Pink Roses #LEGO Review

February 20, 2026February 20, 202629 Comments

Valentine’s Day has a way of feeling a bit heavy, doesn’t it? Whether you’re swept up in the romance or just trying to navigate the day with a bit of peace, there’s always that quiet pressure to make it “special.” This year, my mental health has been a bit of a struggle, and I really needed a way to quiet the noise in my head. I sent my husband on a mission to Costco to pick up the LEGO Bouquet of Pink Roses for just $60 CAD—an absolute steal! He was so sweet and even surprised me with a gorgeous bouquet of real flowers too, but the LEGO set ended up being the perfect, gentle distraction I needed to find my inner peace again. 🤍💐

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ Please Note: Before I get started, I will mention that all images are my own. And yes, there’s a photo of my adorable rescue cat, curious about what I’m about to do with that LEGO box!

**Images:** The OG cat sitting next to the OG box of Lego roses. Next to my cat you’ll notice some beautiful carnations that are just as lovely, but do require some extra care. 🐈‍⬛💕

𖥧𖤣.𖡼✿ Everlasting Blooms ✿𖡼.𖤣𖥧

There is something so incredibly therapeutic about the rhythmic click-clack of LEGO. I initially started the build as a way to quiet my mind, a bit of “me time” to keep my hands busy and my thoughts still. Honestly, I needed something to distract my brain from spiraling into an oblivion of depression and self-loathing. It was one of those evenings where I just needed to tune out the world, and this set provided the perfect anchor. Before I knew it, I was completely tucked into my own little world, surrounded by tiny pink petals and green stems.

I ended up finishing the entire bouquet in a single evening; it took about 6 hours total to complete. Even with a few tea breaks and the usual life interruptions, a phone call here or a snack break there, the time just seemed to melt away. There’s a specific kind of satisfaction that comes from starting a project after dinner and having a finished, tangible piece of art by the time you’re ready for bed. It felt like a productive escape, a way to turn a potentially stressful holiday into something tactile and calming. ✨

A display of four pink LEGO roses with green bases, positioned near a white bowl and a black box in the background. — **Image:** A close-up of the pink LEGO rose bricks, showcasing their intricate design as they await assembly.

The color palette is where this set truly comes to life. The soft pink gradients are stunning, moving away from flat, artificial tones to create a genuine depth that catches the light beautifully. There is an organic quality to the petals that makes the arrangement feel surprisingly real. To round it all out, the set includes four sprigs of baby’s breath. Those tiny white flowers are the unsung heroes of the build; they provide the perfect contrast and “fluff” to make the bouquet look like it was plucked straight from a boutique florist. Seeing it all come together made that $60 investment feel like a total steal for such a high-quality display. 🌹💐

In case anyone is wondering about the display, I actually picked up the vase from Dollarama. The bottom of the vase is a bit wobbly, so I’m not entirely sure yet if I’ll add some stones to the base for extra weight. As long as the cat or the toddler doesn’t knock it over, I don’t think it will be a problem!

**Images:** Yes, I got the vase from Dollarama because #hearts. I had a vision for this project, and overall I’m happy with how it turned out. 🥰

My Honest Review: 9/10 ⭐

I’m giving this set a solid 9 out of 10 because it was a high-quality build that served as a perfect emotional “reset.” I loved watching the roses start to bloom, seeing the stems grow, and noticing how the bouquet was slowly taking shape in my vase. It’s rare to find a hobby that is both stimulating and relaxing at the same time, but the LEGO Botanical Collection really nails that balance. 🎀💕

However, I have to be honest about the one notable drawback: the repetitiveness of this build. Because you create multiple identical stems, it eventually feels like a one-person assembly line, which might be tedious for builders who thrive on constant variety. On the other hand, that same repetition can be surprisingly meditative if you’re in the right headspace. It allowed me to shift into “autopilot” mode—the LEGO equivalent of a long, peaceful walk that leaves just enough room to process your thoughts without feeling overwhelmed.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS

Ultimately, these roses are a beautiful, permanent addition to my home. They require no water and will never wilt, bringing a soft, floral energy to my space that won’t fade with time. Every time I look at them, I will be reminded of that peaceful evening spent creating something beautiful with my own two hands. Since I don’t actually have any shelf space for these roses yet, I am keeping them on my dining room table until I can find a home on my shelf for them. They are currently sitting next to a bouquet of real carnations, which are also beautiful, and the two look lovely together. 💞

If you are looking for a gift for a loved one or a treat for yourself that lasts much longer than a traditional bouquet, I cannot recommend this set enough, especially if you love pink flowers. It is a project that truly rewards your time, resulting in a stunning piece of home décor that complements almost any aesthetic. 🌸🙌

**Image:** A beautiful arrangement of LEGO pink roses from the Botanical Collection, showcasing a delightful blend of creativity, tranquility, and love.

