You know what my favorite thing is? When Jules says to me, "I would love to have _____ for dinner this week." That's usually when the cogs in my brain start grinding away, figuring out how to make the best possible version of whatever she asked for. This week, she wanted a cauliflower puree (she's […]
A couple months back, we added some herbs to the kitchen window sill--oregano, chives and a leaning tower or thai basil. They were planted in the ever-popular, minimalist clay pots from Ikea and I was itching to dress them up a smidge. Enter one of Chris's old leather belts, some "craft lace"--which is really just […]
Now before we get into cooking the really impressive stuff, we need to make sure you're properly equipped. I love browsing kitchen stores and looking at all the cool gadgets, but honestly, most of the cool new kitchen things are completely unnecessary. In my opinion, things like burger presses, egg slicers, and pans with nonstick […]
While we've talked about the patio plans to build a pergola, we have never really revealed the direction of the rest of the space--besides the handsome new fixture. Here's what we're envisioning: 1. The Carson you've met. 2. Cafe lights stringing from the pergola. 3. This Ikea outdoor sectional has really good reviews. We love […]
A few (several?) of my favorite photos of these two: He is hands on, adventurous, patient, and loving with our girl. The whole thing melts me. Happy Father's day to Chris, my father-in-law-- who always makes me feel like the favorite (shhhh),-- to my dad, who handled having a house of girls (and no sons) like […]
In Wednesday's post I showed how to grill a hen, and I paired it with this salad. Grilled Caesar Salad isn't new, and it's sort of a trendy dish (perhaps in a bad way?). But there's something about it that I enjoy. A quick char on some of the leaves, mixed with the freshly washed […]
We have now been dog owners for just over a whopping two weeks and wanted to give you all an update on how life has changed around here. We feel a lot more settled and are completely smitten with sweet Charly. Chris is constantly telling me Charly is the best dog he's ever come in […]
I love cooking poultry on the grill, and my favorite poultry to grill, hands down, is the cornish game hen. You've seen them. Those small birds in their individual packages, frozen rock solid in the meat section of your grocery store. They're small enough to be manageable, large enough to feed 2 people, and take […]
Let's say these are our favorite functional purchases, and not necessarily the ones we love just because they look good, like the Clare Elsaesser print in our bedroom. Completely different post. The pieces we wouldn't want to live without again. Ready? First, the Ikea shoe cabinet by our front door. I can't tell you how many […]
Although we have done five house tours since moving in just over two years ago, we have never done an exterior one. And, yes, I am regretting it. Although we haven't done a ton (pulled out some plants, got rid of the dog kennel, and got a new front door), plants are always growing (or […]
I've somehow morphed my blogging schedule into this weekly theme sorta thing. Not sure how that happened, but we're just running with it. This week - grilling in a less obvious way. Admit it, when you hear someone talk about "grilling," you automatically think about burgers and hot dogs. Maybe ribs and bratwurst. All of […]
I'm back from a wonderful week in the mountains. I volunteered to be one of the directors at a girl's camp for 160 or so 12 to 18 year old girls. And while I'm still recovering from no sleep and too much sun, I learned so much about myself and changes I want to implement. […]
I'm all about saving the best for last. Sometimes that gets me in trouble, like on Thanksgiving when I decide to eat my ham last, but by the time I get to it I'm already bursting so I just force it down my throat because I'm determined to enjoy it, but I just end up […]
While working as a quasi-bartender, people often asked what I'd recommend. Of course I always needed more information. If someone just came from the gym, I wasn't about to pour them a hot chocolate. But any time someone told me they were in the mood for something fresh, my recommendation was always the same - […]
I've never met anyone who doesn't like Italian sodas. Who doesn't love going to an old-timey diner, sitting on a stool at the counter and ordering a burger, fries and raspberry Italian soda? It just makes you feel like a kid again, and if you're actually a kid, it just makes you feel important. I […]
All right, Jules is out for the rest of the week and I'm hijacking this blog. You're all mine for the next 4 days, so buckle up. Little known fact about ol' Chris here, I worked as a bartender (no, I don't drink - it was a non-alcoholic bar and yes, I realize that doesn't […]
Chris and I love to have people over a couple times a week. Greta goes to bed pretty early, and Chris will cook up a storm and we'll talk or play games (or watch The Bachelor/ette--guilty!). Since we moved into our house 2+ years ago, we have been brainstorming a way to keep a record […]
I've been asked, not infrequently, how to grill corn. Unfortunately, the explanation is so long and intense that, unless I have a ton of spare time, I'm usually not able to explain it to them. Enter Blogsville. I can finally put it here, one time, and not have to go through hours and hours of […]
When I posted this photo a few days ago, when I was discussing our incoming tile, I got a few questions about those jars hanging out under the cabinet on the left. Those are Chris's most used, favorite spices. The cabinet above them holds the rest--he has a lot of spices. We originally had a […]
A man was living in Italy, doing some volunteer work. He had a particularly trying day and decided to visit a friend. The friend could immediately tell that this man had a rough day and asked the young volunteer to describe how he was feeling. The young man described his feelings of frustration, burnout and […]
Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop
Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!
Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations