Our Empty Nest

10 Sunny Summer Salads

I have a thing for salads. Next to soup, salads are one of my favorite foods. What’s not to like?

Living Simply

10 Ways to Identify Clutter in Your Home

There’s a freedom that comes when you rid yourself of the clutter in your home.

In the Kitchen

12 Super Simple Healthy Snacks

A girl can eat only so many chips with dip before it starts showing in the waistline. It doesn’t matter if the chips are potato, tortilla, corn, sea salt, vegetable, sweet potato, multigrain, or mini round—there are dozens of different kinds out there, and I love them all.

15 Rainy (or Any) Day Soups

Soups are easy to make and always delicious, Though some might require more prep time than others, whipping one up is generally painless.

Life After Children

75 Life Lessons Learned

Life is complicated. It takes you on a wild ride and, at times, throws some wicked curves. Eventually, you can’t help but learn valuable life lessons.

Living Simply

75 Simple Ways to Simplify

Oh, how easy it would be if all you had to do to simplify your life was eliminate, toss out, throw away the stuff you didn’t want or need and keep the rest.

A Beautiful Easter Table

Celebrating Easter and decorating for the holiday is a lot of fun.

Decorating 101

A Hint of Purple

Decorating with the color purple can be a challenge.

Living Simply

A Simple Life

Living simply doesn’t mean you have to give up creature comforts and embrace the life of a monk.

A Weekend in Walnut Creek

Only Sunrise Earth would be able to capture the absolute stillness and beauty of an early morning in Walnut Creek. Read more

An Afternoon in Yellowstone

We knew Yellowstone National Park was going to be something special to see, but we weren’t prepared for just how vast and wild it is. Read more

An Awakening

Sometimes you have to go far away from home before you can understand why what you have may be too much. Read more

April Showers Bring Macy’s Flowers

Every year, Macy’s Herald Square in New York City celebrates spring and transforms it’s main floor into a virtual garden. Read more

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Americans are all about football. Watching a game with family and good friends is always fun and makes for a great party.

Shop

Art by Tom Schmidt

My husband Tom is a photographer and professional digital artist. He uses Photoshop CS4 and Corel Painter to transform photographs he takes into fine art. We have quite a few of his framed prints hanging in our home. Tom’s work can be purchased as framed prints, canvas or metal prints, and in a variety of […]

Artsy Yellow Springs

It doesn’t take much to lure us down to Yellow Springs for an afternoon. Read more

Awesome Autumn Entries

Ring the bells. Let the leaves begin to fall. Autumn is officially here. What better way to herald in the season and welcome visitors into your home than to dress up your front entry with sensational fall decor?

Best Guacamole Ever

Sometimes we want to treat ourselves to something we usually serve only to guests. Tasty and good for you, this guacamole is a winner.

Life After Children

Better with Age

They say that wisdom comes with age . . . the older you get, the wiser you are . . . you live and learn . . . experience is the best teacher . . . yada yada yada.

Decorating 101

Black Magic

The color black has timeless appeal. Though it actually represents the absence of color, there is nothing bleak or gloomy about it.

Breezy Sea Colors for Your Summer Table

What’s more perfect for your summer table than cool coastal colors in shades of blue and green with a touch of sand?

Small House Tours

Cabin in the Woods

When all around the world is white, what better place to kick off the snow and settle back than in a warm, cozy cabin in the woods.

Cashew-Rice Pilaf

Moist and perfect with chicken, the cashews add just the right crunch to this delicious side dish.

Cheesy Broccoli Dip

This rich, creamy, flavorful dip is served warm and makes a perfect party appetizer. Add just the right amount of hot sauce to spice things up a bit.

Cheesy Chicken ‘n Tater Tot Crock-Pot Bake

A super easy-to-make crock-pot casserole that is so-o-o-o good, it’s sure to be a dinnertime favorite.

Chicken Mostaccioli Broccoli Bake

Nothing beats Fettucini Alfredo, except chicken-pasta-broccoli in a rich and creamy alfredo sauce. It’s classically delicious!

Chicken Parmezip for 2

Moist and delicious, it’s the Miracle Whip that gives this chicken its zip and goodness.

Life After Children

Choosing to be Happy

Everyone wants to be happy. Whether it comes from fulfillment in our work, contentment in our relationships, pride in our children, or passion in our hobbies, we all strive for happiness in our lives.