Are you a fan of the LEGO Botanical Collection? I’d love to hear which set is currently on your wishlist. Let’s chat in the comments below! ↓ I’ll do my best to reply to all of your comments when I have a moment. Please note that my phone storage is full right now, and I need to fix that, so replies may be slow.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ P.S. If you liked this review and want to support my LEGO adventures, you can contribute to my writing on Ko-fi. I run on caffeine and plastic bricks, and while I prefer tea, your support keeps the building going! 🌸☕💕

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

Another Day That Got Away

January 19, 2026January 19, 20266 Comments

Image Source: Uncropped AI image with whimsical, dreamlike energy 💫

Date: January 18, 2026

This morning I woke up with quiet hope. 🌿 The kind that tiptoes in, soft and earned, a fragile belief that today might nudge the needle forward, even just a whisper of movement.

Three small promises were on my To-Do list:

Respond to emails that have been lurking for weeks
Tame the dish mountain before it becomes folklore
Cardio for 30 minutes so my body remembers I care

I brewed tea — warm, fragrant, a tiny ritual of kindness, settled at the table feeling briefly capable.

Then the laziness arrived, silent as fog.

I read the same email three times, words dissolving like sugar in rain. Opened a motivation tab, closed it fast — the advice felt like someone scolding me from a brighter life.

I ate cake standing at the counter like a savage. 🍰 One thick slice for comfort, then another because the plate looked too empty without it. This girl was eating her feelings. At least cake is sweet and honest.

Afternoon light crept across the floor like it was trying to sneak out. I watched it go, didn’t chase.

“Five more minutes,” I told myself. Then ten. Then evening had arrived.

Now the house breathes quietly — fridge humming its lonely lullaby, thoughts settling like dust. Same hoodie. Same me. Same day that slipped through my fingers like sand.

But here’s the truth that has a name.

This feels like depression, because it is. ☹️ It’s not like a loud, roaring tidal wave. 🌊 — It’s the slow, lingering kind that turns brushing teeth into an Olympic event, making cake the safest friend in the room, and convinces you that tomorrow is someone else’s problem.

Still… I noticed.
I saw the hesitation, the excuses, the gentle self-betrayal. That observing is a crack of light, small but real. ✨ Tomorrow I don’t have to conquer the world.

Just choose one tiny thing.

One gentle, doable act and meet it with kindness, not brute force.

One email reply
One dish
One calm breath that isn’t met with guilt

That’s the only goal. Not to survive, but to reflect. That’s enough for tonight. Tomorrow waits for me, patient and opportunistic. 🙌

I’ll meet it halfway — probably with more tea,
And definitely with less hatred toward myself.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS

If your day looked anything like mine today, I see you. You’re not lazy. You’re not broken. You’re carrying something heavy that doesn’t always show up in photos or status updates. You’re still here.

Still trying, even when trying looks like resting. That matters more than any unchecked box on a To-Do list.

So breathe. 🧘‍♀️🌱
Rest if your body is begging for it. Have the cake if it helps (seriously, no guilt tonight). Then tomorrow, pick one small thing.

Do it like someone who’s allowed to be imperfect and still worthy of self-compassion.
— because you are. 🤍

Image Source: Cropped AI image with whimsical, dreamlike energy 💫

•☽────✧˖°˖☆˖°˖✧────☾•

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ P.S. If you enjoyed this blog post, consider supporting my writing with a small Ko-fi donation. Your support really keeps me motivated to create more content like this. My writing can be a bit unpredictable and thought-provoking at times, so get ready for plenty more of that throughout 2026!

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

100 Self-Reflective Prompts | Part 2 of 6

March 31, 2025August 17, 20255 Comments

👉But First, Some Housekeeping.

This is a continuation of Part 1 of 6. I’m sorry for taking so long to create Part 2 of 6 and I might have taken on more than I can handle 🙈 I haven’t touched my laptop in a few weeks, and since I write and edit all my blog posts on it, that’s been a huge barrier preventing me from blogging. I don’t like blogging from the main computer, and using my phone to write isn’t my preference either. My laptop only gets used if it’s sitting on the dining room table—nowhere else. I attempted to set up a workspace upstairs, but it’s too cold and unwelcoming up there.

Background: I’m not telling anyone to participate, but I invite you to join the conversation and share your insights. Shoutout to @Coolbeans4 who gave me a Pingback and tagged me in a blog post! I appreciate the Pingbacks and tags, especially for anyone who decides to do this challenge. I’d love to read your answers! I’ve divided the 100 questions into six blog posts, each focusing on different themes to encourage meaningful discussions. My answers reflect my personal experiences, which vary for each individual.

100 Self-Reflective Prompts: Q17 – 33

17. What kind of person do you want to be known for? I want to be known as a kind soul and a person who lives with integrity, someone who consistently demonstrates compassion and empathy towards others. I aspire to be remembered as someone who not only stands by their principles but also uplifts those around them through acts of kindness, understanding, and support. 😊💕

18. Who inspires you the most? How would you describe their character traits? I draw inspiration from multiple individuals. What these people share is a knack for influencing others authentically. They’re bold in voicing their thoughts, unafraid to stand out, and they frequently hold views that go against the grain—views that, more often than not, turn out to be true.

19. What builds up your confidence? What deflates your confidence? My confidence grows when I’m at a healthy weight where I feel good, avoiding the discomfort of being overweight (tight clothes are the worst), and sticking to my own values and principles—like my unique approach to diet. On the flip side, my confidence takes a hit when people raise their voices at me, put me down, or act rudely right to my face, whether online or offline. Rudeness, no matter the medium, stings and drags me down.

