Carrie Talbott's Blog

Whether you clicked this email with an open mind, or you’re ready to go toe-to-toe with me, most people are in one camp or the other when it comes to artificial intelligence. And those who are somewhere in the middle either haven’t done enough research or haven’t used it long enough to fully understand the benefits.

It’s controversial, I know, but hear me out.

I’m not trying to turn you into an AI super-fan or dismiss your concerns. AI isn’t some all-powerful force that will save or destroy us—it’s just a tool we’re all still figuring out. And before you click away or leave a snappy comment about why AI is scary or unethical, hang on. The real conversation isn’t “AI good or bad,” but “AI is here to stay… so what are we going to do about it?”

Plot Twist

Did you know you’re already using AI? Even if you don’t realize (or want to admit) it, here’s where AI is working for you on an hourly, daily, and weekly basis:

Maps – Google, Apple, and Waze all use AI to get you to where you’re going.

Weather forecasting – At least once a week, I speak into my phone, “10-day weather.” And boom, I have a mostly-accurate forecast. But it’s not coming from the desk of Spencer Christian, AL Roker, or Jim Cantore—it’s coming from AI.

Ride-Sharing – ever taken an Uber, Lyft, or Bolt? Yep—AI is what matches riders with drivers.

Online shopping – You know all those lovely Amazon recommendations you get? They’re not from AL—they’re from AI.

Recommendations from streaming services – Yes… Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube all employ sophisticated AI recommendation engines based on what you’ve liked in the past and what they think you’ll like next.

Facial recognition – Do you open anything on your phone with your face or fingerprint? They’re all being powered by AI too.

Email spam filters – Keeping your inbox clean and secure is their number one goal. Dare we thank it?

The smartest people in the room aren’t the ones yelling from one side or the other though. They’re the ones actually playing around with AI, influencing where it’s collecting its data, asking good questions, and trying to separate the real stuff from the you-know-what.

But… the ones who are fighting it tooth and nail, don’t want to listen to a podcast about it, refuse to do any research, roll their eyes at the mention of the letters, and/or think it’s 100% evil, are the ones who will be left in the dust in the very near future.

Like, tomorrow.

Humbling mistake: the first time I saw it written in an article, I thought the author was referring to his dad, uncle, brother, or grandpa. As in, AL. Albert? Alfred? Alvin? I read at least two paragraphs, wondering who this guy AL was and what the heck he was doing. And then it hit me.

Once I saw the letters “AI” in more and more blog posts, magazine articles, Instagram reels, etc., then my eyes adjusted, and I never thought of that nice AL guy again.

The Library vs. The Librarian

“So what’s the difference between what a Google search offers and what AI offers, and why should I care?” Great question.

The best explanation I’ve ever heard about an AI search vs. a Google search came last year from a friend. Think of Google as walking into a library and asking the librarian for basketball information. 

Scenario numero uno…the librarian takes you to the sports section, points out all the basketball books, and then you take them home and read them till your eyes burn. That’s kind of like Googling something and then having to click on all the blog posts, Reddit comments, and consumer reports to read about your subject and find your answer.

Scenario numero dos… you walk into the library and the librarian behind the desk is Stephen Curry. Instead of taking you to the books that you have to check out and read at home, Curry sits there with you and tells you everything he knows about the game.

Steph is AI, and he just saved you a ton of time. Think Cliff Notes on steroids. 

Test Drive

Just like anything in life (money, the Internet, food, shopping, etc.), AI has a good side and a bad side. Today, I’m focusing on the good side and giving you basic tools to help you dip your toe in the water. No one’s asking you to jump into the deep end—just to explore the possibilities of how this tool can work for you and not against you.

Here is a list of real-life scenarios, and how AI can make your life easier without making you feel like you’re cheating on a test.

Using Basic AI—ChatGPT to the Rescue

To answer your first question… yes, it’s free. And to answer your second question… no, I never copy and paste the responses and call them my own. I use AI as a tool that helps me with ideas. Just like the way you use a thesaurus, a friend’s idea, and a Google answer. 

But AI blows all of those out of the water.

Here’s a perfect example of a prompt you could customize and put into ChatGPT for an upcoming trip. Remember, getting super helpful answers really depends on what kind of a prompt you give it. The more detailed, the better. 

I’m driving from San Diego to Santa Barbara on Friday at 2 p.m. Show me the best route to take. Also tell me where the cheapest gas is between those two cities, and where I can find an In-N-Out Burger or Chick-fil-A for dinner.

Here’s another one that can help your bottom line even more: 

I’m driving my 2017 Toyota Avalon from San Francisco, CA to Phoenix, AZ. How much will it cost me in gas?

It took about four seconds to “think” and then spit out a ridiculously thorough answer, which I then trimmed so you wouldn’t feel like you were back in pre-algebra:

Key Numbers & Assumptions

The driving distance is about 750 miles one-way.According to EPA/Edmunds, the 2017 Avalon gets about 30 mpg highway (21 city / 30 highway) for the non‐hybrid version.Let’s assume gas is around $4.50 per gallon  

Cost Estimate

At 750 miles ÷ 30 mpg = 25 gallons needed (750 ÷ 30 = 25)At $4.50/gal × 25 gallons = $112.50 for one way

Summary

Expect to spend around $110–$120 in gas for the one‐way trip. For a round trip, double that → $220–$240. If you like, I can look up current local average gas prices along the route and give a refined estimate based on those.

Sooo helpful, right?!

Our Fam

If you asked my family if we use AI regularly to search for things and make our lives easier, we would all give you a resounding yes. In no particular order, here are our favorites:

One Son: “Grok 4 – xAI for its cool aesthetic, along with a younger, more relevant verbiage that appeals to younger audiences. And ChatGPT for its connectivity with apps, fluidity across projects, and integration with other systems and services.”

Other Son: “ChatGPT, because it was the most popular when it came out, and it’s free. And Google Gemini, when I’m using Chrome to compare answers to ChatGPT.”

Daughter-in-law: “ChatGPT app on my phone for price comparisons when I’m shopping.”

Husband: “Grok for fun and snarky responses. ChatGPT for swift speed and ability to work with different mediums.”

Me: “I like Claude because you can opt out of their user data being used for model training. Which means it doesn’t learn from me and my prompts. Super helpful when I’m using it for research as an author and thinking about copywrites.”

And since AI can literally help you with any logistical question or problem in your life, it has become our number one search tool. One of us, who shall remain nameless, is using it to create a business, but takes a break here and there to argue with it about the Bible.

If that sounds crazy in your world, let me remind you that most people Google at least one thing every single day. Our family is still asking questions and solving problems, but now we have a more robust option that feels like we each have a ridiculously intelligent, efficient, reliable, innovative, organized, and super detailed personal assistant at our fingertips. 

It’s available in the middle of the night, doesn’t complain about long hours, doesn’t need insurance, answers every question with an encouraging comment, has an IQ of approximately 120, can generate images from a written prompt, can create and sing songs that sound like legit humans, and doesn’t ever call in sick.

