If I can't find Randy this time of year, I usually check the woods—he’s usually out hunting for wild mushrooms. Now, we’re way too young to be playing full-time mushroom foragers, but guided by our friends from Italy, it’s turned into such a fun way to get some fresh air and hunt for forest gold over the years. That said, even though I trust my husband completely, I maintain a strict "you first" rule when it comes to eating his wild finds. I always tease him that I’ve got 9-1 already dialed on my phone—if he starts to go down, I’m ready!

Cooler mornings, the sun poking up a little later, and all of a sudden that whole "it’s 1 PM and I forgot to eat" summer rhythm disappears. Lately, I wake up hungry for something real—and a tiny bowl of yogurt just isn't going to cut it.

It’s summertime, which means trips to the shore, toes in the sand, skin burned to a crisp—honestly, what’s better than that? For me, one of the best parts is the incredible access to fresh seafood.

This gal has come a long way from my "I don't eat fish or anything green" days, and boy, my guy is pretty happy about the turnaround! But I am still standing firm on one absolute rule: I don't like mayo. Nope, nope—you can’t make me. It’s gross!

Don't you just love summer? Sure, there's the gross, dragging heat, and grocery stores kept so cold you wonder if your toes are frostbitten... but the produce! Come on, you just can't beat that summer freshness—and need I remind you, we are the Garden State!

That "One & Done" Dirty Martini Pasta Salad 🍸

Let’s be real for a second—one single, well-made Martini is usually enough to knock me right into a sitting position. I am strictly a "one and done" kind of girl! But on a scorching hot summer day? There is something undeniably amazing about those flavors.

When I lived in Southern Florida, I stayed with my aunt while I was attending college. She was the best, and we got along famously; I still carry some of her jaded and sarcastic traits, which I attribute to her influence. Every once in a while, for a special occasion, we would visit my uncle’s favorite spot—a charming, slightly fancy restaurant right on the ocean. I remember it being called Charley Brown’s, on Hillsboro Beach, though I don’t believe it was the famous chain. It was there that I discovered baby back ribs—and oh, they were delicious! For dessert, everyone ordered key lime pie. I was hesitant since I had never tried it before, but following my family’s lead, I decided to give it a try. Oh my goodness—it was a literal revelation, something worth writing home to New Jersey about! I’ve had it a few times since then in the Keys and Charleston, SC, and when it’s done right, it is truly a delight. Here is a recipe I found with the help of my husband and the wonderful web. Let me know what you think!

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, and I’ve been doing some thinking. Usually, the hubby likes to go all out and "up the game," but this year I’m looking to take the bulk of the work off his plate. The weather has finally turned, which means the grass needs mowing (yadda yadda), and honestly, nobody wants to be stuck inside hovering over a stove for four hours.

Berries are finally showing up at (almost) reasonable prices again, which means I’ve been grabbing blackberries every time I hit the produce aisle.

Most mornings, I’ll sit down at my desk with a container and—poof—they’re gone. (Yes, the small one… but let’s be honest, I could easily put away the quart.)

I started digging around for a new recipe to mix things up a bit.

So, yeah — the big day is here. The one where y’all are glued to the screen, double-checking your squares and hoping your box hits for a big payoff. We’re not the biggest football fans in my house, but on this day, we make it somewhat of a priority. Mostly because… snacks. And really, who doesn’t love the snacks?

This time of year, when germs are running rampant, the classic "cure-all" is usually a pot of chicken soup. Now, don’t get me wrong—I’d never turn down a steaming bowl of tasty soup—but when I’m really feeling under the weather, my ultimate "make-me-feel-better" meal is Chicken and Dumplings.
It’s more than just a physical fix; it’s a soul-lifter. Somehow, when I’m down, my husband just knows this is the dish that will pick up my spirits. I actually didn’t grow up eating this, but years ago, when I lived with my Aunt in Florida, she made it for me once and I was hooked.