Around Happenings The Nest - Week 17
This Week's Happenings Around the Nest
This week has brought a mix of changes, big and small. From a milestone on the blog to a little clearing out at home, it's been a week of forward movement and thoughtful decisions.
Here's what's been happening around the nest.
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A moment worth marking
This week felt like one of those quiet milestone moments that doesn't look big from the outside, but means everything on the inside. After many years of building, learning, adjusting, and waiting, a new chapter of my blogging journey officially began. Behind the scenes, my site is being supported in a new way, with the help of an incredible company that believes in what I'm building and where it's going. It's not something most people see or even fully understand, but for me, it marks a long-awaited turning point. Progress, finally catching up to persistence.
To help me mark the day, my daughter gave me the most thoughtful gift. She put together a simple intention moment with a white candle, a green candle, dried herbs and flowers (along with my handwritten intention placed beneath it all.) The white candle symbolized clarity and grounding, the green candle growth and abundance, and the herbs served as a reminder that real things take time to grow and mature. The herbs, of course, carry a double meaning for me and feel deeply tied to the heart of this blog. I've never done anything like this before, but sitting with the moment and allowing myself to really feel its weight was unexpectedly powerful. It stopped me long enough to truly acknowledge how far this journey has come.
It reminded me that some of the most meaningful moments are quiet ones. Moments of being seen, being supported, and having someone else recognize that something important is happening, even when you haven't said it out loud. I'm deeply grateful for this work and for what lies ahead, but I'm especially grateful for a daughter who knows how to show up with such thoughtfulness, who pays attention, and who understands when a moment deserves to be honored.
(A quick note: if you're noticing more ads than usual while reading, thank you for your patience as I work to get everything settled and fine-tuned.)
Making room for change
Lately, I've been craving open space in our home in a way I haven't before. After taking Christmas down and resetting the house, I found myself looking at certain pieces and realizing I was simply ready for something different. Not necessarily new things, but fewer things. Lighter spaces. Room to breathe.
It got me thinking about how furniture often just lands in our homes. One day it arrives, and before you know it, years have gone by and it's still right there. We stop really seeing it. It quietly becomes part of the background, even if it no longer feels like us.
This week I started selling a few pieces on Facebook Marketplace, including a little cubby I've had for years. It served us well, but it was time. Now it gets to live in another home, and Ray and I are already loving the openness it left behind. Instead of rushing to fill the space, I'm letting it stay open for now and enjoying how fresh everything feels.
I have a feeling many of you know that moment too - when you look around and realize it's not about replacing things, but about making room.
Things I was totally influenced to buy (and don't regret)
I didn't include these in my big what I'm loving lately post, but a few things I bought recently deserve a mention here. Full disclosure, all three were heavily advertised on social mediaā¦ and yes, I was absolutely influenced. But every now and then, being influenced actually works out, and these have been pleasant surprises.
First up is the frankincense and castor oil roller with the rose quartz applicator. I've loved castor oil for a long time and have spent years reading about it and using it in different ways. It truly is a miracle worker. Having it in a roller like this makes it feel special and easy to use. I tend to have very dry skin, especially in the winter, and this has become part of my evening routine. I essentially douse my face with it before bed (Ray thinks I look like a glazed donut, lol - he is not wrong!) Even after just a few days, my skin feels more moisturized and smoother. Honestly, I'm not surprised at all. Castor oil has a way of quietly doing exactly what it promises.
You can find this here on Amazon
The second thing I fell for was the Kate McLeod lotion bars. I bought them for the girls for Christmas and ended up grabbing one for myself too. These have also made their way into my nighttime routine. I use the lotion bar on my arms and legs before bed, and it feels so lovely. Again, dry winter skin over here, and I'm already noticing a real difference. It's one of those simple little rituals that feels both indulgent and practical at the same time.
Shop the Lotion bars and the not necessary but boujee bamboo Canister here!
The third influenced purchase is the Hey Dewey portable facial hydrating cool mist humidifier. I bought one for each of the girls and kept one for myself as well (I do that a lot!). It sits right on my nightstand and runs all night long. It's refreshing, cooling, and surprisingly soothing. I love it for my skin, but it's also great for breathing and just makes the bedroom feel more comfortable during these dry winter months. Such a small thing, but it makes a noticeable difference.
You can find these portable facial hydrating humidifiers on Amazon
Sometimes the internet gets it right, and these were three wins for me.
Missed the last few weeks? Catch up here!
Wishing you a great weekend ahead. I hope it's a good one, and as always, feel free to reach out. I always love hearing from you.
