As part of the broader effort to simplify my home and life, I’ve also been streamlining my wardrobe. I wanted to be more intentional about the clothes I wear, focusing on pieces that are versatile, easy to mix and match, and that make getting dressed each morning a little more enjoyable. I’ve nicknamed this effort … Read more

This simple, rich chocolate fudge is one of the best Christmas recipes—so good you may need to hide it from yourself to make it last until the holiday! My mother was the family’s holiday sweet-maker. She spent hours crafting homemade caramels, divinity, and toffee, and baked pan after pan of cookies and squares. Then she … Read more

Townhouse Tour: Our Move-In Day and First Impressions Before I dive into the painting, organizing, and rearranging that have been happening, I wanted to share a proper townhouse tour — starting with how everything looked on move-in day. Welcome inside! On the day we took possession, before the boxes and furniture arrived, I walked through … Read more

Quick to make and packed with tropical flavor, this Waikiki Meatballs recipe pairs tender meatballs with a homemade sweet-and-sour sauce studded with pineapple tidbits. Served over steamed rice, it’s an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy. Why You’ll Love This Waikiki Sweet & Sour Meatballs Recipe Fast, flavorful sauce: The sweet-and-sour sauce comes … Read more

On a shoestring budget? No problem. This small-budget kitchen before-and-after shows how thoughtful, low-cost updates can transform a tired kitchen into a stylish, functional space for under $200.   How to Do a Kitchen Remodel Before & After on a Tiny Budget 1. Assess the “before”: what’s working and what’s not When we moved into … Read more

Once I finally found all my decor items again, it was time to put the house back together. The quick after-Christmas clean-up had left everything feeling bare and a little boring, and I was eager to make the rooms cozy again without spending hours fussing over every detail. I wanted the rooms to look completely … Read more

I’d like to say that hospitality and opening up my home to others is an easy, instinctive thing for me. After all, my home is visible to people online — I share photos and stories here — so you might assume I’m always ready to welcome guests. Nope. Not at all. In the blogging world, … Read more

Looking for ways to give your small kitchen big style? Below are thoughtfully chosen paint color ideas for small kitchens to help you select the perfect palette for your space. If your kitchen is small (mine is!), choosing paint colors can feel overwhelming. Light, dark, bold, or neutral — each choice changes how the space … Read more

This throwback post recalls the time we set out to complete a “simple little bathroom renovation.” It’s a reminder that remodeling rarely goes exactly to plan—things often get worse before they get better. As my mother used to say, “Things usually get way worse before they get better.” In our case, that turned out to … Read more

Enjoy a timeless crafting project with plaster of Paris molds. Kids and adults alike love personalizing finished pieces by painting them with their own designs. For more than 20 years my husband and I worked at a year-round camp and retreat center. Although the camp offered many activities, crafts were always the most popular. When … Read more