iivo.com // it's all me

yes, it's still work in progress - just like I am

[iivocom]

Missing May

First I forget to post, and then I can't find my draft so short story shorter it's been a while since I failed to post my self imposed minimum 1 article a month but maybe that is OK, maybe I shouldn't have goals like that maybe it forces writing instead of coming natural

Anyway this is just a note or maybe a place holder

[iivocom]

Causerie: April, The Month That Hit Fast‑Forward

April didn’t pass — it whooshed. First Easter came and went then the rest of the month slipped on a pair of carbon‑fiber running shoes, muttered something about “personal bests,” and sprinted straight out of the calendar before I even had time to wave. I’m convinced the month had somewhere better to be. Probably a beach. Probably sipping something with a tiny umbrella in it.

Meanwhile, I was here, blinking at the calendar like a confused time traveler.

Because April is supposed to be the month where things slow down just enough for you to get your life together. You know — the mythical “spring reset.” The gentle, pastel‑colored promise that this is the moment you’ll finally:

start the summer fitness plan

map out the content strategy

organize the ideas that were definitely going to be organized

and maybe, just maybe, become the kind of person who owns a water bottle that isn’t lost behind the couch

But April had other plans. April said: “Oh, you wanted structure? That’s adorable. Here’s pollen instead.”

And spring — spring is out here singing. Literally. Birds are auditioning for The Voice: Garden Edition. Trees are throwing confetti like they’re celebrating something. The sun is suddenly staying up late like a teenager on school break. Everything is alive and buzzing and blooming and reminding you that summer is coming whether your abs are ready or not.

And me? I’m standing in the middle of it all, holding a notebook full of half‑formed ideas and a fitness plan that looks more like a philosophical suggestion than an actionable roadmap.

I had a slow, thoughtful plan for content. A beautiful plan. A plan with structure and phases and maybe even a color‑coded timeline. It was supposed to be the kind of plan that makes productivity YouTubers nod approvingly.

Instead, April looked at my plan and said: “Cute. Anyway, here’s a long weekend and a sudden craving for ice cream.”

But here’s the thing: even in the chaos, April has this way of nudging you forward. Not with discipline — no, April doesn’t do discipline — but with momentum. With the smell of fresh grass. With the first warm day that tricks you into thinking you’re a runner now. With the tiny spark of “maybe I could get in shape before summer” even though you know full well that summer is basically tomorrow.

And honestly? I kind of love it.

Because April is messy, but it’s hopeful. It’s fast, but it’s energizing. It’s the month that reminds you that life doesn’t wait for your perfect plan — it just keeps blooming, loudly, enthusiastically, and sometimes right in your face.

So yes, April ran off without warning. But it left the door open, and the air smells like possibility.

And maybe that’s enough.

[iivocom]

The Month That Slipped Behind the Couch

I don’t know what happened to March, really. One moment I was minding my own business, tinkering away in the lab on my secret projects — which are moving forward, while not quite on track, which is basically the project-management equivalent of Schrödinger’s cat — and the next moment the month had evaporated like a puddle in Dubai. Hopefully at least one of these projects will start to materialize soon. I’m excited. Or nervous. Or both. It’s hard to tell the difference at this point.

Meanwhile, the outside world has been doing its usual thing: spinning, wobbling, and occasionally catching fire.

Apparently Skydance ended up buying Warner Bros. Discovery, which is a sentence I didn’t expect to write in this timeline. Especially after weeks of “sources familiar with the matter” whispering that Netflix was swooping in to buy the WB part — only for it to turn out that the “regulatory concerns” around that deal were, allegedly, just Skydance’s PR machine doing its best impression of a fog machine at a middle-school disco. Which is exactly what I said would happen, but I’m not here to brag. I’m just here to quietly nod in the corner like a man who has seen this movie before and knows the twist.

I’m not going into politics, but there’s a strange definition of “not starting a war” floating around right now. I’m not naming names. I’m just saying that if this is what “not starting” looks like, I’d hate to see the warm‑up act. The Strait of Hormuz is tense, oil prices are doing their best impression of a SpaceX launch, and markets are reacting with the grace of a toddler who dropped their ice cream. Real estate is wobbling in places like Dubai, which is usually the global symbol of “everything is fine, look at our fountains.”

And then there’s spring forward.

Not the hour-jumping-ahead part — I’m fine with that. I can lose an hour. I lose hours all the time. I misplace them like socks. The real headache is dealing with different continents and their whimsical approach to time changes. Europe is usually six hours ahead of the US East Coast, except for those few weeks every year when the time zones decide to cosplay as quantum particles and refuse to be pinned down. For a brief period, nobody knows what time it is anywhere, and scheduling a meeting becomes a form of performance art.

