Do you really need a save-the-date for a high school graduation… or is that too much?

In this candid and relatable conversation, Jessica and Kelly dive into the etiquette, emotions, and logistics behind planning life’s milestone celebrations—from graduations to weddings and everything in between. What starts as a simple question about whether to send a save-the-date quickly opens into a thoughtful discussion about intention, connection, and how celebrations have evolved over time.

They explore why giving loved ones a heads-up can matter—especially when travel is involved—while also acknowledging that not every milestone needs to follow traditional rules. Along the way, they share personal stories about weddings (including destination weddings), changing expectations, and the beauty of keeping gatherings meaningful rather than overdone.

This episode is equal parts practical and nostalgic, with a gentle reminder that the best celebrations aren’t about perfection or pressure—they’re about presence, thoughtfulness, and time together.

Inside This Conversation:

• The pros and cons of sending save-the-dates for graduations and other milestones
• How location and guest dynamics shape celebration decisions
• Thoughts on destination weddings and modern wedding traditions
• Why smaller, more intentional gatherings can feel more fulfilling
• A reminder that celebrations should reflect you, not expectations

Chapters

00:00 Graduation Planning and Save the Dates

06:29 Destination Weddings and Family Gatherings

11:11 Wedding Protocols and Intentional Celebrations

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

save the date, graduation, wedding planning, destination wedding, family gatherings, event

What if the holidays didn’t have to feel so heavy and connection mattered more than getting everything right?

In this episode, Jessica and Kelly reflect on their recent family Christmas gathering and the quiet shifts that made it feel different—in the best way. They talk openly about hosting without carrying the burden of doing everything, the power of delegation, and how simplifying holiday traditions can ease stress without sacrificing connection.

The conversation explores how family dynamics evolve over time, how we often relate to people based on who they used to be, and what happens when we allow room for change. From releasing perfectionism to honoring personal limits, this episode is a gentle reminder that meaningful holidays aren’t built on flawless plans—but on presence, flexibility, and grace.

If the holidays leave you feeling stretched, obligated, or quietly overwhelmed, this episode offers a compassionate reframe: it’s okay to simplify, to miss a gathering, to ask for help, and to choose connection over perfection.

Inside This Conversation:

• I wasn't taking on the burden of everything.
• It's important to delegate and ask for help.
• Family dynamics can be very helpful and grateful.
• People change over time, and so do their relationships.
• We often define family members based on past experiences.
• Simplifying gatherings can reduce stress.
• Connection with family is more important than perfection.
• Children adapt quickly to new environments.
• It's okay to miss family gatherings sometimes.
• Give yourself grace during the holidays.

Chapters

00:00 Family Christmas Reflections

03:29 Navigating Family Dynamics

06:22 Understanding Change in Family Relationships

09:05 The Joy of Hosting

12:00 Simplifying Holiday Gatherings

15:02 Embracing Imperfection in Entertaining

17:54 Finding Balance in Family Commitments

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

family, Christmas, dynamics, relationships, gatherings, connection, boundaries, emotional growth, hosting, simplifying

Ever feel like managing your kids’ healthcare is a full-time job you never applied for?

In this honest and relatable conversation, Jessica and Kelly dive into the emotional and logistical load of parenting—starting with the surprisingly stressful world of pediatric dental care. From sticker shock and feeling like “just another number” to the exhausting process of finding providers who actually feel supportive, they unpack the invisible labor parents carry every day.

Along the way, they remind us of something crucial: you don’t have to earn rest, quitting a provider can be an act of self-respect, and caring for yourself is not optional—it’s essential. This episode is a permission slip for grace, boundaries, and choosing care that truly feels like care.

Inside This Conversation:

• Why parenting often feels like managing a healthcare system alone
• The emotional and financial reality of kids’ dental care
• What it’s like to feel dismissed—or truly supported—by providers
• Why leaving a dentist (or any provider) can be empowering
• The invisible mental load parents carry every day
• How self-care and grace can coexist with family responsibility

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Dental Care for Kids

03:31 Finding the Right Dentist for Yourself

06:28 The Challenges of Scheduling and Insurance

09:17 The Emotional Load of Parental Responsibilities

Connect With Us:

• 🌐 Dive deeper on our blog post ChasingBrighter.com
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for giveaways, insights, and behind-the-scenes fun.
• Get our Newsletter!! Newsletter - Chasing Brighter

dental care, parenting, healthcare choices, children's health, dental insurance, pediatric dentist, family health, parenting challenges, self-care, women's health