Wanderlust & shutter bliss

Hi all,

Feb 24th, 2025

I’ve started using the treadmill again! It’s always a challenge to stay motivated, but I’m really hoping to keep up with it this time. I know that consistency is key, and having something to focus on while walking or jogging makes all the difference.

To keep myself occupied, I wanted something to watch while on the treadmill. I have an iPad, but the struggle was keeping it steady while I moved. After some searching, I came across a tablet stand holder that looks absolutely perfect! It should keep my iPad in place, allowing me to watch shows, listen to podcasts, or even follow workout videos without worrying about it falling over.

Another big motivator for me is my husband. He absolutely loves running and uses the treadmill regularly, which helps keep me accountable. Seeing him stick to his routine makes me want to push myself too. I’m hoping that with his encouragement and my new setup, I won’t give up this time!

Here’s to staying active and making exercise a habit! If you have any treadmill tips or favorite shows to watch while working out, let me know—I’d love some recommendations!
The Challenges I Will Face Over the Next Six Months

Feb 24th, 2025

As I look ahead to the next six months, I already know two key challenges I’ll be facing: keeping up with regular exercise on our home treadmill and sticking to our budget. Both of these are goals I’ve set for myself before, and while I always start off strong, my motivation tends to wane over time. This time, I want to push through and truly make a lasting change.

Challenge 1: Sticking to the Treadmill Routine

Every time I commit to exercising, I begin with great enthusiasm. The first few weeks go well—I feel good, energized, and even proud of myself for staying on track. But then, slowly, I start to lose interest. The excitement fades, and after a long day at work, the last thing I want to do is step on the treadmill. Eventually, I stop altogether, and before I know it, weeks or even months have passed without any exercise.

The frustrating part is that I have no real excuse. The treadmill is right there at home, easily accessible, yet I struggle to maintain the routine. This time, I want to break the cycle. I need to remind myself of the benefits—stress relief, better health, and an overall sense of accomplishment. Perhaps setting small, achievable goals and rewarding myself in some way will help. Maybe finding an accountability partner or tracking my progress in a fun way will keep me going. Whatever it takes, I don’t want to give up this time.

Challenge 2: Sticking to a Budget

The second challenge is financial discipline. My husband and I have set a budget, but sticking to it is another story. It’s so easy to overspend on things we don’t really need—little treats here and there, spontaneous purchases that seem harmless at the time but add up quickly.

We need to be more mindful of our spending habits. Perhaps we can make a rule to wait 24 hours before making non-essential purchases, giving ourselves time to decide if we truly need something. Meal planning and avoiding unnecessary takeaways can also help us save. I also want to be more conscious of where our money is going and keep track of our expenses more diligently.

Keeping Myself Accountable

The next six months will be a test of discipline, and I know I’ll have days where I feel like giving up. But I’m determined to stay consistent this time. Writing about my progress might help keep me accountable. Maybe I’ll journal about my treadmill workouts and spending habits, reflecting on my successes and setbacks.

If I can push through these challenges, I know I’ll feel proud of myself. It’s not about perfection but about persistence. Here’s to staying motivated and making positive changes that actually stick!

Daily writing prompt
What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?
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I Had to Share This: My Cinema Experience

Feb 23rd, 2025

We went to the cinema yesterday to watch the new Marvel film, Captain America: Brave New World. I was really looking forward to it, but unfortunately, the experience was disappointing—not because of the film itself, but because of the people in the audience.

Kids were talking constantly, playing games on their phones, completely oblivious to the fact that others were trying to enjoy the movie. My issue is simple—why come to the cinema just to talk? If you’re not there to watch the film, then don’t come at all.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, a guy next to us was glued to his phone, the bright screen lighting up in the middle of the dark theatre. It was beyond frustrating.

Honestly, I need to watch the film again in a quieter setting to fully appreciate it. Rant over.
Advice to My Teenage Self: You Are Enough

Feb 23rd, 2025

If I could sit down with my teenage self, I would tell them one simple truth: Everything is going to be okay. No matter how overwhelming things feel right now, it will all work out in the end. The worries, the doubts, the uncertainty—they won’t last forever.

One of the biggest lessons I wish I had learned sooner is to speak about how I feel instead of bottling everything up inside. Keeping emotions locked away doesn’t make them disappear; it only makes them heavier. It’s okay to say, “I’m not happy.” It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to let people in. You don’t have to carry everything alone.

Confidence doesn’t come overnight, but I wish I had the courage back then to stand up and say, “I am enough.” No need for approval, no need to fit into someone else’s expectations—just knowing that I am worthy as I am.

And perhaps one of the most important things: learn to say “no” more often. Not out of rudeness, but out of self-respect. You don’t have to please everyone. You don’t have to agree to things that make you uncomfortable. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.

So to my teenage self: Be kind to yourself. Life will have its ups and downs, but you are stronger than you think. Speak your truth, hold your head high, and never forget—you are enough.

Daily writing prompt
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
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The Monotony of Routine: When Every Day Feels Like Deja Vu

Feb 22nd, 2025

There’s something about routine that can be both comforting and mind-numbing at the same time. My job? It’s fine. The people? They’re lovely. But the day-to-day? It’s like I’m living the same day over and over again, and sometimes, it’s just… boring.

I wake up, get ready, head to work, and go through the motions. The tasks never change, the conversations rarely differ, and before I know it, I’m doing it all again the next day. It’s like a weird, never-ending loop, a sense of déjà vu that lingers with each passing morning.