But then, just when I’m about to declare the world officially unhinged, I step outside and see a few Easter lilies poking their heads toward the sun. Just quietly doing their thing. No mergers. No geopolitical tension. No time-zone drama. Just existing, beautifully and stubbornly, as if to say: “Relax. Touch some grass. Or at least look at us trying to.”

And honestly? In moments like that, life is good.

Even if March did run off somewhere without leaving a note.

[iivocom]

Steam NextFest Q1 2026

NextFest Q1 Ed (Feb 23rd -Mar 2nd) 

it is time for me to down into obscure and and delightful indie games, as I make my way trough indie demos, and major preview tittles in the first Next Fest of 2026. final update march 2nd

watch live & vod on twitch twitch.tv/iivocom

comments? reach out on: X/twitter or bluesky

Day 1

Fishbowl 

DEVELOPER: imissmyfriends.studio PUBLISHER: imissmyfriends.studio, Wholesome Games Presents

Fishbowl is a narrative game about dreams, grief, and hope. Rediscover your memories and find your way into the present in this intimate experience where slice-of-life meets surreal.

It's a narrative driven puzzle, life sim about loneliness and loss, wrapped in adorable retro pixel graphics. 

Day 2

<unkown> Foggins

DEVELOPER: Operacube PUBLISHER: Operacube

<Unknown - Foggins> is a mystery game that combines puzzle-solving, adventure, and point-and-click elements. Follow a main storyline in pursuit of a hidden truth and interact with distinctive NPCs and uncover the secrets behind their mysterious stories.

A kind of a puzzle story game that I think would excite me, but I am embarrassed to say I could not get past the first puzzle in the demo so yeah uhm no.

Update I reached out to the developer and it seems I have a bit of a facepalm moment as why I could not get past the place I was stuck, so big thanks - for sorting me out! (a new VOD is available)

Day 3 

Under The Canopies

DEVELOPER: Novemtails PUBLISHER: Novemtails

Trade survival stress for a cozy open-world sanctuary. Instead of fighting nature, learn to live within it. Build your dream cabin, master farm-to-table recipes, and document rare wildlife in a serene world where your only challenge is mastering the flow.

First it feels like a described, and it is - but the start pretty much feels like a regular crafting / survival game in the sense you have to gather and craft, gather and craft, and that is pretty much all you do the first days of your character’s days while all you want to do is explore.

I got to hand it to a one person dev team though, it is impressive and I am rooting for you, a little thought about how the game handles menu inputs though - I managed to freeze the game while trying to get out of the blueprint, because I realized I needed to craft more planks.

Day 4

Wax Heads

DEVELOPER: Patattie Games PUBLISHER: Curve Games

Experience the grit and soul of vinyl culture in Wax Heads. As you manage the daily tasks of a failing record shop, you’ll navigate the unique tastes of eccentric regulars and the chaotic lives of local musicians. It’s a cozy take on the task-based narrative genre, where every record you flip and every conversation you have helps bring the store’s heartbeat back to life.

Day 5

Momento

DEVELOPER: Fat Alien Cat, Nomo Studio PUBLISHER: Fat Alien Cat & Nomo Studio

Momento pitches itself as a cozy room decorator with a meaningful twist: the items you choose aren't just for show—they shape the course of a lifetime. It’s a winding ode to the power of everyday objects and how they alter your character's story.

The Gameplay Experience While the premise is charming, the demo feels a bit more like "organized tidying" than true interior design. At this stage, the narrative weight of your choices feels a little light, making the process feel more like a polished cleanup simulator than a branching life story. That said, the production quality is undeniably high and everything is very well made.

Creative Freedom If you just want to vibe, there is a Creative Mode for dragging elements around to build the perfect space. You can save your designs and take photos, giving off a "grown-up Toca World" energy—minus the characters.

Scott Pilgrim Ex

DEVELOPER:Tribute Games Inc. PUBLISHER: Tribute Games Inc.

To understand my take on SP Ex, you first have to look back at the legend: the original movie tie-in game from the PS3 era. It was a masterpiece of retro-inspired design before that was even a trend—a perfect "vibe" that captured Scott’s quest across the movie and cartoon's story. It disappeared for years, only to be saved by a successful remaster. Now, we have a brand-new brawling adventure.

The New Quest In this latest entry, you join Scott and Ramona in a journey across space, time, and the familiar streets of Toronto. It’s an ambitious scope for a brawler, and on the surface, it keeps that iconic visual style we fell in love with a decade ago.

