March Goals

Happy Wednesday! Another month has passed, and for being the shortest month of the year, February felt like it lasted forever. February was absolutely nonstop, and I'm happy that it's March. 

February started off rough. My eye was injured while I was cooking (I'm fine now), but it was a bit scary. Thankfully, my doctor is great, and the medicine I was prescribed really helped. We had a low-key Valentine's Day. I loved the gifts and treats John and the boys gave me. I was (and still am) in my floral-and-candle era. I lit a candle every day in February. I was especially excited for tulips and was so happy to get a bunch on Valentine's Day. We had winter break in February. I planned to do nothing and get as much rest as possible...I did, but unfortunately, I also got a really bad cold. I'm feeling much better now. I went for a few winter walks, which really helped my mood and made me even more excited for spring. I also went to the grand opening of my local Paris Baguette and visited a new-to-me pie shop, Southern Baked Pie Company. We closed out the month by getting new flooring after a leak in the downstairs area of our home damaged our carpet. I'm so happy with how the hardwood flooring looks in our home. 

This month, I'm hoping for a quieter month. As you may remember, March is usually an emotional month for me as it's the birth and death anniversary of my baby brother. This month, I'm going to give myself grace and prioritize and protect my peace. I am welcoming all the feelings that come with grieving.

Since it's a new month, it's time for a quick recap of last month's goals and a look at my goals for March.

Recap of February Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library: I read Held by Anne Michaels. This was one of Exhale's book club picks. I enjoyed the book, but I definitely think I need to reread it. Raphael and I also read quite a few books together. We read I Hear the Snow, I Smell the Sea by Janice Milusich, Penguinaut! by Marcie Colleen, There's a Giraffe in My Soup by Ross Burach, and Nunu and the Sea by Isabella Kung.

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley: I read so many good books I received from NetGalley. I read Snow Bound by Hannah Murray, Night Owl: Poems by Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Begin Again, and Again, and Again by Alessandra Olanow, A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania, and the Now I See series by Mac Barnett, Someday This Will Be A Funny Story by Nora Ephron, and Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily R. Austin. I especially loved Alessandra Olanow and Emily R. Austin's books. I plan on buying a physical copy of Olanow's book. 

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout: I did work in my Project Life album, but I still have lots of layouts to complete. I have a bunch of January photos printed, so I only need to add journaling to those pages. As for February, I need to order pictures from that month, but I did start working on those layouts as well.

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: I did work in my sketchbook, but not as much as I'd like. February was such a chaotic and insane month. I'm really hoping to have more time in March to play in my sketchbook.

• Try 1 new recipe: I don't remember if I tried a new recipe, so I'm assuming I didn't. 

March Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library
• Read 3 books I received from NetGalley
• Make 2 scrapbook/Project Life layouts
• Work in my sketchbook/journal
• Try 2 new recipes

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

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

February 2026 // A List

1. My goodness, February was certainly a month. In January, I had high hopes for February, and although the month was great for the most part, there were some really rough days sprinkled throughout. For being the shortest month of the year, February certainly felt like the longest at times.

2. The beginning of February was honestly not so great. My eye was injured while I was cooking, and I ended up having to see my optometrist after hours. I'm so grateful that my doctor offers after-hours emergency visits because I would have had to go to urgent care or the ER. Thankfully, everything is ok now, and the medicine and some much-needed rest helped.

3. I rarely watch the Super Bowl, but I was so excited for the Benito Bowl. Bad Bunny's performance was truly a love letter to everyday people.

4. I loved seeing the Black History Month displays throughout my job. We even had playlists that were made by employees, and we listened to the songs throughout the day.

5. Valentine's Day was very low-key, and I loved it. John and the boys gave me such sweet gifts. 

6. I read so many great books in February. Some of my favorites: Begin Again, and Again, and Again by Alessandra Olanow, A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania, and Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily R. Austin. I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy of Alessandra Olanow's book, and I am so grateful to have received an eARC from NetGalley.

7. I was in my candle and tulip era. I lit a candle every single day and enjoyed walking into the dining room to see my tulips still thriving. 

8. Winter Break was not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting to get lots of rest, and I did, but I was not expecting to be sick with a terrible cold. It was really bad, and I ended up having to see the doctor because nothing I did to get better worked. 

9. I was so grateful for Mami because while I was sick, she made me a huge batch of her homemade soup. It was such a comfort, and I was hit with a wave of nostalgia. 

10. After I started to feel better, I went on several walks throughout the week. Those three-mile walks were everything and helped make me feel even better.

11. Another really low point of the month was that we had a big leak in our living room, dining room, and kitchen. Thankfully, it was fixed, but we had to replace our carpet. Even though we wanted to get new flooring, we just weren't expecting to have this issue and having to change everything so quickly. Anyway, the new hardwood flooring was installed, and I really love it. 