20. Who supports you in your life regardless of what happens? My family stands by me through thick and thin. My husband may not fully get me and I don’t expect him to, but he’s always by my side. My parents are usually supportive, even if they don’t completely understand me either. I used to lean on online friends for encouragement, but lately, I’ve been finding answers in communities and forums instead. I’ve also got a dear friend back home who’s there for me. She’s the one who really knows everything I’m navigating personally right now.

21. What qualities are you drawn to in other people? Are they healthy or unhealthy? Alright, this might come off as a bit shallow, but this is my blog so anything goes. I’m naturally drawn toward people who radiate confidence and have a beauty that’s both internal and external. I’m attracted to those who are self-assured and have a clear sense of direction in life. I admire people who are born teachers—those who can guide a group and sway a crowd effortlessly, for the greater good. Fame doesn’t matter much to me; it’s more about their character and the values they uphold.

22. What makes you feel the most like yourself? I feel most authentic when I can freely express myself and share my passions with others without restraint. My interests—like gaming, anime, nutrition, and nutraceutical sciences (NANS)—might come off as quirky to many. I’m happiest when I’m with people who get me, whether we’re digging into the science of health and wellness or enjoying games like Infinity Nikki. Idk about you but I’m looking forward to playing InZOI on Steam. I’m hoping to get the game sometime in April.

23. What makes you so happy you lose track of time? I often get lost in my passions, especially when I’m digging into research and find myself spiraling down a rabbit hole. Time seems to vanish, especially when I’m locked in on something that captivates me. Recently, I’ve poured all my spare time into Infinity Nikki, but now that I’m caught up, there’s not much left to do in the game at the moment.

24. What could you give a TED Talk on if you were asked to present tomorrow? If I had to give a TED Talk, I’d probably speak on optimizing clipart and vector designs—something I feel pretty solid about. Nutrition? Not so much. I’m still deep in the research phase and wouldn’t call myself an expert by any stretch.

25. When do you feel most alive? When I’m awake.

26. What qualities do you possess that you dislike about yourself? Honestly, I can get a little too caught up in trying to nail every detail, perfectionism creeps in. It’s a drag when it slows me down or makes me second-guess myself. Also, I’ve got a tendency to over-explain things sometimes, which might come off as long-winded when I’m just trying to be clear.

27. What qualities do you look for in a friend or partner? Essentially the opposite of what I’ve experienced with past friends and partners. I’ve faced plenty of inconsistency, untrustworthiness, and closed-mindedness, so I’d seek someone who comes across as reliable and sincere, even if that’s tricky to spot, while also being receptive and truly invested in our friendship.

28. How do you present yourself in relationships? I think I’m someone who shows up with a lot of heart, aiming to be steady and real for the other person. I try to listen and understand where they’re coming from, even if I don’t always get it perfect. I’m big on being open and keeping things honest, though I can sometimes overthink what I bring to the table or how I’m coming across. I’d say I’m supportive and willing to put in the effort, but I also value having my own space to recharge.

29. What drives you internally? I am internally driven by curiosity and the search for truth.

30. What habits that your parents/guardians process that you see in yourself today? I’m not sure if I understand the question. Are you asking about the habits my parents possess that I see in myself, or are you asking about the habits my parents see in me that I also recognize in myself?

31. What is your personal elevator pitch? (How do you Introduce yourself? Hi [insert name]. My name is Hilary. I try to be funny to lighten the mood—some people may even find me hilarious.

32. What does your space say about you? What do you want to change? I’m unclear on the question—are we referring to my physical or personal surroundings, or my online footprint? My physical space looks like it belongs to someone with ADD. I’m always misplacing stuff, and no matter how much I tidy or declutter, it never feels orderly. I avoid collecting things since that just fuels the chaos I call my “space.”

33. Do other people’s opinions impact your life on a daily basis? I would say it is a mix of yes and no. Their words hang around and drag me down daily, but in the big picture, I live on my own terms and don’t give s*** about their opinions of me. Only I know the truth about myself—not them.

If you’ve completed Part 2 of this series, congratulations! There are only 4 more blog posts like this to go! 😆 Writing this took ages since I was nowhere near my laptop and absolutely despise drafting posts on my phone. Anyways, feel free to leave your thoughts and/or feedback in the comments section below ↓

P.S. Please follow me on Twitter/𝕏 (@serene_hilz) if you aren’t already, as I frequently share insights, updates, and engaging content related to my latest interests. DMs are open if you follow me there. You can also find me on Bluesky if Twitter/𝕏 isn’t your thing (@sereneluna.bsky.social) but DMs are deactivated on Bluesky.

Image generated using AI (I’ll add more of these to future posts if you want me to) ✨

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

100 Self-Reflective Prompts

February 10, 20259 Comments

Background: I’m not tagging anyone in this post, but I invite you to join the conversation and share your insights. If you write a similar blog post with the following prompts, please tag me your blog post. I’d love to read your answers! I’ve divided the 100 questions into six blog posts, each focusing on different themes to encourage meaningful discussions. My answers reflect my personal experiences, which vary for each individual.

