The week can feel like a hurdle, especially after a relaxing weekend. But with the right mindset and a little motivation, you can turn that dreaded start into a launchpad for a productive, fulfilling week. Here are 10 motivational quotes to help you embrace the week and keep your momentum going. “Either you run the day or the day runs you.” — Jim Rohn “Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.” — Alexander Graham Bell “Definitions belong to the definers, not the defined.” ― Toni Morrison, “Beloved” “Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use.” — Ruth Gordon “The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same.” —Colin R. Davis “I love to see a young girl go out and grab the world by the lapels. Life’s a bitch. You’ve got to go out and kick ass.” — Maya Angelou “Always work hard and have fun in what you do because I think that's when you're more successful. You have to choose to do it.” — Simone Biles "Believe you can and you're halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt "You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." – Zig Ziglar “The plan is to fan this spark into a flame.” — Lin-Manuel Miranda “She was learning, quite late, what many people around her appeared to have known since childhood that life can be perfectly satisfying without major achievements.” ― Alice Munro "Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going." – Sam Levenson “If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with the rain.” — Dolly Parton “We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” — Nelson Henderson “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” — Robert Collier "I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars." - Og Mandino “We cannot solve problems with the kind of thinking we employed when we came up with them.” —Albert Einstein “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill “Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson afterward.” ―Vernon Sanders Law “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” —Alexander Graham Bell “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” —Tony Robbins “It is only when we take chances that our lives improve. The initial and the most difficult risk we need to take is to become honest.” —Walter Anderson “It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” —Madeleine Albright “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. The slogan ‘Press On’ has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” —Calvin Coolidge “If you were born with the weakness to fall you were born with the strength to rise.” —Rupi Kaur “The Sun will rise and set regardless. What we choose to do with the light while it's here is up to us. Journey wisely.” —Alexandra Elle “He who conquers himself is the mightiest warrior.” —Confucius “Take the attitude of a student, never be too big to ask questions, never know too much to learn something new.” —Augustine Og Mandino “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.” —Helen Keller Mondays may be tough, but with the right mindset and a little extra motivation, they can be the perfect start to a week filled with growth and opportunity. Use these quotes to fuel your energy and help you stay focused on your goals throughout the week. Remember: every Monday is a fresh start, so make the most of it!

I've been working on redecorating the girls' room and have been obsessed lately with sage green. I know that sage green will transform the space into a serene space designed for rest and relaxation. Sage green is the perfect choice for their shared bedroom—it’s soft, calming, and versatile enough to work with various styles. Here are ten inspiring sage-colored shared bedroom ideas helping me design a peaceful and stylish space for my little ones. Falling for an Autumn Theme . This right boho look here is everything and quite apt for the season. The perfect combination of sage green and toffee works beautifully not just for this season, but for all seasons. The bedding, artwork and furniture really bring such beauty and create such a cozy feeling. I think I might move in with this design. I don't mind sleeping in a twin bed. Sage Green and Muted Blush/Coral . If you're looking for a softer color palette, pair sage green with muted pinks or corals. This combination is perfect for any kids who love pastel tones. We're renters so we won't be painting walls, but adding plants for a botanical element along with some beautiful artwork and shelving. Sage Green and Botanical Accent Wall . Enhance the sage green palette by incorporating a botanical-themed accent wall into the shared bedroom. Choose sage green as the base for the walls and layer in plant-inspired elements, like floral bedding, leaf-patterned throw pillows, or nature-themed wall art. Add hanging plants or wall decals to bring the room to life. Minimalist Sage Green and Natural Wood . Sage green works beautifully with natural materials, especially wood. I absolutely love this combination Use sage green bedding or walls and combine them with natural wood bed frames, shelving, or furniture. This combination brings warmth and a natural, outdoorsy feel to the room while maintaining a calm and grounded atmosphere. Sage Green Bedding with Neutral Walls . If you prefer neutral-colored walls, you can still bring in sage through the bedding. Choose sage green comforters or quilts and mix them with neutral white