The Ethical Side

While talking to friends about this controversial subject, we got into the moral implications of it all. This could be a whole other blog post about the negative sides of AI. But above all, I think it’s important to zoom out and realize I’m not selling my soul to a wicked computer when I’m using AI to plan my friend’s birthday party. 

And I’m not compromising my beliefs when I use AI to explain a complicated bible verse to me either. In simple 5th-grade verbiage, por favor. 

Your Turn

Thanks for making it this far with me. Now it’s your turn. Not sure where to start? Start basic. Any question you would put into Google can now go into ChatGPT and give you faster, smarter, and more condensed results. 

Here’s a sampling of what I’ve challenged my AI assistants (we’ll call them Pamela and Brad) with this week. Except let’s be real—it’s not exactly a challenge. Pam answered every prompt lightning fast, and Brad gave me more helpful details than I asked for. 

Tell me the best inexpensive winter activities in Southern California for families with teenagers, keeping in mind that one person has mobility issues.I’m having 6 friends over for our annual Christmas party and want to play at least 1 game we’ve never played before. We want it to be funny, but not a drinking game. Give me 5 ideas for games that I don’t have to purchase.I’m looking for a creative gift for a videographer who just got his first office and desk. Keep it under $50 and find items that can be personalized.I’m a professional organizer and want to know what I can write off on my taxes. Please advise how I can legally take advantage of the tax code laws. (yes, I said please to a computer)Give me 10 gift ideas for an older man who has everything, doesn’t hunt, doesn’t drink, doesn’t fish, and doesn’t play sports. Keep the price under $75.Review these 6 paragraphs from my recent blog post and tell me where I have repetition. I’m looking for poké restaurants in San Diego. Tell me which ones are the healthiest with the cleanest ingredients.

Convinced yet? Go play! Have fun! Ask it a question about how to make your holidays simpler, more relaxing, cheaper, or more fun with kids. Then tell me in the comments if you’re on board with AI or not. Also, it’s totally fine if you’re not—we can still be friends.

Just don’t blame me if my buddy AL fixes his sprinkler problem, finds the best deal on Christmas slippers, learns how to get his neighbors to stop fighting, picks 3 age-appropriate movies for his kids, and writes a perfectly professional and thoughtful email while you’re still thinking of a subject line.  

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The post The Robot in the Room: Admitting AI’s Here to Stay & Using it Ethically appeared first on Carrie Talbott.

Did you hear that? The sleigh bells are less than two months away, friend. That kind of talk would normally sound overwhelming to me, but today it makes me feel like I want to get organized with my presents so I can be a tad more present the week of Christmas.

I have a bunch of writer and reader friends in my life, and I’m guessing you do too. These gift ideas will make your shopping much faster and easier!

FOR THE READERS:Candles

The Shire Bookish Reading Candle – The perfectly cozy and clever gift for men and women alike.

Winter in Narnia Bookish Reading Candle – Let this beautifully white candle take your loved ones through the wardrobe and back in time.

Bookstore Scent Candle – Mahogany, Leather, Coffee – Perfect for a man’s office… or a woman’s side table while she reads.

Bookmarks

Vegan Faux Leather Scripture Bookmarks – Dozens of colors, dozens of designs, dozens of verses! These bookmarks are the ideal stocking stuffers for all the readers in your life. Don’t forget yourself!

Coffee & Books Beaded Bookmark – Made of sturdy cardstock, this is thinner than the leather one above. Your coffee-loving friends and family will definitely appreciate the coffee/book connection!

Book Lights

Gritin 9 LED Rechargeable Book Light – Almost 48,000 people can’t be wrong; that many reviewers gave this book light 4.8 stars! Comes in clutch when the person next to you would rather sleep and has slightly aggressive things to say about your light pollution. And there are 11 colors and 3 color temperatures to choose from: natural, white, and warm.

Glocusent Bendable Neck Book Light – For those who don’t want to clip something to their book, this bendable neck light is rechargeable, and comes with 3 colors of lights and 6 brightness levels. Amazon says it’s perfect for camping, reading in bed, knitting, repairing, etc. I say even if you can’t do all 4 at the same time, at least you’ll be lit.

Pens

Mr. Pen Bible Pens – The older we get, the more certain impressive pens have a place in our lives. Sure, it ages us, but we do not care. And even though we writers pretty much only ever write on computers, we still get excited about finding an amazing pen. These bad boys don’t bleed and have been high-fived by approximately 21,000 people. Kinda makes you wanna write a letter, huh?

Mr. Pen 8-pack Aesthetic Highlighters – Almost 19,000 people have voted for these fantastic highlighters. They come in dozens of color combos, but my favorite right now is Autumn Earth. Because, ya know… fall.

Mr. Pen Aesthetic No-Smear No-Bleed Boho Colors – I can’t think of one woman who wouldn’t love these. From teenagers to grandmas, they’re going to adore these beautiful colors! Perfect for stockings, or combine it with a beautiful leather journal for a thoughtful gift.

Bookends

Mind Reader Contemporary Planter Bookends – If you’re not a bookend fan because you think they look boring, you’re in for a treat. These help you decorate your shelf with some greenery too!

Cork & Mill Marble Bookends – If you have a bougie girl/woman in your life, these mid-century modern white bookends with brass inlay will do the trick.

TILISMA Walnut Wood Bookends – Handmade, and with a cool shape, these will elevate even the most basic bookshelf. I love me some walnut wood!

Creative Co-op Pinecone-shaped Bookends – And for those of us from the forest, adding in a touch of pinecone brings us right back home.

FOR THE WRITERS:Book-themed Candles

CE Craft Book Themed Scented Candle – Clicking keys and smelling these? Yes please.

Smells like she’s writing a bestseller Candle – I love the hope in this message. And the subtitle is even better! Such a great gift for an aspiring writer.

Books

Storyworthy, by Matthew Dicks – Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling. It’s a great motivator for writers who need to tell their stories but might not know how.

The Christian Writers Market Guide – “It’s the most comprehensive and recommended resource on the market for finding an agent, an editor, a publisher, a writing coach, a podcast, or a writing course. Curated by professionals, it is designed to help you find the best help for your work.”

Adorning the Dark, by Andrew Peterson – This was a great read! The Amazon description: “From the bestselling author of The Wingfeather Saga and award-winning musician and storyteller, Andrew Peterson. Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, WORLD Magazine each named Adorning the Dark as one of their books of the year.”

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life, by Anne Lamott – Funny, informative, memorable, and hands down one of my top five favorite books I’ve ever read. If I had to move internationally again and could only bring a few books, this would definitely make the cut. Entertaining if you have a pulse; fascinating and motivating if you’re a writer.

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, by Stephen King – I’m so glad I didn’t shy away from the fact that this was written by a horror writer. He’s obviously talented, but horror is not exactly my style, so I avoided it for years. Finally read it last year and loved it. Pretty intriguing to learn about his writing process and how far he came from his beginnings as a no-name author.

