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After what some may describe as a pretty brutal winter—I live in the northeast—most of us are ready to pack away the coats and everything that resembles the winter hibernation we've all endured. The start of spring means it’s a time to shake off the winter blues and welcome fresh starts, new energy, and all the little joys that come with spring. It’s also a time when Mother Nature does her most beautiful work of bringing everything to life. Whether you’re looking for a meaningful way to embrace the season or just want to soak up the magic of spring by yourself or with loved ones, here are five simple and beautiful ways to celebrate the Spring Equinox. Watch the Sunrise and Set an Intention . The Spring Equinox is all about balance, making it the perfect time to reflect and realign. Wake up early to watch the sunrise, breathing in the fresh energy of a new season. As the golden light washes over the horizon, take a moment to set an intention for the months ahead. What do you want to cultivate? What parts of yourself are ready to bloom? Write it down, speak it aloud, or simply hold it in your heart. Refresh Your Space with a Spring Reset (A Mini One) . Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s a ritual of renewal. Open your windows, let the crisp air flow through your home, and clear out anything that no longer serves you. Swap out heavy winter textures for lighter fabrics, bring in fresh flowers, and declutter your space to make room for new energy. A simple shift in your surroundings can work wonders for your mindset. Spend Time in Nature . Nothing welcomes spring quite like stepping outside and feeling the earth come back to life. Take a walk through a park, sit beneath a blooming tree, or plant something new in your garden. If possible, go barefoot on the grass and reconnect with the earth. The equinox is a time to tune into nature’s rhythms—observe the budding trees, listen to the birds, and soak in the beauty of the changing season. Create a Seasonal Feast . Celebrate spring’s abundance by preparing a meal inspired by the season. Think fresh greens, citrus fruits, honey, and herbs. A simple spring salad, a warm cup of chamomile tea, or a fruit-filled dessert can be a delicious way to honor the shift in energy. If you can, eat outside and savor the flavors with gratitude. Light a Candle to Welcome the Light . The Spring Solstice represents the return of warmth and longer days. Honor this transition by lighting a candle at sunset as a symbolic gesture of welcoming the light. As you do, reflect on what you want to illuminate in your own life—whether it’s creativity, self-love, or a new adventure. KBL Sungkid/Adobe Stock The Spring Equinox is a reminder that life moves in cycles, and each season carries its own wisdom. By celebrating this time with intention, you align yourself with nature’s flow—embracing growth, renewal, and the beauty of new beginnings. How do you like to welcome spring? Let me know in the comments! (Feature photo by Munnangi Rushikanth/Vecteezy)

Over the summer, I wrote about letting my 9-year-old join a fourth-grade group chat . It wasn’t an easy decision—I had to think it through. Fast forward a few months, and now her name is just sitting in the group, but she never initiates a conversation. I check the chat every couple of days, and sometimes she’ll show me something funny or complain about that one kid who keeps spamming the group with the same photo. For the most part, she’s pretty inactive, and honestly, I’m kind of relieved. When the Group Chat Turned Sour . My daughter was so excited to keep in touch with her friends over the summer, especially as a rising fourth-grader. But only a few weeks in, the friendly chat turned sour. One day, she called me into her room to show me a message where a girl posted a picture of another student and cruelly labeled her “ugly.” My daughter was horrified. She knew that this was unacceptable behavior and was torn. She loved being part of the group, but that comment lingered with her. Unfortunately, the behavior didn’t stop with one hurtful message. The girl, along with her cousin, continued to make others feel unwelcome, creating an environment of exclusion and downright unkindness. I explained to her that she had a few options: she could ignore it, leave the group, or set an example for kindness. She chose the brave route, telling the group they were all there to be friends. I admired her courage. The Pain of Speaking Out . But the courage my daughter showed didn’t lead to the outcome she’d hoped for. A few days later, the same former classmate turned on her cousin by making a harsh statement. My daughter, ever empathetic, messaged the cousin to offer support: “I’m sorry she said that to you.” As they say, no good deed goes unpunished. Shortly after, her former classmate kicked her out of the group. As soon as she realized it, she began to cry. All I could do was hold her. She cried her little eyes out in my arms, and we just lay there together. Once she was ready to talk, I told her she did nothing wrong and I reassured her that her actions were kind. I explained that this wasn’t a reflection of her, but rather of the former classmate. I reminded her that these things take time to heal. I was there to support her through the anger, sadness and feelings of rejection. The Startling Reality of Kids’ Digital Drama . We later discovered that the former classmate who blocked my daughter also blocked another friend from the group. She endured something even more distressing—a threat to have the police sent to her house. When I discovered this, I was shaken by how quickly the group chat had escalated into something potentially dangerous. It was really disheartening and I was beyond shocked when this was revealed to my daughter. I struggled with whether I should reach out to the parent. Ultimately, I decided against it, allowing my daughter to navigate this challenging social dynamic with my guidance. Finding Support and Building Resilience .Fortunately, the two of them found comfort in each other as they shared their experience. I could see her relief as she realized she wasn’t the only one affected by the toxic behavior. Together, they leaned on each other, and I watched her discover the true value of supportive, positive friendships. In that moment, I saw her start to appreciate the profound nurturing that friendship offers. Thankfully, a few friends started a new group chat, this time creating a space that felt safe and supportive. The warmth of her classmates was so comforting. She appreciated the support of her classmates who knew what happened. Out of a truly horrible situation, my sweet girl was able to bond with friends who understood the meaning of kindness. Their support helped her rebuild her confidence. Today, they remain close, and she has learned a lasting lesson about the types of friendships that truly matter. Reflecting on a Hard but Important Lesson . Looking back, I recognize the weight of my decision to let her join the chat in the first place. Part of me wonders if things would have been different had I held her back, but I also believe this was a lesson she needed. She faced exclusion and unkindness, but she also learned resilience, empathy, and the significance of standing up for what’s right. Watching her grow through this experience, I’m grateful for the strength and kindness she’s shown, and I’m proud of the friends who have embraced those values alongside her.

As we head into NYE, I want to thank you for continuing to read my posts as I keep rolling them out. I finally took my writing more seriously and I was able to draw you in, my amazing readers. There is so much to come in the new year, but I am so happy to have made it so far. I am now rounding up the most read posts of 2024. In Wellbeing , post election feelings in America, Explain Yourself: We Need to Talk , my lived chronic illness experience in Chronic Illnesses: When Sticking to a Routine Gets Hard and a weekend sign-off Have a Weekend of Laughter made it to the top. In Motherhood , the congrats to 5 Unexpected Parenting Lessons I Learned from Being a Babysitter in NYC, Keep it on: Why Children Should Listen to the Radio for the parents looking to expand musical genre knowledge in their kids and Conversations with Kids: Not Because I Have to . In Relationships , I wrote about my neighbor Chuck in A Friend in Waiting: Getting to Know My Neighbor . This was my effort to throw caution to the wind and create community with the people around me. We also have my My New York City Hall Wedding from 2012 and 21 Questions: Get to Know me . In Adventure , the posts No Summer Camp? Now What? , Our Montréal Trip: A Full Recap to see one of my best friends and Saratoga Springs: Rich History and Natural Beauty . In Food , you read the Crispy and Flavorful Fried Chicken with Noodles , The Best Chicken if you Follow these Rules and Pressure Cooker Mashed Potatoes and Beef Stew recipes, which I hope you all tried. In Decor , Analysis Paralysis and Wall Decor: Overcoming Decision Fatigue took the cake along with What I Found, How I Styled: Thrifting Edition and Entryway Elegance: Choosing between Mirror and Artwork . In Style , one of my favorites to write Confidence, Choice and Love: My Hair, My Business , 4 Easy Hairstyles for Black Kids that Last the School Week and Chic or Not: Creativity, Confidence and Black Culture in Fashion round off all the selections. Thank you for being here! I hope to see more of you in 2025. Happy New Year and see you back here in January.

