Self-care doesn’t always look like a perfectly quiet morning or a full day to yourself. For me, it’s become more about small, consistent habits that help me feel grounded, energized, and a little more like myself again.
Here’s what that’s looked like lately — nothing fancy, just what’s truly working.
A Few Daily Rituals I’m Loving
A fresh pair of new pajamashas become one of my favorite ways to wind down at night. It’s such a simple thing, but it instantly signals rest and makes evenings feel more intentional.
I’ve also been very consistent with my Omnilux mask. I usually wear it while folding laundry or answering emails — very real life — and it’s one of those habits that feels indulgent but is also genuinely effective.
Every morning, I add collagen to my coffee. It blends easily, has no taste, and has become such an automatic part of my routine that I don’t even think about it anymore.
Meal planning has also been a form of self-care for me lately. I love having everything written out, and this meal plan charthas helped reduce so much mental load during the week.
Movement That Feels Sustainable
I’ve really shifted away from “all or nothing” workouts and into movement that fits into my real days.
Right now, that looks like walking about four miles a day (often while working on my computer), spending 10–20 minutes in our sauna four to five days a week, and doing pilates reformer classes four days a week. I’ve also been adding in about 30 minutes of weight training using the Ladder app and classes by Maia Henry. Nothing extreme — just consistency and listening to what my body actually needs.
I wore my Rafe suede mulesnonstop, and the Ilse Jacobsen raincoat in milk cream was both practical and polished — exactly what I want in an outer layer.
A few more December favorites include Diva Wash (I just can’t stop using it — it smells so good), thisAmazon pilates top I wear constantly, and theClean Skin Club clean towels, which I restocked because I truly love them.
We also picked up the TheraGun for my son, but I may be the one using it the most. And lastly, the VB Valentina flats— I bought these full price in August, then spotted them on sale and had to grab them. I wear them all the time.
As we settle into a new year, I always love taking a moment to look back at the things that truly earned their place in our everyday life. Not the impulse buys or the passing trends, but the pieces I reached for again and again — the ones that quietly made days a little cozier, easier, or more enjoyable.
These are a few favorites from 2025 that stood the test of real life — busy mornings, slow evenings, travel days, and everything in between.
One of our most-loved home pieces this year has been this Peacock Alley All Seasons Blanket. My husband and I are both obsessed with it. It’s lightweight but still cozy, works year-round, and somehow always ends up on the couch with us at night. It’s one of those simple comforts that becomes part of your routine before you even realize it.
Another home favorite has been this Ruggable rug with the built-in rug pad. It’s practical, comfortable, and such a relief to have something that can handle everyday life without sacrificing style. Between kids and daily wear, it’s been a true workhorse in our home.
On the beauty front, the YSE Skin Glow SPF 30 Primer stayed in heavy rotation. It gives that subtle, healthy glow I love while still feeling lightweight and easy — perfect for days when I want my skin to look fresh without doing too much.
My Boo Bag from Breck & Grier also deserves a spot on this list. It’s one of those bags I reach for constantly — thoughtfully made, practical, and easy to throw over my shoulder whether I’m running errands or heading out for the day.
I also lived in my Sewee Coast hatthis year. It’s my go-to sun hat for long walks, beach days, boat days, and even spending time in the garden — easy, comfortable, and something I grab without a second thought.
One of the bigger lifestyle shifts this year was ditching my Keurig and coffee pods in favor of this Café coffee pot. I originally made the change due to inflammation concerns, and I’m so glad I did. The coffee tastes better, the ritual feels calmer, and it’s become something I genuinely enjoy each morning.
For wardrobe staples, Quince’s $50 cashmere sweaters were such a win. The quality for the price is incredible, and I’ve slowly collected them in multiple colors because they’re just that good — soft, classic, and easy to wear with everything.
And finally, the Elemis cleansing balm continues to be a favorite I always come back to. It’s gentle, effective, and such a soothing way to end the day — one of those small rituals that makes nighttime feel calmer.
