I kind of have a thing for jars (who doesn’t?). Baby food jars, mason jars, little Boston round bottles…total sucker. Here’s a list of 5 easy bottled gifts that take a couple minutes each, max. 1. Homemade Vanilla. There are … Read More
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2013 and was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in October 2023. Will you be spending Christmas in DC either as a tourist or as a local? The holidays in Washington DC … Read More
I have majorly dry skin. Especially every year when the weather starts to turn cold, my hands turn into total alligators, and my lips get all flaky and cracked; they even started bleeding a bit last week. Most chap sticks … Read More
(Foreward: chili never ever photographs well. End.) For a long time, I’ve been wanting to figure out an easy crockpot chili that uses dry beans. They’re cheaper and better for you and I far prefer the texture, especially after they’ve … Read More
(Disclaimer: I realized after writing this that it maybe sounded like I was dissing (pretty sure that’s geriatric-speak by now) other advent calenders, or ones that are more “fun”-focused? Because I’m not at ALL. This is just what works for … Read More
I am extremely picky about pumpkin pie. It has to be not too thick, creamy but not goopy, pumpkin-y but not bland, creamy and not rubbery, THE CRUST CANNOT BE SOGGY, etc. etc. I have issues. I’ve been making hacking … Read More
Both slow cooker and Instant Pot friendly, this creamy tomato soup recipe will surely become your go-to comfort meal. It’s flavorful, uses simple ingredients, and takes only 5 minutes to make. Add in some frozen tortellini or serve with grilled … Read More
Our CSA lately has provided us with mass quantities of greens. As in, my entire bottom shelf of my refrigerator is filled with them. This recipe uses none of them, but it did make a dent in the head and … Read More
N’s been saying he wants to be an astronaut for Halloween for a couple of months now. I mostly ignored him for a while because I’m the sort of mother who values listening to her child. But really, there was … Read More
Usually I’m pretty domineering about what we eat for dinner. My way or the highway, fam. But I figured I could allow N to choose his own birthday meal. (I know you are v. curious for my tips on how … Read More
Yes, another panzanella. But this time it’s warm! And has squash! And maple syrup! And goat cheese! (I am a bastion of originality.) It’s similar, yes. But all of us kept saying, “OH MY GOSH THIS IS SO GOOD” so … Read More
Why, hello! Welcome back to me from not-on-earth’s-face. Well, another side of it, anyway. We had a lovely trip to Chicago for a dear friend’s wedding and to Utah to spend lots of time with Grandma & Grandpa (and eat … Read More
1. Homemade Vanilla. There are a thousand “recipes” out there, but basically steep fresh cut vanilla beans in alcohol (we discovered we prefer rum to the more traditional vodka). It usually takes 6-8 weeks to mature, but if you’re short on time, just stick a sliced open bean with the alcohol in the jar you’re gifting and write a “ready by” date. This year, we did a set of extracts – coconut, almond, mint, hazelnut. Wouldn’t it be so fun to get a bunch to try?
2. My beloved coconut honey sugar scrub. Love this stuff. It’s so simple but seems fance.
3. Rosemary Essential Oil. I love the millions of uses she has for this.
4. I, for one, would certainly be grateful for this lip balm.
5. Marinated goat cheese. Seems so special, but is so easy. Take a chunk of whatever size you like of goat cheese, stick it in a jar and cover with olive oil. Add whatever herbs you like – I love some fresh rosemary and a whole clove of garlic, with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
