Are you ready to step outside your routine, reconnect with yourself, and ignite your sense of adventure? This summer, I’m inviting you to choose your own transformative path with three unique ways to "Detour"—each crafted to empower, inspire, and connect you with an incredible community of women.

I've always been a gardener. Growing up in Oregon, my parents had my sister and me working alongside them in the garden practically every day. When I moved to Montana, I had to start completely over—learning to garden in this different climate.

A new habit I’ve picked up is a “spotting joy” practice. The goal is noticing the small, daily rituals that make up glimmers of joy. I’m also sharing how I spent 4 days in Dallas, Texas.

These days, it feels like everyone has an opinion on my “single status.” Comments on my dating life like, “Surprised you’re not in a relationship by now!” is a refrain I hear a little too often.

Women’s lives ebb and flow in ways our mothers and grandmothers might recognize, but the magnifying glass is so much bigger now. I’m sharing why I believe our in-between seasons (a.k.a. menopause) are our most powerful.

Are we all simultaneously fascinated and horrified by the spiraling plot of the last season of White Lotus? (My favorite couple was Rick & Chelsea by the way.) And all the while, you’re kind of thinking to yourself, "But I kind of want to go on a vacation now too..."

I want to have an honest conversation about budgets. I think many of us are thinking differently about our money this year – where it goes, how we spend it, and what truly matters. Here's the question:
How can we still invest in ourselves through travel, even if it looks different than before?

There's something special about fully unpacking your suitcase. You know what I mean? When I travel, I want to fully immerse myself in a place, even if it's just for a couple of days. And I always want to leave wanting more. We've all been on those trips where, at the end, you're feeling depleted and just so ready to go home. My trick? I leave on a high note, still wanting to see and do more.

I am thrilled to be able to introduce you all to Laura Riordan. Laura was an integral part of the genesis of Dare to Detour, as the concept behind Dare evolved out of a homework assignment for a class I took from her and Linda Lesem in March 2017 called What's Next 101. After the class, I continued working with Laura as I built out my concept for Dare to Detour…

The Fear/Joy Connection

How finding joy can rewire your brain. I've recently become obsessed with a new (to me) neurological concept: It's impossible to feel fear and joy at the same time.

Meet Lisa Joslyn, and how she's supporting women to feel competent and comfortable in nature's wild places.

I just returned from the Sisu Ski retreat in Colorado, and my heart is full of that special kind of joy that comes from doing something outside of your comfort zone and spending a weekend in community with other remarkable women.

My parents, Janet and Mel, have been my living, breathing guidebook to what authentic love looks like. Married in 1963, they've given me and my sister front-row seats to a love story that's been unfolding for decades.

After quietly taking on Dry January, I discovered something unexpected – the most profound changes weren't just physical (though hello, clear mind and better sleep!), but in how we view our relationship with alcohol as a society. Here's what happened to me, 31 days alcohol-free

…But beyond my own personal travel agenda I wanted to share some “new year predictions” shall we say. I'm seeing a travel landscape that's less about destination and more about discovery – for ourselves and the communities we'll encounter.

There's something a bit strange about these quiet days after New Year's. It’s like a twilight zone where the holiday decorations are packed away, and yet we’re still not back to our regular days quite yet. The house feels both empty and full of opportunity. So far, I've spent the beginning of 2025 doing something that was long overdue – creating space. Physical space, mental space, emotional space.

With the horizon of a new year dawns the promise of transformation, evolution, and a fresh intention. Each year I choose a word that serves to guide me as I make decisions personally and professionally and for 2025, my guiding word is VIBRANT.

There's something magical about travel that opens up unexpected portals of human connection. As someone who believes deeply in the power of genuine conversation, I've made it a personal mission to chat with my Uber drivers wherever I go. And let me tell you, my last trip to National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas was a masterclass in unexpected storytelling.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the ideal time to gift ourselves the simple, yet profound, healing of being outside in nature before the rest of December unfolds. Trust me, you deserve it. I know the enticement of planning and celebrating can be captivating (and stressful), but there's magic in solitude and silence too.

This year, something profound shifted for me. As I approach 60, I'm no longer resisting aging—I'm celebrating it.