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.
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.
I have seen Elm Street Diner all over my timeline and for you page and have heard nothing but good things from the people that I know that have been there. It’s been on my bucket list, and my husband and I finally decided to go.
So what’s Elm Street Diner? It’s a diner that is in both Stamford and Norwalk and is known for its “social media” menu. This special and indulgent section of the menu includes mouth watering options such as crunch wraps (not going to lie the chicken ceaser one was a high contender for me), the famous waffle tower, and so many different milkshakes.
But if you’re like me and just want something delicious and not so indulgent, they have quite the “regular” menu as well including salads, breakfast, pasta, sandwiches, burgers, and so much more.
My husband and I went today, and I am so happy that I was finally able to check this spot off my list of places to try. He had the appetizer sampler (chicken tenders, onion rings, fried mozzarella, wings, and cheesesteak eggrolls), while I had the California chicken panini without cheese and waffle fries.
I was impressed. I absolutely loved the quality of the food. What often detracts me from trying social media places such as this is that they are overhyped. This place was not it at all. What shocked me more than anything is that we were able to get in pretty easily. Sure, we went on a weekday, but we were seated moments after entering the place. The service was also incredible as well. Our waitress was able to answer any questions that I had, and one of the waitresses even offered to take a picture for another table enjoying their milkshakes.
For me, that customer service speaks volumes.
Despite the social media popularity, at the end of the day, Elm City Diner is just that — a diner. Diners are always the hub of comfort food, and this diner brings that. I devoured my panini and played happy fork with my husband’s food. Everything that we had was delicious, so I am sure that I will be back at some point to try the chicken ceaser crunch wrap — and a few other things, because they have so many delicious things that I’m interested in trying.
Be sure to follow Elm City Diner on Instagram to check out their other social media specialities.
I am going to be so honest with you here — I am super behind on my reading goal on Goodreads. I went from reading 12 books a month to reading about 4. And that’s generous.
Despite the fact that I am struggling to get through books, I did want to share some of the books that I am dying to get to before the end of 2026. I hope that I can come back on here and share that at the end of the year, I actually completed them.
So here’s my list:
Carl’s Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman
The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson
The Shippers by Katherine Center
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
Wild Love by Elisie Silver
Have you read any of these? What books to do you hope to get to before the end of 2026?
About a year ago, I finally felt inspired by the many crochet YouTubers that I watch and decided that it would be time for me to open my very own Etsy business, KnitandPearlCo. A year later, I’ve only made two sales.
I wanted to take some time to chat about this, because as you can imagine this has been such a huge blow to my ego.
On YouTube, we see so many creators being able to use Etsy as an incredible source of income. We see people who are easily able to sell the things that they make rather quickly. That’s why I entered into this venture with such optimism. Instead, I was left with a bagful of bracelets and other crochet goodies.
Part of this is on me. I have not had the time to properly devote to creating the stock that I need, as well as devoting time to promote it on social media. Honestly, the last time I posted was about two months ago. I’m sure that has played a major role in my success on Etsy. Instead, it goes in spurts. I’ll do a few weeks where I upload one of two items a week and then crickets for months. I feel like Etsy is such a learning experience, between managing the socials, promotions, and more, that requires more time that I can possibly give it.
That being said, I’m using this time to respark my creativity and get back on Etsy. Devote time to promote. Learn better SEO. Make more products.
By doing that, I will continue to grow. But by the same token, I promise you that I will give myself grace in doing so.
Feel inspired to support? Here’s a shameless plug to my shop’s Instagram.
It’s no secret that I’ve been slowing down with some creative endeavors from blogging to even my beloved crochet and knitting adventures. To be honest, as I sit here and type this blog post out today, I cannot remember the last time that I actually finished a crochet project. Wild, I know. I know that I have a bad habit of starting projects but never finishing them. Let’s see how bad my WIP pile is… and maybe it will inspire me to pick up a crochet hook and finish some things, maybe.
Saybin Beanie: I have been knitting up this mindless beanie for a week now and I absolutely how easy it is to create. Knitting typically takes longer than crochet, so hence why the project is still a WIP.
Scrap Blanket: I have been working on this guy since the summer, and I have been obsessed with it. I have gotten through three skeins of yarn from my stash and hope to go through at least one more before the project is through. Furthermore, I am excited to finish this just in time for the colder months.
