The Great Wolf Blessing in Disguise

The Inception

I talk a lot about how home decor and style help us express who we are — how the pieces we choose make our homes more us. But the truth is, home isn’t made of things. It’s made of us. Our memories. Our love. Our time together. That’s what makes a home.

And for a long time, I was missing that part.

The Inspiration

Working for FedEx meant days that started at 7AM and sometimes didn’t end until 10, 11, even midnight. I was exhausted. And more than that, I was missing out — missing bedtime stories, after-school talks, spontaneous laughs — all the little moments that make up a childhood. Their childhood.

One day, on a quick break at work, I came across a Groupon deal for a one-night stay at Great Wolf Lodge in Sandusky, OH — waterpark included. Five people. Two days. Just $188.

The Intention

I knew I couldn’t really afford to splurge. But that wasn’t the point. I didn’t book it because I had the money — I booked it because I was out of time. Time with my kids. Time to just be with them. So I made a snap decision, and that same night we hit the road, bags packed in a mad rush of snacks, swimsuits, and good intentions.

And it was perfect.

The Immersion

Not perfect in the magazine-cover way — perfect in the real way. The kind where your toddler’s soaked and giggling, your older kids are being their goofy selves, and you’re sitting back thinking, this is what it’s all about.

We didn’t bring fancy luggage or curated aesthetics — just a few of my favorite organizers to keep the chaos contained. But what we did bring was ourselves. And that was more than enough.

The Impression

At home, we hang our kids’ drawings on the fridge to celebrate them. On this trip, I tucked moments away in my memory — like sticky notes to my soul — to remind me of their greatness, of why I do what I do, and why I’ll keep going even when it’s hard.

Because our home isn’t a place. It’s us. Wherever we are — hotel room, waterpark, road trip car — as long as we’re together, that’s home.

The Impact

This trip didn’t just give us two fun days. It gave me a renewed sense of purpose. It reminded me why I started this journey — building a store, starting a blog, chasing a dream. Not for sales or followers. For freedom. For them.

The Integration

💼 On-the-Go Favorites from the Trip:

Here’s a few little helpers that kept us sane on this wild little trip:

If you’re a parent working too much and feeling like you’re missing it all — I see you. I am you. And I hope this reminds you that even the smallest trip, the cheapest deal, the shortest moment — can become the most important memory.

You don’t need a fancy home or a big budget to give your kids magic.

You just need to show up. 💛