Ever wonder how magazines and department stores decorate a picture-perfect tree? I turned to my dear friend and designer extraordinaire, Virginia Davidson, for answers. Her impeccable taste has never steered me wrong. And I love that she proves that you can still have a gorgeous tree without ditching all the sentimental, sometimes kitschy, things that make Christmas trees so special in the first place. Because while sparkling glass ornaments are
Read MoreThe Ultimate Vanilla Cupcake, with Sprinkles’ Candace Nelson
There are only a couple of food personalities that I’d get truly starstruck meeting in person: Martha Stewart, Ottolenghi and Ina Garten (and maybe even her husband Jeffrey), to name a few. Candace Nelson, the founder of Sprinkles cupcakes, is one of them, too: I’ve been a huge fan of hers ever since having my first fluffy, perfectly frosted cupcake several years ago, and now my kids can’t get enough
Read More6 Ways to Encourage Outside Free Play
I’ve always been drawn to the freedom of the outdoors. When I was a kid, we moved to Montana, and later Idaho, to spend more time in nature. My dad wanted to make sure we had the type of upbringing where we weren’t scared to get our hands dirty, to explore freely and even learn to fend for ourselves a bit. My siblings and I were always playing in the
Read MoreNovember Lit List
Oops—I’ve been so focused on running the Seattle half marathon that I forgot to post my November Lit List. I think I’m still on a runner’s high. The adrenaline rush I felt crossing that finish line was incredible and I’m already fantasizing about where to run my next race. But first, I’m ready to give my body a break and curl up on the couch with a good book. Here
Read MoreSimple Ways to Practice Gratitude
Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to pause, sit down, and reflect on what we are thankful for. Every Thanksgiving, like many of you, my family has a tradition of going around the table to say what we’re grateful for. (Me? I’m most thankful when someone else does the cooking.) I know it’s a little cliché, but it’s a sweet ritual and I look forward to hearing what the boys come
Read MoreHow to De-Stress Your Thanksgiving
I have a confession: I’m sort of known as The Grinch of Thanksgiving dinner. I know, I know! I love the ritual of the entire family gathering around the table to show gratitude for all the good things in our lives. But actually preparing all the food is stressful and I’ve just never been a big fan of the traditional Thanksgiving foods. There, I said it. Luckily, I know a
Read MoreSetting the Thanksgiving Table
I have this thing with tablescapes. I think it’s because they involve all of my favorites: style, food, wine and good conversation with family and close friends. We usually host Thanksgiving festivities at our house, but will be out of town this year. While it’s a huge relief to not have to deal with the stress of cooking, I was a little bummed to not have an excuse to put
Read MoreRock Your Vote Tomorrow
I have to be honest: I haven’t always been so passionate about voting. While I proudly cast my vote in the 2016 presidential race, there have been other elections—particularly midterm elections—when I didn’t make it to the polls. I intended to, but life got hectic and I assumed everything would work out okay without me. After all, I thought, my one little vote probably wasn’t going to make THAT big
Read MoreScary-Easy Halloween Recipes
I love the idea of a DIY Halloween party, of Martha Stewart-ing every last detail of my kids’ favorite holiday. But the sad truth is: I’m kinda terrible at it. I can admire a curated Pinterest board of perfectly decorated spider cupcakes and handmade costumes as much as the next mom, but “craftsy” is not a word I’d use to describe myself. Unfortunately for me, my kids are begging for
Read MoreHappy Hour: Fall for This Spiked Mulled Cider
Nothing says fall like apples—especially mulled apple cider spiked with bourbon. This is my go-to autumn cocktail. It’s insanely easy to make, perfect for big gatherings and its warm spices make my house smell ahh-mazing. We’re having a bunch of families over before we commence trick-or-treating this year and I’m already planning to have a pot of this stuff on hand. Simply heat up the apple cider in a slow
Read More