Mari – Being AB

019 Another New Year

I cannot believe it’s 2026. I cannot believe we are halfway through January. My mind is still somewhere in October, over the moon about marrying my best friend. Yet, when I catch up to reality, I find myself wanting to refresh and reset for this year.

2026 is going to be the year of quality and consistency for me. I did not make resolutions, but instead habits that I want to bring with me into every year moving forward. This year, the habits I want to maintain are reading more, higher daily activity, and a more conscious eating lifestyle. So for January, I am trying to achieve these goals by walking daily, not eating after 8pm, and reading daily, even if only for 10 minutes.

What are some lifestyle changes or resolutions you are taking with you into 2026? And if you have a page-turner book recommendation, please send it my way.

xx AB

018 Allow me to reintroduce myself…

Well, I guess it was time for a refresh and reset as I begin this new chapter. Ya girl got married!

September 25, 2025 (09.25.25) is now one of my most cherished days. I had the great honor to marry my best friend. We were surrounded by our loved ones at my dream venue, with more magic, love, and joy than I could ever express. Two months in, and it still feels like yesterday. Planning was a journey, but that morning while I wrote my vows, nothing else mattered but us. And after the rollercoaster that was the week leading up to the big day. It was perfect, and I am forever grateful.

So allow me to reintroduce myself, it’s “AB” now, and I am so excited for this journey we are on. And the cool nickname, of course.

Here are some of my favorite moments from our weekend of love.

Shoutout to my amazing team for making my dreams come true!

Wedding Planner – @birdofparasideevents by Tiffanie

Photography – @hanagonzalezphoto by Monica

Hair – @olayhair by Olaitin Olay

MAU – @badgalstudio by Emily

Venue – @mtwashingtonmilldyehouse in Baltimore, MD

017 When they invade your Freetime

Hello again,

Back with an exciting day in the life of a 4th grade teacher. Today two of my students decided they were not going to give me a break. They skipped their recess to truly “BOND” with me while I tried to have lunch and relax.

Student E wants it to be noted she did not raid my fridge and precious pickles this time. She also treated me this morning to an amazing vanilla chai latte from Starbucks! Student H is happy to be here and living her best creator life. She recorded a interesting dance and pickle ad from Student E.

I tell you the life of a teacher is never dull!

Enjoy our photo dump!

Student E and H 🎉 They also picked the emoji’s to hide their face 😅

Finally dismissal – the girls are ready for the weekend💕🎉🥰

Break is over so I have to jet!

XxAnde Mari

016 June Textiles

015 Hobbies?

Recently my bf had to submit an important application. One of the questions was to list his hobbies. And I noticed him reword the things he enjoyed. He even asked me if what he had looked good. “Well of course babe, it’s what you like to do!” Right?

This society continues to shock me. We diem what is cool and accepted. Why can’t my hobby be Netflix and I seem as interesting and together as the person who does marathons? (Don’t answer that)

It just made me wonder where is there a space where who we are and what we like is acceptable, always. Do you have the space where you can like trash tv and eating out and be accepted? I am finding less space to be accepted authentically these days. Especially, if it’s breaking the mold. Which is crazy because it’s literally the campaign and agenda everyone is pushing. But I find that with everyone pushing, looking, and trying to be SO open there is less space to just “Be”.

I hope you have a space to be. Find your people. And this week, find time to do what you actually like. Even if it’s not accepted by the Hobby Committee of America.

XxAnde Mari

014 Delete it All

If you know you know. Sometimes the reset you need is to be alone with yourself.

I recently deleted all my socials, cleared out my messages, and call log. Everything being gone was refreshing on its own. I don’t know if my phone has been this cleared since 2012 when I got my first iPhone.

Then the real sets in. Your fingers are program to click that app, write that person. And when you’re left with yourself. Alone sets in.

You may not need this extreme of a reset but maybe you need a little more time to focus on yourself this week.

I challenge you to have at least one hour with no phone calls, text or social media to be with yourself. Complete the task that you keep putting off. Have an hour of self care. Try for one hour to “delete it all.”

Let me know how your time for your feels.

Xx Ande Mari