**** I am going to be taking off the next few days or so from blogging, to ring in the new year, do a recharge and reset and will be back to the regular schedule by Sunday****

Good morning friends—and hello, 2026! Happy New Year to you all.  Hard to believe we’re stepping into a brand-new year. 2025 was a year—full of peaks and valleys, highs and lows, and more than a few business hiccups. And yes… I’m looking at you, crazy tariffs. They definitely impacted us, but thankfully we were able to pivot and turn that challenge into a real success. Here’s hoping things start to normalize a bit in the year ahead.

I also love to kick off January with a little recap—some highlights for me personally, and a look back at some of the posts that resonated each month. So first, I’m going to share one favorite post from every month—one you may have missed and might want to go back and read. Then I’ll share a few final thoughts/reflections to close it out.

And of course, as always, I love your feedback—your perspective and your opinions so feel free to chime in with your own thoughts and reflections- would love to hear.

So without further ado… let’s go!

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JANUARY PART TWO TRIP TO ITALY!

FEBRUARY RENOVATION DIARIES CHAPTER 2 THE BIG MOVE OUT!

MARCH LET’S TALK ABOUT FAVORITES

APRIL RENOVATION DIARIES CHAPTER FOUR

MAY SEVEN ON SUNDAY

JUNE RANDOM MUSINGS AS SEEN THROUGH MY IPHONE

JULY A 65TH BIRTHDAY BASH FOR MY HUSBAND

AUGUST RENOVATION DIARIES CHAPTER 7

SEPTEMBER LET’S TALK

OCTOBER SETTING A FALL THEMED DINNER PARTY TABLE

NOVEMBER HAPPY THANKSGIVING TABLE

DECEMBER A FINAL WRAPUP ON CHRISTMAS 2025

• Learning to prioritize ourselves as parents,  a bit more (while still being devoted parents): We’ve almost always put our kids first—even now that they’re adults. Because they live close (which we love), we’re naturally very involved in their day-to-day lives. But sometimes we realize we may be too involved—for example, if my husband and I want to go away, but the kids need us to be here for something, or to watch the baby or help with something, we automatically almost always put their needs ahead of ours. Not to sound cold at all—just honest—we’re learning that in our 60s, we’ve earned the right to prioritize our own needs and schedule a little more… of course with one big caveat:  cutie pie Phillip because all bets are off when it comes to him, I can rarely say no.
• Speaking of no- leaning to say no (politely). To social outings you don’t feel like attending, big group dinners you find overwhelming, small trips you are not interested in, social events that may not be appealing even if you feel obligated. I have learned the art of the guilt free no with no regrets. It goes back to putting myself first.  I have spent a large chunk of my life saying yes so at 60 I think I have earned the right to bow out of something if I genuinely have no interest but would only be saying yes out of obligation. It’s really liberating.
• Create memories through experiences, not things: More travel, adventures, and shared experiences with family—possibly even renting a house somewhere one Christmas and focusing less on gifts and more on being together (and who knows… maybe turning it into a tradition). This is a big one I want to work on this year.
• Health is wealth: A deeper awareness that time is precious; being more mindful than ever about protecting health and optimizing the time we do have. Even little things, daily vitamins, light weights, consciously  moving every day, keeping your mind active and challenged, stay educated and on top of things
• Relationships: quality over quantity: My circle has gotten smaller over the years, and I cherish the “ride or die” people—friends and family I know would show up no matter what. Letting those people know how important they are to me. And sometimes, having to recognize those that are not the friend you are to them, and having to slowly let go of those relationships. I lost two young friends in the last few years, it is a major wake up call to really take a look at your life and decide who is important and who to prioritize.
• Prioritizing myself (a little “selfish,” in a good way): I don’t mean becoming uncaring, but recognizing when I’m doing too much for everyone else (almost always), stopping before I’m exhausted, and giving myself permission to take care of me, too (and yes—I’ve already announced this to my family ).
• You can never take too many pictures: They become priceless links to the past. The photos you fight to take now often end up being the ones everyone treasures later. I remember 20 years ago in Hawaii, purchased matching aloha outfits for the family. Oh the arguments that ensued when we had our pictures taken, it was not fun. Now? It’s their favorite picture!
• Cherish the elderly in your life: Spend the time—parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents—because each moment is a gift and none of us are promised tomorrow. I have no regrets with my mom, despite the distance I was back and forth constantly and was there until the end. I am also trying to do the same with my Dad, though at 86, he runs laps around me and my husband:)
• Daily acts of kindness: Small things matter—tipping, complimenting someone, letting someone go first, helping a stranger—because you never know what someone is carrying within, and one tiny act can change their whole day. I have seen it first hand but I have also been on the receiving end and know how good it feels and how it can change the direction of a day and a mood
• Travel, travel travel- Nothing can open your eyes or alter your perspective, or give you a fresh new lens through which to see the world like travel can. Take every opportunity. We have a big and beautiful world, make that bucket list and start checking it off even if it means planning that trip for way down the road.
• Speaking of kindness- manners matter. If you find yourself doing and giving without a proper thanks or gratitude perhaps its time to stop and think about the giving that you do. I am learning to not give my time, my energy or material things to people who do not appreciate what I do. I don’t give for thanks but I certainly give with the expectation of a simple acknowledgement and a simple show of gratitude. That’s just the way I was raised and I will always stand behind that.
• Challenge yourself to do one small new thing a day- I tell my boys this all the time. I am practicing what I preach. It can be something super small, a break in a normal routine, trying a matcha instead of coffee, doing 10 min with weights instead of doom scrolling on social media, trying a new meal, changing up or dressing up just because,calling someone you haven’t spoken to in ages etc…
• Protect your values and morals, do not compromise.
• Question everything! I tend to be this way anyway but with AI in the picture, we cannot take things at face value as we once did. It is our instinct to want to trust openly, but as my husband always says “trust but verify” (guess he was ahead of his time)!
• In the same vein, recognizing you are not too old to try anything new (at least most things) When I move and have a new kitchen, I want to start doing cooking videos. I have thought about it a lot, not sure if just for me or perhaps to share, and yes, I know they are a dime a dozen but I do enjoy watching them. And figured I would try my hand at one.

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And that friends is my recap and reflections for the year 2025. It wasn’t necessarily the best year ever but certainly by no means, the worst. It is one I don’t mind saying goodbye to and I am perfectly happy to welcome a new one, plus I do love even numbers:) Hope you enjoyed the post, wishing each and every one of you a wonderful, peace filled, healthy, happy and joyful New Year. May it be the best yet and bring peace and calm to our world.

Now, its your turn to tell me what your reflections are from this past year.

PS Our New Year’s Sale-25% off SITE WIDE ends at midnight! Great time to treat yourself to something for all your hard work over the holidays.

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PS Don’t forget to enter our Holiday Love photo contest! We are getting in so many wonderful entries. We have room for your 1-2 pictures, send to info@enchantedhome.com and write “contest” on subject line. Click here to see post on all details.