Personal Admin Is Crushing My Soul. So We’re Doing It Together Now.
Adulting shouldn’t feel like agreeing to 75 new responsibilities every time you open the mail. And yet, here we are. Somewhere between DMV passwords, tax prep, and endless life admin, the invisible work of running a home can feel completely overwhelming. In this post, I share why these tasks feel so heavy, the surprisingly brilliant idea of “Admin Nights,” and how simple, community-based systems like kid swaps can make adulthood feel lighter, more manageable, and a lot less lonely.
Sell yourself your dream home.
Imagine walking through your front door and feeling a quiet, steady relief — a home that supports your life, reflects who you are, and brings you comfort every day. Now imagine that same home also commands top dollar when it's time to sell. You don’t have to choose between living fully now and maximizing resale value later. With a few smart, intentional changes, you can create a space you love today and an investment that performs tomorrow.
Why prioritize living-first upgrades?
Better daily life: Thoughtful design improves routines, reduces stress, and makes your home work for you — cooking is easier, mornings are calmer, evenings more inviting.
Higher market appeal: Buyers pay premiums for well-maintained, thoughtfully updated homes that feel move-in ready. The right improvements deliver strong returns without overcapitalizing.
Faster sales and stronger offers: A polished, comfortable home attracts more qualified buyers and encourages competitive offers.
Where to focus for the best payoff
Neutral, durable finishes: Fresh paint in universally appealing tones, durable flooring that looks great and holds up over time, and clean, modern fixtures give rooms instant lift without betting on a trend.
Kitchen and bathrooms: You don’t need a full renovation to make an impact. Replace cabinet hardware, update lighting, refinish countertops, or swap out faucets and pulls for a contemporary, cohesive look.
Lighting and layout: Open, bright spaces feel larger and more welcoming. Improve natural light, add layered lighting, and create clear, flexible traffic flow that suits everyday living and staging alike.
Decluttered, purposeful storage: Built-ins, smart closet systems, and well-organized pantries make daily life easier and signal to buyers that the house is well cared for.
Curb appeal and outdoor living: First impressions matter. A tidy entryway, welcoming landscaping, and functional outdoor spaces extend your living area and raise perceived value.
Small luxury touches: Quality hardware, upgraded showerheads, heated towel racks, and thoughtful finishes elevate the feel of the home without a huge budget.
How to balance comfort and ROI
Start with function: Fix what’s broken, smooth out pain points, and make everyday tasks easier. Buyers notice practical improvements just as much as aesthetics.
Aim for timeless: Invest in classic choices that won’t need replacing for years. That keeps your home enjoyable now and appealing to the widest range of future buyers.
Stage for living: Design spaces for real use — a cozy reading nook, a functional home office, a welcoming dining area — so you actually use the improvements and prospective buyers can easily imagine themselves there
When Life Laughs at Your Plans… (Featuring Poison Oak, PMS-Level Emotions, and a Very Dramatic 7-Year-Old)
Some days, life looks nothing like the calendar I carefully planned.
Yesterday, a case of poison oak sent my seven-year-old into full “this is destroying my will to live” mode, and I followed with my own less-than-graceful moment when it collided with a day I had labeled non-negotiable.
What came next was not perfection or productivity as planned, but a reminder of why flexibility, partnership, and humor matter so much in both parenting and business. The day shifted, and in that shift came gratitude for a career that allows me to pivot, a family that figures it out together, and the reminder that doing it right is often messier than expected.
Where SLO Women Go for a Reset
Thanksgiving break was beautiful… and also A LOT.
After ten days of snacks, sibling negotiations, and exactly zero uninterrupted thoughts, the kids are finally back in school — which means it's our turn to breathe again.
If you're an ambitious SLO mom juggling work, family, and holiday chaos, this one’s for you. I’m sharing my favorite local spots to reset, recharge, and remember who we are outside of motherhood (plus an invitation to our next SLO Stroll).
Craving a little sanity?
Start here.
How to Raise Grateful Kids Without Giving Up Joy or Generosity
You want to give your children the world, but you don’t want to raise entitled, ungrateful humans. Where does that leave us?
💰 Saving for a Rainy Day (and Making That Savings Work)
Feeling the pinch at the grocery store? You're not alone. As the cost of living rises, having an emergency fund is more important than ever. In this post, I’m sharing two of my favorite ways to build (and grow) that safety net, including one that starts by making more money, not cutting back. Plus, I’ll link you to top-rated high-yield savings accounts to make your money work smarter, not harder.
To Get Top Dollar, You Need a Top Agent, Here’s Why:
Selling your home isn’t just about listing at the highest price, it’s about what you actually walk away with after closing. A top agent isn’t chasing a flashy number; they’re focused on maximizing your net proceeds while minimizing unnecessary costs and post-sale risks.
From strategic pricing and expert negotiation to cost-effective home prep and exceptional marketing, the right agent ensures your home attracts serious buyers and sells for top dollar with the least hassle. Plus, with strong communication skills and a respected reputation in the community, a top agent can navigate challenges smoothly and keep your transaction on track.
💡 Want to learn how to sell your home smart? Read the full blog post and discover the key ways a top agent protects your bottom line.
Spring Forward: Essential Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle with the Time Change
Spring Forward: Home Maintenance Checklist for the Time Change
With the arrival of spring and the shift in daylight saving time, it’s the perfect moment to tackle key home maintenance tasks. From replacing smoke detector batteries to deep-cleaning your dryer vent, these small but crucial updates keep your home safe and running efficiently. Use the time change as a built-in reminder to declutter, inspect your home’s exterior, and refresh your emergency kit. Ready to make the most of longer days?
Check out our full list of essential springtime tasks!
You have to pick the destination before you can have the directions!
Life is like a road trip—before you can map the route, you need to set the destination. In this blog, we dive into how goal-setting and vision planning (just like using your GPS) can help you stay on track, navigate detours, and actually reach your dreams. Whether you're mapping out your next big move in business, life, or personal growth, this post is packed with relatable insights, a little humor, and practical tips for staying focused—even when life throws unexpected roadblocks your way. Read now to start turning your vision into reality!
Navigating Healthcare Costs: Insider Tips from Dr. Jenny Bennett
Our Healthcare System Broken? A Doctor’s Take on Insurance, Access & Your Options, with Dr. Jenny Bennett
5 Powerful Tips to Take Action on in the New Year
As we step into a brand-new year, it’s the perfect time to take intentional steps toward protecting your assets, boosting your financial health, and setting yourself up for success. Whether you're a homeowner or a high-achiever looking to make smarter decisions, these five actionable tips will help you start the year strong.
2025 Ins & Outs: Living Intentionally While Juggling Life’s Priorities
As we step into 2025, I’m reflecting on what’s “in” and what’s “out” for me this year. Life isn’t about perfect balance—it’s a juggle, a constant recalibration of priorities. My goal is to live intentionally, embrace growth, and stay grounded in what matters most.
Prop 19 Impact on SLO County 2023
More base transfers coming in then going out… what does it mean?
When Clients Become Family: A Unique San Luis Obispo Real Estate Experience
In real estate, a common question among agents is, “Where did you get this client?” For this particular client, the story began about 20 years ago when I was waiting tables at a popular Mexican restaurant.