Totally get that. My last DIY attempt to make something both pretty and useful was a disaster. Tried to build a little corner shelf, you know, for plants. It holds things up, but wow is it crooked. Kind of an eyesore that also technically functions, my specialty.

Weird how the same people who say that get super strict about other rules, like parking or cutting in line. (Seen it a million times.)

Tried darning socks last winter. Fixing something instead of throwing it away felt weirdly satisfying.

Have you noticed how families will quietly stress about money for years before someone finally suggests a system? It's like we're all scared to be the one who brings up the budget, but once someone does, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. Your sister's spreadsheet hack is a perfect example of that. I see this same thing with friends planning group vacations or even splitting the check at dinner. Making the costs clear from the start just removes so much awkwardness. It's sad that we need a spreadsheet to be honest with each other, but hey, if it works, it works.

Ugh been there. I started looking at way older design styles for inspo, like pre internet stuff. It helped me mix something classic back in with the modern trend.