Two cardigans: Yeah… not one but two. I have had these in my WIP pile for about a year now (yes a year), and I work on them every once in a while. One of my goals is to get these completed by the end of the year. The cardigans are the Everyday Cotton Cardigan by Sewerella and the Wisteria Pattern from Hooks and Heelers
Six-day Star Blanket: Oh, look. Another large project of mine that needs to be completed. I started this with the intentions of creating a post of the pattern. I loved the pattern, but I have never made it to finishing the six days of crocheting. Therefore, I do think I just need to pick it up and finish this project because it is oh, so colorful.
The Natalie Poncho: It was the name that drew me in for this one. I love this piece and I think it would be a wonderful piece to style in my wardrobe — that is, once it’s done.
Granny Square Bag: I decided to make yet another bag, but only have a third of the project done. I think with this one, I got bored with the squares quickly, so I didn’t pick it up as often as I should.
Double Stranded Beanie: This one is so so close to being done. I love the double stranded beanie pattern from Passionate Kelsie and this is the first one of the season. This one is actually the only project that I’m making that is not for me, but for my husband who is a Cleveland Browns fan. I hope to have this one off of my WIP list very soon.
How many WIPs do you have in your WIP pile? Let me know in the comments below.
I already managed to miss day three of Blogtober, but that’s okay. We’re back today. Today, I’m sharing my favorite finds from Amazon — just time for Prime Day on Tuesday! These are all items that I have been obsessed with this month, and recommend.
That being said, all of these links are affiliate links. I am an Amazon Influencer, so that means that I do make a small commission off of each product that you use the link for, which I very much appreciate you using!
Charger: This is honestly a game changer for me. It charged my Kindle while in the ortho walk in. It also is so slim that it fit in my Louis Vuitton Felicie — which is not a large bag by any means. I 10/10 recommend this charger for that reason alone.
Epilator: I am now on team epilator. Yes, she’s painful. But she’s also very easy to use and keeps my skin smooth for weeks at a time. Further, I would like to point out that this is so much more cost effective compared to waxing my legs and I can do it without the in between growing in time.
Sandals: I love the Crocs thong sandals. They are so comfortable. I bought these for an emo night, but I’m wearing these for more than just that. They are just the best little basic shoe — and a great shoe for a beach vacation. Pro tip? Size small.
Mask: TikTok got me. But this is the best mask that I have purchased for my skin. It has been feeling so nice and glowing. Definitely worth the purchase.
Calculator: I only purchased this because I needed a calculator on my desk at work, but I will tell you that this does make me smile every time I use it.
Weighted Vest: I got this in the six pound weight and I’ve been loving this. I’ve used this for a few of my walks and it’s made my walks feel so amazing! I feel so strong after using this, and it has improved my posture so much.
Ever have a book that just gets you — that moment, that feeling you had in that moment, and that feeling of sweet, sweet nostalgia?
For me, that was Call It What You Want by Alissa DeRogatis. It tells the story of Sloane, an aspiring writer that meets the emotionally unavailable Ethan in the fall of her senior year back in 2016. The two have an undeniable connection and “date” but soon get into the messy waters that is a relationship.
The book was such a relatable read. I discovered this book when going down a rabbit hole about self publishing books, and knew I had to read it. If you were in college in the late 2010s this had everything from the Chainsmokers to Migos. I could both smell and hear the book the whole time that I was reading it.
As someone that was in a situationship in that timeframe, I found myself relating to Sloane so much. I know a lot of people criticized her as being insufferable, but as someone who has been through a situation like that, she was painted out in a realistic light. As someone who is in a situation ship, you do retract back to that person over and over again, despite the healthy relationship you’re in, despite your friends telling you not to, despite knowing that you deserve better. Sloane embodies all of that, and she’s someone that could easily be any girl who wants a guy to love her.
Further, I found Ethan to be very realistic as well. Yes, he’s a jerk, let’s just get that out of the way. But, he is like the guys that are in these situationships — emotionally unavailable, emotionally uncertain, and broken. It’s hard not to feel empathy for Ethan. His upbringing? Super rough. However, the way he treated Sloane was inexcusable. And unfortunately, that’s the case with many guys that are out there.
And as someone who has read this book in 2026 and as a married woman, I couldn’t help but love the book. It was a quick read and I was able to finish it in a few days.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is a very different type of romance and I enjoyed reading it and recommend it for the nostalgia and relatability— and of course, the Taylor Swift references if that’s your jam.
