like the Weekend Max Mara Sand Usa Raincoat. The catch… On their website, it’s labeled water-repellent, not waterproof. I had ChatGPT explain the difference to me like I’m five, and basically… if you’re in a rain shower long enough, you’ll start to feel damp in a water-repellent jacket. In a proper raincoat, you’ll stay dry all the way home. That’s a big difference when you live in New York.

I also loved the Ganni x Barbour collab — I was obsessed with their leopard print wax jacket this year. But it didn’t have a hood, so I moved on. You need a hood. I did consider the checked waxed-organic cotton jacket too — the style was right up my alley — but it felt a bit heavy and not quite practical for everyday wear.

I looked into RAINS next. As you know, my diaper bag is from them and I love it. I mean, if “rain” is in the name, they’re to be trusted. The String W Jacket checked most of my boxes: lightweight, rainproof, and cute.

And finally, there was the Alyssa Rain Jacket — I spotted it on a girl at Whole Foods and instantly fell in love. Of course, it’s sold out. So… on we go.

I still don’t know if I’m doing any of this “right” — the work, the motherhood, the getting dressed for both. But for now, I’ve got a wurse, a raincoat, and a very good reason to leave the house every morning. And that feels like enough. Maybe next we circle back to a very pressing matter: jeans. Always jeans.

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In the two short months since starting solids, we’ve explore all kinds of textures and flavors. Things I’ve avoided for years, I’m now eating. In solidarity, of course. My hope is for Meki to develop an adventurous palate and a balanced approach to eating. I’m not naive enough to think he won’t go through phases. All kids do.

I also don’t want food to be seen as a kind of prize. Clean your room and you’ll get ice cream. Behave and you’ll get a cookie (well, you know, never say never ¯\_(ツ)_/¯). What I really want is to nourish his relationship with food. On my dad’s side of the family, everything revolves around food — making it, catering it, baking it. My aunts are bakers, my cousin is a chef, and my dad works with coffee. So it feels important to me to help Meki develop both a wide range of taste buds and a healthy relationship to food.

I’m someone who believes in balance — no diets, just everything in moderation. I buy all of our meats and most of our produce from the farmer’s market. I try to shop as organically as possible, and I make most of our meals from scratch. It helps that I love to cook. I know that’s not realistic for everyone — trust me, there are days when I don’t feel like stepping foot in the kitchen either. But for the most part, I’m happy to bring clean, balanced meals to my family.

This post is similar in spirit to my & I’d Buy It Again: Pregnancy Edition, in that I’m simply sharing what’s worked for us. This isn’t me telling you that this is the way you have to do things. But, maybe having a personal account will help inform your own feeding journey.

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OUR SET-UP

Our feeding journey began when Meki was around four months old, starting with Ready. Set. Food! Stage 1 mix-ins. Our pediatrician strongly recommended introducing allergens early to help prevent food allergies later on. As always, do your own research here. But, we trusted him and went for it! For the next two months — on and off — we added the packets to Meki’s bottles once a day. So far, he hasn’t had any allergic reactions.

I could sit here and tell you I did tons of prep and research before starting solids, but the truth is: the fires happened, we fled our home, lost all our baby items, and had to start from scratch. Time moved quickly, and by the time we were ready to start solids, I just dove in without overthinking it.

What did help was a book I can’t recommend enough: Milk to Meals. It’s a guide to feeding your baby — packed with tips, recipes, and an overview of different feeding methods, including baby-led weaning and purees. I chose to start with a mix of both. Now, at eight months old, we mostly follow a baby-led weaning approach.

That said, baby-led weaning is not for the faint of heart. Transparently, I think my husband still panics a little every time Meki sticks a whole strawberry in his mouth. But over time, Meki has learned, and it’s incredible to watch his progress with food.

Since Meki was born, we’ve been adding Evivo probiotics to his morning bottle. Supporting his gut health felt important to me — not just for digestion, but to help build his immune system too.

To ease him into solids, we started with milk pops using the Haakaa Baby Food Feeder. Once he got the hang of them (and we were a few weeks into solids), I started getting more playful with flavors. His favorite is anything with berries. For guidance and inspiration, I’ve leaned on two books: Milk to Meals, which gave us a solid foundation, and Baby Food Bible, which I recently picked up. It’s full of great recipes and even includes a section on lunchboxes for later down the road.

When it comes to making his meals, the BÉABA Baby Food Maker has been such a lifesaver. It steams and blends all in one, which makes prep simple and helps preserve nutrients better than boiling. I store any leftovers in glass containers, Stasher silicone bags, or freezer trays, all labeled with masking tape and a Sharpie to keep things easy and organized.

