CEO Mama Newsletter: 15th Edition

Hi ,

There’s a reason the world is collectively obsessed with cozy hobbies right now. From the rise of sourdough starters to the sudden interest in book clubs, these simple, soothing rituals are having a moment — and for good reason. 

In a world that moves fast and demands so much from us, cozy hobbies slow us down. They invite us to linger, savor, and enjoy the moment instead of rushing through it.

And as a mom? It feels especially nourishing to find something that’s just for you — not for the kids, not for the family, not for work. Just yours.

Lately, I’ve been baking from my Half Baked Harvest cookbook. The chocolate cake recipe? To die for. 🤤There’s something about measuring ingredients, hearing the mixer, and smelling the chocolate as it bakes that grounds me in the best way.

I’ve also been prioritizing more girls' nights — sometimes it's crafting, sometimes it's a movie with wine and snacks. Simple, relaxing plans that leave me feeling tranquil and nourished.

And here’s what I’m learning: cozy hobbies aren’t about productivity or checking another box. They’re about romanticizing the small moments of motherhood — the ones we often rush through. 

It’s about softening into the rhythm of stirring batter, turning the pages of a novel, or sitting on the porch while your herbs grow in the sun. It’s about extracting the sweetness from ordinary moments and remembering that life doesn’t need to be big or busy to feel meaningful.

Why Moms Need Cozy Hobbies

Motherhood has a way of reshaping our sense of identity. Totally and completely. 

The things we once enjoyed might feel out of reach or simply irrelevant in the context of nap schedules, school pickups, and bedtime routines. 

But cozy hobbies aren’t about reclaiming who you were before kids, they’re about discovering who you are now — the version of you that finds immense satisfaction in pulling a perfectly crusty sourdough loaf from the oven or disappearing into a romance novel during nap time.

A cozy hobby doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, the best ones fit into your current life with ease, offering little pockets of joy amid the constant motion.

Let’s Talk Cozy Hobby Inspiration

🧁Baking: There’s something deeply calming about mixing ingredients and watching dough transform into something warm and delicious. Half Baked Harvest has been my go-to for cozy baking inspiration. (That chocolate cake? 12/10.)

📚Fantasy or Romance Reading: BookTok isn't lying — the fantasy genre is having a moment. If you haven't devoured Onyx Storm yet, you’re missing out. Escaping to another world for a few chapters can be the mental reset you didn’t know you needed.

🪡Cross-Stitch or Embroidery: A classic cozy hobby that allows you to slow down, focus, and create something beautiful with your hands.

🍞Sourdough Baking: The process of feeding a starter, kneading dough, and waiting for it to rise? It forces you to slow down. No instant gratification here (IYKYK😅).

🎨Crafting: Whether it's embroidery, knitting, or making bracelets, crafting is the perfect blend of nostalgia, slowness, and mindfulness.

🌿Gardening: Even if it's just tending to a few herbs on the kitchen windowsill, nurturing plants can feel grounding. 

💐Making Flower Bouquets: This can be as simple as arranging a few grocery store blooms or growing your own cutting garden, this simple practice can feel like an artful meditation. Trader Joes has such a beautiful selection. 

Pro Tip: Visit your local farmers' market for seasonal flowers and let your kids help pick the colors. It turns a solo hobby into a sweet family tradition. Literally the sweetest ritual.

🧩Puzzle Time: Jigsaw puzzles aren't just for grandparents. They’re a great way to engage your brain and solve a problem without the stress.

✨Candle Making: There's something calming about melting wax, choosing scents, and creating a little glow for your home. I love a good signature scent!

🖼️Handmade Cards or Scrapbooking: There’s something so special about creating personalized cards or documenting family memories with your own artistic touch.

Whatever brings you joy is perfect. It’s just for you. Find something that brings you peace, slows you down, and gives you that feeling of softness in your body. 

The Permission You Didn't Know You Needed

It might sound silly to need permission to start a hobby, but as moms, we often put ourselves last. We tell ourselves we’ll pick up that book or try that new recipe once everything else is done. Spoiler: everything else is never done.

So here it is: You have permission to sit down with that book. To bake that cake just because you feel like it. To start the embroidery kit that’s been gathering dust. You don’t need to monetize it. You don’t need to be good at it. You just need to enjoy it.

Research shows that engaging in hobbies lowers stress, boosts mood, and helps regulate the nervous system. One study found that adults who spend time on leisure activities report significantly lower stress and higher life satisfaction. Always here for that. 

So, if you've been telling yourself you don't have time to pick up a new hobby… you might actually be doing your well-being a favor by making space for it.

Let’s make a cozy coffee. Next time you make your morning coffee or tea, turn it into a micro-ritual.

Pause while it brews. Breathe deeply, inhaling the aroma.

Hold the cup with both hands, feeling the warmth seep into your palms.

Take a slow sip. Notice the taste, the texture, the temperature.

Whisper to yourself: This moment is mine. I deserve this pause.

The simple act of slowing down, even for a minute, sends a signal to your nervous system that you're safe, grounded, and present. 🤎

So, if you’ve been craving a little more ease and a little more nourishment – start small. 

One hobby. One nap time. One cozy moment to remind yourself that your identity doesn't end with "mom." It simply expands to include the parts of you that make life feel rich, warm, and sweet.