Nothing about their birthday is Pinterest worthy. If anyone dropped in they would probably think it the complete opposite honestly lol.

It’s full of cheap Walmart decorations, air filled balloons (because who has the money in this economy to blow on a $50+ tank of helium), ugly (yet delicious) birthday cakes, and homemade, simple dinners.

I remember when my older two daughters were first born I felt so much pressure to give them Pinterest perfect birthdays. Ones that you felt proud to post pictures of. Ones that ended up costing me an arm and a leg. And being a young mom with a lot of debt and limited income… birthdays felt overwhelming to say the least. But that time should have felt nothing but special!

I slowly started to create traditions that ended up sticking and my girls LOVE them and look forward to them all year. They tell everyone about them and recently as they were going on to someone about “all the cool things mom does on their birthday” I realized, I’ve somehow created the most magical birthday traditions by being so basic and that it’s the time and effort, not the money spent that makes it special for them.

So here are the four traditions I have somehow accidentally created that my kids think I’m super mom for.

1. Waking Up to a Room Full of Birthday Balloons 🎈
2. A Special (Sometimes Slightly Chaotic) Birthday Breakfast 🥞
3. The “You Pick” Birthday Dinner 🍝
4. The Infamous Sleeping Beauty Cake 🎂😂

These things seemed so small and honestly.. some of them were created with me sitting on the floor crying because I felt like I should be doing more. I felt like they deserved the Pinterest birthdays with the expensive decorations and the expensive bakery made cake with the icky fondant (personal opinion I’m sorry if I offend lol).

But the way my girls react…
the way they look at me and laugh, eyes full of joy..
the hugs, the “thank you’s”..

the “you are the best mom EVER”

Ugh. It brings tears to my eyes as I write this. I would give them the world if I could… but I’m learning that all of me is already more than enough for them.

So let me go into detail for you on each birthday “tradition” in case you’re trying to find some more magic to add to your kiddos birthday.

Simple, fun magic that they’ll remember and talk about for the rest of their lives (and probably carry on with their kids one day.)

Waking Up to a Room Full of Birthday Balloons 🎈

This one is so fun to start the day with! Either the night before or super early the morning of, I spend FOREVER blowing up so many balloons and carrying them in laundry baskets to their room to dump on their floor. I have a hand pump balloon thing that I normally use, but last year.. last year I stepped it up and splurged (like $20 lol) on an electric balloon air-er upper. This bad boy has changed the game and saved my arms lol. It is loud though, so I don’t recommend using this one early in the morning.

The kids wake up and hop out of bed immediately needing to wade through an absurd amount of balloons to get out of their room. I love sitting on the couch with my coffee and hearing their giggles as soon as they wake up.

different year, same balloon chaos

A Special (Sometimes Slightly Chaotic) Birthday Breakfast 🥞

Okay this one is always different. Sometimes I truly feel like super mom and I’m on top of my game. I’ll mix up pancake batter and use whipped cream and fruit to make it look like a unicorn or an ice cream cone, sometimes I’ll just add food coloring and sprinkles and call it a day. But something else I started doing that they LOVE (and shocker – is the easiest breakfast ever) is I get canned cinnamon rolls and lay them out on a baking sheet into the shape of the number they turned. So easy. (Do you see I have a theme here?)

Another “special” idea is I will take their cup and dip the rim in frosting and roll it in sprinkles and then fill it with milk. Literally shapes and sprinkles will elevate anything “normal” and make it special for the day lol.

Sometimes we’re thriving.. sometimes we’re just doing canned cinnamon rolls

The “You Pick” Birthday Dinner 🍝

The birthday kid gets to tell me their FAVORITE dinner of the year and that’s what we have. There’s no special reservations made, no fancy steakhouse, no big bills at the end of the night that makes us eat pb&js for the rest of the week. Sometimes it’s spaghetti, sometimes it is a little pricy because they request steak and mashed potatoes with extra butter, last night it was shrimp and Asian cucumber salad (weird combo but we rolled with it.) Whatever it is, it’s THEIR dinner of the year. And they love having that choice in that.

The Infamous Sleeping Beauty Cake 🎂😂

Now I know there is some major talent out there and I LOVE seeing the themed cakes people make for their birthdays. I’ve already shared my opinion on the taste on fondant, so I won’t restate it… so you can put your pitch forks down..

Instead I ask the girls what cake flavor and frosting combo they would like. And I go to Walmart and get the good ole, dye filled (I assume), sugared out, boxed cake mix and Betty Crocker frosting lol. (Special days don’t count. We give ourselves grace.)

Instead of dumping it into a 9×13 Pyrex and keeping life simple, I decided to do two round pans and attempt a layered, bakery style cake. Every year it’s a total fail.. but that’s the best part. It’ll be uneven, lined to one side, a chunk missing from where the frosting stuck to the cake and ripped it apart, crumbs mixed into the frosting, absolutely terrible. Ugliest cake you’ll ever see 😂. My family likes to tell me my cakes look like the Sleeping Beauty cake that the poor green fairy tried to make lol. But I think it’s safe to say the mom’s ugly cake is the highlight to their whole day.