The high chair we originally purchased is still sitting brand-new and unused in our house in the Palisades. In the meantime, during our first few months in New York, we got by with the Inglesina Table Chair. I’d say it’s great for travel — compact and easy to attach — but spare yourself the mess if you plan to use it for daily meals. Eventually, we caved and re-purchased the Stokke Tripp Trapp, and I have no regrets. It’s incredibly easy to clean, and overall, the experience seems much more comfortable and fun for Meki.

To make cleanup even easier, we attached the Catchy Food Catcher to the high chair. It’s been a game changer! I am no longer digging food out of the floorboards, and most of what Meki inevitably tosses ends up caught.

During the first month of solids, we started with the First Feeding Baby Spoons and Silicone Feeding Spoons from Mushie. They were perfect for helping Meki understand the concept of using a spoon. We’ve since transitioned to Elk and Friends Kids Silverware with Silicone Handles. One major downside I’ve found with silicone is that it tends to absorb the taste and smell of whatever it’s washed with — something I can’t stand.

That said, I still love the brand Mushie and use their Silicone Bib, Starter Cup, and Training Cup daily. I’ve just swapped out their silicone plates for the Elk and Friends Porcelain Plates and Bowls, which come with protective silicone sleeves. They feel sturdier and easier to clean — and they don’t hold onto any unwanted smells.

To teach Meki how to drink from a straw, we started with the Legendairy Milk Honey Bear Straw Cup. In about two days, he had it down — and now he’s unstoppable! For outings or warm days, I bring water in the Bink Kids Bottle with the Straw Cap. It’s cute, easy to use, and when we eventually start making smoothies, he’ll use it for those too.

PLANNING OUR MEALS

When it comes to planning meals and grocery shopping, I use Notion. It makes life so much easier — I can map out our meals for the week and head to the grocery store with a clear plan and list. Once a week, you’ll find me at the Farmer’s Market, and then I’ll usually pop over to Whole Foods to grab anything else we need. Having a plan helps me waste less food and avoids the inevitable weekday scramble when you’re trying to figure out “what’s for dinner?”

While I do plan meals specifically for Meki, he often eats what we eat too — with a few simple adjustments. I’ll skip ingredients like salt, soy sauce, or chili crunch, and sub in baby-safe alternatives where needed. I also don’t plan meals for every single day of the week. I like to leave room for using up leftovers, date nights and ordering in.

I rarely plan breakfast and usually only cook once a day for my husband and me. Breakfast is a bit of a free-for-all — we’ll eat what Meki’s having, whip up something quick, or honestly… just skip it altogether (not encouraging this, just being real — sometimes there’s not enough time in the day for everything you want to do as a parent).

I used to have a big collection of cookbooks, and I’m slowly rebuilding. So if you have any recs, send them my way! For now, my current rotation includes Cook This Book and More is More by Molly Baz, and Pass the Plate by Carolina Gelen. Though not technically cookbooks, I also pull recipes from Molly Baz’s The Club and NYT Cooking — both full of gems.

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ON THE GO

When the weather permits, we’re out of the house. I’ve found that being a parent to a baby feels so much easier in New York. Here, I just pop Meki into the stroller and we’re off. We walk everywhere. I can leave the house without much warning — or much of a plan — and somehow, everything feels less like a hassle. As opposed to life in LA where leaving the house meant getting in the car and having some kind of a plan. Every outing came with its own production: get the baby in the car seat, pop the stroller in the trunk, pack the diaper bag… repeat.

For now, these are the on-the-go items that work for us. First, the Lalo Snack Cup and Bento Box. A quick note on the Bento Box — the lid doesn’t feel super sturdy, and I can already see that becoming a problem down the line. Eventually, I plan to upgrade to the Stainless Steel Rover Lunch Box from PlanetBox.

I recently bought the Hydro Flask Insulated Food Jar with park picnics in mind — something I’d love to do more of with Meki. To carry meals on the go, I use our Yeti Daytrip Lunch Box, which I love. On lighter days, or when I just need to carry bottles and formula, I’ll use the Storq Cooler Bag.

And what’s mealtime without a mess? Without a doubt, Miss Mouth’s Stain Treater is magical. I don’t know how it works — and I won’t question it — but it gets rids of any and all stains. I even use it on myself, because when the baby gets messy… well, you know how that goes.

At home, I use Babyganics Foaming Dish Soap, and on the go I always pack their hand sanitizer and toy, table, and highchair wipes.