The Verdict However, despite looking the part, it doesn’t quite feel the same. Somewhere between the transition from the first game to this new adventure, it feels like some of the original magic has been lost. It’s a stylish follow-up, but it struggles to capture that specific lightning in a bottle that made the original a cult classic.

Day 6

A Study In Blue

DEVELOPER:Relate Games PUBLISHER:Relate Games

In A Study In Blue, you step into the shoes of Kenneth, a private detective, and Blue, a runaway on a mission. Together, you navigate the sprawling megacity of Republica—a semi-open world where you solve criminal cases, face heavy moral choices, and slowly piece together the mystery of Blue’s past.

The Atmosphere This is exactly my type of game. It nails a great retro vibe and strikes a nice balance between humor and serious storytelling. Even though I ran into a few minor technical issues during the demo, the world-building is strong enough to keep me hooked.

The Verdict Despite those small hiccups, the core loop of investigation and narrative consequence is compelling. It’s definitely a title I can see myself sticking with until the credits roll to see how Kenneth and Blue’s journey ends.

Day 7

Pragmata Storybook

DEVELOPER: CAPCOM Co., Ltd. PUBLISHER: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.

PRAGMATA is Capcom’s latest swing at an all-new Sci-Fi action-adventure IP. Set in the near future, the story follows Hugh and his android companion, Diana, as they navigate the desolate corridors of a lunar research station. It’s got a unique hacking twist that aims to set it apart from your standard space thriller.

First Impressions Technically, the game is very well made. It manages a rare balance, feeling both like a high-stakes sci-fi epic and surprisingly "cute" at the same time. I really wanted to like this one, but my initial 30 minutes with the demo left me feeling a bit cold. While it’s billed as an "action-adventure," the adventure side of things was barely present. The experience was heavily skewed toward combat, which wouldn't be a problem if the mechanics landed.

The Combat Loop The main hook—a hacking system integrated into the action—unfortunately becomes annoying fast. Instead of adding depth, it felt more like a hurdle to the flow of the game. Despite the great presentation and the charm of the characters, those first 30 minutes were enough for me.

DAY 8

Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth – A Nostalgic Winter Awakening

DEVELOPER: Hyper Games PUBLISHER: Hyper Games, Kakehashi Games

From the creators of Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley comes a heartwarming new adventure inspired by Tove Jansson’s beloved stories. This time, the focus shifts to Moomintroll himself as he wakes up from his winter slumber to find a world transformed by snow.

A Trip Down Memory Lane This game is a total nostalgia trip. It captures the spirit of the original source material to a T, with a visual style that perfectly mimics the illustrations I remember from my childhood. It feels less like playing a game and more like stepping directly into the pages of a storybook.

The Gameplay As you wander through this charming, chilly world, you'll find a blend of story, puzzles, and adventure elements. It’s all about doing "what a Moomin does"—exploring, interacting, and uncovering the quiet magic of winter. It’s the kind of atmosphere you can easily get lost in for hours.

WRAP UP (the end)

That’s a wrap on this edition of Steam Next Fest! While I didn’t quite get to every single demo on my list before the Sunday night wall hit, the week was a masterclass in variety. From the deep, emotional pixels of Fishbowl to the nostalgic winter magic of Moomintroll, there’s a lot to look forward to in 2026. My definite "Keepers" for the wishlist are Fishbowl, A Study In Blue, The Mermaid Mask, and of course, Moomintroll: Winter's Warmth. Some titles missed the mark for me, but that's the beauty of Next Fest—finding the specific "magic" that resonates with your playstyle. Now, it’s time for me to start stitching the Twitch highlights together for a YouTube summary for the archives. See you on the streets of Republica (or the Moominvalley snow) soon!

[iivocom]

Three Things, One Causerie (Yes, I'm Back with another world view rant)

Where do we begin — the newest or the oldest? Frankly, after TikTok vanished from American phones for a full 24 hours and the republic somehow survived, my sense of chronology has never quite recovered. Let's start there.

TikTok US has changed its ownership structure. Note the precision: US subsidiary. Not the whole company — ByteDance didn't hand over the keys to the empire, merely agreed to let some new neighbours redecorate the garage. ByteDance retains a minority position, the rest is now safely in American hands, everyone got to shake their fists at the appropriate moments, and absolutely nothing has changed for the average user scrolling at two in the morning. Everyone declared victory. The algorithm remains unmoved.

ByteDance is, of course, still under scrutiny. This seems to happen reliably whenever a Chinese tech company does something better than its American counterparts — and this time the apparent offence is that their AI video software is too good. Alarming stuff. Truly.

Shifting continents, we stop briefly in Greenland — a landmass that has apparently become the most discussed real estate on Earth despite having no estate agents, very little land worth building on, and a population smaller than a mid-sized suburb. The jokes write themselves, so I'll leave that to you.