"Today, I barely survived. It felt like a horror film where I was being dragged into a dark abyss. I wanted to go Viola Davis on the fam, grab my purse and walk out. I nearly tapped out of this house." These are the words I wrote recently on an Instagram post. I did not think this would be the starting point for discussing parenting struggles, but I think this best describes how so many feel at some point in their parenting journey. Motherhood is beautiful, but it can also be messy. I am so glad every time I see videos where women speak authentically about their parenting struggles. I think about the many moms who sometimes feel they want to tap out of their families, no matter how much we love them. So many great mothers wake up every day with the intention of giving their best to their children only to realize that despite their best efforts, some days just suck. At the end of it all, we just have to keep giving our best, because that is really all we can do. Parenting is not for the faint and you will never get it right all the time, so be ready to get it wrong sometimes. To those of us surviving parenthood and need some answers, let's discover some ways we can keep trying. For when the kiddos just won't listen Even the best children can have their worst day, and I say, hold on for dear life. Whether we're talking about trying to get the kid(s) out the door, telling your child for the fourth time to take her socks off the living room floor, or just requesting personal space so you won't be touched out, there are moments when your kids just don’t or won’t listen. It is the nature of motherhood. Despite my vast experience as a babysitter/nanny, some days I am still dumbfounded by the things my children do. Recently, I just had to ask one of my daughters to please step away from me, because her behavior at that moment was just unacceptable and I found myself repeating things over and over (worst mistake ever). When I felt like I was about to lose it, she had to come back with a snarky response. At that point, I directed her to her father and walked into my room. I asked Google for solutions to my problem. Yes, I was asking Google for directions to that place on the internet where successful moms reside with alternative solutions, because that's where I was at. In addition, I remembered another strategy from being a substitute teacher. It always got the kids' attention. Online Solution: If you hear me, touch your nose. (continue by naming a different body part each time until they show they're listening). My solution: I say: 1,2,3 eyes on me. They say: 1, 2 eyes on you. So now I have two solutions that I plan to implement. Both methods, I believe, will prevent you the parent from snapping at your kid(s), give you some time to think, and allow you to convey your initial request thoughtfully and concisely. For when your child is being resistant. I have a nine-year-old and a seven-year-old, and personality-wise, they couldn't be more different from each other, yet maintain some behaviors that make me question whether I am parenting one child. My second child who started extremely introverted, is now a strong-willed, critical thinker, who is both witty and funny. She hates being rushed to accomplish anything, so her resistance tends to be easier to solve. I back off showing remorse for my actions and correct my behavior. My nine year old on the other hand is at the developmental stage of preadolescence. I can see the pushback coming from a place of desiring more autonomy, which is expected for a child her age. I have very clear house rules, expectations, and structure, but I also need to recognize that my parenting style has to match her developmental stage. I may just not be hitting the mark sometimes. Resistant behavior tends to occur when children want to avoid a task, gain attention, and even gain power by trying to irritate you. Beyond these simple explanations for non-compliant behavior, it is crucial to assess the environmental changes that may be contributing to the changes in your child's behavior. Things like relocating, the death of a loved one, starting a new school, and any change in the dynamics of their home life. These factors all have an impact on children and the ways they cope with these changes. For resistant children, there are two things I try to avoid: Power struggles: Avoid going back and forth or over-explaining your stance. All it does is incite more anger and resistance. Boy have I made that mistake, but I am learning. Overreacting: Try to stay calm (and trust me, I know how difficult that can be sometimes), because it gnaws away at the relationship between you and your child. At times it may be hard not to, but find ways to calm yourself in that moment, because reacting may be more disastrous than you think. What you can do to help you avert many negative situations is: Praise your child for the things they do well: I pay attention to my children's actions, so when I see great behavior being displayed, I will point it out to my kids immediately. There are so many times I have told my daughters, "I really like how you handled that situation" by repeating what was said and how effective it was responding in the manner that they did. You can see the joy in their eyes. Collaborate with your