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Here’s my rule: my girls can have sleepovers here, at my house, anytime. But they don’t stay overnight at other people’s houses other than at cousins/grandparents house.

And I get it, it can look a little strange from the outside having to explain that to another parent. I’m essentially saying “I trust you enough to leave my kids in your care during the day, but not overnight.” It could feel awkward, but I genuinely don’t mind looking that way. I honestly just say, “we don’t allow sleepovers but so and so is always welcome to stay over here” and haven’t received any questioning about it so far.

But here’s the truth: this isn’t about any specific person. It’s not a reflection of anyone’s parenting, or a judgment on any household. It’s simply that I can only vouch for what happens under my own roof. I know our home. I know who’s in it. I don’t have that same certainty anywhere else, no matter how much I trust the people there.

The honest reason behind this rule is safety. Most people don’t realize that the majority of child sexual abuse happens in familiar environments, from people who are already known and trusted by the family, not from strangers. That statistic sat with me in a way I couldn’t shake. It reframed the whole conversation for me. This isn’t about stranger danger. It’s about limiting the amount of unsupervised time my kids spend in environments I can’t see.

But it’s also not my only thought about having sleepovers. There’s a house fire risk. There’s the possibility of a gun in a house I don’t know about. I also think back to being a kid myself, having a sleepover at a friend’s house and just remember wanting to go home in the middle of the night because she was tainting me. It was a toxic friendship, even at six years old. Her dad ended up driving me home that night. Kids don’t always have the words to advocate for themselves in someone else’s house, and I remember exactly what that felt like.

So we made a boundary. A firm one. Sleepovers happen here, where I know exactly what’s happening and who’s around. I also think I may appear an easier candidate being a single mom of girls. There’s no men or boys here. If my girls want to spend time with friends, we do late pickups instead, they can stay until bedtime, and then I come get them. They still get the fun, the closeness, the memories. They just don’t stay overnight.

How do I explain it to my kids?

I keep it simple and I don’t overexplain. I say this is our rule and I want to know the environment they are in as their mom and can’t if I’m not there. I don’t know every adult that will be there, or situation that they may need me for, etc. Different families make different calls on this one, but this is how I feel about it.

Is there an issue with co-parenting based on this decision?

We don’t always agree on everything when it comes to how we parent, but I feel like we are on the same page with this one. It matters that it’s consistent no matter whose weekend it is, otherwise it stops being a rule and starts being a loophole. If you’re navigating this with a co-parent who isn’t aligned, I’d say the conversation is worth having directly and early, kids notice inconsistency fast, and it undercuts the whole point if the rule only applies half the time.

Will it change by age?

Honestly, probably not. It’s hard to say for certain, but if anything my own teenage years make me feel more sure about this, not less. I did so many not great things at sleepovers as a teenager. I unknowingly racked up a $70 charge calling a psychic hotline, I drank, watched inappropriate movies. That’s exactly the kind of unsupervised environment I don’t want my girls in, and if anything, the teenage years are when that lack of supervision matters most. So no, I don’t see this rule loosening as they get older. If anything I’d guess it holds even firmer.

One exception worth naming: my girls do stay overnight with their cousins. I know exactly who is there and wouldn’t send them if they were having other people over. The rule isn’t rigid for the sake of being rigid, it’s really about how well I know the environment and the people in it.

If you’re a parent who’s landed somewhere different on this, that’s okay. Every family gets to make this call based on what gives them peace of mind. This is simply where I’ve landed, and it’s not up for debate in our house.

So, let’s open the conversation. Have you thought about it? Where do you stand with sleepovers?

xoxo,

Lauren

This one stuck. Right there in the car, in the middle of a regular Tuesday, I decided I was going to Carlsbad this summer. And I was going to go alone. I haven’t had many vacations over the years that weren’t work related or with my girls, and I felt it in my bones on that drive that this was exactly what I needed.

When I told a few friends about my plans, a few of them offered to come. And I love them for it. A lot of my best friends and I travel very well together actually. But I genuinely didn’t want company this time. I wanted to eat where I wanted to eat, see what I wanted to see, move at my own pace without negotiating any of it with anyone. I’ve grown to really enjoy my own company, and honestly, wanting to travel alone is one of the best things I can say about where I am right now. This isn’t even the first time I’ve traveled solo, but it’s the first time I’ve chosen it instead of it being the result of circumstance. That difference has felt like its own kind of growth, and I already know I want more trips like this one.

I asked followers for recommendations on where to eat, get coffee, and stay, and genuinely got so many good ones. I ended up making the decision on where to stay based on two things: convenience and ocean views.

I stayed at Beach Terrace Inn. I’ll be honest, when I pulled up and saw the exterior I was a little taken back. It definitely needs a refresh. But by the end of the trip I felt genuinely grateful. The location is everything. Very walkable to restaurants and beach access. Free continental breakfast every morning, complimentary beach valet with an umbrella and chairs set up for you, a pool, free bikes to use. For a solo traveler, I would highly recommend staying here.

