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Lauren Flynn

Providing valuable insights & inspiration to navigate adulthood with ease

May 9, 2024

Welcome To My World- A Blog Where My Mission Is To Inspire You To Conquer and Navigate Adulthood With Ease While Focusing On 3 Key Areas Of Life

Welcome to my blog, my name is Lauren. Nice to meet you! I guess you could say this is my corner of the internet, where I intend to provide you with valuable information that will help you navigate adulthood with ease from home to travel, and lifestyle! It’s time to pull back the curtain, introduce myself, and share a bit about myself – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Grab a seat, maybe a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice), and let’s dive in!

The Beginning Of My Story

My story starts on the East Coast, where I was born, the oldest of my sister and me, and the oldest grandchild on my Mother’s side! We moved to the Midwest (a suburb of Chicago to be more exact) when I was around 6. I played every sport I could from the time I can remember, both school teams and local teams! I was fortunate and grateful to be given the option to go to boarding school back on the East Coast in Maine, where I chose to go for the second half of high school. Attending Gould Academy was an incredible experience, to say the least! (Fun Fact: my parents met there, AND my sister met her husband there!) 

First Fish Caught A Couple Years Ago Fly Fishing In Northern Michigan

Moving right along…College took me to southern California, where I studied professional photography and horticulture. Eventually, with the majority of my family living in the Midwest, I moved back! I have lived here, in the Western Suburbs of Chicago, since September 2014!

As a young kid, I first found great purpose and satisfaction in the simplicity of gardening and yard work. These are some of the most profound memories I have with various members of my family. I cherish, and hold these memories very close to my heart! There’s something magical about nurturing life from the soil and watching it bloom before your eyes. My love for greenery and the outdoors has stuck with me through the years, shaping my hobbies and even influencing my career choices.

Speaking of careers, I’ve worn many hats in my professional journey so far. From residential real estate to construction projects big and small, I’ve dipped my toes into various facets of the industry. While I briefly explored the world of commercial construction, my heart always brought me back to the familiarity and intimacy of residential construction projects and investment properties.

Navigate Adulthood with ease

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s always room for the things that truly matter. My two boys – my dogs – hold a VERY special place in my heart. Their unconditional love and their puppy-like energy (both 13 now) never fail to bring a smile to my face, reminding me to embrace the simple joys of life.

You’ll quickly learn that I have an insatiable curiosity for learning new things – the more random, the better! Whether it’s mastering the art of home maintenance on a budget, simplifying all that must be collected and organized for annual taxes, or uncovering hidden gems during my travels, I’m always on the lookout for knowledge and adventure, and ALWAYS want to share with those around me!

“When you learn, teach, when you get, give.”

Maya Angelou

I firmly adhere to the principle that every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. This belief serves as my guide in every interaction, shaping the way I navigate the world daily. I consciously embody this ethos by extending a warm smile and making meaningful eye contact with everyone I encounter. These seemingly small gestures hold immeasurable power, for they have the potential to brighten someone’s day or provide solace in moments of darkness. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and we never truly know the burdens others may carry.

3 Key Areas That Play A Role In Successfully Navigating Adulthood With Ease

  • HOME
    • DIY projects
    • Homeowner and renter responsibilities, how to 101, comparisons, and beyond!
    • Cleaning and organizing advice
    • Maintenance and repair reminders and tips
  • TRAVEL
    • Tips, tricks, and hacks
    • Reviews and recommendations
    • Stories and experiences
  • LIFESTYLE
    • Personal growth and self-reflection through sharing my personal stories and experiences
    • Hobbies and interests
    • Relationships
    • Finance & Budgeting

So, there you have it – a SMALL GLIMPSE into who I am and what makes me tick. I look forward to getting to know you, and what brings you joy. Let’s get this journey started!

Thanks for being here!

-Lauren

Posted In: HOME, LIFESTYLE · Tagged: adulthood, boarding school, east coast, home, midwest, Travel

ABOUT

About Me
I'm Lauren. Through sharing my personal experiences I hope to inspire and empower you to live your life with confidence and purpose. This journey through adulthood is filled with unique challenges and opportunities and can be overwhelming at times, and I am here to provide the support, resources, and inspiration needed to thrive.

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Recent Posts

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athomewithlauren312

It’s mornings like this, up with the sun, where It’s mornings like this, up with the sun, where the air is a perfect 70 degrees, and the smell of fresh-cut grass fills the air. The sun is peeking through beautiful cloud formations, lawnmowers humming in the distance, birds chirping, and the world slowly comes to life around me, filling me with so much gratitude! 🙏🏻 

What simple morning moments fill you with gratitude? Comment below 👇🏻 
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#gratefulheart #dailyinspiration #summermorning #morningroutine #gratitude
Discover the Beauty and Charm of Northern Michigan Discover the Beauty and Charm of Northern Michigan with The Ultimate Northern Michigan Summer Travel City Guide. Get local tips on must-visit spots, activities, and favorites from someone with deep ties to Glen Arbor. 🌅

Free download available to help you plan your next trip! 🚤 Link in bio 

#glenarbor #leelanau #leelanaucounty #m22wine #michigan #puremichigan #travelusa #northernmichigan #traversecitymichigan #travelguide #cityguide
♻️LETS TALK COMPOSTING♻️ I live in the su ♻️LETS TALK COMPOSTING♻️

I live in the suburbs outside of Chicago with houses all around. I have a raised double barrel compost tumbler that is insulated for the colder temperatures, and animal proof.
If you are new to composting, picking up from last year, looking to revisit what you do & don’t put into your compost, this is for you!

