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Every time Happily Eva After Inc gets a year older, I have a few days of disbelief. Today is Happily Eva After’s EIGHTH birthday, and it still feels like last year that I was starting the blog in my bedroom in Los Angeles, figuring out how to post on the internet between taking care of my firstborn baby and emotionally untangling myself from my acting career. I had no idea how to do any of the things I do on a daily basis with this business when I first started it. I remember sobbing at two in the morning because I had stayed up WAY past my bedtime to try and make a photo collage for a shopping post in Photoshop, and after I had finally done most of it I pressed the wrong button and the entire thing deleted. Then, I woke up four hours later to feed Marlowe and try again. The learning curve was steep! LOL.
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One thing has always stayed the same throughout my journey with HEA, and that has always been to use this platform as a means to share deeply my own experience with life and motherhood, and as a space to find joy even in the messiness of life. I’ve always believed that leading truly joyful and full lives means that there is a lot of imperfection– both within us and on the outside, too. I share so many things about my life that many others don’t because I really believe that as women the more we can feel connected through our vulnerabilities, the stronger we can all be. I hope that this blog has given you something at some point in your life. In the best of cases, hopefully, it gives you something special regularly.
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I’m so grateful to the many of you who have stuck around for so much of my journey, and who continue to support me and this brand. I get to do this very strange but very fun job because of all of YOU, and I’ve loved getting to know so many of you both online and in person. It’s the best feeling to know that so many of you are rooting for our family. I’m also so grateful for where we are as a business. This year will be a big one for us, and I’m looking forward to doing something I’ve been wanting to do for a LONG time. I feel so lucky to have people who help me with all of it who are the best of the best– like Brianna who I would literally be lost without, and Julia Dags who brings my vision into photographic reality. HEA would not be the same without them!
For this HEA Bday, I wanted to recreate the first photoshoot I ever did for HappilyEvaAfter.com. Nina Suh took them, and Marlowe was so little, I can’t believe it! I had baked the layer cake myself, and while I look quite a bit younger, it’s amazing how the aesthetic of the brand has stayed the same all these years. I really do like what I like, I guess! Ha! The photos of Marlowe as a baby really get me in the guts, because she and I were raising each other together. She was teaching me everything I know today about that metamorphosis that is Woman into Mother. I was so hard on myself, and looking back now I wish I could be my own friend and tell myself that everything wasn’t so serious or precarious. I wish I had given myself more grace, and I’m so grateful that Marlowe was the one to initiate me into Motherhood because she is the most loving and compassionate soul.
To all of you that are at the beginning parts of a journey of any kind: business, personal, motherhood, health…STAY IN IT!! Stick out the hard parts and be patient. There is so much beauty when you look back on a really tough or winding road and see the sum of its parts.
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And, if you’ve read this far, you are in for a treat! This year for HEA’s 8th birthday, I put together a BIG BEAUTY BASKET with some of my absolute favorites! I’m giving it away to one lucky reader.
TO ENTER: comment below with your favorite HEA post or series. In 48 hours I will pick one winner randomly and reach out. Good luck, and thank you for following!
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Happy birthday!!! Your post about mourning the loss of friendships (you were responding to a readers question) really resonated with me – I was going through something similar at the time and your thoughts on the topic were so helpful!
Happy birthday!!! Your post about mourning the loss of friendships (you were responding to a reader question) really resonated with me. I was going through something similar at the time and your thoughts on the topic were so helpful!
“A Tribute to my Historic Home” was one of my favorite posts of all time!
“A Tribute to my Historic Home” was one of my favorite posts!
congrats on eight years! I still love reading all of your motherhood and mental health content. it’s refreshing and reassuring to read on in my our journey.
Happy Anni! The Mateo’s schedule posts were super helpful for me in visualizing what my own babies schedules would look like.
Congrats. 8 years of anything is staying power! I have picked up so much from your blog and brand. Regular recipes in our rotation, your Eva dress in my closet, and lots of other product recommendations. It’s really the motherhood and posts where you have been candid about struggles that help the most though. It’s hard to have a full plate and it’s helpful to see others sharing how they navigate universal challenges. Best to all.
I’ve been reading for eight years! Though my own kiddos are older, I moved from San Diego to Boston to Camden ME (tomorrow is moving day!!!!). I, too, was divorced in 2019 and love my “grownup” self. As someone who deals with anxiety, I live with grace and open mindedness towards health and healing! Happy 8th Birthday to your lovely and amazing blog! Best wishes for a magical Summer of travelling adventures! XO
My favourite post/series were those which mirrored my own experiences at the time; thank you for trusting the blogosphere with openness and honesty!
I have been loving your moving journey most recently but started following you during covid as Mateo and my son are a few months apart. I loved your home birth stories!
Mine is a series vs. one post: the birthday letters you write to your children – they are so heartfelt and beautiful!
Congratulations on 8!! I found your blog when looking up posts on motherhood 4 years ago and have been a fan ever since. Cheering you on from Montreal, thanks for all that you do!
I love all your recipes! I try them all and they always end up as part of the rotation. Family favourite is Buster’s Famous Green Fish!
My favorites have been when you share your skincare picks, and also the ones where you’ve been so open about mental health and medication. Thank you!
Your transparency in all things mental health and motherhood is so inspiring and the way you, Kyle and Ian have navigated your life post divorce is really inspiring! I just love seeing everyone together and happy (such a drastic departure from my post-divorce life with kids) 🫣 And your birthday parties are epic! 🎂 Congrats on 8!!!
Happy Birthday HEA!
I love all of your posts, but my favorites are about your blended family! I love seeing happy photos of everyone together getting along and coexisting in what seems like such ease! It’s wonderful you are all able to make things work and happen – it’s what life is all about! Best wishes for many more HEA birthdays!!
Eva,
Happy 8th birthday to you! My favorite series has been Motherhood because I started following you in day 1 and two years later had my own little darling. It has been the most helpful as a Mama!
Cheers to a lifetime of success,
Alexis Denn
My favorite post was last year’s skin care routine, even though I can’t afford all those products I did get the Drunk Elephant one and was very happy with it.
I also loved your content on how to tell kids about divorce.
Happy 8th anniversary!
