You're a Wizard Harry

 My Dear Lovely Reader, 

I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good 🪄My boyfriend and I have been watching a Harry Potter movie for the past 3 nights! As you can infer, we are on movie three, and all I can say is the series never gets old. I love the spooky feeling it brings and the never-ending mysteries that are waiting to be discovered! When I was a kid, when fall came around, every weekend my mother and I would rent the whole Harry Potter DVD series and binge-watch them till the end! It's a very fond memory of mine, and I cherish it quite dearly, so to be able to live this once again, but with the person I love, is quite lovely. Although I for sure plan to continue the tradition with my mother, I love sharing things that I hold dear with the ones I love. Last night we had a little at-home date night and watched Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets while building a LEGO flower my friend gifted me for my birthday! These are the nights that I look forward to, especially after a long, hectic day. Speaking of hectic days, in all reality, school has been quite easygoing, and I pray I don't jinx myself by saying this, but I think I can manage this semester without overly stressing myself about everything! I've been slowly rebuilding my daily routine, and I will say having school makes it a tad easier just cause I start class early, and I feel like when you have something to do in the morning, you have no other option but to start your day and continue it. A lot of the time, I'm not tired after class, so I've been coming home, eating, and cleaning the house. Once I'm done a do some schoolwork or work on a blog post, write in my journal, or read my book. Although I could rest and doomscroll, I try to fill my time with doing things that don't involve my phone to make up for the time that I am on my phone throughout the day. Lately, another thing my boyfriend and I do to be productive is go to cafes and study. I love the calm ambience of this one cafe that we go to near our house. Although the place can get severely crowded at times, if you get a good spot, you won't be disrupted by all the people, especially when you have a pair of noise-canceling headphones on! School had me a bit behind on journaling, but I was able to catch up when we went to our cafe!  I was able to finish my September spread while I watched Pretty Little Liars! I am now on season 4, episode 13. It's been so entertaining, and I love the scandal! Right now, the girls are trapped and have lost their way in Ravenswood; this couldn't get more peak! I love watching two series at a time because once my boyfriend falls asleep, I can just turn on P.L.L and have my self-care girls' night! This routine that I have slowly been getting into has really helped me feel calmer and realize the areas in my life where I need to just let go and allow myself to breathe, and remember that God is in control and he has a plan. Self-care is so important because it allows you to give yourself that needed deep breath that you need to be able to step back and reevaluate any situation you are facing. Hence why I speak about it so much on my blog! What are some of the things you do as a form of self-care? Have you started watching any fall-themed movies/shows? I'll catch you later. Better go to bed before it gets too late! Mischief managed 🪄

Much love, K.

Take care of yourself the same way you would care for someone you love. All the important relationships require some level of nurturing, and your relationship with yourself is no different. 

-Maybell Eequay

A Diva Who loves To journal

My Dear Lovely Reader,

The need to write down my thoughts is never-ending, so for me, a journal is an absolute must. Aside from using it as a place to pour out the endless stream of thoughts in my head, I also love junk journaling because it makes each page feel more lively and gives me something special to look back on later. Some of my favorite things to include are monthly spreads, the products I’m currently loving, and little memories of where I’ve been throughout the month. These hobbies not only help strengthen my creative eye, but they also give me another way to express myself beyond words. These are a few of the spreads I’ve created so far in 2026 that I’ve really loved! 

These two spreads are from June! I set some cute goals for myself to be able to enjoy summer to the fullest and be able to feel accomplished. I was able to get a fair majority of them done, which was super satisfying! 

This is the memories spread of the month. My boyfriend and I went to Houston, TX, to visit my grandmother. We had so much fun and went to a lot of new places!

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  These were the habits that I wanted to focus on during March. I believe that writing down what you want to accomplish helps you not only remember, but it gives you something to look back on, and when you're done, you get to log that you accomplished said task, giving you that boost of dopamine!         

This is my product basket of the year! I have been slowly perfecting my skincare routine, and logging my journey with the products I use has been so helpful, especially when I want to look back and see the difference between a product I used then and a product I use now!

Journaling will always be my favorite form of self-expression. I can't wait until I'm older to have a bookcase with a shelf dedicated to all the journals I've filled throughout the years! What are your opinions on journaling? Do you journal?! Comment down below with your favorite way of bringing your thoughts to life. See you next time, my lovely reader!

