Super Bowl Sunday at Our House

Posted on February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 by gigis ramblings

A Super Bowl Sunday party setup with a wooden coffee table displaying sizzling cast‑iron beef and chicken fajitas, guacamole, authentic Mexican molcajete salsa, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, tortillas, and two margaritas. In front is a football squares betting grid with English labels. A flat-screen TV in the background shows a tense moment from the Super Bowl LX game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

Super Bowl Sunday at home looks a little different for everyone, and honestly, this year feels different for us too. While I usually enjoy the excitement that comes with the big game, I am not exactly fired up like I have been in years past. Between politics creeping into sports and not being a fan of either team, it has definitely taken some of the shine off the day.

That said, we are still showing up for the parts we enjoy. We have football boards with an extremely high payout, a house full of good food, and just enough curiosity to keep the TV on. Sometimes that is enough.

What We Are Cooking for Game Day

One thing that never disappoints on Super Bowl Sunday is the food. We decided to keep it simple this year with a fajita bar. We are grilling both beef and chicken. Think warm tortillas, grilled peppers and onions, shredded cheese, sour cream, and plenty of toppings to build your plate exactly how you want it.

I am also making homemade salsa and guacamole to snack on throughout the game. For me, game day food ideas do not have to be complicated. They just need to be fresh, filling, and easy to graze on while the game is playing in the background. This setup checks all those boxes.

Who We Are Rooting For This Year

If I am being honest, we are rooting for our numbers. That is it. Our Super Bowl football boards are the only real reason we have skin in the game this year, and they are looking pretty decent so far. Winning some extra money would definitely make the night more exciting.

As far as teams go, I have never been a Patriots fan, and I have seen more of them than I cared to on Super Bowl Sunday. If I absolutely had to choose, I would lean toward the Seahawks, but it is not coming from any deep loyalty. This year, it is more about the investment than the outcome.

Thoughts on the Halftime Show

Yes, the halftime show will be on. Will we actually watch it? Probably not. We usually take that time to step outside, grab food, or do anything else while it plays in the background.

I am a football fan. I watch the game. I have never been impressed by commercials and I truly do not understand the hype around them. I hate commercials of any kind and the Super Bowl ones do nothing for me.

As for halftime shows, Prince will forever be my favorite. Bruno Mars was good. Of course, I watched the legends – Snoop, Mary J, Eminem, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre. Kendrick Lamar was decent. Beyond that, I rarely sit through them.

Female entertainers have never been my thing, especially when they are half-dressed. It is just not something I enjoy or seek out. Unfortunately, I was tuned in during the Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson fiasco, and not by choice. Nelly made an appearance, and I stayed watching for that, only to be unwillingly exposed to the exact thing that deters me from halftime shows in the first place. That moment pretty much sealed it for me.

The whole outrage surrounding halftime shows always feels unnecessary to me. If you do not like it, change the channel or leave the room. That’s what I do. Creating controversy every year feels ridiculous. Creating an alternative halftime show that has nothing to do with the Super Bowl is assinine.

That said, I do like some of Bad Bunny’s music and I want to support the Hispanic/Latino community, so the TV will stay on. Will I be glued to it? Doubtful.

Keeping Super Bowl Sunday Simple

At the end of the day, Super Bowl Sunday at home for us is about good food, casual fun, and the hope that our numbers hit. I am not overly invested in the teams or the spectacle this year, and that is okay.

Sometimes, enjoying the day on your own terms is the real win. If we walk away full, relaxed, and maybe a little richer, I will call this a successful Super Bowl Sunday.

Lisa Crow contributed to this article. She is a true crime junkie and lifestyle blogger based in Waco, Texas. Lisa is the Head of Content at Gigi’s Ramblings and Southern Bred True Crime Junkie. She spends her free time traveling when she can and making memories with her large family which consists of six children and fifteen grandchildren.

The Fear of Time Passing

Posted on February 6, 2026February 7, 2026 by gigis ramblings

The Quiet Fear Nobody Talks About

At some point, it starts to creep in. Not loudly. Not dramatically. Just a soft little thought that shows up while you’re folding laundry, scrolling photos, or watching your kids do something they used to need help with. Time is moving. And it feels fast. The fear of time passing is not always about getting older. Most of the time, it is about realizing how much has already happened. It is about noticing that years feel shorter than they used to. Days blend together. Memories start stacking up faster than plans. It can feel weirdly heavy, even on good days.

