Today I’m sharing a selection of new home accessories I received from friends who are artists and makers. Below I’ll show the art prints, candles, maple treats, flowers, and vintage finds that have brightened my home lately. New Home Accessories from Friends I was inspired by a recent post on one of my favorite blogs … Read more

In January 2015 I seriously considered trying my first Whole30. I was curious and a little intimidated, but not yet committed. After a sweaty hot yoga class, while catching my breath and talking with two close friends, the Whole30 conversation came up. One friend mentioned a family member who had tried it and thought it … Read more

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are an effortless, healthy side dish or appetizer that delivers a crisp outer crunch and a tender, flavorful center. Ready in under 20 minutes, this simple air fryer recipe brings out the best in brussels sprouts with minimal oil and easy cleanup—perfect for weeknights or holiday menus. Air frying vegetables concentrates … Read more

If you’ve ever wanted to make Beef Wellington but felt intimidated by puff pastry, a whole beef tenderloin, and complicated wrapping, meet my Woodfire “Beef Wellington” — a simpler, approachable version that keeps all the luxurious flavors. Woodfire Beef Wellington This isn’t a traditional Wellington, but it delivers the rich, buttery, and umami-packed experience in … Read more

If you want a dessert that looks impressive but is easy to assemble, these heart-shaped mini pavlovas with raspberries and whipped cream are an excellent choice. A bright ribbon of raspberry coulis finishes them beautifully and makes these pavlovas ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or a cozy date-night dessert at home. The meringue hearts bake … Read more

Who says sweet treats have to be complicated? Baked Yogurt is a wonderfully simple dessert that takes only a few minutes to prepare and just two basic ingredients. Inspired by the Indian dessert Bhapa Doi (also called Mishti Doi), this baked yogurt has a silky, cheesecake-like texture that melts in the mouth—so good you might … Read more

The Dirty Shirley is a simple, fruity cocktail that transforms the classic Shirley Temple into an adult drink by adding vodka. Bright, refreshing, and easy to make, it’s perfect for warm days, casual gatherings, or any time you want a nostalgic yet grown-up beverage. Dirty Shirley Drink Recipe A Dirty Shirley keeps the bright grenadine … Read more

You don’t need to clean your home with harsh commercial chemicals. Simple, effective green cleaning can be made at home using common ingredients and easy DIY recipes. Natural cleaners reduce toxic fumes, are gentler on skin and surfaces, and can save money by using items you may already have in the pantry. 10 Must-Have Ingredients … Read more

Making friends as an adult can feel like a full-time job. A few houses down from us live a family we’re slowly getting to know: a couple in their thirties with three energetic boys. He works as a police officer in Chicago and she’s a nurse. We like them and, eventually, we’d like to reach … Read more

Cranberry Orange Cookies are rich, flavorful treats made with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, fresh orange zest and orange juice, finished with a simple orange glaze for a bright, sweet touch. For many years I hosted a Christmas cookie exchange at my house each December. That’s where I first tasted these Cranberry Orange Cookies, and they … Read more