Are you craving a warm, creamy bowl of mashed potatoes but don’t have a potato masher? No problem — you can achieve delicious results with simple kitchen tools. You don’t need special equipment to make great mashed potatoes. Unlike ricing methods that require a ricer, this approach works beautifully with a wooden spoon (or even … Read more

I recently received a lovely gift box from Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes filled with delicious products to try. As an Italian-food lover, I was excited to experiment with their vine-ripened, organic tomato offerings. Their tomatoes are field grown and naturally ripened, making them an easy choice for flavorful, healthier meals. One of my favorite comfort … Read more

Welcome to the Inspiration Cafe. It’s Heather this week, and I’m excited to encourage you to try something creative—sewing. Halloween is almost here—don’t blink. I’m sharing this in September so you can get a jump start on Halloween decor. I tend to make holiday decorations after the holiday passes and then wait a year to … Read more

These healthier oatmeal raisin cookies are naturally gluten-free if you choose gluten-free oats and flour. Rolled in cinnamon sugar, they’re chewy, lightly sweet, and a delicious upgrade on a classic. With simple pantry ingredients like brown sugar, butter, and old-fashioned rolled oats, these cookies bake in about 15 minutes and fill the kitchen with warm … Read more

This moist, fluffy Vegan Pistachio Cake showcases real pistachios and delicate nutty flavor. Topped with a silky vegan pistachio buttercream, it’s an elegant spring dessert perfect for Easter, Mother’s Day, or any celebration. More vegan cakes to try this spring: Vegan Lemon Poppyseed Cake, Vegan Strawberry Cake, Vegan Lemon Blueberry Lavender Cake, and Vegan Lemon … Read more

These air fryer Parmesan green bean fries are crispy, flavorful, and naturally low in carbs—making them a perfect keto-friendly appetizer. They work well as a starter, a side, or a snack any time of year. I love serving them to guests and family, and I think you will too. What can you cook in an … Read more

Learn how to create a handwoven willow wreath using willow branches and dried flowers. This simple DIY gets you outdoors gathering materials and gives you a cozy, natural decoration to bring inside. Mariah from Everything Golden shares her process for making beautiful handwoven willow wreaths. Her approach is relaxed, forgiving, and perfect for a quiet … Read more

One of the first signs I might be getting older is that I’m no longer the same person I was. I’ve lost some of the resistance I used to pride myself on—not the party-kind resistance, as I was never one for late nights, dancing in high heels until dawn, or going out every evening. If … Read more

This Mediterranean Quinoa is a super simple side dish or main dish and it’s loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and feta cheese! One of my favorite spots in Chapel Hill is Mediterranean Deli, or “Med Deli.” There’s a small campus location and a full deli just off campus, and it’s a beloved student hangout. Inside, … Read more