I also put their age on the top of the cake in sprinkles. I do this very professionally by cutting a stencil out of printer paper and laying it on the cake, pouring sprinkles on top, and removing the paper, taking chunks of frosting with it 😂.

These traditions have become so fun for us, and honestly.. the laughter throughout the day is what makes it feel so special.

They don’t cost a lot.
They’re definitely not “Pinterest worthy.”
And half the time they’re a little chaotic and thrown together.

But to my kids? They’re everything.

They wake up excited. They laugh all day. They feel seen and celebrated in a way that no perfectly decorated party ever could.

And I think that’s what I’ve learned through all of this…

Our kids don’t need the most expensive decorations, or the most aesthetic cake, or a party that impresses other people.

They just need us.

Our time.
Our effort.
Our silly, imperfect, trying our best kind of love.

Because somehow.. that’s the part that turns into magic.

And if I’ve learned anything –
it’s that the sillier, the simpler, and the more “us” it is…

the more they love it. 🤍

Looking back through these photos…
the balloons change, the cakes don’t get any prettier 😂
but the joy?
it never changes.

And somehow.. it’s become one of those things that marks time for us.
Another year older, another layered cake, another room full of balloons.

The post Simple Birthday Traditions My Kids Love (No Pinterest Party Required) appeared first on Milk & Honey.

My mind is quiet.

A few months ago, I deleted social media. Not in some dramatic, life altering moment.. just in the middle of a really full season.

But somehow, that small decision has made one of the biggest impacts on my life and my mental health.

Why I Deleted Social Media

At the time, I was in one of the busiest seasons of my career. I had three escrows of my own and two for my broker, and my brain felt completely maxed out.

I remember sitting down one night to “just scroll for a minute”… and then looking up an hour later wondering where the time went.

That was the moment it hit me.

I didn’t have time to be giving my attention away like that anymore.

And when I really sat with it, I realized it wasn’t just about time.

I had been quietly keeping a running list in the back of my mind of all the ways social media was draining me.

It had started to feel like a third arm.. always there, always within reach.

I would pick it up without thinking. While cooking, while sitting, while being with my kids. It was just.. constant.

And because I’m a really empathetic person, the things I saw didn’t just stay on the screen. If I saw something sad, I carried it. I would spiral, overthink, and suddenly feel this need to control everything in my own life.

Other times, I would see people doing incredible things. And I truly was happy for them.. but there was always this quiet questioning underneath it:

Am I behind? Am I doing enough? Why can I not get there?

And don’t even get me started on how easily I’m influenced.. I was constantly buying things I didn’t need. Convinced that they would somehow make my life better, prettier, more put together.

But the biggest thing I realized was this:

The time I was spending watching everyone else’s life was time I wasn’t fully living in my own.

And in real estate, I’m already on my phone all day. Calls, texts, emails.. it never really stops. So adding mindless scrolling on top of that? It meant that all my girls were really seeing was me with my nose in my phone. And I had this moment where I thought…

Is this what I want them to remember?

Because I don’t.

The Quiet Felt Uncomfortable

At first, the quiet felt uncomfortable.

It was like my brain kept reaching for noise that wasn’t there anymore. I would pick up my phone automatically without even thinking. It was like it was a part of my routine that my body was used to.

My mind was expecting something.. stimulation, distraction, anything.

Now, I wish I could tell you that I deleted social media and instantly became Wonder Woman. That I cleaned my entire house, picked up new hobbies, became mom of the year..

But not quite.

Instead, I read an unhinged amount of fantasy books. And when I say unhinged, I mean I read like seven books in thirty days. It was honestly a little ridiculous… but I’ve just been giving myself grace and calling it my “detox phase.”

But then something interesting started to happen.

Those loud shouts slowly turned into quiet whispers.

That pressure social media creates.. the constant feeling that you need to make more money, work harder, take more trips, look prettier, buy more things.. It started to fade.

I hadn’t realized how invested I had become in everyone else’s lives. And I didn’t realize that comparison was draining me.. making me feel behind, like I wasn’t doing enough, wasn’t pretty enough, wasn’t productive enough.

Side note… I did keep Pinterest, and I have to mention that. But Pinterest feels different. It inspires creativity. It makes me want to do things, not compare myself.

Instagram, TikTok, Facebook… those left me feeling drained more often than not.

And once that loudness started to fade, I found myself reaching for different things.

Things that filled my cup up instead of taking from it.

I kept Reading my fantasy books, because apparently the only stories my brain wants right now involves fae, wings, swords and bat boys,

I started dreaming again. About cottage life. Slow, beautiful, intentional days.