What's less funny — or perhaps more, depending on your disposition — is that NATO has had defence interests there for roughly sixty years. As Denmark rather dryly noted: you don't need to own something to have a base on it and protect your interests. This is an observation about how the world works, not a political position. I try to stay out of all that. Mostly succeeding.

Moving on.

Back in Europe, all eyes were on Italy for the Winter Olympics, and what a genuinely good time it was. Snowboard, curling, figure skating, and ski mountaineering making its debut — the full buffet. But if I had to single out one thing, it's snowboarding's culture. Where else in elite sport do competitors leap to their feet cheering when a rival lands a perfect run? No tactical poker face, no grudging nod — pure, instinctive joy for someone doing something brilliant. That's the Olympics to me. Not nations, not medal tables — athletes and their sports and a host country doing it properly.

There's a quiet sadness lurking beneath it: fewer and fewer places can host winter sports at a reasonable scale. The snow is getting stingy.

Speaking of which — we did have some, briefly. Enough to feel festive, not enough to cause any real trouble. And with that rather pleasant image, I find myself looking ahead to the year's first Steam NextFest.

More on that, presumably, when I've actually played something, but this is a good time to go subscribe to my twitch gaming channel

[iivocom]

The 180% Willpower Reality: Why ADHD Isn’t a Lack of Discipline

​If you live with ADHD, you’ve likely spent your life haunted by a specific set of questions: “Why can’t you just do it?” “You had plenty of time, right?” “You’re so smart—why the inconsistency?”

​Here is the truth most people never see: ADHD often requires more willpower, not less. On the days when you feel the most "unproductive," you are likely burning 180% more fuel just to stay at the starting line. While a neurotypical brain might expend a fraction of its energy on a routine task, an ADHD brain is often redlining its engines just to sequence the first step.

​It isn’t a character flaw; it’s a neurochemical mismatch.

​The Execution Gap

​We often mistake ADHD for a lack of discipline, but it’s actually an issue of dopamine architecture. Executive function—the brain’s control panel—runs on dopamine. When that fuel is low, the "Execution Gap" appears.

​In your head, the vision is high-resolution and detailed. In reality, the output feels blurry and inconsistent. This gap is where perfectionism is born. For us, perfectionism isn't about a love for excellence; it’s a defense mechanism against the pain of that gap. We tell ourselves, "If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all," because if we don't finish, no one can judge the struggle happening behind the scenes.

​This is why "low stakes" environments like TikTok often work better for us than "high stakes" platforms like YouTube. When we tell ourselves "it doesn't matter," we lower the willpower tax, creating the freedom to actually move.

​The Blueprint of the "Spike"

​This explains why structured events—like a daily "Blogtober" challenge—can feel easier than an open-ended Tuesday in March. These challenges provide "dopamine architecture": novelty, a clear container, and a streak to protect. The rest of the year isn't harder because you became "lazy"; it's harder because the environment shifted from a guided track to an open field, and the willpower required to navigate that field is exhausting.

​The Evening Tax

​This exhaustion inevitably comes due at night, leading to a predictable, frustrating loop. As the sun goes down and dopamine drops, the "Should Have Done More" spiral begins. We judge our day’s output with low-dopamine pessimism.

​But then, something strange happens: the Creativity Rebound. Once the world goes quiet and the external pressure of "productivity" vanishes, the brain finally finds its space. Suddenly, at 10:00 PM, the engines turn back on. You aren't "bad at sleeping"; your brain is finally landing a plane that has been circling the airport for sixteen hours.

​You’re Not Weak—You’re Redlining

​If you’ve felt like you’re running on 180% willpower just to keep up, please hear this: You aren't struggling because you’re weak; you’re exhausted because you’re strong. You have been brute-forcing your way through life—masking executive dysfunction, fighting perfectionism, and riding late-night waves of creativity just to stay afloat. This isn't a lack of discipline. It is the overuse of discipline.

​To the friends and partners of those with ADHD: know that they aren't choosing inconsistency. They are navigating a world that requires double the effort for half the visibility.

​We’re going to stop trying to "fix" the brain and start building systems that respect the fuel we actually have. We’re moving away from brute force and toward friction-proof workflows—and we’re doing it together.

If you have comments feel free to put them under the post share on Facebook or bluesky

[iivocom]

Hello 2026

Every year seems to arrive the same way—bangs, flares, and fireworks lighting up the sky like a collective “thank you” and “goodbye” to the year we just lived through. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a new year enter quietly. It always bursts in, loud and bright, as if to make sure we’re paying attention.