Editing Secrets of Best-Selling Authors, by Kathy Ide – Perfect for the writer who needs help in the editing department. Spoiler—that’s all of us!

A Writers’ Conference

I returned home from a writers’ conference last week, and my mind is swirling with ideas, inspiration, and hope.

Do you know a writer who would love to go to a conference? Maybe they don’t know about them, or maybe they can’t afford them. Either way, a gift certificate to next year’s conference would be a huge boost for their (or your) writing journey and career!

Here are two of my favorites:

West Coast Christian Writers’ Conference – takes place every fall in California.

Vision Christian Writers’ Conference – happens every spring in California.

The number of connections I’ve made and the fun I’ve had over the past couple of decades at writers’ conferences is priceless. Highly recommended—five stars!

That list should keep you busy for a while. Have fun Christmas shopping, knowing you’re leaps and bounds ahead of everyone around you. We’re going to be so prepared, and I’m so proud of us. Go team!

Until next time… happy reading, happy writing, and happy gifting!

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The post The Organized Book Nerd: Gifts for all Your Readers & Writers appeared first on Carrie Talbott.

My 1980s father on a stage with a mic: “Let’s stand and sing all eight verses of Abide With Me on page 783.”

Me, his teenage daughter, in a pew with a whisper: “Let’s not and say we did.”

I’m not proud of my attitude 35 years ago, but that was my reality at the time. My parents’ world revolved around hymns; I preferred modern worship music and a much faster metronome. 

Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith scratched that itch for a while, until DC Talk came along in 1987, and I knew my Walkman would never be the same. 

My parents probably wondered how long this hip-hop and rap sound would continue to emanate from my bedroom. I couldn’t be sure, but all of a sudden Amy’s “El Shaddai” and “Lead Me On” didn’t sound cool anymore. Turns out, TobyMac’s sound was the gateway drug that led me to Lecrae, Tedashii, and Forrest Frank.

Fast forward to this summer: God dumped a seminar idea into my brain as I flopped into bed one night. Instead of assuming I would remember it in the morning (never happens), I made a note in my phone.

Three generations… different music… same God.

Our son was on summer staff at Mount Hermon, and my parents were on their way to be with us during family camp. So when I realized my dad and son and I would all be there at the same time, I thought it might be fun to teach a class together.

With less than four weeks to spare, I pitched it to the director of family ministries, got a yes, and then texted my dad and son and got this:

Boomer dad, Dave: “Sounds great!”

Gen Z son, Brock: “sweet lmk whatchu tryina do chief”

The Sound of Worship

Differing worship styles in churches and across generations is not a new issue. The subject of music has even caused rational people to act irrationally and some solid churches to break apart.

We can wring our hands, shake our heads, and muse, “What a shame.” Or we can search our hearts, start conversations, and open our minds to different ways of looking at the same thing. 

Most people already have strong opinions about music they don’t like, so the goal of our seminar was not to try to convince the audience that our particular music style is the best. It was more about bridging the gap between generations and showing how we have more in common than we think.

Did you know there are actually a ton of Christian kids who are listening to the same lyrics as their grandparents? And neither of them knows it. My dad listens to the original version of Amazing Grace, I listen to Forrest Frank’s version, and my son listens to the Citizens’ version.

Which is proof that the issue so many churches and families are having is not about the lyrics as much as it is about the sound, rhythm, tempo, style, and volume. 

(P.S. Pleeease stop complaining to your church’s sound crew about the volume.)

Among all the young people looking up two generations to their grandparents with judgmental eyes, and all the older people looking down two generations to their grandkids with judgmental eyes, it would do them all well to remember this:

different sound, same lyricsdifferent sound, same messagedifferent sound, same God

Same thing happened when we moved to Mexico and attended church for the first time. I’ll never forget when I heard a song in Spanish that I already knew in English. Looking around the church I suddenly felt surprised. All these strangers from a different country and culture, who spoke a different language, were worshipping the same God that I was? Wild.

Not wrong, just different. 

Seminar Highlights

Here were our main points during our talk:

Dave’s Perspective: Hymns have lasted because they’re rooted in scripture. Not all modern worship songs are.

Carrie’s Perspective: Hymns have a rich tradition and deep meanings, while contemporary music engages younger generations & fosters a connection with God in a modern, upbeat, fun way.

Brock’s Perspective: We all need a fresh perspective, we can appreciate all types of worship music, and our personal journey with Jesus is what matters most. 

All three of us agreed—since multiple artists have recorded different versions of hymns, bridging the gap between the generations is easier than ever. 

Amazing Grace Sounds

To prove a point at the end of our seminar, I had a few versions of Amazing Grace that sounded drastically different, strung together in a one-minute playlist. The sound of the first four lines ranged from slow to fast, and country to pop, but the words were all identical.

Here are the songs I pulled, all of which can be found on Spotify:

Opera: Andrea Bocelli

Country: Josh Turner

Spanish: Fernando De La Mora

Africanized Pop-Fusion: The 5 Strings (interspersed with Swahili)

Contemporary: Hillsong

Modern: Citizens (Indie/alt-worship, rhythmic)

Pop Fusion: Forrest Frank

Same words, different sound. Different sound, same God. 

What Now? 

Here are the questions I threw out to the audience to either answer or throw back to us: 

How can we encourage younger worship leaders to explore & appreciate hymns, not just newer songs?How do we honor older generations’ love for hymns without alienating younger people who prefer modern worship? Can we blend hymns & modern worship in the same service without it feeling disjointed?”

Something to think about when you picture your church, your music style, and your worship experience. 

Postlude

At the end of the idea, prep, practice, and delivery of this seminar, I think all three of us came away with a new level of respect for each other’s music. 

That doesn’t necessarily mean my son wants to listen to the slow version of How Great Thou Art. Or that my father wants to listen to 8 minutes and 55 seconds of Oceans. And it doesn’t necessarily mean I want to listen to either of them. But it does mean that we all acknowledge we’re worshipping the same God in our own ways, and can encourage one another in that practice. 

And this, at the end of the sheet music, vinyl, cassette, CD, download, or playlist, is amazing grace. 

3 generations of love

If you’re interested in listening to our seminar, here’s the link. It’s unedited, so we don’t start until minute 1:55, but Mount Hermon will have the finished processed file online after Labor Day.

And if you’re interested in watching my dad play It Is Well, here’s the video I took at the end of our seminar:

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound,

that saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found,

was blind, but now I see.

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The post 3 Generations, 3 Worship Styles: Disagreeing with Love appeared first on Carrie Talbott.

Breaking down a song line by line has never been a thought or desire of mine, but the last time I sang “Goodness of God” I felt a flood of inspiration (and unexpected emotion), so here ya go.

Maybe you know every word, but you’ve never thought about how each line applies to your life. Maybe you’ve never heard the song before. Either way, check out this first verse and how it sounds when the lines are separated and defined:

I love You, Lord – Truth is, I’ve always loved him. I just want that love to grow so deep it permeates every cell of my being, causing me to show it to everyone around me. Especially to those special humans who require extra grace. (You know who I mean.) 