Looking back, all of these favorites have one thing in common — they fit seamlessly into real life. They’re comforting, reliable, and genuinely loved, not just for how they look but for how they’re used. As I reflect on 2025, I’m grateful for the small upgrades that made everyday moments feel a little more intentional and a lot more enjoyable
This time of year has a way of filling up quickly — calendars layered with plans, to-do lists growing faster than we can keep up, and a general sense of rushing that seems to follow us from one day to the next. I’ve learned that if I’m not intentional, the season can slip by before I’ve had a chance to actually enjoy it.
Lately, I’ve been trying to create small pockets of calm in the middle of all the bustle. Nothing elaborate or time-consuming — just simple habits that make the days feel a little softer and more grounded.
An Evening Bubble Bath
A warm bath at the end of the day is one of the easiest ways to reset. Even ten quiet minutes in the evening gives my mind a chance to slow down and settle. I recently found these bath pillows that make the bath even more cozy!
Easy Dinners
Lowering the bar on weeknight meals has been such a gift. Simple soups, sheet-pan meals, or something from the freezer make evenings feel less rushed and far more enjoyable. I love these sheet pans.
Keeping My Spaces Tidy and Cozy
A messy home overwhelms me more than anything else, especially during a busy season. Keeping things tidy — soft lighting, a clear counter, folded blankets — brings a sense of calm I can feel immediately. I always close the night with a quick kitchen vacuuming ( this is my fav.), and it makes the morning so much better.
An Early Bedtime When I Can
Sleep shapes everything. On the nights when I can, getting to bed early resets my whole mood and helps me move through the next day with more patience and presence. I recently added this cozy all seasons blanket to our bed, and it might be my favorite find of the year.
These little habits don’t change the speed of the season, but they do make it feel more manageable — more peaceful, more intentional. A reminder that even in the busiest moments, there is always room to slow down, breathe, and find a bit of calm.
Little Traditions That Make It Feel Like Christmas
December always arrives with its own kind of magic, but it’s the small rituals that truly make the season feel like Christmas. Nothing elaborate or overdone — just simple traditions that bring a sense of warmth, familiarity, and joy to the weeks ahead. These are the little moments that mark the beginning of the season in our home.
Lighting the First Holiday Candle
The very first sign that the holidays have arrived is lighting a seasonal candle. One match, a familiar scent, and suddenly the whole house feels different — warmer, cozier, and ready for December.
Unwrapping Collected Ornaments
Bringing out our collected ornaments, especially the needlepoint ones, is a tradition I look forward to each year. Unwrapping each piece feels like revisiting a memory — a gentle reminder of all the seasons that came before this one.
Driving Around to See Christmas Lights
A simple evening drive with hot chocolate in hand is one of our sweetest traditions. There’s something so joyful about seeing the lights glow in the cold and pointing out our favorites along the way.
Christmas Pajamas
Nothing fancy, just soft, cozy pajamas that make the whole house feel festive. It’s a small tradition, but one that instantly brings everyone into the spirit of the season.
The First Fire and a Holiday Movie
The first fire of the season, paired with a holiday movie, makes an ordinary evening feel special. It’s usually the moment when December really settles in for me. Our favorites include The Holiday, The Santa Clause, Home Alone, and Polar Express.
My favorite tradition of all: sipping coffee in a holiday mug by the glow of the tree before the house wakes up. It’s quiet, simple, and somehow becomes the moment I treasure most each year.
These little traditions are what make the season feel full — small rituals woven into the rhythm of December, reminding us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of this time of year.
From the Desk of Maggie: What I’m Grateful For This Year
Now that Thanksgiving has passed and the house is settling back into its usual rhythm, I’ve found myself thinking about the year as a whole — the quieter shifts, the small lessons, and the ways I’ve changed without even realizing it at the time. This week after Thanksgiving always gives me a bit of space to reflect, and this year especially, it feels meaningful to look back.