But the day after—well, later on the first day, if we’re being honest—it’s a different story. Everything softens. The world exhales. The noise settles into a hush, and suddenly there’s space to wonder:

What will the new year bring?

More of the same? Big changes? Something in between?

I used to think of the new year as a reset button, but the more I sit with that idea, the less it makes sense. How are you supposed to continue what worked last year—or change what didn’t—if you wipe the slate clean? A reset implies starting over without the knowledge you’ve gathered, and that’s a guaranteed way to repeat the same loops again and again.

Anyway, I’m not entirely sure where I’m going with this. Blame it on staying up too late and the lingering sparkle of fireworks behind my eyelids.

What I do know is this: I want to keep working on my creative output this year. I want to find a rhythm that feels sustainable, something that lets creativity show up consistently without burning me out. Maybe that’s the project for the first quarter of 2026—figuring out how to make the work work.

For now, though, I need sleep.

Here’s to a year that treats us kindly — and lets us rest when we need it.

[iivocom]

Goodbye 2025

I probably have something to say to the year we're saying goodbye too, but right now there's a new year to say hello to

[iivocom]

Blankets, Broth, and Barely a Best‑Of

I hope your holidays were gentle and warm. If you celebrated Christmas, I hope it brought comfort; if not, I hope the days still offered a little light and rest. I almost dodged the seasonal flu this year… almost. Then, on the third day after Christmas, my body decided it wanted to participate in the festivities with a runny nose and a raspy throat.

---

The Holiday Flu That Almost Wasn't

There’s a special kind of comedy in staying healthy through the chaos of Christmas only to get sick once everything quiets down. One moment you’re enjoying leftovers and twinkly lights, the next you’re negotiating with tissues and whisper‑coughing like a Victorian ghost. The universe has a sense of timing, I’ll give it that.

---

The Best‑Of List That Didn’t Happen (Yet)

This is the week when everyone posts their highlight reels, their “top moments,” their polished reflections. Meanwhile, I’m over here wrapped in a blanket with the energy level of a sleepy houseplant. I should be assembling a best‑of list… but I have nothing. Not yet. And honestly, that’s okay. Some years don’t reveal their highlights until you’re looking back from a healthier, clearer headspace.

---

A Creator’s Reflection (Sort Of)

End of year is usually a time for deep thoughts about growth, creativity, and what comes next. I could reflect on my year as a creator—what I learned, what I loved, what I’d change—but right now? I just want to be horizontal, warm, and unbothered. Reflection can wait until my sinuses stop staging a rebellion.

---

For Now, Just This

Warmth.

Comfort.

A little gratitude.

And the permission to do absolutely nothing productive until I feel human again.

The year can wait. The lists can wait. The reflections can wait.

Right now, the blanket wins.

[iivocom]

✨ Fourth Sunday of Advent

The Sound of Christmas

There’s something about the fourth Sunday of Advent that feels like a held breath — a quiet pause before the world bursts into celebration. The candles are almost all lit, the nights are long and soft, and everything seems to lean in a little closer.

And this year, what keeps echoing in my mind is the sound of Christmas.

Not just the obvious ones — though the familiar melodies drifting from radios and shop windows certainly have their charm. It’s the subtler sounds that feel like Advent’s true soundtrack.

🔔 The hush before morning

That moment when the house is still, the sky is dark, and the only sound is your own breathing. It’s the sound of waiting — the heart of Advent.

🎁 The rustle of wrapping paper

Not the frantic kind, but the gentle, thoughtful folding that comes with choosing something small and meaningful for someone you love. A sound that says: I thought of you.

❄️ Snow against the window

Even if it’s just rain pretending to be snow, there’s a softness to winter weather that feels like a lullaby. A reminder that the world slows down, even if just a little.

🕯️ A candle flickering

Candles don’t make much noise, but somehow they do. The tiny crackle of the wick, the warmth in the room, the way the flame seems to whisper hope.

On this fourth Sunday, that’s the sound I keep returning to — hope.

Not loud, not dramatic. Just steady. Present. Growing.

🌟 The sound of hearts preparing

Maybe the real sound of Christmas isn’t something we hear with our ears at all.

Maybe it’s the quiet shift inside us — the softening, the opening, the readiness for light to arrive.

As we light the final Advent candle, I’m holding onto that.

The gentle sounds.

The quiet hope.

The promise that something beautiful is almost here.

---

[iivocom]

The Smell of Christmas

Part 2

Every year, the visuals arrive first.

They burst into the world long before the season truly settles in — sparkly gold and silver, deep reds, forest greens, snowy whites. Strings of lights draped over rooftops, Santa figures waving from storefronts, elves perched in improbable places. You can’t walk through a single shop without being nudged, nudged, nudged by something glittery reminding you that Christmas is coming.

