For so long, I had my heart set on writing a first blog post that was SO amazing, anyone who read it would be my #1 blog fan for life. It took me months to come up with a blog name, weeks to finally create one and a lot of outside encouragement to finally sit down and write.

Why?

I tried so hard to understand what readers would expect. Should I make you laugh? Should I make you think? Should I surprise you? Will it be too much if I bring you along for life’s challenges, or should I focus on being positive?

And then I realized if I kept thinking this way, I’d have absolutely nothing to write about. This blog was born as a way to reclaim myself. It’s a project that forces me to own my time and explore my creative side. Some of you won’t read every post I write, and that’s okay.

The point is to love every second I pour into this blog, and I intend to do so.

So what will I write about?  

Sometimes I’ll talk about my fiancé, Dan.

There are plenty of ridiculous things that happen when living together. Take, for example, this photo I snapped of the bathtub faucet lever (which is really called a diverter knob – who knew?) that Dan loves to leave in the “shower” position.

If you do this, please reevaluate your life. The next person taking a shower will unknowingly turn the water on, only to have soggy sleeves moments later. SOGGY SLEEVES!

Sometimes I’ll talk about my adventures in the kitchen.

If I’m being honest, Dan does most of the cooking at this point, but when I’m able, I make it count. The tuna melts I made last night do not count.

I love every part of making a meal for someone – right down to setting the table. But baking just feels more fun. I’ve experimented with cake decorating and hope to do more. Luckily, my office has kindly finished off many of my baking experiments. How bad can something be messed up if there’s chocolate involved? Trick question – BAD. I’ll share those mess-ups with you too. 

Pies, cakes, muffins – I’m your girl. Cake pops? Never again in my life.

Sometimes I’ll craft something new.

I have dreams of being a masterful calligrapher and photographer. A few classes are in order, but in the meantime, it’s fun to teach myself. There’s no method to my crafting madness, but I’ll take you along for the ride. This weekend I made all natural honey oatmeal goat milk soap, which I’ll share in another blog post coming soon. If you have any fun crafting suggestions – please send them my way! Always looking for new ideas that are fun and easy on the wallet. 

Sometimes I’ll talk about my travels.

Traveling the world is basically my whole bucket list. Which probably
means I need a better bucket list. For those of you who studied abroad or have plans to, I applaud you. It’s one thing I wish I had made the time for.

I did have the amazing opportunity to visit Dan when he was based in Vicenza, Italy! Next month we’re traveling to Charleston for the wedding of my dear friends, and this summer we’ll be in northern Minnesota with family. There’s lots of fun to share and more international travels to save for in the future.

Sometimes I’ll just talk about life.

Let’s face it: life is hard. And not because avocados are expensive or have high Weightwatchers points. It’s a lot of work! You have to balance work and play, save money but also try new things, take care of your body AND your mind, stay in touch with family, spend time with friends, remember to get your oil changed and by the time you do, you realize you forgot to dust. For the past three months.

Somewhere in the middle of life’s chaos, you have to find your happy place. For me, it’s now here. My blog.