Image and text by Gabrielle. Earlier this month, I wrote a post called Rent The Life, all about unusual and picturesque places you can lease and live in. And I received a bunch a funny + sweet emails in response telling me they’d rent my life in the French countryside if they could. : ) Well. Someone’s dream may be coming true. Because the fairytale farmhouse that we’ve lived in for the past 2 1/2 years is available! Yes, we’re moving home in July, but the homeowners of the farmhouse have decided they’re not quite ready to move back in — they’re going to extend their stay in Australia. Which means La Cressonnière is available starting August 1st! We first found this home when we searched on a site called Sabbatical Homes, and the house is listed there again if you’re interested. Living here has been such a gift. The house really is extraordinary. And not just the house, the whole experience of living here — buying fresh eggs from a neighbor, fresh milk from another. Goodness, Oscar was baptized in the stream just down the road! We get really emotional thinking about moving away, but we like imagining another family getting to enjoy this remarkable space. What do you think? Did you get butterflies reading this? (Maybe it’s a sign that you should move in!) Are you up for an adventure in the French countryside? P.S. — Here are all my posts with photos of La Cressonnière — the older ones share room by room photo tours. Or you can browse my Instagram stream. It’s full of photos of this beautiful place!

By Koseli. Image via Kottke. If you’ve been a Sesame Street fan from the very beginning, you might get a special kick out of this picture of the original cast, taken all the way back in 1969. Even more fascinating is this clip of the first fifteen minutes of the first episode: Do you feel nostalgic towards your favorite childhood cartoons or tv shows? Whenever I hear the music from Today’s Special or The Point, I’m overwhelmed with memories. I know my mom thinks of her mom every time she hears the I Love Lucy theme song and one of my sisters still watches and loves Little House on the Prairie. Do you or your kids have a favorite children’s show now?

By Gabrielle. Be prepared. This house is cute. Filled with sweet collections, cheery fabric inspiration, kid-crafty happiness in every corner, and a soft place to land on no matter where you may fall. I’d say it’s the perfect spot for two little girls to grow up. And I sure hope you agree! Friends, I’m pleased to introduce the Damiecki family to you. You’re going to love what Kendra has to share! Q: Please tell us who makes this colorful house a home! A: I live in Darnestown, Maryland with my husband Scott and our daughters Layla (4) and Hadley (2). We moved into this house just after Layla turned two and Hadley was a month old, so it’s the only home they have ever known. When I began the process of decorating I wanted to make sure it was a place they would always look forward to coming home to whether it was from preschool, college, or with their own children someday. I still have that feeling when we visit my parents. …

Living With Kids: Kendra DamieckiRead More »

This post is brought to you by stylish UK-based children’s shop, Alex and Alexa. Get up to 50% off during their Summer Sale, going on now! By Gabrielle. Photo of Maude by my brother Jared. I’m on my way to New York today for Alt Summit NYC. It was fun to pack up sandals and decidedly summer clothing. I even gave myself my first pedicure of the season! Yes, my kids are still in school, but packing for this trip really made me switch gears and think about what our summer will be like. Our kids are probably most excited for Cousins Week. Every July, all of the cousins age 8 and older gather at my sister Sara’s house in Southern Utah for 4 days of summer fun. It’s very laid-back with traditions like anything-you-want-for-breakfast, a freezer stocked with nothing but popsicles, and adventures with the aunts and uncles like cliff-diving and rock climbing. This will be Oscar’s first year at cousin’s week, and it is pretty much all he’s talked about for several months now. He literally could not be more excited. So I thought it would be fun to dream up everything Oscar might need for the Best Cousin’s Week Ever. 1) Did I mention Aunt Sara has a pool? We know from last summer that in the U.S., Oscar’s speedo/euro swim trunks work better for toddlers than big kids, so the first thing he’ll need is a new swim suit. And nothing says “Hey, we’re back!” like a flag-themed suit. Am I right? 2) A low-tech View Master. When I know there will be lots of access to screens (Cousins Week does tend to involve lots of movie watching), I like to have old-school toys out and about as an alternate temptation. For View Masters, I favor the National Park slides because they remind me of home. 3) A water toy. I know my sister’s house is stocked with the standard pool toys and water noodles, so I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for something unusual. This koi toy lights up as it touches the water! I thought it would be fun to introduce a dozen or two to the pool for some night time water games. 4) Something to read. The Wimpy Kid series is a good fit because the older kids can pick it up too. They’re the kind of books that work for all ages, and can be enjoyed in fits and spurts, or in a cover-to-cover reading. 5) A sleeping bag. This one opens up flat to function as a blanket, too. And it’s lightweight for the hot summers of St. George. I’m imagining this as a cozy spot that he can find easily amongst the sure to be large pile of blankets and bedding hanging around. 6) Backpack. I like this one because it’s not too big — enough space for a water bottle, sunscreen and a hat. And it comes in a million colors. Plus, the quality of these Swedish backpacks is legendary. He’ll be able to use it on adventures for years and years. 7) Travel chess set. Oscar is way into chess, and I’m glad, because he’ll be the youngest one there, and playing chess is a good way for him to relate to and interact with the older kids. I confess, I don’t think I’m brave enough to host such a group! But I’m so grateful to my sister for establishing this tradition. Tell me, will your kids get to see their cousins this summer? Would your family ever do something like a cousin’s week? P.S. — The photo at top features Maude roasting giant marshmellows at Cousins Week 2010.

