2025 Recap: Things I Loved & Obsessed Over
2025 felt like the year we stopped chasing what looked good and started leaning into what actually worked for our family. Instead of chasing trends, I leaned hard into the things that consistently brought me joy or simply made everyday life feel a little more elevated. These are the things I loved, returned to, talked about nonstop, and will absolutely carry with me into 2026.
Travel I Couldn’t Get Enough Of
Exploring the historical streets of Taipei, Taiwan.
Will there ever be a year when traveling doesn’t make my list of favorite things? Who knows.
This year, we traveled far more independently than we ever had before. We did a bit of a mishmash family trip to Jeju so that London could attend a Girl Scout Camp and we could celebrate Millie’s birthday, and I did a solo trip to Taiwan so that London could attend another Overseas Girl Scout Camp (read about it here!).
This summer the girls and I went to Beijing with my in-laws, I walked the Korea Dulle Trail for the 2nd year in a row with KTO, Brandon and I had a quick, last minute trip to New Zealand, and we took the girls to back to Europe for our yearly Christmas cruise.
However, Taiwan ended up being one of my favorite trips of the year. I think it’s such an underrated destination, especially for those living in Asia. It’s easy enough as a weekend trip and also a great family destination—efficient, food-forward, and endlessly interesting. It’s one of those places I keep recommending again and again. You can read all of my Tawain blogs here!
Food Tours Became a Tradition
At the Kinross winery in New Zealand
One thing we really tried to incorporate into our travels this year was consistently booking a food tour and it quickly became one of my favorite ways to experience a destination.
I did food tours in Taiwan, one in Japan and one in New Zealand. We tried so hard to do one in Spain, but we went into that trip already exhausted and it never quite panned out. Still, the intention stuck and this is one travel habit I absolutely want to continue.
Packing Less
At the Great Wall of China with my girls!
Here’s one that might surprise you about me: this year I leaned into packing more minimally and rewearing pieces several times over a trip. Do you know how much easier it is to pack completely separate outfits for each day? Honestly, packing with rewearing in mind felt harder but I consistently managed to do it. It forced me to be more intentional with what I brought.
One thing you still won’t find me succeeding at, though, is packing carry-on only. It’s not a goal I’m setting, and it’s not something I care to try. For me, the balance lives somewhere between thoughtful packing and not making travel harder than it needs to be.
Bags I Could Fit My Life Into
From left to right: Chanel Matelasse Reversible Tote ; Gucci Large GG Tote bag ; Taiwan street vendor ; Moroccan tote bag
I live a very pedestrian life in South Korea so for the past few years I’ve really gravitated towards a crossbody bag that isn’t heavy and can hold a good bit of daily essentials (phone, coin case, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, reusable collapsible bag). On our Christmas 2024 vacation I bought a Gucci tote that I’d been drooling over for months and that spurred a tote frenzy for me. I even managed to incorporate large totes into my daily life and it’s safe to say that I see this trend carrying forward for now.
Goals That Grew Faster Than I Expected
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal of quadrupling my blog traffic…. Instead, over the course of the year, my blog traffic grew by 1,900% - yep, I did the math! Consistency really does compound over time, however, I also forced myself to share more of my blogs on local Facebook groups as well as linked all of them on Pinterest. That growth also came with more commissions coming in and that momentum has been incredibly encouraging and motivating.
If you want to read my top 3 blog posts from 2025 they were: Jeju Shinhwa World hotel review, Taiwan Day Tour, and Woosung Red Clay Charcoal Sauna which was actually from 2024. I love that my top three were all different from one another and that you’re all enjoying my content!
I also wrote consistently for the United on the ROK magazine and website. I am so thankful for that opportunity and for the support from the editors.
I wouldn’t be here without the people who read, shared, commented, booked tours through my links, and quietly supported me along the way. That support meant more than the numbers ever could!!
Things I’m Leaving in 2025
Solo hiking the Jeju Olle trail in Jeju, South Korea, in March.
Somewhere along the way this year I was reintroduced to sodas - Coca Cola in particular. I gave up drinking soda in college (errrr circa 2006) and I don’t know what got a hold of me this year, but you could regularly find soda in our fridge.
For 2026, I’m kicking that habit again and reaching for water instead.
What Else I’m Leaving in 2025
Saying yes out of obligation
Chasing trends I don’t actually care about
Guilt over slowing down
Economy plane seats
As we head into 2026, we’re also starting to saying goodbye to South Korea — goodbye to hot summers, gorgeous autumns, and five wonderful years here as we prepare for a summer PCS.
What We’re Saying Yes To in 2026
Mid-family bike ride in Tenerife.
2026 is going to be a busy, fast-paced year for our family, with a move (or two) in there somewhere. You know when you were in middle or high school and you had to write papers - you started with a rough draft and then went back to fill things in? That’s how I’m thinking about 2026. Imagine the calendar year as the paper, and I already have the rough draft written from January through October.
I know what’s ahead, which makes me want to be more intentional with what I add next. I’m focusing on choosing trips that matter instead of just taking a trip, prioritizing time with friends and family (especially my kids!), and making sure life doesn’t get lost in the stress of a very full year.
We’re moving forward with a little more intention, and a lot more presence.
Speaking of intentional trips… Millie wants to see penguins for her birthday so I’m manifesting penguins within an 8-hour flight from South Korea, preferably in late March, and on a budget that doesn’t ruin us - so if you can help, drop your thoughts in the comments!
