With young kids, a lot of my mental space is taken up, especially since my daughter is still losing teeth. I got tired of the usual “put it under the pillow and leave money” routine, so I decided to make little money envelopes. They’re great because when your child loses a tooth, they can color the envelope and place it under their pillow. While they’re asleep or out of the room, you can use a matching envelope to add money, or use the one they decorated. I’ll be adding these to the family section of my shop later this week, along with a tooth fairy envelope that tells a story. Subscribers will get exclusive access to one-of-a-kind original artwork and some fun extras for everyone. Do you use tooth fairy bags for your kids? I’d love to know how you handle it.
I am adding these in the family section of the shop later this week if you want to grab a few for yourself. I am creating a tooth fairy envelope that can tell a story as well.
For my subscribers there will be an invite only to one of a kind original artwork and then some fun stuff for all.
Do you use tooth fairy bags for your kids? Let me know how you manage that. I would be curious.
Don’t forget to share our posts. We have lots of goodies coming 🙂
“She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” – Proverbs 31:25
One of the biggest shifts in my life has been steadily stepping into entrepreneurship and embracing fiscal responsibility. Every day, I learn something new about money—and here’s the truth: money is not a bad word. It’s actually a powerful tool and far more than just a way to pay bills. It can fund dreams, create security, and open doors to freedom.
There’s an old saying: “People perish for lack of knowledge and vision.” That resonates deeply with me. Many of us, if we’re honest, approach money in a hand-to-mouth way because we lack a clear vision for what to do with it. Years ago, I took time to pray and reflect on the vision for my life—not as a wife or mom, but as a woman.
That moment set a series of changes in motion. I realized I didn’t want another purse or more ill-fitting clothes. I wanted purpose, impact, and abundance—but without vision, those things felt out of reach. I don’t feel that so much now. I am in a space of looking around and seeing what life has to offer and being grateful for what is there. There is alot and I will be sharing lots of resources and initiatives from my home state.
The Reality for Women and Money
Here’s why this conversation matters:
After divorce, women’s household income drops by an average of 41%, compared to 23% for men.
Nearly 56% of women defer financial decisions to their spouse, leaving them vulnerable when life changes.
Financial literacy among women lags behind men—only 52% of women demonstrate strong financial knowledge compared to 62% of men.
These numbers are sobering, especially when you consider that many women have never opened a bill or managed household finances until a major life event forces them to. But here’s the good news: awareness is the first step toward empowerment.
Gratitude and Growth
My biggest attitude is gratitude. Life will hand you lemons—but you can keep squeezing out lemonade. These are the years to change it all. Whether you’re starting a business, learning to invest, or simply creating a budget, every step you take toward financial literacy is a step toward freedom.
Your Call to Action
Don’t wait for life to force you into financial independence—start today. Create a vision for your money. Learn, plan, and grow. Because when women have knowledge and vision, we don’t just survive—we thrive.
Today I turned on the news and saw something that gave me hope. It was definitely a “Your Cross Is Your Crown” moment. Lately, I have been feeling like I can do hard things. Especially in areas where I may have allowed my skills to um, lapse–i.e. the financial literacy department.
As you know, life can throw curveballs and there are unexpected challenges that change everything. For some, those twists lead to single motherhood. For others, it’s been the reality from day one. Either way, the journey can feel overwhelming. You work hard, sometimes juggling multiple jobs, not just for survival but because deep down, you want more time with your kids. Ironically, the biggest struggle for single parents isn’t just money—it’s time. Time to guide, nurture, and be present.
I grew up with both parents, but they worked tirelessly to give us a good life. I often wondered if they missed moments with me and my brother while chasing financial security. That thought stays with me as a mom—because whether you’re single or partnered, the desire is the same: to give your children the best future possible.
