If you’ve been following me for a while, you know how much I adore flower farms! Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting my friend Shannon DeHart’s breathtaking Chateau Monette Flower Farm near Payson, Utah. Shannon and I became friends through our Instagram accounts, and when she invited me to visit her farm, I couldn’t resist. My mom, who also shares my love for flowers, was visiting, so we decided to make the trip together. Shannon’s farm is now the location where we host an annual flower farm dinner party with friends!

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

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The Farm

Chateau Monette Flower Farm is a true gem nestled in the hills of West Mountain near Payson, Utah. Shannon and her husband Jared manage the 80-acre farm, which boasts a stunning variety of cut flowers. Shannon’s journey began with a few hundred lavender plants back in 2012, and since then, her passion for growing flowers has only grown. Today, she shares the beauty of her blooms with others, creating a haven where nature’s splendor thrives.

Shannon is not just a talented gardener and flower farmer but also a devoted mother of nine. She loves teaching her children the value of hard work and the joys of the outdoors. Her flower farm is a place of growth, learning, and sharing the divine beauty of nature. Shannon welcomes the public to her farm with U-Pick, weddings, and other events. She is also opening a new farm shop where she will be hosting workshops and gatherings like our flower farm dinner party.

Hosting a Dinner Party

After our visit, Shannon and I became fast friends and decided to host a dinner for our friends at her farm. Our initial plan was to dine in the middle of the flower field, but Mother Nature had other ideas. As we were setting up, the wind picked up, and a brief rain shower forced us to move our tables into the greenhouse. Despite the weather, Shannon and I proved to be a fantastic team! She crafted beautiful centerpieces for the tables, while I brought the dinnerware and food.

The Invitations

The invitations were from an Etsy shop called The Printable Party and I absolutely love them! Shannon grows the prettiest dahlia’s so I thought a dahlia invitation would be perfect. The invitations are customizable templates that you add in your own details and then print them out, text, or email them. I love this as it makes it super easy and is so inexpensive!

The Centerpieces

Shannon made the centerpieces from all the flowers she grows on the farm. She arranged them in gold compotes and they were the perfect addition to the rest of the tablescape.

The Place-Settings and Tablescapes

For the place-settings, I chose a gold and white theme, mixing new and antique dinnerware. I used elegant gold and silver flatware, and white napkins with gold polka dots.

The Menu

I spent the day preparing some of my favorite homemade recipes and to say that everyone loved them was an understatement. I made a homemade charcuterie board for a starter, soup and salad for the main dish, my yummy braided french bread, and blackberry cobbler for dessert.

My Homemade Chicken Corn Chowder (recipe coming soon to the blog) is so good and so easy to make. My favorite part is using fresh corn on the cob. The sweetness of the corn compliments the other savory flavors in the soup.

Braided French Bread

This is the best bread recipe and is always loved by everyone!

Blackberry Cobbler with fresh blackberries I picked from my neighbor’s garden.

Salad with veggies from my garden and a vinaigrette dressing.

A charcuterie board with fruit, cheese, nuts, and crackers styled on my HomeWithHollyJ charcuterie board. Isn’t this the cutest! It even has my logo laser engraved on it.

Shannon made her delicious homemade lavender lemonade, which was a hit!

Check out my other flower farm posts!

All My Thyme Rose Farm

Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Pure Peonies Flower Farm

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

Cutting Flowers

After a delightful dinner, we ventured out into the flower field to cut flowers. Shannon and I shared some of our flower-arranging tips with our friends, and everyone created stunning arrangements to take home. The evening was truly magical, with a beautiful sunset casting a warm glow over the fields as we worked.

This has become a tradition with our friend group and everyone looks forward to it each year. For the dress code, we ask everyone to wear a dress, a sun hat, and shoes that can go into the flower field.

Our friends couldn’t stop raving about the incredible time they had. Shannon and I felt so grateful for each other and for this wonderful group of ladies who made the night so special. Their appreciation and joy made it all worthwhile.

This flower farm dinner party has become an annual tradition, and we are thrilled to be hosting another one in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more details about our 2024 dinner soon! We will be hosting one in the fall of 2024 and inviting the public so watch my Instagram posts and stories or Chateau Monette Instagram for details to come should you want to come!

Hosting a dinner party at Chateau Monette Flower Farm was an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, love, and, of course, stunning flowers. It’s moments like these that remind me of the beauty of friendship and the simple joys of sharing nature’s bounty with those we love.

This was such a fun night and I’m looking forward to hosting another dinner party at Chateau Monette Flower Farm. I hope this inspires you to host a dinner party in a flower farm or some other beautiful setting. Gathering your friends together, sharing delicious food, and beautiful flowers is always a good thing!

xoxo,

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

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Gold Candlesticks can be found here: GOLD CANDLESTICK

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Gorgeous Camper Renovation

As our 30th anniversary approached, I found myself facing a familiar dilemma: what do you get for the man who seems to have everything and wants for nothing? My husband Craig, notoriously difficult to surprise, is not one for jewelry, watches, or any typical anniversary fare. Even the Swiss watch we bought together while in Switzerland on our 23rd anniversary remains untouched, nestled in its box 8 years later. Yet, amidst this challenge, a glimmer of inspiration struck, setting the stage for what would become the best anniversary gift ever.

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

It all began with a casual remark from my husband about the idea of owning a camping trailer. He mentioned how much he would like to get a camper that we could take up into the mountains or the coast and so, the seed was planted for a big surprise: a fully renovated camper that we can use to make memories with each other, our children, and our grandchildren.

Enter Renee, a friend I had connected with through Instagram, known for transforming old camping trailers into the cutest and coziest sanctuaries. I reached out to Renee and to see if she and her husband had any campers available and it just so happened that they did! They had just started renovating a 2006 Scotsman 32-foot trailer and I decided to buy it to give to my husband Craig for our 30th Anniversary.

From top to bottom, the transformation was nothing short of amazing! Gone were the outdated fixtures and tired interiors, replaced by a vision of modern farmhouse charm. They installed real tile in the bathroom and shower, a beautiful sink and vanity, a decorative mirror, new black towel racks, and lighting fixtures.

Before and After!

Bunk Room

The sleeping quarters were reconfigured to fit a king-size bed, three bunk beds, a desk area, and a television – perfect for family adventures.

Main Bedroom

The main bedroom space was also transformed and a king-size bed was built to replace the smaller queen-size bed and a creative headboard was added. New lighting, floors, and window treatments were added to finish off the camper renovation.

Kitchen and Dining Area

The heart of the camper, the kitchen, underwent a makeover too! Handmade wood furnishings including the dining table, new countertops, and cabinets breathed new life into the space, complemented by a tile backsplash that made it feel less like a camper and more like a real kitchen.

