Those of you who might not know this—I rent out a townhome here in Charlotte. It’s actually the first home I ever bought, back in 2011, when I was single and still fairly new to the city. It was my first big purchase, and I loved that house. I lived there from 2011 until 2023,…
Category: Home
Easy, Foolproof Fruit Cobbler
There’s something so comforting about a warm fruit cobbler fresh out of the oven—the bubbly fruit, the golden crust, and the sweet smell that fills the kitchen. This is one of my favorite “no-stress” desserts. It’s quick to mix up, uses pantry staples, and works beautifully with just about any fruit you have on hand….
Summer Favorite: Basil Tomato Tart
The garden is overflowing right now, and I have more ripe tomatoes than I know what to do with. 🍅 One of my absolute favorite ways to use them is in this basil tomato tart—it’s rich, savory, and so full of summer flavor. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, and it actually…
Backyard Makeover: 10 Months of Progress and Still Going!
This backyard has truly been a labor of love—nearly 10 months in the making! After finishing our major interior renovation, we declared 2024 the year of the backyard. Little did we know just how much time (and effort) it would take. While we’re not 100% done, I’m so proud of how far we’ve come. What…
Classic Tuna Salad with Dill Dressing
A deli favorite from my mom’s kitchen to yours. This tuna salad recipe is a true family classic. My mom used to make it for the deli she ran, and to this day, it’s still one of my all-time favorites. The base is simple, but the dill dressing? That’s what steals the show. It’s creamy,…
What I’d Do Differently: Reflections Two Years After Our Renovation
It’s hard to believe it’s been almost two years since we wrapped up the major renovation of our 1980s American Colonial. Overall, I’m still so happy with how everything turned out—but now that we’ve lived in the space for a while, a few things stand out that I’d probably do differently if I had the…
DIY Pleated Fabric Lampshade: A Simple Way to Add Color and Pattern to Any Room
I’ve been wanting to bring more color and personality into my kitchen, but I wasn’t quite sure how. A fun new light fixture crossed my mind—but instead of buying something new, I decided to get creative with what I already had. With a little fabric, some hot glue, and a dash of creativity, I transformed…
DIY Painted Checkered Porch Floor: A Step-by-Step Guide
Let me start by saying—this project takes a lot of patience. But trust me, it is so worth it. I’m completely in love with how it turned out! Originally, I dreamed of adding checkered pavers to our back patio, but with the size of that space, it just wasn’t in the budget. So, when it…
Make-Ahead Breakfast Frittata (with Crispy Potato Crust)
One of my go-to recipes week after week—this make-ahead frittata is a game changer for busy mornings. I typically bake it on Sunday, slice it up, and have breakfast ready to go for the rest of the workweek. What I love most? It’s incredibly versatile. You can use whatever veggies, cheese, or leftover meats you…
Oriental Salad – A Summer BBQ Favorite
Looking for a simple, delicious salad that’s perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or any summer gathering? This oriental salad is a tried-and-true family favorite that never fails to impress. It was a weekly staple at my mom’s deli, and I still make it regularly—it’s just that good. With crunchy textures, sweet and tangy flavors, and quick…