I adore your posts that involve you’re extended family, too. It’s so amazing to see Papa T and Susan, as well as the Italian side and Ian’s fam! You’re not shallow in your posting. You are fully invested in allowing your followers to see the depth of your relationships. I also love the way Kyle and Ian mesh and blend into a big tangle of love and support ❤️❤️❤️
I enjoy a lot of what you share but if I had to pick a favorite series(well I chose my top 2)…home decor and you sharing your amazing recipes with us!
My favourite posts are your posts about co-parenting. In a world where there is so much negativity, You, Kyle and Ian are respectful and work well together. I am so happy for your family and the work you all put in to be able to be at this place. I think it’s a great thing to put into the world!
I love reading all your blog posts because they contain so much good information in each one. So it’s hard to just pick one!
my favorite blog is all your birth stories! I just love reading them! they are so beautiful and intimate and real! I haven’t been around here 8 years but I wish I had. the way you talk about them makese wish I would have looked into home birth for my pregnancies. Don’t get me wrong I love both of my kids births but a home birth seems to bring a deeper connection to the whole experience of child birth! congrats on 8 years!!!!
I honestly love it all! I especially have enjoyed reading about your engagement! It was such a magical time for you and Ian!
A close friend’s toddler broke his leg recently while in a trampoline, and I immediately remembered reading about Major’s break and forwarded her your blog post on that. It was very helpful to read from a mom who’s been through that specific stress! Happy birthday to your site which I enjoy reading.
So hard to pick one! My favorite series has been your mental health journey. As a mom with anxiety, it has been both informative and comforting to follow along. I feel less alone and have added some tools to my toolbox at the same time. Thank you! HBD Happily Eva After! Eight looks great! 🎉
My favorite posts were focusing on your pregnancy with Mateo and him joining your family. I was pregnant at almost the same time with my third and your posts always made the transition from 2 to insanity seem less intense.
The post I come back to over and over is your slow cooker meatballs!! Always a hit 🙂
Happy 8th anniversary!! I’ve loved your blog and brand for years now and congratulations on the much deserved success! I love so many series, but the travel tips and beauty posts are always helpful!
I found you and your blog while you were pregnant with Major and I was hoping to be pregnant soon with my first. I have always loved your birth story posts and your roundups of favorite books. Horoscopes have been a fun addition too! Happy bday!
It’s hard to choose a favorite, but I loved the design posts for your last home and am looking forward to seeing the new ones, too!
My favorite blog posts are your babies’ birth stories!
The engagement post, of course! Diamond 💍
Congrats on 8 years!! I’ve been following HEA since 2016, found your page while scrolling and gotta tell you, your posts helped me go through a very difficult time in my life. Thank you!
I loved when you had the interviews/conversations with your partner. They were fun to read, and specially the topics were interesting. It was a reminder to me and my husband to reprioritize our relationship with couple alone-time/date nights and to discuss new subjects/ideas/parenting styles, etc. we sometimes get lost in the routine of work/school so it was a great way to refocus and make it fun at the same time.
Cheers to many more celebrations and growth for HEA!
I LOVE seeing the house reveals. Can’t wait for you to reveal each room of the new house!
I have loved so very many of your posts and series over the last 8 years. I’m happy to have followed along since the beginning! But I think my favorites have been all the very real and very raw posts about mental health! It is so refreshing to read real experiences from real people who are not afraid of or ashamed to share their hearts and their struggles! It has made me feel less alone in my journey to mental wellness! Thank you for who you are and all you share! Happy Birthday, HEA!! Here’s to many more years!!!!
Happy 8 years! I’ve been a reader since the beginning and I can’t believe it’s been that long!
Happily Eva Answers was probably one favorite series. Your answers were always so compassionate.
I’m also a big fan of all the decor posts. We have pretty different styles but it’s so fun for me to see someone realizing their style in their space. And I love the gift guides at the holidays to see if I can find some hidden gems for my kiddos.
Enjoy your vacation!
I’ve always loved reading your birth stories. Also was intrigued by your navigating life/co-parenting series. Happy 8th Birthday!
My favorite post so far has been the one about co-parenting!!
I love you HEA Answers Series! So many great questions from readers and wonderful responses from you!
I love the posts dedicated to each kid on their birthday. I am a mom to an almost two year old and have started our own tradition of writing letters to her on her birthday every year. Her first year was challenging with a cross country move then a month long hospital stay with a rare disease. Thankfully we came out the other side healthy as can be but it really put things into perspective and your yearly dedication posts to your kids inspired me to capture the good and the challenging of every year. <3
I love your parenting articles! Navigating tricky stages, where you find joy in the chaos; it all resonates and provides some fresh perspective and insight!
Love your recipes especially the hidden veggie muffins – great idea for my kids!
Happy 8th Birthday!
Love the series where you write letters to the kids on their birthday! It’s so special.
I love all of the holiday posts, I look forward to them every year! But the Slow Cooker Gingerbread Latte was *chef’s kiss*. So. Good. Your willingness to share candid moments of your life has never been lost on me. Thanks for being here!
It’s hard to pick just one post, but I’m going with your travel diaries (especially your Paris engagement…swoon)!
I love all of your content and how you always keep it so real! I’m a local mom (Easton) and you’re one of my fave follows!
Congratulations on 8 years!! 🥂🍾
I absolutely love all the ways you and Kyle co parent the kids. i didn’t have that with my ex and my daughter struggled because her dad didn’t do what true dads should do. You should be proud of the work you guys did to make things as easy as possible for the kids. They are thriving!!
I like reading your life and motherhood posts!
You are beautiful, and seem like the best mom!
Congrats on your engagement!
You have a beautiful family!
Dayna
Congratulations on 8 years! I love all the motherhood post and how open and honest you are. The mental health post both of yours and your daughter were so helpful. My 5 year old suffers from anxiety too and it’s comforting to know others deal with it as well
I have loved the birthday letters you write to your kids each year. We started doing that for our kids after seeing your examples!
Loved the potty training posts. Really helped me.
How do you pick a favorite!!?? I love all your posts about the kids and especially their birth stories. If I must pick a recent favorite, it has to be your engagement post in Paris. Seeing you deliriously happy is awesome! The fact that it happened in Paris, magnifique!! I’m so happy for you and your beautiful family!