Living Room Space

To complete the main gathering space, a stone fireplace and cleverly concealed television adorned the main living area, creating a cozy and warm space to gather inside the camper.

The second TV is hiding behind the artwork on the wall!

You can watch the reel video I shared on Instagram here: 30th Wedding Anniversary Gift Reel

The journey to bring this surprise to fruition was not without its challenges. Coordinating the transport of the trailer from Wisconsin to our home in Utah was no small feat, but with determination and a bit of logistical magic, it arrived just in time for our anniversary. The final touch? A personalized sign adorning the camper’s interior, proudly proclaiming it as “Craigy’s Camper” (everyone in our family calls him Craigy except me) – a fitting tribute to the man of the hour. The look of astonishment on his face when he first laid eyes on his unexpected gift was a moment I’ll treasure forever.

In the end, it wasn’t just the camper itself that made this anniversary gift so special; it was the thought, care, and effort that went into orchestrating the perfect surprise. And for that, I have Renee and her husband to thank, whose talent and hard work made it all possible. I know we will treasure the time spent and memories made in our new camper!

As we embark on new adventures together, I’m reminded that the best gifts are not always the ones you can buy, but the ones that come from the heart – and this anniversary, I think I hit the mark.

To see more of this heartwarming surprise, visit my Instagram, and be sure to check out @wisco_flip for more inspiring transformations. After all, sometimes the greatest gifts come from unexpected places.

Image and video credit: Renee @wisco_flip and Home With Holly J

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The post Gorgeous Camper Renovation | The Best 30th Anniversary Gift appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Discover the beauty of All My Thyme flower farm in the picturesque Skagit Valley of Northern Washington.

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

Exploring All My Thyme: A Flower Farm in the Heart of Skagit Valley

Welcome back to our “Flowers Farms of the Pacific Northwest” series on homewithhollyj.com! Today, I’m taking you on a journey to a lovely flower farm! All My Thyme Flower Farm, owned by my dear friend, Dawn Severin, is nestled in the picturesque Skagit Valley of Northern Washington. If you’ve ever heard of the famous tulip festival in the Skagit Valley, Dawn’s farm is right in the heart of this region.

Meet Dawn Severin: The Heart Behind All My Thyme

All My Thyme was established by Dawn Severin (pictured on the right in the image below) in 1997 as a wholesale culinary herb farm in the fertile Skagit Valley near Mount Vernon, Washington. It has since evolved into an online nursery and rose farm, specializing in potted garden roses. This beautiful location, between the mountains and sea, provides a temperate climate with an endless breeze that roses seem to enjoy.  

Over the years, All My Thymes collection of roses has grown and includes David Austin English garden roses, climbing roses, new releases, and the rediscovery of some heirloom roses. All of the roses grown on the farm are selected for certain characteristics that lend themselves to use in floral design work, as well as bestowing beauty in the garden. They are always testing new varieties to remove some of the guess work for their customers.

All My Thyme is a seasonal farm. Fragrant rose blooms begin coming in from their fields and high tunnels in late May and continue into October. Limited availability of other cut flowers, like peonies, perennials, herbs, and dahlias are offered during their unique season.  

A Rose Lover’s Dream

One of the highlights of All My Thyme is the stunning array of garden roses that Dawn grows. Partnering with the renowned David Austin Roses, Dawn cultivates some of the most breathtaking and fragrant roses you’ll ever encounter. David Austin is the most famous rose breeder, and his collaboration with Dawn brings a touch of timeless elegance to her farm. Whether it’s the classic beauty of the English roses or the vibrant colors of the newer varieties, each rose at All My Thyme tells a story of love and dedication.

A Symphony of Dahlias and Peonies

But roses are just the beginning. Dawn also grows a vibrant collection of dahlias that add a burst of color to her fields. These dahlias, with their intricate petals and stunning hues, create a dazzling display that captures the essence of summer.

And let’s not forget the peonies! At All My Thyme, you’ll find some of the most beautiful peonies I’ve ever seen. Their lush, full blooms and intoxicating fragrances are enough to make anyone fall in love. Each peony is a testament to Dawn’s skill and her commitment to growing flowers that bring joy to everyone who sees them.

These are just some of the gorgeous peonies Dawn grows on her farm.

This garden rose below is one of my favorites that Dawn grows on her flower farm.

More Than Just Flowers

All My Thyme is more than just a flower farm; it’s a place where nature and art come together. Dawn’s dedication to sustainable farming practices ensures that her flowers are not only beautiful but also grown with care for the environment. Her farm is a haven for pollinators, and her eco-friendly methods set an example for flower farming everywhere.

A Friendship Bloomed

My connection with Dawn began years ago at a flower-arranging workshop at her farm. That workshop sparked a friendship that has blossomed over the past six years. Whenever I need beautiful flowers or roses, it’s worth the drive north to get flowers from her farm. Dawn is a lovely, hardworking person with a talent for growing flowers, and I absolutely adore her. I wish I lived a little closer so I could visit more often.

FAQ’s

Can you Visit All My Thyme?

While Dawn would love to share the beauty of her farm with everyone, the farm is not currently open to the public but you can reach out to Dawn direct on Instagram via messenger @allmythyme or via her website www.allmythyme.com for more information.

Do they hold workshops on the farm?

Occasionally, yes. They enjoy hosting a variety of teachers with special skills who want to share their knowledge with others. Any upcoming events will be announced on the website and on social media.

Conclusion

All My Thyme is a testament to the beauty and artistry that can be achieved through passion and dedication. Dawn Severin’s talent and love for flowers have created a paradise in the Skagit Valley that delights all who visit. I cherish the friends I’ve made visiting the different flower farms in the Pacific Northwest, and you can read more about them in this series. There are flower farms all over Washington State, and I love that I’ve been able to highlight some of my favorites! Be sure to check out the other farms I’ve featured.

Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

Pure Peonies Flower Farm

Stay tuned for more stories from the flower farms of the Pacific Northwest, and be sure to visit homewithhollyj.com for more floral inspiration!

Xoxo,

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The post Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part Four: All My Thyme appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Brown Sugar and Butter Carrots

Carrots, with their vibrant orange hue and natural sweetness, are a versatile root vegetable that can be transformed into a delightful side dish with just a few simple ingredients. In this recipe, I take the humble carrot and elevate it to new heights with the irresistible combination of brown sugar and butter. The sweetness of the brown sugar perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the carrots, while the butter adds a salty and luscious richness. This recipe is incredibly easy to make and will surely become a favorite at your dinner table.

