Tag: Cultivate what matters

coffee, pnw, Review, travel

A Beautiful Coffee Shop with a Mission: Discovering Anchor House Coffee

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Missed turns sometimes lead to the best places🤍

After finishing one of our training hikes, we missed a turn and unexpectedly found ourselves in the charming town of Buckley. What could have been a simple navigation mistake turned into one of the sweetest surprises.

From the moment you walk in, there’s an undeniable warmth. Every detail feels intentional and beautifully curated without feeling overdone. The space manages to be both elevated and deeply cozy, like stepping into a friend’s home where you’re instantly invited to stay awhile.

Despite the steady flow of customers when we arrived, there was a calm, welcoming atmosphere. No rush. No pressure. Just a space that invites you to breathe, sit, and connect.

The pastries, displayed on charming, unique serving platters, felt like little works of art. It’s the kind of place where even choosing what to order becomes part of the experience.

And then there’s the cozy library corner… the kind of nook that makes you want to gather close with friends. We couldn’t help but imagine ourselves like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, tucked into deep conversation, dreaming up stories and sharing ideas.

Part of what makes Anchor House Coffee so special is the sense that it’s rooted in something deeper than just great coffee. Like many buildings in historic Buckley, this space carries the character of the town’s early days, when Buckley thrived as a logging community in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

While the space has been thoughtfully restored and reimagined, you can still feel that connection to the past in its bones. The charm isn’t manufactured, it’s preserved. It’s a beautiful reminder of how places can be renewed while still honoring their story.

One of the most impactful details in the shop isn’t just aesthetic, it’s purposeful.

Above the bar, signage draws your attention to Love Justice International, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing human trafficking and protecting the vulnerable around the world.

This isn’t just a passive mention, it’s an invitation.

Through donations and awareness, this coffee shop is helping connect everyday moments like ordering your favorite drink , to something far greater. It’s a powerful reminder that even small choices can contribute to justice, freedom, and hope for others.

There’s something incredibly meaningful about sipping coffee in a place that cares deeply about people, not just locally, but globally.

What started as a missed turn became a moment we won’t forget.

Anchor House Coffee isn’t just a coffee stop, it’s an experience. It’s a place where beauty, community, history, and purpose all come together in a way that feels genuine and life-giving.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway: Sometimes the unexpected detours lead you exactly where you’re meant to be 🤍

If you love discovering cozy coffee spots like Anchor House Coffee, you might enjoy a few of our other Pacific Northwest coffee shop reviews ⬇️

Thirsty Coffee Bar Review
But First Coffee ☕️
Hawaii, history, travel

No Mountain Too High: A Hawaiian Reminder of Perseverance

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

“‘Aʻohe puʻu kiʻekiʻe ke hoʻāʻo ʻia e piʻi.”

This beautiful Hawaiian proverb reminds us that no hill is too high when you are willing to climb it.

Standing on the islands, surrounded by dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and volcanic peaks, it’s easy to see how this wisdom was born. Every mountain looks intimidating from the bottom. The path isn’t always clear, and sometimes the climb feels slow and exhausting.

But step by step, the summit gets closer.

This proverb isn’t just about physical mountains. It speaks to the challenges we face in everyday life, raising families, pursuing dreams, healing from hard seasons, or trusting God in uncertain moments.

What once looked impossible becomes reachable when we keep moving forward.

For our family, adventure has taught us this truth again and again. The hardest hikes often lead to the most breathtaking views. The same is true in life: perseverance reveals beauty we would never see if we stopped at the base of the mountain.

So wherever you are today, remember this Hawaiian wisdom:

No mountain is too high when you’re willing to take the next step.

Check out a few of the beautiful hikes we did in Oahu where this was a great reminder ✨

Hawaii, hiking, history, Review, travel

Hiking the Lanikai Pillbox Trail with Kids: What to Expect + Tips

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

The views! Known as the “Mokes”

Our very first hike on Oʻahu was the Ka’iwa Ridge Trail (also known as the Lanikai Pillbox Hike) and we were so excited to finally see what the famous pillboxes were all about.

Before we even started, though, we were met with something that made us almost rethink doing this hike …a warning sign at the trailhead explaining that hikers have needed rescue here. We decided that we would just try it and if it was to difficult we would turn back.We assumed the warning was because the trail was short and steep,so we didn’t fully grasp or understand what the sign meant at the time .

