1. Sundays feel like beginnings, like the start of something fresh and beautiful.

2. Sundays feel like endings, like the closing of another wonderful chapter.

I’m not entirely sure why Sundays make me feel this way, but Sundays always feel like some strange in-between day. A bridge, if you will, between the ending of the week and the start of a new week. Mondays feel like the “real” beginning of a week, if you ask me.

Anyway, all this to say that another beautifully wonderful week has passed, and with it I bring you all of my favorite things.

No new recipe, sadly, but Dylan and I finally celebrated our 5 years together on Friday evening. We went to where it all started: River City Cafe, where we enjoyed delicious burgers and refreshing drinks. Five years ago, on June 30th, we had our first date at River City, and we’ve been inseparable ever since. I’m looking forward to the next five years, and many, many more.

Joy List

• Sunrises.

• Spiders.

• Clouds.

• Wind through the trees.

• Driving around.

• Evenings out with family.

• Books.

• Mac & cheese.

What small joys have you experienced this week?

—Carissa

I want to preface this column by saying that I had never photographed people before last week, so this was an entirely new photography experience for me. I shoot product photography where I work, and I shoot nature in my free time; people are a completely different beast. Especially kids. For one, they don’t sit still, which I learned very early on. And two, once they notice the camera, it’s game over.

Kids—especially teenagers—don’t like to be photographed! This makes my job much harder than it needs to be! The younger kids don’t seem to mind much, and one of them actually approached me with his own tiny camera and declared, “I want to be like you when I grow up!” I still smile and feel tears prick my eyes when I think about that.

While some photos I took of the kids may appear on Camp Happy Days’s Facebook or website, I personally cannot share any of the photos, so you’ll just have to trust me when I say that the images of the kids tubing on the lake are my absolute favorite. The joy on their faces is absolutely priceless. I went out on the boats several times throughout the week to capture these moments.

My week at summer camp wasn’t just driving around on the golf cart and snapping photos, however. I also got to have fun! Flowers out of pipe cleaners, necklaces out of bandanas, and tie dye were just a few of the crafts I got to do and experience while at camp. I also got to paint a ceramic whale (it’s a piggy bank, too), and try my hand at canvas painting.

🍋🍉🍓🍊🥝

I had the opportunity to go tubing, and was able to capture the full moon rising over the lake on Monday night. I made a few new friends, who I’m already eager to see next year (or sooner). I’m still editing the hundreds of photos I took, but I’m already itching to be back. Even if I had to try to be everywhere at once to capture these beautiful, joy-filled moments, I think I had more fun at summer camp as an adult than I did as a kid.

The camp life treated me well, too. We had Swig & Swine catered to us, and the camp breakfasts weren’t bad at all! I ate, let’s just say that. There was no shortage of food or sweet treats between the catering, the ice cream trucks, and everything else in between. The cabins were, well, cabins, but I slept great on that old rubber mat.

All-in-all, it was an excellent adventure surrounded by beautiful people making incredible memories. I’m looking forward to next year.

Have you gone on any new and exciting adventures recently? I’d love to hear all about them!

Leave a comment

—Carissa

Fireworks fill the sky,
Sand, salt, sun—everything fun,
July has arrived.

July is sparkly! It’s loud, boisterous, and fun in every conceivable way. Marching in with the colors of red, white, and blue, this July is no exception. This marks the 250th anniversary of the United States, so this is bound to be a thunderous one! July’s full moon, after all, is named the Thunder Moon, so we can expect storms to be rolling in from the horizon.

July is already off to a great start! At the time of this column publishing, I’m currently volunteering at Camp Happy Days for the entire week as one of their photographers for the kids’ summer camp. My sister attended CHD for a couple years when she was a kid, as this is a camp for children diagnosed with cancer. So far, this has been such a fulfilling experience, and I hope to come again next year.

Moving on to the rest of this month’s Field Guide…

This July, you can look forward to:

• An inspiring moodboard.

• An accompanying mobile wallpaper.

• A supportive affirmation to carry you through the month.

• 31 journaling prompts to get you thinking about all the good things in your life.

