One of the least appealing rooms in our farmhouse has always been the upstairs “blue bedroom.” When we first moved in, everything in that room seemed to be painted blue: the carpet, the curtains, the desk, and even sponge paint on the ceiling. It felt cramped and dated, with a small window, low ceilings, awkward … Read more

UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations to: Shelley (shelley_2001@….) Last week I mentioned I wouldn’t be running regular giveaways anymore, but I did have one special promotion planned for this week. Today I’m pleased to feature the new Carter’s at Home Collection — a line of coordinated baby, toddler, and children’s bedding and nursery … Read more

We are big snack lovers in our house and we always keep a wide selection of treats on hand — cookies, bars, ice cream, cake, pie, and candy all make frequent appearances. I don’t mind enjoying sweets now and then, but I try to balance desserts with healthier snacks throughout the day, especially since I’m … Read more

About a month ago, a reader asked me: “If you ever wrote a parenting book, what would it be called and what advice would you give?” I laughed at first and answered honestly: “I don’t think I’d write a parenting book, and I’m not sure what I’d say.” But after several emails and a lot … Read more

I share a lot of breakfast recipes because our family truly loves morning-style meals at any hour. My kids would happily eat bacon or sausage at every meal, and eggs are a constant favorite. Breakfast dishes are often inexpensive, quick to prepare, and easy to adapt — which makes them a regular part of our … Read more

With so many dessert recipes on my blog, it’s no surprise the Dekker family has a serious sweet tooth. I’m always searching for quick, delicious desserts I can make with pantry staples so I don’t have to run to the store for a single missing ingredient. A little while ago I was craving chocolate and … Read more

Wedding season is in full swing, and Dave and I have several ceremonies and celebrations to attend. We’re honored to be closely involved with two upcoming weddings — his brother’s and my sister’s — which means a steady rotation of showers, parties, and presents. While registries are a fantastic way for couples to tell guests … Read more

Over the years of blogging, I’ve shared countless tips, tricks, ideas and practical suggestions designed to simplify your home life, family routines, meal planning and daily responsibilities. Many of these strategies come directly from my own real-life experience, so I know they work for our family—at least most of the time. What works for me … Read more

Moving during the holidays can be challenging—especially if you love to cook and bake. I normally stock my pantry with baking essentials and fill the fridge and freezer with holiday treats, but this year I’m doing the opposite. With our big move next week, I’m on a mission to clear out the freezer and dramatically … Read more

We celebrated one month with Clara yesterday Yesterday we marked Clara’s first month, and it has been a sweet, sleepy, sometimes chaotic stretch. She seems to blend traits from her older siblings: fussy and restless during the day like Nora, but a pretty good night sleeper like Simon. One night last week she even gave … Read more