Better Living

06/01/2026

Heading to the shore is the default summer trip, but this year the thought of crowded boardwalks and beach traffic had me less than enthusiastic. Instead, I headed to Peddler's Village in the rolling countryside of Bucks County, PA and found my summer paradise.

🔗 TAP OUR LINK for the full summer guide!

This colonial 18th-century style village with 60+ shops, an inn, 8 restaurants, and a restored 1922 carousel is transformed all summer long with Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip, a free display of giant sand sculptures celebrating America's 250th birthday. Plus, Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking their summer vacation here July 24-26! 🎅🏖️

We spent a few days exploring every corner of Peddler's Village and honestly, there's nowhere else like it. Incredible food, a cozy cocktail lounge with live music, one-of-a-kind shops, and a luxurious stay at Golden Plough Inn right in the middle of it all.

The food scene is seriously next level. Al Pastor Tacos and Carne Asada at Buttonwood Grill, the most incredible Shrimp & Grits and Lobster Dumplings at Earl's New American, perfectly crafted cocktails and live music at Red Fox Lounge, and 60+ years of tradition at C**k 'n Bull where the French Onion Soup and steaks never disappoint. Don't sleep on Hart's Tavern either. The Nashville Chicken Sandwich and Italian Roast Pork are both outstanding. Oh, and wine slushies at Nissley Vineyards.

In between meals, shop locally-owned boutiques like Greenology (build your own terrarium!), What's in a Name, Ice Imports, and so many more hidden gems you'll want to spend the whole weekend here.
Summer events are non-stop: Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash on July 4, Santa's Summer Holiday July 24-26, murder mystery dinners, Tunes at Noon every Friday, and the Peach Festival in August.

Just 60 minutes from Philadelphia and named the #2 shopping center in America by USA TODAY. You don't need a beach for the perfect summer escape.

06/01/2026

Heading to the shore is the default summer trip, but this year the thought of crowded boardwalks and beach traffic had me less than enthusiastic. Instead, I headed to Peddler's Village in the rolling countryside of Bucks County, PA and found my summer paradise.

🔗 TAP OUR LINK for the full summer guide!

This colonial 18th-century style village with 60+ shops, an inn, 8 restaurants, and a restored 1922 carousel is transformed all summer long with Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip, a free display of giant sand sculptures celebrating America's 250th birthday. Plus, Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking their summer vacation here July 24-26! 🎅🏖️

We spent a few days exploring every corner of Peddler's Village and honestly, there's nowhere else like it. Incredible food, a cozy cocktail lounge with live music, one-of-a-kind shops, and a luxurious stay at Golden Plough Inn right in the middle of it all.

The food scene is seriously next level. Al Pastor Tacos and Carne Asada at Buttonwood Grill, the most incredible Shrimp & Grits and Lobster Dumplings at Earl's New American, perfectly crafted cocktails and live music at Red Fox Lounge, and 60+ years of tradition at C**k 'n Bull where the French Onion Soup and steaks never disappoint. Don't sleep on Hart's Tavern either. The Nashville Chicken Sandwich and Italian Roast Pork are both outstanding. Oh, and wine slushies at Nissley Vineyards.

In between meals, shop locally-owned boutiques like Greenology (build your own terrarium!), What's in a Name, Ice Imports, and so many more hidden gems you'll want to spend the whole weekend here.

Summer events are non-stop: Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash on July 4, Santa's Summer Holiday July 24-26, murder mystery dinners, Tunes at Noon every Friday, and the Peach Festival in August.

Just 60 minutes from Philadelphia and named the #2 shopping center in America by USA TODAY. You don't need a beach for the perfect summer escape.

05/18/2026

🌸 SPRINGTIME AT BRAMPTON 1860! 🌸

Less than 2 hours from Philly on Maryland's Eastern Shore, we just wrapped up five of the most unhurried, restorative nights we've had in years.

Brampton 1860 in Chestertown, MD is a 35-acre historic estate where spring arrives like a full production. Tulips, peonies, chives blooming in the herb garden, redbuds and dogwoods at peak, and that golden late-afternoon light over the meadow that keeps you outside longer than you planned.

🏡 We split our stay between Mulberry Cottage and the Fairy Hill Suite in the 1860 Manor House. The cottage has a Japanese soaking tub on the private screened porch, a wood-burning fireplace, and a porch swing made for morning coffee. The manor suite has a dramatic stone fireplace, two levels, and access to the common spaces that make it feel like the whole house is yours.

🍳 Chef Carol's breakfast menu changes every single day. We had avocado toast with poached eggs and smoked salmon, lemon French toast with blackberries, fresh waffles, and Abelskivers (Danish pancake puffs!). Plus the Poinsettia cocktail at breakfast, now available year-round by popular demand.

🦐 On our last night we ordered the Seafood Steam Pot. Crab, shrimp, mussels, and clams on the outdoor patio. We stayed out there long after the pot was empty.

🐱 Squeaky was with us every single night. Klondike, a true gentleman of leisure, made his appearances on his own schedule. The chickens were completely unbothered by everything, as chickens should be.

🔥 Firepit evenings. Sunset trail walks. Scrabble in the library with cookies and tea. Complimentary wine and snacks at social hour every afternoon at 4pm. Shopping trips to historic Chestertown, which is literally four minutes away. Day trips to Rock Hall for local dining and exploring, and even a beach afternoon at Ferry Park with Chesapeake Bay views and the bridge in the distance.

Spring on the Eastern Shore is something special and Brampton is the perfect home base for all of it.

TAP OUR LINK to read the full spring guide and start planning your stay!

