The Creative Nest

I’m heading into the new year without a list of goals.  No resolutions to overhaul my life. No pressure to become a “new version” of myself by January 1st. Instead, I’m making plans. Gentle ones. Thoughtful ones. The kind that leave room to breathe. This year, I want calm to be the foundation—not the reward I earn after doing everything else. A Quieter, More Peaceful Pace One of my biggest plans for the new year is to protect my energy more intentionally. That means slowing things down where I can, saying no without over-explaining, and choosing peace over productivity whenever possible. I don’t need every day to be full to feel successful. I need it to feel steady. Peaceful doesn’t mean empty—it means aligned. If something costs me my peace, I want to pause and ask whether it truly belongs in my life as it is now. Loving My Pets (and Letting That Be Enough) My pets are a huge part of what keeps me grounded. The routines, the quiet moments, the simple joy of being needed—...

For a long time, I thought peace meant keeping things calm on the outside. No tension. No difficult conversations. No rocking the boat. But somewhere along the way, I realized that kind of “peace” was costing me more than it was giving. It required constant adjusting, explaining, and shrinking. And that’s not peace—that’s endurance. These days, I don’t try to define peace for anyone else. I think peace is deeply personal. What feels peaceful to me might feel lonely or restrictive to someone else. What feels peaceful to you might look completely different than it does for me. So instead of asking what peace is, I think a better question is this: How far are you willing to go to protect it? For some people, peace looks like quiet mornings and predictable routines. For others, it’s honesty—even when it’s uncomfortable. Sometimes peace is connection. Sometimes peace is distance. Lately, I’ve been paying attention to what disrupts my peace and what restores it. And without maki...

I like to think my pets see me as a strong, capable adult who has her life together. They do not. If pets could talk, I’m fairly certain they’d be sitting around doing a group interview about us—comparing notes, exchanging looks, and silently agreeing on one thing: humans are weird. Which got me thinking… What do our pets actually say about us as their owners? The Dog Who Thinks You’re the Boss (But Still Judges You) You’re the one who opens the door. You control the food. You decide when walks happen. So yes, in their eyes, you’re powerful. But also… questionable. They’ve watched you: Talk to yourself Lose your phone while holding your phone Get excited over packages that are clearly not treats They respect you. They just don’t understand you. The Dog Who Knows Your Routine Better Than You Do Pets don’t need clocks. They are clocks. They know: When it’s supposed to be dinner When you’re “late” When you said “in a minute” and absolutely meant “eventually” This t...

There’s a moment—right after something good happens—where excitement bubbles up so fast you want to grab the nearest person and say, “GUESS WHAT.” A raise. A bonus. An inheritance. A win that feels personal, earned, or life-shifting. And then… you pause. Because experience teaches you something no one tells you early enough: Not everyone knows how to hold your good news. The Instinct to Share Excitement is human. It wants air. It wants acknowledgment. It wants someone to say, “That’s amazing—I’m happy for you.” But not all ears hear celebration the same way. Some people hear: comparison obligation jealousy opportunity And suddenly your joy feels… heavier. What I’ve Learned the Hard Way Good news doesn’t always land as joy for others. Sometimes it lands as: “Must be nice.” “So, what are you going to do with it?” “Don’t forget about…” or worse—silence that feels louder than words. That’s when excitement quietly turns into regret. A New Rule ...

Every holiday season, the same question rises like fruitcake at an office potluck: Do I want to go… or do I want to stay home in sweatpants and protect my peace? Let’s discuss. The Case for Yes Holiday parties sound fun in theory. Free food (sometimes good, sometimes suspicious) Sparkly outfits you don’t normally wear at 6 p.m. That brief moment where you think, “I’m festive. I’m social. Look at me thriving.” And occasionally— occasionally —you laugh, connect, and leave thinking, “Okay… that wasn’t terrible.” Miracles happen. The Case for Absolutely Not Now, let’s be honest. Holiday parties also include: Small talk that feels like speed dating but without the romance Loud music you didn’t consent to One person who corners you with a life story you didn’t request And the internal clock that starts counting down until it’s socially acceptable to leave Plus, there’s the mental math: Is this party worth giving up my couch, my dogs, my snacks, and my p...