12. February was a month for trying new things. I went to the grand opening of a new-to-me bakery called Paris Baguette. I was impressed with the bakery and its treats. I plan to visit that bakery in the next week or so. 10/10 highly recommend their cheesecake. So good!

13. My little sister came to town, and I was able to see my nephew and niece. They have gotten so big. Mami was delighted to have all the kids together and spend time with them.

14. The state of the country and the world is still a bit frightening. Every single day, something happens. And it's just exhausting. I don't want to look at the news anymore, and I'm considering muting some news sources. It would probably also help that it's not the first thing I see when I open my phone in the morning, after starting my day.

14. February's ending was a bit of a mad dash. Since we were getting the flooring put down on the last two days of the month, it really pushed back a lot of stuff I was supposed to do during the week. Thankfully, I was able to get everything done and cross everything off my to-do list. 

15. February was a whirlwind of a month that just did not stop. However, it was a very eye-opening month, and I'm grateful for all the lessons I learned. 

16. Goodbye February. You were a chaotic month, keeping me on my toes. Hello March. I'm nervous, but cautiously optimistic. Here's to welcoming new beginnings, protecting our peace, and finding joy in the little things. 

Photo by Anastasia Judt on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It's been two weeks since my last happy and grateful list post. Last week, I didn't get to share my weekly list because it was pretty busy. I was hoping to post it over the weekend, but unfortunately, I came down with an awful cold... and I was still battling it. For the past week, I've been resting in bed and have consumed so many bowls of soup, popsicles, and water. I'm only just now starting to really feel better.

1. We had a low-key Valentine's Day, and it was wonderful. John and the boys gifted me beautiful tulips, treats, and a candle I've had my eye on for a while.

2. I saw the first jonquils this week in my city, and it made my heart happy. Spring is almost here. The pink tulips on my dining room table are still alive, and they bring me such joy when I walk into our dining room.

3. Despite being sick, this winter break did have some productive moments. I did some more research related to my career goals and feel so much better. I also got some major things on my to-do list done.

4. A song on repeat: Black Clouds by Andrew Belle

5. A random fact I just learned: Katherine Applegate wrote the Animorphs series with her husband. I have no idea how I didn't know this. I remember reading that series when I was a kid. 

6. On the wishlist: Swig Life's Loopi Tote Bag. I love the Busy Bee design, and it would be perfect for all my trips to the farmers' market. I also love the Funky Chicken and Teacher/Educator designs. 

7. I'm so grateful for modern healthcare. The medicine I was prescribed has been helping a lot, and I'm starting to feel better.

8. After checking a couple of emails on Friday morning and running a quick errand, I went for a three-mile walk, and it was the perfect workout. The weather was fantastic, and it was so great to finally feel well enough to go for a long walk and be outdoors.

9. We will be getting new flooring downstairs, and I'm really excited. I'm not looking forward to clearing the entire downstairs of our home, but I can't wait to see the end result. 

10. I've been really into various versions of still life. Sarah van Dongen shared some wonderful still-life sketches and pieces from her sketchbook, which really inspired me. I love that she used collage for her work. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

The Impromptu Trip of 2021

It was early June 2021. The last day of school ended just the week prior, and summer break was officially in full force. We didn't really have any plans for the summer...at least not to go out of town. For the most part, we planned to follow our usual summer routine. Go to the pool, visit some new-to-us parks, go to some local festivals, eat copious amounts of ice cream, and watch some movies here and there. But we hadn't made any plans to go on a trip, not even a staycation. 

One afternoon, John let me know that his work schedule had changed and that he would be able to take some vacation days earlier than we anticipated, in addition to his scheduled days off. We wondered what to do since the boys weren't in school, I was still a stay-at-home mom and wife at the time, and now he had some extra days off from work. 

I had been dreaming of going on a vacation for months at that point, and it seems like John had the same idea because he said, "What do you think about going to the mountains?"

He saw the hesitation on my face. I'm a planner, especially when it comes to trips. I like to plan trips well in advance, even if it's only a couple of hours away. There's just too much to do, especially with three small children. We have to pack clothes, shoes, toiletries, electronics (chargers, etc.), and snacks. So many things. So many lists to go over. The thought of making a last-minute trip made me anxious.

"We don't have to go," John says. "We can still do a lot of stuff here."

"I'll think about it," I said.

Later that afternoon, or maybe early evening, I grabbed my laptop and began looking up events in the mountains and places to stay. I had been dying to finally visit Helen, Georgia, for a while now. It looked like the perfect place to go for the summer and escape the heat for a few days. While the boys were playing, John came upstairs and saw that I was looking up cabins and Airbnbs. I smiled at him.

"What do you think? A cabin or a hotel room?" I asked.

