2025 asked me to hold more responsibility and structure without losing the parts of myself that need space. Some of the biggest career shifts of my life happened quietly and unintentionally, including returning to the office full-time for the first time in over a decade. It forced me to rethink balance, energy, and how I show up day to day.
And still, I traveled. I chased warmth and wildness, stood under massive skies, and let movement recalibrate me when life felt too contained. What grounded me most were the people, long-overdue reunions, shared trips, and moments of celebration that stitched the year together.
A Gentle Beginning, Interrupted
Massive fires tore through parts of Los Angeles, destroying two communities and impacting many people we know. It was a heavy, sobering start to the year. Angelinos supported each other in any way they could.
Sunshine as a Reset in Isla Mujeres
February brought sunshine and celebration in Isla Mujeres for Chelsea Gildea’s birthday. Warm breezes, incredible food, ocean time, and the kind of weather that makes you forget winter exists at all.
5th Coachella
Coachella, as always, delivered. I spent the weekend with my long time friend Kristin soaking in massive performances—from Benson Boone to Lady Gaga and Green Day. Loud, electric, unforgettable. Exactly the kind of joy reset I needed.
Tahiti Distractions
May arrived fast and heavy. My boss left Walmart, and almost overnight I found myself leading a team of 60.
Before that new reality fully landed, I escaped to Tahiti. We snorkeled every single day, and I dove with massive lemon sharks for the first time. It was a adventure filled and yet relaxing week. I leaned into calm, presence, and awe before everything shifted.
Got promoted to Creative Director at Walmart
Coming back, the learning curve was steep, the pressure real, and the stress undeniable. But it pushed me into growth faster than anything ever has. By the end of it, I was promoted to Creative Director for Walmart’s site and app. It’s been intense—but I’ve learned so much and genuinely love the team I get to lead.
Visited two more California National Parks
In July, Adam and I finally explored Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Despite living relatively close, we’d never really spent time there. Standing beneath the largest trees on Earth was humbling in a way photos can’t capture. It was quiet, grounding, and deeply perspective-shifting.
A Vancouver Wedding
August took Adam and I to Vancouver for Andy (Adam’s cousin) and Katie’s wedding—a beautiful celebration in a beautiful place. Between the festivities, we spent quality time with family, biked through stunning scenery and soaked in mountain spa time at Harrison Hot Springs.
Took a trip to DC with my high school girls!
October was all about reconnection. I traveled to D.C. with my high school best friends. It was a trip we originally planned for 2020 and got derailed by COVID. Finally being together after all those years made it feel even more meaningful. Bonus, we got to meet Marissa’s cutie toddler daughter.
A New Family Member
In November, our family grew. My brother and his wife Anna welcomed their second baby, Lillian Lorraine, tiny, perfect, and instantly loved. I haven’t met her in person yet, but I’m excited to in 2026!
A trip to Bentonville, Arkansas
I finally visited Walmart headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas for the first time, exploring the Walmart Museum and Crystal Bridges, an unexpected mix of history, art, and inspiration.
Saw the Northern Lights from Iceland
This was a special trip because it’s the first time we traveled with my husband Adam’s twin and his wife Kristin. Waterfalls. Glaciers. Ice caves. Long winter nights, and finally, the northern lights dancing overhead. A full-circle ending to a year defined by scale, challenge, and wonder.
I hope you all had an amazing 2025. The world’s felt especially chaotic lately, so here’s a gentle reminder to lead with kindness and empathy, and to stay sharp. Question your news sources, slow down before sharing, and remember that not everything screaming for attention deserves your belief. Between clickbait, propaganda, and deep fakes, discernment is the real flex right now.