life

I Have Been Keeping a Big Secret from Everyone!

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For months, I’ve been carrying around a secret that has completely filled my heart.

Today, I finally get to share it with all of you…

I wrote a children’s book. ❤️📚

Even typing those words feels surreal.

As many of you know, I’m an elementary school teacher. Every day I have the privilege of learning alongside incredible children. Over the years, I’ve watched them celebrate, laugh, worry, doubt themselves, show kindness, and quietly carry things that no one else could see.

That inspired a simple question…

What if every child carried two backpacks?

One backpack holds books, pencils, and lunch.

The other carries something invisible…

Feelings.

Hopes.

Worries.

Dreams.

That little idea became The Invisible Backpack, a story about kindness, empathy, and reminding children that they never have to carry life’s heavy moments alone.

Today, I clicked the button that sent my very first book to Amazon for printing.

I still can’t believe I’m saying that.

This book has been a true labor of love. There were happy tears, lots of editing, countless hours in Canva, and one very special first reading with my daughter, Athena. We both cried, and in that moment I knew this story had become everything I hoped it would be.

But this is only the beginning.

The Invisible Backpack is the first book in The Invisible Series a collection of stories designed to help children understand big feelings, build empathy, and remind them that kindness has the power to make someone’s backpack a little lighter.

Because I’m a teacher, I also wanted these books to become meaningful classroom resources. That’s why I’ll be creating companion activities, discussion guides, and classroom resources, along with additional teaching materials on my Teachers Pay Teachers store so educators can easily bring these conversations into their classrooms.

My hope is simple.

I hope these stories help children feel seen.

I hope they start conversations around dinner tables, during bedtime stories, and inside classrooms.

And I hope every child who reads The Invisible Backpack remembers one important truth:

You never know what someone else is carrying.

Choose kindness. ❤️

Thank you to everyone who has supported me, encouraged me, and believed in me along the way.

This dream is just getting started, and I can’t wait to share the journey with all of you.

With love,

Chelsey

Current Obsessions: Swift Tea, Secondhand Embarrassment & Sunrise Walks

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This morning started with the soft shuffle of paws, a sunrise so pretty it looked like it was blushing, and me, wrapped in a hoodie, walking my two dogs like we owned the whole world. There’s something magical about being out there before the chaos starts. Just me, Finn, Whiskey, and the sky doing its thing.

Now let’s talk about what I’m currently obsessed with:

☕ 

The Mug

My student made me this absolute gem of a mug: a dog face on one side and Swift Tea scrawled across it like destiny. I drink hot or cold—no discrimination here—and this mug just hits different. Bonus points because the dog on it looks like Finn. Instant serotonin.

📖 

The Book: Till Summer Do Us Part

I’m on page 237 and I swear, I’ve laughed out loud, shed a tear, and literally whispered, “No. Freaking. Way.” more than once.

Scottie is chaos, heart, and too relatable. I’ve found myself wondering, Would I ever find a Wilder? Also… that therapy scene? The level of secondhand embarrassment I felt was criminal. I had to close the book, cover my face, and just breathe through it. Yeah. Still recovering from the secondhand embarrassment, thanks.

Favourite quote so far? “It goes back to the piercing.”

IYKYK. And if you don’t, you need to grab this book immediately.

Between that mug, that book, and these soul-resetting walks, I’m in a really good place this week. It’s the little joys, right? A good sip, a good story, and good dogs.

What’s your current obsession?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Brewed by Chelsey!

First Sip of the Final Stretch: Crescent City & a New Beginning

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This morning feels like the calm before the academic storm — except I’m weirdly excited for it. Today marks the first class of my very last course in my Master’s program. One final lap. One last push. One more excuse to pour an extra-strong coffee.

With my favourite mug in hand (you know, the one with the dog that suspiciously looks like Finn), I sat down this morning feeling a bit like Bryce Quinlan herself — overwhelmed but oddly empowered.

📚 What I Just Finished: Crescent City by Sarah J. Maas

Let’s talk about this rollercoaster of a read.

Rating: 5/5 lattes ☕☕☕☕☕
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Adult Fantasy
Mood: Emotional damage, hot Fae, badass female leads, and plot twists that will wreck your sleep schedule.

Bryce is a character that grows on you in layers — strong, messy, loyal, and a little broken (aren’t we all?). And Hunt… let’s just say I would definitely risk it all. The world-building is dense but stunning. The emotions hit hard. And that last third of the book? I cried. Gasped. Then, I immediately Googled if the next one was already out.

It’s the kind of book that lingers in your chest like caffeine jitters — in the best way possible.

☀️ What I’m Sipping

Today’s brew: a rich, medium roast McDonald’s coffee grounds with a sugar-free vanilla, with a splash of milk — smooth, strong, and dependable. Like a good friend or an SJM leading man.

📖 Up Next: Summer’s End (Just Kidding — It’s Summer Do Us Part)

To balance the intensity of Crescent City, I’m switching gears with something lighter: Summer Do Us Part. I’m in the mood for beachy vibes, small-town gossip, and maybe a touch of chaos. Because hey, summer deserves a little drama too. Plus all the Brads and Chads in this book.

✨ Final Thoughts (and Sips)

Here’s to first steps — even if they lead to a final class.
To strong coffee and even stronger female characters.
And to finishing what we started… one mug (and one book) at a time.

💥 Want to read it too?
Grab your copy of Crescent City on Amazon.

This post contains Amazon affiliate links. If you click and buy, I may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you! Thanks for supporting Brewed By Chelsey! ☕📚💛

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