child: I can't tell you the number of times I have asked my children for advice on how they think I should address their resistance. In those moments, I see all of us calming down and taking moments to speak our hearts and come up with solutions. They feel empowered rather than being dominated, which is never my goal. For those big emotional moments Being a parent can take a toll. There are the day-to-day emotional interactions that barely cause a dent, and with the right response, they can be great bonding moments. But there are days you can barely regulate your own emotions due to a host of issues, and you have to do your best to help a sometimes dysregulated little human find a sense of calm. It is on those days, it can feel like the world is conspiring against your joy, and mothering can take a toll on your mental health. This is why I appreciate women who know in their hearts that they are not meant for the calling of motherhood and stand firmly in their decisions. So on the days when everyone is caught up in their feelings, all I try to do is avoid making the day a complete disaster. I tell my girls when they're yelling out into the universe "My day is ruined," that they're having a tough moment; there is still time to turn it around. We always do, even though it sometimes takes us a little longer to get there. As the adults who have to lead by example (but sometimes fails epically), I say absent of any physical, emotional, or psychological abuse to your child, show yourself some grace. I recommend: Removing yourself from the situation: When an environment gets extremely stressful and you feel overwhelmed, start by creating distance if you can. Breathe: Take that time to acknowledge how you feel, do some deep breathing and refocus your energy on something more positive. Decide whether you want to be happy or right: In that moment, I also decide before heading back out making sure that my language does not assign blame, but rather a path to bringing us closer together. Apologize if necessary: If feelings were hurt before your exit, come back ready to apologize. This can be the olive branch to begin the conversation, especially with kids who can talk. Be ready to listen: This is the time for open dialogue. Talk to your child while connecting from a place of the heart. Allow your child to be heard. Seek comfort from a trusted individual: Whether it's your partner, a friend or a therapist, reach out to someone you can talk to if you need further support. Continue to show yourself grace and compassion: We all have rough moments. Don't beat yourself up. You can turn this around. So, keep trying, keep laughing, and embrace the wonderful chaos that is parenting. Because at the end of the day, the art of trying is what truly makes us superheroes in the eyes of our children. Celebrate the messiness, the laughter, and the endless love that comes with being a parent. Because in the grand scheme of things, the art of trying is what truly defines us as parents – imperfectly perfect and beautifully chaotic. Now go forth, fellow parents, and conquer the world!

New York’s Capital District—home to Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and the surrounding areas—might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of relocating. But if you’re looking for a place that balances city convenience with small-town charm, rich history with modern energy, and affordability with opportunity, this underrated region might just surprise you. I came across a post on Threads from someone wondering if the internet could get them excited about moving to Albany. As a relatively new transplant to the Capital Region myself, I’m still finding my way—but the internet delivered, as it always does, and got them hyped for the move. Seeing that inspired me to share my perspective, because the Capital Region has been exactly what I was looking for—a place that truly fits the lifestyle I’ve always wanted. Here are a few reasons why the Capital District is worth calling home: The Crossroads to the Northeast.The Capital District is well-connected by highways, Amtrak, and Albany International Airport, making weekend getaways or business trips a breeze. Want to visit NYC, Boston, or Montreal? They're 2.5 hours, 3 hours, and 3.5 hours respectively. In 40 minutes you’re in Vermont and Connecticut. I once drove through Vermont and Massachusetts in a little under one hour to pick up an amazing piece of furniture I bought on Facebook Marketplace. You also have the Adirondack within a 45-minute drive up north and 45 minutes south you’re in the Catskills. A Lower Cost of Living (Compared to NYC!). New York City wore my paycheck down, so the Capital District was a more affordable alternative. Housing costs are significantly lower, and you get more space for your money—whether you’re looking for a charming historic home, a downtown apartment, or a quiet suburban neighborhood. Plus, everyday expenses like groceries and dining out won’t drain your wallet quite as fast. A Perfect Blend of City and Nature. This is the main reason I decided to move to the Capital Region. It is beyond what I could have ever imagined. The stunning autumn foliage, crisp winters for skiing, refreshing springs, and warm summers are perfection in every sense. You can