Inspired & Growing

I discovered Alexandra Tavel , the creative mind behind Two of Wands , years ago on Instagram—and I’ve been hooked ever since. Her use of color and the elegance of her knit and crochet patterns instantly drew me in. Her designs strike that perfect balance between modern style and timeless craft, and I absolutely love how accessible and wearable they are. Each year on Earth Day , Alexandra offers a free pattern as a way to celebrate and give back. This year, she went above and beyond—offering two free patterns and a recipe!  Through this, I also learned about her inspiring Purposeful Patterns initiative: for every pattern sold, $1 is donated to the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) , supporting the preservation of natural beauty and public lands. This year, I happily purchased one of the featured patterns and even added an extra crochet design to my cart! Tonight, I plan to cast on the Bistro Kitchen Cloth —a small, meaningful project that feels perfectly aligned with h...

Lately, I’ve been drawn to books that remind me to slow down and savor life—the kind that gently nudge you toward living with more meaning and less hustle. Joie by Ajiri Aki is exactly that kind of book. It's not a manual on how to “do life better,” but rather an invitation to shift how you see and experience your everyday. Ajiri Aki shares her journey of moving to Paris and learning how the French find beauty and contentment in even the simplest moments. While her life may look different from mine, the mindset she embraces is something I deeply connected with. My Key Takeaways from  Joie: Visit a café: Not just to grab a drink, but to sit, observe, and be present. It’s about creating a moment—pausing to enjoy life as it’s unfolding. Commit to lunch once a week: With a friend, a loved one, or even yourself. Carving out intentional time for connection is a quiet act of joy.   Savor quality food: Ajiri’s appreciation for beautiful, high-quality meals inspired me to dream a ...

In a world where clutter—both physical and mental—can easily overwhelm us, Life Styled by Shira Gill offers a refreshing, intentional approach to curating a home and lifestyle that truly reflects who we are. Unlike traditional home organization books that focus solely on tidying up, Life Styled blends minimalism with personal style, guiding readers toward a space that feels both functional and beautiful.   As someone on a journey toward purposeful balance and inspired connections , I found this book aligned with my desire to create a home that not only looks good but also supports my values and daily rhythms. Here’s what stood out to me and how I plan to apply it.   My Key Takeaways from Life Styled Find a signature look that makes you feel like the best version of yourself and fully embrace it. Take a few minutes before bed to plan and think about tomorrow. Focus on investing in fewer, but higher-quality things. Reinforce/remind myself that if you believe good thi...

Some books feel like a warm embrace, drawing you into their pages with a sense of magic, mystery, and deep emotion. The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods is one of those books—a beautifully layered story about the power of books, self-discovery, and second chances.   The story intertwines the lives of three characters across different timelines, all connected by a hidden bookshop filled with forgotten stories. The narrative follows Martha, a woman escaping an unhappy life; Henry, a literature professor with a passion for rare books; and Opaline, a determined woman from the past with secrets of her own. As their stories unfold, the bookshop becomes a place of transformation, healing, and unexpected connections.   If you love books about books, historical intrigue, and a touch of whimsy, The Lost Bookshop is a must read. Image from Amazon #life #lifethoughts #momblogger #journaling #journal #journals #selfcare #journalcommunity #dailyjournal #journalpage #selfimprovement #...