By Amy Hackworth. Image here. When I happened upon Marie Watt’s Blanket Tower at the museum recently, I marveled at the 12-foot stack she’d created (how?!) of wool blankets. Blankets are universally functional, and I love that Watts created a piece of art celebrating such a meaningful staple of our homes. I was struck with this homey feeling of comfort, which seems appropriate since blankets offer physical and emotional warmth. They’re utilitarian, but often develop a strong emotional component. More than just practical household items, blankets can be family treasures, too, and sometimes carry a sort of provenance the whole family knows and a nostalgia the whole family feels. The tower is more than twice my height, and that’s a striking number of blankets, many of them contributed by families for the project. I felt a strong sense of community, thinking that each blanket represented a different family—their picnics, guest beds, sofa snuggles. Though each family is different, we all need and use many of the same practical items to create our individual lives and homes. They’re woven into our separate family histories, but also have meaning across our shared experiences. So many things pass through our homes over the years. Which are the items that share both function and meaning in your family? Which are the keepers? And what other household items gathered en masse would make an interesting art exhibit?

Images and text by Carter. That wondrous time when spring slips into summer ripples through If You Want to See a Whale. Julie Fogliano and Caldecott-winning Erin Stead are a stunning duo. Do you remember And Then It’s Spring? This one is just as magical. Because if you want to see a whale, you’ll need an ocean, a cozy chair, and some time for waiting and watching and wishing. And you have to be careful to not notice the little green things inching nibble scoot among the leaves. You’ll love this one. The art is sublime and the words are a whisper. It’s a little early for me to pick Caldecott favorites, but this is one to watch. And while you’re waiting, you might even see a whale if you wish hard enough!

Image and text by Gabrielle. Hello, Friends. How are you doing? Was it a good week? It’s been a landmark one for us. As you may have seen, on Monday we finalized the purchase of our little cottage in France. We can still hardly believe it. And our friend Caroline has been setting up appointments with roofers, plumbers, electricians and gardeners like you wouldn’t believe. We even hit our first bump in the renovation road: looks like we won’t get electricity at the cottage for 3 months. Hah! But we have good news too. Caroline met the neighbor, said he’s friendly as can be, and he’s willing to let us borrow his electricity until ours is installed. So we don’t have to wait 3 months to move forward. This is going to be quite the adventure. While we make our weekend plans, here are a few things I’ve wanted to share with you: – This Benki project looks like the future. – I’m nuts for this braided basket DIY. Gorgeous. And made from old t-shirts. – Why there’s no French Harry Potter. Thanks, Annie. – A Finnish Toddler’s Room. – And did you see this article about the Finnish Baby Box? Thanks, Sara. – Dispelling 10 myths about child sexual abuse. – Man oh man we are lucky to be alive right now. Check this out. – The most incredible memorial in the Sahara Desert. Seriously stunning. – These beautiful women! This project made me emotional. (Lots of beautiful bare real-life mothers’ bodies. Just want you to be aware of what you’ll see if you click play.) Thanks, Sara. – War through womens eyes. – Last week, I featured DIY gift ideas for Father’s Day. This week, it’s Breakfast in Bed recipes! I hope you have a wonderful weekend. And I hope you have the chance to show love for the fathers in your life. I’ve been missing my dad like crazy these last couple of weeks! I think he would get a real kick of the projects his kids are working on. I think he would like his grandkids too. : ) I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already. kisses, Gabrielle P.S. — I snapped the image at top last Saturday in a tiny town called Rouvrou. There was no front gate, the yard was way overgrown, the shutters needed attention — made me wonder if it was abandoned. Looks like a fairytale, right? Feel free to follow me on Instagram for this weekend’s adventures.

