Autumn Maple Cookies
I’ve been busy, busy, busy this month, how about you? As autumn rolls in (love this season!), I’ve been working on some new assignments for Redbook, Marie Claire Australia, The Nest, and Kiwi (I feel like I’m forgetting something, but my brain is fried), along with my regular work for American Baby, Glamour.com and WomansDay.com. Oh, be sure to check out my newest article in Real Simple this month (the November issue)–the Winter Washing Guide (when and how to wash your fave winter clothing staples). In addition, my second novel is moving along beautifully–nearing the finish and so thrilled with this story (if I do say so myself!). More on that as soon as I can share!
Whew–I think I need a nap.
But, I’ve found time for fun, too. For example, my boys and I made these cookies this week. And, let me start by saying this post should come with a disclaimer: Do not make this recipe unless you are fully aware that by doing so, you will not be able to stop yourself from nibbling. Now that you’ve been warned … I’ve been on the search for the perfect maple cookies for years, and finally, last week, made these. Amazing. Delicious. Satisfying. There are no limit to the adjectives I’d use to describe these beauties. And, my kids think they’re pretty swell too. Want the recipe?
Yeah, So My Haircutting Skills Aren't So Hot
I've been cutting hair forever, which isn't any indication of my skill, which frankly, isn't so great. Here's how it all started: I picked up a pair of clippers back in junior high and somehow took on the role of the family barber. I gave
Read MoreNew Fall Tradition: Apple Cider Donuts
I write about health for a living (come on over and read my Glamour.com health and fitness blog!), so it may come as a surprise that I (secretly) have a mega crush on donuts. No, I don't indulge often, but when I crave a donut,
Read MoreLook What I Found in My Garden
So, all last week, every time I gazed out my kitchen window at my garden, a strange sight caught my eye: one of my dahlias looked different. I'd planted a deep red/crimson dahlia, not a white one, and yet why did there seem to be
Read MoreObsession: The Laundress' Home Spray
I'm working on a story for Real Simple's November issue and got a chance to check out some products from The Laundress in New York--an all-natural, non-toxic line of home care and cleaning products--and I went crazy for their "Home Spray." Simply titled, this formula
Read MoreWords to Live By
Wouldn't you just love to hang this fantastic framed print over your desk as a reminder to chill when things get tough at work? Former Bachelorette Jillian Harris (who I adore) found these and keeps one hanging over her desk as a reminder not to
Read MoreScenes of Summer
We’ve had an awesome summer so far, how about you? Granted, I’ve been really busy, but that’s OK. I like busy. And, I’m blessed to be doing the work I love. It’s been the busiest summer yet with a ton of magazine work–currently juggling some terrific articles for Redbook, Real Simple, Woman’s Day and Glamour (stay tuned for future issues!), writing for Glamour.com (just agreed to do year #3!), finishing the edit process of my novel, and writing my second. Oh, did I mention we’re having another baby? I’ll be sharing boy/girl news here in a few weeks when we hear! For now, here’s a quick glimpse of summer in my casa–the slower moments with the kids. I want to remember all the silliness and beauty of these months, so here they are …
Men at Work
One of my favorite sights, I'll admit: all three of my guys getting a job done for me (in this case, retrieving a pair of kitchen shears I had accidentally dropped behind the range). I love being queen of the house.
Read MoreQ&A With "Stay" Author Allie Larkin
I’m a sucker for compelling new women’s fiction, and when there’s an adorable German shepherd puppy on the cover, well, I’m sold! I recently read, and loved, Allie Larkin‘s debut novel, Stay, a terrific story that drew me in from the very early pages. I highly recommend it and think you should order it from Amazon, or your favorite bookstore ASAP! Ask my husband, the evening Stay arrived in the mail, I was on the couch, book in hand, for hours. What a fun read! And, I met Allie a few weeks ago in Seattle at our mutual author friend Allison Winn Scotch’s reading, and I can tell you the author is as lovely and kind as the book. Turns out, Allie was sitting next to me, and we got to chatting. Allie and I are both Penguin authors, though my book is a few months behind her’s (won’t be out until June 2011, but cover designs are beginning this week, so stay tuned for some updates on my novel!). She lives in Rochester New York with her hubby and two pooches.
I recently chatted with Ali about book stuff, and here’s what she had to say: