Author: Destiny

  • Postpartum Fitness Fridays: New Weekly Series

    I finally did it!! I’m officially starting my postpartum workout journey!

    Ever since I was cleared at 6 weeks postpartum, I’ve been toying with the idea of working out, but never fully committed. 

    Pelvic Floor PT (must must must)

    After my first pregnancy, I had a lot of pelvic floor issues and diastasis recti. The only thing that helped was seeing a pelvic floor physical therapist. Seeing a pelvic floor PT was the best thing I did after having a baby and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re dealing with pain, pressure, weakness, or just feeling “off”, please see one. They’re amazing! Whether you’re newly postpartum or your babies are grown, you deserve to feel comfortable in your own body.

    Anyway, I went to a pelvic floor PT after my second pregnancy as well. We cinched up my diastasis recti again and were able to completely avoid the pubic pain I was experiencing with my first (thank goodness). 

    First Try

    After “graduating” PT, I had high hopes of working out. Jake and I became members of our local YMCA and paid for childcare. I went a few times on my own and finally worked up the courage to bring my toddler with me…and he was knocked down by another kid and was crying for half my workout. (Why they didn’t call me, I will never know.)

    So that was a bummer and I basically never went back. We ended up canceling my membership and the childcare shortly after. 

    Group Fitness

    After my first pregnancy, I had a gym membership bundle through our insurance that gave me access to Solidcore and YogaSix. I did 3 Solidcore classes and 1 yoga class a week, but I canceled once I was further along in my second pregnancy. When I checked once I was cleared, Solidcore was in the next tier which was completely out of our budget. 

    Well one Sunday afternoon, 8 months later, Jake decided to check our insurance gym membership bundle to see if Solidcore is back in it. 

    And to our surprise… Solidcore was back and included with one class a day! How exciting!! We checked to see if our local Pure Barre was added as well. Spoiler alert: YES! 

    I bit the bullet and bought the membership! I’m looking forward to this postpartum fitness journey. I’m excited, hopeful, and ready to rebuild my strength and confidence. I was in the best shape of my life after my first pregnancy. I look forward to being even stronger. 

    If you’d like to follow along, I’ll be posting updates every Friday. It’s an extra post each week. An extra dose of Destiny. Subscribe to get my Fitness Fridays updates straight to your inbox.

    I’m sharing not just to have a workout log for myself but also to help any other moms out there embarking on their own fitness journey and trying to find themselves again. 

    I’m looking forward to the hour and a half I’ll get to myself. Nothing to worry about. My only thoughts are get through this rep so I can do the next one. 

    Do you enjoy working out? If so, what’s your favorite? 

    Mine has to be Solidcore. After my first pregnancy, I had ab definition. ABS!

    Every postpartum journey is different so always talk to your provider before starting something new. AND SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST!!

  • My Sunday Reset Routine for a Calm Week (Plus a Printable Checklist!)

    I don’t know about you, but this season of motherhood has felt overwhelming lately. Some days it feels like I’m constantly moving from laundry to clutter to dishes and back again. I’m never actually getting ahead of any of it. I haven’t really found a rhythm yet that keeps the home running smoothly without sacrificing rest or the little moments with my kids.

    And while the cliché Saturday deep-cleaning montage with loud 90’s music sounds fun… I don’t want every Saturday to become a giant catch-up day. I actually want to enjoy the weekend. I want margin. I want calm. I want to start the week already prepared rather than trying to recover from it.

    So I started experimenting with what would feel better and I realized a simple Sunday evening reset routine sets the entire tone for my week. A small rhythm I can repeat every Sunday that leaves me waking up Monday feeling calm, grounded, and prepared.

    My Sunday reset isn’t about scrubbing the entire house or catching up on every little thing I ignored during the week. It’s more like gently clearing the runway so Monday feels light instead of heavy.