Much love, K.

Daily Reminder

My dear lovely Reader,

Today we have a bit of a hard pill to swallow, but a very necessary reminder. And it is: Someone's unwillingness to hear you out when they hurt you is not an indication that your hurt is invalid. It's an indication of their emotional immaturity.

Much love, K.

September has begun!

 My dear lovely reader, 

        It's September 1st in York New City!! For those who don't catch the reference, it’s from Hunter x Hunter, an anime series! How has your day been, lovely reader? Lately, I’ve been feeling like there are never quite enough hours in the day to do everything I want to do. Between going to school, running errands, and trying to carve out a little free time for the hobbies I enjoy, it sometimes feels impossible to fit everything in without feeling rushed. I want to be able to enjoy each part of my day without constantly thinking about what I need to do next. Since school has started, I’ve been trying to find a healthy balance, but these past few days I feel like I’ve been falling short, and that's been frustrating. It’s especially hard when those moments of self-doubt creep in, and I start asking myself, “Am I really capable of doing this? Can I actually make this happen?” I can’t lie, I have these thoughts a lot, especially as I’ve gotten older. I’ve started to realize that our actions can only be blamed on our upbringing for so long. Eventually, we reach an age where we become responsible for our own actions, our reactions, and even how we choose to view the world. At some point, it becomes less about how the adults around us shaped us and more about what we decide to do when it becomes our turn to grow. We have to take responsibility for the kind of person we want to become instead of continuing to rely on other people to shape us for us. That doesn’t mean we can’t still listen to the advice of the people around us, because of course we can. But let’s be real—there comes a point when we all stop accepting certain advice simply because it no longer aligns with what we believe is right for our own lives. As a woman who believes in Christ, I strive to embody the lord the way he calls us to embody him, and I think one of my biggest reminders when I want to give up is Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up.” This verse speaks to me because it acknowledges that there will be moments when we question what we are doing, especially when we are trying to walk the path God has laid out for us. There may even be times when we reach a point where we ask ourselves, “What am I doing this for?” But the Lord reminds us that our consistency is seen and that, in time, it will be rewarded. In neuroscience, it's taught that repetition and consistency pay off. Why? Because the more we practice something, the stronger that neural pathway becomes, allowing it to become easier for the brain to recall whatever we are putting into practice. Eventually, what once felt confusing or frustrating starts to feel natural. We gain confidence, we stop second-guessing ourselves as much, and the very thing that once felt difficult begins to flow more easily. These teachings are what keep me going and remind me not to give up in these times of self-doubt. I hope I can come back with a better update on how I'm managing life! 

Much love, my lovely reader. ♡

Fall Semester

My Dear Lovely Reader, 

My fall semester has officially begun! Even though I only have one class this semester, I’m determined to make the most of it. I wanted my back-to-school vibe to match the cozy fall theme—my bag is a rich coffee brown from Coach, and I’m planning to order a cute brown croc-themed MacBook case to complete the look. I picked up some adorable, body-fitting collared shirts from Aerie, not just for the fall aesthetic but also to add a preppy touch. For jeans, I’m sticking to a mix of low-rise baggy and skinny styles, and since it’s still pretty warm, my go-to shoes have been a cute pair of flip-flops. Despite the 90-degree-plus weather where I live, and fall technically officially starting on September 22, I’ve already started diving into my favorite fall shows. Lately, I’ve been binge-watching Pretty Little Liars—I’m currently on season 2, episode 8. Once I finish, I’m really excited to start The Vampire Diaries! Other fall-themed shows and movies I plan to enjoy include the Harry Potter series and Gilmore Girls. Have you started any fall shows yet? What’s on your watchlist?I was thinking about decorating for fall, but since I’m on a budget and tend to save my decorating energy for Christmas, I’ll be holding off this season. That won’t stop me from indulging in some whimsical fall activities, though! Besides my TV marathons, I want to bake some fall-themed treats like cinnamon rolls, Pillsbury Halloween cookies, and maybe some scones. I’m on the hunt for the perfect autumn-themed outfit so I can head to a pumpkin patch—whether that’s with my significant other, my friends, or maybe even both! I’ve also got a few fall-themed books lined up on my bookshelf, and I plan to dive into as many as I can to fully immerse myself in the cozy fall spirit. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the variety of cafes around my area that I’m eager to explore! There’s something about sipping a warm drink in a cozy spot; reading my current book just completes the autumn vibe. I’m looking forward to taking some cute pictures once the weather finally feels like fall. I’m still undecided about whether to keep my blog’s pink theme or switch it up with the seasons—that way, I can get that satisfying feeling of seasonal blog decorating. On a totally random note, have any of you checked out the Dollar Tree section at Target? Their fall-themed items are absolutely adorable! I was thinking they’d make perfect little gifts for friends or loved ones. I love surprising people with thoughtful gifts out of the blue—it’s one of my favorite ways to show appreciation for those I cherish. What about you? How do you like to show love? On another note, I want to share some of my fall goals. I’m focusing on bringing more intention to my morning and night routines, aiming to build consistency out of love rather than obligation. I want these routines to nourish both me and my relationship with God. 

