2025 asked a lot of us and probably of you too. It was successful but it was also stressful and demanding. Truth be told, it was hard!

As we step into 2026, Tropical Escapes at Home turns one year old, and this first episode of the new year is not about pushing harder or planning more. It’s about exhaling. It’s about stepping back to look at last year to see what worked and what did not. It’s about resetting and making changes where needed.

In this episode, we pause to acknowledge what it took to get here, offer a few tips about much-needed vacation planning, give some important updates about a new service I am offering, how volunteering at a local thrift store creates a change of pace (and how you can find some cool stuff for your tropical escape there!), and how to just gently reset your pace for the year ahead. Think of this episode as a quiet beach at sunrise - no agenda, no urgency, just space to arrive and rest.

This Episode Is For You If…

• You’re proud of what you accomplished in 2025, but you’re tired
• You want 2026 to feel calmer, slower, and more satsifying
• You’re redefining success to include rest and presence
• You love the idea of the tropics and want to include them in your life
• You want to set a softer, more intentional tone for 2026

As you listen, allow yourself to stop striving. Don’t try to fix anything or stress about how you are going to optimize things. Just imagine warm tropical air, gentle ocean waves, and the feeling of finally arriving somewhere. You are safe and unhurried. That’s the energy we’re carrying into year two of this podcast.

In 2026, Tropical Escapes at Home will focus on:

• Softer rhythms, self-awareness, and de-stressing
• Meaningful at-home escapes and ways of living that fit real life
• Tropical inspiration as restoration, not escape-from-burnout
• Creating space for joy, creativity, and rest, without feeling guilty about it

Links mentioned in the show:

Shopping at thrift stores, consignment shops and estate sales

Angel's Attic on Poshmark

Cypress Assistance Ministries in Houston

Cerulean Bay's Online Market

Cerulean Bay

Thank You for Being Here!

Whether you’ve been listening since the beginning or you just found the show, thank you for helping make this first year possible. Your presence is part of what makes this space feel like home! Here’s to a slower, warmer, and more deeply rooted year!

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In his final episode for 2025, Tom talks about the importance of slowing down during the busy holiday season to reflect on how this year really was for you and what you can do to make next year even better without relying on new year's resolutions. He offers suggestions for how to make 2026 a more tropical year for you!

Tom also recaps his year and how there have been the good things and the bad, and how he plans to move forward into 2026 with some great new ideas for you and Cerulean Bay. From his home to yours, he wishes you a truly Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter is moving to a new platform! It will be available again here soon!

Tom's podcast episodes from 2025! Lot's of great stuff here!

If you love the symphony and love planetary science, be sure to listen to his episode with special guest, Amanda Lee Falkenberg, creater of The Moons Symphony!

Check out the really great deals for tropical home decor in the online store!

For some great faux plants, check these out!

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In this episode, we sit down with Kacper Staniul (pronounced "Kasper"), co-founder of My Architect AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of architecture and interior design. From accelerating client workflows to unlocking entirely new creative possibilities, Kacper offers a front-row look at where the industry is headed, what architects and designers need to know to stay ahead, and how they can retain and even expand their creativity with the right AI tools.

Today we dive into:

• How AI-powered rendering tools are revolutionizing architectural practice, allowing architects to quickly generate high-quality visualizations for client proposals.
• Why the quality of inputs matters more than ever and how vague, text-only prompts not only limit accuracy but actually create useless digital garbage.
• The real difference between simple prompt-based generators and dedicated AI design platforms built specifically for architecture and interior design.
• How designers can use AI to gather inspiration, explore styles, and refine concepts with more control and precision.
• The pace of change in the AI ecosystem and how My Architect AI is continually evolving in response to new technologies and competitive innovations.
• Kacper’s perspective on the future of design, and what architects, interior designers, and everyday creators should prepare for.

Whether you're an architect looking to streamline your workflow, an interior designer exploring new tools, or a creator curious about the future of visual design, this conversation offers an inspiring and practical glimpse into what's possible and what to avoid!

Visit MyArchitectAI and contact Kacper with any questions!

Other tools mentioned in this episode which are not affiliated with MyArchitectAI:

Mid Journey

SketchUp

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As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks into full speed, this episode of Tropical Escapes at Home invites you to do the opposite: slow down, exhale, and rediscover the tropical calm your home can offer.

In this reflective, soothing year-end conversation, Tom from Cerulean Bay explores why creating your own personal tropical escape at home isn’t a luxury; it is a grounding necessity that helps you step into the new year with clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of self.

Whether your upcoming months hold excitement, uncertainty, or a mix of everything, your oasis at home can become the steady anchor that helps you navigate it all.

In This Episode:

• Why now, the year’s end, is the perfect moment to pause and reconnect with your personal sense of calm.
• Why you should forget about making new year's resolutions and focus instead on how tropical-inspired spaces at home can support you physically and mentally.
• Looking at different types of tropical inspiration can help you find what you truly love in tropical design elements.
• Looking back at how your tastes in home design and decor have changed over the years can help you to incorporate new preferences in your home.
• Why you should travel to the tropics at this time of year, if you are able to get away.

Your Takeaway This Week

As the year draws to a close, give yourself permission to step back from the rush and create an intentional moment of peace.

Your personal tropical escape—no matter how simple or small—can become the reset that helps you embrace whatever next year holds.

Pause. Breathe. Escape. Your tropical calm is waiting!

Check out Tom's store which is now on eBay!

Visit Tom on YouTube!

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Check out Melissa Rodway's book, The People You Meet!