    Here are the simple steps I walk through every week:

    1. Quick tidy of the main living areas

    Not a deep clean,  just putting things back where they actually belong. Vacuuming and mopping if I didn’t get to it on Friday (my usual mop day). 

    2. Reset laundry

    I gather all the remaining dirty laundry from the week. I wash, fold, and put away all clothes, towels, and sheets so I’m not starting the week already behind. I usually try to do one load a day anyway so in theory, there isn’t a mountain of laundry on Sunday. Just a few loads that need finished. 

    3. Reset Kitchen

    I do the usual clear and wipe down counters, but I also do a quick scan of the fridge and throw out any expired food or leftovers we didn’t get around to finishing. 

    4. Bedroom + Bathroom Reset

    Again, no big deep clean here. Vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and making the bed. Super quick. Super easy. 

    5. Anything to note for the week

    I look ahead and see if there’s anything I need to know about this week. Doctor appointments, birthdays/holidays, meal ideas, etc. 

    These steps aren’t complicated. They’re repeatable. They are predictable anchors so you don’t have to mentally carry everything at once.

    I created a printable checklist for myself so I wouldn’t have to think about it or remember all the steps. I just go down the list, one thing at a time, and it keeps my Sunday reset simple, doable, and gentle.

    If you’re like me and do better with a simple routine you can follow, you can grab that Sunday Reset Printable too. It’s a digital checklist you can print or keep on your device and use every single week to start your Monday with more intention and less chaos.

  • How My Parents Added Character to their Builder-Grade Home

    How My Parents Added Character to their Builder-Grade Home

    My parents are always up to something creative, but their latest project might be my favorite yet. They built an accent wall in their living room. It started out as a simple paint refresh and turned into a full-on DIY adventure, complete with multiple hardware store stops, a few minor injuries, and plenty of laughter.

    The Inspiration

    When I asked what inspired them, my mom immediately said,

    “I saw it on Instagram! I’m just trying to get rid of that builder-grade look.”

    My dad, on the other hand, admitted,

    “I didn’t want to do it. It looks good. I’m just saying.”

    It all started with an empty wall that just felt too plain. They painted it first, thinking that would be enough but after living with it for a bit, they both agreed it still needed something more. So the idea for a box-trim accent wall was born.

    Planning the Layout

    They began the old-fashioned way: with pen and paper. My dad measured (and re-measured) the wall to decide how many boxes they wanted. Once they had a rough plan, they taped out the design on the wall and left it up for a couple of weeks just to make sure they liked the layout before committing.

    When it was finally time to start, they made a list of supplies and headed out for what was supposed to be a quick trip to Home Depot.

    Except… they accidentally drove to Lowe’s.

    By the time they realized, they were already at the back of the store in the tool section. So, naturally, they turned around, left Lowe’s, and went to Home Depot where they bought a new level, nailer, nails, and caulk. Unfortunately, the wood selection was a letdown. My dad tried cutting a piece himself, but it chipped. “Junk,” he said. My mom wasn’t impressed either.

    So off they went again. This time to Menards, which they both agreed had the best wood selection (and cheaper prices, too).

    After all that, they stopped by our house to borrow a saw and a battery… but ended up visiting the rest of the night instead. The next morning, they finally got to work.

    Building the Wall

    Once they got started, things moved pretty quickly. Between cutting, nailing, and double-checking every measurement, they worked from about 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with a break for lunch and some distractions from the football games (the project was completed on a Sunday).

    The wall features 12 pieces of 8-foot MDF base cap molding, about 1.5 inches wide, attached with a pin nailer and finished with paintable caulk.

    There were a few battle wounds along the way…my dad managed to cut his finger (no idea how) and hit another with the nail gun. Luckily, it didn’t go through. While recalling the nail hitting his finger, he went on a tangent about the time he stapled 2 of his fingers together. It was very traumatic so if you ever get the chance, be sure to ask about it. He swears it’s the worst pain he’s ever felt: the staple, not pin nail.