The trip went exactly as expected, minus maybe the weather. It was a little warmer than I planned while packing but that turned out to be a good surprise. Less June gloom and more sun and beach time. It had also been windy with dangerous waves a few days before I arrived, so I thought surf might get cancelled. Luckily, I brought the sun and calm with me.

The difference between day one of surf and day two was laughable. Day one I was like Bambi learning to walk, on top of poor sleep the night before, which made a noticeable impact on my energy. I was struggling to even want to do the full hour and a half. Day two, with a full night of rest, I could have stayed out there for more than two hours. Note to self: sleep and eat well before morning surf.

What I’d Recommend

Fly: I flew American Airlines from Phoenix, directly into Carlsbad airport. Was very small but about a 15 minute drive to my hotel.

Stay: Beach Terrace Inn. The exterior won’t wow you but the location, the amenities, and everything it offers a solo traveler will.

Coffee: Interim Coffee. I went three times after trying it for the first time because it was that good. I even took beans home.

Eat: Wildland (get the puffed rice steak bowl, you can thank me later), Shoots for a poke bowl, and Campfire, which was honestly one of the better meals I’ve had in a long time. Everything was so memorable.

Dessert: Handles Homemade Ice Cream

Surf: SoCal Surf Lessons. The whole reason I came back and worth every minute.

If there’s one thing I want you to take from this, it’s that solo travel isn’t something to wait on. Don’t wait for the right friend’s schedule to line up, don’t wait for someone to want it as badly as you do, don’t wait for permission. Don’t waste any time waiting for someone else to experience this amazing life. Book the trip.

Of course, take all the safety precautions when traveling solo. Tell your close friends where you are, be mindful of your surroundings. I had one drink with dinner but kept it at that and went home early. Little things like that let you enjoy yourself but not lose awareness. Plus, getting home early to a beach sunset was one of the top moments of the trip.

I loved every minute of it and I can’t wait to go back. I hope this gives you the confidence that you can do it too. If you need any packing inspiration, this is everything I brought with me.

xoxo,

Lauren

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I haven’t had a drink since before New Year’s, so I’m not here for the cocktails. I’m here because I wanted to take myself out on a date. And honestly? I can’t think of a better place to people watch, write out my thoughts, and just be.

I’m no stranger to taking myself out to eat but tonight has made me realize that I fell into a routine this last year of staying home more often than I should, especially on solo weekends to respect the long distance “relationship” I thought I was in.

And that word thought is doing a lot of work in that sentence.

But regardless of it not turning into a committed thing, like all experiences we have in life, it came with lessons. More than ever before, I am so aware, grateful and open to acknowledging the takeaways… learning more about myself, what I need, and who I want as a potential partner one day. Each moment of clarity alone makes any experience worth it.

It always hurts. Even just a little. Closing a door. On a relationship. On a job. On a friendship. On a belief. Yet how do you know you’re moving in the right direction?

I’ve noticed a boost of energy.

There’s this thing that happens when you finally let go of something that was no longer meant for you. It’s hard to describe at first. It just feels like… a lift. Like someone turned a light back on. You feel clearheaded and wake up excited about your day. Everything feels in flow. Your plans. Your momentum. And at some point you realize …Oh, this is the universe telling me I’m going in the right direction. Because here's what I know to be true… there's a subtle way that pouring energy into something that isn't right for you quietly dims something in you. You don't always notice it happening. You notice it more when it lifts. And what a great feeling when you’re finally on the other side.

So if you’re in that place right now… freshly on the other side of something, or just newly back to yourself and you feel that burst of energy and clarity? Don’t dismiss it. Let it be the confirmation you needed.

Keep going and don’t look back.

xoxo,

Lauren

Over the past few years, I’ve prioritized eating whole foods and investing in better brands with fewer ingredients - and my gut has never felt better. When you start to feel so good internally, which turns to externally, it’s hard to go back. I’ve also noticed such a difference in my girls - their energy, their moods, how they show up every day - and I truly believe food is medicine. What we put into our bodies matters more than we give it credit for.

I also weight train three times a week and have been really focused on building muscle and getting stronger. One thing I’ve learned is that without proper nutrition, it’s really hard to accomplish those goals. Especially as someone who is so active with a high metabolism. It’s frustrating, really. You can work out all you want, but food is what actually fuels the results.

This isn’t about restriction or dieting (I do none of those things). It’s about fueling your body with real, whole foods that make you feel good. 🤍

Where I Shop

I shop at three places every week and each one serves a different purpose.

