Affiliate Links, Dream Journal, Hobbies, Life

Journaling: A Decade of Life

When I was first introduced to the concept of a diary I was about maybe 7 years old. Putting my feelings and events onto paper as a way to recall moments in my life. The concept was sort of odd to me but I loved writing and took to it right away. At first I’d write about my day, video games I played, and books I liked. Eventually, once I had my first crush (who’s now my husband) I’d include him in there too. I even recall my last entry before it was lost or thrown once I moved away. “If there’s such thing as love. I hope it’ll be my crush.” An 8 year old manifesting her destiny. Now, twenty years later. Here we are.

I continued to journal after that. I started another journal at 11 and wrote in it until I was 13. I even kept a different journal that my best friends or friends in middle school would pass notes on. No secrets. Mostly asking about each others day and things people already knew about us. But my journaling at home came to a halt once I realized my parents and aunt were reading it. Which violated any trust I had left of them. I was devastated and felt exposed. Turmoil even set in since I didn’t have anywhere to put my thoughts, vent and write freely since I knew I was running the chance they’ll find it again.

I didn’t write in another journal til I was about 19 years old. After my husband and I began dating I was overwhelmed with emotions and kept falling deeper in a hole. I finally gave in and began writing again. This time I had my own room and more hiding places. Thus a decade of writing began. My life from 19 years old til now. My dreams, fears, moments in time that I had long forgotten, and snippets of moments whether it be good or bad. It’s weird looking back at 19 year old me. How much I’ve grown and how she, the past me, doesn’t know what’s to come and when it does gel she managed it. There’s happy, sad, success and despair at every turn. Times where I shook my head from how naive and lost I was.

Journaling gives me a release. Once I moved in with my husband. I wrote freely and whenever I wanted. It gives me a chance to relive moments again and compare to the person I was. The growth and experiences on paper shaping me to the present. This is probably why I took to blogging as well. A different approach of journaling to an audience about my experiences and share about my journey.

At times I feel alone in my journal journey. Quite frankly I’m yet to meet someone who has saved their journals/diaries through the years as I did. I’ve also bought new journals for future writing. Tried different pens for writing.

Thus far I enjoy the lined smaller journals like this journal on Amazon. It’s small, cute and sturdy. Easy to store in a drawer and a built in book mark so you don’t lose where you’re at. I also bought these cute Cat pens a couple of years ago that I still use for anything. If you like thin tip pens (.38mm) these are for you!

Don’t like thin pens or feel like you always can’t find a pen? I bought this 144 count Bic Pens and I do like them since it’s smooth and just the right size tip (1mm). I took it to work for office use and left a few at home for back up. Ones that I have on my wish list to try are these Cute pink pens and it has a pink highlighter as well! Definitely love the aesthetic and the clip designs. If you’re a planner like me or need to write things down to organize yourself better there’s this adorable Sakura planner that I love! It’s undated so you can get this and wait til 2023 if you want to date, add and customize it to your liking.

I hope you enjoyed this bit of insight into my life. Writing has always been a part of me. I hope to continue but in the form of fiction stories. Do you enjoy writing? Journaling? Kept a diary at some point? Comment below. As always, stay sweet, everyone.


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Affiliate Links, Discounts, Life, Product Review

Falling in Place: Gratefulness

Another year is flying by with the Holidays approaching and the change in seasonal as the cold air greets me every morning that I go outside for air. I own more hoodies than a normal person should so it’s fun interchanging between them all.

Each year I feel melancholy wash over me. Whether it be from looking into the past and secretly wishing for something or being nervous for what’s ahead. But I’m also grateful for the year has brought me. That I get to watch the trees change in color and snuggle up with my favorite people day or night. How we get to have each others presence in that moment as I continue to do my best in being happy. I’m grateful to my husband who understands my chaotic brain that never stops. While also giving me the space I need to move forward with my goals.

I feel as though things are falling in place. I’m learning to let go of small things and not worry too much. Overthinking and being overwhelmed has always been an issue of mines so figuring how to navigate through it has been a challenge. But I can do this. I’ll continue day after day. Working on myself and taking life in steps instead of strides.

With the cold returning it’s easy to have our lips chapped and splitting. As of now I’ve been using a lip mask that helps keep them supple and protected: Laneige Lip Mask <——Amazing thus far I can’t recommend it enough. Even for those times where you lick your lips too much or maybe not you but your child. This has worked on my son who used to lick his lips too much and peel the skin off his lips too. I noticed a difference within one night.

