Hey there, beautiful souls! 

If you're into the self-help world like I am, you've probably heard everyone and their mother recommend Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." So, I finally caved and decided to see what all the fuss was about. Grab your cup of tea, and let's dive into this enigmatic literary journey together.

The Essence of the Story 

At first glance, "The Alchemist" seems like a simple tale following Santiago, a shepherd boy, on his quest to discover his personal legend—his life's purpose. But don't be fooled; this book is like a garden maze, leading you through twists and turns before revealing its true beauty.

The Gold Nuggets of Wisdom 

The book is sprinkled with universal truths that serve as nourishing rain for the soul. Phrases like "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" resonate deeply, especially as you reach the story's end.

The Alchemy of Self-Love 

The spiritual elements in this book are like hidden gems, subtly woven into Santiago's journey. It's not until the end that you realize the story is a lesson in self-love and honoring oneself, much like how we should in our daily lives.

The Takeaway 

Honestly, I wasn't sold on "The Alchemist" until the final chapters. It felt like I was reading a narrative of Santiago doing seemingly random things. But then, like a puzzle coming together, it all made sense. The book teaches us that the treasure we seek is often found in the journey and the wisdom we gain.

Final Thoughts 

If you're feeling a bit lost or simply in need of some soulful inspiration, give "The Alchemist" a read. But be patient; its wisdom unfolds slowly, like a flower greeting the morning sun. It's a winding road filled with challenges, but oh, so worth it in the end.

So, beautiful souls, if this review resonates with you, I wholeheartedly recommend adding "The Alchemist" to your reading list. And as always, share the love and this review with someone who could use a sprinkle of Paulo Coelho's wisdom today.

Happy reading and soul-searching! 📚💖

Hello, lovely readers!

As many of you know, I've been engrossed in home improvement. While I've loved every moment, I've also been daydreaming about my next project. Once the flip house is complete, I'm toying with transforming my home into a cozy, granny-core paradise this winter.

What's the Core of the Matter?

You might wonder what granny-core is and how it differs from similar aesthetics like grand-millennial and cottage-core. Let's break it down:

Granny-core

Granny-core celebrates vintage and nostalgic elements like old-timey flower patterns and antique furniture. It's like stepping into your grandmother's house with a modern twist.

Grand-Millennial

Also known as "new traditional," grand-millennial style combines traditional design elements with modern sensibilities. Think chinoiserie, scalloped edges, and needlepoint in a fresh, new way.

Cottage-Core

Cottage-core is all about rural and pastoral life. It features many natural elements, floral prints, and handmade items, evoking a simpler, slower lifestyle.

Why Granny-Core?

There's something incredibly comforting about granny-core. The warm, inviting colors or the intricate floral patterns remind me of simpler times. As winter approaches, I can't help but fantasize about making my home feel like a cozy haven.

Seven Color Palettes to Inspire You

I've been playing around with color palettes that could bring my granny-core vision to life, & I'm excited to share them with you. Feel free to use these colors in your designs, both online and offline!

Note: I've arranged these palettes in the classic ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet) order, but I'm open to mixing things up. Let me know if you'd like to see something different!

Final Thoughts

I'm so excited about possibly starting this new chapter in my home design journey. I can't wait to share any progress with you all. If you have any color palette suggestions or tips on embracing granny-core, grand-millennial, or cottage-core, please leave them in the comments below!

Until next time, stay colorful!

Hey there, Creative Souls! 

Have you ever dreamt of wearing your own custom-designed tee? Or perhaps you've got a killer business card idea? Well, guess what? With Canva, not only can you design like a pro, but you can also have your creations shipped right to your doorstep! 

Your Canvas of Choices

From business cards and flyers to photo books and, yes, even t-shirts—Canva's got you covered. Their print and delivery services are a game-changer, especially for those who love a one-stop-shop experience.

My Canva Creation Journey

I recently dabbled in t-shirt design and had my masterpiece shipped home. Here's how you can do it too:

Step 1: Pick Your Canvas

Navigate to Canva and search for "t-shirt design" templates. You'll be spoilt for choice! Opt for a pre-designed template or start from scratch. I went with a blank canvas to let my imagination run wild.

Step 2: Unleash Your Inner Artist

This is where the magic happens. Modify text, switch up fonts, play with colors, or even upload your own images. I added a personal touch with my own photo and some catchy text.