100 Self-Reflective Prompts: Part 1 of 6

1. How do you feel you presented yourself to the world today? I am mostly content with what I have accomplished in my life so far, but I have no desire to become famous or create change in the world. Have I met society’s standards for how a 33-year-old should show up in the world? I would say yes.

2. How do you feel you treated others this week? I don’t usually talk to people unless it’s online or I’m at work. It’s just an ordinary week. I mostly interact with my family. Honestly, I was cranky this week and wasn’t the friendliest person to be around.

5. What is bringing you meaning to life currently? My family is my top priority, and my job comes second. I work casually, which suits me best at this time in my life. I want to find a sustainable and enjoyable side hustle to bring more meaning to my life and give me a reason to get out of bed in the morning.

4. What 3 words would you use to describe yourself? Introspective, Introvert, Impatient.

5. How would you describe myself in 10 words or fewer? Creative, intellectual, blogger, strong-willed, hates being cold, loves animals.

6. How would/does isolation impact you? Too much isolation from others makes me uncomfortable. I need some interaction. However, isolation doesn’t seem to affect me as negatively as it does extroverted people.

7. Do you need people around you to feel happy? For my mental health, yes. I have my husband and 2 kids.

8. What do you feel your purpose is in the world? My purpose is to serve others and make their lives a little better.

9. How do you want others to feel about you? Depends. I’ve had people call me fake. I’ve had people call me a b**** and a hypocrite. These are the same people who have never met me in person yet think they know me because I’m open when conversing with others. Superficial conversations are usually a waste of time.

10. What problems do you have in life currently? How can you work to resolve them? I am dissatisfied with my country and the incompetent federal government. There’s so much corruption, and I worry about the economy. Yes, I have a job, but nothing is ever guaranteed in life. I want to leave Canada, but our kids are happy here, and it’s hard to just pack up and move. We are figuring out which state we will move to.

11. What makes you feel excited to wake up every morning? A hot beverage and perhaps a new podcast to listen to, or maybe a new YouTube video from a favorite YouTuber to watch, are little things to look forward to every day.

12. How would your younger self feel about you currently? I’m impressed and in disbelief. I never expected so much of myself when I was younger. I never thought I would get married at 24 and have two kids in my 20’s. Becoming an RN in my late 20’s seemed like an unachievable dream too.

13. What moments altered your life fundamentally? Hitting rock bottom financially, failing a university course, and becoming rebellious at 21 were pivotal moments that fundamentally altered my life.

14. If you had one year to do whatever you wanted, what would you do? I honestly don’t know. I’d like to win the lottery, but I don’t think that’s even an option. Maybe travel the world? As long as I have no obligations weighing me down.

15. What would you consider to be “your element”? Um, my element is fire🔥because I was born in August. I don’t think that’s what this question is asking though.

16. How does life look compared to what you expected it to look like? Well, I thought I would still be living with my parents in my 30s. Luckily, I was able to move out at 23 and haven’t had to move back in with them yet! I moved across the country and live in a different province. So, I guess my life looks very different from what I thought it would.

If you’ve completed Part 1 of this series, congratulations! There are only five more blog posts to come! 😆 Moving forward, I need to focus on writing instead of just thinking about it. I started this to help me break free from my rut and stop scrolling through social media. Feel free to leave your thoughts and/or feedback in the comments section below ↓

P.S. Please follow me on Twitter/𝕏 (@serene_hilz) if you aren’t already, as I frequently share insights, updates, and engaging content related to my latest projects and interests. DMs are open if you follow me there. You can also find me on Bluesky if Twitter/𝕏 isn’t your thing (@sereneluna.bsky.social) but I deactivated DMs.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

7th Blogiversary Giveaway Winner! ✨💫

May 25, 2023June 19, 202316 Comments

𝔸𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕨𝕚𝕟𝕟𝕖𝕣 𝕚𝕤….

….….….

ℝ𝕠𝕤𝕖!

https://media.giphy.com/media/CNUb51EbTxuRG/giphy.gif

Congratulations, Rose! I am absolutely delighted to let you know that an email will be coming your way soon.

If you haven’t heard of the incredible blogger, Rose, then you are truly missing out. She blogs about topics such as cosplay, anime, anime reviews as well as all things kawaii. Her blog posts are both informational and entertaining; full of interesting facts and insightful analysis which makes it one of my absolute favorite blogs to read.

♡ Link to Rose’s Blog: https://wretchedanddivine.wordpress.com/

✿ A Quick Note for My Readers ✿

I would like to extend my most sincerest appreciation and gratitude to everyone who participated. Despite the fact that it was somewhat anticipated that the overall turnout of Canadian readers would be low, I am still deeply humbled and pleased by those who took the time to enter the giveaway.

This is my first time organizing a giveaway, and admittedly, I’m still feeling anxious about making sure that the package arrives safely to its destination. I want to ensure everything goes according to plan. Nevertheless, I remain hopeful that everything will work out in the end.

Thanks for reading! ♥

I Reached My First 1K Followers on Medium!

December 1, 2022December 1, 202274 Comments

Yes, I’m as surprised as you are. I gained 1000 followers within 8 months! In case you missed it, here’s a link to my latest post on Medium. By the way, this article is free for everyone to read. I plan on posting an article very similar to this one when I reach 2,000 followers on Medium.