Oh, Your mercy never failed me – His compassion and forgiveness, especially when I don’t deserve it, are humbling. He could have hung me out to dry so many times. Even my poor choices that weren’t heinous still didn’t deserve such grace. It has never failed me.

All my days I’ve been held in Your hands – Not just weekdays. Not just since I’ve been a legal adult. Not just when I’m being a productive member of society. He has held me all my days.

From the moment that I wake up – What are your first thoughts when you’re conscious enough to know you’re awake? Mine aren’t always pure and lovely. Sometimes they involve impatience—and a few choice words. (horrors)

Until I lay my head – That means all day long. Some days are embarrassingly busy. Sundays are not. But even in the midst of the crazy (and stupid Instagram distractions), I want my thoughts to be on Him. 

Oh, I will sing – I don’t care if you have a good, mediocre, or arguably awful voice. God loves it when we sing to Him. I sing while blow-drying my hair, walking, doing chores, pulling weeds, and even driving too fast. (What a nauseating contradiction I am.)

Of the goodness of God – You think fresh hummus, gorgeous succulents, Texas BBQ, and California sunshine are good? His goodness lies eons beyond what our human brains can comprehend. Even when life feels like it’s headed into the ditch, God is still good.  

As if all that wasn’t enough, the chorus hits hard with a humble acknowledgment and future promise:

And all my life you have been faithful – Even though getting older isn’t always a rave, I love the fact that I’m old enough to have experienced this line. In my 20s, I knew God was faithful because I read about it in the Bible and older people told me so. But now I have my own stories to back it up.

And all my life You have been so, so good – I can’t deny His goodness when I look at my past. Even when I wasn’t “good,” He continued to toe the goodness line through grace, faithfulness, and love.

With every breath that I am able – Whether I’m suckin’ wind hiking a hill (like today), or rhythmically breathing in and out while sleeping, every single breath is from God. I might live to 97 ½. I might die next Tuesday. But as long as I have breath in my lungs, I pray it’s always directed toward the One who gave it to me. 

Oh, I will sing of the goodness of God – Here we go again. Open your mouth and belt it.

Today’s 7-mile hike in Wallace Falls (Gold Bar, WA)

Verse two comes in hot, and I don’t just mean because of the fire:

I love Your voice – Have you ever heard God’s voice audibly? I haven’t either. But man… when it’s strong, it almost sounds audible in my pea brain.

You have led me through the fire – When you’re in the midst of a rough enough experience to cause soul pain, it’s difficult to begin a trust journey with God out of the blue. If you trust your Creator and daily walk with Him though, it’s much easier to trust Him when you’re in the fire. (Even when there’s no end in sight.) Trying to conjure up faith when disaster strikes isn’t the smartest plan.

And in darkest night You are close like no other – Why do thoughts in the middle of the night feel stronger, spookier, and more dramatic than they usually are? For me, it’s probably because I feel alone. Except I’m not because God never sleeps. All the other humans may be crashed out, but God is right there, sitting closer than anyone else ever could. 

I’ve known You as a Father – I have a patient and loving earthly dad. This is different though. God’s role in my life is like the ultimate grandmaster father who does everything right and can do no wrong. The perfect role model who everyone wants to be near, learn from, and emulate. 

I’ve known You as a Friend – Wouldn’t it be nice to have a friend who never made you second-guess anything about yourself? Someone who was 1000% faithful, kind, loyal, patient, loving, and selfless? Check.

And I have lived in the goodness of God – I don’t just see it from a distance, or hear about it through friends. I literally live in the goodness of God. Every. Single. Day.

Kinda makes you wanna sing, huh?

Even if you’ve only been on this earth for a short minute, you’ve probably walked through fire, sat in silence, and questioned life. But if you pause and look closely, you’ll see the thread of God’s goodness woven through it all. Maybe it’s time to sing again—not because life is perfect, but because He’s always faithful through it.

Well, I didn’t set out to dissect a worship song like it was Shakespeare, but here we are—somewhere between conviction, comfort, and peaceful reflection. Even if you can’t remember the words tomorrow, I hope you walk away remembering this: God’s goodness is not a distant theory. It’s personal, present, and often louder than we realize. 

So whether you’re belting it at a stoplight or barely humming through tears (I’ve done both), don’t stop. The goodness of God is worth singing about—unapologetically. 

Yes, even off-key.

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Fascinating how lessons learned at a writer’s conference cross over seamlessly to real-life situations. Three of the things I learned came at a great time, I guess. I mean, are lessons ever fun to learn?

Good thing I walked beneath giant redwoods when this occurred. Their majestic beauty and peaceful canopy always soften the blow of self-realization.

1. I Came, I Saw, I Declined

Also known as, “just because you can fit it all into your schedule doesn’t mean you should.”

For me, it’s like suffering from buffet syndrome: If I’m gonna pay $34.99 for all-you-can-eat, you better bet I’m gonna stuff myself like a taxidermied bear. I’m soft and innocent on the outside, but you have no idea what kind of a harsh winter I’m preppin’ for.

About 23 minutes later I always feel gross, and quickly remember why getting my money’s worth isn’t worth it.

So no, I didn’t go to every single class like I usually do. Have you ever ditched seminars at a conference? I felt a tad guilty on day one, but then slid down a beautifully slippery slope to freedom as the long weekend went on. I worked on my book, finished a blog post, visited with fellow writers, and went home feeling content instead of frazzled from more fire hose learning. 

Same goes for real life. Just because you’re able to take 6 pilates classes a week, feed the homeless, write the newsletter for your local roller rink, volunteer at church, knit beanies for Yorkies, lead the Silver Sneakers group, bake sourdough for firemen, sing with Voices for Vegans, and throw pottery like it’s your j-o-b… doesn’t mean you should. 

I remember a friend telling me a couple years ago that it seemed like I was in a learning rut. She said I had learned enough about writing for the moment and needed to simply start writing more.

There’s a term for that, but I wasn’t sure what it was called either, so I looked it up for you. You’re welcome, but the point is, the phrase we’re both anxiously waiting for is “tutorial hell.” Hahaaa. Sounds about right, right? Other people call it “the learning loop.” Ever found yourself there?

I knew it was time to ditch class and put ink to papyrus. Or fingers to Apple keys. Whatever. I took a mental break from learning, learning, learning, and focused more on implementing all the knowledge I’ve gained. 

As a still-in-process recovering perfectionist, I’m fairly certain I’ll never be 100% satisfied with anything I produce. But it helps a little when I hear my friend’s words ringing in my ears: “Let it be good enough.”

Ooo… great point. I should definitely take that advice, call it a day, and press print. Submit. Enter. Publish.

And then I quietly scream. “Good enough?!” Do you have any idea what that sounds like in the ears of a Type-A writer who’s also an editor? “Good enough” tells me I’m settling for something that’s not great.

And back to the enneagram I go to figure out why I am the way I am. A little more therapy might not hurt either. (sigh)

ANY-who… you don’t have to do it all, friend. Remember, every yes you say out in the wild is a no you say back at home. 

