Life, Travel, and Inspiration: A Blogger’s Journey Through Iceland, England, and Creative Ruts

Hello, wonderful readers! It feels like ages since I last shared a proper life update, and September has truly been a whirlwind. This month has flown by in a blur of exciting travel experiences and cherished visits from family. Keeping up with everything has been a delightful challenge, but I wanted to take a moment to connect and let you in on what’s been happening behind the scenes and what’s coming up.

My journey through September continues this afternoon as I embark on an incredible seven-day adventure to Iceland with my sister and brother-in-law. This trip has been on my bucket list for so long, and I can hardly wait to explore its breathtaking landscapes, from the dramatic waterfalls and geothermal hot springs to the vibrant culture of Reykjavik. I’m particularly excited about the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights and immersing myself in the country’s unique natural beauty.

Following our Icelandic escapade, I’ll be making a quick but incredibly meaningful visit to England to spend a few days with my grandmother. It’s hard to believe it’s been over five years since I last had the opportunity to see her – an oversight I’ve been longing to correct. This visit is long overdue, and my heart is truly looking forward to it. Unfortunately, she’s currently in the hospital, so any positive thoughts and well wishes you could send her way would be deeply appreciated and mean the world to me and my family. My plan is to share snippets of my travels on Snapchat and Instagram, assuming I can successfully navigate the mysterious world of international SIM card replacements!

Beyond my personal travels, there’s exciting content coming to the blog very soon. This week, I’ll be unveiling part two of my unforgettable trip to Cordova, Alaska, a place that captured my heart with its rugged beauty and incredible culinary experiences, particularly the Copper River Salmon fishing. Alongside this travelogue, I’m thrilled to share a brand new recipe that I think you’ll absolutely love. So, keep an eye out for those updates – they’re just around the corner!

Navigating the Creative Flow: Overcoming a Blogger’s Rut

On a more personal note, I must admit I’m currently working my way out of a significant creative and motivational rut. It’s been a challenging period, one of the worst I’ve experienced in a long time, and it has definitely impacted my blogging schedule. As someone who tends to overthink everything on the planet, I find myself easily caught in cycles of perfectionism and self-doubt, which can be paralyzing. I’m actively working on strategies to overcome this, finding ways to reignite my passion and streamline my creative process, reminding myself that done is often better than perfect.

Your patience with my somewhat chaotic and sparse blogging schedule lately has not gone unnoticed, and I want to express my sincere gratitude. It means so much to know that you continue to follow along and support me through these phases. I never take your readership for granted, and your encouragement truly helps me push through these creative blocks. Thank you for sticking with me; I promise to continue delivering the quality content you’ve come to expect, even if the timing is a little less predictable right now.

My Current Obsessions: Things I’m Absolutely Loving Right Now

To shift gears a bit and bring some positivity to the forefront, I wanted to share a few things that are currently bringing me immense joy and making life a little brighter. These are the items, ideas, and inspirations that have truly resonated with me recently:

• Playful Culinary Creations: These faux bagel and lox donuts caught my eye immediately! The sheer creativity and playful spirit behind them are so inspiring. It’s a fantastic example of thinking outside the box and transforming a classic into something entirely new and fun. They prove that food can be both delicious and a source of delightful surprise.
• Celebrating Friends’ Success: I am incredibly proud of my friend, Jessica, who is diligently working on her second cookbook. Her dedication and ability to manage such a monumental task are truly awe-inspiring. I honestly have no idea how she does it all – balancing creativity, writing, and life – but I definitely need to learn a few of her secrets for productivity and sustained inspiration!
• Inspirational Reading: Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear continues to be a profound source of inspiration for me. I’ve mentioned this book a few times before, but its impact is so significant that I genuinely feel I could dedicate an entire blog post to its wisdom. It’s filled with so many amazing quotes, practical lessons, and ‘aha’ moments that help unlock creative potential and overcome the fear of failure. It’s particularly resonant now as I navigate my own creative rut, offering gentle but powerful reminders about the nature of inspiration and the importance of just showing up for your creative work.
• The Ultimate Comfort Pants: Oh my goodness, these Lululemon pants are a game-changer! My sister recommended them to me for our upcoming trip, and they are quite possibly the comfiest pants in the entire world. While they are nauseatingly expensive, the comfort, versatility, and quality make them absolutely worth every penny. I fully anticipate living in them all winter long, both for casual wear and for travel comfort.
• Everyday Wardrobe Staple: Complementing the pants, I also treated myself to a long-sleeve shirt that I’ve fallen in love with. It’s loose, incredibly soft, and boasts a thicker fabric than your average top, making it perfect for cooler weather. The thoughtful details, like thumb holes and fold-over cuffs, make it an instant favorite and a stylish yet practical addition to my wardrobe.
• The Hands-Free Solution: This ingenious FlipBelt has been an absolute lifesaver throughout the summer. It allows me to leave my purse at home while still effortlessly carrying my enormous iPhone, keys, and credit card during long dog walks with Marley. It’s discreet, comfortable, and provides unparalleled convenience for anyone who enjoys being active without the bulk of a bag.
• Hydration Game Changer: My sister gifted me one of these sleek Swell bottles for my birthday in July, and I’m utterly smitten. I’m notorious for constantly reheating my coffee or tea, but this bottle completely eliminates that need, keeping hot drinks perfectly warm for hours. Even more impressive, it keeps water refreshingly cold for what feels like an eternity. I was never a “water bottle person,” but this one has converted me entirely!
• Kitchen Renovation Dreams: I’m living vicariously through these stunning kitchen renovations: one by Two Peas and Their Pod, another by Love and Olive Oil, and a third by Oh Ladycakes. Each one offers unique design elements and functional ideas that are incredibly inspiring. I love seeing how others transform their spaces, from innovative storage solutions to beautiful aesthetic choices, providing endless ideas for future home projects.
• Next-Level Potato Dish: These roasted pesto potatoes from Dolly and Oatmeal look absolutely divine! The combination of roasted potatoes with aromatic pesto sounds like a match made in culinary heaven. I’m already planning to try this recipe, perhaps adapting it with my favorite walnut-sage pesto for a comforting and flavorful side dish during the cooler winter months.
• Kitchen Organization Essential: I discovered these incredibly cool liquid chalk pens, and they have been fantastic for labeling kitchen containers. They work beautifully on mason jars and any other non-porous surface, making organization a breeze. My only wish is that I had even more things to label in my kitchen – they’re that satisfying to use!

Well, that’s quite the download for now! I hope this update gives you a better sense of what I’ve been up to and what’s inspiring me these days. I truly value our connection, and I’m always so curious to hear from you. So, tell me, what have you been loving lately? What exciting plans do you have? I’m all ears and always appreciate your insights and recommendations!