Even though I’ve built a thriving handmade business with crochet, guided moms through homeschooling, and found ways to blend creativity with wellness to keep my family grounded…
I have to admit that I’ve been playing small and not yet making the impact I know that I’m here to make…yet.
Because for so long, I worried about “not having enough time” and wondered if my story really mattered, I haven’t shared much about why I’m so passionate about my work.
But that changes this week!
I’ve joined Thrive Academy’s 5-Day Challenge to support me in being more VISIBLE and to share more of my story with you…
Because I know there are so many overwhelmed, overstimulated moms out there who feel stuck in survival mode—who crave rediscovering their joy, creativity, and confidence again.
I’ll share more of my story tomorrow…
But for today, if you’d like to see me step into my purpose and make a bigger, more positive difference in the lives of a LOT more people…
💜 Will you drop me a note below to cheer me on?
Happy Friday!
🎉 Trixie and I are celebrating small wins today.
What’s one win you had this week — no matter how small?
I’ll go first: I scheduled all my social posts for next week! 🙌
#SmallWins #TrixiesCelebration #ProgressNotPerfection #MomBoss #DailyGrind #CraftyTravelMama #CraftyCreationsAndTravel
Crochet story time! 🧶
Trixie inspired this rainbow triceratops toy — each color chosen to remind us that joy comes from blending all parts of life.
What’s your favorite color to create with? 🎨
#CrochetStory #TrixiesColors #HandmadeJoy #CraftingMom #CreativeLife #CraftyTravelMama #CraftyCreationsAndTravel
Here’s how Trixie and I start our mornings: with our journal, a stretch, and a big dose of gratitude.
What’s your go-to morning ritual?
Let’s make today colorful and bright! 🌈✨
#MorningMotivation #TrixieRoutine #AmareEnergy #WellnessJourney #MomLifeBalance #CraftyTravelMama #CraftyCreationsAndTravel
🌟 Hey friends! Meet Trixie, my rainbow traveling triceratops 🦖💜 — she’s been my little creative companion on this wild business adventure!
Just like Trixie, I’m on a journey to bring color, joy, and creativity to life every day.
What’s one colorful thing you’re adding to your day? Drop it below! 👇
#TrixiesAdventures #CreativeJourney #SmallBizLife #Mompreneur #CrochetMagic #AmareLife
These new school rules are out of control.
Can’t miss a day without threats (and sick notes aren't good enough)
Can’t have their phone (or any method of contact outside the classroom)
Can’t even share lunch with a friend (even if it's the only real "meal" their friend gets)
Here’s the truth—
They’re our kids first.
I’m their mama, and mama knows best.
My child’s safety, mental health, and well-being come before any policy.
No apologies!
And honestly?
Just one more reason I’m so glad we homeschool!
Comment "School" if you agree!
If not, keep scrolling. This has nothing to do with our friends and family who are teachers. They have no say so in these rules (to my knowledge) and are trying not to lose their income for their families. It's a little higher up the chain of command who is making these "polices" (the ones who children do not even attend the schools the rules are applied to)....
✨ From the Shadows to the Spotlight ✨
In 2021, on a trip to New Orleans, I found this deep purple dragon journal. The moment I saw it, I knew it wasn’t just another notebook — it had the kind of old-world paper that whispers stories from another time. It felt like something out of a legend, waiting for the right hands to bring it to life.
But for years, it stayed tucked away in storage. Life was busy, and “someday” kept getting pushed further away.
Now, years later, I’m finally ready.
Ready to fill these aged pages with dreams, ideas, and stories. Ready to let the dragon guard the words I’ve been holding inside.
Sometimes the treasures we put aside aren’t forgotten… they’re just waiting for us to become the person who’s meant to use them. 💜🐉
📖 What’s something you’ve been holding onto for “someday” that’s ready to come alive now?
#NewBeginnings #WriteYourStory #DragonJournal #PurpleMagic #CreativeJourney #DreamsAwakening #CraftyTravelMama
When your kid puts his math quiz in the calculator and it claps back with “Keep it real” 🤣💀
Apparently, square roots of negative numbers aren’t invited to the real number party. 😂
Homeschool moment of the day: even the calculator’s got jokes.
Life (and math) always keeps us on our toes!
—Crafty Travel Mama 🧶✏️📚
This isn't just about 30 pounds.
This is about no longer waking up every day in survival mode.
It’s about less anxiety, fewer triggers, and finally feeling like me again.
