Author Archive: Elyssa
A Healthy Start
A few months ago my husband and I found out that we are expecting a little boy or girl in June – something that we’ve been talking about for such a long time. As we are down to the last 3 months of the pregnancy, the reality of it all is hitting home. As someone [...]
Communal Eating
Getting my family together over the holidays always reminds me of a game of Tetris. Coordinating a holiday gathering can get complicated: we all live in different states and time zones and this year we had the added blessing of my 3 week old niece! Since my sister and her husband (the new parents – [...]
Reason for the Season
I know that usually I post about recipes or dishes that I love and want to share, but was motivated to write about friends – those people that make you feel at loved, no matter where you are or how long it’s been since you’ve seen each other. My husband was a Marine and as [...]
Return of the Weekly Challenge!
Some of you may remember that my husband and I used to do a friendly challenge each week to spice up our cooking. We’d alternate, giving each other 3 ingredients that must be incorporated into the Sunday meal. Along the way, we discovered some really great recipes and flavor! First off, over Labor Day weekend [...]
Finger Foods
Recently, Applebees (or some such place) had a commercial that answered the question “can appetizers count as dinner?” I don’t know about you, but I absolutely love appetizers… finger foods… anything that I can eat standing up and walking around. There’s something so great about grazing while you cook and chat with friends. Who needs [...]
Out and About in the Shenandoahs
There is no two ways about it, I love living in Virginia. If asked, I don’t know that I could put my finger on the exact thing that I love most about this state - it’s just a feeling that I get that says “I am so glad that I live here!” When I lived [...]
Summer Time and the Grilling is Easy
Ask most east coasters and they’ll tell you that we were ripped off this spring. I mean, yes, we got a few blissful weeks of cherry blossoms and then POW it’s 100 degrees! What gives?! Since the initial heat-wave slap in the face, we have had some pretty amazing days to celebrate. Now that we [...]
Feels Like Home!
Growing up, my family moved all over the place. Though my sister and I were both born in Wyoming, over our childhood we spent time in Africa, Houston and Colorado. Immediately after I went to college, my family moved to Geneva, Switzerland. I feel very fortunate to have been able to grow up in many [...]
Spring’s Big Reveal: Peanut Sauce
Having lived in San Diego for the past 4 years, I had forgotten how wonderful it feels when springtime descends. I had forgotten the hopeful feeling that comes along with the tentatively warmer weather. Buds peak out, hoping that this is the last of the freezing weather for the year. In this time of change [...]
A Second Honeymoon
My husband and I were one of those weird couples who went on their honeymoon way after they got married – just over a year after in fact. We decided to go to Spain, which was an absolutely lovely decision especially since we went during June. Being the crazy planner that I am I of [...]
