Life Unoptimized

Life Unoptimized

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Another Mom Leaves the City
The highs and lows of an impulsive decision to trade urban thrills for peace and sunshine
 • Rachel Ward
My 26 for 2026
Because I can't resist that clean slate energy
 • Rachel Ward
Christmas Card Edition: 5 Moments of Adventure and Simplicity
Little invitations for connection and delight
 • Rachel Ward
The Year of Making Getting Dressed Fun Again
On letting go of nailing it
 • Rachel Ward
The Matrescence Questionnaire 02: Rachel Ward
Longtime editor, adventurer, simplicity seeker, and mom of two: Rachel Ward of Life Unoptimized answers the Questionnaire!
Published on Ordinary Animals • 
Leaving the Stroller Behind for our Home Exchange in San Miguel de Allende
We survived (almost thrived!) a week of urban trekking with two little kids
 • Rachel Ward
A Plan to Romanticize the Heck out of December
The 27 things on my holiday docket this year, including paper chains, records, and lipstick
 • Rachel Ward
The Upgrade That Made Travel Feel Adventurous Again
All the bad excuses that held me back from home exchange (couch surfing for grown ups)
 • Rachel Ward
5 Ways I’m Finding Adventure and Simplicity: November Dispatch
Moments of delight and connection in everyday mom life, from a family record collection to outdoorsy playdates
 • Rachel Ward
Life Unoptimized
Life Unoptimized
Finding adventure and simplicity in modern motherhood.
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Life Unoptimized

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