Uptown Farmers Market This is one of my favorite parts of the week. Local vendors, fresh air, walking around… I could be here for hours. There’s something about buying fresh, locally grown produce that just feels good. I pick up seasonal fruits and vegetables, eggs, honey, bread, pickles, granola, see salt, ground beef, and dates. My girls used to fight me to go every weekend but now they love it. It’s just apart of our routine.

Scottsdale Meat Market Quality meat matters to me. I get my steak, salmon, and chicken here because the quality is just different from a regular grocery store. I believe the quality of your protein sources really does make a difference.

Sprouts Farmers Market This is my weekly staple run. I get everything else here - pantry staples, berries, dairy, snacks, and specialty items. I love that Sprouts carries cleaner ingredient options and makes it easy to find whole food products without having to read a million labels. There are some meats I’ll still pick up here if I can’t get to the market. I do like the Pasture Bird brand for chicken and Force of Nature ground beef.

My Weekly Staples

These are the items I keep on hand every single week. Having these basics stocked means I can always throw together a healthy meal without overthinking it.

Proteins:

• Eggs

• Chicken (thighs, tenders, wings)

• Ground beef

• Salmon

• Steak

• Tuna (Safe Catch)

• Cottage cheese

• Greek yogurt

Carbs/Grains:

• Jasmine rice

• Sourdough bread

• Sweet potatoes

• Oats

• Pasta

• Quinoa

• Chickpeas

• Tortillas

Produce:

• Avocados

• Cucumber

• Bell peppers

• Edamame

• Shredded carrots

• Spinach

• Zucchini

• Tomatoes

• Onions

• Garlic

• Microgreens

• Mushrooms

• Spinach

• Romaine

• Lemons/limes

• Berries

• Bananas

• Pickles/Olives

• Apples

• Oranges

• Plums/Peaches when in season

Dairy:

• Cottage cheese

• Greek yogurt

• Skyr Vanilla Bean yogurt for the girls

• Parmesan cheese

• String cheese/bell cheese

• Mexican cheese blend

• Whole milk

• Butter

• Cashew milk/Chobani cream for coffee

Pantry/Sauces:

• Olive oil

• Teriyaki sauce

• Pasta sauce

• Honey

• Salsa

• Taco seasoning

• Coconut Aminos

• Pesto

• Honey

• Almond butter, cashew butter, peanut butter

• Chia seeds

• Hemp seeds

• Flax seeds

• Pancake mix

• Diced tomatoes

• Chickpeas

• Everything bagel seasoning

• Cinnamon

• Sea Salt/pepper

  Snacks - would be happy to do a roundup of the kids snacks I typically buy

  ---

This Week’s Meal Plan

Here’s exactly what I’m planning to eat this week - breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I try to keep it simple, rotate through different proteins, and use a lot of the same ingredients throughout the week so nothing goes to waste. My appetite doesn’t always allow me to be perfect with this plan but I try and planning ahead regardless is helpful.

Monday (Workout Day)

Breakfast: Protein oatmeal

• Rolled oats cooked in whole milk

• Vanilla protein powder

• Banana, strawberries, pistachios, almonds

• Chia seeds, hemp seeds

• Cashew butter drizzle, honey, cinnamon

Lunch: Tuna salad sandwich

• Safe Catch tuna mixed with avocado and Greek yogurt

• Sourdough bread

• Arugula microgreens, tomato

• Mary’s Gone Crackers on the side

Dinner: Chick-Fil-A at home meal

• Homemade chicken tenders (dip chicken tenders in eggs and panko crumbs and cook in butter and finish in oven)

• Waffle fries

• Fruit salad

Snacks:

• Apple + almond butter + hemp seeds + granola

• Cottage cheese + cherry tomatoes

Tuesday (Workout Day)

Breakfast: Egg bake

• 3 eggs

• Zucchini, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onion

• Baked until set, simple and filling

Lunch: Salmon rice bowl

• Salmon (Ninja Crispi for 12 minutes)

• Jasmine rice

• Cucumber, avocado, edamame

• Teriyaki or soy sauce

• Microgreens on top

Dinner: Meatball pasta 🍝

• Sourdough pasta

• Homemade pasta sauce

• Parmesan cheese

• Side salad with romaine

Snacks:

• Hard boiled eggs + cottage cheese + avocado

• Protein smoothie (protein powder, almond milk, banana, almond butter)

Wednesday (Rest Day)

Breakfast: Cottage cheese protein pancakes

• Cottage cheese, eggs, oats, protein powder, vanilla

• Blended until smooth (this is KEY!)

• Topped with berries, honey, almond butter

Lunch: Ground beef taco bowl

• Seasoned ground beef

• Jasmine rice

• Black beans, corn, salsa

• Mexican cheese, Greek yogurt (as sour cream)

• Avocado, microgreens

Dinner: Steak fajita bowl 🥩

• Sliced steak

• Sautéed bell peppers and onions

• Rice

• Avocado, salsa, Mexican cheese

• Microgreens, lime wedge

Snacks:

• Protein balls (dates, oats, nut butter, protein powder, pistachios, chia seeds - made in blender!)

