Afleveringen
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Trying something new as an adult sounded like a great idea...until I found myself in what felt like a professional ballet class wondering what in the world I was doing there.
This week, I'm sharing the story of my very first adult ballet class, why being a beginner felt so much more vulnerable than I expected, and how it reminded me of a hilariously unexpected dance audition from my early twenties. Weâre chatting about trying new hobbies as an adult, unrealistic expectations, the awkwardness of starting from scratch, and why "doing something just because" doesn't always feel as whimsical as we imagine.
Later, in this week's Just Because Moment, I'm sharing why I pressed pause on all the challenging hobbies and returned to my crochet hook for a much-needed comfort project. Plus why sometimes the most joyful and whimsical thing you can do is stop trying so hard.
If you've ever wanted to try a new hobby, felt intimidated by being a beginner, or wondered if everyone else somehow got the instruction manual except you, this episode is for you.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or how youâre adding a bit of whimsy into your everyday life! I love reading your messages so shoot me an email any time to â â â â â [email protected]â â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories, whimsy and just because randomness! â â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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This week, I'm experiencing a serious case of the morbs. đ After two very busy weeks of mom life, my brain has decided it simply cannot be bothered, and apparently that includes planning vacations, starting knitting projects, or even making a giant crochet sticky hand pillow.
We're diving into the reality of the mental load, decision fatigue, creative slumps, and finding whimsy when you have absolutely zero tabs left open. Plus, I'll share one of those classic, messy motherhood stories in this week's Just Because Moment: my very ambitious attempt to create a magical backyard movie night... on the longest day of the year.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â â â [email protected]â â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories and just because randomness! â â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Welcome back to another episode of real mom life, where Iâm diving into the beautiful, chaotic, and hilarious motherhood stories that make up our everyday world. This week, Iâm exploring the razor-thin line between pure whimsy and total disaster, starting with a kid-free, "moms gone wild" weekend in Tennessee! From generous airport wine pours and droppinâ it low in country bars to a magical encounter with my first firefly, it was a much-needed dose of kid-free fun.
But because mom life always keeps us grounded, the magic was quickly balanced out three days later by a "redemption" family camping trip andâŠletâs just say things did not go according to plan.
Later in my Just Because Moment, I'm giving a quick update on my upcoming tap dance performance and reflecting on the unexpected friendships and support I've found through getting back into something I loved as a child. Who knew a little mom self care could lead to community?
Whether you are currently surviving the trenches of toddler bedtimes or looking for a little inspiration to dust off an old passion of your own, tune in for the belly laughs, the realness, and a gentle reminder to find joy in the mundane.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â â â [email protected]â â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more mom moments, stories and just because randomness! â â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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Real motherhood shows up messy, emotional, and awkward - and this episode is full of it. Iâm sharing real mom life stories from my week, including a volunteer luncheon social disaster, an Instagram personality type that explained my entire existence, and an unexpectedly emotional school pickup.
These are real mom life moments, awkward mom moments, and a reminder that motherhood is often equal parts chaos and comedy. If youâre here for community and a little bit of whimsy in motherhood - the small, surprising moments that make it all feel strangely beautiful - this oneâs for you.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â â â [email protected]â â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! â â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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This week on The Just Because Diaries, Iâm sharing all about our first ever kid-free trip to New York City! Including my catastrophic pre-trip anxiety, whimsy and magical Broadway moments, and why this weekend ended up meaning way more to me than I expected.
Weâre talking:
leaving the kids overnight for the first time
traveling without children (which honestly felt revolutionary)
New York pizza
Broadway shows
Drunk Shakespeare
Titanique
Stardust Diner
Tom Felton returning as Draco Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
stage door chaos
and the emotional experience of remembering that I still exist outside of motherhood too.
Plus, this weekâs Just Because Moment is inspired by Miles and his little blue thumb nails, and the reminder that sometimes the best things are the ones we do simply because they make us happy.
If youâve ever struggled with mom guilt, anxiety, identity outside of parenting, or just wanted a cozy chaotic NYC trip recap from another millennial mom trying her bestâŠthis episode is for you.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â â â [email protected]â â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
Episode Topics Include: Family travel, mom travel, real motherhood, motherhood stories, mom guilt, Tom Felton, mom life, whimsy in motherhood, Broadway, mom self care
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In this deeply personal episode, Iâve finally had my reckoning with weight, health and what it really means to take care of myself.
We talk about the stigma around GLP-1 Medications, the fear of being judged, and what it really means to ask for help with your health. Plus cycle breaking as a real mom and the importance of self care in motherhood.
From childhood experiences with being labeled âthe chubby girl,â to dieting at a young age, to navigating BMI standards, postpartum body changes, and therapy, this is the full, honest story.
