Last week I turned 27. How is this possible?? I feel both too young for this number and also… where I belong. Like I’ve earned these 27 stripes with grit and grace.

On my birthday, I told Mitch that I feel like I’m really, finally, truly coming into my own and becoming the girl I always knew God created me to be. 

What stood in the way? I guess a combination of fear, doubt, procrastination, limiting beliefs, negativity, depression, and insecurity. And what has helped? Faith, hope, action, courage, ruthless creativity and consistency, honesty, a willingness to be misunderstood.

It’s one of the first birthdays I got the sense that if I keep going in the same direction I’m going in and keep building upon what I’ve already done, my life could be drastically different a year from now. I can’t wait to see what God does with my efforts over the next 365 days. Here’s to finding out!

In true AR-fashion, I invited some girlfriends over for brunch to kick off the prime year of 27. You already know this was my Super Bowl, as exhibited here and here. I’d been dreaming of this occasion for months and was delighted at how it came together. 

Each time I welcome people into our home, I learn more and more about what does and doesn’t work. 

Here are some of my raw thoughts and reflections on hosting as of January 2026:

— I use the back counter in our kitchen as a set apart drink bar, and this has proven to work incredibly. It keeps the flow moving, and it’s a distinguished area for people to refill, refuel, or go mingle if they need a place to be. I’m so grateful for the built-in countertop. In any space, even if you create it yourself, I would recommend a separate, set apart spot for drinks.

— I’m getting better at estimating portions and quantities of food. This was a brunch occasion, and I served an assortment of Pinch of Salt pastries, quiche, and fruit. For eight people, three quiches was just right (with some good leftovers), one bowl of mixed fruit sufficed, and the following pastries were the perfect amount for people to try different things and feel like they had good options without being tooooo much: Two cinnamon rolls, two slices of cinnamon coffee cake, two slices of lemon blueberry pound cake, two donuts, and a bacon cheddar scone. We did have leftovers, but Mitch was happy about that (and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t delighted, either). The one spot I did overshoot (learning in progress!): coffee. I seemed to believe people would be caffeine crazed and would want refill after refill of liquid energy. I brewed two pots of coffee (one in a dispenser, one on standby to refill), and collectively we barely drank half of the first pot. Lesson learned. It’s very easy to brew more if needed.

— When the prep is done early (think flowers, tablesetting), the rest of the day of is a breeze. 

— I woke up at 6:30 a.m. on this Saturday morning, and it was the key to success. I wasn’t rushed, I got my peaceful quiet time in before the day really started, and I still had a chance to run to the grocery store one last time before guests arrived.

— Nothing gets you to tidy up your house like inviting people over. This may be the secret trick to decluttering and keeping things where they belong. Anyone want to come over?! 😉

— The music matters. I’m a big believer in ambiance. I created this playlist for the day, and it is a good mix of happy-and-chill-yet-still-vibey tracks for a girly, brunchy event. Feel free to borrow! I’ve found it’s also good for early morning work.

— I prepped goody bags to set on each plate, and this was perhaps my favorite part of the prepping and event. I created little tags that matched the invitation + place cards with the phrase “A Few of My Fav Things for a Few of My Fav Gals.” Inside, I placed my favorite lip balm, pen, electrolytes, and as a sentimental bonus: a deck of cards my Granny designed in 1989 (I love a good card game, after all!). Seeing my friends’ reactions as they discovered these little gifts made my heart swell. I just wanted to love and honor them and make them feel special and beloved. I am so grateful to have great girlfriends in my life! 

— Trader Joe’s flowers really are supreme. They’re so reasonably priced, and one of the best parts, in my opinion, is the wide range of greenery. The greenery is what makes a flower arrangement. Also, note to self: the earlier in advance flowers can be bought and prepped, the better. It is an undertaking to go to TJ’s, come home, gather and fill vases with water and flower food, cut and arrange, clean up, and then place the arrangements. That alone took me one full night after work, and in hindsight, I would have done this a day sooner. 

Some other things I’ve been loving lately:

— This antioxidant balm is game changing… my skin has never felt so hydrated or glowy! I got it for Christmas, and it’s quickly become the best part of my morning skin routine. It smells dreamy and glides right on. If you’re looking for a glow up, this may just be it! 

— I’m learning that my favorite part of getting dressed is accessorizing. Each outfit starts as a blank canvas, and the scarves, necklaces, bracelets, and/or shoes add personality and zest. I simply love it. If you’re looking for more constructive closet exploration, this book is a great place to start. I think I’m going to follow her steps for a closet reorganization soon. 

— This commute playlist has changed my world going into work this week. Very upbeat. The words matter. There is a theme of endurance and consistency here. It applies to so much, but especially the place we go spend so much of our time.

— Waking up at 6:00 a.m. instead of 6:30 a.m. has been a subtle shift I’ve made this year, but it’s wildly increased what I’m able to get done before the workday begins. I’m loving it—morning creativity and productivity, unlocked! Thirty minutes makes a difference. 

What are you enjoying these days? What’s sparking joy and creativity?! I’d love to hear—drop a comment and let me know!

Post Scripts

— 6 More Tips for Welcoming People Into Your Home—

— Some hosting essentials that proved very helpful with a recent baby shower.

— I’m holding onto this hope at the start of the year. There is so much joy to come in 2026 that God has already planned out for us. Squeal! 

— Want to brainstorm, strategize, and make a plan for your writing, creativity, content creation, etc.? Book a time to meet with me and let’s dive in. This is my very favorite thing I do.