Tag: family

The Long Way to Acadia

Published on by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

Our epic family journey through the Adirondacks, Canada, and New England all began with a bucket-list goal of visiting Acadia National Park. For years, Acadia had been one of those places we always talked about exploring, and this summer we finally decided it was time.

Rather than making it a trip focused on a single destination, we asked ourselves, “What if we turned it into the adventure of a lifetime?” With our boys’ short summer break in mind, we mapped out an unforgettable route that would take us through the Adirondack Mountains, the vibrant cities and French culture of Montreal and Quebec City, the breathtaking coastline of Maine, and the rich history of Boston before returning home.

Our goal wasn’t just to check Acadia off our bucket list, it was to immerse ourselves in new places, experience different cultures, explore incredible landscapes, and most importantly, create lasting memories together as a family.

As an added bonus, our timing couldn’t have been better. While North Carolina settled into its familiar stretch of hot and humid summer days, we traded the heat for cool mountain mornings, refreshing coastal breezes, and comfortable evenings that invited us to linger outside just a little longer.

Looking back, the miles we traveled were only part of the story. It was the experiences we shared along the way that made this journey truly unforgettable.

Rather than trying to compare each destination, we’re dedicated a separate post to every city so we can share what made each stop unique but our full itinerary is below.

Trip Overview
3 Nights: Lake Placid
1 Night: Montreal
2 Nights: Quebec City
1 Night: Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park)
2 Nights: Portland
1 Night: Boston
(And all the amazing stops in between)

Road Tripping as a Family

Like any great adventure, this one wasn’t perfect and that’s part of what made it memorable. (Excluding the stomach bug that took out 3/5 of us in different cities, on different days)

This trip order was planned based on the most budget friendly way of traveling. Breeze Airways offered very inexpensive flights from RDU > Albany, NY. Less than a 2 hour trip to Lake Placid from the airport sounded very feasible so we started planning our epic itinerary from this point.

Our rental SUV wasn’t nearly as spacious as the vehicle we drive at home, which meant the boys quickly became experts in “brotherly togetherness.” There was plenty of negotiating over elbow room, window views, and who had the better seat. Add in the fact that our rental lacked the entertainment features we were used to, and suddenly road-trip creativity became part of the adventure and was exactly what we wanted.

Fortunately, a little preparation went a long way. Good playlists, conversations, plenty of snacks, a custom roadtrip scavenger hunt, regular stops to stretch our legs, and keeping everyone’s water bottles full made the miles pass surprisingly quickly. We even found reasons to stop for “larger than life” photo opportunities with local statues. IE: Paul Bunyan in Bangor, Maine, an oversized Moose somewhere along our route in Canada, Jim the sardine man (a symbol of Maine’s fishing history), and so many more. This was such a fun reason to stop, a fun memory and many laughs to reflect on as a family.

By the end of the trip, even the close quarters had become part of the story we’d laugh about together.

Print this scavenger hunt:

Traveling Smart

One of our biggest goals was balancing an epic adventure with a realistic family budget.

Packing a small backpack cooler as one of our carry-on items is always a non-negotioable. It allowed us to stop at local grocery stores throughout the trip instead of relying on restaurants for every meal. We stocked up on fresh fruit, sandwich supplies, (I packed a loaf of my sourdough sandwhich bread and brought it with us) yogurt, drinks, and healthy snacks which made breakfasts at our AirBnBs and picnic lunches easy while saving money for experiences that mattered most. We tried to eat out one meal a day, we got good coffee at local cafes and tried local treats for snacks if a hunger pain hit.

Traveling this way also meant we ate healthier, wasted less food, and always had something ready for long driving days or hikes. Let’s be honest, I’ve also learned to be prepared for the bottomless hunger of 3 growing boys. It never stops.

Our Family Travel Essentials

A few items made this trip smoother from start to finish. We’ll be sharing the gear that earned a permanent spot on our family packing list, including:

If you’re planning a similar adventure, these are the items we’d pack again without hesitation.

This trip reminded us that the best family vacations aren’t about doing everything perfectly. They’re about embracing the unexpected, adapting when plans change, laughing through the inconveniences, and creating memories that last long after the suitcases are unpacked.

Like many families, we had plenty of reasons to wait for the “perfect” time. The schedules were busy, the logistics felt complicated, and planning a multi-city adventure with kids required effort. But we learned that the perfect time rarely arrives on its own, you have to make the time and create the opportunity.

If there’s a place you’ve been dreaming about visiting, a family adventure you’ve been talking about, or a destination that’s been sitting on your bucket list for years, take this as your sign to start planning. Make it work for your family, your schedule, and your budget.

