Conversations with friends are one of those simple, soul-nourishing activities I could do for hours and my recent conversation with Candace Nelson was further proof. You might know Candace as the founder of the tremendously successful Sprinkles Cupcakes (now in over 24 locations!) or her TV appearances on shows like Cupcake Wars and Sugar Rush. She’s also helped me make her ultimate vanilla cupcakes and delicious gluten-free granola bars during
Read MoreCreating a Tablecloth of Gratitude
No matter how planned the day is, Thanksgiving always feels so frantic. This year, I wanted to create a personal touch that could be a conversation starter and sweet contribution to our Thanksgiving and allow our family some time to reflect on the year. Since I love home decor and tablescapes centered around fall and family, I had the idea to make a gratitude tablecloth. It’s easy to lose sight
Read More9 Ways to Reduce Holiday Hosting Stress
In case you missed my confession last year, I’m known as The Grinch of Thanksgiving dinner. I love the actual holiday—having the whole family together and reflecting on what we’re grateful for. The rest of it, not so much. All of the planning, cleaning, and cooking (especially making sure the turkey and all the other dishes are done at the same time) stresses me out! I’m in awe of people who
Read MoreFall Recipe: Pickled Apples and Pears
I’ve been trying to limit our food waste. So, when we recently had an abundance of apples and pears that I didn’t know what to do with, I reached out to my chef friend Brock Lane for ideas. His suggestion: PICKLE them. Say what? I’d never thought to pickle fruit, but I did it and I have to say, the results were delicious and gorgeous.
Read MoreWeekend Reset: A Living Room Campout
This chilly Austin weather has got us a feeling a little stir crazy, so I decided to bring a little of the outside inside for an indoor campout. The kids couldn’t get enough and it was just what we needed to reconnect after a busy week.
Read MoreFrosted Pretzels Recipe
A quick, fun, easy dessert or snack recipe that you and your kiddos will love.
Read MoreHow to Make Beeswax Reusable Food Wraps
You guys know I’m having a love affair with our bees. We’re still feasting on the delicious honey we harvested a few months ago, and I’m creating care packages with honey and beeswax items for my friends and family for the holidays (shhh!). One of my favorite items we’ve DIYed is beeswax reusable food wraps. They’re the perfect green alternative to plastic, and so easy to make! We use the wraps
Read MoreAdventures in Raising Honey Bees
A few years ago, our dear friends came to live with us until they found a new home. When they moved out, they sent us a pretty wild thank you gift: A hive filled with tens of thousands of bees! They are avid beekeepers and noticed that I was constantly peppering them with questions about their hobby. So, they thought they’d give me an opportunity to try raising honey bees
Read MoreRoasted Veggie Power Bowl Recipe
This power bowl recipe by my uber-talented friend and chef, Brock Lane, proves that healthy meals don’t have to be bland and boring.
Read MoreWhy gardening with kids is worth the mess
Ever since we decided to move to Austin, I’ve dreamt of owning a ranch. Maybe it was my childhood in the mountains of Idaho, but I’ve always had a romantic idea of learning to live off the land. The classic western cowboy life—horses roaming in the backyard, peacocks loose, maybe a pond with ducks, gathering eggs for breakfast in the morning and gardening with kids. We got the chicken and
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