or beige walls. This simple palette creates a clean, airy look while still giving the room a touch of color and personality. Mid-Century Natural Wood and Sage Green Botanical Bedding . Mid-century natural wood furniture always works in my eyes. The addition of a large sage green scroll map which creates a focal point while keeping the other walls neutral. The wall is complemented with sage green bedding, botanical printed comforters and toffee throw pillows to give the room balance.The color combination of white, green and toffee bring elements of softness and coziness creating a harmonious look. Sage Green Walls and Vintage Furniture . Sage green pairs beautifully with vintage design elements. The muted earthy tones of sage green provide the perfect backdrop for vintage furniture that really brings a sense of history and character. Metal bed frames in muted brass or wrought iron pair beautifully with sage green walls. A comforter and blanket contrasting the sage green color ties everything up like this dinosaur theme. This color is perfect for creating a calm, stylish, and balanced shared bedroom for kids. Its versatility allows it to complement various themes, from minimalist to vintage, while still maintaining a serene atmosphere. Whether you choose sage green as the dominant color or as an accent, it’s sure to bring peace and beauty to any shared space. Let me know if you'd like to add more details or tweak the ideas! (Photo credit Kids Interiors , Pinterest , Nesting with Grace , Summer Thornton Design , Styled by Emily , The Merrythought , The Spruce )

I am rewatching Ugly Betty for the umpteenth time, because it never gets old. As cringey and annoying as some scenes may be in a show that premiered on ABC from September 28, 2006, Ugly Betty will always be one of my favorites. If you haven't watched Ugly Betty, please start now! Betty, a NYC girl by way of Queens with aspirations of being an editor lands a job at MODE magazine as the assistant to the newly appointed editor-in-chief of Mode Daniel Meade. She was hand picked by Bradford Meade the head of the Meade Publications empire in an attempt to keep his son focused on fulfilling his duties rather than the latest gorgeous assistant. Betty takes us on a journey from mousy assistant who shares a close bond with her family and cultural roots to a bold and confident woman who takes life by the horns to fulfill her dreams in the cut throat world of high fashion. The heavy handed use of satire with a mix of telenovela drama meets Devil Wears Prada gives this show life. It's pure genius and hilarious in a way that tickles me every time I watch. Here are all the reasons why you need to watch or rewatch Ugly Betty . Hail to the Queen of Mean Wilhelmina Slater . I proudly admit I love a mean girl who is poised and controlled in her demeanor, especially since she is the total opposite to who I am. Opposites do attract when it comes to the shows that I watch and Wilhelmina, played by Vanessa Williams is the real MVP of Ugly Betty . She is a true feminist icon and the antithesis of how women are expected to be. Her methods were unscrupulous and she never spared sympathy, but she had her priorities together when it came to her career ambitions. She never apologized for who she was or what motivated her. Wilhelmina gifted us the template of a villain—an evil genius that you couldn't help but admire. The woman gave us high fashion, she knew how to make an entrance and gave us one liners that will live on forever. Hail to Wilhelmina Slater, the true "Queen of Mean." Betty Suarez the Champ . The one and only Betty Suarez is a champion and an icon. Hurricane Betty showed up in her "Guadalajara" Poncho on her first day of work unfazed and unbothered by an industry that was overly concerned with beauty standards and fashion. Her quirkiness, charisma, loyalty and quiet intelligence made Betty the kind of person you want as a friend—as in her relationship with Christina—and in a crisis. The ultimate underdog, Betty showed her resilience and strength going up against opponents like Wilhelmina whose nefarious nature knew no bounds. From the very first episode where Daniel tried his best to get Betty to quit, I knew that I wanted to stick with the show to find out what happens. I wanted her to win in life, love and everything she put her heart into. In spite of there being many moments where I thought Betty should have been done with that crazy dynamic at Meade, her story was a lesson on radical self-love. As Betty's style subtly changed, we saw a woman holding onto who she is, but allowing herself the opportunity for growth. I love Betty. Amanda and Marc's Relationship . "Oh. My. God.' Much like Amanda's exclamation when she first encountered Betty, I am sometimes at such a loss for words with these two. They possessed the most superficial, but yet deeply connected relationship of all the characters. The flamboyant two loved poking fun at Betty. It was their sport of choice, until they realized that Betty brought much more to the table than the two of them combined. In spite of their shortcomings, I loved Amanda and Marc's relationship. They remained supportive of each other and did not allow their very superficial nature to destroy what turned out to be a decent friendship. I wouldn't be able to tolerate Marc and Amanda in real life, but for the purpose of the show, their critical nature and banter reflects