One small but meaningful goal is to pray every morning before I do anything else—whether that’s opening my phone, eating, or reading. I also plan to read the Bible each morning before getting out of bed, whether it’s a devotional or a chapter. As it says in Joshua 1:8: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful."  That verse alone explains the importance of surrounding ourselves in the Word of God as his children, which is why I plan to give this a bit more of a highlight because not only does this goal fulfill me temporarily, but as well as benefit me in the future when it comes to my relationship with God. Another goal I set for this fall is giving myself adequate time to study and do my assignments. Lastly, I want to be more physically active. That could be signing up for a new gym membership, doing yoga, or going for walks/jogs. There is so much yet to come, and I am more than excited to see what awaits me. I hope you are as excited for what fall has in store for you! 

Much love, K.

 “I have never understood why some people are lucky enough to be born with the chance that I had, to have this path in life, and why across the world there's a woman just like me, with the same abilities and the same desires, the same work ethic and love for her family, who would most likely make better films and better speeches, only she sits in a refugee camp and she has no voice. She worries about what her children will eat, how to keep them safe, and if they'll ever be allowed to return home. I don't know why this is my life, and that's hers. I don't understand that. But I will do as my mother asked, and I will do the best I can with this life to be of use” 

-2013 Angelina Jolie

“Today in Kabul, a female cat has more freedom than a woman. A cat may go sit on her front stoop and feel the sun on her face; she may chase a squirrel in the park. A squirrel has more rights than a girl in Afghanistan today because the public parks have been closed to women and girls by the Taliban. A bird may sing in Kabul, but a girl may not in public. This is extraordinary. This is a suppression of the natural law.” 

-2024 Meryl Streep 

Quote Of The Day

"If you inherently long for something, become it first. If you want gardens, become the gardener. If you want love, embody love. If you want mental stimulation, change the conversation. If you want peace, exude calmness. If you want to fill your world with artists, begin to paint. If you want to be valued, respect your own time. If you want to live ecstatically, find the ecstasy within yourself. This is how to draw it in, day by day, inch by inch."

-Victoria Erickson 

Being A Woman

Drawn by Emma Leavey @daydreammmers

My Dear Lovely Reader, 

Womanhood is so beautiful. It’s the process of slowly evolving from the girl who once dreamed about the life she wanted into the woman who is now tasked with making those dreams come true. It’s stepping into the shoes you once imagined for yourself, creating the peaceful life you always yearned for, and becoming the woman you promised yourself you would be when you finally reached a certain age. Womanhood is prevailing even when it feels like your plate keeps getting fuller and fuller. It’s learning to appreciate the balance between the things you must do to keep going and the things that inspire you to continue moving forward. 

I’m turning 21 this year, and I’ve experienced some of the craziest internal changes in my identity. I’m still navigating them now, constantly having moments where I think, This feels new. This feels right. But then, almost immediately, another part of me wonders, Am I really making the right decision? Am I portraying the woman I want to be? Am I carrying myself with poise? Am I reflecting my beliefs? There are so many questions that run through my mind throughout the day about who I am and the person I’m becoming. And I think I make such a big deal out of it because I know I’ll never be 21 again. There’s something about knowing you only get to experience this version of yourself once that makes you want to get everything right.

