Haley Walton

Life is busy enough without products that create more work…or more clutter! This list is for working women, moms, and anyone juggling a full schedule who wants practical everyday essentials that genuinely make life easier. From organization and meal-prep helpers to workday tech, car must-haves, and simple home conveniences, these are useful, mostly affordable finds with the occasional worthwhile splurge, that truly earn their place in a busy household.

Our family genuinely loves fall and Halloween, so this is where I’m collecting the spooky adventures, cozy finds and seasonal favorites that feel worth sharing. From haunted attractions we’ve actually visited to cute décor, fall flavors, comfy fashion and monster coloring fun, everything here is meant to make the season a little more fun without filling your cart with random clutter. 🎃

One of the best parts about living in (or spending time in) Boone is the food. These are the places we’ve discovered and loved over the years, the ones we always recommend when someone asks, “Where should we eat?”

Escape rooms have become one of our favorite ways to spend time together as a family. We’ve made so many memories doing these - laughing, solving puzzles, and sometimes completely overthinking everything 😄 - and every one of these experiences has been worth it.These are just a few of the ones we’ve personally tried and loved. It would be hard to list all of them since we are at over 200 now! Consider these as our top games - a top 10 list if you will, that we found to be the most memorable, fun, and totally worth the experience.

Skincare after 50 is a whole different ballgame! Suddenly, I’m thinking about hydration, dark spots, fine lines and ingredients I barely knew existed 10 years ago! 😂 I’ve tried everything from inexpensive drugstore finds to a few products that are definitely a splurge, and these are the ones I think are actually worth recommending. You’ll find my favorite cleansers, serums, moisturizers, retinol treatments, eye creams, sunscreens and more for keeping mature skin hydrated, smooth and glowing. I’ll also tell you where I think it’s worth spending a little extra and where the affordable drugstore version works just as well. Save this one for the next time your skincare routine needs a little refresh! ✨

Over time I’ve learned that the right makeup can make all the difference for mature skin. These are the products I love for creating a smooth, natural look without settling into fine lines or feeling heavy. From lightweight foundations and brightening concealers to hydrating lip products and blurring powders, this list focuses on flattering options that help mature skin look fresh, radiant, and polished.

Born and raised in Boone, NC - I often refer to myself as a “boonie”. Boone and the High Country have so much to offer, and these are some of our favorite ways as locals to spend time here. Whether you're visiting or just looking for something fun to do, these are some of our top recommendations!