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My Bedside Crystals

Crystals have been something that has been a huge part of my life for the last few years. One of the places I feel like I need the most healing is the bedroom to assist with anxiety, and insomnia. Needless to say, I’ve started to collect crystals that have resided by my bedside.

I wanted to take the time to share those crystals with you. Again, I am not an expert in any way, shape, or form. These are crystals that work for me personally for what I need them to do.

That said, here are the crystals by my bedside:

1. Unakite Tower: This was the first crystal that I added to my collection. Unakite is used for healing pain and for hormone balance. I have had my ups and downs with my hormones and cycles over the last year, so this has been an essential for me.

2. Amethyst Heart: I deal with anxiety — a lot (ever have those nights where you just lay there and think about all you did wrong in life?) Since amethyst is a calming stone, it is definitely needed at my bedside.

3. Black Obsidian Point: Since Black Obsidian helps bring negative energy to the surface, this has been helpful when dealing with some of the nightmares that I’ve been having lately, and bring positive energy into my space.

4. Selenite Heart: Selenite is a great stone for bringing purification and positive energy. That is why many people use it to help cleanse their crystals. I personally think it’s a great stone to have in your bedroom to bring peace into your life.

5. Dalmatian Jasper Elephant: This is a new addition to my collection. Dalmatian Jasper is helpful when it comes to dealing with nightmares, which is something that I deal with on a daily basis thanks to my medication. I love elephants, so this is something that brings me so much joy whenever I look at it.

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My Favorite Crystals To Use When I’m Feeling Stressed or Anxious

My crystal and gemstone jewelry collection has grown over the last few years. I am a jewelry lover through and through, but there is something that is so powerful about having crystal gemstones in my arsenal to aid me in a specific type of situation.

That said, I have found that crystals have helped me deal with anxiety and stress for the last few years. The crystals that I am about to share with you are ones that have honestly helped calm me, whether it may be from a panic attack or just an overall stressful day at work.

Before I begin, I just want to say that these are the crystals that work well for myself. I am in no ways an expert on crystals, but I have found that these are the ones that have worked well for me and my experiences.

So, here are the crystals that I use that help me with anxiety:

Amethyst: Amethyst has been my go to since I’ve begun my journey. I have so many different types of amethyst pieces that I have accumulated over the years. Amethyst has many different healing properties, but in this instance, amethyst relieves stress, and helps with mediation and balance.

Sodalite: Sodalite is another great gemstone as well for those who are stressed and those with anxiety. Of its many healing properties, sodalite helps with emotional well-being and enhances self-esteem. This is crucial for those who suffer with anxiety if you ask me.

Howlite: Howlite is loving known as calm the f**k down stone. I deal with a lot of anxiety when it comes to driving, so I keep one clipped to the air vent of my car. The Howlite is a great calming stone for stress relief, eliminating pain and stress, and of course, just creating balance.

Rose Quartz: Last but certainly not least, rose quartz is my go-to in times of anxiety and stress. Rose quartz is such a powerful gemstone, but during times of anxiety, I find it hard to show myself some love. Therefore, rose quartz — the gemstone of love — helps increase the elements of love within for myself.

Friday Faves: December 19, 2025

It is less than one week until Christmas. There’s panic. There’s excitement. There’s the feeling of worry of how much one has left to do and not enough time to do it.

Ah, the feeling of procrastination.

But before we start wrapping up 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on my favorites for this past week:

  1. Bare Minerals Tinted Moisturizer: I have been obsessed with this tinted moisturizer. I love it because it’s lightweight, and has helped my dry skin so much. It also is advertised as a sunscreen, which due to the winter season, I haven’t exactly used it as, but the SPF is actually really good as well.
  2. R and Co Badlands Dry Shampoo: I just started to use this product, and let me tell you, it’s one that I will repurchase again. It has given my hair so much volume, and has managed to soak up a lot of the oils left in my hair. As a thin hair girly, this is something that has been so helpful.
  3. Sophie Scarf/Hood: The Sophie collection by PetiteKnit is by far my favorite knit patterns to use. I am a novice knitter, and these patterns are so easier for building my confidence. This has been addictive to make. Just be sure to use a stitch counter/marker.
  4. Coach Plaza 22 Bag: My latest Coach purchase has been one of my favorites. I love the Coach Nolita, but she’s a little small. This bag is so perfect. It’s a little bigger, but not so much that it’s a huge bag. You fit the essentials, and just sling it over your shoulder. Boom. I am even considering wearing this bag with my larger ones so I can really get that cost per wear down.
  5. Improved Health Chair Workouts: These workouts have been my saving grace since I sprained and fractured my ankle. No weight bearing BUT I get to still get a good workout in. Win.

