May - 2025

Embracing the Essential Art of Taking a Break

Some of my most vivid memories from my childhood involve my mom tirelessly working around our house and farm, constantly attending to the endless tasks that seemed to increase every day. From dawn until dusk, she was a whirlwind of activity, whether it was planting seeds in the garden, feeding the animals, or keeping our home in order. I often found myself watching her, wishing she would just sit down for a moment and take a break so we could all relax together as a family. T

When January Doesn’t Go as Planned

January often arrives with high expectations for our year ahead

Beautiful U.S. Destinations That Shine in Winter

From Charleston to Santa Fe, these U.S. destinations offer beauty, atmosphere, and fewer crowds in winter — making them ideal for off-season travel.

Travel by Mood -Choosing a Winter Destination That Fits How You Feel

Winter travel doesn’t always begin with a destination — it begins with a feeling. A desire for warmth, quiet, inspiration, or rest. When you travel by mood, you’re not chasing peak season or checking boxes. You’re choosing a place that supports the season you’re in. Finding serenity in every mood: Cozy up by a warm fire with a good book, embrace tranquility through yoga, or enjoy a joyful stroll on a girls' trip with a friend. This winter, instead of asking Where should I go?

The Art of Arriving Slowly

A woman enjoys a warm cup of coffee while watching the snowfall through the window of a cozy cafe. Why Rushing Ruins First Impressions For many years, much of my travel came as an add-on to work. I’d arrive in a city for meetings, events, or projects, and whatever time remained — an afternoon, a morning, maybe a single free day — became my window to explore. In those moments, speed made sense. There was no luxury of lingering. You saw what you could, when you could. That kind

A Different Way to Think About Starting Over

A young woman stands at the start of a mountain path, ready to embark on a new journey I am someone who sets high expectations for myself. I like goals. I like plans. I like doing things well —not halfway, not loosely, not accidentally. I’ve also been the person who quietly beats herself up for missing a workout, having a glass of wine she didn’t plan on, or not following the plan exactly as written. For a long time, I thought that self-pressure was the price of growth. That

Why Winter Is the Most Underrated Time to Travel

Winter travel offers fewer crowds, richer experiences, and a slower way to explore. Discover why winter may be the most rewarding season to travel.

The Heart of Christmas: How Shopping Local Helps Small Towns Flourish

Shopping Small this Christmas There’s something undeniably magical about small towns during the holidays. The lampposts wrapped in garland, the bakery windows fogged from warm ovens, the hand-painted signs outside mom-and-pop shops — it all feels like the setting of a story we want to step into. And this year, more than ever, these towns need us to do just that. Across the country, small businesses are working hard to keep their doors open and their streets vibrant. These are

Peaks, Streets & Seas: Three Perfect Holiday Getaways for Any Traveler

When it comes to Christmas and holiday travel, most people fall into one of three moods: craving snowy mountains, festive cities, or warm beaches. Fortunately, there are destinations that deliver each experience with unforgettable style. Whether you’re dreaming of skis and cocoa, twinkling city lights, or turquoise water and sunshine, here are three standout places to spark your holiday wanderlust. 🏔 Aspen, Colorado — For the Mountain Dreamer Aspen is the very definition of

How to Host the Perfect Holiday Happy Hour: 5 Go-To Recipes That Are Sure to Please

A great holiday happy hour doesn’t need to be complicated — just festive, flavorful, and full of good company. Whether you're inviting a few friends over before a night out or hosting a casual gathering at home, these easy, crowd-pleasing recipes will help you create a warm and memorable holiday vibe. From a signature cocktail to a cozy bite, here are five simple, reliable recipes that always delight. 1. Cranberry Spritz (Your Signature Holiday Cocktail) Light, refreshing, an

4 Spiritual Destinations for the Christmas Season

In recent years, an increasing number of travelers have begun to seek out journeys that offer a sense of depth , beauty , and spiritual experiences , allowing them to reconnect with something larger than themselves. This shift in travel motivation reflects a growing desire for meaningful encounters that go beyond mere sightseeing or leisure. Travelers are now looking for destinations that provide a profound sense of place and history, where they can immerse themselves in the