Some of my favorite posts throughout the years have been your home posts! I love your fun, bold design style (I’m an interior designer) and always have so much fun seeing your designs for your home! One of my favorites was your kid’s playroom in your historic CT home. I cannot wait to see what you dream up for your new home. Congratulations on 8 years!!! xx
Aww I LOVE the recreated photos with Marlowe! Favorite post I don’t know! I would say your big in depth skin care post started me on my skin care journey. I love the recipes over the years too. I liked the series when you interviewed Kyle on topics from his POV. I would love for one of those with Ian and his POV.
I LOVE all your recipes
I LOVE your yummy recipes
Congrats on 8 amazing years!! Have been a longtime follower and love all of your content, but my favs are anything kid-related – your baby and toddler daily schedule posts got me through some sleepless nights more than once! Also LOVE all of your recipes, always so simple and delicious! Best wishes for another 8 years 🙂
My favorite post was Mateo’s birth story. So many emotions.
Have loved being a reader of your blog for about 6 years now! My favorites are the recipes, because food girl for life! Busters Green Fish is my fave! Still make it like once a week ❤️
I love watching your kids. I’ve retired now after 45 years teaching Kindergarten in WV. I miss my students. Your kids bring me great joy.
Happy 8th bday. My favorite is the oatmeal king of Connecticut and the engagement pictures!
I really enjoyed your historic home renovation series! That’s how I came across HEA originally!
My favorite post & one I resonate with your “Meeting Me Again » blog post. I feel this is timeless & transcends specific age groups.
Congrats, Eva! Over the years I’ve enjoyed your home content and the renovations of the house you just sold. Looking forward to your new house content to come.
Wow! I have been following since Marlowe was a baby, where does time go? I always have a girl and 2 boys so it’s always been fun to be on this “journey” with you. Because of that, my favorite series was the motherhood ones – potty training, sleep, eating. All the ones that made me feel like we could totally relate! What a cute idea to recreate the photos. Congrats!
I love all your recipe posts and have made a ton of them! Even the ones that don’t have a post and are just an Instagram story!
Omg happy, birthday HEA! 🥳 You share a birthday with my daughter who was born 2 years ago today! ❤️
Eva, you’ve created such an amazing brand and I absolutely have loved watching you, your business, and your family transform and grow over the years!
Picking a favorite post/series seems nearly impossible, so I’ll name a few that I’ve loved. I always enjoy your kids crafts (and have recreated a few with my own kids!). I looooved following along on the design of your last house. I enjoyed your post-partum posts with Major and Mateo and appreciated your vulnerability when Major had his accident as a baby. Although I wasn’t going through one, I also enjoyed your divorce/co-parenting posts – it was amazing to see how you and your family handled all that in a very real, very raw way. I was also obsessed with all your HEA product drops/shoots!! ✨️
Now, watching you embrace a new relationship and family dynamic and seeing the kids with Ian brings a smile to my face. It’s been an absolute pleasure following you and your family for so many years. When things seem grim on the internet, I visit HEA and your posts brings so much joy. Keep up the amazing work. 💖
CHEERS TO YEAR 8!! 🎉
The slow cooker meatballs!! I make them all the time and have turned many of my friends on to them too
I started reading your blog when Major was a baby. It was before I had my first child and it helped to have a place to go read about must haves, milestones, life events and the ups and downs of life. Happy Birthday HEA!
My favorite post is about Mommy Shaming. So relatable and IMPORTANT!
I really loved Conversations with Kyle. Although things didn’t ultimately work out between you two, I loved the honest conversations that you let us in on that married couples have!
I love each of your kids’ birth stories!
The Gift Shop section is my go-to gift guide! I’ve gotten so many great gift ideas for holidays and birthdays over the years. I love it and so do the gift recipients! Congrats on 8 years!
I love your Beauty and Style posts. I get so much good info and inspiration from these! Thank you for continuing to do this!!
EVA!!!!
8 years. WOW. I think I came on not too long after the blog launched as a fan of yours from acting. It’s been a crazy amazing ride and i’m so glad to be on it with you. My favorite part – aside from the house stuff because INTERIOR DESIGN!!! – has been the letters to the kids each year for their birthdays. How incredibly special that they will always have those and how sweet of you to share not just the letters but your beautiful family with all of us.
Much love and ENJOY Italy <3
I absolutely love your recipes! I have made several of them and they are always a hit! I made your potato salad recently after it was well loved at a BBQ last summer.
Another thing I always look forward to is teacher gifts, I made the apple ceramic pot for my sons Kindergarten teacher last year and she still talks about it!
Congrats!! 🎊
Happy 8th Anniversary!!! How special! I have been with you pretty much since the beginning! Crazy how time flies!! Loving the reenactment photos ❤️ I have to say it’s hard to pick one post or series.. ahhhh you cover so many amazing things!! I guess for me, it would be decorative styles, skin care/makeup/hair and tutorials. I just Love everything haha!! You have a beautiful sense of style and love your honesty and vulnerability to open up your life with all of us! 🙏 Thank you!! Enjoy your trip! Looks amazing 🤩
I have been a follower for years and years so there are many posts that pop into my mind as memorable. The one I have searched for quite a few times is your Italian Arancini recipe. I have made it many times with rave reviews!
Congratulations on 8 years! What a journey!
Any of your Travel posts are some of my favorites. Also your Motherhood posts are lovely.
Hi Eva! I have followed you since day 1, and we have followed a very similar motherhood journey and have kids the same age. I always appreciate any posts about the kids, and am using your packing guide as we speak! I also make several of your recipes often!!! Happy 8th birthday HEA!
The posts where you discuss your mental health are always my favorite because it helps normalize those feelings and experiences. I also love your travel posts from Italy because we also travel there often to visit family.
My fav series of blogs are of course the Matteo birth story!! U did exactly the way you wanted and had your tribe there! All this as the world was shutting down!
Been really benefiting from the how to travel with babies and toddlers posts you linked in your recent packing post.
Happy Birthday! Your packing lists for the kids trips are so helpful when packing for long or short trips with our little!
My favorites have been the ones where you have been so open and honest with your mental health struggles. Thank you!
I have followed you since you lived in LA. I have truly enjoyed watching your business and your family grow. Way too many favorite posts to choose from. But, what I love the very most is your modern family. I’m certain it’s not always easy but, it is the most important. You can see how your children know they are loved by all. I love your relationship with Kyle and I’m thrilled for you and Ian to start your new life together. Love is Love is Love❤️ congrats Eva you deserve all and more😘 from one of your biggest fans!