Let me know. Are you ready for the holiday season? Let me know in the comments below!

Please note that there are some affiliate links used in this blog post. Using them is at no cost to you, but if you use them, I get a small commission.

Do I Think the Sophie Scarf Is Worth Making?

If you knit and you’re on the internet, I am more than sure that you’ve heard of Petite Knit. Petite Knit by Mette Wendelboe Okkels has been on the Internet since 2016 and giving the world her elegant patterns from scarves to sweaters. However, she has come to fame over the last few years thanks to the viral Sophie pattern collections.

The Sophie collection, which include the scarf, shawl, and hood, are pretty straightforward. They increase after x amount of rows (the amount depends on which you’re making), and then they decrease after you reach the max increase. To date, I have made three scarves, a shawl, and I currently have the hood cast on. And I’m not alone. There are so many content creators that have created multiples of this for both themselves or as gifts.

Now, I am not an expert knitter by any means. I’ve done scarves by using garter stitch, but that’s about it. These patterns were pretty easy to make, at least for me with the expertise that I had when I started the first one. I did have to Google the I-Cord edging, and to make sure you get the correct amount of stitches, you do have to make sure that you count your rows.

However, I did get the hype of this pattern. The scarf goes by so quick, especially when you are in the first few rows since you only cast on six stitches. Seeing that workup so incredibly quickly is something that is really motivating, at least for me. As someone who wants that instant gratification, it helps seeing that progress, especially when it comes to fiber arts where things take months to create. In my graveyard of WIPs, you can tell that there are some projects that have moved slowly due to my lack of motivation due to slow progress.

This pattern is not it. Even the hood and the shawl, while they were a little longer to make, they definitely have gone by on the quicker side.

I also have found this pattern to be really soothing. Since this pattern is so repetitive, I can just go, and turn my brain off while making it. I have found it super relaxing when I knit, and it helps me unwind after a long day instead of doom scrolling.

Now, do I recommend this pattern?

The answer is yes.

It is both fun and mindless, and really easy for someone with little to no knitting experience. It is great for someone like me who has a bunch of single skeins of yarn, but no idea what to make with them. It also is good for that person who needs to level up after making nothing but garter stitch scarves, but isn’t ready to cast on their very first sweater. Sophie is your girl for all of that.

Needless to say, I’ll be casting on the Sophie scarf, shawl, and hood for a little while, because I’m obsessed. So yes, if you’re looking to make something this holiday season, or just need a cozy craft to keep you off of your phone, definitely check out the Sophie collection by Petite Knit.

Materials Used to Make the Sophie Scarf (affilate):

Circular Knitting Needles

Lion Brand Mandala Ombre Yarn

Amazon Favorite Finds

Check out this post on my Amazon Storefront!

Hello everyone! As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season has gone underway, I wanted to take a moment to share some of my favorite finds that I’ve been loving these days. All of these links are commissionable links, so if you use them, I would make a small profit from them.

Aquaphor Healing Balm Stick: It’s been cold lately, and I’ve been using this stuff everywhere. On my chapped lips. On my dry skin. It lives no greasy residue. It also fits in my bag, and does the job on the go. This is going to be a winter essential for me, and I highly recommend it.

Madewell Essential Shopper Tote: This bag has been slung on the shoulder of every influencer, and I finally broke down and bought it. I love this bag. It’s lightweight, fits a ton, and is so well made. I love it also because it also has a magnetic clasp, which makes it perfect for security.

Sunflower T Shirt: I have four colors of this long sleeve tee. It’s so comfy, well made, and a good price for a basic. This looks good in jeans. This looks good with leggings. I love this long sleeve shirt, and I highly recommend getting it for anyone on your list.

Bum Bag: Another bag that is perfect for Christmas gift giving. I love this bum bag. It is so easy to sling over a thick coat, and lays securely on your side without even thinking about it. I love that it comes with two straps, so you can change it according to your mood. It also fits everything you may need for a day out — including my Kindle. And for less than $30, you truly can’t go wrong.

Hamsa Ring: I just got this Hamsa ring in, and I am obsessed with it. It’s such a statement piece, but is still dainty enough for everyday wear. The quality of this ring is absolutely amazing, and already goes with so many of my other rings in my collection. I am excited to continue integrating it with my other rings.