“‘No’ is a complete sentence.”  ~Anne Lamott

2. Gold Connections Are Rare

If you’ve ever been to the same conference more than once, you probably know how fun it can be to reconnect with the same people year after year. Writer’s conferences are no different, but I never felt super connected to anyone in particular. Probably had a little to do with my lack of vulnerability, but that’s none of your business, so move on. 

Yes, we’re both passionate about avocados. So of course, we had to take our 3rd annual photo in our matching socks together. If you love devos that revolve around grace & all things Little House on the Prairie, check out mi amiga Wendi Lou Lee.

The friends I’ve made throughout the years vary from loud and quirky to quiet and professional and everything in between. It felt so rewarding when conversation finally started migrating from agents, authors, publishers, and platforms to fears, friends, hopes, and health. I’ve been attending conferences for years, but it’s only been recently that I’ve felt this connected to other writers. 

Fiction, nonfiction, middle grade, & devo writers. Our annual pic around the table—5 female writers who love Jesus & write about their faith.

I’m in three different writer groups, which tells you I obviously need the accountability. We text during the year, write together at o-dark-thirty once a week, hold each other accountable with our goals, request to be each other’s roommates at the next conference, commiserate when we get rejection letters, and clap in each other’s directions when someone gets a yes. Gold. 

Surprised by one of my Golden Girls, the ambitious Marci Seither. She’s written hundreds of articles, 4 books, & now has a magazine for Christian writers!

Marci packed that outfit (& candy vitamins for us) from Tennessee just to surprise me. That’s why I love her–she’s nuts.

Do you have people in your circle like that? It took me a minute. But now in the second half of life (am I old?), it’s super satisfying to have Christian friends who push me professionally. 

Holly Varni – the spontaneous & hilarious friend who writes novels about quaint locations,
& hosts a podcast too!

Beautiful woman & writer Rachel Dodge creates devotionals around timeless classic stories. If you’re an Anne of Green Gables, Jane Austen, or Little Women fan, Rachel’s your girl.

Are you a people-watcher? Me too. Spending time with men and women who all carry manuscripts but show up for vastly different reasons always intrigues me. From brand new writers whose nerves are hanging out, to veteran authors who smell like poised ink… you’d think they have very little in common.

The prolific novelist, James Scott Bell. Known this guy for about 25 years, but just found out his son was my son’s professor at Biola.

No need to be intimidated though—we can see right through that separation of rookie and professional. We’re all just humans with a knack for killing adverbs, consuming a few too many snacks while we tap tap tap our keyboards, and praying all this effort will pay off someday. My writer/author/editor/publisher connections-turned-friends feel like gold. And I am grateful. 

McGee & Me’s creator, Señor Bill Myers. He’s been joking around for about 97 years, & coming to Mount Hermon for just as long.

3. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect

My third lesson came in the middle of the conference. When I get to teach, the perfectionist in me wants to research for dozens of hours, practice for just as long, and cut back on sleep to ensure everything turns out flawless.

Do you ever push yourself beyond what’s necessary? I’ve always had a rough time figuring out that line between neurotic and good enough. Sheesh, there’s that term again. This “good enough” monster I’m turning into sounds wishy-washy to say the least. Please don’t call me a slacker.

None of us has to strive for perfection, I know, but sometimes my insecurity gets in the way. What if I bomb? What if they don’t like my class? What if someone falls asleep? What if I lose my place and look like a rookie? What if I never get invited back? Please tell me this happens in your brain too. 

In an effort not to stress myself out with the nanoscopic details most people don’t notice, I decided to cut back a bit this year. So I did a normal amount of research, prep, and practice, and then stuck a bow on it. Surprise, surprise… people showed up, my seminar went well, and I walked out more content than ever. And two friends even showed up to cheer me on!

~ poster board blessings ~

Ever wanted to be a writer? My number one piece of advice I always tell newbies (besides to get a butt cushion) is to go to a writer’s conference. They are by far the best place to learn a ton, make connections, and get ahead of the curve. 

If you know a writer who would love to take their writing to the next level, please send this to them. Writing is incredibly solitary, and everyone can use some encouragement.

This vocalist, Broadway actor, voice coach, & passionate woman gave us an unbelievable concert. And in between laughing together for days, she gave me my favorite new phrase that I use when I don’t buy into something: “I don’t subscribe to that.” Looove it. If you haven’t heard Nyla Watson belt out notes you didn’t think were possible, look her up. And, she’s writing a book!

Have you ever been to a writer’s conference? Have you written a magazine article? Have you written a book? Do you want to? Do you think writers are odd ducks? Tell me about your experience in the comments!

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Have you ever herded 82 cats through five airports, three subways, two ferries, one tram, a 200-mph bullet train, and daily buses in a foreign country?

I never had either. Aside from three lost passports, two sore throats, one missed plane, and one lost expensive ring, all went well. Almost everything was recovered, though not the hours spent at the U.S. Consulate. 

My high school teacher husband leads these annual overseas trips, so I get to go as a chaperone every year. I never had a strong desire to visit Japan, but when you’re offered a free trip, it’s kinda hard to turn down.

Hanging orchids at TeamLabs. Highly recommended interactive place!

Overall, the trip landed in the fantastic category, mostly because of the fun adults we got to take. (And a spontaneous trip to Disney Sea!) But there were definitely a few things I would avoid next time and a few things I would gladly repeat.

Stick around till the end for 4 bonus travel items I love!

Shall we?

3 Things I Loved

1. Cleanliness

Starting out on a positive note, let’s hear it for fewer germs. Japan as a whole is extremely clean. Besides employing a crazy number of people to take care of their public restrooms, being respectful of others is a normal part of their culture. 

What a concept.

So it makes sense that you’ll find toilet seat cleaner in each stall with a sign asking you to sanitize the space when you’re done.

2. Cherry Blossoms

The season is short, but we hit it just right! The white trees at the beginning were beautiful but a little disappointing, but by day four, we found the pink goodness in full bloom. And, of course, one of our chaperone friends hauled his huge legit camera over there, so he snagged some fun shots.

Chaperone Team ’25

3. Heated Toilet Seats

Don’t mock ‘em till you try ‘em. This unnecessary but generous phenomenon takes on a whole new meaning in the middle of a cold night. Suddenly you’re calm, content, and your cheeks are blushing. Ahhh….

3 Things I Didn’t Love

Hate is such a strong word, don’t you think? But here are a few things I don’t miss:

1. Sans Napkins 

How people eat ramen and miso soup without napkins was a mystery to all of us. Daily asking for napkins got a little old, especially when they were super thin and a tad waxy, which translated to not absorbent.

2. Personal Space

Big cities are fun to visit, but the ridiculously crowded streets always feel overwhelming to me. Tokyo was crowded on steroids. Spring break for local students and cherry blossom season added to the chaos, so we knew what we were getting ourselves into. But the way people move through the streets is not what we’re used to. 