I love all your content but several of my favorites would have to be your home decor content and navigating divorce and new relationship/marriage/kids. You make the reader want more!
Happy 8th! I love so much of your content- overall, I love how you don’t shy away from sharing the messiness of life! You very recently noted you were in the clear after a health scare (yay!) and that really caught my attention. What we thought may be breast cancer for me turned out to bring a recent and unexpected diagnosis of lymphoma. I have a young child, and I’m terrified for what lies ahead but the truth shared via your content is helpful. Life is SO messy sometimes. Thank you for what you do! Here’s to 88 more for HEA!
This is so cute! 🎀
I’ve loved so many of your posts, but I think your journey to becoming the grandparent of the Guinea Pig was awesome! Honest and funny.
Also love that you’re vocal about RSV – it can be so scary! Knowing about it before you’re in it is sure to be helpful!
love all your house decor posts but my absolute favorite post of all time was toddler Marlowe holding baby Major and telling you he was her baby and “you got nothing, baby!” One for the books!!!
I found your blog and started reading when I was pregnant with my first daughter 8 years ago! I was the first person out of my friend group to be pregnant and have a baby and I felt so lonely. Reading about your honest experiences as a mom helped me through so much, I even wrote you in my Favourite section Ask Eva about the difficulties of navigating friendships after becoming a mother. It helped me so much and helped me feel less alone. Thank you for being a constant and sharing so much! Happy Birthday Happily Eva After from your almost birthday twin!
Congrats to 8 years, Eva!! I’ve been a follower since the beginning, and somehow it feels like longer. Letting us in on your daily life makes (me at least!) feel like we’re friends, and I’ve learned so much from you. I’ve even had dreams that we’re best friends randomly. I promise you’ve been nothing but warm and supportive LOL.
Still to this day my favorite posts of yours have been your birth stories. It’s absolutely incredible to me anytime someone has a home birth, but the way you write and describe your experience has been so fascinating to read. Cheers to many more years for you and HEA!! xoxo
Congratulations!
What I love about your community is the honesty with the good, bad and ugly of every day life. We can all relate. Especially you and Kyle’s willingness to be so open about your divorce and co-parenting. Many great lessons there for anyone going thru that. But my all time favorite thing about HEA is watching your kids grow. I look forward to your IG stories every evening. Thanks for your willingness to share so much with all of us.
Happy blog Birthday! It’s hard to pick one favorite because I so appreciate your candor and openness. If I had to pick, I’d say your gift guides have always been so helpful in finding just the right thing for the people I love! Congrats on 8 years!!
I love your writing style- I think my favorite series has been the potty training! So helpful!!!
Thank you for all of your hard work! Congrats on 8 years!
Omg crying at the Marlowe recreation!
My favorite posts are by far about STRUGGLES with parenthood. I am currently 4 weeks postpartum (first time mom, EVER) and find myself revisiting those posts for some perspective and to remind myself that this is the thick of it and I will get through.
Thank you for 8 years and preparing me to be a mama!
Just one?!? I loved the engagement to Ian! As well as all of your drinks and recipes. I also love your coparenting posts – it’s brilliant to see you two not only respect each other, but also want the best for one another as well. It’s refreshing to watch you be a successful woman (and Mom) and share all of your highs a lows with the world. Let’s us know that we all go through it. 🙂 .
Love your blog, especially the recipe post (sun dried tomato & goat cheese pantry pasta is my favorite, make it atleast once a month) 😊 Happy 8th anniversary!
I’m a long-time reader, so picking a favorite post is hard, but I thank you for writing so openly about parenting. As a fellow mom, I have collected bits and pieces from your posts over the years, and I have tried to incorporate them into my life. I especially love your gifting policy, and our family now follows that gifting rule. Your IG stories are joyful, especially when y’all drop everything to dance. Congrats on 8 years <3
I have a hard time picking just one favorite post because they are all so thoughtful and wonderful, but if I had to choose, I loved last year when you recreated those old photographs. It was so fun to see! I absolutely love following you because of all of your amazing content, how transparent you are with your audience and I love that you engage with us. ❤️ happy 8 years!
That’s how long I’ve been following along. Love seeing the before and after pics of Marlowe. My fav post are the birth stories, travel tips, and relationship tips. Love following you along her and on IG and FB. Here’s to the future! xo
I love your recipes and home posts. Congrats on 8 years. Cheers!
I loved your Mateo birth story! It was so powerful!!
Happy 8th Birthday HEA!! I have always enjoyed your room reveals – The Kitchen Reveal was a favorite and I look forward to all the new ones at your new house. You always have fresh ideas that last.
Congratulations on 8 years of HEA!! I’ve been a follower for 4 years or so, and it just keeps getting better! I’ve loved your gift guides, especially for kids. I also really liked the posts about when you first introduced Ian to the kids, and when you shared your engagement story. Also the potty training posts were helpful too!
My favorites series has been anything motherhood – routines, packing lists, transitions, etc. And of course your gift guides and recipes!
My favorite post was from years ago when you posted about Major and the love you have for him. The way you described was the exact same way I felt about my son…molecular. I have to say that all Major content is my favorite 🙂
Happy Birthday Happily Eva! I’ve been following along from the beginning and have loved your series on divorce and co-parenting. I was going through my divorce at the same time and I always enjoyed reading our parallel experience at a time when I really needed it.
I like the packing lists for different destinations!
Congrats on 8 years! I appreciate your honesty about parenting and my favorite blog post is the one about sharing motherhood stories.
Just one? I love the honest mental health posts. The vulnerability you show is courageous and appreciated. Of course I love all things kids so can’t pick just one. 🙂
I love all the HEA content but I’ve really loved the moving posts and stories. It’s been awesome to see you get to transition to a home that brings you so much joy and I also appreciate all the moving tips, with small children. I’ll be making a move soon as well, with my 6 year old and the planning has not been easy. Seeing some of your posts have brought me peace, that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Wishing you all the happiness in this chapter of your life, in your new home! Also, Congrats on 8 years!!
Congratulations on 8 years! I love HEA! It’s really hard to choose, but Mateo’s birth seems to be the one I instantly think of. Enjoy your vacation, it looks fun in spite of the heat!
I love the shop the looks that are attached to the posts with ideas for special days like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and other special holidays.
