Designing A Life Fantastic -

Detailed view of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City under a clear blue sky.

Climbing to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty: What to Know Before You Go

We rarely do the touristy things here in New York. When you live in…

easter eggs

How to Build a Low-Waste Easter Basket Your Kids Will Love

Easter is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. One minute it’s…

lots of hearts

Classroom Valentine’s Day Ideas That Are Fun, Affordable and Low-Waste

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is still very much a classroom tradition.…

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Two Days at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

Croatia had been on my travel wish list for a while, and when we…

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I'm Robin; traveler and lifestyle blogger.

I'm on a mission to bring more joy into my life. Follow along as I share travel tips, life hacks, easy sustainability swaps, design inspiration and more.

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Detailed view of the iconic Statue of Liberty in New York City under a clear blue sky.

Climbing to the Crown of the Statue of Liberty: What to Know Before You Go

July 11, 2026July 11, 2026

We rarely do the touristy things here in New York. When you live in the city, there's this unspoken rule that Times Square and the double-decker buses are for visitors,…

easter eggs

How to Build a Low-Waste Easter Basket Your Kids Will Love

March 23, 2026March 24, 2026

Easter is one of those holidays that sneaks up on you. One minute it’s February, and the next you’re throwing stuff in a basket. Here’s the thing: Easter baskets don’t…

lots of hearts

Classroom Valentine’s Day Ideas That Are Fun, Affordable and Low-Waste

February 5, 2026February 5, 2026

Love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is still very much a classroom tradition. We did them once, in Kindergarten, and making 50 valentines was more stress than fun, and…

Plitvice Lakes Croatia

Two Days at Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

Croatia had been on my travel wish list for a while, and when we finally made it happen, there was one place I knew we had to see: Plitvice Lakes…

Woman with wallet not spending money

Why You Should Try a No-Spend Day—or Month

November 24, 2025November 24, 2025

How It Started I started doing no-spend days before I had kids — mostly as a fun little challenge to help me jump-start my savings. I wasn’t always consistent back…

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thejoyfulrobin

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Raising kids & trying not to burn the planet down ✨
On a mission to design a life I’m obsessed with
No perfect vibes, just what works ⬇️

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Jul 14

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Here are two simple money habits that can have big results. How often do you have a no-spend day? I aim for once a week. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes it’s less. This week I’m aiming for Wednesday since Spain plays on Tuesday 😁🇪🇸⚽️

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along as I document the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic.

#moneymindset #moneymonday #spendnothingday

Here are two simple money habits that can have big results. How often do you have a no-spend day? I aim for once a week. Sometimes it’s more, sometimes it’s less. This week I’m aiming for Wednesday since Spain plays on Tuesday 😁🇪🇸⚽️

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along as I document the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic.

#moneymindset #moneymonday #spendnothingday ...

3 2

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Jul 12

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I can’t believe I’m only now learning about #plasticfreejuly 🤦‍♀️

Reducing plastic in your kitchen isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about protecting your health. Plastics can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food, especially when heated. These are linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues and even cancer.

Making small swaps—choosing reusable glass containers, wood or metal cutting boards, or stainless steel pans—can dramatically lower your exposure to these toxic forever-chemicals.

Designing a low-tox, plastic-free, eco-friendly kitchen is easier than you think.

Comment KITCHEN and I’ll send you all of my favorite plastic-free alternatives.

Have you already started replacing plastic products? Lmk if you need recommendations!

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 If you believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff, let’s be friends!

#plasticfree #zerowaste #healthykitchen #healthyhome

I can’t believe I’m only now learning about #plasticfreejuly 🤦‍♀️

Reducing plastic in your kitchen isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about protecting your health. Plastics can leach harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates into your food, especially when heated. These are linked to hormone disruption, fertility issues and even cancer.

Making small swaps—choosing reusable glass containers, wood or metal cutting boards, or stainless steel pans—can dramatically lower your exposure to these toxic forever-chemicals.

Designing a low-tox, plastic-free, eco-friendly kitchen is easier than you think.

