10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! This was such a great week, especially since we were on fall break. I'm so sad that we have to go back to school and work tomorrow. 

1. It's officially fall! I celebrated the first day of fall by lighting a candle, making a homemade pumpkin spice latte, and doing some of my physical therapy exercises before the kids woke up. 

2. I've been devouring s'mores. It's been my dessert after dinner for a few days. Also, I highly recommend using Hershey's milk chocolate bars with caramel candy to make s'mores. They are amazing!

3. "Librarymaxxing: The Secrets Librarians Wish You Knew." This was such a great article. 

4. Sometimes social media (Instagram) can be useful. I discovered a new-to-me artist, Cheryl Andrey, and love her work. 

5. On repeat: Catch Me If You Can by Allegra Jordyn

6. I kept hearing about Fat Bear Week and had no idea what in the world this even meant. After Austin Kleon mentioned it in his latest Substack article, I finally looked it up and was surprised it's a competition. You can learn more about it here.

7. Current Favorite: SmartSweets Candy Salad. This was an impulse buy at the grocery store, and I don't regret it. I love the mix of sweet and sour candy. It was a nice little pick-me-up.

8. We went to Spirit Halloween to check out costumes. We're all not sure what we're going to dress up as, but I was pleasantly surprised to see more costumes this year than last year. 

9. Must-watch: Air Wick Mexico's Día de los Muertos commercial had me in tears. 

10. It's almost October, and I'm so excited. It's going to be a very busy month, but I'm so excited for all the fun events we plan to attend. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Hà Nguyễn on Unsplash

Fall 2026 Bucket List

Happy Tuesday and First Day of Fall! As always, I'm so excited that fall is officially here! This morning, I started my day with a pumpkin spice latte and some physical therapy exercises before the kids woke up. I also lit a candle and played some fall and Halloween-themed songs.

We're on fall break right now, and I'm so excited for our plans(and the fall season). I plan to watch a couple of spooky movies or a show, finish one of the books I'm currently reading, and go to the fair. I plan to start decorating our home for fall, and I need to switch out my mugs.

In honor of the first day of fall and continuing with one of my favorite fall seasonal traditions, it's time to share my fall bucket list. As always, I've kept my usual fall favorites and traditions on the list, but there are a few new things I've included. I can't wait to start crossing things off my list, and I may just return to add some things to the list. 

• Read 8 books
• Read 5 spooky books by October 31
• Participate in a Fall or Spooky book challenge
• Read 2 books on my TBR list
• Watch a new-to-me scary movie
• Go to a Fall festival
• Donate clothes and other items
• Document fall
• Go to the fair
• Make s'mores
• Work in my sketchbook/journal
• Work on 1 crafty project
• Make caramel apples in a cup
• Go to the farmer's market
• Go to the Upper West Market
• Make a fall simmer pot
• Publish a photo essay
• Drink apple cider
• Go for a walk on the Silver Comet Trail
• Visit Oakland Cemetery
• Buy Halloween costumes
• Carve a pumpkin
• Roast pumpkin seeds
• Go to the spooky festival
• Decorate the house for fall
• Go see the I SPY! Walter Wick's Hidden Wonders exhibit at the High Museum of Art
• Visit a pumpkin patch
• Watch The Haunting of Hill House
• Go for more evening walks

What is on your fall bucket list?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Chris Lawton on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday. This was a busy week filled with meetings, appointments, trainings, and a massive to-do list. This weekend, I wanted to just relax, and I'm happy to say I did. And now, we are on fall break, which I'm super excited about.

1. I finally found the Poppi sour apple flavor, and it's so good! This will probably be another go-to fall drink for me. 

2. Currently Reading: I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of  Love & Frida Kahlo: An anthology of art and poetry, edited by Cheryl Robson, and I'm really enjoying it.

3. A new cat species was discovered in Bolivia

4. This game of Duck, Duck, Goose. I used to love this game when I was a kid.

5. On repeat: See You Again by Roosevelt

6. I was so excited to find crimson crisp apples at one of my favorite vendors at the farmers market. I bought a medium-sized bag, and I'm pretty sure the woman gave me a few extras, which is much appreciated. I plan to snack on these and maybe use a few in a recipe.