1. In a post about health and your body, you said you never ever discuss unhappiness with your body in front of your children and that was something I never thought about but I immediately adopted! I would never let anyone speak negatively about my children’s bodies but I hadn’t thought about leading the example with my own. Thank you for that.
2. The divorce blog posts. I’d known for a long time my relationship was over, but I was terrified. Your own journey gave me insight and courage and that’s quite amazing given you were navigating all the emotions yourself. Thank you for the vulnerability and honesty.
The bow recreations!! 🤣
I love your posts with recipes for drinks and meals! And I love seeing posts about how you decorate. Very excited to see how you decorate the new house!! Congrats on 8 years!!!
Hi, there!
I love your blog and have followed for over 4 years. I was a fan before the blog and I’m so grateful for your vulnerability and transparency!
I love your series on co-parenting. I am not in a co-parenting relationship but look forward to your posts because it really sheds light on the challenging and difficult transitions in life.
I admire how mature all of the adults in your family are when it comes to guiding your children. Can imagine it’s not always easy but they will benefit tremendously from your hard work!
I love all your posts, especially all about the kids, and your make up and clothing too!
Have a wonderful vacation with your family!
I love the birth stories!
Hi Eva! The HEA post that is my favorite, is an older one that stands out to me. It’s one where you and your siblings on your dad’s side did a little photo shoot, and you told a little about each of them. It stood out to me because I also come from a big family with half siblings on my dad’s side, except I am the youngest. I have 3 brothers and a sister, and we are also spread out across the country. I am from the Cleveland, OH area, and my sister and 1 brother live about an hour away from me in OH. My oldest brother lives in Colorado, and my 2nd brother lives in California. My sister and I are both nurses, and I have 2 beautiful daughters at home, ages 23 and 16. I also really enjoy your food, fashion, and decorating posts! Have a great day!
I love everything you share about your kids and motherhood. I have three kids that are 6, 4 and 2 and I always enjoy reading about things that we go through as well whether it’s positives or tough times!
Congratulations! It has been so fulfilling to read your posts over the years. I have found so many great kids and baby ideas from your posts – I have three kids myself – and have recommended your baby supplies list to others, but would have to say that the posts that resonated the most with me are you self-care and wellness ones, particularly mental health.
I have two HEA posts that have stuck with me for different reasons. The first is the one where you showed your kitchen garden. I love gardening and growing my own food but often find that it’s a skill and passion that is lost among people our age. So it was really lovely to see your enthusiasm and I hope it inspired others to give it a try as well. The second post was one where you introduced one of your collections. It was a party set in the most gorgeous location, once again featuring a garden, and the aesthetics of it all felt like a pastoral painting. It was one of those images that succeeds in transporting the viewer somewhere else.
Hi Eva,
I appreciate your routine-related posts, such as this one: happilyevaafter.com/my-morning-routine/
I’m a mom to a few toddlers, always looking for tips and tricks to implement:)
My favorites have always been your kids birthdays. The love, care and thoughtfulness of their individuality is so beautiful.
I really appreciate the honest posts about mental health. Along with the siblings posts, my kids are all around the same age as yours so it’s completely relatable! thanks for continuing on, I’ve followed since the beginning!
Happy 8th birthday! I’m a huge fan of the motherhood posts. I’ve got a 3 yr old and 8 month old so I love to read your experiences at those ages. Congratulations on such a milestone!!
I love all your birthday letters to your kids – they’re so sweet! Happy 8!!
I really like all of your room reveals w new houses and remodeling and re styling.
My faves are your holiday posts with crafts, etc. I LOVE the Halloween content!
Happy blogaversary! I have been a reader since nearly the beginning and I my second is a month younger than Marlowe so I feel like I have been on this motherhood journey alongside you. I am not sure I have one favorite post but many. I also had home births and I love reading birth stories. I remember getting the email that Major was born! I also live with anxiety and depression so your blogs about your journey through therapy and struggle always hit home. I will always admire your candidness and respect about your divorce and co-parenting. The blog about telling your kids was an experience that most don’t share and was emotional for even someone who doesn’t actually know you but feels like they do on a small level. Thank you for letting us all be a part of your life. As a reader I couldn’t be more happy for where you are. Congratulations on all the joy you have in your life.
I love all motherhood related posts! Your honestly about the highs and lows is so refreshing.
Paris – always Paris
Hands down the pantry makeover is my favorite!! I read it and immediately headed out to get all the things I would need to use your tips and get my pantry on point!! And I LOVE IT!!!
favorite HEApraise
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, (AFTER) BABY.
Congratulations on this milestone! I have been following you since just before Major was born (imagine my surprise when I later made the connection that you were the same person from my college fave, oft-quoted movie “Saved!”). I’ve so appreciated your wide variety of content, but what’s spoken to me most has been your vulnerable posts about mental health – Major’s accident, medication, therapy, etc. Thank you for putting yourself out there and sharing your heart. Have to say though, my husband and I still crack up about a few Marlowe gems – Grapes the Dragon, Kyle eating the “puckin” pie because he’s a “nasty daddy,” and the last time poopin’ in the pants when you said you were confused she did it again and she said “I’m confused too.”
favorite HEA
LET’S TALK ABOUT SEX, (AFTER) BABY.
Your trip to Paris and your engagement! 💍
I love, love, love, the engagement in Paris post. It brought tears to my eyes. Happy birthday, HEA!
Happy 8th birthday! I loved the post about helping Marlowe deal with anxiety.
Your post about sex after baby is still my favorite ever. I remember crying reading it after having my second because I was going through it and had been so hard on myself. It really resonated with me and I found it so helpful. Thanks for always writing so honestly about so many topics.
I’m going to be real honest and say I love the mental health posts because they are so relatable. Also, the food posts! 😜 that spaghetti is top notch! 👌🏻
I have loved following you and find it hard to pick just one post. Your yearly birthday letters to your children are beautiful and so honest. Thanks for always being so authentic. You have a huge fan in me
I love your co-patenting updates and journey into this beautiful, modern family. This is a topic that isn’t widely discussed and I appreciate your transparency. But truthfully, I love all post on your blog and can’t get enough!
I’ve loved how open and honest you’ve been about your divorce and how co-parenting has been. Gives me hope!
Love the Entertaining series. So many fun recipes!
