May 2026 Goals

Happy Wednesday! Woo-hoo! It's finally May! I'm so excited! May is one of my favorite months of the year! We have so many things to look forward to in May, and I can't wait.

April was such an overwhelmingly busy month, but it was a good one. In April, we celebrated Easter and had a small but fun Easter egg hunt for the kids. At one point, John and I actually forgot how many eggs we hid, but eventually the boys found them all. We also celebrated Raphael's birthday. We did our usual birthday traditions and went to Urban Air to celebrate. I was (and still am) obsessed with all things Artemis II. I still can't believe that astronauts orbited the far side of the moon. I received some incredible news and have to make a big decision soon. Even though it's great news, it did make me a little anxious, so I did a lot of research and went for long walks to help settle my mind and body. On one particular day when I felt really unsettled, I went for a walk, listened to Lord Huron, read about Artemis II, and took some random photos, which was the perfect way to destress. April was an eye-opening month full of lessons and, honestly, a breath of fresh air. I fully believe that everything that happened in April needed to happen. It was a long time coming. 

This month, I'm looking forward to celebrating Michael's birthday. I can't believe he's turning 16! Where has the time gone? We will be celebrating all month long. I'm also looking forward to celebrating Mother's Day. I've already bought Mami's gift, and I can't wait to spend time with her.

I'm looking forward to celebrating my sons' teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. I'm especially looking forward to summer break. I'm incredibly excited and have been counting down the days.

Of course, since it's a new month, it's time for a quick recap of last month's goals. Then we can check out my new goals.  

Recap of April Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library: I read Brawler by Lauren Groff. Brawler was such an interesting read and kind of a dark read at times. With that being said, if you need trigger warnings for your books, you may want to check the triggers first. Raphael and I read Fish Friends Forever by Kerry Ferguson, The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla, and The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice by Wendy Pfeffer. I found it funny that we read The Shortest Day during spring. We had the book placed on hold with the intention of reading it on the day of the winter solstice. However, it took forever to finally get the book.

• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley: One Moment: Poems by Luis Muñoz and Axolotl-Ella: A Sort-of Cinderella Story by Kate Messner. One Moment was a nice collection of poems. I loved that the original Spanish poems were included alongside the translations. Overall, the translations were solid. Axolotl-Ella was such a cute read. I love a Cinderella retelling, so I was excited to dive into this one. The illustrations by Lian Cho were amazing. 

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout: I didn't work on this at all. I have all my photos, so I just have to put them where I want and then work on the journaling.

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: Unfortunately, I did not work on this either. I simply did not have the time and, quite honestly, the energy to do anything really creative this month. 

• Try 1 Introverted Drawing Club prompt: I remembered wanting to do this, but I need to look at all the different prompts and decide which one I want to try first. I'm hoping to find some time this month to work on a prompt or two.

*With how busy I was in April, I'm not surprised that I didn't really cross out all of my goals for the month. In fact, I'm surprised at the number of books I read. Normally, I read way more, but even reading took a bit of a backseat.

May Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library

• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout

• Work in my sketchbook/journal

• Try 1 Introverted Drawing Club prompt

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

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It's finally May! I'm so excited. It's going to be a busy month with school events for the boys and work stuff for me. Although I've been counting down the days until summer break since last month, now I can really say that the countdown has really begun. 

1. After getting some big news and having to make a big decision, I started to feel a bit anxious. I've been considering all my options and, thankfully, was able to have a really refreshing and much-needed conversation. The conversation and information I received definitely eased a lot of my concerns, and now I feel a little more at ease. I'm not ready to share the big news or my decision just yet, but I will soon.

2. Get Messy May has officially started. Get Messy May is a free month-long daily(ish) art challenge. Each daily prompt is hosted by a different artist. I know I won't complete each prompt every day, but I hope to work on them throughout the month. I think I may just pick the ones that catch my attention.

3. "When you have nothing left to give, let yourself receive." - Nicola Jane Hobbs

4. I received my copy of Beth Ann Fennelly's Heating & Cooling. I can't wait to dive into this book. I really am intrigued by the micro-memoir format.

