Adventures at Home and Away (AaHaA)
Adventures at Home and Away is a travel and lifestyle blog sharing real-life adventures, from Midwest getaways and international travel to cooking, home improvement, and trying new things—because life is meant to be explored. Life is meant to be lived!!!
For nearly 20 years, I dreamed of starting a blog. And for nearly 20 years, I talked myself out of it.
Are there too many blogs? Is my niche too narrow—or too broad? What if I’m a terrible writer? What if no one reads it?
Those doubts kept me stuck… until life forced me to slow down.
Why I Started This Travel & Lifestyle Blog
In 2020, everything changed. A milestone birthday went uncelebrated. Dream vacations were canceled. Dates with the man of my dreams stayed close to home. Even grocery shopping required strategy and flexibility. For someone who is task-oriented and a lifelong planner, it was unsettling—yet eye-opening.
Like many people, I found comfort in escaping into travel blogs, photography, and lifestyle websites. But over time, I noticed something frustrating: so much of the content felt recycled. The same “top ten” lists were linked to other “top ten” lists. Recipes that bounced through four different blogs before reaching the original source.
I knew I could do better. And more importantly—I knew I had something real to share.
Real Experiences. No Fluff.
Adventures at Home and Away is built on firsthand experience. Everything you’ll find here is something I’ve personally done, seen, cooked, built, or explored. This isn’t about chasing trends or rewriting what already exists—it’s about sharing genuine stories, practical tips, and inspiration for people who love to learn, dream, and try new things.
Travel Near and Far
Travel has always been one of my greatest passions. I’ve been traveling and camping since I was a kid, and that excitement of discovering something new has never left. I love domestic and international travel, from quick Midwest getaways to far-away destinations. There are no cities, countries, or landscapes I’m unwilling to explore.
If you love travel that feels approachable, curious, and real—you’re in the right place.
Food, Cooking & Sharing Love Through Meals
Cooking is another lifelong passion. I started cooking when I was about ten years old and never stopped. To me, food is more than nourishment—it’s connection, creativity, and love. (Hint, Love is always my secret ingredient!) Whether it’s a comforting home-cooked meal or discovering local food while traveling, cooking and food plays a big role in how I experience the world.
Home Improvement & Doing Things “Women Aren’t Supposed to Do”
Home improvement and construction projects are a big part of my life. As a woman, I’ve often had my abilities questioned based on nothing but stereotypes. This blog is one way I push back against that.
I want other women to see that not only can we tackle these projects—we can do them well.
Why Not?
Many of the things I do seem to shock people. I often hear the same question:
“Why do you want to do that?”
My answer is always the same: Why not?
This blog is a challenge—to myself and to you—to try new things, explore different places, step outside the norm, and stop waiting for permission. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Ignore the expectations. Give it a try.
Why not?