At this point, we’ve traveled with our kids for a week on a catamaran, driven across Wyoming and Yellowstone, taken several mountain trips, and now another adventure out to Colorado. With every trip, I refine our packing list a little more and learn something new. I thought I’d share everything that worked well for our family in case you’re planning a trip of your own.

This trip was especially fun because it started many months ago. Last November, we found out Forest Frank was playing in Colorado during the summer. Our kids are huge fans, so we surprised them with concert tickets for Christmas and planned our entire vacation around it. We flew into Denver, spent a little time in the city, and then made our way to Estes Park for the rest of the week.

Flying into Denver

One thing I’d recommend if you’re flying into Denver: build in extra time for your rental car. Out of all the airports we’ve flown through, this one consistently takes the longest. After landing, you’ll take a train to a shuttle then to the rental car center. From baggage claim to driving away, I’d plan on about 45 minutes, especially during the busier months.

Rather than rushing straight to the mountains, we like spending a little time around Denver before heading straight up to higher elevations. It gives everyone a chance to begin adjusting to the altitude, especially coming from sea level in Charleston.

Our boys are currently fascinated with airplanes, so we spent a few hours at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum before leaving the city. It was the perfect way to stretch our legs after traveling, and they loved the hands-on exhibits. If museums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other ways to spend the day around Denver. Red Rocks Park, Dinosaur Ridge, Golden, Boulder and several water parks all make great stops before heading into the mountains.

Our Biggest Tip: Take the Altitude Seriously

If you’re traveling from sea level like we are, don’t underestimate the altitude.

Every trip out west reminds me just how much harder your body has to work. Even easy hikes can feel surprisingly difficult the first day or two, and staying ahead of it makes a huge difference. The kids can’t communicate their ailments as easily, so be mindful if they complain of a headache or start showing symptoms. I’ve compiled a list of my favorites supplies to pack here.

A few things we’ve learned over several trips:

• Start hydrating a few days before you leave.

• Bring electrolyte packets for the flight and every hiking day.

• Recovery tablets have become a staple in our backpacks. This is our fourth trip using them, and I genuinely think they help.

• If your schedule allows, spend a day in Denver before heading into the mountains. Even that small adjustment can make the first day of hiking much more enjoyable.

The Drive to Estes Park

One of our favorite traditions is stopping in Boulder on the way to Estes Park.

We almost always stop at Trader Joe’s to stock up on groceries before heading into the mountains. It’s significantly more affordable than shopping once you’re in Estes Park, and we prefer cooking most of our breakfasts and dinners at our Airbnb. It also means we can pack lunches for the trails each day instead of relying on restaurants outside of the park.

If you’ve never spent time in Boulder, it’s worth exploring for a few hours or days. There are plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, local trails, and beautiful neighborhoods to wander through before continuing into the mountains.

And then, finally, you begin the drive into Estes Park. No matter how many times we make that drive, it never gets old driving up!

Where We Stayed

There are so many wonderful places to stay around Rocky Mountain National Park. Estes Park is the heart of it all, with restaurants, shops, coffee, and easy access to the park. Yes, it can feel a little touristy at times, but if you spend most of your days exploring the park, it becomes the perfect place to come back to each evening to shop around and dine.

We’ve also ventured near Grand Lake and absolutely love that side of the park. It’s quieter, incredibly beautiful, and has a completely different feel than Estes Park. The downside is that it’s a long drive to many of our favorite hikes in the Bear Lake area. We’ve talked about splitting our time between the two on a future trip, but for this visit, we wanted to settle into one place for the week.

As for lodging, we’ve found that renting an Airbnb just outside of town works best for our family. We especially love staying near the Fall River entrance. It’s peaceful, close to town, and entering the park through Fall River has consistently been much less crowded for us than Beaver Meadows.

We cooked most of our breakfasts and dinners at the house, packed lunches for the trails, and loved having a quiet place to come home to after long days outside. We saw more animals in and around our Airbnb than we did inside of the park! I sat every morning with coffee and watched the elk while the hummingbirds buzzed all around. One night, we even saw a black bear by our hot tub (rare in this park) while shutting the curtains for bed. It was in our yard and scampered right off to the woods, passing the elk resting in the yard.

The Best Decision We Made This Trip

A few years ago, we were staying in the Windcliff area overlooking the YMCA of the Rockies. One afternoon we took the boys on a short hike and happened to meet a few ladies from my hometown. We stood there talking for a while, and before we left they said, “Next time you’re here, you have to check out the YMCA.”

They told us about the family activities, the hiking, and especially the day camp. They said parents would drop their kids off for the day, head into the park for longer hikes, and pick them up that afternoon.

For some reason that conversation always stuck with me and this year we finally decided to try it. We didn’t sign up early enough, so camp had already filled for part of the week. We were able to get our younger two in for three days and our oldest for two days.

Honestly, it completely changed our trip!

Scott and I would drop the kids off at 8:00 each morning, head straight into Rocky Mountain National Park, and spend a few hours tackling hikes that would’ve been much more difficult with all three kids. We’d pick everyone up around 3:30, then spend the rest of the afternoon and evening together as a family exploring Estes Park, driving Trail Ridge Road, or taking shorter hikes.

One day it even gave us the chance to take our oldest on a longer hike, just the three of us. Those nine miles together ended up being one of my favorite memories from the entire week.

The kids absolutely loved camp.

They spent their days hiking inside of the national park, climbing the rock wall onsite, making crafts, building little boats, playing outside, and coming home every afternoon excited to tell us about everything they’d done. It was incredibly well organized, and compared to camps at home, we found it surprisingly affordable.

We didn’t stay at the YMCA this trip, but after spending so much time there, I completely understand why families return year after year. Beyond camp, they offer guided hikes, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, archery, family programs, evening activities, and so much more. If you’re traveling with kids, I would absolutely look into it. I don’t think we’ll ever take another summer trip to Estes Park without including it in our plans.

A Few Things We Learned About Visiting Rocky Mountain National Park

Before our first trip, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed trying to understand the reservation system. It sounded much more complicated than it actually is. Here’s the simple version.

To enter Rocky Mountain National Park, everyone needs a park pass. During the busy summer season, (May 22 to October) you’ll also need a timed entry reservation if you’re entering the park between 9am to 2pm.

If you’re planning to hike anywhere in the Bear Lake Corridor—which includes some of the park’s most popular trails like Bear Lake, Dream Lake, Emerald Lake, Lake Haiyaha, Alberta Falls, Mills Lake, Loch Vale, and Sky Pond—I would absolutely recommend getting the Bear Lake Corridor timed entry reservation. It gives you access to the entire park, not just Bear Lake, and we found it well worth planning around. You must have a separate timed entry to this location within the park if you plan on attending 5am to 6pm.

One thing that saved us: don’t panic if you miss the advance reservations. Additional timed entry permits are released the evening before on Recreation.gov. I logged on a few minutes before they opened and was able to get every reservation we wanted for the following day.

One other thing we learned after several trips: don’t automatically park at the “park and ride” if the ranger says Bear Lake parking is full. The shuttle is great, but you can often find spots!

A few mornings we took the chance and drove up anyway. Since many hikers start before sunrise, people were already leaving by the time we arrived. We ended up finding parking every time it said it was full. It won’t always work, but if your schedule allows, it’s worth checking before giving up and taking the shuttle. The shuttle is super convenient also, so no worries either way!

Our Favorite Hikes

I always spend weeks researching hikes before we travel, but I also know every family hikes differently. These were the ones we loved most this trip, and if we were going back tomorrow, I’d do every one of them again.

One thing to know about us, we're not expert hikers. We live in Charleston where just about everything is flat, so every trip to the mountains is a challenge in the best way. We love being active and getting outside, but we're not out to conquer the hardest trail in the park. We're looking for hikes with beautiful views and a challenging workout. We’re not summiting 14ers, using cables, and backpacking for days. If that sounds like you too, I hope these are helpful.

One thing I’d recommend if you’re hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park during the summer is to start as early as you can. Afternoon storms build quickly in the mountains, especially above tree line, and almost every day we watched dark clouds roll in between noon and 2:00. We made it a goal to be heading back down the trail by early afternoon, and I’m so glad we did. The lightning is NO JOKE when you’re exposed on a trail in Colorado!

Day One: Bear Lake, Nymph Lake, Dream Lake & Emerald Lake

3.6 miles round trip | Moderate | About 700 feet of elevation gain

If this is your first trip to Rocky Mountain National Park, this is a good starting point.