7. I've been drinking RYZE Pumpkin Spice lattes all week, and I love it! I think this may just be one of my fall go-to drinks this year.

8. Homemade food made by Mami. Raphael and I were feeling a little under the weather, so Mami made us all a feast. Comfort food is the best, especially when it's made by Mami.

9. Fall is almost here! It was a cool 70 degrees this morning, and it felt glorious! I can't wait for fall to officially arrive this Tuesday.

10. Did I mention Fall break is here, and I'm so excited? We don't have any big plans, but it'll be nice to have a week off work and school. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash

September 2026 Goals

Happy Monday! How are we already halfway through September? August flew by, and September seems to be doing the same.

August marked the start of the school year and the return to a routine. Although we had to go back to school and work, summer is still in full swing. We are continuing to take advantage of the last few weeks of summer. We went to the pool a few times and the Marietta Square to check out some shops and go for a walk around the area. Throughout the month, I went to a few different farmers' markets, tried new drinks and treats, and shopped at a few small businesses. My favorite Barnes & Noble bookstore permanently closed in mid-August, so I made a few trips to take advantage of the amazing sales before the last day of business.

This month, I'm looking forward to a slower month. So far, it's been less hectic than August, but I did have a couple of busy days. This month, I'm looking forward to celebrating John's birthday, going to a few fall events, reading a few books on my TBR list, trying a new recipe (or two), and eating so many different seasonal foods.

Since it's a new month (and we're halfway into September), it's time to share a quick recap of my August goals and check out my goals for September.

Recap of August Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library: I read You & a Bike & a Road by Eleanor Davis and thought it was an interesting read. It also made me want to read more graphic/comic style books. Raphael and I also read a lot of books together, and we are currently reading lots of fall- and Halloween-themed books.

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley: I read Safe Harbor by Nicola Yoon, and it was a nice, quick read. I love a good novella, but I think the book would have been better as a novel. Safe Harbor reminded me of The Breakfast Club film, which I loved. The novella is also part of a short story collection called The Edge of Everything.

• Try 1 new-to-me recipe: I didn't try a new recipe. To be honest, I've been stuck on which recipe to try. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. 

• Work in my journal/art journal: So this didn't happen (I know, I know). I blame it on how busy the past few weeks were. I'm really hoping to work in my journal soon. 

• Watch or stream a movie or show: I didn't watch a movie or show in August. I honestly couldn't decide what I wanted to watch. Although I have a ton of shows to catch up on, I'm on the hunt for a really good movie or series. So please feel free to share your recommendations.

September Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library
• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley
• Try 1 new-to-me recipe
• Watch or stream a movie and a show
• Work in my journal

What are your goals for September? How did you do in August?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! This week flew by thanks to Labor Day. It was nice to have a day off from work and school. However, I always get thrown off when we have a four-day week (I promise I'm not complaining). 

The week ended with the 25th anniversary of September 11. I don't know how to put into words my feelings about September 11. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. 

This weekend we're going to celebrate John's birthday. It's going to be nice to celebrate all weekend long and throughout the month. We plan to go to a few places and spend time with family. 

1. We celebrated my niece's birthday on Labor Day. It was great seeing my nephew and nieces. The boys had fun, and it was a great way to unofficially end summer. 

2. I tried the Little Debbie X Crumbl cookies, and they were so good. The Zebra Cake was delicious and tasted exactly like the Little Debbie snack cake. It was also a bit on the sweet side, so only eating about half of the cake was more than enough for me.

3. Catching Shadows by Anna Brones. I'm still in this weird creative block. I have so much creative energy, but I've been stuck on what projects to work on. I love the idea of tracing shadows in sketchbooks. I plan to do this soon.

4. A pumpkin spice latte in a pumpkin. I'm going to try this at home.

5. On repeat: Hyperreal by Trafton

6. These powerful words by Michael Massaroli Jr., the son of Michael Massaroli, who lost his life during the September 11 attacks.

7. "When Is It Ok to Give Up on a Book?" It was interesting to read other people's opinions on DNFing books and which books they gave up on finishing.

