April 2025 Goals

Happy Wednesday and Happy April! I'm so excited that it's finally April. March was an emotional month for me because it was the death anniversary of my baby brother. However, I made sure to try to comfort myself. I listened to music, read good books, and sat at my favorite window while trying to work on some crafty projects.

Although March is (and it certainly was) a heavy month, there were good days. We visited the Marietta Square Artisan Market and our city's St. Patrick's Day event. I shopped at several small businesses and was very intentional with my shopping. I went to the grand opening of a new bookstore, Sincerely Your Bookstore, and John and I went to a new-to-us coffee shop, Smyrna Coffee. We also tried a new pizzeria, DaVinci's Pizzeria. I also bought a few things from one of my favorite small businesses, The Gifting Tree. I gave up Pepsi and Coke for Lent, but I am drinking Poppi and Olipop. However, I'm limiting how much of those I drink as well. I bought a few dresses for spring and summer. We spent time with family. My little sister moved out of state, but we all went to Mami's house to spend time together before she did. It was so much fun seeing all of my nieces and nephews. They have grown so much over the years. 

In April, I hope for more creativity, exploration, and feeling more at ease. Since it's a new month, I have some new goals, and some of those goals include creating more. I think the theme for this month may just be creativity. Since I mentioned goals, let's recap my goals for March and check out my new goals for April.

Recap of March Goals

• Read 5 books: I read 33 books. Many of these books were short stories. Once again, I read various genres such as fiction, romance, children's books, and nonfiction. My favorite reads of the month were Banned Together: Our Fight for Reader's Rights, Victory for Vampires by Hazel Mack, The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez, The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman, Ushers by Joe Hill, and 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff.

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library: I read a lot of books that we borrowed from the library.  Most of the library books I read were children's books that Raphael and I read together. However, a book that I read by myself (and absolutely loved) was 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff.

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley: I read a few books I received from NetGalley and am happy that I'm working my way through the massive list of books I received from them. I focused on reading books that I stopped reading months ago. I read Murder Ballads by Katy Horan, an anthology called Banned Together: Our Fight for Readers' Rights, and Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole.

• Participate in Exhale's March blog hop: I did participate in the blog hop. I shared the things that have been comforting me over the past few weeks as I dealt with the waves of grief of my baby brother's death. You can check out my piece here. 

• Try 1 new recipe: I'm pretty certain I did not try a new recipe in March. I stuck with mainly comfort food and my go-to meals.

• Make time to play with my scrapbook/memory-keeping supplies: I'm really disappointed that I didn't scrapbook or journal much in March. I didn't make time and felt stuck when I considered playing with my supplies.

• Complete this month's One Little Word prompt: Unfortunately, I didn't complete the prompt for March. I'm a little disappointed about this, too. I have the supplies, but I just didn't feel like working on the prompt. I didn't feel creative and felt a little overwhelmed once I tried to start, especially once the first few days of the month had passed.

April Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library
• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley
• Participate in Exhale's blog hop
• Try 1 new recipe
• Make time to play with my scrapbook/memory-keeping supplies
• Work in my sketchbook/journal at least once a week
• Make my own flower arrangement using grocery store flowers
• Work on writing a piece for an online publication 

What are your goals for April? How did you do in March?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

March 2025 // A List

1. March. What a month you were. As usual, it was an emotional month for me. There were good days and bad days, days filled with joy and sorrow, days when I felt gratitude, and days when I was left asking so many questions.

2. March kicked off with a trip to the Marietta Square Artisan Market. That same day, we went for an evening walk in our city's downtown area. 

3. Nature had me in awe—the gorgeous sunrises, the magic of the moon, and the jonquils finally blooming. However, I was also annoyed with nature—the bugs and the pollen. 

4. Daylight Saving Time will always irritate me. I don't know why I'm still surprised by the time change. Sometimes, I wonder why it's still light outside after 5 p.m. I guess I was so used to winter's darkness. 

5. I shared my piece for Exhale's blog hop. This was a very personal piece for me. I am and will always grieve the death of my baby brother, Mike. However, I find myself grieving even more in March, his birth and death anniversary month.

6. In March, I made sure to comfort myself. I read several good books and even managed to read several that I had stopped reading but wanted to finally finish. I listened to music, watched TV, and spent time with my family. I also stocked up on my favorite self-care items like bath bombs and face masks.

7. I went to new places and really tried to support small businesses. I went to the grand opening of a new romance bookstore, Sincerely Yours Bookstore. I was so excited about this new bookstore that I returned with John this past weekend. John and I went to a new coffee shop, Smyrna Coffee, and loved the shop. The decor was amazing. The drinks and food were great as well. I highly recommend the Dalmation Latte. We also tried a new-to-us pizzeria for dinner, DaVinci's Pizzeria, and loved the food. The Cajun Alfredo was delicioius.

8. This month was full of treats—Easter candies like jelly beans, Cadbury caramel eggs, Ferrero Rocher eggs, and YumEarth candies. 

9. For Lent, I gave up Pepsi and Coke. Instead, I'm drinking Poppi and Olipop, but I'm still limiting how many of those I drink. I've been trying to up my water intake.