As usual, I spent countless hours carefully crafting and putting this month’s Field Guide together for you all, so the rest of this post will be for paid subscribers only. You can upgrade your subscription for just $5 a month, or $50 for the entire year. Regardless, I’m glad you’re here.

Now, let’s get to it!

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I got my first throwing knife set when I turned 15. They were pointed on both ends, so I didn’t have to worry too much about them spinning when I threw them, or counting spins to ensure that I hit my target. Looking back, I should have taken more time to research and learn about the art of throwing knives because when I threw one for the first time it bounced off a wood fence and whizzed right by my head.

Fast-forward to now, and I dug out another one of my throwing knife sets. This set is a more “professional” set. It’s not pointed on both sides, but is actually rounded on one side, meaning I have to learn to either count spins or how to throw without the knife spinning. I choose the latter.

After doing some research and watching some videos, I’m slowly learning how to throw them without spinning, which is quite the challenge! My arm is sore from throwing, and my wrist hurts, but I know I’ll get the hang of it eventually.

Now, I did have a minor incident while I was practicing that first day. Throwing knives are known to bounce if not thrown correctly, and, well, I didn’t throw one correctly. It bounced, and ricocheted back at me, stabbing me in the shin.

Before you get any images of a knife sticking out of my leg, let me tell you that it wasn’t as bad as you think. It hit my leg, then immediately hit the ground. Nowhere near hard enough for it to stick! Still, my little puncture hole quickly turned into a waterfall of blood. Now, I’m not one to panic in a situation where I get hurt, so I ambled over to the Jeep only to find that I don’t have any paper towels in there. Or napkins. Who doesn’t have napkins in their vehicle?

Fortunately, my mom had gotten home not too long ago, so I put pressure on the hole and waddled over to the door. “I had an incident,” I said, then, “Can you bring me some paper towels?” Once I cleaned everything up, I realized that the wound was nowhere near as bad as I thought it was going to be. It’s the smallest little cut, although definitely bruised from the force of the impact.

All this to say, I didn’t need to go to the hospital or get stitches, so my apologies if you thought that’s where this story was going. What I’m trying to say is, if you’re looking to get into knife throwing, be careful, watch your knives, and keep paper towels on hand.

Any wild adventures y’all’ve been on lately? Any new and crazy stories? I’d love to hear about them!

—Carissa

Now, we’ll be switching gears yet again. With all of this playful energy still fresh in our minds and bodies, I want to utilize that energy and focus it outward. Sparkle, shimmer, glimmer—all of these words have similar meanings, and all of them involve light. This month, I want to focus on that light and how we can better learn to see the light that’s all around us.

“Glimmers” can also be considered as small sensory cues or everyday moments that make you feel a sense of safety, comfort, and joy. This meaning is typically used in reference to mental health, but it sounds like such a fun word to describe comforting, joyful everyday moments.

The Rules

• Take a look at the micro-challenge for each day, and try to find some way to incorporate it into your day.

• Don’t overthink it! If a challenge feels too overwhelming, change it to something else! A 30-day challenge is supposed to be fun and engaging, not stressful.

• (Optional) Share your progress and updates in our chat! I’ll be checking in every day to remind you of that day’s micro-challenge, and to share my own updates as the month progresses.

As you may have guessed, I spent quite some time putting this challenge together for you all, so the rest of this post will be for paid subscribers only. You can upgrade your subscription for just $5 a month, or $50 for the entire year. Regardless, I’m glad you’re here.

Now then, let’s get to it!

Read more

Anyway, I’ve actually been super busy this past week. I’m volunteering with Camp Happy Days this week, so I had to scramble to get all of my columns put together and scheduled since I’ll be away. I love to do things at the very last minute, can you tell?

Since I’ve not only been busy, but my fiancé has as well, we didn’t technically try out a new recipe, however Dylan and I tried out a pasta salad mix from Mad Dash, and it turned out to be very good! Quick and easy for a weeknight dinner.

And now, onto one of my favorite sections of my Inspirations columns!

Joy List

• Early morning Walmart runs with my fiancé.

• Puzzles.

• Lucky Charms.

• Air conditioning after being outside in the heat.

• Cold, refreshing water.

• Sunrises.

• Evenings out with friends.

• The song “Pizza” by Attila. Please check it out; it’s absolutely hysterical.

• Catching a whiff of the sea breeze.

• Singing birds.

• Thunderstorms. (Did I mention that last weekend?)

• Long drives with the music cranked up.

Has there been anything this past week that brought you joy or inspired you? Let’s talk!

—Carissa

Thankfully, it was barely dusty at all when we were out there, thanks to the rain we had been receiving on and off for the past several weeks. The trails were fun, with a few minor hills and some light terrain to help ease people into tackling some more challenging obstacles on my future rides.

We were maybe a quarter of the way done with the first half of our ride when, at the top of a hill, there was a tree laying across the road. Fortunately, we Jeeple always come prepared for just about any situation we might find ourselves in, and one of our people had a chainsaw in the back of his Jeep. We made quick work of the tree and cleared the trail.

We stopped for lunch at the lake, and were quickly back out on the trails, where we encountered a few more downed trees. This time, there were clear roundabout trails for us to take, so there was no need to dig out the chainsaw again, even though we were itching for another opportunity to have some fun clearing the trails.

All-in-all, the ride went off without a hitch, and everyone had a great time! We made some new friends, enjoyed our time on the trails, and learned that when life pushes trees in your way, grab a chainsaw and keep going.

What have y’all been up to lately?

—Carissa

While Dylan and I didn’t make a new recipe this week, Mom made an incredible chicken and pasta dish with red pesto that I absolutely have to share. Red pesto. Who knew there was such a thing?! This recipe actually comes from one of you—a Substacker and TikTokker. Her name is , and her recipe for Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Pasta was an absolute hit with my family. Thank you for sharing your recipes, Hailey!

Joy List

• Beach days.

• New recipes.

• Thunderstorms.

• Low-lying clouds on a cool morning.

• Indian food.

• That first sip of hot coffee in the morning.

• Off-roading adventures.

• Local breweries.

• A night of great sleep.

What are some things that brought you joy or inspired you this past week?

—Carissa

Last week, I celebrated my 27th birthday. That’s not any crazy milestone number or anything like that, but I thought it would be a fun exercise to list off 27 things I’ve learned throughout my life. I hope that these lessons inspire and motivate you to keep pushing through, despite how hard life can be sometimes. So, without further ado, here are 27 lessons from my 27 years of life!

1. People notice a lot less than you think. More often than not, people you pass by in the store are more worried about their own lives. They’re not concerned whether or not your outfit matches, or that you have a pimple on your chin. Most people don’t pay attention, so don’t even worry about it.

2. Your mind and body feel better when you give yourself a break from screens, and yes, this includes the TV. Even when writing, I find that the words come to be better and faster if I’m using a pen and paper instead of utilizing Google Docs. Also, everything feels so much more productive if you do it away from a distracting screen.

3. You don’t have to track everything you do in your life. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with ensuring you’re drinking enough water, counting calories, or keeping a record of all the books you’ve read. But the moment it starts to feel overwhelming and stressful, then it’s time to take a step back and ask yourself why you’re really tracking something.

4. Sometimes, people will drop you as a friend for the smallest, most absurd of reasons without even having the full story. And they’ll ignore you in public like they’re five and giving you the silent treatment. The best thing you can do for yourself is to say, “Who cares?” and move on.

5. Spending time doing absolutely nothing but sitting outside, observing the world around you is very beneficial to your overall health. You feel lighter, and it honestly makes a lot of problems feel insignificant.

6. Never be afraid of saying “yes” to an experience or adventure. Whether it’s just a family member or friend inviting you on a trip to the grocery store, or one of your buddies asking if you want to check out a new off-road trail—say yes! You won’t regret it.

7. If something you do or say will guarantee that someone else laughs, you should always take the opportunity to do it.

8. You don’t have to take pictures of everything. Coming from a photographer, this might sound weird. Trust me, though, some moments don’t need to be photographed. Some moments and experiences need only be preserved through memory or journaling. I find that I almost prefer to journal about my experiences after the fact, as it enables me to fully relive the moment.