♡ Medium Article: 1K Followers: A New Milestone!

First, let’s start with some housekeeping. I have been feeling rather emotional this week for several reasons not mentioned here. Moreover, I recently caught conjunctivitis from my 18-month-old, and trust me, Pink Eye is not a good look. I am also dealing with a lingering cough that makes me sound like a chronic smoker (mind you, I don’t smoke), congested sinuses, and a sore throat, and Aunt Flo paid a visit. The emotional toll has been significant and now it’s impacting my mental health.

Not only that, I need to be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for Friday because I am working. The last thing I want to do is cancel work because I am sick. I am doing everything that I can to get better, but at the moment, my energy levels are too low for me to write anything more than a few sentences at a time – let alone blog posts or articles. I will not be posting any new recipes this week but I plan to continue where I left off next week. In case you missed it, I have been trying to create an archive of recipes that can be found under my Pages.

👉 You can find the entire archive on www.sereneluna.net

Okay, so let’s get back to what I was saying about Medium. I’ve reached a very important milestone, and I think it’s worth talking about what I learned along the way.

(っ◔◡◔)っ Confession Time: I didn’t plan to join Medium – it was more of an experiment.

I had no intention of joining Medium in the first place, but I wanted to entertain the idea of making some passive income. I have never considered joining this platform before, but I heard great things about it from fellow bloggers. I might not be the type of person who is interested in trying out every social media platform to determine which one is “the best” because, in reality, no such thing exists. And don’t get me wrong, I am all for exploring new avenues and keeping an open mind, but actively seeking out and maintaining multiple social media accounts is time-consuming, and frankly, exhausting.

For instance, you will find me avoiding platforms like Mastodon and Hive Social because half of Twitter has already migrated to these social media platforms. I intend to stay on Twitter because I use it in a similar manner as one would use Facebook for status updates. It is my way of screaming into the void for others to hear, something that most of the time falls upon deaf ears and yet still feels validating in some weird way.

Two Truths and No Lie

Since joining Medium, I learned a couple of harsh truths, which also hold true for bloggers on WordPress. This is what I learned:

Truth #1: Not everyone will reach 1K followers on Medium

How many people actually gain a decent following? Most accounts I’ve seen are stuck between 100 – 500 followers, and I think they’re missing a key element. The key to writing successful and well-received content is something that I cannot quite put my finger on, but I know it exists. Maybe it is a feeling or the right timing of events happening in the world. Maybe it’s both. Whatever it is, I will figure out this conundrum with enough time and effort put into my work.

While my Medium account managed to reach over a thousand followers, one particular blogger who encouraged me to sign up for Medium in the first place, who I shall not name, has had notably less success with her Medium account. I think it’s safe to say that she has a total of 19 followers on Medium. But I stopped counting after she blocked me on every platform she knows I bless my presence with. I choose to believe that she was frightened by my excellence and couldn’t cope with the pressure of my brilliance.

Arthur reference: “I’m frightened by [her] excellence” from the episode, Popular Girls.

Truth #2: Other Bloggers/Writers are Secretive AF.

Here is a nugget of truth that you don’t want to hear, but many bloggers and writers are often selfish and don’t want to share their secrets with others. It is important to understand that people aren’t inherently bad. However, after being burned so many times, I learned not to trust people so easily and I’m overly cautious. The thing is, people will keep secrets unless there’s something in it for them. For example, I know someone who has been keeping vital information from me. Even though she knew how to solve my problem, she chose to keep this information to herself. She had nothing to lose by telling me, but instead, I continued to take a huge tax cut on Medium commissions each month. This was until a complete stranger reached out and helped me solve my problem, which was so kind of her! $hit like this is what I’m talking about.

(っ◔◡◔)っ ♥ FINAL THOUGHTS ♥

I’m not sure that my Medium account would have taken off as quickly as it has if it weren’t for this blog, www.sereneluna.net, in the first place. Although I am far from a professional writer, blogging has been a hobby that I enjoy doing for fun and it has also helped me stand out from the crowd. It could be because I have a passion for blogging, or maybe it’s simply because of the sheer numbers game behind it. Who knows?

I think that’s one of the reasons why I’m also sticking with Medium. There is so much to learn and explore on this platform. Do you have a Medium account? If you do, please share your handle with me so I can follow you. You can leave your Medium handles in the comment section below ↓

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

7 Ways to Stop Wasting Money 💰

February 17, 2022July 13, 202235 Comments

Disclaimer: I uploaded this post in 2019 as its own page, but nobody stumbled upon it. I added updates and edited the original blog post to reflect the direction that this blog is headed in. Btw, I searched high and low for the original Pikachu x Coffee & Donuts image(s) but I could only find them as re-shares on Pinterest. I cannot take full credit for these, so if you happen to know where they came from, feel free to let me know so I can give the artist(s) credit. Thank you! ✌💖

The Frugal Millenial

As a Millenial, I noticed that I do not fit the typical Millenial stereotype. Yes, I do enjoy homemade avocado toast once in a while, but you probably won’t find me frivolously spending money on daily Starbucks coffee runs or FabFitFun subscription boxes. Don’t get me wrong: there is nothing wrong with Starbucks…. more on that later. ☕ Since moving 2000+ miles away from home, I have learned to embrace frugality and started living below my means, which in turn, helps me save money. I am not saying that you should become frugal like me. All I am saying is that people are at risk of over-spending and buying sh*t they don’t need if they aren’t conscious of their spending habits. Surprisingly, cutting back on unnecessary spending is not as painful as it sounds nor does it have to be difficult. Below ↓ I have 7 practical tips on how to save money, whether you are a college student or a broke Millennial who needs to cut back on frivolous spending and curb your bad habits, once and for all. Let’s get started, shall we?

