Running Into the New Year

Running into the new year feels symbolic in many ways. It represents movement, progress, and determination. For me, running has become more than physical exercise. It is a form of mental clarity, emotional release, and personal empowerment. As I prepare to run more 5Ks this year and work toward my first 10K, I am learning that running teaches life lessons that carry into every area of my world.

When I run, I am reminded that progress does not need to be fast. What matters is that I am moving. Some days my pace is strong and steady. Other days I feel tired and slow. But no matter what, I am still showing up. Running has taught me that consistency is a quiet form of strength. Even on the days when motivation fades, discipline steps in and keeps me going.

Running also helps me connect with myself. It is one of the few moments in my day when I am not answering questions, cleaning, cooking, or multitasking. It is just me, my thoughts, and my breath. Those moments bring a sense of calm, and sometimes even solutions to the things weighing on my mind. Running clears mental fog and gives me space to think freely.

Training for a 10K encourages me to push beyond what I thought I was capable of. The idea of running that distance used to intimidate me, but now it feels like a personal challenge I am excited to accomplish. This journey reminds me that growth happens when we give ourselves permission to try. Every mile builds confidence. Every run strengthens my belief in myself.

There is also something powerful about showing my children what perseverance looks like. They see me lace up my shoes and go outside, even on days when I am tired. They witness my commitment, and I hope it inspires them to chase their own goals with the same determination. Running becomes a lesson I can pass on to them: never give up on yourself.

Running into the new year feels like stepping into strength, confidence, and purpose. Whether I am running toward better health, mental clarity, or personal achievement, I am moving forward in every way. And that alone makes this journey worth every step.

Taking a Solo Day as a Mom

 

The Importance of Taking a Solo Day as a Mom

Being a mother is a beautiful, fulfilling experience, but it can also be mentally and emotionally demanding. Moms often pour so much into their children, their home, their work, and everyone around them that they forget to pour back into themselves. This is why taking a solo day is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

A solo day is a day dedicated entirely to yourself. No rush. No errands. No responsibilities beyond tending to your own needs. It can be a few hours or a full day, but the intention is the same. Recharging your energy so you can return to your family refreshed.

When moms go too long without personal time, burnout begins to show up in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Irritability increases. Patience becomes thinner. Creativity disappears. Self-esteem drops. Simple tasks start feeling overwhelming. A solo day helps reset your mind and restore balance.

A solo day can look however you want it to. Maybe it is a quiet morning with a hot drink and a book. Maybe it is a walk outside or a relaxing bath. Maybe it is treating yourself to a meal, getting a pedicure, or simply sitting in silence without being needed. What matters is that it feels peaceful and fulfilling.

Taking solo time also benefits your children. When they see you practicing self-care, they learn the importance of it. When you return from your solo day calmer and more grounded, the entire household feels the difference. Your patience expands. Your energy rises. You become more present.

Motherhood does not erase your identity. You deserve moments to reconnect with yourself. You deserve a break from constant giving. You deserve softness, rest, and quiet. A solo day is one of the best ways to nurture the woman behind the mother.

This year, I am committing to making solo days a regular part of my life. Not when I am exhausted, but before I reach that point. Time alone does not distance me from my children. It strengthens me for them. And a strong, rested, joyful mother is something every child deserves.

 

Meal Prep for Busy Moms

Meal prep is one of the most effective ways to bring simplicity and peace into a busy home, especially in January when routines become more structured after the holidays. As a mom juggling school, parenting, goals, and content creation, meal prep saves time, energy, and stress. It also helps stretch the budget, reduce takeout, and support healthier eating habits.

The first step in meal prepping is choosing simple, family-friendly meals. I look for recipes that require minimal ingredients and can be made in batches. Soups, pastas, baked chicken, roasted vegetables, and rice dishes are some of my favorites. These meals store well, reheat easily, and keep everyone full and satisfied.

