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 #...

Every once in a while, I come across a podcast episode that feels like a warm reminder to slow down and make space for what lights me up. That’s exactly what I got from T he Everygirl Podcast , hosted by the lovely Josie Santi, in the episode “9 Cool Girl Hobbies That Will Drastically Improve Your Life.” Inspired by a TikTok trend, this episode explores the idea of embracing hobbies not to monetize them or be “productive,” but to reclaim time and rediscover joy. Josie flips the narrative of what it means to be a “cool girl” in today’s rush culture. Instead of hustle and burnout, she celebrates hobbies that connect us with presence, creativity, and self-care. Let’s face it—when was the last time you did something just because you enjoyed it? Here’s a quick summary of the 9 hobbies Josie talks about and why they’re worth trying : 🩰 1. Ballet (or Dance in General) Whether it’s a beginner ballet class or just moving to your favorite playlist in the living room, dance connects you to your ...

Simple Matters by Erin Boyle beautifully captures the idea that a meaningful life isn’t about accumulating more—it’s about cherishing less. Through a thoughtful and practical approach, Boyle encourages readers to embrace simplicity in a way that feels authentic, functional, and beautiful.   The book is structured around key aspects of daily life: decluttering, simplifying, organizing, decorating, bath and beauty, getting dressed, cooking and entertaining, cleaning, and ultimately, thriving in the space you’ve intentionally created. Boyle’s guidance is refreshing and rooted in real-life experiences, making it both inspiring and accessible.   Funny story: I ordered the book from the library and waited around a week to pick it up at my local branch. Days later, while decluttering my books in the front room, I realized I had already purchased a copy of the book, but, obliviously, hadn't gotten around to reading it yet. My Key Takeaways from  Simple Matters Clearing...

One of my biggest takeaways from Destination Simple by Brook McAlary is the power of single-tasking —fully focusing on one thing at a time instead of juggling multiple tasks. I’ve always been a multitasker, constantly switching between tasks to get more done. But as someone who is naturally driven and focused, I’ve realized that slowing down and being fully present helps me feel more grounded and intentional. This lesson has really helped me appreciate my surroundings instead of always thinking about what’s next. Even small changes—like putting my phone away while working or truly savoring my morning coffee—have made a difference. Now, I’m making a conscious effort to embrace single-tasking by setting clear priorities, eliminating distractions, and fully immersing myself in whatever I’m doing—whether it’s a work project, a conversation, or simply a quiet moment to recharge. Key Enjoyments I Had from Single-Tasking Watching my granddaughter while sleeping in my arms and the up and down...