7 Ways to Stop Wasting Money

1. Think before you buy. When you receive your next paycheck, birthday money, etc. you don’t need to spend it immediately. How can you think like a wealthy person if you keep blowing your money on materialistic things or wants, rather than needs? It’s not about how much money you make; it’s about how much money you save.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: Is a daily Starbucks run really necessary? I go to Starbucks maybe once or twice per year, and even then, I am conscious of how much I am spending on these overpriced drinks. Sometimes, date night is a must so I do splurge from time to time but this is not a daily or weekly thing for us. Being frugal doesn’t mean that I don’t buy nice things. However, we buy what is on sale and only if we need it vs. want it. For example, a few years ago when my daughter was a toddler, we bought a Baby Gap hoodie that was on sale for $10 in the U.S.

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2. Less is more. Do you really need 4 tablets, 2 laptops, and 3 smartphones with unlimited data and roaming? If you are being honest with yourself, then you probably don’t need data on your tablet when you travel and you can still live well without the latest tech gadgets. This is not only expensive but it won’t keep you satisfied for very long. Soon enough, you will want the next latest, shiny thing that is within reach. Like video game, manga collecting, etc., it gets old after a while or you will grow bored of it. Most concerning, you will end up burning a hole in your wallet from this compulsive habit. Although some people might disagree, collecting stuff might not give you the sense of satisfaction that you have been searching for.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: We all gotta start somewhere. During the decluttering process, you might also benefit from reading this book: “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo.

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3. Shop at discount stores. If you can find the same brands at a discount store, then shop there. In order to know if I am actually getting a good deal, I shop by unit price to save money on groceries, etc. My husband taught me this trick so that I don’t get carried away shopping at places like Dollarama where smaller items by weight are disguised as being a good deal 😆 Sometimes, upgrading to a larger size elsewhere makes sense, like dish soap or…. ahem! toilet paper! 🧻🙊 Most of the time, I can get away with shopping at Dollarama for the same brands.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: When we were still living in the NW of Calgary, I was excited when there was a Dollarama opening nearby. If you are familiar with the NW of Calgary, it used to be challenging finding a Dollarama within a 10min. driving radius. Since we moved to our townhouse, I happen to live close to a plaza with a Dollarama! 😅 This is the best Dollar Store in Canada in my opinion. I often shop here for discounted brand-name items and cute stationery (see photo of cute tropical stickers). The photo of the Dollarama signage was taken in the NW of Calgary before we moved across the city in May 2021.

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4. Don’t collect multiples. This is an ongoing problem at my mom’s house. She often buys multiple items of the same thing because she forgets what she already bought. As a result, items like food in the fridge often get lost and forgotten. Not only is this a waste of money, but chances are you will end up tossing these expired products in the trash. I try not to buy multiples by keeping track of what I own which is easier when you own less stuff in the first place. Do you really need 5 bottles of soap from Bath and Body Works? Unless there is an amazing sale on soap and you plan on giving them away as gifts, skip the multiples. My husband often buys multiples so I have a rule that we have to use up what we have before going to the store to buy more. 🛒🏃‍♀️

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: I got a discount on these items which I would normally buy anyway because I bought them in a gift set rather than individually. Best of all, these items are full-sized so I got to try new brands and scents that I would not have tried otherwise. They sell these gift sets at the beginning of the school year, so it is like Christmas in September! To this day, I still don’t know what happened to the dry shampoo… I think it got left behind the last time I visited Ontario. If anyone has ever tried dry shampoo, let me know if it is worth buying in the comments below ↓ I’m curious to know what you think! 🙋‍♀️

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5. Make it Yourself. Do you have a habit of getting takeaway every time you leave the house? Do you need that daily 3 PM caffeine fix at the drive-thru? Instead of buying drinks, fast food, etc., the frugal alternative is to make it yourself. It is much cheaper to make a smoothie at home but it requires a little effort. I prefer to take the DIY route plus I can control what I put in my body (calories, fat, ingredients). With the internet being readily available to us, there are DIY recipes on YouTube, from Starbucks mock-cappuccinos to bath bombs.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: I never understood why anyone would spend full price on hot water and a teabag at Tim Horton’s, especially when hot water is virtually free and tea costs roughly 10 cents per bag. For this reason, I only order steeped tea at Tims which I cannot replicate at home. Trust me, I tried every hack and my homemade steeped tea tastes nothing like store-bought, even after I tried filtering the teabags at home for a richer, bolder taste. *Le sigh*

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6. Cancel your subscriptions. As much as I enjoy reading magazines, much of what I read becomes redundant over time. There are a couple magazines that I really enjoy but even these get old after a while. Magazines are also quite pricey so it makes sense to order a yearly subscription. The only problem is that I was locked into a 2-year subscription to Cosmopolitan even though I got bored of reading them after a few months. I couldn’t care less about the advertisements, makeup, and fashion sections (more ads for expensive products that I don’t need).