Here’s the truth: being a single parent is not a life sentence. Kids grow up. One day, you’ll step into a new chapter—stronger, wiser, and ready to build something even better. But right now, your focus is on their future. And today, I found something that gave me hope: Trump Accounts. This is an amazing philanthropic gift from the Dell Family. I am here for anyone who puts tangible action into play, especially for our nation’s youth. This is huge. I plan to post more on the steps to engaging this opportunity in future posts but this is a genuine solution for children under 18 and their families. Read on for how it works.
Why This Matters
If you’re a single mom or part of a working family, you know the daily balancing act—stretching every dollar while dreaming of college, a first home, or a debt-free start for your child. Saving feels impossible when bills demand your attention. That’s why Trump Accounts are such a breakthrough.
What Are Trump Accounts?
$1,000 Government Seed: Every eligible child gets a head start.
Up to $5,000/year Family Contributions: Build steadily over time.
Employer Contributions: Up to $2,500 annually, tax-free.
Dell Family Bonus: $250 for millions of children in qualifying communities.
Funds grow through investments in U.S. stock index funds. If fully funded, a child born in 2026 could have:
$303,800 by age 18
$1,091,900 by age 28 (Projections, not guarantees—but powerful nonetheless.)
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Single Moms
This isn’t just about money—it’s about opportunity. It’s about breaking cycles, leveling the playing field, and giving your child a foundation for education, entrepreneurship, and independence. For single moms, Trump Accounts offer something rare: a chance to turn small steps today into life-changing outcomes tomorrow.
Final Thoughts
You already give your child love, resilience, and guidance. Now, you can give them something even more powerful—a financial head start. This is more than a savings account; it’s a promise of possibility.
Call-to-Action: What do you think about this initiative? Could it help your family? Share your thoughts below and subscribe for more resources on building a brighter future for your kids. Also, please like share and subscribe. Thanks for reading.
Veterans Day is a time to reflect, honor, and express gratitude to all who have served in the armed forces. From every background and every branch, these individuals have made profound sacrifices to protect our freedoms and shape our nation’s story. This year, we wanted to offer something special—a way to honor not just the well-known chapters of military history, but also those that deserve more visibility. That’s why we created the Vintage African American Military Heritage Bundle. This digital collection features carefully curated vintage imagery that highlights the strength, dignity, and service of African American soldiers throughout U.S. history.
To commemorate this, we’ve created a special Vintage African American Military Heritage Bundle—a curated digital collection of powerful vintage imagery that celebrates the strength, dignity, and patriotism of Black soldiers.
This striking set of four insignia designs paying tribute to the legendary African American military units that served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces. Each patch is a powerful symbol of bravery, resilience, and heritage—perfect for collectors, history enthusiasts, or anyone who values the untold stories of Black excellence in military service.
• 2nd Ranger Company (Airborne) – Featuring a buffalo and parachute emblem with the motto “Buffalo Rangers” • 758th Tank Battalion – Iconic crossed swords and goggles with the Latin motto “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready) • 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (“Triple Nickles”) – Crescent moon and triple fives, honoring the first all-Black airborne unit • 505th Airborne Infantry – Bold eagle and star design representing elite paratroopers 📌 Product Details: • 1 high-quality embroidered patch design with separate sewing instructions • 1 Printable SVG file • 1 high resolution collective insignia design with gold lettering and 1 without the gold lettering. • 1 high resolution collective insignia design perfect for printing and framing.
The next phase of my life is intentional and full of meaning, shaped by stories of transformation and inspired by moments that spark gratitude. It may be deeply personal, but many of those moments are love letters to God. I’ve thought carefully about what I’m building, and nothing moves, changes, or inspires me like my walk of faith. My journey is unique—I wasn’t born this way—but I strive daily to be a “good daughter” and a faithful steward of my freedom.
There were times when money was tight, yet those seasons brought the best holidays ever. There were moments I thought anger would consume me, but I ended up laughing instead. Life keeps getting better. Every day brings challenges, but they’re worth facing. When I say “thank you for your support,” I mean it. Even in the darkest times, I can look back and feel the love. If you’re in a dark place, hold on—just for one more day. Find one thing to be thankful for. Gratitude brings blessings, and those blessings are for everyone. No storm lasts forever; eventually, the rain has to stop.