    What They Learned

    Like most DIY projects, there were lessons along the way.

    “Cut a little extra and dry fit before cutting again,” my dad said.

    “And if you’re doing a big wall, you can’t do it alone — those top boxes were five feet tall!”

    He also offered some advice for anyone trying this at home:

    Nail in the center of each board first to help line it up before securing the rest. Don’t rush the measuring: “Measure, remeasure, and then measure again.” Use a baby wipe to smooth out caulk for a clean finish. “It takes it right off the wall. No mess.”

    When I asked what the hardest part was, they both laughed.

    Dad: “Figuring out the spacing to make it look uniform.”

    Mom: “Listening to your dad complain about it and waiting on him to do it!”

    And the best part?

    “We bought exactly the right amount of wood,” my dad said proudly. “Didn’t cut a single piece wrong.”

    The Finished Look

    The finished wall completely transformed their living room. The clean lines and subtle texture make the space feel more custom and collected. Exactly what my mom was going for. My dad says,

    “It’s up there. It’s up there good. It’s up there straight. It looks good.”

    Which, coming from him, is high praise.

    Their next step is buying paintable outlet covers so they blend in seamlessly with the wall.

    My mom’s already dreaming up their next project: wood slats in the entryway. My dad’s a little less enthusiastic, but I think we all know how this story ends…with another beautiful wall and a few more laughs along the way.

    Final Thoughts

    What I love most about their accent wall isn’t just how good it looks (and it really does look great). It’s the mix of teamwork, patience, and humor that went into it. DIY projects can be messy and unpredictable, but they’re also full of stories and this one perfectly fits them: equal parts determination and comedy.

  • How I Styled My Kitchen Counter Corner to Feel Warm and Collected

    How I Styled My Kitchen Counter Corner to Feel Warm and Collected


    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    When we moved into our new house three years ago, I fell in love with the kitchen — bright, white, and full of light. It felt fresh and new, and at the time, that was exactly what I wanted.

    But as the years passed, I started to realize that “bright and white” can also feel a little… sterile. My kitchen reminded me more of a doctor’s office than a cozy home. So I decided it was time to bring in some warmth and personality. Starting small, with one little corner of the counter.

    Step 1: Clear & Define the Space

    This corner wasn’t doing much before. Sometimes I’d toss a basket of fruit there, but mostly it was just empty. A dead zone.

    Still, counter space is valuable, and I wanted every inch of it to feel intentional. So, I cleared it off and gave it a purpose.

    Step 2: Add a Base Layer

    Every styled area needs a base. Something to anchor everything else. For this corner, I started with a beautiful wooden serving tray. It’s long and narrow, and when leaned casually in the corner, it adds instant warmth and texture. (It’s actually a bit too tall to stand upright perfectly, but I love that imperfect, “collected over time” look.)

    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

    Here’s the one I used:

    Long Acacia Cutting Board with Handle – Hobby Lobby

    Similar Acacia Cutting Board with Handle – Amazon

    Step 3: Bring in Texture and Height

    Next came the fun part: layering texture. The warm wood of the tray already helped break up all the white, but I wanted to add some movement and color.

    I placed a simple beige vase with faux greenery to bring in something organic, and a little lamp that doubles as a candle warmer. When it’s on, it fills the kitchen with a cozy, subtle scent and gives off the softest glow.

    I didn’t buy anything new for this step. I just gathered a few pieces from around the house and played around until it felt right. The mix of heights, materials, and tones made all the difference.

    If you want to try something similar, here are a few sources:

    Here’s everything I used to decorate our little corner:

    Beige Distressed Vase – Hobby Lobby Ruscus Faux Greenery – Hobby Lobby

    Candle Warmer Lamp – Amazon

    Pumpkin Pecan Waffles Candle – Bath & Body Works

    Step 4: Add a Personal Touch

    Personal touches are what make a house feel like home. I never want my spaces to feel like they belong in a magazine. I want them to feel lived in.

