I am enjoying a wonderfully busy week helping my daughters settle in Washington, so I invited my friend Sandy from Reluctant Entertainer to share some lovely, practical ideas about hosting. If you think hosting beautifully is only for professionals, stay with us — Sandy’s approach is warm, simple, and very doable. Through her blog, Sandy … Read more

Today many of us are looking for practical ways to save money and conserve resources. Making thoughtful choices about what we buy and how we use things helps both our wallets and the planet. While I’m not a formal expert in green living, adopting simple, common-sense habits to reduce waste and be more frugal at … Read more

Brass Window Candle As the year draws to a close, I like to pause and reflect with gratitude. Looking back helps me recognize progress, even when it felt slow at the time. On the blog I enjoy reviewing the changes we’ve made to our home and celebrating both the visible updates and the quieter behind-the-scenes … Read more

Have you seen the 2020 Southern Living Idea House? It’s absolutely beautiful. Lauren Liess has such a distinct, warm aesthetic—she always does an incredible job. I wanted to share a few of my favorite rooms from the house here. The design feels cozy and relaxed, perfect for a peaceful autumn weekend away. I hope you … Read more

Do you have a single wall in a room that just feels unresolved? That long wall to the right when you enter our family room was mine. It was a fairly long expanse with no windows, and for a long time I couldn’t decide how to make it feel finished and balanced with the rest … Read more

HHello friends! It’s Cassie again. Thank you for the warm comments on my first post last month — it was a pleasure to introduce myself and my home. Many of you asked about paint colors, and I’ll plan a future post with those details. This month I’m excited to share our recently completed backyard renovation. … Read more

TThis delightful recipe and charming illustration come from my oldest daughter, Kylee, who is unquestionably the best cook in our little family. She often treats us to creative, flavorful meals when she visits, and we never complain. The combination shown here is especially tasty. Kylee admits she wouldn’t call herself an avid eggplant fan, yet … Read more

Happy weekend, friends! I have a few quick updates and a round-up of inspiring home style links to share with you. #1 Today is the last day to receive a free Christmas Spirit oil, a Thieves label, and recipe cards when you order the essential oils starter bundle. This cozy blend is perfect for diffusing … Read more

Click here to get essential oils and toxin-free products, no starter kit require I’ve used essential oils consistently for years and they’ve made a real difference for our family. From creating a welcoming scent in the home to supporting sleep and daily wellness, high-quality plant oils have become an indispensable part of our routines. If … Read more

Decatur, Ga. Photo: Robert Rausch for The New York Times At the start of summer I shared a goal: to divide our plain suburban backyard into a set of distinct zones to guide a landscaping plan. Previously I’d done only a little planting in what will eventually become a small secret garden — a space … Read more