This is one of the park’s most popular hikes, but after doing it several times, I completely understand why. The trail isn’t overly difficult, but the scenery changes constantly. It almost feels like you’re walking from one postcard to the next.

Bear Lake is a beautiful stroll, but don’t stop there.

The trail climbs gently through the forest before reaching Nymph Lake, which is covered with lily pads during the summer. A little farther you’ll arrive at Dream Lake, one of my favorite views in the park. The mountains seem to rise straight out of the water, and it honestly doesn’t look real.

If you keep going, you’ll reach Emerald Lake, tucked beneath Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain. It was the perfect place to slow down, eat lunch, and sit for a while.

This one gets busy with plenty of people, especially in the morning, but once you hike past Dream Lake, it starts to thin out. We found a quiet rock overlooking the water, unpacked our sandwiches, and lingered a while. My biggest regret was not bringing a towel because I wanted to hop in that ice cold water at this point.

Day Two: Ouzel Falls

Normally about 5.4 miles round trip | Moderate | Around 950 feet of elevation gain

This was our favorite hike of the entire trip. Shoutout to Matt at Pines and Cones for the recommendation, he talked us into giving this one a go!

Wild Basin feels completely different from the rest of Rocky Mountain National Park. While the Bear Lake area draws most visitors, Wild Basin feels quieter and a little more untouched. The trail follows the North St. Vrain Creek almost the entire way, and you’re constantly hearing rushing water as you hike.

Along the way you’ll pass Copeland Falls and Calypso Cascades before eventually reaching Ouzel Falls. Honestly, the entire trail is beautiful. We kept saying, “wow this is so peaceful.”

Because the access road was closed for maintenance during our visit, we parked near the ranger station and walked the extra distance to the trailhead. It turned what is normally about a five-and-a-half-mile hike into nearly nine miles for us. It definitely added to the challenge, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

We saw maybe twenty people all day. Our eleven-year-old completed the hike with us, and on the way back we spotted a moose standing quietly near the trail. We watched from a distance and seeing that moose made my trip. It was one of those moments where everyone stopped talking and just took it all in.

If you’re looking for one hike that feels peaceful and a little removed from the crowds, this would be my number one recommendation.

Day Three: Mills Lake & Lake Haiyaha

Mills Lake is normally about 5.5 miles round trip to Bear Lake Trailhead | Moderate | Around 935 feet of elevation gain

This was probably our most rewarding days hiking. We started toward Mills Lake, passing Alberta Falls along the way. It’s one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls, and while it’s worth stopping for, I wouldn’t end the hike there. Keep going and going.

When we reached Mills Lake, we walked around to the opposite side before stopping for lunch on a huge boulder we climbed. Looking back across the water toward Longs Peak was one of the prettiest views we experienced all week.

Originally we considered going over to the Loch and continuing toward Sky Pond, but with a later start, afternoon storms in the forecast, and not quite the right footwear, we decided to save it for another trip. That route is considered hard and requires some climbing so we opted out this time.

Instead, we diverted headed toward Lake Haiyaha. I’m not sure pictures can fully capture the color of that water. It has the most incredible turquoise-blue color, created by fine glacial rock suspended in the lake. Getting down to the shoreline requires climbing over large boulders, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the hike.

One thing I’ll warn you about... the hike from Haiyaha back toward Bear Lake is almost entirely uphill. After several days of hiking at elevation, it definitely kicked our tails and we were exhausted coming out of the hike!

Hikes Already on Our List for Next Time

One of the reasons I love coming back to Rocky Mountain National Park is knowing we’ll never see it all. Every trip leaves us with another list for next time.

A list of our next hikes we’d like to do:

Sky Pond – This is probably the hike I was most disappointed to miss. It passes Alberta Falls, Loch Vale, and Timberline Falls before ending at Sky Pond beneath the Cathedral Spires. Everyone we talked to said it’s one of the most spectacular hikes in the park.

Chasm Lake – Chasm Lake is high on our list for next time. The views of Longs Peak look incredible, and everyone we’ve talked to says it’s one of the most rewarding hikes in the park.

Gem Lake – A shorter hike with beautiful views over Estes Park that would make a great option on a travel day or easier afternoon.

Ute Trail – This one has intrigued me for a while because it begins above tree line and crosses the alpine tundra. We’d heard it’s a great place to see wildlife, but because it’s completely exposed, we weren’t comfortable attempting it with the afternoon storms in the forecast. You’ll see it if you drive up Trail Ridge Road and stop at the Alpine Visitor Center.

Don’t Skip the Drives

We hiked a lot on this trip, but I love a good drive through the park also. Take your time driving Trail Ridge Road and don’t be afraid to pull over often at marked spaces. The overlooks are incredible, and the scenery changes so much as you make your way across the park.

If you have time, drive over to Grand Lake. It has a much quieter feel than Estes Park and is well worth the trip but I’d allow a full day for this.

We also loved stopping at Sprague Lake and Lily Lake. Neither takes much time, but both super easy and are worth adding to your day.

We also loved Old Fall River Road, a slower, one-way dirt road that winds up the mountain with beautiful views along the way. Scott and I drove it on a date night a few years ago and ended the evening watching the sunset from the Alpine Visitor Center. It’s still one of my favorite memories from our trips there.

Be sure to stop at the Alluvial Fan before going up too. It’s an easy stop where the kids can climb around the rocks and see the rushing water.

Our Favorite Stops Around Estes Park

One thing I love about Estes Park is that it can be as adventurous or as slow as you want it to be. Some afternoons we came back exhausted from hiking and wandered through town with an ice cream cone. Other evenings we cooked dinner at the Airbnb and watched the sun set over the mountains.

Estes Park Aerial Tram

If you’re traveling with kids, don’t skip this. This was our second visit, and it was the very first thing our kids asked to do again.

The tram takes you to the top of Prospect Mountain, where the views over Estes Park are incredible. It is incredible and I wouldn’t suggest if you’re scared of heights! Once you’re at the top, there’s a short trail that takes you to the top for epic views and it’s a fun way to work your legs before heading back down.

The chipmunks up there are always a favorite with the kids, and you can buy peanuts at the top to feed them. Just remember that’s at the tram, not inside Rocky Mountain National Park. Do not feed the animals anywhere else.

Mustang Mountain Coaster

This was another favorite with our kids. If you’re planning to go, try to get there early. We arrived before 9:00 a.m. and were able to take advantage of discounted tickets before the crowds started building and we got right on the roller coaster!

Pines & Cones

We love a good ice cream stop after a long day. If you stop in, ask for Matt. He gave us some of the best hiking recommendations of the week, including Ouzel Falls, which ended up becoming our favorite hike of the trip. They even had rotating vegan flavors, which my belly appreciated, and everyone left happy.

Coffee

I always love a good latte before heading into any park. We loved stopping at Coffee On the Rocks for coffee before wandering through the park or heading back to the house.

A Few Favorite Restaurants

We actually cooked most of our breakfasts and dinners at the Airbnb, which not only saved money but also gave us slower mornings before heading into the park.

When we did eat out, these were our favorites:

Ed’s Cantina for a casual lunch or dinner.

Sole for a margarita with one of the prettiest views in town.

Bird & Jim for a nicer dinner after a long day of hiking.

And before entering the park one morning, we stopped by Country Market to grab sandwiches, snacks, or anything we’d forgotten.

A Few Packing Thoughts

I always get questions about what I pack for trips like this, and honestly, I’ve simplified a lot over the years. Lightweight layers are everything. Even in July, we’d start the morning in a jacket, peel layers off while hiking, and put them back on when afternoon storms rolled through.

I almost always hike in leggings instead of shorts. They’re comfortable, keep the sun off my legs, and I never have to think about them while climbing over rocks or fallen trees.

I packed lightweight athletic tops, a button-down shirt for cooler mornings and travel days, a rain jacket that stayed in my backpack every single hike, and, of course, my Birkenstocks for everything that wasn’t on the trail.

My only regret was wearing my Hoka sneakers for these trails. I kept rolling my ankles and I’m not sure why I didn’t pack hiking shoes with ankle support. I didn’t think we would be doing anything too strenuous but even the moderate hikes were very rocky with unstable ground.

I’ll put together a separate post with everything I packed because it’s one of the questions I get asked most! You can shop my curated packing list here.

If You’re Planning Your Own Trip...

A few things I’d recommend after several visits:

• Don’t overfill your itinerary. Leave room to stop at the lakes, stop at overlooks, or pull over when you see elk in a meadow. Just go with the flow.

• Pack lunch and high energy snacks every hiking day. Some of our favorite memories happened while sitting on a rock beside an alpine lake with sandwiches we’d packed that morning. Take LOTS of water! More than you think you’d drink and add electrolytes.

