Holiday brunch is where real life shows up—kids in pj’s, guests arriving early, coffee that needs a refill before you’ve cracked an egg. I love TJ’s because a few smart shortcuts let you cook less and host better. Here’s how I build a spread that looks planned, tastes homemade, and still lets me sit down….
I’m a big believer that a small porch can still give a big welcome. You don’t need a truckload of décor or a weekend project list—just a few smart choices that work hard and look intentional. I’ve done this in rentals, tiny stoops, and breezeways that barely fit a doormat. Here’s what actually works when…
Hosting isn’t about perfection. It’s about flow, light, and a few smart setups that make the space feel welcoming and easy. Do these before people pull in the drive and the house will carry the night for you. Fix the first five seconds Tidy the porch, swap a sad bulb for a warm one, and…
The goal isn’t sameness; it’s continuity. When lines, finishes, and function repeat in smart ways, the whole home reads intentional—no matter what the square footage looks like. Let architecture lead your decisions Start with the bones: ceiling height, window style, casing profile. Match new trim to the existing profile or simplify to the cleanest version…
If you’re setting up your property for animals, you’re probably thinking about where the fence will go, how tall it needs to be, and what kind of wire to use. But there’s one part that tends to get skipped—what’s happening underneath. A fence can look strong and secure, but if the base isn’t addressed, you’re…
As fall sets in, most people breathe a sigh of relief when mowing season starts winding down. The grass slows, the days cool off, and the mower finally gets a break. But if you stop paying attention too early, you’re setting yourself up for a frustrating spring. The biggest mistake homeowners make this time of…
If you bake, you’ve probably had a batch go from amazing to “meh” overnight. The cure is matching the container and environment to the cookie style. Crisp cookies hate moisture; chewy cookies need it. Here’s how to keep both happy so Day Two tastes like Day One. Store crisp and chewy separately Crisp shortbread and…
When the heat kicks on, humidity drops and a lot of plants sulk. If you don’t want to babysit a humidifier, pick species that tolerate low humidity and average home light. These are the troopers I lean on for winter—they won’t punish you if you miss a watering and they won’t crisp up the second…