A little late, but right on time. Turning 33 felt like the perfect moment to reflect on what I want more of, what I’m ready to let go of, and how I’m approaching this next year with intention.

Curious what I read this year? Check out my 2025 Year in Books!
From twisty thrillers to cozy romances, I read 26 books in 2025 and shared honest reviews for each one—including my top 5-star picks and favorite book of the year. If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see what made my list, click here for the full roundup!

Thinking about cruising with little ones? We tested Disney’s newest ship, the Disney Destiny, over Thanksgiving and found it perfect for toddlers. From spacious staterooms to splash pads, themed dining, and even a Thanksgiving feast at sea, here’s everything you need to know before you book.

Planning a birthday party doesn’t have to be stressful! In this post, I share how I hosted an easy, budget-friendly 4th birthday that was still unforgettable—complete with simple tips for location, décor, and snacks. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to make your child’s day magical, this is for you!

Aspen’s off-season gave us the perfect excuse to slow down and savor every bite. This post dives into our favorite meals from the trip—where we ate, what we loved, and why Aspen’s quiet November charm made the dining experience even better.

I’m sharing 10 everyday joys that are making this season of life feel extra special—from my nightly green juice ritual to my obsession with Libby and Nuuly. If you’ve ever wanted to romanticize your routine or find inspiration in the ordinary, this list is for you.

What would you say if you could sit down for coffee with your younger self? I tried — and it turned into something that means a lot to me. Inspired by the viral “I took my younger self to coffee” trend, this post is a love letter to the girl I used to be.

Practical, real-life tips as a toddler mom on how to simplify daily routines, reduce stress, and stay organized—from meal planning to shared calendars and packing lists. These six strategies make life with little ones a little easier.

A recap of a family beach weekend at Cinnamon Shore in Port Aransas, Texas, with two toddlers in tow. From beachside breakfasts and poolside afternoons to golf cart adventures and nightly ice cream, it offers a full review of the experience—including tips, pros, and cons—for families considering a similar getaway. A perfect read for parents planning a relaxed, memory-filled trip close to home.

I’m a working mom of two toddlers, and let me tell you—parenting has pushed me to every limit. But somewhere between sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, things started to shift. This post is my honest reflection on how life really does get easier, even if it’s never exactly easy.

Can you believe summer’s already in full swing? This year, we’ve got two busy toddlers to keep cool, entertained, and making some of those magical summer memories with. I’ve rounded up a few local spots and activities that have been a hit with our littles. If you’re an Austin local or planning a visit soon, maybe some of these will come in handy!

I love my morning routine. It’s never perfect, but having a solid routine helps set me up for success and makes the day ahead feel more manageable. With that in mind, I wanted to share my top five tips for a successful morning routine to hopefully inspire you to get a better start to your mornings and boost your productivity throughout the day.

I am someone who lives and dies by my personal planner. . I joke often about how devastated I would be if I ever lost it. At this point, I’ve really nailed down a system that works for me, and I thought it’d be fun to share the details. Whether you’re looking for some tips to get your life organized, want to take your planner game to the next level, or just love hearing how other people stay on top of things (like I do), I hope you’ll find this helpful!  

I've finally reached the home stretch of recounting our action-packed, exhilarating week in Orlando, Florida. So, hold on tight as I dive into the final bits of our trip: the character breakfast, a night away for just the parents, and some of the must-haves we packed.

It's been a few weeks since we got back from Orlando, and I can't stop thinking about what an incredible trip it was. Sure, it was a bit of a whirlwind and definitely tiring, but the memories we made are absolutely priceless. I’m really looking forward to sharing our experiences from Hollywood Studios, our chill pool days, and some insider tips on how to make the most of the Lightning Lane in the Disney parks.  

We are only a few weeks away from Easter which was always one of my favorite holidays. I'm excited to share my personal traditions and tips for creating memorable holiday experiences for my kiddos, from thoughtfully curated Easter baskets to a family-friendly Easter brunch. Discover my son's favorite healthier Chocolate Chip Muffin recipe—a simple and delightful treat that's perfect for Easter morning.

Last week, my family and I had the most amazing spring break trip to Disney World in Orlando! Personally, I believe that experiencing the Disney magic at this age, especially for my 3-year-old, was absolutely perfect. Although our week away felt more like a "trip" than a "vacation," I'm certain that the memories we made will last a lifetime. I'm really excited to share our complete itinerary and some travel tips with all of you who are planning or considering a Disney vacation.

And here we are, one year later. McKenzieMonday Blog has published 37 unique posts - something I'm incredibly proud of. I've covered a wide range of topics, from navigating life with a toddler and a newborn, sharing my breastfeeding journey, and discussing the challenges of returning to work after maternity leave. I've also delved into planning birthday parties and weekend getaways, creating gift guides, and sharing my goal setting practice. I’m so excited to see the next year and phase of this passion project. Happy 1st Birthday to the McKenzie Monday Blog!

I recently got back from my first ever cruise experience. I had so much fun & plenty of opportunity to relax- exactly what I needed. The best part? I went on the cruise as a bachelorette trip to celebrate one of my oldest friends. Although I was just along for the ride and not the planner of this trip, I wanted to share my experience and things I loved if you need any insight for an upcoming cruise, girls' trip, or bachelorette.  

Only one year ago, we didn’t know our sweet Kelly Rae. We didn’t even know she would be a girl! Oh, what a year it has been.  The one-year birthday was not only a big milestone in Kelly Rae’s life, but also in our breastfeeding journey together. I’m so proud of my girl and me for making it one full year exclusively breastfeeding.