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 ⬇️
Our February Book Club pick was The Crown Conspiracy by Connie Mann and oh my goodness… I absolutely loved this book.
If you enjoy stories that feel like Mission Impossible meets James Bond, but woven with threads of faith and purpose, this one will grab you from the start. It was action packed, fast paced, and nearly impossible to put down.
In fact, I started by reading just a few chapters at a time… but once I reached about a quarter of the way through, I ended up devouring the entire book in one sitting. It was that good.
What I Loved
One of my favorite elements was the Speranza women’s team. The strength, loyalty, and sisterhood between these women was powerful and inspiring. It makes you reflect on the beauty of strong, faith filled friendships and honestly, it made me want to start a secret sisterhood like that in real life…Anyone else?
I also appreciated how the storylines wove together. There were moments when plot lines crossed in surprising ways, keeping the suspense high and the tension building. The pacing was strong, and the stakes felt real.
And I especially loved how faith was woven throughout the story. It wasn’t heavy handed but it was present. God’s guidance, trust in uncertain moments, and leaning into courage during danger added a deeper layer to the action.
A Few Things I Would Have Loved to See
While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, there were a couple of areas where I found myself wanting a bit more clarity.
I would have loved if the author had circled back more clearly to the first chapter bridging that opening moment with the events that followed in a stronger way.
And when the big reveal came at the end, I personally felt like a few threads weren’t fully tied up. I finished the book thinking:
Wait… what happened there?
What was the final story with that character?
More than one culprit?
Some of those details felt a little unclear to me, and I’m very curious to hear what the rest of our Book Club thinks when we meet to discuss it. It’s always interesting how different readers catch different things.
Final Thoughts
Overall, The Crown Conspiracy was an exciting, faith threaded suspense novel that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you enjoy:
Strong female characters
International intrigue
Fast pace
Faith woven into action
Sisterhood themes
… this one is definitely worth adding to your reading list
More Book Reviews You Might Enjoy
If you loved this review, you might also enjoy these other books we’ve read in our book club:
Nani ke kanaka a me ka naʻau 🌺 Beautiful is the person and the heart. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. 💛
We stumbled upon Anchor House Coffee after a hike and found more than great coffee. Discover the history, cozy charm, and mission behind this hidden gem in Buckley.
We were drawn to the Moana Surfrider Hotel, not just for its stunning oceanfront location on Waikiki Beach , but for the history it holds and to step into a piece of history that has stood for over a century .One that has welcomed travelers long before Waikiki became what it is today.
For our family, it was the perfect combination of everything we love: history to learn from, beauty to take in, and a location that simply can’t be matched.
The Moana Surfrider Hotel is one of the very first hotels built in Waikiki, Oahu and because of that, it holds an incredibly special place in Hawaiian history. Opened in 1901, it is often referred to as the “First Lady of Waikiki.” Long before high-rise resorts lined the shoreline, the Moana stood as a grand beacon of luxury on what was once a quiet stretch of beach.
It is absolutely beautiful and sits directly on Waikiki Beach, blending Victorian elegance with the relaxed rhythm of island life.
When we walked in, we immediately felt like we had stepped back in time. The wide open lobby, high ceilings, and sweeping staircase reflect the hotel’s original Victorian architectural style, which was quite a statement in the early 1900s. At the time it was built, arriving guests would travel by ship and horse-drawn carriage . Can you imagine stepping off a boat and into this grand oceanfront retreat?
As we walked through the lobby and out the back doors, we were greeted by a spacious veranda lined with rocking chairs … one of my favorite details. Sitting there with coffee in hand felt like slowing down time and savoring it in the best way.
The famous Banyan tree is front and center welcoming all to the natural beauty of the Island . Planted in 1904, just a few years after the hotel opened, the Banyan tree has grown into a massive, breathtaking centerpiece of the courtyard. Its branches stretch wide and welcoming, creating shade and a gathering place for generations of visitors. It’s incredible to think how many stories that tree has witnessed over more than a century.We felt so privileged to be able to stand there where so many others had gathered before.
The outside pool is beautiful …you can swim while looking out at the Pacific Ocean, or simply walk a few steps and be right on Waikiki Beach itself. That seamless connection between historic elegance and oceanfront beauty is part of what makes this place so special.
The hotel reminded me of a beautiful old-style mansion , the kind filled with stories. Oh if the walls could talk! Over the decades it has hosted celebrities, dignitaries, and travelers from around the world. Even through renovations and modernization, the Moana Surfrider has intentionally preserved its historic charm.
Staying here (or even just visiting) isn’t just about enjoying a beautiful resort , it’s about stepping into a piece of Hawaiian history.
But the story doesn’t stop at the hotel itself ✨
Waikiki: From Royal Retreat to World Destination
Long before Waikiki became a world-famous travel destination, it was actually a retreat for Hawaiian royalty. The area was once filled with wetlands and fishponds, and Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs and royalty) would come here to relax and surf.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Waikiki began transforming as tourism grew. When the Moana Surfrider opened in 1901, it became the very first large hotel in the area, setting the stage for Waikiki’s future. At that time, there were no high-rise hotels, no bustling Kalakaua Avenue , just ocean, palm trees, and this grand white hotel standing proudly along the shore.