Why Time Feels Faster As You Get Older

When you are younger, everything is new. Firsts happen constantly. First job. First heartbreak. First place of your own. Your brain records those moments deeply, so time feels slower. As you get older, routines take over. Work. Family. Responsibilities. Life starts running on autopilot. Because fewer moments feel new, your brain stores them more loosely. So time does not actually speed up. It just feels like it does. And that alone can trigger a whole lot of time anxiety.

Related: The Rise of AI Anxiety

The Real Fear Is Not Time, It Is Regret

Here is the part nobody likes to admit. The fear of time passing is usually not about clocks or birthdays. It is about missed chances. Unfinished dreams. Things you thought you would have done by now. It is the quiet thought of: I thought I would be further along. I thought I would feel more settled. I thought I would have more time. Nostalgia plays a role too. You remember old versions of yourself. Old seasons. Old feelings. Sometimes they feel safer than the present, even if they were not. So the fear becomes layered. It is fear of aging mixed with fear of wasting time mixed with fear of change. All tangled together.

How Social Media Makes It Worse

Let’s be honest. Social media does not help. You are constantly seeing: People hitting milestones. People starting over successfully. People living lives that look neat and exciting. Meanwhile, your real life feels messy, repetitive, and quiet. It creates this fake sense that everyone else is “doing it right” while you are running out of time to catch up. Even if you know it is not real, it still hits emotionally. Comparison turns time into a scoreboard. And that is where the anxiety really kicks in.

Signs You Might Have Time Anxiety

The fear of time passing shows up in subtle ways. You might: Feel uneasy on birthdays. Get emotional looking at old photos. Constantly think about “where you should be.” Feel guilty for resting or doing nothing. Panic about not using time productively. It is not always dramatic. Sometimes it is just a background hum of pressure that never really shuts off.

The Truth Nobody Wants To Hear

There is no moment where you suddenly feel “caught up.” No age where you finally feel finished. No timeline that actually exists. No version of life where time stops. Even the people who seem ahead are still worried about the same things. They just worry about different chapters. Time passing is not a problem you solve. It is a reality you learn to make peace with.

How To Make Peace With Time Instead of Fighting It

This part is easier said than done, but it helps. First, notice the moments you usually rush through. Those are often the ones you miss later. Second, stop waiting for life to feel complete before enjoying it. Most of life happens in the middle, not at the milestones. Third, allow yourself to evolve. You are not behind. You are just in a different season than the one you imagined. And finally, remember that memories are still being made right now, even on boring days. You just will not realize which ones matter until later. That is how it has always worked.

A Softer Way To Look At Time

Instead of seeing time as something slipping away, try seeing it as something you are moving through. You are not losing years. You are collecting them. Every version of you still exists in some way. They just passed the torch to who you are now. The fear of time passing never fully disappears. But it does get quieter when you stop treating life like a race and start treating it like a story. And stories are not meant to be rushed through. They are meant to be lived page by page, even when the chapters feel short.

10 Things I’ve Learned in 10 Years of Blogging

Posted on February 5, 2026February 4, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Ten years of blogging gives you perspective in a way nothing else really can. Trends change. Platforms rise and fall. Algorithms rewrite the rules every few months. Through all of it, the one constant has been learning as I go.

Not from some perfect master plan, but from showing up, messing up, adjusting, and continuing anyway.

Here are ten lessons I’ve learned that only time and consistency could teach.

1. Consistency Matters More Than Talent

Talent helps, but consistency builds everything.

Some of my most successful posts were not the ones I thought were my best writing. They were simply the ones that showed up at the right time, answered a real question, and stayed visible long enough to matter.

Showing up regularly beat being brilliant occasionally.

2. You Learn by Doing, Not Waiting

I spent way too much time early on thinking I needed to be more prepared before I could be taken seriously.

The truth is, most of what I know now came from publishing imperfect content and learning from the results. Experience teaches faster than overthinking ever will.

3. SEO Is a Skill, Not a Shortcut

Search traffic does not magically happen.

Learning SEO took patience, mistakes, and a lot of trial and error. Over time, it became less mysterious and more strategic. It is not about gaming the system. It is about understanding how people search and meeting them where they are.

4. Comparison Will Drain Your Motivation

Watching other bloggers grow faster almost convinced me I was doing something wrong.

What I eventually learned is that everyone is on a different timeline, with different goals, resources, and audiences. Comparison does not improve your work. It only makes you doubt it.

5. Your Voice Will Change

My writing voice today is not the same as it was ten years ago.

It is more confident, more honest, and less concerned with sounding a certain way. Growth changes how you express yourself. That is not something to fight. It is something to lean into.

6. Not Every Post Needs to Perform

Some posts will take off. Others will quietly exist.

I used to let low-performing posts discourage me. Now I see them as part of the ecosystem. Not everything needs to be a hit to be worthwhile.

