Digging out of dark places
Five hours of mushroom hunting in the Cascade foothills, a hunger for life returning, and a light Barley and Mushroom Salad recipe to go with it.
Let's get this over with...
Before parsley bouquets and ironed linens, the unglamorous corners. The first, decidedly ugly step of our 90-day mission to fall back in love with our homes.
Care to fall in love with me this summer?
I'm on a 90-day mission to fall back in love with my home (and my life) this summer, and I'd love for you to join me.
The Common Art of Kitchen Work
Chicken salad, stock simmering on the stove, flowers in jars on the counter: the everyday kitchen work of a home cook is its own kind of art. A few thoughts on rescuing the common art of cooking from the daily grind.
I Can’t Believe I Get to Be a Part of This
The last day of our homeschool year, a messy house, and a tired mama. Why raising a family is hardly a sacrifice, but one of the greatest gifts in the whole world.
God said no.
I turn 40 tomorrow. Let's talk about hot dogs and holy things: how I'm celebrating, and what I've learned from the prayers God answered with no.
Self, Are You Listening?
Home again after a surprise 40th birthday trip abroad: on noticing the good gifts of ordinary life, growing less and enjoying more, plus my Sourdough Honey Cake with Italian Honey Meringue.
Let’s Talk About “It”
Therapists and pastors agree the two biggest challenges in marriage are sex and money. An honest, faith-filled letter about intimacy, seasons and choosing your spouse again and again.
My Non-Negotiables as a Homebody Leaving Home
A self-proclaimed homebody’s list of travel non-negotiables: the snacks, supplements, cross-body purse and little comforts that make leaving home (even for Italy) feel doable.
I Hope You Don’t Mind, Dear Friend (+ Lamb Chop & Roast Tomato Platter)
A short letter from a full spring day at home, plus my Lamb Chop & Roast Tomato Platter: grilled chops, blistered tomatoes and torn baguette with an olive oil and herb drizzle. Free printable recipe card included.
Linoleum is your new flex.
What if we moved life's goalposts so we could actually succeed? On redefining success, contentment, and why linoleum just might be your new flex.
It’s Time to Start Over (+ Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce)
Starting the garden from the ground up (again), rethinking every recipe, and finding a new normal. Plus the grilled Chicken Skewers with Peanut Sauce we make in big batches all summer long.
Well, That Was a Disaster
Leaking quiche, flat croissants, and a soggy Easter table. A few of my kitchen flops, why simple food is what makes from-scratch cooking sustainable, and why you should never let a disaster convince you to quit cooking.
You Can Love Your Vacuum and Still… (+ Homemade Pici with Pancetta & Peas)
Meet Clean Elizabeth, our 17th anniversary, and a morning teaching my girls to make Homemade Pici with Pancetta & Peas, the hand-rolled pasta of Umbria. Free printable recipe card included.
Road Bacon (+ My Very Favorite Dip for Everything)
Deadlifting ferns, Georgia behind the wheel, a poem on the marvel of an ordinary life, and my very favorite dip for everything: garlicky Greek yogurt and tahini with lemon. Free printable recipe card included.
Emotionally Squishy
The plague hit our little cottage, and I was the last one standing (or lying down). On sickness, soup, and some unexpected relief.
The Mess Is the Point
A sick week, a floury floor and a freshly scrubbed counter undone in five minutes. On why the mess is the point, dairy-free biscuits for Georgia, a new cottage video, and dreaming of Italy.
How To Have More Fun As An Adult
Somewhere along the way, life got serious. On rediscovering fun as a grown-up: what lights you up, and why it's worth making room for it again.
Let’s Get Physical (+ Spring Cauliflower Salad)
A March walk to the vegetable market in the Umbrian hills, a few thoughts on choosing a life in the flesh in a world of screens, and the bright Spring Cauliflower Salad I made to go with that night’s roast.
When Life Doesn’t Feel Beautiful
If I could send you a bouquet of daisies, I would. Small, practical ways to steady your spirit and soften your home when life doesn't feel beautiful.