what the fashion industry can feel like to every day people who are not consumed by their appearance. It was progressive . While the series is set in the glamorous world of fashion, it goes beyond surface-level aesthetics. Ugly Betty cleverly critiques the fashion industry’s obsession with beauty standards and conformity. Each episode juxtaposes Betty’s unique style with the high-fashion world around her, emphasizing that true beauty comes from confidence and individuality. This message resonates even more today, as conversations about body positivity and inclusivity continue to grow. It also addressed issues of immigration, familial loss, homosexuality, discrimination in the workplace and single parenthood among other issues. Ugly Betty was in your face about these issues and dealt with it in a manner that highlighted the struggles. Here we are almost two decades later and these issues are still relevant. They were indeed ahead of their time. Strong Female Relationships . Ugly Betty shines in its portrayal of female friendships. Betty's strongest relationship was with her sister Hilda. The two shared a strong sibling bond that survived the death of their mother, a teenage pregnancy, their father's immigration issues and Hilda's loss of her fiance (Justin's dad). She also found maternal love and compassion in Claire Meade that allowed her to feel like a safe space for Betty. The most unlikely bond was with Wilhelmina Slater, signifying immense growth in Betty, but also shows we have much more in common than we think. When push comes to shove, we all want to be appreciated and respected as was evident in both women—they just chose to go about it in different ways. Betty's relationships with colleague Amanda, showcase a range of dynamics—from rivalry to friendship. These interactions highlight the importance of female support and solidarity, a message that remains vital in today’s world. Diverse Representation . A standout feature is the show's commitment to diversity. From its predominantly Latino cast to its varied character arcs, Ugly Betty broke new ground in representation. The show explores cultural identity, family dynamics, and the challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds, enriching the narrative and offering viewers a broader perspective on life. My favorite story line was that of Ignacio Suarez (Papi), Betty's dad who had to navigate the sometimes unfriendly immigration process in the United States of America. It was a story that so many watching could relate to in a way that I have never seen before and haven't seen since then—correct me if I'm wrong. The show captured Ignacio's story in a truly authentic and relatable way. As a young woman in my mid-twenties, who lived in Brooklyn NY and worked in the Financial District (FiDi) for a family in the fashion industry, I was consumed by the show. They were not only the exact opposite of what you would think of people in the fashion industry, but they also resided near the building that was used to depict Meade Publications and City Hall Park, where Betty got caught kissing Henry Grubstick, her ex boyfriend. I became fully invested in the show that I not only saw on television, but saw being shot on the streets on NY. Ugly Betty is a treasure and is definitely worth five stars on the rewatch list. What are your favorite Ugly Betty moments or characters? (Photo of Ugly Betty ad photo IMDB , Wilhelmina/ TV Line , Betty Suarez/ Glamour , Marc and Amanda/ Fanpop , Justin/ Medium , Hilda and Betty Suarez/ Vulture and Ignacio Suarez/ NBC News )

Self Portrait in Charcoal, 2012 When I was a young child, sore throats were a common thing for me. We could never figure out why I kept having them, but I later ended up with a diagnosis of laryngitis . Somewhere in my early teen years, I recall someone saying that my frequent sore throats could be due to emotional suppression . While that may have been true, evidence pointed to allergic reactions and that felt like the only and more plausible explanation for my repeated infections. At that point, I could not conceive how my emotional state could so deeply affect my physical well-being. By the time I got to my late teens and early twenties, I began having what felt like a massive ball in my throat obstructing everything I tried to eat or drink, causing immense discomfort. I could barely eat, function during the day, and sleep well at night, because this globus sensation which I later discovered to be globus pharyngeus disrupted my whole life. It caused a severe decline in my quality of life. This was happening along with other symptoms and it wasn’t until my mid-twenties was I able to get a formal diagnosis of fibromyalgia. By then, I had already gone through several relationships from my first love, to the person who would eventually become my husband and future ex-husband. I had never been particularly shy or a wallflower, but I wasn’t the most vocal person in the room. I always tried to be sociable enough without too much small talk. I hate small talk! I was also the girl who was great at getting the second, third, and subsequent dates, but I quickly realized, that some of my relationships—as a young woman unequipped for dating—meant silencing myself. As the years went by, I got good at staying silent when necessary. This doesn’t mean that I never voiced how I felt, but rather that I felt backed into a corner by several of my