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PAK (Paola Andy Kids) Muller: Designing With Our Kids, For Our Kids
From the beginning, getting our kids involved in the heart of our family brand wasn’t just a cute idea — it was essential. PAK, after all, stands for Paola Andy Kids, and we wanted that name to mean something. We wanted our children to feel the excitement of creating something from nothing, to see their…
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The Magic of Intention and the Gift That Found Me
I want to share a story about practicing gratefulness and how it truly changed my life. Back in 2012, I found myself in a bit of a funk — stuck, unmotivated, and unable to pull myself out of it. One day I came across a book called The Magic, a follow‑up to The Secret and…
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Our Winter Tradition in Big Bear
Our annual winter trip to Big Bear has quietly become one of our most cherished traditions. What started a few years ago as a simple getaway for just my husband, the kids, and me has grown into something much bigger — and much more meaningful. Now my parents join us, along with my brother and…
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A Valentine’s Day Where Simple Felt Special
On February 14th, 2025, we chose to spend Valentine’s Day at home with the kids. We wanted it to feel special for them, not just another night in. We started by making two dinners — a surf‑and‑turf meal for us, and spaghetti and meatballs for the kids, knowing it was their favorite and that it…
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Where Intention Meets Discipline
What I love about a new year feels a lot like walking into a freshly cleaned space — clear, open, full of possibility. It’s a reset. A moment to breathe, refocus, and step forward with intention. A clean slate to keep chasing your goals and dreaming bigger than before. I’ve always believed in New Year’s…
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Magic in Motion: Our Polar Express Story
We were at the dentist—just a routine cleaning for the kids—when the hygienist asked if we’d ever been to the Polar Express. I hadn’t even heard of it. But that night, I looked it up, fell in love with the idea, and messaged our friends and cousin to see if they’d want to coordinate a…
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Prepping, Pasta, and the Great Thanksgiving Debate
As Thanksgiving is approaching and we start preparing menu items and plans for the day, what is becoming a favorite tradition is prepping some of the food items the day before with my mom and some other family members. We all gather around my kitchen and work on our respective dishes but we all are…
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Pumpkins, Jams, and Joy: A Tradition in Full Color
One of my favorite experiences—now a cherished annual tradition—is visiting the pumpkin patch every fall with our kids and close family friends. The kids dive into their own world of play and exploration, laughing and running through rows of pumpkins, their joy contagious. I never visited a pumpkin patch growing up, so creating this experience…
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From Vacation Blues to Everyday Adventure
Ever get hit with the vacation blues? That feeling when you’re back home, unpacked, and suddenly… a little down because the adventure’s over? I get it—happens to me every time. It’s like tasting the good life, then snapping back to the everyday grind. The best cure I’ve found? Planning the next trip. Or even better—living…
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Commitment to Quality Time and Quality Experiences
In 2023, I came to realize that my priorities were not aligned with what truly mattered to me. We spent much of the year hosting gatherings at home, which, while enjoyable, shifted the focus away from creating meaningful family memories. While we love opening our home to friends and family, it felt like our weekends…