I’m a runner by nature. When I was a kid, I ran away from home and got lost in my backyard. I hid in the flowering mustard plants that covered the hill until I finally got hungry and ventured home. When I was 24 and my parents got divorced, I didn’t want to face the reality of a split family and all that would entail, so I rented an apartment
Read MoreN&G Gardening Challenge: Grow With Me!
This year has forced all of us to grow in ways we never imagined. So I figured, why not find a way to grow a little together? I’m partnering with my friend Natasha Nicholes to challenge all of you to commit to growing something—ANYTHING. It doesn’t matter if it blossoms, bears fruit or vegetables (or dies). Our only goal is to grow something together and learn from the experience. My
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8 Loungewear Brands I’ve Lived in During Quarantine
Whether we’re at home or out on the road, I am not taking off my comfy clothes anytime soon. There isn’t really a good reason to dress up right now, other than remembering what it’s like to wear heels, makeup, or even a pair of denim. Maybe I’m just speaking for myself, but I’ve definitely been living in loungewear on repeat. And even though part of me is excited to
Read More7.20 What’s On My Nightstand: Camping Edition
After three-and-a-half months of quarantining, I wanted to take advantage of the open road and try to find a new horizon for our family. While it seems like an odd time to consider a summer vacation, I find that I do my best thinking when I can get outdoors and into nature. I knew the change of scenery would do us (well, me) good. Traveling by road with three children
Read More11 Swimsuits I’m Obsessing Over This Summer
I’ve long considered the Fourth of July the official kickoff to beach season, but this isn’t a typical summer. Depending on where you live, there are no fireworks, no barbecues, no open beaches. But that’s all the more reason for a little retail therapy, in my opinion, so I rounded up 11 swimsuits I’m obsessing over this summer. Whether you’re a fan of one pieces, sporty suits, or bikinis, there
Read MoreWhat It’s Like to be a Doctor on the COVID Frontline
I’m eternally grateful to all the brave doctors, nurses, and frontline workers who are facing COVID-19 head-on every day. One of them is my husband’s cousin Jeremy Padalecki, who is an ER physician. He works in freestanding emergency rooms throughout Texas, including in Corpus Christi, Austin, Round Rock, and Bryan. Personally, watching Jeremy graduate from medical school and witnessing him become the doctor he is today, I can attest to
Read More6.20 What’s On My Nightstand
Y’all (as we say in Texas), this has been quite the month! COVID-19 doesn’t seem to be easing up—cases in Texas are on a very fast rise—and we are all taking a hard look at ourselves and the racial bias in this country. It’s a heavy time, but I hope in a few years we can look back on Summer 2020 and be proud that we forged ahead with a
Read MoreFather’s Day Gift Guide
After spending three-plus months in isolation, when every day has felt largely the same, we are taking every opportunity to celebrate. Father’s Day is this weekend (!), so I put together this Father’s Day gift guide because I’ve been looking for special ways to honor the men in my life, from my own husband to friends, uncles and grandpas. Since Jared hasn’t been filming, we’ve gotten to spend a ton of time
Read MoreTurning Words Into Action
I have always prided myself on being informed, but, after listening, researching and looking inward this past week, I’ve realized that I still have a lot to learn (and unlearn) about being a true ally. That’s uncomfortable to admit. The perfectionist in me never wants to do or say the wrong thing. But I’m realizing that the only way to move forward in a meaningful way is to be willing
Read MoreN&G Book Club: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires
*Update: Out of respect for the protests, our book club zoom event was postponed until July 20th at 4:30pm PT. Join the N&G Bookclub to get info on how to RSVP xo – Gen Hey Friends! I just wanted to follow up with everyone about the N&G Book club that we officially launched this month! Our first read: The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix. I couldn’t
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