5. On Repeat: Bayou by Mountains of the Moon

6. My youngest nephew is turning five, and I can't believe how time is flying by. It's been so fun watching him grow. My baby niece is also growing, and I'm excited to share that she is starting to say a few words. 

7. Hallie Bateman's latest legal pad newsletter. I love this hand-drawn newsletter format.

8. On the wishlist: Susan Alexander's Real New Yorker Bag. This would absolutely be a splurge, but it's so cute.

9. I went to the first day of Smyrna Market season and bought some treats. I ended up buying some sourdough bread for the week along with some pastries from Bonnin's Bakery. I'm so glad that I was able to get some Black Butterfly Lemonade from Soul Food Holistic Healing. I also bought a breakfast sandwich from Martha's Boy. I was planning on buying some fruit as well, but we still have enough for the week. I'm thinking of going back later today to buy a few extra fruits like blueberries and strawberries to make some homemade syrup.

10. Michael's birthday is coming up, and it's a milestone birthday! I'm really excited and have already started making preparations for his day. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

April 2026 // A List

1. April, oh, April. To say it was a busy month would be an understatement. There were peaceful days and stressful days. April was a month full of laughter and tears. So many celebrations and good news.

2. We celebrated Raphael's birthday and had a blast celebrating all spring break. We did our usual birthday traditions, which always bring me so much joy. We also went to Urban Air and had so much fun. 

3. April is also my big brother's birthday month, and this year was a milestone birthday for him. Unfortunately, we didn't get to see him, but we sent him a birthday greeting, of course.

4. We always have a low-key Easter, and I absolutely love it. We had a small Easter egg hunt and had so much fun. At one point, John and I actually forgot how many eggs we hid. 

5. April was a month of making some big decisions. The possibilities that can arise from these decisions are fairly amazing, but it's also so nerve-racking to think of what could go wrong. This definitely made me a little anxious, and I admit, there were a few tears from the stress. However, I am feeling hopeful and a bit more at ease.

6. Surprisingly (but also not really due to certain things that happened), it was a bit of a slow reading month. I didn't read as many books as I normally do, and I'm ok with that. The books that I did read were all great. 

7. I celebrated Indie Bookstore Day by purchasing a book on Bookshop.org and supporting one of my favorite local bookstores, Sincerely Yours Bookstore. Then I went to Sincerely Yours Bookstore for a quick visit and ended up buying a really cute hairlip.

8. We all started to feel a bit better from the pollen, but unfortunately, I ended up getting sick with a really nasty cold. I'm starting to feel better, but the first few days were absolutely awful. 

9. April was a month of wonder. I am still in awe over the Artemis II mission. I still can't believe that the crew orbited the far side of the moon. I'm so proud of Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen. 

10. I started counting down the days until summer break, and I'm so excited that we are so close to it. 

11. I didn't really work on any creative projects and barely shared anything on this space. I'm really hoping to have some time during the weekend, and it's another reason why I'm excited for summer break. I've been wanting to create, but haven't had the time.

12. Things that have bought me joy throughout April: tulips (always and forever), Trader Joe's, Noah Kahan's The Great Divide (especially End of August), and my family (for infinity).

13. April was a month full of learning and so many lessons. I am so grateful for all of them, even the ones that made me emotional. Even the ones that were difficult and scary.

14. So long, April. Thank you for everything. The good and the bad. It was an eye-opening month for sure, and I'm so grateful for the lessons I learned. April, you were such a gift. Hello May. I have such high hopes for you. I'm hoping for good days and good news. Here's to hoping I continue to learn and grow in May. 

