In a city that rarely whispers, YASU Omakase makes its point quietly. Conceived as the most personal expression yet from Michelin-recognized Yasu Tanaka, the eight-seat counter pares dining back to its essence: chef, guest, and the deliberate passage of time.
Anchored by a 600-year-old hinoki counter—wood traditionally reserved for Japanese temples—the experience feels closer to ceremony than spectacle. Guests begin with a sequence of otsumami before moving through a meticulously paced progression of nigiri, miso soup, a signature hand roll, and seasonal dessert. Fish arrives primarily from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, balanced with pristine Florida catches, while Niigata rice and house-seasoned soy sauces are adjusted daily for temperature, texture, and salinity.
The project comes to life in collaboration with Spicy Hospitality Group, whose partner Andre Sakhai shares Tanaka’s reverence for craft-driven design. The room blends Japanese tradition with Nordic restraint, from hand-cut kumiko woodwork to sculptural PP Møbler seating, each element chosen to disappear into the experience rather than compete with it.
With creative partner Raymond Li, Tanaka introduces subtle South Florida inflections without diluting the formality of omakase. The result is not a replica of Japan, nor a Miami remix, but something rarer: a space where precision, patience, and presence lead the conversation.yasu-miami.com
If you want a fresh, satisfying meal that feels light yet filling, these Greek Salmon Salad Bowls are a beautiful option.
Tender pan-seared salmon sits on a bed of crisp arugula with sweet bell pepper, cool cucumber, thin red onion, creamy avocado, briny feta, and crunchy pepitas. Everything is tossed with a simple Greek vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano.
This is the kind of meal that feels restaurant quality yet comes together at home in about 25 minutes.It is balanced, vibrant, and deeply nourishing.
What You’ll Love About This Greek Salmon Salad Bowl
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein: Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids to keep you satisfied and energized.
Fresh Mediterranean flavor: Lemon, oregano, olive oil, and feta create a bright, vibrant bowl.
Naturally gluten free: Made with simple whole ingredients that support steady energy.
Great for meal prep: The components store well separately and assemble beautifully the next day.
Balanced and nourishing: Healthy fats, fiber, and protein work together to keep you feeling steady instead of heavy.
Greek Salmon Salad Bowl Ingredients
For the Salad:
Salmon Fillets: Rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids for a nourishing, satisfying base.
Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear and adds heart healthy fats.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
Arugula: Peppery and fresh, it adds brightness and depth. You can swap for baby spinach or chopped romaine.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, crisp, and full of vitamin C. You can use any bell pepper to add the a little crunch.
English Cucumber: Cool and refreshing with a satisfying crunch. I like to leave the skin on and thinly slice.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and balance to the creamy elements. Soak for 10 minutes if you want a more mild flavor.
Roasted Pepitas: Bring texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly salty. If dairy free, you can omit.
Avocado: Adds richness and nourishing healthy fats. This is optional but worth it.
For the Dressing:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the smooth, flavorful base of the dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: Provides brightness and acidity.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lifts and freshens the entire bowl.
(See printable recipe card below for ingredient amounts)
How to Make Greek Salmon Salad Bowl
Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and Dijon. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust so the dressing is bright and balanced.
Season the salmon: Pat the salmon dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon flesh side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily but remains moist. Let it rest for a few minutes.
Assemble the bowls: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, pepitas, and feta. Break the salmon into large pieces and gently add to the bowl.
Dress and serve: Drizzle with the dressing and toss lightly to coat. Divide into bowls and top with sliced avocado. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Make it Dairy-free: Make it dairy free by omitting the feta and adding olives.
Add Grains: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a heartier bowl.
Swap the Greens: Swap arugula for baby spinach if you prefer a milder green.
Easy Meal Prep: Store dressing separately for meal prep. Add avocado just before serving.
Extra Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley adds extra Mediterranean flavor.
If you want a fresh, satisfying meal that feels light yet filling, these Greek Salmon Salad Bowls are a beautiful option.