"Cabin!", we both said at the same time.

"If we're going to the mountains, we might as well go for the cabin. Make it somewhat authentic," I said.

"Authentic would be more of a tent," John said.

"Um, no. We are not sleeping in a tent," I laughed.

That evening, we booked the cabin for a few days. The kicker: the first available day they had for the cabin, for the number of days we planned to stay, was the next day. It was either book that night and leave tomorrow for Helen, or we wouldn't be able to go at all. Cue the stress of packing late into the night. After packing and double-checking everything, we were as ready as we could be.

The next morning, after we all had breakfast, packed everything into our car, and locked up, I called Mami right as we were about to head out.

"Mami, if you try to get in touch with me and I don't answer...don't panic. We are ok. We're going to be out of town for a few days," I said.

"What?" she asked, surprised.

"We're going to the mountains, so we may not have the best cell reception, especially when we go out on the trails and in the parks," I said.

"When did you plan this?" she asked.

"It was a last-minute trip," I answered.

"You never make last-minute trips," she replied, still surprised. 

"I know," I smiled. 

"Ok. Well, have fun and be safe. Let me know when you guys get there," she says.

The trip was amazing, and we had a blast. It was fun to go off script and not have an itinerary on our trip. We simply went where we wanted to go and experienced a new place without a schedule. To this day, Helen is still one of my favorite places to visit.

That impromptu trip really taught me a lot. It made me realize that it's ok to just wing it sometimes. I don't need to have a rigid plan for everything. It's ok to step out of my comfort zone. Honestly, being able to surprise the boys with this random trip to the mountains was probably the highlight of the trip. Have I detoured from my routine and gone off script since then? Yes, and honestly, it's been worth it. The initial hit of anxiety and stress quickly moves away when I think of all the possible memories we can make. It makes me think of my siblings, who are always carefree and all about spontaneity. Although I wouldn't say I will always be spontaneous, I admit I am now more confident about going off script and letting loose. We only have one life to live, and as the kids say, "YOLO" (or do they not say that anymore?). Here's to embracing more unscripted days. 

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 "Unscripted".

If You And I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd have to meet via Zoom or something similar, unfortunately, because I'm feeling under the weather. I have an incredibly awful cold and have been stuck at home for days now. I'd be in my pajamas, with something warm to drink (possibly some terrible tea and a delicious coffee) and a massive bottle of water on the side. No pastries this time, but there will be a big bowl of chicken noodle soup.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you this isn't how I expected my winter break to turn out. I fully expected to have some rest and relaxation...just minus the sickness. I did go to the doctor and now have a couple of prescriptions to help me get better. I've gotten plenty of rest and have read quite a few books.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you another unexpected thing that's happened during our winter break is that we will have to get new flooring throughout the downstairs. We have had a few leaks get on our carpet, and honestly, it's just time to get new flooring. I'm both excited and a bit anxious. We are going to get vinyl flooring instead of carpet. John and I are so excited, especially John, as he's been wanting to change the flooring for a while now. It's going to be annoying to move everything out of downstairs, but it's going to be worth it.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you, although I'm under the weather, it's been a productive week. I am still working on the next steps for my career and have even considered pursuing a master's degree. There are a couple of programs I'm interested in, but I'm definitely going to take some time to do thorough research before I decide. However, I will say I'm so excited because I feel like I'm really getting close to making a decision.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you I'm dreaming of spring. I really can't wait for farmers' market season. I'm already looking forward to spring break. I'm also looking forward to March and am hoping for a calmer month. February has been full of unexpected events, and I'm hoping to get back to a regular routine.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm glad we were able to catch up again. I thought we wouldn't be able to catch up due to how busy this month has been. I also just realized that next week is the last week of February, which is wild to me. This month has truly felt like it's flown by. Here's to good health and peaceful days. I hope you enjoy the rest of February. See you next month!

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

Just Five Things

 

1. I recently finished reading A Year Without Home by V.T. Bidania and loved it. This is a children's novel in verse about an eleven-year-old girl named Gao Sheng who lives in Laos. When the communist government takes over after American troops pull out from the Vietnam War, the government begins to search for American allies. One of those allies is Gao's father. Gao's family is forced to flee their home and homeland to survive. It was amazing to see how Gao copes with these changes and how she navigates the expectations placed on her.

2. This is the last week before winter break, and I'm so excited. I love that this Friday is Friday the 13th. I plan to watch a scary movie or two. Maybe even watch a spooky series. We'll have a low-key Valentine's Day, and I'll probably try to bake something. I'm really looking forward to working on my Project Life album and playing in my sketchbook. I might also go to the movies and watch Dracula. Of course, I plan to do a lot of resting and relaxing. 