November 2025 Favorites

I can’t believe that 2025 is almost over. Is it me, or time as an adult seems to go by so much faster than when I was a kid? I think so anyways.

That being said, I’m excited to be sharing some of my favorites of the month that I have been loving. Please note that there will be some affiliate links on this post. By clicking them, they come as no cost to you, but I do earn a small commission from you purchasing through those links.

Wild Series by K.A. Tucker: It has been a while since I have found a series that I have fallen in love with the way that I did with this one. This series tells the story of city girl Calla, who finds herself lost without the prospect of a job and a relationship. She then makes the trek out to Alaska to visit her dying father. This turns into a series that is both beautiful, spicy, and entertaining all in one. I was obsessed, and I think this is the perfect time of year to obsess over it.

eNewton Bracelets: I was just as obsessed withw eNewton in November as I was in October. I love these bracelets. I love that they are the type of piece that I can wear almost every day from sparkle to sweatpants. My collection has definitely grown a lot, but I can honestly say that they have become a huge part of my jewelry collection. If you’re considering getting these as a gift, please let this be your sign to do so. I wear them pretty much everyday.

Made By Mary Jude Charm Link Necklace: I love this necklace. It finally arrived at the end of last month, and it has been on repeat ever since. I currently have four charms on it — the number 7, the evil eye, the horseshoe, and the fortune cookie. I love the good vibes that this necklace brings me, and it looks good with other pieces or on it’s own.

Made by Mary Poppy Necklace: I’ve been wearing this necklace for all month as well. It pairs perfectly with the necklace that I have just shared, as well as other necklaces that I have in my collection. This would be such a great gift for Christmas, and I am pretty sure that anyone on your list will love to receive it, as it’s like a white T-Shirt in your jewelry box. It will go with anything.

Ring: I have been wanting a Tungsten ring, and I found the perfect one on Amazon for less than $20. I have both the larger size and a smaller one and I wear one of them pretty much every day. This is a perfect travel ring, as it was not so expensive, but it’s also a good everyday piece as well.

Long Sleeve T-Shirt: I have this shirt in three different colors (khaki, black, and gray), and I want more. It is such a great price (less than $20), and the quality is amazing. I have worn this with leggings and jeans and was comfortable the entire time. I am already thinking about who else to get this shirt for, because it is just that good.

Aurate Tennis Bracelet: This is one of my favorite second hand finds this year and this is something that I’ve worn maybe everyday this month. It goes with every kind of stack and still manages to look effortless.

Dooney Florentine Satchel Is On Your For You Page but Is A Classic

The Florentine Satchel has been all over my TikTok for you page this fall. This makes sense, as the bag fits the bill for bags that are trending — bags that are oversized, slouchy, and age amazing. This bag checks all of those boxes.

I am way ahead of this trend, as I’ve had mine for over four years. I got mine on a whim. They were on sale at the Dooney Outlet in Clinton, Conn., and I grabbed three for less than the price of one. I currently have chestnut, natural, and black in my collection. I currently have the second smallest size, and it fits everything that I need.

This bag has been my go-to for the fall season, especially the chestnut. That is the bag that I’m currently carrying. The bag fits a Snoopy wristlet from Coach, a Marc Jacobs Beauty Bag, my Kindle, and so much more of my little bits and bobs. You can fit a lot in this bag, folks. I can fit an iPad pro and mini if I need to.

The one thing that I truly love about this bag is the overwhelming and intoxicating scent of that leather. Dooney and Bourke is one of those brands that are just amazing quality and this material stands by that promise of quality. However, the one thing that I do not like about the leather, is the fact that it’s a heavy bag. Without anything in it, this bag weighs over a pound. That weight only increases when adding essentials in.

While many bags on TikTok are trendy, for me that one is not the case. Judging from the fact that I’ve had it over a long period of time, I can tell you that it’s something that I reach for a lot. It’s aged well so far, and it’s something that I’ve received a lot of compliments on whenever I wear the bag. I also would just like to add that this a classic, beautiful bag. There are no logos, it gets the job done, and is something that is considered, at least to me, an investment piece. To me, this bag is a slouchier all leather version of a Speedy..

It can be worn either top handle or crossbody. Sometimes, it is just easy to grab it by the top handles and just go especially if it’s your front seat companion. This is truly one of my favorite bags that I own in my collection for that reason alone.