Tender pan-seared salmon sits on a bed of crisp arugula with sweet bell pepper, cool cucumber, thin red onion, creamy avocado, briny feta, and crunchy pepitas. Everything is tossed with a simple Greek vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano.
This is the kind of meal that feels restaurant quality yet comes together at home in about 25 minutes.It is balanced, vibrant, and deeply nourishing.
What You’ll Love About This Greek Salmon Salad Bowl
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with protein: Salmon provides high-quality protein and omega 3 fatty acids to keep you satisfied and energized.
Fresh Mediterranean flavor: Lemon, oregano, olive oil, and feta create a bright, vibrant bowl.
Naturally gluten free: Made with simple whole ingredients that support steady energy.
Great for meal prep: The components store well separately and assemble beautifully the next day.
Balanced and nourishing: Healthy fats, fiber, and protein work together to keep you feeling steady instead of heavy.
Greek Salmon Salad Bowl Ingredients
For the Salad:
Salmon Fillets: Rich in protein and omega 3 fatty acids for a nourishing, satisfying base.
Olive Oil: Helps create a golden sear and adds heart healthy fats.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: Enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
Arugula: Peppery and fresh, it adds brightness and depth. You can swap for baby spinach or chopped romaine.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, crisp, and full of vitamin C. You can use any bell pepper to add the a little crunch.
English Cucumber: Cool and refreshing with a satisfying crunch. I like to leave the skin on and thinly slice.
Red Onion: Adds sharpness and balance to the creamy elements. Soak for 10 minutes if you want a more mild flavor.
Roasted Pepitas: Bring texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
Feta Cheese: Creamy, tangy, and perfectly salty. If dairy free, you can omit.
Avocado: Adds richness and nourishing healthy fats. This is optional but worth it.
For the Dressing:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Forms the smooth, flavorful base of the dressing.
Red Wine Vinegar: Provides brightness and acidity.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Lifts and freshens the entire bowl.
(See printable recipe card below for ingredient amounts)
How to Make Greek Salmon Salad Bowl
Make the dressing: Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and Dijon. Season with salt and pepper. Taste and adjust so the dressing is bright and balanced.
Season the salmon: Pat the salmon dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon flesh side down and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until golden. Flip and cook another 2 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily but remains moist. Let it rest for a few minutes.
Assemble the bowls: In a large bowl, combine the arugula, bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, pepitas, and feta. Break the salmon into large pieces and gently add to the bowl.
Dress and serve: Drizzle with the dressing and toss lightly to coat. Divide into bowls and top with sliced avocado. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Make it Dairy-free: Make it dairy free by omitting the feta and adding olives.
Add Grains: Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a heartier bowl.
Swap the Greens: Swap arugula for baby spinach if you prefer a milder green.
Easy Meal Prep: Store dressing separately for meal prep. Add avocado just before serving.
Extra Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley adds extra Mediterranean flavor.
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m incredibly picky about beauty products, and especially about eye products.
I don’t want something that just feels nice for five minutes—I want something that actually works! And after testing a lot of under-eye patches over the years, I can honestly say the YSE Beauty Overachiever Eye Brightener Masks are by far the best I’ve tried.
I’ve been using them for over a year now, and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Quick Side Note: The brand was founded by model and actress Molly Sims (remember her from Las Vegas?!), which honestly makes sense once you try the products. She is a model, actress, and mom, and the products feel very “real life meets luxury”—effective, easy to use, and designed for busy schedules rather than complicated routines.
If you struggle with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines around your eyes, these undereye masks are a game changer.
What makes them different is the no-slip hydrogel design. They actually stay in place, which means you can wear them while making coffee, answering emails, or getting ready — no lying down required.
After using them consistently, I’ve noticed:
Brighter-looking under eyes
Less puffiness in the morning
Smoother fine lines
A refreshed, awake look without makeup
They have an instant cooling effect that feels amazing, especially on busy mornings or after travel.
These patches are packed with ingredients that actually support the delicate under-eye area:
Vitamin C to brighten
Peptides to support firmness
Allantoin to calm and soothe
The combination gives both immediate results and longer-term improvement when used regularly.
I love that they feel luxe but still practical — small, powerful, and easy to use anytime.
Made for Real Life (Not Just Spa Days)
One of my biggest frustrations with eye patches is when they slide down your face. These don’t.
The hydrogel grips the skin comfortably so you can move around while wearing them. I’ve used them while packing, traveling, and even walking around the house — they stay put.
Six pairs come in each box, and honestly, I always wish I had more on hand.
My Sister’s Favorite: Last Call Retinol Serum
While the eye masks are my personal go-to, my sister is completely obsessed with their Last Call Retinol Serum.
She’s tried a lot of retinol formulas (usually from Target or wherever she is shopping), but this is the one she keeps reordering because it gives results without irritation, which is rare.
It combines retinol with niacinamide and omega fatty acids to help improve texture, smooth fine lines, and brighten skin while staying gentle enough for daily use.
If you’ve been nervous about retinol or have sensitive skin, this serum is a great place to start.
Who These Products Are Best For
You’ll love these if you:
Want brighter, more refreshed-looking eyes
Deal with puffiness or dark circles
Want a retinol that’s effective but gentle
Prefer skincare that fits into a busy lifestyle
Love products that actually stay put while you wear them
If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m incredibly picky about beauty products, and especially about eye products.
I don’t want something that just feels nice for five minutes—I want something that actually works! And after testing a lot of under-eye patches over the years, I can honestly say the YSE Beauty Overachiever Eye Brightener Masks are by far the best I’ve tried.
I’ve been using them for over a year now, and they’ve earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Quick Side Note: The brand was founded by model and actress Molly Sims (remember her from Las Vegas?!), which honestly makes sense once you try the products. She is a model, actress, and mom, and the products feel very “real life meets luxury”—effective, easy to use, and designed for busy schedules rather than complicated routines.
If you struggle with puffiness, dark circles, or fine lines around your eyes, these undereye masks are a game changer.
What makes them different is the no-slip hydrogel design. They actually stay in place, which means you can wear them while making coffee, answering emails, or getting ready — no lying down required.
After using them consistently, I’ve noticed:
Brighter-looking under eyes
Less puffiness in the morning
Smoother fine lines
A refreshed, awake look without makeup
They have an instant cooling effect that feels amazing, especially on busy mornings or after travel.
These patches are packed with ingredients that actually support the delicate under-eye area:
Vitamin C to brighten
Peptides to support firmness
Allantoin to calm and soothe
The combination gives both immediate results and longer-term improvement when used regularly.
I love that they feel luxe but still practical — small, powerful, and easy to use anytime.
Made for Real Life (Not Just Spa Days)
One of my biggest frustrations with eye patches is when they slide down your face. These don’t.
The hydrogel grips the skin comfortably so you can move around while wearing them. I’ve used them while packing, traveling, and even walking around the house — they stay put.
Six pairs come in each box, and honestly, I always wish I had more on hand.
My Sister’s Favorite: Last Call Retinol Serum
While the eye masks are my personal go-to, my sister is completely obsessed with their Last Call Retinol Serum.
She’s tried a lot of retinol formulas (usually from Target or wherever she is shopping), but this is the one she keeps reordering because it gives results without irritation, which is rare.
It combines retinol with niacinamide and omega fatty acids to help improve texture, smooth fine lines, and brighten skin while staying gentle enough for daily use.
If you’ve been nervous about retinol or have sensitive skin, this serum is a great place to start.
Who These Products Are Best For
You’ll love these if you:
Want brighter, more refreshed-looking eyes
Deal with puffiness or dark circles
Want a retinol that’s effective but gentle
Prefer skincare that fits into a busy lifestyle
Love products that actually stay put while you wear them
If you’ve ever read this blog, then you know I’m always paying attention to emerging science—especially when it comes to longevity, skin health, and what actually moves the needle long term.