And finally, a little plug for our favorite bottles. When Meki started showing interest in holding his own, I knew it was time to swap out our Dr. Brown’s glass bottles for something more practical. After a bit of research, I landed on the Boon Nursh Reusable Silicone Pouch Bottles — and we love them around here. Not only can Meki hold them on his own, but they’re incredibly easy to pack for travel or outings. Bonus: once he transitions out of bottles, they convert into Straw Sippy Cups, which makes the investment feel even more worthwhile.

This isn’t sponsored — I just genuinely love these bottles and will talk your ear off about them!

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I know what you’re thinking — okay Nara Smith, pop off with your meal plans! (Or maybe you’re not.) Either way, I genuinely enjoy doing all of this, and this journey has been one I’ve really loved so far.

If you’re about to start solids with your baby, I hope this made you feel a little more prepared — or at least a little less alone.

Until next time 🤍

All of the links in this post can be found here. Please note that I may earn a small commission on some of the links shared. Thank you for supporting my work.

The day I found out about you, my life changed forever. From that moment on, I wasn’t just living for myself—I was living for you. Becoming your mother has shaped me in ways I never imagined. You’ve taught me the meaning of true, unconditional love. A kind of love with no bounds—deeper and more expansive than anything I’d ever known.

You are my light. When I look into your eyes, I’m reminded of everything good in the world. You inspire me to be the best version of myself. To show up fully. To teach you, guide you, and help you discover life’s magic. I love seeing the world through your eyes, and I hope you never lose that light. That smile of yours—oh, how I love that smile. Even at just eight months old, your presence lights up every room.

I hope you’ll always see me as your safe place. I hope you’ll always know you can count on me. I hope your childhood is one you look back on with pride and tenderness—one that feels like a cherished chapter. I hope we make wild, joyful memories together, traveling the world and stirring up playful mischief wherever we go.

I know I won’t always be perfect—but I promise to always try my best.

My little boy. You are everything I dreamed of and more. I can’t wait to experience the rest of my life with you. You made me a mother, and for that, I will always be grateful.

Thank you—for changing my life and for choosing me as your mom.

Con todo mi amor,
Tu mamá

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This Mother’s Day feels different. It could be because it’s my first as a mom. Or maybe it’s because I finally understand—deep in my bones—what it means to love someone so completely that your whole world rearranges around them.

There’s so much I could say about motherhood—how it’s cracked me open, softened me, stretched me, changed me. But more than anything, it’s filled me with a kind of love I didn’t know existed until I met my son.

Mother’s Day is a chance to feel celebrated.

My ideal Mother’s Day? My husband takes the morning shift. Next to my pillow: a little handwritten note (courtesy of my husband, since Meki is still a little too young for letters). I sip a homemade matcha and nibble on a sweet treat (a cinnamon roll from Rigor Hill) as I admire a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Then I’m off to the spa for a massage. Maybe I end up there with another mama—Kari, are you reading this?

Later, I meet up with my husband and son for an afternoon together. Perhaps we picnic in the park or wander through a museum. And in the evening? An excuse to get dressed up for a date night to round it all out.

If you’re looking to celebrate the mother in your life with a little something extra, I’ve got you covered.

Start by asking yourself: What is she likely missing? Time to herself? Sleep? A little self-care? Let that guide your gift.

Wake up with the kids and give her the morning off. Help the kids write her a love note, telling her just how much she means to them—and maybe take a moment yourself to appreciate all that she does. Order her favorite breakfast in bed. Book her a massage and send her off to the spa. Shower her with love.

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things at all; they’re thoughtfulness, time, and a moment to simply breathe. But sometimes, a little gift doesn’t hurt either.

The Gift of Self-Care

At times, as a mom, I find it really hard to carve out time for myself. Before we hired help, a shower was often my only break—and even that could feel rushed. Making the most of that shower became a lifeline during those early postpartum days.

The physical changes still catch me off guard sometimes. The skin around my belly button is stretchier, my belly button looks a little droopier, and my skin doesn’t quite have the same luster it once did. Like so many of us, when I look good, I feel good. So, self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential.

When treating myself to a massage or a facial isn’t an option, I turn to my at-home kit. A few of my favorites—whether you're treating yourself or celebrating the mom in your life:

1. If she loves cozy loungewear, you can’t go wrong with a silky set from Eberjey. If pajamas aren’t her thing, I also love Parachute’s Cotton Robe—simple, beautiful, and breathable.

2. A Gua Sha is a self-care kit essential in my opinion. The ritual is grounding, the benefits are real, and it’s compact enough to take anywhere.