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: Before discarding my magazines, I made a vision board with snippets of positive messages. Before I moved to Calgary, I mailed my vision board to an online friend who lives in the U.S. For a while, we were sending each other snail mail. Since I reached most of the goals that I had put on my vision board and I didn’t have room for it in my new apartment, I gave it to her. What you are seeing here are some of the snippets I used. At this time, I am unable to dig up a photo of the vision which is probably buried in a file somewhere on our computer.

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7. Rewire Your Brain. I recommend having a broke student mentality, but not to take it too literally. If you have ever been in post-secondary school, then you will understand what I am talking about. Much of changing a habit begins with the way you think. By thinking a certain way, over time you can reprogram your brain to understand that the sacrifices you are making now won’t feel like sacrifices in the future.

(っ◔◡◔)っMy Two Cents: I have also adopted a minimalist mindset over the years and I am much happier with what I have these days. I no longer chase the latest, shiniest thing that is waved in my face. Learn to appreciate the good things in life and be grateful for what you have. 🙏💕

“Nothing worth having comes easy.” – Theodore Roosevelt

To all of my Millennial and non-Millennial readers, I hope that you enjoyed reading this blog post! 🙌 If this blog post taught you something or made you think about things differently, feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below ↓ I will be AFK (working) this weekend, so I will reply to your comments when I have time.

Thanks for stopping by! ♥

🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 10.0🌞

February 4, 2022March 22, 202216 Comments

I want to continue where I left off since uploading the 🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 9.0🌞. Sure, there are several topics that I could be writing about right now, but I want to finish this before I move on to something else. You see, I tend to get hyperfocused and/or fixated on one thing which I feel inclined to finish before I am able to move on. I have always been like this and I don’t really see it as a shortcoming or problem. I checked my drafts yesterday to see if there were any more outstanding Sunshine Blogger Awards (SBAs) but it appears that I am all caught up! That being said, I really wanted to wrap up and retire the SBAs on my blog for good so the 🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 10.0🌞 will be my last one in this series.

Btw, feel free to leave comments in the comment section below ↓ BUT if you say something generic like, “Congratulations” then I’m not going to reply to you. To clarify, this was an open nomination for anyone who wanted to participate, so I basically nominated myself LOL

The Sunshine Blogger Award is per recognition award for bloggers who inspire readers by promoting positivity and bringing joy. Since nobody nominated me for any recent Sunshine Blogger Awards, I did some digging on WP and found an open nomination from a blogger named Beverly who runs a blog called https://becomingtheoilandwine.com. Honestly, this is the first time that I have read her blog so I don’t really know what her blog is about yet. When I have more time, I plan to catch up on her blog posts.

🌞SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD RULES🌞

The Sunshine Blogger Award has rules (surprise, surprise!). These rules ensure the success of this award, providing exposure to all the award winners. The rules are quite simple and straightforward.

RULES FOR AWARD:

Thank the person who nominated you and provide a link back to their blog so others can find them.
Answer the 11 questions asked by the blogger who nominated you.
Nominate 11 other bloggers and ask them 11 new questions 👈 optional
Notify the nominees about it by commenting on one of their blog posts 👈 optional
List the rules and display a Sunshine Blogger Award logo on your post and/or your blog site.

QUESTIONS I WAS ASKED:

1. What is one of your ~~funniest~~ funnest time of the summer? I’m not sure if this is a typo, and even then, this question is confusing. Funnest time of the summer? 🤔 I think the person asking this question meant to say “most fun.” I deal with high functioning depression so I cannot recall the last time I had fun during the summer. If I had to choose something, it would be enjoying refreshing bubble tea on a hot, sunny day! 😎 The husband would agree – this is his drink, not mine!

2. How do you like your ice cream? Plain or Toppings? I think D.W. can answer this question! 🍨

D.W.: Does Muffy have an ice cream machine? If she does, I’m gonna have vanilla with vanilla sprinkles and hot vanilla sauce. Does she have a petting zoo? I wanna pet a whale. I think I’ll pet the whale first, and then I’ll have the vanilla with vanilla sprinkles and vanilla sauce. But if I pet the whale first, my hands might smell fishy, so first, I’ll have the vanilla with the vanilla sprinkles and vanilla sauce, and then… Oh, wait. Whales are mammals, right? I wonder if my hands will smell mammaly.

3. What are your favorite gospel songs? I’ll recognize the songs when I hear them, but otherwise, I don’t know the names of the songs that I like. I don’t keep a playlist of gospel music.

4. Do you like ice skating or riding a bike? I used to be able to do both, but I haven’t ice skated or ridden a bike in over 15 years. I would like to go bike riding again since we live close to a 30-kilometer bike path, but we need nicer weather before I can turn that dream into a reality.