Because here’s the truth: great skin isn’t just about hydration or surface-level glow. It’s about what’s happening at the cellular level, which is what originally drew me to OneSkin skincare. Their approach is less about trends and more about addressing why skin ages in the first place.
I’m always testing new serums, but I’m careful about what earns a permanent spot in my routine.
OneSkin’s lightweight peptide serum and moisturizer in one quickly became a favorite. It layers beautifully, absorbs fast, and feels like skincare designed for results rather than hype.
After a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed:
Diminished fine lines
Smoother texture
Skin that feels firmer and more resilient
It’s not a dramatic overnight change — it’s that steady improvement where your skin just starts looking healthier overall.
The OneSkin Smooth & Firm Face Moisturizer (My Hero Product)
This product is essentially a serum and lightweight moisturizer in one, powered by the OS-01 Peptide. I love how streamlined it makes my routine. I use it in the morning after vitamin C and before sunscreen, and it layers perfectly under makeup.
After a few weeks, I definitely noticed a healthy glow and the lines around my eyes were reduced.
What I love:
Lightweight but hydrating
Smooth, elegant texture
Works well for face and neck
Supports firmness without irritation
It’s one of those products that makes your skin feel stronger over time instead of just temporarily hydrated.
What Makes OneSkin Different
Most anti-aging skincare focuses on surface-level fixes. OneSkin takes a more advanced approach by addressing cellular senescence—a process where aging cells stop functioning properly but don’t go away.
These dysfunctional cells (often called “zombie cells”) release inflammatory signals that can accelerate aging in surrounding tissue.
As they build up, they contribute to:
Increased inflammation
Reduced immune function in skin
Faster breakdown of collagen and elasticity
OneSkin’s research focuses on helping skin behave more like younger skin at the cellular level, which is a completely different philosophy compared to traditional anti-aging products.
Understanding the Science Behind OneSkin
As we age, skin goes through what scientists call the hallmarks of aging, including:
Cellular senescence
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Loss of proteostasis
Decreased collagen and elastin production
Thinning skin and reduced barrier strength
Environmental stressors like sun exposure, pollution, and stress can accelerate these changes.
What I appreciate most is that OneSkin’s formulas are built to support long-term skin health, not just to chase temporary results.
How I Use OneSkin in My Routine
Morning routine:
Vitamin C serum
OneSkin Smooth & Firm Face Moisturizer
Sunscreen
That’s it. It keeps my routine simple while still feeling science-forward.
Who OneSkin Is Best For
You’ll love OneSkin if you:
Care about longevity-focused skincare
Want smoother, firmer-looking skin
Prefer lightweight formulas
Like science-backed ingredients (science nerds LOVE this stuff)
Want results without irritation
It’s especially great if you’re starting to notice fine lines, texture changes, or loss of elasticity.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, effective serum-moisturizer that supports your skin long term, OneSkin Face is absolutely worth trying!
OneSkin Scalp Serum for Hair Growth
I also want to mention that OneSkin also offers a scalp serum for hair growth powered by their OS-01 Peptide, designed to help reduce shedding and support a healthier hair growth cycle at the root.
I haven’t personally tried this one yet, but if I ever needed targeted support for scalp health or thinning hair, this would be the first formula I’d reach for because of the science behind it. The goal isn’t just cosmetic volume; it’s improving the scalp environment to encourage thicker, fuller, denser hair over time.
Their early research is compelling, including reported improvements in hair density with consistent use, and the formula is dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free, and suitable for sensitive skin. If you’re curious about a longevity-focused approach to hair care, you can check it out here.
Merrimac Ventures continues its legacy of shaping Fort Lauderdale’s most dynamic neighborhoods with Bungalow East, an exclusive luxury condominium with a collection of 34 residences in the heart of North Beach Village, a district the Motwani family has carefully transformed into one of the city’s most sought-after lifestyle destinations.
