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I collect creative hobbies like Pokémon — always chasing the next spark. Feeling like you have too many tabs open? You don’t have to pick just one thing. With creative seasons, interest lanes, and gentle routines, you can explore multiple passions without burnout. Side quests still matter — not everything needs to be the main storyline.

Some years don’t need a highlight reel to matter. This is a reflection on a transitional year filled with quiet growth, creativity, rebuilding after burnout, and learning to move slower without guilt.

Mornings and I have had a complicated relationship, but lately I’ve been trying a slower, cozier start. In this guide, I share my real vs. ideal routine, why slowing down matters, and 5 simple rituals—from warm drinks to creative sparks—that make every morning feel like a gentle side quest.

It’s been a busy few weeks, but I finally hit pause for the ultimate side quest — two nights of pure nostalgia seeing The All-American Rejects and the Jonas Brothers live. Between the music, the memories, and a few surprises along the way, it felt like reconnecting with my younger self in the best possible way. Sometimes joy really does sound like your favorite song from 2008.

October has been the definition of cozy chaos — comfort reads, nostalgic shows, and a healthy dose of gaming mayhem. From If Cats Disappeared From the World to Waterpark Simulator, here’s everything I’ve been reading, watching, and playing this month.

There’s a kind of cozy chaos that comes with always starting new hobbies. My shelves and corners are filled with yarn, paints, notebooks, books, and controllers—each one representing a different side quest I’ve picked up along the way. Some projects are finished, others paused mid-way, but all of them remind me that creativity doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Collecting hobbies has become its own kind of joy, a way of grounding myself through constant exploration.

Junk journaling is my favorite creative ritual—a cozy blend of memory keeping, sustainability, and play. Using scraps, ephemera, and everyday “trash,” I turn simple moments into meaningful keepsakes. Here’s why I love junk journaling and how it helps me slow down, create without rules, and see beauty in the little things.

Discover the quiet power of small daily rituals—coffee, tea, reading, walks—and how they anchor us in a fast-moving world.

Starting something new can feel slow, like staring at a loading screen, but progress is happening—even if it’s small. On One Big Side Quest, I’ve learned to celebrate tiny wins, track ideas, and find my rhythm despite work and algorithm pressures. Every small step adds up, from TikTok views to blog reads. Remember: growth doesn’t need to be fast to matter—slow progress is still progress.

The first two weeks back with students have been equal parts exhausting and inspiring. From building a creative program in photography, film, and podcasting to launching a yearbook side quest, my classroom already feels alive with energy. I’m finding my rhythm, growing in confidence, and seeing students embrace creativity in ways that make me so excited for the year ahead.

I’m back in my Jonas Brothers era with their new album Greetings from Your Hometown. From upbeat tracks like I Can’t Lose to dreamy favorites like Love Me to Heaven, this album blends catchy melodies and heartfelt moments. It’s been the perfect soundtrack to my mornings and drives, and I can’t wait to learn the lyrics before their upcoming tour!

As I trade in my summer iced coffee for lesson plans and seating charts, I find myself reflecting on how I became the teacher I never planned to be. From discipline roles to designing dream projects in photography, podcasting, and game design, this journey has been anything but expected—and I wouldn’t change a thing.

A surprise Jonas Brothers DVD and tour book from the thrift store brought unexpected joy and a wave of nostalgia. In this post, I share how these simple secondhand finds sparked happiness, strengthened family bonds, and reminded me why the little things—especially Jonas-shaped—matter most.

On Friday, I visited Epic Universe for the first time—and two days later, I’m still thinking about it. From dragon rides to surprise mist fans, it was a whirlwind of heat, chaos, and magic. I didn’t have an annual pass or a plan, just a birthday gift card and curiosity. Here’s what stood out, what I’d do differently, and why this first visit really lived up to its name.

With summer winding down and a new season on the horizon, I’m embracing a soft reset. Here’s why I’m shifting to weekly blog posts, what I’m focusing on behind the scenes, and how I’m making space to move with more intention.

A quiet Saturday turned whimsical thrift adventure. Come meet the vintage Avon geese measuring spoons I didn’t mean to bring home—but totally did.

This week was busier than usual, but in the best way—full of thrift finds, family time, and slow moments at home. I’m sharing three little joys that made my summer week feel a bit sweeter and reminded me that happiness really lives in the in-between.

Taking yourself on a solo thrift date might just be the self-care ritual you didn’t know you needed. From slow mornings and nostalgic finds to unexpected conversations and quiet joy, this day reminded me how healing it is to spend time alone. In this blog, I share why solo dates matter, how to romanticize everyday moments, and the surprising magic of thrifting on your own terms.

A fake relationship, a forgotten friendship, and a quiet kind of hope — Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti is a gentle story about second chances, healing, and the slow, soft work of finding yourself again. This spoiler-free reflection explores the themes, writing style, and characters that made this book feel like the perfect companion for a quiet afternoon.

Popcorn in hand, heart full of nostalgia—I saw the new How to Train Your Dragon live-action movie and felt all the feelings. From stunning visuals to pitch-perfect casting (yes, Toothless still owns my heart), here's my spoiler-free review of what worked, what missed, and why this remake actually got it right.