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Imagine putting on a series for some entertainment while cleaning your home and hearing the most beautiful and eloquent words you have ever heard being spoken from your ear buds that it stops you in your tracks?! This is what happened while watching Thank You, Next , a Netflix series that seems to have a great following, because of the main character Leyla. Leyla seems to have gotten herself into a bit of a pickle and gets a kintsugi bowl as a gift, which sends her into the most introspective monologue that uses kintsugi as a metaphor for healing and resilience. Leyla says: “Kintsugi… seeks to elevate the beauty and the functionality of a broken object. According to this philosophy, a break is not a loss but a new form of existence. Certain events in human life can leave deep scars that may be deemed impossible to repair. However overcoming them and fixing the damage with more valuable and stronger bonds is also part of life. Rather than discarding the broken parts of an object, they’re intentionally accentuated to make them a part of its history. This is a struggle against fragmentation. It doesn’t embrace nothingness, instead it highlights the progress from when it was first broken. Vulnerability is neither denied nor suppressed, and no aspect of life is considered a flaw. It is so valuable despite not reaching greatness.” Wow! Just wow! If we can apply the philosophy of kintsugi to our lives and relationships—especially intimate ones—we will be able to see the beauty in our experiences. We may be fragmented, but not beyond repair. The right kind of love—self, familial, friendship, and intimate—and healing can put us back together, so that we may recognize the beauty in every phase and stage of who we are. (Photo from Stock Photos from Lia_t/Shutterstock)

The year has come to a close and I have yet to declutter worksheets brought home over the last three months. I know many parents find themselves facing a common dilemma: what to do with the endless stacks of school worksheets that have accumulated over the months. Worry not, for we have the perfect solution to help you breeze through this end-of-year organizational task! Step 1: Sort and Prioritize Start by gathering all the worksheets from different subjects and sorting them into categories. You can create piles for each subject or organize them by date to easily track the progress throughout the year. Prioritize the worksheets based on their importance and relevance, making it easier to decide what to keep and what to let go. Step 2: Declutter and Recycle Now, it’s time to declutter! Go through each pile of worksheets and eliminate any duplicates or unnecessary papers. Encourage your kids to join in on the fun by involving them in the decision-making process. You can recycle the papers that are no longer needed, teaching your kids the importance of sustainability and organization. Step 3: Create a Keepsake Folder Select the most valuable and memorable worksheets to create a keepsake folder. These can include special projects, artwork, or assignments that hold sentimental value. By preserving these precious memories, you can create a tangible reminder of your child's growth and achievements throughout the school year. Step 4: Go Digital In this digital age, why not digitize your child's school worksheets? Scan important papers and save them in organized folders on your computer or cloud storage. This not only saves physical space but also ensures that these memories are safely preserved for years to come. Step 5: Celebrate It is now complete and we can now celebrate the sense of accomplishment that comes with a year well spent and the memories made along the way. With these simple steps, organizing your kids' school worksheets at the end of the year doesn't have to be a daunting task. By following our enthusiastic guide, you can turn this chore into a fun and rewarding activity that brings the whole family together. So, grab those papers, put on your organizing hat, and let's make this end-of-year cleanup a breeze! Happy organizing! (Top photo by Daria Shevtsova /Unsplash)

I am a self professed logophile or lexiphile. As a child, I read the dictionary for fun, even while walking to school near a busy highway. Not the smartest, but true. Reading for pleasure is something I don’t get to enjoy as frequently as I would like to lately, but I take great pleasure in viewing the daily Instagram posts from three word enthusiasts. Add the visuals and sounds and I feel like I’m in heaven for a few seconds everyday. If you’re a logophile/lexiphile, here are three accounts you should be better acquainted with to bring you a daily dose of joy. 1. Word.Addiction 2. TheWordMeanings 3. Aesthetic_logophile To the new and soothing new words you will encounter daily. Enjoy and please feel free to recommend more.