3. I had no idea who was playing at the Super Bowl until just a few hours before the game. I was incredibly excited for Bad Bunny's performance, and the show did not disappoint. I was hit with a massive wave of nostalgia. The highlights and various scenes of moments were incredible. Bad Bunny truly highlighted the everyday Latino life. The performance made me wish I were back in New York. It made me think about my childhood. The scenes of family gatherings, the celebrations, the bodega, the culture...all the little Easter eggs sprinkled throughout the performance were everything. Bad Bunny's performance was truly a love letter. 

4. I went down a rabbit hole after reading a post on social media about the Tarim mummies. It was interesting to read about how people in that time might have lived. The way the mummies were buried was also interesting. I was surprised to learn that the coffins were shaped like boats. One of the mummies even appeared to have undergone surgery. His abdomen was stitched with sutures made of horsehair. 

5. I'm excited for spring. I love that stores are starting to sell their new spring collections. I think I may want to buy a new dining set for spring. Maybe something colorful that can also be used during summer. Of course, I'm looking forward to all the spring seasonal treats as well. I'm looking forward to buying the first bag of Cadbury eggs for the season.

What have you been up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! This week was an eventful one. Only one unexpected thing happened, which was absolutely not fun (see #3 on the list), but thankfully everything is ok. This work also went by quickly. This weekend, I plan to get a couple of errands done and watch Bad Bunny's halftime show performance. I also plan to start a new book or two. I can't wait.

1. When the world feels heavy and is a bit too loud, the venerable monks and their walk for peace continue to restore my hope in humanity. 

2. Ryan Goff's beautiful short about winter

3. My optometrist. I had to see my doctor after hours, after injuring my eye (don't worry, I'm fine) while trying to prep and cook some shrimp. While panicking and sobbing, I called my optometrist and left a voicemail. John and I were going to head to the urgent care, but my optometrist called just minutes after I left the voicemail, saying he could meet us at the office. Long story short, I got my eye flushed, examined, and was prescribed some medicine. My eye looked significantly better the next day, and now it's basically fine. I'm so grateful for our insurance, and most importantly, our doctor(s). 

4. Finished reading: Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily R. Austin. This was such a great book! The story follows Darcy, a librarian, who returns to work after suffering from a mental health crisis upon learning about the death of her ex, Ben. After returning to work, Darcy must navigate protests about censorship and book bans. The story also touches on Darcy's struggle with her sexuality and her family life. 

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

5. A song on repeat: SHYNE by Travis Scott feat. GloRilla

6. I was so excited when I found out RYZE has mocha coffee latte sticks in stores. I tried it this week, and it's so good. John even loves it too. I do wish that it came in a bigger box or maybe in a bag, but I can see that this flavor is going to be one of our long-time favorites. I also bought the caramel coffee latte sticks, but haven't tried them yet. If you're interested in trying RYZE, use my code THEEMITIMES15, and get 15% off your next order by clicking here.

*Please know that I don't share affiliate links unless I absolutely love the products.*

7. It's still really cold, but at least it's not below freezing. I'm also happy it's supposed to be even warmer next week (lows in the 40s, highs in the mid-50s and 60s). 

8. Nina Cosford's sketchbook snippets are so cool. 

9. I bought the boys' and John's Valentine's Day gifts. We also got Raphael's teachers a little gift and his classmates some Valentine's Day cards and treats. John and I tend to be really low-key on Valentine's Day, but we'll still get each other a gift. I think I'm going to bake a Valentine's Day treat as well. Honestly, I love that Valentine's Day is on a Saturday. 

10. This upcoming week is the week before our winter break starts, and I'm so excited to have a week off. I plan to work on lots of crafty projects and catch up on some shows. I'm also hoping to get in a few winter walks. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

February 2026 Goals

Happy Wednesday! Can you believe we're already a few days into February? Per usual, January felt like the longest yet shortest month ever. The first few days of January, leading up to my birthday, were amazing. I spent those days preparing for the month and the new year. Of course, I also spent those days celebrating my birthday, since it fell on a weekday. 

In January, John and I went on a date and tried Roxy's for the first time. The food was pretty great, and we plan to go back soon. We also wandered around the Marietta Square and explored some shops. I got some new art supplies, a gorgeous vase, a new mug, and a few fun other things as gifts. John and I also went to First Watch and ordered some of their seasonal menu items. Their B.E.C. was delicious! 10/10 highly recommend. I also had jury duty for the first time, and it was interesting. I know a lot of people usually get annoyed when they have to report for jury duty. I was annoyed at first, but quickly changed my mind. Raphael and I played Mario Kart, and it was so much fun. We also had some winter weather that forced schools and workplaces to shut down. It was so nice to rest at home. Unfortunately, we didn't get snow, but we definitely got some on the first day of February.

