Tag: life

Spring Reset for Writers: Refreshing My Writing Routine 🌷✍️

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Ah, spring. The season of blossoming flowers, fresh starts, and freshly ignored writing goals. Oops. Did I say that outloud?

Anyways, I am determined to refresh my writing routine this spring as well as declutter my workspace, and become the productive, flourishing writer I was always meant to be. Or at least… try.

Step One: The Desk Purge

Right now, my desk is less of a workspace and more of an archaeological dig of sorts. There are at least three half-filled notebooks, a graveyard of pens (some working, some with ink mysteriously dried up overnight), and a coffee cup that may or may not be from last week. If I dig deep enough, I might find a long-lost plot outline or a note that simply says, “fix this, it’s bad.” Oh, and stickers. Lots and lots of stickers.

This happens periodically. My desk space over any given amount of time will become…how is it we say here in the south? Ah, yes, a HOT MESS.

So, I’m decluttering. The goal is to turn my desk into a space that actually invites creativity instead of making me want to lie down and take a nap. A candle? Yes. A cute notebook that I will definitely use? Absolutely. The ten random receipts and a variety of rogue paperclips? No thanks. You’re out of here (until I somehow collect another collection and do another deep clean this next fall).

Step Two: Reworking the Writing Routine

Right now, my “routine” consists of staring at my laptop at odd times (basically when the whimsy hits), opening a blank document, and then somehow ending up scrolling on my phone for 45 minutes. It’s an art form, really. And while I have been trying to tackle my phone addiction lately (it’s its own issue separately, ok?) my writing routine still lacks consistency.

To fix this, I’m trying out a more structured approach this spring. Instead of telling myself “I’ll write later” (which is a fancy way of saying “I won’t write at all”), I’m setting dedicated writing times. Mostly in the evening after work or after dinner. I have experimented with a few time slots (will be writing a blog post about this later, I’m all about experiments over here), and the evening time slot seems to work best with my lifestyle and schedule. So that’s what we’re going with.

Step Three: Setting Writing Goals That Aren’t Overly Ambitious

I alluded to this already in my New Years post in January. I love making big, dramatic writing goals. “I’ll finish my novel in two weeks.” “I’ll write 1,000 words every single day without fail.” “I’ll win a Pulitzer by June.”

And then reality hits. Life is busy. Some days, writing just doesn’t happen. So I’m continuing to focus on, goals that are actually achievable. Maybe it’s writing for 20 minutes a day. Maybe it’s finishing a single chapter this month. Small, consistent progress is better than unrealistic goals that just make me feel guilty when I inevitably don’t hit them. Right now I’m attempting to finish my Poetry book by the end of summer. That’s THE goal right now.

Step Four: Romanticizing the Writing Process

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that writing is way more fun when you make it an aesthetic experience. I’m talking fairy lights, soft music, a warm cup of tea, and the illusion that I am a 19th-century author composing a masterpiece in my candlelit study. Does this actually help me write better? Debatable. Does it make me want to write more? Absolutely.

So, part of my spring reset is making my writing time feel special. A cozy spot by the window, a new playlist, maybe even a fancy new pen. Whatever it takes to trick my brain into thinking this is a magical, must-do activity. If everything feels stale in your writing process right now, just try and make a few fun little changes.

Final Thoughts: Let’s Make This Our Season of Writing Wins

Spring is a time for growth, so I’m going to try and grow into better writing habits. Whether it’s finally decluttering that desk, setting realistic goals, or simply making writing feel more fun, this is my effort to reset and refresh.

How are you resetting this spring? Do you even believe in spring resets or is time simply an illusion to you? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 🌸✨

I Tried As Many Hobbies as I could In A Week

~ Brooke F. ~ 7 Comments

Growing up, I had so many hobbies I enjoyed. I loved drawing. I loved painting. I loved writing. I rode horses. Did gymnastics. Was briefly on an archery team?? I had so much time and energy—it felt like nothing could stop me. Now, I’m older, with significantly less time on my hands, and what little time I do have is not always spent… wisely.