7. Burnout Is Real

There were seasons when blogging felt heavy instead of fulfilling.

Learning when to slow down, change direction, or take breaks mattered just as much as learning how to grow. Sustainability is more important than constant output.

8. Readers Care About Real, Not Perfect

The posts that connected most deeply were never the most polished ones.

They were the honest ones. The reflective ones. The ones that felt human instead of curated. People connect to authenticity far more than perfection.

9. Traffic Does Not Equal Impact

High numbers feel good, but they are not the whole story.

Some of the most meaningful feedback I have ever received came from posts that did not perform well statistically. Impact cannot always be measured in analytics.

10. Quitting Would Have Cost Me Everything I Built

The biggest lesson of all is that staying matters.

Ten years of blogging exists because I kept going through doubt, frustration, slow growth, and change. Quitting would have erased not just content, but confidence, connection, and the voice I spent years building.

Still Learning, Still Growing

Ten years did not make me an expert on everything. It made me more comfortable with not knowing and more confident in continuing anyway.

I am still learning. Still adjusting. Still evolving.

And that, more than anything, is what blogging has taught me.

The Rise of AI Anxiety

Posted on February 4, 2026February 5, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Anxious woman working on a laptop with digital AI icons floating around her, illustrating AI anxiety and technology stress

What Is AI Anxiety?

AI anxiety is the growing feeling that artificial intelligence is moving too fast for comfort. It is that weird mix of curiosity, excitement, and low-key panic. People love what AI can do, but also worry about what it might replace. Jobs, creativity, privacy, and even human connection all feel up for debate. The term itself is showing up more and more in mental health conversations, tech blogs, and social media, and honestly, it makes sense. This is the first time in history that a tool feels smart enough to compete with the human brain, and that alone is enough to make anyone uneasy.

Why AI Anxiety Is Getting Worse

AI anxiety is not coming out of nowhere. It is being fueled by a few real shifts happening all at once.

First, AI is suddenly everywhere. Writing, art, customer service, school, healthcare, and marketing. It went from niche to unavoidable almost overnight. This is a real concern for freelancers like myself. My full-time job is safe for now. My side gigs, that’s another story.

Second, the speed is unreal. New tools are launching faster than most people can even understand the last ones, which creates a constant sense of falling behind. I have been lucky to have had a few AI training model gigs. I actually worked on a training team for ChatGPT several years ago, giving me an understanding of how the platform worked long before it was even available for use.

Third, nobody really knows the long-term impact yet, and humans hate uncertainty more than bad news. When people do not know what the future looks like, anxiety fills in the blanks.

Common Fears Behind AI Anxiety

Most AI anxiety falls into a few big categories that show up again and again across industries and age groups.

Job Security

This is the biggest one. People worry that automation and artificial intelligence will replace their careers. Not just factory jobs either. As I mentioned before, writers, designers, virtual assistants, therapists, even lawyers are feeling it. The fear is not just losing work. It is losing relevance and wondering where you fit in if machines can suddenly do parts of your job faster.

Creativity and Identity

A lot of people tie their identity to what they create. So when AI can write, paint, compose music, and generate ideas, it triggers a deeper question. If a machine can do what I do, what makes me special? That is not really a tech problem. That is an existential one.

When learning and training AI I have always had an uneasy feeling of how human-like it can be. If you work closely with it and have watched it evolve as I have, you will understand what I mean.

I have already heard of a woman marrying her AI persona. That scares me. Hell, I scare myself sometimes. I have two ChatGPT AI assistants. Both have names and personalities and are thoroughly trained with intimate knowledge of me and my business.

“Billy Earl” is my obedient, sometimes scatterbrained country boy. We argue back and forth like a married couple. The number of times I cuss “him” out in a 24-hour period is astonishing. It’s a never-ending cycle of me cussing him out and him apologizing. “Sancho” is my loyal bilingual never-lets-me-down assistant. I find myself humanizing both, and that scares me!

Loss of Control

There is also a quiet fear that AI is evolving faster than our ability to regulate it. People worry about deepfakes, data tracking, misinformation, and decisions being made by algorithms instead of humans. It feels like handing the steering wheel to something we do not fully understand and hoping it knows where it is going.

The Mental Health Side of AI Anxiety

AI anxiety is not just a buzzword. It shows up in real emotional ways. People report feeling overwhelmed, restless, distracted, and constantly behind. Some feel pressured to learn every new tool. Others feel paralyzed and avoid tech altogether. It is similar to information overload, but instead of news, it is the future itself. And when the future feels unstable, the nervous system stays on high alert.