This month, I'm looking forward to a slower(ish) month. I'm looking forward to celebrating Valentine's Day. I'm especially looking forward to winter break. I'm hoping to catch up on a couple of shows and (maybe) watch a movie.

Recap of January 2026 Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library: Raphael and I have been on a Jory John kick and enjoyed reading several of his books in the The Food Group series. We still have a few more books from the series to read, and I plan to place a few more holds soon.

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley: I read How to Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson. This was a really great read. This book read like a mix of self-help and memoir, which I loved. It was interesting to read Jenny Lawson's take on anxiety, depression, and ADHD.

• Participate in Exhale's January blog hop: I didn't participate in the actual blog hop, but I did make a piece using the prompt after the blog hop's date. You can check out my piece here.

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout: I worked in my Project Life album, but didn't complete the layouts. I am waiting for my photos to arrive, but I have already worked out the placement for my cards and photos. Next, I plan to work on the journaling.

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: I haven't worked in my sketchbook. January was extremely busy, and I did a lot more organizing of craft and art supplies. I do know which sketchbook I plan to use, so I'm really hoping that this creative block is finally gone for good. I just need to set aside some time to play with my art supplies.

• Drink more water: I've been drinking a lot more water, and even more so once I was under the weather. I hope to continue to keep this good habit.

February Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library
• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley
• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout
• Work in my sketchbook/journal
• Try 1 new recipe

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

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

January 2026 // A List

1. Whoo! January, my goodness, was a month. January is a special month because it's my birthday month. The month started off great with the arrival of the New Year and then my birthday just a few days later. I dreaded thinking about January 6 and hoped the rest of the month would go well.

2. As always, I spent the entire month celebrating my birthday. Nothing extravagant, but I tried to do something small almost every day. A pick-me-up treat on a random Tuesday, lighting candles, redeeming birthday rewards throughout the month, and getting a few new art supplies.

3. Some good things this month: My birthday, jury duty (yes, I know), a day off work due to the weather, so many great books, especially Lily Archer's new book Gold Flame: Dragons of Oblivion, colorful roses in my new vase, I got some new Brooks sneakers and they are amazing, treats from Crumbl, a rare trip to Blick Art and Trader Joe's, a day date with John, playing Mario Kart with Raphael, watching His & Hers (so good!), all the soups, lots of resting and relaxing, and ending the month with snow!

4. Although I experienced so many good things this month, my heart once again broke for so many people and the country. I just can't believe that we still have to protest the same things over and over. I don't understand how some people seem to have lost their humanity. 

5. Although the country's current events are horrifying, I still have hope. It was great seeing groups of students protesting peacefully and making their voices heard. It was also great to see so many of my favorite artists and documentarians create powerful works of art during this time.

6. I've been thinking about my one little word for the year, and I am hopeful. I love that I've been reminded of my word throughout the month and even more so towards the end of January.

7. January was such a strange month. It went by fast, but also felt like the longest month. In fact, there were days when it felt like I lived a lifetime in January. So many things happened during January. There were definitely some unexpected events. We all got a little sick during the month. I, myself, am currently battling a cold as I type this. 

8. As this month ends, I hope that February is a gentler and calmer month. I'm hoping it's a more creative month. May it be a month of feeling at ease.

9. Goodbye January. Thank you for all the lessons I learned and am still learning. Hello February. I have such high hopes for you (no pressure). Here's to good days, good health, good vibes. Here's to the journey ahead. I'm as ready as can be. Onward.

Photo by Christie Kim on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! It's been a week. We had no school or work on Monday because of the winter storm, so it was nice to have an extra day to rest and relax. I'm currently under the weather and am looking forward to resting this weekend. There's another winter storm on the way, so we'll be at home this weekend.  I'm hoping for some snow this time. I plan to read a book or two and drink so much hot chocolate. Either way, I plan on staying cozy this weekend. 

1. I picked up a few books I had on hold at the library and can't wait to dive into them. What are you currently reading?

2. I've been devouring soup this week. One of my favorite soups is chicken tortilla soup, and I ended up ordering some from Newk's. 

3. Vanessa's Fem Quotes journal

4. A song on repeat: EoO by Bad Bunny

5. I saw a group of students peacefully protesting the funding of ICE and the administration, and I was happy to see them using their voices to be heard. I hope everyone who is currently protesting remains safe. 

6. One of the cutest things I've seen this week.

7. Letter #22: To Frida Kahlo from Jane R. Shore. A fantastic read, and the artwork is so cool.

8. Sharing funny memes and videos with my little sister.

9. Valentine's Day chocolate. The Ghiradelli Crème Brûlée hearts chocolates are absolutely delicious.

10. It's finally Friday, and January is almost over. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

2026 Anticipations

The anticipation of...

