why we skipped the party and chose big sur: a soulful family tradition rooted in nature, art + slowing down

💫Just spent some needed downtime in Big Sur - one weekend nestled among the trees and reuniting with old friends in southern Big Sur, the other week along the riverbanks up north - all in celebration of my daughter’s 10th trip around the sun, right on the edge of summer solstice🌞🎂✨.

And my girl chose Big Sur over birthday parties (again).

No cake. No crowds. Just redwoods, river magic, and soul time.

Every year for the past three, she’s lovingly turned down big parties, even Disneyland… and instead, asked for the quiet magic of Big Sur.

And honestly, I get it.

She teaches me (again and again) that sometimes the most powerful celebrations are the quiet ones - with lazy days basking in the sun, grounding redwoods, and late-night wishes under the stars.

If you’re a mama who’s ever questioned whether you’re “doing enough”… this is your reminder:

💖 It’s okay to slow down.
💖 It’s okay to choose simplicity over spectacle.
💖 It’s okay to follow your own rhythm.

Not every milestone needs a Pinterest-perfect party (unless you want it to, because #goals 😉) Sometimes what our children - and we ourselves - need most is peace, presence, and permission to just be.

I even snuck in some dreamy art journaling to close out the chaos of the school year and gently greet the flow of summer.

(And if you’re a mama craving space to breathe, to reflect, to reconnect with you… stay close. I’m creating something just for you).

Tell me in the comments. what does a peaceful summer look like for you and your family?

xo-dez