[ UPDATE: Voting is now closed. ] By Gabrielle. It’s my birthday today! Ben Blair and I were discussing potential birthday desserts to celebrate with, and I narrowed it down to strawberry shortcake, mint brownies, a lemon tart, or glazed donuts. Do you have an opinion on the matter? You can click a checkmark above to add your vote. Then tell me: Do you have a favorite dessert you eat for your birthday? Classic chocolate cake? Red velvet? Carrot? I’d love to hear! P.S. — Since France really shines in the Tarte Citron department, I may or may not be favoring the lemon. : )

By Koseli. Photos by Bartosz Rajewski. I recently discovered the most charming, cheerful, and unique children’s shop called Miszkomaszko — and it’s based in Poland! Have you heard of it? I instantly fell in love with their quirky little flip dolls and brightly colored kid’s clothes and wanted to know more about the face behind the brand. Lucky for us, Agate is a sweetheart and answered a few of my questions about Miszkomaszko! …

Flip Dolls by MiszkomaszkoRead More »

Our kids aren’t even out of school yet, but we’re already mapping out the summer schedule. And the topic of road trips keeps coming up. Do you have any road trips on your summer calendar? I know I’ve mentioned it before, but we find road trips more relaxed and easier to manage than plane trips. The whole idea of being able to jump in the car and go feels so romantic and adventurous. And even if I do a crummy job of packing, on a road trip, I know I can stop for forgotten essentials on the way. In fact, we’re already talking about what sorts of road trips we might make after we move back to the U.S.! For those of you hitting the road this summer, when I imagine my idealized family road trip, this is what I would pack: 1) Binoculars. The thing about binoculars is, if you have them with you, and they’re easily accessible, you’ll use them! You’ll explore your surroundings as you drive, and you’ll give in to the temptation to stop at every scenic lookout on the way. Which will end up meaning a better trip! Plus, they double as entertainment for the kids. This cheery yellow pair floats. 2) A weekend travel bag. We love our luggage, but for a spontaneous road trip I like the idea of a stylish soft-side bag — something that’s not too big, so that you don’t overpack. This one by Rail & Wharf caught my eye. 3) A summery blanket. Your kids will use it when they’re napping in the car. And it will be just the thing for an impromptu picnic on the roadside or at your destination. This turkish towel folds down simply without a lot of bulk, perfect for keeping in the car all summer without taking up lots of space. 4) A sun hat. Yes, it will protect you from the sun. And yes, when your hair looks awful after a day jumping in-and-out of the pool, this will hide the mess. Wear a chic sunhat and a pair of shades, and you’ll be set for pretty much every summer situation. I love this stripe-y one. 5) A cooler or basket for snacks. One of our favorite things about road trips is having easy access to food right there in the car, so we don’t have to depend on a drive thru. We like to keep a cooler stocked with goodies where the kids can reach it. This red one looks vintage and will make you feel nostalgic. 6) A Go Pro camera. Do you know the Go Pro? It’s made specifically to film things like skiing, skateboarding, mountain biking, skydiving, etc. It can be strapped to your forehead like a headlamp so you can film what you’re seeing while you adventure. Ralph has one and loves it! Like the binoculars, if you have one, you’ll look for excuses to use it. You’ll sign up for wind-surfing, or go zip-lining at the ropes course, just so you can film it. And hey, whatever it takes to get you out there and adventuring is a winner in my book! 7) An activity book. Yes, kids get bored on car rides. So we like to bring along entertainment. We’re big fans of activity/sketch books. They work for a variety of ages, so the kids can share them. The younger ones might treat them like a coloring book, and they older ones might follow the challenges and activities. We like this option from illustrator and children’s poet, Calef Brown. 8) A deck of cards. A deck of cards simply comes in handy on a road trip. The kids might use the deck to entertain themselves — with a card game, or by practicing their cards tricks. And when you get to your destination, the grownups will use it for late night card games as well. They take up so little space, that we like to keep a deck in the glove box all the time. This deck by Helveticards calls to the designer in me. 9) A hoodie. Summer trips mean you can get way with packing light. Swimsuit, t-shirt, beach-y skirt, flip flops. Done. But I also like to include a hoodie for everyone in the family. They just come in handy, don’t they? For changes in the weather, or for a cooler, late night adventure at the sand dunes. It’s nice to have an extra layer at the ready. This one has polka dots with smiley faces. Cute! 10) A beach towel. Lastly, don’t forget to pack your beach towels. They’re sure to end up multi-tasking along the way, and they’re made to get beat up and hide the dirt, so you can use them hard all summer long. A stack of cheery beach towels sitting in the trunk of the car is a sign of good things ahead. Now your turn: Tell me what I missed. What is your essential-can’t-leave-home-without-it road trip item? And where will you be driving this summer? I’d love to hear! P.S. — Numbers 1, 2, 5, 6 and 8 would make great Father’s Day gifts!

