Choice, Curated - April 2025
April feels like the soft exhale I didn’t know I was holding. Atlanta is showing off with dogwoods and azaleas in full bloom, and my days are a little brighter, a little longer — if not a little busier too. Baby boy is official one and enjoyed both an amazing birthday party and a his first steak dinner at Rathbun’s (talk about an Atlanta baby).
Sometimes I feel like I’m back in a full work rhythm. Sometimes I still feel like I’m cosplaying as a working mom. However, amidst all the beautiful chaos, I'm still finding small ways to choose joy, style, and a life that feels curated, even in the margins.
Here’s what’s filling my cup this month — literally and figuratively.
Mommy Musts
Spring is for outdoor everything — and let me tell you, a one-year-old is a full-time outside consultant.
Favorites this month:
This collapsible outdoor playpen — essential for backyard hangs and park picnics.
Toddler sun hat that actually stays on (miracle-level parenting hack).
No-spill bubble machine — because what's spring without a little bubble magic?
We’re officially entering the season of sunscreen, dirty feet, and worn-out mamas — and honestly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The Style Edit
It’s Masters Season down South, which means two things:
Pastels everywhere.
An excuse to lean into my preppy era without apology (not that I’m ever too far removed).
What’s on rotation:
This tennis dress — even if I never make it past the clubhouse.
A crisp visor — because sun protection, but make it fashion.
Lightweight button-downs thrown over everything for that effortless, Southern-off-duty look.
P.S. If you’re heading to the Masters or just celebrating from your patio - grab a pimento cheese sandwich, and you’ll be doing it right.
Choice, Curated
This month I’m:
Reading: The House of Eve by Sadeqa Johnson. Gorgeous prose. Heartbreaking and hopeful in equal measure. A must-read if you love Black historical fiction with teeth.
Watching: Love is Blind Season 7 — against my better judgment. Atlanta’s own is showing out, and honestly, the drama feels like a warm-weather tradition at this point. It takes me - quite literally - two days to finish an episode these days but well worth the binge.
Craving: A long weekend in Charleston. (Might need to pack a bag and a weekender tote.)
Loving: These pastel glass tumblers for iced coffee moments that feel a little fancier than they should.
A Final Word
April reminds me that ease is a choice — not something you stumble into, but something you build, one little decision at a time. Whether it’s choosing the sun on your face, the slower route home, or the extra 15 minutes outside with your babies before bedtime, this month is asking me (and maybe asking you too) to soften and savor.
Here’s to curating a life that feels good — with slow mornings, easy laughter, and just enough Teams messages to keep the lights on.
With grace and good taste,
Jackie
PS: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you. Thanks for helping me keep this curated little corner of the internet alive!