 We don’t talk enough about rituals that aren’t glamorous. Not the big, aesthetic, Instagram-worthy ones — but the small, ordinary things we do over and over again because they make us feel… better. Calmer. More human. Slightly less feral. These are not habits I’m trying to “fix.” These are habits that are doing important emotional work. The Morning Coffee Ritual Coffee is not optional. It is not flexible. It is not negotiable. This is not about caffeine — it’s about transitioning into consciousness . The mug matters. The first sip must be uninterrupted. The rest of the world can wait until the coffee and I have finished our private meeting. If this ritual is rushed, the day notices. The Quiet Morning Ritual Early mornings have a very specific energy. No emails. No noise. No expectations. Just sitting. Thinking. Existing without needing to perform productivity yet. Even ten minutes of this makes the rest of the day feel less sharp around the edges. Like easing into co...

Winter has a way of forcing deep thoughts on us. Mostly because it’s cold, everything hurts, and we’re stuck inside with our own opinions. Naturally, this is when I start asking important questions. Like: What is my favorite season? And more confusingly: If I could return to one season of my life… which one would it be? Let’s start with the easy one. My favorite season is spring. Hands down. Spring feels like possibility without pressure. The air softens. The days get longer. Everyone collectively agrees to stop being grumpy and start pretending we enjoy walking again. Spring says, You survived. Here’s a reward. But here’s where it gets interesting. If I could return to a season—not on the calendar, but in my life—it might actually be winter. Not because it was fun. Not because it was easy. And definitely not because I enjoy being cold. I’d return to winter because that’s where things got real. Winter strips everything down. No distractions. No hiding. No pretending ...

I used to think getting older meant having everything figured out. You know—confidence, wisdom, maybe a solid understanding of what temperature “medium heat” actually is. Turns out… that part is questionable. But here’s the thing: I do feel smarter as I age. Not in a “let me explain compound interest at a dinner party” way—but in a been there, learned that, not doing it again kind of way. When I was younger, I thought being smart meant knowing answers. Now I realize it mostly means knowing when to: walk away stop explaining yourself not respond to that text and absolutely not argue with strangers on the internet That’s growth. I’ve learned that being “right” is wildly overrated. Being at peace? Much better return on investment. I also feel smarter because I finally understand that: Not every opportunity is for me Not every opinion deserves airtime And being quiet is sometimes the loudest flex in the room Younger me collected experiences. Current m...

Some people describe intuition as a whisper. Some say it’s a nudge. Some feel it as a heavy knowing — a quiet truth that settles in before your mind even has time to form a thought. For me, intuition has always shown up in that soft-but-sure way. And honestly? It goes all the way back to when I was a kid. I remember one moment so clearly: My mom was on the phone, and before she even said a name or gave a hint, I knew who she was talking to. I walked right up to her afterward and asked, “Why did Aunt Karen call?” I didn’t guess. I didn’t overhear anything. I just… knew. At the time, I didn’t think much of it beyond a strange little spark of awareness. But looking back now, that moment reminds me how naturally intuition shows itself when we’re young — before we learn to second-guess it, talk ourselves out of it, or override it with logic. And as an adult? It still happens. That tug in my gut when something is off. That quiet confirmation when something is right. That split-...

Yesterday reminded me of something simple but powerful: Gratitude doesn’t always come wrapped in grand gestures. Sometimes it’s found in a quiet moment with someone who listens… or a small kindness from a stranger… or even a memory that shows you how far you’ve come. We talk a lot about gratitude in big-picture ways — family, friends, partners, the “important people.” But what about the everyday humans who bring something meaningful to our lives without even realizing it? The coworker who makes you laugh on a stressful day. The barista who remembers your order. The neighbor who waves from across the yard. The friend who checks in at just the right time. The person who gives you space to breathe, think, or be yourself. Sometimes it’s even the person you didn’t expect to lean on, but did. And in those moments, you think, “I’m really thankful for you… even if you don’t know it.” Yesterday I felt that with my dad. Not in a dramatic, life-changing way — just in a real, grou...