The warning

Looking back… the rope at the beginning should have been our first clue.

The rope to help you as you climb

What the Trail Is Really Like

Right from the start, the incline is no joke. It’s steep, dusty, and requires a bit of grabbing the rope to pull yourself up which was especially helpful for little ones. That rope at the beginning? Definitely not just for decoration.

As we climbed higher, we quickly realized something we hadn’t fully expected… this trail is truly a ridge. At times, you are walking along a narrow path with drop-offs on both sides. For those of us who aren’t the biggest fans of heights, this added a whole new level of challenge.

But the views!! They completely stopped us in our tracks.

Ko’olau Mountain Range

From the ridge, you can see the turquoise waters of Lanikai Beach and the iconic Mokulua Islands (often called “the Mokes”) rising out of the ocean. It felt like we could see for miles each direction . It was breathtaking, humbling, and absolutely worth every hard step.

Reaching the Pillboxes

We took our time climbing, encouraging one another as we went, until we reached a flatter section…a small plateau. From there, we had our first glimpse of the first pillbox .

It was such an exciting moment when we reached the pillbox! Standing there, seeing people on top of it, taking in the views…it felt like such a reward. The steep drop offs are crazy around it so our family chose to stay on one side and not climb on top, even though others were.It was still an unbelievable experience just standing next to it!

From that first pillbox, you can also spot the second one just a short distance away…about 100 yards further along the ridge.

The Descent (The Real Challenge)

If the climb up tested our endurance, the way down tested our balance.

The trail is dry and dusty, and the dirt can be very slippery , especially on the steep sections. It almost feels like your feet want to slide out from under you, which made this part especially tricky for our little ones.

We slowed way down, took careful steps, and helped each other navigate every section safely.

Heading back down

The People Made It Even Better

One of the sweetest parts of this hike was the community on the trail.

Strangers cheering each other on, both going up and coming down, created such an encouraging atmosphere. There’s something special about shared challenge and shared beauty that brings people together.

A glimpse of the ridge line

History of the Pillboxes

One of the reasons we really wanted to do this hike was the history behind it.

The pillboxes you see along the trail were built during World War II as military observation stations. Their purpose was to help spot incoming ships or aircraft and protect the island from potential attacks.

Today, they stand as historical reminders of that time, while also offering some of the most scenic viewpoints on Oʻahu.

Parking & Trailhead Info

  • Location: The trailhead is located in the Lanikai neighborhood in Kailua
  • Parking:
    • Street parking is available along residential roads near the trailhead
    • There is a Golf Course parking area that is monitored where you can pay for parking ( We did this and made it easier for parking and safety)
    • Be mindful of posted signs and respect the neighborhood (no blocking driveways)
    • Arrive early…parking fills up quickly
  • Distance: ~1.6 miles round trip ( it took us just over an hour round trip )
  • Elevation Gain: ~500–600 feet
  • Trail Type: Out and back
  • Best Time to Go: Sunrise , Sunset or early morning (less heat, fewer crowds)

Final Thoughts

By the time we made it back down, we were tired, dusty, and so thankful that we did it .

For a relatively short hike, this one truly challenged us, but the views? Absolutely priceless.

Would we do it again?

Without hesitation…yes!!!!

Check out our reel of our hike ⬇️

Check out our other hikes and must see in Oahu ⬇️

Koko Head Crater Trail Guide: Hiking the Stairs in Oahu with Kids
The Moana Surfrider: First Lady of Waikiki

Gathered thoughts, Hawaii, travel

Beyond the Scenery: The True Beauty of Hawaiʻi’s People

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Nani ke kanaka a me ka naʻau 🌺
Beautiful is the person and the heart.
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Hawaiʻi is filled with breathtaking views, but what stood out to us most was the beauty of the people ,the kindness, the warmth, and the spirit of aloha.
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If you really want to experience the beauty of Hawaiʻi, take the time to slow down and connect. Talk with the people. Listen to their stories. Let them talk story..which is sharing pieces of their life, their island, their history.So much rich detail in these moments . That’s where the real beauty lives✨

Not just in the landscapes…but in the voices, the laughter, and the hearts of the people who call these islands home.