Once I choose the meals, I make a list of ingredients and take stock of what I already have at home. This prevents overspending and keeps my kitchen organized. Grocery shopping becomes quicker when I have a clear plan.

Meal prep day is usually peaceful. I turn on music, set out my ingredients, and cook in sections. I prepare vegetables first, then proteins, then sides. Seeing everything come together at once creates a sense of accomplishment. It also makes the upcoming week feel more manageable.

For the kids, I prepare easy grab-and-go snacks like fruit cups, yogurt, crackers, or small sandwiches. This reduces constant snacking requests and teaches them independence. A prepared kitchen makes mornings smoother and evenings less chaotic.

Meal prep does not mean eating the same thing every day. I mix and match ingredients to create variety. A batch of chicken can become tacos one day and a pasta dish another. Vegetables can be added to rice bowls or served as sides. Flexibility is key.

The biggest benefit of meal prep is the mental freedom it provides. Knowing that dinner is already planned reduces decision fatigue. It also gives me more time to focus on school work, writing, and spending meaningful time with my children.

January meal prep is about creating stability, saving time, and bringing ease into our home. It is one of the simplest ways to support a balanced and peaceful lifestyle.

 

Gardening in Winter: Preparing for Spring

Winter may seem like a quiet season for gardening, but it is actually one of the most important times to prepare for spring. Even though the cold weather keeps plants dormant, January offers the perfect opportunity to plan, organize, and set the foundation for a thriving garden later in the year.

Being new to gardening, I like to begin by reflecting on last year’s garden. What grew well, what didn’t, and what I want to change. This helps me decide which plants, flowers, herbs, or vegetables I want to focus on next. Winter gives me time to think creatively and research new ideas without the pressure of active planting.

Organizing my gardening tools is another helpful winter task. Cleaning off dirt, sharpening tools, and replacing anything broken makes spring gardening smoother. A little preparation now saves a lot of frustration later.

Winter is also the best time to plan the layout of my garden. incorporating my children into the gardening is so refreshing and allows us the opportunity to spend even more time doing something we enjoy. To keep everything less hectic I sketch out where I want each plant to go, how much space it will need, and how I can rotate crops for better soil health. Planning helps me imagine what my garden will look like and keeps me excited for warmer days.

Indoor seed starting is one of my favorite parts of winter gardening. Many seeds can be started indoors in January or February, giving them a head start before they move outside. Watching tiny sprouts grow in the middle of winter brings joy and a sense of hope.

Lastly, winter gardening is about patience. It teaches me that growth happens even when I cannot see it. Preparing in the winter ensures that when spring arrives, my garden will flourish.

 

Winter Family Activities on a Budget

Winter is a beautiful time to slow down, bundle up, and enjoy meaningful moments with family. Even though the weather is colder and the days are shorter, there are still plenty of fun and affordable activities to enjoy together. January is the perfect month to create memories without overspending.

One of my favorite winter activities is movie night. A cozy blanket fort, warm pajamas, popcorn, and a good family movie turn an ordinary evening into a special event. It costs almost nothing and brings everyone together. These simple moments often become the memories children hold onto forever.

Cooking together is another great activity. Whether it is baking cookies, making homemade pizza, or preparing warm winter soups, cooking as a family allows everyone to participate. It teaches kids responsibility while giving us quality time together. Plus, it keeps them busy on cold days when outdoor play is limited.

Family game nights are another winter favorite. Board games, cards, or even scavenger hunts indoors bring out laughter and teamwork. These activities remind children that fun does not always require screens or going out.

If the weather allows, going for winter walks can be refreshing. The air is crisp, the world is quieter, and it becomes an opportunity for conversation and connection. Walking together also boosts everyone’s mood and energy.

Craft days are perfect for winter as well. From painting to creating vision boards, crafting keeps children focused and creative. It also gives them a sense of accomplishment when they see their finished work.

Budget friendly activities do not require luxury. They require creativity, intention, and love. Winter becomes a season of bonding, joy, and unforgettable moments when we make the most of what we already have.

