Carried graciously...

How do you design a life that you don’t want to escape from? How can this life evolve, as you change? How can you design a life that continues to fill you up, day in and day out, week after week & even beyond? Yes, one can create an exceptional vision board, take classes for self-exploration & self-growth, buy shiny new things that make us happy in the moment, attend the sought after events & even travel the world, while exploring what lies within; but then what’s next when we find ourselves craving more? Is it enough to simply manifest our desires or do we embrace the process of failing forward & learning from our missteps along the way?

Through my own continuous journey, I've come to realize that crafting this life is cultivated through the everyday moments—the small, seemingly mundane experiences that spark joy - as I like to call them the “in betweens”, like waking up on a Sunday morning to a glass of fresh squeezed OJ made by my husband (in his favorite juicer), trying a new recipe for dinner to prepare for my family (& getting a thumbs up), an al fresco family meal in the backyard on a beautiful spring evening, the very first sip of my favorite South African white wine, Odelia Bukettraube, by Seven Sisters, seeing my new spring Mandevilla flowers bloom as they start to show off to one another, finding a captivating new book, where I can fully immerse myself for a few hours or even my own personal rituals of organizing my space, as the degree of cleanliness in my space is a direction correlation to the clarity of my mind. It’s funny, I had an interesting conversation with my husband about clutter, as it drives me crazy; him on the other hand, not so much - but I guess we’re all programmed differently in that way. And that’s just the thing, we all do things that bring joy or evoke happiness, in our own ways. 

Through all of this, I do believe creating this bespoke life, is like a quilt of people, places & experiences that encompasses who we are. Beyond our individual pursuits, it's leaning into our circle of trust & exercising the friendship muscle that sustains us through life's ups and downs. Whether through seeking guidance from loved ones or offering support in return, our relationships serve as our pillars of strength, grounding us along the way. 

Yet, in the midst of the ‘hellos and goodbyes’ of people, places & experiences, we come to understand that manifestation alone is not enough to bring the dreams that have danced in our minds to fruition; we must actively work towards our goals & simultaneously embrace the challenges and setbacks along the way. 

For me, I must say, it’s been tried & true, that through these moments of struggle I have discovered my resilience, my capacity to adapt and to grow in the face of adversity; all while being carried ever so graciously into the life that I only dreamt about & designed for myself - for that, I’m truly grateful. Life is abundant.

With gratitude,

Jodi

A glass of Seven Sisters Odelia Bukettraube.

My beautiful Mandevilla flowers in bloom!

What about your friends?

"Last night the DJ saved my life" has been stuck in my head and brought me back to my post college days, when my girlfriends and I would club hop all throughout NYC’s Lower East Side. It's so funny how songs have this insane ability to trigger a myriad of thoughts, emotions and memories—both good and bad. Now, as a woman in her forties, the art of loving, living and learning is ever-changing and that includes friendships too. 

Recently, I’ve found myself in a state of growth & becoming comfortable leaning into the unknown (case in point, this blog!). But also reflecting on my personal journey, from college to high school and even further back; I've come to understand my own "friendship style," and how that has shaped me and the tribe that surrounds me.

It’s funny, listening to my boys talk about their “friend groups” at school, I'm reminded that as mere humans, we all crave connectivity through familiarity. But as life unfolds, things change, people also change and we often find ourselves adapting to the newness that surrounds us.

Navigating friendships in this decade has been an intriguing process. Whether it's been through shared interests, social organizations, work, children's schools or even chance encounters; meeting other women and making friends is an interesting experience. Gone are the days when making friends seemed as simple as hitting the "easy button." Also, add to that sometimes life's challenges & complexities like raising children, aging parents and even divorce in some cases; we're constantly flexing our friendship muscles. Dr Sharon Malone just wrote a wonderful new book called ‘Grown Woman Talk’ focusing on the health & wellness of women over forty and all that they go through; however, I just can’t help but think how “all that we go through” can effect our friendships, new & old alike; as some women lean into their friendships when they’re going through adversities & others retreat. Many years ago, I remember when my father had his stroke, I couldn’t pick up the phone to let my friends know to ask for prayers or even support; during that time, I felt the need to shut out all distractions & focus on the path in front of me; right or wrong that’s what I did. Yet, over the years, I've learned that the true friendships I’ve built are are invaluable. As the old Jamaican proverb goes, "good friends are better than pocket money."