A sweet reminder that true beauty isn’t just what we see… it’s how we love. 💛

Check out our other post ⬇️


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hiking, pnw, Review

Hiking Mailbox Peak, Mount Si & Celebrating at Snoqualmie Falls Brewery

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

We headed straight to Snoqualmie Falls Brewery for some much-needed refueling after our hike . One of our favorite things at the time of our visit, was the beer flight they offered—brews named after popular local mountains that were part of our hiking goals.How cool is that!

Looking back now, it feels extra special. By God’s grace, we’ve since tackled Mailbox Peak, Haystack (at least partially!), and Mount Si. Which means… I think it’s officially time for another trip back to celebrate again.

There’s just something fun about ending a hike with good food, a relaxed atmosphere, and a shared moment to reflect on what your body just accomplished. Enjoying an incredible dinner here felt like the perfect way to close out the day.

If you’re in the Snoqualmie area and spending time on the trails, this spot is absolutely worth adding to your list.

Looking for a beautiful place to stay in the area? Check out our favorite place to stay in the area and our full review ⬇️

Salish Lodge & Spa ~ Review

faith, Gathered thoughts

A Morning Prayer Before the Day Begins

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

There is something so sweet about the morning.

Before the noise.

Before the notifications.

Before the responsibilities start calling our name.

Psalms 143 reminds me that the first voice I need to hear each day is not the voice of the world — but the voice of the Lord. David’s prayer is simple and honest: Let me hear of your unfailing love. Not productivity. Not success. Not answers to every question. Just love.

Isn’t that what our hearts truly need?

When we begin the day grounded in God’s steadfast love, everything shifts. Our worries shrink. Our plans loosen their grip. Our striving softens. Trust grows.

And then comes the second request: Show me the way I should go.

Not five years from now. Not the full blueprint. Just the next faithful step.

That’s how walking with God works. Daily dependence. Morning by morning mercy. Guidance that meets us in real time.

Psalm 143:8 is a posture prayer. It’s surrender before strategy. Trust before timeline. It is choosing to entrust our lives — the messy, unfinished, beautiful whole of it — into faithful hands.

So tomorrow morning, before your feet hit the floor, whisper it:

“Lord, let me hear of Your unfailing love. Show me the way I should go.”

And trust that He will ❤️

faith

What Is Lament? Understanding Ash Wednesday and the Gift of Honest Prayer

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Today is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent ,a season in the Christian calendar that invites us into reflection, repentance, and remembering our need for God.

I didn’t grow up observing Ash Wednesday. In fact, I never even heard much about it. But as I’ve grown older in my faith, I’ve come to deeply appreciate what this season represents ,especially the practice of lament.

One of my new favorite resources this past year has been The Worship Initiative. A friend shared it with me, and recently they’ve been doing a series on lament. In one episode,Mark Vroegop (author of Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy) shared a powerful definition:

“Lament is a prayer in pain that leads to trust.”

Pause on that for a moment.

A prayer.

In pain.

That leads to trust.

Not a denial of pain.

Not pretending everything is fine.

Not rushing to a quick spiritual answer.

Lament gives us language for the hard things ,the unanswered questions, the disappointments, the grief, the confusion. It teaches us that we can bring all of it to God.

Psalm 13: A Pattern for Lament


In the Book of Psalms chapter 13, David begins with raw honesty:

“How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

He asks questions.

He expresses sorrow.

He feels forgotten.

But the psalm doesn’t end there.

It ends in trust:

“But I trust in your unfailing love…”

That’s the movement of lament.

From pain → to prayer → to trust.

Not because circumstances changed instantly.

But because the heart turned toward God.

Why Lament Matters

Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are dust. That we are fragile. That we are not in control.

And lament gives us permission to bring that fragility to God.

We don’t have to only pray polished prayers.

We don’t have to only thank Him when things are good.

We can say, “How long?”

We can say, “I don’t understand.”

We can say, “This hurts.”

And still — we can trust.

Check out The Worship Initiative on the link below and go to Monday 16 to hear this beautiful psalm in song form. It’s one of my new favorites ✨

https://sing.theworshipinitiative.com/series/daily/2026-02-16?autoplay=1&from=daily+devo&ref_user=1eb7aa78-7816-4edb-b554-0b2e2b6a9fc7

Family activity, homeschooling

Free 2026 Winter Olympics Checklist (Printable)

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faith, homeschooling, reading, Review

Growing in Faith Together: Why Between Us Has Been a Sweet Part of Our Homeschool Days

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures

Between Us: A 52-Week Devotional for Moms and Daughters is one of the devotionals my daughter and I are working through this year, and it has been such a meaningful addition to our homeschool rhythm.