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

I like to pair the carrots with my homemade roast beef, brown gravy, and mashed potatoes. This is a family favorite recipe from my husband’s Grandma Jolley. She was an amazing cook and my husband and I both have fond memories of eating this traditional Sunday meal prepared by Grandma Jolley.

Now for the Recipe

Print

Brown Sugar and Butter Carrots Recipe

Indulge in the sweet and savory flavors of brown sugar and butter carrots. Try this delicious recipe for a perfect side dish! It's a family favorite recipe that never disappoints.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword carrot recipe, carrots, root vegetables, savory and sweet recipes, Side Dish

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Servings 6

Ingredients

• 6-8 large carrots
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• water for boiling the carrots

Instructions

• Peel the carrots, cut them in half, then cut into quarters.
• Add the carrots to a sauce pan. Add enough water to cover the carrots, then add the salt to the water.
• Bring water and carrots to a low boil and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the carrots are fork tender and cooked through.
• Once carrots are done, drain off any excess water in a strainer and add the carrots back to the pan.
• Add the butter and brown sugar and stir. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes or so until the butter and brown sugar have all mixed together. Let simmer for a few more minutes and stir every so often.
• Dump the carrots into a serving bowl. The glaze will be a little bit runny so use a serving spoon that allows you to get some of the glaze and drizzle it over the carrots when dishing up.

Savory and Sweet – The Perfect Combination

These carrots offer a simple yet delightful way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable. The sweetness from the brown sugar and the salty richness from the butter creates a heavenly glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the carrots. This recipe is quick to prepare and adds a touch of elegance to any meal. So, next time you’re looking to jazz up your side dish, give this easy side dish recipe a try!

 Enjoy!

If you like this recipe, you’ll want to check out these:

Classic Roast Beef Recipe

Delicious Mashed Potatoes Recipe

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The post Sweet and Savory: Brown Sugar and Butter Carrots Recipe appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Flower Farms in the Pacific Northwest

One of my favorite flower farms in the PNW is Pure Peonies. I was lucky enough to go there in 2018 and recently visited again. The owners, Jim and Renel were so incredibly warm and gracious and allowed me and a few of my friends to walk the property and enjoy the blooming peonies.

Disclaimer: This post does include affiliate links for your convenience. This is at NO additional cost to you but earns me a small commission. To read more, check out our disclosure policy.

Pure Peonies is located in Everson, Washington, which is very close to the Canadian border and is in the northwestern part of Washington state.

Renel is very knowledgeable about growing peonies and has also created a special fertilizer specific to peonies. I will link it for you here below! It works wonders on your peony plants.

Black Owl Organic Bio Char Peony Fertilizer

Peony flowers are easy to grow if you live in the right climate. They typically start blooming in mid to late spring, depending on where you live. In the Pacific Northwest, peonies start blooming in late May and into June. Bloom time also depends on the variety of peony. Some varieties bloom earlier than others which can also affect the length of the growing season.

Peonies are a perennial flower and are quite hardy. They go dormant under the ground in the fall and come back bigger every season. They are hardy to Zone 3 and grow as far south as zones 7 & 8. They need full sun and well-drained soil. They relish the cold of winter because they need chilling for bud formation.

Many nurseries offer early, midseason, and late blooming varieties, making it possible for you to stretch out the peony season over many weeks and enjoy those lovely blooms for as long as possible!

For more info on growing peonies, check out the Farmers Almanac article on Peonies.

Check out the other posts in this blog series:

Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part One – Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part Two – Purple Haze Lavender Farm

More about Pure Peonies Flower Farm

Jim and Renel purchased the farm a little over 10 years ago. They had both retired from business careers and were looking for their next adventure!

At the time it was not a flower farm, but they had a vision! Jim and Renel love peonies and knew they would grow fabulously in this region. Renel has SO much knowledge about all the best practices for growing big, healthy, beautiful peonies.

So they put that knowledge into action and started seeing gorgeous blooms the first season. Over the years, Pure Peonies has always used organic farming methods, and focuses on sustainability.

At this time, Jim and Renel are trying to phase into retirement and the farm and farmhouse is actually on the market (as of June 2023). Renel and Jim’s granddaughter Sarah and her friend Anna, are managing the farm during this years peony season. (reach out to them via their website or Instagram for details on purchasing the farm)

When I visited the farm for the second time last week, I was able to meet Sarah and Anna, as well as meet another friend Sarah Wagner (who is also a blogger Dreaming of Homemaking). It was so much fun meeting them and getting to see the farm again while in full bloom.

Visiting Pure Peonies Farm

This year, Pure Peonies farm is offering “you cut” days at the farm again this season! Visitor hours will be happening May 19th – June 26th, Fridays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm. There’s just a little time left in this years season so if you miss it, check back for next years bloom season. Anna said: “If someone wants to catch our peak bloom season I recommend they follow us on social media where we will be posting updates about what our fields look like, what flowers are blooming, etc.” You can find Pure Peonies on Instagram.

Visiting Hours at Pure Peonies

Something people have been very excited to hear is that they are offering “you cut” days at the farm again this season! They know people have really missed it over the last couple years so they have opened the farm up for this experience again. Visitor hours will be happening May 19th – June 26th Fridays 3pm-7pm and Saturdays & Sundays 11am-5pm.

For folks who can’t make it to Pure Peonies in person this season can still bring Pure Peonies into their home!

They also sell bouquets on their website and can ship anywhere in the contiguous 48 states with next day delivery to ensure flowers arrive in pristine condition. These peonies can last up to 3 months stored in a cooler and can be shipped out to you!

Another exciting thing is that Pure Peonies offers bulk quantities of cut stems for those that want larger quantities of flowers for weddings, parties, or other events. Head to the Pure Peonies website for more info on ordering Peonies direct.

Pure Peonies Flower Farm is a lovely place to visit! I hope you’ve enjoyed another post in my Flower Farms of the PNW series! It’s such a blessing and treat to visit the beautiful farms of Washington state and connect with the flower farmers who love flowers as much as I do.

I wish Jim and Renel and the future owners of Pure Peonies all the best and hope this lovely farm continues on! It’s definitely worth a visit there. Everson, Washington is a lovely little farming town full of beautiful farms and down to earth, kind people. I hope you all get to experience the beauty of this darling place someday!

xoxo,

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The post Flower Farms of the PNW Series Part Three: Pure Peonies Flower Farm appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Traveling In Style With Walmart Home

As many of you know, I travel a lot! That being said, I have shared some of my travel packing hacks that help to keep me organized and make packing for a vacation or trip simple and easy. I’ll be sharing all my “Traveling in Style with Walmart Home” sources as well! I am a tad bit obsessive about being prepared and that sometimes leads to overpacking so having a system for this helps keep things more organized.