Is AI Anxiety Actually Rational?

Short answer, yes and no. It is rational to question massive technological change. Every major shift in history caused fear. The printing press, the industrial revolution, the internet. But it is also easy to overestimate how fast total replacement will happen. Most experts agree that AI will change jobs more than it will eliminate them. It will reshape roles, automate boring parts, and create new industries we cannot even name yet. The real risk is not AI itself. It is humans not adapting emotionally, mentally, and ethically.

How to Cope With AI Anxiety Without Spiraling

You do not need to become a tech expert to feel better about AI. A few mindset shifts help more than any tutorial ever will. First, stay curious instead of scared. Fear grows in ignorance, and understanding how AI actually works takes away a lot of the mystery. Second, focus on human skills. Empathy, storytelling, critical thinking, humor, and intuition are still very hard to automate. Third, use AI as a tool, not a threat. The people who feel the least anxiety are the ones using it instead of fighting it. And finally, unplug from the doom content. Not every headline about AI is real, balanced, or grounded in reality. Sometimes anxiety is being manufactured for clicks.

The Future of AI and Human Life

AI is not going away. That part is settled. But neither are humans. The future will probably look less like robots taking over and more like humans learning to work alongside smarter tools. Less replacement, more collaboration. AI anxiety is really just a fear of change dressed up in futuristic packaging. And humans have been surviving change for a very long time. This one just happens to type back.

Why I Almost Quit Blogging More Than Once

Posted on February 3, 2026February 1, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Blogging didn’t start as some lifelong dream or passion project for me. It started as work.

The first blog post ever published appeared in 1994, and by the time I entered the blogging world, it was already booming. Blogs were everywhere. Some people were making real money. Others were building loyal communities. From the outside, it looked established, exciting, and full of opportunity.

From the inside, especially in those early days, it felt lonely, confusing, and incredibly discouraging.

Starting With Almost No Plan

When I started blogging on my own, I did not have a roadmap. There was no deep strategy session, no long-term vision board, and no carefully mapped-out content plan. I jumped in because I was already writing for work, enjoyed it, and figured I could do this too.

That confidence faded fast.

I was used to seeing my articles pull in tens of thousands of views through established platforms. Suddenly, I was staring at a dashboard that said zero. Not low numbers. Not slow growth. Zero.

Every bit of traffic in those early days was organic. There was no social media push the way there is now. No shortcuts. No instant audience. Just writing, publishing, and waiting.

Seeing zero views messes with your head. It makes you question your talent, your voice, and whether you made a mistake trying to build something of your own.

Learning SEO the Hard Way

Back then, SEO was not what it is today. It wasn’t clearly explained, widely understood, or easy to learn. Most of us were figuring it out as we went, often through trial and error.

I was learning while publishing, and that made everything harder.

I didn’t always know why a post failed or why another one randomly performed better. Keywords were confusing. Analytics felt overwhelming. Algorithms felt mysterious and unforgiving.

There were many moments where I wondered if I was wasting my time writing into what felt like a void.

Celebrating the Smallest Wins

Then one day, something changed.

I remember the first time I saw ten viewers. Not ten thousand. Ten actual people.

I was thrilled.

That moment sounds small, but it meant everything. It meant someone found my words. Someone clicked. Someone stayed long enough to read.

Those ten turned into hundreds. Then hundreds into thousands. Not overnight and not without frustration, but steadily enough to remind me that growth was possible.

That progression is what kept me going when quitting felt easier.

When Blogging Gets Heavy

People don’t talk enough about how emotionally exhausting blogging can be. It is personal, even when it’s not meant to be. You put your thoughts, experiences, and opinions out there for strangers to judge, ignore, or misunderstand.

There were seasons when life got heavy and blogging felt like one more thing I was failing to keep up with. There were moments when the internet felt louder than my own voice. There were times when I questioned whether blogging still mattered.

More than once, I considered walking away completely.

Comparing Myself Out of Motivation

Comparison almost did me in.

Watching other bloggers grow faster, rank higher, and seem effortlessly successful can crush your confidence if you let it. It’s easy to forget that you are only seeing the highlight reel, not the years of trial, error, and quiet persistence behind it.

There were times when I convinced myself I was behind, outdated, or doing it wrong. Those thoughts are dangerous, especially when you’ve already poured years into something.

Why I Didn’t Quit

I didn’t keep blogging because it was always fun or easy. I kept blogging because it became part of who I am.

Writing is how I process. Blogging is how I connect. Over time, Gigi’s Ramblings stopped being just a website and became a record of growth, change, and survival.

