Happy weekend, everyone! I hope you’re taking 15 minutes to relaaax and breathe and remember that you do not have to do everything to enjoy perfectly lovely holidays. May I suggest a mug of hot cocoa, your favorite Pandora station, and some time to just zen out on the couch?
That’s what I’ll be grabbing time for amidst the hustle and bustle of a busy holiday weekend. I need to work on saying no to things, but let’s jot that down as a resolution for 2014. Right now I’m riding the adrenaline wave and looking forward to the sweet spot of those precious days between Christmas and New Year’s to relax…and get down to business in a serious way.
In the meantime, I’m reading and watching my way through some wonderful pieces this week. Check ‘em out!
Featured above is the gorgeous air plant terrarium kit from ABJ Glassworks. Ashley and I share the same initials, but only one of us can create stunning indoor habitats like this. I sit in a cube all day, so I’d love to decorate with some of these trendy, low maintenance plants.
Examining truth and Twitter: the cute blue bird isn’t all roses.
“Two main things have helped me navigate through the weeds: acknowledging my flaws/inadequacies and encouraging other people. Humility can be a tough pill to swallow but it is reality. If pride comes before the fall, I’m guessing confidence follows humility. It’s hard to be confidently humble when you’re constantly trying to be someone everyone else says you should be. That is vanity.”
I usually avoid commercials like the plague…but this ad combatting double-standards in the workplace caught my eye.
Nerd Fitness: oh, how I love you. Build a Batcave for Habit Change–perfect as we head into a new year.
I won’t tell you that Amy Poehler is perfect (is anyone? she’s close.) but I will tell you that she’s pretty darn sharp…and gives excellent life advice.
Beyonce is everyone’s favorite. So be the Beyonce of your blog.
The life switch that happens when you just start going for it.
Kinda gross but mostly fascinating: the future of probiotics. As Hippocrates said, health begins in the gut!
Before you take off for the weekend, did you catch me on The Karina Chronicles or All Things E this week? I shared a scrumptious recipe for cake batter and dark chocolate bark, and I wrote about giving yourself permission to ditch the stress (with 3 easy tips!) and embrace joy this holiday season.
I’ll be back on Monday, and I’ve got something extra special coming up for you…a giveaway to help you reach your goals in 2014! I can’t wait to show you how dreamy next year can be.
Finding Peace in the Holiday Hustle
Confession: I'm not great at relaxing. My default mode is a low hum of anxiety about all the things I could be doing instead of sitting still. But over the years, I've learned that the holidays don't have to be a marathon of obligations. You can actually choose a slower pace, even when the world around you is sprinting toward December 25th.
Here's what helps me: I give myself a tiny permission slip. Ten minutes of doing absolutely nothing—no phone, no laptop, no list-making. Just breathing. Sometimes I'll grab a blanket and stare out the window, or play a song I love and do nothing else while it plays. It feels indulgent at first, but it actually recharges me for the next wave of to-dos.
If you're struggling to say no, try this script: “I’d love to, but I’m protecting my energy this week.” It’s honest, kind, and leaves no room for debate. And remember—you don’t have to explain yourself. Your time is yours.
The Confidence Conundrum: Humility vs. Vanity
That quote I shared about humility and vanity really stuck with me. The idea that we can be “confidently humble” sounds like an oxymoron, but it’s actually the sweet spot. It means knowing your worth without needing to shout it from the rooftops, and acknowledging your flaws without letting them define you.
For so long, I confused humility with self-deprecation. I thought if I downplayed my strengths, I’d seem more likable. But real humility isn’t about shrinking—it’s about seeing yourself accurately. And when you see yourself accurately, you can show up with a quiet confidence that doesn’t need external validation.
Here’s the shift: instead of asking “What will people think of me?” ask “What do I think of me?” The answer, hopefully, is a mix of honesty and grace.
Habit-Building for a New Year
Nerd Fitness has this brilliant concept called “building a Batcave” for habit change. The idea is that your environment shapes your behavior more than willpower ever will. So instead of relying on motivation to drag yourself to the gym, you create an environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choice.
For example, if you want to read more, put a book on your pillow every morning. If you want to eat better, prep veggies and put them at eye level in the fridge. If you want to write more, leave your notebook open on your desk with a pen resting on the page. Small tweaks, big results.
Here’s my Batcave plan for January:
- Morning movement: Lay out workout clothes next to my bed the night before.
- More water: Keep a filled pitcher on my kitchen counter, not hidden in a cabinet.
- Less screen time: Charge my phone in the living room overnight instead of on my nightstand.
What will your Batcave look like?
Going for It: The Life Switch
That article about the “life switch” that happens when you just start going for it hit me hard. We wait for permission, for the perfect moment, for the right sign—and then we’re still waiting. But the people who go for it aren’t necessarily braver or more talented. They just decided that the discomfort of inaction was worse than the fear of failure.
I’m not saying quit your job tomorrow and move to Bali. But maybe it’s saying yes to that project that scares you, or sending the email, or signing up for the class. Momentum builds. One small act of courage leads to another, and before you know it, you’ve created a life that feels more like yours.
If you need a push, think about what you’d regret not trying. Then take one tiny step. Today.
More Recommended Reads
In case you need a little more inspiration for the weekend, here are a few more pieces that have been resonating with me lately:
- A deep dive into why we compare ourselves to others online—and how to stop.
- An honest look at burnout and the “always on” culture, with practical ways to unplug.
- A recipe for the easiest, most comforting soup—perfect for a chilly evening.
- And if you’re feeling crafty, a tutorial for making your own winter wreath with foraged greens.
I’d love to hear what’s been inspiring you! Drop a comment or find me on social. And don’t forget—Monday’s giveaway is going to be a good one. Until then, be kind to yourself and enjoy the little moments.
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