• Greek yogurt + berries + granola + honey

Thursday (Workout Day)

Breakfast: Open face sandwich

• 2 slices sourdough toast

• Mashed avocado

• 2 over easy eggs

• Uncured bacon (Sprouts brand!)

• Tomato, microgreens

• Everything bagel seasoning

Lunch: Chicken thighs bowl

• Chicken thighs (Ninja Crispi)

• Jasmine rice

• Stir-fry veggies (bell peppers, broccoli)

• Teriyaki sauce

• Sesame seeds, microgreens

Dinner: Salmon + broccoli + rice 🐟

• 6oz salmon (Ninja Crispi)

• Roasted broccoli

• Jasmine rice

• Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic

• Lemon squeeze, sesame seeds

Snacks:

• Tuna + cucumber + Mary’s Gone Crackers

• Apple + almond butter

Friday (Rest Day)

Breakfast: Veggie scramble

• 3 eggs

• Spinach, bell peppers, onions, mushrooms

• 1 slice sourdough toast

• Avocado

Lunch: Chickpea and quinoa bowl

• Quinoa

• Chickpeas

• Cucumber, tomato, avocado

• Olive oil + lemon dressing

• Optional: add tuna for extra protein

Dinner: Pesto orzo with steak & shrimp 🍤

• Orzo pasta tossed with pesto

• Sliced steak

• Shrimp sautéed in garlic and butter

• Cherry tomatoes

• Parmesan, fresh basil

Snacks:

• Protein smoothie

• Hard boiled eggs

A Few Things That Make This Easier:

• Microwavable rice pouches from Sprouts - I always have these on hand for busy nights. I don’t microwave them in the plastic. I actually add a little bit of chicken broth and cover with a paper towel. Adds some flavor.

• My Ninja Crispi - cooks salmon perfectly every time and makes meal prep so much easier

• Microgreens - I add these to almost everything, they add nutrition and make everything look prettier

• Keeping the same base ingredients - rice, avocado, cucumber, eggs. When you have these on hand you can always throw something together

Meal Prep Staples I Make Once and Use All Week

There are a few things I like to prep at the beginning of the week that make everything easier. These aren’t full meals - they’re components I can grab throughout the week for quick snacks or to add to meals.

Protein Balls I make a batch of these every week and keep them in the fridge. They’re perfect for a quick snack, post-workout, or when I need something sweet that’s actually good for me.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup nut butter (almond, cashew, or peanut)

• 1/2 cup pitted dates (8-10 dates)

• 2-3 tbsp honey

• 1/4 cup protein powder

• 1/4 cup pistachios

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

• Pinch of salt

Instructions: Blend everything in a blender until combined, roll into balls, refrigerate. Makes 10-12 balls.

Cinnamon Sweet Potatoes I roast a batch of these on Sunday and use them throughout the week - as a side dish, in breakfast bowls, or just as a snack. So simple but so good.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 sweet potatoes, cubed

• Olive oil

• Cinnamon

• Salt

Instructions: Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, cinnamon, and salt. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway. Store in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Chia Seed Pudding This is my go-to when I want something quick for breakfast or a snack. Make it the night before and it’s ready to grab in the morning.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup chia seeds

• 1 cup almond milk (or milk of choice)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of cinnamon

Instructions: Mix everything together in a jar or bowl, stir well, refrigerate overnight. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and create a pudding-like texture. Top with berries, granola, or nut butter in the morning.

I hope this helps give you some inspiration for your own weekly meals! Remember - this doesn’t have to be perfect. Some weeks are better than others. But the more you stock your kitchen with whole foods, the easier it becomes to make good choices and the more you will start craving these type of meals.

Food really is medicine. And I truly believe that taking care of yourself from the inside out is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your family. 🤍

I went to Miraval a few weeks ago and always take away tips each time from the Just Cook For Me class with Zach. The last tip I left with was setting whole mushrooms stem up in the sun for an hour before you eat them to get full vitamin D. This trip, I was zoned in when he talked about tips for cooking a good steak. I was doing it all wrong. I was cooking from the start in butter and pepper, which just burns when heated on the pan—the pepper especially.

The process & tips:

• Buy quality if you can. A good butcher is not only an experience, but they love what they do, they buy well, and it shows.

• Let your steak come to room temperature. You can let steak sit out for up to 4 hours out of the fridge, but it’s best to allow at least 20 minutes to get to room temp. If you cook or grill straight out of the fridge, the outside will cook faster than the inside and you’ll have an unevenly cooked steak.

• Pat dry your steak to get rid of some of the moisture.

• Season only with salt. Seasoning with pepper prior to cooking just burns the pepper. I let the steak sit for a bit until the salt starts to soak in.

