“Too often, we can jump to “fix it” mode, or trying to brainstorm solutions without really understanding the challenge we’re facing; which leads us to implementing solutions that don’t actually solve anything or only put a temporary band-aid on the issue.”

The noise of the world has become so deafeningly loud that I found myself in the dreaded doom scroll loop — bopping between apps on my phone throughout the day to simultaneously “avoid the news” and get micro-doses of the latest dystopian nightmare headlines in a flimsy guise of “staying informed”.

There is a power in recognizing that buying ≠ taking action. New sneakers won’t make you go to the gym more often. A new outfit won’t make you apply for that higher paying job. New face serum won’t make you set boundaries with your mom.

A word that helps is “wanty”. As in, I’m not feeling “needy”, but rather that I just WANT things. It identifies spending triggers early on. My “wanty” feelings today were stemming from agitation and frustration, and I was at least able to prevent any regrettable or forgettable $$$ decisions.

In the latest podcast episode, you’ll get to hear a money mentoring conversation with one of my Patreon supporters that is experiencing a recent job loss, and dreaming of a future where they can finally start saving.

New podcast episode inspired by all the ways we lie to ourselves in order to feel safe:

In my last pottery class, I made this tarot card holder. Really hoping it turns out so I can glaze it. Kinda thinking a rainbow of underglazes for the lettering, with a white glaze over top?

If you’re tired of hearing the same regurgitated quotes about money mindsets, this episode is for you:

The annual hurricane cake had been made. I have no real decorating talent, but I do enjoy this tradition.

My current embroidery project is a kiddo sized denim jacket. I’m going for a jungle theme with a Lisa Frank color palette.

Really lucking out lately in my thrifting search for natural fiber clothing. Manifesting all the cute second hand linen and cotton clothing!

Happy 🦂 full moon 🌝

Thrifted this cotton caftan today, and it’s just so perfect!

I get at least a dozen emails a month that are clearly written by AI to try to entice me to invite some random person on my podcast. How is this effective? I really don’t get it. I always reply with a straightforward “No”.

“In a society that continuously devalues and downplays artists, it’s a rebellious act to slap that name badge on yourself and walk around proudly with it.”

Taking a ceramics class this summer and I could not be more excited!

More photos of the embroidered denim jacket project are in this post:

The final result! My hand-embroidered jacket (thrifted for $5) is ready for wear into the world.

The stitching part of the process is done, which means it’s time for some handwashing. I can’t wait to see it all dry and ready to wear.

I can’t stop myself from stitching! I’m so close to the finish line too. Only have the sandhill crane to complete.

Life lessons from watching senior citizens play high schoolers in local community theatre.

Not very many orchids survived this last summer and hurricane season. But this one did, and bloomed full out this morning.

One more Opera to go. I’m ready to get back to deep work on projects that have been on the back burner.

My first ever attempt at sourdough discard crackers. Extremely simple recipe that makes me feel better about being too busy to make a loaf of bread.

Finally getting physical therapy to deal with my TMJ issues. She said I might feel a little beaten up later… I didn’t know I’d wake up at 5am with a migraine that made me want to puke. Good grief.

What makes me good at budgeting and saving also makes me good at denying myself the joyful spending that makes life a little easier and better.

I need shout about the absolute DELIGHT of reading the newsletter from my local CSA program farm. I read every single word as though a close personal friend was spilling the tea from work.

The post-Opera season process of getting back on a normal sleep schedule is calling my name.

One of the reasons I talk so much about joyful budgeting is because I’m exceptionally good at denying myself pleasurable expenses. Part of that is conditioning from childhood. Today I’m making a point to get a pedicure b/c I am worthy of my money being directed toward things that make me happy.

Brûlée goat cheese with garlic confit? The perfect decadent treat to kill a few hours.

Got myself a TENS unit to help with some muscle tension. It feels like bees are massaging me… but kinda in the best way?

Got talked into working a third Opera this season. I know I’ll be grateful for the extra cash come the dead summer. All the more reason to focus on my self care the rest of this month.

Looked at my crazy AF schedule over the next three weeks and realized some stuff has got to fall off the to-do list. Time to slow down and focus on the essential for a bit.

A lovely morning with an incredible friend. And I stumbled upon this beauty in a church garden.

Things that seem perfectly reasonable for a post-work meal at 11:45pm: the remaining bits of cereal at the bottom of the bag, pretzel crisps and hummus, and a milano cookie.

Absolutely DELIGHTED to use this piece of equipment today at the gym.

The February New Moon newsletter is out now 🌚

My new pen pal inspired me to give sourdough starter another try. My husband insisted on the name Fredrick, so I’m experimenting with a smaller batch in that jar.

Dedicating this rainy day to my art practice.

Tiny actions matter. Instead of getting crusty bread from the grocery store, I searched for a local bakery that would be open after work. Got two lovely loaves!

Not me looking up how much it would cost to open a gym…because I’m so tired of the workout machines having effing Fox News on them everywhere. What I wouldn’t give for a gym with zero TVs

Doing a bare minimum Artist’s Way has proven that I like seeing projects through from start to finish, and mostly doing it on my own. I can’t tell if this is because I’m an introvert or have too many group project horror stories.

Bluesky, Substack, and Patreon/Discord are where I’m spending most of my time on the internet these days. How about you?

I did not want to go to the gym today. So I went to the gym. 40 minutes vibing on the recumbent bike, listening to a podcast and playing Animal Crossing counts as mental health.

Another incredible episode from @kayceefeltonlui.com

The number of tech issues I'm having today with Audacity is unbelievable. Normally I'd take it as a sign to try again another day, but the next podcast episode is supposed to air Tuesday and I have no time tomorrow to work on it. UGH.

Doing a half-assed version of The Artist's Way (thx to the encouragement of @astro-mack.bsky.social and this podcast). Week 2 homework spurred me to put my LinkedIn profile into hibernation mode...b/c I'm so ✨done✨ with pretending I give a damn about having my resume in social media formatting.

Joy belongs in your budget. Just like fighting back belongs on your calendar....

Often I find the conversation about needs vs. wants subjective and not particularly helpful. That's why I focus instead on reducing regrettable and forgettable spending.