The memories you create will be worth far more than the reasons you found to wait.

Stay tuned as we share each stop along the journey in more detail.

Monday Mention – Practical Solutions for Everyday

Published on by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

We’re three weeks into January, and chances are, you’ve set a few personal or professional goals for yourself. I’ve noticed a lot of people diving into post-holiday organization, clearing out the clutter, and sharing their progress online. While I totally get the motivation, I also feel the overwhelming pressure to “do all the things.”

In full transparency, I’ve had to tune out the noise that constantly floods our social media feeds. Messages like: Do more. Buy this. Try that. Here’s the latest and greatest thing you absolutely need can quickly become too much.

It’s a lot.

Here’s where I’m at: I want practical solutions that work for our family. I approach organizing by first assessing what we already have at home. Then, I figure out how to make it work without overspending on trendy organizational products.

Two Pain Points in Our Home:

  1. Too many water cups sitting out around the house.
  2. Constantly digging through the pantry or fridge to find things—only to realize I have to move five items to get to the one I need.

If you’re tired of washing cups nonstop or filling the dishwasher’s top rack every day, let me introduce you to the simplest solution that’s been a game-changer in our home, magnetic cups! The best part? It’s affordable!

You can look at the various color options here, Magnetic Cups or Magnetic Cups with Lids

Want to know what happened when these small changes were made in our home? It gave our three boys responsibility they could control with their water cups. There was no longer a question about, “who’s cup is this?” Our 4-year-old listened to directions about how to use the cup one time and took ownership in getting his own water, dumping out what he didn’t drink, and putting the cup back on the fridge where he can reach it.

Kids want responsibility.

Now, let’s talk about the fridge and pantry. Do you have family members who open the fridge, take one look, and immediately ask you where something is? Let’s be honest—most of the time, they haven’t even tried to find it.

I came across these acrylic lazy Susans at our local TJ Maxx, and I instantly knew they could help. They’re perfect for organizing condiments, cooking essentials, and all those pantry staples we reach for regularly.

These two small, affordable purchases have made a huge difference. The counters are clearer, and it’s so much easier to find what we need in both the fridge and pantry. This two pack would be perfect, Lazy Susans

Cheap. Practical. Problem solved.

I’m reminded of a verse from Ecclesiastes 4:6: “Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” It’s such a grounding reminder that more isn’t always better. Sometimes, less is exactly what we need—less stuff, less striving, and less pressure to keep up.

Let’s lean into finding solutions that work for your family—starting with what you already have at home. You might be surprised by how simple changes can make a big impact.

A Christmas to Remember: Our Favorite Traditions and Festive Decor

Published on by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

There is something nostalgic about creating a cozy haven during the holiday season. From the moment I pull out the storage boxes brimming with decorations, the magic begins. It starts with putting my favorite childhood Christmas vinyl, Once Upon a Christmas by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, on our son’s record player—a tradition carried over from my parents, who always played it as we decorated our childhood home together. That familiar music instantly transports me back to those warm, joy-filled moments of stringing lights, hanging ornaments, and marveling at the twinkling glow of the tree.

Now, as a mom myself, I feel the same excitement when transforming our home for the holidays. Each piece of decor tells a story, and each tradition we honor—or create anew—brings its own special kind of joy. This year, I’m reflecting on the little moments that make Christmas magical for our family: the sweet smells of baking with my mom, the laughter of my boys as they exchange gifts, and the quiet evenings Adam and I share once the house falls silent.

These are the traditions that make our home feel like a haven during the most wonderful time of the year.

Our Family Christmas Traditions

Hungarian Pastry-Making with Mom
One of my most cherished traditions is baking Hungarian pastries with my mom, using a recipe passed down from my grandmother. This heirloom recipe is a delightful treat filled with a pecan center, surrounded by a dough that is made a day in advance. The following day, we hand-roll the dough, cut each individual pastry, stuff them with the pecan filling, roll them up, bake them, and finally sprinkle them with powdered sugar when they are fresh out of the oven. It’s a process that requires time and care, but it’s one that I always look forward to. Perfecting this recipe has been important to me, but more than anything, I have treasured the time spent with my mom.

Thanks to today’s technology, we can even ask Alexa to play the same Christmas record while we bake, no matter where we are. Over the years, this tradition has evolved; some years have included babies in tow and adjustments to our usual routine. Yet one thing has remained constant: the joy of spending time together while creating a family favorite.