This year, I've made a conscious decision to prioritize my friendships, re-recognizing the importance of nurturing these bonds. Whether it's over coffee or lunch dates, soon to be pickle ball sessions, or simply catching up over the phone; I like to think I’ve been intentional about rekindling old friendships (if I need to) and fostering new ones. I truly treasure my girlfriends & I want them to know that. 

I dropped my eldest at a sleepover on Friday night & the hostess mom, whom I recently met, had cocktails & a cheese grazing board set up for the moms to chit chat for a bit, it was a wonderful reminder of how these brief moments of connectivity can fill us up. Whether it’s through sharing stories about our children, husbands, recommending new doctors, skin care products etc, we each simply revel in the company of others. 

So let’s toast to friendships with some badass women who are all still figuring it out, with “style & grace”!!

Oh, and with a new pickle ball racquet too!! Cheers!

With gratitude,

Jodi

My day ones: my beautiful bride-maids from my wedding almost 14 years ago (left to right: Simone, my cousin Tara & Kerry).

My best friend, Simone, and I in Barbados back in 2007 on a business trip for a company we started - more about that in a later post.

“Women do it better! ”

— Me

A Master-ful Week!

This past week has been nothing short of ‘masterful’, from our first beautiful Eid Mubarak dinner with new friends, to prepping & pairing for what’s in store for our rising 7th grade son’s academic year; all this while the Masters was playing in the background. It’s been full of excitement & reflection. 

While I have never attended the Masters, as I do think the ticket would be wasted on me to watch golf only, I respect the grandeur and allure that it holds and all that it represents to the world of golf and golf enthusiasts alike; from the stunning beauty of the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom and the immaculately manicured greens, to the perfectly pink ‘azalea’ cocktails gripped in many hands to the backdrop of the bespoke fashion outfits - I’m sure it’s all a sight to take in. My husband and our two boys all play and they truly love the sport; I think it’s something about being your own best & worst competition that they enjoy. Luckily, for my husband he’s attended the Masters a few times & always raves about the experience (now that I think about it, never sending photos - but I guess you just had to be there as I hear phones are a no-no); everything from the luxe hospitality, to the fellowship surrounding the sport & of course, the merch.

One of this years top players, Bryan DeChambeau, who seemingly has made his own way on to the leaderboard. On Friday’s session, he literally took matters into his own hands, by hoisting up one of the Augusta National’s towering signposts, which was blocking his line of sight to the green on the 13th hole. This act eventually cleared his pathway for a successful birdie and tied with Scheffler and Homa after the 2nd round. But no worries, the sign was safely returned after. 

Apparently, Rule 15.2 of the USGA’s Rules of Golf states that golfers are free to “remove a movable obstruction anywhere on or off the course and may do so in any way,” so long as it is done with “reasonable effort” and without damaging the obstruction or the course.

Hmmm, I wonder, could Rule 15.2 be applicable to other roadblocks in life? Perhaps. Well, I certainly cheer his innovation & creativity to get the job done. DeChambeau’s moniker is the “Scientist”, as his willingness to test his boundaries and new technology in the game is uncanny. As I reflect on DeChambeau's actions, I'm inspired by his willingness to forge his own path, even in the face of perceived skepticism & a few raised eyebrows. The grounds of Augusta National may be steeped in tradition and prestige, but DeChambeau's bold move reminds us that innovation knows no bounds. I think I could learn a thing or two from him. 

In life, as in golf, we encounter obstacles that block our path. Whether it's a towering signpost at Augusta National or a personal challenge, finding creative solutions and being willing to take risks can lead to truly remarkable outcomes. So here's to embracing our inner “Scientist”, lifting our own signposts and forging ahead with courage and creativity. After all, as DeChambeau has shown us, sometimes the most audacious moves yield the greatest rewards. Whether he walks away with the coveted green jacket & the prized $3.6 million jackpot or not, top marks to him for making his own way - at the Masters no less.

Now think, have you forged your own path recently?