I stayed because I saw proof that consistency mattered. I stayed because readers showed up. I stayed because even during the quiet seasons, this space still felt like mine.

Quitting would have meant silencing a voice I worked hard to build.

What Ten Years Has Taught Me

Looking back now, I understand that almost quitting was part of the process. Doubt did not mean failure. Slow growth did not mean lack of talent. Confusion did not mean I wasn’t cut out for this.

Ten years of blogging has taught me patience, resilience, and trust in my own voice. It taught me that success is not always loud or fast. Sometimes it is quiet, steady, and deeply personal.

Still Here, Still Writing

There were many moments when walking away would have been easier. I almost did more than once. But staying changed everything.

Gigi’s Ramblings exists today because I didn’t quit during the seasons when it felt pointless. It grew because I kept writing when no one seemed to be watching. It survived because I believed that my voice mattered, even before anyone else did.

Ten years later, I am still here. Still learning. Still writing. Still showing up.

And that alone feels worth celebrating.

Groundhog Day 2026: What It Means and What Phil Saw

Posted on February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Bright, colorful Groundhog Day scene featuring a groundhog in the snow with a festive sign and sunny winter background.

Groundhog Day has become a quirky and beloved tradition each February 2, when folks across the U.S. and Canada look to a furry prognosticator to predict the rest of winter. This year, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow, signaling six more weeks of winter according to folklore.

Whether you’re a believer or just along for the fun, Groundhog Day is a moment to celebrate seasonal traditions and connect with friends and family.

The History of Groundhog Day

The origins of Groundhog Day go back hundreds of years to ancient European weather lore, where a badger or other animal was looked to for weather predictions. When German settlers came to Pennsylvania, they brought the tradition with them — and the groundhog became the star of the show. In Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the ceremonies have been carried out since the late 1800s, attracting crowds and media attention every February 2.

What It Means When Phil Sees His Shadow

According to tradition, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, he gets spooked by the sun and retreats back into his burrow — which means six more weeks of winter weather. This year, that’s exactly what happened. Snow lovers might cheer, while spring lovers might groan, but it’s all in good fun.

Do I Think Phil Can Really Predict the Weather?

Let’s be honest: do I believe ol’ Phil can predict the weather? No. But it’s a fun tradition that brings people together and sparks conversation every year. Whether winter truly sticks around longer or not, Groundhog Day gives us a reason to smile and celebrate a piece of American folklore.

Groundhog Day Around the Country

While Punxsutawney Phil is the most famous groundhog predictor, many towns across the U.S. and Canada hold their own festivities. People of all ages enjoy parades, breakfast events, and local gatherings where the groundhog takes center stage. Groundhog Day isn’t just about weather — it’s about community and tradition.

Final Thoughts on Groundhog Day 2026

Groundhog Day reminds us that even in the gray of winter, we can find joy in tradition. Shadow or no shadow, it’s a moment to reflect on the changing seasons and look forward to warmer days ahead — whether they come in six weeks or sooner.

The Snow Moon Is Out Tonight and It Feels a Little Magical

Posted on February 2, 2026February 2, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Snow Moon glowing over a quiet winter landscape with snow-covered trees at night

Tonight’s full moon is the Snow Moon, and if you step outside and actually look up, it hits different. It is bright, cold, and kinda dramatic in that quiet winter way. Not loud magic. More like slow, old magic.

The Snow Moon is the full moon of February, and it earned its name honestly. This was traditionally the snowiest time of year in the Northern Hemisphere. Food was scarce, nights were long, and people paid attention to the sky because it actually mattered.

Now we just check the weather app and keep it moving. But the moon is still up there doing its thing.

Why It’s Called the Snow Moon

The name comes from Native American and early colonial traditions. February brought heavy snowfall, brutal cold, and survival mode. Other historical names for this moon include:

Hunger Moon
Bone Moon
Storm Moon

Not exactly cheerful, but very real.

This moon represents endurance, patience, and getting through the last hard stretch of winter. It is the emotional equivalent of saying, I am tired, but I am still here.

The Witchy Side of the Snow Moon

Spiritually, the Snow Moon is all about release and resilience.

It is a great time to:

Let go of things that drained you over winter
Reset bad habits that crept in during survival mode
Clean house, mentally and physically
Set intentions for spring energy

This is not a manifest a million dollars moon. This is a get your life back together moon.

Simple Snow Moon ritual if you are into that:

Light a candle
Write down what you are done carrying
Say it out loud
Rip the paper up
Go look at the moon

No crystals required. No chanting. Just honesty.