enjoy the energy of downtown Troy, Saratoga, and Schenectady with all their amazing restaurants, and in a short drive be transported to amazing nature preserves and hiking trails. Outdoor Adventures at Your Doorstep. If you're looking to venture out beyond the preserves and shorter trails, you have easy access to stunning state parks and scenic waterways. Whether you’re hiking in Thacher State Park, Saratoga Spa State Park, or Moreau Lake State Park, kayaking on the Hudson or Mohawk Rivers, or escaping to the Adirondacks for a weekend, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the outdoors. From waterfalls to mountain trails to peaceful lakes, the region offers year-round adventures for every kind of explorer. You can immerse yourself in what the Capital Region has to offer. Nature Preserve Rich History and Architecture. If you love history, the Capital District is packed with it. Albany, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., boasts stunning 18th- and 19th-century architecture, including the breathtaking New York State Capitol building. Troy, once a booming industrial city, is now a haven for artists and entrepreneurs, with beautifully preserved brownstones and an old-world charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. A Hub for History and Museums. If you love museums and cultural experiences, the Capital District has plenty to explore. Albany is home to the New York State Museum, the oldest and largest state museum in the country, showcasing everything from local history to natural wonders. Albany, one of the oldest cities in the U.S., boasts stunning 18th- and 19th-century architecture, including the breathtaking New York State Capitol building. The Albany Institute of History & Art houses an incredible collection of Hudson River School paintings. It is also home to the USS Slater which offers a fascinating look at a fully restored WWII destroyer escort. Whether you're into art, history, or science, the Capital Region has a museum for you. New York State Capitol Museum A Thriving Arts and Food Scene. The area has a creative and cultural scene that often flies under the radar. Troy and Schenectady have incredible live music venues, independent theaters, and a strong community of artists. Albany hosts concerts, festivals, and a lively nightlife. And the food? From farm-to-table restaurants to legendary pizzerias and craft breweries, there’s no shortage of great eats. Plus, the Troy Farmers Market is one of the best in the state. A Thrifter's Paradise. The capitol district is synonymous with thrifting. It truly is a thrifter's paradise in every sense of the word. Since moving here, I have taken such delight in furniture thrifting. With so many options and such high quality vintage furniture, you can never go wrong. From Captain's Treasure in Clifton Park, Salvation Ary, Habitat ReStore, and my happy place, Facebook Marketplace, there will always be a treasure to find. Apartment Therapy If you’re looking for a place that offers opportunity, affordability, and a great quality of life, the Capital District of NY is worth considering. It’s a region where you can build a career, enjoy nature, and make a home. Have you lived in or visited the Capital District? What’s your favorite thing about it? Let’s chat in the comments!

We are still in the midst of a whole pandemonium—a.k.a pandemic— and I, like many people am vaxed, masked and ready to conquer outside. Unfortunately, I’m ready to throw in the towel. I am somewhat disappointed. It seems that this pandemic has changed many and not necessarily for the better. I get it. Times are hard and people have lost so much. We’re all trying our best to get through the day without an earth-shattering meltdown. Some people are trying to hold it together while some are unleashing their turmoil on others. In these times, a little kindness can go such a long way. This is exactly the time we should be exercising a bit more kindness toward each other. We are all walking with some degree of pain, heartache and even trauma. It’s never okay to unleash that on those who have caused you no harm. Lately I’ve just been seeing the anger and rage in people. From the woman last week who was driving a little too close behind me as I slowed down to find a parking and took the time to roll down her window to yell profanities me, to the driver who looked like she was not going to stop at the light and risk running straight into me. I don’t feel like I’m missing anything when I am home, if this is the way people feel the need to conduct themselves. These are the days when my introvert tendencies are screaming at me to retreat indoors. The only thing keeping me outside is that my children need the socialization, and that I need to increase my serotonin and vitamin D levels. Otherwise, I’d be indoors, happily enjoying the company of myself. I am venting. I need it. In these instances, I respond appropriately and try to remind myself that many more people show me kindness than the opposite. Vent in a healthy way and focus on all the good that comes your way. Change the internal dialogue and believe your way into an amazing week. Choose kindness. If you need a moment to vent, share in the comments. Share stories of kindness that you extended or you received.