Dooney and Bourke truly knocked it out of the park with this bag, and their quality on their pieces — not just this bag — keeps me returning to their brand over and over again whether it may be new or thrifted.

This brand holds a special place in my heart not only because of that quality behind their pieces, but also because Dooney and Bourke was my mother’s favorite brand of purses. I’m pretty sure that I got my love for handbags from my mother, and her go-to brand for years was Dooney. She scouted for her latest finds on QVC, from monogram to the All Weather Leather bags in various colors.

What can I say? Mother knows best.

And while my mother did not have this bag in particular, I’m pretty sure that she would love this bag as well.

I cannot stop singing the praises of this bag, and therefore, I am so happy that more and more people are enjoying it.

If you’re looking to add this bag to your collection, there are so many ways to do it that paying full price is insane. In addition to second hand sites like Poshmark, I love Dooney had this bag for a major discount, and the bag is brand new!

*Note. This post contains affiliate links, where I may earn a small commission should you use it to purchase items with them. They are at no extra cost to you.

I’m Trying 75 Booked: Here Are My Initial Thoughts

Reading has been one of my first loves; however, lately it’s been falling behind to my other hobbies. However, the 75 Booked challenge from Emily Paige has been all over my for you page, and of course, influenced me to give it a try myself.

I wanted to try this challenge for a couple of reasons. 1. I wanted to reach my Goodreads goal. 2. I have so many physical and digital books that I wanted to get to, but haven’t yet. 3. I feel like I haven’t had made enough time for reading, so I think this would be the perfect challenge to do.

Gentle reader, you may be asking. What is 75 Booked?

Well, it’s basically a bookish version of 75 hard. The challenge is simple. Emily’s is as follows. Have two 45-minute reading sessions a day for 75 days. One of those sessions must not be in bed and can incorporate audio books for walks and cozy hobbies. Furthermore, you must finish a full water bottle of water during your reading session and commit to not buying books for 75 days.

My version is to do the 45-minute reading sessions a day with one of them not being reading in bed. I will do my best to drink water and not buy books with the exception of using my Book of the Month and Kindle Unlimited subscription, and gift cards.

The challenge has been going on for me for about five days, and I’ve been really enjoying it so far. I’ve been reading on the walking pad, the couch, and at work while waiting for Court to start. I’ve been using my Kindle, so it’s been great to swap out my Kindle for my phone. My screen time has decreased dramatically.

Furthermore, the biggest change that I have is not being on my phone at night and instead reading on the Kindle. This helps me not only cut down on the screen time before bed, but also limits the blue light — something that we all know will help me get better quality sleep which is something that has been a struggle for me these days.

Since starting the challenge, I have managed to read two books. This is a huge success, as I would probably normally read a book a week these days. I’m now one book behind where I need to be to reach my goal, versus two or three that I have been for the last month or so.

Numbers aside, I want to bring up this point. This was supposed to be a challenge, and yet, I’ve been finding it really easy to do. I don’t know if it’s just my swapping my scroll time for book time, but as of right now, it’s been something that hasn’t been challenging. Over the course of the challenge, I am sure that will change with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, as well as being an adult that works full time.

That being said, I’m looking forward to getting to quite a few books on my TBR that have just lingered.

Would you try the 75 Booked Challenge? Let me know in the comments below.

Sundays are Now for Bell Bakeshop

Sundays are for brunch and they are when the Sunday scaries for the upcoming week emerge. However, Sundays are now suddenly less scary when Bell Bakeshop in Milford opens their doors with breads and treats ready to purchase from 9 to 1 every Sunday morning.

Sage, the owner of Bell Bakeshop, advertises Sunday’s menu on Saturday night on the Bell Bakeshop Instagram. Offerings include: cookies, breads, bars, donuts, and cinnamon rolls — just to name a few. I’ve had a few of the treats over the last few weeks, and I will say each and every one of them is amazing. Some of my favorites that I’ve tried are the brownies, which were a fudgy and mouthwatering blissful treat, the biscoff, which reminded me so much of Trader Joe’s cookie butter combined with a gooey cookie, and their chewy chocolate chip cookie, which was one of the best ones that I have had to date. Each and every treat that I’ve had tasted like there was ingredients that were so fresh and just tasted like there was a lot of thought that went into how they were put together.

And in addition to regular options, Bell Bakeshop has gluten free options to try as well. We love an inclusive menu for everyone out there as someone who has an allergy to dairy. I’ve had their pumpkin bread last week, and to be honest, it was one of the best ones that I have ever had.