Some mornings, I wake up with my coffee, three cozy dogs draped across me like furry accessories, and this gentle little thought sliding into my mind: “Let’s see what good shows up today.” Not necessarily money… not a giant windfall… just good fortune . A smooth day. A tiny surprise that makes me smile. A moment where life feels a little softer than usual. For me, manifesting isn’t always about “give me the big thing.” Sometimes it’s simply opening the door for the right things — calm, clarity, small joys, and the feeling that I’m aligned with the world instead of wrestling it. Over the years, I’ve realized something: When I stay open to good fortune — without forcing it, gripping it, or overthinking it — life tends to nudge me in the right direction. A gentle whisper rather than a dramatic parade. And honestly? Those tiny moments of alignment feel just as magical as the big stuff. So I’m curious… Is manifesting part of your life too? Do you: set intentions for your d...

Winter really doubled down this week. I cleared my sidewalks and patio around 4 p.m. yesterday, felt proud… and then woke up to another 2–3 inches of that heavy snow pretending to be fluffy. Iowa really said, “Do it again, Mychelle.” 😄 At least I wasn’t alone out there. Some mystery neighbor with a big two-stage snowblower swooped in and cleared the front sidewalk like a snow-removal superhero. No idea who it was — but if I ever find out, they’re getting a high five and maybe a cookie. Before tackling my own cleanup, I fed the birds. They were already waiting, fluffed up and judging me like, “Ma’am, where’s breakfast?” I swear they know my schedule better than I do. Once I stepped out onto the patio, I realized: Yep. This is the heavy stuff. The kind that makes you grateful for a snowblower that actually works. My Toro handled it like a champ — eco mode OFF, beast mode ON. Shoveling this? Not happening. All this snow has me thinking about summer tools already. Between the snowb...

Let’s be honest: deciding to make a big purchase is a whole emotional journey. Some people say they “sit down and crunch the numbers.” Me? I sit down, crunch a cookie, stare into space, and ask myself if this is how adulthood works. Here’s how most of us actually decide: Step 1: See something shiny. Step 2: Convince yourself you’re “just looking.” Step 3: Read reviews, watch three videos, and become a certified expert in the product within 20 minutes. Step 4: Say, “Well, I work hard…” at least once. Step 5: Go stare at your budget like it’s going to start speaking in tongues. Step 6: Ask the universe for a sign. Anything. A bird chirping. A coupon. A sudden warm breeze. Something. Step 7: Add it to your cart. Remove it. Add it again. Remove it again. Threaten it. Add it again. Step 8: Finally hit purchase because “life is short” and also because you’re tired of thinking about it. And listen — making a large money purchase doesn’t mean you’re reckless. It means y...

Some parents are difficult without even realizing it. Not cruel. Not hateful. Just… unintentionally poking at sore spots with comments like: “Are you sure you should be eating that?” “You’re really going to spend money on that?” “I’m just being honest!” Their words land heavier than they think, and suddenly you’re 12 years old again, trying to breathe through hurt feelings you didn’t ask for. So how do you handle it as an adult? Start by reminding yourself that most of their comments come from their habits, fears, and blind spots — not from anything you’re doing wrong. You don’t have to argue, defend, or explain your choices. A simple “I’m good, thanks,” or a topic change works wonders and protects your peace without creating a scene. Boundaries help, too. Deciding ahead of time what you’ll talk about, what you’ll ignore, and when you’ll take a step back keeps you from getting swept into old patterns. Sometimes limiting certain conversations — or shortening a visit — is...

Look, I’m just going to say it: Our pets know way more about us than we think. I don’t care if you have a dog, a cat, a rabbit, or a goldfish with one dramatic eye — they all have that sixth sense activated. You know the one. Like when you’re sad? Suddenly your dog is glued to your thigh like emotional Velcro. Or when you’re excited? Your cat lifts their head two inches, squints like, “Why are you like this?” and goes back to ignoring you. Some of you have birds that probably narrate your emotions like a telenovela. And I know there’s someone reading this whose hamster stares at them every night like it knows their secrets. (You can’t hide from Hammy. He knows things.) But seriously… do you believe your pets can sense your moods? Because I swear my dogs have PhDs in Emotional Detection. If I sniffle? Boom — Bear is suddenly ON ME like, “We don’t cry in this house, Mother. We cuddle.” If I’m happy? Lola becomes a wiggle machine. Mocha acts like I’ve just promised h...