The first snow / ice storm of the season / complaining of the cold while dreaming of warmer weather / the first winter walk on the Silver Comet Trail / finally attempting to make homemade bread / putting fresh flowers in my new vase / wintering and embracing the stillness of winter / cuddling with my kids / winter break / weekly happy and grateful lists / board games with my kids and husband / date nights with my love / more light / the subtle signs of spring's impending arrival / seeing the first bouquets of tulips at the grocery store / farmers market season / perhaps a trip to the mountains or a trip to Savannah / more adventures with my family / taking refresher courses related to my degree / making a decision regarding graduate school / new career goals and making some changes / more writing / more creating / more documenting / spring break / lighting seasonal scented candles / especially an ocean or water scented candle / hiking at Kennesaw Mountain / summer break / welcoming and embracing the summer solstice / baking a strawberry pie / s'mores / the first sip of Morir Soñando / complaining of summer's heat while dreaming of cooler weather / the new school year / Fall and all of its wonders / Halloween and spooky season / buying new Halloween costumes/the first cup of apple cider / going to a pumpkin patch / wishing Fall would never end / October through December / holiday season / buying a new holiday ornament / making all the lists / looking back at 2026 / being grateful for another year.

Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! This has been a week. A super short work week, my youngest was feeling under the weather, the actual weather has been insane, and we are currently staying cozy and warm while hunkering down from this ice storm.  

1. Grocery store roses. They are so colorful and gorgeous. I loved putting them in my new favorite vase.

2. This wonderful and much-needed reminder. 

3. Crawfish Pepperjack Soup from Newk's. Perfect on a cold winter day.

4. A song on repeat: Messy by Lola Young

5. Currently reading: Accidentally Yours by Christina Lauren

6. This funny Winter Storm Fern weather report

7. I bought a pair of Brooks Anthem 7 Running Shoes and absolutely love them. They are so comfortable, and I love the neutral color. This is my first purchase from this brand, and I'm planning to get a second pair soon.

8. On the wishlist: A subscription to Uppercase Magazine

9. Easy Activism for Heavy Hearts. Yes to all of this.

10. School and work have been canceled for Monday. We're so excited to stay home. It'll be nice to get some extra rest after such a hectic week.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Just Five Things

1. I'm currently reading Held by Anne Michaels, and so far I'm enjoying it. This book is Exhale's book club pick for the month. The narrative spans multiple generations, from 1917, during World War I, to 2025. The story begins with a soldier named John who lies on a battlefield after being injured and unable to move or feel his legs. I really like the book's formatting and style. Although I like the formatting and style, I'm slowly reading this book in small doses, as I've found I really need to pay close attention.  This is not a book I normally would have selected to read, and I don't often read historical fiction, but I'm happy I took a chance to read it.  I'll definitely follow up once I finish reading the book.

2. I was so excited when Kate McLeod's Valentine's Day collection was announced. After being a bit disappointed that the Winter Rituals mini body stone set was sold out, I made sure to order the latest seasonal body stone. I ended up ordering the Sweet Blossom lotion bar, and oh my goodness, it smells incredible! It goes on so smoothly, and my skin feels so soft. 

3.  Over the past few months, I've been especially mindful of the things I consume and mindful of my health and wellness. I've been wanting to try healthier food and drinks, and so far it's been going well. I randomly stumbled upon RYZE on Instagram, and I usually ignore ads, especially if it's a product sold only online. I prefer shopping in-store, especially for new-to-me products, but for some reason, RYZE caught my attention. After a few weeks of seeing RYZE ads and hearing friends recommend this coffee, I found out it is now sold at Target stores. I decided to take the plunge and try it. It's been a little over two weeks since John and I bought RYZE coffee, and I've been loving it! I never thought I'd love a mushroom coffee, but this is surprisingly delicious. I've tried the Medium roast coffee and the vanilla latte sticks. They are both delicious. I make it with milk and add a little bit of creamer.

4. Have you watched His & Hers? This mystery thriller follows estranged spouses, Anna, a news reporter, and Detective Jack Harper, as they try to solve a murder. I'm currently on the third episode, and so far, this limited series is so good. This is definitely a show that you need to sit and watch with no distractions, like your phone. However, I don't think that will be hard because the show will keep you hooked.

5. After decluttering my closet, I realized I needed to update my wardrobe. I was on the hunt for a couple of business casual pants and found some amazing ones at Old Navy. I bought their High-Waisted Billie Straight Ankle Trousers in black and grey melange. I plan to get another one in navy. I love that these can be worn for work or casual outings. They are so soft and fit well. They're on sale right now, so if you're on the hunt for business-casual pants, definitely check these out.

What have you been up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Disclosure: Books are linked through Bookshop.org. If you choose to purchase any, I earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. 