This post is sponsored by Walmart and may include affiliate links.

 Here are some of my travel must-haves from Walmart Home that makes packing streamlined and fast!

Walmart Home has a great selection luggage and other items that make traveling easy. I love how many stylish carryon and weekend bags they have that are functional and durable plus they look nice too! I’ve linked all these items at the bottom of the post or you can click here to see more of from Walmart Home travel section.

How I Pack my Clothing

I leave all my clothes on hangers and lay them out in my suitcase. This helps me to put outfits together that I’ll be wearing and keeps my clothes looking nice and wrinkle free for the most part. When I arrive at my destination, its so easy to unpack and hang my clothes in the closet of wherever I’m staying.

How to Pack Toiletries, Make-up, and Hair Products

Packing all my skin and haircare products can be a bit overwhelming so I have come up with a little system that makes it fast and easy every time I need to travel. I have small travel size plastic containers and I fill them up with all my liquids. (shampoo, conditioner, face wash, body wash) I have them all ready to go and keep them in a small bags that I can toss into my suitcase. I refill them as needed and have this bag with all these items ready to go.

Another must have item I can’t leave home without is my magnification travel mirror that has a light! I can’t live without this!

Here are some more of my must haves from Walmart.

Travel Blanket, Luggage Tags, Travel Umbrella, Sunscreen, Insulated Water Bottle, Travel Pillow, and a good Book!

Don’t forget your jewelry! I like to have all my jewelry sorted out by the different metals so I have rose gold, silver, and gold jewelry pouches. Putting all my jewelry into these little pouches makes it so much easier. I’ve linked a few other travel jewelry cases at the bottom of the post. I bought these from Walmart and there are so many to choose from.

Travel Bag for Carry-on items

I always carry a bag onto the plane along with my work bag and laptop. I keep my medication, headphones, travel blanket, travel pillow, jewelry, sweater, and a few snacks in my carryon bag. I love this designer dupe from Walmart!

I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing how I pack and get ready to travel! Walmart Home makes it so easy to prepare for any vacation or trip you’re planning to take. I’ve linked all the items here so you can prepare for your next trip with ease! Happy Packing and Safe Travels!!

The post Traveling In Style With Walmart Home appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part Two – Purple Haze Lavender Farm

I’m so excited to be sharing another post on the Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series. The farm I’m highlighting is called Purple Haze Lavender Farm and is a seven-acre certified organic lavender farm located in Sequim, Washington’s on the Olympic Peninsula.

Purple Haze Lavender Farm

There are so many lavender farms in this area but so far, Purple Haze has been my favorite one to visit. I met the owner last summer when I went for the first time and enjoyed visiting with him at the farm. The farm was recently sold and I hope the new owners will continue to keep it the same way!

The Beauty of a Lavender Farm

There are thousands of lavender plants to wander amongst at Purple Haze and there is a gift shop which features Purple Haze Lavender farm’s products. You are welcome to bring a picnic lunch and relax and for five dollars, you can cut your own bundle of lavender to take home. The smell of fresh lavender is magnificent!

The farm has many varieties of lavender and there is one variety that is pink!  Lavender is so beautiful, especially when it blooms. The best time of year to see it blooming is mid July to early August. I typically go during that time frame so I can see the fields in full bloom. There is a lavender festival every July in Sequim.

Sequim Lavender Festival

Have you ever seen lavender close up as it’s blooming? Its so pretty. I blew this photo up so you could see the detail more clearly. All these photos were taken in July of 2020 at Purple Haze Lavender Farm. The owner was so gracious and gave me a private tour of the farm and gardens. I went back again this summer but missed seeing it in full bloom. It was still beautiful though and you can see the reel video I made from this years visit on my Instagram @homewithhollyj

Purple Haze also allows you to walk in the lavender fields are are very generous with how they allow everyone to experience the farm. There are some great opportunities for photos here too.

There is no charge to visit the farm and there is ample parking. There are also some farm animals including a peacock and lots of cute chickens.

The farm also has a beautiful garden full of flowers and vegetables. When I went last year, the owner had planted all his vegetable plants in straw bales. I was totally fascinated by this. He told me that the plants do amazing planted this way and by the end of the season, they are just small clumps on the ground. I’m going to have to try this method sometime!

Here’s a few more photos of the flowers in the farms vegetable and flower garden.

Other Things to do in Sequim and the Olympic Peninsula.

Check out John Wayne Marina nearby. I took this photo while visiting last summer.

Our favorite place to eat in Sequim is called The Oak Table Cafe. They have the best pancakes I’ve ever had that are made with a sourdough starter. Everything is delicious though!

Sequim also has a farmers and artisans market on Saturdays, May thru October from 9am to 3 pm and located at the City Hall Plaza. The downtown area is charming with a lot of cute shops and some great places to eat.

Sequim Farmers and Artisans Market

This is the Dungeness Spit and is near Sequim and the views of  the Straight of Juan De Fuca are incredible. This is a state park and you can hike down to the ocean for these views. That is Canada off in the distance in the top left of the picture.

Sequim is also located in the Olympic National Forest’s rain shadow and receives way less rain than the rest of western Washington. It’s the cutest town and so worth the drive or a ferry ride from Seattle.

Here’s a link that lists out some of the other Lavender farms in and around Sequim.

Our bernedoodles, Coco and Copper loved visiting the farm too!

This is some of the information off the Purple Haze website:

“At Purple Haze in the summer we welcome you to wander our lavender fields, enjoy a scoop of lavender ice cream, and shop in either of our two stores-one of which is located on the farm itself  and the other one which is located in downtown Sequim at 127 W Washington Street.  During our “winter” months only our Downtown gift shop location remains open.  However, we always welcome visitors to enjoy the farm and then if you wish to shop just stop at our store downtown and we will be happy to help you with your lavender purchases.  Our store in Downtown Sequim is OPEN year round Tuesday-Friday 9-5, Saturday 10-5 and Sundays 12-4.  Pets are always welcome at the farm!”

Purple Haze Farm Vacation Rental

Purple Haze Lavender also has a vacation rental on the farm. You can click the link here for more details. Farm House Vacation Rental. The Farm House has 3 bedrooms and sleeps up to 6 guests. Take in the farm from the hot tub or porch swing, and relax into your own personal lavender farm setting.

xoxo,

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ORGANIC LAVENDER FARM

The post Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part Two – Purple Haze Lavender Farm appeared first on Home With Holly J.

My Favorite Things To Do When In Maui

I always get asked so many questions about the places I travel to so I figured I’d start sharing about each trip I go on here. It’s so nice when you travel to a new destination and you have trusted recommendations on what to do, where to stay, and what to eat! I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Maui. I hope that it will help you find the fun places to go, things to do, good things to eat, and great places to stay!