But writing this, I'm realizing that's where I'm getting it wrong. What matters most is the now—who I choose to be today and how I choose to move forward tomorrow. I don’t have to have every part of myself figured out just because I’ve reached a certain age. I don’t have to already be THE WOMAN I’ve always imagined becoming. I’m realizing that becoming her is the journey. Maybe womanhood isn’t about finally arriving at the woman you dreamed of being. Maybe it’s about meeting her little by little, through every decision, every mistake, every lesson, every change, and every season of life. I’m still slowly becoming her. And honestly, I think there’s something beautiful about that. 

Ever since I made my Bedtime Basket/Pouch, my night routines have become so much more relaxing. Not only has it helped improve my sleep, but it has also helped me get more in tune with my feminine side, which I am absolutely loving. These past few nights, I’ve been trying to solidify my nighttime routine so that when school starts, my body already knows what to do—and I’m not staying up past midnight scrolling on TikTok. My night routine has been pretty simple. I start with a shower, then go ahead and do my skincare routine. Once I’m done, I moisturize my body, take my magnesium and medication, and then get into bed and read until I start feeling sleepy. 

But last night, I decided to try the trending hair rollers I’ve been seeing all over TikTok! I ordered them a few days ago, and they finally came in, so I figured… why not give them a try? I left them in all night and even kept them in for most of the morning. When I finally took them out, they looked STUNNING! I definitely want to try them again when my hair is semi-wet because, when I put my hair into the rollers this time, it was completely dry and already a little frizzy. I’m curious to see how much of a difference it makes! So, when I try them again, I’ll definitely be back with an update on how they turned out! 

With love, K.

School Is Starting!

 

My Dear Lovely Reader,

School starts next week, and I am going a little crazy…No matter how many times I start school, I still get those jittery first-day nerves. You’d think after getting my associate’s degree, I’d finally be over the whole “Do I have everything together?” feeling, but somehow, those nerves still get me every time. I’m also feeling a little behind because I haven’t even gone back-to-school shopping yet, but I know I’ll get around to it one of these days! Have you guys started school yet? I want to fully get into the school vibes, so I’m planning to go school-supply shopping and maybe pick up one or two new accessories! I love when school starts back up in the fall. Not only am I excited to learn, but I also love having a reason to get ready! There’s something about getting ready for school, doing my hair, listening to music, and having that little pre-school routine that makes the whole day feel so much more exciting. The one thing I’m not excited about, though, is the stress of figuring out what to wear the morning of. So, I’m going to avoid that at all costs by either planning my outfit the night before or having my outfits picked out for the entire week. I only have classes two days a week, but I’m still so excited to get back into a school routine and have those little moments to look forward to. Comment down below and tell me how you’re feeling about starting school! Are you excited, nervous, or a little bit of both?

With love, K.

Quote Of The Day

Dear Lovely Reader,

Speak life over people. Remind them who they are. Pray over them. Give them grace when they need it. Be a voice God uses in their life. In a world where the enemy is constantly speaking lies, choose to speak life. 

Much love, K.

Bedside Pouch/Basket

Dear Lovely Reader,

Lately, bedside bedtime pouches and baskets have become the newest self-care craze—and honestly, I love the concept. Essentially, they’re pouches or baskets filled with items you can use before bed or while 
winding down for the night. But beyond the cute aesthetic, I love the thought behind them because they encourage us to create healthy habits that can naturally become part of our nightly routines.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      These small, intentional acts can completely change the way we experience our evenings. They give us a chance to slow down, be present, and create familiar cues that signal to our bodies that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. Creating a stable sleep schedule not only helps us feel more rested but also helps us be able to manage our day-to-day tasks with adequate energy.  

In Atomic Habits, author James Clear emphasizes the importance of making a desired habit visible and easy to access. When we can see the things we want to incorporate into our routines, we’re more likely to remember them and follow through. Visibility strengthens the connection between a cue and the action we want to take. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                              That’s what makes a bedtime pouch or basket at your bedside so perfect. It has a designated place where you can see it every night, and because it’s within arm’s reach of your bed, there’s little to no effort required to use it. Everything you need to wind down is already there—making your nighttime routine feel effortless, intentional, and a little more special.