    For me, scent is a big part of that. I love when people walk in and immediately say, “Wow, your house smells amazing.” Right now, it’s my favorite fall candle from Bath & Body Works, but in the spring I swap it for one from a local shop. Little seasonal touches like that keep things feeling fresh and personal.

    Step 5: Step Back & Admire

    Once everything was in place, I stepped back and took a look. Then I did a little editing. Added something, took something away, until it felt just right.


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    In the end, I kept it simple: a board, a vase, and a lamp. Cozy, but not cluttered.

    It’s amazing what styling one small corner can do for your whole kitchen.

    That once-empty space now feels warm, layered, and collected. Exactly what I was craving.

    If you’ve been putting off decorating because you don’t know where to start, start small. Pick one corner — maybe your counter, an entry table, or a nightstand — and play around. That’s where the magic happens. ✨

    Thanks for chatting! What little corner in your home could use some warmth?

  • Our Halloween Movie Marathon Picks

    Our Halloween Movie Marathon Picks

    Halloween is one of my favorite cozy nights of the year. The candy’s ready, the lights are low, and the only thing left to do is grab a blanket, pop some popcorn, and pick the perfect lineup of spooky movies.

    Whether you’re watching with your little one or staying up late after bedtime for something scarier, here’s our list of Halloween must-watches from sweetly spooky to seriously scary.

    Kid-Friendly Favorites (Approved by My Little One!)

    Not too spooky, just the right amount of Halloween fun.

    1. Hocus Pocus (1993)
      The Sanderson sisters never fail. Witches, magic, and that perfect dose of nostalgia.
    2. The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
      A movie that magically bridges Halloween and Christmas. The songs, the stop-motion, the pumpkin king. This one is my 2 year olds favorite!
    3. Haunted Mansion (2003)
      A little spooky, a lot of laughs, and full of ghostly charm.
    4. Halloweentown (1998)
      The ultimate Disney Channel classic. Full of magic, cozy small-town Halloween vibes, and nostalgia galore.
    5. Hotel Transylvania (2012)
      Monsters, mayhem, and a big heart. It’s a go-to for a light, funny Halloween movie night.

    Love cozy family nights like this?
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    Grown-Up Picks (After the Kids Go to Bed)

    When the candy bowl’s empty and the house gets quiet, it’s time for something a little darker.

    1. Halloween (1978)
      It’s not Halloween night until Michael Myers shows up. Classic, creepy, and the perfect background noise while you’re stealing candy from your kid’s bucket.
    2. Practical Magic (1998)
      Cozy witchy energy, strong women, and a little romance.
    3. Trick ‘r Treat (2007)
      A true Halloween night movie. It’s creepy, fun, and full of that small-town October feeling.
    4. Sleepy Hollow (1999)
      Fog, fall leaves, and a headless horseman. What more could you need?
    5. Beetlejuice (1988)
      Creepy and chaotic in the best way. It’s weird, it’s funny, and it’s pure Halloween fun.
    Oliver staying cozy by the fire (and eyeing my popcorn)

    For the Horror Fans (Scary Scary — You’ve Been Warned!)

    If you love the thrill of a real scare, these are the ones to turn off the lights for.

    1. Halloween (1978)
      Yes, again. Because it’s that essential.
    2. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
      Classic 80s horror. Freddy Krueger will make you think twice before falling asleep.
    3. Friday the 13th (1980)
      The ultimate camp-slasher. Eerie woods, jump scares, and the start of an iconic horror franchise.
    4. The Conjuring (2013)
      Based on a true story (which somehow makes it even scarier). A haunted farmhouse, mysterious knocks, and just the right amount of dread.
    5. Insidious (2010)
      The kind of horror that creeps up on you. Dark corners, eerie whispers, and plenty of jump scares.
    6. *bonus* Sinister (2012)
      Found footage meets true terror. The tone, the music, and those grainy home videos make this one unforgettable. I’ve still never watched this all the way through without covering my eyes!

