I feel my core getting stronger with each class. Little things like being able to sit up from laying down while holding my baby are big wins.
Real Moment from this Week
My baby was coughing all Thursday night. I think I had a total of 3 hours of sleep. I ended up canceling my yoga class I had scheduled for Friday evening. I just didn’t have the energy to even think about going.
Small Win
I scheduled a 6am class for next week to workout with a friend. Hopefully next week my small win is attending the class!
What I’m Working on next week
I’m going to work on drinking more water. I was so thirsty after my workout on Wednesday. I was also craving salt, so I might look into getting some electrolyte powder.
Thanks for following along, see you next Friday!
What time do you usually like to workout?
I’ve been scheduling my workouts after 4pm when Jake is off work, but I’m toying with the idea of working out before he starts work. I’m not much of a morning person, so we’ll see!
I’m feeling pretty tired this week, especially on Friday. I don’t know if it’s my workouts catching up to me or just the long travel day on Thursday, but I can’t seem to wake up.
Workouts I did
Sunday: YogaSix Signature Hot
Hot means HOT. Next time I’ll be wearing shorts, not leggings.
Monday: Pure Barre Align
This was different from the Classic class. It still felt like a workout but even more stretching. I booked 2 more classes this week already!
Tuesday: [ solidcore ] Signature50
I struggled in the obliques section again, but overall it was a great workout.
Thursday: Pure Barre Align
Getting a good workout in before 3 hours in the car was clutch.
Saturday: YogaSix Slow Flow
Total workouts this week: 5 classes
Goal for next week: 4 classes
Pelvic Floor & Core Check-In
Pure Barre really emphasizes my hip weakness. There are a lot of leg lifts, and like I mentioned last week, my right hip is a lot weaker than my left. I feel like I have to heave my leg up to do the lift. Also it clicks a lot with most of the movements. I felt a little pubic bone pain during the heavy squats at my Tuesday solidcore class, but nothing too bad.
Real Moment from this Week
With the chaos of it being Thanksgiving morning, I forgot to check-in on our insurance app and received a nasty email stating I would have to pay a late fee or wait until next month to book another class. Luckily I was able to chat with the AI bot and it waived the fee because I explained I wasn’t a no show. I had proof from Pure Barre I was there. My brain was fried by the time I made it to Thanksgiving and the day was so busy. Luckily they waived it and gave me a “second chance” since it was the first time. I definitely won’t be forgetting to check in again!! I really wish Wellhub used different verbiage. There’s no way for them to know I guess, but I wasn’t a no show! I was a missed check in.
Now I know what happens if I miss the check in with Wellhub step. Now I know it’s not connected to the gyms in any way. Totally my fault and I’m lucky they’re understanding.
I’m really struggling at the end of this week! I drove all the way to my yoga class and realized I forgot my mat. I had to pay a $3 mat rental fee.
Small Win
I can tell my core is stronger. We did straight leg sit-ups in Align and I was able to do them very controlled. No momentum whatsoever!
After forgetting Wellhub check in on Thursday, and forgetting my yoga mat on Saturday morning, my anxiety really kicked in. I was standing in the yoga six lobby seriously contemplating just going home because I was so discouraged. I ended up completing the class and even signing up for a 12 classes in 3 months challenge. I’m proud of myself for not letting my anxiety ruin my day and even challenging myself after the fact.
What I’m Working on next week
Better recovery. I might’ve overdid it a little this week, but I also didn’t prioritize eating because the class times were weird and I know I didn’t drink enough water.
Every single December, I blink and suddenly we’re at New Years Eve.
So this year, I’m making a list ahead of time because Christmas movies are truly a core memory builder for me. They’re nostalgic, cozy, familiar, heartwarming, funny… all the things that make this season feel magical. And I didn’t want to forget any of them in the hustle and bustle of Christmas with little kids.
I’m sharing our list, the movies we personally prioritized, so if you want to follow along or build from ours, you can!
Make a list, check it twice, and soak up the season with your family too.
Our 2025 Must Watch Christmas Movies
1. The Grinch(all 3… but Jim Carrey is my favorite forever)
While Jim Carrey’s will always be the elite version for me, the original animated Grinch is a classic must watch, and the newer animated one with Benedict Cumberbatch has quickly become my toddlers favorite. All three are staples in our house.
2. Elf
Elf is my husband’s favorite and we watch it multiple times throughout the season. We quote this movie YEAR. ROUND. It just never stops being funny.
