One of the questions I get asked most often is how I manage to balance my many creative passions with family life. Between designing homes, planning events, producing television content, and cooking, it can feel like there’s always something pulling my attention in different directions. But over time, I’ve learned that the key isn’t trying to do it all separately—it’s finding ways to weave my passions into the fabric of daily life. Today, I want to share how I integrate family, food, and lifestyle projects into everyday routines while keeping it meaningful and joyful.
Start With What You Love
The first step in integrating passion projects into daily life is knowing what truly excites you. For me, creativity and hospitality are at the heart of everything I do. I love designing spaces that inspire, cooking meals that bring people together, and creating events that leave lasting memories. When your passions align with your lifestyle, it becomes less of a “task” and more of an enjoyable part of your day. I’ve found that focusing on what you genuinely love keeps you motivated, even on busy or stressful days.
Make Family Part of the Process
Family is central to my life, and I’ve learned that including them in my passion projects not only strengthens bonds but also makes projects more fulfilling. My husband Bentley and I often collaborate on creative ventures, from producing my upcoming show V’s Vittles and Vibes to brainstorming new event ideas. My kids, KyLee and Bentley Jr., also enjoy being part of the process, whether it’s helping me in the kitchen, picking out décor, or sharing their opinions on design choices. By including family, I ensure that my work doesn’t feel separate from my life—it becomes part of our shared experiences.
Schedule With Intention
Balancing multiple projects requires intentional scheduling. I keep a calendar that accounts for work commitments, family time, and personal creative projects. But it’s not just about fitting everything in—it’s about prioritizing what matters most each day. Sometimes that means blocking off time for a family dinner or a home-cooked meal, even in the middle of a busy workweek. By treating these moments as non-negotiable, I can honor both my passions and my family life. Planning ahead helps prevent stress and ensures that my creativity doesn’t come at the expense of relationships or well-being.
Create Dedicated Spaces
Another way I integrate my passions into daily life is by creating spaces that encourage creativity and connection. In my home, the kitchen is a hub of activity—it’s where I experiment with new recipes, host family gatherings, and teach my kids cooking skills. Similarly, having organized areas for planning events, sketching design ideas, or managing television production keeps projects from spilling into family time chaotically. Dedicated spaces make it easier to focus on work when needed, and also make it easier to transition back to family moments without feeling pulled in multiple directions.
Use Everyday Moments as Inspiration
I’ve found that inspiration doesn’t only come from big projects—it’s everywhere in daily life. A simple family dinner can spark a new recipe idea, a walk through the neighborhood can inspire a color palette for a design project, or organizing a small gathering at home can inform an event planning concept. By viewing everyday experiences as potential creative fuel, I keep my passion projects alive without feeling like I need to carve out huge blocks of time. Creativity becomes part of life rather than a separate endeavor.
Embrace Flexibility
Life with family—and multiple creative passions—is unpredictable. There are days when deadlines, school events, or unexpected challenges disrupt the best-laid plans. I’ve learned that flexibility is essential. Instead of stressing when things don’t go perfectly, I adjust and find alternative ways to pursue my passions. Maybe I cook a new recipe for lunch instead of dinner, or sketch design ideas while waiting for a family activity to end. By embracing flexibility, I keep my creativity flowing without feeling overwhelmed.
Celebrate Small Wins
Integrating passion projects into daily life isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress and joy. I make it a point to celebrate small wins, whether that’s successfully pulling off a family dinner, completing a design concept, or finishing a segment for a show. These moments may seem minor, but they accumulate and create a sense of accomplishment. Celebrating small successes keeps motivation high and reminds me why I love doing what I do.
Prioritize Self-Care
Finally, balancing family, food, and lifestyle projects requires taking care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities, but I’ve learned that my creativity and energy thrive when I prioritize rest, reflection, and self-care. Even small routines—like a quiet morning coffee, a short walk, or a moment to plan the day—help me stay grounded. When I feel nourished and balanced, I can give my best to my family and my passions alike.
Integrating passion projects into daily life isn’t about compartmentalizing work and family—it’s about weaving them together in a way that feels natural and joyful. By including family in projects, planning intentionally, creating dedicated spaces, finding inspiration in everyday moments, and maintaining flexibility, you can live a life where work, creativity, and family coexist harmoniously.
For me, food, design, and lifestyle aren’t just hobbies or careers—they’re a way of expressing love, building connection, and making each day meaningful. When your passions enhance your life rather than compete with it, you create a rhythm that’s productive, fulfilling, and deeply rewarding. Family, food, and creativity together make life richer, and learning to balance them has been one of the most important lessons of my journey.