The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing (Shibuya Scramble Crossing) has as many as 3,000 people simultaneously crossing on 6 crosswalks. Yes, we ran out first to snap this pic.

Lots of locals gently pushed their way through (especially on the subway) and stood close enough for us to identify their toothpaste flavor. I guess it makes sense though; if you’ve been raised with 14 million people around you at all times, that’s normal. I told my friend as we walked through the crazy scene, “This makes me want to buy a farm and get a pig.”

Speaking of little oinkers, did I mention I found a micro pig cafe?

3. Lame T.P.

Pretty sure I don’t need to go into this one, except to say it was see-through and the opposite of soft. I’ve never appreciated the 2-ply Kirkland “bath tissue” more than the day we got home. 

And no, friend, the bidet option did not speak to me.

3 Things I Learned

1. When using chopsticks, don’t roll them between your hands, stab them straight up in your food, or use them to serve anyone else. These actions are all rude and make you look like a foreign rookie.

2. Subway time is quiet time. Unfortunately, everyone knows when the loud Americans get on. We seemed to have a hard time staying silent, especially when traveling with young teens who had never been outside their zip code.  

3. Quite a few restaurants made us take our shoes off, but you’re supposed to keep your socks on. However, having holes in your socks is considered rude, so we told our students to make sure their socks were on the newer side. Nothing we could do about the stank though—especially after walking eight miles. Bleh.

Bonus—4 Travel Products

Here are a few items that made our international travel easier. They were affordable, compact, and I’d definitely buy them again. Click on the titles for the links.

1. Apple AirTag

This inexpensive tracking device is the easiest way to keep track of your everything without breaking the bank. You can plop a tag in any personal item and track it on your phone without worrying. We bought a 4-pack, and we each keep one in our suitcases and on our key rings.

2. AirTag Passport Holder

Almost 13,000 people can’t be wrong. Losing your passport is not only a huge hassle, it’s embarrassing. This holder has a spot for an AirTag and therefore cancels that risk and keeps its location on lock. Comes in tons of colors too.

We have a few requirements for traveling students every year, and after witnessing three students lose their passports, this holder with an AirTag cutout will now be required.

Travel Neck Pillows

No, not all neck rolls are created equal. And if you travel multiple times a year like I do, I think we can all agree that approximately 95% of travel pillows are 100% lame. 

Here are the two I own and would recommend. Hygienic bonus: They both get extra points for having washable covers. 

3. TRTL Travel Pillow

This unusual design holds your head up, eliminates neck bobbing, and keeps your mouth closed to prevent the occasional gasping snore. It takes a little getting used to the first time since it’s firm, but I was impressed with how well it kept my head from tipping.

4. Hooded Pillow

Bring on the dark! If you’re sensitive to light like I am, this hooded beauty perfectly blocks out the world. It also has a higher design that helps keep your head from falling quite as far. Super soft and perfectly squishy, I’ve also used it as a regular pillow when I’ve had a whole row of airplane seats to myself. 

Happy vacation, friend! Where are you going next? Have you used any of these travel products? Tell me in the comments!

Want some more vacation hacks and products? I wrote this just for you:

3 Summer Vacation Hacks to be More Organized

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“Decluttering is too overwhelming.”

“I see the problem, but I literally don’t know where to start.”

“I don’t want you to see my closet; you’re going to think I’m a hoarder.”

In all the years I’ve been decluttering and organizing homes and businesses, I don’t think there’s anything more discouraging than to hear someone admit they have a clutter issue and then choose not to do anything about it.  

I see them over the side of the ship, flailing, yelling excuses as to why they need to keep that box of whatever. And I’m watching them start to sink, ignoring the life ring I hit them in the head with.

When you’re drowning though (in items, thoughts, or both), I know from personal experience it’s easier to get up and leave instead of buckle down and stay. So what’s the remedy for a lack of motivation? The cure for not caring? The antidote to apathy? The solution for overwhelm?

The end goal.

Keeping the big picture in mind while working is part of what will push you to keep going. Taking the small steps is what will get you to that end goal, even if it seems like it’s taking forever. And some projects do feel like they’ll never end. That’s when you need a new four-letter word: Grit.

We all know grit’s siblings: courage, bravery, endurance, stamina, tenacity, fortitude, resolve. But to me, grit sounds stronger and more hell-bent on pushing through no matter what. And it’s a key factor in your process. 

More than straight determination, grit is usually part of your personality, DNA, or character. If you naturally have a decent amount of it, you’ll stick with the process. If grit isn’t inherently a part of you, you’ll probably have to work harder to stay the course. 

Here are a few proven ways to make that happen. 

What’s Your Decluttering Why?

For most people, their why revolves around making space for something new. A new car in the garage, a new espresso machine in the kitchen, a new baby in the nursery. When a new item or human is arriving, there’s a natural motivation to clear space.

But what about when you’re just buried in too many soft shirts? You realize your obsession has taken over, but you love your cozy fabrics and don’t have much incentive to part with any. That’s when your “why” needs to come to the surface. 

Why do you feel overwhelmed? Why do you want more closet space? Why do you want fewer decisions every morning?Start Small & Simple

If your initial resolution is through the roof and you’re ready to empty, declutter, clean, and organize your whole pantry and large kitchen in the next three hours, please press pause. Not only is that a recipe for a huge abandoned mess, it’s also unrealistic. Not even I would do that, and I mostly know what I’m doing.

At the beginning, your big picture is a decluttered and organized home. But your small step is a single compact area. Might not sound like enough to start, but I promise it is.

If this is your first time wanting to take the elephant by the tusks, it’s crucial you start small and simple. That means a drawer—just one. Or a single cupboard. One or two shelves could even be a perfect spot.

Seeing success in a pocket-sized area will give you the perfect amount of satisfaction and momentum to move to the next area. Building your confidence is also important if you want to stay motivated.

Set a Little Ringy-Ding-Ding

An actual timer is better, but if you want to use your phone for this part, go ahead. I recommend putting it on silent mode though. Less distractions, less time it takes to finish.

Knowing you only have 15 minutes (or 30 if you’re ambitious) makes the task feel less overwhelming. Plus, if you really get into your project and your timer goes off, it’s easy to hit snooze and keep going.

Change Your Decluttering Focus 

I’m sure you’ve heard you should always concentrate on what to ditch, but I’m flipping that script. What if you only focused on the favorite things you’re keeping?

Viewing decluttering through a lens of deprivation can make you wanna stop before you even start. The job is hard enough—we don’t need more emotional resistance. This simple positive shift can make decisions feel less about loss and more purposeful.

Instead of feeling like you’re losing something, you’re purposefully creating a space for items you love and use. Doesn’t matter if it’s clothes that make you feel confident, kitchen tools that make cooking easier, or hair products that actually work. The psychological benefit can be profound because every item you keep becomes a calculated choice, not a loss.

P.S. If you need permission to toss the moose, gel, and pomade slowly decomposing under your bathroom sink for the past decade, consider it granted. I’m lookin’ at you, bald man.