Creating a harmonious shared living and play space can be a challenge. As someone who lived in 450 square feet with a family of four , I understand the full scale effect of having to manage sharing small spaces. Children are balls of chaos while many adults thrive in organization and order. It can be difficult at times for the two to coexist, but there are ways to keeping a small shared space tidy . I have found that shelving can be your best friend in this endeavor, offering versatile storage solutions that keep your space tidy and functional. Here are some tips and ideas for maximizing shelf storage in a shared living and play area. 1. Multi-Purpose Shelving Units Opt for shelving units that serve multiple purposes. A unit with both open shelves and/or closed cabinets can store toys and games while displaying books and decor items. This helps maintain a clean look while providing ample storage. 2. Use Baskets and Bins Incorporate baskets and bins into your shelving units. They are perfect for grouping similar items together and can easily be moved around. Choose bins that match your decor to keep the aesthetic cohesive. Labeling the bins can also help kids know where to put their toys away. 3. Floating Shelves for Vertical Storage Floating shelves are great for utilizing vertical space. Install them higher up for adult items like books, plants, or decorative pieces, keeping them out of reach of children. Lower shelves can be designated for kids' toys and games, making it easy for them to access and put away their belongings. 4. Rotating Toys and Books To avoid clutter, rotate the toys and books. Keep some items on display on the shelves and store the rest in bins or storage closets. Regularly rotating these items keeps the space fresh and exciting for kids without overwhelming them with too many choices. 5. Create Defined Zones Use shelving to create defined zones within your shared space. For example, one section of the shelves can be dedicated to toys and games, while another can house books and adult decor items. This helps create a sense of order and ensures everyone knows where things belong. 6. Incorporate Low Shelves for Easy Access For younger children, low shelves are essential. They provide easy access to toys and books, encouraging kids to play independently and teaching them to put things away when they're done. Make sure these shelves are sturdy and safe for little hands. 7. Regularly Declutter and Reorganize Regular maintenance is key to keeping a shared space tidy. Set aside time each month to declutter and reorganize the shelves. This helps keep the area functional and prevents it from becoming overwhelmed with unnecessary items. 8. Safety First Ensure that all shelving units are securely anchored to the wall to prevent tipping. Safety is paramount, especially in spaces where children play. Check regularly that the units remain stable and secure. By implementing these shelf storage ideas, you can create a shared living and play space that is organized, functional, and enjoyable for everyone. Shelving can significantly enhance the usability of your space, making it easier to maintain a tidy and inviting environment. This was me creating such a space in our 450 square foot apartment before moving to a larger space. Feel free to adapt these suggestions to fit your specific needs and style. Happy organizing!

This weekend, I am on a mission to rest. I have been quite busy and in a headspace that is struggling. They say, adversity makes you stronger, but sometimes all it does is bring forth deregulation. The only thing I take comfort in is knowing: You do not suffer because things are impermanent. You suffer because things are impermanent and you think they are permanent.” — Thich Nhat Hanh This weekend, I plan on reading through Malcolm Gladwell’s The Tipping Point: How Little Things can Make a Big Difference. I hope to also start watching Gilmore Girls which I hope to discuss in a later post. That show is amazing with so many things to unpack. Hopefully I will be rejuvenated come Monday and ready to conquer the world. I hope you feel the same.

Moving from NYC to the Capital Region has given me access to the best of both worlds. I am close to everything I need to maintain our household and lifestyle and I also get to enjoy some of the most amazing state parks, nature trails and the rich history of New York State. Every day, I am amazed by the beauty of New York, and one of the places I will always be in awe of is Saratoga Spa State Park. My mom is visiting us, and on our radar was Saratoga Spa State Park . Nestled in upstate New York, Saratoga Springs is a gem that beautifully intertwines rich history with stunning natural beauty. The last time she was there with us, was a few days after an early spring snowfall. I was eager to show my mother the transformation from spring to summer so that she can truly appreciate what the girls and I have grown to love. A Bit of History The original Indigenous inhabitants of Saratoga Springs were Algonkian peoples known as Mohicans, speaking an Algonquian language. Their native neighbors included the … Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) to the west. Both the Algonkian and the Haudenosaunee considered the area surrounding Saratoga Springs sacred. Because of its mineral springs with healing waters, it was considered an area of peace to be shared by all. Stop 1: Polaris Spring Polaris Spring is the first spring we encountered in Saratoga Spa State Park. It is located right off of Geyser Loop Road. The carbonated rich iron flavor is an acquired taste, but it was worth trying. I contemplated taking some home, but a gentleman who seemed well acquainted with the springs said it doesn’t store well. My mom was happy to take a cup with her. Navigation Junkie/Polaris Spring Stop 2: Geyser Creek Everything about Geyser Creek is picturesque and calming. It takes me back to my childhood with days spent by the river having fun with family and friends. Looking at my daughters enjoying their time walking through the water and sitting on the rocks felt nostalgic. It is experiences like this that fuel a deep respect and appreciation for the earth. It was hard getting them out of there to visit some of the other springs. Stop 3: Karista Spring Approaching Karista Spring feels like a backdrop straight out of Lord of the Rings or Sweet Tooth . The towering trees that could tell stories if they spoke, invite you to a beautifully preserved spring, one of the very few that were left after the government took over what was once private land. We were amazed to find out that there were originally a little over 180 springs but only 21 were left after private industries were expelled from the land. A great fun fact. Stop 4: Hayes Well Spring Slightly off the intersection of Geyser Creek Trail and Geyser Loop Road, and before Geyser Brook Geyser is Hayes Well Spring. It contains two taps of spring water that drips into a small pool carved by the waters. It really is a beauty. Stop 5: Geyser Brook Geyser A spouter located near Hayes Well, Geyser Brook is truly a sight beyond words. Bedrock perched in upper levels of Geyser Creek allows for a spout to emit its healing waters. Though not accessible to the general public, the spouting water is evidence of the carbonated composition of this spring. We stood in awe, gazing at the spout while listening to the sound of surrounding water moving downhill. Stop 5: Creekside Classroom On our way out, we visited the Creekside Classroom. We first encountered the back of the building which has a bed of a variety of flowers. The classroom contains pamphlets and fliers with information about Saratoga Springs and a large birdwatching window with binoculars and information about yhe birds that inhabit the park. On display is the skins of animals native to the region. The girls were not super excited about that, but it is worth seeing. On your way out, be sure to say hi to Lois the turtle. We all left rejuvenated and happy. Looking forward to a few more visits to the park.