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! This was a strange and busy week. However, I still made a point of remembering the things that made me happy this week. It's always a joy to remember the good. 

1. I was summoned for jury duty and initially was annoyed. However, it wasn't that bad. It was actually an interesting day.

2. John and I had a day date and decided to get brunch at First Watch. I decided to try an item on their seasonal menu. I ended up ordering the B.E.C. and a Purple Haze juice. The meal was delicious.

3. "The great unplugging, the apocalypse of connectivity..." Danny Gregory

4. A song on repeat: Gypsy by Fleetwood Mac

5. Currently reading: Gold Flame by Lily Archer

6. This piece by Elle Luna 

7. Devouring: Strawberries and pineapples

8. I started working in my Project Life album and loved going through my Ali Edwards' Stories By The Month kits. I'll have to place an order for my photo prints soon. I think I may try to work on my journaling while I wait for the photos to arrive. Also, I'm on the hunt for a new printer that can print photos and documents at home. If you have any recommendations, please let me know.

9. New favorite snack/treat: Trader Joe's Rainbow's End Trail Mix Bar. 10/10 highly recommend.

10. The weekend is here, and it's a three-day weekend! I plan to stay warm and cozy, watch a new show, and read a good book. What about you?

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Irena Carpaccio on Unsplash

If You and I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet at a new-to-us coffee shop that we've been wanting to try for a while. We'd order a warm drink since it's so cold outside, and we'll opt to stay indoors. We'd order a few pastries to pair with our drinks. And perhaps a couple of bowls of soup to enjoy at our homes.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I am so saddened by the state of the country. It's honestly just so exhausting. It seems like so many people have become desensitized, and it's so sad, awful, disappointing, and scary.  I read a beautiful tribute by Peter Moore to Renee Macklin Good and humanity. Also, please read this poem by Amanda Gorman.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I've been wintering and really ramping up on my self-care routine. I'm being mindful of the foods and drinks I'm consuming. I've been gravitating towards healthier snacks and coffee. I've also been trying to get more movement throughout my day. I'm currently working on limiting screen time. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it has decreased for the second week in a row.  

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm currently reading Held by Anne Michaels. This is the book club pick for Exhale, and so far I'm really enjoying it. I'm still reading How To Be Okay When Nothing Is Okay by Jenny Lawson, and it's also a good book. I have so many other books I received from NetGalley that I really need to finish reading. I'm hoping to finish reading a few books before I even think about reading a new one. But we'll see how that goes because there are quite a few books I'm so excited to read this year. But we'll see how that goes.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm so glad we were able to catch up. So far, January has been a month. There have been some fantastic days, a few weird days, and a couple of difficult days. It's been a month of mixed emotions, a lot of reflecting on the past, and keeping hope alive for the future. I hope the rest of the month goes well for you. May you continue to take care of yourself. Here's to good days and cozy vibes. See you next month!

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Caleb on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! This was the first week back to a regular routine since winter break. My birthday was on Monday, which was a nice way to start the week. It was great catching up with my colleagues. For the most part, this week was great. However, my heart continues to break over the state of the country and the murder of Renee Good.

1. I've been trying to eat and drink healthier food and drinks. So far, things are going great. I'm still enjoying RYZE mushroom coffee and have noticed that I'm gravitating towards healthier snacks. I'm also really excited and happy that I've been drinking more water.  

2. Kate McLeod's Valentine's Day collection just launched, and I'm so excited to try the Sweet Blossom lotion bar. 

3. Health, dental, and vision insurance. We're fortunate to have it, and thankfully, our premium didn't go up. 

4. A song on repeat: Karanlikta by Sparklyel

5. Currently reading: Substack newsletters

6. While making my grocery list, I noticed a few deals on Daiya products. These are dairy-free items and not something I'd typically try, but I'm interested in trying a few different things this year. On Friday, we tried Daiya dairy-free cheese pizza, and it was actually pretty good! I would buy this again. Now, I'm excited to try their mozzarella cheese shreds and Swiss cheese slices. 

7. A good reminder.

8. Inspired by: Sabrina Joy's artwork, this pocket-sized visual journal by Anna Baker, and simple layouts by Ink Paper Photos.

9. Little pockets of quiet time.

10. It's finally the weekend! I'm looking forward to some rest, and I might try making peasant bread with this recipe. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Rikonavt on Unsplash

January 2026 Goals

Happy Monday and Happy New Year! We are already five days into January! And it's my birthday! I'm so excited to celebrate my day with my family. I actually started celebrating over the weekend since my birthday is on a Monday. So far, it's been a blast. 2026 is looking good. I'm going to continue to stay hopeful. Before I continue to mention more of this new year and chapter, let's bring it back and quickly recap December.

