Years ago, I stumbled across the Danish idea of Hygge, the coziness and comfortable friendliness that gives rise to a feeling of contentment as defined in the dictionary. In lamens terms, it means engaging in cozy activities that allow for purposeful time away from the daily hustle and bustle to enjoy the people you care about while relaxing and genuinely focusing on life's simple pleasures. In a world where everyone is telling you how to live your best life, why not take some influence from people who are genuinely doing that?

Our fall holiday trip to Hamilton County, Indiana, was one of those little weekend getaways that are good for your soul. New tastes, new sights, history to be a part of, sometimes that little drive to a new area does wonders for the hole you might feel stuck in at home. Ok, but I'm getting away from myself here….

When visiting anywhere, I want to eat the best they offer. To experience what all the rave is about. So naturally, when visiting Universal Orlando, I had to try the award-winning Mythos restaurant. Located in Islands of Adventure…

"Romanticizing your life" means taking the time to appreciate and find beauty in the everyday moments that we often take for granted. It's about finding the magic in small experiences, like how the sun shines through the trees on a walk or the sound of the rain tapping on the window. By intentionally seeking joy and wonder in these present moments, we can transform the mundane into something special and memorable, cultivating gratitude and fulfillment. It's about infusing our lives with purpose and meaning and finding ways to make even the most ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

A few times a year, I look back at where I am in life and take stock. What makes me happy? What's no longer bringing me joy? What even is joy to me? Where am I failing myself? Consistently, I arrive at the conclusion that I need to rebrand myself and my ambitions. If I change the pillars of my day-to-day life, it will get better. The stress will disappear, and my immense pressure will dissipate into the abyss. You can imagine what happens…

Okay, I did it. I bought Dreamlight Valley for our Nintendo Switch.

After reading about the game and hearing all these rave reviews online, I decided to get it. Then I promptly stopped myself. A couple of reasons why, first, I AM AN ADULT. I have priorities and things I need to get done, so why would I buy myself a time suck video game? I wouldn't. No. The second reason, everyone kept talking about it. It can't be as fun as it sounds…

There are so many things I want to tell you about life. The battle of parenting is when. When are the stories of pain, disarray, and growth as a girl evolving into a woman appropriate for you to learn? How should I go about it?

Inspiration comes in all forms, they tell us. It can be as simple as looking online and seeing what someone said that makes you think, viewing an object from the past, or walking through an exhibit to learn more about something you have not experienced. Museums inspire me…

lay in bed at night staring up at the ceiling fan; even in the darkness, I know it needs cleaning, just like the baseboards, the window panes, and my desk at work. It all mounts on top of one another, the thoughts of what I need to do and what I'm not doing well. Every day I leave and contend with students who are forced into sitting in the seats I provide for them. I sing for my supper. Try to make it enjoyable, bring in pieces that intrigue them, and make the material more fun and obtainable. Then I go home and read the boring parts that are supposed to educate me, to make me a better teacher for them. "Honey, what's for dinner?" "Mom, I need