As we step into 2026, I’m not interested in “new year, new you” energy that feels rushed or unrealistic. What I am interested in is release. Gentle, intentional release. Because sometimes the glow-up isn’t about adding more it’s about letting go of what’s been weighing you down.
Here are three things I’m inviting you (and myself) to leave behind this year.


1. The Pressure to Heal on a Timeline
Healing is not linear, and it doesn’t operate on a calendar. In 2026, let go of the pressure to be “over it” by now whether that’s grief, heartbreak, disappointment, or a version of yourself you had to outgrow. There is no deadline for feeling better, no gold star for rushing your process.


You are allowed to take your time. You are allowed to feel joy one day and heaviness the next. Both can coexist. Growth doesn’t always look loud or visible; sometimes it looks like choosing rest, choosing therapy, choosing yourself again. Release the idea that you’re behind. You’re exactly where you need to be.


2. Guilt Around Rest and Softness
So many of us have been conditioned to believe that rest must be earned that we have to hustle ourselves into exhaustion before we’re “allowed” to slow down. In 2026, let go of guilt around rest, softness, and choosing ease.


Rest is not laziness. Softness is not weakness. Pausing doesn’t mean quitting it means preserving yourself. Whether it’s saying no without explanation, taking breaks without apology, or choosing routines that nourish instead of drain you, you deserve a life that doesn’t constantly demand survival mode.


Your worth is not measured by how tired you are.


3. Relationships and Expectations That No Longer Fit
Growth often requires honesty especially about what and who no longer aligns with the woman you’re becoming. In 2026, give yourself permission to release relationships, dynamics, and expectations that feel heavy, one-sided, or rooted in who you used to be.


This doesn’t always mean cutting people off. Sometimes it means redefining boundaries. Sometimes it means letting go of the need to be understood by everyone. Sometimes it means choosing peace over proximity.


Not everything is meant to come with you into this next season and that’s okay.


As you move into 2026, remember this: letting go is not loss it’s space. Space for joy. Space for clarity. Space for becoming.


Move forward gently. You’re not starting over you’re continuing, wiser and lighter than before.

As I step into 2026, my approach to beauty feels more intentional than ever. I’m less interested in trends that come and go and more focused on treatments that support longevity, confidence, and feeling good in my own skin. Beauty for me has always been about enhancement—not erasure—and this year, I’m leaning into treatments that align with that mindset.
Here are five beauty treatments I’m prioritizing in 2026—not because I “need” fixing, but because I believe in doing what makes you feel your best.


1. Advanced Skin Tightening for Face & Body
2026 is the year of firm, healthy skin. Non-invasive skin-tightening treatments that stimulate collagen are at the top of my list. I’m especially interested in options that address facial laxity while also supporting body confidence think jawline, neck, arms, and stomach. The goal isn’t drastic change; it’s maintaining elasticity and glow in a way that still looks like me.


2. Lymphatic Drainage & Sculpting Treatments
Lymphatic treatments have become non-negotiable for me, especially with travel and long days. In 2026, I want to be more consistent with sculpting and drainage treatments that reduce inflammation, support detoxification, and help my body feel lighter and more aligned. These treatments aren’t just about aesthetics they’re about wellness, circulation, and recovery.


3. Regenerative Skin Treatments (PRP / Exosome Therapy)
I’m fascinated by regenerative beauty treatments that encourage your skin to heal and renew itself. PRP or exosome-based therapies are on my radar for 2026 because they focus on improving skin texture, tone, and overall health from the inside out. This feels like the future of beauty: subtle, science-backed, and focused on long-term results.


4. Non-Invasive Body Contouring
I’ve always been open about loving treatments that help enhance what’s already there. In 2026, non-invasive body contouring is something I want to explore more intentionally—especially treatments that pair well with movement, Pilates, and strength training. It’s about refinement, not perfection, and choosing options that work with my lifestyle.


5. Scalp & Hair Growth Treatments
Healthy hair starts at the scalp, and 2026 is the year I treat it that way. From scalp detox treatments to growth-stimulating therapies, I want to invest in the foundation of healthy hair. Travel, stress, and protective styling all take a toll, and prioritizing scalp health feels like an essential part of my beauty routine moving forward.

The common thread in all of these treatments is intention. Beauty in 2026 isn’t about chasing youth or unrealistic standards it’s about maintenance, confidence, and honoring the body you’re in. I’m excited to explore these treatments thoughtfully, share my experiences transparently, and continue redefining what beauty looks like at every stage.
Because feeling good in your skin will always be the ultimate glow-up.

If you know, you know. The Pilates Princess isn’t just a girl who works out she’s a lifestyle. She loves movement that feels intentional, wellness that feels indulgent, and gifts that support her soft-yet-strong era. This holiday season, it’s all about items that make her feel aligned, supported, and effortlessly put together on and off the reformer.
Here are five things every Pilates Princess would love to find under the tree.