It was a year of looking inward, of giving myself permission to grow quietly instead of loudly or quickly. A year where I finally allowed myself to slow down, to move at a pace that felt honest, and to stop rushing toward something just because I felt I should.
I’m grateful for the reminder that focusing on just today makes everything feel softer, calmer, and far more manageable. When I stopped trying to hold the whole year at once, my days became gentler.
I’m grateful for the people who showed up for me — the steady ones, the surprising ones, and even the ones who taught me something in unexpected ways. This year made it clear how much those small moments of support can shape a season.
I’m grateful for the ordinary moments that ended up being the ones that mattered most: slow mornings, quiet routines, simple dinners, laughter at the end of long days. None of them were spectacular, but together they grounded me more than anything else.
I’m grateful for clarity — clarity about what I want, what I value, and what I’m no longer willing to carry. Letting go of what weighed me down opened space for something lighter.
And I’m grateful for a deeper trust in timing and in myself. This year didn’t move in the straight line I expected, but it moved in the direction I needed.
As we step into the final stretch of the year, I hope you find a moment to notice the quiet ways your own year has shaped you. Sometimes the softest seasons become the most meaningful ones.
Every year, the holidays bring a wave of inspiration — new colors, textures, and little details that make our homes feel warm and special. And while trends come and go, I’m always drawn to the ideas that feel timeless enough to use year after year, just with a fresh twist.
What I love most about this year’s trends is how timeless they feel. Nothing loud or fleeting — just warm, layered details that make your home feel settled and lived in. Whether you lean into bows, garlands, or soft metallics, the goal is the same: a cozy space filled with light, texture, and a touch of nostalgia.
Here are the holiday decorating trends I’m loving for 2025: simple, charming, and perfect for creating a cozy, collected home.
1. Bows Everywhere
Bows are still at the center of holiday decorating, and I don’t see them going anywhere yet. Oversized, layered, and feminine — they add softness and charm in a way few other details can. Luxe velvet, satin, and grosgrain ribbons feel especially beautiful this year, whether tied on wreaths, garlands, sconces, or the backs of dining chairs. This is my go-to red ribbon for that cheery holiday bow.
2. Chocolate Brown Accents
Chocolate brown is one of the biggest design crossovers from 2025 interiors into holiday décor, and I’m completely here for it. Rich, warm, and grounding, it pairs beautifully with blue, gold, and even evergreen. Think brown velvet bows, brown gingham ribbon, or touches of deep brown woven throughout tablescapes and mantels.
3. Tartan and Heritage Plaids
Everyone is calling it a “Ralph Lauren Christmas,” but truly, this is just classic plaid done well. Tartan always feels timeless, but this year the styling leans more elevated and less rustic — mixed with polished metals, crisp linens, and tailored silhouettes. It’s the perfect pattern for bringing warmth and tradition into any space.
4. Mixed Metals in Softer Tones
This season’s metallics are muted and elegant: champagne, pewter, brushed gold, and antique polished silver. The key is to mix them subtly so they read as collected rather than shiny. Think vintage trays, old silver vases, candlesticks in different finishes, and small touches of metallic décor that softly catch the evening light.
5. Long, Drapey Garlands
Garlands are getting longer, looser, and more organic. Faux mixed with real greenery creates the fullest look — cedar, juniper, olive leaf, and eucalyptus are favorites this year. Let them drape naturally over mantels, tables, and doorways for that simple, effortless charm.
6. Warm Lighting
Warm, ambient lighting is one of the easiest ways to make your home feel cozy during the holidays. Candlelight, lamplight, and small glowing accents give everything that soft, golden feeling. A home lit with warm light instantly feels more inviting, no matter how minimal or maximal your décor might be.
7. Vintage Glass Ornaments
There’s a significant return to vintage glass ornaments — the delicate, slightly imperfect ones with soft colors and beautiful aging. They bring nostalgia and texture to a tree, especially when mixed with simple white lights or warm metallic touches.