December was a whirlwind. We did our usual holiday traditions, like going to our city's Christmas tree lighting, and then I made hot chocolate when we got home. We put up our Christmas tree and decorations. Instead of buying one new ornament, we bought three. We went to Raphael's class holiday party at school. We celebrated Gabriel's birthday. Of course, we got him his favorite ice cream cake and a few gifts. We also visited Mami during Christmas week. Overall, December was a good month. Busy, but good.

However, there were some unexpected moments. We found out Gabriel had the flu the day after his birthday, so we had to postpone the extra celebrations. Since he was still under the weather during Christmas week and John didn't feel well either, we had to postpone our breakfast at Mami's on Christmas Day. We ended up visiting Mami the day after Christmas and had a lovely breakfast. We had a low-key Christmas at home, but it was so great. John and I made a nice breakfast, and for lunch I put together a big charcuterie board. We all just grazed for most of the day while the boys played games. I even got to sneak in a much-needed and well-deserved nap. 

Now it's finally 2026 and January! A new year and a new month! With that comes new goals for the month (and for the year) and a new word of the year. (I'll share my word of the year and yearly goals at a later date. But for now, let's recap my December goals and check out my new goals for January.

Recap of December 2025 Goals

• Read 3 books I borrowed from the library: I was still on a Humans of New York kick and read a few more books by Brandon Stanton. I finished reading Humans and then read Tanqueray by Stephanie Johnson and Brandon Stanton. I also read The Legend of the Christmas Witch and The Return of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza. To celebrate the winter solstice, Raphael and I read The Shortest Day by Susan Cooper. 

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley: I read quite a few good books. I finished reading Little Alleluias by Mary Oliver, Central Park by Cristina Ergunay, and Girl Warrior by Joy Harjo. I was excited to read See One, Do One, Teach One by Grace Farris. 

• Participate in Exhale's December blog hop: I read the prompt but didn't work on it. Although I could feel the creative block that had been plaguing me for months begin to lift, I just didn't have enough time to work on this.

• Try 2 new recipes: I honestly can't remember whether I tried any new recipes, so I'll assume I didn't. 

• Make 2 scrapbook/Project Life layouts: Yikes! I did not work on any layouts, but I did start reorganizing my supplies so I could work on my 2026 album. As for my previous albums and other unfinished layouts, I think I'm going to work on them slowly (maybe pick just one unfinished project to focus on each month), but primarily focus on documenting 2026. 

• Participate in Jo Blaker's Winter Trees daily drawing challenge: I'm disappointed I didn't work on this drawing challenge. Once again, I just didn't have time. December really was a whirlwind, and a few unexpected things happened. By the time I had even a small pocket of time to work on the challenge, I was so discouraged after realizing how many days I had missed that I decided to pass on it.

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: Nope, I did not work in my sketchbook. It wasn't a creative month, but I read a lot. 

January 2026 Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library

• Read 1 book I received from NetGalley

• Participate in Exhale's January blog hop

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout

• Work in my sketchbook/journal

• Drink more water

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

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Aly Ko on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday and Happy New Year! I'm so excited for this new year and this new chapter. I spent the last few days reflecting on 2025 and on how I would like this year to unfold. I really hope this is an even better year than 2025. And so far, 2026 is looking good. One thing I hope to continue is my weekly happy-and-grateful list. It's been such a big part of my self-care routine and a nice way to remember the good things in life. 

1. I closed out 2025 learning about the monks walking for peace, and I have enjoyed keeping up with their journey via Instagram.

2. We deep-cleaned our home, and we finally tackled decluttering the boys' room and toys. I was shocked at how many boxes and bags we filled. We were able to donate a bunch of stuff, but we also tossed out a few things.

3. John and I bought RYZE mushroom coffee and can't wait to try it. We've been on the hunt for healthier coffee and are hoping this works out for us.

4. A song on repeat: The Fate of Ophelia (Alone In My Tower Acoustic Version) by Taylor Swift 

5. Currently reading: A Christmas Memory, One Christmas, and The Thanksgiving Visitor by Truman Capote. Yes, I'm still reading holiday stories and books. 

6. Since my birthday is on Monday, we started celebrating over the weekend. John and I went on a date on Saturday. We went to Roxy's Burger, then wandered around Marietta Square. 

7. We went to Trader Joe's, and I was so excited. I found so much good stuff to try. 

8. I got a subscription to the New York Times as a gift and have been enjoying playing the games and reading the Modern Love column. The Tiny Love Stories are so good. 

9. I think this creative block has finally lifted, and I can't tell you how happy I am. I'm hoping to share more of my work in the coming weeks, but for now, I'm content to just create. 

10. I love that my birthday is just a few days after the New Year. Somehow, I feel more energized, more motivated, more hopeful...what a blessing, what luck to be able to celebrate two major events within days of each other. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Girl with red hat on Unsplash