Have you ever noticed that everyone has their own special little method for learning new things — and it usually says more about our personality than we’d ever admit? Some people head straight to Google like it’s an emotional support search engine: “Hey Google… why is my microwave making that noise? And am I the noise?” These are the “I need answers RIGHT NOW before I spiral” learners. I respect them. I am them half the time. Then there are the library lovers — soft, wholesome souls who say things like: “I’ll look it up properly.” Bless them. They want verified information , structure, peace, and the comforting smell of old paper that whispers, “You’re safe. Dewey Decimal has your back.” Next up: the TikTok scholars. Listen. These people will diagnose your car, your thyroid, your personality traits, and your entire life path in 30 seconds. They learn: cooking plumbing psychology relationship advice financial strategy AND dance choreography all befor...

Not the lottery odds — don’t worry, I’m not coming for your tickets or your spreadsheets. I mean the life odds . You know… the odds of: finally catching a break, trying something new without overthinking it, choosing peace over chaos, outgrowing old patterns, or actually doing that “one day, when life calms down” thing. Some people live their whole lives calculating every move like they’re trying to solve the Da Vinci Code. Others wake up, shrug, and go, “Eh… what’s the worst that could happen?” ( Usually said right before something mildly unhinged happens, but we love their energy. ) And then there’s the rest of us — the “hopeful realists.” We glance at the odds, raise an eyebrow, sip our coffee, and think: “…But what if?” What if the odds don’t actually matter as much as we think? What if the possibility is bigger than the probability? And what if — stay with me — the smallest nudge, the tiniest whisper of a dream, is all it takes to flip the script? Bec...

You know how sometimes the universe gifts you pure entertainment right outside your window? Well, last night was one of those times. There I was, minding my own business, lights dimmed, enjoying a calm evening — when suddenly, the neighbor decides it’s mow o’clock . In the dark. With his phone flashlight. Now, before anyone judges, let me just say — I wasn’t spying . I was… observing nature. Specifically, the rare species known as Homo Lawnus Determined-to-Mow-at-Duskus . There he stood, pulling that cord like it owed him money, the mower sputtering, coughing, dying dramatically, only to be resurrected seconds later with false hope. He kept fiddling with something on the side — the carburetor, maybe? Or possibly a magic button of delusion labeled “Try Again, Genius.” Meanwhile, I’m in my kitchen, lights off, coffee mug in hand, watching like it’s the season finale of “Survivor: Backyard Edition.” I even turned off my small kitchen light just to get a better view. (Don’t judge — we ...

Every once in a while, life hands us a week that sits heavy on the heart. This past one did that for me. Mom’s memory clinic appointment stirred up feelings I thought I had under control — worry, sadness, frustration, grief-in-advance… all the things you don’t exactly schedule into your day but seem to show up anyway. And the hardest part? There’s no handbook for moments like these. No checklist. No magic phrase that makes everything make sense. You just feel it — all of it — sometimes all at once. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we get through emotional times. Not around them. Not over them. Just… through them. For me, the answer isn’t fancy, and it’s definitely not polished: I let myself feel what comes up. Even the messy parts. Even the parts I wish didn’t hurt. Because pushing it down doesn’t make it disappear — it just makes it louder later. And I’m finally learning that feeling my feelings isn’t weakness… it’s what keeps me steady. Some days, it looks like pausing ...

Every so often, I decide it’s time to get serious about healthy eating. You know — more leafy greens, fewer processed snacks, and maybe even a smoothie that doesn’t involve chocolate syrup. I picture myself casually slicing colorful veggies, blending up green drinks, and glowing like one of those Pinterest wellness queens. Then reality hits — or rather, the grocery store does. Somewhere between the spinach and the checkout line, I blacked out. When I came to, there were two bags of Hershey Kisses, a pumpkin pie, and a can of whipped cream in my cart. I swear they jumped in on their own. I must have been possessed by the spirit of dessert. I could have turned back… but honestly? I didn’t want to. Because balance, my friends. Life’s too short to pass up whipped cream season. I’ll eat the veggies — eventually. They’re chilling in the fridge right now, waiting patiently while I “evaluate my priorities.” Meanwhile, the Hershey Kisses are mysteriously disappearing, one innocent handful...