Bell Bakeshop has had its Sunday hours since August, but this little bakeshop offers so much more than just that. In addition to their Sunday personal options, the bakery offers wholesale, custom, and holiday offerings. Furthermore, there is a food truck that can be rented for pizza and cookies to be made right in front of you.

And most recently, Bell Bakeshop has partnered with Drift Coffee to supply them with their sourdough bread for avocado toast.

Bell Bake Shop may be small in size, however, the contents inside their storefront lead to big flavor. Just make sure that you get there early — products tend to sell out pretty quickly.

*Click here for Bell Bakeshop’s Facebook page.

What’s in My Bag Wednesday: Boston Bruins Edition

This past weekend, my husband and I went to a Bruins game. Figuring out what bag to take was such a hassle, as TD Garden has strict bag rules — a clutch that measures 4 x 6 inches. After going through and measuring bags in my collection, which we all know is massive, I settled on the Longchamp Pouch with handle and added a crossbody strap from a kit from Amazon (commission link, I may earn a small percentage if you were to purchase using that link).

I flew through security with ease, and I was able to carry my basic essentials that I needed for a day out in Boston.

So here’s what I brought to my very first Bruins game:

And best part? There was enough room for my phone if needed.

October 2025 Favorites

Today as I sit here, we are turning back the clocks, a sign that fall is underway and winter is waiting in the shadows. Hopefully, that doesn’t mean that the chill of New England winters are soon behind it.

That being said, the fact that there are two more months left in 2025 is beyond bananas for me. This year had some growing pains — but more on that later. Today, I want to talk to you about my monthly favorites.

  1. Heating pad*: I love this heating pad. I’ve been a huge fan of the bean bag microwavable ones for years, but this one is so much better. I love that the battery life lasts for hours and it’s super slim compared to my bulky ones. This one also has a massager feature as well, which feels amazing. This is easily one of the best Amazon finds I’ve had to date.
  2. eNewton Bracelets: eNewton has been my addiction over the last few months. I love love love creating stacks with my collection, and they have held up significantly for months if not years. If you are considering gifting these, seriously check them out.
  3. Letter Necklace: This necklace has been on constant rotation since I got it. I was inspired by Madsstefano and this is the perfect everyday piece. I was also fortunate to get this right before the price increase, so I’m very happy I got this everyday piece in my collection.
  4. Dooney Lock Hobo: This bag has become my emotional support bag. I actually own it in four colors, and they are so comfortable to wear. I love the capacity of the bag, but I also love how the materials of the bag will stand whatever weather you’re in.

*Affiliate link — free to you to use, but I will be paid a small commission for each sale that you made via Amazon Content Creator.

Can We Normalize Friendship Breakups?

The type of breakup you hear about all of time is a romantic one. However, the one that you don’t hear about — and perhaps is even the most cutting and heartbreaking, is the platonic one.

The thing is we don’t anticipate friendships ending. Friends are the ones that are supposed to be there to lift you up when you need lifting and to be a source of support and companionship. There’s times that those relationships— like all — can be frustrating. However, the best thing about them — and perhaps the most beautiful— is that they are the ones that come with the most acceptance.

But sometimes, things happen. People grow apart, which is often the least painless one of them all. And no one’s guilty. It just happens as people progress in careers, move away, get married, and have babies.

The most painful thing is when there’s a blowup, a fight, or something that just cuts into the body so deep that it creates wounds and leaves scars once healed. The pain worsens when it’s someone that has been someone’s life for years and multiple stages of life. Trust me, I know this from experience. At the end of my twenties, I’ve had to say goodbye to a few friendships, people who I thought would be in my life forever.

But however common this is, it is something that I feel is not talked about. We talk plenty about romantic relationships ending. I mean, there are songs and novels and shows that are dedicated to that.

Friendship breakups though? Crickets.

This is something that I feel like needs to be normalized. I mean, I’m sure I’m not the only one on the planet who has experienced this. Therefore, I wish that there was more on this subject so that way one feels as though they are not alone, and the feeling is foreign and weird. That being said, those feelings and that pain is 100 percent valid.

And therefore, healing it is the exact same thing. Self care, allowing yourself to feel the feelings, and give yourself time to heal.

After all, like a regular breakup, time heals all wounds. I can say after experiencing one in the past year, that cliche is 100 percent true.