Kaylee Hackney

I’m always a little slow to finish pulling together my digital planner…

(Maybe 2026 will be the year I plan ahead 😅)

But, if you haven’t found the right one yet, my Elegant Balance planner is designed to elevate your life (not complicate it further).

Calm, Minimalistic, & Intentional.

And it’s availble now on Esty.

https://elegantlybalanced.etsy.com/listing/4442360937

🥂Cheers to 2026!

2026 Digital Planner PDF for Busy Moms | Minimalist iPad Planner | Weekly & Daily Planning | Goodnotes Hyperlinked Planner - Etsy This Planner Templates item is sold by ElegantlyBalanced. Ships from United States. Listed on Jan 17, 2026

Accountability group…

I know it’s cliché, but I’m hoping to kick off 2026 with a renewed commitment to my health.

Starting on January 12th, I’m going to start the Arbonne 30 Days to Healthy Living challenge (see link in comments).

For 30 days, I’ll be focusing on protein, moving my body, and eating whole foods.

These types of challenges are always so much more fun with friends to keep each other accountable, so I thought I’d see if any of you might be interested in joining me?

I can create a group chat (or even separate Facebook group) where we can share our wins and check in each day. I’ll also share some goal-setting worksheets, recipes, and inspiration.

If youre interested, let me know - I have 9 coupon codes I can share too!

And whether you join me or not, please know that I’m wishing you the very best 2026 and cheering you on in all your new years goals this year! 💕mts

This week in photos…

This week - the week between Baylor wrapping up and my kids’ Christmas break is always one of my favorites.

It’s a time to catch up on the little things that have been pushed aside during the craziness of the semester and to relax a bit before we’re in full-blown Christmas break mode.

Some things I did this week:

Got started on wrapping Christmas gifts

An Align Class

Grading and enjoying an 1885 (Dr. Pepper latte)

Celebrating Jane Austen’s Birthday party

Read a few Christmas novellas by

Date night at The Grape wearing a dress from

And a coffee date with

All in all, it’s been a great week and I’m looking forward to some sweet family time 🎄💕

We grew up watching these moms on screen.

And now, many of us are standing in their shoes...

The organizer.

The nurturer.

The steady one.

The calm presence.

Each one reflects a strength that helps us love our families well during the holiday season.

Which one are you most like? 🎄✨🎬

Mine’s in the comments!

I wore this Christmas sweatshirt to an “ugly sweater party” at work and was told it was too cute.

Later that same day, while running errands, I got a few compliments…

And then a woman stopped me in the store to ask where I bought it because she wanted one too.

What’s crazy is that my grandma made this sweatshirt in the 80s.

It’s probably older than me.

An ironed-on appliqué (complete with a raccoon in the tree) and puff paint.

And apparently, it’s having a moment.

It made me wonder if we’re collectively craving something a little more familiar this season.

What do you think?

Is Christmas nostalgia back in full swing?

Or maybe it never really left. 🎄💕✨

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the moments that shaped how I balance work and life. Some were beautiful, some were hard, but all of them taught me something important.

In reflecting on my life, I’ve identified six key moments that shaped my work-life balance journey:

1. Watching my Mom

She showed me what I wanted and didn’t want in my own balance. The biggest lesson? My daughter is watching me too. That’s all the motivation I need to be intentional and create a life I love.

2. Realizing how short life is

I got seriously sick when I was 18 and it taught me that we’re not promised tomorrow. I’ve learned to cherish even the smallest joys and make each day count. It’s not complicated to sprinkle beauty throughout the day and it’s worth it because it might be my last.

3. Moving away from family and friends

Leaving Illinois for grad school in Florida meant starting over. But we built a new village one board game, one laugh, one tear at a time. If you don’t have a village, you can (and absolutely should) build one, one relationship at a time.

4. Becoming a Mom

Motherhood taught me the value of time and focus. My values shifted, and I realized balance isn’t a destination. It’s a dynamic journey. You can and will change your mind and that’s okay!

5. Letting go of stuff

Minimalism changed my life (I kno that sounds dramatic but it’s true!). Less clutter means less stress. Fewer things to clean, maintain, and decide between gives you more time, energy, and money for what really matters.

6. Getting Intentional

I got clear on what I wanted and took action. When you invest your time, energy, and money in your dreams, balance follows.

If you remember anything from this post, remember that work-life balance is a journey, not a destination.

✨ What’s one key moment in your journey?

I’d love to hear your story! 💕

Share this with a mama who knows how to make magic out of the everyday ✨