9. Imperfection is nothing to fear; rather, it should be embraced. Last year, I bought myself a Polaroid camera, not only for the novelty of collecting physical photos, but also to help me overcome perfectionism in my work. I love it when a photo comes out blurry or washed out or has light flares and streaks. It adds character! This character can be incorporated into any art form, so don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are just a part of the story.

10. You should never rush taking care of yourself. Take your time with your shower, your skincare, your workout, your meditation session—you’ll feel so much better if you slow down and take your time.

11. Nothing matters; yet everything matters. Hear me out. I know that sounds like a vague, abstract concept, but it makes sense, at least in my mind. For example, say you almost get into an accident on the way to work. You didn’t actually get into an accident, so it doesn’t matter. On the flip side, perhaps you or the other person take a mental note to be more careful on the road from that experience. That matters, because having a cautious mindset around driving can save lives.

12. Going with the flow is one of the best attitudes you can carry. If you can’t change it, accept it and move on. This life is too short to worry about the things you can’t change. Let that shit go.

13. Literally, just be weird. Again, life is too short to squeeze yourself into a box for someone else’s comfort. Embrace being uncomfortably yourself! People are going to think what they want about you anyway, so you may as well be weird and give them something to talk about.

14. Observing the clouds is very important for your overall wellbeing. In fact, being in nature itself is important for your overall wellbeing. Spend more time in nature.

15. Doing the things that you enjoyed doing as a child are still very important and beneficial. Whether it’s coloring, making up stories, or swimming like a mermaid, always take any opportunity you can to feel like a kid again.

16. Take several moments throughout the day to take a few deep breaths. You’ll always feel better afterward.

17. If you’re able to, try making something for yourself instead of buying at the store. I tried my hand at soapmaking, and it turned out great! I’ll be making another batch soon. Try growing your own good, or crocheting some gloves. Creating something that you’ll use feels so much better than purchasing them.

18. Keep physical notes! I have several different notebooks and journals all serving a different purpose. Life feels more intentional if you take the time to write everything down. I find that I remember more when I take physical notes as opposed to using a notes app on my phone. Perhaps, I’ll share my journaling ecosystem with you all soon.

19. Stop saving stickers for the “right place.” Just stick them wherever you want! Stickers are meant to be used, not saved.

20. Don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. There’s a saying in the off-roading community that tells us, “The mud washes away, but the memories last a lifetime.”

21. Never be afraid to bring something up, or ask a question. I feel like many people are worried about looking stupid or are scared of being told no, but clear answers are better than vague assumptions.

22. I have a note from a fortune cookie pinned to my calendar that says, “Only put off until tomorrow what you are willing to die having left undone.” That really changed my perspective on procrastinating. Any day could be your last—get shit done.

23. Working out should always be something you enjoy and feel good about after. Working out is a celebration of what your body can do, not a punishment.

24. Writing is a lot of thinking. Sometimes, you have to stare out the window in silence and wait for the words to come. And they will. They always do.

25. Find a local spot to hang out. Invite your friends. Get to know the bartender. Make it a monthly thing. You won’t regret it, and it gives you something to look forward to every single month.

26. Do things for the fun of it. You don’t need to have a reason why. Just take time to enjoy life for the sake of being alive.

27. Not everything is black-and-white. There are three sides to every story. Gray area is more prevalent than you realize.

—Carissa

We began our weekend with an incredibly delicious dinner, made for us when we arrived. Steak, broccoli, and corn made for an excellent meal! We spent the evening catching up and enjoying each other’s company.

On Saturday, we headed out for breakfast at a local cafe. Great coffee and even better pastries. Mine was seasoned with red pepper flakes, so of course I was happy! After breakfast, we wandered the streets, looking at all of the beautiful historic homes. We also saw dolphins coming up for air in the waterway, which was an incredible sight.

We stopped by the Fireproof Building and toured the museum within, where I acquired some cute stickers from the gift shop. Later, we swung by Fleet Landing for a late lunch/early dinner, and I thoroughly enjoyed my seafood pasta, and the beer brewed specifically for Fleet Landing. Afterwards, we toured the USCGC Eagle, then went back home to cool off. In the evening, we enjoyed some cigars, then took Sake on a stroll through the neighborhood.

