Homestead

Cool off this summer

8 Delightful Ways to Cool off this Summer

One of Nate’s cousins works as a pool boy in the summer at that hotel we stayed at last week. It was so cute to watch the boys oooh and aaah over his pool boy skills, following his lead all around the splash area.

Save money by acting like a child

How we Save Money by Acting like Children

Friends and family often ask us how we can afford to travel so much. I usually give them the simple explanation that, in most regards, I’m cheap! I scrimp on many things in order to have money for adventures.

There’s more to it than that, though.

Kitchen Hub

Our Kitchen Hub

The kitchen is the hub. The one place in the home everyone can come together and be – for the most part – in the moment. From the ancient dirt-floored and open fire pit kitchens of old to the stainless steel and subway tile backsplash-adorned kitchens of today, everyone is drawn to this hallowed space. And for good reason.

The perfect spring shoe for every age

The Perfect Spring Shoes for Every Age

I’ve admitted to you all in the past that I’m a bit of a perfectionist. That tendency spills over into a LOT of aspects of my life and I actually make a conscious effort to limit my expectations around the cadence of day-to-day life with four small children. When it comes to shopping and products, though, I maintain my dang-near-impossible-to-please attitude. I have certain standards and I’m always on the hunt for the best.

Athleisure

Athleisure, At your Leisure

Athleisure is all the rage right now. Anytime I hear someone mention athleisure, I think of that line at the end of Pride & Prejudice. Mr. Bennett gets good news and urges his wife, “For heaven’s sake, send them in. I’m quite at my leisure.” It’s one of those scenes I could watch ten thousand times because it never fails to make me smile. The twinkle in his eye, that feeling of belonging and peace. That’s what leisure really is, isn’t it?

Practical Mom Gifts

6 Gift Ideas for Practical Moms

My close friends and family will tell you that I am a huge pain in the butt to shop for because I’m kind of a minimalist. I like stuff, don’t get me wrong, but a gift has to meet a certain set of criteria in order for me to really put it to use in my life. I need items that are quality and that serve a purpose. With four kids, our home is simply too busy for stuff that breaks or adds clutter!