I’m Kathleen Painter and for many years
I’ve guided people to travel to Southern Appalachia
and make this mountain region a place to call home.
Please join me as I share my love of
living efficiently with needs for your home,
great food, and special destinations in the
Highroads of Mountain Living!
Power Outage Prep: Essential Checklist
How to Prepare for a Winter Power Outage Before the Lights Go Out In the Mountains, snow and ice storms can cause several days of power outages due to trees and branches that can fall
New Year Tips to Reduce Living Costs
As we usher in the New Year, many of us plan ways to make resolutions to improve ourselves and our finances! Living more sustainably not only reduces your cost of living but also increases
Sightseeing in South Carolina’s Appalachian Mountain Region
A Delightful Detour through Upcountry South Carolina It's funny how driving the same way led to something different one day that I never knew about. Just a short drive off the main highway helped
Beautiful, Spring Mountain Blooms
Experience the Spring Mountain Blooms of Rhododendrons and Azaleas After a long cold Winter I always look forward to Spring in the Appalachian Mountains. Warmer wether brings vibrant fresh green foliage. Among the most
Natural Appalachian Remedies for Common Cold Symptoms
Congestion, Cough, and Soar Throat? There're Appalachian Remedies for That! Deep winter months often bring deep coughs and other common cold symptoms. Luckily, the forests of Appalachia have supplied their inhabitants with medicinal remedies
4 Georgia Appalachian Artists Worthy of a Spot in Your Home
Appalachian Artists and Craftsmen inspired by the landscape and wildlife of Georgia Art is an essential part of any culture. Still, in Appalachia, artistry has always held hands with practical craftsmanship, leading to a
DIY Firestarters That Double As Decorative Gifts
Simple, fun, & sustainable DIY firestarter crafts from Appalachia! If you read our article, “Decorating For Winter: Bringing The Outdoors In,” then you know life near the beautiful forests of Appalachia has abundant natural
Safe And Aesthetic Firewood Storage
Firewood Storage Rules to avoid hazards & pests Winter’s best memories are made around the warm and crackling glow of fire. Whether roasting marshmallows outdoors or snuggling up with your favorite book and warm
Decluttering A Home Post-Holidays
Decluttering A Home in 3 Steps Each year, when the leaves turn, and that first hint of fall hits the air, I instinctively want to make more room indoors by purging my clutter (and everyone
Appalachian Christmas Traditions to Warm Your Hearth & Home
Have Yourself a Merry Little Appalachian Christmas Southern Appalachia is rich with traditions and rituals year-round, but none are more memorable than those honored and kept at Christmas. Locals love it so much their
Appalachian Apple Stack Cake
You can’t celebrate the bounty of Appalachia this holiday season without an Apple Stack Cake, a five (or sometimes seven) layer cake soaked in delicious apple butter. The dessert has arguably been a cornerstone
Decorating for Winter: Bringing the Outdoors In
Decorating for Winter with the Beauty of the Great Outdoors The squirrels aren’t the only ones who store up and tuck in for winter in mountain country. Humans, too, instinctively linger longer inside when
Minestrone: a Customizable Fall Soup Feast
Fall is the perfect time to enjoy warm, hearty soups that provide comfort as the temperatures dip. The season's abundance of root vegetables, squash, and fresh herbs lends itself to soups that are rich