3. Deck the Halls
Another one of my husband’s favorites. When we hang lights, he always mentions this movie.
4. Miracle on 34th Street
Classic, timeless, feels like Christmas.
5. Home Alone 1 & 2
Yes BOTH. 1 and 2 are non-negotiable back-to-back musts.
6. Christmas Vacation
Nothing like Clark Griswold plugging in his lights and nothing turning on to kick off Christmas.
7. A Christmas Story
I feel like it’s impossible to miss this because it literally plays on repeat on TV every Christmas Day… and it still never gets old.
8. Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
This is also a classic. I remember when it was on tv my parents would yell for me to join them and watch it. The claymation is just the definition of nostalgia.
9. Charlie Brown Christmas
I watched this every year growing up and now I’m continuing the tradition with my babies. My Mama Nise loves Charlie Brown, so I think of her every single time we turn it on.
10. A Christmas Carol
Bah humbug.
And of course… sprinkle in Hallmark Christmas movies throughout the month.
Yes, they all have the same story. Yes, you always know exactly how they’ll end. That’s the charm for me.
My favorite recent one: Three Wise Men and a Baby.
I’ll be checking this list off all season long so I don’t accidentally look up and realize December is over. Save this, share this, screenshot it, print it… whatever helps you remember to slow down and actually enjoy the cozy nights, the hot chocolate, the twinkle lights, and the movies that make Christmas feel like Christmas.
What movies would you add to your list this year?
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I had to edit to add my toddler’s honorable mentions:
It’s the end of my first week back and I am feeling super motivated! My body is sore but in the best way.
How I’m Feeling This Week
I had the bright idea to get a flu and covid vaccine on Monday night after my first Solidcore class. I felt like literal death all day Tuesday. The mix of muscle soreness, chills, and body aches almost did me in.
Luckily the chills and body aches faded by Wednesday morning. Barre was perfect timing because you stretch after each section so I had the benefit of working out and stretching my sore muscles.
I ended my week with a Signature50 (Solidcore) class that reiterated what I already knew: my core is verrryyyy weak. I look forward to the changes to come. One measure I’ll mentally be calculating is how many breaks I need during class! (This class required a lot.)
Workouts I did
Monday: Solidcore Starter50
I felt really good during and after this class. I was able to keep up and remembered all the cues. Obliques were the worst part! I originally planned on doing more Starter50s, but I decided to go ahead with Signature50!
Wednesday: Pure Barre Classic
This was so much fun! It was definitely a workout but it felt more like dancing.
Friday: Solidcore Signature50 muscle focus-hamstrings & back
My first full on Solidcore class was so fun. It was difficult but I had a blast. I really like the coach. (She was my coach for Starter50 as well.) I had to take A LOT of breaks during the core sections and the bungee kickbacks. My core is non existent right now and by the time we got to bungee kickbacks, my hamstrings were DONE.
Total workouts this week: 3 classes
Goal for next week: 4 classes
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Pelvic Floor & Core Check-In
During the leg raises at the barre class I really felt the shearing sensation on my pelvic bone. I remember this being a problem after my first pregnancy. Isolated leg exercises seem to really make it flare up. The modification I made was just to not lift my leg quite so high and I had more of a bend in my knee.
I really notice my right hip is very weak. I could feel my right knee compensating during lunges.
Real Moment from this Week
My first day back and neither of the boys took their naps. I spent an hour before class getting them down, and neither one of them stayed asleep!
Small Win
During the Starter50 class, the coach said “Take a look at Destiny if you want to see the tempo you should be going” and I felt like a million bucks.
What I’m Working on next week
Better meal planning and more filling meals but not heavy. I had homemade Alfredo pasta on Monday and I thought I was going to be sick.
I finally did it!! I’m officially starting my postpartum workout journey!
Ever since I was cleared at 6 weeks postpartum, I’ve been toying with the idea of working out, but never fully committed.
Pelvic Floor PT (must must must)
After my first pregnancy, I had a lot of pelvic floor issues and diastasis recti. The only thing that helped was seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist. Seeing a pelvic floor PT was the best thing I did after having a baby and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re dealing with pain, pressure, weakness, or just feeling “off”, please see one. They’re amazing! Whether you’re newly postpartum or your babies are grown, you deserve to feel comfortable in your own body.
Anyway, I went to a pelvic floor PT after my second pregnancy as well. We cinched up my diastasis recti again and were able to completely avoid the pubic pain I was experiencing with my first (thank goodness).