10. I bought some new dresses for spring and was happy they were all on sale. I even wore one this month. 

11. We went to Mami's house to say goodbye (or rather see you later) to my little sister. She's moving out of state, so we got all the kids together for a playdate. I got to see my oldest nephew and nieces. I was blown away at how much they have grown. It was so much fun to look at old photos of them when they were babies and compare them to now.

12. I still haven't worked in my sketchbook or on many of my creative projects. I've been having a hard time getting started. I gave myself grace this month but hope to work on these projects in April.

13. I'm still working on figuring out what I want in my career. I'm taking baby steps, but I'm moving forward, and it's a good feeling.

14. As the month ends, I'm grateful for the lessons I learned, thankful that it was a kinder month, and glad I gave myself grace this month. There were definitely some difficult days, but overall, it was surprisingly a decent month. 

15. Goodbye March. You were so kind to me, and I thank you for that. April, I hope you're an absolute dream. I have such high hopes for you.

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. Getting some new self-care goodies from my favorite local shop. I bought a Sow The Magic wild rose bath bomb, a Lemon Lavender dryband set, and a coaster.

2. I tried Chick-fil-A's new pineapple dragonfruit lemonade, which was surprisingly delicious. 

3. We bought a new toaster, and I was oddly excited about it. You know you're an adult when you are excited about getting new appliances.

4. On my wishlist: But Her Emails hat

5. Big Salad's The March Edit

6. We tried a new-to-us pizza spot, Davinci's Pizzeria, and really enjoyed the food. Their calzones are gigantic. I highly recommend their Cajun Alfredo.

7. My little sister is moving out of state, so we all decided to meet up at Mami's house to say goodbye before she moved. I'm going to miss my nephew and baby niece. It was also so nice to see my older sister's kids. I can't believe how much my nieces and nephews have grown.

8. John and I went to a new coffee shop, Smyrna Coffee. It might just be our new favorite spot. I tried their Dalmation Latte, and it was so good. 

9. After reading a few book recommendations, I put a few books on hold at my library. I was so excited that my library had a couple of books, and I can't wait to read them. I'm really looking forward to reading The One Thing You'd Save by Linda Sue Park and These Precious Days by Ann Patchett.

10. Brad and Kristi Montague's We Hope You Fail Better exhibit. I absolutely love the idea of their Community Fail Wall. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. John bought me some gorgeous flowers. I absolutely adore tulips.

2. Eugénie's art—I love the idea of using black and white photos and images and then adding color, collage, or even embroidery.

3. I finally finished Dear Medusa by Olivia A. Cole. I stopped reading it a while ago and decided to pick it back up, and I'm really glad I did. It's a heavy but powerful read. 

4. r.h. Sin shared 36 things he learned in his 36 years of life in honor of his birthday. So many of these lessons 

5. I've been feeling under the weather, so chicken noodle soup has been such a comfort this week.

6. I needed some new t-shirts, and luckily, Old Navy had my favorite t-shirts on sale.

7. Getting Back into the Swing of Things (The New Yorker) 

8. I participated in Exhale's March blog hop. You can check out my piece here.

9. Currently drinking and loving: Evolution Fresh cold-pressed juices. I highly recommend the Mighty Watermelon and Organic Defense Up juices.

10. I'm loving these lazy Sundays. It's been so nice lounging, reading, and catching up on shows. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

In the stillness

March is often a chaotic and emotional month for me. It's the birth and death anniversary of my baby brother. When I think about peace, I think about the little moments that have comforted me over the past few weeks as the waves of grief ebb and flow.

1. I go for a walk on the Silver Comet Trail. I walk for miles and miles and miles. The weather is warmer now. The flowers are blooming, and the plants are coming back to life. I crave the stillness. The only sounds are the birds singing and the squirrels and chipmunks running across the trail and into the bushes and trees. I think about anything and everything. Sometimes, a runner passes by, and we share a brief nod or a smile. Sometimes, I'm surprised by a friend or coworker, and we stop to chat. And then we're on our way. I continue to walk and walk and walk.

2. I discover a new-to-me song on one of my favorite Apple's playlists, Chill Mix. Skott's Overcome has been on repeat. I always stop what I'm doing, and my eyes well up when she sings, "Do you ever wonder what it's like losing what you cannot be without?" And I wonder, is it strange to miss someone who you never got to meet? Still, I mourn. Still, I find comfort in music. 

3. I reread Hello Grief by Alessandra Olanow. The images and words are much needed and appreciated. Although it's a quick read, I love that there were some great reminders. 

4. I sit at my favorite spot in my home, the bay window in my dining room. I light a candle and smell the fresh flowers. I pull out my art and memory-keeping supplies and pour my emotions onto paper. It's the first time in weeks (it may very well have been a month or so) that I've actually used my crafty supplies. I realized how much I missed creating and how much I needed to make something—anything—with my hands.

5. After the boys are in bed, John and I watch a show on TV. When we finally decide to go to bed, he senses I'm feeling down. He listens while I tell him how I'm feeling and holds me until I fall asleep. I'm grateful that it doesn't matter if I need to speak or simply be held; John is always there.

