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Turkey can be intimidating. It’s big, it’s the centerpiece of the holiday, and everyone at the table is counting on it. The pressure is real. But here’s the good news: smoking a turkey on the grill is not only doable—it’s one of the best ways to guarantee juicy meat, golden skin, and flavor that oven-roasted birds can’t match. This Thanksgiving, skip the stress and let the grill do the work. With a little planning and patience, you’ll end up with a turkey that’s smoky, tender

There’s something sacred about slowing down enough to make something by hand.Maybe it’s the rhythm of sanding. The scent of sawdust and coffee in the morning. The quiet satisfaction of watching something real take shape right in front of you. That’s the heart of my newest book, Build with Purpose: Why Creating Isn’t Just a Hobby—It’s a Way to Come Home to Yourself. This book was written for every woman who’s ever longed to create—not to hustle, not to prove—but simply to reme

Fall has a way of slowing us down. The air turns crisp, the light softens, and the days shorten just enough to remind us that seasons always shift. For me, fall is also when creativity feels different. It’s not about rushing or checking things off a list—it’s about leaning into the rhythm of the season and letting it guide what I build, cook, and create. Seasonal creativity isn’t about trends or rules. It’s about noticing the colors, flavors, and textures around you and letti

Cooking for a crowd can feel overwhelming. There’s menu planning, timing, and juggling sides and mains. You might worry about whether everything will turn out right. Add in the pressure of entertaining, and it’s no wonder many people feel stressed before the first guest arrives. But here’s the secret: outdoor cooking doesn’t have to add stress—it can actually take it away. When you cook outside, you change the rhythm of hosting. Fire slows you down. Smoke gives you a built-in

If there’s one lesson that keeps showing up in every corner of my workshop, kitchen, and backyard, it’s this: patience matters. Whether I’m sanding a stubborn board, waiting for coals to hit the right temperature, or watching bubbles rise in a fermenter, I’m reminded again and again that good things take time. And maybe more importantly—they’re worth the wait. Winemaking in particular has taught me patience in a way that nothing else has. And the longer I’ve crafted, the more

Halloween is all about atmosphere. The costumes, the pumpkins, the crisp air, and of course—the food. But who says party snacks have to come from the oven or slow cooker? The grill is the perfect way to bring a little smoke, a little char, and a lot of flavor to your Halloween spread. Whether you’re hosting a backyard get-together, setting out trays for trick-or-treaters’ parents, or just cooking for your own crew before the candy rush, these Halloween-inspired grill ideas ar

Walk into almost any hardware store, flip through most tool catalogs, or scroll Pinterest long enough, and you’ll notice something: woodworking is often shown as a “man’s world.” But here’s the truth—women have always belonged in the workshop. Not just today. Not just in the modern DIY movement. Always. A History That’s Been Overlooked Throughout history, women have built, crafted, and created alongside men. From weaving and furniture-making to tool use on farms and homestead

One of the biggest myths about outdoor cooking is that you need a garage full of gadgets before you can get started. The truth? You don’t. You don’t need the fanciest smoker. You don’t need a drawer of specialty thermometers. You don’t even need custom “grill master” gear (though no judgment if you want it). What you really need are a few key tools—reliable, versatile, and confidence-boosting. Tools that make grilling and smoking safer, easier, and a lot more fun. If you’re j

There’s a certain kind of magic that happens when you create with other people. It doesn’t matter if it’s sanding boards side by side, tending a smoker while the conversation drifts, or pouring a glass of wine at the end of the night—when you bring friends into the process, crafting becomes something more than personal. It becomes communal. For me, wood, wine, and fire aren’t just hobbies. They’re ways of connecting. They’re how I build not just projects and meals, but memori

Today’s the day. Fire at Home: The Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Cooking (and How to Master It Step by Step)  is officially out in the world, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you. This book isn’t just about recipes—it’s about fire itself. How to light it, manage it, and trust yourself around it. It’s about the smoky patience of low-and-slow barbecue, the confidence of a perfectly grilled steak, and the satisfaction of knowing you can make incredible food in your

