I’m as shocked as you are to see this site!

I’ve been thinking a lot about my life lately. I’m a mom of four, six months postpartum, and recently “retired” (or so I joke with my husband). I’m also still grieving the loss of my two-year-old, who passed away from Tay-Sachs disease. With three young kids at home, I decided it was time to stay home and soak up this season with them. I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity—but once the reality set in, I realized I really miss having something that’s just for me. Something that brings me joy outside of my family.   

For years, I was a gear specialist at an amazing children’s store, and I loved being part of a company that focused on natural and organic products for babies.  Informing customers was the focus and gained a deep appreciation for how rewarding it is to share helpful information with others. While my “voice” may look different now than when I was teaching about safe baby products (which will always be part of who I am), I still have a voice.  I don't think I am the only mom out there who loves being a mom but wants to be seen as more than that.  I also don't think that means you need some big job title or salary or anything else to prove you're so much more, but you do need to find your own joy and happiness. 

I started think about the things I love to do that bring me joy- giving my kids wonderful memories, getting out with friends and laughing, creating meaningful experiences as a family, pizza on the beach at sunset and much to my husbands dislike- I love to shop.  I love to create personalized items, curate a fun tablescape, add ribbon to just about everything, find fun clothes and watch my daughter light up when she loves it too.  I love to create things- stationary, holiday cards, front porch decor and more.  

I realized while my little joys may not be the same as someone else, they also might be similar!  My love for a good recipe, or a good sale, a girls night out idea or my custom stationary might make someone else feel a little joy.  

For me, the mission to live a happy life is always evolving—sometimes daily. Creating this space is part of that: putting myself out there, sharing what I love, and doing it without fear of judgement. 

This is meant to be a place that helps me (and hopefully you too!) find the balance between being a mom and remembering that I’m mid 30s for the first time, too.

My hope is to focus on the little joys: a great coffee cup, a beautifully decorated front door, a new recipe the kids actually eat, a micro-date with my husband, and all the small things that add up. Because a beautifully curated life isn’t a perfect one—it’s the kind where you let the little joys pile up into a life you love.

I hope I can share some of my curations and spark even a bit of added joy in your life.

Welcome to Cal Curated.

– Cal