Over the years, Waikiki evolved into the vibrant destination we know today. But the Moana Surfrider still stands as a reminder of the beginning …a place where history hasn’t been forgotten.It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
One of the things I love most about staying somewhere historic is the opportunity to turn it into a living history lesson.
📚 A Living History Lesson Here are a few simple ways to make this educational:
History
Research Hawaii’s transition from a monarchy to a U.S. territory (1898) and then to statehood (1959).
Study Hawaiian royalty and learn about Queen Liliʻuokalani.
Compare what travel looked like in 1901 vs. today.
Geography
Locate Oahu on a map and identify other Hawaiian islands. Study volcanic island formation.
Architecture
Look up Victorian architectural elements and identify them in the hotel design.
Writing Prompt for Kids
“Imagine you are arriving at the Moana Surfrider in 1901. Write a journal entry about your first impressions.”
If you find yourself in Waikiki, don’t just admire the beach , step inside the Moana Surfrider. Sit under the Banyan tree. Imagine the year 1901.
Travel becomes unforgettable when it connects beauty with learning.
The Moana Surfrider is so much more than just a beautiful place to stay. It’s steeped in rich history✨
The same God who was writing stories here over a hundred years ago is still writing them today , even in our own family’s journey.
That’s what I’ll carry with me most from this visit … not just the ocean views or the historic charm, but the reminder that God is present in every season… past and present.
And when we choose to travel with intention, to learn, to reflect, and to be present , those moments become more than memories.They become part of the story we’re living, too.
Check out our reel of this beautiful Hotel ⬇️ and be sure to subscribe 🩷
Recently I was sitting at Starbucks doing some planning when I overheard a conversation at the table next to me. A teenage girl was talking with her friend about the dynamics of her family.
I tried not to listen, but certain phrases caught my attention.
“My dad doesn’t really know how to love.”
“He isn’t kind.”
“I think my mom’s favorite is my sister… she doesn’t really talk to me.”
My heart broke as I listened.
What struck me most was not that she sounded sad. Instead, she spoke as if she had already accepted this as normal, as if this was simply what family was supposed to be like. That’s what made my heart ache the most.
I sat there trying to gather the words I might say to her. I knew I couldn’t just let her leave thinking she was unlovable or that this was simply the way life had to be.
Quick words have never been my strength , so as I was trying to figure out what to say, I prayed a silent prayer.As she stood up to leave, I found the courage to speak.
“I’m so sorry but couldn’t help but to overhear part of your conversation. I just wanted to say I’m really sorry for what you’ve experienced.”
I apologized to her for the way she had been treated, even though I wasn’t the one who hurt her. I told her that sometimes people simply don’t know how to love well. But that she is worthy of love.
I told her she has the opportunity to learn something different through this pain and to become someone who loves well, even if she didn’t receive it herself.
She thanked me and was very kind.
But as she walked away, I immediately thought of all the things I should have said.
I should have asked if I could give her a hug.
I wish I had shared my faith more clearly.
Instead, I tried to find a way to connect with her without sounding like some strange woman inserting myself into her life in a random moment .. but then it made me think.. why? Why was I worried over that instead of looking at it as an opportunity to love?
Why is it sometimes so hard to encourage others or show love , especially to people we don’t know?
There so many people who have accepted the lie that they are unlovable and for so many reasons . Sometimes it’s because of circumstances.Sometimes it’s self-preservation.Sometimes it’s simply the story they’ve been told long enough to believe.
But what if we chose to love people and to step out of our comfort zones ?
Even strangers.
What if one small moment of kindness could change the direction of someone’s life?
Recently I’ve been reading about D.L. Moody, and one story about him stood out to me. Early in his life, an elderly man gave him a single penny just for walking with him, listening, and encouraging him in his faith.
It was such a small interaction.
Yet Moody never forgot it.
I’ve also been reading the book The Body Keeps Score, which discusses how early environments shape behavior. One study described two groups of mice: one raised in a nest with warmth and plenty of food, and another raised in a poor, stressful environment.
When both groups were frightened by a loud noise, they ran back to their nests ,whether the environment was good or bad.
It made me pause.
Even when something is unhealthy, we often return to what feels familiar.
Maybe that teenage girl has learned to run back to the only “home” she knows …even if it isn’t the love she deserves.
And maybe that’s why small moments of kindness matter more than we realize.
A word.
An apology.
A reminder that someone is worthy of love.
Perhaps those moments plant seeds that grow later.
And maybe the next time I feel the nudge to speak kindness into someone’s life, I won’t hesitate.
Because sometimes a single moment of love or kindness can echo far longer than we could ever imagine ❤️
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18
Have you ever had a moment where you felt prompted to encourage a stranger? Or where a stranger’s kindness impacted you?