The visuals are impossible to miss.

But the smells… the smells are quieter.

They don’t shout — they invite.

And if you pause long enough, you’ll notice that Christmas has a scent long before it has a sound.

---

🌲 Forest & Nature: The First Breath of the Season

It starts with the trees.

Not the decorated ones — the real ones.

The pine. The fir. The cedar and spruce.

That crisp, resinous scent that hits you the moment you step outside on a cold morning. It’s the smell of winter forests, of branches dusted with frost, of juniper berries tucked between needles like tiny ornaments nature made for itself.

It’s the smell that whispers, “Slow down. Something magical is coming.”

---

🍂 Warm Spices: The Heartbeat of December

Then come the spices — the warm, comforting ones that feel like a hug from the inside out.

Cinnamon sticks simmering in a pot.

Cloves pressed into oranges.

Nutmeg grated over something warm.

Ginger and cardamom swirling through kitchens like tiny sparks of heat.

These are the scents that turn houses into homes.

They cling to sweaters, drift through hallways, and settle into memories you didn’t realize you were making.

---

🍪 Sweet Treats: The Childhood of Christmas

There’s a moment — usually sometime in mid-December — when the whole world starts to smell like a bakery.

Gingerbread cooling on racks.

Sugar cookies dusted with sprinkles.

Vanilla and peppermint dancing together like old friends.

Caramel melting into something golden and sticky.

Hot chocolate steaming in mugs, topped with a cloud of whipped cream.

These scents don’t just smell good — they feel nostalgic.

They’re the scents of childhood excitement, of sneaking a cookie before dinner, of licking frosting off your fingers.

---

🍊 Fruity & Spicy: The Bright Notes

Christmas isn’t all sweetness and spice — there’s brightness too.

Oranges studded with cloves.

Cranberries bubbling into ruby-red sauce.

Apples baked until they collapse into soft, fragrant warmth.

These scents cut through the heaviness of winter like sunlight through a frosty window.

---

🔥 Cozy & Rich: The Evening Glow

And finally, the deep, cozy scents — the ones that belong to evenings.

Mulled wine warming on the stove.

A wood fire crackling in the corner.

Frankincense and myrrh drifting through the air like ancient stories.

Roasted chestnuts popping softly.

Eggnog dusted with nutmeg.

These are the scents of gathering, of slowing down, of letting the day melt into something soft and glowing.

---

✨ So… Do You Notice It?

Christmas is loud in color and light — but its scent is gentle, patient, and intimate.

It’s in the forest air.

In the kitchen.

In the spices.

In the warmth of a home filled with people you love.

In the quiet moments when you breathe in and think, Yes. This is it. This is Christmas.

The visuals may catch your eye…

but the smells?

They catch your heart.

[iivocom]

✨ 3rd Sunday of Advent — What’s the Smell of Christmas?

The third Sunday of Advent always sneaks up on me. One moment I’m lighting the first candle with all the time in the world, and suddenly — here we are, three flames flickering, whispering that Christmas is tiptoeing closer.

And yet… my home doesn’t smell like Christmas. Not yet.

The decorations are up, the fairy lights are glowing in that soft, golden way that makes the whole room feel like a warm hug, and the fireplace is crackling away like it’s auditioning for a cozy winter movie. But something is missing. There’s no scent of freshly baked gingerbread drifting through the air, no clementine peels curling on the table, no cinnamon, no cloves, no cardamom — none of those spices that instantly tell your brain, Yes, it’s December. Yes, it’s happening.

I haven’t baked a single thing. Not a cookie. Not a bun. Not even a lazy “cheat” gingerbread dough from the store. My oven is basically on holiday.

I did try to set the mood with Christmas music, playing very softly in the background. But of course, because I’m too cheap to pay for premium streaming, every few songs I get blasted with an ad for something I absolutely do not need. Nothing kills the vibe like a cheerful voice shouting about discounts while you’re trying to feel festive.

Except — there is one ad I don’t mind. The one I actually wait for. You know the one: the red truck, the jingle that starts with that unmistakable “holidays are coming, holidays are coming…” It’s ridiculous, but that Coca‑Cola ad is basically part of Christmas tradition at this point. Coke has somehow wedged itself into the holiday season right alongside Christmas trees, Santa, and the smell of gingerbread. I don’t make the rules.

But in my house, the smells haven’t arrived yet. The air is still neutral, waiting. Like the season is holding its breath.

Maybe that’s the magic of the third Sunday of Advent — the almost‑there feeling. The anticipation. The quiet before the cinnamon storm.

There’s just one more candle to light. One more Sunday. And then Christmas will be here, bringing with it all the scents, sounds, and small rituals that make this time of year feel like home.