Step 3: Take a Sneak Peek

Before you hit that 'Order' button, preview your design. Canva offers real-time mockups to see exactly how your design will look on the final product. As a detail-oriented person, this feature is a lifesaver.

Step 4: Make it Real

Once you love your design, select your t-shirt style (men's, women's, or children's), choose your size, and proceed to checkout.

A Quick Heads-Up

So, what are you waiting for? Turn your creative visions into tangible treasures with Canva! 🎨👕

Happy Designing!

Hey, Besties!

Happy Sunday! Fall is in full swing, and I'm living for it! The leaves are putting on a show, and so is my life. Let's catch up on what's been brewing over the past week, shall we?

Kitchen Island Glow-Up 

Y'all, the kitchen island at the flip house is getting a major makeover, and I couldn't be more thrilled! Think of it as the island's Cinderella moment—transforming from a mishmash of old parts into something fabulous. Stay tuned; the big reveal is coming this week! 

Picture Day Cuteness 

Braxton isn't a fan of the camera. Still, school picture day gave me the perfect excuse to capture his adorable (and slightly dressed-up) self. Dress pants? Nah, but we got some cute shots anyway! 

Blogging Vibes 

This week was a whirlwind of blog updates and behind-the-scenes magic. I'm pouring my heart into On the Creek, and it feels so good to see it flourish. New content is on the way, and I can't wait to share it with you all! 

Let's Keep the Conversation Going! 

That's it for this week's Sunday Stuff! If you love these updates as much as I do, subscribe to the blog for all the latest posts and exclusive content. And don't forget to drop a comment below—I'd love to hear what you're up to this fall! 🍁💕

Hey, Besties!

I've been diving into AI-generated art lately. Let me tell you, it's like having a personal artist who can

You know how there's this adorable trend of taking old thrift store paintings and adding little ghosts to them? Well, I was so tempted to jump on that bandwagon, but two things stopped me:

1. My painting skills are, let's say, more abstract than accurate. 
2. I didn't want to limit that beautiful old art to just the Halloween season. 

So, what's a creative soul to do? Enter the magical world of AI art! 

Unleashing My Inner Artist with Clip Drop 

I've been diving into AI-generated art lately. Let me tell you, it's like having a personal artist who can bring even the quirkiest ideas in my brain to life. I used Clip Drop and gave it my best description of what I envisioned—a Casper-meets-classic-oil-painting vibe. And guess what? The AI totally nailed it!

The AI Masterpieces 

Here are the stunning pieces it conjured up:

Make It Yours! 

Falling in love with this ghostly masterpiece? You're in luck! You can download these images for your own personal use right here.

Sending You All the Creative Vibes! 

Before you go, if you're feeling inspired, why not try your hand at AI art, too? Clip Drop is super user-friendly, and the possibilities are endless. Let your imagination run wild, and share your creations with me! I'd love to see what you come up with.

Until next time, keep those creative juices flowing! 🎨👻

Why "The Garden of Life"?

Hey, Besties!

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to a new blog series incredibly close to my heart—"The Garden of Life: How to Cultivate a Life You Love." This series is about nurturing your inner garden, that sacred space where your soul blooms and your spirit soars.

What Inspired This Series?

As many of you know, I adore gardening. It's not just about the flowers and the greenery; it's about the life lessons that come with it. Patience, care, and resilience are all a metaphor for life itself. And just like a garden, your life requires love, attention, and much nurturing.

What Can You Expect?

Over the next 12 weeks, we'll explore 12 essential "lessons" for cultivating a life you love. Each rule resembles a gardening principle that helps your inner garden flourish. From the importance of self-love to the power of setting boundaries, we'll dig deep into the soil of our lives and plant seeds of wisdom.

A Sneak Peek into the Lessons

• Self-love is Your Superpower, Like Water to a Plant 
• Gratitude & Mindfulness: Your Daily Dose of Sunshine 
• Trust Your Gut, Like Roots Trust the Earth 
• ...and many more!

Join the Journey 

I invite you to join me on this transformative journey. Let's cultivate our inner gardens together and watch our lives blossom into something extraordinary.

Call to Action 

Ready to embark on this journey with me? Share your thoughts and "gardening tips" for life using the hashtag #TheGardenOfLifeSeries. Remember to subscribe to my newsletter for exclusive content and exercises that complement each week's topic!