• Download your alltrail maps before entering the park. Cell service disappears quickly once you’re inside and I loved that! Grab the paper maps at the ranger stations as backup!

• Respect the weather. Afternoon storms arrive fast, especially above tree line. Starting early made every hike more enjoyable and gave us peace of mind.

• Don’t feel like you have to see everything in one trip. You won’t. And that’s actually one of the reasons I love this place so much.

• Stay on the trails and respect the wildlife by keeping a distance.

Until Next Time

Every time we leave Colorado, we start talking about the next trip before we’re even home. There’s always another trail we’d like to hike or another place we’d love to explore.

The mountains have become a place of rest for our family. Some of our favorite memories aren’t the big adventures, they’re the simple ones. Sharing lunch beside a lake, watching an afternoon storm roll over the peaks, or spotting a moose on a trail.

If you’ve been thinking about visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, I hope this encourages you to go!

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The Viral AI Audit

Before I go any further, I don’t have all the answers here. In fact, I may think differently a year from now, six months from now, or even tomorrow. I’m learning in real time, just like everyone else. This isn’t meant to be a declaration about AI or a set of rules for anyone else. It’s simply my experience, what happened when I tried this exercise, and the questions it stirred up in my own heart.

I use AI in a limited capacity, and I actually like it some days. There are tools that I have implemented to make things more productive on my end. So I’m not saying YOU SHOULD NOT USE THIS. I’m simply sharing what happened when I asked it to help me grow, the feelings and personal convictions it invoked, and where it all sat with me before you dive in and let it analyze your content.

The Roast

I signed in and signed up, and then I let it do the thing. It went digging, and then within 10 minutes it populated a short “roast” of my account and how I can improve it. It also provided a major in-depth criticism, and a lot of it was constructive, with some things I will implement. However, where it started tossed major red flags to my faith and identity.

The first thing it said to do and suggested… remove my name from my bio. (Claude quotes below)

“BIO: The display name “Amy Romfo” wastes a searchable keyword field entirely.”

Second, it said this:

GRID: Visually gorgeous and aesthetically cohesive — warm, collected, earthy. The problem is the three pinned posts. Two of your pins are deeply personal faith content from January and May. For cold traffic arriving via a porch reel, landing on “I believed I was unworthy” creates whiplash. They came for porches. They get therapy content. They leave.

Ouch. Remove your name. Unpin your faith.

Entering into my forties, I finally found my identity in Christ. Not in job success, friendships, social media, mothering, and more. It has been messy and hard heart work that has completely transformed my life. So I love sharing it, shouting my experiences from the rooftops. If one person comes to my page, I hope they'll explore the pretty pictures but see who and what I really am, how I've transformed through the years, and what truly matters. It is who I am. Without it, my home & lifestyle will not exist.

but then it said this…

HOOKS: Your faith content has your strongest hooks (the “ice-cold river in Colorado” opening is genuinely good — specific, visceral, curious-making). Your lifestyle/brand content hooks are too poetic and abstract — “I stopped trying to write the story” is beautiful and means nothing to a stranger.

But what if it means something to me? Who am I creating for?

and finally

WHAT’S HURTING YOU: The faith/personal content ratio is high for an account that is predominantly a home and lifestyle brand. 25% is not wrong in absolute terms — your audience clearly responds emotionally to it — but the placement is wrong. Pinning two personal/faith posts means that content is the FIRST thing every new visitor sees. This is a barrier. Save the deeply personal content for your stories, the podcast or if you post it on the feed, do not pin it.

It is who I am. Without it, my home & lifestyle will not exist.

It did give some really solid, almost common-sense things to fix. Much more than I can share in this post, but here is the quick roast and what I'm doing, if you're interested.

THE ROAST — 5 things to fix this week:

1. Unpin the faith posts today. They serve your warm audience, not cold traffic.

   1. not doing.

2. Update your display name to include keywords like “Charleston Home + Thrift.”

   1. will edit to include description, will not be removing my name.

3. Shoot a fresh brand intro reel — your pinned one is 23 weeks old.

   1. on it.

4. Get specific in your hooks — concrete time, place, action beats poetry every time.

   1. I’ll let God lead me in my creatives and then think about the hooks.

5. Start a weekly content series (Thrift Thursday, Budget Find of the Week, etc.)

   1. already started garden and thrifting - solid advice here, maybe a series on identity and not losing ourselves to AI?

Reflections

As I reflect on this roast and growth audit, the real questions I’m asking myself are: what does growth look like to me? What am I willing to sacrifice to grow faster, or am I going to dig down deeper into who I am and grow slower? I personally felt convicted that my faith is unclear and not evident in everything I post. Also, how do I take that faith/personal ratio and make it higher?

Maybe that’s really what I’m wrestling with. Not whether AI is good or bad, but how I personally use it. Where the guardrails belong. What growth means to me. I’m still figuring that out. I don’t have a perfectly formed opinion, and I suspect my thoughts will continue to evolve as technology does. I’m simply sharing where this experience landed with me today and the questions I’m carrying away from it.

Over dinner recently, I had a short conversation with a leader in the social media industry. We started talking about AI and creators, what it looks like for us, and more. One common theme we kept discussing was guardrails. What are the guardrails that need to be placed around all of this stuff? And I started thinking, what about our own personal guardrails?

Why don’t we personally start with our own guardrails? Look within and ask what we are willing to let AI do for us. Ask God every time we use it: is this okay? Is it serving us by making things easier, or is it taking a piece of our identity? What are our personal guardrails? Remember, I don’t have the answers, and I’m not meant to. It’s a personal walk with the Lord and how He convicts me in the moment.

So why am I even sharing this? I just hope that whatever job capacity you’re in, whether you’re a creative, a mother, a nurse, a student... and every week it feels like some new skill we mastered needs to be tweaked and done differently...

If I’m not looking at my heart daily and growing from the work there, then I don’t want to grow anywhere else. True growth starts within our hearts, letting God be the true gardener.

I caution you as you scroll and see all of these tips for using Claude and AI to grow. While I believe they can be beautiful tools to help you get organized, give ideas, and provide prompts, I urge you not to lose yourself in the process. Don’t get so niched down that you forget who you are and what you’re creating for in the first place. And please, pleeeeeassseeeeee do not lose your identity in the process of growing. We’re not all meant to be robots. We’re a masterpiece, and all masterpieces look different. They’re designed just how God wants us to be.

And I totally used AI to check my grammar and spelling in this post because... I did and felt okay with it. Maybe I’ll pin this post to the top of my IG feed?

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1. Favorite thrift stores in Charleston?

My go-to second hand thrifting spots:

• East Cooper Home Store (my personal favorite!)

• Community Thrift Store (Rivers Ave. & Ladson)

• Habitat for Humanity ReStore (Meeting Street, John’s Island & Jedburg, Goose Creek)

• God’s Goods (Mt. Pleasant)

Favorite antique stores:

• Mount Pleasant Mall

• Antiques of South Windermere

• Summerville Antique Gallery

• Village Emporium

• The Station

…and honestly, that’s just scratching the surface... there are so many great places in Charleston.

2. Where are your blue sofas from?

My sofas are the Madeline 90” Sofa Bench Cushion from Rowe Furniture, and I have been obsessed with them. They’re such a beautiful classic shape and feel timeless while still cozy. The colors photograph so beautifully in our home. Right now, they’re actually on sale for close to $1,000 off at some retailers. Linked here.

One of those “save up for it and love it forever” pieces for me 🤍

3. How did you hang your flag buntings?

I hung them with simple Amazon cable ties and looped them through the grommets. Easy, secure, and they’ve held up really well outdoors for three seasons now.

FLAG BUNTINGS | ZIP TIES | FRONT PORCH AMAZON FAVORITES

4. Where are your front porch chairs from?

They’re from Home Depot! Unfortunately they’re currently out of stock, but I’m keeping an eye out in case they restock because they’re one of my favorite porch finds. McGee & Co. has a beautiful chair that’s so similar… linked here.

5. What are your vintage dishes?

My dishes hung on display are the Empire by Rosenthal - Continental and I absolutely love them. They have the prettiest timeless, collected feel and make even a simple breakfast feel special. I found them at East Cooper Home Store in Charleston, South Carolina.

6. What did you plant in your front porch planters?

My planters are a mix of:

• Kimberly Queen Fern

• Foxtail Fern

• English Ivy

• Creeping Fig

• White Geranium

• Diamond Frost Euphorbia

…and lately I’ve added Mandevilla into the mix too for extra color and height!

