Better Living: Food, Travel, Wellness, Home & Lifestyle

25 Fascinating Mardi Gras Facts: History, Traditions & 2026 Guide

One of the most anticipated events each year, most of us know Mardi Gras as a traditional winter festival complete with parades, fantastic costumes, whimsical floats, dancing, drinking, food, and

A triptych showing three key elements of Hotel West & Main. Left: A gold-painted Dalmatian statue wearing a firefighter's helmet, an artistic nod to the building's firehouse heritage. Center: The exterior of the beautifully preserved 1874 red brick firehouse with arched windows and decorative stonework at dusk, now transformed into a hotel with colorful Adirondack chairs visible in the courtyard. Right: A close-up of a perfectly cooked steak on a wooden board with small copper sauce pots, showcasing the upscale dining available at Hook & Ladder restaurant.

Hotel West & Main Review: Historic Luxury Near Philadelphia

In this Hotel West & Main review, we visit a striking 1874 firehouse reborn as a luxury boutique hotel. Located just outside Philadelphia, it's part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection and offers a

Forkful Review: Is This Meal Delivery Plan Worth It?

Searching for an honest Forkful review? After testing 20 meals from this chef-prepared delivery service, I found fresh, ready-to-eat dishes crafted with quality ingredients at competitive pricing and

Three images showcasing downtown Lancaster PA highlights: Left shows an elegant layered dessert with white cream, pistachios and fresh strawberry from a local restaurant; center displays an aerial view of Lancaster's historic architecture featuring a prominent domed building with green copper roof and clock tower surrounded by red brick buildings and church spires; right shows a vibrant pink cocktail in a cut crystal glass with lime garnish, representing Lancaster's craft cocktail scene at venues like The Exchange rooftop bar.

Things to Do in Downtown Lancaster, PA: A 4-Day Itinerary

Looking for things to do in Downtown Lancaster, PA? This 4-day itinerary and travel guide explores the best places for you to stay, dine, shop, and experience in the heart of the city.

I Ordered Furniture From Nathan James. Here’s My Honest Review.

Finding furniture that’s affordable, stylish, and made to last is no easy feat these days....

The gazebo at Peddler's Village lit up with Christmas lights at sunset.

Peddler’s Village In Bucks County, PA Is A Holiday Winter Wonderland

With over a million glowing Christmas lights in a storybook village full of shops and dining, Peddlers Village in Bucks County, Pennsylvania is the perfect winter getaway!

A three-panel image showcasing: left panel - a smoking cocktail presentation with a wooden lid being torched; center panel - the opulent Green Room lounge with ornate gold-detailed ceiling, crystal chandeliers, and blue velvet chairs; right panel - a lobster roll on a brioche bun served with fresh greens.

Hotel Du Pont Review: A Luxury Stay & Dining Guide in Wilmington, DE

There's something special about a getaway that feels both indulgent and effortless. For us, the Hotel Du Pont is a staycation—a chance to immerse ourselves in luxury without venturing far from

Heather from Better Living enjoying the heated indoor outdoor pool at The Swiftwater. Arching water features while snow falls outside the floor-to-ceiling windows

The Swiftwater Hotel Pocono Mountains Review: A Luxurious Winter Paradise

Looking for a quick, romantic winter getaway? In this Swiftwater Hotel review, I’ll share how this new Poconos property surprised us with something unique – private

Three-panel winter feature showing festive Poinsettia cocktail with cranberries and rosemary garnish surrounded by colorful ornaments, snow-dusted Brampton Manor House exterior with holiday wreaths and lit windows at dusk, Brampton-branded blue ceramic mug filled with hot cocoa topped with marshmallow by fireplace

Holiday Magic and Winter Charm at Brampton 1860 – Chestertown, MD

We spent 3 days at Brampton 1860 in Chestertown, MD and it was the perfect winter escape. Private cottage with a fireplace, Christmas tree in our room, and a cat who shows up to

Better Living Mardi Gras Recipes

Celebrate Mardi Gras With These Easy Recipes!