6. Tonight, I sit alone on the living room couch. I sit in the stillness of the night. It's well past bedtime, and John and the boys are asleep. I allow myself to feel my emotions and grieve privately. I end up crying. I cry for my mother, who had to endure the loss of a child. No parent should ever have to go through that. I cry and wonder how she managed to overcome that loss. I will forever be in awe of Mami. I cry for my older brother and sisters because we never got to meet our baby brother. I wonder if they still grieve for him. I cried for myself and everything I had hoped for my little brother, Mike. I cry for Mike. I cry because he didn't get to experience life. He didn't get to see this world. I cry because I feel like we were robbed of his life. I cry because the "what-ifs" (and the could've, would've, should've) still plague my mind. I cry because I can only imagine what life would have been like if Mike were here...if he had lived. I cry and cry and cry. And when I stop, I embrace the stillness of the night, and for a little bit, I feel a bit of relief, comfort, and peace. 

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale—an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "Peace."

Photo by Jun on Unsplash

Spring 2025 Bucket List

Happy Wednesday! I'm a little early, but happy first day of spring! Spring officially begins tomorrow, but I'm so over winter, and I can't wait for spring's arrival. I'm so ready for warmer weather, the return of my local farmers market, and all the flowers. 

As always, with a new season comes a seasonal bucket list. May this tradition never end. Although a few things on my bucket list have been included in previous lists, there are also some new additions. Check out my bucket list below.

• Read outside
• Visit 3 new-to-me coffee shops
• Finish watching With Love, Meghan
• Publish 5 personal pieces on the blog
• Try 3 new recipes
• Submit a piece to an online publication
• Participate in Exhale's blog hops
• Complete 1 unfinished (i.e., abandoned) creative project
• Work in my sketchbook/journal
• Try a new art technique
• Complete 1 class by Liz Lamoreux
• Complere 1 Studio Calico class
• Visit a museum
• Buy flowers
• Participate in a book challenge
• Visit a new-to-me bookstore
• Go for a family walk every week
• Make and publish a photo essay
• Make a zine
• Watch 3 new (or new-to-me) movies
• Give myself grace
• Catch up on reading my Bella Grace and In Her Studio magazines
• Go to the library at least once a week

What is on your spring bucket list?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Zoe Richardson on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. The afternoons have been so gorgeous! I love that we're getting warmer, spring-like weather. 

2. 99 Questions To Ask Your Partner To Know Them Better (The Good Trade)

3. A song on repeat: Pain by Boy Harsher (I recently discovered this band and this song from this post by r.h. Sin.)

4. Massachusetts just made birth control and emergency contraception free for eligible people

5. I watched the first two episodes of With Love, Meghan, and have really enjoyed this series. Now, I want to make a frittata and a balloon arch.

6. I love seeing the yellow Jonquils and other flowers around the city. I'm definitely still in my floral era.

7. Unfortunately, I didn't see the blood moon due to the weather. However, I really loved seeing photos people took of the blood moon in different cities and countries of the moon. 

8. I've been getting a lot of stuff done well in advance, and I've never been more grateful for my planner than I am now.

9. Reading. I've read good books, articles, and newsletters in the past two weeks. 

10. It's finally Friday! I'm looking forward to getting some rest, spending time with my family, and working on some creative projects.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

If You and I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet at one of our go-to coffee shops. Instead of ordering our usual, we'll opt to try something new. Maybe a seasonal drink or pastry. Since it'll be close to lunchtime, I'll order a Chipotle chicken sandwich. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that Daylight Saving Time is kicking my butt. I hate when the time changes because it takes me a while to get used to it. However, I love that it's not getting dark so early, and the time change is a sign that spring is almost here. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I went to the grand opening of the cutest little bookstore in my city. It's called Sincerely Yours Bookstore. The store is super pink and heavy on romance, but it also carries some other genres. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that this month feels weird. I'm experiencing waves of grief, yet I am having more days of feeling settled, grounded, and relieved. It's odd how I feel opposite emotions at the same time. I could ramble on about this, but I think I'll just sit with these emotions for a bit and try to reflect on them. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you I'm in this weird creative rut. It's not that I don't have time to create or ideas on what to make. It's simply that I can't decide where to begin. I have a couple of sketchbooks and notebooks that I want to use, but I can't decide on which one to try first. It's really frustrating because I'm dying to play with paper and make something, but what's holding me back is which sketchbook to use. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm glad we were able to catch up. Our little coffee chats are a highlight of my month and something I really appreciate. I hope you enjoy the rest of the month. Here's to better days ahead, giving ourselves grace and being kinder to ourselves and each other. See you next month.

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. I went to the grand opening of a new bookstore in my city, Sincerely Yours Bookstore, on Saturday. It's such a cute little bookstore. It's definitely heavy on the romance genre, but they also carry a few other genres. 

2. Sunday is the woman I want to be

3. I found a new-to-me artist on Instagram, @kindahkhalidy, and absolutely love her work.

4. I am giving up Pepsi and Coca-Cola for Lent, and it's been going well so far. I still drink Olipop and Poppi, but I don't feel guilty because they are healthier than Pepsi and Coca-Cola.

5. Speaking of drinks, I discovered a new-to-me drink, Caliwater, and I am obsessed! I tried Caliwater's Watermelon Cactus Water, and it is delicious! Raphael even loves it. I'm pretty sure this will probably be my go-to drink for the foreseeable future. 

6. Old Navy had some great sales, and I used my Super Cash to buy a few things for the boys and myself. I purchased four swing dresses in different colors (white, black, green, and lilac/pinkish color). I love how it fits. I am short, so the dresses hit just a bit past my knee. However, I love the length, and it feels so soft. It's a bit loose-fitting, but I like my dresses to fit this way. If you like your dresses to fit a little tighter, you may want to size down.