What I love most about this devotional is how interactive it is. Each week includes a short devotional followed by intentional conversation prompts. There are moments where my daughter asks me a question and I respond while she records my answer, and then the roles reverse—I get to ask her a question and hear her heart. Those simple exchanges have opened the door to deeper conversations and sweet connection that I didn’t even realize we were missing.

This devotional has been a gentle, faith-filled way to slow down, reflect, and grow together. It’s not overwhelming or time-consuming, which makes it easy to weave into our homeschool days, and it encourages both spiritual growth and meaningful communication.

Have you ever done a devotional with your daughter? I’d love to hear what has worked well in your home. Share in the comments or send me a message—these conversations encourage so many other moms walking the same journey ❤️

If you haven’t done one or you’re looking for a devotional that strengthens faith while also nurturing your relationship with your daughter, Between Us is one I highly recommend.

Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NIV‬‬

faith, Gathered thoughts, history, Review, Texas, travel

From Texas Roots to Magnolia Market & Silos: A Faith-Filled Trip to Waco

redeemingbeautyfamilyadventures
Absolutely love this ❤️ What is your story?

We had a short window to visit Waco and an opportunity to visit Magnolia, and I’m so thankful we made it work! I hadn’t been to Waco for over 20 years, and setting my feet back on Texas soil reminded me that I’m every bit Texas as the day I left , even with my Washington roots now. It’s funny how travel can make you reflect on where you come from and where you are now⭐️

So much history ⭐️ Travel + Field Trip

This city holds a rich history and it’s so deep in my roots that all of it came flooding back as soon as we landed in Dallas. So many memories of growing up here , and so many new adventures waiting to be discovered with Magnolia being at the top of our list .

Magnolia was absolutely delightful! We tried to take it all in and enjoy every part of it—soaking in all the decor, shopping, treats, and the many Insta-worthy spots. Walking around, it felt like stepping into a modern version of history, where every detail—from the buildings to the vintage-inspired decor—tells a story.

Magnolia Market
The Holiday Shop
Homebody

One of our first stops was the church right in the middle of it all. It was beautiful, steeped in history, and reminded me of how faith has long been a cornerstone of communities here and in my own life . Standing in that space, I couldn’t help but pause and reflect on the generations who had gathered there before us .

A beautifully restored Chapel ❤️

So beautiful at night ⭐️

The shops were all decorated for the holidays and so welcoming. I loved that they offered a ship-to-home option, so I could shop without worrying about packing everything into my luggage—a little luxury that made travel feel so smooth.

The bakery was a sweet little highlight! My little one picked out a gingerbread cupcake, and just the smell of the fresh baked goods was enough to make us pause in delight. Moments like these remind me that travel isn’t just about the sights—it’s about the wonderful smells of fresh baked goods, brewing coffee and so many other little joys along the way.

I was most excited to try Magnolia Press. I ordered an iced Americano, and it hit the spot. If you’re planning on shopping as well, be sure to look for deals in the stores—they had a free drink with the purchase of a mug, during the time we visited.

So many Insta-worthy Stops

One of the unique collaborations I discovered was the Silos Watercolor book by Emily Lex . I loved it! My littles love her watercolor books ❤️ And with her being from Washington, it made me reflect on my own journey—how life and travel can connect distant places and memories, tying together past, present, and faith in unexpected ways.

Love these watercolor workbooks! Perfect for Homeschool Art Classes

Washington is my home now—and for as long as God keeps me there—but Waco will always be part of my story. Years ago, when I packed up my life and moved west, I had no idea how it would all unfold. Looking back now, I can see Gods hand in every step, every transition, and every place that shaped me along the way. I’m deeply thankful for the way God continues to orchestrate the details, faithfully writing a story far greater than I could have planned myself ❤️

If you’ve ever returned to a place that shaped you, I’d love to hear your story. What city, season, or moment did God use to grow you—even if you didn’t understand it at the time? Share in the comments or save this post as a reminder that He’s still writing your story ❤️

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭143‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Check out our Reel below ⬇️