Now, what made this interesting is that we weren’t just coding. We were context engineering. That means before I wrote any code, I used AI to run an ideation session. The AI asked me questions, poked holes in my ideas, and helped me create a PRD and a Mermaid diagram. This planning phase was crucial because it set the whole foundation so I wouldn’t just fall into “vibe coding” and clicking yes to everything.

For the MVP, we started simple: making sure two users could see each other’s changes in real-time without lag. Once that was done, we moved on to the AI integration. Initially, I tried using DALL-E 3 to transform images into Japanese anime style, but it didn’t quite work. The AI was just generating random people. Eventually, I switched to Replicate, which gave me a much better image-to-image transformation and finally got the anime effect we wanted.

In the end, the app became this cool tool where users can create e-invites, customize them live with AI-generated art, and share them. My biggest lesson? You only truly learn by doing. You can hear about PRDs and context engineering, but you don’t really get it until you jump in and start solving problems. So, if you’re building something similar, focus on that strong foundation first, plan well, and let the coding flow from there.

You mint an NFT on one chain, earn tokens on another, and two clicks later you’re stuck — staring at a bridge fee that costs more than your loot. It’s like buying a wristband for every single ride in a theme park, then discovering the roller-coaster you really want is in a different park across town.

Why can’t blockchains work together like one giant park with a single fast-pass?

Imagine you’re at a massive amusement park. Each ride, booth, and attraction has its own unique rules and tickets. It can be a real headache moving from ride to ride because you constantly have to exchange tickets, wait in lines, and figure out each attraction’s rules. Now, imagine the park decided to make life easier by creating one universal ticket, shared rules, and smooth paths connecting all rides and attractions.
Suddenly, enjoying the park becomes easy, fun, and seamless. That’s essentially what a Superchain does, but instead of amusement park rides, we’re talking about blockchains.

A Superchain is a network of blockchains all built using the same technology standard, known as the OP Stack. Picture each blockchain as a separate theme park ride, and the OP Stack as the universal guidelines making sure each ride can interact smoothly with the others. This allows these blockchains to communicate easily, work together efficiently, and maintain high standards of security across the entire network.

Why does this matter? Let’s look at a practical example: imagine you’re playing a video game built on blockchain A, but you earn tokens that you’d love to use in another game on blockchain B. Usually, transferring tokens from one blockchain to another can be complex, slow, and expensive. With the Superchain, moving your assets between different games or apps is as smooth and straightforward as walking from one ride to another with your universal amusement park ticket.

The Superchain Registry serves as an information booth at this digital amusement park. It provides clear, reliable, and easy-to-access information about every blockchain in the Superchain network, ensuring everyone knows exactly how things operate, what security measures are in place, and how to use each blockchain effectively.

One significant advantage of building on a Superchain—like the one powered by the OP Stack—is shared security. If one blockchain identifies and fixes a vulnerability, all the other blockchains in the network automatically receive the security update. It’s like one ride operator finding a safety issue and immediately alerting all other ride operators to fix it instantly, ensuring everyone stays safe.

Projects such as Base (created by Coinbase), Boba Network, Zora Network, and Lisk are excellent real-world examples of blockchains thriving on the Superchain. Each one benefits from the interconnected and supportive environment that the Superchain offers, providing better experiences for users and builders alike.

The Superchain doesn’t just solve problems for blockchain developers; it creates a friendlier and more connected experience for everyone involved. It’s a future where digital interactions, whether you’re trading NFTs, playing games, or managing assets, become simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.

Next time you think about blockchains, envision the simplicity of navigating your favorite amusement park with a single, all-access pass. This is the transformative power of the Superchain—streamlining digital interactions and revolutionizing the way we connect and transact in the blockchain universe.

What I Built (and Why It Matters)

By the end of the sprint, ChainCal had:

• A Listener service catching Alchemy webhooks, parsing events, and storing them in PostgreSQL using Drizzle ORM.

• A Scheduler hanging out in Redis, popping reminder jobs when they’re due, and sending emails via Alchemy Notify.

• A Web dashboard built in SvelteKit where you can visually add events or export them as an .ics file.

In practice, it meant: I can subscribe to a DAO vote closing or a vesting unlock and get an email just when it matters.

What Worked

• Fast webhook → DB → queue pipeline: Events fired on-chain, hit our listener, saved in Postgres, queued in Redis—and the reminder popped just when expected (usually within 10 seconds).

• Minimal infra, maximum effect: With Alchemy + Redis and Postgres, I didn’t have to build email servers or complicated cron jobs. Team > Tools.

• Drizzle + TypeScript: The schema-first, typed-as-you-go style meant cleaner migrations, safer queries, fewer runtime surprises.

What Didn’t Work: Farcaster MiniApp

Now let’s talk about the part that humbled me:

The Farcaster MiniApp integration… did not work.

I followed the docs. I checked the examples. But somewhere between the manifest, signature verification, and URL structure—it just wasn’t clicking. I watched others get theirs working, so I knew the problem wasn’t the tool. It was me.

And maybe the fact that I was alone. No one to rubber-duck the issue with, no pair programming, no one to say, “Wait… did you check the frame payload?” Just me and my slightly-too-confident AI co-pilot.