Image and text by Gabrielle. The other day, we were wiring some money from one of our U.S. bank accounts to our French bank (funds for the cottage!), and I realized I’ve learned a few things about how to move money from place to place that might be helpful for anyone embarking on an international adventure. Here are 5 tips I wish I’d known before we moved. 1) XE.com is our favorite for international transfers. It’s free to sign up. You can add multiple accounts to draw funds from (we have a personal account and a business account), and you can also add multiple accounts to send funds to. We use it to pay rent on La Cressonnière. And since we get paid in dollars, but run errands in euros, we also use it to transfer our monthly budget from our U.S. to our French account. XE seems to offer the best exchange rates we’ve seen and there are no added fees, so the exchange quote you see is what you pay. I love that. There are two downsides. First, it takes time. The transfers don’t happen overnight. It usually takes about a week for the funds to make it from one account to another. This means you have to work ahead and think ahead. When we don’t think ahead, we end up using our U.S. debit card for groceries or gas, and there are added fees for international purchases. Which is a bummer. Second, the max transfer is $10,000. Normally that’s way more than fine, but when we were buying our car, the max limit didn’t work for us, so we had to figure out a different way to go.  …

5 Tips: Finances When Moving AbroadRead More »

By Koseli. Image found here via Work.  Like so many of you, my first time at Disneyland was a magical experience. I don’t remember long lines, sticky rides, or impatient  employees — I remember sprinting into the park at 7:30 AM, wearing matching Mickey Mouse overalls and purple JCPenny fanny packs with my little sister, and tirelessly riding ride after ride in a euphoric haze. We were not the family that ate the roasted turkey legs or overpriced icey pineapple drinks — our family of nine worked the heck out of Disneyland for seven solid hot days, from open until close everyday. We maintained our energy with only peanut butter sandwiches, granola bars, and Tang stuffed in our backpacks and pockets. And it was absolute, complete heaven. To this day, those seven days in Disneyland are some of my very happiest and most vivid from my childhood. These gorgeous sketches of Tomorrowland from a1955 pencil layout for a newspaper capture that magic and childlike optimism that I think we all crave, and find in tiny pieces in places like Disneyland. This particular text in the sketch stuck out to me: 1955 becomes 1986 as you enter the new era — Tomorrowland where our hopes and dreams for the future become today’s realities.  Let’s talk about Disneyland. What are your favorite memories? Or, have you never been? Any first-timers planning a trip this summer? I should note: I have friends who have a real distaste for theme parks. Perhaps you fall in that camp and Disneyland holds no appeal for you?

P.S. — Did you know Gabrielle was born in Southern California and is also a big Disneyland fan?

By Gabrielle. There’s something sweet about a home shared by new parents and a toddler. So many wonderful changes are happening all at once, whether we’re talking about decor or personalities! A gorgeous glimpse into a young family’s hip LA home was just was I wanted to see this week. Adding to the cool Hollywood factor is Tricia‘s professional bio. (Not to forget a turquoise Mustang convertible from the 60s.) I guarantee you’ve seen her work. And you probably loved it. I hope you love the Benson home — and car! — just as much. Enjoy, Friends! Q: Please tell us who makes this sweet house a home. A: My husband Mike, a brilliant IT engineer, our one-and-a-half year old daughter Evie, our dog Jake, kitty Beatrix, and two goldfish to have the complete food chain. The fish are named either Jack and Sally, or Ike and Tina. I’m not sure an executive decision has been finalized on the goldfish naming process. I think we’re leaning toward Jack and Sally though. We live in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, CA. Q: How did this home find you? A: We originally rented this house before we purchased it. Trying to find a house rental that accepts dogs can be difficult in LA. I found the house listed in the paper and ran over to meet the landlord after work. She had another woman who wanted it but said if I got her a cashiers check right then it would go to us. I called Mike and he said to go for it sight unseen. He is one trusting man! A few years later we were able to purchase the home straight from the landlord. We didn’t have to put it on the open market, thank goodness, because I don’t think we could have afforded to counter offer someone else. The house has the original kitchen from when it was built in 1947. When we rented it, it had an amazing original O’Keefe and Merritt vintage stove that was so charming and I was desperate to keep. Our landlady wanted an outrageous sum of cash for it that we did not have. She placed an ad for it in the paper and I sat in the living room with her and her real estate agent on a rainy Saturday while no one showed up. Instead of an open house we had an open stove! She ended up donating the stove to take the write-off for her taxes instead of accepting our lower cash offer. What can you do. …