3. I love red light therapy and have heard amazing reviews about the Dr. Dennis Gross LED Light Therapy Mask. It's definitely on my wish list.

4. OSEA products are some of my go-tos both at home and on the road. For a great exfoliator, I love the Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub—it leaves my skin feeling fresh and revived.

5. I happen to love a good pair of slippers, and these THE ROW Jacquard Slippers look like an absolute dream—though admittedly, a very pricey dream.

6. The LYMA Laser was a pregnancy essential for me. I experienced breakouts like never before, and the LYMA became such a comforting ritual. I saw significant improvements in my skin tone and fine lines while using it—a real treat.

7. Where do I even start when it comes to May Lindstrom? I love every single one of her products. The Jasmine Garden mist is incredibly refreshing, smells divine, and helps hydrate, calm redness, and boost the effectiveness of your serums and balms.

8. The Honey Mud mask is a tingly little luxury that leaves your skin glowing, exfoliated, and fresh.

9. Back to OSEA—I use their Undaria Algae Body Oil every single day post-shower. It’s a staple I can't live without.

10. I’m also obsessed with a good Lymphatic Brush, and this one by Cecily Braden is soft, gentle, and easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

11. I am a freak about moisturizing my hands, lips, and feet. I can’t function if they feel dry. When it comes to lips, I’ve tried nearly everything, and the Olive Lip Butter Balm by Furtuna Skin is by far my favorite.

12. And back to May Lindstrom again—the Blue Cocoon is possibly my favorite product of hers. It smells heavenly, leaves my skin feeling deeply nourished, and feels like a true luxury at the end of a long day. (Bonus: a little goes a very long way—one jar lasts months.)

13. If you’re not looking to spend THE ROW money, Jenni Kayne’s Shearling Moroccan Slippers are a dreamy (and more accessible) alternative.

14. When I was pregnant, I had a really good self-care cadence going. (Motherhood, the Palisades fire, and moving threw a wrench into that...) But when I was in a good rhythm, I was mixing one part Masque Vivant with one part Masque VIP O2 from Biologique Recherche once a week for 20 minutes. My skin thrived.

15. Post-shower, while my skin is still damp, I mix Undaria Algae Body Oil with Anti-Aging Body Balm from OSEA and apply all over. It keeps my skin feeling so soft and hydrated—and it’s a ritual I absolutely cherish.

    1. Bonus: OSEA’s Salts of the Earth Body Scrub — for a little extra skin polish and self-care.

16. One thing I’ve been curious to try? The Higher Dose Sauna Blanket. In a dream world, I’d be jumping into a real sauna outdoors every morning... but that’s just not my reality at the moment.

Anyway, moms could always use a little TLC. I promise, any one of these products (or a mix of a few) would bring a little extra light and joy to her day.

Buy Her Flowers

In the words of Miley Cyrus (sort of):

“I could buy myself mom flowers, write my her name in the sand, talk to myself her for hours…”

The truth is, I love flowers. Sure, they don’t last forever. But I love having them in the house to enjoy, even if just for a little while. If the mom in your life feels the same, here are some of my favorite places to order fresh flowers:

• If you’re shipping within the U.S.: Farmgirl Flowers

• If you’re in LA: Flowerboy, Isa Isa, or Flowershop

• If you’re in NYC: Pyne Florals or Fox Fodder Flowers

If you’d rather opt for something a little more lasting, I’m obsessed with the leather flowers from Polène (though, sadly, they’re currently out of stock). Pictured above: Pili Flower, Dalium Flower, Touka Flower, Orki Flower, Tul Flower.

In that case, as a playful nod to flowers, you could go for something like the Khaite Marcy Flats, the Staud Pink Tommy Beaded Bag, or a vintage floral find like the Fendi Denim Floral cutie.

Customize It

Perhaps my favorite option of all is a custom gift for Mom. I’m just a girl who loves her jewelry—and it’s even better when it holds meaning.

1. If Meki could write—or I guess one day when he can—I’d be obsessed with this Handwritten Coin Pendant from Kinn. (Unless she already has one, don’t forget to pair it with a chain. The Micro Rolo Link Chain Necklace from Kinn is a great option. Otherwise, I’d go with the Rolo Chain Charm Necklace from Mejuri to start layering different charms.)

2. I’m still mourning the loss of my engagement ring—not even going to get into it. While no ring could ever truly replace it, I do just love rings. The Diamond Duo Baby Signet Ring is such a sweet option for a mom.

3. If I could sum Meki up into one emoji, it would be this smiley face. Gifting a mom a playful piece that reminds her of her babies is always a good idea. Which brings me to a bit of an inside joke... the Magic Shroom Necklace. If you know, you know.

4. Another fun necklace option I love is the Personalized Medallion Necklace from Ring Concierge.

5. I also love mixing and matching my earrings, and if I didn’t already have the Stellar Letter "M" Huggie from Alison Lou, the Stellar Letter Pearl Drop Earring would definitely be at the top of my list.

6. Okay, this has to be my FAVORITE gift idea on the list: a Custom Matchbook Charm with your baby’s (or babies’) birthstone! Love, love, love!!!

7. Keeping with the same theme—a custom (or ready-to-ship) band featuring birthstones for each of the kids. Meki’s birthstone is peridot, so I could probably claim that this Green Sapphire Pipe Band by Jenna Katz fits the bill beautifully.

8. And lastly, another Kinn special I adore: the Vivian Ribbed Signet Ring.

And that’s a wrap on this year’s Mother’s Day gift guide!

Whether you treat your mom to a day full of love and attention or surprise her with a thoughtful gift, the most important thing is simply to show up for her on Mother’s Day.

Unless you’re a mom yourself, it’s hard to put into words just how much they do. They’re real-life superheroes—and they deserve a day to feel celebrated and loved.

Until next time. ✨

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This isn’t meant to be a sappy post, but in its own way, it’s an ode. A tribute.

My grandmother had this rare, magnetic warmth—she made everyone feel like they belonged. If you stepped into her home, you were family. She had an endless capacity for love, and it showed in how she treated everyone she met.

She was also a fabulous gift-giver. She lived for it. One Christmas, I called her to say she didn’t need to get me anything—that her presence was more than enough. Later, my uncle called and gently asked me to take it back. For her, giving was never about the object—it was about love, about ritual, about joy. Gift-giving was her love language.

Her nails were always done, perfume dabbed on, jewelry perfectly matched, and lips painted red—lipstick-stained teeth included. She was glamorous in her own, unforgettable way. An icon. My icon.

I think about her often. I’m afraid to forget the sound of her voice. I worry that I’ll never love as fearlessly as she did. And I’m heartbroken I won’t see her walk out, beaming, in one of her newest outfits—she loved to shop, and she lived for a moment.

I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a deep connection to her. My memories with her are countless, and I hold them close.

This post is, in many ways, more for me than for you. But if it reminds you of someone you love—or nudges you to call your grandmother—then I’ll be grateful.

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One of the things I cherished most about my grandmother was her unwavering sense of self. She knew exactly what she liked and never apologized for it. Her hair was always perfectly done—not out of vanity (I mean…yes some), but because it made her feel like herself. There was never a sense that she was performing. She simply showed up as she wanted to be.

When she had a new piece of jewelry, she was the first to show it off—proudly, joyfully. But here’s the thing: she always wanted to share. She’d let you dig through her makeup drawer, borrow her handbags, try on her necklaces. Her generosity extended beyond just things—she had a heart of gold and loved nothing more than seeing others delight in the little luxuries she loved too.

Recently, I was looking through some of her old photographs, and I found myself thinking: how incredibly chic. Effortlessly so. Elegant, radiant, and utterly herself.

My grandmother was born in Colombia, in a small village tucked deep in the mountains. Her childhood was shaped by chaos and resilience. She and her siblings would sometimes have to hide in holes underground as guerrilla groups passed through—violent forces that terrorized villages, often kidnapping people for ransom.

Later, she was sent to live in a monastery, and for a time, even considered becoming a nun. That path shifted when she met my grandfather, and the course of her life began to take a different shape.

But you’d never know any of this just by looking at her photos. In them, she is poised. Stoic. Smiling. Glamorous. There’s a sense of quiet strength and grace, as if all that she endured only made her more radiant.

She went on to have six children with my grandfather. Her first—my mother—was born on December 31st, 1963, in a military hospital in Bogotá. My grandmother always recounted how eager my grandfather was to meet their baby girl. She was known in the family for her easy births—something I once fantasized about for myself. (More on that another time.)

By the time I came along, my grandmother was nearing the end of raising children of her own. My youngest aunt and I are just ten years apart, and in the early years of my life—when my mom was a single mother—I was almost like one more of my grandmother’s children.

I have the fondest memories of wandering through her house, sleeping in her bed, sneaking into her closet, and always knowing she was just a room away if I needed a hug. Her presence was constant, comforting—like a favorite song always playing softly in the background.