With gratitude,

Jodi

---

Azalea Cocktail Recipe

• 2 ounces Vodka - can sub with Gin

• 2 ounces Pineapple Juice

• 1 ounce Lemon Juice

• 1/2 ounce Grenadine

• Lemon Slice - to garnish

• Maraschino Cherry - to garnish

• Mint Sprig - to garnish

Combine vodka, pineapple juice, lemon juice and grenadine together and stir well. Serve over ice and garnish (optional) with lemon slices, maraschino cherries, and a sprig of fresh mint.

Azalea Cocktail!

When once a year, the Masters is life! (one of our neighbors lawn).

Just me, being me!

I love to think about the simple things that set me apart from others & how my uniqueness contributes to my individuality. From my preferences to my little quirky habits, every aspect of me adds color to my personal canvas. Today, I invite you to take a closer look at what my quirkiness looks like.

Color Choices

I've never been one to pick a favorite color. Instead, my home decor leans towards neutral, to provide a serene & calming backdrop to the chaos of daily life. However, sometimes I think my wardrobe suffers from multiple personalities disorder, as it’s a mix of black clothing - many LBD’s, black trousers & perfect black tees; I guess working in the fashion district in NYC for many years did that to me. Also, it’s flooded with white tops, as I cherish the timelessness of a good crisp white shirt with subtle design details. As the mom of two boys, I find myself wearing quite a bit of blue & white stripe combos, not purposely, it just happened that way; think Nantucket or Cape Cod blue! And lastly there's pink – the color that never fails to spark joy for me, like my beautiful Phalaenopsis orchid or my ‘once a year’ (cue to my dear husband 😆) Mother’s Day pink peonies!

Culinary Adventures

I remember growing up, for any special family dinner it was off to Kiku, a hibachi restaurant in NJ, that we went to; my father absolutely loved for all of us to celebrate there for special occasions. Childhood memories stuck with me, as I still really love Asian cuisine; it holds a special place in my heart. The blend of flavors, alongside the aromatic spices and the vibrant colors make my eyes dance with excitement. No wonder I pick up the orange chicken each visit to TJ’s. And speaking of favorites, thinking back, one of the best Chinese food dinners I’ve had was, believe it or not, in Kingston, Jamaica at Dragon Court - superb! I’ve also said to my husband, an Asian cooking class is definitely on my bucket list for this year, so please hold me accountable.

Overcoming Fears

Ah, the highway & the open road - an American symbol of freedom and adventure! Yet, when I first got my driver's license, the thought of driving on the highway filled me with nothing but fear & anxiety. I remember buying my first car at the age of 25, it was a silver Mini Cooper with a black top. I ordered it custom at the car dealership & it took eight loooong weeks until it was ready. When I finally got the call, my mom took me to pick it up & I couldn’t have been more excited. Normally, while driving my parents car to the mall and running my many errands, I always took the back roads instead of the highway, but when my mom and I were on our way back from picking up my brand new shiny car, I was behind the wheel following her, she “accidentally” took me on the highway (RT 17, to be exact): at that very moment it was ‘merge or die’, so I merged on & started driving with the flow of traffic! After that near death defying experience, I conquered my fear. And with much time, practice & moving to the ATL, I’m still rolling on the highway!

Melodic Accents

There's something undeniably charming about a proper British accent. I remember while growing up in Barbados and attending St Winifred’s School, I had lots of expat friends and their parents had strong British accents. Also, whenever we’d go to Jamaica for summer or Christmas holidays, we’d link up with our British cousins and I’d love to hear them speak, asking them to repeat words over & over again 😆. Not sure if it’s the cadence, the word pronunciation, or the eloquence, but it's like music to my ears. To this day, I also love to watch British movies on Netflix, probably for this very reason. Shout out to The Summerhouse Estates & Top Boy! My favorite!