Also, I did mention I have a collection of hoodies? Yup I had to do it. I bought this rack with the sole purpose to carry my hoodies. It’s been great to have it all in once place and gave my closet more space to put away clothing. Theres even a second rack in the bottom in case you want to have hold jeans or anything that’s fits. Also if you need extra hangers to store more clothing, these hangers come in different colors and are pretty sturdy. I hope this helps!


Hope you all been well. I’m still working on my story intros and plan to release them soon. School has been taking up a lot of my time along with tiredness. There’s been many times I fall asleep with my laptop open and I laugh to myself.

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Life

Playing Catch Up: Give Yourself Grace

It’s surprising how behind you can get when you have a week off.

Recently we went on a family cruise and we had a lot of fun. Granted that traveling with kids can be stressful in itself. Especially with a 4 and 1 year old who still don’t understand waiting in line. However, we all enjoyed the uninterrupted family time. So much so that I hardly could focus on school assignments. Thus, I was a week behind and struggling to keep up.

Sometimes I find myself in a limbo of how to study at home. But the distractions and sounds of my boys plus husband talking to them keeps me from actually focusing. Being home is where I’m comfortable and easily distracted. Eventually, I decided to go back to sitting at Starbucks for a coffee and 2-3 hour sessions of studying and catching up. I did this about 4 times in the last 2 weeks of the term before completing and catching up with about 90 percent of what was left for me to submit.

I’m always thankful for my husband in these times where I need him most. He understands that for me to succeed as a student I might need to put distance between the house and me. Once I’m seated with a a drink in my reach, do not disturb on, and music in my ears. I’m able to hyper focus and complete what I can. Hours will pass before I realize it’s already time to go home. I breathed a sigh of relief and the stress melts away. Everyday being closer to graduation makes me more and more excited.

So if you’re a student or someone in need of getting away. Whether it be to study or simply reading a good book. I understand completely. Sometimes home can be distracting and it’s okay to leave to get away to focus on yourself. It’s part of self care and it’s okay to want a break even if it’s for a moment. An hour or more a week. Give yourself grace. Cause you’re important too.

Drink above is Starbucks Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Macchiato

Life

Five Months Post Op Gastric Sleeve/VSG

It’s interesting how much your relationship with food changes when you have this surgery. Of course you don’t really lose the cravings or magically begin to eat healthy right away. But the surgery is a tool to keep you full and hopefully eating right.

I still struggle with serving myself more than I can handle. Measuring my portions have helped with this and I use this Food scale to get me by. With different foods it becomes hard to simple serve myself and wing it since I find some days I eat more than I thought. While others I take a couple of bites and I’m done for the moment.

I’m still drinking protein ready drinks. Mainly Premier Protein in the chocolate flavor. It helps keep my protein intake up and does keep me going for a while. I ended up buying a bit more than I can handle and I plan to switch over to my original protein drink GNC Lean Shake Mocha Expresso. This was my absolute favorite when I started working out in the beginning of my wellness journey. Hopefully I can tolerate it and it continues to help me with my weight loss journey.

Now, what do I mean by tolerate? Well there’s some foods that might not sit well with my new stomach pouch. Dairy can be a little heavy if I try to eat it all at once. Milk feels a bit heavier unless I sip slowly (I add milk to my coffee, a bit with Oreos, whole milk yogurt or mixed into my protein powder). It’s important to be cautious about certain foods as sometimes it can be overwhelming and make you nauseous at first or may as well not to get to enjoy foods the way you did previously. For some this is the rough part. I will admit it can be off putting. But I’ve accepted this as the new me. I can do this and will continue to strive for my wellness! I’ve currently lost 44 pounds and counting! Still need about 33 more to reach my goal weight. Wishing myself luck at this point. Hope everyone has a wonderful week. I’ll continue to post as much as I can!


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Life, Tarot/Card Readings

Tarot Tuesday: Trust the Process

Spooky month is here and my sweet tooth is acting up. Oreos and peanut M & Ms galore. I am also hoping to watch American Horror story as I only reached the third season before I stopped watching. But on to the universe and seeing what it wants to tell me.

Conqueror of coins & seven of coins

These both compliment each other as they each talk about hard work and dedication. Celebrating the work that has been put in and enjoying the rewards for doing so. Reaffirming my long term goals and efforts I’m putting in for the future I am hoping for through my routine and general hard work.

There are times I am not sure what the cards are specifically referring to as I have a lot happening. Career and school tie in together while my health and self care are personal. If it applies to both as I feel they do then I hope it can continue since these are times where it’s nice to know my efforts are being recognized somewhere.


More updates coming and introduction to some writing I’ve been working on be coming. Stay sweet everyone and hope your week is lovely. Comment below what your favorite Halloween activities are!