In just over 3 months—with one simple change (and yes, I even missed a whole month)—I’ve gone from 220 lbs to 190 lbs.
✨ I feel stronger.
✨ More focused.
✨ More aligned.
It’s wild what can shift when your body and mind finally start working with you instead of against you.
Want to know what helped me the most? Drop a 💜 and I’ll share!
#MindsetMatters #HealingJourney #BeforeAndAfter #CraftyTravelMama #TransformationInProgress #NotJustWeightLoss #MentalHealthMatters #HolisticHealing
Just to clear the air…
Yesterday’s post wasn’t a goodbye to crocheting.
It was a goodbye to the pressure, the lack of support, the “can you make this for cheap?” messages, and the way some people dismiss the work behind the art.
I’m still crocheting. I’ll always crochet — it’s a part of me.
But I’m done trying to sell it to people who don’t see the value in it.
Crafting should bring peace, not pressure.
So yes, the Apple Festival in October is our last event. After that, we’ll donate what’s left.
If you’ve ever supported our work — thank you, truly.
If you had questions — I’m always open to respectful convo.
And if you're here just to scroll, that’s okay too.
I’m choosing joy, purpose, and peace. The hustle can stay behind.
#CraftyMamaOnHerTerms #BoundariesAreBeautiful #CreativeFreedom #CrochetWithHeart #EndOfAnEraStartOfPeace
I used to wake up and brace for the day.
Now I wake up and breathe.
For too long, survival was my only rhythm.
I didn’t know life could feel lighter, softer… even joyful.
But the moment I stopped waiting for things to calm down—
and started creating calm within myself—
everything began to shift.
I’m not just surviving anymore.
I’m living. And it feels good to say that out loud.
#CraftyTravelMama #MindsetShift #BurnoutToBalance #RediscoverYourself #HealingInProgress
I used to rush because I thought time was running out.
Now I move with intention—because I know I’m not.
I’m no longer in a race to catch up to expectations I didn’t set.
I’m building something sustainable, not just survivable.
This version of me doesn’t hustle for peace—
She protects it.
And in that stillness?
I’m finally hearing my own voice again.
#CraftyTravelMama #MindsetShift #HealingInProgress #RediscoverYourself #BurnoutToBalance
I used to believe that healing had a finish line.
That if I could just “get it together,” I’d finally arrive.
But I’ve learned…
Healing is not a race.
It’s a rhythm.
Some days I move forward with fire.
Other days, I rest in the ashes of who I used to be.
Both are sacred.
I’m no longer chasing who I should be—
I’m remembering who I’ve always been beneath the noise.
The woman who creates with heart.
Who rises, even when it’s messy.
Who finally knows her worth doesn’t depend on her productivity.
That shift?
That’s everything.
#CraftyTravelMama #HealingInProgress #MindsetShift #RediscoverYourself #BurnoutToBalance
I used to think strength meant pushing through everything in silence.
Now I know—true strength is pausing, feeling, and choosing peace over pressure.
I no longer hustle to prove my worth.
I create from joy.
I rest without guilt.
And I rise without fear.
This version of me is healing—and she’s not going back.
#CraftyTravelMama #HealingIsPossible #OverstimulatedMoms #RediscoverJoy #BurnoutRecovery #ThrivingNotSurviving #MindsetShift #SoftnessIsStrength #CreativeHealing #MomsDeserveMore #BalancedLiving #MessyBeautifulLife
We are the proof that softness is strength.
There was a time when I didn’t have space for moments like this.
I was too busy surviving, too tired to be present, too overwhelmed to pause.
But this season is different.
Not because everything around me got easier—
But because I decided I was worth slowing down for.
Now I get to teach her what healing looks like.
What showing up—imperfect but whole—can mean.
What it looks like to rewrite the story you were given and choose joy anyway.
This is the kind of love that breaks generational burnout.
This is how we begin again.
💜🩵 If you’re in the messy middle—keep going.
You’re not failing. You’re learning to live again.
#CraftyTravelMama #SoftnessIsStrength #JoyInTheMess #MotherhoodJourney #HealingMamas #BurnoutToBalance #PresentNotPerfect #OverstimulatedButStillLoving
I don’t need everything to be perfect to feel proud of myself anymore.
Some days I check off every box.
Some days I just protect my peace and call that a win.
But either way… I show up.
I’m consistent.
I’m healing.
