Hey. Hello. Hi.

I am okay!

I’ve been absent for a hot minute. And so many of you have checked on me! Please know that while I haven’t been responding to your messages, I have super appreciated knowing that you’re thinking about me. But I needed a break. From explaining myself and opening up my life to thousands of people, from being “on” and taking criticism from strangers and shaking it off.

From checking every form of social media every five minutes for years and years and years.

I needed some time. To be selfish and shut off from human interaction. To ugly cry and eat Cheetos and laugh with my kids and spend long, lazy days in bed snuggling them and watching Netflix and not worrying about the fact that I hadn’t posted to Instagram for a few days. To cook meals that WE want, and not worry about whether or not they are “internet worthy”.

To just live a life that is private and full of the things that I want to enjoy, not what others want to see.

I’ve been working at a job outside the home every day, and I’ve found happiness again in the routine of getting up and leaving the house and joining the world of people. And when I clock out and come home, I’m done. There are no pressing emails, no deadlines, no cake that my kids can’t eat because I haven’t photographed it yet.

My life right now is very simple, and I am very very happy with that.

Jess and I divorced. I could explain or make something up, or fill you in with some vague details, but the reality is…I don’t have to. None of us do. One thing this hiatus has taught me is that WE get to choose what we keep for ourselves. And we don’t have to feel guilty about that. And I don’t.

What I DO want you to know is that we’ve found new happiness in a friendship that is healthy and solid and loving. We parent well together, communicate well, and know when to walk away and let it go. Our kids see us both almost daily, and they’ve adjusted well to our new normal.

The truth is, I am very very proud of all of us. And I am incredibly thankful for a marriage that brought me two beautiful babies and a lifelong friend.

My heart hasn’t been in blogging for quite some time. And I’ve come to the conclusion that, at least for the immediate future, I am happy with my simple life of working a regular job and going home. Life is too short to spend it slogging away on a website that changed from a source of joy to a source of resentment. And like my marriage, I am thankful for the friends and experiences I got to take away. I’ve been incredibly lucky.

With that being said, the site isn’t going away. I happen to have a super sassy 6 year old who loves to cook and make cooking videos, and with the help of her daddy (and me), Lucy will regularly have content up on the blog. You’ll be hearing from me occasionally (and I’ll be resuming posting to instagram), but mostly this site will be for whatever projects we dream up with her.

I feel that is a great decision, and I am very happy about it.

Thank you for loving me, for checking on me, for being friends I never quite understood how I even deserved. I’ve taken some amazing trips, eaten some amazing food, and it’s all thanks to you.

I expect Lucy will make us all proud.

I was recently hosted by Disney World and am sharing my experience. All thoughts and opinions are completely my own.

If you know me even a tiny bit, you know that I am a holiday fanatic. Admittedly, cooler weather is not my thing (I already miss margaritas on the patio, chilled glasses of rosé, and the smell of sunscreen in the air), but the holidays totally make up for chilly temps.

Combine Disney World AND the holidays? I am just saying it’s almost too darn good to be true. (Also, let’s please ignore the fact that two of my favorite things about summer involve alcoholic beverages)

I’ve had the opportunity to be hosted by Disney World for the past few years, always in late September, and I’ve never failed to be amazed at the festive touches throughout the parks. From the tiny touches of décor everywhere to the specially themed desserts to the holiday parades and parties, Disney is on a whole other level and I am HERE. FOR. IT.

 

What’s happening at Disney this Fall?

I AM SO GLAD YOU ASKED.

 

EPCOT FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

The Epcot Food and Wine Festival is hands down one of my FAVORITE Disney events. Admittedly it’s most enjoyed with a group of adults with comfortable shoes and a decent appetite, but kiddos could certainly enjoy it as well. I was lucky enough to experience all that Epcot had to offer with a group of my favorite traveling buddies, and we made sure to hit up a little bit of EVERTHING.

Don’t worry – I hit up the booze for quality control as well. From Bloody Mary’s to cider samplers to wine slushies, there was a little bit of everything!

MICKEY’S NOT SO SCARY HALLOWEEN PARTY

I am bound and determined to bring my kiddos to Disney World one year SPECIFICALLY for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Held after normal park hours, the entire park is transformed into a special night of trick-or-treating, a parade featuring all of our favorite villains, and tons of fun and exclusive treats for sale. Many people show up in costumes (some are SO creative) and everyone is given a bag to trick or treat at select shops and rides.

This year there were even special touches added to the Pirates of the Carribbean ride and Space Mountain. This kind of stuff can only be experienced during the Halloween party, so it truly is a memorable event. Every year I see all the adorable kiddos dressed up and having the time of their lives and I vow to plan a Halloween trip with my own.

 

DISNEY SPRINGS

Disney Springs has grown SO much over the years and it definitely isn’t left out of the Halloween festivities! Not only are the shops full of fun themed merchandise and cozy Fall treats, but the detailed decor you expect at Disney World is definitely carried over without exception. I love Disney Springs as a place to spend a “down day” between parks — with so many restaurants and activities (Cirque de Soliel, a bowling alley, a movie theater), there’s plenty to see and do at a slower pace. Perfect for catching your breath but still enjoying a taste of Disney.

 

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Disney Hollywood Studios has always been one of my favorite parks. It’s so easy to navigate and home to my FAVORITE ride — Aerosmith’s Rockin’ Roller Coaster. But they have TRULY upped their game with the brand new Toy Story Land. Not only is it truly ADORABLE and just fun to wander (you feel like you’re walking among giant toys), but their Slinky Dog Dash — a rollercoaster made for kids AND adults, is just too fun.

Make sure to stop at Woody’s Lunchbox for homemade lunch box tarts and a bucket full of loaded totchos (loaded tater tots — I never finish ANYTHING, and I ate the whole darn bucket)

A holiday trip to Disney World needs to go to the top of your list! Whether you visit with the kiddos, a significant other, or a great group of friends, there are so many memorable things to see and do. It’s my absolute favorite time to visit Disney World!