Adventures, Reflections, and Current Favorites: A Comprehensive Life Update

Hello, wonderful readers! It feels like ages since I last shared a proper life update, and September has been nothing short of a whirlwind. From incredible travel experiences to cherished visits from family and friends, life has truly been a blur of activity and connection. I’ve been eager to catch you all up on what’s been happening behind the scenes, both personally and professionally, and to share some of the things that have been bringing me joy and inspiration recently.

Global Adventures: Iceland Bound and a Heartfelt Visit to England

The next chapter of my autumnal adventures kicks off this afternoon as I embark on an exciting seven-day journey to Iceland! I’ll be exploring this breathtaking land of fire and ice with my sister and brother-in-law, and I can hardly contain my excitement. Iceland has been on my travel wishlist for years, and I’m envisioning spectacular landscapes, from dramatic waterfalls and geysers to volcanic beaches and hopefully, a glimpse of the mesmerizing Northern Lights. We plan to immerse ourselves in its unique natural beauty, perhaps soak in some geothermal hot springs, and experience the vibrant culture of Reykjavik. I’m particularly looking forward to capturing its raw, untamed beauty through my lens and sharing those moments with you all.

Following our Icelandic escapade, I’ll be making a quick but incredibly significant trip to England for a few days to visit my beloved grandmother. It’s hard to believe, but it has been over five years since I last had the opportunity to see her – a fact that still amazes me and feels long overdue. This visit holds immense sentimental value, and I’m truly looking forward to reconnecting, sharing stories, and simply spending quality time together. Unfortunately, she is currently in the hospital, which adds a layer of concern to my anticipation. Any positive thoughts, well wishes, or prayers sent her way would be deeply appreciated. Family means everything, and her well-being is very much on my mind as I prepare for this journey.

I’m hoping to share snippets of my travels with you in real-time. If all goes according to plan – which largely depends on my ability to successfully navigate the intricate world of replacing my phone’s SIM card for international use – I’ll be posting updates on Snapchat and Instagram. You can expect to see glimpses of Iceland’s stunning scenery, perhaps some delicious local food finds, and undoubtedly some heartwarming moments from my visit with my grandmother in England. Be sure to follow along for a front-row seat to these personal adventures!

Blogging Insights: Overcoming Creative Hurdles and Upcoming Content

On the blogging front, this week promises some exciting new content. I’ll be sharing part two of my unforgettable trip to Cordova, Alaska. If you enjoyed the first installment, you won’t want to miss the continuation of that incredible adventure, delving deeper into the fishing experience, the pristine Alaskan wilderness, and the vibrant local community. In addition to that, I’m thrilled to announce that a brand new recipe will be making its debut on the blog. I’ve been working on something truly special that I think you’ll all love, perfect for the changing seasons and comforting home cooking.

However, I also want to be transparent about my creative process. Lately, I’ve been wrestling with a *huge* creative and motivational rut. It’s truly been one of the toughest I’ve ever experienced, making it challenging to find inspiration and maintain a consistent blogging schedule. As someone who readily admits to being the biggest over-thinker on the planet, I often find myself caught in cycles of perfectionism and self-doubt, which can stifle creativity. I’m actively working on strategies to navigate these periods, reminding myself that it’s okay to take a step back and allow ideas to simmer. This journey is a continuous learning process, and I’m committed to finding my flow again.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude for your incredible patience and understanding regarding my somewhat chaotic and sparse blogging schedule over the past few months. Your continued support, encouraging comments, and loyal readership mean the world to me, and I genuinely don’t take any of it for granted. Knowing that you’re all out there, waiting for new content, motivates me to push through these creative blocks and keep sharing my passion with you. Thank you for being such an amazing community!