I’ve been watching your journey for so long that picking a favorite is way too hard (I’ve loved and appreciated so many blogs, videos, and posts over the years). My daughter is close in age to Marlowe and your candid posts about her anxiety were so refreshing and needed (my daughter deals with anxiety as well). Thank you for your honesty over the years and your looks inside your life, it helps me (us) not feel so alone. Happy Anniversary!!! xo
I follow a lot of your recipes. Especially your one pot meals.
Congratulations! I’m so happy I somehow discovered your insta and blog a couple of years ago.
I’m a fan of all of your food and family content. One of the posts I remember most is when you shared about your divorce. You invited us in to a personal and private time in your life; your story was relatable and took courage.
Wishing you 8 more years of success, delicious food, love, and light.
Your posts about co-parenting. I appreciate your openness and insight on the subject.
I loved your room reveals posts you did on your previous home and I can’t wait to see the reveals of your new home!
I’ve been here since the beginning, I have a lot of favorites posts which vary from fashion, shopping, traveling & I’ve made a few recipes but a HAPPY post which sticks out in my mind was when you shared the details from your Paris trip which actually turned out to be an ENGAGEMENT TRIP 💍 It was pure happiness! You found your lobster 🦞 I loved the ring “Emmy” is stunning, I loved the engagement shoot photos 📸 and all of the fun recommendations. Paris France 🇫🇷 in on my bucket list now ♥️
I’ve been here since Major was just a few months old. It’s been fun to watch your family grow and delightful to be along for the ride.
Happy Anniversary! I love your skin care/self care information blogs, but the yearly letters to the kiddos are 💗.
Happy birthday HEA! I have loved being a follower and blog reader over the years, my favorite posts of yours are your birth stories and I also make your Creamy Olive Pasta recipe ALL the time it’s a big hit at my house!
I have been following you since the beginning. Can’t really think of one post I love more than others but probably the one when Major was in the hospital. Your strength stuck with me and how honest you were. Thank you for being my favorite blogger/influencer out there. You have grown so much and it has been a pleasure watching you.
I was first introduced to your blog through Major’s birth story. It was beautifully written and resonated with me so much. I found connection with the stories of how my kids came into the world too. I know after reading that I had to follow and subscribe!
I love all your birth story posts.
I can’t believe it’s been 8 years! I remember when you announced you were going to start a blog and being so excited for it and I’ve loved watching it grow and you flourish!
My fave posts are anytime you talk about your experiences with anxiety. They speak so much truth and honesty and I love them so much!
I have always loved hearing about other people’s birth stories, and those are some of my favorite posts of yours. Thank you for sharing you life with us!
I love any and all of your posts on parenting and have made lots of your recipes!!
My favorite HEA blog post was from 2018, “My Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety.” It seemed so foreign (and groundbreaking, in retrospect) to me that a brilliant, beautiful blogger would share not only that she experienced anxiety but also used coping skills. These skills, combined with the normalization of therapy and self-care, were so helpful to me and my family during the pandemic and beyond. Thank you for being so transparent!!!!
I’m a first time mom to a 10 month old- so I’ve enjoyed rereading the Motherhood section. Especially since I had a newborn in the fall when RSV was surging in my area. The RSV post was very validating of my feelings during that time. Keep up the great work and congrats on 8 years!!
I love so many of your posts because of your authenticity and vulnerability. Recently, I loved seeing your and Ian’s engagement in Paris!!
Don’t have a favorite; but love all your content! Became a fan of a few brands you endorse. Your family is such a joy to see updates on.
My favorite posts have been the recommendations for kids toys. I have two granddaughters (through my husband’s son) and as someone who didn’t have children, many of your suggestions (which I’ve purchased) have been HUGE hits! I love that you post what you’ve actually purchased and used vs a random Amazon review. Thank you!
Congrats on 8 amazing years!! Have been a longtime follower and love all of your content, but my favs are definitely kid-related. Specifically potty training content, as we’re about to embark on that journey with our 2.5 year old! Wishing you endless success for another 8 awesome years!!
I absolutely love your holiday decor posts!!
I enjoy, and have found so helpful, all your series about pregnancy and initial baby phases, but I loved all your thoughts about adding a sibling.
I have a 2.5 year old and 7 month old, and it was a beautiful but challenging transition. Your thoughtful advice was incredibly helpful.
Happy Birthday to my favorite Blog!! I have been a reader for years and truly love that this is a place where I can come and feel heard, even if we are complete strangers!
I love all the co parenting updates! It’s such a great example to see! Happy 8th!
Happy 8th birthday to one of my favorite blogs! 🎉 Without a doubt, my favorite blog series of yours are your birthday letters to each of your children every year. I love your thoughtfulness and appreciation of how uniquely wonderful they each are & reflections on both the previous year as well as looking forward to what the future has in store ❤️
I love a post about a trip to the Amalfi coast 🙂
The post where your brother smashed into the playhouse at Christmas time. It still makes me laugh.
Hello, I have been following HEA for a few years now and 💕 your blog posts and special stories! Your more recents about your family summer and your move were my faves! Love seeing all the historic home features and the importance of your move-been there dine that! Then your summer plans…busy busy family! I love that you took the kids to Paris where your engagement w/adorable Ian happened and Rome to see some family-so special! Then all the camps! Wow! We only have one daughter-but I remember her summers well…I was a taxi driver without the yellow cab! Lol!
All my best for a wonderful family summer!
Michelle
I have loved all the posts regarding your divorce and navigating co-parenting. Being real and sharing with us has helped many women I believe !
My absolute favorite blog posts are about the kids! I’ve followed since the beginning and watched each of them grow. The Mateo Chronicles are so entertaining these days 😂
Loved your Paris engagement post! ❤️
The life and motherhood posts!
Congrats on 8 years! I love the hair and makeup tutorials the most!
I love the series on decor. I’m so excited to see what you do with the new house. Also love your beauty and makeup tutorials
I always love your packing/outfit posts! I also love when you “shop” for your readers and help people find fun options for outfits or gifts.
Loved your baby schedule updates for Mateo – it helped me establish a solidified routine with my kids!
I’m personally rooting for the book club posts really because we got to bond about books on insta lol.
But that aside, anytime you open up and write something personal is just so incredibly helpful.
– Dana
I love 2 completely different facets of your blog; the decorating and the coparenting posts. As a remarried lady with a positive relationship with my ex, I am so glad to see someone else who doesn’t think it’s weird to still get along.