7. What’s your current beauty favorite?

Right now, I’m loving the Merit Beauty Tinted Lip Oil Marrakech color. It gives that effortless “your lips but better” look and is so easy for everyday.

8. What outdoor rug do you always recommend?

The Loloi White Dove Rug. It’s such a good neutral and makes a porch feel elevated without being too fussy. I bought it originally for the back porch and bought a second rug for the front door. I’ve had them for over a year and they clean up nicely. I just hose them down or use our blower throughout the season!

9. How would you describe your home style?

Think: cozy coastal cottage with warmth, texture, and pieces that feel collected over time. I love mixing thrifted finds with elevated affordable pieces to create a home that feels beautiful but lived in. Shop my entire home here.

10. What paint color did you use in your home?

One of the questions I get constantly 🤍 The main paint color in our home is Sherwin-Williams White Dove, and it is hands-down my favorite paint color.

It’s the prettiest soft warm white… not too stark, not too creamy. It changes beautifully throughout the day depending on the light. It feels cozy, timeless, and bright all at once, which is exactly the look I love in a home.

If you’ve been debating white paint colors (I know… it can be a rabbit hole 😅), I actually wrote an entire blog post sharing why I love White Dove, how it looks in different lighting, and why I chose it for our home.

Read the full post → here

I’m going to compile more of your questions, leave them in the comments and I’ll put them together soon!

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This week on Under the Oaks, Jenny and I sat down with our dear friend Carrie Davis, known to many online as Carrie Davis Art for one of the most honest and sacred conversations we’ve ever had.

Listen to the Podcast Here

Carrie is an artist, mother, wife, writer, and one of the most quietly powerful people I know. In this episode, she shares publicly for the first time about her invasive ductal carcinoma diagnosis, the year that followed, and what it looked like to keep living while facing the unimaginable.

What struck me most was not just her honesty, but the way she speaks about suffering with both tenderness and clarity. Carrie walks us through the small symptoms that slowly began to collect before her diagnosis. The surreal moment she received the news. The strange grief that followed. The feeling of watching her own life unfold almost from outside herself, present, but disconnected, as though her body and spirit were trying to catch up to each other in real time.

But this conversation is not only about cancer.

It’s about identity.
It’s about community.
It’s about fear.
It’s about healing.
It’s about what happens when life becomes fragile enough for you to finally ask deeper questions.

Carrie shares how writing became a lifeline during this season — a place to process what she could not yet fully speak aloud. What began as private reflections slowly became over 160 written excerpts documenting her experience, pieces that may eventually become something much larger. Listening to her speak, it becomes clear why her writing has resonated so deeply with people. There is no performance in it. Only truth.

One of the most moving parts of our conversation was hearing Carrie talk about the choice to pursue wellness. She shared how, at times, holding onto illness almost felt safer than stepping toward healing. How fear can quietly become familiar. And how God met her in that tension with a question that changed everything:

“Do you want to be well?”

We also talked about community in grief, about sitting shiva, allowing people to carry you when you cannot carry yourself, and the humility required to receive help. Carrie speaks beautifully about the thin veil between heaven and earth, about facing death with curiosity rather than panic, and about the peace she has found even while living inside uncertainty.

This episode reminded me that we are so much more than our roles, our relationships, or our diagnoses. There is something deeper inside each of us that suffering cannot erase. And Carrie embodies that beautifully.

Her Substack was recently named one of the top emerging publications on the platform, and after hearing her story, you’ll understand why. The way she writes and the way she lives, it feels like an invitation to slow down, pay attention, and hold life with open hands.

We are deeply honored she trusted us with this story while it is still unfolding.

You can follow Carrie here:
Instagram: @carriedavisart

And read her writing here:
Substack: Carrie Jacobs Davis Substack

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Spring was a season of travel from France ministry to a Palm Beach getaway with Scott, a fun concert, and ending it with a work trip to New York. It feels really good to get back home and settle into our rhythm as “Maycember” sets in. There’s something so grounding with getting back to the everyday routines and just taking care of our home. I didn’t realize how much I missed the ordinary until it I stepped out of the routine.

Sharing a little life lately and what’s been filling my days the past few months, along with special items that took root!

ROUTINE LATELY:

I’ve also been back on my meal prep kick, keeping things simple but consistent. A few staples I’ve been loving:
– Energy balls (so easy to grab throughout the day… recipe I follow) & I just add a scoop or two of protein powder!
– Egg bites for busy mornings (these have replaced my Starbucks habit… recipe here)

Having these ready has made such a difference in keeping the snacks running smoothly.

AROUND THE HOUSE:

I still can’t stop thinking about the garden beds we saw in Europe… truly so dreamy. I’ve been slowly working on ours over the last couple of weeks, taking my time and figuring out what I love. I have a huge plan for them, but it’s going to take some time to work out the details.

My newest addition (and current favorite find) is a raised garden bed from Home Depot. It adds so much character to our patio and makes the whole space feel a little more intentional. I genuinely think it would make the sweetest Mother’s Day gift.

It looks especially cute paired with the new patio umbrella & table!

RAISED GARDEN BOX | UMBRELLA | TABLE

CURRENTLY INTO:

Shop the items here!

ON MY HEART:

Something I haven’t been able to stop thinking about lately:

If God was speaking to you… would you even notice?

I wrote more about this in a recent post, but I’ve really been trying to live with a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit and slowing down enough to listen, notice, and not miss the small ways He might be moving in everyday moments.

It’s been shifting my perspective in a really meaningful way.

(You can read the full story here.)

WEEKEND RECAP / WHAT’S AHEAD:

I spent a few days in New York this week with my management team and I’m so excited to get back to the routine again and snuggle my babies. It was a gorgeous setting that I’ll share soon but for now… I’m wishing you a beautiful week ahead! Wherever you are, I hope you find moments to slow down and soak it in.

Shop my outfit here

xoxo - Amy

I had the opportunity to chat with three guests on the podcast (have you subscribed yet) this week and attend an influencer event, where I met the owner and had a lovely conversation. This week was filled to the brim with quotes and nuggets of wisdom, many of which became seeds that God planted, allowing them to take root. While the episodes are being produced and coming out soon, here are a few things that were just too good to hold onto until they’re live.

Conflicts Takes Us Closer to Intimacy

A few months ago, I sat with a friend and prayed for the word “yes.” I’m starting to see the fruits of that prayer. As we reach out and cross paths with creators, authors, and more for the podcast, God keeps bringing people into my path. I still sit here and think, “Did they really say yes?” Of course they did, because only God. This is a longer story for another day, but who said yes this week? Rachel Cruze said yes to our call to to be a guest on the podcast.

I’m so excited to share the nuggets of wisdom she gave our audience, but beyond that, it was truly a lovely conversation, and a few seeds were planted deep and took root immediately.

One moment that stood out, we were talking about marriage and finances, and how money is often the cause of divorce. But then she said, “Conflict brings us closer to intimacy.” This has been a common theme, with Katie Walters sharing, “80% of secure attachment is built in restoration.”

What if we avoided all of the conflict we have in our marriages, friendships, and more? We would never build that attachment, that intimacy that comes from repair. Discussing the difficult topics brings us closer together.

What is the Value?

When I say this episode was loaded with meaningful conversation, we discussed contentment, comparison, overcoming people-pleasing, our identity, self-worth, and so much more. Rachel shared this beautiful illustration that took root, and I truly cannot shake it. She shared that when purchasing something, she asks herself the value of the item and this one golden question: “If I purchase this and I’m the only person to see it, would I still want it?” In other words, am I buying this for how I’ll be seen by others, or to impress others? To be accepted by others. The conversation flowed into discussions about self worth, identity, contentment and much more. Things that I’ve surrendered and continue to repent of when they emerge.

I can’t shake the discussion though. As someone who has worked through, and is still working, very hard to overcome people-pleasing, it’s challenging, especially as an influencer, to fully grasp this. To overcome the need to impress others for self worth, when my worth is in being a daughter of the King.

So God let that seed go down deep and take root, asking me to live this out starting that very night. I had an event, didn’t know what to wear, and defaulted to shopping. Then He immediately brought to mind a dress already in my closet, a buttery yellow summer dress I’ve worn a handful of times. But I thought, “God, I’ve been photographed in that before. It’s no longer in stock. I can’t link it.”

Again and again, He brought me back to that dress and gently reminded me, “You love this one.” And then the question followed, “Are you doing what you love and being who you are, or are you dressing for others?” So I wore the buttery yellow floral dress.

