tis’ the season for twinkle lights, snowball fights, and festive bites.
Courtney here — every holiday season I make a new batch of holiday cookies, and for the past three years, I’ve done trees.
there’s something about them that is so whimsical to me, and so many possibilities when it comes to decorating (one year I made them all pink!).
Read MoreAs a lot of you know, I spent most of 2018 fulfilling a lifelong bucket list dream of living in Paris, France. my husband, Brett, and I had talked about living abroad someday as a non-negotiable must-do practically since the day we met ten years ago, and after about a decade together we were finally able to make it happen.
there were so many amazing things that came of diving in and moving to Paris - you can see my apartment tour here and read about my favorite language learning tools from all my French lessons here - but today I’m sharing some personal life lessons that really hit me in the feels while living there.
read on for my list of 6 major things I learned from living abroad!
Read MoreWhether you’re celebrating solo or are able to safely gather with a small group, it’s no secret that Thanksgiving will look different this year. But that doesn’t mean we have to skimp on classic traditions like pumpkin-filled treats, turkey fatigue, and football.
Courtney here — and today I’m making small-batch pumpkin cake bars with cream cheese frosting. 2020 has been the year of small-batch desserts for me. Since it’s been just my fiancé and I for most of the year, I felt like it really only made sense to scale back on the food waste and make only what we could realistically eat.
Read Moreof all the seasons to decorate for, I have to say that fall is by far my favorite. there’s something magical about the crisp air, the autumn colors, and though it sometimes pains me to admit it, even the #PSLs.
as someone who has always pinned pic after pic of fall front porch decorations and painted pumpkins, (see our roundup of favorite pumpkin decor ideas here) I knew I had to DIY my own take on minimalist halloween decor this year.
I’m not one to go too crazy in the fake leaves and scarecrow department, so I wanted to find something that still felt like it fit with our sunny and 75 LA weather this October. The perfect solution? Pumpkins painted to look like a desert oasis!
Read MoreFrom doorstep decorations to luscious lattés, pumpkin is just about everywhere this time of year.
And today, you can find it in my newly discovered fall-favorite recipe!
Courtney here, and today I’m making mini pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Despite being a third of the size of a regular cupcake, these bite-size confections are not lacking in flavor.
Read MoreFootball. Pumpkin spice. Warm lattes. Flannel. Cozy socks. Bonfires → these are a few of my favorite fall things, and I’m stoked that it’s officially that season (well, almost).
Craving a healthy, delicious fall treat? Today I’m sharing our recipe for whole wheat healthy banana pumpkin muffins.
Let’s just say that if Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte is out, then I know it’s time to whip out the Kitchen-Aid and make some pumpkin-flavored goodies.
Read MoreFor some reason, a shredded brussels sprouts salad always feels more elevated than a regular salad. I make this charred brussels, radish and apple salad for EVERY single gathering and people are always obsessed with it, so I’m excited to share the super easy and quick recipe here.
Another reason I love this salad is that all the veggies are all shaved thin and get super crispy and delicious under the broiler. It’s also delicious right out of the oven or cold as leftovers the next day, making it a really perfect meal prep for lunches during the week.
Read MoreHave you ever been so excited to try something new or learn a new skill, only to find yourself immediately feeling discouraged at the frustration of being a complete beginner at it?
Today we’re both teaming up to share a really fun post about exactly that - being a beginner, and how to get comfortable with being one. This blog post is actually somewhat ‘meta’ in that we’re talking all about this subject in a format that we’re actually total beginners at - podcasting.
We figured there was no better way to have a conversation about being a beginner than to do it as true beginners ourselves, so take a listen and let us know what you think!
Read MoreSpring is finally here! The weather in NYC is starting to get warmer and I’ve officially put away my winter coat for the season (although I have been known to wear my winter hat well into April…).
Courtney here! In addition to putting away my winter clothes, I transitioned from baking rich, chocolatey cakes and pumpkin pies to light, fresh pastries and fruity treats. I’m doing all I can to channel warm weather and the hope of a more “normal” summer, so today I’m making an easy lemon pastry.
Made with puff pastry and homemade lemon curd, these mini delicacies make for a perfect Easter dessert or a citrusy treat with your morning Joe. Interestingly enough, I used to hate lemon treats, and all of a sudden, I’m craving them. They say your taste buds change every seven years or so, so if that’s true, it looks like mine are ready for a change. If you too are ready to channel all the spring vibes, try out this delicious lemon pastry recipe.
Read MoreAlthough we’re still inching our way into consistently warm weather here in NYC, I’ve already catapulted myself into spring cleaning mode.
Courtney here—and today I’m talking about a few non-toxic household item swaps I’ve made in the past few weeks that are a little “cleaner” than the ones I had before.
After I read about all of the toxic chemicals in everyday items, I decided to start slowly. I began with the items that appear to be the worst offenders, and will slowly build up my arsenal of cleaner, greener products from there.
