The Creative Nest

You can keep your pumpkin spice lattes and leaf-peeping day trips — fall hits different in my house. I don’t need a calendar.  I’ve got closet chaos, casserole cravings, and candle  temptations whispering, “She’s heeere…” Here’s how I know fall has arrived — or at least, how I convince myself it’s close enough. 🕯️ The Decor Mood Swing Spring me said, “Let’s declutter and keep it minimal.” Fall me: “Bring me every soft throw, lantern, and ceramic pumpkin you’ve got.” I start slow — a warm-toned table runner here, a leafy garland there. Then it snowballs: cinnamon brooms, acorn string lights, a tiny fox-shaped bowl I didn’t need but couldn’t resist. And I will light a candle that smells like a barn wedding and a snickerdoodle had a baby. It’s called balance. ✨ 🧥 The Closet Rebellion One minute I’m in capris. The next? I’m elbow-deep in a Rubbermaid bin labeled “Sweaters: Proceed with Caution.” There’s always that awkward week where I put on a chunky knit, real...

Let’s get one thing straight: using AI doesn’t mean you’re lazy, lost, or trying to cheat life. It means you’ve figured out how to work smarter. Period. I recently watched a TikTok where a woman, fresh off being let go from her job, was handed a severance agreement she didn’t fully understand. Instead of signing on the dotted line and hoping for the best, she did something quietly revolutionary — she opened up ChatGPT. Not to Google it. Not to crowdsource it. To walk through it. Line by line. Clause by clause. Until it made sense. Then she asked what a fair counteroffer might look like based on her role and tenure. She got a ballpark estimate, asked it to draft a letter, and boom — she had a confident, informed, and professional response. And you know what? She got more money. Because she asked. Because she understood. Because she used a tool that helped her think. 🛠 Not Just for Fun Facts AI isn’t just a chatbot you ask for crockpot recipes (though, yes, it does tha...

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a full face of makeup, a power blazer, and the theme song from Rocky playing in the background. Sometimes it sneaks in when you least expect it — like when you’re standing in Home Depot wearing old jeans and a white tee, debating wood stain like it’s fine wine . There I was, hair doing whatever it wanted, zero effort applied — and yet, I felt good. Not “I just left a salon” good, but that low-key oh, I look like the main character in a rom-com hardware store scene good. And maybe the employees were just being overly friendly… or maybe I was radiating a little “don’t mess with me, I know my way around a fence stain” energy. Either way, it worked. Quiet confidence is sneaky like that. It’s the kind that doesn’t shout, “Look at me!” but rather smirks and says, “Yeah, I know.” It doesn’t come from perfect nails (though mine are holding on like champs, thank you very much) or brand-new clothes. It comes from owning who you are — chips, scuffs, sass ...

Confession: every night, when I am in my working in my kitchen — bam — I’m treated to a full view of my neighbors’ kitchen. Their lights blaze, no curtains, and suddenly I know way more about their dinner routine than I ever wanted. It’s like I ordered takeout and got a side of live entertainment.  Here’s the thing: part of me wants to give them a taste of their own medicine. Flip on my kitchen light, whip up a bowl of cereal with dramatic flair, maybe even do a little dance with the dogs while the dishwasher hums. Let them wonder if I realize I’m on display. Maybe then they’ll finally think, “Oh, so this is what it looks like!” But let’s be honest — they’d probably just carry on like normal, while I’m over here fuming into my salad. They don’t even notice they’re putting on a nightly broadcast. And me? I’m stuck wondering if blackout curtains are cheaper than therapy. So, I’ll confess: I might never follow through with my grand performance art. But the idea of lighting up my ...

Around here, treat time isn’t peaceful. It’s a full-blown heist movie played out in miniature. Blind Bear, against all odds, is the undisputed mastermind. He doesn’t need eyes when he’s got instincts sharper than a bloodhound on a mission. Drop a crumb, and somehow, he’s already halfway to swallowing it before anyone else realizes it even exists. Then there’s Lola. Sweet, wiggly Lola, who turns into an opportunist faster than you can say “ cookie .” She’ll wait on the sidelines, pretending to mind her own business, until the moment arrives. Then—BAM!—she launches herself into the chaos, all paws, tail wags, and Olympic-level determination. If she thinks she can win, she’s all in. And poor Mocha. Always left behind, always the victim of the crime. If she could talk, she’d probably file a formal complaint with management. In her opinion, Bear should be jailed for repeat robberies , sentenced to solitary with nothing but kibble rations. And Lola? Mocha would roll her eyes and mutter, “G...