It’s my phone. The eternal black hole of productivity. On and off, I try to counter this issue, but it’s way too easy to fall back into the habit. It sneaks up on me. One minute, I’m checking one little thing, and the next, I’m horrified by my weekly screen usage report, which is somehow two hours higher than it should be. My goal? Keep my phone use under an hour a day. My reality? A solid three. That adds up to a whopping 1,095 hours a year. That’s 45 entire days.

Wild.

So, in an attempt to reclaim my life from the digital abyss, I decided to try as many hobbies as possible in one week and see how they stack up. My criteria?

  1. How well does it keep me off my phone?
  2. How much do I enjoy it?
  3. Is it something I’d realistically keep doing?

Here’s how it went:

Day 1: Guitar – 5/5

Super easy to pick up. I took lessons for years but stopped when I moved out. I still strum occasionally, but life (aka school and work) got in the way. Now that I have a stable schedule, it’s actually feasible to play again, and I should. It was cathartic pulling out my old music, even if my skills have gotten a little rusty. The only time I reached for my phone was to look up song tabs. A win.

Day 2: Baking – 3/5

I made brownies and a strawberry cake. Baking is a high risk, high reward type of cooking. When you nail it, you feel like a domestic goddess. When you don’t, you’re left with wasted ingredients and existential despair. Also, those 30-minute baking times? Very tempting for a little doomscrolling.

Day 3: Drawing – 4/5

I love making stuff, but I have to be in the mood for drawing. At first, I wasn’t feeling it, but once I got started, I enjoyed it. The tangible result is satisfying, but my inner perfectionist is a menace. Still, solid phone-free time.

Yoga – 5/5

So relaxing. Felt great afterward. No desire to check my phone because I was literally too busy being zen.

Day 4: Running – 4/5

I felt amazing afterward, but actually convincing myself to start? Struggle city. Also, my cardio is tragic. I sounded like a winded cow. But I can see this being rewarding long-term.

Fashion Design – 4/5

A throwback hobby. Very fun and creative, but I didn’t love it as much as I used to. Also, I wish I didn’t despise sewing because that would make this hobby a lot more functional.

Day 5: Journaling – 4/5

I like journaling, but sometimes my brain is just ??? when trying to figure out what to write. Pinterest prompts were a lifesaver. Also, my handwriting is an atrocity, but I powered through.

Graphic Design – 5/5

Worked on page designs for my poetry book and loved it. Canva supremacy. Zero distractions.

Day 6: Reading – 3/5

My attention span is fried, friends. I struggled so hard to focus on what I was reading for longer than 15 minutes. This isn’t the book’s fault. I just need to rewire my brain to focus again.

Crossword Puzzles – 3/5

Fun! Until my brain taps out and I stare at a half-finished puzzle, contemplating my life choices. A clear sign I need more mental workouts.

Day 7: Junk Journaling – 5/5

A top-tier hobby. Relaxing, creative, and sentimental. I collected bits and pieces throughout the week, making it feel like a little time capsule. Highly recommend—but invest in quality glue, or you’ll have regrets.

And there you have it! A week of hobbies, a slight reduction in screen time, and a few activities I might actually stick with. If you’re looking for a way to break free from the phone trap, I highly suggest giving this a go!

Trying Something New Every Day for a Week: A Mini Adventure

~ Brooke F. ~ 5 Comments

I’m a big believer in the idea that small adventures make life more interesting. So, I decided to challenge myself to try something new every day for a week. These would be little things that would shake up my routine and maybe introduce me to a new favorite. So, without further ado, here’s how it went:

Day 1: Sushi Exploration

I’ve had sushi before, but I wouldn’t call myself a sushi connoisseur. My local deli recently started making a variety of sushi rolls, so I figured, why not? I quickly learned that I do not like sour-tasting sauces (I wasn’t expecting it to be so….tangy?), but I loved the spicy shrimp roll. A new go-to? Possibly. The experience overall was a 3/5.

Day 2: A New Coffee Spot

I’m always down for a new coffee experience, so I visited a café called White Bison. Cozy vibes? Check. Good coffee? Absolutely. I ordered a toffee latte, which was perfectly sweet and nutty. The coffee shop also had a nice, homey atmosphere and even had an upper floor. I can imagine it would be a great study spot.