Hi everyone, How have you been? Honestly. How has life been treating you? Many of us made it through a whole pandemonium—pandemic—having lost so much. Loved ones, relationships, jobs, and maybe even your sense of self. I know that the pandemic hit me like a ton of bricks, to the point that I couldn’t even fathom being able to work for several months. I was an emotional wreck internally, even though no one other than my therapist could see that I was weathering the worst storms of my life. But yet, here I am . I made it through and so have you. I am also very certain that there were many wins. My life got a little slower. A pace that I had been craving for so long, but never imagined it could happen. I worked from home, found healing in therapy, and learned to appreciate the love I had. Once practicing gratitude became a bigger priority, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel. I was able to see what I had as opposed to what I didn’t and what I lost. For those of you who made it through, making it through, and those who can’t even see the light at the end of this tunnel, I want to remind you that. You are valuable. You are loved. You are worthy. What are your plans for the weekend and how are you being intentional with your time?

There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of spinach rice—simple, nourishing, and packed with flavor. This easy recipe combines tender spinach, fragrant garlic, and perfectly cooked rice to create a wholesome dish that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a nutritious meal prep option, or a flavorful side to complement your main course, this spinach rice recipe has you covered. Best of all, it comes together in one pot with minimal effort, making it a go-to for busy days. Let’s dive into this vibrant, earthy, and delicious dish! Spinach Rice 8 servings You’ll need: 2 cups of rice (I used jasmine) ½ of a medium onion 1 packet of frozen spinach/diced fresh ½ tsp ground black pepper 2 garlic cloves 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 packet of Sazon (optional) 1-2 teaspoons of salt ¼-½ cup of tomato sauce 1 tbsp oil (canola, vegetable, sunflower etc) 3 cups of water *If using frozen spinach, be sure to defrost ahead of time. Dice onions and garlic. Add the oil to a pan on medium-high heat and sautee. Lower to medium as they begin to brown a little and cook through until softened. Add black pepper, smoked paprika, Sazon (optional), salt, and tomato sauce making sure it is thoroughly mixed. Add the spinach to the onion and garlic mixture and mix the ingredients. If using frozen spinach, squeeze out as much of the moisture before adding. Finally, add the washed rice to the pot and mix thoroughly. Add the water and mix again. Bring to a boil then bring the heat to low and cover. Allow to cook for 15-20 minutes then serve. I hope you enjoy this simple recipe.

If there’s sand and a shore line, it’s a beach. On the way there, the girls were extremely excited about heading to the lake. I told them that we were heading to Million Dollar Beach and they were massively confused, especially my seven year old—understandably so. A lake being referred to as a beach required some explanation I guess I did a good job, because everyone understood. Part of my conclusion was, “If there’s sand and a shore line, it’s a beach.” As we emerged from the towering trees, we came upon the most striking lake view that reminded me of Marigot Beach in my island home Saint Lucia . It was indeed a view I did not expect, and I was more than pleasantly surprised. My mother was gobsmacked. She ended up calling my stepdad for a video chat to show how beautiful the lake is. The girls were also eager to get in the water. A sweet couple offered their picnic table and bench that they were done using. He warned us about the aggressive seagulls that began surrounding us. We sat and tried having lunch, but the seagulls were quickly becoming a distraction. The girls were initially afraid, but with a few lessons on gently shooing and showing them that the birds were more intimidated by them, they got the hang of it. I was so smitten by the view, that I went in and out of noticing my children chasing seagulls. We enjoyed the stunning views and seeing the steam boat Lac du Saint Sacrement cruise line in the far distance. After taking a break from lunch, we enjoyed time in the water. About three hours later, we packed up and headed home. My daughters said this was one of the best days ever. This day definitely deserves a repeat.

This weekend is not starting off well. I have now gotten a cold from my kids, so we’re all sick. In addition, we have to go to my daughter’s friend’s birthday party. We don’t want to miss it at all, but it is looking like we may just have to stay home. It’s going to be a cold weekend, and all I want to do is drink a never ending supply of hot cocoa with a faux fur blanket while I watch Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movies with my girls. I also want to make cupcakes and play board games; our version of a cozy weekend. What are your plans this weekend? (Photo from Samantha Gades)