Lauderdale-by-the-Sea: Sunshine, Flamingos, and the Best Kind of Nothing

Palm tree grove seen from the car window on a sunny day in South Florida with blue skies and scattered clouds

Looking for Sunshine & Slowness In the middle of a St. Louis winter—gray skies, heavy coats, and the dull thrum of routine—we booked a beach trip on impulse. We didn’t know much about Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, except that it looked charming, it wasn’t a huge tourist trap, and it was close enough for Sam’s online friends to … Read more

How to Reset Your Life When Everything Feels Off Track

“Wrong Way” road sign, symbolizing life feeling off course with a hint of humor and reflection.

What a chaotic move, a surprise surgery, and starting over taught me about how to reset your life when everything feels off track For a long time, selling our house was on our list. Not just a “someday” idea—but something we kept circling back to. We’d prepared for it. Tried. Twice. But each time, something … Read more

Travel With Heart: How to Connect (Not Just Visit)

Bicycle parked next to a sign that reads 'Follow That Dream'—symbolizing adventure, freedom, and the spirit of exploration.

Some of the most unforgettable travel moments I’ve had didn’t happen at top-rated attractions or in front of famous landmarks. They happened in small shops, on sidewalks, and during ordinary moments that didn’t look like much at the time—but stuck with me. Traveling with heart means going beyond the itinerary. It means not just visiting, … Read more

How to Move Without Losing Your Mind: 11 Tips That Actually Work

Real-life lessons from the chaos, plus what I’ll be doing differently next time. Moving isn’t just exhausting—it’s a full-blown adventure in chaos. We’re still deep in the aftermath of one, and I’ve learned some moving tips the hard way. If you’re planning your own move, these are the lessons I wish I’d followed from the … Read more

How to Start Biking Again: A Beginner’s Guide to Confidence, Strength, and Stress Relief

Two people riding bikes side by side, smiling and enjoying a relaxed outdoor ride on a sunny day

After reading Justin’s story last week about how biking helped him move from burnout to breakthrough, I figured it was the perfect time to share a practical, beginner-friendly guide for anyone feeling the nudge to get back on a bike—or try it for the first time. There’s something grounding about hopping on a bike—no pressure, … Read more

No Travel? No Problem. Here’s How to Make Your City Feel Brand New Again

A city street with a clock tower in the background

We often think of travel as something that requires a suitcase and a boarding pass. But what if the adventure you’re craving doesn’t involve leaving town at all? Over the past few years, I’ve learned that some of the most refreshing and inspiring experiences can happen right where you are. You just have to look … Read more

Uncovering the Past: A Passion for Ancestry Research

Introduction Have you ever wondered where you come from? What stories lie buried in the past, waiting to be uncovered? For many, genealogy is more than a hobby—it’s a journey of self-discovery, a connection to the past that shapes the way we see ourselves today. For Becky Stites, researching her ancestors has been a lifelong … Read more

How to Add Everyday Adventure to Your Life (No Big Budget or Big Plans Needed!)

Embracing everyday adventure by exploring your city and discovering new places.

Feeling Stuck in Routine? It’s Time for an Everyday Adventure! I used to think adventure had to be big—like trekking through Patagonia, going on a six-month road trip, or taking a sabbatical to live in Europe. But life doesn’t work like a movie montage, and most of us aren’t packing up everything to become full-time … Read more

Everyday Adventure Isn’t a Plane Ticket. Sometimes It’s a Tuesday.

There’s a version of adventure that looks like a passport stamp and a checked bag. And then there’s the version that actually shows up on a Tuesday. I used to think adventure required an occasion — a vacation, a long weekend, some kind of permission slip that said now you get to go do something … Read more