Runs on Coffee and Cream

What's cozy gaming? It's just that - gaming that provides a cozy atmosphere; relaxing, comforting, not stressful. After learning about this newer gaming genre, I realized cozy gaming has always been what I've been interested in and played. Probably one of the most popular cozy games? The Animal Crossing series, and well, I've put in hundreds of hours into Animal Crossing New Horizons and New Leaf. I've explored this genre with Stardew Valley, My Time at Portia, Disney Dreamlight Valley and Story of Seasons as well. I love these cozy farming-type games. 

In September, two new cozy games are being released and they have topped my wish list!

Flannel shirts are a staple for fall, right? Especially oversized and super soft ones! I purchased one from Cakeworthy back in the spring and it is THE BEST. And now they've released an incredible line up of Halloween-inspired clothing, including flannels.

Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Beetlejuice, The Haunted Mansion, and SO MUCH more!

Look at this Haunted Mansion Glow dress!

The entire collection is huge so I'm only sharing a handful of my favourites. Definitely check out Cakeworthy's entire Halloween line. 

Yes, I know it's still August, but I'm already in the fall and Halloween mood. The weather has cooled a bit, Pumpkin Spice Lattes arrive this week at Starbucks, and Homesense is full of fall decor. I can feel my body relaxing as I slowly turn into my cozy basic self. 

Costumes are slowly arriving in stores and Halloween t-shirts and pajamas are popping up too. There are some really cute shirts available for the whole family - from subtle prints to large graphics. 

My first vendor show in years is on April 23rd. I'm so excited but also a little nervous. I always found vendor shows inspired me. I'd be overstimulated and exhausted by the end of the day, but I'd have so many ideas and plans in my head for my next projects and shows. 

I've been sewing at a slower pace than I used to but this is because of 1. kids and 2. avoiding burnout. It's working out though. I enjoy disappearing to my sewing room and creating. I'm also loving finding amazing fabric again. 

Anyone else a Gilmore Girls fan?

We went on a 4 night cruise on the Disney Wish. It was my first cruise ever and I'm hooked! I came home and started looking up more Disney cruise things - the other ships, dates, places they visit. I want to do all the Disney cruises!

The Disney Wish ship was gorgeous, all the cast members were incredibly friendly and helpful, the food was delicious, and the kids were obsessed with the kids' pool and splash zone. I was also in love with our stateroom. We had a oceanview with a verandah. I've now been spoiled and I don't know if I'll be able to do a cruise in the future without one!

Now how did the kids do?

At the end of February, we travelled to Orlando with our 2 kids and another couple with their kids. We stayed at the Art of Animation resort in Disney for 2 nights. Then we boarded the Disney Wish cruise ship and went on a 4 night cruise. 

It was absolutely incredible. I read about the "Disney Blues" (when you're depressed after being at Disney) and I believe it because I'm pretty sure I'm going through it. There were a few hiccups during our vacation but, honestly, it went so smooth. I'm no expert but I wanted to share my experience and some things we found worked or helped us have a great 8 day vacation with a 2 and 4 year old. 

I gave up sewing shortly after Emma turned 1. I was burnt out, prepping for another embryo transfer, and overwhelmed. It was bittersweet because I had been creating for YEARS but I was just so tired. 

A friend had suggested that it was just a different season for me - a season of babies and a lot of firsts that babies come with. And that I might return to sewing again one day. 

Well 2022 had me itching to sew again... 2 years after my second baby was born. For the last couple of years I have been searching for something for 'me'. Something to bring back my spark, make me feel normal or human again, something to excite me. A few hobbies helped guide me through this time but looking at fabric, watching sewing tutorials, and feeling jealous as I saw others selling at craft shows led me to the realization that I wanted to sew again.