Pretty Over Perfect

We're closing out 2024 with a look back at our favorite things: memories, challenges, rituals, lessons learned and mantras that go us through. Plus- how we invite our families to spend some time in reflection and setting intentions for the New Year.

Michelle's Favorites:
Primrosia Dual-Tip Markers for Writing, Journaling, Doodling
Paperage Spiral Bound Notebooks (in different colors to keep track of what's inside)
Facial Cupping with Sakina Di Pace

Jessica's Favorites:
Reusable Under-Eye Patches (store in the fridge for extra refreshment)
Born to Shine by Kendra Scott


If you want to do some reflecting and intention setting with us, you can print the prompts we're using with our families here: Reflections & Resolutions
They are meant to be printed and cut in half for being easily displayed or kept in a notebook for future reference!

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

Have you ever heard of kin-keeping? It’s the emotional labor of maintaining and strengthening family ties and involves all the organizing of holiday events, wrapping of gifts and keeping of traditions. If you are the kin-keeper in your home this episode is for you: we’re talking about the power and joy of this role, as well as ideas for decreasing the burden it entails so we can enjoy all the keeping of the kin that we are so busy doing. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

We're all about hosting for the holidays - and whether you've got big or small gatherings planned, we've got tips on how to save money, make the little things count, create meaningful conversation and welcome your guests with grace and calm.

Plus, we dive into the difference between warm and cool hosts, our feelings about being a little bit extra, and how we know which of us is the older millennial. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

On today's episode we propose an expansion on the best ideas of gentle parenting, but with the addition of some power for parents - moving past imposter syndrome so prevalent in our generation to compassionate, competent and confident parenting. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

We are re-airing this fan favorite episode all about the hyggely lifestyle: leaning into all things cozy, warm and intimate in this otherwise cold and crummy time of year. This episode is based on the book The Little Book of Hygge (which makes a great holiday gift, IMHO) and covers the ten tenets of hygge: atmosphere, presence, pleasure, equality, gratitude, harmony, comfort, truce, togetherness and shelter. Enjoy!

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

The play-based childhood, essential to thriving in adulthood, has been on a rapid decline in the past few decades, priming the way for a phone-based childhood. We discuss the reasons we as parents feel we have to overprotect kids and how to talk ourselves through that in order to bring back a real childhood for our kids: real connections, real play, real experiences and real goodness.

We are not zero-screens families, but rather value giving our children the experiences they need over simulated interactions that leave kids anxious, depressed and worse.

Much of this discussion is based on the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt, and we recommend you read it!

If you want more info on the necessity and joy of play for kids and adults, check out this episode. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

Today we've got seven ways to make your day better, and the science behind why they work. 

In our busy lives it can be easy to forget to make time to do the things that will actually make us feel alive, and happy about it - connecting with our communities, getting a breath of fresh air, creating, problem solving, and making room for serendipity. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

Today Michelle interviews her friend, Marcela, a teacher on special assignment who is also pursuing her doctorate in education while raising her two young girls and juggling family life with grace alongside her husband. She shares her unique experience on raising a multi-lingual and multi-cultural family all while claiming a life of abundance and every day luxury for herself. She offers a great perspective on co-parenting while both parents work full-time, as well as insights on how she feeds her busy family and takes time every day to soak in life’s beauty. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect

After the first few weeks of a new school year shake out, we have the opportunity to sync up our schedules and iron out any wrinkles in our systems for a smooth school year. Whether you've got pre-k or high school students, we're bringing our best tips for calendar maintenance, meal prep, after-school activities and more. Plus, when to acknowledge it's too much and how to let go, so you can actually enjoy and embrace the chaos of this time of life. 

Come hang out! I can't wait to connect with you! 

@prettyoverperfect