The Just Because Diaries: Mom Life Stories & Finding Whimsy in Motherhood

What if your creative mom hobbies don’t need to be productive, useful, or have a purpose? This week, we’re talking about why making time for the things we love can be such an important part of our mom identity, and why doing something simply because it brings us joy can be a form of mom self care.

From crochet and pottery to knitting,  tap, and reading, I’m sharing the hobbies that have brought me joy and what they’ve unexpectedly given back to me. We’ll talk about the pressure to make our hobbies productive or beneficial to our families, giving ourselves permission to have interests that are just for us, and why a little whimsy can be such a meaningful part of our lives - especially in the middle of everyday mom moments.

Because maybe making something just because you want to is enough. Maybe learning something simply because you’re curious is enough. And maybe our hobbies don’t need to benefit anyone else to have value.

Plus, a spooky-season JBM about crochet, witch hats, and finding the perfect witchy audiobook to pair with a craft. 🎃

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more real mom moments, stories and whimsy! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiariesPod

Can a family vacation with little kids actually feel like a vacation? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, I’m chatting about my mom life experience of our first little vacation as a family of four to Breckenridge, Colorado - and all the planning, packing, parenting, and unexpected mom moments that came with it.

From figuring out what to do with a 2 and 6 year-old, to panning for gold, hiking to the Breckenridge troll (hello, whimsy), discovering that the hotel bathtub was somehow the kids’ favorite part of the trip, and realizing that I never even touched the knitting I packed, this was a pretty classic family vacation. It wasn’t exactly relaxing, but it was something I really wanted: quality time, new experiences, and memories together.

Because sometimes family travel with little kids is exhausting and still completely worth it.

And later, a Just Because Moment involving some beloved backyard owls, a whole lot of hooting, and a very unfortunate misunderstanding with our neighbor. 

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

What if you finally tried the thing you’d been wondering about for years…only to realize you absolutely hated it? 😂

In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, I’m talking about trying ballet as an adult, being a very, very bad beginner, and finally answering a question I’d been carrying around since I was five: could I have been a dancer?

Growing up, I chose sports over dance, but I always wondered what might have happened if I had stuck with it. Decades later, getting back into tap dance gave me the opportunity to finally try ballet and put that “what if” to rest. And, well…turns out I’m not a ballerina.

But there was something surprisingly valuable about being bad at something, sticking with it anyway, and realizing that I don’t need every new hobby or interest to turn into something I’m good at. Especially in this season of motherhood, I’m learning that finding yourself can sometimes mean following the things that intrigue you simply because you want to see what happens.

Sometimes you discover a new passion. Sometimes you discover something is absolutely not for you. And sometimes, the best thing you can get from trying something new is simply an answer.

Plus, this week’s Just Because Moment involves a tiny jumping spider named Stella who apparently decided I was her mom. Yes, really. 😂

If you’ve ever wondered “what if?” about a path you didn’t take, or if you’ve ever tried something new as an adult and been spectacularly bad at it, this one is for you.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

Expecting your first baby? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, we’re talking all things newborns and answering listener-submitted questions about preparing for a new baby. From baby essentials and gear to feeding, sleep, pacifiers, baby development, play, books, clothing, and those first months of parenthood, I’m sharing what worked for our family and what I’ve learned along the way.

This listener had A LOT of questions, so instead of answering them one by one, I grouped them into a few big topics: what you actually need for a newborn, feeding and introducing solids, sleep and bedtime routines, bonding and playing with your baby, developmental toys and activities, and navigating some of the worries that can come with becoming a first-time parent.

I also share some very honest stories from my own experiences with Miles and Keeley, including breastfeeding, sleep, pacifiers, baby gear, and the things I wish I had known before becoming a mom.

As always, this episode is based on my personal experiences and opinions and is not medical advice. When it comes to your baby's health, development, feeding, or sleep safety, talk with your pediatrician and do your own research.

Links to things mentioned in this episode:

Please note that these are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

• Halo Sleepsack Swaddle
• Two-Way Zip Pajamas
• Baby K’tan Wrap Carrier
• Ergobaby Carrier
• V-Tech Rattle & Shake Birdie Toy 
• Stacking Cups
• Avent Pacifier
• Fisher Price Glow and Grow Play Mat
• Babywise Sleep Solutions Book

• Baby-Led Weaning Book
• Baby Fork and Spoon Set

Some of Our Most FAVORITE Board Books: 

• We’re Going on a Bear Hunt
• Bunny Roo I Love You
• Steam Train Dream Train
• Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

Potty training is a LOT. The constant accidents, the big toddler emotions, and the mental load of being "on" all day can leave you feeling completely overstimulated.