Plus, in this weekâs Just Because Moment: a fun and whimsical spring recipe for lilac shortbread cookies inspired by @blackforager đž to bring a little whimsy in motherhood.
Links Mentioned This Episode:
Lilac Shortbread Cookies by Baking for Friends
Lilac Sugar by Baking for Friends
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â â â [email protected]â â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â â â
Episode topics include: GLP-1, tirzepatide, weight loss journey, body image, diet culture, postpartum weight, motherhood stories, real motherhood, whimsy in motherhood, mom life
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In todayâs episode, Iâm sharing a mix of funny, chaotic, and unexpectedly emotional motherhood momentsâfrom planning my toddlerâs second birthday party (hello Oh Twodles theme, balloon fails, and hot-diggity-dogs) to the surprisingly deep feelings that hit me when I realized Iâm nearing the end of the diaper bag phase.
Because somehow⊠itâs never really about the diaper bag.
Weâre also getting into:
Toddler birthday party planning (and what not to do with Amazon balloons đ)
The debate: should you serve alcohol at kidsâ birthday parties?
That weird moment when you realize your âlast babyâ isnât a baby anymore
Unexpected emotions around parenting milestones and transitions
The small, random things that hit way harder than the âbigâ moments
And in this weekâs Just Because Moment, Iâm officially stepping out of my kitchen and into a tap classâŠwith a performance in just 8 weeks đ Weâre talking about doing scary things, being the ânew person,â and how sometimes the thing you sign up for isnât the thing you end up getting.
Because sometimes you go for the hobby⊠and stay for the community.
If youâve ever felt emotional over something totally random (hi, diaper bags), questioned your parenting choices, or hovered over the âsign upâ button for something that scares youâthis oneâs for you.
Grab a cup of coffee (or something stronger) and letâs chat đ
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â â [email protected]â â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â â
Episode topics include: real mom stories, mom life, whimsy in motherhood, choosing joy, motherhood, joy in motherhood, motherhood identity
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In this heartfelt episode of The Just Because Diaries, Celeste shares her personal emergency C-section story in honor of C-Section Awareness Month, diving deep into the challenges of postpartum recovery and the parts about birth no one often prepares you for.
This real motherhood story touches on trauma, confusion, and the lasting impact on a mom's life, along with the healing journey that followed.
As part of C-section Awareness Month, this episode is dedicated to anyone who has faced a C-section - planned or unplanned - felt ill-prepared for birth or recovery, or is simply seeking connection through authentic mom life stories.
Plus, to balance the heaviness, Celeste shares a whimsical "Just Because Moment" involving yellow tap shoes, symbolizing finding whimsy in motherhood and reclaiming joy after hardship. Tune in for an honest, relatable episode that embraces both the raw realities and the lighthearted moments of mom life.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â [email protected]â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â
Episode topics include: real mom stories, mom life, whimsy in motherhood, choosing joy, motherhood, birth, birth trauma, c-section awareness
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If youâre anything like me, youâve probably romanticized your ancestry at some point - imagining distant relatives, old-world charm, and a story that somehow explains who you are.
In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, Iâm sharing the real-life story of how I followed my curiosity all the way to a tiny Sicilian village, convinced I had found my long-lost familyâŠonly to discover that the truth about my ancestry was different than I expected. From an unforgettable (and slightly chaotic) visit to a local butcher shop in Italy to uncovering surprising details about my great grandfather years later, this story is a reminder that family history isnât always what we imagine it to be.
Weâll also explore the idea of belonging - what it means, where we find it, and how sometimes the most meaningful connections come from the most unexpected places.
And later, a listener-submitted Just Because Moment featuring small, whimsical habits people use to bring a little more magic into their everyday lives - no international travel required.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment! Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â [email protected]â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â
Episode topics include: real motherhood stories, ancestry, Italian ancestry, whimsy in motherhood, whimsy, motherhood
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Is creativity just a hobby? Or is it how we cope with anxiety?
In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on the connection between creativity and stress, the rise of âgranny hobbies,â and why so many of us are craving something hands-on right now. As a creative mom navigating motherhood and anxiety, Iâve found that engaging in something creative - even imperfectly - can feel grounding and restorative.
Weâll talk about why creativity isnât just about being artistic, how it shows up in real motherhood, and why you are entitled to the work, not the result. And later, a little dose of whimsy as I attempt to revive some Victorian-era slang that sounds completely made up.
In this episode I mention S2E3 of The Telepathy Tapes! If you'd like to listen to the full episode, here's the link for you!