My favorite is the recipes! Especially the easy dinners!
I love your honest entries about parenting thru divorce and the excitement of adding Ian to your family. Congratulations on 8 years ❤️❤️
I’m so happy you’ve been around for these 8 years, and I hope there are many more to come!
My favorite posts are usually any about home interiors, but I had my daughter shortly after you had Mateo and your posts about his sleeping and eating schedule realllly helped me figure out how to navigate motherhood again after 12 long years! It takes a village and you were definitely part of that!
I’ve always loved your home decor posts! The way you mix patterns is so cool
I loved you post about your divorce and coparenting. Love how you both come to terms with what was best for you and love reading and seeing you coparent journey. Your kids are very lucky to have that!
I really do love all your post but the ones I really enjoy seeing is home/beauty & style.
Congratulations on your 8th Blog Anniversary!
Without a doubt for me, anything with Mateo being Mateo is the absolute best! The post with him licking the mirror, and climbing on the counters makes me happy whenever I think of it! It reminds me of something my girls would have done at that age, however I don’t have any video of them doing that. Only in my memory!!
Thanks for always making it real!
Love your section about Home and all of the gift ideas, pantry organization, and styling. Mostly love reading about your life, you are so open and honest about issues that pop up it is very refreshing and makes us followers feel like there are others out there going through similar experiences and that it will all work out ok.
It’s hard to choose just one, but my favorite post were the ones for the kiddos birthdays and the divorce ones. As a mother – I appreciate the raw honesty you gave to your readers. ♥️
I love your entire blog, especially the recipes and sharing your life with us. But I want to spotlight your divorce/co-parenting/moving on series. I appreciate your openness more than you’ll ever know. Being transparent and authentic with us during that time helped me so much, even now as I’m knee deep it in.
Thank you again for just being you and happy birthday!! 🍾🥂🥳
Happy 8 years! I love all your posts but I always really enjoy the gift guides and kid tips 🎁
My favorite posts when my children were in the same stages as yours were the routines! Now I love the fav pics and the roundup fashion posts. Also the life updates! Thank you!
My favorite series is the one you do on co-parenting. I’m not divorced but I’m a child of divorce and I love hearing about how different families handle this dynamic.
I love reading recipes you post! They are always unique and look great!
I loved the series of photos from your engagement in Paris! So lovely and also natural. You can tell you were just loving be with each other.
I have been following since the LA Galaxy days!! I adore all of your seasonal DIYs for gifts and easy food recipes. Thanks for the opportunity! 🙂
I love all your birthday letters to the kids. I always feel them in my heart. I hate to admit it I always shed a tear.
This is a difficult choice. I really love recipes. But Eva’s decorating skills are inspiring and watching her renovate her last home had to be my favorite posts. I loved it so much. So I have to select the post “A Tribute to my Historic Home”. Thank you.
I’d have to say this is my favorite post! So inspiring and relatable. I’ve just started a blog, haven’t shared it with anyone aside from my mom, and this really inspired me. Your emotional night, accidentally deleting, and having to restart is right where I am now. Congrats on 8 years!! HEA is the best!!
I enjoy seeing your home decor posts and I’m looking forward to see how you decorate the new house.
I love the kids birthday posts every year!!!
I love the birthday letters to your children each year. As a mom, I know how fast the years go by. What a beautiful way to keep track of their growth and milestones each year!
Definitely the time you posted your family’s creamy olive pasta recipe- my boys love it!!
Congratulations on 8 years! I really enjoy the different kid series – potty training, toy suggestions, sibling relationships etc!
I love your cocktail recipes!
It’s a tough choice between all your motherhood posts and the posts about your house renovation, but I really enjoy living vicariously through all of your travel posts, from the packing to the trip itself!
As much as I love all of your motherhood posts and your home renovation posts, I really enjoy living vicariously through your travel series, from the packing to the trip itself!
My favorite posts are about parenting and for some reason I remember fondly the posts about you and Marlowe having yearly visits to NYC and creating memories together. My daughter is almost 18 and we’re have done something similar since she was small. Congratulations to 8 years!
Happy birthday HEA! My favorite posts are the Ask Eva series, and the posts where you share about your mental health. Those are so helpful to read!
Happy Birthday HEA! I always enjoy your motherhood posts/series! Your entertaining posts are also a fav!
I’ve been following you since the home before the one you just sold.
I just love watching your beautiful family, meltdown included. There’s never a time when your stories don’t make me smile.
You brighten my day!
I hope this is where you enter 😜
Your parenting through divorce series has been so meaningful for me! Happy anni- here’s to many more!
I always love your motherhood posts as well as skincare! Always buying recommended products! Congrats!
Happy anniversary! My favorite type of post would be the home decor stuff. The built ins with the nook blew my mind!
Happy anniversary! My favorite type of post would be the home decor stuff. The built ins with the nook were like nothing I’ve seen before.
My favorite series is of course the kids’ birthday posts!! I always enjoy seeing what theme they each select as they get older and of course seeing the amazing cakes that get better every year! The birthday photos are always so full of joy and fun and you can see how much they are loved and celebrated 🥰🥳
Your blog posts about your divorce with young children and finding new love has helped me navigate this unknown new chapter I’ve suddenly faced this past year. Thank you so much for your honesty and sharing!
Really enjoy your entertaining posts!
Happy 8th Birthday!
Congratulations on 8 years! I wish you many more. I believe I started reading between 7-8 years ago. Wow, I love seeing how you all grow, learn, love and evolve.
I think I’d have to say that my favorite series is your birth stories!
Happy birthday HEA! Some of my fave posts are your trips to Bar Harbor/Acadia as it’s one of my most loved places too 🙂
buster’s green sauce fish recipe is an all time favorite post! So delicious!!
Happy Birthday!! Thank you for 8 years of smart, funny, useful and respectful influencing. So much of HEA has woven its way into my life and my family’s lives, I am hard-pressed to pick a favorite.
From the brown sugar scrub and the crayon-hearts my twins gave their pre-k class 6 years ago…bunny wrapping paper, scrabble art we made for both grandmas with all grandchildren names last year…to my absolute favorite, the gratitude pumpkin, which 6 years ago became the most heartfelt November tradition.
Your Christmas gift philosophy, something you want/need/to wear/to read is all my kids know.