Comment KITCHEN and I’ll send you all of my favorite plastic-free alternatives.

Have you already started replacing plastic products? Lmk if you need recommendations!

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 If you believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff, let’s be friends!

#plasticfree #zerowaste #healthykitchen #healthyhome ...

8 3

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Jul 9

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To all the parents who say their kids are too little to remember the trip, I say, maybe, but you’ll remember it, won’t you?

If you need more reasons not to wait to travel, here are 3 more:

👉 It builds confidence early. Navigating an airport, trying to order in another language, and figuring out a new city tells them they can handle new things.

👉 Flexibility becomes a skill, not a meltdown trigger. Travel days are long, plans can change, there might not be chicken nuggets on the menu, and that’s okay. They survive.

👉 Travel brings them closer together. Yes, they still fight, but traveling reinforces their bond like a day at the pool never will.

I’ve traveled with my kids through 16 countries and it was never about what they’ll remember. It’s about who they’re becoming while it’s happening. And spending time as a family.

Share this with someone who is hesitant or nervous about traveling with kids.

What if the best time to travel with kids is right now? What questions do you have? Comment below where would you go first.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along as I document the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic.

To all the parents who say their kids are too little to remember the trip, I say, maybe, but you’ll remember it, won’t you?

If you need more reasons not to wait to travel, here are 3 more:

👉 It builds confidence early. Navigating an airport, trying to order in another language, and figuring out a new city tells them they can handle new things.

👉 Flexibility becomes a skill, not a meltdown trigger. Travel days are long, plans can change, there might not be chicken nuggets on the menu, and that’s okay. They survive.

👉 Travel brings them closer together. Yes, they still fight, but traveling reinforces their bond like a day at the pool never will.

I’ve traveled with my kids through 16 countries and it was never about what they’ll remember. It’s about who they’re becoming while it’s happening. And spending time as a family.

Share this with someone who is hesitant or nervous about traveling with kids.

What if the best time to travel with kids is right now? What questions do you have? Comment below where would you go first.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along as I document the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic. ...

2 0

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Jul 8

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To all the parents who say their kids are too little to remember the trip, I say, maybe, but you’ll remember it, won’t you?

If you need more reasons not to wait to travel, here are 3 more:

👉 It builds confidence early. Navigating an airport, trying to order in another language, and figuring out a new city tells them they can handle new things.

👉 Flexibility becomes a skill, not a meltdown trigger. Travel days are long, plans can change, there might not be chicken nuggets on the menu, and that’s okay. They survive.

👉 Travel brings them closer together. Yes, they still fight, but traveling reinforces their bond like a day at the pool never will.

I’ve traveled with my kids through 16 countries and it was never about what they’ll remember. It’s about who they’re becoming while it’s happening. And spending time as a family.

Share this with someone who is hesitant or nervous about traveling with kids.

What if the best time to travel with kids is right now? What questions do you have? Comment below where would you go first.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along as I document the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic.

To all the parents who say their kids are too little to remember the trip, I say, maybe, but you’ll remember it, won’t you?

If you need more reasons not to wait to travel, here are 3 more:

👉 It builds confidence early. Navigating an airport, trying to order in another language, and figuring out a new city tells them they can handle new things.

👉 Flexibility becomes a skill, not a meltdown trigger. Travel days are long, plans can change, there might not be chicken nuggets on the menu, and that’s okay. They survive.

👉 Travel brings them closer together. Yes, they still fight, but traveling reinforces their bond like a day at the pool never will.

I’ve traveled with my kids through 16 countries and it was never about what they’ll remember. It’s about who they’re becoming while it’s happening. And spending time as a family.

Share this with someone who is hesitant or nervous about traveling with kids.

What if the best time to travel with kids is right now? What questions do you have? Comment below where would you go first.

Hi, I’m Robin 👋 I believe in buying less, buying better, and prioritizing experiences over stuff. And probably eating out more than my bank account would like 😆 Follow along as I document the messy, imperfect journey of buying less, living more and designing a life that feels fantastic. ...

5 0

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