I ended up shelving the MiniApp part and focusing on the core logic. I’ll return to the Frame side again soon, but this time with more patience—and maybe a buddy

Lessons Learned (Fast)

• AI needs direction. My tools are great at generating code, but they don’t know the architecture unless I guide them. Vibe coding needs a map.

• Go slow to go fast. Every time I rushed past a setup step or skimmed a doc, I paid for it later.

• Shipping isn’t success—learning is. Even without the Frame, I built a working product that taught me a ton.

Final Reflection

This hackathon reminded me why I’m here: to build in public, to learn from every bump, and to be radically honest about what it actually takes to become a better dev. ChainCal may have started with smart contracts, but it ended with smarter choices.

So if you’re on the same path—building, breaking, learning—know that you’re not alone. I’ll be here, sipping matcha, coding out loud, and reminding us all that the work is the reward.

👉 @Check out the repo here

🧠 Follow along for more honest dev journeys on Minds, Matcha, and Machines.

As someone who spent over a decade working closely with how the brain learns through Montessori education and hands-on child development, I’ve seen it over and over again:

You can spend days trying to teach a child the color yellow. You hold up yellow toys. You sing yellow songs. You point to bananas, lemons, and the sun. And then… crickets. They smile, but they don’t really get it.

Then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, the child becomes interested in colors. Maybe it’s a red ball, a blue truck, or a green crayon that grabs their attention. Within moments, they’ve absorbed all the primary colors—effortlessly. Why? Because the brain was finally ready. Curiosity had flipped the switch.

What Montessori Taught Me About the Mind

Montessori education isn’t about forcing information into a child. It’s about creating an environment where their natural interests guide what and how they learn. We observe, we prepare, and we wait for that spark.

When curiosity lights up, the brain goes into high gear. It becomes alert, open, and primed to form connections. That’s when learning sticks, not when we push, but when the learner leans in.

And here’s the thing: this doesn’t change as we grow up. Adults learn the same way. You might think you’re too busy or not “disciplined enough” to keep up with new tech or AI trends. But maybe the real problem is that we’re approaching learning the wrong way—backwards.

Why I Created Minds, Matcha & Machines

As I transitioned from being an educator to exploring Web3 and AI, I found myself craving a different kind of learning experience. Something small. Something digestible. Something that would let my brain decide when to go deeper. That’s what Minds, Matcha & Machines is all about.

Each video in this series gives you one tiny sip of a big concept in Web3, AI, or the future of tech. Not a lecture. Not a course. Just a spark. And then you decide what to do with it.

If your brain says, “That’s interesting,” I’ll always link to places where you can dive deeper, on your own time, in your own way.

Follow the Spark

We live in the era of information overload. You could learn almost anything right now… But the trick is to learn what your brain is ready for. The next time a post, video, or thread catches your attention, ask yourself:

Is this sparking something in me? If yes—follow it. Even for 10 minutes. You’ll remember what you learn far better than anything you tried to memorize while bored or distracted. Minds, Matcha & Machines is my digital learning journal. But it’s also yours, if you want it.

Follow the series:

📍 On X: @nanskinner

📍 On YouTube: @nanidoestech

So, What is Wormhole?

Wormhole is a decentralized cross-chain messaging protocol that lets different blockchains, such as Ethereum, Solana, and Binance Smart Chain, communicate seamlessly. It works thanks to a group of 19 validators called Guardians, who securely verify and relay messages across chains, eliminating the need for centralized exchanges.

Why Wormhole Matters

The blockchain world is still pretty fragmented. Wormhole is changing this by enabling decentralized apps (dApps) and smart contracts on different blockchains to interact with each other effortlessly. This opens up amazing opportunities for developers looking to build multichain apps, and makes life easier for users who want a smooth, integrated Web3 experience.

Curious to Learn More?

Check out my latest video where I break down exactly how Wormhole works and why it's making waves in the Web3 community:

👉 Watch the Wormhole Explained Video

Whether you're just starting your Web3 journey or you're deep into blockchain tech, understanding Wormhole is definitely worth your time.

This leap wasn’t something I planned years in advance. It came from a growing curiosity, a quiet challenge I set for myself, and a belief in one of my favorite Naval Ravikant quotes: “Play long-term games with long-term people. You only have one life. Why not do it all?” That last part has stuck with me. Why not do it all?

Curiosity and the Future

The truth is, the world is changing fast. Web3, blockchain, decentralization—these aren’t just buzzwords. They’re shaping the way we work, connect, and live. The more I read about this space, the more curious I became. What will my role be in this future? Could I contribute to this movement, not just as a spectator but as someone building within it?

Curiosity became my compass. It pulled me toward Web3 like a magnet, urging me to ask questions, explore possibilities, and try something I’d never done before. It’s easy to feel intimidated by how much there is to learn, but there’s also something liberating about starting fresh. Every small piece of progress feels like a revelation, and with each step, the future doesn’t just feel exciting—it feels possible.