I’ve been turning this over in my mind lately: when dementia enters the room, do we let it carry its course, or do we try to steer the direction? With Mom, the conversation feels suspended between two worlds. On one hand, she says she’s fine living on her own — and of course she does, because who wouldn’t want to hold onto independence? On the other hand, her memory has slipped further, and I can’t help but wonder how much of her “choice” is really the disease speaking. Her doctor quietly agrees that it may be time to activate the Power of Attorney. That thought lingers with me. Because while her son is asking how she feels about her living situation, I’m asking a different question: is waiting until a crisis really fair to her? Maybe this is where the hard truth of dementia shows itself. There isn’t a neat answer, only a space filled with “what ifs.” What if letting things run naturally means we miss the chance to protect her from harm? What if stepping in feels like taking away t...

You know that saying, “What’s done in the dark will eventually come to light”? Well, apparently, sometimes it takes about a year… and a comment section. So there I was, minding my own business, sipping my evening wine, when ding! —a notification pops up on a post I made ages ago about my ex. Honestly, I had forgotten all about it. But the universe? Oh no, she hadn’t. She was busy cooking up a little surprise for me. Turns out, someone who worked with him chimed in with their own two cents. And those two cents? GOLD. They called him a man whore . Out loud. On the internet. Where things go to live forever. 🤯👏 I didn’t even need popcorn for this one—the validation was its own snack. Sometimes karma doesn’t knock politely; sometimes it struts in wearing heels, throws shade, and leaves you cackling like a villain in a rom-com. So here’s to those moments when life reminds you: nope, it wasn’t just you, sis. He really was the problem. ✨

Listen… nothing feels more powerful than walking into the yard with a tiny chainsaw that thinks it’s a beast . Four inches of pure “I got this.” Branches tremble. Neighbors stare. You’re basically unstoppable. Until… two seasons later. Now it’s like: Full battery? Sure, Jan. New chain? Nice try, sweetie. Cutting power? More like “gentle suggestion.” It’s the heartbreak of modern yard work : you didn’t outgrow the saw… the saw just couldn’t keep up with you .  Still, let’s give it credit — two good years of heavy use. That little chainsaw lived fast, cut hard, and left me holding a backup. RIP tiny beast. You served, you slayed, you sputtered.

You know what’s fun? Watching Google Search Console tell me my pages exist … while half of them sit there acting like introverts at a party. Yes, Google, I see you ignoring my beautifully crafted posts. 🙄 The Struggle Is Real Indexed, not indexed, crawled, not crawled — it’s like a mood ring with commitment issues. One day, Google thinks my “About Me” page is the queen bee, linked everywhere like it’s Beyoncé. The next day, it forgets my latest masterpiece even exists. And don’t even get me started on mobile vs. desktop. m=1 pages, I’m side-eyeing you. 👀 My Strategy? Sass + Stubbornness I don’t panic (okay, maybe a little). I keep linking, tweaking, and resubmitting like the SEO gladiator I am. Because if there’s one thing I know, it’s this: Google may be messy, but I’m messier — and I always win in the end. 💅 Why This Actually Works Internal links? Check. Keyword sprinkles? Check. Patience and a dash of sarcasm? Double check. Slowly but surely, my site ...

