I was born in Mexico but raised in the U.S. One big benefit of living in the South is access to good food. Being from the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, I was born with a yearning for outstanding flavor. Oaxaca is known for its gastronomy. It is considered Mexico's culinary capital. Oaxaca is home to...

Wow, this year has been difficult. Really, the end of 2025 into the start of 2026 has felt the heaviest. A few years ago, I got sick with the flu while in New York City for New Year's. I thought that was the worst birthday I'd ever had. Well, life apparently took that as a challenge. This year, I spent my birthday visiting my chosen mother (story for another time) in the ICU.

Wow, this year has been difficult. Really, the end of 2025 into the start of 2026 has felt the heaviest. A few years ago, I got sick with the flu while in New York City for New Year's. I thought that was the worst birthday I'd ever had. Well, life apparently took that as a...

Some places stay with you long after you've left them. Not because they were easy or comfortable, but because they quietly rearranged your sense of scale. Great Sand Dunes National Park had lived in the back of my mind for years. I'd seen the photos, the surreal sweep of gold pressed against jagged mountains, but photos don't carry weight, heat, or exhaustion.

Some places stay with you long after you've left them. Not because they were easy or comfortable, but because they quietly rearranged your sense of scale. Great Sand Dunes National Park had lived in the back of my mind for years. I'd seen the photos, the surreal sweep of gold pressed against jagged mountains, but...

The first time I laid eyes on Badlands National Park was in the winter of 2020. I was on a road trip to Montana, and honestly, stopping at the Badlands wasn’t even part of the plan. My crew and I had just left Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were making our way to Rapid City. I’ve always preferred driving through the night, it’s peaceful, less traffic, and somehow, the road feels like it belongs only to me…

The first time I laid eyes on Badlands National Park was in the winter of 2020. I was on a road trip to Montana, and honestly, stopping at the Badlands wasn’t even part of the plan. My crew and I had just left Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and were making our way to Rapid City....

At the beginning of this year, I took a quick weekend trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. While I’ve been to NOLA a few times before, I decided to share this one on my blog because it was more family-friendly than my previous visits. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the wild nights on Bourbon Street filled with debauchery and excitement, but not everyone comes to New Orleans for that.

At the beginning of this year, I took a quick weekend trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. While I’ve been to NOLA a few times before, I decided to share this one on my blog because it was more family-friendly than my previous visits. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for the wild nights on Bourbon...

I’ve lived in Alabama for years, and I always said I’d never go to Talladega for a NASCAR race. Why? It’s just never been my scene. I’m more of a mountains-and-music-festivals kind of girl. Give me hiking boots over stadium seats any day, you know? Despite my crunchy, granola heart, I’ve always had a soft spot for college football—because, let’s face it, growing up in the South, it’s simply part of who we are.

I’ve lived in Alabama for years, and I always said I’d never go to Talladega for a NASCAR race. Why? It’s just never been my scene. I’m more of a mountains-and-music-festivals kind of girl. Give me hiking boots over stadium seats any day, you know? Despite my crunchy, granola heart, I’ve always had a soft...

Welcome back to part two of our journey! Last year, my husband and I packed up our two little dogs and set off on an unforgettable road trip along the coast of Washington State. We kicked things off in the rainy charm of Forks, Washington, and settled into the quiet coastal town of Sekiu. After exploring Twilight landmarks, misty beaches, and mossy trails, we were ready for more adventures.

Welcome back to part two of our journey! Last year, my husband and I packed up our two little dogs and set off on an unforgettable road trip along the coast of Washington State. We kicked things off in the rainy charm of Forks, Washington, and settled into the quiet coastal town of Sekiu. After...