I love the updates on bedtime routines and you wrote how important it is for kids to know Mom and Dad are in charge despite whatever chaos is happening. This really resonated all the times I needed it most.
Gift ideas, décor, beauty recommendations – Major and Marlowe’s style edit picks found their way into my kids’ closets, worn on repeat.
The hardest post to read through tears was Major’s accident as an infant. More tears when the doctors confirmed a full recovery.
Letting Go of Toxic Relationships was a life permission slip to clean out my contact list without guilt or regret.
So I can’t pick just one because it’s all of them.
Each post is so thoughtful, well-written and honest. Each gives a little something, be it reassurance, validation, advice, solidarity or even the perfect white paint – thank you Chantilly Lace! And thank you Eva! For sharing so much of yourself, your experience, your expertise for the last eight years! Cheers to 8x8x8x more!
It’s hard to choose a favorite blog. Some of it depends on timing, meaning what is relevant in my life and reading the blog. I did enjoy reading about your co-parenting with your ex. I’m divorced many many years ago. I wish we had co-parented better and I like to read about how other couples handled it.
Love them all! But especially the patching/prepping for travel! #wanderlust
My favorite series is definitely recipes!
Happy 8th birthday HEA! I love, love, love your posts on honest motherhood and family life. They are real and relatable. But if I am being honest: my most-visited HEA post is the slow cooker meatball recipe. A once-a-week staple in our home now. x
I love it all but the posts I go back to a lot are the kiddos’ birth stories. I wasn’t here when you first started but arrived before Major and have been here ever since. Happy Birthday and many more!!
As someone who has a love of historical homes, i have enjoyed the series on your historic home renovations. I’ve always lived in a historic home and recently bought a complete fixer upper farmhouse. Your posts and design has brought much inspiration as we embark on a full remodel.
The birth stories of your kids have always been my favorites! And you’d letters to them each year. Love that tradition!
First, Happy 8th! while I enjoy all your posts, there is nothing better than your travel tips. Packing is always a stressful part of travel for me…. but your thoughtful & insightful tips have made a huge difference for me.
Longtime follower, congrats on 8 years! My favorite post on the blog is the mini harvest cheese balls – I make them for every party and the people love 🙂
Happy 8 Years, Eva! What a journey you are taking!
My fave posts are always the cocktails. Spiced Apple bellinis! Yum!
I absolutely LOVED your vulnerability when you posted the mental health updates. It is so critical for mental health wellness, especially since it’s been such a stigma. Transparency for treatment, and having an open conversation, especially in the motherhood community helps those struggling, feel like they are not alone, and you really have been open and honest and vulnerable for your readers! I think it’s amazing that you opened yourself up so honestly for everyone and I love that you decided to share your heart with your readers. That series has truly been my favorite because it was hard to do and brave for you and I am quite certain that other mamas and women have drawn some strength from your posts.
I absolutely LOVED your vulnerability when you posted the mental health updates. It is so critical for mental health wellness, especially since it’s been such a stigma. Transparency for treatment, and having an open conversation, especially in the motherhood community helps those struggling, feel like they are not alone, and you really have been open and honest and vulnerable for your readers! I think it’s amazing that you opened yourself up so honestly for everyone and I love that you decided to share your heart with your readers. That series has truly been my favorite because it was hard to do and brave for you and I am quite certain that other mamas and women have drawn some strength from your posts.
Happy Birthday Happily Eva after!
I feel like I’m been following you from day one, there are so many post and series I loved. If I have to pick one it was when you went through your divorce while pregnant. Not that I loved it obviously ! I was just so sad for you and your family, but you went through this massive life change and shared it with all of your followers. Your strength to carry on just blew me away. All awhile raising your 2 little ones…I went through a divorce many years ago while my children were very young. It was horrible and I was all alone. By sharing your story I’m sure helped many other woman who may of been going through the same… something I wish I had 18 years ago.
Looking forward to many years of the Happily Eva after! Your a breath of fresh air!
Fondly
Jennifer
I love the entertaining section because it gives me good ideas on what I can do the next time I host a get together.
Congratulations on 8 years of HEA! This is one website I like to dip into that always has something I can enjoy, learn from or be inspired by. Thank you for sharing!
First, congratulations for HEA’s eight anniversary ☺️. I follow your blog and instagram since 2018, and everytime I found it versatile, entertaining, fashionable and honest. The post that really became one of my favorites was the one where you launched the first series of HEA collection in 2021, it was a joyful time to appreciate your collection amidst the pandemic times we were living in. I also appreciate the good taste and style you have in fashion and make up, that was reflected in every piece of your entire collection.
First, congratulations for HEA’s eight anniversary ☺️. I follow your blog and instagram since 2018, and everytime I found it versatile, entertaining, fashionable and honest. The post that really became one of my favorites was the one where you launched the first series of HEA collection in 2021, it was a joyful time to appreciate your collection amidst the pandemic times we were living in. I also appreciate the good taste and style you have in fashion and make up, that was reflected in every piece of your entire collection. Kuddos for many more years to come!
I love your home decor posts – your home office (from your last home) is still one of my all time favs!
Reading about your coparenting journey helped me get through my own with grace and sanity. We are now also coparenting in a healthy, family oriented way that also comes with a great friendship. Thanks for being so open with yours, it helped me so very much.
I’ve been following you for a long time—I’ve loved watching you decorate your houses, and the recipes, but honestly I just love how candid you are about your own life and the ups and downs—we all have them!! You’ve gone through huge life changes with grace! I especially loved your series on having your last baby at home…you’re just a rockstar! Thanks for sharing with us!!! 💗
your cocktail series!
Hi Eva,
I’ve followed your blog ever since you were in L.A. and Marlowe was a baby. I’ve enjoyed so many of your posts, but I think the one that stands out the most is when you shared the news of your miscarriage. I was truly moved by the way you allowed yourself to be so open and vulnerable with a topic that most people shy away from. By sharing your experience, you helped so many would-be parents feel less alone in their trauma and grief, which is priceless in my opinion.
Thank you! ❤️
Rebecca
So hard to pick one, but I love the entertainment and recipes… the way you simplify the recipes and are honest about the hiccups, I trust if I put in the time to recreate the dish, it will turn out well.
Happy anniversary!
My favorite posts are the packing ones for you and your kids. I tend to overpack so your tips have really helped me to edit my packing lists.