Day 3: Discovering a New Music Artist

Music discovery is one of my favorite low-effort, high-reward experiences. This time, I stumbled upon Sara Groves, a Christian songwriter and composer. Her lyricism is chef’s kiss, and my favorite song so far is Lay It Down. Highly recommend if you like thoughtful, faith-filled lyrics.

Day 4: Trying Matcha

I finally gave matcha a shot. It’s one of those things that everyone seems to love, so I had to see what the hype was about. Verdict? It’s good…but only if I drown it in vanilla cold foam and sweetener. Otherwise, it tastes a little too earthy for me. Something akin to mowing the lawn with your mouth open. I’d love to learn to make it my sweet way at home and maybe swap it up a bit so I’m not always consuming an ungodly amount of coffee.

Day 5: Testing a New Recipe

I decided to bake cheddar and ham muffins, and let me tell you, friend, they were way better than expected. Soft, cheesy, savory, and surprisingly filling. These might just be my new favorite breakfast meal prep. This was probably my 5/5 experience for the week.

Overall, this little experiment was a fun reminder that trying new things doesn’t have to be dramatic or life-changing. Even the smallest discoveries such as a new coffee order or a song that resonates—adds richness to everyday life. Who knows? Maybe I’ll keep this streak going! It’s been a fun little challenge to brighten up my now regular 9-5 work schedule. It’s easy to let time get away from you when you work a regular job I’m realizing. This little challenge felt like it helped me be more present and make better use of my time (be more experimental in small ways).

So! Now I’m going to turn the question to you, dear audience! What’s something new you’ve tried lately?

New Year’s Mantras for a New Season

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Every year, I’ve set goals, made resolutions, and tried to will myself into change. I will add that sometimes it works! (And sometimes it doesn’t.) But this year I wanna do something a tad bit different. Instead of adding more to-do lists and lofty goals, I am instead going to (attempt to) ground myself with a few simple mantras: words I can carry with me into this next chapter of my life.

1. Learn, Learn, Learn

I started my career as an environmental scientist this year, and let me tell you, it’s a humbling experience to realize how much I don’t know. There’s training to complete, processes to understand, and a whole world of knowledge to absorb. But instead of letting the learning curve overwhelm me, I’m going to try and embrace it.

“Learn, learn, learn” isn’t just about my job too. It’s also about staying curious in everything. It’s about asking questions, making mistakes, and knowing that growth doesn’t happen overnight. Additionally, I want it to serve as a gentle reminder that I don’t have to be perfect. The learning process involves failure and it is impossible to skate around. While this concept hurts my perfectionistic, failure-fearing soul, it is something I simply need to continue to work towards getting past.

2. Do the Thing

This one’s for my poetry and my perfectionism. For too long, I’ve held back. (Camera cut to me editing endlessly, second-guessing myself, and letting fear keep me from sharing my writing). But this year, I’m done waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect version of anything.

“Do the thing” is about action. It’s hitting “publish” on that blog post. It’s sharing a poem without worrying how it will be received. It’s letting creativity flow without overthinking it. Fear might still be there, but this year, it doesn’t get to win.

3. Enjoy the Life Phase

If there’s one habit I know I have, it’s looking forward into the future. I do this in every possible way. I look to the next step, the next milestone, and the next season of life. I’ve always been someone with one eye on the future, dreaming of what’s to come. But in doing so, I often miss what’s right in front of me.

“Enjoy the life phase” is my reminder to slow down. To appreciate the small joys of where I am: my new job, my cozy home, my two cats (who are as chaotic as ever). I don’t want to rush this time just because it feels like a stepping stone to something bigger. I want to look back and remember how full and good this season was—even with its growing pains.

4. Show Up for Yourself

This is a mantra I’m adding to the list because I think we all need it. “Show up for yourself” means being your own cheerleader when things get hard. It’s about taking care of your mind, your body, and your heart. Showing up looks different every day. Some days it might mean eating a real lunch instead of chips from the pantry, going for a walk, or saying no to something you don’t have energy for. Whatever it is, it’s a promise to treat yourself like someone worth showing up for.