So maybe when you lay your head down to sleep whisper Jeova Es Mi Pastor and know that you are loved. That is why I created “Your Cross Is Your Crown.” It is. The thing that seems like it is too much to bear is the very thing you will bring in the light.
Outside of this fancy mug I just splurged buying, it’s been hard to think about what I’ve spent a lot of money on. I do have quite a few art supplies and all of them were costly. In the past, my most expensive purchase would have been my computer but I’ve added a few bells and whistles to my life since then. Oh, I do remember buying a few designer bags. They were exciting, but buying the $300 worth of fabric for the first gown I sewed was more exhilarating.
I feel the best in life when I’m getting a deal. While I’m not a full on haggler on prices, I do like to take my time comparison shopping, and scouring the shelves like a detective for discounts. In truth, depending on when the season is, different things are expensive at different times. I remember buying tomatoes as an adult while trying to become an entrepreneur because the job market was meh, was a challenge. But when it comes to my art supplies, and fabric, I have had no regrets.
In the future, I think I may add trips and hotels to this list, but for now, these are things that feed my soul and are worth the expense.
If you haven’t checked out our rapidly growing family shop, head on over today. On our Etsy shop you will find Veterans Day bundles and heritage gifts and more.
Please join the mailing list and visit the shop. Thanks so much for reading.
This is a bit of an unfair question. I feel like I travel there, or at least some part of me does, every night. I love the moon and if I had to pay to visit, I would. However, I want to visit the back side the moon. I hear that’s where the real fun is.
I am positive there is a whole side of the universe that I do not know and I’d like to see it. I want to learn more, see more, and be more and for that I have to be open.
If I had to pick something more tangible, I would like to going snowboarding. I also would like to try a rare food. Something like the world’s best coffee or the last Ostrich egg.
“An Invocation for Balance, Courage, and Love in Leadership”
We are living in a provisional stage. The ground is shifting, the veil is lifted, and the call is clear: leadership must be reimagined—not as domination, but as stewardship. The cross we carry is not defeat. It is the crown of responsibility, humility, and love.
This is my invocation, my prayer, my offering: May those in power bow to the work of right balance and visionary stewardship. May they be endowed with courage when action is required, and with humility when it is time to listen, support, or stand down. May leaders who have sworn the oath of right action become teachers of a new standard of life. May those who struggle to see, see clearly, and grant themselves grace for the deceptions they once believed. May forgiveness take root in every heart. May men and women alike recognize one another as brethren in the fight for equanimity and humanity’s rightful standing. May false notions of correctness collapse before truth. May abundance be revealed as the true inheritance of all. Let love be the standard bearer, not fear, not scarcity, not pride. For God’s spirit is love, not endless pain. And when suffering is endured in God, it is not suffering at all, but glory— a strengthening, a calling fulfilled. The cross is your crown. The burden is the blessing. The trial is the testimony. The stewardship is the light.
Devoted to the Drama: A Romance Writer’s Ritual I just got a pass to preview some upcoming shows, and I’m absolutely thrilled to start writing reviews. You’ll be able to get your fix on Blush and Bone right here on the site. Full transparency: I’ll soon be looking for a writing partner in the romance game. So if you’re as obsessed with love stories as I am, stay tuned. Nothing makes me feel more alive, more grounded, or more gratified than watching highly dramatic, emotionally charged romance movies. I love curling up in bed or on the couch and diving into stories where people break up to make up, take down their stalker, find true love, start over in a small town, or fall into Christian love — you name it. If it’s dramatic and romantic, I’m in. I even got my kids hooked early. When my son was struggling with language development, I had him sit with me and watch movies. Looking back, I wish I’d chosen General Hospital over all those creepy neighbor thrillers — because now he occasionally sounds like “that guy.” It’s funny… but also, you know. I have fond memories of my daughter Calais and I in her little hospital bed (me on the side) watching shows. I can still hear her shaky little voice from behind her mask saying, ” oh no, he’s got a gun!” I’m sure a four year old didn’t need to see that, but she was entertained and that’s what it was about. More often than not, there is a happy ending in sight. These movies are predictable, and that’s exactly why they work. It’s the classic “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Like going to McDonald’s — you know the fries will hit every time. It’s the reason I would never boycott Hulu or Lifetime, they are just too awesome.