We stumbled upon Anchor House Coffee after a hike and found more than great coffee. Discover the history, cozy charm, and mission behind this hidden gem in Buckley.
We’ve been on a mission to visit all of the American Girl stores across the United States, and on our recent trip we were able to check the American Girl Dallas location off our list.
Oh my goodness—it was such a beautiful store! I mean, who am I kidding? They are all beautiful. But right when you walk in, you’re greeted by a bright, open space with the café off to the left. This was actually the first time we’ve seen the café positioned so openly near the entrance. When the store was still in Seattle, the café was on the same floor but still felt a little more tucked away.
Everything felt bright and inviting. We loved the wall filled with picture frames of past dolls and books—it was such a fun way to celebrate the history of the brand.
It was also fun exploring all the different themed rooms throughout the store. One of our favorite discoveries was a party room set up for a special gingerbread house event. It looked like the perfect place for a doll-themed celebration.
Gingerbread house decorating
One of the things that makes the Dallas store extra special is that it’s part of the newer American Girl experiential store design. The two-level space is about 14,700 square feet and even includes a stunning floor-to-ceiling dollhouse display that stretches between the floors. Between the full café with tea trays and treats, the Doll Salon where girls and dolls can get matching hairstyles, and all the fun photo spots throughout the store, it really feels like stepping into a unique doll world.
Floor to ceiling doll house✨
One of my girls’ absolute favorite parts was the oversized book seat. We seriously need one of those in our house! It looked like a giant open storybook that you could actually sit on, which made for such a fun photo moment.
Book bench! It’s a Samantha book 📕
Next, we headed up the staircase, which was again lined with beautiful framed images of the dolls and their books. On the second floor is where you’ll find the doll hair salon, which is the perfect stop to have your doll styled while you continue shopping.
Love this wall!!
There were so many fun things to choose from—it was honestly hard to decide. But I think that’s always the case whenever we visit one of the American Girl Doll stores!
Such a glam elevator
As I watched my girls explore the world of American Girl —from the dolls and stories to the little details that spark imagination—it reminded me how special these moments of childhood are. There is something beautiful about watching kids step into stories, dream big, and create their own adventures.
Book love
Sometimes as parents we get busy planning the trip, managing the schedule, or figuring out the next stop. But moments like this remind me to pause and simply enjoy watching them experience wonder.
Childhood is such a gift, and these little adventures—whether it’s a hike, a road trip, or even a visit to a doll store—become memories that stay with our families for years to come.
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” James 1:17
If you’re planning a visit to the American Girl store in Dallas, here are a few tips that can help make the experience even more special.
🫖 Make Café Reservations
The in-store café is a popular spot for families. If you plan to enjoy tea, lunch, or a special treat with your doll, it’s a good idea to reserve a table ahead of time. The tiered trays with tea sandwiches and desserts make it such a memorable experience for girls and their dolls.
💇 Bring Your Doll for the Salon
Upstairs you’ll find the Dolled Up Salon, where dolls can get their hair styled. From simple brushing and braids to more elaborate looks, it’s a fun experience that makes the visit feel extra special.
⏰ Plan Enough Time to Explore
Give yourself at least 1–2 hours to explore the whole store. Between the displays, the dollhouse area, the salon, and all the shopping options, there’s a lot to see.
🎉 Check for Special Events
The Dallas location sometimes hosts seasonal activities and themed events, like crafting or holiday celebrations. If your trip lines up with one of these, it can make your visit even more memorable.
📸 Bring Your Camera
There are so many adorable photo opportunities throughout the store, especially if your kids love capturing memories with their dolls.
🧳 Bring an extra suitcase
We learned this lesson the hard way! If you are planning to shop then make sure you can fit what you purchase in your luggage . It’s always good to have some extra space just to be sure.
Best Photo Spots in the American Girl Dallas Store 📸
If your kids love photos (or if you’re a blogging mom like me!), there are several fun spots throughout the store that make perfect picture moments.
📚 The Oversized Storybook Bench
One of our favorite spots was the giant open book seat. It looks like you’re sitting inside a storybook and makes such a fun and unique photo.
🏠 The Two-Story Dollhouse
The large two-level dollhouse display is one of the coolest features of the Dallas store. It’s colorful, detailed, and a great backdrop for photos.
🎨 The Dear Giana Mural
The bright mural by local teen artist Dear Giana adds so much personality to the store. It’s colorful and fun and makes a great backdrop.
💇 The Salon Area
If your doll is getting a hairstyle at the salon, be sure to snap a photo of the transformation!
📖 The Doll & Book Wall
The wall filled with framed pictures of American Girl dolls and their books is both beautiful and nostalgic—especially for longtime fans of the brand.
Love the star seats!
These moments of laughter, imagination, and time together truly are gifts.
Check out our review of the American Girl Los Angeles store ⬇️
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 ⬇️
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.”
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 ✨
