Plant a single black-eyed Susan and you will be rewarded. If you don’t mind it spreading across your garden in just a few years, that is. I don’t mind — I welcome it. These cheerful flowers begin blooming for me from late July into early August, and they always bring a sense of autumn’s approach. … Read more

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#f2f2f2″ border_style=”solid”] If you want simple healthy meal inspiration or an easy way to add extra vegetables to your week, a chopped salad is an excellent choice. It’s especially helpful in the few weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, when many people wrestle with whether to maintain healthy … Read more

If you’re scrambling for last-minute gift ideas, here are several thoughtful and practical options I’ve recently tried and wanted to share. First — a timely tip: Restaurant.com gift certificates make a terrific gift, especially when you can snag them with promo codes. At the time I used them, these codes were available for discounted certificates: … Read more

If you’re searching for healthy fall dinner recipes, this curated collection has you covered. These seasonal dishes blend comforting flavors with nutritious ingredients. From warming soups and stews to one-pot meals, casseroles, and lighter vegetable-forward options, each recipe highlights autumn produce while remaining simple and family-friendly. Why You’ll Love These Healthy Fall Dinner Recipes Autumn … Read more

Slow cooker seafood boil is an easy, hands-off take on the classic Southern low country boil. Loaded with shell-on shrimp (or your preferred seafood), red potatoes, corn, smoky sausage, lemon and Old Bay seasoning, this flavorful meal practically makes itself. It’s perfect for summer get-togethers, game days, or relaxed weekend dinners—no standing over a boiling … Read more

A quick and easy skillet Chicken Stroganoff with a creamy, flavorful sauce—lighter than the traditional version yet still comforting and delicious. Stroganoff always brings back memories of my grandmother’s comforting beef version, but this skillet Easy Chicken Stroganoff is a fast, lighter alternative that delivers rich flavor in under 30 minutes. Instead of using canned … Read more

This wholesome summer dessert pairs a silky maple custard with a vibrant strawberry compote. Made from simple, real ingredients and naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup, it’s a lighter dessert that still feels indulgent. The custard is creamy and subtly sweet, while the compote brings bright, juicy strawberries. This dessert is free of refined sugar … Read more

This single-serving chocolate cookie is thick and fudgy with a deep chocolate flavor and plenty of melty chips. It’s a quick, no-chill recipe that yields one very large double-chocolate cookie — the ideal late-night treat for true chocolate fans. This post was updated January 12, 2025 with new photos, recipe tips and a slightly revised … Read more

This copycat Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bread tastes just like the beloved Cranberry Bliss Bars — and in loaf form it might even be better. Light and fluffy, studded with sweet-tart cranberries and creamy white chocolate, and finished with a homemade vanilla icing, this bread is the ideal holiday treat. “Better than Starbucks” Cranberry Bliss Bread … Read more

Homemade taco seasoning is simple to make and uses just a handful of common spices you likely already have in your pantry. This easy taco seasoning perfectly seasons ground beef, chicken, pork or turkey for tacos, quesadillas, taco salads, soups, and more. Try this seasoning on steak tacos, vegetable black bean quesadillas, or in a … Read more