I still remember spotting wintergreen for the first time—not in the forest like you might expect, but tucked neatly into a local landscaping display in town. It was one of those crisp winter days, and the little shrub with its glossy leaves and bright red berries just popped against the dry browns o...

Every year, I barter a gift basket for our Christmas tree. It’s one of my very favorite traditions — not just because of the tree, but because I get to gather goodies, thrift for a creative container, and doll it up to look festive. Some baskets I make are for individuals — a teacher, a friend, or e...

There’s something about a plate of buttery shortbread and a hot cup of tea that feels like slowing down at the farmhouse table. Around the holidays, it becomes even more special. I started experimenting with tea in shortbread a over a decade ago, and now these cookies have become a tradition for o...

There’s something special about preparing for Christmas in a way that’s both simple and steeped in tradition. Advent has always been my favorite time of year — a time to prepare our hearts and homes for the coming of the Savior. And when Christmas finally arrives, there’s nothing that warms my heart...

Around the farm, hot cocoa is more than just a sweet treat—it's a warm hug in a mug. It starts our slow winter mornings, warms us after feeding the animals, and makes the perfect evening treat around the fire. But if you were raised on those little packets of powdered mix and chalky marshmallows, yo...

There’s something wonderful about walking into a home that smells like Christmas.

The first time I ever made a simmer pot was when I was a young mom, just learning how to cook from scratch. A pot of orange peels and cinnamon sticks gently simmering on the stove became part of that journey—a humble ...

The first time I made my own lip balm, I felt like I’d uncovered one of homemaking’s best-kept secrets: it’s easy, it’s fun, and it actually works.

Lip balm was one of my very first herbal DIY projects—partly because I was already using so much of it! Once I learned what was actually in those littl...

Warm up the holiday season with this Spiced Cranberry Orange Wassail recipe, a cozy and alcohol-free twist on a traditional Christmas punch that’s full of festive flavor and symbolic meaning.

When I think of wassail, I always think of the Feast of Saint Nicholas on December 6th. When I converted ...

It’s the end of fall, and winter is near. The pumpkins are soon going into the compost, and the last leaves have fallen from the trees. The color is mostly gone from the landscape. The summer flowers are long past the point of bringing those daily bouquets into the house. It's sad, I know, but here ...

Saffron, often referred to as “red gold,” is one of the world’s most expensive spices! It has been treasured for centuries for its unique flavor, bright color, and impressive health benefits. But, if you’ve never used it before, you’re probably wondering how to use saffron in the first place!

Th...

Jello is such a timeless dessert — but unfortunately, most store-bought options these days are full of harmful dyes, additives, preservatives, and a whole bunch of other nasties. That’s why we like to make homemade jello with tea instead! 

Our better-for-you twist is easy to make, free from unne...

Christmas is a time for joy, reflection, and spending quality moments with those we love. But as a busy mother or grandmother, I know it can sometimes feel like there’s just not enough time to get everything done—especially when it comes to creating thoughtful gifts that truly reflect the heart of t...