I am spending today recovering from yesterdays party! And getting some work done!    I have a few lists of odds and ends to pick up for vacation! I have to organize outfits and then pack them! Confirm all my reservations, flights and then reconfirm everything I already confirmed. I am an over planner, it’s in my bones and I just can’t stop!    I’m also going to be finishing up some art pieces that have been looking at me and saying, “for the love of god, FINISH ME!”    I still might only stare at them but at least I’ve reopened them! RIGHT?! I’m right, right?!   Anyway, I hope you have a fantastic Holiday and don’t get too chocolate wasted!    XOXO 

My sisters annual Halloween party was tonight!     I am always rushing around and will indeed be late to my own funeral. It’s morbid, but it’s unfortunately true.   So in the midst of rushing around and shoving my butt-cheek length hair into a wig the size of a literal newborns head, putting letters on my face that were readable and making sure I didn’t forget the dessert or the goodie bags for the kids, I forgot to take pictures of stuff. So.... I don’t have many!    I was Cruella! And if you haven’t seen the latest movie, do yourself a favor and watch it! It’s pretty great! I am so impressed with how they did the remake! Dark and fabulous!    Anyway, It was an absolute blast! Group charades and laser tag, running around a giant farm, pie eating contests and everything in between! My sister always does a fantastic job!    Here’s what I DO have: 

     I got some things accomplished today!          I finished the kiddos Hallo-bags! I’ll post pictures tomorrow! Before I head out to the party!         I made a healthy chocolate cheesecake that’ll be topped with fresh strawberries and homemade granola! It’s heavenly!         Neglected to buy myself a wig cap for my costume wig... creative solution's are loading in my brain....right...now.        Managed to get some stuff sorted out for vacation (which is in like 6 days) holy shitttttt! I have so much to do!         I finally got my new glasses! YAY! I tried a new style and got a pattern which is way out of my comfort zone. But i’m so excited that they exceeded my expectations!         Now I am off to get a few more things done so that I can sleep at some point in time! Oi!    XOXO 

     Out of all of the things I should have been doing today, I did absolutely nothing. I checked nothing off my check list, I didn’t work on my Halloween costume, I didn’t work on the goodie bags for the kids, I didn’t do a goddamn thing.        I mean, I guess I did paint! But that’s about it!         Some days I just feel like there is absolutely nothing to be done, even if the list tells you that you should be going into overdrive. The list is a liar.         Self care sometimes looks like ignoring the list and saying to hell with unnecessary things and yes to yourself!           I did however cut my own hair, a few inches and gave myself a nice, darker color to bring in the looming new season!   

       Everyday I ’m just trying to get small bits of my stuff done. I leave in ten days...TEN! I still have an astrological amount of things to do.       I knocked one thing off the list today by going and getting my nails filled. I don’t normally do anything like this but for vacation I decided I was going to treat myself.         I went with something fairly simple, glitter! Perfect for that hot Florida heat!              I also got an amazing surprise in the mail in the form of swag from the universal resort I’m staying at when I go! I knew I was getting complimentary swag when I get there but they surprised me at home too!         Highlight of my day!         Also, I ordered new (sunny) glasses for the trip and they finally freakin’ shipped! I paid 20$ for express shipping and they’re cutting it pretty damn close! But i’m grateful non...

     Celebrating another birthday!          Remember when said I like to keep my parents young by throwing them children themed birthday parties! It’s just a tradition I started 5 or 6 years ago and I never quit!        This year for my mama is: LEGOS!        Playing with legos is such a fond childhood memory of mine! So I thought there was no better theme!         It’s never too extravagent but, it’s something!         Dinner: ( I didn’t get pictures, shame on me!) Mozzarella pesto chicken topped with a delicious tomato slice paired with homemade parmesan alfredo black bean pasta!        It was absolutelu delicious! And SO easy!        Dessert was a low carb/low calorie/low sugar almond flour chocolate cake with an amazing whipped chocolate fudge frosting!         Gift: Stackable coffee mugs an...

     Today I went and purchased an ass-load of candy and snacks to make up 10 Halloween goodie bags for my sisters annual party! The kids just keep multiplying! The people at the store probably thought I was preparing an underground bunker or that I was coveting a pre-diabetes convention!      Or that Halloween was right around the corner...I don ’t know! Anxiety does some weird shit to you man! You’re suspicious of everything!          Anyway! Those are almost done now!        I also did last minute shopping for my moms party i’m hosting tomorrow!         When I got home, I did the dinner thing!        Wrapped my moms gift, decorated my house and baked her, her cake! (Low sugar, low carb, delicious confection!) I’ll post pictures when it’s completed!         I still have to pick the house up, clean the bathroom and prepare dinner but you know,...