There’s something about a bonfire that makes everything slow down. The crackle of wood, the glow of embers, the way conversations seem easier in the firelight—it’s one of those timeless fall rituals. And while beer and cider usually get the spotlight at backyard fires, I’ve learned that wine belongs there too. In fact, the right glass can make a chilly night feel warmer, a plate of comfort food taste richer, and the whole experience just a little more memorable. So let’s talk

Summer may get all the glory when it comes to grilling, but I’ll let you in on a secret: fall might actually be my favorite season to cook outdoors. The air is crisp. The heat isn’t oppressive. The backyard feels calmer. And instead of burgers and hot dogs, the grill gets to show off with recipes that are heartier, cozier, and full of seasonal flavor. Fall grilling is about slowing down, savoring, and letting fire transform simple ingredients into meals that feel like comfort

Every project starts the same way: with an idea. Maybe you’re scrolling Pinterest and see a blanket ladder that makes you think, I could make that.  Or maybe you’re staring at an empty corner of your living room, imagining the perfect shelf. The inspiration hits—but then comes the question: how do you get from a sketch on paper to actually cutting wood? That’s the leap that stops a lot of beginners. But the truth is, planning your first DIY project doesn’t have to be complica

Some cooks are about comfort. Others are about patience. And then there are the ones that feel like an adventure—where you push yourself, try new methods, and see just how far you can take it. That was me with picanha. If you’ve ever had this cut before, you know why it’s special. Tender, juicy, with that thick cap of fat that crisps beautifully—it’s the star of Brazilian churrasco, and for good reason. But I wanted to make it my own. So instead of just one cooking method, I

There’s something about fall that feels like a deep breath. The air cools, the leaves change, and weekends start to carry a slower rhythm. For me, fall is the season that practically begs you to make something with your hands—to build, to cook, to create. And it’s also the perfect time to start a batch of wine. If you’ve ever been curious about home winemaking, autumn offers the ideal backdrop. The pace slows, the kitchen feels cozier, and the timing works out so that by the

There are certain foods that just stick in your memory. For me, one of them was the Filet-O-Fish. A soft bun, crispy fish, melted cheese, and tartar sauce—it was simple, comforting, and honestly, a little nostalgic. But here’s the thing: once you’ve had fresh fish cooked hot on a griddle, there’s no going back. That’s why I decided to recreate this classic at home—using the Weber Slate, a cod fillet, and just enough of a twist to make it better than the drive-thru. Why Recrea

Every holiday season, the stores fill with mass-produced items. Shiny, convenient, easy to wrap. But if you’ve ever given—or received—a handmade gift, you know it feels different. A cutting board made by hand isn’t just wood. A wine rack crafted in your shop isn’t just storage. A wooden tray or set of coasters isn’t just décor. They’re personal. They’re thoughtful. They carry the maker’s heart in a way no store-bought item ever could. And the best part? Holiday-worthy woodwor

There’s something about the first crisp breeze of October that calls us to slow down, to gather, and to savor. The rush of summer is behind us, and fall invites us to step outside under golden leaves, light the fire, and share good food and drink with the people who matter most. At Third Shift Crafts, we believe that the heart of autumn isn’t just in the flavors or the décor—it’s in the way wood, fire, and wine come together to create a gathering that feels both rustic and re

Halloween is one of those holidays that invites creativity. Pumpkins on porches, skeletons in windows, and bats flying across the walls create a playful and spooky atmosphere. It’s a chance to let your imagination run wild. But here’s the thing: not all Halloween decorations need to come from the store. Some of the best pieces you’ll ever display are the ones you build yourself. With just a few tools and some scrap wood, you can craft décor that feels festive, personal, and s

Weekends have their own rhythm. For me, they usually start with a project in the shop—wood shavings curling at my feet, the steady hum of a sander, the satisfaction of seeing something take shape. By the afternoon, the grill is hot, dinner’s in the works, and the smell of smoke and seasoning drifts through the backyard. And somewhere in that rhythm, there’s wine. Not fancy, not fussy—just the right glass to make the moment feel complete. Because wine isn’t just for dinner par