Snow days, paint swatches & Pilates: My chill start to 2025

Happy New Year, friend! 🎉 

I hope your 2025 is off to a fabulous start. Over here, things are feeling refreshingly calm and relaxed. After thoroughly enjoying the holidays, the thought of diving headfirst back into the hustle was a bit daunting. Luckily, we got a gentle nudge to ease back in with two unexpected snow days. ❄️ We seized the chance to spend those days bundled up on our terrace, making snow angels in the sun. It was the perfect way to embrace the slow return to our routines.

Everything seems to move at warp speed these days, but we have to trust our body’s unique rhythm. What do you notice about yourself when you refuse to rush?

In the spirit of taking things slow, I've been tackling a few home improvement projects. I loved Tonester’s Off-Neutral—a deep brown with violet undertones—in our last place (seriously, I've never gotten so many compliments on a paint color before!) and I'm planning to use them again in our new home. I haven't quite settled on the perfect shade yet, but I'm leaning towards something warm and inviting. I also snagged a sleek new media console from CB2 and an eye-catching entryway cabinet from Crate and Barrel that perfectly complements our cozy, modern aesthetic. (Pictures coming soon!)

I view the start of the year as taxiing on a runway—gaining momentum gradually to prepare for larger goals ahead. Unlike the common rush to achieve those lofty resolutions, I prefer a steady build-up. Each small success fuels the next, ensuring a sustainable climb rather than a hasty takeoff.

What does that look like in practice? Well, there are definitely some “body goals” that I have in mind (who doesn’t?!), but right now, your girl is literally just trying to make it to one Pilates class a week. Baby steps, people! (And when I say one class, I do mean at least one. In fact, I'll be hitting up a Pilates class in the DR this week.) 

Fitness hasn't always been my jam, unless you count dancing around the living room with Bella, but who's to say 2025 won't be different? 😉 I’d also love to make some healthier choices with my diet and drink more water, but I’ll build up to those as the year progresses. 

On the professional front, I've been getting tons of requests to create more long-form content on YouTube. And friend…I'm listening! Get ready for more vlogs, makeup tutorials, and deep dives into our social impact initiatives, home decor projects, and much more! (Don't forget to subscribe to my channel so you don't miss a thing.) 

I'd love to hear how you're kicking off the New Year. Are you jumping straight into new challenges, or are you, like me, taking a moment to find your stride? Are you setting big, audacious goals, or focusing on smaller, more purposeful intentions? 

Here's to a year of finding new passions, expanding our horizons, and embracing all the possibilities that come our way. I can't wait to share this journey with you.

More news you can use

• I’ve gotten a lot of questions and comments about why we decided to leave the suburbs, so I’m responding with the tea. Can you relate?

• These five makeup products were everything to me last year, and are a must for looking and feeling good in 2025! I’m sharing my favorite no-filter foundation, the best blush for looking alive in the winter, and more.

• When you can’t get to church, just bring the church to you.

I’m so glad you’re here! If you’re enjoying these emails, here’s how you can continue to support this newsletter:

• Add [email protected] to your contacts so you never miss a beat.

• Secrets don’t keep friends: share this message! Here’s a link to subscribe.

• Connect with me on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Until Next Time, 

The “This Just In” newsletter may have affiliate links included throughout the email, so if you buy through them, I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I only recommend stuff I truly love, and if it's sponsored, I’ll disclose that it is a brand partnership. Thank you so much for your continued support.