A couple of dear friends recently turned me on to the podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin , specifically a recent episode outlining her “18 in 2018” and “19 in 2019” goal lists. Gretchen and her sister / co-host Elizabeth read through their own 2018 lists and reflected on their accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

I keep stumbling upon these darling little ceramic houses at Target and Crate and Barrel, but did not want to blow my budget there, so putting my brief stint as an architecture major to good use, I designed these sweet little paper houses! They’re so easy to make, and I’m sharing the template so you can make your own. They’re the perfect addition to your holiday decor, and are easily elevated with small tea lights inside to make them glow. So cozy and warm!

I’ve got to be honest, I’ve always loved every second of wrapping presents. Selecting the paper, the attention to detail, the accessorizing with ribbons and bows, and of course, the gift-giving itself. But the older I’ve gotten, the more I hear from friends and family that they hate wrapping! I can’t relate! I find the whole process to be calming, even meditative, and want to spread a little gift-wrapping love. That’s why I decided to pull together my top tips for wrapping gifts to make it easier, and hopefully a little more enjoyable for you! Happy gifting, friends!

I’ve spent years perfecting my homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe, and this one has been a crowd favorite time and time again. To me, there’s nothing that says the holidays more than freshly baked cookies and the joy of baking (and eating!) them together, so I’m happy to be sharing this recipe with you.

While I’m a firm believer that holiday dinners should feel at least a little bit fancy, my family has always taken the more comfortable, casual approach. My dad would usually make his way to the dinner table in sweatpants, and my mom could usually be found singing a silly song with a turkey hat on her head. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now that I’m hosting Thanksgiving dinner in my own home, I’m excited to maintain my family’s silly traditions, but also have to add my own touch as an event designer!

My dear friend Gabi is getting married, and I recently got to serve double duty as bridesmaid and event designer as we planned her taco-inspired bridal fiesta! Gabi loves tacos (if you don’t believe me, make sure you’re following along on her Instagram and her blog), so it seemed like the perfect treat to inspire her special day.

Angie and Matt were married at the Boston Public Library, a dream venue full of history and charm. One of their favorite elements of the space? The library’s garden courtyard where they exchanged vows. Throughout planning, Angie was most excited to incorporate some of that garden feel into the reception as well, and we did just that! Lush blooms from Sweet Annie Floral adorned every surface and complemented the natural stone tones of the Guastavino Room in the loveliest of ways.

This week, I sat down to chat with Emily of Emily Tebbetts Photography about the Planner – Photographer relationship. We discussed everything from how to work together on styled shoots, weddings, and what Planners look for when adding Photogs to their preferred vendor lists! Head on over to Emily’s site for the full interview, and if you’re a Photographer, I hope you’ll reach out soon!

Abby + Garrett’s Charleston inspired, detail-infused wedding appealed to every sense – guests were met with a vision of southern charm with french blue, peach, and patterned details, the scent of citrus-infused floral arrangements filled the air, and the locally sourced dinner from Cannon Green was mouthwatering to say the least. Fresh crab cakes and fried green tomatoes, anyone?

Whether it’s lack of time, a tight budget, or facing the kitchen after a long day at work, creating delicious home-cooked meals can often feel like a chore. And night after night, in households across America, we struggle to answer the same question: What should we do for dinner? The solution – 100 simple, wholesome meals that can be made with 5 ingredients or less in 30 minutes or less!