Here are my do’s & don’ts I follow for my compost:

**What Goes In?**
1. **Fruit and Vegetable Scraps**: Peels, cores, rinds – you name it! These nutrient-rich scraps are compost gold.
2. **Coffee Grounds and Filters**: Give your morning brew a second life by adding these to your compost mix.
3. **Eggshells**: Calcium-packed shells break down beautifully, adding nutrients to your compost.
4. **Tea Bags (without staples)**: After steeping, toss those tea bags into the compost for a natural boost.
5. **Grains and Pasta**: Leftover cooked grains or pasta can go into your compost – just skip the sauces, oils, and butter!
6. **Paper Towels and Napkins**: If they’re not too greasy, these can be composted, reducing paper waste.
7. **Non-Coated Paper Products**: Think cardboard egg cartons, toilet paper rolls – anything without glossy coatings.
8. **Yard Waste**: Trimmed grass, leaves, and small branches make excellent additions.

**What Stays Out?**
1. **Meat and Dairy**: These items can attract pests and create odors, so it’s best to keep them out of your kitchen compost.
2. **Oils and Fats**: Grease and oils can disrupt the composting process, so save these for proper disposal. 
3. **Diseased Plants**: Avoid adding plants that are diseased or infested to prevent spreading issues to your compost. 💀 
4. **Pet Waste**: While it might seem organic, pet waste can contain harmful pathogens, so it’s a no-go for composting.
5. **Coal or Charcoal Ash**: These substances can contain toxins that harm your compost and soil. 💨 
6. **Plastics and Synthetics**: Never add plastic bags, wrappers, or synthetic materials to your compost – keep it natural! 

Head over to the link in my bio for more information about composting! ♻️ Plus an added trick I use to give my compost a boost! #compost #gardening #adulthood101 #composting
Hosting guests can be a fun and rewarding experien Hosting guests can be a fun and rewarding experience, whether you’re throwing a dinner party, hosting a BBQ, or celebrating a special occasion. The key to successful hosting lies in thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. This most recent time I hosted, I decided the day of-last minute, so I didn’t have much time to prepare, but it all worked out just fine! Here are some tips and tricks that I know will help you for the next time you play host:

Plan Ahead: A last-minute decision to have people over, doesn’t work for everyone. This time it worked well for me, because there was only going to be 5 of us, and we were grilling, so it was naturally more casual. BUT, if you are planning something with more people, and maybe more formal- Start by planning well in advance to ensure everything runs smoothly. Create a guest list, decide on a theme or menu, and make a timeline (THIS ONE IS KEY TO LESS OR NO STRESS DAY OF) for preparations. ⏰ 

‼️ head over to the link in my profile for the rest of the tips, tricks, and hosting hacks to help you kick a⭐️⭐️ the next time you host! 
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#hosting #hostingtips #howto #adulting101 #howtohost #midwestliving #charcuterieboard
Today I was updating my written calendar (I live b Today I was updating my written calendar (I live by this thing!) today, and planning some summer trips. I have a few planned that I am looking forward to, including heading up to our family lake house in a couple of weeks to open it up for the season! 

Opening up the lake house become a fun tradition I look forward to each spring. Usually over Memorial Day weekend, two of my aunts their husbands, and I head up for a long weekend to get the houses opened up for the season! 🚤

Some of the tasks included:

-cleaning out and laying compost in the flower beds
-buying the flowers & plants for the window boxes and planters
-Power washing the decks, porches, and walkways
-Rake, a d blow the beach 
-Paint touch-ups on the outside porches
-Minor repairs to the windows, handrails, and screen doors
-Pulling out and setting up the outdoor furniture
-Of course, frequent the local eateries as many times as possible in the short trip & we always keep track of how many trips to the hardware store we will make as a group! Not kidding when I say it’s probably min 3x a day… 🤷‍♀️

This has become a fun tradition for the 5 of us. We all know what needs to be done, over the years we have naturally fallen into each of our responsibilities, and we all just get to work as soon as we arrive. It’s an honor to be able to spend time with some of my family and as a group work to get the houses open and ready for the season for the rest of the family. It’s such a special place that we all have been coming to since we were born, even my grandparents!! 
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#lakehouse #lakehouserepairs #m22 #glenlake #northernmichigan #housemaintenance #lakehouseprepforsummer #glenarbor #glenlakemichigan #familytraditions #flowersboxes #sobriety

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