What It’s Like Living with Lymphoma — and Why Medical Research Gives Me Hope I never thought I’d be writing this. Like most people, I went about my life assuming that things like cancer happened to other people. Not me. Not now. But life has a way of shifting in the most unexpected ways. A…
Hand-Picked Essentials from Independent Makers The day I heard “Diffuse Large B Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, Stage 3,” my world tilted on its axis. The shock, the fear, the endless questions – it was a whirlwind. But then came the practicalities, like preparing for my very first chemotherapy treatment. I remember feeling so lost, scrolling through…
I never imagined I’d be writing this post—especially not at 37. But here I am, doing something I feel compelled to do: share my story, not just for myself, but for my children, for those silently struggling, and for those who might one day find themselves in this terrifying unknown. How It Began: Panic, Pain,…
Car seats. Cribs. Strollers. These are not “extras” for parents. They are must-haves. In fact, in many cases, they are legally required to keep our children safe. We buy them not because we want to, but because we have to. Because keeping our kids protected is the most important thing we do. But right now,…
There’s something truly special about that first planting of the season, especially when it’s something as magical as dahlias. This week, I tucked my very first dahlia seedlings into the soil, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what unfolds in the months ahead. I picked up these little green beauties from a local…
There’s something so satisfying about making tortillas from scratch — the smell of toasty flour, the soft dough in your hands, and that first warm bite fresh off the skillet. This week, I decided to try making homemade tortillas with a very special sous-chef: my 9-year-old! We snapped some photos along the way, and I’m…
In the fertile embrace of the Puyallup Valley, where the majestic silhouette of Mount Rainier often graces the horizon, the vibrant colors of spring once spoke volumes about the enduring legacy of Van Lierop Bulb Farm. Founded in 1934 by Simon Van Lierop and his wife Beatrice, this farm became a beloved symbol of the…
When planning your garden, one of the biggest decisions is choosing between perennials and annuals. Each type of plant offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on your gardening goals, climate, and how much time you want to invest. Let’s explore the key differences, pros and cons, and how to choose the best plants…
Where to Find Free Seeds and Seed Exchanges in Pierce County 🌱🌻 If you are a gardener in Pierce County and looking for free seeds or seed exchanges in Tacoma Puyallup and the surrounding areas you are in luck. There are several local seed libraries and community-driven initiatives that offer free seeds to help residents…
Starting seeds indoors doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. While traditional seed-starting trays work well, sometimes you can get creative with budget-friendly options. For my latest gardening experiment, I used a clear plastic egg container from Dollar Tree to start basil seeds. I wanted to see how well they would germinate under full sun…