Welcome to Paradise

officially flown the nest and I’ve suddenly found myself with a lot more free time, a lot fewer groceries to buy, and—strangely—no idea what to do at 6 p.m. when nobody is asking where their shoes are. After years of being “Mom” first and everything else second (or third… or wherever we put ourselves on the list), I’ve hit that interesting stage where the title is still mine, but it’s no longer the center of my daily schedule. Somehow, the laundry still gets done, the house is oddly quiet, and no one needs me to sign a permission slip. It’s a strange, beautiful, slightly disorienting kind of freedom. Aloha Mom is my way of exploring this new chapter, surrounded by the jungles of Hawai‘i—because if you’re going to rediscover yourself, you might as well do it with birds screeching in the background and a lizard watching you from the ceiling. Here, I’ll be sharing life in the island jungle, the kind of fashion that works when you’re sweating but still want to look like you meant to, and home inspiration that makes the house feel full even when the kids aren’t around. This space is part lifestyle, part therapy, part “I cannot believe nobody warned me about this stage,” and part “let’s make it beautiful anyway.” If you’re also an empty nester, almost an empty nester, or simply someone trying to figure out who you are after years of putting everyone else first, you’re in the right place. I’m figuring it out too, one jungle morning and one flowy dress at a time. And if you still actively wear the mom hat, you can still find inspiration on how to have little joys and experiences that are just for you. Raising children can seem like never-ending at times but once it does end you wonder "Where did the time go..." Welcome to Aloha Mom. Let’s see who we become next.