Super Simple Sourdough Loaf (Tips & Tricks for Beginners)

If you know me, you know I love my sourdough starter. A couple of friends recently asked for some of my starter, along with tips and tricks for bread making. Sourdough tutorials already litter the internet, but most are unnecessarily complicated. So I created a little printable for my friends with all the information you need to know to get started, but not too much information to be overwhelming. Today I want to share those resources with you guys too!

If you’ve wanted to explore sourdough but feel intimidated, or if you could use a few tips to streamline your process, read on! This recipe uses only three ordinary ingredients, needs no special tools to create, and doesn’t require constant babysitting. It’s the perfect beginner loaf – and tasty enough to make for years to come.

Continue reading

Woodland Nature Baby Shower

I’m so excited for this post! I got to put on a shower for Megan and baby Edison and it turned out super cute and fun. Megan isn’t into super cutesy, stereotypical boy stuff, but she loves nature and they live in the woods. So I went for a classy, woodland/nature-themed shower. I had tons of fun putting together a woodland menu and filling the room with dozens of Mom’s houseplants. 

Enjoy some cute party inspo!

Continue reading

Maple Vanilla Snow Cream Recipe

One of my favorite snow day traditions growing up was making snow cream. My siblings and I would carefully dip a bowl into the freshly fallen drifts and then run inside to mix up a batch before it melted.

If you’ve never made snow cream, you have to try it the next time it snows! Kids especially love the experience and the taste.

This year I modified our recipe to use maple syrup instead of white sugar and now I don’t think I’ll ever make it any other way. It really adds a special touch to this simple treat. Read on for the recipe and tips.

Continue reading

Apple Picking {Self-Portrait Photoshoot}

This year the small apple tree in our backyard was loaded with knobby, spotty apples. I thought they’d still make good applesauce though, so one foggy morning I decided to go out and pick all I could. I used to do self-portrait photoshoots before I was pregnant, so I decided to dress up and take some pictures just for fun. Enjoy scrolling through the results!

Continue reading

Vacation Meal Prep for Breakfast & Lunch (No Microwave)

Hello friends!

I know I just did a meal prep post, but I wanted to share what I’ve been making for our trip! We are on vacation as you read this, enjoying five days at a cute Airbnb in the Outer Banks area – but the house has no microwave. In order not to eat out for every meal, I prepared breakfasts and lunches we could enjoy with just a refrigerator.

I hope this is helpful meal inspiration to you guys, whether for traveling or for everyday life.

Continue reading

Healthy Homemade Meal Ideas

Hello friends!

Recently I’ve really gotten into creating meals that are both nutritious and delicious. I find cooking from scratch so fun and rewarding! I’ve been documenting some of my favorite dishes on my phone and wanted to share a collection of them with you today.

Read on for menu inspiration for all three meals, plus links to my favorite recipes. These are especially helpful if you’re looking for high-protein, real-food ideas. Enjoy!

Continue reading

Spring Floral-Themed Bridal Brunch

Hello friends!

I had the honor of hosting a bridal shower for my sister Megan last week, and ahh it turned out so lovely! The day was filled with sunlight, spring blooms, and a tasty brunch menu. Today I’m sharing all the details, from how we decorated to the food and activities I prepared.

Read on for party planning inspo and some gorgeously sunny photos!

Continue reading

The Fanciest Tea Party {a Weekend in the Mountains}

Hello friends!

Like I mentioned in this photoshoot post, I recently attended a beautiful girls’ retreat in the mountains with some friends. Over the weekend we had several lovely adventures that I wanted to share with you guys today.

Read on for cute animals, a beautiful hike, and the fanciest tea party. (Warning: this post may make you hungry.)

Continue reading

10+ “No-Recipe” Meal Ideas Using Whole Chicken

Hello friends!

Ever since I got married I’ve started cooking without a recipe more often. It’s fun to make it up as you go along and I love the flexibility of adjusting ingredients to taste without having to refer back to exact measurements. One of my favorite things to do is to cook a whole roast chicken in the crockpot and then use the broth and pieced-up meat in different dishes throughout the week. It’s inexpensive per pound, makes enough for several meals, and is quite versatile (and healthy!).

I’m clearly not a food blogger plus I’m always in too much of a hurry to get good food photos, haha. But I hope this is still a helpful, if less professional, post for you. 😀 Here are a few of my favorite “no recipe” methods and ideas to use a whole chicken.

Continue reading