Living With Kids: Tricia Buchanan-BensonRead More »

Images and text by Gabrielle (and some images by Ben Blair, too). We’re in our last 5 weeks of living here, and though we have no big trips on our schedule (until the big trip home), we’ve been considering a couple of Saturday day-trips to local destinations. No matter how much we’ve seen, it seems like there is always another intriguing place to explore! For example, we haven’t been to the white elephant rock of Etratat yet, and we’ve heard Bagnoles de l’Orne is definitely worth a visit. Anyway, we started talking about our favorite spots that are within a couple of hours of our town, and it reminded me that I never shared our photos from our field trip to Chartres — the world-famous cathedral that’s about an hour away from Paris. So I thought today would be a perfect day for a little report. …

The Easiest Day-trip from ParisRead More »

Image and text by Gabrielle. Friends! I have some big news: We bought a house today. A little French cottage! We can hardly believe it!! It might not feel like big news if you’ve been following along. Because we first saw this house last August (so long ago!), and we’ve been under contract since February. The house has been uninhabited for decades and has mostly been used as a barn, so there were some questions about whether or not the house could be legally inhabited again. But — hooray! — the questions have been resolved. And we became the official property owners today. Now the hard work begins. We start with a phone call to the electric company to visit the property and install a meter. And then we go from there! When we hatched this plan, we assumed we could quickly buy a house and spend our last year here renovating. Hah! Reality check: We leave in a month, and if we manage to get electricity installed and roof repaired before we move, we’ll consider that a triumph. : ) We keep thinking we’re crazy to take on a project like this, but we LOVE that it will keep us connected to the area in such a real way. Today, during the closing, as we signed the official papers, the previous owners gave us the photo at top. It’s our house circa 1900 (compare it to this photo). And it’s actually a postcard, with an address label on the back. When I saw the little family, I started to cry. What a treasure to be able to picture the people who lived in this place oh so long ago. (And the collar and cut on the son’s jacket — it’s so French! It just does me in.) Tell me: Does this project make you gasp with terror at the amount of work (and frustration) ahead for us? Or gasp with inspiration at what it might become? Maybe some of both? I’d love to hear your renovation stories! P.S. — I detailed more about what it will take to redo this property here. And you can see more images here, here and here, if you’re curious.

By Amy Hackworth. Image by Justin Hackworth. A few months ago I was in a local boutique, and held a skirt up to my waist in a sort of “can I pull this off?” gesture. The owner of the boutique noticed, looked at me, and, I think with the intention of being helpful, explained, “My store … is more for … juniors.” Oh, boy. I was a little embarrassed, but mostly amused. Was I one of those people, in denial about my age? I don’t think I was quite as far off as the boutique owner suggested (I’m certainly biased, though), but it’s true that I have often thought of myself as younger than I am. When I was a teenager, anyone over 35 was a varying degree of “old,” and that teenage feeling of perennial youth took a long time to wear off. Now I am 35, and I frequently refer to friends and stories from fifteen or twenty years ago. Twenty years? I do the math and marvel. My perception of age is further complicated when I think about my role as a mother. I look at our 9-year-old son and often see my little baby, but I have to remind myself how independent and mature I felt as a 9-year-old. As a child, I saw my parents as the ultimate grown ups — the rule-makers who had everything figured out. Do my children think I have everything figured out? I used to have an idea that traits I considered “grown up” would arrive when I reached a certain age, like a birthday gift I could unwrap and call my own. Maybe one year I’d receive wisdom, and another year understanding, and then I’d officially be grown up. That hasn’t happened yet, and instead I’m learning about the fluidity of age, of wisdom, understanding and life. One thing, though, is for sure: “old” has become a sliding scale, with its defining point being pushed ever a little further away. What is your perception of your age? Have you ever felt younger or older than you actually are? Do you embrace the aging process, or fight it with every cream and lotion you can find?

