On failing your annual goals
Are you ending the year on purpose—or just reacting to it?
COOKING Healthier Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup nothing says fall like a cozy soup to warm up with! Also love how this can be made in a slow cooker for minimal cooking time
READING Raising a Happier Mother Anna Mathur emphasizes the importance of nurturing and nourishing ourselves so we can show up as our best selves for our children. Loving this!
WEARING Everlane The Way-High Sailor Jean definitely the jeans I grab most, super comfortable and flattering
BUYING Madewell Essential Bucket Tote cute, stylish, and and spacious enough to carry everything my kids need for a few hours out
SHARING- Tips for the WFH Mom my top tips to help make working from home more manageable and rewarding
Currently
It hit me last week: we’re already down to the last two months of the year. November’s practically here, and with it, that quick slide into the holidays—the gatherings, traditions, celebrations, all the things. But before we dive headfirst into all that, I want to pause. Take a breath. Reflect.
I started this year with big hopes, wanting it to be a year of connection, passion, creativity, patience, and intention. Those words felt perfect back in January—so full of promise and possibility. But now, ten months in, I’m asking myself: did I get there? Did I really live out those values?
If I’m honest? Some parts, yes. But a few slipped right through the cracks.
Life has a funny way of sneaking in other priorities, and I’ve realized that a lot of the time, those priorities weren’t even mine. They came from somewhere else—expectations I picked up without noticing. This little realization, though, is a gift. Because with two months left, I still have time to realign. To choose where I want to go with the time that’s left.
And with the calendar ready to flip into November, this feels like the perfect moment to reset my focus. So I’m asking myself three questions:
What did I set out to do this year?
What am I willing to let go of over the next two months to make it happen?
What small, doable actions can I take to end the year on my own terms?
First, I’m looking back at what mattered most to me in January. The vision board above still holds so much power for me. It’s my “why” for the year. Reflecting on what I’ve done so far to build that kind of life is helping me see which parts need more attention. For example, I wanted to be more intentional about how I spent time with family, but life got really, really busy over April, May and June and some of that intentionality slipped. The good news? There’s still time to make changes that count, even with just eight weeks left.
I’m figuring out what I’m okay letting go of. This is the big one. Time, energy, and focus are limited, and I can’t fit in everything—none of us can. So I’m choosing to drop what doesn’t serve my purpose. It might mean saying no to some obligations or changing routines that don’t mean much to me anymore. Doing this gives me more space to focus on what really matters, even in this holiday season.
I’m setting a few small goals that feel achievable and bring me closer to my original vision. Just a handful of tiny but meaningful habits, like setting aside one evening a week to unplug with family or signing up for that dance class I keep putting off (p.s. reply if you want to join me in SF). By the time December 31st rolls around, I want to feel like I moved the needle, even if just a little.
If you’re feeling the same way—ready to be more intentional with these last weeks of the year—I’d encourage you to reflect with me. Take a moment, sit with your thoughts, and make a plan.
Start by asking yourself: What do you want to feel proud of when the year wraps up? What small steps could help make that happen? And what will you be okay letting go of to make space?
We’ve still got time.
All The Things
As the weather cools down, it’s officially time for fall fashion! Here are a few pieces I own and pieces I’m eyeing for the season. Shop the full edit here.
The Greta Ballet Flat have and can confirm they look way more expensive than they are
The Oversized Shopper Tote love this for days out with the kids
Triple Metal Keeper Belt elevates even a simple outfit
Massimo Dutti Flat Chelsea Boot a staple boot that truly never goes out of style
Sezane Claude Bag for date night or girls night
Donni The Silk Simple Pant just got these in espresso and in love!
Denim Barn Jacket obsessed with the barn jacket trend and love how unique this denim one is!
Simon Jumper great for layering
Sezane Freja Dress pair this with a knee high boot!
Emile Cardigan soo cozy!
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Thank you as always for joining me on this journey,
Barbara
P.P.S I’m serious… if you live in SF and want to join me for a dance class, reply to this newsletter!