How Much Does a Disneyland Trip Really Cost?

I have always loosely tracked the expenses for our Disney trips, but this last trip, in January 2024 I meticioulsy noted every purchase so I could outline how much a Disneyland trip actually costs these days. I hope you’ll find my data insightful as you plan and save for your own magical vacation to “The […]

Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

There was a time in my life when Valentine’s Day was about getting fancy, and well, now it’s all about being cozy with a side of pampering. No high heels here! Bring on a quiet night, maybe cooking dinner together (this steak sandwich recipe is what I always request Dominic make!), and a thoughtful gift. […]

5 Things That Worked For Me This Year

I subscribe to just a handful of blogs these days. One of them being Everyday Reading. Janssen has consistent, wonderful recommendations … beyond just books! She has written a series for the last few years reflecting on the year and what worked for her. It’s such a simple way to highlight the good that came […]

The Best Books of 2023

In 2023 I read 103 books, over 30,000 pages! Well, many of them were on audio, but that absolutely counts. I fell into these stories, learned so much, and am eager to dive into my ever-growing reading list once again this year. But, before I get too far, I wanted to share my top five […]

A Gift Guide for National Park Explorers

It’s no secret that we are a family of national park explorers! Coming up next is Badlands, Wind Caves, and Theodore Roosevelt … a few others if I can swing the route in our favor. The kids are already researching and I’m giddy over the upcoming hikes and sights. Needless to say, when it comes […]

Acadia to Zion: An Adventure Journal Through the U.S. National Parks

The kids and I checked off a great many national parks this year and although I’ve recapped many of our adventures through mini family videos and they’ve completed Junior Ranger books at each stop, I wanted a true scrapbook of sorts to chronicle our adventures. And that’s where Acadia to Zion: An Adventure Journal Through […]

2023 Holiday Gift Guide … Family Style!

Full transparency! Some items included in this holiday gift guide were gifted to me for review and/or the shopping link is an affiliate where I earn a small commission. Thank you for trusting my recommendations … it’s one of my favorite things to compile this guide each year! Well, well! Happy Thanksgiving and almost Black […]

National Park Book List

If you are a lover of national parks you’ve found yourself the perfect book list! This collection of resources are some of our family’s very favorites and, with the launch of my national park printable it seemed fitting to gather all these book recommedations into one place. Happy reading! National Parks of the U.S.A. This […]

Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

Banana Bread

Banana bread is a staple year round, yes? But especially in the fall! Slowly but surely I’ve modified our family’s original banana bread recipe to be slightly healthier. These days it has less sugar and more protein … all without sacrificing that sweet and smooth banana bread taste! Max especially is a fan. When he […]

Road Trip Activities For Toddlers to Teens

As promised in 14 Essentials For a Mostly Wonderful Road Trip, it’s time for a round up of all the fun activities that keep the miles rollin’ by for my kids. For toddlers to teens, this list covers all sorts of interests – you don’t need it all, but a handful will definitely add a […]