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If You And I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet up at a new-to-us little coffee shop. I'd order an iced mocha latte and a sweet treat. Lately, I've been drinking more refreshers, so I'll definitely order one of those to go. We'll enjoy our drinks and treats indoors and then go for a walk around the area since the weather has been nice.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you I'm starting to feel better after being in pain for about a week and a half, followed by an awful cold. And let's not forget how exhausted I was feeling, too. I'm not sure what in the world was going on, but I finally went to see my doctor, and I'm so thankful to be feeling better. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you I received some really good news, which is now stressing me out a bit. It's a huge decision I have to make and is related to my career goals. I'm not entirely sure what direction I'll take, but I've been doing so much research, sending emails, making phone calls, and the list goes on and on. I'm not ready to share much more information or details, as I'm still processing and figuring things out, but I'll definitely share more soon.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you this past weekend was, for the most part, a relaxing and chill one. On Saturday, I celebrated Indie Bookstore Day by ordering a book on Bookshop.org and selected one of my favorite bookstores, Sincerely Yours Bookstore, to support. A few hours later, I decided to head over to the bookstore and bought a really cute hair clip. Then on Sunday, John and I went to the Spring Jonquil Festival and walked around for a bit. I was really excited for this festival because it means the Smyrna Market will be back. In fact, the first day of the market is on Sunday, May 3, 2026. I can't wait to buy some local foods, drinks, maybe some honey, and a couple of gifts for the boys' teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you it's been kind of a slow reading month, and it's not really bothering me because the books I have been reading are pretty great. I picked up a bunch of books I had on hold at the library, and I'm still reading a lot of books I received from NetGalley. I've been really trying to read more of those, so I can review them soon. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I haven't really been watching much TV or movies. However, I'm really looking forward to watching Remarkably Bright Creatures, which is the film adaptation of Shelby Van Pelt's novel of the same name. I haven't read the book yet, but it's on my TBR list. I usually try to read books before the TV show/film adaptations, but I think I'm going to make an exception this time. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm so glad we were able to meet this month. We definitely cut it really close, and I'm in shock that we're just days away from May. I'm really excited for May's arrival because it means we only have a few weeks of school and work left. Then it's summer break! I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the month. I can't wait to catch up again in May. 

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Friday! This was another somewhat long week. I ended up getting sick towards the end of the week, but it's been nice having some time to rest. This weekend is the Spring Jonquil Festival, and I'm hoping I feel well enough to go. 

1. I usually dread Mondays, but Alessandra Olanow's list of how she feels on Mondays was so relatable. Also, it made me laugh. 

2. I finally picked up 107 Days by Kamala Harris at my local library. The wait list was really long, so I was especially excited when I received the notification that I could pick it up. I can't wait to dive into the book.

3. Resting. After dealing with some back and hip pain followed by an incredibly awful cold, I'm so grateful to have had time to rest. I plan to rest some more over the weekend, and I'm excited about taking an afternoon nap. 

4. On repeat: Noah Kahan's newest album, The Great Divide.

5. Reminder of why I prefer to donate directly to charities. 

6. I'm so grateful for modern medicine. I came down with an awful cold and was prescribed a few things. I had a great chat with my doctor and learned a few new things about vitamins, exercise, and more. 

7. I'm always anxious when I have to go to the dentist, but I had a great dentist appointment this week. My hygienist and dentist were so incredibly kind (as usual) and patient. 

8. The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage in California, closed the front entrance of its hotel entrance to protect a hummingbird's nest that was built on the door handle. I thought this was the sweetest thing ever, and I also learned about the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

9. On the wishlist: GoNanas Strawberry Crumble Cookie Mix and Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix. I was so excited when I found out they have new cookie mixes.

10. I just realized there are only 18 more school days left. We're all excited for summer vacation. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! It was a long week, so I was excited when Friday finally arrived. I had a great weekend with minimal errands and chores. It was nice to lounge around at home. However, we also took advantage of the nice weather, and thankfully, the pollen count wasn't as high as in the previous weeks.

1. After a long and exhausting week and even more exhaustingly long Friday, I just got amazing news! I'm not ready to share yet, but it's related to my career goals and the next steps in my career. I'm beyond excited and now a bit anxious, as it's a huge decision to make. 

2. To celebrate the good news, I went to one of my favorite bakeries, McEntyre's, and bought a few sweet treats. I even bought a couple of their "last chance" donuts, and they were so good. It made me think about food waste and how restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores handle unsold items before they close.

