🐾 Life Update: Moving, Feedback, and New Adventures

 So, small rant incoming.

I recently asked on social media if anyone would be interested in reading what I have so far for Book 2 and giving me some honest feedback—just to see if it’s worth continuing in its current direction. A few lovely people downloaded the draft, which I really appreciated… but only one person actually sent feedback.

And the kicker? The feedback was great—thoughtful, helpful—until halfway through, when they asked for money.

If I had money, I’d love to hire a social media manager, beta readers, editors, or even someone to help promote my books. But right now, I can barely keep up with everything myself. I’ve had a surprising number of people offer to promote my book in book clubs or on their platforms. They start off saying how much they enjoyed it, and then—surprise—they ask for payment. Seriously? It’s frustrating because I want to believe people are genuinely connecting with the story, not just looking for a transaction.

On top of all that, the move has been… chaotic. I’m still missing most of my clothing, bathroom supplies, and blankets—all tucked away somewhere in storage. At this point, I’ve been wearing the same rotation of clothes for days. Thankfully, we chose the apartment with a washer and dryer, because I’ve been living in rinse-and-repeat mode.

On a brighter note, I did sign up as a PetPro with pawTree! I absolutely love their products—they make it easy to add nutrients and supplements to my pets’ food without switching to super expensive brands. If you’ve got pets, take the Pet Quiz to see if pawTree is right for them. It’s been such a fun little side adventure.

That’s about all for now. Between unpacking, writing, and trying to keep my sanity intact, life is a bit of a whirlwind—but I’m hanging in there. ❤️

🏠 Moving Update: Moved Out But Not Unpacked!

Hey folks,

It’s official — we’re out of our old home and tucked into our new, smaller apartment. After about ten straight days of packing boxes, hauling furniture, and making decisions on what needs to come with us, what needs to go to storage, and what needs to be tossed, we are done.

And, full disclosure: we’re not unpacked. Not even close. Boxes are everywhere! What we thought would fit is starting to feel very tight. Downsizing is not easy. We went from a 5-bedroom, 2.5-bath house with a living, dining, and kitchen area to a 1-bedroom apartment that has a dining area, kitchen, and balcony, which means a large amount of items are going into storage. 

Every flat surface is buried under a mountain of boxes plastic bins or just stuff, our new space looks more like a maze of obstacles than a home, I feel like I got run over by a long-haul truck. I’m back at work this week, and I still can’t find my clothes — yes, I’m wearing the same shirt because it was the only one accessible.
Chaos? Absolutely.

I wish I could say I'm excited about the fresh walls and new layout, but honestly, it feels like a failure. At least now, when I stand in sun salutation, I'm not touching the ceiling. I keep telling myself that this is only until we get back on our feet and pay off our debt. But I’m so drained. I just want to take a week and collapse, unplug, and binge-recharge. Instead, I’m navigating box after box and reminding myself: one thing at a time.

Here’s what I’m dealing with:

• The apartment is a fire hazard. Boxes are stacked in every corner. Pathways are barely visible.

• There is a huge gap between what we thought we needed and what we actually need. Some things we know we’ll never unpack — we’re just hoping they can go into storage, which is getting full with each visit.

• My return to work is a reality check. Going from "moving mode" to “work mode" is rough when your wardrobe is buried.

Thanks for sticking around during the mess. This isn’t just a change of address — it’s a new chapter. I’m glad you’re here for it. 

I honestly haven't had the chance to read at all, but as I get more settled, I am hoping to be able to pick up my book. I am starting Not Pucking Yours, book 3, and even though I have read it before, I am looking forward to starting it with more foresight and backsight now that I have.

Even though I haven't read a book in the past week, I have listened to my audiobooks (I will start writing reviews on these too), I am listening to Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh. I love this series so much that when a new book is released, I will reread/listen to the previous books before the release to "catch up." 

Soft, Flattering Flare Leggings That Feel as Good as They Look

Product: SINOPHANT Flare Leggings for Women – High Waisted Yoga Pants with 4 Pockets
Color Reviewed: Black
Size Reviewed: XX-Large
Purchased through: Amazon Vine
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Price at time of review: $14.99

🖤 First Impressions
These SINOPHANT flare leggings immediately won me over with how soft and comfortable they are. The fabric feels buttery-smooth to the touch—lightweight yet supportive, and stretchy enough to move with you whether you’re lounging, walking, or doing yoga. The black color has a clean, flattering look that pairs well with just about anything.

👖 Fit & Feel
I ordered the XX-Large, and the fit was spot on. The high waistband sits comfortably without digging in, offering just the right amount of shaping around the midsection. The flared leg gives them a stylish, balanced silhouette that makes them easy to wear for both casual and slightly dressier outfits.

👜 Design & Details
The four-pocket design is convenient and thoughtfully placed—two in front and two in back. However, the pockets aren’t sewn directly into the leggings, which means they can shift a little as you move. The upside is that this design keeps the lines smooth and prevents visible pocket outlines, giving the leggings a seamless, flattering look.

🧺 Care & Durability
They wash beautifully in cold water and come out just as soft as new. No pilling, shrinking, or loss of stretch so far, which is impressive for the price point.

💖 Final Thoughts
Overall, these flare leggings strike a great balance between comfort, style, and practicality. The fabric quality feels much higher than expected for the price, and the fit is flattering from waist to hem. The only thing keeping them from being a full five stars is the pocket construction—but even with that small detail, they’re a solid addition to any casual or athleisure wardrobe.

✨ Verdict: Buttery-soft, comfortable, and stylish—these leggings deliver big comfort with just a tiny pocket trade-off.