For the past year, blogging has taken a backseat to everything. Sometimes that happens. Life gets crazy and you forget the things you love, whether it’s a hobby or something else. Blame it on the overtime, the therapy, and health issues. We can even blame it on life. But the amount of posts that I produce every single month has made me feel depressed. This is partially because I am so overwhelmed, so tired that I can’t have my creative juices flow because my energy is used elsewhere.
Blogging has been my love and passion since 2010. The fact that it’s 2026 and I’m still going — and won a few awards on the way is amazing. But I miss it. I miss writing posts that people love. I love writing posts.
So here we are on October 1. Blogtober 2026. I’ve decided to participate as much as possible. I don’t know what that looks like. All I know is that I need to write and want to write more then a few posts per month.
I can’t believe that today we are on the cusp of the fall 2026 equinox, the last full season of 2026. This year flew by so quick — and I can’t believe that we’re here now to chat about the -ber months.
I have been doing a lot of thinking about what I want to focus on during this time of year, and wanted to take a moment to speak my intentions into the universe — or in my case, the Internet on this very blog post. I am hoping that by doing so, I can take some time to actually focus on what’s important and the energy that I want to bring into this final season of the year.
Health:
I have been on a huge health journey in 2026. I sprained my ankle, and have hurt my back a few times this year. This season, I want to continue to grow on my health journey and continue to lose the weight I need to lose. That includes drinking more water, working out, yoga, and making time for the appointments I need to. It’s also working on including more protein and whole foods in my diet.
Creative:
The biggest thing that I want to focus on this season is my creative energy. Behind the scenes, I have been doing some creative writing. I also have been neglecting my love for fiber arts, and needlepoint because I have been working so much. I don’t want to lose this side of me, so this is something that I want to carve out little moments for during this season.
Work on My Relationship With Myself:
2026 has been a year of healing, and it’s hard. Really hard. In the fall, I want to continue to focus on healing and actually doing the hard things.
Rest:
I’ve been trying to work on trying to rest more. Resting for me is so incredibly hard to do. I have been having a hard time stopping to do things I enjoy. In fact, I tried to do nothing and felt anxious about just sitting. So this season, I want to focus on resting and sitting still — and being okay with it.
Nourish Relationships:
Finally, I want to work on nourishing and spending time on my relationships. This includes friends and family. I’ve been working a lot during the spring and summer and I’ve been neglecting my relationship with my husband, my dog, and forgetting to respond to texts. In this season, I want to nourish these relationships so I can still have something more than just a lot of OT.
What intentions do you have for the autumn equinox?
The Koala Sling bag by Portland Leather Goods is a bag that has graced my timelines and my for you page on TikTok. And for good reason. The bag can be worn as a shoulder carry or as a sling across the body; it comes in so many different colors from basic to bright; and is often discounted to being cheaper than some other full brand bags.
So I get the hype here, guys. But is it worth it?
In my opinion, yes. I am here to give you my unsolicited thoughts. Other than the affiliate links that will be scattered throughout this post (which if you use to purchase anything through them I get a small commission, which helps this blog), this is not sponsored in any way. Although if Portland Leather wants to, I am definitely open to that in the future.
Portland Leather Goods is a bag brand that is super popular and addictive. Speaking firsthand, it is super easy to get carried away with these purses with the huge variety of colors and constant releases. What draws me to this brand, and has over the years, is the fact that every bag is all leather and is offered at a price that makes leather goods accessible. These bags, like fine wine, get better with age, and they all make good everyday pieces that I go to again and again.
Anyways, the Koala comes in three different sizes: the small, medium, and large. It comes in so many different colors, so there’s a color for everyone. However, my personal favorite version is the nutmeg. I’m biased because the nutmeg is my favorite leather that Portland Leather offers because of the squishy texture and how it feels like a comfy sweater when wearing. It just feels wonderful when wearing the bag.
Small, medium and large
I’ve had the Koala for about five months now. I initially got the black large. When I got it, I knew it would be the perfect bag to take on some trips that I had planned. I took it with me on a bachelorette weekend and it was the perfect bag. It was good for exploring and it was amazing for formal evening dinners. I was in love.
Since then, I’ve added a cold brew and a nutmeg in large; a small honey; and a red chili medium. Out of my many many bags that I have in my collection, this bag has been one that I have reached for again and again.
Why? It’s a bag that just is perfect for daily life, if you ask me. No matter what size you get, it has these uniform features: a strap that adjusts from a shoulder bag to a crossbody carry; a secure magnetic closure; and at least one pocket. You don’t have to think about what you’re wearing or what you’re doing that day. You just sling it over your body and go. For my trip, this was amazing, but I’ve worn it for day trips when I needed a bag that was close to my body, or just wanted an elevated belt bag.