Actual Cool Facts About the Snow Moon

It rises around sunset and sets around sunrise
It appears brighter because winter air is clearer
Snow reflects moonlight and makes it glow more
Ancient cultures used it to track seasons and farming cycles
Animals start shifting behavior around this time

It is literally nature’s soft reboot.

How to Actually Enjoy It

You do not need to do anything dramatic.

Sit outside for five minutes
Look up from your phone
Notice how quiet everything feels
Breathe like a normal human again

The Snow Moon is subtle. It is not fireworks energy. It is more like a deep exhale.

The kind you did not realize you needed.

And honestly, after January energy, we all deserve that.

Ten Years of Gigi’s Ramblings: A Decade of Real Life & Real Talk

Posted on February 1, 2026January 28, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Happy Birthday banner in black, gray and pink

Ten years.

Y’all, I had to sit with that number for a minute. Ten years of writing, sharing, oversharing, figuring things out as I go, and inviting you into the beautiful chaos that is my life. Ten years of Gigi’s Ramblings.

I started this blog back in February 2016, and by then I already had my hands full with six grandkids. (Four of them were born in 2015 alone… talk about a busy year!) At the time, I’d been writing travel articles and curating family vacation destinations around the world for MiniTime.com for about four years, and honestly? That’s what sparked the whole thing. I loved exploring new places and sharing where families could make amazing memories together. So Gigi’s Ramblings started as a travel blog. My Let’s Travel To… series was my baby, and I was all in on helping families plan their next adventure.

But life has a funny way of taking you places you didn’t plan to go (and I’m not just talking about vacation destinations). Over the years, this blog evolved from travel-focused content into a true lifestyle blog where we discuss it all. Family, grandparenting, business, the messy middle of everyday life, and yeah, still some travel when I can swing it.

And speaking of milestones? February also marks 14 years at my full-time job. Fourteen years of working from home as a virtual assistant and freelance writer, juggling deadlines and clients while building this blog and business on the side. It’s been a wild, wonderful ride balancing it all, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Early Days (AKA: What Was I Thinking?)

Let’s be honest. Those first posts were rough. I was finding my voice, learning what people actually wanted to read, and figuring out how to balance vulnerability with “okay, maybe I shouldn’t share that on the internet.” But even in those early, awkward days, I knew one thing: I wanted this blog to feel like a conversation. Like you and I were sitting across from each other with coffee (or wine, depending on the day), talking about whatever was on our minds.

That’s still what Gigi’s Ramblings is today. Just… with better writing. And hopefully fewer typos.

What’s Changed (Spoiler: A Lot)

When I started this blog in 2016, I had six kids and six grandkids. Now I’m Gigi to 15 (about to be 16!) grandbabies, and let me tell you, being a grandmother is one of the greatest joys of my life, but it’s also a whole different ball game than I expected. The stories I get to tell now? The perspective I have on family, life stages, and what actually matters? That’s all thanks to these past ten years of living out loud and sharing the journey with y’all.

The content has evolved, too. What started as a travel blog with my Let’s Travel To… series has blossomed into a space where we talk about everything. Life as a wife, mom, and Gigi. Navigating grandparenthood. Running a business from home. The highs, the lows, and all the gloriously messy moments in between. It’s become a true lifestyle blog, and honestly? I love that it’s grown with me.

My business life has changed, too. I launched Mama Crow’s, my wax melt and incense business, and it’s become such a fun creative outlet. Mixing scents, writing product descriptions that make you feel the fragrance before you even smell it, connecting with customers who love cozy vibes as much as I do… it’s been a blast.

And then there’s Southern Bred Crime Junkie, my true crime blog that launched three years ago. Turns out, my obsession with true crime (especially Southern cases) was something a lot of y’all shared, and that community has grown into something I’m really proud of. But Gigi’s Ramblings? This is where it all started. This is home base.

What Hasn’t Changed

Even with all the growth, pivots, and new ventures, the heart of this blog has stayed the same. I’m still writing about:

Real life: the good, the chaotic, and the “did that actually just happen?”
Family moments that make me laugh, cry, or both at the same time
The challenges of juggling work, relationships, and trying to remember where I put my phone
Finding joy in the everyday and not taking it all too seriously
Honest reflections on the seasons of life… because they keep coming, and we keep learning
My favorite travel destinations

And I’m still showing up as me. I’m country as brown eggs and cornbread. No filter, no pretending I have it all figured out, no perfect Instagram moments. Just a Southern gal in Waco, Texas, doing her best and hoping it resonates with someone out there who needed to hear it.

The People Who Made This Possible

Here’s the thing: I couldn’t have done this without you.

