I don't bake often (I like to be more freeform with my recipes than baking allows), but when I do, I like to make something like this. A super-simple, fruit-forward dessert that's not too sweet, but packed with flavor. The best part? It's gluten-free, dairy-free, and only takes less than 5 minutes of active work […]
Jules has really been into Brussels sprouts lately (as she showed in our fridge tour), and while she could eat them the same way every day, if I'm gonna enjoy it then I gotta mix it up. Roasted potatoes and Brussels sprouts are a timeless pair - add a roasted red pepper sauce and this […]
One of the most frequent DMs I get is about what sunglasses I'm wearing. When I look at my sunglass stash in my closet, it becomes clear to me that I definitely have a "type" — the large, cat-eye, all-black look is usually my go-to! Occasionally I'll branch out, but I just love the classic, retro […]
July was the peak of summer in all the best ways! We intentionally slowed down a little this month, which included going off the grid at a beautiful mountainside lake and a trip to Idaho to see friends and family. We did a few house projects, like adding wallpaper to Greta's room, painting our front door, and […]
Have you ever played that game with friends where you ask, "What would you choose for your last meal?" Well, steak frites is my pick. While this traditional dish of steak and fries is often served in European brasseries, I love Asian flavors, so I came up with this unexpected — but entirely tasty — […]
I have a thing for tacos. They're just everything you could want in a tasty little handheld package. I've done smash burger tacos, chicharron de ribeye tacos, al pastor tacos, and grilled steak tacos. But when I want to serve tacos to some of my vegan friends and family members, I put mushroom tacos on […]
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here and it's my favorite time to stock up on everything from clothes, to luggage, to home decor. I'm sharing my wish list with you here so you can load up your cart and save big! Apparel - Tops Apparel - Bottoms (A few other options) Accessories Beauty (A few […]
This post is sponsored by Neighborly, Your Hub for Home Services As we’ve grown older and busier with kids and life, I’ve gotten smarter about what projects we want to tackle at home ourselves and which ones we like to hire out. And there are some tasks I’ve never even thought to tackle myself and […]
We’ve been traveling to several North Carolina beaches this spring and summer, and I’m always in search of some good seafood. The coastline has great shrimp that is often fried or steamed, but this time of year I crave the flavor of the grill. Plus I love adding fresh flavors and herbs to my dishes, […]
When it comes to my Fourth of July outfit, I like to let my preppy side come out. There's nothing like a classic red-and-white stripe. I love a slightly oversized American flag sweater or top, and I'm dipping into the boxer short trend a little bit — what can I say? They're so comfortable, I […]
One of my favorite things about summer is eating (and cooking) outside. Who doesn't love a picnic? It's the ultimate grab-and-go meal. Yes, there's some prep involved, but that always makes the food taste even better. And to me, it's not a real picnic unless you have a salad or two. It's nice to have […]
I'm not really a traditional potato salad guy. They can be kind of gummy and flavorless with very little texture other than a little bit of celery. But I do love potatoes (I'm from Idaho after all), and I wanted to give this side a chance to redeem itself by creating a potato salad that […]
In the past, I've felt self-conscious when putting a hat on, like it "wasn't me" or something. But I realized that the more you wear a hat, the more you like it on yourself. (Plus, they're great for day-four hair, am I right?!) I'm really into brimmed hats these days because they keep the sun […]
White Jeans | Tan Tee | Straw Hat (Similar) | Apple Watch Band | Gold Oura Ring | Melamine Plate | Striped Pool Towels | Backyard Sources Few things can boost my self-confidence quicker than freshly applied self-tanner. There's something about giving my skin a bit of a glow that gives me a pep in […]
Grilled pork tenderloin is inexpensive, super tender, really juicy, and quick to cook. That makes it an all-star protein in my book. I love to serve it simply grilled with a flavor-packed sauce, and so I decided to do a take on a pesto featuring the classic basil and olive oil base, but swapping in […]
All summer long, I want something fresh and cold, and frozen desserts just win every time. Italian ice is a classic dessert that was created in the United States by Italian immigrants but it was likely inspired by Sicilian granita. (This article from Saveur is an amazing deep dive into Sicily's contributions to the world […]
It's no secret I love staying organized. I have to have things go back where they belong, or it drives me crazy! And while it can be easy to keep clutter at bay with cabinets, closets, and armoires inside, the outdoors is a different story. For instance, I need a place to keep our pool […]
When your kids are the age where you still pack for them, getting the luggage right is usually a matter of three things: durability, design, and style. You want the luggage to be strong enough to withstand travel conditions. You want a design that's appropriate for their age/needs. And the kids usually want something that […]
I'm headed to Pennsylvania on an overnight work trip for a really exciting project (stay tuned for more details soon...), and feel like I finally found my travel look! It can be a struggle to pack for such a short trip, especially when you'll be in a colder airport and then back in the warmth […]
Raise your hand if you keep one bottle of olive oil on hand and you use that one bottle for all of your olive oil needs. That's how many of us start out, me and Jules included. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to explore the nuances of olive […]
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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