On Sunday, we drove over to Folly Beach to enjoy the sun, the sand, and the surf. It was a great morning for the beach, and the water felt excellent. We hit up a local sandwich shop for lunch, and then went home to wash off the sand.

It wasn’t long after that, we said our goodbyes and drove back home. All-in-all, it was a great weekend with delicious food and incredible company.

What have y’all been up to lately?

—Carissa

I had a great week! I had to use up the rest of my vacation days for work, so I took off Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and spent those days relaxing, shopping for swimsuits, and getting an updated Tdap vaccine. You know, all the fun stuff! I celebrated my 27th birthday, and we took a trip to Charleston for the weekend to visit my fiancé’s cousins. There will be more on that in this week's Adventures column, so stay tuned!

No new recipe this week, but we did go out to Taco Mundo for some delicious food and, of course, a spicy margarita.

Joy List

• Seeing a Bearcat (the vehicle, not the animal) in the wild.

• Spending an afternoon surrounded by family and good vibes.

• My first time making punch.

• My new fountain pen that I was gifted for my birthday. (Thanks, Jasmine and Bryant!)

• Walking through Charleston.

• Trying out a new cigar.

• Sitting outside doing nothing but observing nature.

What are some things that brought you joy this past week? What inspired you?

—Carissa

My Grandma has told me that his spirit lives through me from my off-the-wall stories that I make up on the spot to my sense of humor. Each birthday that passes, I find myself missing him more and more. Cancer does terrible things to a family.

My Grandpa was a great man. He’s probably what you’d picture when you think of the phrase “red-blooded American.” He shot guns, hunted deer, smoked weed, and brewed his own dandelion wine. He and my Dad both inspired the name of this blog. “Carissa Mae, whaddya say” is something that they would sing-song to me when I was little.

I wish every day that I got more time with my Grandpa because I just know that he’d love my Jeep and the adventures I’m always going on with ol’ Tank. “You have fun climbing those rocks, granddaughter,” is something he’d probably say before I drive out to Uwharrie for the weekend.

He’d love my fiancé, Dylan. Those two would have gotten along just fine, but I’m sure Grandpa would have taken him out back, shoot off a few rounds, point at the target and declare, “That could be you.” All to ensure that Dylan behaves himself.

I don’t think there’s a day that goes by that I don’t think of my Grandpa. He taught me how to shoot guns, how to keep your pocket knife sharp, and he once held the stick of a lollipop between his fingers, made a fist, and informed me that “anything can become a weapon.” He was always looking for ways to encourage me and my sister to learn to protect ourselves, and I have carried those teachings with me all my life.

He’s a big part of the reason why I have a knife collection, why I’m constantly observing my surroundings, and why I’ll always be prepared and ready to defend others and myself should the need ever arise. While some might think that I come from a gun-nut, prepper family (not entirely wrong), I’ll always say that I’d rather be prepared and have the right tools for the job, than to not have them when you need them the most.

Anyway, all this to say happy birthday, Grandpa. Here’s to your 70th, and my 27th. Love you. Miss you. Thank you for everything. ♥

—Carissa

Anyway, this past week, Dylan and I tried out a new recipe, which will be detailed below, and I have to say that this one was incredibly simple and delicious all at once. We needed a recipe to use up a leftover summer squash, and this one was just that!

And now, onto some other things I enjoyed this week…

Joy List

• Getting a fresh haircut.

• Trying out a new cigar.

• New jewelry.

• Dragonflies.

• The sound of frogs.

• The sound of crickets.

• Sunrises.

• The Finch app. Call me crazy, but I genuinely love the little birb aptly named Strawberry. I was born in June, whose full moon is named the Strawberry Moon, and when I was a baby, I developed a hemangioma on my head in the shape of a strawberry. I guess you could say strawberries and I have a special connection. 🍓

• A refreshing drink to compliment an equally refreshing day.

• Pink skies.

• The Revbalance Swell board Dylan got me for my birthday. 💖🏄‍♀️

What’s something that brought you joy this past week? Anything new and inspiring to share?