8. Paper Decorations
Paper chains, folded stars, and handmade garlands are having a moment again. They’re simple, charming, and a sweet nod to classic, homemade holiday traditions. Whether crafted with kids or bought from a small maker, they add a light, whimsical element to your holiday décor. We just purchased this star garland to add to our fireplace.
Stocking stuffers are genuinely one of my favorite parts of Christmas morning. Those little surprises in each stocking feel thoughtful, personal, and fun without being extravagant. Whether you’re shopping for kids, teens, your husband, grandparents, or your best friend, stockings are the perfect place to tuck in everyday small luxuries and those “how did you know I needed this?” items. This guide rounds up stocking stuffers for everyone on your list, helping you add a little extra magic to the mantel this season.
What Are The Best Stocking Stuffers?
When it comes to the best stocking stuffers, I always look for little luxuries that feel thoughtful without being fussy. Think cozy essentials, timeless beauty favorites, and charming everyday items we tend to skip buying for ourselves. Stockings are such a fun opportunity to mix practical with delightful tiny treasures that make Christmas morning feel magical, personal, and perfectly tailored to each person in your home.
You can click on any of the images above to shop each guide and explore all of the pieces I’ve handpicked for this holiday season! Cheers! Xx, Maggie
And, If you need more help with your holiday shopping, be sure to check out my 2025 Holiday Gift Guides post.I hope this makes your holiday season shopping a little easier!
Black Friday sales are starting, and there are some great deals available! I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite sales for you below. Be sure to check out these offers, as they can help you save significantly on gifts for family and friends or even treat yourself to something special.
Black Friday Sales
As we roll into the holiday shopping season, I love getting a jump on finding the perfect gifts for my family and friends. There’s just something special about giving classic, timeless gifts that really show how much I care. And when I can score a great deal? Even better! Planning ahead means I have the time to pick out presents thoughtfully, instead of scrambling at the last minute. Plus, I always enjoy sharing my favorite finds with my friends. It just makes the whole holiday experience more enjoyable!
I’ll update this list as the sales change! Happy shopping!
Thanksgiving outfits should feel comfortable, easy, and a little polished — the kind of pieces you can cook in, relax in, and still feel put-together for a long, cozy day at home. I like keeping things simple with soft layers, warm colors, and textures that feel right for fall.
A Classic Sweater
A good sweater is always my starting point. Something soft and structured in a deep green, navy, camel, or charcoal feels seasonal and goes with everything.
Easy Denim or Trousers
Straight-leg denim or a comfortable pair of trousers is perfect for the day. Nothing too tight, nothing too precious — just pieces you can move in.
Flats or Low Boots
Comfortable shoes make such a difference if you’re hosting or on your feet. Simple flats, loafers, or low suede boots always look nice without trying too hard.
Simple Accessories
A pretty pair of earrings, a tortoise clip, or a cozy wrap is all you need. A little texture makes even the simplest outfit feel thoughtful.
A Casual Dress (If You Prefer)
A soft, easy dress with boots is a great option if you want something one-and-done. Stick to colors that feel warm and seasonal.
The Goal: Comfortable and Put-Together
Thanksgiving is a long day, and your outfit should work with you. Soft layers, classic colors, and comfortable pieces make the whole day feel easier and a little more special.
There’s something so special about setting the table for Thanksgiving. Before the cooking begins and the house starts to fill, the table is the first glimpse of what the day will feel like — warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully layered. If you’re planning your own celebration, you can also peek at our 2025 Thanksgiving menu as well as my post on what to wear for Thanksgiving for even more holiday inspiration.
This year’s Thanksgiving table is all about soft fall tones, layered pattern, and a few classic pieces I reach for again and again.
A Foundation of Pattern
I started with a brown-and-cream printed tablecloth that instantly brings depth to the room. It feels elegant without taking itself too seriously and sets the tone for everything layered on top. The pattern adds just enough movement, especially paired with the woven and blue accents that follow.