7. I was so excited to finally watch With Love, Meghan. I enjoyed watching the first episode and can't wait to watch the rest of the series.

8. Celebrating International Women's Day. Love these reminders. 

9. A song I'm loving: For Island Fires and Family by Dermot Kennedy

10. Even though I am not a fan of Daylight Saving Time (when it starts and ends), I am excited about it starting because we're so much closer to the official start of spring. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

March 2025 Goals

Happy Tuesday! It's finally March. February was a whirlwind, and the last week made me feel mentally exhausted. My emotions were definitely all over the place. 

February was an eventful month. In February, John and I went on a date to a new-to-us restaurant. We enjoyed the food and drinks. After dinner, we went for a walk around the square. We're not really into Valentine's Day, but we always get each other a gift. I tried to think more outside the box when deciding what gifts to give them, but I also kept it simple. I was really excited to give John and the boys their gifts this year. I actually had time to watch two films! I watched Fallen and La Ciguapa Siempre. I also took time to vote, participated in Exhale's monthly blog hop, and enjoyed new things. 

In March, I'm hoping for some peace. March is usually an emotional month for me because it's my baby brother's death anniversary month. This month, I'm hoping to give myself some grace. 

I set new goals for the month, but it'll be okay if I don't complete them. Since I mentioned goals, let's recap my February goals and check out the goals I set for March.

Recap of February Goals

• Read 5 books: February was a good reading month. I read 16 books, including short stories, children's books, and romance novels. My favorite read of the month was Alice Hoffman's The Bookstore Sisters. I highly recommend this series. 

• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley: I did read two books I received from NetGalley: When You're A Boy by Blake Nuto and Sketchbook Joy by Katie Moody. I really enjoyed Nuto's book and thought the message was great. Sketchbook Joy passed the time. This was definitely a book for beginners. I wish there were more prompts in the book. However, it is still a pretty good resource.

• Participate in Exhale's February blog hop: I did participate in the blog hop. You can check out my piece here.

• Work on my One Little Word project: I did not work on it, but I did think about the prompt and plan to complete it. So, maybe I can get half credit for that. 

• Try 2 new recipes: I can't remember if I made anything new, so I'm going to assume I didn't. 

• Make time to play with my scrapbook and memory-keeping supplies: Sadly, I didn't do this. The main problem was simply beginning. Every time I went to work on a creative project, I just couldn't decide where to start, became frustrated, and just did something else.

• Complete the latest round of Five Things: Oof, I did not do this. I may incorporate some of the prompts into my art journal this month.

March Goals

• Read 5 books
• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library
• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley
• Participate in Exhale's March blog hop
• Try 1 new recipe
• Make time to play with my scrapbook/memory-keeping supplies
• Complete this month's One Little Word prompt

What are your goals for March? How did you do in February?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Zoe Richardson on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. I read Abby Jimenez's short story "The Fall Risk" and absolutely loved it. Set during Valentine's Day weekend, Charlotte and Seth are neighbors who are not looking for love. They finally speak to each other after a construction error traps them on the second floor of their building with no way down. I'll have to add some of her novels to my TBR list.

2. A song on repeat: Closer by Nuages

3. Kelcey Ervick's Letter to My First Love.

4. On Saturday, we went to the Marietta Square Artisan Market and stopped by the Marietta Square Farmers Market. Unfortunately, I didn't really find much, and a few things I wanted to buy were already sold out (I should have gotten there earlier). However, I did buy some delicious scones from Seven Sisters Scones. It was also a gorgeous day to walk around the square.

5. I bought some Instax mini monochrome film and am so excited to take pictures of everything this month. I think I am finally out of this creative rut.

6. Even more r.h. Sin mood boards. Here's Mood Board #16, Mood Board #17, Mood Board #18, Mood Board #19, and Mood Board #20.

7. I participated in the economic blackout on Friday, February 28. It was nice not having to run any errands, and it made me mindful about what I buy and where I buy from. Honestly, I didn't even really need anything as I had already purchased my essentials, and I was determined to use what I already had at home. I also took the time to research alternatives to stores I usually shop at and looked into more small businesses, especially ones that are local to me. I was surprised at how many small businesses have things (or alternatives) I usually buy. 

8. I bought this mini swing dress from Old Navy and already know that it will be a staple for me this spring and summer. Now I want to buy a few more in different colors. It's so soft, fits well, and is currently on sale!

9. I found such a relatable Instagram account, Thriving In Her Thirties, and it seems like such an amazing community.

10. It's finally March! Spring is almost here, and I'm so excited!

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

February 2025 // A List

1. Oh February. The shortest month of the year but a good one overall. A month full of love, adventure, good books, good days (and a couple bad), and learning new things.

2. John and I went on a date in early February and tried a new-to-us restaurant, Taqueria Tsunami. The food was excellent. I highly recommend the garden shrimp quesadilla. I tried their mango sangrita, which was good, but a bit strong. After dinner, we went for a walk around the Marietta Square.

3. I made sure to early vote in my local election. Please make sure to make your voice heard and vote during elections.

4. I am still in my floral era and hope it never ends. John bought me some beautiful flowers on Valentine's Day, and they're still alive. 

