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…
Dahlias. Just the name conjures up images of vibrant color, intricate petal arrangements, and blooms that can steal the show in any garden. Whether you’re dreaming of dinner-plate sized wonders or charming pompons, knowing when to get your dahlia tubers into the ground is key to unlocking their full summer potential. Patience is a Virtue…
Have you ever dreamed of stepping into your backyard and cutting fresh flowers for your kitchen table, gifts, or even your own roadside stand? Starting a cut flower garden is easier than you think—and whether you have a few pots or a sunny patch of soil, you can grow stunning, vase-worthy blooms at home. In…
Dahlias are one of the most stunning and versatile flowers you can grow, known for their vibrant colors and diverse shapes. But did you know you can start dahlias indoors using a simple method involving wet paper towels? This process, known as pre-sprouting, can give your dahlias a head start, resulting in earlier blooms and…
Spring in the Pacific Northwest isn’t just about cherry blossoms and longer days—it’s also a race against time for gardeners. March is that tricky in-between month where the rain keeps coming, but the soil starts waking up. If you’re gardening in the Greater Seattle area, here’s a hands-on guide to getting the most out of…
