Growing up, my family was traditional in the sense that every Christmas we picked out our tree, scattered ornaments around the floor, and discussed (and fought over) which ornament went where—and who got to hang the angel. We drove through neighborhoods strung with lights and with Santas flying over chimneys and voted on which house we loved the most that year. We did the obligatory smile-for-the-camera Christmas photos, but that
Read MoreGluten Free Christmas Cookies
There’s nothing the kids and I love more than turning on some holiday tunes and getting silly while making and decorating Christmas cookies. But that’s gotten a bit trickier to do since I’ve gone gluten free. So, I asked my friend and cookie connoisseur Lindsey Johnson (check out her Instagram @ladyinthewildwest) for ideas. She was sweet enough to share this holiday cookie recipe that is both gorgeous and gluten free! The
Read MoreA Conversation About Food, Family & Sustainability with Candace Nelson
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 MoreHow to Stay Healthy (and Sane!) This Holiday Season
I was looking through old pictures from last year and came across this one where I look like a reindeer in headlights. I was dealing with a severe cold, my daughter had just had her hair ripped out by a runaway vacuum (yep, it really happened), and both boys got a stomach bug. We’d hardly started the holidays and I could barely keep up. This year, I’m hoping things go
Read MoreAustin Gem: Lake Austin Spa Resort
The city I call home is lucky to have a world-class spa right in it’s backyard. Lake Austin Spa Resort is consistently rated one of the best spas in the world—and for good reason. The 19-acre lake-front property is blissfully peaceful, offers more than 100 spa treatments, and is the perfect place to relax and recharge alone, as a couple, or in a group. Jared and I have escaped to
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 MoreHow to Keep School Lunches Interesting
We’re a few months into the school year, and if you’re anything like me, packing lunches for the kids every day is getting O-L-D. I want to be that mom who packs something healthy, colorful, and exciting every day of the week, but it is so much harder than it looks! For school lunch inspiration and advice, I reached out to one of the best school lunch packers in the
Read MoreWhat’s On My Nightstand
Your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Here are seven items I keep on my nightstand to promote a good night’s sleep.
Read MoreMy Favorite Cold-Weather Workout Gear
I’ve professed my love for working out in the outdoors here before, and that remains true even in the winter. When I go for a run or hike outside, even when it’s freezing cold, it feels less like a chore and more like an adventure. But I’ve learned the hard way that if you’re going to get your sweat on outside when the temps drop below 50, you need to have
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