Maybe next week I’ll finally bake something. Or maybe the smell of Christmas will find its way in on its own.

Either way… it’s coming.

[iivocom]

Second Sunday of Advent ✨🕯️ 🕯️

The second candle flickers tonight, and with it comes that mix of joy and exhaustion that December always seems to carry. The living room is half-dressed in Christmas cheer — garlands draped, ornaments waiting patiently in their boxes, and me, somewhere between “festive elf” and “tired human who just wants cocoa.”

I lit the Advent lights earlier, and for a moment everything slowed down. There’s something about that soft glow that makes the chaos fade, even if the to-do list is still longer than the garland on the staircase.

Decorating in Slow Motion 🎄

The tree is up, though not fully dressed. I keep telling myself I’ll finish it tomorrow, but tomorrow keeps arriving with new errands. Still, even half-decorated, it feels magical — like it’s reminding me that Christmas doesn’t need perfection to be beautiful.

Fun Fact Break 🌟

Did you know that the tradition of Advent candles dates back to the 16th century in Germany? Families would light one candle each Sunday leading up to Christmas, symbolizing hope, peace, joy, and love. I like to think of them as little checkpoints of coziness in the marathon of December.

Cocoa & Fireplace Ritual ☕🔥

Tonight’s survival kit: hot chocolate with extra marshmallows, and the fireplace humming in the background. The warmth makes me forget (temporarily) that I’m still behind on baking. The gingerbread dough hasn’t even been started, and the Christmas calendar gifts are waiting to be wrapped. If only the practical things could magically do themselves, leaving me with just the cozy rituals.

A Wish for Coziness ✨

If I could wave a wand, the cookies would already be cooling on the counter, the laundry folded, and the ornaments hung. Then all that would be left is the glow of candles, the crackle of firewood, and the sweet rhythm of Advent evenings.

But maybe that’s the charm of it — the mix of unfinished tasks and stolen cozy moments. Advent isn’t about having everything done; it’s about pausing in the middle of the mess to light a candle and remember what matters.

So here’s to the second Sunday of Advent: tired eyes, warm cocoa, flickering lights, and the hope that coziness will always find its way in.

[iivocom]

First Sunday of Advent ✨ 🕯️

Let’s rewind a few days:

“I’ll prep for the holidays tomorrow.”

That was a three-week lie. Tomorrow kept running away faster than Santa’s sleigh, and suddenly I was elbow-deep in calendar battles like it owed me rent money. Panic mode = fully engaged 😭. (If anyone sees Santa’s helpers, please send them my way. Preferably with cookies.)

Fast forward to now: my heroic effort has mostly paid off. The shopping list is dented, the decorations are halfway up, and I even managed to sneak in a little Christmas shopping without crying in the checkout line. Tomorrow, the rest of the house will sparkle — or at least look less like a storage closet exploded.

✨ Advent: The Cozy Kickoff

Advent marks the joyful expectation of the season — the official “we’re doing this” moment. Fun fact: it wasn’t always about joy and candles. Back in the 4th century, Advent was basically Lent’s winter cousin: fasting, penance, and “Ember Days” of abstinence. Imagine trying to decorate a tree while fasting — no thanks. I’ll take the modern version with cocoa and fairy lights, please.

These days, I love the ceremonial feel of lighting the Advent candles at breakfast. Not so much as a countdown, but as a pause button. A chance to sit, breathe, and appreciate what we already have before diving back into the glitter tornado.

🎁 Advent Calendars Galore

Speaking of countdowns… do you have an Advent calendar?

Options are endless:

- The classic chocolate ones (always a win).

- Fancy perfume calendars (smelling festive = underrated).

- Scratch-off calendars where you can actually win stuff (Santa meets Vegas).

I’ve pinned a few fun ideas on Pinterest if you’re hunting inspiration. Honestly, half the fun is just opening tiny doors every morning like a kid again.

🎅 The Not-So-Ready Ready

So yes, I say I’m ready. Reality check: I’m not. But that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? I’ll be sharing cozy chaos, fun facts, and daily life as usual. Maybe we’ll craft something, bake something, or just laugh at my attempts to untangle fairy lights.

Stay tuned — the season is just getting started.

📣 Where to Find Me & My Holiday Content

Snapchat

YouTube

Pinterest

Facebook

And for my fellow gamers: cozy holiday streams are coming to Twitch and TikTok. It’s tradition to do Roblox & Minecraft holiday streams — nothing says festive like running around in blocky snow.

Cue the holiday music, cue the cocoa, cue the fireplace. Let’s go.

