Ideas for relaxed, beautiful living — because this season deserves to be savored
Strawberry Sorbet
A five-ingredient strawberry sorbet that tastes like summer on the patio — no fancy equipment tricks required, just a little patience while it freezes.
Maggie May Mule
Vodka, ginger beer, and a squeeze of lime — the signature cocktail behind our Rod Stewart birthday night, copper mug included. Mocktail version inside.
Grain-Free Granola
Whenever we head up to Pinetop to see Tom, I never show up empty-handed — usually a bag of this grain-free granola, still warm from the oven. Almonds, pecans, and coconut, baked low and slow until golden.
Escape the Heat: A Weekend in Pinetop
A White Mountains golf getaway with good friends, good food, and a few lessons learned about Arizona monsoons — plus where to eat, hike, and unwind in Pinetop.
Banana Brunch Cake
A simple, well-loved banana bundt cake with a cinnamon-pecan swirl — my brother calls it "rotten banana cake" because the uglier the bananas, the better it turns out.
Little Italy Spritz
A few ingredients, one gentle stir, and a glass that catches the light just right — this is my go-to spritz for evenings that don't need to be fancy to feel special.
Shrimp Sambuca — An Easy Little Italy-Inspired Shrimp Recipe
A favorite shrimp recipe shared by my brother Greg — buttery, flavorful, and pretty enough to impress without feeling fussy. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, or spoon it over pasta for an easy Little Italy-inspired dinner.
Escape the Heat: A Weekend in San Diego
A slow coastal San Diego getaway with waterfront walks, the USS Midway, Balboa Park, Hotel del Coronado, Little Italy, and two recipes to bring the weekend home.
Escape the Heat Series: Prescott, Arizona
Escape the Arizona summer heat with a Prescott getaway featuring Courthouse Plaza, Whiskey Row, public golf, Watson Lake, a Grumpy Sicilian-inspired pizza recipe, and Karen’s weekend checklist for an easy trip.
Golf is Hard. We Still Keep Coming Back.
Golf humbles you, frustrates you, and keeps you coming back for more. A few thoughts on why we love it anyway — plus a golf day checklist and a couple of favorites worth having in your bag.
What I’m Watching for On Prime Day
A short, curated Prime Day watch list focused on things we already buy, restock, or replace — coffee, kitchen basics, beauty favorites, guest room essentials, and a few practical home finds worth watching.
A Summer Night with Rod Stewart
A summer concert in Arizona, a little musical memory lane, Richard Marx opening the night, Rod Stewart taking the stage, and a Maggie May Mule to make the evening feel like an occasion.
A Verde Canyon Railroad Escape: Cooler Air, Bloody Marys & an Old Arizona Afternoon
Looking for a cooler Arizona escape? Join us aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad for stunning canyon views, a relaxing afternoon ride, and a Bloody Mary worth savoring along the way.
Summer Evenings on the Patio
Soft lighting, simple food, good music, and warm summer nights outside. A few easy ideas for creating a relaxed patio atmosphere at home — because summer evenings are for the Birds.
Lunch on the Greens: A New Golf Cart, a Wall That Still Gets Me, and a Salad Worth Bringing Home
A relaxed afternoon at Springfield Golf Resort— where a simple lunch, a beautiful view, and an easy pace come together. A look at Arizona golf course dining and how to bring that same feeling home.
Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas for Real Life
An easy Mother’s Day brunch with make-ahead quiche, yogurt parfaits, a mimosa bar, and a pretty table that doesn’t require spending the whole morning fussing over it.
Summer Salads for Ridiculously Hot Days
Three simple summer salads for hot days when dinner needs to be fresh, easy, and low effort. From Mango Chicken Salad to Chinese Chicken and tabouli, these are the recipes I reach for all summer long.
A Few Pies Worth Making Before Summer Arrives
A Few Pies Worth Making Before Summer Arrives
More Recipes Than You Can Shake a Stick At
More recipes than you can shake a stick at—and the stories behind them, from a simpler time.
Well… The Birds Are Gone
The birds have flown north, the pace has slowed, and everything feels a little easier. From morning coffee on the patio to last-minute gatherings and finally getting a tee time, this is one of the best times of year to enjoy Arizona living.