A mindful moment blending reflections, meanings, and memories from the month with a coffee twist Welcome to Brewed & Reviewed—my end-of-month ritual, where I pause, sip, and reflect. This is my chance to slow down, flip through the snapshots of the past few weeks, and find meaning in the little moments. From wellness wins to everyday joys (and, of course, the best coffee sips along the way), consider this a monthly catch-up over a cozy cuppa.

My pediatric patients are my favorite to counsel. They tend to be more open to reflective questions and answer them with an earnestness that I admire. Adults, on the other hand, often approach nutrition sessions with a task-oriented mindset, expecting direct instructions rather than introspective conversations. When I begin with motivational interviewing, many adults seem thrown off, as if they're expecting a diet plan instead of a dialogue.

This artcle about young people and “grandma hobbies” has been making the rounds yet again, and it reminded me of the “grandmillennials” trend a couple of years ago. I found myself leaning into slow hobbies and pastimes during the past five years, after a certain event forced us all to hit the brakes. Hobbies are often regarded as frivolous ways to spend our free time, sometimes seen as an indicator of success or even wealth.

I recently had the opportunity to visit a friend in Southern California, and she was eager for a desert getaway. So, when we planned my trip, we decided that spending a couple of nights camping in the Mojave Desert would be the perfect way to make the most of our time together. It was such a unique and refreshing way to experience SoCal—an escape from the usual city chaos into vast open landscapes.

Getting back from traveling can be tough, but finding a few go-to meals that I can prep always helps get me back into my routine!

Meandering through my thoughts about rejuvenation and hope as spring approaches today. I always feel prompted to be more intentional and engaged this time of year! Link in bio to read more!!

Welcome to Brewed & Reviewed—my (new) end-of-month ritual, where I pause, sip, and reflect. This is my chance to slow down, flip through the snapshots of the past few weeks, and find meaning in the little moments. From wellness wins to everyday joys (and, of course, the best coffee sips along the way), consider this a monthly catch-up over a cozy cuppa. 

For most of my life, I’ve been drawn to the thrill of the new. I never had favorites or go-to spots—I wanted variety, novelty, and discovery. If I was going out to eat, it had to be somewhere I’d never been. If I needed new shoes, I wasn’t interested in replacing an old pair; I wanted a different style altogether. I shunned default choices, eager to experience everything the world had to offer.

In this series, I’ll be sharing real-life food and nutrition products that I personally use, find helpful, or have been curious to try. Whether it’s a pantry staple, a trendy new find, or something I’m experimenting with, I’ll give you an inside look at what’s worth considering and why. Let’s explore together! My supplement posts always elicit the most engagement and interest.

Frame of mind is really important. It shapes how we perceive the world, nudging us toward action—or keeping us stuck in inaction. The other day, I was chatting with someone about her plans for the year. Instead of setting rigid goals, she told me she had made four simple promises to herself. They weren’t about achievement or productivity but about joy—things that filled her cup.

Post: Road Trip Snacks I love traveling, but more than that, I love exploring. I started exploring my affinity for travel by revisiting familiar places, but over time, I found myself craving the thrill of discovering something new. That shift was a direct result of challenging myself throughout my 20s to embrace the unfamiliar, to get comfortable with not knowing everything, and to put myself in uncomfortable (but safe!) situations.

Post: Stop Trying So Hard I read something the other day and it resonated with me: Stop trying so hard. I have heard this phrase countless times throughout my life, but it never landed with me until now. In the past, I took it as something people say when they’re frustrated with you, irritated by your efforts, or unsure how else to help.

In a Recipe Rut This series was born from a moment in time when cooking felt more like a chore than a joy. But food is more than just fuel—it’s an experience, an act of care, and sometimes, a creative outlet. I’m excited to share recipes, shortcuts, and meals that reignite my love for simple, nourishing cooking, especially in those seasons when everything feels like too much effort.

I’m a big believer in the power of friendship. Friendships deserve as much love, care, and attention as romantic relationships. Inspired by the book Big Friendship (a must-read for any friendship advocate), I’ve come to cherish hosting events to bring my people together, planning girls' trips, and keeping annual traditions alive. As February is American Heart Month, it feels natural to focus on celebrating the people who make our hearts happy—our friends!

When the temperature drops and the sun is hiding behind the clouds, the obvious thing to do is get inside and get cozy. Preferably with a hot chocolate and good book in hand. Most of my movement revolves around being outdoors, particularly the mountains. Living just a few hours from the Sierra, I spend every. single. weekend of spring and autumn hiking its trails.