And I’m finally giving myself credit for that.
#ProgressOverPerfection #HealingInRealTime #InnerPeaceWins #CraftyTravelMama #GrowthLooksGoodOnMe
I used to hate myself.
Not just dislike. I’m talking full-on self-destruction mode.
By the time I had my first child at 18, I’d already lived through enough trauma to fill a lifetime:
My dad cheated on my mom with my "best" friend when I was 12 (on top of multiple other younger girls that had been our neighbors).
I faced physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological abuse that left me numb.
I truly believed I would never amount to anything. And some days, I didn’t even want to try.
But here’s the wildest part of healing:
I no longer hate myself.
I no longer believe I was meant to be broken. I no longer carry the weight of who hurt me like it's my identity. And I’m finally starting to see myself through the eyes of the people who love me.
Today, I’m a better mom. A better sister. A better daughter. A better friend.
Not perfect — but grounded. Not flawless — but whole.
And if you're somewhere in the middle of your mess right now, let me just say this:
Your past does not get the final word. Healing is real. And you’re worth fighting for — even when it doesn’t feel like it.
💜
May not be an island, but she still has her spot. :) She even put her paws in our hands while we said our blessing. :) She says, "anything for Bryes cooking, mom". 😆 #MochaBear #germanshepherd #spoiledpup
- If you don't agree with a dog having a seat at the table, scroll on! My pups are treated like they are my babies, including eating off their own plates. 😆
If no one told you today:
You are doing better than you think.
Your patience might feel paper-thin.
The noise might be nonstop.
And the guilt? It’s real.
But your love is louder than their outbursts.
And the fact that you're still here — still trying — says everything.
If you’re open to something simple that helped me go from surviving to thriving (even on the hard days), I’d love to share.
#CraftyTravelMama #YouveGotThisMama #NeurodivergentParenting #SummerSupport #PeacefulParenting
🎉 We’re all set up and ready at the Six-Year Anniversary Coffee & Community Celebration hosted by @CrossroadsCoffeeAndTea! ☕️✨
Come say hi, check out our handmade creations (yes, even the cosplay goodies 👀), and grab some Focus Juice to beat this summer heat 🔥🧃
💬 Stop by and let’s chat — I love meeting new faces and sharing what Crafty Creations & Travel is all about 💜
📍 We’re here now and would love to see you!
#CraftyCreationsAndTravel #SupportLocalMakers #CosplayMoms #HandmadeWithLove #FocusJuice #CoffeeAndCommunity #CraftyTravelMama #LocalEventsNC
Some days the sparkle fades a little… but it never disappears. ✨
You were made to shine—just sometimes you need a moment to rest, recharge, and remind yourself who you are. 💜
Keep going, beautiful soul. You've got this.
#CraftyMamaVibes #ShineAnyway #HeartStrong #KeepGoingQueen #InspiredAndIntentional
*Photo of my boy holding a Flareon plushie we found at Walmart.
Some days you wake up with fire in your soul, and some days… you’re just proud you got out of bed. 💪💜
Both are worth celebrating.
Whatever pace you're moving at today, just know this: you’re doing better than you think. Keep going, friend. 🌿✨
#CraftyTravelMama #YouGotThis #SmallStepsBigWins #InspirationForToday
Yall, my girl is growing up too fast on me. We took this photo together while waiting on Dante to get his shots and she said, "I look way older than I am, mom". I told her that she's still gorgeous and my baby, no matter how big she gets! Her whole outfit is one of the outfits I had in high school. She's definitely my mini me, just with Brye s outlook on the world (which is more than I can say for myself at her age). :) #CraftyTravelMama #positivevibes #gratitude #galixy #mygirlrocks #mygirl
Not me channeling Final Destination vibes and staying about five car lengths away from it. 😅💨
This log truck said, “Test your faith,” and I said, “Not today!”
If you know, you know. 😂
Stay safe out there, y’all — and trust your gut (especially when it screams MOVE!).
#CraftyTravelMama #SmallTownMoments #FinalDestinationVibes #CountryRoadChronicles
I am making BIG changes! Someone I know had her face book taken over and gone!
So I am gathering emails from anyone who wants to make sure we don’t lose contact!
If you want to share emails and secure our connection , you can DM me or comment “ME” and I will send you my email, because I don’t want you to lose me!
AND I NEVER WANT TO LOSE YOU!!
Have you ever wondered how crochet helps with mental health?
Crocheting is a proven stress reliever 🧘♀️ It improves focus and provides a sense of accomplishment. That's why I love teaching it in 1-on-1 sessions!
Text "CROCHET" To (828) 578 9663 to schedule your first session today!
#Mindfulcrochet #Craftforwellness #focusnaturally #craftytravelmama #craftycreationsandtravel #classes
Mango, Grape, or Watermelon?
Focus Juice comes in three crave-worthy flavors that taste as good as they make you feel. Pick your favorite and fuel your brain & mood naturally.
Text "JUICE" to (828) 578 9663 and let me know your flavor!
#FocusJuice #NaturalEnergy #GutBrainSupport #CraftyTravelMama #CraftyCreationsAndTravel
Handmade. Heartfelt. 100% You.
Every item from Crafty Creations & Travel is handmade with care - from crochet creatures to beaded beauty and wood wall art.
Custom Orders are Always Welcome!
Fill out your custom request at: craftycreationsandtravel.com/services!
#handmadewithlove #supportsmallbusiness #Craftycreationsandtravel #CraftyTravelMama
Have you ever wanted to learn to crochet from the comfort of your own home?
I offer 1-on-1 online crochet classes for beginners and experienced stitchers alike!
💻🧶 Let's create something beautiful together!
Message me or text "CROCHET" to (828) 578 9663 to schedule your first class.
#CrochetClasses #OnlineLearning #CraftyTravelMama #CraftyCreationsAndTravel
📢 Big News from Crafty Creations & Travel! 🧶✈️
We’re officially going 100% ONLINE (except for festivals & events)! 🎉
After months of battling that tricky intersection and location issues since opening in October 2023, we’ve decided it’s time to move OUT of city limits and take our business to a space that works better for everyone—online!
🛍️ Here's what this means for you:
✅ FREE shipping on all orders over $50 (subtotal)
✅ Flat rate, standardized shipping on all other orders
✅ Local pick-up still available by request
✅ We’re still taking custom handmade orders—but deposits are still required before we begin any project!
📬 Have questions or need help with an order?
Head over to craftycreationsandtravel.com/contact
✨SPECIAL MAY PROMO:✨
To celebrate this change, we’re giving away a FREE 1-day sample of our Grape Focus Juice 🍇 (a gut-brain boost!) to anyone who signs up for our email newsletter this month—while supplies last!
We keep it real—just 2 simple questions and NO spam, ever.
👉 Sign up, grab your freebie, and stay in the loop with all things crafty & travel-y!
💜 Thank you for sticking with us and supporting this exciting new chapter!
— Crafty Creations & Travel 💫
We’re headed to SpringFest tomorrow!
Come see us at Bethlehem Park in Bethlehem, NC this Saturday, May 17th from 9am to 4pm for a day full of fun, sunshine, and handmade goodness!
We’ll have our full collection of crocheted creations and handmade masks—each one crafted with love and in a variety of styles and designs. Whether you're looking for something cozy, colorful, or totally unique, we’ve got a little something for everyone.
Stop by, say hi, and support local makers. We can’t wait to see you there!
#CraftyTravelMama #SpringFest2025 #ShopSmall #CrochetLove #HandmadeWithHeart
Together, We Craft the Life We Love
Every journey is sweeter when you walk it hand in hand with your best friend.
This reel is a glimpse into the love, laughter, and adventure my husband and I share—not just as travel companions, but as partners in creating a life full of meaning, creativity, and joy.
We’re not perfect, but we’re present. And that’s where the magic happens—in the everyday moments, the shared dreams, and the quiet support behind the scenes.
Here’s to love that lifts, crafts that connect, and journeys that never stop inspiring.
Tag your person who makes life an adventure worth taking.
#CraftyTravelMama #LoveAndAdventure #CoupleGoals #CreatingTogether #TravelWithHeart
Good morning Crafty Adventurists!
After years of resisting... I’m finally downloading Snapchat. I know, I know—late to the party, but better fashionably late than never, right?
Let’s see what all the Snap-hype is about. Any tips or must-follow accounts?
Catch me snapping my way through coffee, crafts, and chaotic travel soon!
My tag on there is: CraftyTravelMom :)
#CraftyTravelMama #GoodMorningVibes #FinallyOnSnapchat #MamaOnTheMove
Mission: Grab the biggest stick from the woodpile.
Objective: Bring it inside.
Status: …Complicated.