I planned out an herb garden… a little prematurely since the herbs haven’t even hit the market yet, but that’s okay. I’m ready when they are.

I started researching berry plants and flowers with the girls so we can finally build the fairy garden we’ve talked about for years.

I’ve been spending more time outside with them, playing games or just sitting and watching them practice softball. (I’m the artistic parent, not the athletic one… so it’s best I stay on the sidelines and cheer them on.)

At night, I rest. I curl up on the couch and watch our girls play or perform little dances for us.. instead of scrolling, laughing at reels and going to bed with a mind that feels completely full and somehow empty at the same time.

I Started Noticing My Life Again

Somewhere along the way, I stopped reaching for my phone.. and started noticing my life again.

Not in some big, life changing way. Just in small, ordinary moments that I think I had been missing before.

The way my girls play together in the living room, creating entire little worlds out of nothing.

The way the house feels in the late afternoon when the light starts to shifts and everything slows down just a little. Or earlier in the day when the sun filters into the house and we have all the windows open and can feel the fresh air.

The sound of them laughing outside, or practicing softball in the yard, or asking me to come watch something they’re proud of.

Before, those moments were happening around me.. but I don’t know if I was fully in them.

Now I am.

I’ve noticed the seasons changing again. The way the air feels a little softer, the way spring is starting to show up, gently making its way back.

I’ve found myself opening windows more, letting fresh air in, wanting to be outside instead of inside looking at a screen.

And it’s funny.. nothing about my life has drastically changed. I’m still a busy mom. I’m still running to practices, making dinner, managing a home, figuring things out as I go.

But it feels different.

Slower. Fuller. More present.

Like I’m actually here for it this time.

The Life I Actually Want

And in the quiet… I started to realize what I actually want my life to look like.

I want to wear what makes me feel good.

I want my home to feel warm and welcoming.. like us. Not a perfectly curated, cookie cutter version of what I think it’s supposed to look like.

I want my kids’ artwork framed on the walls. Art that we made together. Not because it’s perfect, but because of the memories behind it—the laughing, the mess, the time spent together.

I want a garden that actually thrives.. because I’m outside tending to it, watering it, taking care of something slowly instead of rushing through everything.

I want my creativity to come back to life. I want to create more than I consume.

And more than anything.. I want my girls to grow up remembering that I was there. Not distracted. Not half listening. But looking them in the eyes, laughing with them, fully in the moment.

I Don’t Miss It

And the truth is.. I don’t miss it.

If I’m being completely honest (always), I didn’t delete social media with some long-term plan in mind. I just needed zero distractions during one of the busiest seasons of my life. There was no room for mistakes and work needed my full attention.

I fully planned on downloading everything again once the deals closed. But that was months ago and the thought hasn’t even crossed my mind. I love where my mind is now. I love where my life is now.

Sometimes I think about it and it almost feels silly.. that something so small, such a tiny decision, could create such a big shift.

But here I am.

Feeling present.
Feeling peaceful.

Feeling like my life is my own again.

And as I sit here on the couch, watching my girls play…

I don’t feel like I’m missing anything anymore.

The post What Happened When I Deleted Social Media (And Why I Don’t Miss It) appeared first on Milk & Honey.

And honestly? I’m not apologizing for it. I’m just inviting you into it.

Why Survival Seasons Aren’t Failure

I’ve felt like I totally dropped the ball on the blog. Most days I was just going step by step, doing the next thing that needed to be done. But when I zoom out, I realize the last few months have been full of really good things.

I got to celebrate my oldest turning a year older.
I stood next to my sister as her Matron of Honor and celebrated her new family.
I represented buyers and sellers and gave them my all.
I fed my girls all their meals, taught them from the comfort of our home, and watched them grow in real time.

It wasn’t a lesser season — just a different one.

Summer always feels like long hours, long days, and big checks meant for chipping away debt and filling our savings. But fall and winter? They’re quieter. Rainy. Slower. They bring Justyn home more. They give us family time we don’t take for granted. It’s like my soul goes into a gentle hibernation, and this year, I welcomed that shift.

How Creativity Found Its Way Back to Me

I know I shared little bits of drawing and painting this summer, but somewhere in all of it, the spark got a whole lot bigger.

My sister has always been one of my biggest cheerleaders when it comes to my art. So when she gave me birthday money and told me to “go buy art stuff and paint,” I took it seriously. I bought a huge 4ft x 3ft canvas and black-and-white artist-grade paint and decided to turn one of her engagement photos into a painting.

It ended up being one of the most grounding, life-giving things I’ve done in years. It was like the weight I’d been carrying slowly melted off with every brush stroke. Something in me woke up — something that had been gently stirring for months.

After I finished it, Justyn convinced me to turn our extra storage/toy room upstairs into a little art studio for myself. It took SO much decluttering and cleaning (like… so much), but I finally did it. And now I’ve already started a new piece — smaller, colorful, and just as soul-settling.

And then, of course… Christmas.

