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
Please note: This post was created in collaboration with Chase Freedom Unlimited. All opinions, images and content are my own.
I have been working on my “be a better baker challenge” in collaboration with my friends at Chase Freedom Unlimited for several months now, and I’m winding down the official challenge but still baking away! This month I decided to tackle an apple pie, for a few reasons. First, I used my cash back credit card to stock up on the most beautiful, seasonal farm stand apples and I needed to make something with them! And second, apple pie is one of the few baked goods that I always felt really comfortable baking. It felt like the perfect time to come full circle, back to the basics, and see how far I’ve come over the past few months with a dish that’s tried and true.
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This is one of my favorite posts to write each year — it’s like a greatest hits album for all of the deliciousness that I love about Thanksgiving. I’ve got everything from appetizers to desserts and all of the side dishes in between that you need to plan a drool-worthy Thanksgiving feast. Scroll down for 30+ Thanksgiving recipes to inspire your turkey day feast, and don’t forget, there’s a full Thanksgiving menu with recipes and tips in my cookbook — New England Invite: Fresh Feasts to Savor the Seasons!
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We are in the home stretch for Thanksgiving planning, and I have it easy this year since we’re going to my in-laws. I’m in charge of stuffing (my fave) and helping Jane finish the turkey crowns we’ve been coloring for our family. I just can’t help myself though and had to put together a little Thanksgiving table setting for the blog! My friends at Serena and Lily shared some of their beautiful tableware pieces with me and inspired this preppy-harvest look that incorporates some of my favorite tips and tricks for a holiday table.
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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! 
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Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday — for obvious reasons: FOOD! But one of my very favorite parts of Thanksgiving is the day after when we get to dive into the leftovers and make those delicious mile-high turkey sandwiches, or dig into a slice of remnant pie while hanging out with family on the couch. While no one can argue the place that the turkey sandwich has in the leftover hierarchy, everyone has a different approach to their leftover packaging. Being who I am, I of course can’t let Thanksgiving leftovers go unadorned and have some festive ideas for packing up your precious pie slices using my favorite Chinet®brand products!
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I proclaimed to my family that after tons of work events and big projects this past week that I’m in desperate need of an “introvert night.” All I want is some cozy jammies, a rolling fire in the fireplace, a full DVR, and a delicious cocktail I can sip on while not talking to anyone. It’s a tall order for this time of year when our schedules are so darn busy with the beginning of the holiday bonanza but know I can check one item off that dream list though, in the form of this delicious cocktail that’s perfect for the late fall. It’s a Bourbon Ginger Pear Punch, and it packs some serious flavor into a glass.
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As we gear up for the peak of the entertaining season (how is it already November?!), it’s the perfect time of year to pull out some easy hacks to make hosting less of a chore and more of a party! I shared a few of my go-to tips for getting organized and prepared for the holidays in the December issue of Family Circle Magazine. I’m sharing a few of the ideas below, and be sure to check out the issue on newsstands now for more holiday prep ideas!
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