Where We Stayed

We have been to Maui a few times and stayed on different parts of the island. This time we stayed near Lahaina at the Kaanapali Alii Condos. We took all our children so we chose to rent a condo with three bedrooms and a kitchen as that was a lot more affordable than multiple hotel rooms and eating out each meal It wasn’t a five star resort, but it was a very nice condo and it had a nice pool area and was right on the beach.

This old tree is in Lahaina.

What To Do/Tips for Traveling to Maui, Hawaii

We had some very rainy weather when we went in March 2021 (worst rains in twenty five years!) but we still managed to have a great time and find some fun things to do with our (college aged)children,

Whale Watching and Snorkel Cruise

Sail Maui is the one we went with and they were great! We went out to two different snorkeling spots, the first being the Lanai’i coast where we saw whales breeching and dolphins swimming around our boat. We then went back near the harbor on Maui and snorkeled near an old sunken boardwalk that has now crated a reef. We saw a lot of large turtles while snorkeling in both places. There are many tours to select from and I believe ours was this one here:

808-250-5365

Kayaking to See the Whales

This was really an amazing experience! We met up with the guide on the beach who had all the kayaks and equipment. We kayaked out where the whales were and our guide had sound equipment to hear them under water. This was a bit of a workout and there is a lot of paddling involved. Some of my family members became seasick, so if you are prone to that, take some dramamine or sea sickness precautions. Do not attempt this without an experienced guide. There are currents that can take you way out to sea. I recommend this one below. We also stopped and snorkeled a bit and saw more turtles.

MauiAdventureTours

Phone: (808) 250-536

Photo Credit: @bayday808

The Road to Hana

We drove the Road to Hana on probably the worst day ever! Thank goodness we used the Shaka Guide app, which I highly recommend if you’re driving on the road to Hana. This is a very narrow road that can be treacherous when it rains (as we found out first hand) but it’s quite beautiful if you’re up for the ride. There are many waterfalls along the way and places to get out and hike but because it was raining we chose not to. The Shaka Guide app was really helpful in this way. You download it from the App Store onto your phone and it works with GPS in your car. As you drive along, it tells you about each thing along the way including the hikes, water pools, places to eat, and other historical information.

Here is a video I made that I shared on my Instagram page under the reels.

My Favorite Things To Do When In Maui 3

We were grateful we had the Shaka Guide as we went along because the guide said that if you can’t see the top of Haleakala Volcano, that probably means its raining and there are most likely going to be flash floods which can be extremely dangerous. The week before we went, three people had been taken by surprise and drowned by flash floods. Every single river we crossed was a raging river and dangerous.

When we were about half way down the road, we stopped to get some banana bread at Aunty Sandys Banana Bread and our phones started going of with an emergency warning for flash floods and dangerous conditions. We waited for awhile then got back on the road and continued going towards Hana so we could get out of the danger area. We ended up going all the way around the island instead of turning back and going back the way we came. We had an SUV so we had no problems driving on the road that isn’t in the greatest shape.

This is the beach park just past Aunty Sandy’s Banana Bread. It was really stormy so we didn’t stay too long. This was about the time we started getting warnings on our phones about the flash floods and dangerous conditions.

Beware of the local drivers on the Road to Hana. They are very aggressive and drive fast! The Shaka Guide suggested that you pull over and let them pass if they are going to fast for your liking.

Biking Down Haleakala

We were scheduled to ride bikes down the Haleakala Volcano but due to the rains, our trip was cancelled. We will have to try that again.

Haleakala Bike Tour

Our Favorite Places to Eat

Mama’s Fishhouse was extraordinary! It’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had and the view and scenery are unparalleled. It’s located right on the beach near the town of Paia. Make sure to call way ahead and get reservations as it’s a very popular and famous restaurant. I had the Kona Kompachi fish and it was incredible! It was crusted with macadamia nuts and had an amazing sauce. My husband had the beef short ribs and they were also amazing. Both entrees came with these small lobster tails that were from the Tristan Islands off the coast of South Africa. I don’t usually care for lobster but they were amazing. I seriously can’t recommend this place enough. The service was incredible and the food is fresh and so full of flavor.

We ordered the Macadamia Nut Crab Cakes which were all crab! No fillers and were the best I’ve ever eaten.

This is what I had. It’s called Kona Kanpachi and stuffed with lobster and crab, baked in a macadamia nut crust. It also came with Tristan Island Lobster Tails which were amazing!

My husbands entree was the Puiehu Beef Short Rib with sautéed mushrooms. That was also amazing!

This is the view from Mamas Fish House.

The phone number is (808) 579-8488 or you can book a table online. I linked the website above. It’s located in Paia, Maui.

Auntie Sandies Banana Bread

This was on the Road to Hana and it’s amazing! They are mini loaves served warm and they also have other good food. It’s outdoors and neat a beautiful rocky beach park.

Leodas Kitchen and Pie Shop in Olowalu

Manuela Malasadas 808-747-5531 Lahaina

This is a food truck near a gas station. Very good when they are open!

Island Cream Company Shaved Ice and Ice Cream

Best shaved ice, ice cream and smoothies.

Here’s some other places we went to that were also good!

Ulani’s Hawaiian Shaved Ice Lahaina and multiple locations.

Waikiki Brewing Company Lahaina

Kimo’s in LaHaina

OTHER THINGS TO DO IN MAUI

Tom’s Barefoot Tours and went on the morning boat with with Lana Kai

Kayaking with whale watching and snorkeling with turtles at Turtle Town in Makena

https://hawaiianpaddlesports.com/kayak-maui/

Bamboo Forest and Waterfall Hike

Pipiwai Trail, Hana, HI

Easy hike and well worth going to the end where the waterfall is

‘Iao Valley State Park is also nice for a short hike

Driving the loop around West Maui was fun and picturesque and there are some good attractions like Nakalele Blowhole as well as some hiking trails and banana bread stands.

And here is a link to a bunch of hikes you can do.

Here is the link to register with the state of Hawaii for Covid 

I hope you enjoyed this post and found it helpful for what to do when in Maui!

XOXO,

 

The post My Favorite Things To Do When In Maui appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Welcome to my Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series – Part One! I am so thrilled to be featuring one of my very favorite farms, Laughing Goat Flower farm. This beautiful farm is located in the quaint farming town of Enumclaw, Washington, at the base of the Cascade Mountains. Majestic Mount Rainier stands tall in the background and makes for an incredible view from the farm.

