Real Life

Words & Photography
by Meredith Zimmermann



About to throw some "real life" at you, so if you’re not into the ugly, avert your gaze and keep on scrollin’ (no hard feelings).

It’s 10:30 and this has been a day. We woke up to puke (Elle) and a massive blowout (Sawyer). I slipped on ice getting the kids out of the car and hit Elle in the head with Sawyer’s carseat (my finest mom moment). Sawyer won’t take formula, like not even a drop mixed with my milk at daycare, and my supply has taken a plunge (seriously, what do you do when this happens?). I’m not getting quality sleep whatsoever (looking at you again, Sawyer), and my house is covered in dog hair and piles of laundry because I have no time in the evenings and we have two too many dogs.

We woke up to puke (Elle) and a massive blowout (Sawyer)...I’m not getting quality sleep whatsoever (looking at you again, Sawyer), and my house is covered in dog hair and piles of laundry because I have no time in the evenings and we have two too many dogs.

I’m putting this out into the cyber universe with the hope that 1) if you’re going through something similar, you are not not NOT alone, and 2) maybe the universe will hear me say, "Uncle? I give!" I’m humbled and giving myself as much grace as I can muster in this season. BUT, we are getting pizza tonight with the family so, hey— that’s the good stuff right there. If I ever wanted to snuggle up with the babes at home and call it, today is that day.

Journaling

Words & Photography
by Ashlyn Postier



Do you journal? I’ve been journaling since I was a kid - on and off - but for the most part pretty consistently! It’s therapeutic to me and I love getting my jumbled-up thoughts on paper! I’ve been approaching journaling with a slightly new method so I thought I’d share in case anyone wants to journal, but doesn’t know where to start!⠀

Next, I write what I’m thankful for!..Our ice maker working, hot coffee, and silk pillowcases made my list this morning.

1. First, I brain dump - anything on my mind I write it down. This might be random thoughts I’m thinking, things J does, memories I don’t want to forget, etc.

2. Next, I write what I’m thankful for! There are so many studies on how this impacts your life. I simply thank God for the big and very small, micro things I’m thankful for! Our ice maker working, hot coffee, and silk pillowcases made my list this morning. I’m serious about those silk pillowcases!⠀

3. I write out what I want to accomplish today and how I want the day to go! I have recently incorporated this step this year and I LOVE it because it helps give the day some direction! I will even meal plan the day here if I haven’t already and it makes me feel more prepared for the day!

If you’re not journaling I 100% think you should give it a try! It’s one of the first things I do in the morning - it’s so therapeutic. Plus I know a gal who makes cute journals.

Shake Shack

Words & Photography
by Yiyin Zhang



Can never say no. Especially to the Madison Square Park location. Something about the twinkly lights.

Shake Shack //
Southeast corner of Madison Square Park
(near Madison Avenue and E. 23rd Street)
Madison Ave. & E 23rd St.
New York, NY 10010

Still A Baby

Words & Photography
by Chantelina Hernandez



If I can still do this, it means he’s still a baby right?
Asking for a friend...okay I’m the friend...it me.

All That This Body Holds

Words & Photography
by Melissa Landrus



I could speak about all the things which I do not love, of these skin and bones. The broad shoulders, the chicken legs (as they were deemed by peers growing up), the freckles, the crook in my nose, the scar above my belly button (product of a piercing gone wrong). The very details I—out of anyone—am most critical of.

My daughters will notice. They will begin to second glance and pick apart their own reflection. Because they see the way I look at the imperfections...the ones that cause me to cringe. OR, I can admire and revere its strength. The legs, the feet that carry me. The hands that hug, hold, and feel. The nose I have the pleasure of smelling flowers and freshly baked bread..the imperfections that bring me delight: full of memories, of the past and hopes for the future.

I will honor this body...my ever-changing, strong, curious, beautiful vessel full of curves and sharp edges and softness in which my soul inhabits, where I grew two beautiful humans, where heaven met earth with my third.

I will honor this body...my ever-changing, strong, curious, beautiful vessel full of curves and sharp edges and softness in which my soul inhabits, where I grew two beautiful humans, where heaven met earth with my third. Where I have been able to live a life of wonder and song and joy and passion and discovery. THIS—all that this body holds is what I want my girls to see in the mirror. This is beautiful.