Stephanie Hall from Estelle Glass

When I received the invitation to attend an event celebrating a local, small business, Estelle Colored Glass, it was an immediate yes. I’ve wanted to learn more about their brand and visit their store, after admiring their products from afar, for a while now. When I entered the store, it felt like prisms and rainbows in glass form, with beautiful colors displayed throughout, an immediate delight for the creative mind. However, what truly took root was the conversation with the owner and founder, Stephanie Hall.

The first thing Stephanie said to me after our introductions was, I love your dress. I quickly replied, thank you, it’s one of my favorites. I didn’t wear it to be seen. I wore it because it was one of my favorites and reflecting on my answer, that was part of the earlier conversation with Rachel! What felt like a conversation starter was truly a Godwink.

I sat to the side and got to learn more about the brand, and I had so many questions. Stephanie shared her heart with me, how she moved from D.C. where she was a lawyer, yet had this vision of creating glassware that felt luxurious but could be used every day. She grew up with her grandmother’s beautiful, colorful glasses and longed to create something that carried that same feeling of warmth, beauty, and gathering.

She shared how she worked countless hours on the branding, pouring over every detail. She tries every piece, walks away, and comes back to try again, all before bringing it into the store. For the brand image, she took a photo of her grandmother and had an artist turn it into a painting, elevating her in a way that felt both personal and timeless.

What took root is that this brand was not built overnight. It was a labor of love, creativity that took hours, days, and years to establish. And it’s displayed like a true masterpiece, like a rainbow in the sky, a collection of hand-blown glass meant to be enjoyed and shared, where community and joy come together. I’ll never forget Stephanie saying, “If you fail… sleep it off and try again.” As a creator and entrepreneur, I value this so much. Don’t let the small failures keep you from creating a masterpiece, sleep it off and try again.

Founded by Stephanie Hall, the collection draws inspiration from her grandmother’s love of elegant entertaining and timeless design. Each piece is crafted by artisans in Poland, blending old-world techniques with a modern, heirloom-quality aesthetic.

When I look back at the week, even just a glimpse of the conversations we had, I can see how it was all woven together. From conversations about the items we purchase and their value, to what truly holds worth, little pockets of wisdom took root. Our stories are all beautiful when put together, woven from conversation into conviction, from buying something new for an event to simply wearing a dress that I love.nAnd I keep coming back to this, and I want you to ask yourself: “When buying something, would you still like it if you were the only one to see it?”

Looking for a link to the dress? It’s old - I can’t link it - wink wink!

Learn more and purchase the glasses here.

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If God spoke to you, would you notice it?

A few years ago, I sat in a session where Hosanna Wong shared about the different ways we hear from God. At the time, I was noticing sunbeams in the clouds frequently, prisms in the sky and from reflections, frequent bird and animal visitors, and more. I didn’t really understand what was happening, but I knew that God was speaking to me through nature.

This is something that has grown over the last few years, and it has been a love language with God that I’m understanding more and more. In every moment when I’m seeking him and want to feel his presence, I don’t have to look far. But sometimes I can become distracted and miss it.

Event Number One

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I said yes to several things in my career and personal life, all very different, but there was a common thread woven throughout. It started with an influencer event that I was so excited to attend. Leading up to the event, I found myself running around looking for the perfect outfit and stressing over all of the wrong things.

Then God whispered, “just be you.”

So I did, and I walked in with a confidence of knowing who I am, but better yet, whose I am. Everything about the event shouted Amy, from the location to the moss-draped oaks looking over the marsh. The scenery, the atmosphere, all of it. It was one of the most beautiful events I’ve attended.

I found myself standing at a table alone, not really knowing what to do next or who to speak with, when I looked down at my glass of water and there was a ladybug that had just landed in it. I remember time kind of stood still, and I just sat in awe, feeling those words again to “just be you.” I left full of gratitude and with a newfound confidence that I could walk into spaces I had once run from.

The Crash

That is, until it all came crashing down. A few days later, I attended another event. This one was in a completely different setting. From the moment that I walked in, something shifted, and I immediately started shrinking within. I started comparing my outfit to others. I started comparing my worth. All of the insecurities and lies of the enemy took ground in my head. After a few small conversations, my heart started pounding, and I felt an immediate need to flee.

So I did. I quietly set down my drink, and the next thing I knew, I was leaving a parking garage, then driving on the interstate, sobbing on the phone with a friend, hyperventilating and not sure what was happening to my body. She talked me through it, prayed with me, and in that moment, I realized I was having a panic attack.

Sitting in a parking lot down the road from my home, because I was a complete mess, I decided that I was not going to let this become part of my identity. I was going to fight it, speak the words out loud, and get help because something had been boiling beneath the surface that needed attention. Over the next several days, I met with my therapist, who made a few suggestions and said it was probably best to do EMDR.

Back to Therapy

EMDR may sound like some foreign, crazy treatment with electrodes and all of that, but it’s actually just sitting in a chair with your eyes closed, holding two small vibrating remotes that go back and forth. It helps engage both your right and left brain so your therapist can bring forward memories, and you can begin to heal from the ones you’ve stored away.

When I had the panic attack, my body had gone into fight-or-flight because of a trigger stored in my memory. Often, these triggers bring us into a heightened state of reaction. So in therapy, we go back, recognize those triggers, and begin to treat them.

During the session, we revisited the experiences that I had just had, and in the loud and crazy room where I was triggered, we discovered that my trigger was actually small talk, and then feeling embarrassed and shameful. So instead of feeling that embarrassment and shame, my body would shut down and I would run. This all makes sense given my story that I’ve shared, and you can see more about that here. So what happened next, and how did I hear God in this moment?

My therapist led me through treating the trigger, and in the session I saw the room. Everything had stopped. Everything was black and white, and I was standing there in the middle. She said, “Okay, let’s invite Jesus into this moment. How do you see Him or feel Him?” And in that moment, a ladybug flew into this crazy bar scene and landed in my hand. I just sat there and stared at it in complete awe and wonder then felt His presence and His peace fall over me.

To the Mountain

A few days later, I found myself headed to another event, much different than those two before. This time I was going to serve our church at a retreat with hundreds of women coming thirsty to hear God’s word, thirsty to feel His presence and rest and retreat. I was so grateful for this opportunity, but there was a part of me that was feeling a little nervous going up because of several things. First, this was a location and an experience where I encountered so much surrender, and I was actually baptized as an attendee a few years ago. It was a place of so much healing for me. This time, I got to go and serve and see others experience the Lord in the same way. But I was also nervous about being surrounded by so many people while feeling so weak and vulnerable.

From the moment that we arrived at the top of the mountain, it was like I took in a deep breath and felt alive again for the first time in a few weeks. On the first day, when we started checking in the campers, I was nervous for my position because I was checking in hundreds of women. And what does that often require? Small talk. Conversation. Something that I had just run and fled from. I reached down to get my clipboard and could not believe what was happening. Right there in front of me, there was a ladybug sitting on the clipboard. Many miles away, in a completely different scene, there was a ladybug… RIGHT when I needed it.

The day was beautiful, and I felt God’s presence throughout the entire day. That evening, our pastor Jenna Surratt and friend spoke to the women, and it was truly incredible. We had prayed over her message, over the women, over what God would do that night. And then… as I watched her speak, I noticed a ladybug flying around her, almost dancing in the air. Then, at one point, it landed on her dress and stayed there through part of her message. I was in complete awe.

She was speaking about radical transformation, about encountering a living, breathing God, and remembering who He is—peace, Yahweh Shalom. I found myself holding onto those words the entire weekend, quietly repeating them and praying for that same transformation in my own heart.

The second day of the retreat was filled with so many divine encounters, moments I can’t wait to share more about. It felt like God was revealing Himself in ways that were both personal and undeniable. On the final day, as we drove home, we found ourselves recapping everything that had happened, processing it all together, and I got to share these moments with my friends, how the common thread had been there all along, even when I didn’t fully understand it.

Back Home

When I got home, life picked back up again, time with the kids, preparing for an international trip, and getting ready to serve on mission even further in France. It felt like stepping back into the rhythm of everyday life, but something in me had shifted.

A few days later, I was getting my daughter into the car when I heard her say, “Mommy, look… Mommy, look… Mommy, look.” I turned around, and there in her hand was a ladybug.

I just paused. Because by then, I knew. And her hat. It says “favorite daughter.” Just wow.

What once felt like small, almost insignificant moments had become something I couldn’t ignore. From the ladybug in my glass at the first event, to the one in my therapy session, to the ones at the retreat, even landing on my friend as she spoke about transformation and peace, and now here, in the ordinary rhythm of being home with my children, it all felt connected.

