The Creative Nest

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 ...