Currently Loving: My Top Picks for Comfort, Creativity, and Convenience

Despite the creative challenges, I’ve found solace and joy in several fantastic discoveries and old favorites. Here are a few things that I’m absolutely *loving* right now, bringing a little extra comfort and efficiency to my daily life:

• Playful Culinary Creations: These faux bagel and lox donuts are simply delightful. The concept is so whimsical and unexpected, blending sweet and savory in such a clever way. They’re a brilliant example of how food can be both delicious and incredibly playful, sparking creativity in the kitchen. I admire the ingenuity behind them!
• Inspirational Friend: I couldn’t be prouder of my friend, Jessica, who is currently working on her second cookbook. Her dedication and ability to juggle so many demanding projects are truly inspiring. I honestly have no idea how she manages it all – she seems to possess an endless well of energy and talent. I’m constantly looking to her for motivation and a touch of that magical productivity she exudes.
• Life-Changing Read: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear continues to be a profound influence on me. I’ve mentioned this book a few times before, but I genuinely feel like I could dedicate an entire blog post – or even a series – to its wisdom. It’s packed with so many amazing quotes, invaluable lessons, and countless ‘aha’ moments that resonate deeply, especially during periods of creative struggle. It champions a life driven by curiosity rather than fear, offering a refreshing perspective on creativity and passion. It’s a book I revisit often for a dose of inspiration.
• The Ultimate Travel Pants: Oh my goodness, these Lululemon Dance Studio Pants are an absolute game-changer! My sister recommended them for our upcoming trip, and they might just be the comfiest pants in the entire world. Yes, they are nauseatingly expensive, but I can honestly say they are worth every penny. The material is incredibly soft, breathable, and they offer unparalleled comfort, making them perfect for long travel days, casual outings, or just lounging at home. I have a feeling I’ll be living in them all winter long, appreciating their versatility and durability.
• Cozy Wardrobe Staple: Following the theme of comfort, I also treated myself to a long-sleeve shirt that I’ve completely fallen in love with. It’s everything I look for in a top: loose-fitting for ultimate comfort, incredibly soft against the skin, and noticeably thicker than the average top, providing warmth without bulk. What truly makes it a favorite are the thoughtful details: thumb holes for extra coziness and fold-over cuffs that add a touch of style and practicality. It’s the perfect layering piece for cooler weather.
• Hands-Free Convenience: On a practical note, this FlipBelt has been my constant companion and truly saved my life throughout the entire summer. It’s ingeniously designed to eliminate the need for a purse, allowing me to carry essentials like my enormous iPhone, keys, and credit card securely around my waist during long dog walks with Marley. It’s incredibly discreet, comfortable, and keeps my valuables safe while leaving my hands free, which is invaluable for active outings.
• Hydration Game Changer: My sister gifted me one of these fancy S’well bottles for my birthday in July, and I’m utterly smitten. I’m notorious for letting my coffee or tea go cold and then having to reheat it multiple times, but this bottle has completely eliminated that hassle. It keeps hot beverages piping hot for hours, and conversely, keeps water refreshingly cold for what feels like an eternity. I was never really a “water bottle person” before, but the S’well bottle has converted me with its impressive insulation capabilities and sleek design. It’s a small luxury that makes a big difference.
• Kitchen Renovation Dreams: I’ve been living vicariously through these incredible kitchen renovations: one, two, and three. Each one offers unique design elements and functional layouts that have me dreaming of future projects. From clever storage solutions to stunning aesthetic choices, they provide endless inspiration for creating a beautiful and efficient culinary space. I love seeing how different bloggers transform their kitchens!
• Delicious Potato Inspiration: These roasted garlic basil pesto potatoes with arugula look absolutely divine. The combination of savory roasted potatoes with the vibrant flavors of garlic, basil pesto, and fresh arugula sounds like a match made in heaven. I’m particularly excited to try adapting this recipe using my personal favorite walnut-sage pesto during the upcoming winter months. It promises to be a comforting and flavorful side dish or light meal.
• Organization Essential: Finally, these incredibly cool liquid chalk pens have become an indispensable tool in my kitchen. They are absolutely fantastic for labeling containers of all kinds. I’ve primarily been using mine for my collection of mason jars, which are perfect for storing everything from spices to homemade preserves. What’s great is their versatility – they can be used on any non-porous surface, making them ideal for labeling glass, plastic, or even metal containers. My only wish is that I had even more things to label in my kitchen to put them to greater use! They make organization both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

Well, that’s all for my updates and current obsessions for now! I’m truly looking forward to these upcoming travels and reconnecting with family, as well as getting back into a more consistent creative rhythm here on the blog. I’m always curious to hear what’s new and exciting in your lives. So, tell me, what have *you* been loving lately? Don’t be shy; I’m incredibly nosy and always eager to discover new favorites and hear about your adventures!