It was quite a full year with us moving to Asia, but I still was able to get some books read; which always makes my heart happy. This year my reading list was lighter than normal. I found myself longing for super simple easy to read books hence the young adult or children’s books on read more The post Books I Read in 2023 appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

Sending lots of love from the Philippines! I never have enough time during the holidays to send out Christmas cards so I send them at Valentine’s day. If you’re interested in viewing past years: Valentine Card 2023, Valentine Card 2022, and here they are from the beginning. You may also like Easy Valentine Picnic or read more The post Family Valentine Card 2024 appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

We love spending time in our yard. I also love flowers. It’s been almost 5 years that we’ve been working to create a beautiful space full of perennials. A yard that requires very little upkeep and that would bring us blooms for as much of the year as possible. Here are things that have worked read more The post Easy Landscaping: Nashville Yard Tour appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

I love books and I may even love the library more since most of the books I read are from our local library. I listen to most of the books in my car while I drive around Nashville en route to pick up kids or on my way to the grocery store. My hope is read more The post Books I Read in 2022 appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

I want to help myself and my family focus on Jesus during the holidays, but at times I’ve felt swept up in the commercialism and busyness of the season. I start out excited about Advent but about halfway through December decide whatever resource we’re using is too cumbersome. As far as Advent calendars go we read more The post Simple Ways to Focus on Jesus During the Christmas Season appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

For free kids’ packing list click the orange button at the end of this post. Getting ready for trips can be stressful and there are so many things to do and tasks to complete. If you have kids then you know the extra work it requires to get everyone out the door. I’m sharing a read more The post Easy Way for Kids to Pack for Trips appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

Brent and I were born in the late 70’s and early 80’s during the rise of the coffee shop culture. It seems silly to think there was a time when coffee shops were not on every corner of the U.S. but it’s true. Sure there were diners and breakfast restaurants but not places designed to read more The post Introducing Our Kids to Coffee Shop Culture appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

Sometimes getting out of the city is just what our soul needs. A simple drive, vibrant fall leaves, and delicious biscuits are the ticket to a glorious middle Tennessee afternoon. Brunch at the Loveless Cafe Ever since we moved to Nashville I’ve heard people talk about The Loveless Cafe. It’s famous for made from scratch read more The post A Glorious Middle Tennessee Afternoon: Loveless Cafe and Natchez Trace appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

Every few months I need to take a break. I need quiet. I need a space without the normal pressures of life, the freedom to think, process, walk, journal, pray, or relax. I need time without anyone needing me, and asking for anything. I don’t need long, 24 hours will do. I’ve learned over the read more The post My Recipe for a Personal Retreat appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more

Our pumpkin spice candle is burning and the faint smell of cinnamon inspires me to bake. This year I created a list of the things we like to bake or would like to start baking in the autumn season. I’d love to hear your favorites too. Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread – This is always a read more The post What are Your Favorite Fall Bakes? appeared first on Explore and Thrive ..read more