The farm is owned and operated by Amy and Steve Brown. Amy and I met at a flower arranging workshop a few years ago and I was delighted to learn that the farm was only about fifteen miles from my home in Washington. Amy and I became fast friends after meeting at the workshop and I am so grateful we met! We share a love of flowers, gardening, cooking, and entertaining. I love that a friendship grew out of this and I feel so blessed to have such a beautiful farm near me and a blossoming friendship.

I have learned so much from Amy about growing flowers and gardening. She is so knowledgeable and generously shares that knowledge with me.

What Does the Farm Grow?

Laughing Goat grows many varieties of flowers including peonies, dahlias, hydrangeas, and so much more. I have enjoyed watching the farm grow and change over the past two years. Amy and Steve have transformed it into a beautiful and bountiful farm.

The farm also grows organic produce and sells it to local restaurants and customers in their farm stand. My recipes always turn out amazing when I get to use these heirloom vegetables. One of my favorite’s are the san marzano tomatoes that Amy grows each summer. My Lasagna Recipe has never tasted better than when I used these delicious tomatoes!

I loved making my Simple Tomato Cucumber Salad with produce from Amy’s farm. She grows so many varieties of tomatoes and I love coming up with new ways to use the produce she has in season.

Amy and I have loved sharing recipes and cooking together. We both love hosting and entertaining and I’m so glad we met and that we’ve been able to do these things together.

Flowers, Bulbs, Seeds, and More

Amy’s flowers are absolutely amazing. Some of my favorites are her dahlias. I was so thrilled to be able to purchase some of her dahlia bulbs this year and plant them in my garden. They are almost ready to bloom and I can’t wait!

Here’s a tablescape we created together using flowers and apple branches from Laughing Goat! Amy grew everything in this arrangement! So incredible!

Amy and I created this beautiful Farm to Table Dinner and Tablescape in my backyard. Most of the flowers and produce came from Amy’s farm and her home garden.

You can purchase bulbs, seeds, and other items on Laughing Goat Flower Farms website.

Because this is a working farm, they are unable to allow tours and wandering on the property, but watch their social channels for special farm days and you can visit the farm stand when open.

The Farm Stand is open on Saturdays from 10:00am to 2:00 pm. You can get the freshest produce of the season, cut flowers of the moment, gifts, goodies or make your own bouquet at the flower bar!

Private Events and Workshops

You can host a private event or workshop at the farm. Contact Amy Brown for more info on this. Can you imagine hosting a special dinner at this beautiful farm? We created some beautiful tablescape at the farm. Here is a sampling of some we’ve created in collaboration with Shane Meehan of Oak and Fig Floral and Dawn Severin of All My Thyme Rose Farm.

Some of the Tablescapes and Photos from the Farm

I hope you’ve enjoyed the part one of my Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series featuring Laughing Goat Flower Farm. I truly love this farm and the hardworking farmers that make this a possibility. Please support local farms when you can! 

Photo Credit:

Steve Brown, Owner Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Missy Palacol

Holly Jolley (me!)

Flowers/Florists

Amy Brown, Laughing Goat Flower Farm

Shane Meehan, Oak and Fig Floral

Dawn Severin, All My Thyme Rose Farm

For more info on Laughing Goat Flower Farm, click here:

Thank you Amy and Steve Brown for sharing your lovely farm with me and so many others. It’s truly a joy to be you friend and to share your beautiful farm!

xoxo,

The post Flower Farms of the Pacific Northwest Series Part One – Laughing Goat Flower Farm appeared first on Home With Holly J.

Turning 50 and the List of 50 Awesome Things I did to Celebrate-Part One

I turned 50 just over a year ago and I decided to embrace the BIG 50 by making a list of 50 Things to accomplish this year. I finished the last of the 50 things on my 51st birthday on New Years Eve, 2019. I’m sharing the list of what I did and a little bit about each item on the list. This is a long post so I broke it up into two parts. I hope that those who come upon this post are inspired to live your best life and go outside your comfort zone. Many of the things on the list were fun and exciting, some were challenging, some were outside my comfort zone, and some were acts of service and helping others. Overall, it was one of the greatest experiences of my life and I’m so glad I stuck with it and pushed myself to do so many different things. The photos are not the best quality so my apologies for that in advance.

The List

I ended up with more than 50 things on the list, which was a good thing because there were a few things I wasn’t able to do for various reasons. I really wanted to go to Denmark and visit the island of Bjornholm where my family is from, but wasn’t able to make that happen. I also wanted to fly with my son who’s a pilot for the first time but he joined the marines and wasn’t home or allowed to fly while in training so I will have to do that another time.

Having more than 50 items on the list gave me a few things to use as a back up plan which came in handy! I was able to swap out some of the back up plans for those items I wasn’t able to make happen. I’m sharing the first 25 items on the list here. Check back soon for Part Two!

#1 NYC Trip

I’d never been to NYC and really wanted to go to greatest city in the world. My husband and I decided to go for our 27th anniversary in October. It was one of the best trips we’ve ever gone on and we had such a great time! NYC did not disappoint and I can’t wait to go back again!

#2 Summit Mount Timpanogos

Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to climb to the top of this mountain. It’s the second highest peak in Utah’s Wasatch Range. It rises to an elevation of 11,752 feet. This wasn’t the highest mountain I’ve summited (I did Mt. Kilimanjaro four years ago which is 19,341 ft) but it was still a tough hike with the elevation. My brother Brad decided to do it with me and we had a great time doing this together. We left home at 4 am, started hiking around 5 am and made it to the summit after about 4 1/2 hours. We had to go fast because I had to catch a flight out to California later that day. We made it to the top, stayed for about five minutes and then hustled down the mountain in about 4 hours. I made my flight, and by the end of the day I had 48,406 Fitbit steps and  and gone 19.65 miles. Let’s just say I was tired!

The next day my brother and I chatted on the phone and we laughed over how sore our calf muscles were. It was a difficult hike, especially since we did it so fast, but the view was beautiful when we reached the top and the day spent with my brother made it all the more special.

#3 Bali Adventure Trip

Bali has always been on my list of places I wanted to go. I checked off a few items on my list when we were there, but going to Bali was at the top of my list! We did so many amazing things on this adventure retreat put on by Great White Buffalo and my friend Evelyn (Nicky) Bruce and her husband Mkristo. What a fun group this was and we had the time of our life.

#4 Row 50,000 Meters (31.06 miles)

Okay, so I should have done this when I was 20 or 30, then I would have only had to row 20 or 30,000 meters. I don’t know what I was thinking, but let’s just say this was the hardest thing I did! Climbing Timpanogos was hard, but this was worse I think! It took me total rowing time 5:43:31.  I saved this for last so I could train longer for it but nothing I did to train really helped. It came down to sheer will power and my obsession with never quitting anything. Once I commit to something I have to do it, even if it kills me. Shockingly, I wasn’t that sore the next day, which happened to be my 51st birthday. This was a one and done. I will never do this again but glad I was able to do it once it was over!