In this episode, I'm sharing an honest look at our first week of potty training, from the meltdowns and self-doubt to the unexpected kitchen dance party that reminded me why even the hardest parenting seasons are worth celebrating. We also talk about motherhood overstimulation, finding joy in the middle of the chaos, and why no difficult phase lasts forever.

Plus, in this week's Just Because Moment, I'm sharing two tiny things that brought a little extra happiness and whimsy to an otherwise potty-training-heavy week: thrifted Polaroid cameras and surprisingly adorable gel nail stickers.

If you're in the thick of potty training, navigating toddler life, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the mental load of motherhood, I hope this episode feels like a reminder that you're not alone, and that even in the messiest weeks, there are still ordinary moments worth noticing.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

This week, I'm sharing how one simple crochet project unexpectedly helped me feel like myself again after weeks of feeling creatively stuck. We're chatting about creative hobbies, mom guilt, why rest isn't something we have to earn, and how making space for joy - even before the chores are finished - completely changed the rhythm of my days.

Plus, a Just Because Moment featuring my first successful latte art heart and my completely unverified theory that dogs can absolutely hold dream grudges.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

Trying something new as an adult sounded like a great idea...until I found myself in what felt like a professional ballet class wondering what in the world I was doing there. 

This week, I'm sharing the story of my very first adult ballet class, why being a beginner felt so much more vulnerable than I expected, and how it reminded me of a hilariously unexpected dance audition from my early twenties. We’re chatting about trying new hobbies as an adult, unrealistic expectations, the awkwardness of starting from scratch, and why "doing something just because" doesn't always feel as whimsical as we imagine.

Later, in this week's Just Because Moment, I'm sharing why I pressed pause on all the challenging hobbies and returned to my crochet hook for a much-needed comfort project. Plus why sometimes the most joyful and whimsical thing you can do is stop trying so hard.

If you've ever wanted to try a new hobby, felt intimidated by being a beginner, or wondered if everyone else somehow got the instruction manual except you, this episode is for you.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how you’re adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠th[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

This week, I'm experiencing a serious case of the morbs. 😅 After two very busy weeks of mom life, my brain has decided it simply cannot be bothered, and apparently that includes planning vacations, starting knitting projects, or even making a giant crochet sticky hand pillow.

We're diving into the reality of the mental load, decision fatigue, creative slumps, and finding whimsy when you have absolutely zero tabs left open. Plus, I'll share one of those classic, messy motherhood stories in this week's Just Because Moment: my very ambitious attempt to create a magical backyard movie night... on the longest day of the year.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠th[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

Welcome back to another episode of real mom life, where I’m diving into the beautiful, chaotic, and hilarious motherhood stories that make up our everyday world. This week, I’m exploring the razor-thin line between pure whimsy and total disaster, starting with a kid-free, "moms gone wild" weekend in Tennessee! From generous airport wine pours and droppin’ it low in country bars to a magical encounter with my first firefly, it was a much-needed dose of kid-free fun.

But because mom life always keeps us grounded, the magic was quickly balanced out three days later by a "redemption" family camping trip and…let’s just say things did not go according to plan.

Later in my Just Because Moment, I'm giving a quick update on my upcoming tap dance performance and reflecting on the unexpected friendships and support I've found through getting back into something I loved as a child. Who knew a little mom self care could lead to community?

Whether you are currently surviving the trenches of toddler bedtimes or looking for a little inspiration to dust off an old passion of your own, tune in for the belly laughs, the realness, and a gentle reminder to find joy in the mundane.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠th[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories and just because randomness! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries

Real motherhood shows up messy, emotional, and awkward - and this episode is full of it. I’m sharing real mom life stories from my week, including a volunteer luncheon social disaster, an Instagram personality type that explained my entire existence, and an unexpectedly emotional school pickup.

These are real mom life moments, awkward mom moments, and a reminder that motherhood is often equal parts chaos and comedy. If you’re here for community and a little bit of whimsy in motherhood - the small, surprising moments that make it all feel strangely beautiful - this one’s for you.

Want to keep the conversation going?

Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! I’d love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TheJustBecauesDiaries