Recent Articles
The Perfect Lawn and Why You Should Ditch It
Walking Lucy the other day was an exercise in patience at a time when I had little. I was on the first week of my new job where I am very fortunate to work right at home. During my lunch break, I wanted to enjoy at least some outdoor time with my girl, but I […]
Garden Pests: Controlling Leaf Miners Naturally
Maybe you’ve seen evidence of these dastardly garden pests on the once-perfect leaves of your spinach or chard. Leaf miners have all but ruined some of my leafy greens in the past, but last year I vowed that it would never happen again! To control garden pests without harmful chemicals, you need to first get […]
Smoky Skillet Shrimp with White Beans
Here’s something many people would not consider a gift: I left my corporate job back in December and have not worked full-time since. I admit, I have thoroughly enjoyed the gift of not having my days be super-structured and having more time at home. In the beginning, I had visions of finally this year having the […]
Cooking Oils Demystified
I get great blog post ideas from readers, and because I respect your privacy, I will not say exactly who gave me the idea for this post a long time ago. A friend whose name starts with “C” and rhymes with Marilyn and I have discussed cooking oils and we agree that it can be confusing. […]
Growing Potatoes in Containers
The first time I tasted homegrown potatoes from our garden, I was hooked on their superior texture and flavor. Growing potatoes is great for many reasons, not least of which harvesting them is like unearthing treasure as a much-earned reward for your hard work in the garden. Most varieties come late in the summer, after months […]
Thai Beef Stir Fry with Garlic and Basil
If you come here often, you might notice that some of my favorite foods are comfort foods, recipes that are the food equivalent of a warm blanket, cozy sweater or your softest pillows. Especially in the cooler months, this is what I crave. Spring was just beginning to show itself here when, out of nowhere, […]
I’m a Beekeeping Beginner!
When I start a new project, I sometimes get overwhelmed by all of the things I don’t know. It happened years ago when I started growing food. I had only limited experience with it when we moved into our current home and made a big commitment to build a large fenced-in vegetable garden complete with […]
Potato Gnocchi in Tomato Broth
People who are really into (insert obsession here) have a way of overcomplicating things or letting tradition and snobbery get into the way of good things. Is it high art or low art? Is he/she old money or new money? Is the wine a good vintage? Is the gnocchi made the way my Italian friend’s mom […]
Euphoric DIY Lotion Bars
Mr. President says I bite off more than I can chew because I’m always getting into multiple new hobbies at once and looking for my next new obsession. I can’t even keep up with my own interests. So many potential hobbies, so little time! That’s what happened when I first started playing around with essential […]
Succession Planting for a Manageable Harvest
Succession planting is a valuable tool for managing the amount of food from your garden, minimizing potential food waste, and maintaining a gardener’s sanity.
Hi! I’m Brande. I’m a proud homebody, reluctant career girl, and happy wife to a nearly flawless husband. I’m not afraid of spiders, getting dirty, ill-advised kitchen experiments, or lofty ideas. Welcome! I can’t wait to get to know you. 
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