10 Lessons I'd Share With My 21-Year-Old Self
I'm reflecting on the past 365 and looking ahead in honor of my birthday! Plus, dive into 14 new stories full of recipe inspiration, health research findings and more.
Hi all!
Does this Monday feel a bit brighter than most? I put in a special request to Mother Nature and she delivered a stunning one, just in time for the start of my 36th trip around the sun.
Once you summit 21, or maybe 25, birthdays hit a bit different. But I always adore taking this day to reflect on what I’ve learned, how I’ve grown and what I’d like to bring with me into the new year—and leave behind in the last. Each year seems to get better than the past as well, so I have zero complaints about the milestone!
From Croatia to Colombia and St. Louis to Scottsdale; through concussions and conquering bucket list writing goals, 35 has been quite the wild ride.


When I turned 21, which is hard to fathom was a full 15 years ago, I opted to “celebrate” at Olive Garden. Hiding behind an oversized sweatshirt, I caught up with my sister over a "light" meal and one glass of wine at Olive Garden. Life then was beyond rigid, light on joy—and true celebrations.
By 31, thanks to (and I mean this!) getting hit by a car, landing, then quitting, my dream job, moving to my real hometown, finding my real community and finding more of my real self, I jotted down 6 pieces of wisdom I wish I could share with 21-year-old me:
You don't need to hide your true self to try to win people over.
Jump at any chance to travel. It's the best way to spend money.
Don't feel guilty taking time for you.
Look both ways before you cross the street.
Your brain can accomplish so many more important things than constantly tabulating calorie intake.
When it's a birthday, wedding or big celebration, eat the cake. Lick the plate.
I think those age quite well, and I cosign on the sentiments today. Reflecting back on where I was at 31, I’ve had another seismic shift. Just 7 months after I shared those nuggets, I embarked on my full-time freelance career. This changed the way I view so many things: emotions, determination, connection, creativity, values, boundaries, confidence, LIFE.
I still make plenty of mistakes and am very much figuring out so many things as I go along (aren’t we all?!). But over the past 5 years, I’ve learned countless things. I’ve cried a little, laughed a lot and evolved in ways I’m so proud of.
At 36, here’s what I would like to add to that initial list to my 21-year-old self:
You are worthy. This is true regardless of the work that you do or the income you make.
Feel your emotions. All of them; not just the positive ones.
You have all of the tools you need to make your biggest, most audacious dreams a reality.
Keep following that True North.


This year, I conquered a few more 40 before 40 bucket list items:
Try a CSA.
Bike in two countries in one day.
Take a Latin dance lesson.
Get published in TIME, The New York Times or Food & Wine.
I can’t wait to see what we discover, ditch, and delight in during the gift that is the 365 ahead!
What to Read…
In this week’s wide array of newly-published stories, you can learn creative ways to level-up your next cinnamon roll breakfast and pasta dinner, discover even more reasons to feast like you’re in the Mediterranean and score some heartwarming celebrity scoop. Speaking of celebs, I was lucky enough to interview Jesse Tyler Ferguson this week, so watch for an exclusive story coming soon for EatingWell!
Allrecipes: These Beloved Store-Bought Rolls Are the Secret to the Best Shortcut Cinnamon Buns
Southern Living: The Fascinating Connection Shared By Smithfield, Virginia, And Champagne, France
dsm Magazine: 5 Options For Culinary Classes This Summer
Bicycling: What Is Pineapple Tea and Is It a Healthy Drink Option? 🔒
Veranda: Sofia Richie’s Wedding Registry Is Full of Stunning Home Decor
HUM Nutrition: Got Nipple Hair? Here's What You Need to Know
Country Living: Fans Bombard Tom Brady After Seeing His Mother’s Day Tribute to Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen
Country Living: 'Voice' Fans Bombard Reba McEntire’s Boyfriend Rex Linn After Seeing His Latest Post
Country Living: Fans Praise Trisha Yearwood for "Keeping It Real" With Before-and-After Makeup Video
EatingWell: I Tried Rachael Ray's Dirty Martini Shrimp Pasta—Here's What I Thought
EatingWell: 5 of the Best Frozen Fruits to Eat Every Week, According to Dietitians
EatingWell: The 3 Best Diets for Women Over 50, According to Doctors and Dietitians
EatingWell: The Mediterranean Diet May Be as Beneficial as Walking 4,000 More Steps Per Day, a New Study Suggests
EatingWell: The Best Bread For Gut Health, According to a Gastroenterologist


What’s Inspiring Me…
I’ll be taking next week off for Memorial Day, then will be in Italy(!) in early June. What a way to start my new year! Follow along with my adventures in the meantime on Instagram, and I’ll see you back here June 19.