influential relationships. I felt so many times that my words were falling on deaf ears. I also got the silent treatment , a tactic used to manipulate or stonewall me to maintain secrets and lies when I “asked too many questions.” Had these questions been answered quickly and honestly, healthier relationships could have been developed, but rather actively silencing me was used to avoid being accountable. Even worse, my inner child wasn’t healed and I was seeking that approval from my partners who were typically older. I learned to make this behavior acceptable to keep the peace, because rather than cause good trouble , I learned to become an active participant in my demise. At some point, I lost myself. Marriage and motherhood encouraged what I felt was necessary to keep the peace and keep a relationship that did not benefit me alive. I for one always believed that divorce is there for a reason. I was getting to a point where I no longer wanted to engage in toxic behaviors to uphold the myth of the nuclear family as the pinnacle of my success, just to avoid anything outside of it that is considered a m degradation of the family structure. I had to leave. I needed to find myself. It took a lot of work after a downward spiral in September 2020 at the height of the pandemic. I was now a single mother, raising two children and doing my very best to co-parent. The job I had been at for almost three years was coming to an end and people I knew were dying. I was in a deep state of grief, not only because I was put in a position to initiate a divorce, but also from losing loved ones. The only thing that somewhat kept me together was that job, so when it ended, I felt like Superman going into a free fall from the highest of highs to a morbid low. I had reached out for help. I had only been with this therapist for about two months. I think the first two months, I was feeling her out. I was still questioning what I should and could share. I know she sensed I wasn’t being one hundred percent authentic and I was holding back a lot. It was the behavior of my childhood once again rearing its ugly head. I absorbed all my pain and emotions into my body and it was destroying me with frequent fibromyalgia flares. I suppressed a lot of feelings and whenever I got the urge to say something and held back, there would be an intense pain in my throat. It would linger post-session. There was that connection that my elder told me about; the one I attributed primarily to allergies. There was no denying it. I had gotten so used to being silenced that I couldn’t allow myself to even feel safe with my therapist, who I was paying for a service, and where it was her job to listen to me. When that job ended in September 2020, it was the ultimate divine intervention. I don’t think I had ever cried this much in my life to a stranger. I felt like a fallen autumn leaf that was being blown every which way. I had no sense of direction and as someone who always needs a plan, this was new and scary territory for me. The uncertainty was terrifying and I knew I had to talk about this before it consumed me. I started to talk with my therapist, once a week and sometimes twice a week when I needed it. I realized more and more how much emotional harm I had been through in some of my relationships. Some of it was rooted in my need to compromise. It is a word I heard a lot being thrown around to help women keep a relationship healthy and alive. But for whom? Compromising isn’t inherently bad, but over the years, I realized it is rather the way it is exercised that can go so wrong. What could be an opportunity for connection can quickly turn into something where an emotionally unhealthy or manipulative partner can use it to their advantage. In that case, one party becomes the giver and the other the taker resulting in an unhealthy relationship. There is this video where actress and singer Eartha Kitt is being asked, “But are you willing to compromise in a relationship?” To which she answered, “Compromise? What is compromising? Compromising for what? Compromising for what reason?” These were all great questions. It is so easy to lose one’s self in an effort to compromise. And most compromise requires some degree of silence. Whether the silence is reflected in one’s choice to not ask certain questions, being agreeable to avoid conflict or even violence, or even silence after your perspective is shut down. My compromise was done to avoid being labeled as disagreeable , so I got to a point where I said nothing, because I realized that nothing I said would make my partner view what I had to say as valuable. In those situations, I felt like more of an accessory rather than a true equal or partner. Fortunately, my years in therapy and my own life experiences have taught me that my voice matters, and it is important. My thoughts and feelings are valuable. I add value to a conversation and if my social interactions are any indication, they show that I am an excellent conversationalist. I bring thoughtfulness, empathy, and compassion, and I’m funny as hell. That should never be silenced. If my questions made those partners uncomfortable, let them be uncomfortable. I will not be silenced. I am learning to no longer emotionally repress, avoid, and internalize anger to give some else peace while I self-destruct. I will speak up and live Out Loud . The woman I am now is stronger and she will not be silenced.