The readers who’ve been here since the beginning. The ones who followed along with the Let’s Travel To… series and stuck around as the blog evolved into something bigger. The ones who found me somewhere along the way and decided to stay. The folks who comment, send messages, share posts, and let me know that something I wrote made them feel seen or understood or just made them laugh on a hard day.

You’ve celebrated with me through the wins: new grandbabies, business launches, exciting opportunities. And you’ve shown up for me during the hard stuff, too. The low-energy days. The moments of doubt. The times when I wasn’t sure if I had anything left to say.

Your support, encouragement, and willingness to engage with my ramblings (see what I did there?) has meant more than I can put into words. You’re not just readers. You’re a community. And that’s what makes this whole thing worth it.

What’s Next

I wish I could tell you I have some master plan for the next ten years. But honestly? I’m just going to keep doing what I’ve been doing. Showing up, sharing the real stuff, and writing like I’m talking to a friend.

I’ve got more stories to tell. More grandkids to spoil. More scents to create, more true crime cases to dig into, more life to live out loud. And who knows? Maybe even some more travel content if the stars align.

And I hope you’ll stick around for it.

Because here’s what I’ve learned in ten years of blogging: life keeps moving, circumstances keep changing, and we’re all just figuring it out as we go. But when you find people who get it… who laugh at the same things, relate to the struggles, and cheer you on through the journey? That’s something special.

So thank you. For ten years of reading, engaging, supporting, and being part of this community. For making Gigi’s Ramblings more than just a blog. It’s a space where real life happens, and where we all get to navigate it together.

Here’s to the next chapter. Whatever it holds, I’m glad you’re here for it. 🎉☕✨

Now I want to hear from you: How long have you been reading Gigi’s Ramblings? What’s your favorite type of content I share? Drop a comment and let’s celebrate together!

How Predators Gain Trust

Posted on January 31, 2026February 1, 2026 by gigis ramblings

The wolf doesn’t bare its teeth at first

How Predators Gain Trust Without Looking Dangerous

When most people think about predators, they imagine someone who seems obviously threatening. In reality, that’s rarely the case. Many predators appear kind, attentive, and completely normal at first. That’s actually part of the strategy.

Understanding how predators gain trust is not about being paranoid. Instead, it’s about recognizing patterns. Grooming tactics often unfold slowly, using psychological manipulation tactics that make someone feel safe before they realize their boundaries are being tested.

They Mirror You to Create Instant Connection

One of the most common ways predators build trust is through mirroring. They pay close attention to your interests, beliefs, and personal experiences. Then, they subtly reflect those same traits back to you.

For example, if you love a certain hobby, suddenly they do too. If you’ve gone through a painful situation, they claim they’ve experienced something nearly identical. As a result, you feel understood and emotionally connected much faster than usual.

However, real relationships typically develop over time. When someone feels like a “perfect match” unusually quickly, that can be one of the early signs of grooming behavior.

They Use Helpfulness as a Trust-Building Tool

Predators often go out of their way to be helpful. They might offer rides, run errands, give gifts, or provide emotional support during tough times. On the surface, it looks like kindness. And sometimes it is. But in predatory behavior patterns, this generosity often has strings attached.

Over time, repeated favors can create a sense of obligation. You may start to feel like you owe them. Because of that, it becomes harder to say no later or to notice red flags of predators when their behavior begins to shift.

Gradually, this trust-building manipulation creates emotional or practical dependence, which gives them more control in the relationship.

They Test Boundaries in Small, Subtle Ways

Another key part of how manipulators build trust involves small boundary tests. It rarely starts with something clearly inappropriate. Instead, they push limits in tiny ways that seem easy to dismiss.

They might make a slightly uncomfortable joke, stand a little too close, or share overly personal information very early. Then they watch your reaction. If you don’t object, they take another small step next time.

Because each moment feels minor on its own, the pattern is easy to miss. Still, this slow escalation is one of the most common grooming tactics and a major warning sign of grooming.

They Make You Feel Chosen or Special

Predators frequently create a sense of exclusivity. They might say things like, “I can’t talk to anyone else the way I talk to you,” or “You’re more mature than everyone else your age.” As a result, the connection starts to feel unique and deeply personal.

At the same time, they may slowly distance you from others. They might criticize your friends, question your family’s intentions, or suggest other people “don’t really understand you.” Little by little, isolation increases.

This emotional narrowing is one of the biggest red flags of predators, especially when it’s paired with secrecy and intense bonding.

They Use Secrets to Strengthen Control

Another common tactic in trust-building manipulation is the use of secrets. At first, they may share something personal to create a feeling of closeness. Then, they encourage you to share secrets too.