5. Let Life Be Messy

I’m someone who loves a plan. I like knowing what comes next, how it’ll happen, and where it’s all leading. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that life rarely fits neatly into plans.

“Let life be messy” is permission to let things unfold as they will. It’s accepting that some days will be chaotic, some dreams will take longer, and some journeys will twist and turn in unexpected ways (and, again, that’s okay!). The messy parts are often where the magic happens, right?

These mantras are my anchors for the year ahead. They’re reminders to take things one step at a time, to be brave, to be present, and to let life happen as it comes.

If you’re feeling inspired, I’d love to hear what mantras you’re carrying into the new year. What words or phrases will guide you through this next season? Share them in the comments!

xoxo,

Brooke F.

Life Update: Cats, Careers, and Adjustments

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Hello, friends! It’s been a minute, so I thought it was time to check in with a little life update. Some exciting changes have happened recently. The kind of changes that come with cat hair on your clothes and a hard hat in your car.

So let’s get into it.

Meet Lori and Midna

First things first, I got cats. Yes, plural. Two tiny creatures who rule my life with a mix of adorable chaos and constant naps.

● Lori is my white kitten. His full name is Lorrian because every cat needs a slightly dramatic name to match their mysterious personality (he is anything but. He screams at me day and night for love and cuddles). Lori is playful, curious, and oh-so-needy. He desires cuddles at all hours of the day and makes that need known.

● Midna is the queen of the house. She’s my sleek, black cat, full of charm and just a touch of mischief. If you’ve ever played Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, you already know the inspiration behind her name. Midna has the vibe of a cat who knows all your secrets and still loves you anyway though she might judge you a little.

Having two cats has been such a comfort. They keep life entertaining and, somehow, their little purrs can turn a stressful day around in an instant.

I’m an Environmental Scientist!

In bigger news, I officially started my career as an environmental scientist. I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I get to say that out loud. It’s been an adjustment, for sure. The early mornings, lots of learning, and a hefty dose of responsibility are just a few factors I’m trying to navigate with some level of grace and maturity (along with the fear of failure at ANYTHING.) but I’m so grateful to have landed a job right out of college. It’s one thing to dream about contributing to conservation and environmental work; it’s another to step into the field and do it. I am very blessed and I don’t want to ever NOT acknowledge that.

Some days are filled with fieldwork, which makes me feel like I’m back on the farm, in my element with fresh air and soil under my boots. Other days involve reports, lab safety videos, and presentations, which are equally important (but slightly less glamorous). The balance has been a learning curve, but I’m enjoying it so far though I still have TONS to learn.

Adjusting to This New Chapter

I won’t lie to you guys- life after college feels like I’m faking it till you make it. I think I’ve got it figured out one minute and then feel like I can’t make it in this big world the next. There are moments of confidence followed by flashes of doubt, and that’s okay. I think the most surprising lesson I’ve learned is that nobody really has it all together. We’re all just doing the best we can, whether we’re starting new jobs, adopting pets, or figuring out how to cook something other than spaghetti or tacos.

Between Lori attacking my shoelaces, Midna napping on my laptop, and work keeping me on my toes, life feels full. It’s not perfect, but it’s good. And I’m thankful for that.

That’s it for now! Tell me what’s new with you in the comments—I want to hear about your pets, job wins, or even just the small victories keeping you going. Until next time, I’ll be over here, trying to keep my white kitten from drinking toilet water and my black cat off my keyboard.

Take care!

Embracing the Cringe: Why Creating Is Worth the Risk

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

Why do I care what some strangers think???

I’ve been there, friends. Far too many times in fact. Staring at a piece of writing I’ve poured my heart into, hovering over the “Post” button, my stomach twisting. The thought runs rampant: What if people think this is weird? What if I’m awkward? What if this is…cringe?

Social media has given us a strange gift: the ability to share our creativity with a potentially massive audience. But alongside that gift comes the shadow of The Fear. The fear of being judged, of being misunderstood, or, quite possibly, being dismissed as “cringe.”

“Cringe” is potentially the ultimate insult in internet culture (at least as I see it as a creative). It implies that you’re trying too hard, caring too much, or daring to be earnest in a world that values ironic detachment. And when you create something as personal as a poem, a story, or a piece of art, putting it out there can feel like standing naked in a spotlight. There you are, lain bare. You want to be seen, but what if the crowd points and laughs?