What really drains me, though, isn’t the repetition itself—it’s when conversations become one-sided. You know the type. The people who love the sound of their own voice, talking endlessly about themselves, their problems, their achievements, their plans. It’s exhausting. A conversation should be a two-way street, a shared exchange of thoughts, not just an audience for someone’s personal monologue.

That’s why I thrive around creative people. People who can see the world a little differently, who bring a spark of originality to even the most mundane days. I love being around those who have a sense of humour, who don’t take life (or themselves) too seriously. Laughter is the best antidote to monotony. The ability to laugh at yourself, to find joy in the little things, to be imaginative and spontaneous—those are the people who make life interesting.

Maybe that’s what I need more of—creativity, spontaneity, and laughter. Perhaps it’s time to shake things up a bit, step outside the routine, and seek out those moments that make life feel exciting again. Because while stability is nice, a little unpredictability might just be the cure for the boredom of everyday life.

Daily writing prompt
What bores you?
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Anxiety and the Commute: The Frustrating Restroom Struggle

Feb 21st, 2025

Morning all—well, actually, nearly afternoon! 😊

This is a bit personal, but I wanted to see if anyone else has dealt with this. Every day, I take the bus to work (lucky me), and it takes about an hour to get there. Normally, it’s just part of my routine, but this week has been a real struggle.

I’ve had to get off the bus early a few times just to find a restroom—usually dashing into a coffee shop in a panic. It’s so frustrating and annoying because it throws off my journey and makes me even more anxious. I know I suffer from anxiety most days—I worry about the smallest things—and I’ve read that anxiety can make you feel like you constantly need to go.

I try listening to music to calm myself, but it doesn’t always help. Does anyone else deal with this? That sudden, urgent need that comes out of nowhere? I’d love to hear any tips because this is starting to really get to me!

Let me know if you’ve been through something similar. Hopefully, I’m not the only one! 🤦‍♀️
Cooking Without the Tears: My New Favorite Kitchen Gadget

Feb 21st, 2025

Hey all! 😊

I’ve mentioned before how much I love to cook—it’s like therapy for me. There’s just something so satisfying about creating a delicious meal from scratch. But if there’s one thing I don’t enjoy, it’s chopping up vegetables, especially onions. The tears, the mess… it’s just not my favorite part of cooking!

I’ve talked before about kitchen choppers, but I recently came across a vegetable chopper and cutter 4-in-1, and honestly, it looks like a game-changer. No hassle, no struggling with a knife, and best of all—no crying over onions! It makes prepping veggies so much easier, and I can already tell it’s going to save me so much time in the kitchen.

Do you have a kitchen gadget that you swear by? Let me know—I’m always on the lookout for tools that make cooking even more enjoyable! 😊
Morning All! Our Muffin Mishap Turned Cupcake Success

Feb 21st, 2025

Morning all! Hope you’re all having a great start to the day. 😊

Last weekend, we decided to bake some muffins—but they ended up looking more like cupcakes! Not quite what we had planned, but they still turned out delicious, so no complaints here. The only little hiccup was that our kitchen scales weren’t working because we didn’t have any batteries (typical, right?).

Rather than giving up, we improvised and used our measuring spoons instead. And honestly? They worked an absolute treat! It just goes to show that you don’t always need fancy gadgets to get the job done. I’d definitely recommend having a good set of measuring spoons in the kitchen—ours have saved the day more than once!

Have you ever had a kitchen mishap that turned into a happy accident? Let me know! 😊
My Favorite Drinks: A Sweet Tooth’s Delight

Feb 21st, 2025

If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s a sweet drink. I’ve always had a bit of a sweet tooth, so when it comes to choosing a refreshing beverage, I naturally gravitate toward something light, fruity, and full of flavor.

One of my absolute favorites is an elderflower pressé with a sprig of fresh mint. There’s something so delicate and floral about elderflower—it’s crisp, slightly fragrant, and perfectly refreshing, especially on a warm day. The hint of mint just takes it to another level, making it even more cooling and refreshing.

Another go-to of mine is strawberry lemonade. The mix of sweet strawberries and tangy lemonade is a match made in heaven. It’s the kind of drink that instantly lifts my mood, whether I’m sipping it on a summer afternoon or just treating myself to something tasty.

Truth be told, if it’s sweet, I’ll probably love it! Whether it’s a fruity mocktail, a fizzy drink, or even a dessert-like hot chocolate, I’m always up for a little indulgence. Life’s too short not to enjoy the sweeter things, right?

What’s your favorite drink? Do you go for something refreshing and fruity, or do you prefer something rich and comforting? Let me know!

Daily writing prompt
What is your favorite drink?
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A Trip Down Memory Lane: Classic Toys from Childhood

Feb 20th, 2025

I just had to share this! Last night, while browsing through Amazon, I stumbled across two toys that instantly took me back to my childhood. It was such a nostalgic moment, and I couldn’t help but get excited like a kid again.

Does anyone remember the Fisher-Price Little Snoopy and the Fisher-Price Classic Chatter Telephone? These were two of my absolute favourite toys as a toddler, and seeing them again brought back so many wonderful memories.

The Little Snoopy was my constant companion, always following me around as I pulled it along by its string. And the Chatter Telephone? Oh, I remember spending hours dialing imaginary numbers and chatting away, pretending I was having the most important conversations.

It’s amazing how something as simple as a childhood toy can trigger such strong feelings of joy and nostalgia. Those early years were filled with so much imagination and innocence, and these toys were a huge part of that.

I love that these classics are still around today, bringing joy to new generations of kids. If you ever come across them, whether online or in a store, take a moment to appreciate the memories they bring. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that remind us of the happiest times.