Everyone has their own preferences, of course, but these are some of the products I’ve consistently seen tucked into people’s bedtime pouches and baskets.

First up is a hand, body, or face moisturizer. I think we can all agree that there’s something so refreshing about getting into bed feeling soft and moisturized, especially after a relaxing shower at night. It’s such a simple little step, but it can make your bedtime routine feel that much more luxurious and intentional.

The second item is pillow spray. Many people reach for calming scents like lavender or vanilla, which can create a soothing atmosphere and make your bed feel even more inviting when it’s time to wind down.

Some of the other items I’ve spotted include under-eye patches, hair clips, lash serum, and lip balm—little beauty and self-care essentials that are perfect for those final moments before bed.

And then there’s magnesium. If you’re unfamiliar, my dear reader, magnesium is an essential mineral involved in many processes throughout the body, including muscle and nerve function. It’s also commonly included in nighttime routines because of its role in relaxation and overall sleep support. Rather than thinking of it as a magic sleep solution, I like the idea of magnesium as one more intentional step in creating a calming evening routine and giving your body the cues that it’s time to slow down.

After all, the beauty of a bedtime pouch or basket is that it doesn’t have to be filled with anything extravagant. Sometimes, it’s the smallest rituals—the moisturizer, the lip balm, the spritz of pillow spray—that make getting ready for bed feel less like something you have to do and more like something you get to do.

Here is my take on the bedtime pouch/basket! I got a lot of my inspiration from the Threads posts I came across, and I loved the idea of making the trend feel a little more personal to me.

First up is my daily gratitude journal.  Lately, practicing gratitude has brought so much positivity into my life, and I love ending my day by taking a moment to reflect on the little things I’m thankful for. There’s something so grounding about putting your gratitude into words before ending the day.

The second item is my current book, paired with a little nightlight so I can read in bed without disturbing my partner. I love having a few quiet moments to myself at the end of the night, and reading has become such a lovely way to transition out of the busyness of the day. Especially for those nights where I find it hard to fall asleep!

And third, of course, is my silk bonnet. As a curly-haired girl whose hair can frizz at the slightest inconvenience, a bonnet is an absolute must for me when it comes to bedtime. 

Comment down below what your bedtime pouch/basket would look like; I'd love to hear about it! Thank you for reading, lovely reader. Comment 🩷 if you got this far!

With love, K.

Some Of Her Thoughts

Dear Lovely Reader,

As a Woman with a plethoric amount of thoughts, A lot of the time, I would find myself looking for ways to jot my thoughts down before I forgot them. That could be through my Notes app, on a piece of paper I found in the car, or, worst-case scenario, I would just forget by the time I was able to write them down. After a while, I decided to start bringing a small journal everywhere I went. Not only did I begin writing down ideas, but I also started writing down the emotions I was feeling in the moment. This form of expression allowed me to look back and see whether my reaction at the time was based purely on emotion or if I was having a reasonable response. Journaling has helped me become a more mindful person when it comes to how I express myself, how I react to situations, and the things I choose to surround myself with. This journey has also allowed me to discover my true interests and dive into the endless possibilities of what can be explored. I learn something new every day, and that is one of the things that excites me the most!

One of the things I realized is that while I was writing, I was pulling myself out of autopilot mode and placing myself into a clearer, more conscious state. It wasn’t only because I was correcting my grammar, but because I was actively forcing myself to recall what I had done or experienced that day. While doing so, I was able to evaluate the feelings that the situation had left in my heart and attempt to have a more mindful outlook on what had happened. I was shifting my mind from the perspective of someone reacting to the perspective of a witness, allowing me to see a situation from more than one side. This small habit has changed my mental growth in more ways than I can fully explain. I don’t know who I would be without journaling because this practice alone has allowed me to reflect on myself and recognize when there are things I need to change.