Last year, I decided to move to a beautiful suburb in Albany. What attracted me to Albany was a combination of great schools, the availability of jobs, its location—quick drive to Montreal in case we go full Handmaid's Tale—and access to outdoor activities. Recently, I discovered something interesting about Albany. It was ranked the 7th most unfriendly city in the country and the 13th unfriendliest in the world in 2013 by Condé Nast traveler. It wasn’t a reputation I was aware of before moving, but that wouldn't have deterred me anyway. I am from NYC, so it would take a lot to scare me. Having been here for a little over a year, I thought by now I would have been able to at least strike up a friendship, but I had no luck until recently. I made the acquaintance of a colleague and we are meeting for coffee this weekend to talk about all things writing and literature. I am so excited. To be clear, I do have friends. The longest standing ones have been in my life since I was twelve years old. We talk, share videos back and forth that give encouragement, provide humor or help foster real dialogue. I love my girls, but it’s nice to have friendships in a new city where I can call someone to meet up for coffee. As much as I enjoy the company of myself, it does get lonely sometimes here. Our encounter was inevitable. Have you ever seen someone from a distance and felt such a positive aura from them? That feeling was probably because she reminded me of someone I knew in my past. I happened to have seen her twice in the school library where I work as a substitute teacher before the day we struck up a conversation. It started as a conversation with one of the librarians about the new reading book when she joined. Then we continued talking about books we read. It felt so organic that by the end of what may have been about a fifteen minute chat, we exchanged numbers. I don’t believe in coincidences, so no matter the outcome, I believe that some people are just meant to be in our lives whether briefly or long-term. I was extremely close to "I need friends" in my mom group like I have seen so many moms in varying situations do. In many ways, I think this points to a bigger issue of adult friendships and how tricky they can be. I am just glad to be forming a bond with someone who shares some common interests. I will keep you posted on navigating this adult friendship, which I hope blossoms into something beautiful. Maybe at some point, I can host a friendship dinner—something that I have always wished to have.

I happened to be on Threads recently and saw a post that intrigued me . Someone with the handle Mr. Wallace posted "Dear millennials, I think we’ve healed enough can we go outside and ride bikes now? Maybe put the psychology books away before it’s too late and we’re gone? We know enough. Let’s live again." Though I may not agree with the statement in its entirety, he is definitely onto something. A recent analysis of census data found that Americans are spending more time at home , and a large part of it alone according to an article in The New York Times. The trend that was already happening rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic when we were all confined to our homes. In many ways, I don’t blame people for spending so much time at home. After all, you can get almost anything delivered to you and life has gotten very expensive over the last few years. Going outside means watching your money deplete in real time and so many people are struggling to maintain the current costs of living. With modern conveniences, we have more time on our hands to doom scroll on social media where pop psychology is the theme du jour. We have become so inundated with psychological terms and holistic healing for the last couple of years, that as much as I am proud of us for doing the work, I think we need to find that creative balance of living and learning. We need to understand that healing is a lifelong process and there will always be something to heal from at different stages and phases of life. Healing cannot happen in isolation; it is most successful in community, whether it is with the love and support of family members or with friends who are in our corner. It now becomes a question of what kind of activities are you engaging in that can help you achieve that overall wellness. As the author suggested, riding your bike is a great start. I would like to add, engage in play for adults. That can look different for everyone. You can get a coloring book and head outdoors, hike, picnic, dance in the rainfall, and jump in mud puddles. When was the last time you jumped in mud puddles? We are missing out on life, especially with a health and wellness industry that is marketing healing and wellness as a luxury. These industries have been formed as a way to strip us of our resources when our greatest resources are right here. Fresh air, a walk through a park, that canvas and pain you stuck in a corner for many years, those roller skates collecting dust, museums and so many other fun things. We all need to find what enhances our lives. For some, busy city life invigorates their soul and makes them feel alive in ways that no suburb or small town can. For others, a slower pace relaxes the spirit and helps them hear their innermost thoughts. Whatever that place is for you, enjoy it, and get out a little more. Tree Hugger, Renata Poleon, 2024 How are you getting out of the house this weekend?

