I can’t remember the last time my brain truly powered down. You know that feeling when you sit down for a minute, but instead of relaxing, your mind immediately starts scrolling through a mental to-do… More
A bit of London in Philly at The Dandelion
If you’ve ever found yourself daydreaming about strolling through London — popping into a cozy pub, ordering a proper pint, and pretending you understand British slang — but then remembered you live in Philadelphia… I have very good news for you.
Let me introduce you to The Dandelion — aka a tiny slice of London tucked right into Rittenhouse.
And when I say tucked, I mean tucked. Walking in feels less like entering a restaurant and more like discovering the chicest townhouse in Notting Hill that just happens to serve fish and chips. When Jake and I are missing London, we head to the Dandelion for a pot of tea – because that’s a thing there – or for some of our favorite British meals. One of the times we were there for a late lunch, we were enjoying our scones and tea listening to a family next to us complaining about the food. Why, you ask? Because the food wasn’t American and didn’t taste the way they were used to. Jake and I chuckled because its authenticity to British food is why we love it so much.
Jake has spent more time in London on work trips than me, but as soon as you walk in, you are transported to a British pub. With the dark paneling, vintage portraits, dark wood furniture, and candlelight, it feels lived in and homey.
Don’t want a full meal? Then sit at a stool at the bar and hang out with a friend with a pint. Philly has sooo many options to grab food or drinks to choose from it can be overwhelming at times because there are too many options. But when we are out running errands in the area, and Jake suggests Dandelion, it always makes me smile and say yes because when we go there, the restaurant vibes encourage you to just slow down and enjoy each others company over a pot of tea or a pint of beer.
Highly suggest getting the cheese board and trying their British themed cocktails! Came for the pub vibes, stayed for the scones & cocktails 🍸
It’s proof that sometimes the best trips are the ones that don’t require a passport. Just a reservation.
If you haven’t been yet, consider this your sign. And if you have… you already know.
Cheers. 🥂
How I Am Surviving Hibernation Season
Once the cold settles in, I stop fighting it. The days get shorter, the air gets quieter, and suddenly staying home feels less like a choice and more like a season of its own. I’m not leaving the house anytime soon on the weekends — and honestly, I’m okay with that.
This is how I’m surviving hibernation season.
Hot baths, always
A hot bath has become my reset button. Steaming water, dim lights, maybe a candle flickering nearby. It’s the easiest way to warm up and slow down at the same time. No rush, no agenda — just existing for a little while.
Lotion, head to toe
Cold weather demands softness. Taking the extra minute to lotion my hands, arms, and legs feels grounding, almost meditative. It’s a small ritual, but it reminds me to take care of myself in ways I usually skip.
Living in pajamas
If I don’t have to change out of pajamas, I won’t. Cozy sets, oversized knits, anything that feels like a hug. Getting dressed for hibernation season means choosing comfort over productivity — and that’s enough.
Candles on repeat
Candles are non-negotiable. Morning, afternoon, night. Soft scents, warm light, a slower atmosphere. They make staying in feel intentional instead of accidental.
Other ways I’m leaning into staying home
– Making warm drinks just because
– Rewatching comfort shows without guilt
– Letting my evenings be quiet
– Saying no more often
– Creating a home that feels calm and lived in
Hibernation season isn’t about doing less — it’s about doing what feels right. Resting more. Moving slower. Letting the cold weather be an excuse to turn inward.
If the world feels loud, staying home can be its own kind of peace 🤍
january recap
January felt extra long this year—and honestly, I think it’s because we came in hot with a packed calendar. But we did one very smart thing: we gave ourselves something to look forward to—a break from the cold.
This trip had been half-planned for a while, just waiting for the stars (aka our work schedules) to align. And somehow, we nailed it. We truly picked the best possible week to be in Disney. While the Northeast was buried under a major snowstorm, we were soaking up sunshine and 90-degree days, pretending winter didn’t exist.
Getting back to Philly, however, was a different story. Two full days of cancelled and delayed flights later, we finally landed—and wow. Walking off the plane into single-digit temperatures was a very clear signal that vacation mode was officially over.
Starting February snowed in was not how I pictured the month kicking off, but I’m slowly accepting that this snow (which is absolutely not melting anytime soon) is just part of life right now. So while I look outside at snow plows still trying to figure out where to put all of this snow, let’s rewind and recap the past month.
WATCHING.
Heated Rivalry. Duhhhh! Also binged All Her Fault and texted my husband the whole time saying that if he talks to me like the husbands in the show, it would also be all my fault LOL
Back to work….
hard to jump back into after a relaxing Winter Break!
Shared my word for the year on the blog….
Went to the happiest place on Earth!
Got rid of a lot of clutter! In an effort to really manifest that soft life goal this year, I’ve been very intentional about having a more minimalistic life. I encourage you this week to pick a space in your house that gives you anxiety and be ruthless! I feel so much better after I donated a lot of stuff that I had that I haven’t used in years.