I don’t watch as many movies as I used to, but I’m making a vow: two romance films a week, and a review for each. I recently scored an amazing deal on an Amazon television for $99 (seriously, check it out while it lasts), and it inspired me to dive back in. First up: The Neighbor (2017). I wrote a review about it — and trust me, you’ll want to decide for yourself whether neighbor “Mike” is the kind of guy you’d want living next door.
So, let’s talk about The Neighbor (2017). It’s the kind of movie that proves one universal truth: if your neighbor knows more about your life than your best friend does, you’re in danger. Period.
Mike Fichtner plays the world’s least subtle widower, living next door to a shiny new couple. At first, he’s just your average lonely guy — watering the lawn, saying hi too much — and then boom, suddenly he’s in their kitchen, in their business, and maybe in their nightmares. Imagine Ned Flanders if he swapped “hi-diddly-ho” for ominous stares and bad timing.
The Funny-but-Creepy Stuff:
That backyard barbecue. One minute it’s burgers and beers, the next it’s “so how stable is your marriage?” Sir, pass the ketchup and calm down.
His relentless “neighborly visits.” At this point, he’s less neighbor and more unpaid life coach nobody asked for.
Everyone around just shrugs like, “Yeah, that’s Bob. He’s weird.” Ma’am, Bob is plotting.
Pros:
Mike Fichtner is a masterclass in resting-creep-face. Half the tension is just him existing on screen.
The whole “suburban nightmare” aesthetic is strong — it looks like a Pottery Barn catalog but with secrets.
Predictable, yes. But it’s the cinematic version of comfort junk food. Sometimes you want steak, sometimes you want mac and cheese from a box.
Cons:
The middle act drags — we didn’t need that many awkward silences.
The supporting cast could’ve been replaced by mannequins in Banana Republic clothes.
The climax? More like a drizzle than a storm. I wanted fireworks; I got damp sparklers.
Final Take: This isn’t a genre-bending thriller. It’s not even trying to be. The Neighbor is for people (me) who secretly love Lifetime thrillers and don’t care that they all follow the same script. Creepy, predictable, and easy to swallow — like watching bad reality TV, you know it’s trashy but you can’t look away.
If You Like This, Watch That:
The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) — still the gold standard of “helpful stranger ruins your life.”
Disturbia (2007) — actual suspense, plus teenage nosiness.
The Watcher (Netflix, 2022) — because one weird neighbor is never enough.
The Rental (2020) — nosy meets Airbnb horror, and it does not end well.
Leave the World Behind (2023) — paranoia, neighbors, and the sense that everyone knows more than they’re telling.
The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window (2022) — for when you want your neighbor-creep fix with a wink and some wine.
Fresh from 2024/2025: Apartment 7A (2024) — psychological thriller in the Rosemary’s Baby universe, AKA “don’t trust your neighbors, ever.”
Also 2025’s The Deliverance (Lee Daniels) — not exactly suburban snooping, but definitely brings that unnerving, who’s-watching-you energy.
Bottom line: The Neighbor is like reheated thriller leftovers — a little bland, a little mushy, but oddly satisfying at 11 p.m. when you just need something familiar, creepy, and snackable.
I love romance from all around the world, and urban movies also– stay tuned.
Last year, I took a brave leap into the wild world of taxes, tackling both my business and personal ones for the very first time! It was like diving into a whirlpool of stress and discovery. It really did change my perspective on everything. Filing taxes feels like an immersive crash course in “America 101″—where you learn the ins and outs of industry classifications and sharpen your financial acumen.
