We went to our first holiday party this weekend and it got me quite into the holiday spirit. I also enjoyed the festively stocked bar that was full of holiday spirits so I’m moving a little slower than usual today. But sitting by the fireplace, holiday tunes playing, while looking at my twinkly Christmas tree — that’s a pretty lovely place to be recovering from seasonal celebrations! Sharing a little holiday edition of my download — with entertaining and DIY ideas, stocking stuffers, some holiday looks, and a few books I’m reading now!  read more

I have a pretty strong track record of being super organized around the holidays, especially when it comes to gift giving. Some years I’ve started a “gift idea” list on my phone as early as June. This year though, we’re doing a little bit less gift-giving with our family and instead focusing more on experiences, so my to-do-list looks a little bit different this time around. I’m still trying to keep everything in order though, marking things off the list one day at a time to make the most of the holiday season. My friends at AAA Northeast shared a fun, quick online quiz with me to help me find my holiday saving personality and use my #AAADiscounts to save this season as I tackle my holiday errands! read more

Tis the season for getting the house looking festive! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite holiday decor, tabletop, and entertaining pieces for the season — many of which you’ll see in my holiday content over the next few weeks! Scroll down for more, and don’t forget to check out my gift guide for her, for him, and for the kids! read more

This kids gift guide is focused on the toddler-stage since that’s where we’re at right now with Jane. I included a few of our current favorites like the cutest rainbow colored pencils, an ice cream puzzle, a doggie matching game, and books like High Five and Cookies, an interactive cookie-making book. And on Jane’s wishlist this year is a “real” camera, a fun  Peppa the Pig watch, and an umbrella — she’s a practical kid! My husband and I were thinking we would also get some old school board games like Connect 4 and Candy Land that are fun for the whole family! Scroll down for more, and don’t forget to check out my gift guide for her, for him, and for the home! read more

This is always an easy list to put together because it’s typically my very own wishlist, and a few of my tried and true favorites. My top gift recommendations are things that I own and love: the coziest pajamas, my favorite spice sets, the trendy hair dryer brush (it’s a game changer), and always a few good cookbooks (I love the new Half Baked Harvest Super Simple, and New England Invite makes a great gift too!).  On my own wishlist, a new slim wallet from Dagne Dover, a monogramed travel jewelry case, and a fun sequin jacket to ring in the new year! Scroll down for more, and don’t forget to check out my gift guide for him, for kids, and for the home! read more

Men are SO hard to shop for, and I always feel like gift guides for “him” tend to be the most helpful ones I see this time of year. I polled my husband for some of his favorite things when I was working on this, like his cozy LL Bean pullover, a durable duffle bag, his yeti travel mug, and his smoker (which we all benefit from — yum!).  I also included some practical items — bean boots and garment bags, fun ideas — like artisanal caramels, lawn games, and a few tech-faves — like speakers, AirPod cases, and a wireless grilling thermometer! Scroll down for more, and don’t forget to check out my gift guide for her, for kids, and for the home! read more

I just got back from  a whirlwind 24 Hours in Cincinnati where this site took home Best Entertaining Blog of the Year from Saveur Magazine’s 2019 Saveur Blog Awards!!  I truly can’t believe it, it was so surreal hearing my blog name called during the awards ceremony. I’m so grateful for the experience of being among such amazing creators and am beyond honored that so many of you voted for me. Check out the full list of Saveur Blog Award winners for some amazing inspiration (I left so creatively recharged after meeting these amazing writers and photographers!), and scroll down for a few pictures from the event and awards ceremony!  read more

It’s been a behind-the-scenes kind of life here lately. A little bit less action on the blog usually means lots of big stuff happening in the kitchen and tons of new ideas coming soon. While I’m working behind the curtain on lots and lots of festive fall and holiday ideas to share, I’ve got a few links and updates in this week’s download to keep you in the loop!  read more

September has been a blur! I have been on the go for weddings (my sister got married last weekend!) and parties (you have to see the camp-themed bachelorette we threw!), in the midst of our first two weeks of potty training (send wine!!) and deep in lots of fun work projects (get excited for the holiday season!!). I sort of feel like I’ve barely been able to catch my breath, and October is winding up to be just as full of work and play. I love sitting down to write these download posts because it feels like unloading all of the little updates I have to share — and I have lots of them today. New recipes, Halloween ideas, lots of books I’ve been reading, and a few fun fall finds! And before you scroll down to read more, I have a favor to ask! I’ve been nominated by Saveur Magazine as a finalist for the Best Entertaining Blog 2019 — I would love your vote! Click here to vote daily!  read more