3. Which brings me to my discovery of Too Good To Go. This company was founded in Copenhagen, and its goal is to fight food waste. Too Good To Go connects shoppers with local restaurants, bakeries, grocery stores, and other businesses to buy food at a discounted price. Shoppers can buy surprise bags, which are filled with food that is still good to eat, but would otherwise go to waste or be thrown out since it wasn't sold at the end of the day.

4. On repeat: Menina de Vermelho by MC Menor JP, RAMONMIX, and The Ironix

5. Currently reading: My Name Is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

6. The Children's Place and Old Navy have a few good deals going on right now. At the Children's Place, there's an extra 25% off sale and free shipping. Also, if you have any "Place Bucks", now is the time to use them. I believe the sale ends tonight. I bought the boys several basic T-shirts in various colors. I plan on purchasing a few pieces of summer clothing at Old Navy. Also, if you have Super Cash from Old Navy, you can use it until April 26, 2026. Plus, you can combine your Super Cash with other deals. 

*This is not a sponsored post at all. I just really like The Children's Place and Old Navy. And your girl loves a good deal or two.

7. I made a really good chicken Alfredo pasta bowl, and I made enough for leftovers for lunch. 

8. On the wishlist: Commercial Soda Can Sealer. I would make so many canned lattes.

9. I've been watching Lauren Sephton's (from BrightMomentCo) baking videos. Now I want to try so many recipes. I definitely have to try the wild blueberry vanilla coffee syrup.

10. I lit a new candle this week, and it was a nice little pick-me-up. I've been enjoying lighting my candle in the evening while I watch a show, read a book, or listen to music while folding clothes. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Sunday! Today is the last day of our spring break, so I'm a little sad that it's over, but I'm also happy that it means we only have about a month or so left of school and work. The countdown has begun! This break was much needed, and we had a blast.  

1. Having the week off for Spring Break was just what we all needed. We spent a lot of time resting and relaxing. It was so great not to stick to a routine (for the most part). I loved being able to take random afternoon naps. The boys especially loved staying up past their usual bedtime. 

2. We celebrated Raphael's birthday all week long. We did our usual birthday tradition (gifts, birthday cake, balloons, and the birthday boy's choice of dinner). We also went to Urban Air over the weekend to continue celebrating Raphael's birthday. It was so much fun.

3. All things Artemis II. I hope Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen know how much joy and wonder they gave the world. It was incredibly extraordinary...miraculous what they achieved. I loved seeing the joy on the faces of the astronauts and leadership during the livestreams. When I found out they would be cut off from contact with Earth for a little over 40 minutes, my heart dropped; when I found out they were safe and had reestablished contact, I rejoiced. Watching the astronauts come back to Earth was amazing. I'm still in awe. They gave me hope for humanity, and also, how cool that they actually went on the far side of the moon! I hope astronaut Koch and all the other women who helped with this mission realize that they've inspired so many girls and women. With all the terrible and scary things going on, the Artemis II was such a gift during these uncertain times. Thank you, Astronauts Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and Hansen. 

4. A must-read: Liz Plank's essay on Artemis II. 

5. Currently Reading: The Best Dog in the World by Alice Hoffman

6. I was feeling a little unsettled and decided to go for a 3-mile walk. It was everything I needed. I came home feeling more at ease. I really need to do this more often. Now that the pollen count isn't as out of control as it has been in the past few weeks, I may be able to go on my daily walks more often.

7. On repeat: The Yawning Grave by Lord Huron

8. John and I went to Trader Joe's over the weekend, and I had a blast picking out new-to-us things. We don't often go to Trader Joe's, so it was a treat to randomly pop in. Also, the employees are just so incredibly nice, and every time I've gone to Trader Joe's, it seems like everyone (including the customers) is in a good mood. 

9. Grocery store tulips. It's the simple things. Always and forever. 

10. This wonderful message.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

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April 2026 Goals

Happy Monday! We're a few days into April, and we're on Spring Break, so I'm really excited. March was an emotional, strange, and draining month. So I'm hoping April is a much smoother, calmer month.