#ArtyBuddy proudly marched up from the woodpile with a branch fit for a lumberjack—until it snapped right before he made it to the porch. (Off-camera, of course. Classic.)
He may not have the whole stick, but he’s got heart—and half a branch isn’t bad for a day’s work!
#GermanShepherd #StickDrama #ArtyAdventures #DogLife #AlmostMadeIt #BranchBreakdown
🚨 FREE ALERT! 🚨
We’re giving away a few F R E E samples of my absolute favorite focus drink TONIGHT! 🎉💃
And all you have to do? Hop on a quick Zoom!
This call is spilling ALL the details on how our team is exploding 🚀 and how YOU can snag $500 in just 5 days.
I’m crazy competitive and need your help to pack this out so I can WIN. 😏🏆
✔️ No talking.
✔️ No camera.
✔️ Just listen in & claim your perks!
PLUS—only those who show up get access to an exclusive, one-time offer after the call! 🎁
⚡ Zoom spots are LIMITED! ⚡ I can only invite a certain number of people, so if you want in, drop your best FUN GIF below for the secret link! ⬇️🔥
Good Morning, Friends!
Isn’t it amazing how much can change in just a little time?
This morning, I was struck by the beauty of this rose—yesterday it was just beginning to open, and today it’s in full bloom. It reminded me that we don’t have to rush our own growth. Each of us unfolds in our own time, in our own way—and that’s more than enough.
Let today be a gentle reminder: you are blooming, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Keep growing, keep reaching for the light.
Take a deep breath. Trust the process. You’ve got this.
#GoodMorning #MondayMotivation #BloomWhereYouArePlanted #CraftyTravelMama #SlowLiving #NatureInspires #SimpleJoys #MindfulMoments #RoseWisdom #KeepGrowing #InspirationalVibes #PetalPower
🌞 Good morning, friends!
Your Crafty Travel Mama here, sipping my focus juice and ready to tackle the day with creativity and adventure!
Whether you're planning your next trip or diving into a new craft project, let's make today amazing together.
Remember, every day is a new opportunity to explore, create, and inspire.
Share your morning vibes or latest projects in the comments—I love seeing what you're up to!
#CraftyTravelMama #GoodMorning #CreativeAdventures #TravelInspiration #MorningMotivation
Happy Birthday to my Monkey Boy! He's been mommy's boy since day one and wears his heart on his sleeve, just like his mama. :)
He loves roblox, minecraft, sonic the hedgehog, and will still sit down and watch a Curious George movie with me when I'm missing him being small enough to crawl up in my lap and go to sleep. :)
Here's to 13, and you're officially a teenager (even though you have had the mind of a teenager for a few years now). :)
Now excuse me while I go cry a little....#CraftyTravelMama #MonkeyBoy #MamasBoy #BirthdayBoy #MiddleChild
Good morning, crafty adventurists!
Sipping my focus juice, daydreaming about our next big adventure—and plotting my next crafty creation!
Whether you're packing lunches or passports today, remember: life’s an adventure worth making beautiful.
I've got something special coming soon for my fellow wanderlust-driven mamas and handmade lovers—stay tuned!
Until then, tell me in the comments:
What’s your dream destination AND favorite handmade item to pack? Let’s inspire each other!
#CraftyTravelMama #MorningsWithMama #MakersGonnaMake #WanderlustAndCrafts #MomLifeUnfiltered #SupportMakers #HandmadeWithLove #CreativeMama #TravelInspired #MorningVibes #SmallBusinessSupport #CoffeeAndCrafts #MomsWhoTravel #TravelMamasUnite
Exciting News!
Crafty Creations & Travel will be at the Apple Blossom Festival in Taylorsville, NC on May 3rd, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM!
Come visit us to explore:
Travel Services to plan your next adventure
Crochet Classes for all skill levels
Handmade Creations of all kinds
Focus Juice Sample Packs for Sale, along with other mental wellness products
We can't wait to see you there and share all the wonderful things we’ve been working on!
#CraftyCreationsAndTravel #AppleBlossomFestival #TaylorsvilleNC #FestivalSeason #HandmadeCreations #CrochetClasses #TravelServices #FocusJuice #MentalWellness #SupportLocalBusinesses #ShopSmall #HandmadeWithLove #MindfulLiving #FestivalFun
#WellnessJourney #CreativeLiving #ArtisanMarket
#FestivalVibes #NCEvents #SpringFestival