How to Grow Sugar Pie Pumpkins in Texas

A few years back, I grew two little pumpkins that changed everything about how I look at fall. They weren’t just any pumpkins — they were Sugar Pie Pumpkins, the small, sweet kind that bakers love for their creamy texture and rich flavor. I planted them in our raised hugelkultur beds here in Texas, and five months later, I was turning those homegrown pumpkins into the best Brown Sugar Brandy Pumpkin Pie my family had ever tasted.

Coyotes in Texas: What They Eat, Where They Live, and How to Coexist

Not long ago, during a gathering at Babulya’s house to celebrate cousin Stella’s birthday, our family was unexpectedly serenaded by the untamed voices of the Texas plains coyotes. As dusk settled over the grass and trees, a chorus of howls echoed across the land. It was not a frightening sound, but rather something deeply stirring—a…

All Natural Lemon Chiffon Cake

When we were planning our daughter’s baby shower, I knew I wanted something extra special for the dessert table. The theme was “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and I thought, what better way to celebrate than with a star-shaped cake glowing with sunshine-yellow lemon flavor?

The Black Grackle: Behavior, Diet, and Why They Thrive in Cities

This month, our family had more run-ins with grackles than ever before, and each one turned into a little adventure. The first happened at our neighborhood H-E-B. We were walking through the aisles when I heard the boys squealing and pointing upward. A shiny black bird was flying back and forth under the fluorescent lights,…

Pumpkin Nights Experience in Austin

If there’s one event in Austin that knows how to capture the magic of fall, it’s Pumpkin Nights. We had the chance to go, and let me just say—this was no ordinary pumpkin patch. From larger-than-life installations to glowing trails filled with music, lights, fog, and the most stunning collection of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, the entire…

The DoSeum in San Antonio

If you’re ever in San Antonio and looking for a magical, hands-on place where kids can explore, create, and learn through play, The DoSeum should be at the top of your list. It’s not your average museum—it’s an interactive wonderland where every exhibit invites you to touch, build, play, and imagine. On our recent trip,…

A Day at the San Antonio Aquarium

Visiting the San Antonio Aquarium felt like stepping into a tropical dream. From the moment we walked in, the air hummed with excitement, the surroundings alive with movement and color. Our little explorers—wide-eyed and full of wonder—led the way, hand in hand, ready to uncover the treasures hidden in dark tanks, shallow touch pools, and…

Hopscotch Illusions Museum ~ San Antonio

Last weekend, we packed up the kids, a healthy supply of snacks, and a big sense of curiosity for a trip to the Hopscotch Illusions Museum in San Antonio. I’d been wanting to check this place out for months, ever since I first heard about its mix of interactive art, immersive rooms, and family-friendly fun….

25 Best Parks for Toddlers In and Around Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is a vibrant city known for its lively music scene, delicious food, and beautiful outdoor spaces. For families with toddlers, the city offers a variety of parks that are perfect for playtime, exploration, and making memories. Here are 25 of the best parks in and around Austin for toddlers, with a few personal…