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment â Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â â [email protected]â â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â
Episode topics include: real mom moments, mom life, whimsy in motherhood, choosing joy, motherhood, creativity, anxiety, mom hobbies
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In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, explore real mothering moments filled with whimsy in motherhood and the power of choosing joy in daily mom life. Join Celeste as she shares creative, spontaneous projects and revisits passions to highlight how small choices shape the experience of motherhood.
Discover how unexpected synchronicities and new mental pathways transform ordinary days into moments of magic. We discuss why whimsy is not merely found but actively practiced in the real mom journey.
Plus, tune in for a Just Because Moment focused on protecting joy and why Celeste is embracing the DNF culture.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment â Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â â [email protected]â â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ
Episode topics include: real mom moments, mom life, whimsy in motherhood, choosing joy, motherhood
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This episode of The Just Because Diaries came together a little differently than usual. It starts with mom moments from a recent solo trip to California - a quiet weekend away that turned into an unexpected reset - and unfolds into some thoughts Iâve been carrying during a season thatâs felt especially heavy.
Lately, itâs been hard to hold space for both rage and whimsy, heartbreak and joy. In this episode, I talk honestly about that tension â about motherhood, the world our kids are growing up in, and the choice to let love, creativity, and small moments of joy exist alongside the outrage. This isnât a political podcast, but it is a human one. And sometimes being a mom means naming the hard things while still choosing softness, kindness, and whimsy where we can.
If youâve been feeling overwhelmed, numb, hopeful and hopeless all at once, this oneâs for you. No big lessons. No perfect wrap-up. Just a voice notes style conversation, a few stories, and a reminder that two things can be true at the same time.
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment â Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â [email protected]â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
Episode topics include: mom moments and solo travel, navigating heavy moments as a parent, finding joy as a mom, whimsy in motherhood and choosing joy.
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Feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? You're not alone! In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, join me as I share real mom moments of overwhelm and burnout â tackling motherhood's mental load one step at a time while rediscovering the whimsy in everyday life.
From chaotic toy rooms to finding joy in small wins, this episode is a reminder to all moms to pause, smile, and embrace the magic in the mundane. Discover how leaning into whimsy in motherhood can transform your mom moments into joyful experiences, even when life feels frozen.
Whether youâre juggling mom burnout or just craving a little lighthearted fun, this episode offers authentic stories and encouragement to choose joy. If this resonates, please share it with a fellow mom friend, and donât forget to reach out with your own Just Because Moments!
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment â Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at â [email protected]â .
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â â â
Episode topics include: motherhood mental load, mom burnout, finding joy as a mom, whimsy in motherhood, everyday mom life, slow living, finding whimsy, whimsy in motherhood and choosing joy.
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The week between Christmas and New Yearâs can feel strangely light, and in this episode of The Just Because Diaries, Iâm unpacking why. I talk about the seasonal mental load of the holidays, the relief that comes when it finally lifts, and the unexpected discovery of an Irish tradition that made that feeling make so much sense.
We talk about holiday stress, invisible labor, and the mental load of motherhood â and how normalized itâs become to carry all of it without even realizing it.
Then, in this weekâs Just Because Moment, Iâm leaning fully into whimsy: learning how to juggle, planning a butterfly cardigan, keeping twinkle lights up year-round, and dreaming about refurbishing a lava lamp â just because itâs fun.
If youâve ever felt weirdly lighter after the holidays, questioned why rest feels uncomfortable, or wanted to bring a little more joy and whimsy into everyday life, this episode is for you.
If this episode resonated, Iâd love if you shared it with someone who might also enjoy it! Reviews and shares help this little podcast find its people. Thank you for being here!
Want to keep the conversation going?
Write in with your thoughts, questions, or your own Just Because Moment â Iâd love to celebrate it and give you a shoutout in a future episode. You can email me anytime at [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun!: â â â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ â â
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In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, we're mixing real life mom moments with whimsy as I unpack my family trip to California and look ahead to the New Year while reflecting on a New Year's Eve of the past in a story Iâve been wanting to tell for a while: how one small, scary decision - booking a trip to Ireland - completely changed the trajectory of my life.
From studying abroad in Europe, to a spontaneous New Yearâs Eve in Dublin, to meeting my husband in a crowded pub, this episode is about trusting your gut, believing in a little bit of fate, and pushing the button - even when youâre terrified.
I also share why Iâm choosing whimsy over traditional New Yearâs resolutions in 2026, how protecting joy and hope can be a quiet form of rebellion, and what it looks like to add more magic, presence, and lightheartedness into everyday life â especially when the world feels heavy.
If youâre an over-thinker, someone standing at the edge of a big decision, or anyone craving a softer, more intentional start to the New Year, this episode is for you.
Be part of this budding community!