A Cheerful Holiday Shower Curtain That Brightens Any Bathroom

Product: BROSHAN Christmas Tree Shower Curtain – Simple Merry Christmas Set with Xmas Trees, Gifts & Snowflakes

Style Reviewed: White-xmas Tree
Purchased through: Amazon Vine
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Price at time of review: $18.98

🎄 First Impressions
This Christmas shower curtain instantly added a dose of festive charm to my master bathroom. The white backdrop and colorful red, green, and gold tree pattern make it bright and cheerful without feeling cluttered or overdone. It gives just the right amount of holiday spirit to the space and feels modern enough to blend with everyday décor.

🛁 Fit & Function
I installed this in our master bathroom, which only has a shower—not a full tub—so the size ended up being larger than needed. Even so, it still works well and drapes nicely without bunching up. For a standard full bathroom, the 72x72 size would be ideal. The weighted hem keeps it hanging straight and prevents it from blowing around during use.

✨ Quality & Care
The polyester fabric feels soft but sturdy, and the waterproof coating holds up well. It’s easy to clean, machine washable, and dries quickly, which makes it a great low-maintenance option for the holidays. I do wish it came with a removable liner that could be machine washed as well—that would make it even more convenient for long-term use.

💖 Final Thoughts
This BROSHAN shower curtain exceeded my expectations for the price. The print quality is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and the included plastic hooks make installation simple. Even though it’s slightly oversized for my setup, it adds the perfect pop of Christmas cheer and completely transformed the space.

🎁 Verdict: Bright, durable, and festive—an easy way to bring holiday warmth to any bathroom. A removable liner would make it perfect, but it’s still a wonderful seasonal upgrade.

🕮 He’s So Slick (Knot Pucking Mine Omegaverse #1) by Sinclair Kelly

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)

Goodreads: He’s So Slick by Sinclair Kelly
Amazon: He’s So Slick (Knot Pucking Mine Omegaverse Book 1)

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Review:
After reading Sinclair Kelly’s Knot Yours trilogy, I decided to revisit the Knot Pucking Mine series to see how all the little cameos and world overlaps fit together—and it’s just as fun and addictive the second time around. He’s So Slick sets the tone perfectly with West’s story: sharp, chaotic, and unapologetically steamy.

From the first chapter, West’s voice stands out. She’s the daughter of a hockey team owner who’s sworn off players and drama—but that resolve doesn’t last long once she finds herself tangled up with the team captain and, eventually, his pack. The setup practically begs for trouble, and Sinclair Kelly dives right into it with playful banter, emotional sparks, and plenty of hockey-fueled tension.

The chemistry is undeniable, and the pack dynamics are pure omegaverse chaos in the best way. There’s a mix of tender moments, explosive heat, and the kind of high-stakes scandal that keeps you flipping pages. The infamous “kiss cam” twist with a rival player is a brilliant touch—it turns up the tension and gives the romance a surprising bit of heart amid all the steam.

If you’re looking for a slow burn, this probably isn’t it. The story moves fast—emotionally and physically—but that’s part of the fun. It’s messy, hot, and dramatic, with a heroine who knows exactly what she’s getting into and does it anyway.

Overall, He’s So Slick delivers everything I expect from Sinclair Kelly: confident writing, sizzling connections, and a world that’s equal parts scandal and heart. Whether you’re here for the hockey, the heat, or the pack dynamics, this book scores on all counts.

A Sturdy, Stylish Stocking Holder That Elevates Any Holiday Display

 

Product: GloTika Christmas Stocking Holder Stand with 6 Hooks – Freestanding Metal Holiday Display

Style Reviewed: Black-C-6 Hooks
Purchased through: Amazon Vine
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Price at time of review: $43.99

🎄 First Impressions
This stocking holder stand immediately impressed me with its sturdy, elegant design. The matte black metal gives it a timeless, upscale look that blends perfectly with both modern and classic holiday decor. It feels substantial right out of the box—not flimsy like some lightweight holders I’ve seen—and the included adjustable feet are a thoughtful touch that help balance it evenly on carpet or hardwood floors.

🧰 Assembly & Design
Assembly was quick and straightforward, taking me less than ten minutes with the included instructions. All the pieces fit together cleanly, and the stand felt secure once tightened. The six removable hooks are spaced well apart, making it easy to hang stockings without crowding. Each hook can hold a surprising amount of weight—I tested it with filled stockings, and it didn’t wobble or lean at all.

✨ Function & Aesthetic
Visually, it’s gorgeous. The simple black finish works beautifully against my holiday backdrop and looks great near the tree or fireplace. I also love that it’s freestanding, which means no damage to mantels or walls. Beyond stockings, it could easily be used to hang garlands, ornaments, or even light-up decorations for extra versatility.

💖 Final Thoughts
This GloTika stocking holder is a well-made, attractive solution for anyone who doesn’t have a traditional mantel—or simply wants a flexible way to display their stockings. It’s stable, stylish, and built to last for many holidays to come.

🎁 Verdict: Durable, elegant, and easy to assemble—a fantastic addition to any holiday setup.

Stylish Action and a Promising Setup

 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Movie: Tron: Ares (2025)
Director: Joachim Rønning
Starring: Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Greta Lee, Gillian Anderson
Genre: Sci-Fi / Action / Adventure
Runtime: 2h 12m
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures

Review:
I liked Tron: Ares — the action was well done, especially the fight scenes, which delivered the kind of intensity and style you’d expect from a Tron movie. I kept waiting for Julian to redeem himself, but he never did, and the story went in a different direction than I expected. The ending definitely sets things up for a future film, and I’m curious to see where it goes next.

I do wish I had watched the previous Tron movies before this one, but it wasn’t required to understand what was happening. The story stands on its own, though having that background probably would’ve added some extra context. Overall, Tron: Ares is a solid and visually engaging addition to the franchise, with sleek visuals and enough energy to keep me watching till the end.