     Normally, I like a packed schedule! It keeps me busy, makes me feel productive and doesn ’t allow me to sit around and feel sorry for myself for shit I can’t actually control!         This month, BUSY is an actual understatement!         I did a last minute, 8 day vacation without thinking about all the shit I already had on my plate, no regrets! But I leave in 12 days...         Every year, my sister throws a huge Halloween party, where costumes are not only required but a MUST. She doesn’t play!         This is also my moms birthday month. I throw her a mini, child themed birthday party every single year for her birthday to remind her that youth doesn't need to be lost with age.         I have also been sweeping my house of all summery things and shifting for the winter months..         My house currently looks like a...

       Kidnapped this not so little cutie for the weekend to celebrate his (16th ) birthday slightly early because I’ll be on vacation for his actual birthday!      I feel so blessed to be his auntie! I have 7 of the greatest little blessings in my life, soon to be 8! (Prayers for a healthy pregnancy are always welcome!)      Even though I was told that I couldn't have children of my own, I am still holding out hope that one day, God will see fit that I become a mother! I can only dream of that day!      Also, that I find a loyal man who loves me for exactly who I am.      Often I get asked why I'm single and I simply say, I know my worth and settling for anything less is beneath me.      and on that note, friends! I am off to spend some time with my not so little, sweet guy! XOXO

    I didn ’t have much time to do anything today with work, cooking dinner, and doing odds and ends!         For some back-story, my sister is currently in business school, she is currently taking a math and an English course.         She’s been killing it and I’m super proud of her!         Today she was a little lost in writing a synthesis and then she admitted she didn’t have any idea what she was doing.        Where I then said, UM HELLO, my name is Shelby and I am an English MAJOR, I work in the tutoring center! How can I assist you?!         Needless to say, she finally asked for my help and I was able to help her get her (small, in my opinion) three page paper and it took me less than an hour!         She was super stressed about the whole situation, but I was able to get her calm and confident about the work she was turn...

     I spent the day finishing up the shirts for my trip, listening to music and even started a new art project!       I just added the finishing touches to my shirts and have to let them cure for 72 hours and then they'll be complete! I can't wait to see them in their finished state!      I also have so much other stuff to do and i'm starting to feel panicked!  XOXO  

     I am taking time to bleach some tees for my trip! I will be adding some custom decals to them and probably some glitter, glitter makes everything better!          Beyond that, I did manage to make a low carb, low calorie, low sugar pie that actually tastes good! I’ll do a recipe for it here soon!         Since Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, I decided I wanted to create a pie that I could have.      Not one to just, “not feel guilty about.” But one I could truly have and enjoy!      I finally came up with the right amount of everything! From the crust to the filling! 2g sugar 10 carbs per slice      And I’ll calculate calories later!      If it cuts like pie, eats like pie and tastes like pie, it’s pie!      But here’s what she looked like!                And beyond that.... I accomplished ab...

           I accomplished almost nothing today:   Woke up mad early, couldn ’t go back to sleep. Went to the next town over and did some shopping for vacation. Snagged Qdoba on the way home. Went to my nephews semifinals soccer game. (They sadly lost) Came home, showered. Plopped into bed and haven’t left since.          I’m honestly trying to stay super lowkey. Illness is everywhere and I need to stay healthy before, during and after vacation! So, i’ll be going out less and less until then!         I got my Halloween costume pieces today, so I’m going to spend some time putting the finishing touches on that! Because I am doing handmade this year! It just makes me feel so much more accomplished!         Plus that, I like to reuse and re-purpose costumes since they’re only worn once for a few hours!        I still have SO much to do!    Finish gettin...

     I ’ve not bought two things that weren’t exactly necessary while also being completely necessary... does that make sense?!        Here’s a breakdown...        I have FLAT FEET. Like, no arch to be found anywhere! Therefore, I have back issues, leg and ankle issues and no matter what I do, there is pain that stems from my feet.         So over the last 10ish years according to the internet, I have been growing a corn or callus. The Internet is pretty indecisive on which one it is! It didn’t hurt or even phase me until recently! So you know, i’ve been dealing with the usual pain and the added pain of a thick, large, swollen bump on the heel of my foot!         I’ve been doing home remedies on it but if it doesn’t get better, i’ll have to go to the doctor, which is something I want to avoid! But will do if I must!         So what’s the point of all of this?...