I know this fear well because it’s held me back from sharing my own poetry. I love writing. It’s how I process life’s more difficult moments, capture fleeting emotions, and just overall express myself. But when it comes to posting a poem online, I freeze up. What if they think I’m pretentious? What if someone mocks me for using certain metaphors or for feeling something too deeply?

Here’s what I’ve realized, though: creating art isn’t about avoiding cringe. It is about embracing it.

Much of great art has, at some point, been considered cringe-worthy or at least wasn’t super appreciated in its time. Van Gogh’s bold, swirling strokes? Art of a talentless, crazy hack. The Beatles’ early love songs? Cheesy and dare I say, corny? Writing poetry and sharing it with the world takes guts because it’s vulnerable. It’s deeply personal. But that’s what makes it real.

If you spend your life avoiding the risk of being cringe, you also avoid the chance to connect with people. Because here’s the thing: for every person who might snicker at your poem or scroll past it, there’s another person out there who will feel seen. Your words and art could be exactly what they needed in that moment.

And, let’s be real, the alternative is even cringier. It’s cringy to hold back your creativity, to stifle your voice, to live in fear of what a bunch of strangers online might think. It’s cringy to not make something, to let fear make you boring and scared and silent.

So here’s my advice (to you and to me): Post the poem. Share the art. Write the awkward, heartfelt, overly-metaphorical thing and let it out into the world. Someone will cringe, sure. But someone else will care. And in the end, the world needs more people who dare to care.

The Over-acceptance of Introversion: When to Know When You’re Just Being a Bad Friend

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

This post is a little different from my usual topics. It’s not some big epiphany, just a thought that’s been bouncing around in my head for a while. As someone who enjoys overthinking (a core introvert trait, we all know it), I couldn’t shake this idea. So, here we are. Let’s talk about introversion, friendships, and whether some behaviors we attribute to being “introverted” are actually… kind of selfish.

This train of thought started when I stumbled across one of those relatable memes. Yaknow the type. Something that went along the lines of : “I don’t want to go, but I do want to be invited. Lol, introverts, am I right?” At first, I chuckled, because I could relate. But then I started reflecting on what it’s really saying. Is this just a funny nod to introverted tendencies, or does it normalize putting minimal effort into our friendships? Cue the over thinking due to a relatively harmless online post.

The more I thought about it, the more it reminded me of a situation from my late high school and early college years. Back then, my close friend and I loved organizing activities for our friend group. Bowling nights, game days, holiday parties—you name it, we planned it. We weren’t just trying to have fun; we genuinely enjoyed bringing everyone together.

But more often than not, it ended up being just the two of us. Our friends, though kind and fun in their own right, rarely showed up. The reasons varied. Some excuses were totally valid—homework, work shifts, family obligations. But over time, it became clear that many simply didn’t prioritize showing up. A few even admitted they “liked being invited” but never had any intention of coming.

At the time, it was frustrating. We’d put in all this effort, only to feel like the rest of the group didn’t care enough to reciprocate. It stung, but life moved on, and so did we. Now, years removed from those memories, I look back without resentment. Those friends weren’t bad people—they were just young, busy, and maybe a little unaware of how their actions came across.

Still, that experience planted a seed in my mind only to be watered by a random Instagram post on a random Tuesday. The memes and “relatable” posts about introverts avoiding plans or ghosting their friends in the name of self-care make me pause. Are we glorifying a healthy need for recharge time, or are we excusing bad friendship behaviors?

Here’s the thing: self-care is important. Recharge time is vital. Life gets busy and overwhelming, and sometimes, skipping plans is the right choice for your mental health. But if every plan becomes your recharge time, you’re not just protecting your peace—you’re neglecting your friendships.

Good friendships require effort. Showing up matters. And showing up only when the whim strikes you? That doesn’t make you a good friend. Sure, you have the right to set boundaries. But if you consistently flake, cancel, or avoid participating, maybe it’s time to reassess what you can realistically give to your friendships. I maybe it’s significantly less than it once was?

