Category: life

Soft Life – My Word of the Year for 2026

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

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. 💛

December Traditions

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

I love kicking off every December with a to-do list. It might seem like an odd way to welcome the holiday season, but with so much packed into one month, a little planning goes a long way. Organizing my schedule helps ensure there’s actually time to slow down—time to sit by the decorated tree and watch Christmas movies. A few years ago, I realized that when I’m intentional about how I spend my days, I can create all the Christmas magic and enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed. Everyone’s December looks different, and that’s perfectly okay!

Decorate your home, one space at a time. Don’t put pressure on yourself to do the whole thing overnight! I like to pick a space to decorate after work and just do a little bit at a time.

Wear those Christmas pajamas. There is just something cozy about wearing my Christmas red and plaid in December.

Christmas movies. We try to watch one a night, even if it’s on the TV in the background.

Christmas cards. We order a batch from minted.com to send to our families, but I also hand out cute Christmas cards to coworkers and friends!

Christmas Village. Every year, Philly shows off during December with the Christmas Village and the tree in Rittenhouse Park. After work, we will walk around the city, and it feels like a Hallmark movie.

Bake cookies. Each year, I bake a ton of cookies and give them to coworkers. I start to get cookie requests in November, and it’s something we all look forward to!

Volunteer. This year, we donated food to a neighborhood food pantry, and it’s an easy way to give back. We volunteer at a toy drive every year, and it’s so rewarding.

Christmas sheets. It’s something new I have been doing lately, and it totally gets me into the Christmas mood!

Tree in the bedroom. Last year, I put a tree in our bedroom with just lights on and now I love crawling into bed with the tree on at night.

Things I’m Doing Differently This Fall

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

I’m always hesitant to welcome fall into my life because that means that summer is officially over. This year, I am embracing the change because it means that with a new season comes an excuse to do new things.

  1. Long walks by myself to walk around and enjoy the changing of the season.
    I did this a few times over the summer, and I loved walking around my neighborhood listening to an audiobook with no destination in mind, just to wander and see where I turned up. It was a great way to get my steps in for the day, but I also felt very calm and refreshed after the walk.
  2. Coffee Shops
    Living in Philly means there is a plethora of coffee shops to choose from, and this fall, I want to romanticize going to a coffee shop to get a warm drink to warm up and read my book. The BER months are when we stay indoors more, and I’m going to need coffee as an incentive to leave the house, even on those cold days.
  3. Cook fall-themed meals
    Fall is all about comfort foods like chili, pumpkin loaf, and sweet potatoes, to name a few. I’m going over my recipes now to start making my list!
  4. Wear the cute fall outfits
    Fall fashion is famous for a reason because it’s still warm enough to look cute but chilly enough for cute layers! I’m taking out my fall clothes early this year so I can be intentional about wearing my cute clothes instead of them staying in storage for another year. Also, if you like fashion, be sure to treat yourself to a new magazine to really get in the mood for fall fashion and support print media!
  5. Plan those fall outings now
    We go pumpkin picking every year at the same place, and it never gets old. This year, I want to plan more gatherings with friends at an outdoor beer garden while it’s still warm and a dinner party with friends to gather over tasty food.
  6. Outdoor dining
    I love that Philly decorates their restaurants with fall decorations and pumpkins. We have a few restaurants we love to eat outside at to get in the fall mood with all of the decor!

A Little Italian Escape at Trattoria Carina

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

If I could bottle up the feeling of a perfect summer evening in the city — a light breeze, good wine, laughter echoing down a quiet side street — it would be dinner at Trattoria Carina.

There is this little restaurant on the corner of 22nd and Spruce that we have walked past a million times. Finally, after repeatedly suggesting that we try Trattoria Carina again, we have made reservations for dinner. This little corner restaurant is always packed, and now I know why! With its striped awning and glowing string lights, it looks like it was plucked straight from a Nancy Meyers movie.

We started with the whipped ricotta toast and an Aperol Spritz. I ordered the rigatoni alla vodka (no surprise there) and yes, it’s just as creamy and comforting as I hoped it would be. Jake got the chicken parm, and even though I never deviate from my usual penne vodka order, I low-key wanted to trade plates.

We lingered over espresso and shared a dessert because none of us wanted the night to end. It’s that kind of place — warm, relaxed, and effortlessly charming. It’s great for people watching, and next time I want to sit outside and enjoy dinner while we unwind from the day over delicious food!

If you’re looking for a spot for date night, a birthday dinner, or just a Wednesday that needs a little sparkle, Trattoria Carina hits every note. You’ll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit.

Where We Went:

📍 Trattoria Carina

2201 Spruce St, Philadelphia

🌸 Tip: Sit outside if the weather’s nice & order the ricotta toast. Trust me.

summer glow up

summer glow up

Published on by blonde rosieLeave a comment

I keep reading about these ways to glow up this summer. I love to read other people’s ideas on how to transform themselves inside and out, so I thought it would be fun to share some of the things I’m doing this summer that help me to feel better, think more positively, and make choices today that will benefit me later in the year.

  • listen to an audiobook and go on a long walk on the weekend
  • you don’t need a pool in the backyard to sit outside and read a book while getting some sun
  • change your phone background to something that makes you smile
  • treat yourself to coffee from a non-chain coffee shop
  • go through everything you own and PURGE
  • deep clean your space and find a proper home for the things you own
  • find a hobby or something to prevent you from scrolling on your phone
  • make plans with friends for the weekend early in the week
  • we are all busy. there is nothing wrong with scheduling to hang out with a friend or go to the beach 6 weeks in advance
  • change up to what music you listen to when you drive to work in the morning
  • go makeup-free during the week – OR keep it simple with a face moisturizer, some mascara, and some blush
  • find a water bottle that you will keep with you 24/7 to make sure you drink more water
  • wear ankle weights during the day, around the house, or at work if you can get away with it
  • wear a face moisturizer with SPF in it every day
  • commit to using collagen in your coffee every morning