Happenings Around The Nest - Week 4
Welcome to this week's Happenings Around the Nest!
Every Friday I share little slices of life from around our home - the projects we're tackling, moments that make me smile, and the everyday joys that keep our nest humming. Grab a cup of coffee and join me for what's going on this week.
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My "Encore Career"
An old client of mine reached out yesterday and asked if I was still advocating for children with special needs. I let her know that after 20 years I am fully retired from that work. She asked what I was doing now, and I told her about my "encore career" (I totally stole that term from a self-help book I read a few months back, but it fits perfectly.)
I fell into blogging back in 2018 when I decided to start a home decor Instagram page. I noticed many Instagrammers had blogs, so I assumed I needed a blog to be on Instagram, lol. So I sat for weeks with my computer developing Celebrated Nest. At first I struggled with photography (actually - still do!), editing, and the whole blogging thing, but I kept at it.
For seven years, I balanced my blog with my advocacy work. It was challenging at times, but I'm so glad I stuck with it because by the time I was ready to leave advocacy, my blog already had a solid foundation. In February of this year, I was able to transition smoothly into blogging full time, turning what started as a hobby into my career.
I love that I get to create my own little online magazine, styling and photographing projects, and share them with you. I feel so fortunate to be able to do something I love in this season of life. It certainly makes the whole menopause thing much more tolerable, lol!
Three new things I'm excited about
New Curtains: First, I finally ordered the right size curtains for our guest bedroom makeover. I found a pretty blue floral fabric and I am going to try my hand at making pinch pleat curtains for a fraction of what they cost online.
Sourdough: Second, I finally got a sourdough starter from a friend. I have been wanting to bake sourdough for the past year and now I have all the tools, the books, and a one-on-one lesson with my friend next week. Ray loves sourdough and is thrilled he won't have to buy it at Whole Foods anymore. I am most excited about shaping the dough, making the beautiful markings, and creating gorgeous loaves, while Ray is just excited to eat the bread. Send me all sourdough your tips!
New Charcuterie Board: Third, I finally got my hands on the beautiful scalloped-edge charcuterie board I've had my eye on for a while. It had been sold out at our local Walmart for months, but with a restock I was able to snag one. It's gorgeous, practical, and you really can't beat the price. I'll be featuring it soon, so keep an eye out - here's the link it for those interested in grabbing one too. You can shop Holiday Charcuterie supplies here!
Family fun on our pontoon
Three years ago my husband decided he wanted something fun for our family to do and found us an old, beat-up pontoon. It has turned out to be one of the best purchases we have ever made. Docked at a local lake just five minutes from home, it has given us countless afternoons of fun. The girls love to jump off and swim back, and we have made so many memories taking the kids, grand pups and now our granddaughter Millie out for rides.
Of course, owning an old pontoon comes with its adventures - we've gotten stranded a couple of times, lol - and every outing is a little unpredictable, but that just adds to the fun. This week, we had to pull her from the water and winterize her, which is always a little bittersweet. The good news is she will be ready for another summer full of adventures next year.
I love taking a few minutes each week to share what's going on around the nest. Whether it's projects, milestones, or just enjoying some simple summer-to-fall fun, it's always nice to check in. Feel free to hit reply to this email or leave a comment below to let me know what's going on in your corner of the world - I love to hear from you.
Missed the last few weeks? Catch up here!
Hope your weekend is full of fun and good moments!