    How We Make It Cozy

    No matter which list you pull from, we love to make it an experience:

    • Light the pumpkin candle
    • Warm up some cinnamon rolls
    • Dim the lights
    • Snuggle under a big blanket

    Then hit play and let the Halloween magic do the rest.

    However you celebrate Halloween, whether it’s a sweet family movie night or a scary movie marathon, I hope your night feels cozy, fun, and full of treats (no tricks!).

    Want more cozy home inspiration in your inbox?
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  • A Sweet Last Minute Halloween Craft for Little Ones

    A Sweet Last Minute Halloween Craft for Little Ones

    If you’re looking for a simple, last-minute Halloween craft to do with your little ones, this one was such a hit in our house today!

    It took almost no prep, used things we already had around, and both of my boys were completely engaged — which is saying a lot for a two-year-old and an eight-month-old!

    We started with two mini pumpkins from our porch decorations and a small canvas I found in our craft bin.

    I squeezed a few dollops of washable paint onto a Halloween paper plate (think purple, green, and black, all the spooky colors!) for my two-year-old to use as his palette. He painted one pumpkin and tried coloring another with markers, but he was definitely more into painting. He kept asking for more colors, which made it even more fun and interactive.

    For my eight-month-old, I dolloped a few Halloween-colored paints directly onto the canvas and then sealed it inside a ziplock bag. I placed it on his high chair tray, and he went to town! He slapped, squished, and wiggled the paint around, and when we peeled the bag away we had this adorable, abstract little masterpiece.

    It was quick, messy in the best way, and felt like the perfect little Halloween memory to tuck away.

    Bonus: we didn’t even need to buy a thing!

    You could easily adapt this with whatever paints or colors you have on hand or even do a fall-themed version with warm, cozy tones.

    Supplies we used:

    2 mini pumpkins

    1 small canvas

    Washable paints in Halloween colors

    Paper plate (for a paint palette)

    Ziplock bag (for mess-free baby painting)

    Tip: If you want to keep the mess even lower, place a garbage bag at your toddlers work area.

    This little project was such a sweet reminder that crafts don’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes the best ones are spontaneous and done with tiny, paint-covered hands.

  • The Cutest Mini Jack o Lantern Pizzas!

    The Cutest Mini Jack o Lantern Pizzas!

    I made these fun and festive mini Jack-O’-Lantern pizzas for lunch today, and they turned out so cute. I wasn’t planning to share them, but they fit the cozy Halloween vibe too perfectly not to.

    I used English muffins and topped them with pizza sauce, cheese, and a few sliced pepperoni pieces cut into little jack-o’-lantern faces. It’s such a simple idea, but it made our regular lunch feel so much more special.

    How We Made Them

    Here’s what we used:

    – English Muffins

    – Pizza sauce

    – Shredded mozzarella or sliced cheese

    – Pepperoni (or any toppings you love)

    Cut the English muffin in half and spread the pizza sauce on each, top with cheese, and then add your “faces.” Bake at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, or until everything’s melted and bubbly.

    It’s a quick and easy lunch idea that feels special with very little extra effort. Perfect for a cozy Halloween afternoon or a festive movie night at home.

    Save this for a rainy day when you need a quick, fun lunch!

  • Curling Up With a Quick Fall Mystery

    Curling Up With a Quick Fall Mystery

    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    As the weather cools down and the leaves start changing, I’ve been spending more evenings curled up at home with the candles lit, a soft blanket draped over the couch, a warm drink in hand, and maybe a pumpkin nearby just for the vibes. I just finished Jackets, Jack O’ Lanterns, and Justice by Tonya Kappes, and thought it’d be fun to share a quick little review for anyone else looking for an easy fall read.

    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

    Book Review: Jackets, Jack O’ Lanterns, and Justice by Tonya Kappes

    This was one of those free Kindle finds that ended up being a fun little surprise. It’s a light, quick read with a small-town murder mystery that kept me guessing the whole way through.