If you know me, you know I come fully alive this time of year. I’m basically the Christmas Freak of my hometown, and people send me every Christmas reel and TikTok they come across (please don’t stop — I love it). This season feels like creativity, peace, Jesus, warmth, and joy all wrapped together. It settles me in a way nothing else does.

What Creative Seasons Can Look Like

Creativity isn’t always writing. Sometimes it’s paint. Sometimes it’s decorating. Sometimes it’s homemaking. And I’ve noticed that every season, I grab onto a different form of it.

For so long, I’d beat myself up for “dropping the ball” when I shifted into something new. But I’m learning to stop forcing things and just follow the spark instead. Nothing is wasted. Nothing is failure. It’s just seasons changing — and I’m learning to let that be okay.

Letting My Blog Shift With Me This Season

So instead of forcing myself back into a budgeting-heavy season, I’m letting this blog breathe with me.

I’ll still share money content when it feels right — I haven’t abandoned that part of my life. But for now, expect more:

• cozy home moments
• Christmas décor
• creative projects
• art
• and the slower, simpler side of life I’m learning to embrace

I’m in a creative, heart-full season, and I’m letting myself be a human being instead of a spreadsheet.

If You’re in a Survival Season Too…

I hope this post feels like a warm mug of something comforting. (I’m personally a peppermint hot cocoa or spiced tea type of gal around this time of year)

And if you’re in a creative one?

Well… that’s where I am right now, and I’m so excited to bring you with me.

The post Learning to Breathe Again After a Season of Survival appeared first on Milk & Honey.

If you’re here, you’re probably wondering:

Should I homeschool my child?

You’re not alone. More and more families are asking this question, and it’s not always an easy one to answer.

I still remember how overwhelmed I felt when I decided to pull my daughter out of public school. She made it exactly three weeks into kindergarten before I said, nope, absolutely not.

Everyone has their reasons—some similar, some totally different.

Why You Might Be Considering Homeschooling

Maybe you see your child struggling, or maybe you’re just craving a simpler, safer way to learn.

Here are a few common reasons families explore homeschooling:

• You don’t agree with the school’s curriculum.
• Your child is having social issues.
• They’re falling behind developmentally or academically.
• You feel your child is overlooked because of large class sizes.
• You don’t view the school as a safe space (bullying, violence, etc.).
• You travel frequently as a family.
• You have different health or vaccination beliefs.

Honestly, the list could go on and on.

For us, it came down to a few core values:

• We didn’t want our kids spending most of their childhood away from us, under someone else’s control.
• We wanted to know exactly what was being taught.
• We love to travel.
• We wanted our kids to discover who they are—without peer pressure pushing them to be someone else.

Homeschooling vs. Independent Study—What’s the Difference?

Yes—there’s a big difference between the two.

Both options keep your kids learning at home, but they’re not the same. It really comes down to who’s in charge of their education—and where your curriculum comes from.

Think of it this way:

• Homeschooling = You are the school.
• Independent Study = The school provides oversight and curriculum, but you’re the facilitator at home.

Neither requires you to be a “professional,” but they do feel very different day to day.

What Is Homeschooling?

Homeschooling means you are your child’s teacher, principal, and whole school system rolled into one.

This is often called a home-based private school.

You choose the curriculum.

You can piece it together yourself or purchase a pre-made program. But ultimately, you’re responsible for everything.

Homeschool Requirements in California

(If you live elsewhere, double-check your own state’s requirements.)

• File an annual private school affidavit.
• Keep an attendance register.
• Be capable of teaching your children.
• Provide instruction in core subjects (language arts, math, science, social studies, health, and driver training).
• Maintain immunization records or a personal beliefs exemption.
• Keep a list of courses of study.
• Maintain a list of instructors with addresses and qualifications.

Who Is Homeschooling For?

This path is perfect if you want the ball fully in your court.

You’ll have complete control over your child’s academic life. The state requires you to show you’re providing an education, but otherwise, you wear all the hats.

What Is Independent Study?

Independent study is an alternative to classroom instruction. Technically, your kids remain enrolled in the public school system—but they do all their work at home.

This is the path we’re currently on. At first, I thought it would be temporary, but honestly, I’m loving it (and so are my kids).

How It Works

• Your kids get assigned a teacher through the district.
• You meet weekly to review work and get new lesson plans.
• You have flexibility, but the curriculum is provided.
• You can request adjustments or opt out of specific lessons.

I really enjoy this approach because:

• It removes the headache of piecing together curriculum from scratch.
• I still have input about what my kids are learning.
• The lesson plans are tailored to my children.

I’ve noticed my kids are thriving academically. While many of their peers spend 40 hours a week in a classroom, we’re doing 6–10 hours a week—and they’re still testing ahead.

They also get social time through weekly classes (art, cooking, maker space) and seasonal activities like gardening.

And when I get stuck teaching something (hello, math), I have help. I can bring them in for in-person support or hop on Zoom with their teacher.