Monthly Book Highlight

 

Monthly Book Highlight: Reladiana the Little Ninja

This month I am highlighting one of the most meaningful books in our collection, Reladiana the Little Ninja. This story represents creativity, courage, and the special bond between my sons and me as we worked together to bring a vision to life. Writing and releasing this book has been a journey filled with emotion, excitement, and growth.

Reladiana the Little Ninja teaches children about bravery and believing in themselves. She may be small, but she moves with purpose, confidence, and strength. Her story reminds young readers that they can face challenges and still rise above them. This message feels deeply personal because it mirrors the lessons I want to teach my own children. No matter how young they are, they are capable of amazing things.

Creating this book as a family project made the experience even more powerful. My boys were involved in the storytelling process, helping shape the ideas and characters. Their imaginations brought life to scenes I would have never considered alone. Watching their faces light up as they saw their ideas turn into pages was one of the most rewarding moments of my life.

Releasing the book taught me patience, discipline, and confidence. There were moments of doubt, moments of learning, and moments when I had to push through fear. But holding the finished book made every challenge worth it. It reminded me that dreams are not just for thinking. They are for creating.

This monthly book highlight also allows me to connect with readers in a deeper way. Sharing behind-the-scenes details, my inspiration, and the emotional journey helps others feel part of the story. It encourages other moms and creators to pursue their own projects, no matter how intimidating they may seem.

Reladiana the Little Ninja is more than a book. It is a symbol of resilience, family, creativity, and the power of believing in yourself. Highlighting it this month is a reminder that stories have the power to change lives, starting with our own.

 

Goal Setting for Busy Moms

Setting goals as a busy mom requires balance, honesty, and flexibility. Between caring for children, managing a home, working, creating content, and striving for personal growth, life can feel overwhelming. But goal setting does not have to add pressure. It can actually bring clarity and peace when done gently and realistically.

The first step is choosing goals that truly matter. Instead of long lists that lead to burnout, I focus on a few meaningful goals. For 2026, my priorities include improving my fitness, staying consistent with my blog, showing up more on social media, saving money, traveling with my kids, working on my degree, and embracing femininity. These goals support both my personal growth and the well-being of my family.

Breaking goals into small steps makes them less intimidating. Instead of saying I want to be consistent with blogging, I commit to writing once or twice a week. Instead of saying I want to save money, I set a small monthly amount. These manageable steps create momentum.

As a mom, flexibility is essential. Some weeks will be smooth, and others will be unpredictable. Giving myself grace allows me to stay committed without feeling defeated.

Goal setting as a busy mom is about building a life that feels good, not perfect. It is about choosing goals that reflect who I am becoming and taking steady steps toward the future I want to create.

 

Mom Life and Self-Care in Winter

Winter brings a unique kind of stillness. The colder weather naturally slows everything down, and as a mom, that can be both comforting and challenging. January is a time when the days are shorter, the routines feel heavier, and life often requires more energy. This is exactly why winter is one of the most important seasons to prioritize self-care.

Self-care as a mom is not about escaping responsibilities or indulging in luxury. It is about renewing your energy so you can show up fully for yourself and your children. In winter, I focus on creating warm, cozy routines that soothe my mind and body. Slow mornings with hot coffee or tea, soft blankets, candles, and calm music make my days start with peace. Even ten minutes of stillness before the kids wake can set the tone for the entire day.

Skin care also plays a big role in my winter self-care. Cold air and indoor heat can take a toll, so I make sure to hydrate, moisturize, and take my time with my morning and night routines. These moments remind me to care for the woman behind all the responsibilities.

Self-care also means moving my body, even when the weather makes me want to curl up inside. Whether I am running outside or working out at home, staying active keeps my energy steady and my mood lifted. Physical movement helps fight winter sluggishness and creates a sense of strength.

Another part of winter self-care is creating cozy moments with my kids. Movie nights, hot chocolate, indoor activities, and warm dinners bring joy and connection. Self-care is not just what I do alone. It is also the atmosphere I create around my family.