Attention to Detail

I've always been someone who is quite particular about certain things, driven by a desire for precision and perfection. Whether it's arranging flowers in a vase, setting the table-scape for entertaining guests in our home or organizing my personal closet & workspace, every detail matters to me. I remember while working at Donna Karan, I’d clear my entire desk every day before going home & wipe it down; my coworkers would ask me why do I continue do this? I really think because it was a hyper focused environment, it helped me to declutter my mind & create a clean canvas for the next work day. The same goes for my bed in the mornings, it has to be made right after I get up (teaching my boys this has been a tall task). I know I’m not perfect & don’t claim to be, but I do have a deep appreciation for the beauty that lies in order & organization.

Productive Peaks

While some thrive in the wee early hours of the morning at 4am-5am, (I really need to read that book The 5am Club) or burn the midnight oil, I find my most productive time of day falls between 9am and 12pm. That’s my sweet spot of time to have work meetings or run errands. For me, it’s the window of time where my mind is sharp, my creativity flows freely and my productivity level is up.

I guess all of my little quirks and eccentricities are what make me truly unique. Embracing them allows me to be who I am, with no apologies. So here's to simultaneously celebrating all of our similarities & what sets us apart from one another. Don't let your little quirks slow you down, or take you off the ‘highway of life’, use them to accentuate the positive & shine brightly! Have you ever stopped to think about what defines you?

With gratitude,

Jodi

My beautiful peonies, in full bloom!

A5 wagyu, mushrooms, & sturgeon caviar!

Life is beautiful, stay tuned!

Hi!

It's been nine years since my last blog entry, nine years filled with lots of twists & turns, growth, love, wisdom and unexpected adventures. As I dust off the virtual cobwebs and pull my thoughts together, I find myself flooded with a mix of anxiety, excitement & anticipation of what comes next. So much has changed since I tried this last time, but here I go.

Life has a funny way of leading us down winding paths we never could have predicted. In my case, those paths took me on a journey of self-discovery, growth and exploration. From navigating new career opportunities to embracing personal wins & challenges, each moment has shaped the person I am today.

But I must say, amidst both the chaos and the quiet, one thing has remained constant: my passion for storytelling through words & photos. And so, I find myself returning to this digital canvas, looking forward to sharing slices of my life with you.

As I embark on this new chapter of blogging, I invite you to join me once again to discover, inspire & reflect on everything that this life has to offer.

Here's to new beginnings and the stories yet to be told. Happy Easter! 🌸🐣

With gratitude,

Jodi

Spring Break-in’ in Hilton Head, SC (Beach hair, don’t care).

Just me!

Fall, in progress. 🍁🍂🎃

So I didn't want to do the usual orange pumpkin display that I always do, so I took to where else? Pinterest!! and got the idea to spray paint the pumpkins metallic gold. Each family member gets their own pumpkin, but I decide how to decorate. Well, my 3 year old DID NOT want a gold pumpkin so I obliged and just spray painted "the mommy & daddy". Next step is to put "The WATSONS" on the big pumpkin. Hopefully, that will happen this weekend. Enjoy the photo of the WIP. 

Until next entry. 

WIP pumpkins. 

An unexpected day at the High Museum

My sister-in-law, Rissy, was in town and had just helped me pull off the cutest birthday party for my one year old, Matthew, so an adult afternoon was definitely in order. We started off with the most unbelievable chilled lobster rolls from 'The Big Ketch' on Roswell Rd; I'd never been before, but heard the atmosphere was perfect for an afternoon seafood lunch (thanks to a friends FB post). Let me just say, the lobster rolls were absolutely delicious & more. That lemon aioli really does 'up the ante' on every bite and the celery gives it just enough crunch paired with that SO SO SOFT buttered brioche bun. I did say 'adult' afternoon right? So I started off with a lovely glass of prosecco (cheers to the end of summer). After lunch, it was off to the High Museum we went.

My last visit was in May, but had yet to experience the African-American exhibit; it's an absolute must see - just enough art not to overwhelm you, but still enough to keep you interested and wanting more.

As a mom of two little ones, I couldn't help but get excited for the Mo Willems exhibit (the author and illustrator known for his humorous children's books on pigeons); my kids really love "The Pigeon needs a Bath" (it's a surprise to me that the cover is still attached to the book, the way they tear it apart from each other). I must say, we had a wonderful day. Enjoy the photos.

Until next entry. Xx

Elephant mask. Cameroon. 

Chilled lobster roll, from "The Big Ketch"