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Happy 2026, Reader! 🎉
2025 quietly became the year of doing less and doing it better.
- I slowed way down on brand photography clients. I wanted more time with Essie, so I got more intentional about who I work with and said no to the rest.
- I accidentally took the year off social media. I paused in January… and just never went back. I didn’t have the space for it, and that felt more than okay.
- I stopped forcing rigid plans in life and business. An example: I started working out consistently again by choosing a Peloton class based on how much time and energy I have that day. No weekly schedule, no pressure. Just showing up.
My energy needed protecting, and I listened! I’m carrying this energy into 2026. Not as a New Year’s resolution, but as a way I live my life.
Not everything from 2025 needs to be left behind! What do you want to bring with you?
And now, onto this month’s recap!
-Abby
P.S. Speaking of energy shifts, I’m moving Recaps to every few months this year instead of monthly, and we'll see how it feels!
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📋 Recommending
The January organizing sales are here! Here are some of my fave tools on sale:
📆 This acrylic weekly calendar I use to lay out our dinner plans for the week is 26% off
📸 My favorite photo storage for only $22 (here or a 2-pack)
🏷️ The label maker I use for everything (possibly too much 😂)
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🧖🏻♀️ Elevating
I completely refreshed my skincare routine this fall. My acne-prone, dehydrated skin is loving this affordable hydrating serum (not sticky) and this delish nighttime moisturizer.
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ICYMI: Madewell The Wide-Leg Jean vs. Perfect Vintage: Which Is For You?
I break down fit, sizing, and styling so you can confidently choose your winner (or decide you need both).
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📸 Caring
Family photos are here! We got so many smiles out of Essie, and the outfit planning paid off (minus the too-big skirt I chip-clipped in the back for one look 😂). I love this annual tradition: seeing our wedding photographer, Gayle, and documenting our family once a year.
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👶🏻 Admiring
Many of my friends have had their first baby within a year or two of me, and I just have to shout us out. We’re all balancing different versions of work and motherhood (full-time jobs, freelancing, staying home) while constantly reworking childcare and daily rhythms as our babies grow and change. I’m honestly just in awe of us.
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✈️ Planning
2026 is a year of weddings for us! Our furthest one will be to Temecula, CA for a dreamy vineyard wedding, and we want to add a few days to our trip to explore California. Any recs?
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Until next time,
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