August in Florida is the month everything gives up. The tomatoes are long finished and going outside before seven in the evening feels like a personal risk. Meanwhile, the part of the country we’re heading to is having the best month of its entire year.

We rented a house on one of the Finger Lakes for two weeks. Some people pack a swimsuit, I’m packing creative outlets and recipe cards. How cool is it that we’re leaving a place where the season is over and arriving somewhere it’s just hitting?!

While we’re excited to escape the Florida heat, we’re most excited that all three of our parents will be around to see the kiddos. My dad lives just a few doors down from our rental and extra bedrooms in our house to host the rest of the grandparents. We’ll be trying our best to slow down and soak in what feels like a special season. Kennedy will turn 1 while we’re there, where does the time go?!

CHASING Lake days and family time

If you have kids you know, traveling with them is like life at home but more chaotic. Cue the visual of me continually grabbing my 1 year old from the many water access points and steps.

With our parents being so close I won’t be packing much other than clothing and kid stuff. But what I do pack will be thrown in our many boat and totes, the ultimate catch all since living at the beach.

I’m currently romanticizing the crisp glass of sauvy b in an Adirondack chair and the memories to be had. Sharing what else is on my mind for August and the trip:

COOKING Two cream cheese pies, one broccoli salad, and a lot of blueberries

The pies were the first thing that came to mind when I realized we would be celebrating Kennedy’s first birthday. While it will be an intimate celebration, I can’t help but wonder if I have an unintentional theme here?

Mema is my grandmother, Kennedy’s great grandmother and namesake. Even better than having this recipe on hand is that we’ll get to celebrate in person with her. Here’s the recipe incase you’re looking to maximize blueberry season like us.

Mema’s Blueberry Cream Cheese Pie

For the filling: 8 oz cream cheese ½ cup confectioners sugar 1 cup heavy cream, whipped 1 Tbl. lemon juice

For the sauce: 1 cup blueberries ¾ cup water 1 cup sugar 3 Tbl. cornstarch 1 Tbl. lemon juice

Also: fresh blueberries for the middle layer, and 1 baked pie shell

Beat the cream cheese and confectioners sugar together until smooth, then fold in the whipped cream and lemon juice.

For the sauce, simmer 1 cup blueberries in the water for 3–4 minutes. Combine the sugar and cornstarch, add to the blueberries, and cook until thick and clear. Add the lemon juice.

Spread the cream cheese mixture in the baked pie shell. Cover with fresh blueberries. Pour the cooked mixture over the top.

New York blueberries will be at their peak the week we’re there, which is either good planning or good luck.

The Broccoli Salad By way of my mother-in-law, originally from Linda Hines and Jud Sabey

1 head broccoli ½ c. yellow raisins ½ small red onion, cut small ½ lb. bacon, cooked very crisp and crumbled ⅓ c. sunflower seeds 1 c. Hellmann’s mayonnaise 2 T. red wine vinegar ¼ c. sugar

The day before, chop the broccoli (except the hard part of the stem) into tiny pieces and put in a plastic bag. Combine the mayo, vinegar, and sugar and store in a separate container.

The next day, right before serving, mix everything together, letting the crumbled bacon come to room temperature first.

Double or triple this recipe for large groups.

I’ll be making this one to have on hand to serve with grilled burgers or dare I say a Hoffman hotdog (IYKYK).

LiLi’s Pie and Seasonal Produce

I am going to make you hold on until the end of August for this one. Maybe I can make it with her to make sure you get a thorough recap of this no bake masterpiece.

Lastly, my father-in-law is the ultimate gardener and has planted extra this season knowing my son, Hudson, is coming. No recipe here, straight from the vine to the mouth. A sprinkle of sea salt if you’re lucky.

CREATING Calling myself out

I recently wrote I would not be taking on new hobbies. Specifically, I said no to beads.

But, like other crafts I have seen floating the internet, I think I just hadn’t seen the way I would envision doing it. A bit more elevated and chic.

So I am calling myself out and sharing the elevated crafts I have my eye on. This time, beads. Can I dress up a boat and tote, a bucket hat, a scarf, or maybe a sunglass strap? I picked up some fun beads and needle and thread, so we’ll see!

Block print has also been on my mind. I shared in my last article about my trip to Apalachicola where I took a visit to my favorite boutique, Becasa. Emily, the owner hosted a block print artist who was printing on Becasa linen pieces.

If there is any place I feel confident to try Block Printing, it would be with my step mom, Liz. The queen of DIY and the artists of all things. I know she’s done it before but we’ll see if she thinks it’s doable with two crazy littles in tow.

HOSTING The Italian margarita, and a playlist

Jake and I had this drink in New Orleans and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Italian Margarita

2 oz tequila 1 oz amaretto 1 oz fresh lime juice ½ oz orange liqueur ½ oz fresh orange juice Ice Salt or sugar for the rim Lime or orange slice, for garnish

I am partial to fresh squeezed. They taste fresh and the hangover is less imo!