Why We Choose Independent Study

Here are a few reasons it works so well for our family:

• No stress about building a curriculum from scratch.
• Flexibility to adjust lessons to our values and beliefs.
• Consistent social activities without daily classroom pressures.
• Less time sitting at a desk, more time as a family.
• Support from teachers when I need it.

Who Is Independent Study For?

Independent study is perfect for families who feel in between.

Maybe you want your kids home but feel overwhelmed by the idea of homeschooling alone. Maybe your child has an IEP or learning challenges that need more one-on-one support.

Or maybe you simply want to protect their learning path from the stress, peer pressure, and overcrowding of public schools.

Final Thoughts: You Know Your Child Best

At the end of the day, only you know what’s best for your family.

Whether that’s public school, homeschool, independent study, or another path—like a PSP or private tutoring—just know you have options.

Most parents don’t realize how many choices there really are.

I hope this helped ease your mind and gave you some clarity about your decision. If you have personal experiences or advice, I’d love for you to share it in the comments below.

We’re all figuring this out together. 💛

✨ P.S. If you’d like more cozy encouragement and tips, you can subscribe below—I’d love to stay in touch.

The post Homeschool vs. Independent Study: Which Is Best for Your Family? appeared first on Milk & Honey.

Happy to be lost in something.
Happy to remember what it feels like to want to stay up late.
Happy to have something that’s just mine.

Want to know a sad little secret? I tossed and turned one night because I couldn’t get into a deep sleep—all because I was wondering what was going to happen next in the book. So, like any insane person would do, I woke up at 1:30 a.m. and read until 4:08 a.m.

I know, I know. I have a problem.

A Little ACOTAR Obsession Never Hurt Anyone… Right?

I’m going to be honest…I know this book has been out for a while and there’s been a lot of hype about it. But I was convinced there was no way I could get into a book about fairies. So I went into it with little faith I would enjoy it. But I was sick, laid up in bed, and very, very desperate.

Boy, was I wrong.

I started reading A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR, if you’re on TikTok) because I’d heard the hype. What I didn’t expect was to be so swept up in a world that I’d be updating my oldest daughter on every plot twist—PG version, don’t worry.

She was so into it, she’d literally tell me, “Mom, why don’t you go read your book? I really want to know what happens next.”
(She didn’t have to tell me twice.)

We’d sit together and look at fan art and sweatshirts. I found the perfect Velaris crew neck, and she insisted I buy it, not tell Dad, and let her wrap it for my birthday so we could watch the confusion on his face. That’s my girl.

Meanwhile, J has had to endure me asking if I can start calling him “my bat boy.” He declined. Rude.

The Part That Surprised Me Most With ACOTAR

Before I was J’s wife and the girls’ mom…I was an artist. It feels so weird to say that out loud, honestly. But I’m starting to realize it was true.

I forgot about that part of me as I started a family.

I still look at the world the way I did back then. I still can’t not look at the sky at sunset and imagine how much blue I’d mix to get the color I need—how I’d blend it with my brush.

There’s this thread in the story—Feyre sees the world in color and wants to paint it all. The way she describes mixing pigments and imagining canvases cracked something open in me. Because that’s how I see the world too. I’ve just been shoving it down under motherhood and chores and budgets.

But reading about her reminded me that maybe I shouldn’t ignore that part.
Maybe it matters.

It’s a little rough, but it truly feels so good to get back into drawing and painting. I’m ready to get back to that part of myself.🎨🖌️

So Here’s to the Little Escapes

Whether it’s fantasy books, a show you binge, or painting the sunset in your head, I think we all need something that’s ours. A little portal out of the overwhelm and into something that feels like magic.

If You’ve Been Feeling Burnt Out…

Maybe this is your sign to pick up something that lights you up again. Even if it’s just for a few minutes a day. Even if it feels like a silly obsession.

And if you’ve read ACOTAR…tell me I’m not alone in this.

🤍 Leave me a comment with what you’ve been escaping into lately—I’d love to hear.

PS: If you’re about to binge 2,896 pages too, you’ll need a soft place to land. Here are all the cozy things I love for snuggling up with a book (and maybe ignoring my to-do list).
[See My Cozy Bedroom Must-Haves →]

Want to come back to this later? Just tap the image to save it to your Pinterest board ⭐

The post ACOTAR: The Fantasy Series That Made Me Remember My Own Magic appeared first on Milk & Honey.

Let me set the scene: J was working 14–16 hour shifts every day for nearly three weeks straight (with one single day off). I was holding down the fort with our three kids, homeschooling, juggling softball tournaments, closing a real estate deal, and trying to remember if I’d eaten that day (I hadn’t).

Cue the exhaustion. Cue the burnout. Cue the sore throat and body aches because, of course, I ended up sick.

So I did what any completely maxed-out mom would do.

I picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses.

