Two weeks ago, my world shifted. I was officially diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Even though I’d been dealing with symptoms for months—flu-like illness, swelling, and pain in my groin—hearing the word cancer was still surreal. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of appointments, scans, procedures, and moments of…
Back in March and April, I started seeds indoors with excitement and a plan. I was dreaming big this year—more rows, more blooms, a bigger cut flower garden than ever before. I pictured myself out in the sun, barefoot in the soil, planting beauty with my own two hands. What I didn’t plan for was…
What I Thought Was Anxiety Turned Out to Be Cancer “I spent months trying to calm myself down… when what I really needed was a biopsy.” For most of my adult life, I’ve dealt with health anxiety — the kind that turns every twinge into a search term, every new symptom into a rabbit hole…
🌸 How to Grow Dahlias from Seed (Not Tubers!) A Budget-Friendly Guide for Beginner & Cut Flower Gardeners Thinking about starting a dahlia garden without breaking the bank? You’re in the right place. While most gardeners buy dahlia tubers each year, there’s a lesser-known, budget-friendly method that I personally used in 2025: growing dahlias from…
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,…
🌻 1. The Old Farmer’s Almanac 2025 A timeless classic — this is your year-at-a-glance go-to for not just weather forecasts, but also moon phases, planting dates, folklore, and a sprinkle of charming old-school wisdom.It’s surprisingly thorough for such a compact book. I especially love how it blends scientific forecasts with that traditional Almanac charm….
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…