This year, I began writing my first book, and it has stirred up self-analysis, searching my memory for hidden gems that helped shape who I am and how I live today. Part of that journey has involved reading the work of others, and connecting with others who share similar passion for my topic. As I… Keep Reading
Storing and Displaying Holiday Dishes
Over the years, I’ve gradually whittled down my collection of Christmas dishes. I have a whimsical set of gingerbread men that go into our cabinet for lunches (there are only four, sad!), and I have these beautiful snowflake dishes, the first of which were bought as a gift from a couple precious young girlfriends when… Keep Reading
Sweet & Simple Cheese Plate
I actually sort-of love having semi-last-minute guests. I really love planning for a beautiful, thought-out and organized “event.” But sometimes if I know in advance, I can tend to get worked up and go a little crazy. If it’s somewhat-last-minute though, I only have time to enjoy the moment. During the holidays, I want to… Keep Reading
Building Your Spice Collection
The first time I walked into a favorite spice store in Seattle, I felt like I’d wandered into my culinary home away from home. The sweet, smoky, and spicy blends surrounding me invited me to taste each one, experimenting with what new combinations I could create from ingredients I had at home. I could step… Keep Reading
Wicked Dark Chocolate Flourless Cupcakes
When Allrecipes asked me to create a grown-up treat for fall, I knew there had to be ginger and dark chocolate. And caramel, because always, caramel. Together, my daughter and I worked on this dense, spicy, not-too-sweet, citrus-studded cupcake, and I think you will love it. These dark chocolate flourless cupcakes might not even encourage… Keep Reading
DIY Vintage Map Pallet Frame {Pallet Wood Canvas Frame}
I’ve been loving the look of vintage maps for quite a while (late to join the party, maybe?). I think I’m drawn to maps and globes because they remind me that this world is so much bigger than me… and that I’m called out into it to live and love. When it saw this… Keep Reading
Dark Chocolate Mini Pavlovas with Cherries and Hazelnut Liqueur
Have you ever had pavlovas? They are super-elegant, but they are actually quite easy to make. These would be perfect to serve as a grown-up dessert, and there are a couple shortcuts that make these mini pavlovas even easier. Pavlovas are a meringue… Keep Reading
Easy Breakfast Bowls
Recently, I shared on Facebook Live one of our favorite go-to breakfast and snack “recipe/not recipes.” As part of my longing to create “everyday welcome” in our home, I love that breakfast bowls are pretty, healthy, and fast. I can serve these in a pinch to a guest, but I can also make our family… Keep Reading
Gardening With Kids (Life Lessons from Dirt and Seeds)
Nearly every morning, at least one of our crew (myself included) darts to the back door of our kitchen, peeking out into our small-ish, formerly-boring suburban backyard, anxious to check the progress of our little plants. All last winter, I threw squash guts and seeds over the back deck, hoping they’d sprout. They did! Luscious, giant… Keep Reading
Blueberry Basil Popsicles
I love the seasons. My heart finds joy in knowing that if it’s melty-hot, soon cooler breezes will follow. I’m also finding that when I pay attention, my body naturally craves foods that are in-season wherever we are. Alternatively, sometimes I crave foods that are “out of season,” and often it’s a sign that my… Keep Reading
Strawberry Mojito Popsicles {Whole Food Popsicles}
Summer in our neighborhood means the kiddos are playing together from sunup to sundown. Once school starts, we will have a ringing doorbell from the moment the school bus drops its load of chattering kiddos. I’m always looking for a sweet treat to share with our littlest visitors, and it’s a bonus if it’s healthy…. Keep Reading
Connecting Across Life Seasons – Building Genuine Relationship
When my mom last came to visit, she asked if we could spend some time making jam together. She even brought jars and frozen berries she’d picked last season. Watching her work alongside my daughter, my mind flashed to moments over the years when memories have been made in the kitchen and around the table…. Keep Reading