I pulled the rower handle one last time trying to get it to land on exactly 50,000 and it stopped on 49,999 and then reset to zero! I almost cried! I wanted to see that 50,000 meters on the rower. Who knew that the rowing machine didn’t go past 49,999! Oh well, I’m calling it good!

#5 Swinging on the Bali Swing at Tegallalang

This was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done! I’m not fond of heights so I was a little scared to do this one but once I was on the swing and flying high over the rice fields it was exhilarating! Definitely something to put on a bucket list!

#6 Visiting the 9/11 Memorial in NYC

This was at the top of our list while visiting NYC and one of the reasons I wanted to go there. It was surreal being there after seeing so many things on TV about this day that I will never forget. I was very emotional, especially when we went into the inner part of the memorial. My husband I both wept for quite awhile. It was difficult, but also a very sacred thing to be able to visit the memorial and museum. We wanted to pay our respects to those that had passed, and as hard as it was, remember that day that changed our lives forever.

I remember exactly where I was when the first tower was hit. My husband was in the US Army and we were stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. We had just fed the kids breakfast and Craig was getting ready to head to the dental clinic and I had a final in my music theory class at St. Mary’s College, where I was attending school and playing soccer. (I went back to college when I was 32 after I had my four kids)

I left to go to the college since I didn’t want to miss my final and I had a soccer game later that day. When I arrived at the school I went to my class and took the final. The professor turned on the TV and we watched silently until it was announced that classes and all athletic events were canceled. It took me forever to get back on base since everything was on lockdown and I finally made it home six hours later. I just wanted to hug my babies and husband. There were MP’s everywhere on post guarding the schools, commissary and the PX. Everything changed that day. I hope we never forget. I know I will not. I’m so grateful we were able to go to the memorial and honor those that were killed in this horrific attack.

#7 Zip-Lining Over the Rice Fields in Bali

This one scared me because of how high it was but we were on an adventure retreat and I said I’d do it! Our mantra on the trip was “YOLO”, you only live once, so we all pushed ourselves outside our comfort zone and tried new things.

#8 Go to a Yankee’s Game in NYC

I’m not a huge baseball fan but, I’ve always wanted to see the Yankee’s play in Yankee Stadium. My husband was extra excited since he’s a big sports fan. I think I enjoyed the people watching as much as the game. The Yankees fan’s are crazy, but in a good way. It was a play-off game too, which made it extra exciting.

#9 Go to a Broadway Show

I wanted to see a broadway show while in NYC. The ones I wanted to see were sold out or a $1000 per ticket so we ended up seeing Wicked, and it was amazing. I did musical theater in college and always loved the theater and this musical did not disappoint. I can’t wait to go back again and see more shows!

#10 Learn Something New

Wow! I learned so many new things this year but one thing I had no knowledge of was SEO (Search Engine Optimization). I launched my blog in July of 2018 and had never heard of SEO. I am not a techy person and when I started blogging, I didn’t know what I didn’t know! I don’t have a photo to show myself learning SEO but rest assured I did all the SEO work on this post so that maybe it will show up on google! I have a long ways to go learning SEO but at least I know a lot more than I did a year ago! Thank you to Summer Adams Designs for helping me with this and teaching me so many things! She’s an amazing friend and a talented blogger and Influencer. You can find her @SummerAdamsDesigns on Instagram and Pinterest.

#11 Play in a Tennis League or Tournament

I played in two tennis leagues and lost almost all my matches but it was still so fun! I always wanted to learn to play tennis and so I took lessons last year and got rated at a 3.0. I can’t seem to find any photos of me playing but I can assure you I enjoyed it. I played so much that I got tennis elbow and had to get a steroid shot in it so I could keep playing! It’s so much fun!

#12 Do 50 Crossfit WOD’s

WOD stands for workout of the day and it’s what every Crossfit workout is called. I did 276 Crossfit workouts (overachiever problems) this past year, along with a bunch of Orange Theory classes and hot yoga sessions. I love being active and having a great community to work out with. I’ve made some great friends at the different gyms I work out at in Washington and Utah.

#13 Attend Suzy School in Colorado

What is Suzy School? It’s a retreat for influencers to connect with other women entrepreneurs and learn how they can be a force for good with the influence they have on Instagram. I went with an open mind and heart and wanted to figure out my why and where. When I started this blogging, Instagram, and Pinterest journey, I never knew it would take off like it has and that anyone would like it. I didn’t have a plan or any idea what I was doing. I was trying to figure out what to do with the next chapter of my life as an empty nester. I was struggling to figure out where I’m going with all of this and what purpose I had. Going to Suzy School helped me to figure out my values and my why (am I doing this) and my where (am I going).

This blog is still a work in progress but, I truly love sharing my ideas and inspiration on how to create a warm and cozy home. I hope that anyone who comes here feels welcome and that the things I share here and on my Instagram adds value to your life and inspires you in some way.

Suzy Holman is actually a real person (@simplysuzys) who’s sharing her knowledge and experience with others in this same space. She’s amazing and I’m so grateful I was able to go to this retreat and learn so many new things about myself. I’m finally feeling comfortable in my skin and have connected with so many amazing people that uplift and inspire me and Suzy is one of those women!

One other thing about Suzy School! I have STRUGGLED my entire life with saying no. One of the biggest things I came away with from Suzy School is the time I had with Jaime Gordon, who is an awesome life coach. She helped me break through some big barriers in regards to this problem I’ve had and how I sabotage myself. This was epic for me and I’m looking forward to working with Jaime more over the next year. She’s incredible if you’re looking for someone to help you break through barriers and become your best self!   Jaime Gordon Life Coach

#14 Support OUR (Operation Underground Railroad)

OURRescue is an organization that rescues children from slavery and child sex trafficking. I came across an article years ago in a magazine about this organization. I tore the page out of the magazine so I could save it and hoped I could learn more and get involved. Last November, I received an invite to attend a gathering of influencers in Utah to learn more about this. Talk about the law of attraction!

I was honored that I was asked to attend and even more so, I was happy to share about it on my Instagram and help raise awareness and money on National Giving Day in December for this great organization. This is one simple thing I could do to help get the word out that children are still being sex trafficked and sold into slavery. It’s hard to believe that this is still happening in our world today. I hope and pray we can all work together to end such a horrible thing against our precious children.

