I Almost Didn’t Write This
What kept me showing up anyway (and everything that came from it) - April favorites, routines, and real life
I’ve been feeling flat lately. Tired. Uninspired.
There were a few moments this month where I wasn’t sure I’d make this deadline—or if I even cared to. Writing weekly for a year starts to feel like a lot when you’re also working, parenting, traveling, and trying to keep everything else moving.
I question it more than I say out loud. The value of my time. The value of what I’m putting out there. Whether it’s worth it to keep showing up like this.
But every time I seriously consider pressing pause, something happens.
A message from someone who read a post at the right time.
A new connection that turns into something real.
An opportunity I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
Nothing huge on its own. But enough to keep me here.
I can’t believe I’ve been doing this every week for a year.
Here’s my April recap:
Monthly Favorites
Bakes & Bites: My oven is finally functional(!!!) After 139 days (and an objectively unreasonable amount of money), I’m back.
Which means:
Sourdough loaves are happening again
The freezer is restocked with sourdough oatmeal chocolate chip cookie dough
Meal prep is back in full swing
Our garden has also been… thriving? Unexpectedly so. We’ve harvested cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, jalapeños, herbs—and now eggplants are coming in. Building meals around food you grew yourself hits differently, even if it doesn’t eliminate the weekly grocery run.
Two recipes carried me this month:
A chicken tortilla soup that I ate on repeat
A chili mango peanut chicken salad (I subbed a broccoli slaw base so it was sturdy enough for multiple pre-packed lunches)
Meal prep isn’t about motivation. It’s about having the right systems in place when you need them.
TV Show/Movie: We’ve officially fallen behind on almost every show I mentioned last month.
We did finish Shrinking, which I loved—but if I’m being honest, most of my screen time has been claimed by the Stanley Cup playoffs.
I’m still mourning the Lightning’s game 7 loss.
Shoppies: A few standouts from this month that felt easy, wearable, and worth sharing:
Fisherman jellies (controversial, I know—but significantly more comfortable than the versions we grew up with) and a great ‘90s minimalism alternative if you’re not sold on the fisherman style
Pilot-style sunglasses I found through a very chic friend
A denim mini tank dress that reminded me of one I wore all over Italy and France one summer—timeless, effortless, versatile
This smocked boatneck maxi dress that looks like Hillhouse at a fraction of the cost
An embroidered linen set inspired by a chic poolside sighting at our local country club: this top + this skirt = summer uniform potential
Also worth noting:
Ring Concierge is having their spring sale. I recently recommended these huggies in my Mother’s Day gift guide, but also love this ring.
Your most-loved item this month: a tie between this classic one-piece swimsuit and these jeans
Runner-up: a chic khaki shirt dress (last year’s version pictured below)
PS: If you enjoy my shopping content, add me to your “circle” on ShopMy to stay connected between weekly posts.
Parenting & Family Life
April felt fun and a little very chaotic.
We traveled to Amelia Island and St. Augustine for a family vacation, which inspired me to write What to Wear on a Beach Vacation (Without Overpacking), attended the Florida Vascular Society annual meeting in Orlando, squeezed in mommy-and-me photos, and celebrated our son’s third birthday. For anyone in a toddler gifting phase, he received:
I’ve also got you covered if you’re looking for 1-year-old or 2-year-old birthday gifts.
A Postcard from Florida
Fitness, Health, & Wellness
I got in a few runs this month, but realistically, I think I’m entering my seasonal running hiatus.
It is hot.
For now:
Daily walks
Garage lifting sessions
Adjusting expectations without abandoning the routine entirely
May goal: Get back in the pool! I’m also accepting recommendations for an athletic two-piece that can handle actual swimming because my one piece tan was out of control last summer.
Community & Connection
I had 2 Substack meetups this month! Tamara Cnossen visited Siesta Key and we went for a beach walk, then Meggie Arbelaez and I had a toddler pool playdate in Orlando while I was in town for a conference!
In both cases, it struck me how easy the conversation felt. No small talk. No awkwardness. Just picking up mid-thought on things we’ve already been writing, reading, and thinking about.
And yes… confirmation that everyone was exactly who they said they were on the internet.
More than anything, these moments reminded me that writing online isn’t just about sharing ideas. It’s about finding people who are paying attention to the same things you are.
Healthcare & Academia
A few meaningful milestones this month—both personally and alongside my students.
I published a case report on a rare congenital abnormality, which always feels equal parts rewarding and humbling. These projects take time, persistence, and a willingness to stay curious longer than is convenient.
We’re also at the end of the semester, which means some of my students are graduating—and a few have already passed their boards (yay!).
There’s a specific shift that happens in that moment. You can see it. The transition from training to practice. From hoping they’re ready to realizing they are.
It’s one of the most rewarding parts of this work: getting to witness that change in real time.
If you’re shopping for a healthcare graduate this spring, here’s a few gifts that strike the balance between practical and meaningful:
A cute work tote—water resistant, personalized high/low, or a classic crowd pleaser
A rope chain or diamond bezel station necklace for their ring(s)
A nice coffee maker
The goal isn’t just to celebrate the milestone—it’s to support the life they’re stepping into next.
Closing Thoughts
I keep thinking about how much we look for a full reset.
A new routine. A better system. A cleaner schedule.
But most of the time, that’s not how it happens.
It’s smaller than that. One thing starts working again. Then another. And before you realize it, things feel more manageable.
This month, it was cooking at home. Finding purpose in the present moment over external, “on-paper” success. Moving my body in a way that made sense for the season. Feeling connected to my work and the people around me.
Not everything was perfect. But it never will be.
Enough of it worked.
And right now, that feels like plenty.
Be good people. Do good things.
—CC
In case you missed it, you can read last month’s reflection here:
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Bonus Posts, like this deep dive into meal prep and this travel guide to Harbour Island
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I relate to this so much (wondering if it’s worth the time and effort) but for what it s worth I’m so happy you’re here! Xx
Yea on the oven! Your food looks amazing! And congrats on a year of writing! I love reading your posts! I am a reader not a writer so I really appreciate your posts! Also, thanks for including the children’s gift ideas. I always need ideas for the grands.