5. Speaking of Valentine's Day, you may know that John and I always tell each other that we won't buy gifts, but then we do. I was so excited to give John and the boys their gifts. They all loved their gifts. 

6. The weather gave me whiplash this month. We randomly had spring-like weather for about a week, and then the cold weather returned. Thankfully, it's been getting warmer again. I can't wait for spring to officially arrive. 

7. I watched two films on Netflix: Fallen and La Ciguapa Siempre. The first is a movie based on Kate Lauren's book, and the second is a 12-minute horror short. 

8. In February, I tried a few new things: Sugarfina's champagne gummies, YumEarth Sour Littles, Pretty Tasty Tea, and Copper Cow Pour Over Coffee (I highly recommend the churro coffee).

9. February was a good reading month. I read 17 books. Raphael and I have been on a Jonathan Stutzman kick. We love his Tiny T. Rex series. I'm still enjoying short stories and short story collections. I look forward to reading even more novellas and short story collections this year.

10. I shared my piece for Exhale's blog hop. I look forward to participating in future blog hops. 

11. The state of this country is both worrying and angering me. 

12. As the month comes to an end, I hope that March is easy on me. I'm dreading the month already, especially since it's my baby brother's death anniversary. I'm currently going through waves of grief. It still seems odd (and almost wrong?) to be happy about things in March while also dealing with grief. I find myself still going through waves of grief throughout the year, but it really hits me during March. 

13. Goodbye February. You were a month full of love and excitement. Hello March. Please, please, please be easy on me. 

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. I read and absolutely loved Alice Hoffman's short story "The Bookstore Sisters." This is the first short story in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop series. I actually read the second short story first (don't ask me why; I honestly don't know). I highly recommend reading the stories in order. I can't wait to read the third short story, which was published last Tuesday.

2. More r.h. Sin mood boards. Here's Mood Board #11, Mood Board #12, Mood Board #13, Mood Board #14, and Mood Board #15. 

3. When Your Only Job is to Cuddle. Thank you to Joanna from Cup of Jo for sharing this article on her blog.

4. A song on repeat: Love Me by Adrian Daniel

5. "She's ferocious, you know? I hope she takes that with her, too."

6. A current favorite: YumEarth Sour Littles. These little sour candies are so good. They're allergy-friendly, organic, vegan, non-GMO, have no artificial dyes, and no high fructose corn syrup. This was an impulse buy that was worth it.

7. Words by Amy Turn Sharp

8. Victoria's Secret has a fantastic new perfume collection called Bare. I bought the Bare Rose Eau de Parfum and the lotion. I absolutely love it. 

9. Being on winter break was the best ever. We all got some much-needed rest. I read some good books, listened to good music, decluttered a few areas around our home, and was able to put together some bags to donate. I may have mentioned it before, but I am absolutely terrified of going to the dentist. I had a dentist appointment this week, and thankfully, it went well. 

10. Early afternoon naps, especially on Sundays.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Love Is...

Love is...

Complex, but also simple. Beautiful and messy. Exciting and scary. Breathtaking. Showing up and caring. Knowing your person. Setting up the Keurig the night before so it's ready first thing in the morning. Switching the load of laundry. Listening to their needs. Giving them your undivided attention. Surprise flowers (even grocery store flowers). Spending time together. When you say, "You're my person." Remembering the little things. Exploring new places. Visiting favorite places together. Running errands together. Going to Costco on a Saturday morning (yes, on Saturday morning). Filling up their gas when you notice they forgot. Making new traditions and sticking with old ones, too. Being reliable and keeping your word. Admitting your mistakes. Apologizing and accepting their apologies. Not going to bed angry at each other. Setting boundaries and respecting boundaries. Practicing trust. Sharing the last slice of cheesecake. Laughing so hard at jokes that you feel like you can't breathe. Silent communication (i.e., you don't need to say anything at the moment; just being near each other is enough). Sharing the blanket. Reminding your love that you're proud of them (no matter how big or small the win is). Knowing when to give space. Having a go-to restaurant. Sharing your favorite things. Asking how their day went. Holding hands. Big hugs and kisses. When you (still) get "butterflies" in your stomach. When you still blush no matter how long you've been together. Learning how to compromise. Knowing when to let go. Knowing when to stay. Being honest with each other...always. One of the greatest, most incredible gifts. 

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale —an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "Love."

Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

Just Five Things

1. It's winter break, so the boys do not have school, and I'm off work for the week. It has been glorious. My main goal for this week is to declutter my closet and donate a bunch of clothes that no longer fit or I no longer wear. I also plan to make a couple of layouts in my Project Life album and work on my One Little Word album. 

2. I'm not a fan of tea, but I recently tried Pretty Tasty Raspberry Collagen Tea, which was surprisingly good! It's a black tea blend that has collagen protein peptides. The taste was refreshing. I could tell it was definitely tea, but the taste was not really strong. I'm actually surprised I enjoyed the raspberry flavor because I'm also not a fan of raspberry. I plan on trying the rest of the flavors (peach, lemon, and original black tea). I'm hesitant about the original black tea flavor, but I have high hopes since I enjoyed the raspberry tea.

3. Raphael and I have been enjoying Jonathan Stutzman's Tiny T-Rex series. It's such a cute series. I found out about this book a few weeks before Valentine's Day and put several of Stutzman's books on hold at our library. I'm happy that Raphael loves going to the library and is starting to show more interest in reading. 

4. I'm reading 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff. This is an epistolary memoir of letters between Hanff and Frank Doel, the chief buyer for Marks & Co Booksellers. I love that you can tell their personalities by the letters. The book had me laughing within the first few pages of the book. You could probably finish this book in a couple of hours. So far, the book is so good. I'll have to share a full review when I'm done.  

5. A reminder:

1. Whatever the work is, do it well—not for the boss but for yourself.

2. You make the job; it doesn't make you.

3. Your real life is with us, your family.

4. You are not the work you do; you are the person you are.

From Toni Morrison's "The Work You Do, the Person You Are"

What have you been up to lately?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. I started reading Murder Ballads by Katy Moran. It's a book about different murder ballads and the history of them. So far, I'm enjoying this book and have even looked up some of the names and places mentioned in the ballads. 

*I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I'll share a full review soon.

2. r.h. Sin has been on a roll with his mood boards. Here's Mood Board #6, Mood Board #7, Mood Board #8, Mood Board #9: Part 1, Mood Board #9: Part 2, and Mood Board #10.

3. Wise words by Brianna Wiest

4. A new favorite: Sugarfina's Champagne Gummy Bears

5. How To Love Better

6. I absolutely love running errands on weekend mornings. Fewer people are in the stores, and I can get stuff done much faster. I was even able to browse a little and get in some me-time before heading back home.

7. Super Bowl memes. Although I'm not a football fan, the memes and random video clips of the games and celebrations have been entertaining. Also, I seem to learn something new every year about football during (or shortly after) the Super Bowl.

8. The New York Times readers sharing their "The One Who Got Away" stories.

9. I was so excited to give John and the boys their Valentine's Day gifts. 

10. Valentine's Day, winter break has begun, and it's finally the weekend!

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

If You and I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet up at the new little coffee shop that's about ten minutes away from the downtown area. We'd order something close to our usual drinks but try some seasonal treats. We'd stay indoors because the weather has not been great.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I finished watching La Ciguapa Siempre, a 12-minute thriller/horror. I loved the premise of the story, especially since it is based on folklore from the Dominican Republic. I vaguely remember hearing stories about ciguapas as a child. This was an odd film and an interesting take on the myth. However, the film did not do justice to the myth of ciguapas.  

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm really excited for Valentine's Day, and I can't wait to give John and the boys their gifts. All week long, I plan to wear something pink or red to help celebrate Valentine's Day. I'm usually not really into this holiday, but I am this year for some reason.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm looking forward to so many things in the upcoming days and weeks. I'm looking forward to winter break. No school and no work sounds great. I'm looking forward to some much-needed rest. I'm looking forward to catching up on a few shows. I'm looking forward to some pre-spring cleaning (I guess winter cleaning). I'm hoping to get started on that, maybe over the weekend. I'm looking forward to reading some good books.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I've been having a hard time creating. I have so much to say and so many things I want to make that I just don't know where to begin. I keep grabbing a new sketchbook and worrying about messing up the pages. It's incredibly frustrating, and I hope to get out of this creative rut soon.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm so glad we were able to meet. January was a crazy month, and so far, this month has been a bit quieter. And for that, I'm grateful. I hope you have a great day, and may the rest of this month be a good one for you. I hope to see you next month.

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Aliaksandra Abramovich on Unsplash

Atlanta Mom

Happy Monday! I'm over at Atlanta Mom with a new post. I'm sharing a list of 10 winter drink recipes. Feel free to check out my post and tell me what you think. You can check out my previous posts here.

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. My coworker and friend surprised me with Starbucks' Blackberry Sage Lemonade Refresher. It was the perfect start to the morning. The blackberry sage lemonade refresher is absolutely amazing. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. The sage is not overpowering.

2. r.h. Sin's mood boards (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5)

3. Spring-like weather. I'm pretty sure this is "false spring," but I am here for the warmer weather. 

4. John took me on a date to Taqueria Tsunami. We had a great time and enjoyed some delicious food and drinks. I highly recommend the Shrimp Tempura Taco, the Baja Taco, and the Garden Shrimp Quesadilla. I also had a mango sangrita, which was tasty but a little strong. After dinner, we went for a walk on the Marietta Square.

5. I found out the movie Fallen was finally available on Netflix. It is based on Lauren Kate's novel, which I absolutely loved, as well as the other books in the series. 

6. Nothing Bundt Cakes' latest pop-up flavor is Chocolate-Covered Strawberry with Ghirardelli Chocolate. Oh my goodness, this cake is absolutely delicious. When I first tried it, I thought the cake was supposed to be vanilla with strawberry, but it's actually strawberry cake. It was a pleasant surprise and is now one of my favorite pop-up flavors.

7. Little Treats.

8. I wore my new sweater on my date with John and absolutely loved it. I bought it for Valentine's Day, but it's perfect for any day. It's so soft, and I love that it's oversized.

9. I ensured my voice was heard and took advantage of early voting. There's a special election going on in my area. I think it's so important for everyone to know that they should vote in every election, including this one for the Board of Commissioners.