It wasn’t random. It was a gentle, steady reminder that He had been with me the entire time in the insecurity, in the panic, in the healing, and in the surrender. And now, in the everyday moments I might have otherwise overlooked, He was still there.

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I’ve always loved pergolas, and living in Charleston, there’s no shortage of creeping and climbing vines covering homes. It feels very European, romantic, a little undone, and it’s a style I’ve come to love more and more over the years. We have a large pergola in our backyard that’s a focal point of the garden, and it’s spilling over with jasmine. The smell is heavenly, and I find myself sitting under it often.

So when I started planning our garden design, I knew I wanted something similar, a pergola over the garage where roses could climb and soften the space. The problem was… we couldn’t quite figure out how to get them to grow properly there. So instead of forcing it, we decided to do a trial run in the backyard and I’m so grateful we did.

It turned into something even better than I imagined… simple, understated, and now covered in roses that spill over the top of the pergola. It completely transformed the back patio. I’ve always loved English cottage style roses, and we chose New Dawn roses because they bloom over and over again. They’re soft, romantic, and exactly the look I was hoping for.

This project was very much trial and error. There was no perfect plan. I remember walking through Lowe’s and Home Depot, searching for ideas, sketching things out, then throwing them away, starting over, and trying again. But if you’re wanting to recreate something similar without paying a small fortune, here’s exactly what we did.

How We Built Our DIY Pergola

1. Attach the corbels to the brick
We started by securing PVC corbels directly into the brick using concrete screws. This creates the base support and gives that classic architectural look.

2. Create the support beams
We used hollow 4x4 PVC fence posts and slid 2x2 lumber inside them for added strength. This gave us the look of a substantial beam without the weight. We ran one line closer to the house and one at the outer edge of the corbels, then secured everything into place.

3. Add the top slats
We installed 1x2 PVC slats across the top in the opposite direction, spacing them about 20 inches apart. This is what gives it that pergola feel and creates structure for the roses to grow across.

4. Let it grow
This is where the magic happens. We planted New Dawn climbing roses at the base and started training them upward as they grew.

It’s not a complicated DIY. It’s not fancy. But it completely changed this space. And now, three years later, we’re finally seeing the full effect. You know what they say about climbing plants and roots… the first year they sleep, the second year they creep, and the third year they leap.

This is the year they leap. I can’t wait to share them this season as we makeover the garden and they get even more of a spotlight. You can do this also - let me know below what you plan to plant on your pergola!

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Egg bites are incredibly easy, customizable, and honestly better than anything I was grabbing on the go. The biggest takeaway is to make sure whatever you add isn’t too liquidy, that’s what helps them set just right. I also started adding cottage cheese for extra protein and that soft, fluffy texture, and it makes such a difference. Some people like to add a splash of milk to their mixture as well, depending on the consistency they prefer.

I’ve been loving this non-stick non-toxic muffin pan and it doesn’t require liners.

Easy Egg Bites (Meal Prep Favorite)
Ingredients

• 12 eggs

• ½–1 cup cottage cheese

• Feta cheese (crumbled)

• 1 cup kale (chopped)

• ½ cup bell peppers (diced)

• ½ cup mushrooms (sliced)

• Cooked sausage (chopped)

• Olive oil

• Salt + pepper

Notes / Variations

• Swap kale for spinach

• Try gruyère + ham instead of feta + sausage

• Use any leftover veggies you have on hand

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a non-stick muffin pan. Sauté the kale, peppers, and mushrooms in olive oil until softened. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper (add a splash of milk if you like a softer texture). Stir in the cooked sausage, sautéed veggies, and feta. Pour the mixture into muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full. Bake for about 22 minutes, until set. Let cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.

Again, I made this on the fly and it might take some tweaking of amounts to your preference. Try swapping out ingredients and making it your own!

Get our favorite muffin pan here, it’s a great non-toxic option and comes in a variety or colors!

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For something that feels like it should be simple, it’s been anything but. Too full, too sparse, the wrong plants for the light, things burning out halfway through the season, it’s been a lot of trial and error over the years. But honestly, that’s what’s helped me land on what has now become my favorite and finally, my “go-to” planter formula.

Our Southern porch gets a mix of strong sun and partial shade. The morning and evening light both hit it, which sounds dreamy… but can actually be tricky. Plants either scorch, dry out too quickly, or just don’t thrive the way you hope they will.

After testing so many combinations, here’s what I’ve found works beautifully and actually holds up. They’re also perfectly placed for the sun and/or shade.

The Base of It All: Kimberly Ferns

I’ve found that Kimberly ferns are perfect for the hot Southern sun.

They hold their shape, they don’t get floppy like some other ferns, and they can truly handle the heat—as long as you keep them watered. That’s the key. If you stay consistent with watering, they’ll stay full, structured, and vibrant all season long.

They’ve become my anchor plant for every planter and the one I build everything else around.

The Layering That Makes It Feel Finished

From there, I layer in texture, softness, and a little movement:

• White geraniums for that soft, full look (they almost give a hydrangea feel in planters)

• Foxtail fern for height and a bit of sculptural texture

• Diamond Frost for that airy, delicate filler that brightens everything up

• Ivy + wire vine for trailing and softening the edges

• Trailing White Vinca for a delicate flower look that can handle the heat

• Mandevilla as the statement piece, especially as summer comes on because it loves the sun

This combination gives you structure, fullness, and just enough variation without feeling busy. It took me years to land on this look. And now it’s the one I come back to again and again.

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There’s something about a front porch that sets the tone for your home. And for the first time, ours feels like it reflects exactly what I love, simple, full, a little Southern with a splash of European, and made to welcome people in.

SHOP THIS POST

• CHAIRS

• RUG

• PLANTERS

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What if I told you that spray tanning clients in a small Kentucky town could become the starting point for a thriving real estate career, keynote speaking opportunities, and a message that would inspire thousands? That’s the unexpected path of Dana Gentry and the heart of the conversation Jenny and I shared with her on Under the Oaks.

Dana’s journey is anything but conventional.It holds both deep struggle and remarkable faith. She shares her story of panic attacks, addiction, and beautiful healing. Now she shares how intentionally she lives, as if every ordinary day carries the potential to shine light in places that feel far from God.

An Honest Story, Not a Polished One

This isn’t a story that ignores the hard seasons. Dana shares honestly about the challenges she’s walked through, the loss, family struggles, and her own journey toward healing with a grace that points not to perfection, but to hope.

One of the most powerful moments she shared was sitting on a beach at Sullivan’s Island, burned out, exhausted, and empty despite outward success. But in that quiet place, God spoke a single word to her heart:

Restore.

That word would become the foundation for her healing… and eventually the message of her first book. Stories like that remind us that God’s timing is not always loud, it’s in the quiet moments.

Practical Wisdom for Everyday Restoration

What makes Dana’s story so special is that it doesn’t stop at her healing. She aims to inspire and offers tangible rhythms and tools that help real people live with intention in the middle of ordinary life.

Jenny and I loved hearing her share:

• The power of mentor lunches and the seven questions that can reshape your future

• How to build boundaries that actually protect your soul instead of draining it

• Daily grounding rhythms, including the way she guards her mornings with God

• The freedom of the 80/20 principle choosing sustainability over perfection

• The importance of authentic relationships that cross social and economic lines

Four Pillars That Shape a Restored Life

Through years of growth and personal work, Dana identified four core pillars that guide how she lives:

Intentional living.
Choosing purpose over autopilot.

Great relationships.
Investing deeply in people who sharpen faith and character.

Proximity to mentors.
Staying close to wisdom instead of trying to figure everything out alone.

Running your own race.
Letting go of comparison and trusting God’s unique path for your life.

Each pillar is grounded in real stories, not theory and making them immediately applicable to anyone desiring change.

Buy Dana's Book Restore Here

Perfectly Imperfect Faith

Maybe my favorite part of this conversation was Dana’s heart for making Christianity look perfectly imperfect. It’s not about performance or perfection, it’s just real faith lived out in the everyday world… feathers on your shirt and all. You’ll love her Dolly Parton loving spirit, I promise!

She is living proof that you can succeed in secular spaces without dimming your light!

Jenny and I would love for you to listen to the full conversation on Under the Oaks.
We’re so grateful to sit with voices like Dana’s and even more grateful for our listeners every week!

We painted my office Morning at Sea by Sherwin-Williams SW 9634, and I can’t stop coming in here just to sit. Well, and to puzzle ;) It’s moody but soft, blue but neutral. It’s the kind of color that changes with the light and somehow always feels right.