Today’s my birthday! 🎉 It’s funny how each year feels a little different, with its own lessons, laughs, and maybe a few curveballs thrown in for good measure. Birthdays are usually filled with cake, lovely messages from friends and family near and far. But every year, I have a little tradition of setting aside some time just for myself—a quiet, reflective moment to look back on the last year and take stock of what I've learned. Birthdays used to feel like a countdown to something magical, as though I’d suddenly be a new person or everything in my life would somehow be better just because I was a year older. But lately, they’re more like gentle reminders to pause and reflect on how far I’ve come, and what I’d like to change or hold onto as I move forward. Here are a few things I learned over the past year that I’ll be taking with me: Embrace the Beauty of Slow Growth . I used to feel this urge to rush through milestones, convinced that by checking boxes faster, I’d reach some ultimate goal of “having it all together.” But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that meaningful growth takes time. Progress doesn’t have to look like a steep incline all the time—sometimes it’s a steady, winding road, and that’s okay. This year, I found a new appreciation for the slow, steady steps that lead to lasting change. It’s not about how quickly I grow, but how authentically I do it. Setting Firm Limits Isn’t Selfish—It’s Necessary . I think one of the hardest lessons I’ve learned this year is that saying “no” doesn’t mean I’m letting people down. Boundaries allow me to protect my energy and be present for the things that matter most. Saying “yes” to everything left me stretched too thin. Now, I’m learning to prioritize, to listen to my needs, and to remember that the people who truly care about me will understand. It’s liberating to realize that setting boundaries is a form of self-care, not selfishness. The Power of Small Joys . Over the last year, I’ve realized how powerful small joys can be. Life is full of big events, but it’s the little moments—a great book, a spontaneous coffee date, a quiet evening—that bring a surprising amount of happiness. I started a habit of writing down three things I’m grateful for each day. Some days, it’s big things like a milestone at work or a wonderful conversation; other days, it’s as simple as a warm cup of tea or a perfectly timed nap. It’s amazing how gratitude shifts the focus to what’s going right, even on tough days. I’m Stronger Than I Thought . This past year wasn’t without its challenges. At times, I doubted my abilities and wondered if I could handle what life was throwing my way. But looking back, I see the strength that got me through. I learned that resilience isn’t about being unbreakable; it’s about bending without breaking, about showing up for myself when things get hard, and finding ways to keep going even when the going gets tough. So, here I am, turning the page on another year, feeling a little older and maybe even a bit wiser. Today’s not about grand plans or sweeping resolutions. Instead, it’s about appreciating the person I’ve become, the lessons learned, and the gratitude I feel for each experience that’s helped shape me. Here’s to another year of growth, kindness, and a little more laughter. If I can keep learning, keep smiling, and maybe keep a few of those life lessons close at hand, I think it’s going to be a pretty great year. Happy birthday to me! 🎂 Here’s to the journey ahead, one small step at a time.