Write in with your thoughts or questions about an episode, or about anything and everything! Or share your own Just Because Moment! I'd love to celebrate your moment of joy and give you a shout out in a future episode! Shoot me an email any time to [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! â â â â @TheJustBecauesDiariesâ
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In todayâs cozy holiday episode, weâre sharing your favorite holiday traditions â from heartwarming rituals to the unhinged, chaotic ones that only happen in real families. Grab a blanket and a warm drink as we chat about the memories youâre creating, the ones you grew up with, and the traditions you want to bring into the season ahead.
Then weâre diving into your reactions to Claws & Crochet for the Just Because Book Club! Weâre talking character opinions, plot predictions for Book Two, standout moments, and everything you loved (or didnât).
Whether youâre here for holiday inspiration, a cozy winter vibe, or the book club community, this episode has a little bit of everything.
Be part of this budding community!
Write in with your thoughts or questions about an episode, or about anything and everything! Or share your own Just Because Moment! I'd love to celebrate your moment of joy and give you a shout out in a future episode! Shoot me an email any time to [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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What happens when a family vacation⊠doesnât really feel like a vacation? In todayâs episode, Iâm talking about the unique chaos of traveling âhomeâ â juggling family time, friends, kids, expectations⊠and the pressure to make it all perfect.
If youâve ever felt guilty for not seeing everyone while youâre in town â this is your episode. Weâre diving into people-pleasing, boundaries, and why visiting family can feel more like event planning than rest.
Plus, Iâm sharing a Just Because Moment all about Thanksgiving traditions â including one involving a turkey, a checklist, and a very angry fire alarm đ
Weâll talk about:
Family trips that donât feel like vacations The pressure to see everyone when youâre home People-pleasing and guilt while traveling Holiday traditions (and why the silly ones matter most)Whether youâre packing a suitcase this week or just trying to survive Thanksgiving â I hope this episode makes you feel seen.
Let me know: Do YOU feel pressure to visit everyone when you go home? How do you balance it? Email me at [email protected] â Iâd love to share your thoughts in a future episode!
Join the Just Because Book Club!
This month we're reading â â Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connollyâ â .
Our book club review episode will happen on December 10th! Read along and send in your thoughts, comments and opinions so we can chat about them! Join the conversation and shoot an email to [email protected] or fill out our â Google Formâ to be part of the fun!Be part of this budding community!
Write in with your thoughts or questions about an episode, or about anything and everything! Or share your own Just Because Moment! I'd love to celebrate your moment of joy and give you a shout out in a future episode! Shoot me an email any time to [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! â â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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'Tis the season to be festive! But who says holiday magic has to come with a hefty price tag? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, weâre decking the halls on a dime with three easy, budget-friendly DIY decor ideas â plus one simple way to score free festive finds during the holidays and all year long. Because joy shouldnât have a spending limit!
And in this weekâs Just Because Moment, weâre chatting about my latest sourdough saga⊠letâs just say itâs not exactly rising to the occasion.Join the Just Because Book Club!
This month we're reading â Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connollyâ .
Our book club review episode will happen on December 10th! Read along and send in your thoughts, comments and opinions so we can chat about them! Join the conversation and shoot an email to [email protected] or fill out our Google Form to be part of the fun!Be part of this budding community!
Write in with your thoughts or questions about an episode, or about anything and everything! Or share your own Just Because Moment! I'd love to celebrate your moment of joy and give you a shout out in a future episode! Shoot me an email any time to [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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Why does every hobby these days come with the pressure to turn it into a side hustle? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, weâre talking all about rediscovering creativity simply for the joy of it â no business plan required. From crochet projects to passion pursuits, weâre clawing back our me-time and leaving the hustle culture and mom guilt behind.
Plus! Weâre kicking off the very first Just Because Book Club (claws may or may not be involved đŸ) and answering your listener questions from last episode.
Join the Just Because Book Club!
This month we're reading Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connolly. Read along and send in your thoughts, comments and opinions so we can chat about them later this month! Shoot an email to [email protected]
Be part of this budding community!
Write in with your thoughts or questions about an episode or share your own Just Because Moment! I'd love to celebrate your moment of joy and give you a shout out in a future episode! Shoot me an email any time to [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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Ever wondered what really goes on behind those âpicture-perfectâ family photos? Spoiler alert: itâs not all smiles. In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, Iâm sharing the real-life chaos behind family photo sessions â plus practical tips to survive your next one without losing your cool (or your kids).
And in our Just Because Moment this week, weâre talking smutty romantasy audiobooks⊠and why listening to them might not be as magical as reading them đđ§
Be part of this budding community!
Write in with your thoughts or questions about an episode or share your own Just Because Moment! I'd love to celebrate your moment of joy and give you a shout out in a future episode! Shoot me an email any time to [email protected].
Follow along on Instagram for more Just Because fun! â @TheJustBecauesDiaries
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