I design my life intentionally, from monthly personal festivals to bold style challenges to mindful career moves, and I’m bringing you along with me.
The Origin Story
I started blogging years ago because I felt unphotogenic and wanted to change that. What began as an Instagram experiment turned into a space to share thoughts, document life, and eventually find my way back to writing about what matters: designing a life I’m proud to live.
A few years ago, my husband and I quit our routine and spent a year Airbnb-hopping across the country. I tried to document every stop, turned it into a chore, and burned out. I paused writing entirely because I’d taken something I loved and added too many rules, deadlines, and pressure.
Then in September 2025, during a mindfulness class, one question wouldn’t leave me alone: “Is this a life I’m proud to be living?”
That question changed everything. I looked at our calendar, packed with other people’s plans before we’d added our own, and realized we’d been saying yes to “let’s hang” without actually doing anything. After planning our wedding in June 2025, I had all this event-planning energy with nowhere to use it.
Enter: personal festivals. I landed on naming them festivals for the Gilmore Girls tie in, but also because it makes the plan into an event. My husband and I have planned 10 festivals for 2026. At first, we were going to include at-home festivals, but decided that it is way easier to get into the spirit if you have to leave the house. Some will be local and others will require traveling.
Each festival has a fun name (because of course), a dress code, an activity, and some optional extras. As I sat down to plan our festivals, I thought about what is missing in my life now that used to bring me joy. One way that I used to express my creativity was dressing up for themed mixers in college. On top of trying to get back into my fashion & makeup challenges, I decided to design my festivals so I’d have a great opportunity to express my creativity each month.
What You’ll Find Here
I write about three things: Life & Adventure, Beauty & Style, and Career & Growth.
Every post ends with a challenge because every day is an opportunity to elevate your life.
I have a background in operations and project management, which means I’m really good at building systems. The difference now? I’m applying that energy to my own life instead of just my job.
Let’s Do This Together
I’m based in New Jersey. I’m recently married (2025). I believe in dressing up for themed events, planning adventures worth remembering, and asking hard questions about how we’re spending our time.
If you’re tired of living on autopilot, you’re in the right place.
Did you take the challenge? I’d love to hear about it: reply to any email or tag me on Instagram @elainapearls.
– Elaina Pearl
