The kids got back from Japan on Sunday night, and we’re still battling a little jet lag, but they had an incredible trip. Meanwhile, Todd and I spent the weekend outside, cleaning up the front and back yards, clearing out plants that didn’t survive the brutal winter and getting started on new landscaping. More on that in future editions.

Spring finally feels like it’s here in Dallas, and I am so ready for it. Easter decorations are starting to go up, the final quarter of the school year kicks off this week and summer will be here before we know it.

Now, let’s get into it.

A Personal Note

Remembering My Dad

This week marks three years since my dad passed away from a stroke at age 68. His dad -- my Granddaddy -- passed from similar cardiovascular issues at 71. That family history has been a huge motivator for me to finally take my health seriously. Next week will mark one year since I started weight management medication to right the ship, but I’ll save that update for next week.

I actually wasn’t particularly close with my dad—not for any negative reason, we just didn’t have that kind of relationship. My sister Monica, on the other hand, was incredibly close to him. I still deeply mourn the relationship that she lost.

Even though our physical resemblance was uncanny, our personalities couldn't have been more different. Todd once mistook old photos of my dad for faded pictures of me, and the kids thought I’d used an “old-timey” filter. If you need proof, that's a photo of us when I was little.

Travel Must-Haves

My Favorite Packing Essentials

With all the recent travel—and more coming up—I figured it’s time to share some favorite travel items that I swear by.

• The Quince suitcase I mentioned a few weeks ago? Mason took it to Japan, and it passed its first test with flying colors. Highly recommend.
• Silicone toiletry squirt bottles—TSA-approved and no leaks.
• A travel tote bag—because you always need one more bag.
• An eye mask that doesn’t put pressure on your eyes—essential for sleeping on planes.

​Those items and more are all linked here!​

I’m also one of those weirdos who completely unpacks my suitcase any time we’re staying more than one night in the same place. Clothes go in drawers, toiletries get set up on a washcloth and everything has a place. I hate rummaging through bags looking for things—I want them ready to go.

And despite how extra that sounds, I’m actually a major under-packer. If you’ve ever noticed me wearing the same thing in vacation photos, now you know why. I don’t like dragging my entire closet around the world—plus, I need space to buy new clothes (which always happens).

But make no mistake—I’m not an “I only pack a carry-on” person. I happily check my bags. Why would I drag my stuff around an airport when someone else can do it for me?

Keeping It Real

Why You Don't See Much of Mason

If you’ve been wondering why Claire gets more airtime than Mason, here’s the deal: Mason isn’t a fan of being included in this mess I collectively call Cooped Up. He’s accepted that sometimes he’ll make an appearance (because, well, he IS part of my life), but he has clear boundaries—no tags, no overexposure and I’m not even allowed to follow him on social media (Todd does, so we’re covered).

I try my best to respect it. Some people love sharing, and others don’t, and that’s okay. So, if you don’t see as much of Mason, just know he’s here, he’s thriving and he’s very much rolling his eyes at all of this.

Follow My Friends

@BrentAndHannah

I want to give some love to my super sweet, longtime friend Hannah Garcia, who just launched a new Instagram, TikTok and YouTube with her (very quiet) husband, Brent.

Hannah shares great places to eat, travel and explore, especially in the Dallas area, and she’s a total foodie—so you can trust her recommendations. Also, her voiceovers are actually pleasant to listen to. No vocal fry, no sing-song cadence—just normal, easygoing storytelling.

Her account is brand new, so let’s help her out!

Follow her here: @brentandhannah​

Lock It Down

Your Passwords Are Probably Trash

If your password is 123456 or your dog’s name followed by an exclamation point, congratulations, a hacker can brute-force it in seconds. That chart from 2024 shows just how fast weak passwords can be cracked (probably even faster in 2025)—and why you should be using a password manager.

I’ve used Dashlane for years to make sure every single login has a unique, complicated password. It also now manages passkeys, which I don’t fully understand but are apparently the future.

For reference, I typically use an 11-character password with numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters and symbols—which, according to this chart, would take 2 million years to crack. So, basically, I’m good.

Highly recommend. Check it out here.​

Tech & Tools

The Best Recipe Manager: Paprika 3

If you cook, you need Paprika 3. It’s the best recipe manager I’ve ever used—you can import recipes from any website, scale them up or down and generate grocery lists. I double most sauces, soups and chilis so I can freeze extra for lazy nights.

I have no idea why it’s called Paprika 3 (were there two before it?), but it’s a one-time $29 purchase and worth every penny. I’m also working on a way to share some of my favorite recipes from Paprika, so stay tuned!

​Learn more at paprikaapp.com.​

Snapped

A Rare Sight

Claire took this photo of Mount Fuji while in Japan last week. Apparently, Fuji is notoriously "shy"—often covered in clouds, making it difficult to see in full. But their group lucked out and got this incredible, clear view. Sometimes, the best moments in life are all about timing.

Words To Live By

Joan Rivers Edition

"Never be afraid to laugh at yourself. Who knows, you could be missing out on the joke of the century."

- Joan Rivers

That, and The Serenity Prayer, are my guiding mantras in life. Fortunately, I provide myself with plenty of material.

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That’s all for this week! Hit reply and let me know—are you an over-packer or an under-packer? Do you fully unpack when you arrive, or do you prefer to live like a raccoon digging through a back alley trash can every morning? No judgment. ;)

And if you missed last week’s edition, catch up here.

YOU ARE LOVED!