  

• Start the steaks in hot oil. Get them seared and majority cooked. You can feel when they’re ready by the firmness. Then finish cooking with garlic and butter and baste to get an even cook throughout. Once the steak is finished cooking, you can then add the pepper when you’re plating!

• Pair to your liking. I love steak with eggs, jasmine rice, quinoa, and any and all veggies. Highly recommend trying the Kinders Teriyaki Sauce & Glaze.

  Bon appétit!

  

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There’s something about the transition into a new year that makes us want to press reset - what used to feel like this dramatic “new year, new me” way, has moved into an intentional way that honors where we’ve been while making room for where we’re going.

But here’s what I’m learning and leaning into: I don’t need a full reset come January. I’m not starting over. I’m continuing.

I’m continuing to eat whole foods that nourish my body. I’m continuing to take care of my skin and show up for myself physically. I’m continuing to surround myself with positivity and people who lift me up. The work I’ve been doing doesn’t stop.

Instead, I’m taking it as an opportunity to take inventory. To look at what’s working, what needs adjusting, and make meaningful shifts that feel aligned with who I am becoming.

Refresh Your Space

If you’re anything like me, you already keep a relatively organized home - but there’s something about the new year that makes you want to give it a little refresh. And here’s the thing - it doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. Choose one small area that’s been bothering you. A drawer that’s become chaotic. A closet shelf that needs reorganizing. Your bathroom cabinet could use a purge.

It’s very therapeutic to clear out what no longer serves you. It’s not just about the physical space - it’s the mental clarity that comes with it. Every item you let go of is a tiny act of making room for what’s next.

The Digital Purge I’m Actually Doing This Year

Something I’ve talked about before but have never actually done? I’m doing it in 2026. Purging the photos on my phone. This task has become so overwhelming that it feels bigger than me at this point. Years and years of photos. Screenshots I was convinced I’d need someday. An inability to delete anything, ever.

But I recently heard a tip that genuinely feels manageable: starting January 1st, every single day, type that day’s date into your photo search. Your phone will pull up every photo from that specific date across all the years stored in your camera roll. You can take a moment to reminisce, smile at the memories, and delete what you don’t actually need - all in just a few minutes a day. By the end of the year, you’ll have gone through your entire camera roll without it ever feeling like the impossible mountain it is right now. Honestly one of my favorite tips I’ve received recently, and I’m committing to it.

The Honest Assessment

This is where it gets real. Take a look at the things you know you could do better. Not from a place of shame, but from a place of honest self-awareness.

For me, I know I’m on my phone too much. Not just for work, but mindlessly scrolling when I could be doing other things. Things I say I don’t have time for, but really, I’m just not prioritizing them. I’m already creating content and building my business - but I want more of that energy, less of the consuming. So my shift this year is time blocking - creating specific windows where I put the phone down and actually do the things that matter to me.

What’s your honest thing? Where are you getting in your own way? Where could a small shift make a meaningful difference?

Create Systems For the Girls That Actually Work

Something I’ve been really wanting to do is create a real system for my girls around chores, acts of kindness, and rewards. Not just nagging them to pick up their rooms or clear their plates, but an actual framework that teaches responsibility and recognizes effort.

This year, I want to build something that works for all of us. A system that’s clear, consistent, and helps them learn what it means to earn money. Would love to hear if there have been any systems that have worked for you?

Keep Up With Future You

If you’re already prioritizing your health, the new year is a good reminder to stay on top of those appointments. Schedule your dentist appointment, that mammogram, your annual physical. Get a blood panel done. Check your moles. These aren’t the sexy, exciting parts of self-care, but they’re the ones that truly take care of your future self.

It’s easy to push these things aside when life gets busy, so use this moment to get them on the calendar.

And If You’re Still Not Clear On What You Want?

That’s okay too. Sometimes the best thing we can do is create space for the answers to come. Try to journal regularly, take space/time for you without distractions, even dare I suggest meditating? Add it to my list. The clarity doesn’t come from forcing it. It comes from getting still enough to hear what’s already there.

You don’t need to have it all figured out in January. You just need to create the conditions for clarity to emerge. Pay attention to what drains you and what energizes you. Notice what you keep circling back to in your thoughts. That’s usually where the work is.

Your January Checklist: Small Steps That Actually Feel Doable

☐ Refresh one small space this week - a single drawer, shelf, or corner
☐ Start the daily photo purge - search today’s date and delete as you go
☐ Schedule any health appointments you’ve been putting off
☐ Identify one thing you’re spending too much time on and set a boundary around it
☐ Time block one specific window in your week for something you’ve been saying you don’t have time for
☐ Create one simple system that makes your daily life easier
☐ Take one small step toward something you’ve been wanting to do
☐ Name one habit that’s not serving you and decide what you’ll do differently
☐ Give yourself credit for what’s already working - write down three things you’re continuing (not starting) this year
☐ If you’re still not clear on your direction, commit to journaling or meditating regularly - even just five minutes a day

The new year doesn’t have to be about dramatic transformation. Sometimes the most meaningful changes come from small, consistent shifts.

