let's get started

In November 2018, our family moved from the anonymous sprawl of San Jose, CA to the small, family-oriented community of Castro Valley. We fell immediately in love with this town, home, and property, where we saw many opportunities for a self-sufficient, active, healthy life and future.  

Our land affords us many opportunities to learn and grow. The main features of our property are a container garden with a dozen 12-foot raised boxes, an orchard with a variety of fruit trees, a sunny front yard, a shady backyard with six redwood trees and a mature Japanese maple, and a stand-alone guesthouse that we rent out on Airbnb.

We're so grateful we moved here when we did, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic. Having the space to spread out, while increasing our sense of safety and self-reliance, has truly been a gift. The work we do every day to make this our home, to feed our family, to garden responsibly, and to earn and maintain our Airbnb Superhost status is a true labor of love.

I once was a corporate marketing manager. My job title now is urban gardener, Airbnb Superhost, homemaker, and full-time mother.

Every day is a learning opportunity. I started this blog because I want to write down what I learn, both for my own record, and to share with others who may be on a similar journey.

Thank you for joining me. I hope you find something helpful here.