Affiliate Links, Life, Product Review, Skin Care Beauty

When Self Care becomes Priority…

I started this blog as my journey for self love and self care. I try to make it my forefront in everything I do. I try to take care of myself. Somewhere along the way I began to ignore my skincare. Granted it can be time consuming. But I’ve accepted that some days I don’t need to do the full regimen and make it short as needed.

Recently, I had to go to the dermatologist. Ever since 2016 my skin began to break out in this itchy, flaky and red blotches. It would happen if I was stressed, not sleeping enough, or anything that brought me out of balance or disturbed my peace. This caused discoloration on my skin. This issue was from scalp to face. 6 years later and I final fl decided enough was enough. Yes at some point it was very controlled but other times it wouldn’t be.

I am now diagnosed with seborrhoeic dermatitis. She advised me to used medicated shampoos and to try my skin care regimen again. Essentially the way to control my symptoms is to self care and use medicated products. I’m not a fan of washing my hair every single day. But, I find that being in the shower for a few minutes and massaging my scalp is relaxing. Those 10-20 minutes are heavenly and it reminds me to take care of myself. Moisturize and start my skin care right away. It’s been a few days and I’ve seen a complete change in my overall skin and hair. I’m still thinking about whether or not to cut it since shorter hair would be easier to manage and wash. But I miss having color in my hair so perhaps some rose gold highlights or any added pink color would be amazing.

The product I’m using for my seb-derm (that’s what I call it now) is Head and Shoulders Clinical it has this citrus scent that I love and lathers up pretty well to get into the scalp leaving it refreshed and clean. I work this into my hair, around my ears, and even carefully into my eyebrows (yes I get it here too!). Some conditioner and I’m done with my hair. After getting comfortable I start my skin care regimen which I’ll talk about and update in another post with all the steps and products I use. My skin has cleared up and no flakes so far. I have to be diligent and do this at least every day or every other day. Or else I start to feel my skin flaking all over again. It’s amazing what self care can do and prevent in cases like this. I’m sure I’ll have my bad days or week. But I need to remember this is for me and my physical health. I’m on this journey for myself. A healthier me and to share this with others struggling too.

What about you all? Any struggling skin condition that consume your time? Or any self care tips/tricks/products that have helped you? Comment below and let me know.

As always. Thanks for reading. Stay sweet everyone!


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Life

Health Delays: Crazy life

September is already a hectic time. School starting. Vacations ending. Summer showing it’s last remnants as we wait for the leaves to turn. School can be overwhelming since the season calls for sickness as I’ve been sick the past couple of weeks. Between headaches, sniffles, sinus issues, and now shingles.

Yes apparently not only did I have chicken pox when I was younger (this was never confirmed) but now I have shingles. Which usually is common for the older age group but being seen in a younger crowd is unusual. No one is sure what activates the dormant virus again. Stress, low immunity, depression, anxiety and essentially everything that could possible lower your immune system and life really.

It started off with my leg feeling rather strange. I thought I probably messed up lifting the kids or slept wrong. I did have a previous back injury so I’m not a stranger to my back and nerve pain in my legs. But as the days progressed. It worsened and I felt no relief with over the counter pain meds. I was exhausted trying to power though the days with this leg and back pain that I debated going to the doctor plenty of times. 3 days later I found a small rash in the morning and by nightfall it has progressively gotten worse. Next morning, it was worsening and the pain switched to burning and needs along my whole thigh and back. Doctor confirmed it was shingles.

Least to say it’s been an uncomfortable week. The best way I can describe how my leg feels is I had a long leg day session, dropped hot oil all over my leg and back then being randomly pricked with a bunch of needles. Constantly. Clothes are uncomfortable. Moving is uncomfortable and the nerve pain spreads to the outer parts of where the rash is.

I’m still doing my best to keep up overall with life. Been gaming more and studying when I can. Completing assignments and doing tasks for work. All while making sure my family is okay. Hopefully, shingles gets cut short and I’m able to have fun in our family vacation next week.

I’m excited to introduced new tarot decks I found that are absolutely adorable. Can’t wait to use them and have them in my collection. Stay tuned and stay sweet everyone!

Dream Journal, Hobbies, Life, Stories

Dream Stories: To Write or Not

I’ve been dreaming things up in my imagination for a while now. My earliest dreams were pretty dark considering the amount of scary movies I’d seen or imagined up myself in the dark before falling asleep. I was definitely one of those kids with the nightmares almost constantly every night. Except I never grew out of them til I was in a safer place. Surrounded by 3 cats and a family. Suddenly, these dreams weren’t so scary.

