Inspired & Growing

First and foremost, thank you NetGalley and Blue Box Press for the advanced reader copy - I was captivated within the first few pages. This is the third book in the Park Avenue Promise series and is scheduled for release on May 27, 2025.  It is a must-read novel that centers around friendship, ambition, and romance in Manhattan. The story revolves around three strong women who have shared a close-knit bond since childhood.  The main character, Harper Ross is hired to renovate the Benover property for her friend's new production company.  She initially clashes with Reid, the project's designer, but their professional tensions gradually transform into respect and a deeper connection as they work together on the renovation. On a personal note, my heart truly went out to Harper, who lacked support and respect from her own family, especially her mother. I've been incredibly fortunate to have a mother who encouraged me to become the best version of myself, and I’ve passed ...

I discovered the Lavendaire YouTube channel about five years ago, and it quickly became a go-to source for personal growth and lifestyle inspiration. The channel covers topics like self-development, intentional living, self-love, meditation, and so much more. Aileene, the host, has also created The Artist of Life Workbook , a guided journal designed to help you craft your most intentional and successful year. This workbook, along with tools like ChatGPT, has played a key role in helping me shape my goals. Its thoughtful exercises have not only affirmed and refined my understanding of who I am but have also clarified what I truly want in life. Plus, the workbook keeps me accountable with weekly action pages and monthly reflections. It’s been an invaluable tool in my personal journey! Under the philosophy of slow living, it took me three thoughtful months to work through the exercises and refine my goals. This patient, deliberate approach allowed me to make meaningful progress and, at la...

Have you ever loved someone so much that their struggles felt like your own? It’s one of the hardest parts of being human—caring deeply but realizing you can’t control everything. When someone we love is hurting, sick, or facing an uncertain path, fear creeps in. We want to fix it, to make things better, to ensure the outcome we desperately hope for. But what happens when we can’t? I’ve wrestled with this—wanting to have faith but feeling afraid of being wrong or disappointed. I’ve held onto hope, only to feel crushed when the opposite happened. It’s a painful tension: wanting to trust but fearing what trust might bring. I’m trying to learn how to trust isn’t about guaranteeing a certain outcome—it’s about finding peace in the present moment, even when the future is unclear. Here’s what I plan to focus on to help me navigate this journey. 1. Focus on the Present, Not the “What Ifs” When we love someone who is struggling, our minds jump ahead. What if they don’t get better? What if they...

The past few years have felt like a cycle of setbacks. Just as I regain my footing after one challenge—whether it’s family drama, job loss, or another unexpected twist—something else seems to knock me back down. Even the small disruptions feel overwhelming, leaving me wondering if I’ll ever catch a break.   But this year, I’m shifting my mindset. I’ve accepted that life will always throw obstacles my way, and instead of waiting for the “perfect time,” I’m making the most of the quiet moments. When life gives me a pause, no matter how brief, I’m choosing to take small, intentional steps forward.   And so far, it has been working really well. I began with our home. With retirement on the horizon, downsizing is inevitable—but figuring out where to start felt overwhelming. Enter Martha Stewart’s Organizing—a guide from the queen of home organization herself. I dove straight into Part Two: Organize Your Home, and I have to say, the results have been incredibly rewarding. So f...