Updated! Scroll toward the bottom for the complete list of cities I visited during the year-long series and brief notes on each destination. At the start of the year I took a few days to think about what I wanted to accomplish over the next 12 months. One clear goal kept resurfacing: I wanted to … Read more
If you want an ultra-low-budget costume that looks fun and festive, this DIY Pop-Tart costume is perfect — and it can be made for almost nothing. All you need is a large piece of cardboard, some paint, and a bit of rope or heavy string. The cardboard I used was leftover from a recent art … Read more
Christmas might be over, but cozy hot chocolate season doesn’t have to end. This red wine hot chocolate transforms your usual winter drink into a rich, slightly boozy treat—perfect for recovering from holiday excesses or simply relaxing on a cold evening. It’s also a cheerful way to ring in the New Year if you want … Read more
When you can’t go on vacation, bring the vacation to you. Lately I’ve been daydreaming about tropical resorts — long overdue for a beach escape, the mind wanders to room service, plush bathrobes, and a private balcony with views of crystal-blue water. While an overseas bungalow might not be possible right now, you can still … Read more
Today I’m sharing the final DIY flower project from the Meet/Make/Do event, and this one is especially fun because it uses a pool. There was a beautiful pool at the Palm Springs house where we stayed, so I decided to incorporate it into a floral design. It’s not every day you have a pool available, … Read more
If you’re looking for a creative weekend project, here are seven DIY ideas to inspire you. These projects range from simple accessories to functional home pieces, and each one is doable with common materials and a little patience. Which one will you try first? 1. DIY totem lights — a sculptural lighting project that combines … Read more
Over the years I’ve experimented with peanut butter and jelly in many forms—peanut butter and jelly waffles, PB&J milkshakes, peanut butter and jelly donut sandwiches and even PB&J ice cream sandwiches. One thing I hadn’t made until now was pancakes. Today that changes: peanut butter pancakes topped with a bright strawberry “jelly” syrup. Pour some orange juice, grab a crossword (or your phone), and let’s make breakfast.
I had a stack of jeans in my closet that I no longer wear but couldn’t bring myself to throw away. Jeans tend to accumulate, so I finally decided to do something creative with them. I even rescued a few of Jeff’s jeans that were too large for him and brought them all to the … Read more
Stroopwafel ice cream sandwiches? If you know, you know! Have you tried stroopwafels? My first taste was on a trip to Amsterdam and I was instantly hooked. They’re thin and crisp with a soft caramel-honey filling, traditionally enjoyed with coffee or tea. That combination reminded me of ice cream—so naturally I wondered: why not make … Read more
Last month Jeff and I flew to Miami and boarded the Carnival Vista for an eight-night Caribbean cruise in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line. This trip was our May stop in the “12 trips in 12 months” series. We visited some stunning destinations — Turks & Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and Aruba. One of my … Read more