Layered Plates and Soft Textures
Each place setting begins with a ruffled blue charger — a subtle pop of color that feels seasonal but still calm. On top, I layered a woven plate and a neutral striped napkin, which helps break up the darker tones of the tablecloth.
I love that nothing feels too matched. The stripes, the woven details, the blue tones — they all work together in such a comforting way.
Warm Candlelight Everywhere
Candlelight makes any table feel special, especially on a holiday. I sprinkled small votives throughout the center of the table, letting them catch the pattern of the tablecloth and glow against the glassware. The soft light reflects beautifully during dinner, and it’s the easiest way to create that warm, intimate feeling.
Mini Lamps for Ambient Glow
One of my favorite layers this year: the petite table lamps with pleated patterned shades. They give off the prettiest ambient light and add a charming, collected touch. The brown and cream pattern ties in with the tablecloth without being too matchy — just enough to feel intentional.
A Simple, Classic Centerpiece
For the centerpiece, I kept things extremely simple and placed a large arrangement of white hydrangeas in a woven basket. Hydrangeas are timeless, and against the patterned cloth they feel fresh and clean. The woven texture also ties back to the place settings and warms everything up.
A Champagne Moment
Because Thanksgiving deserves a little sparkle, I added a small champagne tower at the center of the table. It’s playful but still elegant, and pouring the champagne always becomes a fun moment once everyone sits down. A chilled bottle in a woven wine bucket keeps the scene consistent with the textures across the table.
Handwritten Place Cards
Finally, I tucked handwritten name cards into small holders at each setting. It’s such a simple touch but instantly makes guests feel welcomed and thought of. For holidays especially, those little thoughtful details are what make the table feel personal.
A Table That Feels Like Home
This Thanksgiving tablescape blends pattern, candlelight, texture, and softness — the elements I come back to year after year. It feels warm and inviting, classic but not stiff, and perfectly cozy for a holiday built around gathering and gratitude.
If you’re planning your own table this week, I hope these layers and details spark a little inspiration for creating something beautiful in your home.
Thanksgiving has always felt like the most comforting day of the year. A slow morning in the kitchen, the hum of a full house, and a table filled with simple, thoughtful dishes — it’s everything I love about this season. Nothing fancy, nothing fussy. Just dependable recipes shared with the people who matter.
This year, our menu is a mix of classics and a few new favorites. It’s seasonal, cozy, and completely doable — the kind of lineup that lets you enjoy the day instead of spending it entirely in the kitchen.
And if you need table inspiration, I have a full post on my favorite Thanksgiving tablescape.
What is on the Menu this Thanksgiving
The Cocktail
Winter Cosmo
A simple, seasonal cocktail that feels a little festive without being fussy. Cranberry-forward, lightly sweet, and easy to batch for guests. Recipe:https://cheesegal.com/2023/11/14/winter-cosmo/
This has become my go-to turkey recipe. It’s beautifully golden and full of flavor, with an herb butter that keeps the meat tender while giving the skin that perfect crisp. I make the butter the night before so the morning stays calm. Recipe:https://whatsgabycooking.com/herb-roasted-turkey/
The Gravy
Bessie’s Gravy
A family recipe handed down.The perfect gravy that starts with blended flour, chicken broth, and water. Slowly whisked into turkey drippings and finished with Kitchen Bouquet, salt, and pepper. Recipe Below:
Blend 1 cup flour + 10 oz chicken broth + ½ cup water until smooth.
Strain turkey drippings.
Slowly whisk flour mixture into drippings on the stove.
Add Kitchen Bouquet, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then simmer.
The Salad
Cape Cod Chopped Salad
A bright, crunchy salad balances everything else on the Thanksgiving table. This one has apples, dried cranberries, bacon, and blue cheese — simple ingredients that feel just right for late fall.
This menu feels just right for us this year: familiar, comforting, and full of those small touches that make Thanksgiving feel like home. If you’re still putting your own menu together, I hope one of these finds its way to your table.