1. Elevated Matching Sets (Because Effortless Is the Goal)
A Pilates Princess believes in the power of a good set. Think sculpting leggings, supportive bras, and buttery-soft fabrics that move with you through class, errands, and coffee dates afterward. Neutral tones, flattering seams, and pieces that don’t scream “gym” are key. If it looks chic enough to wear straight to brunch, it’s a win.


2. A Grippy, Aesthetic Pilates Mat
Yes, she already has a mat but is it cute and functional? A Pilates Princess wants one that doesn’t slide, supports controlled movement, and complements her clean-girl aesthetic. Bonus points for eco-friendly materials and a thickness that protects her joints without sacrificing balance. This is the kind of gift that upgrades every single workout.


3. A Luxe Water Bottle or Wellness Cup
Hydration is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a sleek insulated water bottle or a chic wellness cup for electrolytes, matcha, or lemon water, this gift keeps her glowing from the inside out. A Pilates Princess loves accessories that feel intentional something she can toss into her tote and carry all day as part of her wellness routine.


4. Recovery Tools That Feel Like Self-Care
Stretching and recovery are just as important as the workout itself. Think foam rollers, massage balls, or even a mini massage gun that fits in her gym bag. The Pilates Princess understands that rest is part of discipline, and she appreciates tools that help her unwind while supporting muscle recovery and flexibility.


5. A Wellness Experience, Not Just a Thing
Classes, memberships, or a wellness-focused experience will always top the list. A Pilates Princess values consistency and ritual so gifting a Pilates class pack, a private session, or even a wellness retreat contribution shows real thought. It’s not about stuff; it’s about supporting the lifestyle she’s intentionally building.


The Pilates Princess Mindset
At the heart of it, the Pilates Princess wants gifts that reflect how she moves through life: softly, intentionally, and with care. She’s not chasing perfection she’s choosing balance, strength, and a little luxury along the way.
​
This holiday season, give her something that supports her wellness glow-up because Pilates isn’t just a workout, it’s a vibe.

I’ve been a horrible friend these last three years. Writing that hurts, but it’s the truth I’ve been sitting with for a while now.


The first year after my Dad died, I was a shell of myself. Not dramatic. Not poetic. Just empty. I showed up when I could, disappeared when I couldn’t, and often didn’t have the words to explain why. I wasn’t intentionally distant  I just didn’t have access to myself anymore. Grief took up every inch of space inside me, and there was nothing left to give. I didn’t know how to be a friend when I was barely surviving as a human.
The second year wasn’t much better.


I thought time would magically fix things, but it didn’t. I was still numb, still operating on autopilot. I answered texts days late. I canceled plans last minute. I missed birthdays, celebrations, moments that mattered. On the outside, I was building, creating, and showing up as an entrepreneur but internally, I was drowning quietly. Running a business while grieving taught me how to perform strength while feeling completely hollow.


This third year has been different. Not easy just different. The fog didn’t lift all at once, but slowly, with intention. Therapy cracked me open in ways I didn’t expect. Movement, travel, journaling, and small lifestyle shifts helped me reconnect to my body and my emotions. I started to feel again  and with that came guilt. Guilt for how absent I had been. Guilt for how many people I love that I let down without explanation.


Grief doesn’t just make you sad. It makes you unreliable. It makes you cancel. It makes you withdraw. It makes you protect your energy at the expense of relationships you care deeply about. And as an entrepreneur, the pressure to keep going to keep producing, smiling, leading only deepened that isolation. I was pouring everything into survival and work, leaving nothing for friendships that once felt effortless.


There are people I love deeply who didn’t get the version of me they deserved. Friends who reached out and didn’t hear back. Friends who stopped inviting me because I kept saying no. Friends who needed me, and I just couldn’t show up. I understand how that could feel like abandonment. I understand how silence can feel personal, even when it’s rooted in pain.


Now that I’m emerging, I’m holding space for a hard truth: some friendships may not survive this version of me. And that breaks my heart — but I also respect it. People are allowed to have limits. They’re allowed to protect themselves. They’re allowed to decide they can’t wait for someone to come back to life.


What I hope  more than anything is that there’s still room in some hearts for me. Room for grace. Room for understanding. Room for the version of me who is trying again. And if there isn’t? I’m learning to honor that too. Healing doesn’t guarantee reconciliation. Sometimes it just brings acceptance.


I’m not writing this for sympathy. I’m writing it for honesty and for anyone else who feels like grief turned them into someone they don’t recognize. You’re not broken. You’re grieving. And grief doesn’t come with a rulebook or a timeline.


If I’ve been distant from you, know this: it was never a lack of love. It was survival. I’m learning how to be present again slowly, imperfectly, intentionally. And I’m giving myself permission to rebuild relationships the same way I rebuilt myself: one step at a time.


If there’s still space for me, I’m grateful. If not, I still send love. Either way, I’m choosing to keep healing  and that has to be enough.

The holiday season is officially here, and if you’re anything like me, your to-do list is already growing by the minute. Gifts to buy, events to attend, errands to run, and somehow some way we still have to keep our peace, our pockets, and our sanity intact. But this year, I’m making the holidays easier, smarter, and more stress-free thanks to Metro and their latest convenience: MetroNow!.


