Yesterday was a delightful blend of holiday magic, cultural discovery, and, well, unexpected distractions. We woke up docked in the port...

Ahoy, holiday enthusiasts! Our journey to the Rhine Holiday Market Cruise began today in the bustling metropolis of Pensacola...

Sometimes the best nights are the simplest ones—just good friends, a cozy campfire, and the gentle lull of flowing water to lull you to sleep. Living right on Fish River means I have the perfect backyard getaway, so it was only natural to invite my favorite ladies for an unforgettable girls’ night and camping adventure under the stars. 1. Setting the Scene: Fish River at Dusk One of the perks of hosting near the river is that the landscape does all the decorating for you. Sof

This summer, I finally took the plunge and transformed my entire front yard into a sprawling garden. I’ve always been fascinated by how homegrown vegetables can taste so much richer and fresher, and I figured, “Why not go big and see what thrives?” From melons to lettuce, the results were surprising—and a joy to discover! 1. Turning the Front Yard into a Test Plot Instead of using the small patch of soil in the backyard, I opted to till up the entire front yard. It felt sligh

There’s something magical about growing your own herbs for tea—tending to each plant and watching it flourish, then transforming those leaves and blossoms into a soothing cup of warmth. My tea garden has become a personal retreat, a space filled with scents that calm my senses, plus a gathering spot where friends and family can share in the ritual of steeping and sipping. Here’s a glimpse into my home tea garden, the joys of creating custom tea blends, and how I package speci

Living right on Fish River in Daphne, Alabama, means I’ve got the perfect front-row seat to all the sunshine-filled adventures I could wish for—especially those involving a kayak and a paddle. Recently, I set out on one of the clearest, calmest days we’ve had in a while to explore the river’s hidden nooks and crannies. As always, the trip was filled with gorgeous scenery, a few unexpected obstacles, and the ever-present wonders of wildlife that make this area so special. Laun

One of the greatest joys of settling into my nearly three-acre homestead by the river has been discovering what the land provides naturally. From hidden berries to unexpected roots, each season brings its own surprises—delicious, healing, and often quite colorful. And the best part? Foraging has connected me more deeply to this place I now call home. Below, I’ll share some of my favorite Southeastern plants I’ve encountered, how I’m using them in the kitchen, and a few lesson

Native plants are a fantastic addition to any garden. They’re often hardier, more resilient to local pests, and require less water once established—perfect for eco-conscious gardeners. Best of all, you can easily propagate native plants at home using two primary methods: cuttings and starting seeds indoors. Below, we’ll explore how to get started, how to transition plants into your herb garden, tea garden, vegetable patch, or ornamental landscape, and tips for long-term succe

When I first set eyes on my new home—a charming yet neglected country house perched right on fish river—it was clear I had my work cut out for me. The location was idyllic, but the house itself? Let’s just say it was anything but move-in ready. Still, something about the cozy riverside setting called to me, and I  knew it would be worth every ounce of elbow grease. After months of hard work and countless trips to the hardware store, I could finally see my vision come to life.

Koestler and I have been ticking off National Parks since as long as she can remember traveling. She’s just graduated from high school...

Today we visited ECHO Global Farm and I honestly don’t know where to start describing our experience. I think most of us have great...

Read up to your frustration point. Editing takes time I don't have. Too much to see and do without having to go back and make sure it's...

After a two year wait, I was finally able to attend the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. I was able to do this with the support of a...

We had an appointment today to go to a special garden I found when researching accessible gardens and greenhouses in the area. On our way...

These two cuties set their alarms and got themselves up early so we could get to Broad River Adventures by 9:30. If you have teenagers...

Today we spent the morning walking through the gardens of the Biltmore. I really just don't need any words to describe it. Don't bother...

Our first stop today was to wander around in Asheville's Botanical Garden. The permeable walkways were nice and wide. Not only providing...

We --(well while they slept 'till 11) I planned our first day exploring. Only deadline we had to do today was to drop Koestler off at...

This summer I was honored to receive a fellowship from Funds for Teachers (FFT) to study how the term access is relevant to what I...

Gabe and I are thrilled to be starting our new life together with all of the people that have meant the most to us in the past, at...