So here’s my question for you: What’s one small thing you can do this January to set yourself up for a year that feels a little bit lighter, a little bit clearer, and a little bit more aligned with who you’re becoming?

I do love structure—I often start my mornings at 5am with washing my face, red light mask, unloading the dishwasher, and getting my beverages together—but I allow space for more sleep when I need it, or extra time to wrap up work, or whatever else the day requires.

Because here’s the thing: there is no ‘perfect’ morning. You could have everything in order and one of your kids wakes up grumpy. You can either embrace it and pivot, or you can match their energy. We all know how that second option turns out.

I truly believe waking up early is helpful, so I strive to be awake by 5am. Yet I also prioritize rest if I don’t sleep well. I used to think a strict routine was the “healthy” thing to do—wake up at 5am and immediately meditate and write in my 5-minute journal. Both very positive things that are amazing and helpful. But it started feeling forced, and I was beginning to dread it. Why would I voluntarily do something I’m dreading? So I allowed myself to let it go and told myself I’d choose whatever I needed day by day.

What I don’t skip:

A solid, protein-packed breakfast—for myself and the girls. We need to be fueled for the day, not just caffeinated. Sharing some of my super simple go-to breakfast ideas here.

And honestly? A good playlist is non-negotiable. I do love classical piano first. Music sets the tone for our entire day. Sometimes it even starts a dance party. Here’s one of my favorite morning playlists from when I did coffee pours here.

Now…who has some good productivity tips that can get us all past the morning routines? Asking for a friend.

Speaking of productivity…here are some last minute gift ideas for kiddos that will get here in time for the holiday!

I hope the madness of the season allows for YOU time, and you prioritize yourself. Because without you, there is no [ spoiler alert ] ✨Holiday Magic✨.

xo, Lauren

I’m a sucker for a good theme, so last week I decided to host a little impromptu gingerbread decorating party for V and Alice’s friends. I envisioned it being a sweet, low-key event with one very specific goal: have the girls celebrate the holidays with friends while not spending extra money trying to make everything look perfect. Easier said than done for someone who appreciates a good aesthetic—and who also happens to be an influencer. That expectation can sometimes be the death of me, I won’t lie. Like, I need a centerpiece, right?

Target is brimming with gingerbread everything right now—from towels to treats, they have it all. I grabbed sprinkles, M&M’s, colored sugars, and gingerbread house kits. We served hot cocoa in gingerbread mugs, and I decorated the table with the cutest gingerbread tins (only $5!).

When the kids gathered around the table, they got way more into it than I expected. I spent a little extra getting the pre-built houses because I care more about my sanity and time than dealing with construction mishaps.

But here’s the thing—it wasn’t just about candy and icing. It was about creating memories, encouraging creativity, and hearing the girls’ deep belly laughs. So sweet. Yes, I was anxiously watching for frosting to hit my dining room carpet, and yes, the table was covered in sprinkles. But seeing them all have that much fun made it worth it. The sugar rush afterward? Well, that’s another story.

The girls loved every minute of it and now, safe to say, we may have a new tradition.

xo, Lauren

I also want to say thank you to those of you who sent me messages about my previous Substack post. Truly so grateful for you to be so excited for me.

Here is what is to come to Substack in 2026:

• Morning routine chat

• My workout routine - did you see my first ever pull up??

• How to cook the perfect steak

And so much more! Can’t wait for 2026, but for now…let’s soak it in!

I’ll be honest—there’s still a part of me that wants to hold back from sharing this. For so long, I’ve kept this part of my life private. But I’ve found that not sharing what’s going on in my life also makes me feel stuck. Like I can’t authentically share my life with you, and that’s what I enjoy doing.

I haven’t dated since my last relationship ended—a three-year up and down situationship that taught me a lot post-divorce. I’m equally grateful for the experience during a hard time, but it also taught me everything about what I don’t want. Honestly, I had zero desire to date this year. I was content. Focused on my girls, my work, my own growth.

But one breakfast with a trusted friend changed the trajectory of how this year would go by simply telling me to stay open. To not close myself off completely energetically because you never know who could walk in the door.

So I did, and I felt the shift. I wasn’t actively looking or swiping through apps. I just stayed open to the possibility, and then he just one day showed up. The actual story of how this came about is really fun and I hope to be able to share it with you one day.

I don’t know how this will unfold—distance is very real and can be difficult. But here’s what I know: so far he’s worth a five-night trip across the country and planning another time to see each other.