Dollar Tree makeup is like speed-dating: sometimes you meet a keeper, sometimes you meet a disaster you’ll never forget (for all the wrong reasons). I raided the beauty aisle, and here are the winners and losers. 💎 The Hits: Budget Beauties Worth Every Penny 1. LA Colors Contour Pencils Sharp enough to carve out cheekbones where none exist, creamy enough to blend without tugging your face off. Honestly, they perform like products triple the price. Dollar Tree, who knew you’d deliver a sculpted jawline on a $1.25 budget? 2. Wet n Wild Clear Mascara Is it mascara? Is it brow gel? It’s both, darling. Perfect for taming rebellious brows or giving lashes a natural “I woke up like this” vibe. Plus, it doesn’t flake or clump—unlike that one ex we don’t talk about. 🚫 The Misses: Beauty Crimes in a Bottle 1. Bronzing Drops Oh. My. Word. These were not bronzing drops—they were Oompa Loompa audition paint . One dab and I went from “healthy glow” to “traffic cone chic.” And fixing that orange...

Being tall sounds glamorous until you’re the one ducking doorframes, folding yourself into airplane seats, or making accidental eye contact with ceiling fans. At 5’10+, life comes with its own set of unique adventures . Sure, I can grab the cereal box off the top shelf like a champ, but I’ve also lost count of how many times I’ve smacked my head on something that clearly wasn’t designed for people above average height. So, here’s a peek into the not-so-secret tall woman’s club — where we laugh, we duck, and we’ve all asked at least once, “Why are pants never long enough?” 1. Crop Tops Are Just Sports Bras What’s a cute cropped tee on most people looks like I stole a 12-year-old’s shirt. Cute? Maybe. Practical? Not unless I’m going for the “midriff in January” look. 2. The Pants Struggle Is Real If you’ve ever stood in a dressing room wondering why “long” still means ankle breeze season , welcome to my world. Finding jeans that don’t end at mid-shin is like winning the lottery. ...

Everyone remembers their first car, but not everyone can say theirs was born the same year they were. Mine? A 1971 Ford Maverick —white on the outside, lime green on the inside. Yep, my car and I were basically cosmic twins. I bought it in the late ’80s from an older woman who had purchased it new and babied it ever since. When I slid behind that wheel, it still looked showroom fresh, like it had been waiting all those years just for me. A Car With Personality Now, let’s talk about that interior. Lime. Green. Interior. Not avocado (though it was the ’70s), not a subtle mint. Full-on lime, like someone upholstered the seats in citrus zest. Sitting inside was part disco, part Jell-O salad, and a whole lot of fabulous. I couldn’t have blended in if I’d tried—and honestly, why would I want to? More Than Just Wheels That Maverick was more than just a ride. It was independence on four tires, my ticket to late-night drives, blasting music with the windows down, and the thrill of being in char...

Chronic pain is the plus-one in my life that I never invited but somehow can’t get rid of. Mine shows up in ways that shift from day to day, sometimes quiet in the corner and sometimes front and center, stealing the whole show. Regardless of the type, one thing is the same: it is exhausting. It isn’t just the pain itself — though that’s bad enough — it’s the way it drains me. A shower can feel like I climbed Everest. Making a meal? That’s an Olympic event. By the end of the day, I’m not just tired; I’m wiped out in a way that goes deeper than words. And yet, no two days are the same. Some mornings I wake up and think, “Okay, I can work with this.” Other mornings, my body smirks and says, “Not today, sweetheart.” That unpredictability is brutal — but it also means there’s always a chance tomorrow will be different. That’s the piece I hang onto: tomorrow could bring less pain, more movement, a breath that feels a little lighter. When I get those moments, I appreciate them fiercely. T...

Who needs Sephora when you’ve got Dollar Tree and a sharp eye for dupes? I decided it was time to take my curiosity (and a few crumpled bills) on a full-on beauty treasure hunt. The mission? To uncover the latest and greatest Dollar Tree makeup finds that TikTok can’t stop buzzing about. Walking in, it’s like a mix of is this really going to work? and please let me find that viral bronzing drop . You know the feeling—it’s the same rush as scratching off a lottery ticket, but instead of numbers, you’re scanning the shelves for tiny tubes of magic. Here are the hot contenders I’m hunting for: B Pure Bronzing Drops — the famous dupe for Drunk Elephant’s bronzy glow . $1.25 to look sun-kissed? Yes, please. LA Colors Eyeshadow Palettes — fun little trays of pigment that let you play with colors you’d never pay $20+ to “just try.” Beauty Benefits Silky Blush — rumor has it, it “slaps” (translation: it’s really, really good). Supposedly pigmented enough to pull double-duty as e...