If that’s the case, the kinder thing to do is to be honest with yourself—and with your friends. Let them know if your capacity to maintain the friendship has changed. It’s far better than leading someone on to believe you want to stay close, only to repeatedly let them down when it comes time to show up.

Here’s the plot twist (that almost everyone knows): I am an introvert. A big one. I thrive on alone time, I love my cozy evenings at home, and I sometimes dread leaving my bubble. I’ve canceled more plans than I care to admit. But I’ve also been on the other side of this equation—the one doing the planning, hoping people will show up. And that’s given me a deep appreciation for the balance between respecting my own needs and respecting my relationships.

It’s not about guilt-tripping yourself into saying yes to every invite or sacrificing your mental health for others. It’s about being intentional. Being an introvert doesn’t give us a free pass to neglect the people who care about us. If anything, it challenges us to communicate better, show up when it counts, and be honest about what we can give.

So, the next time you’re tempted to laugh off a missed gathering with, “Lol, introverts, am I right?” take a moment to think about what that really means. Are you protecting your peace, or are you unintentionally letting your friends down? Because the truth is, being an introvert doesn’t mean we don’t care about our friendships. It just means we have to work a little harder to show it.

Hopefully you found this post useful in some way. I suppose in some ways, it could be considered a little mini-rant. More than anything, I think it’s a reflection and I hope it makes you reflect too, whether you’re an introvert like me or a big planner who relates to the feelings of disappointment when no one shows. Just know you’re not alone!

Take care, friends, and thanks for reading!

June Update

~ Brooke F. ~ 2 Comments

June has been already been rollercoaster. Writing wise. Temperature wise. Emotions wise. The whole shabang. And its been awhile since I’ve updated this little internet corner of mine so why not make a lil summer update for anyone who cares to read about my mostly normal existence.

Grappling with Novel Editing

This month, I found myself immersed in the painstaking process of editing the second draft of my novel. And boy, is it painful. I always tell myself nothing can be worse than banging out the first draft, right? Wrong. Very Wrong. At least for me. Editing has been a task. I’ve wrestled with refining my characters from flat cardboard cutouts to actual functioning people in a narrative, strengthening plot points, and ensuring the pacing flowed smoothly (so the story feels less ramblings and a more cohesive tale). Despite the challenges, I remained determined to bring my story to life and stayed focused on the ultimate goal of sharing my work with the world…and yes we are just now getting to Chapter 5/25. This is a cry for help.

Enjoying the Unpredictable Tennessee Weather

As a Tennessee resident, I’ve learned to appreciate the precious moments of pleasant weather before it takes a sudden turn. This June, I seized (most) opportunities to spend time outdoors, soaking in the sunshine and basking in the beauty of nature. This roughly translates to sitting on my apartment steps and watching the neighborhood cats scurry about before I decided it’s much too humid to be existing.

Taking Life’s Curve Balls

I recently graduated college with my four year degree and, as a breathed the air of freedom, asked myself the question that we all ask ourselves after completing a multi-year long accomplishment- Now what?

For some silly reason, I though I’d know what to do when I got here. I thought job offers would be clambering at my feet or something of that nature but instead I’m greeted with…uncertainty. None of the jobs I’ve looked at seem very appealing- some demand years of experience that I don’t have yet. Some wouldn’t be making any use of my degree and pay like it. Some wish me to travel all over the good Lord’s creation. And still others would require me to relocate to a certain nearby city that I really, really don’t like. (Nashville traffic is legendary).

So here I am. In a season of waiting and looking. I’m not really sure what’s next but at least that does give me time to work on my book in between working my customer service job and trying my hand at home cooking.

Cafe Hopping

As an avid coffee lover, I made it my mission to visit and explore some of the highly-rated local cafes in my area this month. Each cafe offered a unique atmosphere, friendly baristas, and, of course, delicious coffee. It was a fantastic way to meet new people and discover some hidden gems so I will leave you with a little gallery of coffee here (ignore the starbucks one, I just loved the sharpie stars around my name):

Hopefully that gallery put you in the coffee mood. Take care friends! And, as always, thanks for stopping by!

