Welcome back to Chasing Brighter! Are you ready to bring more warmth, comfort, and joy into your everyday life? This week, hosts Kelly & Jessica are diving into hygge (pronounced hoo-gah), the Danish lifestyle trend that’s all about coziness, connection, and simple pleasures.

In this episode, we chat about: ✨ What hygge really means (spoiler: it’s not just candles and blankets!) ✨ How a cozy atmosphere can reduce stress and boost happiness ✨ Ways to create hygge-inspired moments (without spending a dime!) ✨ How to make your home feel warm, inviting, and clutter-free

💖 Plus, we share our personal hygge habits

🔗 Resources & Related Episodes:

• Our favorite decluttering episodes
• How to create a mindful self-care routine
• The power of slowing down

💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share how you are bringing hygge into your life?

• 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.

• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.

Kelly and Jessica discuss their experiences with college visits for their children. Jessica shares her recent trips to Boston and Philadelphia, highlighting her daughter's excitement about college. They delve into memories and contrasts between their high school and college friendships, noting how different factors influence their children's social experiences today. They discuss the impact of technology on social connections and the slower social maturity it might cause. The conversation also touches on travel challenges, staying healthy while traveling, and maintaining connections.

In this episode, Kelly and Jessica discuss various strategies for enhancing relationships. The episode covers valuable tips such as practicing active listening, maintaining emotional connection, sharing experiences, and effective conflict resolution techniques. The hosts also emphasize the importance of appreciation, gratitude, and regular check-ins with partners. They share personal anecdotes and suggest practical tools, apps, and activities to help listeners foster deeper, more meaningful connections with their partners. This episode is a guide to creating and sustaining strong, lasting bonds in various types of relationships.

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly dive into a heartfelt conversation about personal struggles and social issues. Jessica opens up about how the current political climate impacts her and sharing strategies for finding light amidst darkness. Kelly discusses finding balance in staying informed without getting overwhelmed and the importance of advocating for love, kindness, and joy. They share anecdotes about their children's school dramas and the importance of setting boundaries, with Jessica offering advice on handling difficult situations. The episode concludes with a discussion on the importance of creating joyful, functional spaces in their homes and a reminder to focus on the positive aspects of life while navigating midlife challenges.

💖 It’s time to put yourself first—without guilt! 💖

In this episode, Jessica & Kelly explore self-love, why it’s crucial, and how to nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Plus, we share personal stories on overcoming negative self-talk and prioritizing our own well-being.

✨ What You’ll Learn: ✅ Why self-love isn’t selfish—it’s NECESSARY! ✅ How movement, pampering, and creativity fuel self-worth ✅ The power of positive self-talk & daily affirmations ✅ Self-hugging (yes, it’s a thing!) and why it works ✅ How The Four Agreements & Self-Compassion changed our perspectives

🔥 Your Self-Love Challenge: Write down five things you love about yourself & repeat them daily (bonus: do it while hugging yourself!)

💬 Join the Conversation: Tag us on Instagram (@chasingbrighter) and share your self-love journey!

📢 More Resources:

• 💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter

• 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Looking for Ad-Free? Join our Thrive Tribe!

The conversation kicks off with Jessica and Kelly talking about school closures due to extreme cold and discussing the impact on families and children. They then touch on their respective travel experiences—Jessica's college visitation trips with her daughter and Kelly trying new things, like bouldering and cooking paella. The hosts emphasize the importance of stepping out of comfort zones, whether through travel, new hobbies, or indoor winter activities.

🎙️ Welcome Back to Chasing Brighter! 💖

Love is in the air, and we’re here to help you make this Valentine's Day truly special! Join hosts Kelly and Jessica as they dive into thoughtful and unique gift ideas to celebrate all the amazing people in your life—whether it's your significant other, your best friends, or even your kids’ classrooms! 🎁💌

✨ What’s in This Episode:

• The power of giving: Why it’s the thought that counts over price tags.

• Galentine’s Day celebrations—because your friendships deserve love too! 🥂

• Jewelry with meaning—our favorite brands: MantraBand & Bryan Anthonys. 💎

• DIY gift ideas—charm bracelets, craft nights, and personalized keepsakes. 🎨

• Perfect partner gifts—from silicone rings to custom playlists and adventure challenges! 💖

• Gourmet chocolate indulgence—why Vosges Chocolate is a must-try. 🍫

• Stress-free Valentine’s treats for kids’ classrooms—simple & fun ideas! 🎉

💡 Our biggest takeaway: Valentine's Day is about making people feel loved and appreciated, not about grand gestures. A heartfelt note, a thoughtful experience, or a simple token of affection can mean the world.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode! If you loved today’s discussion, share it with a friend & follow us on Instagram @ChasingBrighter for more inspiration! 💕

📢 Mentioned Resources:

• 💖V-Day Gift Guide - Chasing Brighter

• 🌐 Visit us at ChasingBrighter.com for more tips and resources.
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Looking for Ad-Free? Join our Thrive Tribe!

This episode centers around discussions of practical challenges and personal reflections. The hosts, Jessica and Kelly, converse about setting up a new office, dealing with tech hassles, and navigating internet connectivity issues through personal anecdotes. They also delve into the divide between volunteer and "Venmo" parents at schools, advocating for a non-judgmental, understanding approach among mothers. The script closes with an emphasis on kindness, self-compassion, and encouraging listeners to lead with empathy in their interactions.