In March, we were dealing with a lot of allergies due to the nonstop high pollen count. This year, it's hitting Raphael the hardest. We've gotten prescriptions and have been staying indoors a lot. Thankfully, the medicine seems to finally be working. I tried a bunch of stuff I received from Influenster, and a few of the items are things I will actually purchase. March was a slow reading month...I was surprised at the number of books I read. However, a lot of the books I read were really good. I went through waves of grief in March and thought about Mike a lot. I watched a new-to-me movie and listened to a lot of music. I visited my favorite boutiques and was inspired by all the spring products I saw. 

This month, I'm hoping for a calmer month. I'm also hoping to create and play more in April. As we're currently on Spring Break, I'm looking forward to not having to stick to a routine.

I'm looking forward to random naps, catching up on shows and movies, and going on adventures with John and the boys. I'm looking forward to celebrating Raphael's birthday. I can't wait to see what this month brings.

Well, 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 April.

Recap of March 2026 Goals

• Read 1 book I borrowed from the library. Raphael and I read a couple of books he borrowed together, but I didn't finish any of the books I personally borrowed. I'm still reading Brawler by Lauren Groff, which I'm enjoying.

• Read 3 books I received from NetGalley: I read Captured Prey by Reno R. Mist, How Lucky I Am by Christian Watson, Make Believe: On Telling Stories to Children by Mac Barnett, and We Burned So Bright by T. J. Klune. My favorite read of the month was We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune. In fact, this book will probably be included in my favorite books of 2026 list.

• Make 2 scrapbook/Project Life layouts: I didn't work on any crafty layouts. I just didn't have the energy to work on anything crafty. 

• Work in my sketchbook/journal: I didn't work in my journal; however, I've been keeping notes on my phone. The notes will eventually go into my sketchbook/journal (I never really know what to call it).

• Try 2 new recipes: I made ground beef sliders using Jacqui Saldana's recipe, and it was delicious! I also helped Gabriel make Latkes for a food project he had to do for a class. 

April Goals

• Read 2 books I borrowed from the library

• Read 2 books I received from NetGalley

• Make 1 scrapbook/Project Life layout

• Work in my sketchbook/journal

• Try 1 Introverted Drawing Club prompt

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

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! It's officially Spring Break, and Raphael's birthday falls during the break, which is nice. We're all so excited. We plan to have a staycation, but haven't set any plans for what we'll do during the break. It'll be nice to just go with the flow instead of having a schedule.

1. It's finally April, and I'm so excited for this month. Spring is in full bloom, and I can't wait to go to the farmers' market, buy fresh tulips every week, and go on more walks.

2. On the wishlist: Rain. The pollen has been out of control, and we've been having to stay indoors a lot. Thankfully, we're supposed to get some rain this weekend, and I'm hoping it'll wash away all this pollen.

3. I signed up for Beth Spencer's Introvert Drawing Club, and I'm so excited to work on a few drawing prompts. I'm really hoping for some more play and creative time in April. 

4. "I miss the pandemic." Same, Danny, same. Seriously, I thrived during the pandemic.

5. A song on repeat: In the Kitchen by Mree

6. Inspired by: Nathalie's mixed media paintings. I'm hoping to work on some mixed media and pair it with some of Beth Spencer's art prompts. 

7. Raphael and I woke up a little early this Saturday morning and got some errands out of the way. There were barely any people in the stores we went to, and we got done fairly quickly. This Saturday morning was quiet and blissful...and for that, I am grateful.

8. I finally caught up on reading a bunch of newsletters on Substack. I think I may make reading Substack newsletters on Saturdays part of my weekend routine. It really was nice to sit for a while and catch up on my favorite newsletters.

9. I've been keeping up with the Artemis II space mission and think the photos are so cool. I also ended up going on a Wikipedia wormhole about space, and it was so interesting.

10. I love, love, love the idea of curating a birthday stocking. With Raphael's birthday coming up, I think this would be a really nice gift idea. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

March 2026 // A List

1. March was a month. As always, it was an emotional month for me. There were good days and bad days. Exciting days and stressful days. Slow, quiet days. And days that felt like I was in a never-ending whirlwind.

2. The waves of grief arrived. It was a mix of sadness and anger. I thought about my baby brother a lot. Mami shared a photo of him with me. My heart broke for her, for Mike, for my siblings, for myself. I can't even begin to imagine how mothers have to cope and grieve the loss of a child. I thought a lot about what Mike would have been like at 28. 