Surprisingly, only a select few tackle their own taxes—but doing so feels like cracking open a treasure chest packed with real-world lessons in civics, business, and law. It’s everyday life turned into a masterclass. As much as I cherish formal education, I’ve discovered an entire universe of free knowledge just begging to be explored. A few years ago, when I was dabbling in selling houses, I felt that earning my real estate license gave me that “I’m officially adulting” feeling—especially diving into ethics. But learning the ins and outs of taxes? That was the real transformation. It reshaped how I handle money and responsibility, leveling me up in ways no classroom ever could.
So, if you haven’t tried preparing your own taxes you should. Additionally, I am a great listener. I have been around enough lawyers in New City during tax time and I learned a lot. Sadly, none of the cheat codes applied to me, but I have them in my mental rolodex for a rainy day. I was once asked if I ever regretted not jumping on an opportunity. Looking back, I would say leaving finance. I had really bad imposter syndrome because I was counting on my fingers and overspending at the sushi bar. It’s too late now. (and yes, it is) but I love the things that finance teaches you.
Embarking on tough tasks whether they are successful or not– is a reminder that you can do anything you set your mind too.
Self Care as a Priority Lately I’ve realized that the details of my life that deserve more attention aren’t flashy achievements or perfect schedules but the small, steady acts of self care that keep me grounded and present. For years I’ve poured my time into making sure my children look amazing, smoothing out every wrinkle and selecting outfits with care. That love didn’t leave room for me. I was also in a relationship at the time. Now I’m choosing differently: I’m committing to my health and wellbeing as a lifelong practice, not just a way to look good. I am putting myself back on the schedule. And if I am being honest, my kids are happy that I’m not focusing on them at a granular level.
What I’m Paying Attention To I’m paying attention to grooming and hair care in a new way. I used to manage everything myself, juggling trims and quick fixes between school runs. Now I see the value in outsourcing some of that work so I can have consistent, professional results without the stress. A monthly salon visit or a stylist consult feels like buying back calm. I am working on it! I don’t have to be the jack of all trades everywhere. Do I mention that these are aspirational actions? They are. But for many of you, these are your daily, monthly, weekly norms.
My wardrobe has become another focus. Instead of impulse buys, I’m curating a capsule of reliable pieces that mix and match. That reduces morning decision fatigue and makes getting dressed feel simple, intentional, and true to who I am. I still wear yoga pants– daily. But, I’m working on it!
Fitness used to be background noise. Now yoga is part of my week and I’ve just started jogging. These aren’t vanity projects; they are investments in energy, mood, and longevity. I celebrate small wins—showing up for a yoga class three times a week or finishing a short jog—because consistency beats perfection. Sleep and rest are nonnegotiable. I protect my wind-down time and treat sleep like an appointment. When I prioritize sleep, everything else—patience with my children, focus at work, clear thinking—improves. Nutrition and meal rhythm matter, but I refuse to make food a stress point. Simple meal planning, a few reliable batch-cooked options, and occasional meal outsourcing (pizza it is!) let’s me feed my family well without burning out.
How I am Making the Shift— Thank God For Kids! The goal is to start by listing low-return tasks that drain me. Those are largely all of them. In efforts of time, I decided to outsource them to my children so I can take care of myself a bit better.
Staying Committed Long Term I changed my internal script. Self-care is nourishment, not vanity. My motivation is clear: I want to be the energized, present parent and partner my family deserves. Outsourcing has not made me less involved in my life; it has made my involvement deeper and more present. By delegating the tasks that drain me, I’ve created space to relax, to be joyful with my children, (after they’re done cleaning!) and to keep my health as a lifelong priority. That way I can be there for them in Zen motherly omnipresence.
Note: While I am being light-hearted I am very serious. I was running back and forth to the kitchen getting for able-bodied children and teens. I no longer do things like that and life is looking up.