[iivocom]

✍️ November 15th: I Love To Write Day – A Celebration of Words, Wonder & Wellbeing

Did you know November 15th is I Love To Write Day? Whether you're scribbling in a bullet journal, drafting your next blog post, or penning a heartfelt letter, today is all about embracing the joy of writing—no pressure, just passion.

🧠 Why Writing Feels So Good

Writing isn't just a creative outlet—it’s a brain booster, mood lifter, and memory keeper. Here are a few delightful benefits:

- Mental clarity: Putting thoughts on paper helps untangle the mental spaghetti. Suddenly, things make sense.

- Stress relief: Journaling can lower cortisol levels and offer a safe space to vent, dream, or reflect.

- Creativity ignition: Even a few lines can spark ideas for stories, projects, or cozy rituals.

- Connection: Sharing your words—online or offline—builds bridges. Someone out there needs your story.

🕯️ Ways to Celebrate Today

- Write a short poem or story inspired by your day.

- Start a gratitude list (bonus points for doodles).

- Share a favorite quote or writing memory on social media.

- Try a new writing prompt: “If my thoughts were weather, today would be…”

💌 A Little Love Letter to Writing

Writing is where we meet ourselves. It’s the quiet companion on rainy days, the spark in our creative routines, and the thread that ties our past to our present. So today, let’s write—not for perfection, but for joy.

Side note: Speaking of writing… my brain is hosting a full-blown idea party for next month and forgot to send out the invites to my notebook. Time to grab a pen before the confetti settles and the plans sneak off without me!

[iivocom]

❄️ November Notes: Planning Ahead & Embracing the Cozy

We're getting closer to the holiday season, and a productive October is just behind us. Blogtober brought reflection, creativity, and a few lessons worth carrying forward. Here's what's on my mind as we step into November:

🍂 October Takeaways

- Planning ahead really does make seasonal content more enjoyable.

- Flexibility matters—some of my favorite moments came from spontaneous ideas.

- Cozy visuals and playful formatting helped me stay inspired.

🎄 November Intentions

I want to stay ahead this season so I can fully enjoy the little things:

- Decorating for the holidays

- Baking Christmas cookies

- Holiday shopping (with less stress!)

- Visiting festive events—maybe even enjoying a snowy white Christmas?

And of course, I almost forgot the Christmas calendar! In my household, it’s tradition to fill a calendar with hand-picked little gifts. It’s a ritual I love and plan to keep alive.

📦 But First

Before diving into December prep, I need to tidy up and organize the boxes I brought home from my parents’ house. I ended up with a little more than expected—letting go can be hard.

But that’s for next week. Today, I rest.

[iivocom]

🎃 Blogtober 2025 Wrap-Up

Cozy Vibes & Creative Sparks

October has been a whirlwind of cozy vibes, creative sparks, and pumpkin-spiced inspiration—and my final three Blogtober entries wrap it all up with a flourish.

Each October, I treat the creative output as a bonus. What really drives me is the chance to step outside my comfort zone, shake up my routines, and remind myself to enjoy the challenge. Blogtober becomes a gentle nudge toward growth—one cozy post at a time.

This year, though, I leaned into softness. I wanted to savor the season, embrace fall’s slower rhythm, and stay present in the little things. It was less about pushing boundaries and more about doing what I love—finding joy in creativity and sharing that warmth with others.

From reflective journaling spreads to a behind-the-scenes peek at my seasonal workflow, each post celebrates the magic of making something every day.

As the curtain falls on Blogtober, these last entries offer a warm hug of gratitude, a dash of spooky charm, and a nod to everything I’ve learned along the way.

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🍂 Fall Bucket List Check-In

Before we dive into the final takeaways, let’s revisit my Fall Bucket List and see how things stacked up:

🍂 Fall Roadtrip / Vacation Had an awesome trip—check my YouTube for a glimpse!

🍂 Visit a Haunted Attraction Did a haunted attraction the Sunday before Halloween (if you follow on Snapchat you will have seen it) 🎃

🌕 Try Fall Recipes I did one, but not quite as described…

🍂 Horror Weekend Not just one, but a horror movie and horror game weekend!

🌕 Fall Walks & Photography I went on at least one route, but the goal was three.

🕸️ Pick a Cozy Day of the Week for Fall-Inspired Rituals Still a work in progress!

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🍁 Reflections & Takeaways

I realized the need for better planning, smoother creative process execution, and time management.

But all in all, I’m pretty happy with what I did. I set out to learn, to try, to be consistent, and to challenge myself.

It’s a celebration of growth, creativity, and the joy of showing up—one cozy post at a time.

Thanks for joining me on this journey, and from my little corner of the internet to yours…

🎃👻 Happy Halloween!