3. March was a month full of appointments. So many emails. A mile-long to-do list. So many deadlines.

4. March was a somewhat slow month for reading. I didn't read as many books as I normally do, but the ones I did read were fantastic. I still can't stop thinking about We Burned So Bright by T.J. Klune.

5. Per usual, the return of Daylight Saving Time was and still is irritating. It took me weeks to get used to the time change, and I'm still shocked when I notice it's still bright outside at 7 PM.

6. Another annoyance, the return of the dreaded pollen. It finally arrived towards the middle/end of March. I guess March's parting gift for us all. It's really gotten Raphael this year. But on the bright side, it's supposed to rain for the next few days, so we're hoping it washes the pollen away.

7. I didn't really work much on crafty projects. I can't even blame it on a creative block. I just simply didn't have the energy to do it, even though I wanted to. March was truly an odd month.

8. I tried quite a few new treats. I especially loved trying the seasonal ones I found at Sprouts. I also received quite a few things from Influenster, and it was so much fun trying everything. 

9. Gabriel had a food-related project to work on at home, and it was so much fun cooking with him. He made latkes, and, thankfully, they were so easy to cook. It was also pretty tasty. I was surprised that latkes are sometimes served with applesauce. I may even make a batch again just to try it with applesauce.

10. The boys have been doing so well at school, and I am incredibly proud of them. I can't believe the school year is almost over. It's that time of year in high school when teachers are talking about college and life after graduation... and it's made me emotional. 

11. I found a new-to-me favorite snack. I've been devouring Sprouts' Organic Mini Milk Chocolate Brown Rice Cakes. They are so good and healthier than the other snacks I normally buy. I've packed a bag in my lunch bag a couple of times for work, and I also have a small stash at home. 

12. I made mini ground beef cheeseburger sliders, and they turned out delicious. They were so easy to make and very filling. I'm really hoping to try more recipes. 

13. I watched 10x10, and it was an insane movie. I rarely watch movies and TV shows, but I would like to catch up on quite a few. I think I'm going to make Fridays or Saturdays days when I take an hour or so to watch a show. 

13. I made a couple of decisions regarding my career path, and I'm feeling hopeful. I think 2026 is going to be a big career year for me. I've definitely been working a lot more on trying to get to where I want to be in my career. I've been doing a lot of research and coming up with different plans.

14. I only realized just a few days ago that Easter is so close. I'm not sure why I thought Easter was in mid-April. Of course, I have yet to shop for Easter goodies for the boys, but I will definitely do that in the next few days. 

15. I visited a few of my favorite local small businesses and loved supporting them. I especially loved celebrating the one-year anniversary of Sincerely Yours Bookstore's grand opening.

16. As the month comes to an end, I feel a bit relieved. March was a bit of an overwhelming month. There was just too much going on. And even though there were lots of good days, there were just too many things to do. I'm grateful for the lessons I learned this month, and I think it's wonderful that although April starts in the middle of the week, Spring Break begins at the end of this week. And for that I am grateful.

17. Goodbye, March. I think it was important that I experienced all that I did. A lot of things are starting to come together, and I know it has to be part of my journey. Hello, April. I hope you are a dream. I have such high hopes for you. Here's to calmer, peaceful, and less stressful days. 

Photo by Anita Austvika on Unsplash

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! This was a bit of a busy week, and I'm glad the weekend is finally here. We're all dealing with allergies, so we're planning to stay in this weekend. We'll probably play some video games, maybe a board game or two, watch a movie or TV show, and of course, read a book. I plan to catch up on some Substack newsletters and start reading a new book.

1. This tree diagram and other sketches by Morgan Harper Nichols were really inspiring.

2. I finally found POM teas, and they are so good! I especially love the Pomegranate Elderberry Boost Tea.

3. Harrison Ford's Life Achievement Award Acceptance Speech had me in tears. This was one of the best speeches ever. Harrison Ford is an absolute legend.

