“I Packed a Football. They Played with a Stick.” Let me tell you how our last family camping trip started. I packed the usual “must-have” entertainment—footballs, frisbees, even a brand-new travel-sized board game I thought would be a hit. But what did my kids end up doing for two straight hours? They found a stick…
Eco-Luxury in the Outdoors: Yes, You Can Have Both When I first began my sustainable camping journey, I thought comfort had to be the first thing to go. Goodbye soft sleeping pads, warm lights, and that peaceful cup of morning coffee by the fire. But I was wrong. Over the years, I’ve discovered that you…
Because sometimes, the person you need to meet is yourself. A Tent, a Trail, and a Turning Point I didn’t set out to find clarity. I just needed a weekend away. After decades of raising children, building routines, and supporting others, I realized I’d never actually camped alone. The thought terrified me… which is exactly…
How One Woman Found Stillness in the Woods—and How You Can Too A Pause Beneath the Pines The first time I tried forest bathing, I didn’t even know that’s what I was doing. I had just set up camp near a quiet grove in the Appalachians. The firewood was stacked, the tent was pitched, and…
Surviving and thriving in the great outdoors with the tiniest campers in tow—because it’s not just possible, it’s unforgettable. Campfires, Crayons, and (Probably) a Meltdown Let me tell you something straight up: our first tent camping trip with a toddler didn’t exactly go by the book. We forgot the bedtime bear. Our daughter threw her…
Every item earns its space—my exact list for traveling light, living fully, and keeping van life simple. The Beauty of 3 Days with Just the Essentials There’s something magic about a 3-day escape. It’s just long enough to feel like an adventure, but short enough that you don’t have to completely rearrange your life to…