Have you ever felt like your mind is a browser with 100 tabs open? If you're anything like me, keeping track of all those fleeting creative ideas can be a bit like herding cats. So, I've started a new routine that I'm super excited to share with you: my daily brainstorming sessions! 🌈✍️

Why I Started Daily Brainstorming Sessions

As the years tick by, I've noticed it's getting trickier to keep all my quirky thoughts and project ideas from slipping through the cracks. To stop forgetting and start organizing, I've dedicated a small chunk of my day solely to unleashing and untangling my thoughts. It's like a little daily detour into the fun and wild landscape of my mind.

How I Structure My Sessions

Each day, I set aside 15-30 minutes for what I call my "creative unloading zone." During this time, I jot down everything buzzing in my brain. These aren't just any notes; they're the seeds of future projects, blog posts, and those "aha!" moments that hit you when you least expect them.

Here's what a typical session looks like:

• Timing is everything: I find that mornings work best for me right after my first cup of tea when my mind is fresh.
• No Idea Too Small: I write down anything and everything, from a new gardening tip I want to try to a DIY project that might just be my next big blog post.
• Inspiration Hunting: I also spend a bit of time online, browsing Pinterest, Instagram, and other blogs for inspiration. Seeing how others tackle problems gives me new perspectives and ideas that I can adapt in my own unique way.
  
  

Benefits of Brainstorming Daily

• Clearer Mind, Better Focus: This practice helps me clear the mental clutter, making room for focused thoughts on more complex daily tasks.
• Never Miss a Beat: By keeping a running list of ideas, I never have to kick myself for forgetting that brilliant midnight brainwave from last week.
• Boosted Creativity: Regularly setting time to think divergently has noticeably boosted my creativity. It's easier now to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated ideas.
  
  

Tips for Starting Your Own Brainstorming Routine

1. Choose Your Best Time: Identify when you're most alert and least likely to be interrupted. It could be early morning, late at night, or right after lunch.
2. Keep It Fun: Use tools and apps that you enjoy using—whether it's a fancy notebook or a colorful app on your phone—to make the process more enjoyable.
3. Make It a Habit: Like any good habit, consistency is key. Try to stick to the same time every day to build a routine that feels as natural as brushing your teeth.
   
   

Wrapping It Up

Daily brainstorming has truly been a game changer for me, turning the chore of remembering into an exciting dive into my creative depths each day. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by your own swirl of ideas, why not give it a whirl? You might find that a little daily brainstorming opens up a world of creativity you didn't know you had!

Catch you in the next brainstorm, Besties! Keep those ideas flowing! 🌊📝

Walking Each Other Home

There's a quote that hits different for me now: "We're all just walking each other home." Life's a path, sometimes smooth, often bumpy, where we meet souls who walk with us and share our pace, maybe only for a moment, maybe for miles. James was my fellow traveler, the soul you pray to walk a lifetime with, but our physical journey was cut short.

Cherished Moments

Every step and every moment I spent with James was filled with life—vibrant, loving, and real. Our time might have been shorter than I envisioned, but we lived a lifetime's worth in those moments. His laughter, his strength during his fight with melanoma, and his undying spirit have left imprints on my heart that guide me every day.

A Legacy Carried Forward

Facing melanoma head-on, James showed a resilience that was nothing short of heroic. We found joy in the smallest things—shared smiles, quiet evenings, and the strength in each other's presence. These are the memories I hold onto, the ones that light my path as I continue this walk, a bit more solitary than before.

Conclusion

Losing James was hard, and it still is. But if love teaches us anything, it never really leaves us. As I mark this third anniversary of his passing, I find comfort in knowing that our journey together continues in ways I'm still discovering. His legacy is not just in the past but in every step I take forward, every piece of myself I share here with you.

Parting Words

Remember to extend grace because we're all just walking each other home. Let's walk this path with kindness, understanding, and love for those who journey alongside us.

I'll be the first to admit that I'm not a home décor natural. But since tossing out the so-called rules and doing my own thing, I've found my groove. Here's a breakdown of my latest thrift haul and how each piece fits into my evolving style

Frames: A Thrifter's Best Friend

I never leave a good thrift store frame behind. While Dollar Tree frames are budget-friendly, they often break or fall apart on me. That's why I always opt for thrifted frames when I can find them. They're usually better quality, super affordable, and easily customized to fit any style. Whether painting or leaving them as-is, these frames are staples for filling up my wall space.