5. What is your favorite food to eat during summertime? How I dream of sunshine and summertime! I look forward to eating watermelon 🍉 and other yummy fruits that are in season during the summer months. Since it is wintertime, you’ll find me eating boring apples, bananas, and oranges. 🍎🍌🍊

6. What is your favorite book to read? I gave up buying (and reading) books in 2020 to save money and I haven’t looked back 😶 If I were to read a book, you would probably find me reading a self-help book or a recipe book from my bookshelf. One of my favorite books is, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life” by Mark Manson.

7. What dream place would you enjoy visiting? Lately, I have been daydreaming of visiting the Maldives ever since I watched YouTubers vlog about this dreamy place! 🏝

Photo by **Asad Photo Maldives** from **Pexels**

8. Do you have any pets? If so, What kind? I have a Pug named Zoë and she lives in Ontario with my parents. My dad spells her name differently: Zoey. Since I live approx. 2,200 miles away, it is rare if I get to visit my dog. I miss my dog terribly. I blinked and she is now an old lady.

In Spring 2019, my husband and I adopted a rescue cat and I named him Timon, after the Lion King. He is a free-spirited cat who is untrainable, but I love him dearly 🐈‍⬛💕 In Spring 2021, my husband decided to get a bunch of fish so we have not one but three fish aquariums. Two fish aquariums are freshwater and the third fish aquarium is saltwater. I told him that cats and fish do not mix but he wouldn’t listen to me. 🤷‍♀️

9. What does Christ mean to you? This is a tricky question for me to answer because I consider myself to be a very spiritual person and only a little religious. What does “a little religious” mean, exactly? 🤔 It means that I lean towards Christianity and share the same morals and values as a Christian, but I do not actively read the Bible and I go to church because my husband ~~makes me~~ is Catholic. That being said, I find that going to church gives me a sense of calm and peace of mind, in similar ways as guided meditation. In the past, I was more agnostic but have started embracing religion a lot more since I became a mother. I am open to change, but I cannot see myself ever becoming a super religious person.

10. What encourages you to keep writing? I enjoy writing for an audience. Knowing that there are readers who give me the time of day and genuinely care about what I have to say means the world to me. Unlike other forms of social media, blogging gives me a voice. Also, I prefer to share my thoughts with like-minded people instead of keeping these thoughts to myself. I am an open book by nature, so this is a great platform for me to be my true, authentic self! 💖

11. Where is your favorite place to go to for vacation? I cannot remember the last time we took a real vacation, except to visit our families in Ontario last summer. However, I hardly call this a vacation; it is more of an obligation. We took a plane there so I guess this still counts? ✈ Ontario is my home province.

This is a photo of my childhood room. As a teenager and young adult, I had this limiting belief that I would be imprisoned between these four walls for most of my adult life. At the time, I was too scared to venture out on my own. Since moving out, my room has been repainted and my parents’ house is currently being renovated. I wish I could have told my younger self what I know now: The real prison is your mind and your limiting beliefs are keeping you stuck in life.

🌞SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD NOMINEES🌞

Again, I have decided to leave it open to anyone who wants to join in on the fun and I am keeping the same questions as last time. Tag, you’re it!

QUESTIONS FOR YOU:

1. Why did you start blogging?
2. What is the theme of your blog?
3. Is your blog a hobby blog or do you monetize your blog?
4. Are you a vegetarian?
5. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected you?
6. Have you ever tried online dating?
7. Do you have a Nintendo Switch? If yes, what is your favorite game? 🍎🍒🍊🍑🍐
8. Do you play Animal Crossing? If yes, what is your Island’s fruit?
9. Do you believe in magic?
11. What is your favorite cereal?

And….GO!! I know you have very busy lives outside of the blogging world and I appreciate that you took the time to read this blog post! I look forward to reading your answers if you decide to participate in the Sunshine Blogger Award.

🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 9.0🌞

January 28, 2022March 22, 202233 Comments

Whoever is reading this post, thank you for taking time out of your busy day to connect with me! I was hoping to wrap up the Sunshine Blogger Awards (SBA) for good with a 🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 10.0🌞 However, to my dismay, I am only on 🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 9.0🌞 which means that I still have room for a final Sunshine Blogger Award if anyone wants to nominate me LOL. You might be wondering why this blog post is so random. If you really want to know why I have the sudden desire to reply to a SBA-nomination from October 2019, it is because January has been a crappy month for me (still is) and I need some sunshine in my life. In case you missed my last post, here is a link to my similar yet different blog post titled 🌞Sunshine Blogger Award 8.0🌞

The Sunshine Blogger Award is per recognition award for bloggers who inspire readers by promoting positivity and bringing joy. Thank you, Steve, for nominating me for the award on October 14, 2019. This date is not a typo – I left the nomination in my drafts for 2+ years, untouched. I am sure that most of you are familiar with Steve’s Country unless you have been living under a snow-covered rock. But don’t worry! Steve has you covered. He has plenty of snow-covered rocks to share with you! And let’s not forget the hot cups of coffee waiting for you when you pay him a visit. ☕

🌞SUNSHINE BLOGGER AWARD RULES🌞

The Sunshine Blogger Award has rules (surprise, surprise!). These rules ensure the success of this award, providing exposure to all the award winners. The rules are quite simple and straightforward.