Y’all, let me tell you. This service is a game changer.
As someone who is always on the go—literally—it’s important for me to find ways to maximize my time and energy. Between blogging, traveling, speaking, planning for Herald Beauty, and living life, I don’t have time to be stuck in traffic or circling the parking lot at Kenwood Mall like it’s the Hunger Games. That’s why I’m so excited to share that MetroNow! now stops at Kenwood Mall, making holiday shopping one thousand times more convenient.


What Is MetroNow!?
If you haven’t heard of it yet, MetroNow is Metro’s new on-demand shuttle service, think rideshare, but affordable, reliable, and community-minded. You request a ride, MetroNow! picks you up within minutes, and you’re off to your destination without the stress of parking, driving, or paying the kind of surge pricing that makes your wallet want to scream.


Whether you’re heading to Kenwood for Christmas gifts, last-minute holiday fits, or just some retail therapy, MetroNow! is the move. For more information, visit: https://www.go-metro.com/riding-metro/metronow/.


Kenwood Mall during the holidays is a whole vibe. The decorations, the energy, the gift options—everything feels festive. You can knock out your entire shopping list in one trip, grab a bite, pick up something for yourself (because self-care is real), and feel like you accomplished something.


But Kenwood also gets CROWDED. Parking is a sport. Traffic is a headache. And sometimes, just getting inside the mall can take longer than the shopping itself.


That’s why MetroNow! pulling up to Kenwood is such a blessing. You get dropped off right at the mall. No parking garages. No circling. No stress.


Holiday Shopping with Ease
I recently took MetroNow! to Kenwood for a holiday content day and some shopping and let me tell you I was out here living my best, most stress-free life. I had my list, my phone for pictures, and the freedom to move at my own pace.


I didn’t have to worry about whether my car was going to get blocked in. I didn’t have to remember what level I parked on. I simply hopped out, shopped, enjoyed myself, and called MetroNow! when I was done. The convenience alone is enough to make this my new holiday tradition.


The holidays can be overwhelming. The pressure to juggle everything at once is real. But little decisions—like choosing MetroNow! can ease the load more than you’d expect. Less stress = more joy. More joy = more energy. More energy = a better holiday season.


And honestly, that’s the goal this year. Peace, ease, and convenience wherever I can get it.


Whether you’re knocking out gifts, getting holiday glam, or just stepping out for a festive day at Kenwood, MetroNow! is here to make your life easier. As your girl who is always on the go, trust me this one is worth trying. 

• MetroNow! recently launched the Blue Ash/Montgomery Zone, which includes Kenwood Mall. MetroNow! is also available in the communities of Springdale/Sharonville, Northgate/Mt. Healthy, and Forest Park/Pleasant Run.

 
This holiday season, choose ease. Choose convenience. Choose joy.
Choose MetroNow.

There are restaurants in Paris and then there are experiences. Bambini is one of those places that reminds you why Paris continues to romanticize food, fashion, and ambiance in a way no other city can. This spot has quickly become one of my favorite Paris restaurants not just because the food is good (because trust me, it is), but because the entire vibe feels intentional, stylish, and effortlessly cool.


First things first: the location. When I say you are sitting literally next to the Eiffel Tower, I mean exactly that. Bambini is tucked inside the Palais de Tokyo, and when you’re seated, the Eiffel Tower feels like it’s right there, looming beautifully over your table. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause mid-conversation, mid-bite, and just take it all in. Whether you’re dining solo, on a girls’ date, or leaning into romance, the backdrop alone makes this place unforgettable.


Now let’s talk food because Bambini is not just about being seen. Usually, I’m a pasta girl through and through when I come here. Their pasta never misses. But this time, I decided to switch it up and order the steak and potatoes, and baby I’m so glad I did. The steak was perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful in that simple but done right French way. The potatoes? Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside exactly how they should be.


That said, I couldn’t fully abandon my pasta ways. I ordered a side of rigatoni, because let’s be clear just because I chose steak doesn’t mean pasta doesn’t belong at the table. And honestly? That was the best decision. The rigatoni was rich, comforting, and the perfect complement to the steak. No regrets, just good taste.


What I love most about Bambini is how chic but approachable it feels. You don’t have to whisper, you don’t feel rushed, and you don’t feel like you’re trying too hard. It’s stylish without being stiff, lively without being overwhelming. The kind of place where you can dress up, order a great cocktail or glass of wine, and really enjoy the moment you’re in.


This restaurant is perfect for so many occasions. A solo lunch where you sit, sip, people-watch, and romanticize your life? Yes. A girls’ date filled with laughter, shared plates, and photos with the Eiffel Tower peeking through? Absolutely. A romantic date where the setting does half the work for you? Bambini has you covered.


Paris isn’t always my go-to city for consistently great food let’s be honest but Bambini continues to deliver every single time. It’s chic, it’s delicious, and it reminds you why dining in Paris can feel so special when you choose the right spot.


If you’re planning a Paris trip, put Bambini on your list. Come hungry, come stylish, and don’t skip the pasta even if you order the steak. Trust me