I recently celebrated one year in our apartment. For the most part, the apartment is decorated, but I seem to struggle in one area, and that is the placement of wall art in specific rooms. The sheer number of choices available—from the kind of art to its placement—has lead to what’s commonly known as analysis paralysis . This state of overthinking has stalled my decorating efforts, leaving the walls of the bathrooms and my bedroom feeling incomplete. Let’s explore the phenomenon of analysis paralysis and practical tips to help us all confidently make decisions about our wall decor. Understanding Analysis Paralysis Analysis paralysis occurs when overanalyzing or overthinking a problem prevents a person from making a decision. In the context of wall decor, this can manifest as endlessly comparing different styles, colors, and layouts without committing to any of them. The fear of making the wrong choice can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination and indecision. Common Causes of Analysis Paralysis in Wall Decor: Overabundance of Options: The multitude of design possibilities can be daunting. Fear of Mistakes: Worrying about making the “wrong” choice can paralyze decision-making. Perfectionism: The desire for everything to be perfect can hinder progress. Lack of Confidence: Uncertainty about design skills or aesthetic judgment can lead to hesitation. Strategies to Overcome Analysis Paralysis 1. Set Clear Goals and Priorities Before diving into the plethora of wall decor options, take some time to define what you want to achieve with your space. Ask yourself questions like: What mood or atmosphere do I want to create? Which color scheme makes me feel comfortable and happy? What look am I trying to achieve? Having a clear vision will help narrow down your choices and make the decision process more manageable. 2. Limit Your Options Limiting your choices can makes decision-making easier as it improves focus. Choose a specific theme or color palette and stick to it. This can drastically reduce the number of options and makes it easier to move forward. 3. Start Small If the idea of decorating an entire room feels overwhelming, start with a small section of your wall. For example, you could begin by creating a gallery wall with a few select pieces and build from there. Small steps build momentum and create a boost in your confidence. 4. Trust Your Instincts Sometimes, the best decisions are made by following your gut. If a particular piece of art or a color speaks to you, trust that instinct. Your home is your sanctuary, and your choices should reflect your unique taste and personality. 5. Seek Inspiration, But Don’t Overdo It Seeking inspiration through design magazines, websites, and social media can provide valuable inspiration, but it can also contribute to analysis paralysis if overdone. Set a limit on how much time you spend gathering ideas. Once you’ve found a few concepts you love, stop searching and start yaking action. 6. Ask for Help If you’re truly stuck, don’t hesitate to seek advice from knowledgeable friends, family, or even professional decorators. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide the clarity needed to move forward. 7. Embrace Imperfection Remember that nothing is permanent. Wall decor can be changed and updated over time. Embrace the idea that your home is an evolving space and allow yourself the freedom to experiment and make changes as your tastes evolve. Overcoming analysis paralysis when it comes to wall decor is all about finding a balance between thoughtful consideration and decisive action. By setting clear goals, limiting options, starting small, trusting your instincts, seeking inspiration wisely, asking for help, and embracing imperfection, you can create a space that feels truly yours without the stress of endless deliberation. Your walls are a canvas—don’t be afraid to make your mark!