Most importantly, I give myself emotional care during winter. I remind myself to rest without guilt, to ask for help when needed, and to take breaks before burnout creeps in. Winter teaches me that slowing down is not laziness. It is preparation for growth.

Taking care of myself in winter makes me a calmer, happier, and more present mother. And that is one of the greatest gifts I can give my children.

 

Budgeting for a Better Year

January is the perfect time to take control of your finances and set the foundation for a stronger year. Budgeting is not about restricting yourself or living in fear of money. It is about being aware, intentional, and prepared. As a mom, having a budget brings peace of mind, reduces stress, and opens doors to future goals.

I like to start my budgeting process by reviewing the previous year. Looking at what I spent, what worked, and what didn’t helps me understand my financial habits. This reflection is not about judging myself. It is about learning. Once I know where my money went, I can create a plan that supports where I want it to go this year.

My January budget focuses on simplicity. I start with my main categories like housing, utilities, groceries, savings, personal spending, and kids’ essentials. Breaking down expenses into categories makes everything feel manageable instead of overwhelming. I also choose one or two financial goals to prioritize, such as saving for emergencies, building a travel fund, or preparing for educational expenses.

One of the most important parts of budgeting is being realistic. Life with kids is unpredictable. There are always last-minute needs, school activities, or unexpected situations. By leaving room in my budget for flexibility, I avoid feeling discouraged when plans shift.

Saving money is another key part of budgeting for a better year. Even small amounts make a difference. Whether it is twenty dollars a week or a set monthly amount, consistent saving builds confidence and security. I remind myself that progress is progress, no matter the size.

Finally, budgeting is about creating freedom. When I know where my money is going, I feel more in control of my life. It allows me to plan trips with the kids, invest in my goals, and reduce financial stress. Budgeting gives me the clarity and structure I need to build a better year.

 

Resetting Your Home After the Holidays

The holiday season is beautiful, but it can also leave your home feeling cluttered, chaotic, and a little overwhelming. Once the decorations come down and the kids return to their regular routines, January becomes the perfect time to reset your home. A home reset is not just about cleaning. It is about creating space for new energy, new routines, and new opportunities in the new year.

I like to begin with a simple walkthrough of my home. No cleaning supplies, no pressure, just observing what feels out of place. Are there toys that need sorting, paperwork stacking up, or corners that feel heavy with clutter? Walking through my home gives me clarity on what needs the most attention. I focus on one room at a time because trying to fix everything at once can feel discouraging. A calm and organized environment makes it easier to stay motivated in other areas of life.

One of the most refreshing parts of resetting a home is decluttering. After the holidays, new gifts come in, old items get pushed aside, and storage areas become crowded. I take my time sorting through the items we no longer need. Anything broken, outdated, or unused is either donated or thrown away. Decluttering always feels like a deep exhale, clearing mental and emotional space as well.

Once the clutter is gone, I focus on resetting our daily systems. This includes organizing the pantry, prepping school areas for the kids, setting up a simple cleaning routine, and creating a few cozy spaces for reading or relaxing. Even the smallest changes, like adding new baskets for storage or rearranging furniture, can make a home feel brand new.

Cleaning becomes the final step. I open windows for fresh air, wash linens, deep clean high-traffic areas, and refresh the spaces we use most. The goal is not a perfect home but a peaceful one.

Resetting your home after the holidays sets the tone for the entire year. A fresh home inspires a fresh mind, and a fresh mind helps you stay focused on your goals.

 

Lessons 2025 Taught Me

Every year teaches lessons, but some years leave deeper marks than others. Reflecting on 2025, I can clearly see how much growth, strength, and transformation took place. These lessons shaped me into a stronger, softer, wiser woman and prepared me for everything I want to build in 2026.

One of the biggest lessons 2025 taught me was the importance of trusting myself. I learned that second guessing my decisions only creates confusion. When I listen to my intuition, life becomes clearer and more aligned. I began moving with more confidence, trusting that the choices I make are guiding me to where I am meant to be.

