Where the hell have I been?
Hint: Something magical was in the works…
COOKING Healthy Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Life is insane lately, and I need quick and easy meals to get dinner on the table in time. This one was a hit with the whole family!
WATCHING Girls I’m actually rewatching Girls, one of my all time favorites. It’s comforting and requires little brain power when I’m trying to wind down after a busy day.
LISTENING The New Modern Mom Podcast we’re in prep mode for Season 2 of my podcast, so I’ve been re-listening to Season 1 to get prepared for another great round of interviews! Love listening on my commute.
CRAFTING Paint-Your-Own Wood Bunnies or Flower Painting Kit I’ve been picking up a few crafts from target to use during my dedicated quality time with the kids on the weekends. They always enjoy these!
SHARING MNT Marina In The Making Part 9 opening MNT Marina exceeded all my expectations! Here’s a recap of the first two weeks from our soft opening to our grand opening party!
Currently
Hi friends, it’s been a minute.
And today, writing to you from a cozy corner of MNT Marina—our brand new Wellness Social Club that opened just three weeks ago—I finally have a breath to say hello… and to share the full story of where the hell I’ve been.
The truth is, I’ve been deep in it. In the most transformative, soul-stretching, purpose-shaping season of my life.
Over the last five months (though really, much longer if I’m being honest), I’ve been building something that didn’t exist—yet something I so deeply needed.
Here’s what led me here.
As a working mom, I know what it feels like to be stretched so thin you feel transparent. To constantly feel like you’re choosing between:
– a workout and quality time with your family
– a productive workday and taking care of your body
– being social and being efficient
I was doing all the “right” things, but it still felt like I was running on empty. And I wasn’t alone. So many of the brilliant, loving, driven women around me felt the same way. We were all holding it together, but we weren’t thriving.
The places that were supposed to support our modern lives weren’t actually working for us. Workouts out of the house were rushed and transactional (if you could even find time to fit them in to begin with)—you’d go in, sweat, and leave. Coworking spaces felt impersonal, full of people hustling in silence. And community—the real kind, where you feel like you are part of something—was rare.
So, I decided to build what was missing.
MNT Marina is a first-of-its-kind concept: a Wellness Social Club that blends effective movement (in our own signature Athletic Pilates style), functional coworking, luxurious amenities (yes, including a sauna 🙌), and most importantly—genuine connection.
Because I believe you shouldn’t have to choose between your wellness, your work, and your community. You deserve a space where all of it can coexist—seamlessly, beautifully.
But here’s the thing no one tells you: having the idea is just the beginning. So many of us carry dreams. We imagine a better way. But it’s rare to actually gather the courage, build the strategy, and go for it. It’s hard. It’s scary. And also—it’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done.
Creating MNT Marina isn’t just a business move. It’s a life move. A declaration of how I want to live, and what I want to help create for other women: space, support, alignment, joy, beauty.
And one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this season? Life is made of seasons. We are not meant to stay static. We are meant to evolve—again and again. If you’ve been feeling that nudge to shift, grow, or start something new… this is your sign to listen.
Thank you for giving me the space to go quiet for a while. I can’t wait to bring you along in this next chapter.
All The Things
This week is all the things I’m using and wearing at the new MNT Wellness Social Club! From pilates to coworking, I’ve got you covered! Shop the full edit here!
Pilates Essentials:
Lululemon Align leggings and Align tank top in washed denim. It’s the perfect MNT blue!
Lululemon Long Sleeve Cropped Wrap Top easy to take on and off before and after a pilates class
Stakt Mat obsessed with these mats we purchased for the studio!
Wiskii scalloped sports bra and high rise leggings the scalloped detail is just so cute!
OnCloud 6 Sneakers my go-to sneaker
Coworking Outfits
Leset Yoko Pocket Pant these are soo comfortable, excited for warmer months to wear them
Leset Margo 2 Pack T-Shirts the perfect t-shirt for layering or wearing by itself
Aureum No. 17 Belt this elevates any outfit! Love the gold detail
COS Oversized Tailored Shirt the perfect button down does exist
Cuyana System Tote fits everything I need to commute to and from the studio
Reformation Britt Ballet Flat cute and comfortable!
Must Reads on NewModernMom.com
With love (and a deeply relaxed post-sauna state),
Barbara
Love this!! And hi, welcome back!!!