—Carissa

We kept things simple this time around. We went out to the movies to see Backrooms—and honestly, it was such a great time! It was an excellent movie that fueled the anxiety in me, which is something that’s hard to do when it comes to horror movies (I’m a horror fanatic, can you tell?). When you’re in a place that you can’t navigate or get out from while creatures are chasing you? That’s anxiety-inducing! Great movie! Now, time to rewatch the Backrooms series on YouTube.

After the movie, we decided to check out a new sushi spot called Manta. While it was a first for Dylan and me, my sister and brother-in-law had been there before, so they were our unofficial guides for the afternoon. It’s always fun trying a new place, but even better when you’re doing it with family who can steer you toward the best rolls on the menu. And in case you’re wondering, yes, the sushi was incredible.

The rest of the day was slow and easygoing, and while I always enjoy a weekend out and about on another great adventure, we all need a slow weekend every once awhile.

If you’re feeling stuck in your life right now, just take today’s column as inspiration. You don’t need to hike a mountain or explore a new city to have an adventure or create memories. You can just be present with your favorite people. That alone is adventure enough.

What about you? Did you have a small adventure this weekend? What memories did you make recently?

—Carissa

Golden light descends,
Long days hum with vibrant life,
Summer starts to bloom.

June feels vibrant and fun. It feels like the heat rising off the sidewalk, the taste of cold watermelon, and the hum of long, slow evenings. It is the month of saturation—bright colors, high sun, and the feeling that we are finally, fully awake.

Each month, I craft a mood board to represent how I want this new chapter to feel. I set it as my laptop background and my phone wallpaper, so the images and the feelings they evoke are there with me each time I check my messages or hop online.

I want June to be about radiance. I want to lean into the things that make me feel golden, whether that’s catching the last light of the day, moving my body in the heat, or just giving myself permission to be a little more playful. This month is about taking all that energy we gathered in May and letting it shine outward.

This June, you can look forward to:

• An inspiring mood board.

• 30 thought-provoking journaling prompts centered on radiance.

• A mobile wallpaper to keep your focus clear.

• A positive affirmation to carry you through the next 30 days.

As you may have already guessed, I spent a great deal of time crafting this article for you all, so the rest of this post will be for paid subscribers only. You can upgrade your subscription for only $5 a month, or $50 for the entire year. Either way, I’m glad to have you here.

Now, let’s dive in!

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We often get so caught up in the to-do lists of adulthood that we forget the art of playing. This June, I want to reclaim that sense of childlike wonder. This challenge is about giving yourself permission to be a little silly, a little spontaneous, and a lot more joyful.

We’re kicking this off tomorrow, June 1st. I hope you’ll join me in turning these 30 days into a playground of our own making.

The Rules

• Each day, do the micro-challenge. Note how it feels to shift from productive to playful.

• Don’t overthink it. If a prompt feels like work, change it! The point is to have fun, not to complete another chore.

• (Optional) Share your joy! I’ll be checking the subscriber chat to hear what play looks like for you. Let’s celebrate the fun together!

Now then, without further ado, let’s dive in!

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It’s been a bit of a moodier week here, weather-wise. We’ve had quite a few days of dark storm clouds looming overhead, and honestly? There’s something strangely calming about it. Watching the sky turn dramatic and watching the storms roll in has been its own kind of experience.

Sometimes, when the weather turns, it forces you to slow down in a way that’s actually really refreshing. There’s a form of excitement in being home when the power flickers, or catching that moment right before the bottom drops out of the sky. It’s a reminder that we don’t always need to be out and about to find inspiration; sometimes, you just need to step outside, let the rain hit your skin, and appreciate the energy of the world around you.

Anyway, we made a quick and easy recipe this week! We paired it with some cooked and seasoned yellow squash and a side salad, and everything turned out incredibly. No pictures, unfortunately, so you’re just going to have to make it for yourself and see how it turns out!

Joy List

• Rain against my skin.

• Random power outages.

• Dark clouds looming overhead.

• Driving around in my Jeep.

• Fresh fruits.

• Low lying clouds in the morning light of the sun.

What are some things that have inspired you or brought you joy during this past week—even the moody, stormy bits?

