My love language!
When I was a kid, I had a reputation for making the best birthday cards in my family. I’ve always loved showing people how much they mean to me through thoughtful, handmade gifts. Over time, those cards evolved into care packages, birthday boxes, and collages—each made with love and attention to detail. It’s still one of my favorite ways to connect with the people I care about most. Here are a few gifts I’ve made recently, each a small piece of my heart.
Happy Birthday Ellie
Ellie J is my best friend, my other half, and the person who keeps me sane between long lacrosse practices, crazy class load, and the life that is a college student. I wanted her collage to display the stability yet brightness that she brings to my existence.
Happy Birthday Lucy
At Stanford, freshman year roommates are assigned at random — which can lead to a horror story, a quiet coexistence, or, if you’re incredibly lucky, a lifelong best friend. Lucy and I still live together, and I made this collage as a tribute to the little room where we went from strangers to sisters.
Follow Your Dreams Mom
I was born in San Diego, but I grew up in upstate New York. During my freshman year of college, my mom would talk about her dream of moving back—San Diego was her happy place. I created this mood board for her as a reminder to follow her dreams, filling it with her favorite parts of San Diego, along with pictures of our chocolate lab, Luna, and me at Stanford.
This past summer, my mom picked up everything and drove across the country with Luna, following her dream and building a new life for herself—one that’s much closer to me and my lacrosse games. She is my biggest inspiration.
Working on more gifts for those I love soon!