    I wouldn’t say I was super attached to the characters (a week later and I honestly can’t remember their names), but the mystery itself was enjoyable. I had a few theories about who the killer might be, and I didn’t end up being right, which always makes it more fun to read.

    If you’re looking for something quick and easy to get into, this would be a good pick for a cozy evening. It’s not heavy or overly complicated. Just a simple, entertaining story to enjoy with a warm drink in hand. As for the fall vibes, there were a few (a decorated campground and a Halloween party) but it didn’t totally capture that full cozy fall feeling I was hoping for. Still, it’s a nice little mystery to add to your fall reading list if you’re in the mood for something light and fun.


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    A Cozy Reading Note

    Lately I’ve been trying to make more time for quiet moments — a cup of coffee, a soft blanket, and a book that doesn’t ask too much of me. Even when a story isn’t perfect, there’s something so comforting about getting lost in a little mystery for a while, especially as the evenings get crisp and the candlelight flickers around the room. I think I’ll be adding a few more easy fall reads to my nights. It’s the perfect way to wind down and soak up a little seasonal coziness.

    Curl up with your own copy here.

  • A Cozy Mudroom Built with Love (and Patience!)

    A Cozy Mudroom Built with Love (and Patience!)

    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    When we moved into our home, there was this little niche by the door that just looked like it was meant to be a mudroom bench. You know those spaces that practically beg to be turned into something useful and cozy? This was one of those.

    Empty niche in our entryway
    The little niche that started it all – just begging for a bench.

    It only took us… about a year and a half to finally start the project. But once we did, my husband and I spent three weekends bringing it to life. It could be a weekend project if you’ve got uninterrupted time but with a toddler running around, we worked in short bursts during naps and whenever the grandparents could come over to play.

    The Not-So-Straight Walls

    One of our biggest challenges? The walls. They were not straight, and the corners were definitely not 90°. Sliding the wood bench pieces in was such a struggle. We had to shave off little bits at a time to make them fit. At one point I got so tired of the micro cuts that I just jammed it into the wall and called it good.

    Learning As We Went

    I also stained the bench the wrong color at first. It turned out way lighter than I pictured, so I ended up re-staining it darker and honestly, it made all the difference.

    For the board and batten, we tried to save money by going with cheaper wood. I’ll be honest: it worked, but it took a lot of sanding to get it smooth and presentable. If I could give one piece of advice: save yourself the extra work and go with the nicer wood.

    Bench assembled in garage
    Look at that stain. Absolutely not.

    The Fun Part: Finishing Touches

    Once the hard parts were done, adding the hooks, baskets for shoes, and cozy pillows made it all come together. I love styling the space. It’s the perfect mix of practical and pretty.

    Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no extra cost to you.

    What we used:

    • Seagrass Baskets – Exact baskets we used from IKEA
    • Throw Pillow Inserts – Exact pillow inserts we used
    • Throw Pillow Cover – Floral – I love our pillow covers! They work so well with the wall color
    • Abstract Art Print – I saw this in someone’s video on youtube that was like a “Shop with me” at Hobby Lobby. I literally went out and bought it the next weekend! It’s the perfect moody color scheme
    • Our floral pillow cover isn’t available at IKEA anymore, but it’s a waffle knit texture. I think it helps for it to just have a different texture to add more interest to the solid color

    Similar Options:

    Now, I use the mudroom every single day. It’s right by the door we use to come and go, and every time I see it, it makes me smile. The green on the walls might just be my favorite color in the house (and it’s one of the few spaces we’ve actually painted so far!).

    We’re not professionals by any means. Just two parents making our home feel like us, one project at a time. This little mudroom corner has become such a warm, happy part of our everyday life, and I love that we built it together.

    Love cozy home projects and bookish corners? Subscribe and join me for new posts every week!

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    Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous