I was planning to send a Black Friday email today, but I had a revelation this week and I wanted to share it with you instead.

You know those moments when something hits you out of nowhere and makes you stop and smile? I had one of those this week.

I was thinking about this community and how much it has grown. When I first started sharing our adventures, I wasn’t sure anyone in KC even wanted to get outside as much as I did. I definitely didn’t expect to find so many people who love exploring the Midwest too.

Somewhere along the way, this became so much more than posting photos or sharing travel tips. Getting to feel like I might be inspiring you to get out and explore brings me so much joy.

I’ve made real friendshi

ps here that have surprised me in the best way. The messages, back-and-forth conversations, and the tips you all share with me mean a lot to me.

This space feels special because of you.

Thank you for being here, for caring about these little adventures, and for making this community feel real and connected. I’m so grateful for you. ❤️

With thanks,

Amy

P.S. I put my most popular & on sale gift ideas from the last two months below. If you click my links and make a purchase within 24 hours then I get a commission on a percentage of everything you buy (at no cost to you), even if it isn't what I suggested. Thanks for supporting my family! 🌴

P.P.S. I am planning to send a Small Business Saturday email and a Cyber Monday email before going back to my usual weekly emails. Please don’t hate me! I am just trying to help!

Most-Popular Gift Suggestions (that are also on sale!)

​These Dearborn Slippers are made for indoor and outdoor adventures. They are currently 58% off! Whoever made it fashionable to wear slippers out of the house is my hero.

If you have any Celiacs in your life, this is the best gluten free cookbook we have found, and it is 72% off.

This sling bag is my favorite purse right now and it's 49% off! I am using all my will power not to buy it in another color. (That trench coat is also 21% off right now.)

These are two of my kids' favorite games right now! This one is 50% off and this one is 40% off. They have been played a lot this week!

We travel all the time with our three kids, and we always share one room. Our trick to making it work so far, is this kid's cot. Right now, it is 30% off. It unfolds easily and has lasted us 7 years and three kids worth of use.

I got three of these hats, one for each of my kiddos. Right now, it is 15% off. Winter is our favorite time to go on night hikes. I think they will love these!

These magnetic minecraft-esque blocks are a big hit with my kids rights now. They are 21% off and have a coupon! We took them to Thanksgiving with my family and all the kids fought over them!