By focusing on what you truly want to keep, you’re not losing things—you’re creating an all-star team of players who deserve valuable real estate space in your home. 

Your Turn

Sooo? Ready to look at your big picture and take a small step? Get ready for a little game I like to call make-a-hard-decision-today-for-a-more-peaceful-tomorrow.

Big Picture: “I want my closet to be more spacious and less chaotic. And I’d like to make faster decisions about what to wear each morning without getting overwhelmed and frustrated.”

Small Step: Instead of emptying the entire closet today, simply start with pulling out every item from the opposite season. If it’s freezing right now, pull out all the shorts and tank tops and deal with those. Save what you love and will wear; donate what you don’t and won’t.

Big Picture: “I want my pantry to be more user-friendly. I don’t really know what’s in there, and I end up buying multiple cans of beans I already have.” 

Small Step: Empty the worst shelf or small cupboard, toss expired food, clean the area, place like-items together in an orderly way, and take an inventory of what you have.

Big Picture: “My bulging laundry room drives me bonkers. It seems like my kids and teens change clothes three times a day and I can’t keep up.”

Small Step: Make sure every family member has a laundry basket in their room. And then teach everyone who’s tall enough to reach the buttons or dials how to do their own laundry. Trust me—if they can add fractions, they can turn a washer on and make it go. Once everyone is accountable for their own clothes, you’ll have less mess.

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

You got this—I have faith in you!

Also, I know decluttering and organizing can feel problematic and occasionally thorny. What’s driving you crazy right now? What’s the one space you’d like to tackle first?

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments. I always answer. Promise. 

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If all you can think of when you hear “Valentine’s Day” is chocolate and flowers, it’s time for a shake-up.

Here are a few gift ideas for everyone on your list. Don’t be shy though—if you love something, you can get it for yourself ya know. Why? Because loving yourself is the first step to loving others.

Plus, your bank called and said you still have checks, sooo… you’re good to go. 

Click on the titles below to follow the links:

Babies: 

Little One, God Loves You Book

Amazon’s description: “Contains sweet, rhymed text, perfect for reading aloud and savoring at home, and has a simple, heartwarming message ideal for children ages 0-4.”

“Mommy Is My Valentine” Baby Bib

The cutest accessory for the cutest babies! Made of combed, ring-spun cotton.

Kids: 

The Berenstain Bears’ Valentine Blessings Book

Brother Bear has a secret admirer, but now he’s getting teased. Papa Bear reminds the cubs that all love comes from God, who is love. Includes a sheet of colorful stickers featuring the whole Bear family.

My Friendship Bracelet Maker

Friendship bracelets are all the rage! When my sister and I made bracelets in the 80s and 90s, we used safety pins on the knees of our jeans to keep everything together. This holder makes it so much easier.

LEGO Botanicals Bouquet of Roses Artificial Flowers

Finally, Valentine’s flowers that last forever! The perfect gift for the kids to put together for mom each year, or to give to a friend.

Teens: 

Dahey Plant Propagation Terrarium

These glass vases with cork lids are the cutest! As someone who loves propagating plants, I fully approve of this design. Being able to see the roots grow is super cool, and the clear glass vases allow the plants to absorb more sunlight. When not propagating, you can still use them as regular vases to brighten up a table or windowsill.

Instant Boba Bubble Pearl

Almost 5,900 people can’t be wrong. This boba kit makes ten servings, which saves you tons of money and lets the teen in your life get creative! Ready in about a minute, this would be a fun thing to make and enjoy with friends.

Women:

The Growing Candle, from Flame to Flower

Hygge-inspired, planet-obsessed. And such a brilliant way to keep your candle container out of the landfill. The Growing Candle is embedded with wildflower seeds. Plant the seed paper label into the container after the wax is gone and watch it bloom!

With six different styles of pots and ten different scents, this unique candle-to-flower idea is something the woman in your life has probably never seen.

Leather Heart Bookmarks

Got a reader in your home or friend circle? These leather heart bookmarks are the cutest way for her to mark her spot. And these trendy colors are on point!

Men:

2-Pack Outdoor Bluetooth Speakers

They’re Bluetooth speakers! And LED lights! And waterproof! And wireless! Let these little lanterns make a big impact at his next backyard party. Perfect for a dad, husband, son, grandpa, uncle, nephew, etc.

Airplane Phone Holder Mount

A pocket-size, hands-free phone holder with a multi-directional dual 360° rotation that comes in nine colors and clamps to tables, luggage handles, gym equipment, etc.? Yes, please.

Grandma:

Grandma’s Story: A Memory and Keepsake Journal

This sweet journal asks about everything from early childhood memories to school years, work and travel, love and family, character and values, and words of wisdom. It also features elegant linen, a gold foil cover, and a lay-flat design to easily write in the book. This is a perfect way to preserve grandma’s life story and graciously pass it down to the next generation.

Grandpa:

Incohearent, The Guess the Gibberish Party Game

Incohearent is the TikTok viral card game with over 750 million social media views, and now over 20,000 Amazon fans have given this game 4 ½ stars. After you flip the timer, you hold up a card so that other players only see the gibberish side. Everyone else has to guess the phrase before time runs out. A perfect way to mix your generations while listening to Grandpa work out the funny gibberish.

So… what are you getting? No matter what, I hope you feel the amor, today and always.

Happy Valentine’s Day, friend!

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The post Valentine Items That Aren’t Cheesy: From Baby to Grandma, Gifts to Give & Keep appeared first on Carrie Talbott.

I opened the cupboards above our oven and was gently accosted by glass jars. Tall ones, fat ones, smooth ones, decorative ones, clear ones, brown ones, and sadly, ignored-since-2017 ones. They all seemed like such a good idea when I made the original decision to keep them. I quickly closed the doors and felt defeat settle in my soul.

It’s okay if you think that sounds a tad dramatic. Shame and guilt appear quickly some days.

Visions of the wide-mouth beauties holding snacks at a charcuterie party sucked me in. Thoughts of the spice jars furthering my succulent propagation habit held me hostage. I had the perfect amount of jars for any occasion. 

Until I didn’t.

How did my cute, practical, and useful collection grow without me noticing? 

Scratch that. 

How did my cute, practical, and useful collection grow without me acknowledging the excess and then doing something about it? Just because I’m a home organizer doesn’t mean my home is perfectly organized. 

OB-viously.

The most vulnerable cupboard pic I’ve shared. Just for you. Don’t judge. 

Personal note: I deal with shame and guilt, sadly on a regular basis. Don’t bother feeling sorry for me—it’s partly my personality, but technically it’s a choice. That said, my friends and family members who have done the hard work of going to therapy, learning about themselves, and then implementing change, know this already: neither shame nor guilt serve you in any way. At all. Ever. 

Well, sometimes guilt can be a temporary motivator, but mostly it’s just dead weight.

The path to lasting change appears when we release the weight of self-judgment and approach our habits with curiosity instead of criticism.