19 Easy Cajun and Creole Recipes to Celebrate Mardi Gras

Recipe: Beer Steamed Cajun Shrimp (Low Carb)

Recipe: New Orleans Seafood Gumbo

Better Living Wellness

Overhead photo of vitamin D foods and fitness items arranged on a light background. In the center is a wooden board with the words ‘Vitamin D’ written on it. Around the board are salmon, a whole fish, shrimp, eggs, mushrooms, green peas, cheese, butter, and a glass of milk. Nearby are yellow vitamin D gel capsules and a colorful dumbbell representing exercise and muscle building. A small plush sun toy appears in the corner to represent sunlight as a source of vitamin D.

Vitamin D’s Hidden Power: The Science Behind Building Muscle Instead of Storing Fat

New research shows vitamin D acts as a metabolic switch, telling your body to build muscle instead of storing fat. Learn the science, optimal dosage, and best supplements for body composition.

Ritual vitamin bottles with capsules, showing vegan D3, omega-3 DHA, and USP verified certification

Ritual Vitamins Review 2026: I Tested Them for 90 Days. Here’s What Happened!

⚡ Quick Take: Ritual Vitamins 2026 Bottom Line: High-quality, transparent...

Young couple researching wellness financing options and payment plans for self-care services while reviewing wellness credit card alternatives on laptop at home

The Real Cost of Self-Care and How to Invest in Your Wellness Without Regret

Self-care used to mean bubble baths and a quiet evening with a book. However, today, it looks very different. Wellness has evolved into a more holistic lifestyle choice that takes an investment. It includes things like

Travel Workouts: Fitness Tips for Travelers

Traveling is a great way to have new experiences and relieve stress, and find some much needed happiness. I have to admit, sticking with my fitness routine while I’m traveling or even in general hasn’t

10 Reasons Why You Should Detox For The New Year

Looking to feel more healthy this year? Whether you want to begin a weight loss program, start on a journey to a new healthy lifestyle, or just want to do your body some good, doing a detox could be a wonderful way to get started! Here's 8 ways a detox may benefit your body today.

Better Living Travel: Discover Maryland

From Delicious Dining To Quaint Hotels and Everything in Between, Discover All That Maryland Has to Offer!

Brampton 1860 Review: A Timeless Retreat on the Eastern Shore

Some places promise escape. Brampton 1860 actually delivers it. From the moment we arrived, the world outside seemed to fade away. This 35-acre retreat in Chestertown, Maryland is not just a

Historic downtown Chestertown Maryland street view showing row of preserved colonial and Victorian buildings including red brick Second Empire style town hall with clock tower, beige commercial building, and white building with double porches housing The Kitchen restaurant with red umbrellas, cars parked along street

Things to Do in Chestertown MD: Eastern Shore Travel Guide

Want to step into a living postcard? Chestertown, Maryland, has everything you want in a small coastal town:...

Three-panel image showcasing: left - hands grating fresh chocolate over an elegant martini glass with "1902" coaster; center - waterfront cottage view with manicured lawn and pink roses in foreground; right - artfully plated duck breast with sweet potato puree, pickled blackberries, and rich port wine sauce on white ceramic plate.

The Oaks Waterfront Hotel Review: Eastern Shore Luxury

Searching for your next Chesapeake Bay getaway? My Oaks Waterfront Hotel review covers three days at this intimate property in Easton, MD that surprised us with

The sunset in Kent Narrows from the balcony of the Hyatt Place hotel

Visit Kent Narrows, MD: Chesapeake Bay’s Hidden Gem

Kent Narrows, MD is a hidden gem on the Chesapeake Bay. Dock & Dine for the day or use our travel guide to plan the perfect Eastern Shore vacation. See where we shopped, dined, and stayed in this