Do you know those people in life who just always seem to have everything in order? Yeah. I’m not one of those people. I try, but oftentimes the best intentions get tossed to the side as I deal with unexpected work issues, kiss cuts and scrapes, new recipes fail and need to be reworked or whatnot. Still, being organized in the first place will help you get through the busy times gracefully, even when you burn the rice or the car battery dies. My good friend, Mandi, from Life…Your... more

We eat quite a bit of food with a Southeast Asian flare around here. Sometimes I make it; other times I seek it out and purchase it, but either way, we’re no stranger to the flavors or the fantastic smells that cooking with rice wines and vinegars, teeny, tiny chili peppers or lemongrass and ginger bring. I was recently asked to try out Nakano’s Seasoned Rice Vinegar and to give a lucky reader the chance to do the same. I agreed, seeing that Nakano’s Natural Rice Vinegar was hanging... more

A few weeks ago – ahem, five – I attended the Food and Light Workshop in Boulder, Colorado being taught by Jen Yu of use real butter, Helene Dujardin of Tartellete and Todd and Diane of White on Rice Couple courtesy of Lifetime Moms. Then I didn’t tell you about it. It wasn’t on purpose. You see, from the workshop I had another workshop in Seattle with a stop in between at Cascadian Farm, and then there was the 4th of July with its picnics and fireworks, a trip to Arizona, the aftermath... more

Last week I had the privilege of spending some time in Scottsdale, Arizona with a group of amazing bloggers after being invited to the Thermador Showroom as they released their new Steam & Convection Oven, set to hit the market this fall. Before I even said yes to going, I knew that I was in love with Thermador. I mean, have you seen Thermador’s appliances? Gorgeous with their Star Burner and sapphire lights! Our trip to the showroom started with a gourmet breakfast offered up by Thermador’s... more

This past February at Blissdom I met Stephanie from Keeper of the Home, and I instantly realized that we had a few things in common, the least of which being we both strive to raise our families on a diet that consists of real food. In Stephanie’s book Real Food on a Real Budget: How to Eat Healthy for Less she starts by taking a look at your family’s budget. She shares tips on meal planning and gardening, and she even takes a long look at how to make couponing work on a “real... more

The winner of the Flirty Apron Giveaway is Hannah, who said, “I don’t own an apron, but I would love to!” Congratulations, Hannah! Second, I owe you a recipe this afternoon, but while I’m working on that, there are a few other things you should check out around the web. Jessica over at Good (&CHEAP) Eats asked me to contribute to her Build a Frugal Pantry series. I shared my recipe for Almond Ginger Granola, which I have happily been snacking on all week, so definitely... more

Yesterday I planted my garden. Finally. I planted tomatoes, herbs, squash and cucumbers. I got dirt on my clothes and my hands. There was SUN. Today, I’m giving away an apron in preparation for all the splatters and spills that will come as my garden grows. Flirty Aprons sent me this adorable cherry blossom apron, and I was instantly in love. In truth, I’ve never owned an apron, and it wasn’t because I didn’t need one. Evidence can be seen in full effect during the... more