Prepping for the Trip

The week or two before my flight, I had a full butterfly week. I can’t be the only one who does this? Hair appointment, pedicure, lymphatic drainage massage, lash lift, brow lamination... I was in full prep mode for this man. I even scheduled a blow-out appointment the day before travel which I couldn’t recommend enough because I ended up only washing my hair once during this trip. Less maintenance the better.

At home, I did teeth whitening strips, oil pulling in the mornings, and my red light face mask every day (even brought it with me). I made sure to take all my vitamins, including Lemme Purr because... priorities.

The night before, I did a full body scrub, shaved everything, and slept with moisturizing gloves on my hands. On the plane, I brought eye patches and one of those tiny disposable toothbrushes so I could freshen up when I arrived. So glad I went to the bathroom right after the flight because he was waiting for me at baggage claim.

What I Learned

He’s the kind of man I felt comfortable with from the start—who opens car doors, cooks for me the entire time, and we experienced Wilmington in a fun yet mundane way that I really appreciated. If I’d stayed in the mindset of “no one talk to me, no one look at me,” I know I wouldn’t have met him. I’ve learned so much already about myself and the kind of person I’d want to settle down with at the end of the day. Everything in life is a lesson, no matter the outcome.

So here’s to taking the plunge. Here’s to staying open even when it feels safer to close yourself off. And here’s to showing up for the possibilities that scare you a little bit.

Sharing my pre [ and during ] travel care faves below…

Sharing what I found on amazon, which is already heavily discounting some amazing things for the BF / Cyber Monday…

I love focusing on being intentional when shopping for the girls—purchasing toys and things that bring them outside and keep them active. And the rollerblades? On Alice’s list this year (she had rollerskates), and these always bring me back to my youth.

So many of my favorite everyday products are on sale, so I’m stocking up on heel cream [IYKYK] and pimple patches for sure.

I’m heading back to Phoenix tomorrow after being out of town the last 5 days, and I’m excited to share more on that and my routine after the holiday. Happy Thanksgiving to you all—grateful for each of you.

The holidays have been hard in the past, as they are for many. I set out to break the cycle and rewrite the script, and this tradition is one of the ways I’ve done that. It’s our thing, and we all look forward to it.

I’ve shared these Christmas tradition boxes and mugs in past years, and they’re always one of my most asked-about items during the holidays. I found them on Etsy from two small businesses, and they still look brand new even after years of use.

This is one of my favorite pieces to bring out because I fill it with things to keep the girls busy and creative over the next few weeks—before all the toys arrive. You can fill it with simple items without breaking the bank. The Target dollar section is your best friend here. I love including new Christmas pajamas and cozy socks for the month, plus a bunch of fun activities. Keeping it fun and as simple as you want.

Sharing some of my inspiration below and here is a post I shared years ago about how to bring tradition and experience into your holidays.

More Christmas Tradition Ideas

We love a good hot chocolate bomb or cocoa stirrers, but if you want to cozy up with the real thing, we love this simple recipe. You probably have everything in your pantry, and it’s rich and tastes like you’re in Scott Calvin’s pajamas drinking hot cocoa from an elf. IYKYK.

Ingredients

• 4 cups milk (preferably whole or 2%)

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate bar

• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions Place milk, cocoa powder, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium/medium-low heat, whisking frequently, until warm (but not boiling). Add chocolate chips and whisk constantly until they melt and distribute evenly into the milk. Whisk in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt (if desired). Serve immediately.

Enjoy!

I get so many questions about my recipes, and much like my salmon, I keep it simple. I like to taste my food and not dress it up too much.

Sea salt. Cinnamon. The perfect balanced flavor.

The key is making them crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. They refrigerate well, so I meal prep a bunch to have on hand for the week. Add to a quick breakfast paired with an egg and greens or lunch with a veggie and leftover chicken. This is the quickest way to hit all of your food benchmarks and feel satisfied.

Here’s how:

• Peel and cube 1 to 3 sweet potatoes (depending on serving size and meal prep plan)

• Place on a non - stick cooking sheet. These Our Place pans are the best - not stick and non toxic - and they are having their biggest sale of the year right now…up to 46% off, which is huge!

• Toss potatoes in flaky sea salt, a dusting of cinnamon, and cooking oil until coated. I like Graza or Brightland.

• Bake at 425°F for 30-40 minutes or until they have a lightly crispy crust. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving seems like it’s tomorrow so I am thinking of what to have the girls wear this year. Zara’s newest girls drop is so good - and their clothes last forever.

Here’s what I am loving:

I will be traveling this year, so need to prepare to pack whatever I am wearing, so taking that into consideration, I still want to be comfortable - love the idea of a cute lounge set or simple skirt and top with elevated flats or boots.

xx, Lauren

These items are a bit of a splurge, but I am telling you…they’re worth it. This mask continues to amaze me with it’s benefits and results and this hairdryer is just, well, the best.

Splurge Faves

Shop what I love, and use

Need a code?