Entire meal prepping is a lifestyle choice for many individuals and families, but I do not envy people who can spend hours bulk cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for a day or more. I know it can be a lifesaver for many, providing structure, saving time and being more budget friendly, however, it’s not for everyone. The thought of meticulously planning out all three meals for a couple of days and cooking them makes me more frustrated. For that reason, I have found alternative strategies to maintain a well balanced diet without the rigid structure of full meal planning. Why Meal Prepping Doesn't Work for Me We're a busy family who enjoy making weekend plans. Saturdays are spent taking the girls to activities and any other plans we may have for the rest of the day. Even moreso, in my view, it is sacrilegious to do anything other than rest on Sundays. I prioritize these two things more than I do the idea of cooking for hours using up much of my day. We don't have the storage space for three meals for four people. We are renters with limited space in our apartment, so real estate in our fridge is very limited. We only have space for a few leftovers before it is packed, so it is not realistic for us to meal prep for more than one day at a time, which is more of an inconvenience. It creates stress , especially since I have one person whose taste buds change on a whim and a picky eater in the family. I need to have flexibility with meal preparation to accommodate changing taste buds. It is easier to have the conversation on what's for lunch and dinner the night before than to plan three days' worth of food for each meal. What I Do Instead Embrace Batch Cooking . Instead of planning every meal in advance, I batch cooking a few staples that can be used throughout the week. Cook large portions of grains, proteins, and roasted vegetables that can be mixed and matched. This way, I have a variety of options ready to go without the stress of daily cooking. Cooking With Left-Overs in Mind . We all enjoy a warm lunch in my family, so when cooking dinner, I cook extra portions to take for lunch. If it's a hit, everyone is more than happy to have a second helping for lunch or repeat the dinner with a few modifications like a different salad. It never goes wrong. Keep a Well-Stocked Pantry . A well-stocked pantry can save us from the dilemma of what to eat. I fill shelves with versatile ingredients like canned beans, pasta, rice, and spices. This way, when hunger strikes, I can whip up a quick meal without needing a set plan. I also have simple combinations that can be made on the fly. Use a Flexible Approach . Instead of rigid meal planning, I adopt a flexible approach to meals. I choose a few ingredients that we enjoy each week and create meals around them. This allows for creativity while still giving us a loose guideline. For example, if we pick chicken, broccoli, and quinoa, we can prepare them in different ways throughout the week with modifications when needed. Make a List of Go-To Recipes . I have compiled a list of our favorite easy recipes that we can reference when I'm not sure what to make. Having a repertoire of tried-and-true meals makes it easier to decide what to cook without feeling overwhelmed. During the week, I aim for quick recipes that require minimal prep time. Consider Pre-Made Options . On the off days when I do not feel like cooking, I always have a pre-made meal or two in the freezer. We grab a few items from the frozen aisle to make a balanced meal. This allows us to enjoy the benefits of planned meals without the effort of preparing them myself. Explore New Flavors . I make it a goal to try a new recipe or ingredient each week. This reinvigorates my meals and make cooking more enjoyable. There is so much inspiration online, or I just challenge myself to be as creative as possible using an unfamiliar flavor. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to eating well. The key is to find what works best for you while keeping your nutrition in check. With countless ways to nourish your body, you can embrace what feels right for you, and enjoy the journey of discovering a balanced lifestyle!