Marinated green olives are my new favorite thing to put out. They take about five minutes, they sit happily on the counter while people arrive, and they look like more effort than they are.

Marinated Green Olives

2 cups Castelvetrano olives, drained ⅓ cup olive oil 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 2 wide strips lemon peel, plus 1 tsp zest 1 tsp fennel seed, lightly crushed ½ tsp red pepper flakes 2 sprigs rosemary or thyme

Warm the oil, garlic, lemon peel, fennel seed, and pepper flakes in a small pan over low heat, just until the garlic turns pale gold and everything smells like something. Don’t let it brown.

Pour over the olives, add the herbs and lemon zest, and let sit at least an hour at room temperature. Better the next day. Serve with toothpicks and a bowl for the pits.

The playlist is here.

WHAT I’M BRINGING

I have a short list of the items I’ll be bringing. This is very much a trip where lake clothes and lake showers are encouraged. But here are some items that I consider to be on the "lake life” must have list. As far as the “crafts” go, I’ll share those ingredients as I find what works best.

Boat and tote - a catch all for everything. Each of the kids have their own size medium and the family has a size XL.
Camera - your phone will do but a camera makes documenting more fun! Code MarissaDoebertt7 for10% off your order
Pack of Cards
Cute mug to romanticize morning coffee
A good book - if you’re creative - The Artist’s Way and The Book of Alchemy
Kantha Quilt - I’ve started to collect these and you’ll never want something different for the beach or lake!
Easy linen sets - I have 2 of these!
Oversized Sweater or sweatshirt
Sunnies
Dry Shampoo

What are your vacation essentials? Did I miss anything?

This month is going to fly by. Hoping to make the most of this special season.

Next month: we’re entering my favorite season. We’ve got football, birthdays, and fall on the Gulf Coast.

We finally hosted the girls craft night I told you about a few weeks ago, and I’m back with the real, lived-in version of the Coastal Clay Tray tutorial. The cocktails flowed, the shells got pressed into clay by hands that had definitely had a marg already, and somehow it still turned out beautifully. Here’s a quick recap with some lessons learned:

Supplies

One pack of air-dry clay was enough for the four of us to each make a couple small pieces. If your group tends to get excited or you want extra to experiment with shapes, grab a second pack as backup. Better to have too much than to stop mid-flow. I share all of the supplies at the bottom of this article. Including the clay, shells, and coating we used.

#1 Tip: The Edges Are Everything

Wet your fingers or grab a small brush and smooth the edges once you’ve shaped your piece. Do not skip this part. The trays that came out looking like something I’d actually leave sitting on a dresser were the ones we spent an extra minute on. And if you wreck it, roll the clay back into a ball and roll it out again. Nobody has to know.

On Sealing: Resin vs. Mod Podge

I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved using resin as a coating, especially on the small shells. It gave them the prettiest glazed look. For comparison, in the video I’m putting the resin ones into the bowl, the plane ones are on the tray. But you’ll need a UV nail light to cure if you use resin. Also, resin is messy and it does not come off your hands easily, so keep paper towels or gloves nearby. Cure one side of the shell at a time too, otherwise it sticks to the UV light base. If you don’t want to buy another gadget for the night, matte or gloss Mod Podge both work fine and you don’t need anything extra. I used Mod Podge for some that I wanted a more organic look on.

Shaping and Designs

This craft night started with the intention to make trays but it was fun to see what the everyone made once the drinks were poured and we got busy chatting. We used whatever bowls and plates I had on hand to give the trays their shape, and we also used the shells themselves as little molds for tiny ring dishes. The ring dishes ended up being my favorite. The video below I am sharing the clay and shell pressed together making the small ring dishes. I could see a bunch of these in a bowl as decor too.

You can add your shell design while the clay is still flat and then set it into the mold, or shape it in the mold first and add the design once it’s holding its curve.

Both work, it really just depends on the mold or shape you’re going for. Then smooth the edges and set it back in the vessel to hold that shape a bit longer. Just don’t leave it sitting in or on anything too long or the clay sticks and you’ll fight it coming off.

Have Fun With It

Your first one probably won’t be perfect. Mine wasn’t. Air-dry clay is cheap enough that you’ll keep pulling it back out, especially if you have kids and want to make ornaments around the holidays. So even if the first tray comes out a little lopsided, you’ll use what you learned again.

Supplies & Instructions, Recapped

Here is everything again in one place so you don’t have to flip back to my planning post.

Supplies

• Air dry clay

• Shells (Use them as a mold or press them into the clay to create the pattern.)

• Rolling pin (I only have one, so a smooth drinking glass works just as well.)

• Parchment paper (to work on top of so clay doesn’t stick)

• Small bowl of water (for smoothing the edges)

• Fine-grit sandpaper (220–400 grit)

• Acrylic Paint + Paint brushes

• Gloss Mod Podge or Resin

• If you do Resin, this is the UV nail light I used

Instructions (for a tray)

1. Roll the air-dry clay to about ¼-inch thick on a sheet of parchment paper.

2. Press a large scallop shell into the clay, hard, so you actually get the texture. If the edges look messy, trim around the shell with a craft knife.

