The Just Because Diaries: Mom Life Stories & Finding Whimsy in Motherhood

Trying something new as an adult sounded like a great idea...until I found myself in what felt like a professional ballet class wondering what in the world I was doing there.  This week, I'm sharing the story of my very first adult ballet class, why being a beginner felt so much more vulnerable than I expected, and how it reminded me of a hilariously unexpected dance audition from my early twe...

This week, I'm experiencing a serious case of the morbs. 😅 After two very busy weeks of mom life, my brain has decided it simply cannot be bothered, and apparently that includes planning vacations, starting knitting projects, or even making a giant crochet sticky hand pillow. We're diving into the reality of the mental load, decision fatigue, creative slumps, and finding whimsy when you h...

Welcome back to another episode of real mom life, where I’m diving into the beautiful, chaotic, and hilarious motherhood stories that make up our everyday world. This week, I’m exploring the razor-thin line between pure whimsy and total disaster, starting with a kid-free, "moms gone wild" weekend in Tennessee! From generous airport wine pours and droppin’ it low in country bars to a magi...

Real motherhood shows up messy, emotional, and awkward - and this episode is full of it. I’m sharing real mom life stories from my week, including a volunteer luncheon social disaster, an Instagram personality type that explained my entire existence, and an unexpectedly emotional school pickup. These are real mom life moments, awkward mom moments, and a reminder that motherhood is often equal part...

This week on The Just Because Diaries , I’m sharing all about our first ever kid-free trip to New York City! Including my catastrophic pre-trip anxiety, whimsy and magical Broadway moments, and why this weekend ended up meaning way more to me than I expected. We’re talking: leaving the kids overnight for the first time traveling without children (which honestly felt revolutionary) New York pizza B...

In this deeply personal episode, I’ve finally had my reckoning with weight, health and what it really means to take care of myself. We talk about the stigma around GLP-1 Medications, the fear of being judged, and what it really means to ask for help with your health. Plus cycle breaking as a real mom and the importance of self care in motherhood. From childhood experiences with being labeled “the...

In today’s episode, I’m sharing a mix of funny, chaotic, and unexpectedly emotional motherhood moments—from planning my toddler’s second birthday party (hello Oh Twodles theme, balloon fails, and hot-diggity-dogs) to the surprisingly deep feelings that hit me when I realized I’m nearing the end of the diaper bag phase. Because somehow… it’s never really about the diaper bag. We’re also getting int...

In this heartfelt episode of The Just Because Diaries, Celeste shares her personal emergency C-section story in honor of C-Section Awareness Month, diving deep into the challenges of postpartum recovery and the parts about birth no one often prepares you for. This real motherhood story touches on trauma, confusion, and the lasting impact on a mom's life, along with the healing journey that fol...

If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably romanticized your ancestry at some point - imagining distant relatives, old-world charm, and a story that somehow explains who you are. In this episode of The Just Because Diaries , I’m sharing the real-life story of how I followed my curiosity all the way to a tiny Sicilian village, convinced I had found my long-lost family…only to discover that the tru...

Is creativity just a hobby? Or is it how we cope with anxiety? In this episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on the connection between creativity and stress, the rise of “granny hobbies,” and why so many of us are craving something hands-on right now. As a creative mom navigating motherhood and anxiety, I’ve found that engaging in something creative - even imperfectly - can feel grounding and resto...

In this episode of The Just Because Diaries , explore real mothering moments filled with whimsy in motherhood and the power of choosing joy in daily mom life. Join Celeste as she shares creative, spontaneous projects and revisits passions to highlight how small choices shape the experience of motherhood. Discover how unexpected synchronicities and new mental pathways transform ordinary days into m...

This episode of The Just Because Diaries came together a little differently than usual. It starts with mom moments from a recent solo trip to California - a quiet weekend away that turned into an unexpected reset - and unfolds into some thoughts I’ve been carrying during a season that’s felt especially heavy. Lately, it’s been hard to hold space for both rage and whimsy, heartbreak and joy. In thi...

Feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? You're not alone! In this episode of The Just Because Diaries, join me as I share real mom moments of overwhelm and burnout — tackling motherhood's mental load one step at a time while rediscovering the whimsy in everyday life. From chaotic toy rooms to finding joy in small wins, this episode is a reminder to all moms to pause, smile, an...

The week between Christmas and New Year’s can feel strangely light, and in this episode of The Just Because Diaries , I’m unpacking why. I talk about the seasonal mental load of the holidays, the relief that comes when it finally lifts, and the unexpected discovery of an Irish tradition that made that feeling make so much sense. We talk about holiday stress, invisible labor, and the mental load of...

In this episode of The Just Because Diaries , we're mixing real life mom moments with whimsy as I unpack my family trip to California and look ahead to the New Year while reflecting on a New Year's Eve of the past in a story I’ve been wanting to tell for a while: how one small, scary decision - booking a trip to Ireland - completely changed the trajectory of my life. From studying abroad i...

In today’s cozy holiday episode, we’re sharing your favorite holiday traditions — from heartwarming rituals to the unhinged, chaotic ones that only happen in real families. Grab a blanket and a warm drink as we chat about the memories you’re creating, the ones you grew up with, and the traditions you want to bring into the season ahead. Then we’re diving into your reactions to Claws & Crochet...

What happens when a family vacation… doesn’t really feel like a vacation? In today’s episode, I’m talking about the unique chaos of traveling “home” — juggling family time, friends, kids, expectations… and the pressure to make it all perfect. If you’ve ever felt guilty for not seeing everyone while you’re in town — this is your episode. We’re diving into people-pleasing, boundaries, and why visiti...

'Tis the season to be festive! But who says holiday magic has to come with a hefty price tag? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries , we’re decking the halls on a dime with three easy, budget-friendly DIY decor ideas — plus one simple way to score free festive finds during the holidays and all year long . Because joy shouldn’t have a spending limit! And in this week’s Just Because Moment...

Why does every hobby these days come with the pressure to turn it into a side hustle? In this episode of The Just Because Diaries , we’re talking all about rediscovering creativity simply for the joy of it — no business plan required. From crochet projects to passion pursuits, we’re clawing back our me-time and leaving the hustle culture and mom guilt behind. Plus! We’re kicking off the very first...

Ever wondered what really goes on behind those “picture-perfect” family photos? Spoiler alert: it’s not all smiles. In this episode of The Just Because Diaries , I’m sharing the real-life chaos behind family photo sessions — plus practical tips to survive your next one without losing your cool (or your kids). And in our Just Because Moment this week, we’re talking smutty romantasy audiobooks… and...

Welcome to the Just Because Diaries - where real life meets random chats and plenty of mom moments all while reclaiming joy in the (seemingly) mundane. Hosted by Celeste, a mama who’s just here to keep it real and make you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend. She’s a mom of two, but also a whole person, navigating the balance of motherhood while rediscovering the joy in doing things ju...