Last year I took a trip through some of the most incredible landscapes in Canada, and it honestly felt unreal. I took in the bright turquoise waters of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, then rode the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain where you can see six mountain ranges stretching out in every direction. I even floated down the Bow River, which was such a peaceful way to experience it all.

Driving the Icefields Parkway was easily one of the highlights. I stopped at Peyto Lake, hopped on the Ice Explorer to get right up to the Athabasca Glacier, and yes, I drank glacier water straight from the source. I spent time in the cozy town of Canmore too, and crossed into Montana, soaking up the wide open wilderness on the way toward Glacier National Park. The whole trip blended iconic stops with unexpected highlights, and somehow each view was better than the last.

This post is pretty text-heavy, so I’ve spaced out the sentences to make it easier on the eyes and added a few stock photos to break it up. It’s basically a collection of notes from my phone, just organized by topic. I wrote this for me so I can refer back to it. Last year I did a full closet declutter and this year I'm embarking on a full house declutter. My home is small so the more empty space I have, the bigger it will feel. As a gift to myself for doing this, I will reward my home with an indoor faux tree plant.

I picked up Atomic Habits thinking it would be just another self-help book. What I found was something far more useful and practical. It is absolutely life-changing. I’ve read a lot of self-help books, and this is probably the most substantial and impactful one, with the most tangible takeaways you can actually apply to your life. If you’re going to read one book, it should be this one.

This book is completely centered around the idea of getting 1% better every single day. It isn’t about big, dramatic changes. It’s about small actions that slowly, quietly change the way you live.

One of the first ideas that stood out to me was this: action relieves anxiety. When you move, even a little, fear shrinks. Waiting makes everything heavier. Starting makes it lighter. When you procrastinate on something important, you’re delaying a better future. You’re postponing results that could make you proud.

Clear also explains that the secret to winning isn’t avoiding failure. It’s learning how to recover. Resilience is the real advantage. When you know how to bounce back, setbacks stop feeling final.

Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and a Disney trip really does go better with a little planning. A few smart choices can mean less stress, shorter waits, and more time actually enjoying your vacation. Good Morning America recently shared a short segment on what’s new for 2026, plus a few easy ways to save money. One thing I always stand by is having a loose plan for each day. I like to keep a simple bulleted list in my notes app with the rides or foods you want to try the most. You don’t need to plan every minute, but knowing your priorities makes everything else feel easier.

If you’re taking a solo trip to Disney World, lean into how freeing that can be. No waiting on anyone else, no compromises, no negotiating plans. Disney is so much more than castles and characters, especially as an adult, so think of this post as a practical, food focused (vegetarian options galore), adult friendly guide to doing the parks your way.

I love Disney for the nostalgia, the cleanliness, the creative details, and yes, the food. I also love how safe and welcoming it feels. The second I walk through the gates, the outside world fades away. Bright colors, upbeat energy, and thoughtful storytelling take over. Loving Disney at any age doesn’t need an explanation. If you’re planning a trip, pace yourself, make a plan, and let the parks do what they do best.

Word for the year: Rejuvenate

All of my goals run through one question: does this help me feel more rested, more creative, more grounded, more myself? I asked myself, based on my current life, energy, and values, what should I stop focusing on this year, what should I protect, and what deserves my consistent attention?

Rejuvenate is about less input, but better input. Fewer distractions, higher quality habits. Refinement over addition. Not less living. Less junk. Not deprivation. More discernment. Trying to find joy outside of the algorithm. 

We tend to put far too much pressure on January to fix everything at once. New routines, more discipline, better habits, a whole new life, all expected to click the moment the calendar turns. When it feels slower or messier than that, it’s easy to assume we’re already behind.

Starting goals or setting new intentions on January 1 has never really made sense to me. It’s still a time for rest and recovery. I prefer to sit with things throughout the month, giving myself space to reflect before deciding how I want to shape the year. For me, January is a reset month, a chance to get organized and clear out mental and financial noise before building more discipline going forward.

If I had to narrow my entire fragrance collection down to just ten bottles, these would be the ones I’d keep. The ones I reach for without thinking. The ones that feel like me.

Fragrance isn’t something I save for special occasions. It’s part of my everyday routine. I wear it to the grocery store, to run errands, to sit at home. The only places I skip it are tight spaces like airplanes or the dentist. Otherwise, it’s on.

I don’t believe in having just one signature scent. I like variety. Different moods. Different seasons. Scent is tied so closely to memory and emotion that wearing the same thing all year would feel limiting. I gravitate toward niche fragrances because they feel more personal and distinctive, which is why only two of these are widely available.

If these were the only ten I could keep for life, I’d be perfectly happy.

Every year I like to make a list to guide how I approach the next 12 months. In the past, I’ve done things like Lucky Girl Syndrome Affirmations, My Ins and Outs for 2025, 25 Ways to Glow Up in 2025, the 30 Wears Challenge, and 7 Travel Resolutions.  This year I’m focusing on My Consumption Rules for 2026. The theme is simple: buy less and buy better. I am creating a traditional New Years Goal list but I always take some time at the beginning of the year to create it.