The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist

Happy Things Friday: 4 April

I’m writing this post from my bed which sounds lovely – except I’m here because my muscles and joints are aching, my temperature is well above normal, one nostril (just one!?) is plugged, and…

Spell Check: When Names Get Playful with Their Letters

We’ve talked about naming cell phones, robot vacuums, bikes, cars, and gnomes. (Also: toaster ovens, fridges, ice machines, plants, in-car navigation systems, mass spectrometers, and microscopes – you name it. Pun intended.)

We’ve explored Q&A’s…

Gratitude in Practice: Kristen (The Frugal Girl)

It still brings me a little jolt of delight every time I see someone referencing FIGs after our month-long gratitude practice in February!! A special shout-out to Jenny for her recent Figgy Friday post….

Our 9-Day Paris Trip Cost Breakdown: Planning, Packing Tips, and What We Spent

A quick reminder that today is Day #1 of our third Cool Bloggers Walking Club! Three cheers for any returning alumni, and welcome to anyone joining our walking troupe for the first time.

There are…

Budget, Cool Bloggers Walking Club, Money, Paris, Thrifting, Travel
Apr, 01, 2025
41 Comments

Paris Days 7–9: Auvers-sur-Oise, the Palais Garnier, and a Paris Blogger Meetup

Oh friends, it feels so sad to come to today – my final summary of adventures from our Paris trip.

I’ll ease myself gently out of Reflecting on a Super Fun Vacation mode by…

Paris, Travel
Mar, 31, 2025
60 Comments

Happy Things Friday: 28 March

Another week and another batch of Happy Things. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

CROCUSES AND SNOW

Yes, it was -8.5°C one morning. But, there are crocuses and birds singing. I can go outside the door…

Never Have I Ever…Part 5

Over a month ago I wrote up and scheduled Part 5 of my little blog series on Never Have I Ever for this week! Hilariously, the Best of Both Worlds podcast released a Never…