4. A song on repeat: Brother by Kodaline

5. Aubrey Hirsch wrote and drew this fantastic piece about ChatGPT Dads, and it was an interesting read.

6. "Little did I know having a girl helped me become a man." These words by Lavonte David made me tear up. 

7. Currently Reading: Brawler: Stories by Lauren Groff

8. On the wishlist: It's spring, and I'm in my floral era. I read about a woman, Rachel Weisel, who makes her own bouquets using Trader Joe's flowers. Now I'm interested in taking her Supermarket Flowers 101 class.

9. I found a Terry's Milk Chocolate Snowball (yes, it was still good) in my candy bowl, and I was so excited (I may or may not have let out an excited squeal). In fact, I'm currently eating a piece as I type this.

10. This upcoming week is the final week before spring break, and I'm so excited. 

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

Spring 2026 Bucket List

Happy Friday and First Day of Spring! I absolutely love that the first day of spring is on a Friday! I'm so glad the weather felt very springlike because just a few days ago, it seemed like winter was going to stay a bit longer. The weather definitely gave me (and I'm sure many other people) whiplash. 

This spring, I'm looking forward to the return of my local farmers' market, tulips, warmer weather, and walks along the Silver Comet Trail. I'm also looking forward to trying more seasonal foods, drinks, and treats.

Since it's a new season, you know I had to share my seasonal bucket list, which is a seasonal tradition and ritual I absolutely love. Many of the items on the list have appeared in previous spring bucket lists, but a few are new. Check it out below.

• Read 8 books

• Try 2 new recipes

• Submit a piece to an online publication

• Make homemade strawberry Pop-Tarts

• Participate in at least one Exhale blog hop

• Complete 1 unfinished creative project 

• Try a new art technique

• Work in my sketchbook/journal

• Participate in a book challenge

• Visit a new-to-me coffee shop

• Go for a family walk every week

• Visit a new-to-me restaurant

• Have a picnic

• Publish a photo essay

• Make a zine

• Watch 2 new (or new-to-me) movies

• Go to the farmer's market at least twice a month

• Make Same-Day Peasant Bread

• Make my own floral bouquet

• Have a movie and board game night

• Dye Easter eggs

• Go for a daily walk

• Buy fresh flowers every week

• Declutter and donate old toys and clothes

• Switch my perfume to a spring fragrance

• Make homemade syrups for teas and lemonade

• Go thrifting

• Visit a museum

• Visit the botanical gardens

• Document our spring adventures

• Continue to work on my 100 Days Project

What's on your Spring bucket list?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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Just Four Things

1. Have you watched the psychological thriller film, 10x10, starring Luke Evans and Kelly Reilly? This was such an insane movie. The film is about a man named Lewis who kidnaps a woman named Cathy. He takes her to a soundproof 10x10 room. As the film progresses, you start to understand Lewis' actions.

2. I recently had the opportunity to read an advance copy of We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune and absolutely loved it! We Burned So Bright is about an older couple, husbands Don and Rodney, who go on an end-of-the-world road trip. They are racing against time from a black hole headed towards Earth, which will cause the world to end. Along the way, they meet various people on their own journeys. Some are in denial, and others have accepted what is coming. Don and Rodney reflect on their lives while also desperately hoping to fulfill their last promise. This was such a beautiful, powerful, breathtaking, and unforgettable read. It's not often that a book leaves me speechless and thinking about it days after finishing the book. The last chapter of the book had me in tears. Do yourself a favor and read this book. 10/10 highly recommend.

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

3. I recently discovered Clean Skin Club Sensitive Skin Towels (I bought the Sensitive pack and the Luxe Bamboo Box set) in February and have been using these single-use face towels for about a month. I love that you can pair them with a cleanser or makeup remover. Or you can simply use them to dry your face. They are also great for drying your counter. I've been using them to dry my face after cleansing. I haven't tried it with my makeup remover (I don't often wear makeup), so I'll try to remember to update you on how it works with makeup remover when I do. Also, I'd like to note that I still have some conflicted feelings about single-use face towels, particularly regarding wastefulness and the environment. However, I'm happy with my purchase so far.

