Discover the irresistible charm of picnicking, a timeless activity that epitomizes slowing down and savoring life's simple pleasures. This blog explores how picnics, from impromptu hillside meals to elegantly planned gatherings, offer a vital balm for the soul and a disconnect from our fast-paced world. Learn why this cherished pastime, filled with good food, company, and nature, creates unforgettable memories and a profound sense of well-being. Get ready to be inspired to embrace the luxury of unburdened time with your next outdoor feast.

Discover how a formative summer spent in the author’s teen years brought unencumbered joy. The post beautifully explores the yearning for those golden days of summer bliss while offering a poignant reflection on finding pockets of pure freedom and acceptance in adulthood. If you're searching for content on summer memories, coming-of-age stories, or the power of nostalgia, this evocative piece offers a delightful escape and a thoughtful perspective on cherishing life's most precious moments.

This blog post offers parenting lessons on raising teenagers by sharing a personal experience of taking reluctant twins camping. Despite initial teen pushback and the parent's own doubts and fears, the trip ultimately fostered family connection and joy, highlighting the importance of staying engaged with teens and holding onto core family values even when faced with resistance

Initially dreading a move to France at 14, the author discovers the beauty of simple, fresh food through the guidance of a Parisian host. A humorous misunderstanding about "tired salad" ("fatiguée la salade") becomes a cherished family story and a gateway to understanding the value of homemade meals and the Slow Food movement. The post includes easy recipes for balsamic and classic French vinaigrette.

This blog post delves into our modern struggle with time, driven by a productivity-obsessed culture that often leads to anxiety and a feeling of scarcity. Discover the irony of trying too hard to "make each moment count," causing us to miss the very experiences we seek. The author advocates for a mindful approach to time, urging us to slow down, be present, and engage in meaningful activities rather than mindlessly consuming screens. Learn how cultivating mindfulness can lengthen our perception of time, reduce feelings of busyness, and allow us to truly experience the beauty and connection in each fleeting moment. Ultimately, the piece encourages us to hold time "rightnowly"—being fully present and attentive to the current moment, finding a balance between clinging too tightly and letting it slip away.

Escape the hustle and rediscover "carefree timelessness" in this story about a slow-paced Miami adventure. Ditch the party scene and dive into authentic Cuban culture, savoring rich coffee and leisurely conversations. Learn how to reclaim your weekends from endless errands and embrace the joy of "good long days," inspired by the vibrant Latinx lifestyle.

In this poignant personal essay, the author explores the transformative power of a mother's terminal illness, revealing how death can paradoxically foster profound connection and personal growth. Through heartfelt reflections and intimate moments shared during her mother's final months, she discovers a new dimension of their relationship, highlighting the importance of embracing vulnerability and finding beauty amidst loss. This narrative, rich in emotional depth and insightful observations, offers a compelling exploration of life, death, and the enduring strength of familial bonds, making it a valuable resource for those seeking understanding and comfort in times of grief and transition.

Dive into the heart of a cookbook collector's passion. This blog post explores the emotional connection beyond recipes, revealing why cookbook collecting is about more than just food. Discover the nostalgia, family memories, and dream-filled aspirations within each page. Learn the unspoken rules of a collector, from justifying new acquisitions to treasuring vintage cookbooks. Uncover how cookbooks become portals to cherished moments and meaningful connections through shared meals.

This blog explores the author's journey of reclaiming her "romantic" self, exiled due to societal pressures and personal shame. She redefines romanticism as finding beauty in everyday moments, not just grand gestures, and emphasizes the importance of integrating all parts of oneself for wholeness. The author's story encourages readers to embrace their own hidden selves and redefine ideas or beliefs that have negatively impacted their sense of authenticity.

Facing graduation in 1998, a young woman grappled with the transition to adulthood, symbolized by a dramatic midnight breakdown. Her romantic, expressive nature, once celebrated through poetry and heartfelt gestures, clashed with societal expectations of professional success. Forced to suppress this "softer" side, she embarked on years of feeling lost, until a journey of self-discovery and acceptance led her to reclaim her authentic self, realizing that vulnerability and tenderness are strengths, not weaknesses.

An off-grid weekend in the Rockies unexpectedly highlights the profound impact of silence on our minds and bodies, forcing the author to examine her relationship and comfort with silence in a world filled with noise and distraction. Contemplative and though-provoking, this blog challenges you to consider how much silence is in your daily routines.

This blog post cuts through the noise to reveal the real power of gratitude, backed by science and heartwarming personal stories. Discover how to overcome your brain's negativity bias and cultivate a simple, yet profound gratitude practice, even amidst the busyness of daily life. Learn a 3-minute morning mindfulness routine that anyone can easily incorporate, and gain the confidence to embrace gratitude as a transformative tool for a more fulfilling life.

A mid-March snowstorm in Colorado transforms a nature quest into a surreal winter wonderland. A solo wander, initially filled with challenge and solitude, blossoms into a profound experience of connection with nature and self, culminating in the transformative power of belonging.

A forgotten silver punch bowl, passed down through generations, unexpectedly brought joy and elegance to a pandemic-era party. This heirloom, once overlooked and underused, became the centerpiece of a memorable event, reminding us of the power of tradition and the importance of cherishing the past.

Five Ideas (with Scripts!) for Navigating Tricky Family Situations at the Holidays.

Ditch the microwave. Use the kettle. Paying attention and daily ritual.

The Story of Learning to Slow Down: As Told to Me by a 60 Year Old Man in Transition

Kids Need Chores: Four Reasons Why

Talking to Strangers and Lessons on Taking Chances

If journaling is “not your thing” or you have just never taken up the habit, read this. Maybe you will.