First Try
After “graduating” PT, I had high hopes of working out. Jake and I became members of our local YMCA and paid for childcare. I went a few times on my own and finally worked up the courage to bring my toddler with me…and he was knocked down by another kid and was crying for half my workout. (Why they didn’t call me, I will never know.)
So that was a bummer and I basically never went back. We ended up canceling my membership and the childcare shortly after.
Group Fitness
After my first pregnancy, I had a gym membership bundle through our insurance that gave me access to Solidcore and YogaSix. I did 3 Solidcore classes and 1 yoga class a week, but I canceled once I was further along in my second pregnancy. When I checked once I was cleared, Solidcore was in the next tier which was completely out of our budget.
Well one Sunday afternoon, 8 months later, Jake decided to check our insurance gym membership bundle to see if Solidcore is back in it.
And to our surprise… Solidcore was back and included with one class a day! How exciting!! We checked to see if our local Pure Barre was added as well. Spoiler alert: YES!
I bit the bullet and bought the membership! I’m looking forward to this postpartum fitness journey. I’m excited, hopeful, and ready to rebuild my strength and confidence. I was in the best shape of my life after my first pregnancy. I look forward to being even stronger.
If you’d like to follow along, I’ll be posting updates every Friday. It’s an extra post each week. An extra dose of Destiny. Subscribe to get my Fitness Fridays updates straight to your inbox.
I’m sharing not just to have a workout log for myself but also to help any other moms out there embarking on their own fitness journey and trying to find themselves again.
I’m looking forward to the hour and a half I’ll get to myself. Nothing to worry about. My only thoughts are get through this rep so I can do the next one.
Do you enjoy working out? If so, what’s your favorite?
Mine has to be Solidcore. After my first pregnancy, I had ab definition. ABS!
Every postpartum journey is different so always talk to your provider before starting something new. AND SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST!!
Halloween is one of my favorite cozy nights of the year. The candy’s ready, the lights are low, and the only thing left to do is grab a blanket, pop some popcorn, and pick the perfect lineup of spooky movies.
Whether you’re watching with your little one or staying up late after bedtime for something scarier, here’s our list of Halloween must-watches from sweetly spooky to seriously scary.
Kid-Friendly Favorites (Approved by My Little One!)
Not too spooky, just the right amount of Halloween fun.
Hocus Pocus (1993) The Sanderson sisters never fail. Witches, magic, and that perfect dose of nostalgia.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) A movie that magically bridges Halloween and Christmas. The songs, the stop-motion, the pumpkin king. This one is my 2 year olds favorite!
Haunted Mansion (2003) A little spooky, a lot of laughs, and full of ghostly charm.
Halloweentown (1998) The ultimate Disney Channel classic. Full of magic, cozy small-town Halloween vibes, and nostalgia galore.
Hotel Transylvania (2012) Monsters, mayhem, and a big heart. It’s a go-to for a light, funny Halloween movie night.
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Grown-Up Picks (After the Kids Go to Bed)
When the candy bowl’s empty and the house gets quiet, it’s time for something a little darker.
Halloween (1978) It’s not Halloween night until Michael Myers shows up. Classic, creepy, and the perfect background noise while you’re stealing candy from your kid’s bucket.
Practical Magic (1998) Cozy witchy energy, strong women, and a little romance.
Trick ‘r Treat (2007) A true Halloween night movie. It’s creepy, fun, and full of that small-town October feeling.
Sleepy Hollow (1999) Fog, fall leaves, and a headless horseman. What more could you need?
Beetlejuice (1988) Creepy and chaotic in the best way. It’s weird, it’s funny, and it’s pure Halloween fun.
Oliver staying cozy by the fire (and eyeing my popcorn)
For the Horror Fans (Scary Scary — You’ve Been Warned!)
If you love the thrill of a real scare, these are the ones to turn off the lights for.
Halloween (1978) Yes, again. Because it’s that essential.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) Classic 80s horror. Freddy Krueger will make you think twice before falling asleep.
Friday the 13th (1980) The ultimate camp-slasher. Eerie woods, jump scares, and the start of an iconic horror franchise.
The Conjuring (2013) Based on a true story (which somehow makes it even scarier). A haunted farmhouse, mysterious knocks, and just the right amount of dread.
Insidious (2010) The kind of horror that creeps up on you. Dark corners, eerie whispers, and plenty of jump scares.
*bonus* Sinister (2012) Found footage meets true terror. The tone, the music, and those grainy home videos make this one unforgettable. I’ve still never watched this all the way through without covering my eyes!