Soft Life – My Word of the Year for 2026
I wasn’t planning on writing a resolutions post this year like I usually do. I have so many intentions for this season of life, but none of them felt like they could be wrapped up neatly into one word. Last year, I chose peace, and when I reread that post recently, it stopped me in my tracks.
One of my favorite things about a new year is the perspective it gives you. In the moment, it’s easy to feel stuck or like nothing is really changing—but a year later, you can see just how much growth was happening quietly in the background. At the beginning of last year, if I’m being honest, I felt a little scared. I knew I needed change, but I had no idea what that was supposed to look like.
Looking back now, it’s wild to realize how much unfolded. Almost everything I hoped for in 2025 actually happened. I fell back in love with reading. I gave myself permission to spend time alone and truly rest. I said yes to plans with friends—and we traveled a lot. When I sat down to make a year-in-review TikTok, I couldn’t even fit everything into one short video.
“New year, new me” is such a cliché, but the truth is—I really like who I am right now. Slowing down, letting go of pressure, and choosing to actually enjoy my life changed more than I expected. And as I step into this new year, that feeling is something I want to hold onto.
Choosing a word for the year sets the tone and direction of where I want to go. Last year when I chose the word peace, it honestly helped shape so much of my year: slowing down, boundaries, saying “no”, choosing to invest time in what really matters, and leaning into calm when I could find it. So what word for this year?
Soft Life
Okay, so like technically it’s two words, but hear me out! For me, soft life isn’t about being fragile or avoiding responsibility. It’s about choosing ease, intention, comfort, and joy over pressure and noise. It’s about building a life that feels good while you’re living it, not just feels good when you pause to look back. Last year, my nighttime routine became my favorite part of the day. At a certain time each night, I showered, did my skincare, put on comfy pajamas and got into bed with a book. I read a lot last year. More than 50 books and it became my favorite part of the day – to forget about the world and live in a fantasy one.
I’ve always believed that home, routines, and little rituals shape how we feel — like choosing warm lighting instead of harsh overhead lights, keeping cozy blankets within reach, or making sure your space feels restful instead of cluttered. Those intentional choices rippled into how I lived last year and how I want to live this year, too. I kept our home cozy and clean, so when we were home, we really could enjoy it. I also have been on a deep cleaning and purging journey this past year, and we got rid of so much clutter.
This year, I am looking forward to:
- Slow mornings with coffee and a book or coffee
- Using candles for lighting instead of overhead lighting
- A home that feels cozy
- Prioritizing rest without feeling guilty
- Move slower because we don’t need to rush
- Use the good things now and not save for a special occasion
- A social calendar that doesn’t feel overwhelming
- Reading books to get lost in a fantasy world
- Weekends with nothing to do
- Move my body more
- Continue eating only whole foods
- Romanticise the ordinary moments
- Say no more
Why This Word Now
Last year taught me that peace isn’t just a moment — it’s a practice. And this year, I want that practice to stretch into how I organize my space, spend my time, care for my body, and show up for the people I love.
I want to romanticize the ordinary — making simple things feel meaningful. I want to turn down the noise and enjoy the small, quiet wins: afternoon coffee in a sunny spot, evenings lighting a scented candle after a long day, and showing up fully for the people who matter.
Here’s to a Soft 2026
Choosing Soft Life isn’t a one-and-done intention — it’s a gentle invitation to live life with more grace, more ease, and more presence. It’s about giving ourselves the permission to enjoy the moment we’re in — not just the moments we’re waiting for.
So here’s to a soft year —
soft mornings
soft routines
and soft hearts.
I can’t wait to share it with you. 💛
Friday Favorites 12/19
- All of my Christmas gifts are purchased and wrapped
- Christmas cookies 2025 were a big hit this year!
- I had a few people over on Saturday, and we did pre-made drinks using kits from TJ Maxx. They were easy to make and a big hit!
- I recently purchased some coupe glasses for myself, and now I can make chic drinks at home
- Put bows on everything
- Wrapping presents. I’m not sure why, but I find it so relaxing!
- This year, I feel like we can actually enjoy the holidays without feeling rushed.
- I finally started Summer House, and I’m embarrassed by how fast I got through all of it.
- Hallmark Christmas movies, duhh
- Jingle Bell Heist on Netflix was really cute!
Our Christmas Cards 2025
Right now, everything is digital, and we send emails and texts back and forth constantly. So this time of year, I love to send paper Christmas cards. It brings me so much joy to receive Christmas cards, so I love sending them too. This year, we ordered our Christmas cards early in November, so the hardest part of the process was deciding what picture we wanted on the card. We went with Minted again and love how they turned out! After work it’s nice to sit on the couch with Jake and write Christmas cards out to our friends and family together. I started to frame a card from each Christmas to have on display, and I love looking back at our previous years. It’s one of my favorite holiday traditions that I make time for each year, and I love having these memories to look back on year after year!
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