top of page


A Little Buttermood: The Lotion Drops I've Grown To Love
Tammie discovered Buttermood Lotion Drops at Pinners Arizona. Here’s why they’re a sweet, practical find, with one Arizona summer warning.

Tammie Farley
May 124 min read


Dana Wharf: A Southern California Adventure Where the Ocean Steals the Show
There are some places that remind you just how wonderful the world can be. Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching is one of those places. Nestled in beautiful Dana Point, this longtime harbor favorite has been helping families, couples, and curious travelers experience the magic of the Pacific Ocean for decades. Whether you're hoping to spot whales, laugh at dolphins racing beside the boat, or simply feel the sea breeze on your face, Dana Wharf offers the kind of memory tha

Tammie Farley
Apr 212 min read


A Quiet Kind of Magic at North Shore Lookout, Maui
There are places you visit… and then there are places that gently ask you to stay a little longer. North Shore Lookout, tucked away in the rolling hills of Upcountry Maui, is the kind of place that doesn’t try too hard—and somehow gets everything just right. Perched above the coastline with sweeping views of the North Shore and the West Maui mountains, it feels like the world slows down the moment you arrive. The air is softer. The light lingers a little longer. And suddenly,

Tammie Farley
Apr 143 min read


A Stroll Through Merchants Square in Colonial Williamsburg
On my recent visit to Colonial Williamsburg, I found myself wandering through Merchants Square —a delightful mix of history, shopping, and small-town charm. This beautifully preserved area, just steps from the colonial buildings, feels like stepping into another time but with all the comforts (and temptations) of today. There’s something about this part of Williamsburg that invites you to slow down. Maybe it’s the brick sidewalks, or the way the shops seem to gently pull you

Tammie Farley
Mar 242 min read


Parlor Doughnuts: A Sweet Surprise in Virginia Beach
What may seem very unassuming on the outside is a powerhouse bakery—rich in history and home to some of the most delicious doughnuts you’ll find in Virginia Beach. Parlor Doughnuts is one of those places you could easily pass by… but once you step inside, you realize this is not your average doughnut shop. The charming exterior of Parlor Doughnuts A Nod to Community and Culture One of the things I appreciated most was how this place honors the local culture. There’s a quiet p
Deanna Knickerbocker
Mar 182 min read


Arriving in Virginia Beach: The Start of a New Travel Story
There’s something about arriving somewhere new that makes you slow down and notice the little things. Right now I’m staying on the north end of Virginia Beach , surrounded by ocean views, beautiful resorts, and the easy rhythm of beach life. Along the shoreline you’ll find many of the well-known hotels - the Hilton, the Wyndham, the Embassy Suites - all sitting right along the sand with restaurants, coffee houses, and little places to gather just steps away. Before we begin e

Tammie Farley
Mar 102 min read


A Fresh Take on Shopping: Apricot Lane Boutique Comes to Queen Creek
There’s something special about walking into a boutique that immediately feels welcoming . Not rushed. Not transactional. Just warm, inviting, and a little bit inspiring. That’s exactly the feeling I had stepping into Apricot Lane Boutique for the first time. This isn’t just another place to grab a cute top (although, fair warning, you will find one). It’s a thoughtfully curated space designed to bring women back to what shopping used to feel like: connection, conversation,

Tammie Farley
Mar 32 min read


A Little Sunshine from Pinners: Why I Fell in Love with Sunshine Clay Designs
You all know how much I love supporting small businesses. There’s just something special about meeting the person behind the product — hearing their story, seeing their passion, and knowing that what you’re bringing home was made with two hands and a whole lot of heart. That’s exactly what happened when I walked into the Arizona Pinners Conference and stumbled across Christina’s booth. And let me tell you… I’m so glad I did. ☀️ When small businesses go the extra mile, you ca

Tammie Farley
Feb 172 min read


Sweet & Crafty Valentine’s Day Ideas I Can’t Stop Saving
Every year around Valentine’s Day, I find myself doing the same thing — scrolling Pinterest with a cup of coffee, saving ideas that make me smile, and thinking, Oh, I’d love to do that. Some of these ideas are things I’ve made before. Some are ideas I tuck away for someday . And some I save simply because they feel joyful. This year, I noticed myself saving a mix of sweet treats, playful candy crafts, and kid-friendly Valentine ideas — the kind that feel fun without being co

Tammie Farley
Feb 102 min read


What I Learn When I Go Looking for the Salt River Wild Horses
Just minutes from my home, there’s a place I return to again and again. Not just for the scenery — but for the quiet. A few times a week, I head out to the lower Salt River and go looking for the Salt River wild horses. Some days it takes patience. Some days they find me first. Either way, I’ve learned that you don’t rush moments like this. You show up, you look, and you wait. And almost every time, I leave having learned something. Stillness doesn’t mean weakness. Watching t

Tammie Farley
Jan 273 min read


New Years Goal Setting: Thoughts and reflections on how to best approach those New Years Resolutions
Although I understand the philosophy behind "New Year, Same You", I can't help but be a New Years Resolution girl. I have always loved the idea of a fresh start, perhaps because I've always been one to stumble off course a bit and need to find my way back. It is such a clear starting point and a great opportunity to sit down and intentionally reflect on the previous year, on who you became by the end of that year, and decide who you would like to become in the next year.