What’s Been Helping Me Stay Sane (Lately It’s the Little Things)

1. Escaping into ACOTAR (and feeling all the things)

I’d heard the hype, seen the memes, and knew it was time. I was down for the count anyway, so I gave myself permission to check out for a bit—and oh my goodness, did it deliver. The world-building, the drama, the way you just feel the characters… I was hooked. (And slightly in love with a fictional bat-winged man.)

I binged it like my life depended on it. It was exactly the escape I didn’t know I needed.

10/10 recommend, especially if you’re also avoiding dishes or ignoring laundry piles that could crush a small child.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Set

2. Fizz + Grace (AKA my coping combo)

Some days, the only reason I’m upright is because of Fizz. It gives me that energy boost I desperately need without the crash or headaches that usually come with caffeine.

Between being sick, managing chaos, and parenting solo for nearly a month—Fizz has been my secret weapon. (And my lifeline.)

But let’s be real: more than caffeine, what I really needed was grace. Grace for the undone chores. Grace for the sick days. Grace for the drive-thru dinners and paper plate survival era.

Grace for the mess and the magic.

Link to Fizz

Wait — what’s Fizz?
Fizz is Arbonne’s plant-based energy drink — and it’s my go-to for surviving mom life without the jitters, crash, or sugar overload. It’s made with B vitamins, green tea, and clean ingredients that actually feel good in your body.

About that membership fee…
You might notice a $29 “Preferred Client” option when checking out — that’s totally optional, but it gets you 20-25% off everything for a full year. I order multiple products every month, so it’s worth it to me, but no pressure at all. Just wanted you to know what it meant before it popped up and made you go “wait, huh?”

Feel free to reach out if you ever have questions! I’m happy to share what I love — and why I love it.

3. Church, Even When It’s Hard

J was working, and I almost stayed home. But something in me knew I needed to go. Not just to check a box—but to pause. To get quiet. To let my soul breathe.

I went to church alone, nervous but determined. And I sat there like, “Lord, I’m overwhelmed. I haven’t eaten. I feel like I’m failing. But I am not too busy for You.”

He met me there. And I swear it was like dropping a 50 lb backpack at His feet.

You can follow Jesus at home—I did it for over 20 years—but there’s something powerful about setting everything down and walking through those doors. It reminded me that I’m not carrying this alone.

The Takeaway?

You don’t need to have it all together to find peace. Sometimes, you just need a little fantasy fiction, a clean energy drink, and a Sunday morning moment with Jesus.

I don’t have a color-coded homeschool schedule. I’m not thriving every day. But I am still showing up, letting myself rest, and learning to laugh when things feel like too much.

And that, my friend, is the season I’m in.

Bonus: Make Your Sick-Day Escape Actually Cozy

If you’re going to be down in bed—deep in a book series, under the weather, or just hiding from your responsibilities—at least make it worthwhile. I’ve completely simplified my bedroom so it’s low-maintenance, cozy, and ridiculously comfortable.

→ Read how I created a cozy, restful bedroom space that actually helps me relax.

Spoiler: there are no 12 decorative pillows to remove before laying down.

Pin this post for later 📌

The post 3 Things Helping Me Stay Sane Lately (ACOTAR Included 🤭) appeared first on Milk & Honey.

Here’s what I’ve added (and absolutely love):

• Duvet Cover (Heathered Cream Grey) – I get the size that fits my bed perfectly. The neutral taupe tone goes with everything and instantly makes the room feel elevated.
• Duvet Insert – Little tip: size up! It makes your bed look (and feel) like a fluffy cloud. I sized mine up for that luxe, oversized look and it’s worth it.
• Sheets – They may be Amazon Basics, but hear me out… they’re soft, breathable, and somehow better than sets I’ve paid triple for.
• Mattress Protector/Topper – The unsung hero of cozy sleep. This one adds just the right amount of cush and keeps our mattress protected–because, let’s be real, kids and coffee spills happen. I swear it’s one of the reasons our bed feels like a hotel bed. Total game-changer.
• Heated Blanket (Taupe) – Trust me. There is nothing like climbing into a pre-warmed bed at the end of a long day. It heats from the inside out and is basically a hug for your whole body.
• Throw Blanket – This one is for aesthetics and practicality. I love having a cozy layer to grab during a midday nap (or movie night) that doesn’t mess up my neatly made bed.
• Candle Warmer – Because I want my room to smell amazing… without blowing out a candle and instantly filling the room with smoke. This is such a simple swap but makes a big difference!
• Air Purifier – I got the smaller size for our bedroom and I’m so glad I did. Breathing clean air while you’re sleeping—with your mouth wide open like a bear in hibernation? A must. 😂

✨ Shop the Sleep Sanctuary
A few of my favorite cozy things that help make bedtime feel like a dream—literally.

The neutrals in our room—mostly taupe and black—create a calming space that matches any frame or furniture you already have. Even without a bed frame, these layers of cozy textures and soft earth tones pull the whole space together.