Images and text by Carter. It might not surprise you that I like to pepper my classic favorites with some all out kook and quirk. And this book by Remy Charlip, Fortunately, makes hilarity squeak out of my toenails. It’s that much fun. Remy Charlip was a tap dancer, and something about those syncopated beats must have been pulsing in his brain when he wrote this book. Its punchy crescendoes and dramatic page turns are a riot! And is there anything more darling than a hapless little main character whose name is Ned?! When Fortunately was published in 1964, Ned was nowhere near the most popular of baby names, so I love that his identity is already a bit offbeat. The story opens just like this: Fortunately, one day, Ned got a letter that said “Please Come to a Surprise Party.” The spread is bright and colorful and full of promise. But turn the page, and it reads, But unfortunately the party was in Florida and he was in New York. And all of that vibrancy? Faded to black and white. Ned’s story carries on in a frenzy of escalating chaos and the most satisfying of arcs. And where Ned ends up just might surprise you!

Image and text by Gabrielle. Hello, Friends! How’s it going? Are you ready for the weekend? For us, I think this is the first weekend in months and months with absolutely nothing on the schedule. That feels good every once in awhile! Perhaps we’ll visit the beach tomorrow. Or maybe work in the yard. Or maybe just do nothing at all. How about you? Anything you’re looking forward to? While I keep grinning at our empty weekend calendar, here are a few things I’ve wanted to share with you: – They’ve dressed alike for 33 years. Thanks, Caroline. – Why wooden toys? – They sell organic baby clothing and take it back when outgrown! Thanks, Diana. – Swim season is here, we all need to review this. – Hello Summer! – Maps that show how Americans speak English differently. – It’s about bugs. But I unexpectedly teared up! – Is the internet like a child’s brain? Thanks, Lori. – Nomadic teenagers. I’m not even sure what to think. – On my Babble column this week: Throw a Water Party! — 16 Ideas. – And 18 Gifts you can DIY for Father’s Day. – Last month, the Deseret News asked me to write up something I learned from my mother. I just got the link yesterday, if you’d like to take a look. (The last 2 photos in the slideshow go with my segment.) I hope you have a wonderful weekend! I’ll meet you back here on Monday. I miss you already. kisses, Gabrielle P.S. — The image at top was snapped last weekend, walking from from our community Vide Grenier (tag sale).

[ UPDATE: Voting is now closed. ] By Gabrielle. It’s so warm today, that I searched my closet for something summery to put on my feet, and realized my warm weather shoes from last year are pretty darn thrashed. Time to pick up a new pair of espadrilles at our grocery store! I’d love to know: Do you have a favorite summer shoe? Simple sneakers, flip flops, leather sandals, or espadrilles? Or maybe something else entirely? You can click on the check mark to vote for your favorite above. P.S. — For those who have asked, I use the Seesaw app to create these voting graphics. Yes, it’s free. And yes, it’s lots of fun!

By Raleigh-Elizabeth. Grilled peaches the Bobby Flay way. Does it get any better than summer? Popsicles, sprinklers, the beach. Lightening bugs, warm weather, drive-in movies. And, best of all, the greatest thing about summer: y’all, it’s time to start grilling! From the very start of Spring, the smell of someone getting the grill going is enough to make an entire neighborhood salivate. And for good reason! There’s little as delicious as something thrown on the grill and served up with a healthy dose of sunshine. That said, I’ll confess that I grew up in a home where we considered it grilling season year-round, regardless of climate. I blame my dad: I think nothing of a grown man standing outside in a Cleveland, Ohio snowstorm armed with a plate of dinner-to-be and his trusty black Weber. But maybe that’s just because what happens between a grill and its food is pure magic. Have you noticed? Is there anything better than a burger fresh from the grill? (Especially made with the help of Lindsey’s Secrets to a Perfect Burger!*) Or grilled corn on the cob? Maybe you like to get all fancy and do dessert on the grill too… nothing says summer dessert like grilled peaches served with cinnamon, honey, and greek yogurt or ice cream. No matter what you’re grilling or where you are on the grill mastery scale (I tend to bring up the rear as a novice griller — I’ve got all the basics down, but the mastery is my husband’s forte. Novice griller, expert eater. Hey, we all have to start somewhere!), summer is the best time to get the hang of the grill and all that goes with it. …

Get GrillingRead More »