On another note, I’ve grown fond of spending time reading intentional posts on Substack. One of the latest Substack posts I read was titled “Practicing, Not Perfecting: May Edition”

by Madison Norris. She spoke about simple habits that
we can implement into our day that can not only enhance the way we live but also improve our mental state. My favorite thing she mentioned—something you don’t particularly see talked about in the media—is learning a new skill. I feel like school can sometimes make us dislike learning because, yes, we discover our interests as we go, but when it comes to the subjects we don’t enjoy, it’s not like we always have the opportunity to simply drop them. Learning new things is necessary for us to grow. There will never be a point in our lives when we stop learning or become all-knowing, and I think that is so exciting because the possibilities of what you can learn are endless.

What are your thoughts on expressing yourself through writing? How do you express yourself? If there are any Substack readers in my comments, please feel free to comment down below with your recommendations!

With love, K.

Quote Of The Day

Dear Lovely Reader,

Where you are right now is not where you have to be for the rest of your life. So don't get stuck! If you are happy where you are and are living a full life, then continue. But if you find yourself not liking where you are in life, know that it is not forever, and change will come if you allow it.

Much  love, K.

Birthday Thoughts

(Me trying to get everything together as if it's not 

in December 🤗) 

Dear Lovely Reader,

I turn 21 this year, and I plan to make it memorable. I have so many ideas for what I want to do, but I do have the theme set. The vibe for this birthday is whimsy, fancy Nancy, and Pincalicious all in one! The idea is to have a whimsy-themed birthday dinner that includes making felt tiaras and maybe even fairy wands! Pinterest has been my best friend since I started thinking of how I wanted to decorate. 

The idea is to DIY all of the decor; I'm still not sure if I want to have cute mixed drinks at the party or just have a sober party and enjoy the time for what it is. I do have the rest of my life to drink 😭 I made Birthday party invites, but I'm not sure where I will hold the party. But I do have some places in mind if I don't find one in time. Another thing I might want to have is hand fans and bedazzle them if guests don't want a wand. Maybe even do a cute Q&A!

If you have any ideas, please comment down below!!

 

Quote Of The Day!

Dear Lovely Reader,

Love without God becomes exhausting. Love with God becomes enduring because he teaches patience, forgiveness, & sacrifice when emotions fall short. 

Much love, K.

Life Is Hard But I Am Soft

Hi lovely Reader, 

My name is Kyla. I’m a girl in her twenties who’s learning how to navigate life, grow into the person I want to be, and find little ways to improve my life along the way. And while I’m figuring it all out, I thought, why not share what I learn with anyone who happens to be reading? 

I think our twenties can feel so chaotic because we’re still figuring out how to handle all the hurdles that life continues to throw at us. A lot of the time, it feels like I can never catch a break.

Somehow, the media portrays our twenties as this big, exciting adventure—and don’t get me wrong, it definitely can be at times. But you can’t tell me there isn’t at least one thing stressing you out at night to the point where it keeps you awake.

And that stress can come from anything—relationships, school, work, money, family, or simply trying to figure out what you’re doing with your life. 

Sometimes the stress of life can stop you from pouring into yourself and make us forget the importance of being around those who pour back into us as well. What do I mean by pouring back into yourself? I mean doing things that bring peace to not only your body but also your mind. This can be done by doing the following:

LOVE YOUR BODY! Spend time doing Something that benefits your body!  I love going to the gym and working out, but recently I've been In my Yoga Girl era.

GO OUT & TREAT YOURSELF! It's good to 

celebrate your accomplishments when they come along. 

Not only that, but DANG! Does it feel good to 

walk out of a store with something you like.

                                                     

       GIRL TIME IS A MUST! Surrounding ourselves 

with good friends, for these connections are

 what help us flourish and grow, another perspective,

but also allowing us to share our own.

SELF-CARE! Now self-care can be versatile; it could include washing your face, doing a face mask, journaling,

drinking a cup of tea, or reading. Anything that involves you calming your nervous system.

TIME WITH GOD! As a girly attempting 

to become a woman in Christ, I have 

grown to understand the importance of 

spending time with God. Not only to 

strengthen our relationship but to also 

constantly remind me of the kind of

 person I want to be.

These small intentional habits make life a bit lighter and give my body the needed reset to be able to face the day. Sometimes the smallest things can keep us from going downhill; it's all about finding out what benefits your body and what doesn't. Let me know what other habits you implement into your life to stay soft. Remember that you are loved dear reader.

With Love, K.