I didn’t overhaul everything overnight—this space came together one little piece at a time. And that’s kind of the beauty of it. You don’t need a full renovation to create a space that helps you breathe deeper and sleep better.

If you’ve been craving a more restful space that feels peaceful, feminine, and yours… start here.

Why I Chose a Simple Cozy Bedroom Over Pinterest-Perfect Layers

I used to think I needed all the things to have a pretty bed—euro pillows, decorative throws, layers upon layers that looked beautiful… but never got touched. And honestly? It just became one more thing to manage. As a mom, I’m already juggling so much, and making the bed shouldn’t feel like a full-blown event.

So I tossed the fluff—but kept the fluff that matters.
Now we’ve got four pillows that actually get used, two blankets we snuggle up with nightly, and I even ditched the top sheet (because why was I tucking in a sheet we never used?). Making the bed takes me one minute flat, and it still looks inviting and cozy—without a stack of pillows I’d just throw on the floor at night.

And every time someone walks into our room, they say the same thing:
“Your bed looks so comfy…”
Then they flop down with an “ahhh,” and I know I did something right.

Whether you’re a tired mom or just over the clutter, I hope this inspires your own simple cozy bedroom setup–less fluff, more comfort.

Because a Good Morning Starts with a Good Night’s Sleep

Now that your bed feels like a cozy cloud and you’ve finally ditched the nightly candle smoke (🙌), the next step? A warm, non-toxic cup of coffee that’s just as calming. ☕ Head over to my simple, clean coffee routine and start your mornings slow, intentional, and totally delicious.

The post Cozy, Comfy, and Just for Mom: My Favorite Bedroom Upgrades appeared first on Milk & Honey.

At first, I was like, “Okay cool.” And then I was like, “…Wait. I think I’m Martha.”

She’s the one buzzing around the house making sure everything is done—food made, table set, dishes done, floor mopped. And meanwhile? Mary is at Jesus’ feet, completely present. And Jesus doesn’t scold Mary for not helping. Instead, He gently reminds Martha that being with Him is the better thing.

Cue the ouch.

*But* He Didn’t Scold Martha… He Invited Her

The part that gets me every time is that Jesus didn’t snap at Martha. He didn’t roll His eyes or tell her to chill. He wasn’t annoyed. He just… saw her. Saw how overwhelmed she was. How hard she was trying to make everything just right. And then He said her name—twice.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:41–42 NIV)

He wasn’t mad. He wasn’t condemning. He was inviting.

Inviting her to breathe.
Inviting her to pause.
Inviting her to let go of perfect and just be with Him.

That’s what He wants for us too. Not because our laundry doesn’t matter. Not because the to-do list disappears. But because we matter more. Our hearts. Our presence. Our peace.

I’m constantly doing. My kids want to play and I catch myself saying, “I can’t, I have to clean the bathroom.” Or “I’ll play later, I just need to answer these emails.” Or “Let me finish this blog post real quick—wait, I need to swap the laundry—actually hold on, did I ever text that client back?”

I’m always chasing some version of “perfect” that I know doesn’t exist… but I still try anyway. I scramble to make the house look right, the schedule flow smoothly, the kids feel tended to, the business stuff get done. And when it’s not all done? I feel like I’m failing. Like I’m not measuring up.

It’s like I’m always scrambling to keep all the plates spinning. (Ironically, half of them are paper plates because I still haven’t done the real dishes.)

And when the house is messy or work’s piling up, I get so mad. Frustrated. Not just at the mess, but at myself—because in my mind, if I were just better, I’d have it all together.

But here’s the truth that keeps whispering back to me:
I was never meant to be perfect.

That’s what grace is.
Jesus is the only one who ever walked this earth perfectly—and He did it so I wouldn’t have to. He fills the gap. And yet… I still find myself trying to earn something that’s already mine.

I don’t want to keep rushing through motherhood trying to check every box and still feeling like I’m falling short. I want to be present. I want to sit at His feet. I want to learn how to let the undone things stay undone sometimes.

Grace for the messy floors.
Grace for the fast food dinner.
Grace for the 47 loads of laundry that are now one giant mountain on the guest bed.

I’m trying to remember that Jesus didn’t scold Martha. He didn’t tell her she was wrong or selfish or sinful. He didn’t turn His back or make her feel small.

He simply invited her to something better.

He saw how overwhelmed she was. How much pressure she was carrying. How hard she was working to do everything “right.” And instead of correcting her, He said her name—twice.

“Martha, Martha…”

He didn’t want her to stop being a doer. He just wanted her to pause long enough to see the bigger picture. To know that she was allowed to sit. Allowed to rest. Allowed to choose peace. Because He was already there. And He didn’t need her performance. He just wanted her.

