Hi friend,
There comes a moment every year, usually in late February, when my brain become irrationally convinced that winter is going to last forever.
It's not a, "let's book an extra ski weekend!" kind of delight, but instead a full-body panic that we might be stuck with grey skies, long nights, dead* plants, and miserably cold weather FOREVER.
And then, e v e r y year, something incredible happens: spring arrives.
And with her, infused in the long sunshine on the first warm day, is a childlike giddiness historically reserved for the first day of summer vacation.
Somewhere in the fresh shoots of grass, the cheerful blossoms of new flowers, the joy of pulling out a favorite sundress, or the first backyard dinner of the season... we come alive again. And it is magic.
So if the messiness of our human existence gets you down, find your way outside. Look for the things that are blooming, and remember: nature has her cycles, and so do we. However dark it might feel in the long, cold days of winter, there is hope to be found in the knowledge that spring will come again.
Just as she always has, and just as she always will.
See you in the sunshine,
- Nichole
*many are actually just "dormant" for winter, but the word 'dead' was more appropriately evocative to describe my mood. :)
🫒 Never did I ever consider how pom poms get made but this gal has elevated them to an art form—my favorite might be these little olives.
📚 Remember summer reading lists? Starting my vacation planning (ok, dreaming) off strong with this beachy, lighthearted new release from Linda Holmes. PS: more book reccs below! 🙂
🎧 Grooving to this hike-inspired playlist—perfect inspiration for some new favorite listening ahead of camp season.
🏄♀️ I can't surf to save my life (though I've definitely tried!), but if I did: a suit from this woman-owned wetsuit brand would be at the top of my shopping list.
Quick show of hands, how many of you have been to Zion National Park in Utah?
Because MY GOODNESS is that place gorgeous!!
AllTrails and AutoCamp recently partnered to bring a group of outdoor creators out to Zion for Women's History Month, and we were delighted to join as a brand partner.
From the moment I stepped into AutoCamp Zion, I knew this was going to be a memorable trip—even so, I was blown away. Some favorite memories:
- Reconnecting with Irene (@blackhikingqueen), one of Kinfield's earliest ambassadors. Full circle moment!
- Blissing out to an outdoor sound bath next to Jackelyn (@jackelynho) and her darling baby girl Emi
- Taking in gorgeous views of the Watchman Trail—and making an All Trails playlist of other Zion hikes that the crew recommended for my next visit!
- Making delicious sourdough pizzas on-site with Gozney ovens and Outside Pizza
- Dinner conversation that went late into the night with Em (@wanderful_em) and Mary (@blackhikerbabe)
- Exploring every cute detail of AutoCamp Zion, from the pool to the cozy fire pits to my own AirStream to call home for the trip.
Already excited to go back—maybe a campervan roadtrip this summer?! A gal can dream.🙂
Credit for all trip photos to the talented @forthewestandwildphoto
📍 Devil’s Head Lookout Trail, in Sedalia, CO (near Denver)
A short hike with epic 100-mile views of the Rampart Range of the Rockies, this one was an immediate "add to wishlist" for my next trip to Colorado.