—Carissa

The other evening, I was over at my fiancé’s house. He was deep into a video game (the new Lego Batman), and I was sitting nearby, focused on some writing. Suddenly, everything just clicked off. The room went dark, the television screen went black, and the hum of the house was replaced by an eerie, sudden silence. We weren’t the only ones, either; his parents were just down the road at a restaurant, and they told us later that the power cut out for them right after they had settled the bill.

At first, it’s that classic moment, y’know, when you get up and start wandering the house because you’re certain that the power will be clicking back on momentarily. But instead of letting the sudden outage ruin the vibe, we decided to make the best of it. Dylan, who has a pretty impressive “nerd table,” immediately went for the most logical tool for a blackout: his lightsaber chopsticks.

Before I knew it, he was lighting them up and twirling them around like daggers. Watching him maneuver in the dark, the glowing purple light casting shadows against the walls, was honestly hilarious. It’s funny how quickly a small, unexpected moment can turn into a memory you’re still thinking about the next day.

Shortly after his parents returned, I remembered I had some lanterns stashed in my Jeep, so I went out and grabbed them. They did the trick perfectly, lighting up the room we were in just as the sun was dipping below the horizon.

Of course, the power decided to flicker back to life just as we were settling into bed—a fitting end to an unplanned evening.

It reminded me that we spend so much of our time tethered to screens and schedules, that sometimes, a total blackout is exactly the reset you didn’t know you needed. It’s a good reminder to keep your lanterns handy, both literally and figuratively.

Have you ever had a random power outage turn into an unexpected experience?

—Carissa

With Memorial Day here, it’s so easy to feel the pressure to pack up a bag, fight the highway traffic, or over-schedule every single hour in the name of “celebrating,” but there is something so incredibly grounding about choosing to stay put and romanticize the space right outside your door—whether that’s a porch, a patio, or just cracking a window to let the breeze inside.

My fiancé and I had a relaxing day yesterday, getting coffee, shopping at the mall, and then going out to dinner; just enjoying our time together. You don’t need a boarding pass to find a portal to excitement or adventure; sometimes you just need to change how you look at your own surroundings.

We also tried out a new recipe this week, and it was delicious! We served it over some rice, and it tasted as though it was fresh out of a Chinese restaurant!

Moving on to some of the other things I enjoyed this past week:

• Days out with my fiancé.

• Warm sun.

• Fresh fruit.

• Banana pudding.

• Getting drenched while putting my Jeep’s top back on, not quite in time before it down poured.

• Thunder rumbling in the distance.

• Irish soda bread.

• Sunlight filtering in through the clouds.

What are some things that inspired you or brought you joy this past week?

—Carissa

This past weekend, I went off-roading with no plan and no mapped out route. It was myself, my fiancé, mom, sister, and brother-in-law. We took my Jeep and my sister’s Ram truck. We were probably out there for a good three hours or so just exploring the trails up in the Sandhills in Hoffman, North Carolina, and we had a good time out there!

We found a few new trails that we had never been on before, and ran into some small climbs, which my sister wanted some help with. These weren’t hard trails at all; just a little bit more terrain, but nothing technical like the rock crawling I’m accustomed to.

Going out there with no plan might seem crazy at first glance, but I have to tell you that this is how I’ve typically off-roaded in the past. I normally go out there without a plan or map to guide me and I take my time driving down all the interesting trails I can find.

This time, I had a great tool with me that allowed me to track and map out our route as we drove. OnX Offroad has been a great help in navigating the trails, tracking our routes, and showing me active wildfires (this is not an ad, but if onX wants to give me a commission, I’m not opposed). This was actually the first time utilizing the tracking feature that the app has, and I have to say that it worked out incredibly well.

We encountered some pretty cool trails out there! Like I said before, a few of these trails were brand new to all of us, so it was quite enjoyable to explore something new and experience some hidden paths.

I think that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that are unplanned and unprepared. There are certain things in life that you need an itinerary for, but sometimes it’s best to just let life happen and see where the road takes you. You never know what you might come across, or what new hidden gems you might discover if you go off the beaten path every once in a while and explore something that you’ve never done before.

Has there ever been a time you went somewhere without a plan? How did it turn out? Let’s talk!

—Carissa