When we moved into the Black Forest Flat, we felt like we had finally found a habitable space with a gorgeous view that would rent to Americans with children and pets – yay! This little corner has been the media area with a built in for the TV, but we slid some things around and…
Author: lilly
Snowflake Ornament Craft
We had the best kick off to Christmas season here with a week of our town being covered in fresh dumps of powdery, white snow. Then the snow packed into ice for more winter adventures, luring us home to work on our Christmas crafts. I’ve made this snowflake ornament craft for three years now, but…
Handmade Christmas Decorations for our First Forest Christmas
We were at the pool this summer, and while we loafed around in the sun, Heidi turned to me and said “I want to wake up on Christmas in my own bed.” And, after moving from Texas to Germany last Christmas, I knew exactly why she felt that way. After traveling through four countries worth…
My Baby’s Home for Christmas
I’m in the line at a T.J.Maxx property, waiting to purchase one more thing for my baby for Christmas. Her last-minute request for a “fancy, fluffy blanket” will do that to this mother’s homebody heart. After this, I’ll go by the market and consult my final list for the extra eggs, sugar, butter and eyeball…
The Open Hearted Holiday Gift Guide
It’s that time of year! I love thinking almost all year for gift ideas for this season that show my loved ones how loved they are while preparing us for another bright, creative year ahead. I hope you love poking around for everyone on your list! Each button goes to a treasure trove of finds,…
Four Tips for Fostering Family Connection with Nature
I have been fortunate to have had a childhood with the magic of woods. When I moved away from that place in third grade, it was to the majestic mountains South America, a land filled with colors and flora I had never imagined before. Then, from fourth grade on I was in a more common,…
Open Hearted Holidays: Boundary Work for Better Family Gatherings
Before our move from Texas to Germany, I had never really come home for the holidays before. Now that I have had the experience to, even briefly, leave my home community and return for a visit, I feel like I’m gaining a better understanding of the intention behind so many little behaviors in my family…
Three Reasons Why Moms Need a Mindfulness Practice (& How to Start Your Own!)
A Note from Lilly: When I first met Azia, I was so struck by her beauty. Azia not only is just textbook gorgeous, she has an attractiveness about her where you feel like she’s hugging you through her smile. She is grounded in her peace and energized by her purpose. And as I stood talking…
The Best Boxed Book Sets for Children
Here we are at such a special time of year, when the weather is just right to think about the joy of reading at home and gift giving season is starting to trickle in. I love discovering new books with my daughter. I’ve found also, for big birthdays or school milestones, the fun of sharing…
Living the American Dream (in Germany)
I don’t want to speak for everyone, but there seems to be a collective existential thing going on. There’s just a lot to consider with how much is both possible and falling apart. For some, it feels like angst, maybe depression or bouts of panic. For some it’s their new era to be excited, empowered…