My older daughter and I are similar in so many ways. When I see her, I see me, even though she is a picture of her dad. In terms of her personality, she is most likely me. We connect most on our love of food and cooking, and we are both empaths. She is thoughtful and kind and has a strong sense of right and wrong. Her ability to stand up for herself and advocate for what she needs is admirable, but a skill that took some time to develop, as she was shy at times. She makes others feel welcomed and is a great friend. She is all around an amazing human. So it goes without saying that I love spending time with her. She loves taking walks, so on Sunday, we made time for a walk in our beautiful neighborhood park. Well, it was more like a run walk, since we are getting ready to participate in a 5K race, where I am her buddy. I am nervous, I won't lie, but I am prepared to take on this challenge for the little human who gave me the title of Mom . This is all part of her after school program that aims to inspire girls to discover, build and grow their self-confidence through running. Even though it has been challenging for her, she is not giving up and I know that having me run with her is going to motivate her even more. It was such a beautiful day and as soon as we both got out of the car, we were ready to run, but first we stretched. Then we started our run. Since I am newer to running, I've been doing an even count of running and walking respectively in order to pace myself. I need it so that I am not fully out of air. We took our time to make it around the park as we talked about everything from school, friends, activities she might be interested in and anything else that she wanted to talk about. It was beautiful seeing her in her element. We then started talking about a classmate that she has been having some difficulty with. She finds her to be quite unkind and rude at times. We talked about how that made her feel and how she has been handling the situation. There have have prior conversations about her to me. I asked her what she thought was the best way to continue handling this situation when her classmate says certain things to illicit some creative ideas. We then proceeded into role play about how she can respond to her. As we talked through it, she was happy with my suggestions. I reminded her that some people seek attention whether it is good or bad, and the best way to solve this problem is to starve her meanness of attention . The less you pay attention to her, the more she will hopefully leave you alone. As we kept walking, we noticed the pasture in the distance where the horses and cows were grazing along with the beautiful autumn leaves that were on the trees along our path. We hugged each other and held hands as we continued our stroll. My heart felt so full in that moment. Part of me looks forward to the amazing person that she will be, and the other part wants her to not grow up. What I do know is that I treasure these tiny moments more than she will ever know. As we walked over to the car, she asked for a pumpkin spice boba. How can I ever say no to that? (Photo credit: Feature image Getty Images)

I live for art and creating things. It is my life—my existence. My grandmother once told me in my native tongue Saint Lucian Kweyol/Creole " Lamen se sa ou." This directly translates into, your hands are yours with a deeper underlying meaning of " you have a great ability to create things ." I've always known that, but only began exploring it once I got into secondary school at age 11. I got a chance to explore my creativity with many mediums under the wings of a great teacher. My work got some attention, and at one point in time, I did think I could make it as an artist, but life took its course in a slightly different direction. Somewhere along the way, things got busy, and the time I once devoted to art dwindled. Work, social commitments, and everyday responsibilities took over, and the creative spark I had once felt so deeply faded into the background. Recently, however, I found myself yearning for that familiar feeling of getting lost in the flow of making something beautiful. As I started thinking about ways to refresh my living space, I decided to create more art for my home as a way to bring that creative energy back into my life. Little did I know that this simple decision would reignite my passion for art and change how I viewed creativity altogether. After such a long hiatus, I wasn’t sure if I still “had it.” But as soon as I picked up a brush and set up a canvas, I felt an old but familiar thrill—a quiet excitement. Ideas were flowing, but not with the fluidity that once existed. Yet, the difference now was that I had a clear purpose: I wanted to create pieces that would transform my space and make my home truly feel like my own, so I started with the most private space—my bedroom. This sense of purpose made a significant difference in my approach to creating. It wasn’t just about making something good enough for others to appreciate; it was about making something that I would love to look at every day, something that reflected my personal journey, moods, and aesthetic. That freedom to create for myself, without worrying about perfection or external judgment, made the process feel fresh and liberating. As I dive back into creating, I quickly realize how much my style has changed since I last practiced art regularly. I am learning to embrace imperfections—what once might have been considered mistakes is an opportunity to explore new directions in my pieces. This shift in mindset, from trying to achieve a “perfect” result to simply enjoying the act of creating, is been incredibly therapeutic. It reminds me that art isn’t just about the outcome; it’s about the process. The splatters, smudges, and unexpected color blends add character and make each piece unique. That’s what makes it meaningful. Decorating my home with art that I’ve created is going to add a new dimension to the space—it’s not just where I live, but also a place that tells a story. When I walk into my bedroom, I’m surrounded by pieces that carry the energy of rediscovery and personal expression. It has made my home feel warmer, more vibrant, and more “me.” In a way, my living space is a gallery of my creative journey, where each piece is a chapter in the story of rekindling my love for art. Falling in love with art again is about more than just picking up old hobbies; it is about reconnecting with a part of myself I missed. By creating art for my home, I’ve found joy in the process and I'm learning to appreciate the work of my hands more than I ever have. I’ve been reminded that creativity can be a powerful way to heal, grow, and express who we are. And for that, I’m grateful. What are you creating for your home?