Located at 530 North Birch Road, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Bungalow East introduces a residential experience that feels both intimate and elevated. Contemporary architecture, light-filled interiors, and a curated selection of amenities come together to create a refined retreat that reflects the relaxed sophistication of its surroundings. The scale of the building was intentionally designed to complement the walkable character of the neighborhood, placing residents within moments of chef-driven restaurants, charming cafés, boutique hotels, and the vibrant energy that defines this coastal enclave.
For decades, the Motwani family has played a defining role in the evolution of North Beach Village, reimagining it into a lively and pedestrian-friendly destination known for its culinary scene, distinctive hospitality concepts, and unmistakable sense of place. Their vision has shaped a neighborhood that feels authentic yet polished, where the rhythm of beachside living meets a cosmopolitan social atmosphere.
Bungalow East represents the next chapter in that story. Created in response to the growing desire for smaller-scale luxury near the shoreline, the project offers a rare opportunity to live in one of Fort Lauderdale’s most character-rich neighborhoods. It is a residence defined not only by design and location, but by a lifestyle that is effortlessly connected to the best of North Beach Village.
Residences are starting at $2 million.
Bungalow East is designed by Swedroe Architecture with interiors imagined by Adriana Hoyos Design Studio. The luxury condominium is slated to break ground later this year.
For more information about Bungalow East, including pre-construction sales opportunities, please contact info@owpbrokers.com or 954-737-6816, or visit the sales gallery at 701 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Suite CU-1, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.
Oh the middle school years. You hear such intimidating things about these parenting during these years and I get why. There is something about this season that feels… tender.
Not in the soft baby-cheeks-and-bedtime-books way. Not in the sticky-fingers-and-playdates way. But in a stretching, shifting, becoming kind of way.
Parenting middle schoolers is different. And what’s surprised me most is how different it is not just from the early years — but how different it is for each of my own children.
That has been one of the biggest lessons for me lately.
The Season of Parenting Middle Schoolers
It’s So Different for Each Child
I naively assumed that once I “figured out” middle school with one, I’d have it down.
Ha.
One needs reassurance before trying something new. One needs space to process and then quietly circles back with thoughtful questions. One thrives with structure and clear expectations. One blooms when given flexibility and ownership.
It has reminded me (again) that parenting is less about mastering a phase and more about staying curious about the child in front of you.
.
They Need Me More… But Differently
In some ways, they need me more than they did in elementary school.
But not for hovering. Not for fixing. Not for orchestrating every detail.
They need me nearby. Available. Calm.
They need gentle recommendations when a new challenge pops up — navigating friendships, managing time, handling disappointment, figuring out who they are becoming.
Sometimes it’s just a well-timed, “Have you thought about…?” Or, “What do you think would happen if…?”
Less directing. More guiding.
I’m learning to feel out the times they want and need me close and times they’d prefer more of an independent attempt first. And I’m learning that restraint — not rushing in to solve — is often the harder, but better, choice.
They Are Watching More Than Ever
This part has me doing a lot of evaluation of my own habits and daily structure.
I feel like I need (and genuinely want) to be more plugged in to our day-to-day life right now. Because they notice. They are watching how I spend my time.
Not in an obvious, critical way. But in a quiet, unconscious mirroring way.
If I prioritize moving my body, they want to move theirs. If I step outside for fresh air, they follow. If I find the positive, they do, too. If I read, they curl up with a book. If I sit and scroll… well, they see that as well.
It’s a reminder that the rhythms I create in our home matter more than any lecture I could give.
.
Watching Confidence Grow (and Wobble)
There are moments that make my heart swell.
And moments that make it ache.
It’s hard to watch them navigate situations where they aren’t instantly confident. I see how wonderful they are — their humor, kindness, talent, creativity — and I want the world to see it too. I want them to walk into every room fully aware of how absolutely amazing they are.
But confidence doesn’t grow because I tell them they are.
It grows when they try. When they risk. When they stumble. When they recover.
Sometimes that means I sit back and let them feel awkward. Or unsure. Or disappointed.
That part is not easy.
But I’m realizing that my job isn’t always to clear the path — it’s sometimes just to walk alongside them as they learn to navigate it themselves. As a fixer, that can be hard for me.
