Blacklight Mini Golf & Game Night Fun

Our most exciting new discovery this January was an indoor blacklight mini golf course! It was a fantastic way to spend a Saturday night, complete with challenging holes and a vibrant, glowing atmosphere. The best part? We had the entire place to ourselves, making the experience even more special and relaxed. Back home, our competitive spirit continued with a spirited game of Battleship. Our curious cat, Salsa, watched intently, making us wonder if he was secretly trying to give away Ryan’s ship locations! As usual, my intuition held strong, leading me to another victory. These simple, fun evenings bring so much joy and provide a perfect balance to busier days.

Cherished Friendships & Peculiar Pet Habits

This month, I treasured some quality time with my friend Ashley. We initially connected years ago while both nannying in the same city. Now that my days are dedicated to full-time blogging, it’s wonderful to make time for these important friendships. We had a blast making vibrant rainbow rice krispies treats with her nanny kids – a sweet, colorful, and deliciously fun activity. On the home front, Salsa continues to amuse and concern us with his odd habit: he loves to sit on Ryan’s lap whenever the soldering iron is out. While it seems quite dangerous to have a cat so close to hot tools, Salsa remains utterly fascinated, watching Ryan assemble his radio kit. His unique quirks are a constant source of conversation and endearment in our home.

Blogging Life & Home Appliance Adventures

Behind-the-scenes glimpses of my blogging work are rare, but Ryan managed to capture one while we were both working from home. I believe I was in the midst of filming a video that day, which is a common part of content creation. Beyond creative work, January brought a domestic challenge: living without a functional washer and dryer for three weeks. A huge thank you to our incredible friends who graciously allowed us to use their facilities! Our previous set, a $100 Craigslist find from the 1970s, surprisingly lasted us four years. We’ve now upgraded to a brand new, efficient pair – though it’s bittersweet knowing we’ll have to leave them behind when we undertake our big move in May. Such is the transient nature of life right now!

Navigating Salsa’s Health Scare & Finding Small Comforts

This month, Salsa caused us considerable anxiety. We had to rush him to the emergency vet twice in one weekend after he stopped peeing, despite frequent, distressed attempts in his litter box. We initially thought the issue was resolved, and he seemed fine for a few days, but then the troubling symptoms returned. The vet suspects anxiety might be playing a role in his condition, which is incredibly worrying for us. It’s heartbreaking to see our beloved pet in distress, and we’re diligently working to understand and alleviate his discomfort. On a more cheerful note, I’m absolutely loving my new headband from Blue Eyed Baby Couture on Etsy. It’s incredibly soft, doesn’t feel tight at all, yet miraculously stays put! I’m already planning to order another – a small joy amidst life’s stresses.

DIY Furniture Project Begins & Ryan’s New Breakfast Routine

My eyes were drawn to some beautiful knobs at Hobby Lobby this month, particularly a geometric wooden ball design. I bought it hoping it would be perfect for the dresser I’m repainting, but I’m now leaning towards a lighter-colored option for a better aesthetic match. This whole process is part of my exciting new hobby: furniture painting! Ryan has been encouraging me to find a new creative outlet since blogging became my full-time job. And just like that, I acquired my very first power tool – an electric hand sander! This new passion has been incredibly fulfilling, offering a fresh way to express creativity and learn new skills. The image also shows our poor Salsa after his vet visits, looking quite subdued. Seeing him on the mend is truly the greatest relief.

Ryan’s morning routine has also seen a significant shift. Once a quick cereal-and-go person, he now meticulously prepares omelets, sips coffee, and listens to the news. He often jokes that he’s “preparing for his real job post-grad school,” a charming glimpse into his future aspirations.

Kitchen Mishaps, DIY Progress & Winter Entertainment

In the kitchen, a minor mishap occurred this month: a dropped egg on the floor – a truly sticky and messy ordeal to clean up! More productively, I’ve been behind the scenes updating one of my popular recipes: green monster smoothie muffins. The original photos were taken way back in 2014, and with my improved photography skills, it was high time to give them a much-needed visual refresh for my readers.

My furniture painting project, an IKEA dresser makeover, is well underway! I’ve been learning so much about sanding, priming, and painting techniques – and equally, what *not* to do, discovering which paint brushes deliver the best results. The dresser is currently painted in a chic “elephant skin gray” (the final look isn’t pictured here, but trust me, it’s coming along beautifully!). Soon it will receive a protective coating and new knobs. I can’t wait to share the finished piece next month!

Winter can make finding activities tricky, especially when avoiding eating out constantly. So Ryan and I got creative! We rented a Wii and games from our local college rec room for a night of nostalgic fun, discovering a shared love for the hammer throw game in Wii Sports. Another little project this month was transforming a plain raffia basket with white chalk paint. Unsurprisingly, Salsa quickly claimed it as his new favorite napping spot, making it the perfect cozy addition to our home.

Navigating Blogging Challenges & Personal Convictions

January proved to be an emotional month, a period of deep reflection rather than clear-cut highs or lows. As the new year began, I felt a significant concern about the blog’s momentum. January typically marks a slower period for content creation, often lacking the festive buzz of the holiday season. I dedicated considerable effort to securing sponsored partnerships, yet many opportunities didn’t materialize as hoped. This led to a moment of introspection: I realized I was trying too hard to make things happen in my own strength. This waiting period, coupled with occasional rejections, made me question the value of my blog and my own talents. It’s precisely during these vulnerable times that self-doubt can creep in, challenging one’s worth. However, this experience also became a powerful lesson in faith. While specific projects didn’t manifest immediately, I felt a profound sense of encouragement, affirming my talents and reminding me to continue glorifying a higher purpose, regardless of external validation. His timing, after all, is perfect.

Preparing for “The Big Move”: Excitement, Sadness, and Uncertainty

A major theme dominating 2017 for us is “the move.” This isn’t just a new house across town; it’s a cross-country relocation to an entirely new state where our realtor is currently the only person we know. The excitement of becoming homeowners and the thrill of house hunting have, so far, provided a welcome distraction from the underlying sadness and apprehension I feel about leaving our current life behind. Yet, I understand the importance of allowing myself to feel and process that sadness when it inevitably surfaces. I’ve learned that preparing emotionally for significant changes beforehand is crucial for a smoother transition. This leads me to a fundamental question: how does one truly prepare to depart from an entire life, a community, and a comfort zone that has become so deeply ingrained? It’s a complex blend of eagerness for a fresh start and the inherent grief of bidding farewell to a life built here.

Finding True Focus Amidst Life’s Transitions

During this season of anticipation and planning, I’ve also experienced a profound spiritual conviction. I realized I was placing too much emphasis and idealistic expectations on the concept of a “perfect house,” believing that life would magically become flawless once we moved. The deeper truth is, even in a dream home, loneliness could set in. This realization has been a powerful teaching moment, shifting my perspective. There’s a palpable mix of excitement to start house hunting and a longing to slow down time, to savor the comfort of our current home. Ultimately, through this journey of waiting and transition, I am learning a vital lesson: my focus should be firmly rooted in the person of my faith, rather than fixating on the *object* of my wait. True contentment and peace stem from a deeper spiritual foundation, not from external circumstances, no matter how ideal they may seem.