I also learned the value of patience. Not everything happens on my timeline. Some blessings take time to unfold. Some healing requires slow progress. Some goals demand consistency rather than speed. Patience helped me release frustration and appreciate the journey instead of rushing through it.

Another lesson was recognizing my strength as a mother. I faced challenges, made sacrifices, and continued to show up for my children even on days when I was tired or overwhelmed. I realized that strength does not always look loud. Sometimes strength is quiet and steady.

2025 also taught me to prioritize peace. I learned that protecting my energy is essential. Not everyone deserves access to me. Not every situation requires my reaction. Choosing peace does not mean ignoring issues. It means choosing myself over chaos.

Finally, I learned that growth often happens in uncomfortable moments. The situations that stretched me the most were the ones that prepared me for the next version of myself. I became more resilient, more focused, and more intentional.

Reflecting on these lessons allows me to enter 2026 with clarity and gratitude. I am proud of the woman 2025 shaped me to be, and I am excited to build on these lessons with purpose and confidence.

Vision Board 2026

 

Vision Board 2026: Turning Dreams Into Reality

Creating a vision board is more than gluing pictures on poster paper. It is a declaration of who you want to become, what you want to experience, and what you are willing to work for. My 2026 vision board reflects my goals as a mother, a creator, a student, and a woman determined to live with purpose.

This year’s vision board includes themes of fitness, creativity, consistency, travel, femininity, financial growth, and education. My fitness goals show images of running shoes, tracks, and women completing 5Ks and 10Ks. They remind me that I am strong enough to push through the physical and mental work that training requires. Running helps me stay disciplined and grounded.

My creativity goals focus on writing and content creation. They include images of laptops, blog pages, social media icons, books, and journals. These visuals remind me that storytelling is part of my purpose. Growing my blog and sharing my voice is not only a personal mission but something that helps others feel inspired and connected.

Financial stability is also important to me, so my board includes images of savings jars, investment quotes, and peaceful homes. Saving money means creating opportunities for myself and my children in the future. Even small, consistent steps can turn into something meaningful.

Femininity and softness are also part of my vision. My board includes images of calm spaces, self-care moments, soft outfits, and women embracing their healing journey. This reminds me to protect my energy, create routines that feel gentle, and allow myself to grow without pressure.

Education is another major focus. With plans to start working on my bachelor’s degree, my board includes inspirational quotes about learning, notebooks, and graduation images. These visuals keep me motivated and remind me that investing in myself always leads to transformation.

The beauty of a vision board is that it becomes a daily reminder of your goals. It becomes a map guiding your steps. Every time you look at it, you reconnect with your purpose and your future.

Setting Realistic Goals for the New Year as a Mom

 

Setting Realistic Goals for the New Year as a Mom and Creator

Setting goals for the new year is exciting, but as a mother and creator, I have learned to set goals that truly align with my life. I no longer pressure myself into long lists or unrealistic expectations. Instead, I choose goals that honor my responsibilities, my dreams, and my peace.

For me, setting realistic goals starts with understanding my capacity. I look at what I can handle with love, patience, and balance. I remind myself that I do not need to chase perfection. I only need to move forward in ways that feel healthy and meaningful.

I separate my goals into categories. I think about motherhood goals like being more present, creating more memories, or helping my children grow in confidence and kindness. These goals remind me that motherhood is a journey I want to cherish, not rush through.

I also set goals for my creative work. Whether I want to write more books, build my brand, or share more on my blog, I choose goals that motivate me without overwhelming me. I give myself room to grow and room to rest.

Another important part of setting realistic goals is giving myself grace. Some days I will be productive. Some days I will need rest. Both are valid. I remind myself that progress does not always look the same every day.

As I move into the new year, I choose goals that fill me with purpose rather than pressure. I choose goals that align with the woman I am becoming. I choose goals that allow me to grow at my own pace.