10. I have been drawn to really colorful pieces of jewelry, clothing, and decor. I absolutely love it, and it's been inspiring me to create. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Target Finds

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another Target Finds! As usual, I found a lot of great things at Target over the past few weeks. A few were impulse buys, some were needed, and a few were gifts. This month's Target Finds is an interesting mix of those three things.

Lay's Potato Chips - All Dressed

This is my new favorite snack. It has three flavors, all on one chip. It's a good combination of sweet, savory, and tangy. The three classic Lay's flavors are Barbeque, Salt & Vinegar, and Sour Cream & Onion. For some weird reason, the flavors work well. I'm not a big fan of salt and vinegar, but the taste wasn't overpowering and still worked well with the other two flavors. I honestly wonder who came up with this idea because whoever it was deserves a raise.

MAGNA-TILES microMAGS Travel Set

I bought Raphael this travel set for Valentine's Day. We have been interested in STEM toys, and one of Raphael's current favorites is Magna-Tiles. This little travel set will be perfect for when we're on the go.

Tony's Chocolate Sampler Pack

I first learned about these chocolates from Brooke Barker's interview over at Cup of Jo's Big Salad substack newsletter. I completely forgot about these chocolates until I went to the candy aisle at Target. I decided to get the sampler pack to try a bunch of the flavors. My favorites are hazelnut and milk chocolate nougat.

Allerease Waterproof Mattress Protector

We had to replace a mattress protector after it got destroyed after being washed. I'm not even sure how it got damaged, but it did. So far, it seems ok. It doesn't make any noise when you lie on the bed, and it fits the bed.

What are some of your favorite Target Finds?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

February 2025 Goals

Happy Monday! It's finally February! January felt like the longest month ever! I absolutely love my birthday month, but January arrived fast and furious. There were so many joyful moments in January. I celebrated my 34th birthday all month long. I did my usual birthday rituals and traditions. John and I went on a date and watched The Damned. I tried a new-to-me Red Velvet ice cream cake for my birthday. School and work got shut down because we got snow (we actually got snow!). We also had a delayed start due to the weather. I indulged in seasonal treats and birthday rewards. I read a lot of good books and newsletters. I found new-to-me artists and listened to good music.

Despite all the good things this month, my heart repeatedly broke for so many people. January was a heavy month. I hope everyone made sure to take care of themselves. I hope this month is much softer, gentler, and kinder. The world needs it. 

One of my goals this month is ensuring I care for myself. I think self-care will be the theme for this month. Since I've mentioned goals, let's quickly recap my goals for January and then check out my new goals for February.

Recap of January Goals

• Read 5 books: I read 12 books in January. My favorite read of the month was So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan. I plan on buying a copy of the book (or adding it to my wishlist). 

• Read 1 book that I received from NetGalley: I finished reading Mama Needs a Minute by Mary Catherine Starr. This took me a bit longer to read, but it was due to me starting this book during November (the holiday season).

• Participate in Exhale's January blog hop: I did participate in the blog hop. You can check out my piece here.

• Work on my One Little Word: I didn't work on the actual project but kept reflecting on my word for the year. Unfortunately, my One Little Word supplies didn't get delivered until closer to the end of the month. Then, a bunch of stuff kept me from working on several projects, including One Little Word.

• Try 1 new recipe: I tried a lemon pepper shrimp recipe, which came out great. With some white rice on the side, it was the perfect meal. I'm definitely keeping this recipe in my arsenal.

• Make time to play with my scrapbook/memory-keeping supplies: I didn't make time to use my supplies because the supplies I wanted to use didn't arrive on time.

February Goals

• Read 5 books
• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley
• Participate in Exhale's February blog hop
• Work on my One Little Word project
• Try 2 new recipes
• Make time to play with my scrapbook/memory-keeping supplies
• Complete the latest round of Five Things

What are your goals for February? How did you do in January?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Ella Jardim on Unsplash

January 2025 // A List

1. January, January, January—what a month! You started off fast and furious, and I was happy to see you arrive. 

2. I spent the month celebrating my birthday and realized that I liked how my birthday was in the first few days of January. It was nice to do all the traditional things I do on my birthday. I loved celebrating with John and the boys. Every week, I did a little something to celebrate my birthday. I redeemed many rewards and used the rewards at the end of the workweek as a treat for myself. I even went to see a movie with John for my birthday. I definitely indulged a lot this month.

3. Some good things this month: My birthday (as stated above), Banana Pudding Cake from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and Red Velvet Ice Cream Cake from Cold Stone Creamery. Snow days (We actually got snow! My heart was full of joy.). Days off (and delayed start times) from work and school due to weather. Books by Claire Keegan (I highly recommend So Late in the Day). Receiving happy mail. Treats from Crumbl Cookies. Preparing for Valentine's Day. Reading my favorite newsletters. Reflecting on my word for the year.

4. Despite all the good things this month, my heart repeatedly broke for so many people. It seems like every time the news pops up on my phone, something catastrophic has happened. Too many tragedies have taken place this month: the attack in Louisiana at the start of the new year, the wildfires in California, the Potomac River mid-air collision, the Philadelphia plane crash, and all things politics. This month has been an absolute dumpster fire for so many people.

5. To comfort myself this month, I did my usual self-care routines while seeking different things to try. I tried a new recipe (a lemon pepper shrimp recipe that was delicious), went for a walk, watched Ali Wong's latest comedy special, and admired my gorgeous, colorful roses gifted to me by John.

