Building Community

Ladies, I’ve been quietly working on something for us — something that makes seasonal refreshes simple, elegant, and meaningful. Because let’s be honest: sometimes we want a fresh little touch for our homes, and other times we just need a thoughtful gift in a pinch — a birthday, a hostess thank-you, a “just because” surprise. And running to the big-box aisle isn’t exactly inspiring.

Some of my most treasured memories are stitched into the fabric of long summer evenings on my grandparents’ front porch, tucked deep in the heart of twentieth century Appalachia. The old porch swing creaked gently beneath my aunt and I as we rocked back and forth, sipping lemonade from Mamaw's Bolero Thermoware cups, the kind that were multicolored like her summer flowers, and had just enough sweat on the outside to make you appreciate the ice inside.

Today, I did something completely radical. And no, it didn’t require a helmet or a lawyer. But friends, it did take courage. This particular act of rebellion has been bouncing around in my head for over 15 years. I’ve had full-blown internal debates about it—everything from “Will I need this again someday?” to “This could destroy the entire functionality of the item!” You’d think I was planning a heist, not doing what I actually did: I cut the plastic hanger straps out of

To my daughters: your sacrifice may not have been recognized with medals or ceremonies, but it was no less real. You served this country in the hardest of ways—by living with grace, perseverance, and loyalty in the shadow of a calling that asked more of all of us than we realized at the time. You are patriots. Every bit as much as your active-duty daddy.

This year—2025—has been especially poignant. Some beautiful, life-giving moments have arrived that I never expected. I’ve treasured those. But then came the gut-punches. The kind that leave your stomach in knots and your brain in a fog. I've found myself saying, more than once, “Can we just have a boring year, please?” followed by a laugh that carries a hint of too much truth.

There’s a beauty in making certain moments feel momentous. Not everything in life needs to be celebrated with cake and balloons, but some things—those small shifts that signal “you’re growing up”—deserve to be noticed, remembered, and marked with care. And each individual, male and female alike, need to know that they are seen, recognized as special and unique, and invested in.

I've been a bit quiet this week. Rather, I should say I wasn't necessarily "quiet" as much as otherwise invested this past week. There was very little "quiet" in our home! It was a grandkid-focused week; a whirlwind of buttered bread, swimming pool splashes, sticky ginger-cookie fingers, and jigsaw puzzle pieces that never quite stayed on the table

Some people light up a room when they walk in. Others? When they walk out. At this stage in life, we’ve earned the right to curate our circle like it’s fine art. We know the difference between acquaintances and true blue friends. But every now and then, someone slips in wearing the mask of sisterhood while quietly rooting for our downfall. That, my friend, is a frenemy—a friendly face with hidden claws.

I used to think engaging in a spirited back-and-forth online meant standing up for what I believed in. But let’s be real: most internet arguments aren’t about learning or understanding. They’re about ego, one-upmanship, and who can hit “reply” the fastest with a snarky comeback.

Travel doesn’t always need plane tickets or passport stamps. Sometimes the richest experiences are found down a back road, at a table for two, with homemade pie and a story from someone who’s lived there all their life.

If I could sit across from my 30-year-old self—with her high hopes, her exhaustion, and her relentless quest to “get it all right”—I wouldn’t lecture her. I’d pour her a cup of herbal tea, hand her a piece of dark chocolate, and tell her a few things straight from the heart.

You don't need to pack your bags for a remote woodland retreat to have peace. Understanding this pattern will help avoid being caught in the Drama Triangle

In my 20s and 30s, I lived for the burn. It was about being tough, disciplined, and unstoppable. The harder I pushed, the more my body pushed back. It forced me to re-evaluate what health really meant and what I actually needed to thrive.

Building something starts with a dream. But dreams don’t build themselves. It takes vision, planning, and a whole lot of hard work to turn an idea into reality. There’s sacrifice involved...

There comes a moment in every woman’s life when she stands at a quiet crossroads where she chooses to let go and be bold instead of bitter.

This Cinco de Mayo, we’re taking the stress out and have a simple, flavorful, joy-filled party without the stress. Let's lean in to the fun and keep it simple.

For seasoned ladies, being called one of the O.G.s is a powerful affirmation of our journey and contributions. Here are some ways to celebrate and embrace this title

Let’s get one thing straight: saying “no” doesn’t make you mean. It's called setting boundaries.

You know, with each year that passes, we get more... seasoned—and by that, I mean we’ve learned enough to stop putting up with everyone’s nonsense. Embrace this season!

Being called an O.G. is about more than just being a pioneer; it is about embodying qualities that inspire and uplift others.