It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. Th e credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, …

Alrighty, folks, the “back to school” signs are up and plastered all over the stores. Here we go! I am about to be a junior in college, which is absolutely mind-blowing. I turn twenty in a few weeks– again, mind-blowing. Every year around my birthday, I think about the past year and game plan my attitude for the year ahead. These are the words I probably needed to hear throughout the past year, and some of the words I plan to use in the next year: First off, fully recognize that you are enough. You are more than enough! You …

Hey ladies, summer is starting to sizzle, and everything I love about Wisconsin summer is almost here. I love the lazy days at the lake. I love late night fires and early morning runs, followed by quiet cups of coffee while my tribe still sleeps. As I am writing this, I am reflecting on summers past. It seems like just yesterday I was spending lazy afternoons at the pool with my tribe. As much as I love this time of year, I always get a little melancholy as I feel the nostalgia of summers past. Life seemed crazy then, but …

Hey ladies, summer is starting to sizzle, and everything I love about Wisconsin summer is almost here. I love the lazy days at the lake. I love late night fires and early morning runs, followed by quiet cups of coffee while my tribe still sleeps. As I am writing this, I am reflecting on summers past. It seems like just yesterday I was spending lazy afternoons at the pool with my tribe. As much as I love this time of year, I always get a little melancholy as I feel the nostalgia of summers past. Life seemed crazy then, but …

I sit down to write on this rainy Memorial Day. There is a messy room that needs to be cleaned, studying to be done, and I am in dire need of a long run. Mom and dad are in the kitchen cooking dinner, the big boys are watching sports, Q is taking a nap, and the dog meanders around the house. I can’t help but look around at this chaos and feel really freaking blessed. Often, I find myself sitting on my phone in these moments, but my challenge for myself this summer is to really unplug from electronics and …

Ladies, I am so excited to share yet another inspiring issue. I think it is safe to say spring has finally sprung; it’s time for gardens and gathering. We’re sharing wonderful ways to connect with friends and family, essential conversations for couples, and fresh ideas for gardens and yards. Be sure to check out new tips to take care of you, and whip up yummy recipes for all those spring gatherings. Let’s enjoy the beautiful long-awaited spring, my lovely ladies. I am so fortunate to share with all of you as the journey continues in faith, family, friends, fitness, and …

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. –Matthew 18:20 Ladies, I am so excited to share yet another inspiring issue. I think it is safe to say spring has finally sprung; it’s time for gardens and gathering. We’re sharing wonderful ways to connect with friends and family, essential conversations for couples, and fresh ideas for gardens and yards. Be sure to check out new tips to take care of you, and whip up yummy recipes for all those spring gatherings. I am writing this smack dab in the middle of Lent. Years past, …

This past week has been one of the worst weeks I have had in a while. I got an exam back, and I didn’t do too hot. I felt lonely at school. My anxiety had been through the roof. I was doubting myself more than usual. I took all my anger out on my family, the people I love the most. Ugh… We all have hard days, weeks, months and even years. Hard parts are part of being human, but during these hard times, we should strive to let love in–rather than push love away. My eight-year-old brother was in …

Hey, friends, it’s sweetheart month trailed by the luck of the Irish! I have several sweethearts, and I am Irish, so we celebrate love and success for the next two months (and beyond). This issue’s theme is Find Your Happy. It sounds ridiculously cliché, I know. I initially thought that, too, but I have come to realize that happiness is not just something we feel; happiness is something we can choose. This life is challenging, and it is so easy to get caught up in the craziness. I am very excited to share this issue, chock full of interesting tidbits for embracing …

Hey, friends, it’s sweetheart month trailed by the luck of the Irish! I have several sweethearts, and I am Irish, so we celebrate love and success for the next two months (and beyond). This issue’s theme is Find Your Happy. It sounds ridiculously cliché, I know. I initially thought that, too, but I have come to realize that happiness is not just something we feel; happiness is something we can choose. This life is challenging, and it is so easy to get caught up in the craziness. Every day we face choices. Let’s choose to focus on all we have, rather than …