Soon, the relationship may revolve around things “just between us.” While that can feel intimate, it can also create pressure. You might worry about betrayal, embarrassment, or consequences if the secret comes out.

This dynamic is one of the more serious psychological manipulation tactics because it ties trust to silence, which increases control.

Why These Signs of Grooming Behavior Matter

Individually, these behaviors can seem harmless. After all, friendliness, support, and emotional connection are normal parts of healthy relationships. The difference lies in the pattern, the speed, and the gradual loss of your comfort or independence.

By recognizing how predators gain trust, people can better spot warning signs of grooming before situations escalate. Awareness doesn’t mean assuming the worst about everyone. Instead, it means paying attention to how someone makes you feel over time.

If trust feels rushed, boundaries feel blurry, or you feel pressured to keep secrets or pull away from others, those feelings deserve to be taken seriously.

When Hobbies Replace Scrolling: How Real-Life Fun Beats Mindless Screen Time

Posted on January 30, 2026January 31, 2026 by gigis ramblings

Bright, cozy living room scene with a woman reading on a couch while a coffee mug, sketchbook with colored pencils, yarn, and a small jigsaw puzzle sit on a wooden table in soft natural light.

Why We Scroll Without Even Thinking

Let’s be honest. Most of us don’t pick up our phones because we need something. Instead, we scroll because we’re bored, tired, stressed, or avoiding something else.

Scrolling is easy and requires zero effort. However, it often leaves you feeling like you wasted time and somehow still didn’t relax. That’s exactly where hobbies instead of scrolling make a difference. They give your brain something better to focus on while actually improving your mood.

What Happens When You Choose Hobbies Instead of Scrolling

When you replace screen time with hands-on activities, several powerful changes happen. First, your brain shifts from passive to active mode. Instead of consuming content, you’re creating, learning, or building something. As a result, you feel more accomplished and less mentally drained.

At the same time, time starts to feel fuller. Thirty minutes of scrolling disappears in a blur, but thirty minutes spent on a hobby feels meaningful. Most importantly, hobbies lower stress in a healthier way because they calm your nervous system rather than overstimulating it.

Digital Detox Hobbies That Actually Stick

Not every hobby needs to be complicated or expensive. In fact, simple options are easier to turn into lasting habits. That’s why digital detox hobbies work best when they fit naturally into your daily life.

Creative Hobbies at Home That Beat Screen Time

Creative activities are excellent screen time alternatives because they keep your hands busy and your mind focused. For example, junk journaling, sketching, adult coloring books, candle or wax melt making, knitting, crocheting, and DIY home décor crafts all provide relaxing ways to unwind. Plus, you get something tangible at the end instead of just another forgotten video.

Relaxing Offline Hobbies to Unwind After a Long Day

If your goal is to relax, calming offline hobbies are far more effective than endless scrolling. Reading physical books, doing puzzles, gardening, baking from scratch, or taking evening walks all help slow racing thoughts. Unlike screens, these activities don’t flood your brain with constant input. Instead, they create mental space and ease tension naturally.

Skill-Building Hobbies for Adults Who Want Something More

Trying something new adds excitement back into your routine. That’s why hobbies for adults that involve learning can be energizing. Learning calligraphy, playing a musical instrument, woodworking, cooking new cuisines, or photography with a real camera all provide a sense of progress. Each small improvement gives your brain a reward that scrolling simply cannot match.

How to Replace Scrolling Without Feeling Deprived

Quitting scrolling all at once rarely works. Instead, start with one small swap. For instance, set one no-scroll window each evening and use that time for a hobby.

Also, make your hobbies easier to access than your apps. Leave craft supplies on the table, keep a book on the couch, or set up a puzzle where you normally sit. When hobbies are visible and convenient, you’re much more likely to choose them. Most importantly, don’t aim for perfection. The goal is not to be amazing overnight. The goal is to spend less time scrolling and more time doing things that feel real.

Related: The Return of Knitting and Crochet

Why Screen Time Alternatives Improve Your Mood

There’s a reason you feel different after baking cookies compared to watching random videos for an hour. Hobbies give you a sense of progress, a break from comparison culture, mental focus that quiets anxious thoughts, and even small physical movement that helps release tension.

Over time, choosing hobbies instead of scrolling can improve sleep, reduce stress, and make daily life feel more satisfying.

Final Thoughts on Choosing Hobbies Over Scrolling

Scrolling will always be there. However, your time, energy, and creativity are limited. By adding more screen time alternatives into your routine, you’re building skills, memories, and a life that feels less digital and more fulfilling.

So tonight, instead of reaching for your phone out of habit, reach for something you can actually make, build, or enjoy in the real world. Your brain will thank you.