I was having a conversation with an old friend who expressed how blessed he feels to be able to travel all over the world. I absolutely love when people reap the benefits of their labor and get to live out their wildest dreams. It is beautiful and should be celebrated. I also know that blessings are not just the positive physical manifestations of our goals. So I responded that I am happy that he has had these amazing experiences. I also noted that being able to travel the world is not simply a blessing, but having the means and ability to do so . A few years ago, I had a similar conversation with another friend who mentioned that if someone doesn’t have a passport, it’s because they’re not putting in the effort to explore and adjust their life. I initially took it as a joke and said, we both come from a small island and not everyone has the means to do so. I also said, “You’re making that [insert company name] money.” He took offense to me stating the obvious. It was like, how dare I state that he has more means to do so. It was baffling and I left that conversation there. We haven’t spoken since. A Cliché I have noticed the word blessed has become such a cultural cliché for every successful moment in life and nowhere is it more apparent than on social media. A simple search of #blessed results in millions of tags that will leave you bewildered. It has been attached to everything from gaining that great summer body, to a vacation, a new house or job, a new car, and everything in between. We have conflated success or positive outcomes with being blessed , so these #blessed posts come off as reductive and materialistic, deviating from the authentic meaning of being blessed. This is the moment when I asked myself “ Do people really understand what it means to be blessed?” Blessings aren’t always visible nor do they always bring joy. Blessings in the Awful In The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days , by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie, the language of blessings is described as “that strange mixture of awful and divine experiences in our lives.” Yes awful and divine . When we think of blessings, we tend to think of things we can see that invoke joy and contentment, but rarely do we think of the blessings that we cannot see or that bring discomfort. Blessings can emerge from painful events. It is not something that we tend to think of or like to discuss regarding blessings. These situations are not blessings in and of themselves, but are conduits for blessings in our lives. Sometimes awful situations are just awful, but sometimes they force us to pivot by confronting our limitations and learning a new way of thinking. Human beings are creatures of habit and don’t sometimes take things being shaken up to force us to walk into our blessings. You see, not getting that job or promotion can be a blessing, not getting in a relationship with that person can be a blessing, nand ot going to that particular event where chaos ensued is a blessing. Blessings aren’t always visible nor do they always emerge from a place of contentment and joy. It can follow adversity. It also solidifies the belief that what is meant for you will be for you . Blessings in the Ordinary We observe or hear of the lives of others and may want to live vicariously through them. In aspiring for these extraordinary experiences, we overlook the simple yet profound blessings in our everyday lives. These small moments of joy, peace, and connection are the threads that weave together a well-lived life. Recognizing and appreciating the blessings in the ordinary can transform our perspective, filling our days with gratitude and contentment. “Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” — Robert Brault There is so much to appreciate in our day-to-day, mundane lives. It holds a certain sacredness that far too often we miss out on. Being present and finding beauty in the simple things are attributes of blessings. You may not be able to hop on a flight every couple of months, or attend those amazing parties and have the amazing home that you see on full display, but you can be grateful and bask in having a supportive and loving partner, a family that loves and respects you, children who make you proud among other things. Your ordinary life is a blessing. There are also the simpler things like having a cup of coffee or tea that doesn’t have to be reheated five times, a lazy morning in bed alone or with the one you love, a walk through nature, the sound of soothing raindrops against your window pane. The list can go on. The ordinary moments of our lives are filled with extraordinary blessings waiting to be acknowledged. Let’s take the time to appreciate the blessings in the ordinary, for they are the true treasures of our everyday existence. Top photo Prateek Gautam/Unsplash

With the eventful week and a visit from mom, we plan on taking it easy. I put together a pool day for my girls and some of their classmates. I am doing my best to foster relationships with their new friends, considering that this move has been a lot on us all. Dad asked about the plans for tomorrow. He also asked "How come you're the one always putting effort to invite others?' I answered that a few parents have made the effort to invite us, so I will make the effort. I have also had one or two parents who I have extended invitations to and gotten no response. This comes with the territory of making friendships. I expect no less. I reminded him that I do it for them. I also use these as teachable moments for my children. One day, my younger daughter came home with a note from her friend with the number to both her parents so that they can arrange a play date. My daughter gave her classmate the impression that we were moving. Kids! They make up stories from small pieces of information. So I decided to reach out to the mom. The message was brief. I stated the move was a misunderstanding, but I would like to arrange a play date soon. The response was, "Ok!! That's great to hear. I'll let her know." I informed my daughter that I reached out to her friend's mom and I haven't heard back. I circled back to my daughter and said that sometimes when making new friends, people may not receive us the way we want and that is okay. We will eventually find our people. As the adult, I also know that we all live our own lives with our own problems. It is okay to cut people some slack and show them grace. I plan to continue doing just that and have fun with the beautiful people who show up for us. Looking forward to finding our people and having fun with our new friends tomorrow. I wish you a great weekend with people who want to show up for and with you.

