Susan Carr

These are the books I reached for when I didn’t have the words yet. But I just knew something hurt and kept on hurting. I built this list for other adults trying to heal from childhood trauma, any kind, like CPTSD, anxiety, shame, chronic illness, or growing up in a home that didn't feel safe. Some of these books helped me understand the science behind why I respond the way I do. Others offered practical tools for things like reparenting my inner child, setting boundaries, or rebuilding trust in relationships. A few just made me feel less alone. One of these books might help you start answering why it still feels so hard, even after all this time.

I love giving gifts that don’t end up on a shelf. This list is full of Orlando-based experiences that feel personal, thoughtful, and way more memorable than a generic gift card. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, helping someone unwind, or just showing a little love, these are the kinds of gifts that meet people where they are, literally. Everything here is local to Central Florida and focused on relaxation, connection, creativity, or simply trying something new. Because sometimes the best present is presence.

Looking for the best local spots in Orlando that aren’t overhyped or overcrowded? This thoughtfully curated list features Orlando coffee shops, independent restaurants, and peaceful parks where you can slow down, eat well, and breathe a little easier. From tucked-away nature trails to cozy cafés and neighborhood favorites with real staying power, these are the places I return to—quiet corners, good food, strong coffee, and steady atmosphere. Perfect for locals and visitors alike who prefer substance over flash and want to experience the best of Orlando without the noise.

When the distractions pile up and my to-do list keeps growing, these are the playlists I reach for. No lyrics pulling me out of the zone. No dramatic swells or sudden shifts. Just steady, grounding sound that helps the work keep moving, especially on those long editing or writing days when focus feels slippery. They help me settle in, stay with it, and actually finish what I meant to start.

Hot flashes, dry patches, mystery breakouts—menopause came in like it had something to prove. My skin changed, my hair changed, and honestly, so did everything else. This list is full of the things that actually helped: skincare that soothes without overwhelming, haircare that adds back moisture and shine, makeup that works with my skin now—not ten years ago. I’ve also included supplements I’ve personally found supportive, and a few helpful extras for the more intimate changes no one warns you about. It’s not everything, but it’s what’s made a real difference for me.

I’ve always leaned toward clothes that echo the outdoors like soft knits in spruce green, denim that breaks in like a well-loved trail, and prints that hint at mountain wildflowers. When I was first introduced to Coldwater Creek in 1996, I felt like I had walked into a store I designed. Their story began in Idaho’s pine country, and 40 years on, that spirit still shows up in every seam. Here you’ll find my over-50 wardrobe staples: cardigans, jeans, dresses, and artful accents that pull an outfit together. Each pick balances comfort and refinement, travels well, and layers effortlessly through the seasons. If you’re looking for fashion that feels current yet timeless, kinda like clothing that mirrors the calm of a walk in the woods, start with these Coldwater Creek favorites.

You know that feeling when you find the brand of nightwear where you could buy every color, every style, because it’s just that comfortable? The kind that holds up in the wash, doesn’t fade, and somehow still feels amazingly soft after months of wear? Yeah. I found it. And if you're anything like me, you’ll want one for every night of the week, or every night of the month. Seriously, the fabric and patterns and colors are addictive.

Cami Monet is one of my favorite small shops in Winter Park, Florida. It’s a locally owned stationery and gift store run by Cami, a watercolor artist with a serious eye for charm and detail. Everything in the shop—from the hand-painted greeting cards to the party supplies and personalized gifts—feels playful, thoughtful, and one of a kind. I love that it’s not just another paper store. Cami brings her personality into every product she creates, and it shows. If you’re in the Orlando area and looking for unique home gifts, cute stationery, or creative pieces that feel personal, this is a must-visit. Plus, supporting a local artist with a real story behind her work makes it that much more special. Sign up for her email newsletter and save 10% off your first order!

I’ve loved Disney for decades, but my style’s changed a bit since the days of souvenir tees and plastic ears (though let’s be honest—some tees are still too cute to pass up). This list is full of the kind of Disney finds I love now: thoughtful, design-forward pieces with just the right mix of nostalgia, subtlety, and charm. It’s for grown-up fans who still feel the magic—just in a way that fits their everyday life.

These are the perfumes that don’t chase trends—they linger, evolve, and leave a lasting impression. I have experienced each of these and chose to share them, especially for women in their 40s, 50s, and beyond who appreciate depth and the artesian. These are scents that have traveled through time with me over the years. Each of them felt like a part of who I was during different seasons. These are refined, long-lasting fragrances with soul.

This started as a patch of dirt under a tree, barren and plain. Until one Labor Day weekend, when I decided it was time for a change. A few chairs, some soft lighting, an area to practice yoga and meditation, water, sand, and grass elements to bring in Zen inspirations, and the right mix of plants turned it into something quieter, calmer, and poetic. These are the things that helped make it feel like mine. No big renovation, just thoughtful pieces that made being outside feel less of an afterthought and more of an invitation to be immersed in nature.

This isn’t a list of “must-haves.” It’s a list of things that have genuinely made freelance life a little easier—tools I reach for most days, not just the ones that look good in a flat lay. Some help me stay organized. Some help me show up professionally. All of them earn their keep. If you’re building a business from the middle of real life, maybe something here will help you too.

These are my go-to home essentials—the practical, low-fuss products that help with organization, comfort, and everyday function. From smart storage to decor that doesn’t scream “trying too hard,” each item here has earned a permanent spot in my space. I’ve tested them, used them, and in some cases, reordered them. This list is for real homes, real routines, and real people who want useful home items that actually make daily life easier (and occasionally more fun).

This one’s for the girlies who want heat, heartbreak, and heroines who don’t hold back. You’ll find messy love stories, sharp dialogue, plot twists you didn’t see coming, and characters you’d absolutely DM at 2 a.m. Equal parts drama, desire, and deeply unhinged decisions—in the best way.

I didn’t start freelancing because I dreamed of running a business. I started because my mom had dementia, and I needed work that could fit around her care. This is where I share what that’s actually looked like: building a writing and editing business in the middle of grief, caretaking, and constant change. Some posts are practical (trimming copy, managing client feedback, marketing yourself); others are personal reflections on working through hard seasons. And along the way, the occasional squirrel or bird shows up outside my window, reminding me to pause, breathe, and keep going.

When my mom was living with dementia, there was no guidebook—just a lot of trial, error, and late-night searches trying to make her more comfortable at home. This list includes the everyday essentials that actually helped: things that made daily routines easier, supported her safety and dignity, and gave me a little more peace of mind as her caregiver. From adaptive eating utensils to comfort items, these are the products I leaned on while helping her age at home with care, respect, and as much ease as possible.

This is my personal shelf of standouts—the books I’ve read, referenced, or recommended more than once. Some are practical, some are thought-provoking, and a few are just plain comforting. I created this list for anyone who loves learning, language, or a good nudge in the right direction. If something here sticks with you, then it earned its place. You'll also probably find a sloth, a few squirrels, and even some coffee and tea.