Think your organizing mishaps make you a mess? Plot twist: those perceived failures are simply your personal beta testing phase. Every abandoned system, chaotic drawer, pile of paper, and cluttered corner isn’t evidence of personal deficiency or failure—it’s simply data and market research for your next organizing breakthrough. 

So ditch the shame spiral and start your comeback tour. My past (and current) organizational flops earned me a PhD in What Doesn’t Work. Now it’s your turn.

When it comes to decluttering and organizing, my goal is not to focus on shame or guilt about what didn’t go well. Instead, I’m taking an inventory of what didn’t work and then figuring out how to change it.

Heaven knows I have no desire to be sitting in the exact same place next January as I am right now. Do you?

Here’s a short list of regrets, hopes, and plans for 2025. See if it resonates and makes you want to jump on board the organizing train. Choo-choo, friend.

Regrets

I didn’t declutter all the items I could have.I spent money on things I probably shouldn’t have.I didn’t act like I was moving to a new house, forcing myself to deal with on-the-fence items.I didn’t sell and donate as much as I could have. 

Hopes

I want our home to feel light, airy, and peaceful.I want each room to usher in a sense of calm when I walk in.I want each closet to display our clothing in a carefree, loose way.I want each cupboard to hold essentials for our family and occasional parties, and no more.I want each drawer to open freely, hold only what we need, and close freely.I want each surface to be clear of junk. (And crumbs.)

Plans

I plan on donating more items this year.I plan on selling more items this year.I plan on asking a few trusted people for their opinions about my clothing… and then getting rid of what’s not working.I plan on buying only what fits great, I love, and is on sale.

I’m obviously in my decluttering and organizing era. What about you? If you haven’t joined the movement yet, maybe you don’t have enough clutter for it to bother you. Or maybe you’re like almost every single organizing client who reaches out for my help—overwhelmed and doesn’t know where to start.

But if you’re well aware of your excess and tired of the extra weight all around you, it’s time. Your organizing comeback tour starts this weekend, and I’m here for it. Can you envision the excitement on your kid’s, spouse’s, or roommate’s face when they realize the amazing progress you made? Me tooooo!

Do you have decluttering or organizing questions? Nothing is too small, dumb, or insignificant. Whatever you’re brave enough to ask is probably being thought of by at least 10 other people who aren’t brave enough to ask. So take a little risk and huck your question into the comments. Yours could be the one that unlocks someone who’s currently stuck.

I promise to respond. 

“It’s a terrible thing, I think, in life to wait until you’re ready. I have this feeling now that actually no one is ever ready to do anything. There is almost no such thing as ready. There is only now. And you may as well do it now. Generally speaking, now is as good as time as any.”  -Hugh Laurie

P.S. I’m off to declutter and organize my jar cupboard now. Don’t wish me luck, just pray. Haha. My goal is to donate a significant amount of glass!

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Happy Turkey Month! I love Thanksgiving. Also, I know it can feel a tad stressful when you’re in charge of too many spinning plates.

For some people, spending a little more money on premade items reduces the stress of having to make everything. If that’s you, go for it. For others, being on a tight budget might mean that making things from scratch is the least stressful way to approach Thanksgiving.

Whichever camp you fall into, I think we can all agree on one thing: soggy overcooked green beans are gross.

Here’s my curated list of Amazon goodies to make your Thanksgiving more fun and less stressful.

Hostess Gifts

If you’re traveling this year and someone else is doing the hosting, don’t show up empty-handed. It’s a ton of work to clean, shop, prep, cook, wrangle, etc., especially if people are spending the night. Bringing a little hostess gift is a kind gesture that never gets old. 

4 Wooden Spoons & Forks Set

I’m a sucker for almost anything natural wood, and this is such a gorgeous set! Seriously… your other serving spoons are gonna be jealous. CHECK THEM OUT HERE.

Large Faux Succulents Plant

If you know your host doesn’t have a green thumb, a high-quality faux plant could be the perfect gift. And the pot is the prettiest! Click to reveal the zero-maintenance beauty.

Custom Charcuterie Boards

This one isn’t on Amazon—it’s even better. It’s a Temecula Valley small business that makes gourmet charcuterie boards. They have tons of shapes, including pumpkins, Christmas trees, antlers, surfboards, etc. (And yes, they ship straight to you.)

Danielle Mitchell is the woman behind “The Cheese Lady D” and her epoxy boards are incredible pieces of functional art. Check her out on Insta: @thecheeseladyd and on Etsy: The Cheese Lady D

For the Niños

God Gave Us Thankful Hearts Book

From Amazon: “ECPA Bestseller. An ode to gratitude that helps little ones understand how the act of thanksgiving warms hearts and brings joy. TAKE ME TO THE BOOK!

LEGO Icons Dried Flower Centerpiece Building Set

Need something to keep the kids occupied while the yams bake? Behold, the power of a great Lego set. It’s literally the centerpiece that keeps on giving. Kids will love seeing their creation on the table, and adults will love the fact that it’s not a random black building or model of a brown recluse.

CLICK BRICKS HERE!

Infant Toddler Baby Girl Boy “Little Turkey” Oversized Sweatshirt

Treat the newest member of the family to this super cute and trendy bubble romper. It’s cotton, soft, oversized, lightweight, warm, and gender-neutral. What’s not to love? FIND IT IN HERE

For the Fam

Questions for Humans: Thanksgiving Game

Sometimes conversations don’t flow. Sometimes teenagers don’t want to talk. Sometimes Uncle You-Know-Who is feisty and inappropriate.

Solve your awkward silence dilemmas with this fun stack of questions and let the cards do the work. BRING ON THE LAUGHS!

Pass The Potato Game

Almost 11,000 buyers love this game! Amazon description: “It’s a race against time as you frantically pass it around, to avoid being left with the explosive potato of shame when time expires!” Great for the little ones as well as your super old grandpa. YOU SAY POTATO I SAY GAME

Ravensburger Gingerbread House Night Edition 3D Puzzle

Once the turkey’s gone and the pie is dismantled, it’s time to get into the Christmas spirit! This 216-piece 3D puzzle comes with an additional 41 accessory parts and a light module, including LEDs and instructions.

Easy click technology means pieces fit together perfectly, which ushers in more family fun, not stress. And it looks so cool! Perfect for ages 8 and up. SEE THE IMPRESSIVENESS HERE

Home & Table Decor

4-Pack Fall Leaf Garland with Lights

Almost 3,200 people can’t be wrong—this leaf garland has 4 ½ stars! Grab the eye-catching combo of light and leaves and watch your mantle, banister or table come to life. GET LIT HERE

9-Inch Velvet Pumpkin

This beautiful handmade velvet pumpkin comes in 21 different colors! Almost as good as 31 flavors, but without the sugar crash or calories. SEE THE VELVET GOODNESS

Now that you’re stocked with new ideas, tell me which items you’re getting in the comments below! I’m still making up my mind, so feel free to gently shove me in your direction. 

Happy Thanksgiving, friend. I wish you and your family the best parts of all of it. 

Which of course includes a nap. Duh. 

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