For more than half my life, I have worked closely with both young children and teenagers—whether as a nanny, a substitute teacher, or in some other support role. I’ve had a front-row seat to the evolving needs of kids as they grow. One thing I’ve observed over and over again is that the children who thrive, both socially and academically, are the ones whose parents intentionally equip them with strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and an understanding of social dynamics. The not so big secret is that adaptability is the name of the game. Our kids are not just growing up in our neighborhoods or within the walls of our homes; they are growing up in the wider society where their social skills, emotional intelligence, and their ability to navigate different environments matter. The need for these skills becomes more transparent as they become teenagers and are even more necessary as adults when they head to college and eventually the workforce. The inability to hone in on those skills can impair their growth personally and it makes a collective difference in the direction of our society. Let’s talk about four important elements of how we can raise decent humans who can thrive in any environment: Encourage Questions, But Set Firm Boundaries . One of the most important things we can do as a parent is to create an environment where our child(ren) feel comfortable asking questions. When kids feel like their thoughts and opinions matter, they develop confidence and a love for learning. But here’s where balance is key: Not everything is up for negotiation. I’ve seen many well-meaning parents blur the lines between open communication and giving kids too much control. While it’s great for kids to question the world around them, they also need to understand that some rules exist to keep things functioning, whether at home, in school, or in society. For example, a child might ask, “Why do I have to go to bed at 9 p.m.?” Instead of shutting them down with “Because I said so,” you could explain that their body needs rest to function well in school the next day. But if they keep pushing to stay up until midnight, that’s where the conversation ends. Some things are non-negotiable because they serve a bigger purpose. The same applies to other family rules—whether it’s contributing to household chores, limiting screen time, or showing respect to elders. Parents should stand firm in their decisions while allowing space for discussions. Model Social and Emotional Intelligence . Kids learn more from what we do than what we say. If we want them to be emotionally intelligent and socially aware, we have to model those behaviors ourselves. I’ve worked with children who struggle to express their emotions because they’ve never seen adults around them do so in a healthy way. I’ve also worked with teenagers who lash out because they never learned how to regulate their feelings. Emotional intelligence—the ability to understand and manage one’s own emotions while also being attuned to others’ emotions—is one of the biggest indicators of long-term success. Kids who develop strong emotional intelligence tend to build healthier relationships, navigate conflict more effectively, and adapt better to change and setbacks. Also, the more you model social and emotional intelligence, the more your child will internalize those behaviors and apply them in their own interactions. Teach Them How to Code-Switch . This might be one of the most underrated skills in raising socially competent kids. Code-switching isn’t simply about moving from Ebonics to standard English, but also encompasses the ability to adapt speech, tone, and behavior based on the social setting, is a survival skill in today’s world. Your child needs to understand that how they talk and joke with their friends is not how they should speak to a teacher, employer, or elder. The way they conduct themselves at a family gathering is different from how they should behave in a professional setting. Self-expression is great, but situational awareness is key. I’ve worked with teenagers who struggled with this because no one ever taught them that different environments require different versions of themselves. Some kids assume they can bring the same casual, slang-heavy, or overly familiar energy they use with friends into the workplace, which can hurt their opportunities . By making this a normal part of their upbringing, you equip them with a skill that will serve them for life. Good Manners Are Social Currency . Manners might seem old-fashioned to some, but they remain one of the most powerful social tools a person can have. A child who learns early on how to be polite, respectful, and considerate will make a strong impression on adults and authority figures, be more likely to receive help and mentorship, navigate professional and personal relationships with ease. I’ve seen firsthand how small acts of politeness—saying “please” and “thank you,” holding the door for someone, writing a thank-you note—can open doors for kids and teens. Many adults take notice when a young person carries themselves with respect and dignity, and these impressions often translate into opportunities. Raising a child who understands the value of kindness and respect gives them a distinct advantage. I’ve had the privilege of working with children across various age groups, and I can say with certainty that the most adaptable children and young adults are the ones whose parents are intentional about these lessons. The world is always changing, but the fundamental skills that help children thrive remain the same. So, keep leading by example, keep having those important conversations, and trust that the lessons you instill today will serve your child well for a lifetime.