Although the Christmas decorations have all been packed away, we're still on a high from our holiday break. It was a pretty special year, not only because it was my parents' first Christmas in North Carolina, but Chris's parents decided to fly out for a week, as well! My in-laws stayed in our guest house […]
Scrolling back through a year of recipes, I'm really excited about where I am with my cooking. I feel like 2023 was the year I really embraced everything I've learned around cooking for food restrictions, creating a mix of original dishes, as well as remixing a few classics to be more allergy-friendly. And as much […]
Side Table | Acrylic Bookstand | Candle Warmer | Picture Frame | CLJ x Lola Blanket | Tabletop Tree | Candlesticks | Wooden Beads 1. Neck Pillow | $59 2023 gave me a literal crick in my neck. FOR MONTHS. (I went to the doctor and it was stress related. kewl) This pillow has been […]
In 2024, we are celebrating 15 years of Chris Loves Julia. It's a huge milestone and, to be honest, there was a time this year when I didn't know if we were going to make it to that bench mark. Not because there was anything at risk with our relationship, or our brand or opportunities […]
Making prime rib feels difficult, doesn't it? Just the sound of it is intimidating. Two obvious reasons for that are how expensive it is (hate to mess up an $80 6lb roast!) and how complicated most recipes are. Everyone seems to have this trick or that to make the best prime rib recipe, but how […]
I'm a crewneck sweater girlie. I'm not big on v-necks or hoods (they're not absent from my wardrobe, I just don't gravitate toward them), and there's something so classic about a crewneck — like you could leave any moment on a nautical voyage or get tagged in for a game of touch football. I've been […]
A friend of mine recently called me for ideas for hosting her in-laws, who will be in town for the holidays for four days. Together, we brainstormed what works when it comes to entertaining out-of-towners (aka it's fun but low stress for you and not too tiring). We came up with a comprehensive list for […]
You know I love a side dish that comes together fast. And while this one just misses my "5 minute side" designation, it's not far from at only 10 minutes and a whole bunch of delicious. Very "holiday" feeling, and easy peasy. White Baking Dish | Copper Candlesticks | Fluted Taper Candles Four ingredients, seasoned […]
Growing up in Idaho, I think I had a pair of gloves in every single coat pocket. And while the weather is not quite as *extreme* in North Carolina, I'm finding myself reaching for gloves more and more as the weather gets colder. However, now I need gloves that not only keep my hands warm […]
There’s no place like home for the Holidays, and there’s no quicker way to make your home feel ready for the season than with fragrance. To me, a home can be clean, tidy, and decorated, but the finishing (and sometimes forgotten) touch is how it smells. Isn’t it incredible that certain scents can trigger a […]
As someone who owns a JBL Boombox 3, I often get asked if it's truly worth the investment. Spoiler alert: it absolutely is. But this question sent me on a path to find other comparable Bluetooth speakers that could fit different budgets and needs. With the holiday season upon us, what better gift than a […]
We're big hot chocolate fans here. My kids want it every morning, and it's one of my favorites as well. Unfortunately, it's basically just dairy and sugar and a great way to start the day if your ideal day starts with a stomachache. Mugs | Crockpot | Ladle With the dairy allergies in our home, […]
Another month, another recap! We kicked off November with the launch of our 2023 Holiday Gift Guides, which was such a lift but also so fun to put together for all of your holiday gifting needs. We also put together our Holiday Shoppe page as a resource for holiday decor, from trees and garlands to […]
I love a grazing party. Good conversation, good music, maybe some games, and a spread of food I can return to again and again whenever I need a little bite. Dairy-free party appetizers are harder to come by, because of course we all love cheese. But this little number is bursting with flavor, comes together […]
I'm not much of a sports guy, but this... this is my Super Bowl. For years, I've been perfecting the ultimate Thanksgiving feast. From the roasted turkey to the sugar-dusted cranberries, every dish on the menu is delicious. So, if there's one thing I can brag about (without feeling guilty), it's my Thanksgiving recipes. This […]
Setting the table for the holidays can be an exciting endeavor that adds a special touch to your festive gatherings. Whether you're looking for a simple, straightforward setup or an all-out holiday wonderland, there are options for every style and budget. Here's how you can set your holiday table at three different levels: essential, next […]
I love creating new dishes and experimenting with flavors. But there are just some dishes that are classics and shouldn't be tampered with, especially when it comes to Holiday favorites. However, it's important to me that the classics I serve can be enjoyed by everyone at the table, with or without food sensitivities. And so, […]
I'll admit. As someone who spends a big chunk of my life experimenting with food and creating new recipes, I've become a total nerd (connoisseur, if you're fancy) when it comes to knives. I'm a collector, a fanatic; really, I'm enthused over knives! And since the people have been asking, I figured it was time […]
I love a tasty non-alcoholic holiday drink this time of year, but is it just me, or do most holiday drinks tend to go in the cranberry direction? No shade on cranberries, but there are so many other delicious flavors from the season that I'd like to indulge in. So, I took matters into my […]
Happy Halloween! Tonight, we're looking forward to taking the girls trick-or-treating and then boom. Thanksgiving is in just a few weeks, followed by Christmas. How?? Is anybody else feeling the busyness of the holiday season rolling in? But before we look too far ahead, let's take a look back at some highlights from the month, […]
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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