There's something a bit strange about these quiet days after New Year's. It’s like a twilight zone where the holiday decorations are packed away, and yet we’re still not back to our regular days quite yet. The house feels both empty and full of opportunity. So far, I've spent the beginning of 2025 doing something that was long overdue – creating space. Physical space, mental space, emotional space.

With the horizon of a new year dawns the promise of transformation, evolution, and a fresh intention. Each year I choose a word that serves to guide me as I make decisions personally and professionally and for 2025, my guiding word is VIBRANT.

There's something magical about travel that opens up unexpected portals of human connection. As someone who believes deeply in the power of genuine conversation, I've made it a personal mission to chat with my Uber drivers wherever I go. And let me tell you, my last trip to National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas was a masterclass in unexpected storytelling.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the ideal time to gift ourselves the simple, yet profound, healing of being outside in nature before the rest of December unfolds. Trust me, you deserve it. I know the enticement of planning and celebrating can be captivating (and stressful), but there's magic in solitude and silence too.

This year, something profound shifted for me. As I approach 60, I'm no longer resisting aging—I'm celebrating it.

Throughout the year I’ve found myself returning to the same well-loved products, resources, services, clothing, and gear. Once I fall in love with something, I rarely change my mind. From my favorite travel wrap to the best facial to my go-to suitcase, my trusted camera and lenses, and even the jewelry I put on each morning—these are the things that I love and use every single day. 

Happy November! Whether you dressed up for Halloween, handed out candy, or stayed cozy inside, the turn into November marks the holiday season for us all. With holiday gatherings and celebrations around the corner, I wanted to plant a seed...

I'm one of those people who enjoys the start of a new week, but still, it takes me a moment to shift my gears over to the work week. Most morning look like this…

This summer I turned 59—my final year in my 50s! Up until now, I dreaded my birthday. Being in the middle of summer always meant my friends were away and celebrations were scarce. The main highlight was the angel food cake with lemon frosting my mom used to make. Eventually, though, that tradition transitioned into peach pie.

October is a big month for me every year, but especially this year as it marks five years since I received the life-altering news of my breast cancer diagnosis. Five years—a milestone that seemed distant and daunting back then, but today, it stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of embracing that wild Detour life threw my way.

Traveling with an infant. A daunting task.Traveling internationally with an infant and packing up to be abroad for an entire month? I had some nerves.

Last month marked 8 years of Dare to Detour (!). As I reflect on our recent retreat at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, I can't help but feel this might have been our best one yet…

I was on a rock climbing trip in Red Rock National Park, Las Vegas, when I woke up to the news that my cousin Kendra had passed away. Although her death was not unexpected, it still hit me hard, like a punch in the gut, leaving me breathless. The death of a loved one can profoundly awaken you to the reality of your own life.

Last week I turned 59—my final year in my 50s! Up until now, I dreaded my birthday. Being in the middle of summer, it always meant my friends were away and celebrations were scarce. The main highlight was the angel food cake with lemon frosting my mom used to make. Eventually, though, that tradition transitioned into peach pie.

Tomato Girl Summer might have started gaining traction in 2023, but for me, and thanks to my flourishing garden, 2024 is the year I fully declare it to be MY Tomato Girl Summer. Have you heard of this trend?

One thing I’ve learned on this journey is that trying new things can be so invigorating – even if they are “small”. They can awaken our curiosity and truly bring little moments of joy into our day-to-day. These seemingly minor changes can help us get unstuck from a bit of routine and as crazy as it sounds, they also help us build resilience as we learn to adapt and discover this new thing.

I have a little secret to share. Despite the enthusiasm received on my weighted vest, I am not a person who loves working out. When I moved to Montana, I started hiking. It was like uncovering a treasure trove of nature’s best gifts - and has been my way of tricking myself into getting a great workout ever since. The trails are my meditation rooms, and now that we are in full swing of summer, I’ve been revisiting my list of favorite hikes in/around Bozeman to make sure I check them all off for a visit.

Guest blogger Morgan Marks chronicles her transformative journey from a childhood aversion to hunting to embracing it as a profound, ethical practice. Through lessons learned in the Montana Master Hunter Program, she opens up about the deep connection between sustainable hunting, personal growth, and the natural world.

In the spirit of gathering and my favorite season (Backyard BBQ season), I wanted to share with you my go-to’s for hosting an easy backyard dinner.

Summer has officially arrived! Whether you're a sun-chaser or a shade-seeker, there's something undeniably magical about this season. Here in Montana, summer feels like a celebration of life itself. To celebrate, I put together a list of what I want to focus on in the short but oh-so-sweet Montana summer months. What do I want to focus on? Joy, connection, and embracing the fun of this season.