03/27/2026

We stopped buying water at the store 3 months ago and honestly cannot imagine going back.

delivers all your favorite water brands, plus dispensers, straight to your door.

Here's what we get on delivery day - One 5-gallon Pure Life purified jug for our dispenser, two cases of Mountain Valley spring water, and zero grocery store runs.

We're three deliveries in and they've been on time, correct, and left on our porch.

The dispenser changes everything! It's a bottom-load hot & cold cooler. The jug goes in the bottom right side up! No hoisting a jug overhead, no awkward flip, no splash. Just connect it and slide in. Done in 30 seconds. It also pours instant hot water on tap. Tea, instant coffee, oatmeal - all on demand. LOVE the blue light for nighttime pours too.

The purified water tastes noticeably cleaner than what we were buying at the store. We use it for everything including coffee and tea, and yes it makes a difference.

The spring water is a different experience entirely. Natural spring water from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, bottled since 1871.
We put them on the dinner table and guests ask about those gorgeous green glass bottles every single time.

Something worth knowing. If you're choosing between spring and purified water. Purified water is always consistent because the filtration removes everything. Spring water has natural minerals, which is where the flavor comes from, but it can vary slightly since it comes from a living underground source. That's not a flaw, it's just what spring water is.

Our tip: serve Mountain Valley as cold as possible. Cold temperature suppresses mineral variation and brings out the cleanest, crispest flavor. That's why premium restaurants always serve still mineral water ice cold.

We did a full, honest review on the blog of Primo Delivery. The dispenser setup, what to know before you sign up, and an exclusive 50% off your first order through our link.

TAP OUR LINK for our review!

https://onbetterliving.com/primo-water-delivery-review/

03/21/2026

02/28/2026

✨ WEST CHESTER, PA SURPRISED US IN ALL THE BEST WAYS 🏛️

A speakeasy under our hotel, a stone doorway carved in 1799, and "the best chocolate in America."

We stayed at Hotel Indigo West Chester - Downtown in the heart of it all and never needed the car. The lobby sets the tone, but downstairs at Room 109 Speakeasy is where things get magical. A Smoked Old Fashioned arrives in a cloud of smoke and the Eagle Hotel mural from 1803 makes the room feel like another era.

The food scene here overdelivers. Limoncello West Chester serves Pescatore Fra Diavolo piled high with lobster, mussels, clams, and shrimp - and a Limoncello Cake worth every bite. 🍋 West Chester Seafood Kitchen brought Spicy Salmon over Crispy Rice with tobiko and Seared Scallops with mushroom orecchiette that hit perfectly on a cold February night.

Breakfast at Market Street Grill because those hashbrowns have a reputation for a reason ☕ A spontaneous stop at La Tartine for beef shawarma and house hot sauce. A visit to Turks Head Wines where a skylit warehouse with a tree growing through the center was unforgettable. 🍷 Sedona Taphouse has hundreds of beers on tap, a made-from-scratch menu, and the best happy hour in town. Get the cheesecake!

Definitely begin your visit at The Chester County Welcome Center inside Chester County's Brandywine Valley. Free hot cocoa + snacks, and a custom digital itinerary set the tone. And don’t skip Chester County History Center - We spent nearly 2 hours exploring exhibits on 300+ years of local life, industry, and architecture.

Shopping was just as fun. Vintage finds at Malena's curated home goods at Pine & Quill and classic style at Kaly Clothing. Cold beer while flipping records at Hop Fidelity rounded out the afternoon. 🛍️

With 65+ restaurants and Downtown West Chester, PA energy packed into walkable blocks, winter might actually be the best time to visit. ❄️

🔥 TAP OUR LINK our see comments for the complete winter itinerary with everything we did, ate, and loved.

02/26/2026

Discover the 5 most romantic hotels in Maryland. Private cottages, waterfront suites, and intimate luxury on the Eastern Shore await!

02/17/2026

12/24/2025

12/22/2025

Two months ago, I swapped my nightly scrolling habit for something that actually changed my life: crochet. 🧶

I used to spend hours mindlessly scrolling before bed, feeling wired and empty. My sleep was suffering. I knew something had to change.

Then I discovered crochet.

And honestly, I wish I'd started sooner.

Here's what surprised me most:

✨ The science is real. Studies show knitting and crochet can drop your heart rate by 11 beats per minute, with 90% of crafters reporting they feel calmer after stitching.

✨ It's natural mindfulness. The repetitive rhythm pulls you into a meditative flow state. No racing thoughts, just present-moment focus.

✨ Total digital detox. You can't scroll and crochet at the same time. My phone stays face-down now, and the compulsion to check it has completely disappeared.

✨ Better sleep, sharper mind. I fall asleep faster, wake up more rested, and my focus has genuinely improved.

✨ Instant results. I made a headband in ONE afternoon. The sense of accomplishment from creating something with your own hands is unmatched.

Now every evening around 8 PM, I settle on my couch with my current project, put on music or a movie, and crochet for about two hours. It's become my favorite ritual.

I started with the Log Cabin Blanket Kit from Lion Brand Yarn. It came with everything I needed, plus their video tutorials made learning so easy. 40 squares total, and I'm over 30 done already.

The best part? This isn't just a hobby. It's a wellness practice backed by real research involving thousands of people.

If you've been looking for a way to unplug, relax, and create something beautiful, this might be exactly what you need.

See the comments for the full story on how crochet became my go-to wellness practice! Plus, all the research-backed benefits, beginner tips, and why you should start small (even though I didn't 😅) 👇😊