So I’m Learning to Give Myself Grace

I’m not saying I’ve figured it all out—I absolutely have not. But I’m learning. And I’m working on giving myself the same grace that Jesus freely gives me. It’s not easy. I’m trying to learn how to sit with Jesus instead of sprinting through my day. To be present with my kids instead of constantly caught up in what’s next. To to let myself laugh at the mess. To to sit at His feet, even if I’m still in my stained up leggings because I forgot to put away the laundry.

Even when I forget to reply to that email.
Even when I yell.
Even when the bathroom still hasn’t been cleaned… a week later.

Because Jesus didn’t ask me to be Mary instead of Martha.
He just asked me to come be with Him.

The post When You Realize You’re Martha, Not Mary… and how Jesus meets us there, too appeared first on Milk & Honey.

I used to feel like I didn’t know how to pray. I thought I needed the right words, a quiet morning routine, or a list of verses ready to go. I thought prayer had to sound polished and poetic–like something I could never quite do “right.”

But what I’ve learned over time is that God isn’t looking for polished. He’s just looking for me.

I Don’t Pray the “Right” Way (And That’s Okay)

If someone overheard my prayers, they might think I don’t know what I’m doing. I didn’t grow up in church–I stopped going when I was six–so I never really learned what a “proper” prayer sounded like. But that didn’t stop me from talking to God.

There was a time when I felt embarrassed by the way I prayed. I wondered, Am I doing it wrong? Does He even hear me? My thoughts felt messy and my words weren’t fancy. I was just rambling half the time. But one day it hit me: I was still showing up. I was still talking to Him. And I knew He was listening.

I picture myself like a little kid at the playground, telling a grown-up all about her day–the food she ate, the trouble she got into, something funny her dog did. That’s me with God. Rambling, real, and wide open. And you know what? I think He loves that.

What My Prayers Actually Sound Like

To give you a glimpse into how I pray, here are some real examples of things I’ve said to God–no edits, no filter:

• “God… I am SO sorry for snapping like that. That was so rude. I promise I’ll try to do better. Help me be more patient with my girls. You’re so patient with me–even when I don’t deserve it. Thank you for these little terrors. I love then more than life itself.”
• “God, Jesus, Holy Spirit… I am so triggered with anxiety right now. Please be with me. Please give me peace that surpasses understanding. I need You.”
• “Thank you, Lord, for today. For the sun. For the kids laughing while eating ice cream. For this whole messy, beautiful life. I’m just so, so thankful.”
• “Jesus… if one more bad thing happens today, I might lose it. I’m running on empty. I’m trying to hold it together. Please help me. Please be near.”

This is how I talk to God–as a tired, grateful, overwhelmed, ordinary mom.

What The Bible Says About Honest Prayer

If you’ve ever felt like your praters are too messy, too emotional, or not “spiritual enough,” I want to leave you with this encouragement:

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” – Romans 8:26 (NIV)

Even when we don’t have the words, He hears us. Even when all we have is tears or a tired sigh, He understands.

You Don’t Have to Pray Perfectly–Just Pray Honestly

God doesn’t need a performance. He just wants your heart.

Whether you’re whispering a quick “Help me” between meltdowns, or crying in the car while you ask for peace–it’s all prayer. It all matters. It all counts.

So if you’ve ever felt like you don’t pray “right,” I hope you know you’re not alone. You’re showing up. You’re talking to your Father. And it’s more than enough.

The post How I Talk to God as a Tired Mom (No Fancy Prayers Needed) appeared first on Milk & Honey.

In the middle of it all, you’e trying to hold on to your peace and not lose your mind by 9am.

I’ve been there too.
And when I can’t find quiet, I’ve learned to bring Scripture into the chaos.
Here are 3 calming Bible verses that help me breathe, reset, and remember what matters–even in the messy moments.

1. Isaiah 26:3

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” (NIV)

This verse reminds me that peace doesn’t come from controlling everything (though I try). It comes from fixing my mind on Jesus, even when everything around me feels loud and overwhelming.

2. Philippians 4:6-7

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (NIV)

This one is my go-to when anxiety creeps in. It reminds me to pause, pray, and hand it all over to God–even if I have to do that ten times a day.

3. Psalm 94:19

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” (NIV)

This one hits home on the hard days. God doesn’t just offer calm–He brings comfort, joy, and hope. I love knowing that He sees me and meets me in the middle of my overwhelm.

Want a printable version of these verses?

I made a simple one-page printable that you can keep on your fridge, in your Bible, or in that one drawer where you hide chocolate and sanity.

I personally like to just download it to my phone and make a widget out of it or make it a background. It’s my little reminder to breathe, pray, and keep my eyes on Him.

[Grab the free printable here!]

P.S.
If you’re not already part of the Milk & Honey email community, I’d love to have you! I send encouragement, new blog posts, and free resources straight to your inbox.
Sign up below and get instant access to the printable too!

The post 3 Bible Verses to Help You Stay Calm When the Day Feels Chaotic appeared first on Milk & Honey.