8. On the wishlist: GoNanas limited edition Apple Cider Donut Banana Bread & Muffin Mix

9. Looking forward to: There are so many books I need to finish reading, but I just put The Nightingales by Emil Wilson on hold at my library. I can't wait to read it. 

10. I was so excited to see a massive pumpkin display at my grocery store. I can't wait to buy one so we can carve it and roast the pumpkin seeds. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Diana Light on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! I'm so grateful for this three-day weekend. It is much needed and so appreciated. We're still soaking up the last weeks of summer and plan to go to the pool. We are also going to celebrate one of my niece's birthday. It'll be fun to spend time with family. 

1. I'm so glad it's September. The 'ber months are here, and I am so excited for fall. Although it's still incredibly hot outside, I've been embracing fall and all things cozy. 

2. John's birthday is coming up, so I've been preparing for it. I can't wait to celebrate his day with the kids. We'll also probably go out for dinner and maybe a movie. 

3. Devouring: The Galactic Brownie Cake bundltets from Nothing Bundt Cakes.

4. I'm getting back into meal planning, and it feels so good to use the ingredients we have in our fridge. Recently, we've tried to be creative with what we have before we go to the grocery store, and it's been fun coming up with ideas and altering recipes so we don't waste food.

5. On repeat: Headlock by Imogen Heap

6. Raphael and I picked up a ton of fall and Halloween-themed books from our library. I'm so excited to read them with him. I'm also on the hunt to read a really good spooky book this fall, so if you have any suggestions, please share them.

7. I made a really good bacon and cheese bagel sandwich. I used bagels I bought (and froze) from a local vendor at the farmer's market. So good! Will definitely make it again.

8. Currently Reading: I'm slowly reading No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood

9. I went to the farmer's market and was excited to find apple cider available this week from one of my favorite local vendors.

10. I recently discovered Jenny Doh and her really cool journal pages. I really love the idea of compartmental journaling and plan to try it soon. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Duong Ngan on Unsplash

August 2026 // A List

1. August was an incredibly busy month. The first day of school...and work, all the errands, a mile-long to-do list...it was a lot. Many stressful days, but sprinkles of everyday joy and magic made their appearance.

2. I've been going to physical therapy, and it has been so helpful. I can't believe I put this off for a few years now. Please, please remember to listen to your body and take care of your health.

3. I finally got to try the Coquito Iced Latte from Cafe Coquí, and it was delicious.

4. My local Barnes & Noble was going out of business, so I went about three times during August. They had an amazing deal that was too good to pass up. I had several books I wanted to read and got them for a steal. I also went on the last day of business and felt so sad that the store was really closing.

5. While at Target, I was approached by two women in the small, tragic book aisle. One of the women saw I had a trenta-sized strawberry refresher and asked me how long it usually takes me to drink it. That question eventually turned into an entire conversation about random things. We talked about books, careers, and just general life stuff. After a long and incredibly awful day, that conversation made my day. Women really are amazing.

6. A timer was going off at work, and my colleague and I were looking for it. I remember clearly saying, "It's getting louder. I just can't see it." Friends, the timer was in my sweater...and I was wearing it! I still laugh about this.

7. I went to a new local boutique and bought a really cute top. It will be perfect for fall, and I think I may even be able to use it for part of my Halloween costume.

8. It was (and still is) incredibly hot. I was (and still am) dreaming of fall.

9. John, the boys, and I were really trying to take advantage of the last few weeks of summer. We went to the pool. We also went to the Marietta Square to check out a few stores and order some pizza from one of our favorite pizza shops.

10. Dolly Parton passed away, and my heart broke. I absolutely love how everyone loves Dolly. I loved reading so many different things people had to say about Dolly. 

11. I borrowed quite a few books and have a long list of holds at my library. I'm really hoping they don't all arrive at the same time.

12. I feel like I'm bursting with creative energy, and I'm trying to find the best way to release it.

13. The summer-to-fall transition has been a strange one this year. That being said, I need fall to arrive. I am in desperate need of cooler weather.

14. Mother Earth is trying to tell us something, and I think we really need to listen.

15. So long, August. You were a lot. However, I'm thankful for the lessons. Hello, September. I hope you're a slower month. A month of growth and becoming. Please be kind to me.

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