6. As this month ends, my hope is that February will be a lot gentler. May February be a month of healing. A month of enjoying the little things. A month of reflecting. A month of exploring, playing, and learning. A month of coming back to ourselves.

7. Goodbye January. Thank you for all the lessons. Hello February. I welcome you with an open heart and open arms. Here's to being cautiously optimistic.

Photo by Angelina Jollivet on Unsplash

Target Finds

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another Target Finds! As usual, I've found some great things at Target over the past few weeks, many of which are seasonal. One item reminds me of spring (and I can't wait for its arrival). Several are definitely Valentine's Day-themed, which I'm unusually excited about. 

Women's Valentine's Crewneck Pullover Sweater (Taupe Hearts)

Valentine's Day is coming up soon, and I wanted to buy something to wear during February or maybe on Valentine's Day. When I saw this sweater, I knew I had to buy it. I love the simple look and think this sweater will be perfect even when it's not February.  It is so cute and feels so soft. I love the oversized fit, and it's perfect with leggings. 

Blogilates Starter Fit Kit

I've wanted to start a new exercise routine and try yoga or pilates, so I bought this starter kit. It came with everything I needed, and it's honestly a great starter kit. The yoga mat is really cute. I also bought the Blogilates Booty Resistance Bands, and they work really well. 

Reese's Mini Red Velvet Peanut Butter Cups

This was an impulse buy. As soon as I saw Red Velvet on the package, I immediately put a bag in my cart.  And yes, these taste amazing. 10/10 highly recommend.

Lavender Lemonade Whipped Dairy Topping

You may or may not know that I have to try every Favorite Day whipped cream flavor, and I was surprised when I saw this lavender lemonade flavor. I'll admit I was a little hesitant about this flavor. When I think of whipped cream, I immediately think of hot chocolate. I thought this flavor would not go well with hot chocolate, so I decided to try it with some strawberries. I was pleasantly surprised by the taste. It was actually pretty good and paired well with the strawberries. The lavender and lemonade flavors were subtle, but I could taste more of the lemonade than the lavender (if that makes sense). 

What are some of your favorite Target Finds?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today, I'm linking up with Charlotte, Lindsay, and Beth for their weekly happy and grateful list link-up.

1. It was a wild week. Due to the weather, we got an extra day off school and work on Tuesday. Then, due to the cold temperature, we had a delayed start on Wednesday. I was super grateful for the extra day off and delayed start, but this week oddly felt like the longest, shortest week ever.

2. My One Little Word kit and supplies finally arrived. I can't wait to start using everything and get started on the prompts.

3. I have already started Valentine's Day shopping. I bought gifts for Raphael's teachers. I also bought gifts for John and the boys. 

4. A song on repeat: Desert Rose by Lolo Zouaï

5. I tried this lemon pepper shrimp recipe, which turned out great. I love that it was simple and quick to make. 

6. Amber McBride announced she has a new book, The Leaving Room, that will be published this year. I'm so excited! And how gorgeous is that cover! 

7. I found a new-to-me artist, Raj Kaur, and have enjoyed reading her newsletter, Art as Work on Substack.

8. A much-needed reminder.

9. New books. I received a couple of arcs and am excited to read them. I hope to share more reviews on the blog this year.

10. A low-key Sunday. I barely had anything to do today, and it was glorious. No errands, my laundry baskets are empty, and I caught up on some shows. I also read a book and played some New York Times games. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

The Awakening

The world feels quiet in winter, but this burst of creativity is bringing me life. For years now, I've noticed my creativity seems blocked during November and December. Perhaps this is because winter is my least favorite season; it gets dark early and is too cold. However, just as I noticed that my creativity is blocked during late fall and the early days of winter, I have noticed that my creativity comes back with a vengeance in January. Perhaps it's a little birthday present from the universe sent just for me. 

I used to hate that my birthday was in January. Yes, I am a winter baby, and I often thought how strange it was that this was the season I was born. It was the season I disliked. However, as I've gotten older, I've come to look forward to January. 

I love that my birthday happens to be in the first month of the year. It's the beginning of a new chapter, which may be why my creativity reawakens. I look at January as a celebration, a promise, a fresh start, a blessing, and a gift. I now honor the month of January. I saw a video about two months ago that has stuck with me. The man said, "It's a privilege to be alive. It's a privilege to make things." Truer words were never spoken.

Most people may be excited about a new year or a fresh start. Some also believe you shouldn't wait for January to begin anew, and I agree. Don't hold back whenever inspiration hits. Don't feel you must wait until a new year to start something new. This year, I just want to create and play without fear or expectation of perfection. It seems like it's a new era. 

This burst of creativity is a mixed bag of art. From cooking to painting to writing, I find comfort in creating using these art forms or mediums I gravitate to. I also crave trying new things. I've tried a few new recipes, tried some new techniques, and signed up for some classes. I find inspiration from the creative communities I've joined. 

This burst of creativity is bringing me life. It's gotten me out of winter's slumber, and I have finally awakened. For that, I am grateful. I cannot wait to see what I create in this new year. I can't wait to see how far I go.

This post is part of a blog hop with Exhale — an online community of women pursuing creativity alongside motherhood, led by the writing team behind Coffee + Crumbs. Click here to view the next post in the series "Alive."

Photo by Natasha on Unsplash