The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Happy Things Friday: 18 July

And just like that, the month is over half gone. I’m not sad about it; summer (and by summer, I mean school vacation) always feels like a week too long. Even still, I’m astounded…

9 Recent Frugal Wins: Simple Ways to Save Money This Summer

I have completely dropped the ball on recapping frugal wins from our time in Europe. I wanted to post at least a few times a month. Oops.

I did manage to share Europe on a…

Frugality
Jul, 16, 2026
20 Comments

50+ Foods to Try in Europe: What We Loved (and Didn’t)

I thought it would be fun to do a culinary wrap-up from our European adventure. I also thought: this is going to be such an easy, fast post to write.

It. took. so. long!!!!

We aren’t…

Food
Jul, 15, 2026
24 Comments

In the Spirit of Full Disclosure…

Off and on, readers comment or e-mail me asking for links to things I mention on the blog. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not exactly a walking billboard for clothing and makeup.

(Belle was…