Another thing about my grandmother—something she may have picked up during her time in the monastery—was how regimented she was. Everything had its place, and everything was done a certain way.

As a teenager, I’d come back late from a night out, only to be woken up early the next morning. Sleeping in wasn’t an option—the bed had to be made before nine. I never understood where that rule came from. She’d even donate my shoes if I left them at her house—“they’re taking up space,” she’d say. Or she’d take me out shopping because she’d noticed I needed new underwear. (She was always paying attention.)

I used to roll my eyes at those things. But now, they’re the quirks I treasure most. They made her her. Not quite habits I’ve taken on myself—but ones that bring back the warmest memories.

In the fall of 2018, I took a few weeks off work. Instead of traveling the world, I chose something quieter, more meaningful—I spent that time with my grandparents.

Our days were simple and sweet. The three of us ran errands together—my grandfather and I tagging along to her dentist appointments—then headed home to watch TV. They never missed their afternoon nap—something I now find incredibly endearing.

When I left, I wrote them a letter—telling them how much I appreciated them and what that time together meant to me. I will never regret those moments. I’ll never regret telling them how much I loved them. Simply put, I feel like the luckiest woman alive to have shared so many of life’s quiet, golden moments with my grandparents.

Even now, I try to keep them close—through illustrations of them I’ve commissioned for my son’s room, or their signatures I’ve had tattooed on me.

After reading my letter, my grandmother sent me this message:

“Gracias por esas palabras tan lindas que nos escribiste. Tú eres una personita muy valiosa para nosotros. No cambies. Dios te va a recompensar por ser como eres. La vida tiene muchos retos—valórala y no te desanimes. Sigue adelante y confía mucho en Dios. En nosotros siempre encontrarás un apoyo incondicional. Te queremos mucho.”

Thank you for the beautiful words you wrote to us. You are such a special person to us. Don’t ever change. God will reward you for being who you are. Life has many challenges—cherish it and don’t be discouraged. Keep moving forward and trust deeply in God. You will always find unconditional support in us. We love you very much.

Those words rang true. She had nothing but unconditional love to give. She’d always say that you had to accept—and love—people as they were. You couldn’t change anyone, and trying wasn’t the point. Better to love them fully, flaws and all. She lived that truth. Her love was unconditional.

Anyone who knew my grandmother will tell you—she was something special. The most thoughtful soul. She went all out for birthdays, Christmas, or even the most ordinary day, just to make you feel seen. Loved. Celebrated.

And her home? It felt like yours, no matter who you were. Whether it was a holiday or just a visit, we’d all cram into their apartment—siblings, cousins, friends, whoever. There was always room. And I always found my way into a snuggle with her and my grandfather. I wouldn’t trade those moments for the world.

It’s rare to meet someone like that in a lifetime.

So who was my grandmother?

She was home. A warm, home-cooked meal. Red-lipstick-stained teeth and perfectly painted nails. She was joy. She was love. She was everything to me.

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We’ve been before, but this visit felt different. It was our second vacation as a family of three—and somehow, it was more special than we could have imagined.

Before I dive into the guide, I think it’s worth sharing what kind of travelers we are. We’re not the “must-see-every-landmark” type. Sure, we’ll occasionally line up for a well-known spot if it’s truly worth it. But for the most part, we like to roam. To get lost a little. To ask locals where they go, and to follow that thread instead of a strict itinerary.

It may surprise some of you—especially if you know how organized I can be in daily life—but when I travel, I’d much rather be told where to be than plan it all out. I like a loose rhythm. Some adventure, some rest, a little shopping, a long lunch, street food at dusk, a beautiful dinner tucked into a quiet corner of the city. I’m an easy going gal.

The Michelin Guide is my secret weapon—not because I’m fancy, but because it’s actually such a smart, well-balanced resource. You’ll find a mix of everything, from the humble to the haute. And lucky for all of us, Mexico City’s guide is especially on point.

One thing I learned on this trip? When you have a baby, you’re gently (or not-so-gently) exiled from certain hotels, restaurants, and activities. Which… I get.

So here it is—my Mexico City guide.

📍Google Map Pins

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Day 1

We kicked off the day with breakfast at Borel, then wandered over to Mooni, which might just be our favorite gallery in Mexico City. They have a little something for everyone and price points that range from high to mid. With two locations in the city, both are worth visiting if you can carve out the time.

Next up was a stop at Cara de Planta for a little shopping. We already own one of their vases and often gift their pieces to friends for special occasions. (Pro tip: if you’re not in CDMX, message them on WhatsApp—they ship!)