We color drenched the whole room in satin paint (walls, trim, built-ins) and it made everything feel calmer, cozier, and more intentional. Like the room can finally exhale. The satin finish gives it this quiet glow that feels warm, not shiny like semi-gloss or lacquer.

This space has been so many things over the years, but this is the first time it feels finished!

I think this blue was the missing piece (and maybe the bunnies & podcast as well).

Need a link from this post? Shop the post here. Don’t forget to subscribe below also, more insider info coming soon for subscribers to What Takes Root.

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I live on the coast, and I’ve always been drawn to classic, timeless interiors — the kind you find in old cottages by the sea. Wide-planked floors, creamy neutrals, worn wood, pieces with patina. Spaces that feel like they’ve been collected and have many stories to tell.

For years, I thought I wanted to refinish our honey-colored white oak floors to a natural white oak tone. Every inspiration folder I saved was some shade of it. But something in me hesitated, I felt myself chasing a trend. At the time, I had a good friend recommend darker floors and she suggested the color she used in her home. Her style is beautiful and timeless, and I knew she was right!

I tried several samples and pulled in decor from around our home to imagine the space. When we finally made our flooring decision, hundreds of well-meaning messages landed in my inbox telling me it was a mistake. I appreciated the advice, there is wisdom in shared experience. But I trusted my gut and went with what felt right for us!

Coastal, classic, timeless… with a whole lot of vintage tossed in the mix.

Specs:

• Original white oak floors not water-popped

• Stain: 50/50 Dark Walnut + Jacobean

• Finished in matte

Photography credit: Caitlyn Motycka Photography.

I’m an introvert to my core. Home is my favorite place to be. But one quiet afternoon, I looked up from my couch and saw a delivery driver on my porch, and I felt God whisper, “Go thank her.” I had no idea how much more He planned to unfold from that single step.

Lately, I’ve felt a stirring in my heart to look up, literally lift my eyes, and engage with the people around me. To make conversation where I normally might stay quiet. To use my gifts and connect with people I would otherwise pass by. And already, it has been beautiful and life giving.

Last night, I was talking with girlfriends about our words for the year and how I’m trying to figure our what God is stirring in me. My friend Andi asked me, “What would it look like if you asked every morning for a divine moment, 365 days in a row?” The question stopped me in my tracks.

This brings me back to the delivery driver on my porch. One small yes has led to meeting her two more times. A story only God can orchestrate! It is one I will go back and tell in detail, because truthfully, I am already nine days into January and just now feeling ready to begin sharing this journey. But on my porch that day, after I prayed with her, she blessed ME and prayed Jeremiah 29 over MY life. I am still in awe reading it back today.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Call on me. Come and pray to me. Seek me with all of your heart.

That truth has stayed with me. It feels like an invitation to do more than glance in God’s direction. It feels like a call to lean in, to seek, to notice, and to respond.

I sense God showing me these sweet encounters, but also inviting me to experience them deeply, learn from them, and share them with others. Not for attention, but to inspire and to awaken others to do the same.

Selecting a word or phrase for the year was new to me a few years ago, but now it is something I eagerly look forward to. Instead of a resolution that is easy to abandon, this feels like God-given direction for the year ahead.

Last year my word was “Tend.” I thought, “Cute, this vibes, I’ll be tending my life like a garden,” because you know how I love to garden. But God had a far deeper plan last year as I sought Him out. I prayed, “Lord, pull up the roots. Remove what needs to be removed.” And He did. I simply needed to ask. It was a year of uprooting and growth, the kind that leaves you changed in the best kind of ways. And it began with asking and a simple act of obedience.

So what if I ask daily? 365 days for divine opportunity. Moments only HE can provide.

This morning, I asked God for scripture for the day, and I landed in Psalm 113, which calls us to praise the Lord from morning until evening. It feels like the perfect companion to Jeremiah 29. Seek Him. Praise Him. Stay awake to His presence from morning until evening.

What does this look like for me in real life?

It looks like waking with a song or gratitude already stirring. Letting worship be the rhythm from sunrise to bedtime. Keeping my eyes and heart wide open. Seeing wonder in the ordinary.

I’ve been walking around humming that song, “10,000 Reasons” for the past few days. I’m not sure why, but one morning I woke up with it on my mind and it makes perfect sense now. I especially love the Josh Garrels version because his voice is just so deep and rich. It’s full of soul!

The sun comes up, a new day dawning. It’s time to sing Your song again.

Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me,

Let me be singing when the evening comes.

And I want my life to echo that. So welcome to this challenge for the New Year. 365 days of asking for divine moments and sharing them quickly with you - I hope it awakens something new in you!

Not long after launching those travel notes, God led me down a very different road, one that took me to Colorado for therapy and deep healing from parts of my past. In hindsight, He placed me in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. I stayed in Buena Vista, tucked beside a snowy river, where I hiked, drove winding mountain roads, and watched wildlife move through wide open spaces between sessions. Healing and beauty intertwined there in ways I didn’t yet have words for.

We traveled throughout that year, but I didn’t share travel notes in the same way. Instead, you caught glimpses through The Coastal Oak. My word for 2025 was “tend,” and the year became about tending to life at home, our family rhythms, our structure, our pace, and even the way we traveled.

Now, here we are in January of 2026, and I feel a refreshed vision. It finally feels like the right time to begin sharing our travels more fully again. We have several bucket-list trips planned this year, along with quieter nights away closer to home. I’ll continue to share the beauty of the Charleston Lowcountry, too with the marshes, the light, and the familiar places that ground us.

I hope you’ll be inspired by the wonder through my eyes here at The Della Pearl - a branch of my online journaling here on Substack!

Instagram: The original post, 1/17/2025 on @thedellapearl

The Della Pearl... a travel & lifestyle brand born out of wonder and amazement of God’s beautiful creation. Our family has been blessed to travel amazing places and each time I leave with inspiration to share our trips with you.

From breathtaking sunsets to incredible hikes and serene walks by mountain streams, I feel God’s presence in every moment we spend in nature. I hope to inspire you to travel to new places or simply get out for a walk and see the beauty around you.

On New Year’s Day, while walking on the beach with a few friends, I revealed my plans for a new sister account to @thecoastaloak. I struggled to find the perfect name until I noticed what looked like a pearl on my friend’s necklace and it all made perfect sense.

The name “Della Pearl” named after both of our grandmothers holds special meaning for me; I had planned to name my first baby girl Della Pearl. We lost two babies many years ago and I retired the name with each loss. It’s only fitting that I felt the birthing of a new brand and I’m so happy to share it with you!

I hope you enjoy more frequent clips from our travels, tips I’ve learned along the way, deeper notes about how the places speak to me and drive my creativity, and more.

I had a bunny growing up, her name was Cinnamon. She was a childhood dream, fulfilled by my mamaw and papaw, and sustained by my parents when I grew distracted and lazy, as kids often do. She was the bunny who loved the trampoline. Pooping around the bedroom while I listened to my Sony Discman.

So when my daughter asked for a bunny for Christmas, how could I resist?

I come from a family of animal lovers. It’s something I come by honestly. From rescuing animals on the side of the road to helping my papaw train a wild bird, loving animals has always been instinct. Naturally, my kids carry that same tenderness. The only drawback? We live in an HOA so there are limits to what we can bring home.

When we first moved into this house, we had barely been here a week when we discovered kittens living beneath the front porch steps. We trapped them, had them adopted through a local organization, then caught mama cat… her suitor… and two adorable yet gnarly opossums. It was a full operation.

So what does any of this have to do with getting a bunny for Christmas?

Truthfully, it became a family quest, one I felt born to lead.

Two weeks before Christmas, and nothing short of a miracle, I found a sweet little litter of bunnies available in Savannah, Georgia. Two hours from our home in Charleston. Far, yes but I knew I needed to go. I was an animal-loving mom on a mission with pulling off an epic Christmas surprise on my mind.

I talked to bunny-mom friends. I researched endlessly.

Boy moms said boys are the cuddliest.

Girl moms warned girls could be snobby.

“Don’t get two,” some said.

“Get two, bunnies thrive with companions,” others insisted.

“But two bunnies is double the poop.”

“They smell.”

“Ours lives in the living room.”

I was completely confused and looking for memories of sweet Cinnamon. Did she smell?

Where would it live? Inside or outside? A hutch? What about the coyotes and foxes in the woods nearby? Is it too hot in Charleston for bunnies? Do bunnies eat hay? What kind of hay? Is there a Whole Foods level organic hay? Does Tractor Supply offer auto-ship? What is the average cost of homes in Huger and Awendaw? Do baby goats require constant supervision? What are great companions for goats?