The Emotional Swings
Whew.
There can be big emotional swings in this stage and again, it surprises me how the degree of it all can be so very different for each child.
Big joy. Big frustration. Big tears. Big laughter.
Sometimes all in the same afternoon.
I’ve learned not to overreact to the highs or the lows. Feelings move through quickly if I don’t panic and try to control them.
What they often need is steadiness. A soft place to land. Someone who doesn’t take the mood personally.
And when the clouds pass? They are so much fun.
Truly.
They are witty and insightful and capable of conversations that surprise me. They can debate ideas, share opinions, and bring up perspectives I hadn’t considered. We laugh deeply and we connect in new ways.
It feels like getting a little flashes of the adults they are slowly on their way to becoming and I’m so humbled and grateful to get to be their mom through this season.
Am I Teaching Them Enough?
This question sneaks in more than I expected.
Am I teaching them enough academically? Are we covering what we need to cover? Are they prepared?
But beyond school —
Am I teaching them enough about life skills? About managing money? About cooking? About relationships? About the world beyond?
The responsibility can feel heavy if I let it.
But then I remind myself: learning is not a checklist. It’s a rhythm. It’s layered. It’s ongoing. It’s modeled just as much as it’s taught. And it doesn’t have an end date.
And maybe the most important things they’re learning right now are less about facts and more about formation.
How to think. How to respond. How to regulate. How to recover. How to be kind. How to work hard. How to try again.
This Season Feels Sacred
Parenting middle schoolers feels like standing in the in-between.
They are not little. They are not grown. They still reach for us — but differently. (Well, I have one that still reaches for me the same and wants constant snuggles and I’ll soak that up for as long as I can!)
It’s a season that asks for presence, guidance, and modeling over control or perfection.
It stretches me in the best ways. And even with the emotional swings, the questions, and the moments of doubt — I genuinely love it. I am so grateful for this season.
If you’re in this phase too, I’d love to know: what has surprised you most about parenting middle schoolers?
Oh the middle school years. You hear such intimidating things about these parenting during these years and I get why. There is something about this season that feels… tender.
Not in the soft baby-cheeks-and-bedtime-books way. Not in the sticky-fingers-and-playdates way. But in a stretching, shifting, becoming kind of way.
Parenting middle schoolers is different. And what’s surprised me most is how different it is not just from the early years — but how different it is for each of my own children.
That has been one of the biggest lessons for me lately.
The Season of Parenting Middle Schoolers
It’s So Different for Each Child
I naively assumed that once I “figured out” middle school with one, I’d have it down.
Ha.
One needs reassurance before trying something new. One needs space to process and then quietly circles back with thoughtful questions. One thrives with structure and clear expectations. One blooms when given flexibility and ownership.
It has reminded me (again) that parenting is less about mastering a phase and more about staying curious about the child in front of you.
.
They Need Me More… But Differently
In some ways, they need me more than they did in elementary school.
But not for hovering. Not for fixing. Not for orchestrating every detail.
They need me nearby. Available. Calm.
They need gentle recommendations when a new challenge pops up — navigating friendships, managing time, handling disappointment, figuring out who they are becoming.
Sometimes it’s just a well-timed, “Have you thought about…?” Or, “What do you think would happen if…?”
Less directing. More guiding.
I’m learning to feel out the times they want and need me close and times they’d prefer more of an independent attempt first. And I’m learning that restraint — not rushing in to solve — is often the harder, but better, choice.
They Are Watching More Than Ever
This part has me doing a lot of evaluation of my own habits and daily structure.
I feel like I need (and genuinely want) to be more plugged in to our day-to-day life right now. Because they notice. They are watching how I spend my time.
Not in an obvious, critical way. But in a quiet, unconscious mirroring way.
If I prioritize moving my body, they want to move theirs. If I step outside for fresh air, they follow. If I find the positive, they do, too. If I read, they curl up with a book. If I sit and scroll… well, they see that as well.