What is the difference between the sizes? Well, all three of them carry the following: a card holder, hand sanitizer, my car keys, a lip balm, and my hand lotion. If you’re getting the small, then that’s pretty much it — although that’s all I carry when I’m just running errands. The medium allows some more room for things, such as a full-size perfume, and the large holds my Kindle and several other items including a small cosmetic pouch, medication, and a water bottle depending on what else is in there.
Overall, this bag is something that I truly love and have been wearing on repeat. Personally, I love all three of the sizes that they have available, but if I had to pick a favorite, it would definitely be the large because it can truly be a bag that I can carry every single day (and according to my closet tracking app, it’s one of my most worn bags this year.)
Who knew that a simple guitar could change the trajectory of an entire family?
I want to start off this review by saying that I have been in a huge reading slump. This is partially due to the fact that I have had very little time to pick up a book, and it has shown on my Goodreads. However, on a whim I decided to pick up the bookFate Will Bring You Home by Danielle Lynn, and that reading slump is officially over.
Danielle Lynn is actually an author from Connecticut. She currently has three books in the Fate series out — Fate Will Bring You Home, Fate Forever and Always, and Fate in Pieces. I chatted with her a few days ago as I was diving into the book, and she mentioned that she’s already working on a new writing project when I was chatting away with her in the DMs.
The premise of the first book in the Fate series begins when Aubrey Miller finds out that her dad is not her real dad and goes on a road trip with her best friend to meet her biological father. He accepts her with open arms and invites her quickly into his world. Lincoln Marx, a former foster child of theirs, is a boy that refuses to attach to anyone, due to his traumatic past. Aubrey and Lincoln have a chemistry that is electric, and they are drawn together.
With both of these instances of fate, the two are brought together. But their issues are the reasons that could possibly tear them apart.
I am just finishing up this book, and all I have to say is wow. I was invested in this book starting on page one. That investment continued throughout the entirety of the novel.
First, let’s get one thing out of the way here. This book was super spicy. There were scenes that made me blush as I was reading them.
Secondly, I want to talk about the characters. They are the reason why this book was so full of life and so wonderful to read. These characters were imperfect and flawed. For me, that made them realistic and raw, which made them enjoyable to read. For example, Aubrey has anxiety and panic attacks, like I do. One thing that I really liked was that they did the five senses throughout the book, which I really loved about Aubrey the character, because it really helped normalize anxiety. And it’s not just the main characters I feel this way towards. The side characters, such as Callie and Nick (whose story is the next in the series), both sets of parents, and Aubrey’s sister, also had that same effect.
Behind the characters is the relationship that they share. The relationship between Link and Aubrey was beyond powerful and wonderful to read. What I loved about them is that they encouraged each other to be the best version of themselves for both of them as an individual and as part of their relationship. Those issues were the cause of that third act breakup, but it forced them to work through the trauma that they both had faced over the years to allow them to be happy with each other.
Finally, the prose. This is a romance novel, and true to genre, there were a lot of lines that just made me swoon and melt on the inside. I’ve seen clips from Lynn’s other works on her Instagram such as the last line “Brielle, I know you’re not some needy princess who needs saving. You’re a fucking warrior who can finally breathe again, and rest because you are safe. You will always be safe with me, I promise.”
Oh, so good. That definitely hits so much better than “they all lived happily ever after.” And that’s definitely one of the most chilling ways to end a book that I’ve read in a while.
Lynn advertises this series as Hallmark with a lot more spice and trauma sprinkled in. And I couldn’t agree more. I absolutely loved this book and cannot recommend it enough. This series will get you into the feels in the best way possible.
But before you go and download this book, let’s chat about the many trigger warnings for Fate Will Bring You Home has, including: Anxiety/Panic Attacks, Sexually Explicit Content, Talk of Sexual Assault ( side character in the past) ,Talk of Child Abuse ( Past Tense ),Drug use ( past tense not MCs) , and Talk of Cancer in The Past.
My personal rating: 5 stars.
You can purchase the Fate Series here. This link is an affiliate link, where if you download the book on Kindle or purchase a physical copy, I make a small commission through Amazon Affiliate at no cost to you. All opinions are my own. You can follow Danielle Lynn on Instagram and Facebook, as well as check out her website.