4. I'm always on the hunt for healthier snacks, and while on a random trip at Sprouts, I found some mini milk chocolate rice cakes. And oh my goodness, these are so delicious! I've tried other rice cakes, but never found one I liked, so I was actually surprised when I picked up a bag of these. Honestly, this was an impulse buy, and I was hungry (don't ever go to the grocery store hungry), but I'm so glad I decided to give these a try. They are so delicious, and I have added them to my grocery list.

What have you been up to?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week

Happy Saturday! This week felt so long, especially with the start of Daylight Saving Time. I always struggle with the time change. Even my usual one cup of coffee a day didn't seem to help. I was especially happy once it was Friday. This weekend, I'm hoping to go to our local St. Patrick's Day festival or go for a walk near the market village. 

1. My order of Carolyn Yoo's Spring Practice booklet zine arrived, and I can't wait to use the journal prompts and patterned papers.

2. I made a homemade sports drink, and it was pretty good. I used this recipe.

3. I used my Super Cash from Old Navy to buy the boys a few things, and I also bought some new, pretty swing dresses (I bought one in every color). I was especially happy to have saved a lot of money. 

4. This post by Rani Ban.

5. A song on repeat: To Be Loved by Askjell feat. AURORA. 

6. Finished Reading: We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune. This was a fantastic book. Klune's storytelling is perfection. A full review will come soon.

7. I finally got my hair done after having to postpone my appointment due to the weather. It was so nice to have a few hours of me time and get that done as well as my eyebrows. I also managed to get a few errands done quickly. This Saturday was perfection.

8. Another song on repeat: Welcome Home by Radical Face

9. Amy Turn Sharp's letters and memories to her deceased friends and family. I often find myself thinking about life and death during this time of year. Reading that post made me want to make one for my family members, friends, and acquaintances who are no longer here.

10. Late afternoon/early evening walks have been such a joy. I plan to go on a few more this weekend with John and the boys.

What made you happy this week?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time... 

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

If You And I Had Coffee

If you and I had coffee...

We'd meet at one of our favorite woman-owned local coffee shops. I'd probably have a hard time deciding which drink to get because we're in that strange seasonal transition time. I'm still craving the winter seasonal treats, but also wanting the spring seasonal flavors. Maybe I'll order a winter seasonal treat to enjoy at the coffee shop, then a spring seasonal treat to go.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that Daylight Saving Time is and always will be annoying. I'm still struggling with the time change and probably will for the next few weeks. It seems so odd that the mornings are so dark. I just checked my weather app, and it says today's sunset is at 7:42 PM... and tomorrow's sunrise will be at 7:53 AM! 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I just finished reading one of the most amazing books I've ever read. I actually finished it about a week ago and can't stop talking about it. I was so lucky to get an eARC of T.J. Klune's upcoming novel, We Burned So Bright, from NetGalley. This was a beautiful and powerful read. I actually cried at the end, and it takes a lot for a story to make me cry. T.J. Klune is a fantastic storyteller. We Burned So Bright is probably going to be on my list of 12 favorite books of 2026. In fact, it's probably going to be a top contender for my number one favorite book of 2026. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm looking forward to the weekend. I'm hoping to go to the Marietta Square Artisan Market and the St. Patrick's Day Festival. It's been cloudy and at times rainy this week, so fingers crossed that the weekend has clear skies and warm(ish) weather.

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you I've been going on more walks, and it's been such a comfort. It's been a great way to decompress after work and chores at home. One positive thing about the time change is that there's still daylight during my walks, even at 7 PM!

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that the countdown has begun for the end of the school year. I'm still shocked that it's March and by the end of this week, we'll be halfway through the month! I can't wait for spring break next month. We don't have any plans yet, aside from our usual spring break traditions, but I'm so excited. I also plan to get some spring cleaning done soon. 

If you and I had coffee...

I'd tell you that I'm so glad we were able to catch up. As always, these coffee chats are one of the highlights of my month. Next time we meet, it'll officially be spring, and I'm so excited. I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the month and the rest of winter. See you next month!

What would you tell me?

Thanks for visiting!

Until next time...

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March 2026 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