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We live in a world that worships speed. Faster meals. Faster results. Faster everything. But in the workshop, at the grill, or over a bubbling fermenter, you learn something different: the best things don’t come fast, and they don’t come perfect. Crafting—whether it’s shaping wood, tending fire, or making wine—teaches you to slow down. It reminds you that the joy isn’t in flawless results, but in the process itself. The Workshop: Sawdust and Patience When you pick up a piece

There’s something about cheesesteaks that just feels like comfort food. The sizzling meat, the peppers and onions softening on the griddle, the rich creaminess of melted cheese pulling it all together—it’s indulgent, nostalgic, and satisfying in a way that always hits the spot. But here’s the thing: cheesesteaks don’t have to mean bread. They don’t even have to mean beef. This version—made with chicken thighs, no bun in sight—still captures everything you love about the Phill

There are some foods that just belong to football season. Chicken wings are one of them. They’re casual, they’re fun, and they’re made...

There’s something about fall that makes the workshop feel even more inviting. The air is cooler, the days are shorter, and weekends start to feel like the perfect time to slow down, pour a cup of coffee, and get lost in a project. For me, fall has always been a season of building. Maybe it’s the cozy vibe, maybe it’s the thought of gathering indoors again, but every year when the leaves start to turn, I find myself drawn back to simple woodworking projects that make home feel

Some people measure life in milestones—promotions, birthdays, moves, achievements. I’ve learned to measure it in sawdust, smoke, and the clink of glasses. For me, wood, fire, and flavor  aren’t just hobbies. They’re the heartbeat of how I live. They’re how I connect to myself, to others, and to the simple truth that making is its own kind of joy. This is what I mean when I talk about a crafted life. It’s not about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about building, cooking,

I still remember the first time I poured a glass of wine I made myself. It wasn’t fancy. The label was printed on regular paper, the cork was slightly crooked, and the flavor wasn’t anything you’d find in Napa. But to me, it was magic. Because it wasn’t just wine—it was proof that I could take something as simple as fruit and transform it into something I could share, savor, and celebrate. For anyone who’s ever thought about trying home winemaking but felt intimidated, I want

Today’s the day. She Builds: The Empowered Woman’s Guide to Woodworking and DIY Mastery  is officially out in the world, and I couldn’t be more excited—or more proud—to share it with you. This book has been a dream in the making, but more than that, it’s a statement. It’s proof that woodworking doesn’t belong to one type of person, one gender, or one background. The workbench belongs to anyone who dares to pick up a tool and create. And this book? It’s written especially for

Some cooks are quick and flashy—sear a steak, flip some shrimp, dinner in fifteen minutes. But smoking a pork butt? That’s a different kind of rhythm. It’s not a sprint. It’s a slow, steady walk with fire and smoke as your companions. The first time I smoked a pork butt, I remember thinking, this feels less like cooking and more like an act of trust.  You season, you set your fire, and then you let time do the rest. And somewhere in those long hours, as the bark forms and the

Football season has its own rhythm. The cooler air, the sound of fans cheering from living rooms and stadiums, the sight of smoke rising from backyards and parking lots—it’s not just about the game. It’s about the food. For me, tailgating isn’t just pre-game eating. It’s a ritual. It’s where fire, food, and community collide. And whether you’re huddled around a grill in the driveway or rolling your smoker into a stadium parking lot, the right food makes it feel like a celebra

Pinterest is beautiful. The perfectly staged workshops, the spotless projects, the endless scroll of farmhouse shelves and reclaimed-wood tables—it’s easy to get lost in the inspiration. But here’s the truth: real workshops don’t look like that. Not mine, not yours, not anyone’s. There’s sawdust on the floor, scraps leaning in corners, and projects that didn’t go as planned. And honestly? That’s where the real wisdom lives—the stuff Pinterest doesn’t teach you. So today, let’

There’s a particular kind of magic in hibachi. Maybe it’s the sizzle when shrimp hits a hot griddle. Maybe it’s the quick, confident movements of food being flipped and stirred in a blur. Maybe it’s the way everyone gathers around, drawn in by the smells, the sounds, the show of it all. For a long time, hibachi felt like something you could only get at a restaurant. But the truth is—you can bring that same energy into your own backyard. That’s what I did one weeknight with my

I’ll never forget my first build. The cuts weren’t straight. The measurements were off. The finish wasn’t smooth. To be honest, it looked...

When most people think of winemaking, they imagine rows of vineyards, giant barrels, and complicated equipment. The truth? You don’t need...

There’s something about smoking a whole chicken that feels almost ceremonial. You light the coals, watch the fire catch, wait for the...

If you’ve ever looked around your garage, spare room, or tiny corner of a basement and thought, “This is too small to be a real...

You started strong. The wood was cut, the stain was selected, the vision was clear. You could see  how beautiful it was going to be. But...

Scrap wood. It starts with one leftover board from a shelf project. Then a few cutoffs from a planter box. A sliver here, a chunk...

Let’s be honest—most of us aren’t spending eight uninterrupted hours in the shop. Between work, family, errands, dishes, and the million...

Let’s talk color. When you think “woodworking,” your mind might go straight to classic stains—warm honey tones, deep walnut, rich cherry....

You don’t need a fancy CNC machine or laser engraver to make a project feel special. Sometimes, the simplest touches—the ones made with...