It’s a reminder that the rhythms I create in our home matter more than any lecture I could give.
.
Watching Confidence Grow (and Wobble)
There are moments that make my heart swell.
And moments that make it ache.
It’s hard to watch them navigate situations where they aren’t instantly confident. I see how wonderful they are — their humor, kindness, talent, creativity — and I want the world to see it too. I want them to walk into every room fully aware of how absolutely amazing they are.
But confidence doesn’t grow because I tell them they are.
It grows when they try. When they risk. When they stumble. When they recover.
Sometimes that means I sit back and let them feel awkward. Or unsure. Or disappointed.
That part is not easy.
But I’m realizing that my job isn’t always to clear the path — it’s sometimes just to walk alongside them as they learn to navigate it themselves. As a fixer, that can be hard for me.
The Emotional Swings
Whew.
There can be big emotional swings in this stage and again, it surprises me how the degree of it all can be so very different for each child.
Big joy. Big frustration. Big tears. Big laughter.
Sometimes all in the same afternoon.
I’ve learned not to overreact to the highs or the lows. Feelings move through quickly if I don’t panic and try to control them.
What they often need is steadiness. A soft place to land. Someone who doesn’t take the mood personally.
And when the clouds pass? They are so much fun.
Truly.
They are witty and insightful and capable of conversations that surprise me. They can debate ideas, share opinions, and bring up perspectives I hadn’t considered. We laugh deeply and we connect in new ways.
It feels like getting a little flashes of the adults they are slowly on their way to becoming and I’m so humbled and grateful to get to be their mom through this season.
Am I Teaching Them Enough?
This question sneaks in more than I expected.
Am I teaching them enough academically? Are we covering what we need to cover? Are they prepared?
But beyond school —
Am I teaching them enough about life skills? About managing money? About cooking? About relationships? About the world beyond?
The responsibility can feel heavy if I let it.
But then I remind myself: learning is not a checklist. It’s a rhythm. It’s layered. It’s ongoing. It’s modeled just as much as it’s taught. And it doesn’t have an end date.
And maybe the most important things they’re learning right now are less about facts and more about formation.
How to think. How to respond. How to regulate. How to recover. How to be kind. How to work hard. How to try again.
This Season Feels Sacred
Parenting middle schoolers feels like standing in the in-between.
They are not little. They are not grown. They still reach for us — but differently. (Well, I have one that still reaches for me the same and wants constant snuggles and I’ll soak that up for as long as I can!)
It’s a season that asks for presence, guidance, and modeling over control or perfection.
It stretches me in the best ways. And even with the emotional swings, the questions, and the moments of doubt — I genuinely love it. I am so grateful for this season.
If you’re in this phase too, I’d love to know: what has surprised you most about parenting middle schoolers?
Miami Concours returned to the Miami Design District February 13–15 for its ninth edition, once again transforming the architecturally striking neighborhood into a three-day celebration of automotive artistry and cultural cachet. Produced by Hxecute and co-owned by The Concours Group, duPont REGISTRY and the Miami Design District, the event brought together collectors, designers, and tastemakers to experience a curated lineup of significant post-war automobiles and cutting-edge hypercars—positioning the automobile as both engineering feat and design object.
This year’s defining moments included the U.S. customer debut of the Koenigsegg CC850, the 20th anniversary of the Ferrari P4/5, and a rare presentation of Jim Glickenhaus’s prototype collection. Founder Christian von Koenigsegg was formally honored for his visionary contributions to modern automotive innovation, underscoring the event’s global relevance.
The weekend unfolded through immersive programming, from Drive-In Movie Night and a Polestar Ride & Drive activation to the signature Red-Carpet Showcase and VIP experience presented by The Moore Miami. With support from partners including Lotus, Pagani, Lamborghini of Miami and Moët Hennessy, Miami Concours continues to evolve beyond a traditional car show into a refined cultural platform where design, luxury, and performance converge.
. I love how streamlined it makes my routine. I use it in the morning after vitamin C and before sunscreen, and it layers perfectly under makeup.