Sarah Farley
Jan 205 min read


Christmas, a Birthday, and the Meaning of Moments
From Tom Jackson When your birthday is on Christmas, people always ask the same question: “Doesn’t that suck?” Time and time again, I keep telling them no. Usually followed by something clever, like I’m an ambassador of festiveness…in my own way. The truth is, it always felt special to me. However, after being asked that question enough times, it does start to make a person think. I’ve come to realize that depending on one’s circumstances, having your birthday land on Christ

Tom Jackson
Dec 23, 20255 min read


Sweet Dreams Start Here: Why Sleep Matters More Than You Think
Guest Post by Sarah Farley When was the last time you said, “I sleep great every night” ? If your answer is “not lately,” you’re not alone. Here’s the truth: sleep isn’t just downtime. It’s when our bodies heal, our brains reset, and our health is restored. Without it, we face everything from higher stress to greater risk of illness. The good news? Much of our sleep quality is in our own hands — in the little habits and rhythms we create before bed. I like to think of it as s

Sarah Farley
Nov 20, 20252 min read


Discovering the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix: A Peaceful Escape in the Heart of the City
Sometimes, the best moments are found in the most unexpected places. On my recent visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix (Rohoen) , I felt transported far away from the desert city I know so well. Nestled in the Roosevelt District, this tranquil garden is a hidden gem that blends culture, nature, and reflection—all within the heart of Phoenix. The moment you step inside, the world slows down. Beauty at Every Turn From the moment I entered, I was struck by the incr

Tammie Farley
Nov 6, 20252 min read


Fall Planting Guide: Growing in the Desert with a Little Help from Growing in the Garden & Garden In Minutes®
Cooler mornings, softer light — the perfect time to dig back into the soil. Fall in the desert has its own rhythm. The air softens, the sun dips a little lower, and everything feels ready for a fresh start — including my garden beds. While most gardeners across the country are putting theirs to sleep, here in the Southwest we’re just getting started. This year, I’ve been leaning on two of my favorite garden resources — Growing in the Garden and Garden In Minutes® — to help

Tammie Farley
Oct 28, 20256 min read


Nunc Coepi: Now I Begin
Guest Post by Sarah Farley “If I should fall even a thousand times a day, a thousand times, with peaceful repentance, I will say immediately, Nunc Coepi [now I begin].”— Venerable Bruno Lanteri At 34 years old, 20 weeks pregnant with my first child, and heavier and less fit than I’ve been in years, I almost talked myself out of starting this project. Not the right season, I told myself. Not the right time. But then I realized—that voice wasn’t truth. It was Resistance. Stev

Sarah Farley
Oct 23, 20252 min read


The Sweetest Scoop: A Visit to Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
There’s something timeless about a good scoop of ice cream — especially when it’s made with the same care and joy as it was 80 years ago. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream . Born in the summer of 1945, Alice Handel started her little ice cream legacy right out of her backyard garden in Youngstown, Ohio. Using fruit she’d grown herself and recipes she’d perfected with love, she created something special — the kind of ice cream that makes you cl

Tammie Farley
Oct 16, 20252 min read


Finding Peace at the Encinitas Meditation Gardens
Some places you visit to see the sights. Others, you visit to feel something. The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens in Encinitas, California is one of those rare gems where beauty and peace come together, wrapping around you the moment you step inside. 🌿 Learn more: Self-Realization Fellowship Encinitas Temple A Garden for Stillness As soon as I walked through the gates, I noticed what wasn’t there. No chatter, no phones buzzing, no coffee cups in hand. The ru

Tammie Farley
Oct 12, 20253 min read


Studio 223: A Creative DIY Studio in the Heart of Gilbert
If you’ve strolled through downtown Gilbert, you’ve probably noticed the little gem that is Studio 223 . It’s more than just a shop — it’s a creative DIY studio, makerspace, and retail store that celebrates the talent of local artists and makers. Every item inside is made locally, and every class feels like a gathering of friends. A Space That Supports Local Vendors One of the things I love most about Studio 223 is how deeply they support local vendors and artists. Owner Tor

Tammie Farley
Oct 7, 20252 min read


Take a Walk: Why Daily Steps Are More Powerful Than You Think
Guest Post by Sarah Farley “If walking were a pill, it would be the most impactful pill we’ve ever had in all of modern medicine.”— Dr. Casey Means We’ve all heard it: 10,000 steps a day . Your watch buzzes, your phone nudges, and somewhere in the back of your mind you know you “should” walk more. But is it really that powerful? After all, you can walk in sandals, in jeans, barely break a sweat — does it even count as exercise? Yes. Yes, it does. And here’s why: 5 Reasons Wal

Sarah Farley
Oct 2, 20252 min read
bottom of page
