We just got back from the Outer Banks, and it was such a special trip.

Last week, I shared that I was in Kill Devil Hills before heading into a retreat with Ellen from Wet Nose and Bows, who has been a design mentor to me for several years now. And now that we are home, I can honestly say it was one of those trips that leaves you feeling both refreshed and inspired.

The weather was a little chilly, and we had a couple of rainy days, so I did not get quite as much beach time as I would have liked. I would have happily taken a little more sunshine and a little more time with my toes in the sand.

But even so, we still made it down to the beach a few times, and two of those times we got to see dolphins out playing in the water.

That was such a treat.

There is just something about being near the ocean that does something good for the soul. Even if the weather is not perfect, the sound of the waves, the open sky, and the rhythm of the water still have a way of making everything feel a little softer.

And seeing dolphins out there playing made it feel even more special.

Letting the Hubs Get His Seafood Fix

We also got to enjoy some nice restaurants while we were there, and the hubs definitely took full advantage of being near fresh seafood.

He loves seafood.

I do not.

Fresh seafood in Oklahoma is not exactly our everyday reality, so he was very happy to get his fill while we had the chance. I was mostly there for the company and the atmosphere, but he was one happy camper, and honestly that made it fun in its own way.

Trips have a way of holding all those little moments together. A few good meals. A rainy afternoon. A walk on the beach. Something funny over dinner. The person you love getting excited about a plate of seafood you have absolutely no interest in.

That is part of the charm of getting away too.

Finally Meeting a Mentor in Person

The retreat itself was such a neat experience.

There is something really special about finally getting to meet someone in person who has inspired you for years in your design journey. Ellen is someone I have looked up to for a long time, so getting the chance to attend one of her retreats, learn from her in person, and design alongside her felt really meaningful.

I got to learn new design tips and tricks, practice, and receive hands-on feedback from her, which is always so valuable. There is just nothing quite like being able to work in real time, ask questions, and get immediate feedback from someone whose work you respect.

It was fun, encouraging, and inspiring all at once.

And I think that is one of the best parts of putting yourself in spaces like that. You come away with new ideas, yes. But you also come away reminded that there is always more to learn, more to refine, and more ways to grow.

No matter how long you have been creating, there is always room to stretch a little more.

Why Stepping Away Matters

I think one of the biggest takeaways for me was simply the reminder that sometimes stepping away is exactly what you need.

When you run a creative business, there is always something that needs your attention. Orders, emails, products, social media, shipping, photos, planning, content, customer service, and the never-ending list that somehow keeps growing overnight.

So stepping away can feel a little inconvenient at times.

But sometimes that change of scenery and that time to learn, reflect, and be inspired is exactly what helps you come back stronger.

A little fresh air.
A different view.
A room full of creativity.
A chance to be the student again.

That can do a lot for the creative heart.

And that is exactly what this trip did for me.

What Sold While I Was Away

One thing that was interesting while I was gone was seeing what sold.

Several patriotic pieces sold while I was away, and I will tell you right now, patriotic is huge this year.

If you have been thinking about getting a patriotic design, I would not wait too long. As crazy as it sounds, we are very quickly moving toward fall, Halloween, and Christmas production mode. And once I shift into those seasons, I will not be making patriotic pieces any longer.

That is always one of the funny things about this business. While most people are just getting ready for one season, we are already peeking around the corner at the next three.

Another thing that sold really well, and continues to be one of my consistent top sellers, is my succulent arrangements.

You all clearly love a good succulent moment.

And honestly, I get it.

Succulent designs are one of those things that work in so many spaces. They feel clean, timeless, and easy to decorate with, and they have such a nice year-round appeal.

This Week’s Favorite Find

Since succulent arrangements continue to be such a favorite, I thought it made sense to share the succulent box I use from Amazon this week.

It is one of those supplies that has been a solid go-to for me, and if you love the look of succulent designs or want to try your hand at making one, it is a really good place to start.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

One Simple Garden Tip for the Week

Since I did not have a podcast or song to share this week, I thought I would leave you with a simple seasonal tip instead.

If your porch pots or container gardens are starting to look a little tired, one of the easiest things you can do right now is pinch off spent blooms and feed them.

Deadheading old flowers and giving your containers a little plant food can help encourage fresh growth and keep everything looking fuller and healthier for longer.

It is such a small thing, but it really can make a noticeable difference.

Sometimes the best spring and summer refreshes are not the big dramatic ones. They are the little maintenance moments that help what you already have keep looking its best.

Coming Home with Fresh Eyes

Trips like this always leave me feeling a little grateful in a new way.

Grateful for the time away.
Grateful for the things I got to learn.
Grateful for the people who inspire me.
Grateful to come home with fresh eyes and a full creative cup.

There is something about stepping outside of your normal routine that helps you see your own life and work a little differently when you come back.

And I think that is where some of the best creativity happens.

Not just in the doing.
But in the pausing, the noticing, the learning, and the returning.

That is what this trip felt like for me.

And now it is back to work, back to creating, and very soon… back to all things fall, Halloween, and Christmas.

Which is wild, but also very on brand for this business.