Driving to see Christmas Lights

Another family tradition is driving through neighborhoods to see Christmas lights while listening to Christmas music. The awe and excitement that our kids exude when they see the bright lights is so much fun to witness. Our youngest, in particular, is a BIG-TIME Grinch fan. This year, we’ve made a special point to take him to see as many Grinch decorations as possible because his over-the-top excitement every time he spots one is absolutely contagious. These outings have become a highlight of our holiday season and a tradition we look forward to year after year. We’ve also added in ice skating at Fenton in Cary and seeing the lights at the downtown Cary Park as a newer tradition if our schedule allows each year.

Christmas Eve Church Service
This tradition brings a sense of peace and spiritual focus to the holiday season. The service culminates in a breathtaking moment: with the lights dimmed, the congregation lights candles and sings “Silent Night” together. The glow of the candles and the harmony of voices create an overwhelming sense of serenity and connection, reminding us of the deeper meaning of Christmas.

The Boys’ Gift Exchange (New Tradition!)
This was the first year I had the boys select a Christmas gift for each other. Bonus, they didn’t have to spend their own money but I did have them wrap the gifts. After returning from Christmas Eve service, they ran to the tree begging to open 1 present. I knew that was the perfect time for them to open their gifts to each other. It was such a sweet moment watching them connect after opening the gifts and one new tradition that we will keep going for years to come.

Reading Favorite Christmas Books
The excitement of Christmas morning is always at an all time high but the kids have never been more motivated to go to sleep. We settle down by reading a couple of their favorite Christmas books before lights out.

Couple Gift Exchange: Our Christmas Eve Nighttime Tradition:
This tradition began long before we had kids. We used to live two hours away from family and would travel to spend Christmas with everyone. But that left us wondering—when would we exchange gifts with each other? It felt impractical to pack up gifts for one another, only to bring them back home unopened. And so, a new tradition was born.

Now, even with children, this has become a cherished part of our Christmas Eve. Some years we don’t exchange gifts at all, but instead, we simply enjoy the quiet time together. Often, we’ll make a festive holiday cocktail, sit in the glow of the Christmas tree, and just talk. This uninterrupted time allows us to savor the moment and open gifts slowly, without the usual chaos of the next morning. With three boys, Christmas morning is nothing short of lively, so having this peaceful tradition ensures that our focus is entirely on them when the big day arrives. It’s a sweet, meaningful way for us to reconnect and celebrate the season as a couple.

I hope you will consider starting this tradition with your significant other.

Gingerbread White Russian was something new we tried this year.

1:1:1 Ratio of Vodka, Vanilla Kahlua and Trader Joe’s Gingerbread oat milk creamer. We actually measured out 1.5 of each, less of the Kahlua for less sweetness. Having the TJ’s seasonal oat milk creamer on hand proved to be a delightful twist and made it a seasonally crafted cocktail that had just the right amount of spice.

Crafting a Christmas Card Flipbook
Don’t throw out the Christmas cards you receive just yet. Several years ago, I found it difficult to let go of the beautiful cards we had received and brainstormed ways to hold onto them a little longer. I dug through my craft kit, found a box of binder ring closures, and got out a hole punch. Now, I have a few years’ worth of cards packed away with our Christmas decor that I set out each year in a decorative bowl.

If keeping every card isn’t your thing, I encourage you to at least save one of your own cards each year to create a flipbook. Your kids will love flipping through them and seeing how they’ve changed over the years.

Order your supplies today! I’ve linked everything you need to create your own Christmas card keepsake here. (Link supplies), here.

Annual Cookie Bake with Kids

A few years ago, my childhood friends and all of our children began one of my favorite traditions we share. We all gather and make a variety of cookies. It’s such a sweet morning together.

2024 Decor showcase

The Mantel Moment

This year’s mantel is, without a doubt, my favorite. It came together during a craft day with a friend when I made a dried orange garland. Paired with delicate gold leaves tucked into the garland, twinkling fairy lights, oversized bells, a Peace garland (a clearance find from last year), and layered ribbon in my go-to color scheme, it feels absolutely perfect to me. The combination of textures, lights, and personal touches creates a centerpiece for our holiday decor that I’ll definitely recreate next year.

If you want to incorporate dried oranges in your decor next year, I’ve shared the how-to here.

Foraged greenery for porch pots, vases and table decor.

Encouragement & Reflection

As I look back on our holidays, I’m reminded that the true beauty of the season is found in the simplest moments. The true magic lies in the connections we build, the memories we make, and the love we share.

Creating a cozy haven for the holidays is more than just decorating—it’s about fostering a sense of belonging and joy for everyone who enters our home. Each garland hung, each card kept, and each ritual observed weaves together a story of love, gratitude, and togetherness.

My hope is that this post inspires you to embrace the traditions that bring you joy and to find new ways to make this season special for your own family. From my family to yours, may your holiday season be filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished memories.

Happy New Year!