Somewhere along the way, one bunny for Christmas turned into me Googling land in the country. Is a bunny the gateway to farm life? This is how my brain works.

A week before my drive to adopt the bunny, I received a message: our bunny had been poked in the eye and was now blind. We were offered another bunny from the litter, but I had already fallen for this precious “lilac” colored Holland Lop. Now, with his cloudy blue eye, he felt even more special.

I called the vet. Would he need extra care? Was I about to adopt a bunny with greater medical needs? Could I handle that?

And then I thought, what would Cinnamon do?

I loved that when we checked in, they gave us a welcome drink, it just felt so easy and welcoming. Finding the hotel was super simple, located right in the heart of Charleston on East Bay Street. If you’re local or traveling here, I’d definitely stop in for a espresso martini and check out the lobby. It’s a beautiful and great place to just sit and take in the beauty.

The rain was pouring all weekend, which honestly made it feel extra cozy and romantic, with our balcony doors open to the cobblestone street, hearing the rain on the roof and outside. I even wore my Hunter boots for only the second time this season, I haven’t worn them in years! Funny how some pieces are just classic and always come back in style. The room was beautiful and comfortable, and the little touches in the lobby and around the hotel made it feel like a real retreat.

We went out for dinner at one of our favorites, S.N.O.B. (slightly north of broad), and had the beef carpaccio and scallops, always a go-to. Don’t leave without their warm apple pie and ice cream. Even in the rain, it was such a short walk from the hotel. The next morning we took a little stroll around Charleston, and it was the perfect way to start the day. Some of my favorite things about The Palmetto: the palm tree chandelier in the lobby, cozy common areas that feel like a living room, the great location near restaurants and shops, and how it mixes modern comfort with southern charm. Definitely a place I’d go back to anytime for a little getaway or just a quiet weekend in the city! I’ll follow up with our morning walk taking in all of the Christmas stoops!

Love - Amy

My belted coat is a seasonal favorite, several colors are available here.

Day 1: Arrival + Evening at the National Harbor

We landed in D.C. and headed straight for the National Harbor. National Harbor is a great spot for family fun with plenty of kid-friendly activities. You can ride the ferris wheel for stunning views of the Potomac River, or take a spin on the carousel nearby. It was unlimited rides and the kids loved it. I felt safe with the kids alone!

Day 2: Smithsonian + Landmarks

We met Scott after his work conference and stayed with family in the Navy Yard, which is near Capitol Hill and super convenient to the Metro. Definitely recommend using the Metro, it’s clean, easy, and much faster than driving or finding parking. The kids are not city dwellers and this was a fun adventure in itself.

Morning:

• Natural History Museum – We spent lots of time here. Highlights were the Dinosaur Hall, Hall of Mammals, and the gems.

• National Museum of American History - Lots of fun things here like the Star-Spangled Banner, and exhibits on presidential history and American transportation. Kids will love the hands-on fun at Wegmans Wonderplace.

Lunch: We grabbed soup and sandwiches at the Grain café inside the Natural History museum. Easy and kid-friendly, spendy but easy. And yes be prepared, there are tons of ice cream trucks around the National Mall. They are a great stopping point to give the kids a break from walking.

Afternoon:
We walked the Mall to see the big highlights:

• Washington Monument

• White House (Lafayette Square is a good photo spot)

• Lincoln Memorial – the kids loved running around the lawns nearby.

  

Evening:
We ended at the Air and Space Museum. The kids were amazed but definitely tired by the end of the day. We could have spent a lot more time here but I decided it was time to go back and rest. We picked up Whole Foods and vegged out the rest of the evening after 20K plus steps and a few meltdowns. I’d call it a successful day.

Day 3: Animals & Play

Morning:

• National Zoo Adventure

  Our visit to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington, DC was a highlight of the trip! We especially loved seeing the gorillas, the adorable giant pandas, and the playful seals. A favorite moment was catching a live sea lion training session, where we got to see the animals interact with their trainers - Celia, one of the sea lions, completely stole the show and my daughter Celia’s heart! We took the Metro from Navy Yard, which added a fun adventure of its own, especially riding up DC’s longest escalator at the Woodley Park station.

  

  

• Lunch at Open City DC - this was a quick stop after touring the zoo in Woodley Park. They had EVERYTHING on the menu from avocado toast to pizza and breakfast. We were all very hungry and left full and happy!

• The Constitution and National Archives

  Later, we visited the National Archives, where we got to see the original Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights—an inspiring and historic stop. Micah loved this and had lots of questions for the guides. The Archives are located near the National Mall, which is also home to iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and several Smithsonian museums if you didn’t make it there another day.

• Children’s Museum

  We ended the day at the National Children’s Museum, a perfect spot for hands-on play and creativity. The kids had a blast exploring exhibits like the Dream Machine, a giant climbing structure, and the Tinkerers Studio, where they could build and invent. After a full, fun-filled day, we were completely wiped out and took an Uber back, with a final stop at Whole Foods to grab dinner again.

I’m super sad we didn’t have time to visit the Museum of the Bible. It makes a great add-on (plan for about at least half of a day). We sadly didn’t make it but our friends have raved about it. I plan to make it priority number one when we return!

There is SO much that we didn’t do but I feel like we covered a lot in a few short days. The good news, it’s a direct flight from Charleston to D.C. on American and really easy to navigate, making it easy to return. The timing was great going in mid-September, the crowds were limited and there were not many tours or school trips around. The weather was also mild and comfortable for walking many miles!

Tips for Traveling with Kids in D.C.

• Crowds: Sundays are the busiest at Smithsonian museums; Mondays tend to be lighter. Always check museum hours—some close earlier or aren’t open daily.

• Timing: Stick to 60–90 minutes per museum so no one burns out. And go back! Most stops are free!

• Tickets: Reserve in advance for NMAAHC, NMAI, and the Museum of the Bible.

• Transit: Walk the Mall when you can; take the Metro for longer hops.

• Snacks: Bring water and small bites; museum cafés and food trucks are good back-ups but costly.

All in all, this itinerary gave us a taste of D.C.’s history and culture without overwhelming the kids. Next time, we’ll tackle more monuments and maybe do full tours of the Capitol and White House—but for a weekend trip, this was the perfect introduction and quick getaway as a fam!

Click on each image or the caption below to shop!

Walmart has been stepping up their style game—shop my full board of affordable fall fashion finds here. So many new fun accessories and fun fall textiles!

Walmart’s new fall home arrivals look straight out of Pottery Barn—but for way less. Rounding up my favorites here!

I’ve loved rounding up Amazon’s best fall luxury finds for less—it’s such a fun mix of fashion staples, cozy accessories, and home accents that feel high-end without the price tag. You can browse my full storefront of fall favorites here.

I recently shared on Instagram my favorite fall swaps throughout my home that are perfect on a budget! See it here.

I hope you enjoyed this roundup of fall finds! Have the best week :)

-Amy

• Serena & Lily – Up to 40% off everything (this is their biggest sale of the season — think slipcovered chairs, woven counter stools, and coastal rugs).

• Wayfair – Up to 70% off furniture + lighting + decor. My eye is on a dresser for Micah’s room, and a few fall ceramics for my shelving.

• Ballard Designs – 20-75% off sitewide — a great time to snag those Beauclaire planters I have on my front porch.

• Pottery Barn - deals up to 60% off everything.

• TWOPAGES Curtains- 22% off sitewide - where my pinstriped cafe curtains are from! If you’re looking for custom curtains without the price, this is your place! So many beautiful fabrics and patterns to choose from.

Style & Everyday

• J.Crew – 40% off fall arrivals (love their striped sweater + classic trench).

• Madewell – Extra 40% off sale + 30% off fall arrivals with code LONGWEEKEND.

• Anthropologie – Up to 40% off furniture + décor, plus discounts on new fall clothing.

• Aerie - Up to 40% almost everything. They have such great new arrivals!

• Gap - Up to 50% off

Amazon Picks

• Our Place Wonder Oven - 9% off on Amazon. Our 6-in-1 air fryer + toaster oven for quick, healthy dinners and snacks. Love this thing!

• Afloral Fall Stem - Love a stem that brings the warmth of fall - this one is it!

• Afloral Magnolia Stem - This chocolate brown magnolia stem is immediately being added to my cart! On sale, grab it while you can.

• Wireless Portable Printer - Just purchased this and I can say I should’ve a long time ago! It’s almost 40% off right now!