Not all or every dream were horror nightmares. Some were about my life or a different perspective or timeline of my current life. Many things that are unexplained or shown to me out of spiritual connections. However, some were actually a good plot to stories. I still recall them in a fair amount of detail. At times I wonder if I could write it all out. Publish and have people read to see if they’ll enjoy it. Fear and time have stopped me thus far. Will I ever be ready for this?

Maybe with a little bit of time and once I graduate school I’ll have some time to open up my laptop and type what on my mind. Starting is drag but finishing might be enlightening.


Random blog I felt like writing. Lately I’ve been tired and dealing with slight health issues, nothing crazy. Could be lack of sleep and rest. I’ll be back soon with updates and more tarot. Stay sweet everyone!

Hobbies, Life, Tarot/Card Readings

Tarot Tuesday: September Theme

First tarot Tuesday of the month for September! I am excited for the weather to cool down. Fall weather is probably my favorite season of all time. It’s time to break out the hoodies and get comfortable. No more AC running and the kids seem more comfortable being in cooler weather.

For this tarot Tuesday I’m focusing on a theme for the month. What should I pay attention to this month? What should I be doing this month to help me further myself? The answer…

Four of Swords

This card brings forth rest, relaxation, and peace. After the chaos there’s a moment for rest. To understand my priorities and re-evaluate my next steps to come.

A wonderful time to bring this up. This month usually brings me peace, not only with the weather but anniversaries coming for my husband and I. We have a family vacation this month, our son returns to school, and overall it’s when we start to feel that end of the year feeling right before the holidays. I love all the holidays and plan to make it special for the boys. Comment below with your favorite holiday and why. Stay sweet everyone!


So thankful to be in a place of being told to settle down and rest. It’s been a constant state of stress for me but it’s time to bring it all down and look out for myself. School term has started for me as well and I’m slowly trying to keep up with the work. But I also want to invest some time into write a book for Amazon if that’s even possible. Seems like time escapes me and there’s not enough hours in the day. Organization first and hobbies later!

Affiliate Links, Discounts, Hobbies, Life, Product Review

4 Months Post Op: VSG (Gastric Sleeve)

Wow 4 months! Honestly, time passes by more quickly than you’d ever think. I remember waking up feeling regret and pain. Change is difficult and this was another change I didn’t feel all that ready for. But I went for it. Cause when would I truly be ready?

As it turns out I was more ready than I ever thought I would be. The change has been pleasant thus far besides the heart burn that I now have if I sleep on a somewhat full stomach. Highly recommend not eating before bed unless it’s very light with some water. There’s been many times I wake up with a burning feeling all the way down to my throat or felt like I couldn’t breathe from the acid build up.

Besides that so far it’s been 35 lbs down and counting! I use my fitness pal most days to track what I’m eating and making sure I keep my macros within the range. That’s probably one of the difficult things since according to some research online and the app. My macros for a 1k calorie day are:

  • Protein 75-100 grams a day (30-40%)
  • Fat 33-44 grams a day (30-40%)
  • Carbs 50-75 grams a day (20-30%)

Of course this varies and things come up. Eat what I can and try to make healthier choices. But these are the set goals and what’s best for me besides taking my daily vitamins. Which I definitely suck at doing. I give my kids their vitamins and always make sure they’re eat well. But it’s so easy to forget about myself. I’ve been getting better at remembering that I matter too.

A typical eating day for starts with a protein drink for breakfast. Easy, simple and I’m on the go: work, gym, or preparing breakfast for the kids. I do like the convenience of the Premier Protein Bottles and my favorite is chocolate. As a back up I enjoy GNC Total Lean Shake Slimvance in the flavor mocha expresso. The premier protein contains 30g of protein. 4 carbs. 1 g of sugar, 3g of fiber and 160 calories. Meanwhile the GNC does have caffeine, 25g of protein, 18g of carbs, 2g of sugar, 6 fiber and 190 calories. GNC also has a fat burning quality to it. I alternate these depending on the day and if extra calories are needed I mix the GNC with half milk and water. Also, if you want to add a workout recovery and a friendly reminder to drink more water I use Collagen for some extra support. I usually drink this probably in the afternoon after a work out since it’s unflavored it’s a perfect addition to my water intake.

As far as how I am. I feel good, lighter, energetic and hopeful. I am hopeful that I find a healthy weight and work out more. I want to tone and be stronger, healthier and eventually get into some kind of sport/activity. I do love swimming as an exercise which I think I’ll continue to do and work out my arms and back to increase my stamina and strength. I’ve always liked the idea of karate or taekwondo but one step at a time for now. Thank you for those who continue to keep up with me and my health journey. Stay sweet everyone! Always feel free to reach out with anything through my social links below.


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