Here’s my current discount codes:

Seed:LOLA20

Manucurist: LOLA15

Coop: LOLA

Flav City: LAUREN15

Hume Health: WHATLOLALIKES

Probably one of my most asked questions is about the salmon dishes I make and I wish I could say it was strenuous, elaborate and fancy, but it’s the exact opposite. The idea or ‘recipe’ may differ each time I make it, but every time…it’s all about simplicity.

A good cut of salmon is not essential, but you can notice a difference - I shop locally at the Scottsdale Meat Market and purchase Glory Bay Salmon Filets. Preferably a belly cut. The cooking time will vary by thickness but once you get the time down, it’s going to be your go - to for easy and satisfying.

I have been loving the Ninja Crispi - it gives the salmon the perfect crispy crust, every time. I simply season it with oil, salt and pepper, turn on the crispi in air fry mode and hit start. Simple, simple, simple. For a thicker cut salmon - go 12 minutes on air fry mode, but usually 10 minutes is literal chef’s kiss.

Serve it with a mix of veggies or a simple salad, or white rice, and truly, you’ll be shocked at how easy it is. And as you make it, you will get more creative with sides or seasonings until it’s perfected and becomes your go - to meal. I literally never get tired of this and it comes out perfectly every single time.

A go-to meal to get you started:

Jasmine rice

Chopped avocado, carrots, cucumber, edamame, sesame seeds

Sweet chili sauce for a little extra flavor

Let me know how you like it and let’s share new ways to spice it up!

Shop The Ninja Crispi

I shared my updated console this week and I couldn’t be more pleased with how it turned out - it is comforting, warm and welcoming but it’s me. Sharing my fave pieces from the update and if you missed it, once again Kaitlyn Wolfe, killed the vision.

Shop My Console Faves

I have some newsletter news to share...we are moving to Substack! I’ve looked extensively into how I want to show up for my community and I think it’s the best place to start. There are amazing other ‘like’ creators on the platform and I know I will be in the best company. Substack really offers the best reading experience, easy commenting and flexible subscription options, I am looking forward to the change.

Next steps:

• No action required: Your subscription will automatically transfer over to Substack.

• Seamless transition: All your previous content will be available soon on the new platform, so you won’t miss a thing.

Thank you for being here...

I am excited to make this move, share more and grow this community and I want to thank you, sincerely, for being here from the beginning.

Make sure to check out the new look and let me know what you think!

xo, Lauren

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We are home from a very full week of travel where the girls and I went to Chicago and up to Syracuse to visit my family.

It was one of those cozy weeks where we were surrounded by all of our people that just felt like home. We made sure to go to all of our go-to’s (Marios and Salvos Pizza, Pastabilities, Beak & Skiff, and Green Lakes). I recommend everyone spend time in upstate New York during the fall, it’s magical.

Chicago is such a fun city to experience both solo or with kids - there is so much to do and we had perfect weather to walk everywhere and enjoy what the city has to offer. I shared my entire ‘must do’ list here but some highlights were absolutely the Lincoln Park Zoo - which is completely free - and Maggie Daley Park is awesome for kids of all ages. The food....do not sleep on Labriola for their deep dish pizza. But the highlight of the trip were the baby cuddles...it’s the best watching your kids love up on the people you love’s babies. Vivienne went right into mom mode which was so adorable.

Every time I go home, I appreciate where I grew up even more. When you walk into my parent’s house, there’s this incredible sense of calm, wholesome happiness. I think it is so special how comfortable V and Alice are there (minus the basement spiders)...the memories we create with every trip are just the best - time is slower and it’s just so...nice. The girls and gaga baked bread, we laughed, went apple picking and ate at some of my favorite places. Sharing our travel essentials and my Mom’s banana bread recipe that made the entire house smell insane and the girls were upset we couldn’t fit it in our suitcase.

Mom’s Banana Bread Recipe

Going to my parents is full - on nostalgia - from their home decor to the neighborhood, it feels like you are traveling back into the 90s - and this bread recipe she has made for years (and my girl’s favorite) is an essential when we visit with Gaga. It’s a total crowd pleaser and perfect with a good cup of coffee, and the best part is it’s so simple to make.

Ingredients:

- 3 cups flour

- 1 tsp salt

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 2 tablespoons cinnamon

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 3 large eggs

- 1 cup vegetable oil

- 2 cups sugar

- 2 tsp vanilla

- 3 to 4 ripe bananas

- chocolate chips

Directions [ makes two loaves ]:

- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees

- Butter and flour two bread loaf pans and set aside

- Sift and combine first 5 ingredients and set aside

- Beat eggs, oil, sugar and vanilla

- Add dry ingredients and combine

- Mash 3 to 4 bananas and incorporate into batter

- Pour batter into baking pans and sprinkle with chocolate chips

- Bake for one hour or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean

Shop my fave baking dishes here...