What’s IN and What’s OUT

~ Brooke F. ~ 6 Comments

Its only 10 days into the new year so why not a fun little post talking about what trends are in and what are out in my opinion? After all, I’m clearly an authority on matters of current crazes and the desires of the masses! I’m obviously qualified as a 20-something college student who spend the majority of her time working or playing videogames from 20 years ago (The Wii and the N64 gaming system is where we peaked, guys), watching movies from 40 years ago and reading books from 50 years ago. Glad we’re all in agreeance here. So, without further and minimal explanation, here are trends that should burn in the fiery pits of the underworld (also known as what’s out).

What’s OUT:

Buying ingredients but never cooking

Calling myself out already? Seriously though, why do ingredients go bad to quickly? Sure, you might say its because fresh veggies aren’t loaded with preservatives, radioactivity, and Lord knows what else but man, its frustrating when I want to cook and that potato I bought a week ago has already sprouted a new plant.


Cheap soap

Because my skin in sensitive.


Grudges

Have I ever mentioned how bitter of a person I can be? Probably not, it rarely comes up in conversation but BOY, can I hold a grudge. Let’s not talk about the pointless hours I’ve spent ruminating about how people who are meanies can get their comeuppance. Perhaps its best such use of my time is left in 2023.


Cruddy socks that need to be replaced

Only saying this because I cleared out my sock drawer recently and it was a sad sight indeed. I need to make a little sock run, I ended up throwing out half of the socks I thought I could wear.


Plain coffee

Time to add syrups and sugars like real men.


Falling asleep to your phone/TV

Guilty as charged. The blue light does wonders for my sleep schedule as I’m sure you can imagine.


Minimalism

Gosh, why did we ever consider this a valid aesthetic? I’m raving against a very specific type of minimalism known as sad grey and sad brown. I’m just too addicted to my cute little trinkets.


6am alarms

I am not a morning person. Far too long I’ve tried to emmulate the “it girl” schedule but alas, twasn’t meant to be. How those girls get up before the crack of dawn, I’ll never know. They have my respect of course but I think I’m going to try for a little more balanced sleep schedule where I spend the last hour of my day cleaning and journaling and getting ahead as opposed to getting up an hour earlier to do such things.


Not complimenting people but still thinking it

I’m so bad about this sometimes. There’s a shortage of compliments out there however and I refuse to contribute to the problem any longer no matter what my social anxiety says.


The color grey

As mentioned before, I’m just not a fan of the sad grey aesthetic.

What’s IN:


Cream soda

Particularly in glass bottles. I used to love these because as Baptist child, I thought they looked like beer. Now, I know much better- they taste oh-so delicious and I don’t have enough cream soda in my life as is. Something that needs to clearly be fixed in the year of our Lord, 2024.


Cute coffee shops

These have always been in but they should remain so.


Taking walks everywhere

I’m a ghostly little victorian child and could use the vitamin D.


Impressionistic art/paintings

I just think they’re nice.


Gas station snacks

Just snacks but on a whole new level.


Retro games

Oldies but goodies.


Pasta

Any and all types of pasta. Alfredo, red sauce… I don’t care. I’m in my pasta arc and have been for the last 4 years.


Formal gowns for no reason

Who says you need a reason to feel like a princess? I’ll vacuum my apartment in a ballgown, just you watch.


Giving people the benefit of the doubt

Perhaps this circles back to the whole “grudges” thing. I’m attempting to move out of my Villain era and into my “Gracious” era.


Microwave popcorn

Stove-top is fun but also time consuming and sometimes messy if you make it like me. The anxiety I feel when pulling the lid off of the pot to dump the newly born popcorns into the bowl is unmatched.


Herb gardens

They smelly good.


Petting as many cats as possible

Listen, friends. I know we petted a lot of cats last year. But, this year, let’s strive to make last year look like rookie numbers. This year, we’re petting ALL THE CATS. (unless of course you’re allergic. I’m so sorry friend).


Body spray

It smelly good.


Changing bedding regularly

We’re not going to talk about how long I’d go without changing my sheets in the past. I cringe, dear sir. But that was the old me. And we refuse to acknowledge her.

So yeah! A pretty comprehensive list but feel free to talk in the comments about what trends we should leave in 2023 or what 2024 should consist of moving forward. I’d love to hear ya’ll’s thoughts.