What if the King had lived to see his 90s? 🎶 This AI art portrait reimagines Elvis Presley in his later years—still rocking the rhinestones , still commanding the stage, still holding that vintage mic with presence. It’s a “what if” moment that blends nostalgia with imagination, and the result is striking, soulful, and just a little bit fabulous. What about you—do you have a favorite Elvis song that always gets you singing along? 🎤 Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear which one still rocks your world!

There are moments in life you never expect to bond over — like dog cuddles, Netflix binges, or … farts. Yep, I said it. Those loud, unexpected, room-shaking escapes that happen when I’m tucked away in the bedroom with my little crew. Bear, bless his tiny chihuahua heart, is usually the one next to me when the soundtrack begins. The look he gives me could win an Oscar — equal parts betrayal, disbelief, and “Really, Mom?!” Meanwhile, Lola pretends nothing happened (queen of denial), and Mocha looks like she’s deciding whether to flee or claim the smell as her own. I don’t know why it makes me laugh so hard — maybe because it breaks the quiet, maybe because the dogs react like it’s a full-blown emergency siren. But every time it happens, I’m reminded that life is ridiculous, messy, and way too short to take even our most ahem “explosive” moments too seriously. So there it is — my big confession. Loud farts and little dogs. If you’re laughing, you’re my people. And if you’re pretendin...

Sometimes you don’t need a big side hustle—you just need a little extra cash to cover a bill, add to savings, or treat yourself without guilt. The good news? There are plenty of simple ways to bring in extra money without making your life harder. Here are some tried-and-true options that anyone can try. 1. Resell What You Already Own Start with your closet, garage, or storage bins. Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, or Depop make it simple to snap a few photos, write a short description, and list items. Old jeans, purses, coats, or shoes can turn into quick cash. 👉 Bonus tip: Start with things you’re 90% sure you won’t miss (like those jeans that don’t fit right). 2. Try Your Local Goodwill or Thrift Store If you enjoy the “thrill of the find,” keep an eye out for brand-name clothing, small home décor , or purses. Even one or two good finds can pay for your next grocery run. 👉 Pro tip: Stick to smaller items at first—less hassle, more space at home. 3. Tap Into Online Marke...

You know those moments when someone asks, “Where’d you get that?” and suddenly you’re flipping through screenshots, searching Amazon orders, and mumbling, “I swear I had the link somewhere…” Yeah. Not cute. Enter Benable —aka my new digital bestie. This little gem lets me make clean, gorgeous lists of the things I actually love, use, and repurchase (because not everything deserves a round two, honey). So What’s the Deal? Benable is basically Pinterest’s organized cousin who color-codes her planner but still shows up with a messy bun and latte. You can build a list for anything: Your skincare ride-or-dies 💅 Your dogs’ favorite toys (Bear, Mocha, and Lola already have a section brewing—prepare yourself) 🐾 That “if I lost it, I’d panic” repurchase list 🛒 And the best part? You can toss in Amazon links (yes, affiliate code included, thank you very much). It’s not just sharing, it’s sharing smart . Why I’m Obsessed No More Link Chaos – Finally, a one-stop shop inste...

Sometimes the simplest things turn out way better than expected. Case in point: my peppers + hamburger + cream cheese + spicy jam combo. Here’s how it goes: Crunchy sweet peppers as the “ boat ” (bonus points if they’re red, orange, or yellow for that pop of color). A little hamburger tucked inside—just enough to give it heartiness without weighing it down. A dollop of cream cheese melted into the hamburger, because let’s be honest, cream cheese makes everything better. And finally, a spoonful of spicy jam on top. Sweet meets heat, and suddenly it’s not just a snack, it’s a full-blown flavor explosion. I call them Cream & Fire Bites because, well, the name just fits. Creamy, crunchy, sweet, spicy—basically a party in your mouth that takes all of five minutes to throw together. They’re so easy I almost feel guilty writing them down as a recipe. Almost. And while I’m over here casually inventing snack-time perfection, let’s be real… my bread skills are still under ...