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In this episode, Tom meets up with Melissa Rodway who is an author, travel storyteller, and creator of an awesome travel podcast. Melissa shares compelling travel stories from her journeys and experiences. These are stories that are rich with culture, connection, and real human encounters. Known for her thoughtful and direct method of writing and storytelling, Melissa reflects on the people she meets while traveling and how their perspectives shape her own understanding of their countries and cultures. She shares how those visits and experiences impact her and her decisions about where to travel next.

From remote locations to busy cities, Melissa reveals why travel should be as meaningful as possible and how to make that happen. Her travel experiences fuel her creativity as an author and inspire her continued passion for new travel adventures, new cultural connections, and truly authentic living.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Real travel experiences and the inspirations that they create.
• Heartfelt insight into what makes travel experiences truly meaningful.
• How real experiences with locals and other travelers helps one to tap into the deep cultural roots of a country and how human connections transform every journey.
• How travel sparks self-discovery and authenticity.
• A look at how meaningful travel can shift your mindset and influence the way you show up in your everyday life.
• Why the curiosity, openness, and gratitude found in the people you meet is so critical to a fulfilling life.
• How to infuse aspects of travel and culture into your home to create authentic places where you can escape to the beauty and wonder of these amazing locations without leaving home.

Stay Connected with Melissa!

Fly Travel Radio Podcast

Shooting From The Hip (An excellent and relatable introduction!)

Melissa on Instagram

Her Book: The People You Meet

Email: flytravelmedia@gmail.com

Stay Connected with Tom!

Cerulean Bay

Design Your Own Tropical Escape At Home!

Tropical Design At Home on YouTube

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Through an unexpected pairing of the tropics and the moons of our outer solar system, Tom meets with Amanda Falkenberg, the creator of The Moons Symphony, to explore new connections between the amazing beauty of far-off lunar worlds and tropical escapes at home.

In this episode, Amanda breathes life and emotion into these amazing moons as she captures the beauty and the grandeur of these distant worlds that belong to our neighboring planets. Amanda introduces us to a whole new concept of natural beauty, one that pairs wonderfully with the peace and tranquility of the tropics to create a whole new experience at home, one that is truly a new source of inspiration for imagery, design, and relaxation at home. Discover how symphonic and choral sound combined with beautiful imagery can transport you from the sunny beaches of the tropics to dramatic lunar landscapes which will leave you filled with a mystical calm, all without leaving home.

In this episode:

• How The Moons Symphony sparks the imagination, inspires creativity, and promotes peace and relaxation at home.

• The connection between music, nature, and your physical and mental well-being.

• Behind-the-scenes insights from composer Amanda Falkenberg.

• Upcoming events and educational opportunities including LUNAR.

• Samples of Amanda’s work which brings the moons, Enceladus, Miranda, and Europa to life.

Whether you are dreaming of a moonlit beach in Bali or are wondering about the beauty of our distant moons and planets, this conversation is sure to spark your imagination and creativity when creating a relaxing personal retreat at home. Be sure to check out The Moons Symphony and Amanda’s upcoming projects including LUNAR (Learning Under New Artistic Regimes)!

Links mentioned in this episode:

The Moons Symphony

LUNAR

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Dreaming of a amazing getaway in the South Pacific? Check out Tahiti in French Polynesia for that peaceful and intoxicating tropical vibe! In this episode, Tom explores the world of Tahitian-inspired interior design and how you can bring the serene beauty of Tahiti and its surrounding islands into your living space. From natural textures and bold colors to the handcrafted details of tiki and locally inspired art, you’ll learn how to capture the beauty of Tahitian design influences right at home.

But he doesn’t stop at design inspiration. Tom also takes you on a virtual escape to Tahiti with an in-depth review of 5 of the best luxury resorts in the Tahitian islands. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements that make Tahitian interiors feel timeless, tranquil, and inviting

Tom’s top picks for resorts in the Tahitian islands and what makes each unique

Whether you want to bring in some South Pacific tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter is moving to a new platform! It will be available again here soon!

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Bali for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

Here's the blogpost!

1. Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

2. Le Bora Bora

3. La Taha'a Resort

4. Intercontinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa

5. Le Tikehau Resort

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Dreaming of an awesome tropical getaway in Central America? Consider the hidden gem that is Belize! It is an absolutely beautiful place and is full of inspiration you can use to create that peaceful tropical escape at home. In this episode, Tom explores the relaxed tropical beauty of Belize and how different cultural influences have come together to create the truly unique look and style that only comes from Belize. Tom also reviews 5 of the top adults-only resorts in the country. With natural materials and textures that are blended with indigenous Mayan and European design influences, these resorts are excellent examples of modern luxury living in tropical style which provide endless inspiration for tropical design in your own home as you create your own personal tropical escape.

Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a romantic retreat, or just a peaceful vacation where you can fully relax, these resorts offer the perfect blend of tropical scenery, rejuvenating experiences, and of course, incredible inspiration for home design and decor.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The key design elements in Belizean resort interiors which help to create seamless transitions between interiors and exteriors.

Specific details which make each of these resorts truly unique.

Whether you want to bring in some calming tropical style or you are planning your next tropical escape, this episode will inspire you to visit and create your own piece of paradise!

Check out Tom on YouTube and subscribe to stay informed

The Cabana Lounge Newsletter is moving to a new platform! It will be available again here soon!

Keep the faith with Tom at Keep Praying, Stay Strong!

Check out these amazing resorts in Belize for vacation ideas and home design inspiration!

1. Matachica Resort & Spa

2. Coco Plum Island Resort

3. PUR Boutique Cabanas

4. Caribbean Beach Cabanas

5. St. George’s Caye Resort

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