#15 Attend the Flower Hunter Flower Workshop

I really wanted to go to a flower workshop this past year and learn more floral arranging techniques. When I found out that Lucy, The Flower Hunter, Max Gill, and Gabriella from La Must de las Flores were holding a workshop in Berkley, California, I signed up immediately. I went with my friend Amy Brown who loves flowers as much as I do, and is the owner of Laughing Goat Flower Farm in Washington. I learned so many new techniques and connected with flower lovers from all over the world. I made an asymmetrical floral arrangement and bridal bouquet. Such an amazing experience! Lucy, Max, and Gabriella are so lovely and incredibly talented and it was such a pleasure learning from them.

#16 Do Live Recipe and Table Styling Segments on TV (Fox13 The Place)

I wanted to share my recipes and ideas for entertaining at home and never dreamed I’d get asked to share that on a local TV station that is LIVE! Yikes! I was so excited when Fox13 The Place reached out to me but, then I realized I would be on live TV!!!! OMGoodness did that terrify me! I did four different Segments with them over the year and each time I did one I got more and more comfortable. I still get nervous but I don’t feel like I’m going to pass out now! I shared my Scones and Honey Butter Recipe, my Mac and Cheese Recipe, Grandmas Jolley’s Strawberry Pie Recipe, Fourth of July Tablescape ideas, and on Halloween, I did my Chili Recipe!(video linked here) (Recipe linked here)

#17 Learn and Memorize a New Song on the Piano

I love playing the piano and I almost always play at night before I go to bed. It helps me wind down and relax and it brings me so much joy to play. My mom was a piano teacher so we always had music in our home. I stopped memorizing music years ago and I didn’t think I still could do it anymore so over the past few years I’ve challenged myself to learn and memorize some new music. It takes me two or three months to memorize a song but on this particular song, I had the first part memorized, but didn’t get the end down until the eleventh hour! I put this one off to the very end but, finally had it memorized the last part of December. I took video of me playing the song I learned but I can’t upload it here so I’m sharing a photo of me playing the piano earlier in the year. The song I memorized is River Runs Through It.

#18 Go to a New England Patriots Football Game

I’m not a big football fan (I’m a soccer person) but I love the New England Patriots. My boys have always loved the Patriots and we took them to Boston a few years ago for a Seattle Seahawks vs. Patriots game. I think I decided I liked football a little more when Tom Brady is on the field. When we were in NYC, on our actual anniversary we went to the Jets vs. Patriots game. The tickets were amazing! We got to go early and go under the stadium and eat the most amazing dinner. They had an ice sculpture of the NYC skyline filled with seafood! Then we got to go out on the field and watch the players warm up right behind the bench and we had great seats. It was so much fun and what made it even more special was how much Craig loved it. He’s a big football fan and he was like a kid in a candy shop. It was so much fun and I’m pretty sure our boys are still mad that we went this that without them!

#19 Work out at Crossfit Wanderlust in Bali

This is one of the best Crossfit gyms in the world. We went there at least five times and wow!! Crossfit is intense, but this was another level with the heat and humidity in Bali! We were all dripping wet after each workout. Such a great experience and we met some really amazing athletes from all over the world! Crossfit Wanderlust, Bali, Indonesia.

#20 Eat at Chez Panisse

I wanted to eat at this famous restaurant in Berkley! It’s the original farm to table restaurant and the flowers are all done by Max Gill, who was teaching one of the classes at the floral workshop I attended. This was probably the best meal I’ve ever eaten at a restaurant. Everything was divine. I can’t wait to go back again! Chez Panisse

#21 Attend Jordan’s Graduation from Marine Boot Camp

My son Jordan, enlisted in the US Marines last May and we all went to his graduation from boot camp at MEPS in San Diego, California. It was such an amazing experience and I was so incredibly proud of my son. Becoming a US Marine is no joke. It was a special experience for our family to be able to go and be a part of such a special thing. I’m so grateful to Jordan and all those other young men and women that are willing to serve in the military and serve our country.

#22 Take a Painting Class

I’ve always wanted to learn to paint and so I took some painting classes from a friend who has a masters degree in Art. It was so fun and I can’t wait to continue learning! I really want to paint flowers and maybe someday I’ll be able to!

#23 Keep a Daily Gratitude Journal

Keeping a gratitude journal daily was a challenge for me. Not the being grateful part, but making it part of my daily routine. I’m so glad I did it though, as now I can look back over the year and remember so many things that happened. It also gave me a chance to slow down each day and be mindful and thoughtful about what I was grateful for. This is something I recommend to everyone. It truly gave me a chance to slow down and reflect on the blessings and goodness in my life.

On top of the journal is a little postcard I have kept inside the journal about gratitude that I received at a conference with Bill Blatchford from Blatchford Solutions. He is one of the most amazing humans on this planet. I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and the Haute Route in the Swiss Alps with him four years ago. He is a magnet of positivity.

#24 Be More Open and Share Reality on my Instagram

I have always tried to be authentic and share the reality and behind the scenes of what I do on my social media accounts but, I know that many people struggle with seeing others posts and get caught up in the comparison game. We all do it to some extent, including me! I wanted to be more open and transparent and share more of the reality of life as I think people want to see that you’re a real person and you have good days and bad days.

It was hard for me to do this in some ways because I like perfection. I like having the perfectly clean house and appear to have my act together but life isn’t perfect and life can get messy, but that doesn’t make you less than anyone else.

As the year went on I became a little more brave and the more I shared reality on my posts, (not just stories) the better the response was from so many people. It felt good to just be me, to be honest about my current situation or day and not apologize if I didn’t have my act totally together.

I want my social media feeds to be a place for inspiration, but also a place where no one feels like they aren’t good enough. Here’s a few pictures that I shared that my followers loved! These were before and after! Click here to see the post on Instagram

#25 Snow Shoeing

This was one of the things I was most excited about. I have a group of friends in Utah that I hike with. We call ourselves the Mountain Mommas. These ladies are amazing and I love surrounding myself with these women. They are funny, a little irreverent at times, beautiful, strong, and lovely in every way! This was the first thing I knocked off the list in January 2019.

We went to the back of Sundance Ski Resort to the Alpine Loop Trailhead. (This is the other trail to hike to the top of Mt. Timpanogos in the summer). It was a beautiful sunny day in the Wasatch mountains and it was cold! It was so fun and we ended the day by sliding down a hill on our bottoms and having lunch at Sundance Ski Resort. Life is never dull with the Mountain Mommas!

Here’s the end of Part One! Stay tuned for Part Two!

XOXO,

Professional photos of me are by HannahQ Photography. All other photos are mine unless otherwise noted.

Suzy School Photos credit: Hannah Elise Magro

50 THINGS TO ACCOMPLISH THIS YEAR

The post Turning 50 And My List of Fifty Awesome Things I Did to Celebrate-Part One appeared first on Home With Holly J.