As we wandered through Roma Norte, we stumbled upon Cara de Taza—a sweet café concept by Cara de Planta. We popped in out of curiosity and stayed for the house kombucha, which was crisp and refreshing.

That evening, my husband and I had dinner at Choza. It’s casual, lively, and very much worth a visit. I’d recommend showing up early to get your name on the list for a later time slot—unless, of course, you’re prepared to wait in line. The only downside to waiting? By the time your name’s called, some of the dishes may already be sold out.

Alas, we have a baby, and waiting wasn’t really an option. I’d also say Choza isn’t the most baby-friendly space, so keep that in mind if you're traveling with little ones.

**Here’s a tip I can’t take credit for, but one that truly came in handy: call the fancy hotels in whatever city you’re visiting and ask which nanny services they recommend. I called the St. Regis in CDMX and they referred us to MiNuNú—a trusted childcare network in Mexico. We ended up booking with them twice and had a great experience both times.

Day 2

The morning started with a breakfast date at Another—just me and Meki, while my husband squeezed in a bit of work ◡̈. To my delight, their matcha was excellent—and they make their own nut milks, which, for us, is a major win. I find it hard to come by a matcha I love when traveling, so this felt like a small luxury. We've officially become snobs for house-made nut milk and high-quality matcha.

That afternoon, we had tickets to visit the Luis Barragán House, but as luck would have it, they don’t allow children under 12. So instead, we pivoted. We walked to Odette, browsed the pastry case, but decided it wasn’t quite our thing—and made our way to Panadería Rosetta instead.

We grabbed a few pastries and brought them to Plaza Río de Janeiro, where we sat under the trees, people-watched, and let Meki giggle at the dogs splashing in the fountain.

We wandered around Roma Norte in the afternoon, stopped into Mooni’s second location (just as good as the first), and ended up buying a beautiful statue from Esperanza Home—a lovely design shop worth popping into if you’re nearby.

To wrap the day, we picked up tacos al pastor from El Tizoncito—who boldly claim to have invented them.

Day 3

Day three was a bit of a reset. Meki had an upset tummy, so we slowed things down and stayed close to home.

When we finally made it out of the house—well, our Airbnb—we took a long walk to Parque España, letting the fresh air and sunshine do their thing. On the way back, we stopped at Club Sorbet, which was the perfect little pick-me-up.

That evening, my husband and I managed to sneak in another date night—this time at Máximo. It’s always a treat to carve out a little time for just the two of us. The Mezcal Negroni was fabulous, and honestly, I’ll take any excuse to dress up.

Day 4

We started the morning at La Esquina del Chilaquil. I went for the pulled pork, but immediately regretted not getting the torta with milanesa. Thankfully, that’s what husbands are for—stealing their food.

And because we’re creatures of habit, especially when we find something we love, we made our way (again) to Another. Matcha for me, latte for him. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

Later that morning, I headed off with Meki to Librería Porrúa, followed by a walk through Bosque de Chapultepec. My plan was to take in the fresh air, wander a bit, and visit Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo. My husband was supposed to meet us afterward so we could explore Polanco—a neighborhood I’d been looking forward to discovering more of—with lunch and a little shopping on the agenda.

But alas—this is where the day took an unexpected turn. Instead of Polanco, we ended up in Santa Fe, visiting a pediatrician. Thankfully, we connected with a wonderful pediatrician who assured us that Meki was just fine. We left with peace of mind—and our happy, healthy little boy in tow.

A few things I’ve learned about traveling with a baby:

• You’ll likely get less sleep as they adjust to new time zones, spaces, and rhythms. Be kind to yourself—and to your baby ◡̈

• Be ready to pivot. Some plans will change, and some places—restaurants, experiences, boutique hotels—just won’t be accessible with a little one in tow. The best approach? Keep your expectations light. It’s easier that way.

• Pack a travel medical kit (this is what I keep in mine). Nothing over the top—just the basics: a thermometer, infant pain/fever medicine, teething drops, allergy meds…enough to hold you over if something unexpected comes up.
  
  **Please consult your own pediatrician as I’m not a health professional—nor am I claiming to be!!

Day 5

On our last full day in Mexico City—you guessed it—we grabbed our usual bevvies from Another, then swung by New Image Art Gallery’s pop-up featuring Jeff Cheung’s solo show, “Blossoms.”

We made our way to Biblioteca Vasconcelos next, which turned out to be the perfect place for a sleeping baby. Quiet, light-filled, and endlessly calming.