Read MoreIs it just me, or is decorating with your husband or partner a seemingly impossible task? If you’ve ever felt discouraged or experienced the familiar, all-consuming urge to throw breakable things during a conversation with your partner about decorating your place, this post is for you.
I’m writing this post from the very same boat, because my husband Brett and I have spent the past 13 years building quite an extensive resume of decor-related arguments. It’s not so much that we don’t like the same things - what’s crazy is that we actually do for the most part. There’s just something about trying to decorate as a couple and put your house together with someone else that can, at times, get tense.
Today I’m sharing my 4 best tips for how to decorate as a couple without fighting!
Read MoreIf spring cleaning is something that’s been on your to-do list, we’re here today to confirm that giving your closet a spring refresh totally counts. Pretty pastels and pale hues are everywhere, so we’re rounding up our favorite picks.
It’s officially spring, the sun is staying out an hour later (and apparently Senate decided to keep it that way forever??) and our closets are dying to lighten up the mood.
Here are some of our favorite pastel and pale-hued pieces we’re eyeing to refresh our wardrobe this spring!
Read MoreCraving something sweet with your morning coffee? Try our recipe for whole wheat chocolate chip banana bread. There are three types of breakfast people: Team Sweet, Team Savory, and Team I Don’t Have Time.
As a former chronic alarm snoozer, I used to be Team I Don’t Have Time — but, I’ve recently realized how much more energy I have when I make time to eat breakfast in the morning. With that said, I definitely find myself on Team Sweet more often than savory.
Read MoreAt some point or another, most of us have found ourselves staring at a closet full of clothes with nothing to wear. This was me way more often than I’d like to admit, until I figured out how to pick out my outfit without overthinking.
In the spirit of spring cleaning and closet cleanout season, today I’m sharing the best outfit planning tip I’ve ever come across that’s completely changed the way I get dressed and decide what to wear.
It’s a concept called outfit formulas, and if you’re not already using them prepare to rejoice and make peace with your closet once and for all.
Read MoreIf you’re anything like me, the start of a new year or season often brings about moments of reflection, reevaluation, and a renewed sense of perspective.
In early January, I was sitting on the couch after work, and out of nowhere, a thought popped into my head that said, “I’m not engaging with my life.” I’d never even heard that idea before—or at least I don’t remember hearing it, but all of a sudden, I had this moment of clarity where I was like…I don’t want this to be my status quo.
Read MoreI don’t exactly know when it happened, but at some point in my early adult life I think I accidentally stopped having hobbies. Can you relate?
Today I’m sharing some of the best life advice I ever got, and spoiler alert - it’s all about how having hobbies makes us happier.
I’ve been wanting to write about hobbies and why we should be deliberate about having them for awhile, because it’s a topic that gives way to an even bigger conversation about how we choose to spend our time and what’s important to us.
Read MoreWhether you’re partnered up or single and ready to mingle, there’s one thing we know for certain— it’s not Valentine’s Day unless you’re indulging in something sweet.
Kate and Courtney here. This year, we wanted to make a V-Day treat that packed a punch but didn’t result in loads of leftovers. After perusing Pinterest for recipe ideas, we settled on a Red Velvet Cake for Two.
Although the final appearance wasn’t necessarily The Great British Baking Show-worthy, the flavor did not disappoint. This light, creamy, velvety confection makes an ideal Valentine’s Day dessert.
Read MoreHave you ever found yourself simultaneously in need of a pick-me-up and an excuse to get a little drunk? Of course you have, which is why we’re sharing our favorite dairy-free espresso martini recipe today.
This non-dairy espresso martini recipe is our go-to when it’s happy hour o’clock but we’re also borderline too tired to participate. It’s delicious, easy to make, and absolutely nothing like a red bull vodka.
It’s also free of any heavy cream or dairy, which sometimes makes a drink like this a little too rich for me. The result is a perfect libation for your next girl’s night, date night, or literally any occasion ever.
Read MoreThere’s nothing I love more than an easy DIY project that packs a big punch, and this wallpaper art in my music studio is a perfect example!
I installed this wallpaper art as a feature wall behind my music desk to ground it in the space, but you could also use this exact technique to make a really easy DIY wallpaper headboard (which I kind of want to do in another room now!) This wallpaper feature wall was one of the quickest and easiest DIY projects I’ve done in this house, but it makes a huge impact and I really love how it turned out.
Read MoreThis is a post for anyone who, like me, once again finds themselves an unwilling participant in the month of January’s favorite games. These include (but are certainly not limited to) games such as Question What The F*ck You’re Doing With Your Life, Attempt Implementing Impossible Resolutions, and Hold Yourself to Hilariously Unattainable Standards. Sound familiar?
For most people, this time of year has always been one of putting pressure on ourselves to make changes and start finally becoming whoever we want to be. That part is nothing new. But the current state of events has somehow rendered this January even more restless than the Januarys before, and to put it simply, it’s just a lot.
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