Cleaning & Decorating Inspiration: Real Talk

Today’s agenda is all about prepping the house for a cozy evening with friends. We had some spooky cocktails to whip up and a whole lot of decorating to do! If you’re ready to get some decorating inspiration, grab a pumpkin spice latte, put on a feel-good movie, and let’s get started.

We’d just returned from the most romantic Canadian getaway that honestly felt like a Hallmark movie! I loved every minute, but when we got home, the house was a bit of a mess. Summer decorations were still lingering, and bins were everywhere, but we pulled it together because our besties were coming over. It was time to hustle and make this place sparkle!

While Andre tackled the garage, I had my trusty vacuum in hand, cleaning up and getting everything prepped. My new vacuum is a lifesaver! It’s half the price of a Dyson and even has a mop feature—perfect for tackling hardwood floors and tile. Side note: wearing shoes while cleaning has been a game-changer! My feet were killing me before, so if you're cleaning or decorating for a long time, trust me—wear shoes.

At one point, I had a bit of a stress moment. You know how things pile up and you start feeling overwhelmed? That hit me hard. So, I decided to take a walk and enjoy some fresh air. Nature is such a great way to reset when life gets hectic. Sometimes, a simple breather is all you need to come back refreshed and ready to tackle everything again.

After that much-needed reset, it was back to decorating. The mantel came together beautifully, and I even transformed the guest room into a cozy reading nook!

If you’ve been following along, you know I love making themed cocktails, especially for Halloween! The night before, we tried Disney’s famous Poison Apple-tini recipe. It was a hit, so we made them again with our friends. Let me tell you—it’s as delicious as it sounds!

If you’re into festive drinks, you have to try this one! I rimmed the glass with caramel (the kind you use for ice cream) and green apple drink mix that glows in the dark—yes, really! The drink itself was a mix of apple whiskey, butterscotch schnapps, and Sour Puss (a Canadian classic). To balance the alcohol, I added sparkling apple cider, and it turned out chef’s kiss. If you’re feeling inspired, give this cocktail a try!

Sometimes, life gets chaotic, but it’s okay to take breaks and give yourself a little grace. Whether it’s a day full of cleaning, decorating, or hosting guests, remember that it’s not always perfect—and that’s totally fine! I love sharing the real moments with you all, and I’m so grateful for this community. You make all the hard days worth it.

Until next time, stay cozy and enjoy the fall vibes!

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Disney Adulting Like a Pro: EPCOT Food & Wine, Fall Fun, and Insider Tips

Disney isn’t just for kids – it’s a magical experience for adults, too! Whether you’re a seasoned Disney lover or dipping your toes into the adult Disney scene, there are plenty of ways to have a blast at the parks without feeling like you’re out of place. As a proud Disney adult, I’m here to show you how to maximize your visit, enjoy fantastic food, sip on refreshing drinks, and navigate the parks like a pro.

Disney isn’t just for kids – it’s a magical experience for adults, too! Whether you’re a seasoned Disney lover or dipping your toes into the adult Disney scene, there are plenty of ways to have a blast at the parks without feeling like you’re out of place. As a proud Disney adult, I’m here to show you how to maximize your visit, enjoy fantastic food, sip on refreshing drinks, and navigate the parks like a pro.

If you’re planning a trip to Disney World, fall is hands down the best time of year for adult visitors. Why, you ask? The Food & Wine Festival at EPCOT! This yearly event offers a perfect mix of global food and drinks, making it a paradise for foodies. But first, a little prep before hitting the parks!

Before diving into the Disney experience, let's talk about how to prepare for a day of adulting at Disney. If you’ve ever visited the parks in the past, you know how exhausting it can be. That’s why naps and hydration are key. I personally rallied with a solid mid-day nap, an eye mask, and ice rolling – self-care is important!

Pro tip: Bring a portable fan. Trust me, you’ll thank me later when that Florida heat kicks in!

One of my favorite Disney secrets? If you're staying at one of the hotels near the Boardwalk, like the Yacht Club Resort or Swan and Dolphin, you can access EPCOT through the back entrance. It's way less chaotic, and you get straight to the World Showcase, where all the Food & Wine action happens!

Once you're inside, here's the age-old debate: do you go left or right at the World Showcase? I’ve tried both ways, and whatever you choose, it’s always a good time. The last time we went, we decided to go left. It took us straight to Canada, which is one of the festival’s food highlights.

When it comes to the Food & Wine Festival, you really can’t go wrong. Some top booths include:

• Canada Pavilion: The cheddar bacon soup is a fan favorite. Pair it with a Canadian beer for the full experience.

• Mexico Pavilion: Home to some of the best margaritas in Disney. I recommend the Crystal Inferno, which is an amazing mezcal cocktail.

• Hawaii Booth: Don’t miss the Alani Sunrise and the iconic pork sliders.