For lunch, we went to Expendio de Maíz Sin Nombre 🌽—a spot that felt both relaxed and full of soul. Meki was in his element here, babbling to anyone who would listen and soaking in the people-watching. There’s no menu; dishes are served in thoughtful, unhurried courses until you say when. They’re incredibly accommodating to dietary needs, and the food feels true to Mexico—intuitive, vibrant, and deeply rooted.

After our late lunch, we returned to our Airbnb just in time for bedtime, then snuck out for one last date night. This time, we walked to Cariñito Tacos.

They. Were. Bomb.

I loved the Thai-inflected flavors and the crispiness of the pork—bold, unexpected, and completely delicious. Honestly, the perfect way to end our trip.

Headed Home

Before making our way to the airport, we stopped for breakfast at Molino “El Pujol”. Funny enough, we realized as we walked in that we’d eaten there on our last trip to Mexico City—somehow, a tradition in the making.

We ordered a little bit of everything: the chilaquiles, the avocado tacos (far better than you'd ever expect), and a few other bites. Sadly, they were out of the churros. And if you know me, you know just how devastating that was. Sweet treats are my weakness—my tiny joy.

From our Last Trip

My husband has been to Mexico City a few more times than I have—okay, more like three times as many. He’s always loved it here, and it’s quickly become one of our favorite places to visit together. Now that we know how fun it can be to explore with a baby in tow, it’s a city we’ll definitely keep coming back to.

On our last trip, we visited a few spots that are still worth mentioning:

While walking around Centro Histórico, we stopped for brunch at El Cardenal—a classic. Order the chilaquiles and hot chocolate. After wandering a bit (and digesting), we had a late lunch at Taquería Los Cocuyos.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Mexico City without a visit to the Frida Kahlo Museum. Walking through her home gave me a deeper sense of who she was—her passions, her struggles, and the intensity of her loves. There’s something so intimate and moving about being in that space.

We also made the trek to the Teotihuacan Pyramids. A quick tip: bring cash and don’t forget your sunscreen.

One of the most meaningful stops for me was Basilica Our Lady of Guadalupe. My grandparents visited here on one of their last trips before they passed. My grandmother had a deep love for the Virgin Mary, and since their passing, I find myself drawn to the places they held sacred. I had to go—to feel close to them again, if only for a moment.

It’s surprising my husband didn’t drag me to Los 3 Reyes this time around—though I would’ve happily gone. The barbacoa tacos are unforgettable, and I don’t remember seeing a single tourist. Just locals and off-duty policemen, which is always a good sign.

La Fiera Mezcal is another spot that stuck with me. I’m no longer a big drinker, but I still love a good cocktail now and then—it's about the taste, the ritual, not the buzz. We didn’t do a tasting, but I did pick up a bottle (or two). The design alone is beautiful, but the mezcal itself? Smooth, complex, memorable.

And of course, the Mercado de Artesanías. I’m a sucker for local crafts, and markets like these will always be a highlight for me.

Next Time

Because we didn’t have time for everything on this trip, I’m already bookmarking a few places for our next visit to Mexico City:

I’ll start by finishing my walk through Bosque de Chapultepec and finally make my way to Chapultepec Castle. I’m a sucker for museums, so chances are I’ll also end up at either Museo Tamayo Arte Contemporáneo or Museo Nacional de Antropología—both nearby, both calling my name.

I also want to spend more time exploring Polanco—a neighborhood I haven’t had the chance to properly get to know yet. Here’s what’s on my radar:

Shops + Galleries

• Xinú Perfumes – I don’t wear much fragrance these days, but this space looks worth experiencing.

• Proyectos Monclova

• LAGO

• IKAL

• Talleres de los Ballesteros – I’m a gold girl at heart, but I’m all for mixing metals when the moment calls for it.

• Bomboti

• Perla Valtierra – Because chic ceramics are my weakness.

Restaurants + Cafés

• Taverna – The ambiance looks beautiful.

• Restaurante Rosetta

• Jenni’s Quesadillas – Recommended by a local and now top of my list.

• Botánico – Said to have a lush, botanical interior I’d love to experience.

• Salon Palomilla – There’s a giant hole in the roof… enough said.

• Contramar – A classic I somehow haven’t made it to.

• Hugo

• Taquería Orinoco

• Em

• Niv

• Ololo

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Also—anything on Mya Gelber’s Mexico City Guide.

Anyway, I’ll always leave room for the unexpected. Some of the best travel moments happen when you’re just roaming—unhurried, open, and without a rigid agenda. That’s where the magic tends to find you.

Enjoy your trip ✨