Anyways, hope you had a happy holiday!


Soup Inspo because it’s Fall

~ Brooke F. ~ 12 Comments

I know I may be a little late buuut…

Happy fall everyone!

Did you know it’s my favorite time of year? The weather is perfect- I love that midrange of temperatures. It’s the time of year when I get to pull out my forty gazillion jackets and give them enough wear to justify the amount of space they take up in my wardrobe. It’s also campfire season, yet another added bonus. I’m an avid loved of s’mores, marshmallows, and the oh-so-good smokey smell.

You want to know what else I love about the weather getting chilly? The appeal of soup increasing by 100%.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore soup normally however, my love only grows when it’s nippy outside and I’ve got a steaming bowl of yummy in front of me. I could have soup all week.

So, in the spirit of fall, I wanted to share some of my favorite soup recommendations with you guys! I know this it totally different from my regular types of post and is more reminiscent of what you’d find on a lifestyle and cooking blog but I can’t help myself. I simply must share the deliciousness of these soups with the world!

Or at least… the five of you who are out there reading this post!

Tomato Basil

I adore tomato soup.

Strangely enough, as a kid, I hated tomatoes but tomato soup? I could eat that stuff for three meals a day. I had a sort of ritual when I ate them too- I’d eat them with ten saltine crackers and would often crunch up the crackers into the soup itself to give it a little crunch. Now this wasn’t always the best idea as halfway through the cracker chunks would become super mushy but my 7-year-old self would not be deterred and persisted in doing this.

Now, while I’m saying it’s not the best way to eat it, Tomato Basil soup still is kind of the bomb, cracker chunks or no cracker chunks.

Zuppa Toscana

My friend. If you have not had this soup, then I implore you to look up a recipe and try it soon. I didn’t even know this soup existed till I worked at a tea shop here in the deep south and they introduced it as one of our soup specials.

And ya’ll.

It. Is. Immaculate.

It’s creamy, has kale but doesn’t taste like it has kale, has a nice zing of Italian sausage, and smells heavenly. This soup can also be enjoyed with saltines which is definitely an added bonus.  Please give it a shot if you haven’t tried it already.

Southwest Chicken Soup

For those of us who are Mexican food type people. I love this soup because it tastes amazing, especially when you add an ungodly amount of cheese and maybe even some fritos if you’re feeling spunky. This soup is a solid go-to for my family because it can also be an easy crock-pot recipe.

Loaded Potato Soup

Friends, I must admit, my favorite vegetable is actually not a vegetable but a root. But you must admit, potatoes are quite a blessing that frankly I don’t think humanity deserves, but by the grace of God we have ‘em anyways. And I can’t tell you how much I love my starches. And if you love them too, I guarantee you’re going to love this soup. Or if you just love bacon. This is one of the few soups that you can get away with adding obscene amount of bacon too and it’s still good to eat!

This soup is kind of reminiscent of a loaded potato (as the title may suggest) in addition to being super creamy. I’ve had it a couple times and once while I was sick, and it felt amazing on my scratchy throat. Though one thing I can promise you, if you’re a potato girl, you will enjoy this soup both in sickness and in health.

Beef Stew

Okay, yes, technically this is a stew, but they aren’t that different right? At least, according to google… and you’re not calling google a liar, are you?

Either way, this stuff hits the spot during cold weather, and I’d be ashamed to not include it on the list seeing as how growing up, it was my favorite liquid-based meal (I’m just trying to avoid saying “stew and “soup” now if you can’t tell).

Stick this stuff in a crock pot and let it summer over the course of the day and you will come home to the most glorious of smells.

I personally recommend making fresh bread to go with along with this meal, especially if you have a bread machine so you can avoid the hassle of having to time it to where both things are ready and warm at the same time.

Either way though, bread or no bread, I think Beef Stew is one of God’s great blessings and it’s no wonder humanity has been making stews for goodness knows how long.

And I think that’s it! Those are my favorites anyways. I hope I’ve made you thoroughly hungry, so you feel compelled to quench it with steaming bowl of soup. You’re welcome!

See you readers!