There’s something about a full moon that feels like a parent’s gaze — always watching, always near, even when you’re miles apart. This photo of the November moon wasn’t taken by an astronomer or a professional photographer. It was taken by a parent — one who saw beauty, steadiness, and a little wonder worth sharing. Maybe that’s what makes it special. Parents look at the world differently. They notice things we forget to see — the quiet shimmer of an ordinary moment, the way light softens even the coldest night, and how love often shows up in the simplest acts, like pointing out the moon. The November moon feels like that kind of reminder — calm, present, unspoken love glowing across the distance. So tonight, if you catch a glimpse of it, pause. Somewhere, someone might be looking at it too, thinking of you.

You know what I’ve learned lately? Common sense should come with a warning label — “Use daily. Do not store indefinitely.” It’s wild how the simplest logic seems to vanish in certain situations. Like when someone thinks placing a propane tank on a wooden deck right next to a grill is a solid life choice. I mean… what could go wrong, right? 🔥 Now, I’m no rocket scientist — I work with numbers, automation, and the occasional Excel meltdown — but even I know you don’t tempt fate (or the fire marshal) with that kind of setup. So yes, I reported it. Twice. Because sometimes “common sense” needs a little nudge in the right direction. But here’s the kicker: we all have our moments. I once microwaved something with foil on it. Yep. Sparks, panic, and one very judgmental dog later, I learned my own lesson in “sense.” So maybe that’s the deal — common sense isn’t really common. It’s a collection of personal “well, I won’t do that again” stories we accumulate over time. Some of us just coll...

You ever catch yourself staring into space, coffee in hand, and suddenly you’re not in your living room anymore? Nope, you’re on your private patio overlooking the ocean, sipping something that doesn’t come in a mug, and you’re wondering how your assistant managed to schedule your third spa day this week. Dreaming, my friends, is free entertainment with full benefits. Yesterday, I let myself go full-throttle into the fantasy zone. And let me tell you — it was glorious. There was a chef (because I’m tired of pretending I like washing dishes), a personal shopper (so I don’t spend 45 minutes choosing between 37 shades of “mocha brown” nail polish), and a home so peaceful even my Wi-Fi behaved. And then, just as I was about to order Bear his own chaise lounge and Mocha a diamond-studded treat jar, my alarm went off — rude. So back I went to my real life: reheating coffee, dodging dog toys, and wondering if I could manifest a nap instead of a miracle. But here’s the truth — dreaming ab...

Okay, confession time. I’ve cracked the code on my neighbor’s “motivation system,” and it’s pure gold. Ready? He only does things when there’s an audience. If no one’s around? The grass will reach Disney jungle levels. The leaves will pile high enough to form a small mountain range. But the moment someone comes over to his place — suddenly, he’s out there sweeping, mowing, hammering, and possibly pretending to fix things that don’t even exist. The Show Must Go On I swear, it’s like he’s got an internal radar that goes off: “Alert! Witnesses have arrived! Commence adulting sequence!” Next thing you know, he’s power-washing the driveway that was clean last week and acting like the neighborhood’s hardest-working man. Meanwhile, I’m watching through the window with my coffee, equal parts entertained and impressed. The Art of Performed Productivity Here’s the thing: I actually get it. We all have our “performative productivity” moments. You know — the cleaning spree when guests ar...

Let’s just be clear right from the start: I’m not a fancy cook. My kitchen doesn’t hum with culinary masterpieces — it occasionally hums because I left the microwave door open. But I do know comfort food when I taste it. And I’ve learned that if you can master just a few cozy, no-stress dishes, your kitchen suddenly feels a lot friendlier — especially when you’ve got an Emeril air fryer doing most of the heavy lifting. Mac and Cheese: The Freezer MVP Once upon a time, I thought making mac and cheese from scratch was something only grandmas and TV chefs had the patience for. Then I realized… I am the grown-up now, and I like cheese. A lot. So I started making big batches — creamy, baked, golden-on-top mac and cheese — and freezing portions in little containers. Turns out, it reheats beautifully in the air fryer! No mushy pasta, no sad leftovers. Just melty, bubbly, “I-deserve-this” comfort food. It’s basically meal prep, but with better marketing. The Air Fryer: My Kitchen So...