Honoring My Mom on Día de Muertos
This year is special for us as yesterday we celebrated Día de Muertos for the first time without my mom, who passed away last December.
We set up a Day of the Dead altar at home just for her, with some of her favorite things and her photo. It’s a way of keeping her memory close and feeling her spirit with us.
My mom was my role model in so many ways.
But my favorite memory of her is as the ultimate hostess.
She loved throwing family gatherings and parties—seriously. She was the “hostess with the mostest.”
Whether it was a holiday dinner or a simple weekend get-together, she made every occasion feel special.
I can hear her laughter and see her smile as she brought everyone together, creating memories that we’ll cherish forever.
She was also a brilliant academic and a super successful attorney. I remember the time she rang the bell at the New York Stock Exchange as corporate counsel for a company going public.
Her achievements inspired me in so many ways, and she always taught me the importance of persistence and determination.
This year, we made a ritual of remembrance, and it was such a heartfelt experience.
Each of us took turns sharing our favorite memories of her, and it was beautiful.
One thing I always remember from my mom is her zest to cherish every moment.
Life moves fast, and those little moments we share together are what truly matter.
So, as we honored her this year at Día de Muertos, I was filled with gratitude for her legacy and the love she left behind.
I miss her dearly, but I know she’s with us in spirit.
Here’s to celebrating the incredible woman she was and the unforgettable gatherings she created!
One of my mom's favorite holidays was Thanksgiving.
Last year, we wrote back and forth exchanging ideas for our menus. She would have her gathering at her house with two of my sisters and her kids, and I was hosting a mini "Thanksgiving retreat" with my kids and grandkids in a cabin in West Virginia.
I shared my healthy versions of favorite dishes with her.
This year, I am reprising some of those recipes for my Thanksgiving Menu, and I have put together a Holiday Survival Guide.
I am happy to share it with you here as a gift to you! And please feel free to forward the link to grab the FREE Guide to anyone you want.
Thanksgiving Survival Guide
Are you ready to eat healthy and delicious food during the holidays and experience more energy, better digestion, less inflammation, and radiant skin?
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE NOW!
Yes, Give Me the Free Guide!
In this guide, you will discover:
➔ How to eat healthier during the holidays so you don’t have to feel bloated after every meal!
➔ Delicious holiday recipes that take a healthy spin on all of your favorite classics!
➔ Tips for navigating the holidays without deprivation while taking good care of yourself!
To healthy celebrations,
Yliana 💜