For My Children

A big part of this journey isn’t just about me—it’s about my kids. As a mother, I’ve always believed in leading by example. When I was homeschooling them, I was their guide, their teacher, and their cheerleader. Now, as they step into school, I want to be a different kind of guide: someone who shows them that learning doesn’t end when you reach adulthood.

I think about how I want them to approach their lives—with curiosity, courage, and a belief that it’s okay to start over at any point. By embracing this challenge at 35, I hope I’m teaching them that growth isn’t something to be afraid of. It’s something to pursue, even when it’s hard, even when it feels risky.

More than anything, I want them to see that reinvention is part of life. Whether they want to be artists, engineers, or something entirely unexpected, I want them to know that the journey doesn’t have to follow a straight line. And that it’s okay—even wonderful—to surprise yourself.

Why Not Do It All?

At 35, I could have stayed comfortable. But comfort doesn’t challenge us, and it doesn’t change us. Naval’s words remind me that life isn’t meant to be lived in silos. We don’t have to be just one thing or follow just one path. We can explore, experiment, and grow in ways we never imagined.

Starting this new career is my way of answering that call. It’s scary, sure, but it’s also thrilling. And as I navigate this new world, I’m learning that the scariest leaps often lead to the most rewarding journeys.

So here I am—mother, learner, coder, and explorer—writing my own story in the spaces between all these roles. Why not do it all? After all, we only get one life.

For the past eight years, homeschooling was our thing. It was messy and magical—a whirlwind of Montessori projects, spontaneous geography lessons during road trips, and the occasional “math happens best in pajamas” day. But now, here I am, getting the kids ready to drop them off at school.

We live in a small town outside the bustling city of Bogotá, Colombia, where we found a beautiful little schoolhouse. It’s the kind of place that helps children fall in love with learning, encouraging them to discover who they are and what they want to be when they grow up. Somewhere along the way, things started to shift. The kids began craving new adventures, new friends, and new challenges. And, honestly? I realized I was ready for a challenge of my own.

So here we are, stepping into a new chapter. My kids are diving into the school projects, and I’m diving headfirst into Web3 and frontend engineering. It’s a little nerve-wracking, sure. But with my husband as my mentor and biggest cheerleader, I’ve realized this change isn’t just for them. It’s for me too.

Adjusting to the New Routine

The first week felt… surreal. The mornings were quieter—eerily so. No rush to pull out materials for the day’s lesson, no chatter about which project we’d dive into first. Instead, I found myself packing lunchboxes and walking them to the school gate, waving as they disappeared into their new world.

At home, the silence felt unfamiliar. I kept catching myself glancing at the clock, half-expecting them to barge into the kitchen asking for a snack or to help solve a problem. But slowly, I started to settle into the quiet. I reclaimed parts of my day that I hadn’t realized were missing—uninterrupted time to focus, to learn, and to start working toward my own goals.

Of course, it hasn’t been without its challenges. Dropping off the kids and transitioning straight into “Web3 learner mode” is easier said than done. There are still errands, emails, and the occasional sick child. But I’m learning to embrace the ebb and flow of this new rhythm.

It’s a work in progress, but every day feels like a small victory. My kids are thriving in their new environment, and I’m finding my groove in this fresh chapter of life.

How This Fuels My Career Goals

When I started this journey into Web3 and frontend engineering, I wasn’t entirely sure how I’d manage it all—or if I could even do it. But taking this leap has been on my heart for a long time: a chance to focus on personal growth, dive into the rapidly evolving Web3 community, and build a career in tech.

With the kids now immersed in their new school routine, I’ve found the space to fully embrace the learner mindset. I’ve set up my workspace, joined online coding communities, and even started tackling my first small projects. At first, each line of code felt impossible to understand. But as I practice, those lines begin to make sense—slowly but surely building something bigger: a future where I’m not just a mom cheering from the sidelines but a professional pursuing her own passions and contributing meaningfully to an industry I’m genuinely excited about.

Having the support of my husband, who’s both a mentor and my biggest cheerleader, has been invaluable. He’s helped me navigate the overwhelming world of Web3—guiding me through jargon-filled rabbit holes and reminding me that every expert was once a beginner.

What excites me most is the example this sets for my kids. As they watch me learn, struggle, and grow, I hope they see that it’s never too late to chase a dream, embrace a new challenge, or reinvent yourself. It’s not just about learning to code—it’s about showing them that growth is always possible, no matter where you start.

Here is my son playing my first coded game 🥰

Conclusion: A New Chapter, Together

This transition from homeschooling to traditional school has been a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, uncertainty, and everything in between. But as we’ve settled into this new rhythm, I’ve realized that change, while challenging, can open doors to growth for everyone in the family.

For my kids, it’s a chance to explore new friendships, develop their unique talents, and thrive in an environment that encourages their individuality. For me, it’s a chance to step into a rapidly evolving world, to learn and build, and to prove to myself that it’s never too late to start something new.

We’re all adjusting in our own ways, finding our footing in this new chapter. And while there are still bumps along the way—busy schedules, moments of doubt, and the occasional bedtime meltdown—there’s also a growing sense of hope and possibility.

This journey isn’t just mine; it’s ours. Together, we’re growing, learning, and creating a life that’s richer for the risks we’ve taken. I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.