Author: ThisDarlingAdventure

Hello! Welcome to This Darling Adventure. It is a pleasure to meet you! Grab a cup of tea and take a seat and please let me introduce myself. My name is Laura and I love to adventure. I am originally from southern California, but currently call northern Manitoba my home with my beloved husband, Andy. I love cooking delicious food, creating art from unassuming random objects, doing yoga in my living room along to YouTube videos, hiking in the forest that surrounds our little town, adventuring to and discovering beautiful places around the world, and enjoying Swedish "fika" with friends and family far too often. Why do I write? To travel, to tell stories, to discover beauty, and to be creative - these are just a few of the things I believe add flavor to life. Each new day is an adventure made to be discovered, full of endless and unexpected possibilities. I write because I want to plant in others a refreshing hope and a deep longing for living a meaningful life to its fullest. I write because I want to encourage others to be the best that they can be wherever they are in the world and to seek out a life of adventure, even in the seemingly mundane and everyday. I write because life is far too short not to.
Health & Wholeness

The Next Step: On Finding Courage in the Messy Middle

ThisDarlingAdventure

Have you ever been so excited about something you were building, creating or working towards, only to find yourself questioning whether it's all worth it somewhere along the way? There's something about the messy middle that no one really prepares you for—the fading momentum, the unexpected roadblocks and the discouragement that can make even the most meaningful pursuits feel a little less certain. Recently, I found myself wrestling with some of these very questions, and it prompted a few reflections on the unexpected challenges of pursuing something that matters.

Around the Table

Cider & S’mores: How We Hosted a Bonfire Party For Trick-or-Treaters (& Why)

ThisDarlingAdventure

A few years ago, we decided to try something a little different: instead of handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, we lit a bonfire, set out apple cider and s’mores, and waited to see who would stop by. There were a few moments when we wondered if anyone would show up at all, but we’re so glad we gave it a try. In today's post I'm sharing how we brought this bonfire party to life and why this simple little gathering became something we were so thankful for.

At Home, DIY Projects

Confessions of a Kitchen Renovation: What We’d Change & What We’d Do Again (3 Years Later)

ThisDarlingAdventure

Three years ago, we tore our kitchen down to the studs and started from scratch. After months of renovating (and doing dishes in the bathtub!), we discovered which decisions were worth every bit of effort and which ones we'd reconsider if we were to do it again. From a few decisions we wish we'd thought through more carefully to the details we're still so glad we included, here's what we'd change and what we'd happily do all over again.

At Home, Design Tips

Fall Home Care Checklist: How We Get Our Home Ready for Winter

ThisDarlingAdventure

With winter just around the corner, there are a few things we do each fall to keep our home clean, cozy, and functioning well through the colder months. From often-overlooked deep cleaning tasks to outdoor prep and preventative maintenance, I’m sharing our fall home care checklist, along with why these little things are worth making time for. You might just find a few tasks to add to your own seasonal routine!

Around the Table

Hosting Made Simple: Easy Fall-Inspired Dinner Menu Ideas for Every Occasion

ThisDarlingAdventure

The season of gathering is here, but figuring out what to serve can sometimes feel like a lot. That's why I've taken the guess work out of hosting this fall and put together three complete dinner menus so you can spend less time wondering what to make and more time enjoying the people around your table this season. Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving, inviting friends over for a cozy fall dinner or simply looking for a seasonal meal to share with your family, there's a menu here for you. All that's left to do is choose your favorite, gather the ingredients, and savor this season of gathering with those you love.

Health & Wholeness

Rhythms for Flourishing: Caring for the Heart, Body & Mind as the Days Grow Shorter

ThisDarlingAdventure

When the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it can be surprisingly easy to slip into survival mode, feeling tired, unmotivated, isolated, or simply counting down the days until spring. But what if we didn’t have to spend the colder months just trying to get through them? In this post, I’m sharing a few simple rhythms to help you care for your heart, body, and mind during this season and show up well for the people you love and the things you love to do.

At Home, Design Tips

Through the Seasons: Simple Ways We Decorated Our Home For Fall

ThisDarlingAdventure

Fall has always felt a little magical to me, and I love finding simple ways to bring that feeling into our home. Come take a peek at how a few thrifted favorites, foraged finds, and small seasonal swaps helped us welcome fall into the spaces we use most.

Here & There

Road Tripping Through the American West: The Whats, Wheres & Hows of Our 16-Day Adventure

ThisDarlingAdventure

A few weeks ago, Andy and I packed up and headed south for 16 days of hiking, camping, and exploring some incredible places across the American West. From Montana to Utah and Wyoming, we saw landscapes that took our breath away, challenged ourselves on some unforgettable hikes, and made so many wonderful memories together. In today's post I've put together a recap of our trip, including our route, where we stayed and camped, the hikes we did, and some of our favorite stops along the way. If you're curious about what we got up to, come along for the adventure!

Around the Table

Savoring the Season: Cozy & Nourishing Soup Recipes for Fall

ThisDarlingAdventure

As the days grow cooler, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade soup. These cozy and nourishing recipes celebrate the flavors of fall and make simple, satisfying meals for crisp autumn days.

At Home, Design Tips

The Art of Home: Creating a Space That Feels Like Your Own

ThisDarlingAdventure

What makes a house feel like home? It isn’t necessarily the size, style, or budget, but the little details that tell the story of the people who live there. Here are 10 simple ways to create a space that feels personal, collected, and uniquely your own.