• Brazil Pavilion: The cheesy bread, called pão de queijo, is irresistible!

Tip: Try to share dishes with a friend or partner. That way, you can sample more without getting too full too quickly!

After indulging in all the delicious food, it's time to slow things down a bit. One of my all-time favorite rides is Living with the Land. It’s peaceful, informative, and a nice way to relax after all that eating. Plus, the ride showcases produce that is actually grown and used in the Food & Wine Festival dishes. How cool is that?!

If you want to keep the fun going later in the day, Disney Springs is your next stop. It’s full of great bars and restaurants that are perfect for a little Disney pub crawl. Here’s what we did:

1. Chef Art Smith's Homecomin': Try the Moonshine Margarita – it's a must!

2. Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar: A fun spot with a new menu – try the pyramid bread and grab a cocktail.

3. The Boathouse: If you want to end the night with something lighter, head here for a delicious chopped salad.

To wrap it all up, here are a few extra Disney tips that will elevate your adult Disney experience:

• Stay Hydrated: You’ll be walking a lot, and the Florida heat can sneak up on you. A portable fan is also a lifesaver!

• Skip the Reservations: If you're only two people, try dining at the bar instead of booking a reservation. It's quicker and easier to get a spot.

• Visit Fort Wilderness: For a laid-back night, head over to Crockett's Tavern. It’s a hidden gem, offering great food and views of the fireworks.

Disney adulting is all about mixing the magic of the parks with grown-up fun. So whether you’re indulging in food and drinks at EPCOT or winding down at Disney Springs, there’s no wrong way to experience the happiest place on Earth.

Have your own Disney tips? Drop them in the comments – I’d love to hear how you make the most out of your Disney days!

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The Domino Effect: How One Decision Can Transform Your Life

Today’s post is going to be real and raw—one that might hit home for a lot of you. It's all about embracing your worth and making the shifts necessary to live a life you truly love.

I remember the exact moment I realized something had to change. I was working out at our old house, going through the motions, when a thought hit me like a ton of bricks: I need to step up, own my worth, and stop holding myself back. Maybe you're feeling the same way? Maybe you’ve been selling yourself short too.

I want to share a story about one of my closest friends. She was doing incredible things—thriving in her career, lighting up with happiness, and just radiating positivity. What I noticed was that she had made a bold decision: she said "no more" to the things that were holding her back. She left her career, not because it was bad, but because it wasn’t serving her growth anymore.

Her transformation inspired me to take a long, hard look at my own path. I had been coaching for over ten years, and while I loved it, I felt like I wasn’t growing anymore. I had this passion project on the side, The Daily Grind, which my husband and I started. It felt like there was so much potential there, but I wasn’t giving it the attention it deserved. I knew deep down that it was time for a shift.

Let me be clear: I didn’t quit coaching. I shifted. If you’re in a place where you feel stuck or like something is holding you back, you might need a shift, too. After a decade in the same space, I realized I was tethered to something that was no longer allowing me to grow.

That little side hustle, The Daily Grind, became my main focus, and it has brought so much fulfillment. When you listen to that little inkling inside, that feeling in your heart that tells you it’s time for something new, incredible things can happen.

Watching my friend’s transformation had a ripple effect. As she shifted into a new career, she became happier, more confident, and even saw her income skyrocket. When you focus on something that excites you, the rest of your life starts to align. Whatever you water, grows, right?

Her confidence didn’t just improve her income; it affected every part of her life. Her health improved, her relationships blossomed, and she became the best version of herself. It was a domino effect that all started with one bold step.

This was a huge realization for me. I saw that once you know your worth and step into your potential, everything starts to shift. The stress you’ve been carrying? It starts to fade. You might even see physical changes, like losing weight or feeling more energized. Your relationships improve, and you start to feel more present with the people you love.

This brings me to my question for you: If you believed in yourself and made a shift, what would happen? What positive dominoes would start to fall in your life? Would your career improve? Would your relationships grow stronger? Would you finally let go of the stress that's been weighing you down?

Maybe your job is draining you, or maybe you're stuck in a relationship that’s not serving you. Whatever it is, you don’t need to quit everything; sometimes all it takes is a shift. A shift in mindset, a shift in priorities, and a shift in how you see yourself.

The first domino in this process is knowing your worth. Once you step into that realization, the rest will follow. Maybe you’ll start working on that passion project, spending more time with your kids, or finally giving yourself the time and space to grow into the person you’re meant to be.

You deserve to feel confident, to believe in yourself, and to live a life that excites you. So, what’s holding you back? What’s the first step you need to take?

I know this post is emotional—it’s bringing up all the feels for me too! But I also know that you have it in you to make that shift. Whether it’s big or small, it’s the start of something amazing. I can’t wait to see what happens when you finally tip that first domino. You’ve got this!