How We Make It Cozy
No matter which list you pull from, we love to make it an experience:
Light the pumpkin candle
Warm up some cinnamon rolls
Dim the lights
Snuggle under a big blanket
Then hit play and let the Halloween magic do the rest.
However you celebrate Halloween, whether it’s a sweet family movie night or a scary movie marathon, I hope your night feels cozy, fun, and full of treats (no tricks!).
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If you’re looking for a simple, last-minute Halloween craft to do with your little ones, this one was such a hit in our house today!
It took almost no prep, used things we already had around, and both of my boys were completely engaged — which is saying a lot for a two-year-old and an eight-month-old!
We started with two mini pumpkins from our porch decorations and a small canvas I found in our craft bin.
I squeezed a few dollops of washable paint onto a Halloween paper plate (think purple, green, and black, all the spooky colors!) for my two-year-old to use as his palette. He painted one pumpkin and tried coloring another with markers, but he was definitely more into painting. He kept asking for more colors, which made it even more fun and interactive.
For my eight-month-old, I dolloped a few Halloween-colored paints directly onto the canvas and then sealed it inside a ziplock bag. I placed it on his high chair tray, and he went to town! He slapped, squished, and wiggled the paint around, and when we peeled the bag away we had this adorable, abstract little masterpiece.
It was quick, messy in the best way, and felt like the perfect little Halloween memory to tuck away.
Bonus: we didn’t even need to buy a thing!
You could easily adapt this with whatever paints or colors you have on hand or even do a fall-themed version with warm, cozy tones.
Supplies we used:
2 mini pumpkins
1 small canvas
Washable paints in Halloween colors
Paper plate (for a paint palette)
Ziplock bag (for mess-free baby painting)
Tip: If you want to keep the mess even lower, place a garbage bag at your toddlers work area.
This little project was such a sweet reminder that crafts don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the best ones are spontaneous and done with tiny, paint-covered hands.
I made these fun and festive mini Jack-O’-Lantern pizzas for lunch today, and they turned out so cute. I wasn’t planning to share them, but they fit the cozy Halloween vibe too perfectly not to.
I used English muffins and topped them with pizza sauce, cheese, and a few sliced pepperoni pieces cut into little jack-o’-lantern faces. It’s such a simple idea, but it made our regular lunch feel so much more special.
How We Made Them
Here’s what we used:
– English Muffins
– Pizza sauce
– Shredded mozzarella or sliced cheese
– Pepperoni (or any toppings you love)
Cut the English muffin in half and spread the pizza sauce on each, top with cheese, and then add your “faces.” Bake at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until everything’s melted and bubbly.
It’s a quick and easy lunch idea that feels special with very little extra effort. Perfect for a cozy Halloween afternoon or a festive movie night at home.
Save this for a rainy day when you need a quick, fun lunch!
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As the weather cools down and the leaves start changing, I’ve been spending more evenings curled up at home with the candles lit, a soft blanket draped over the couch, a warm drink in hand, and maybe a pumpkin nearby just for the vibes. I just finished Jackets, Jack O’ Lanterns, and Justice by Tonya Kappes, and thought it’d be fun to share a quick little review for anyone else looking for an easy fall read.
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This was one of those free Kindle finds that ended up being a fun little surprise. It’s a light, quick read with a small-town murder mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through.
I wouldn’t say I was super attached to the characters (a week later and I honestly can’t remember their names), but the mystery itself was enjoyable. I had a few theories about who the killer might be, and I didn’t end up being right, which always makes it more fun to read.
If you’re looking for something quick and easy to get into, this would be a good pick for a cozy evening. It’s not heavy or overly complicated. Just a simple, entertaining story to enjoy with a warm drink in hand. As for the fall vibes, there were a few (a decorated campground and a Halloween party) but it didn’t totally capture that full cozy fall feeling I was hoping for. Still, it’s a nice little mystery to add to your fall reading list if you’re in the mood for something light and fun.
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A Cozy Reading Note
Lately I’ve been trying to make more time for quiet moments — a cup of coffee, a soft blanket, and a book that doesn’t ask too much of me. Even when a story isn’t perfect, there’s something so comforting about getting lost in a little mystery for a while, especially as the evenings get crisp and the candlelight flickers around the room. I think I’ll be adding a few more easy fall reads to my nights. It’s the perfect way to wind down and soak up a little seasonal coziness.
Collected & Cozy 