The Orphanage by the Lake is a dark, atmospheric thriller with all the right ingredients, but its frustrating protagonist, Hazel, makes it hard to love. From predictable twists to manipulative “friends” and blind spots that defy logic, Hazel’s lack of growth and her complicated pursuit of approval leave the story feeling more irritating than suspenseful. Read my full spoiler-filled review to see why this thriller didn’t quite hit the mark.

I began thoughtfully acquiring items that matched my mood board, starting with the simplest area: my kitchen decor.

As I stand in the empty rooms of my house in Tallahassee, Florida, I am filled with a whirlwind of emotions. This home has been my sanctuary, my canvas for creativity, and the backdrop for countless memories. Selling this house marks the end of an era, but it also signals the exciting start of a new chapter in Atlanta, Georgia. A Journey Through Decor: Creating My Haven I purchased my cozy house in Tallahassee at the tender age of 23. Fresh out of college, wide-eyed, and unsu