Mass-Produced Décor with a Twist

I'll admit it: I love a good Hobby Lobby inspiration session. But instead of buying brand-new pieces, I like finding similar styles at the thrift store for a fraction of the price. Adding mass-produced items into my home is fine by me, as long as I can blend them with one-of-a-kind pieces. This approach keeps my space looking unique, unlike something you can just copy-paste from a catalog.

Metal Accents: My Secret Weapon

Here's a quirky little fact about me—I'm obsessed with metal décor. I'll spray-paint it in whatever color works for my space, transforming something generic into something distinctly "me." Metal pieces are often sturdy, easy to upcycle, and bring a bit of texture to my walls.

Ready-to-Customize Finds

Some of my favorite thrift finds are what I call "blanks"—decorative items just waiting to be personalized. While I'm not a Cricut pro, I love crafting the occasional vinyl quote or design to make a piece truly one of a kind. Finding these blank canvases at the thrift store saves me money and gives me an excuse to unleash my creativity.

A Touch of Creepy Charm

Maybe it's my Halloween-loving heart, but I have a soft spot for eerie, offbeat artwork. Creepy little pictures add a unique vibe to my home and keep things from feeling too predictable. Whether it's a vintage portrait with mysterious vibes or a dark, moody landscape, these pieces bring character and a bit of edge to my space.

Embracing My Style, One Thrift Find at a Time

Redecorating my walls with thrifted treasures has been a journey of self-discovery. I'm curating a home that reflects my personality by blending cheap frames, metal accents, and even a touch of creepy charm. Check out your local thrift stores if you want to shake things up in your own space. Who knows? Your next perfect piece might be waiting for you on a dusty shelf.

What's your favorite thrift store find? Let me know in the comments or share your decorating tips—I'd love to hear them!

The holiday season rolls in with shimmering lights, heartwarming carols, and the promise of joyful gatherings. Yet, beneath the festive veneer, each of us navigates this time differently, carrying our own stories and struggles. As we dive into the season, it's essential to remember that the picture-perfect holidays portrayed in movies and ads are often far from reality for many. This year, let's redefine what the holidays mean by embracing them on our own terms and extending grace to those around us.

The Many Faces of the Holiday Season

For some, the holiday season brings a bustling home filled with family and laughter. For others, it may be a quieter reflection time or even a period of profound loneliness. And then some find the holidays remind them of what or whom they've lost. The spectrum of experiences is broad and varied, and that's okay. Whether you're in a season of celebration or mourning or somewhere in between, it's important to honor your feelings without guilt.

You Do You: Celebrating Without the Guilt

If the thought of holiday parties and extended family dinners makes you cringe or can't face putting up decorations this year, that's perfectly fine. Feel free to skip the traditional activities if they don't bring you joy or peace. Instead, consider what makes you feel content and centered. It could be a quiet evening with a good book, a movie marathon, or a peaceful walk in nature. This holiday, give yourself the gift of doing what feels right.

Extending Grace and Understanding

Extending grace to others is equally important as we seek to honor our feelings. Everyone you meet faces their own challenges, some visible and some not. The colleague who seems grumpy at the office party might be dealing with personal issues we can't see. The friend who cancels plans at the last minute may be overwhelmed by more than they can express.

This season, let's practice nonjudgment and kindness. Instead of expecting others to live up to an idealized version of holiday cheer, let's allow space for real, human experiences—complete with imperfections and struggles.

A Nonjudgmental Season is a Season of True Joy

When we let go of judgments and embrace the holiday season with an open heart, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone. This approach enhances our experience and lightens the load of others who might feel pressured to conform to societal expectations.

Conclusion: Crafting a Holiday That Resonates with You

Remember that it's okay to celebrate in a way that resonates with you this holiday season. There's no need to conform to a standard that doesn't fit your reality. Instead, embrace your own traditions (or create new ones) and offer compassion and understanding to those around you. By doing so, you cultivate a season filled with genuine warmth and grace—true to the spirit of the holidays.

Remember, the best holiday is one where you feel true to yourself, surrounded by peace and understanding, whether in solitude or company.