     I CAVED. Which was inevitable. But I only started a mini list! So I am still winning a little bit!          I realized that while on vacation, I am going to miss my nephews 16 th  birthday and I’m not going to lie, it wrecked me. I broke into tears because in all 16 years of his existence, I have NEVER missed his birthday.         He made me an aunt, I was 12 and had him A LOT growing up. He literally he grown up with me, he’s my best bud, my pal, my ride or die.         So in a small attempt to make up for that, I am kidnapping him on Saturday to spend the night with me and then taking him to his favorite restaurant for dinner!         I am doing my best to keep my shit together because in 3 weeks I leave for vacation!         I have my sisters annual Halloween party, which I am doing a custom costume for, so I have to get that done!...

Vacation scramble!          Another day has gone by where I didn’t make a list. I’m refraining...so far.        I’m not saying that I have to have complete control over things, but, i’m saying that being in control of situations is what gets me through life. So you can make your own assumptions about all of that.         Anyway, I think I am going to make a digital color coded list on procreate when it gets a little closer to go time! So probably tomorrow.        Just kidding...sort of!         Anyway, I am off to go do something productive, I’m telling you, lazy Saturday’s are becoming the ultimate thing! Everyday should be Saturday!         Happy weekending my friends!      XOXO 

     Happy Friday!         My compulsive need to plan and make checklists is starting to rear her ugly head!         I want so badly to bust out my color coded markers and paper and make cute, but consistent lists so I am prepared for my trip in 3 short weeks!         I am going to push hard against my instinct nature and try my best to be spontaneous and let the feeling of freedom sink in!         I’ll keep you all informed on how long this lasts, but if I had to guess, I’ll be list making by tomorrow! But I am still holding out hope that i’ll be able to resist the urges!         What’s something you can’t help but do?         Mine is planning for planning in order to plan my plans!     XOXO 

     I did it! I finally picked a place! I decided on an all inclusive Universal Studios Harry Pott er experience! Yeah, I am 28 and cannot wait to freakin ’ nerd out! 8 days in Florida, 5 days at the parks and on the off days be a complete beach bum!       I TAKE OFF IN EXACTLY 3 WEEKS! 🛩        Here’s my booking face:     Here's your reminder to always seek adventure! XOXO 

I impulsively decided that today was cheat day, so Blaze Pizza and Taichi bubble tea it was!     Here’s a snapshot of my cheat! I did it up good!      Now onto vacations:    After mulling over every option, trying to find the best deals and looking for all inclusive resorts, i’ve finally picked a spot! Mum is the word for now, but I leave in exactly 1 month! I cannot wait to just step outside of my town for awhile and just be without any eyes in me.   When you live in a town full of people who know you, it’s hard to get away from judging eyes, gossip and everything else. Which is weird because I try my absolute best to keep to myself. Because truth be told, I hate people.    Like a lot. But SHHHHH, don’t tell anyone! ;)     Anyway, I am having a very good day! And now, I just have to stay super healthy until then and while I’m gone! 8 days of sunny relaxation!    Happy Wednesday, friends! AKA Hump day!    XO...

     I’ve got a few family member's who are down right now with covid! I did a porch drop off today and dropped of some brownies! It isn’t much but when I had Covid it was nice to know people were thinking of me.        So if you’re reading this, prayers are always welcomed!         In addition, I went and picked up some groceries today and snagged some Halloween goods! I still need to go shopping for the 10 kids’ Halloween goodie bags I make for them every year! I didn’t have the energy to shop for that today, so another day it will be!         Alright, I am off to do the dinner thing and then not plan a vacation. (I am eye rolling SO hard right now!) if you know you know!    XOXO 

     Planning a vacation is stressful! I am trying to be spontaneous and not plan, just book and go. Because life is so stressful as it is and I just want something to feel impulsive for a change!   I want a hot destination!  I want to do all inclusive!       That’s as far as I’ve gotten!     Hawaii? Never been! Florida? Always go!  Thailand? Need to go!         The need for planning is overwhelming! But I want it to feel impulsive and spontaneous because life feels too predictable lately!         Anyway, I am off to research more and hopefully nail something down!    XOXO 

I’m taking today to completely reset! Self care is SO IMPORTANT to my mental health.     Today i’ll: Sleep longer Take a hot shower Make myself a good dinner Relax Meditate Write Draw Paint Organize Jam to music (every single day!) Have a HOT cup of coffee! (if you know you know!)        And anything else I can think of that relaxes me! Don’t forget to treat yourself with just as much kindness and respect as you so freely give to others! Being healthy starts with a healthy mind!    XOXO