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 MoreMy Guide To Hacking The Holidays With Mastercard On File
You know that person who has all their Christmas cards sent, gifts bought and presents wrapped to perfection under the tree by the first week of December? Um, yeah…that is NOT me. I wish it were. I so want to be that person who doesn’t procrastinate and gets the holiday prep done way ahead of schedule, but every year the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas feel shorter and shorter. I’m
Read MoreHomemade Salt Dough Ornaments
Salt dough ornaments are one of those crafts that look easy and fun to make…and they actually ARE. They also keep my kids occupied for hours, which feels like a major parenting win during the chaos of Christmas. In between sports and school they plop down at the table and pick up a brush and paint the ornaments. I’ve been letting my OCD guard down and leaving the drop cloth
Read MoreDecember Lit List: Books for Gifting
If you’re still in need of some last-minute presents, I’ve got you covered. This lit list is full of giftable reads—from children’s picture books to luxe coffee table tomes and cult-favorite cookbooks. I especially love giving books because they can be used over and over, talked about and shared with others long after they’ve finished reading. A gift that truly keeps on giving! Simple by Yotam Ottolenghi I’m a huge
Read MoreDecorate Your Christmas Tree Like a Pro
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 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 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 MoreBISSELL Through The Holidays
During the holidays, my house becomes a little bit chaotic. There are gingerbread houses being built on the table, cookies in the oven, kids crafts happening after school, and wrapping paper sprawling across every surface. It’s a lot to handle. What I don’t need to handle? The aftermath of holiday activities spilling all over the rug. I love my kids, but they can be like little cyclones going from room
Read More