3. Lift the clay gently and smooth the edges with your fingers. I like to pinch and ruffle them a bit so it looks handmade.

4. Set the tray over an upside-down bowl, or nestle it inside a shallow one, so it dries with a curve.

5. Let dry for 24–48 hours, flip it halfway if your clay package says to.

6. When it’s completely dry, sand down any rough edges.

7. You can leave it natural or paint it. Either way, seal it with 2–3 thin coats of Gloss Mod Podge or another clear sealer.

The original post has the rest of it, the styling and what we ate and drank: An Elevated Girls Craft Night

The Playlist

You need the right soundtrack. I made a Spotify playlist for the evening, 100 songs and about 5 hours of it, so nothing repeats while everyone is talking over it. It sounds like the kitchen scene in a Nancy Meyers movie, if that means anything to you.

My last article shared my vision (below), i’ll link these items here.

I’ve been reading a book that told me to go on a date with myself. Sounds a little silly but I did!

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron has one non-negotiable rule: once a week, take yourself somewhere alone, no plans, no goals, just to feed whatever’s creative in you. I’d read the chapter twice before I actually did it. Where and when would I find time for this?? Honestly, just like many times as a mom, the hardest part was giving myself permission to spend it on something not productive, at least in the way I am use to.

Since starting the book, my creativity has multiplied. I’m not an artist in the traditional sense. I went to school for graphic design and branding, started my career in Social Media, and these days my creativity mostly comes out in my cooking, my home, and my garden.

So last Friday, I drove to Apalachicola.

If you’ve never been to this old Florida town, I’d compare it to the low-country, another favorite place of mine. Quiet, nestled on the coast, a small Main Street with little to do and everything to see. Old towns like this always pull me in: the history, the homes, the slow life I imagine people lived inside them, the character built into every wall and the stories behind whatever’s still sitting on the shelves.

It was an easy decision to head there for the day when I heard my favorite store, Becasa, was hosting an artist workshop, the perfect excuse for an Artist Date.

The Store

Walking into Becasa feels more like walking into Emily’s home than a store. She welcomes you with open arms. Emily, the owner, has built a beautiful brand and way of life around it, and it’s everything I admire about Old Florida: a nudge to slow down and appreciate life, and the little things. Emily and the women who work there embody that same feeling, which I think is so special. I never leave without feeling inspired, and I never leave without something in hand. It was hard not to grab another one of the kantha quilts in her front window. The way they’re organized alone is an editorial moment. I also love her mood boards. I’m so use to creating them digitally but gosh do I love seeing them living outside a computer!

The Artist

Becasa hosted Rooted by Ramsay (@rootedbyramsay), a talented block print artist from the 30A area, known for her hand-carved designs rooted in nature, faith, and community. As soon as I saw Becasa share her story, I knew it was the perfect fit for my Artist Date. Ramsay and Emily teamed up, and I was able to pick one of Emily’s Becasa linen pieces and have Ramsay stamp one of her carved designs onto it.

I had such a fun time, I almost left without photos (gasp).

Before heading home, I stopped by the Grill (recommended by Emily) and went with her suggestion: a Caesar with blackened shrimp. It did not disappoint. I had to get back to the kids, but I squeezed in one more stop at The Tin Shed. The front yard was FULL of buoys and I kind of loved it. I almost grabbed a strand for Hudson’s room.

This day date set the bar high for future Artist Dates. Next week I’m keeping it easy since I’ll be solo parenting, thinking a new coffee shop I haven’t tried yet. If you’re local, drop somewhere you think I haven’t been yet!

I hope I inspired you to take yourself on a date, book a trip to Old Florida, or maybe even pick up The Artist’s Way. You don't have to be an artist in the traditional sense. Maybe you're a curator of Pinterest boards you'll never actually build, a serial hobbyist, or the reason your dinner table looks like it belongs in a magazine.

Thanks for reading! I’m a mom of 2 cultivating a thoughtful life through home, food & creativity. If that resonates, subscribe for free to receive my weekly post.

Sometimes that looks like one of my Happiness Edits. Lately it’s also been stories from motherhood, recipes we’ve loved, or little reflections on the things filling my creative cup.

Tonight I found myself reflecting on just how creatively full this season has felt, so I thought I’d share three things that filled my creative cup this week…

Cutting Flowers

I just typed the words cutting flowers and immediately laughed because the first thing that came to mind was how Hudson decided to cut his own hair last night.

Maybe he got a little too confident after spending the week helping me harvest flowers from the garden.

The flowers have been fewer than I’d hoped this year, but that makes each harvest feel a little more exciting for both of us. Every bouquet is different depending on what’s blooming, which makes choosing a vase and arranging them feel like a tiny creative exercise every time. No two arrangements are ever the same, and I love that.

A Toddler Room Makeover

We recently moved Hudson from his crib to a twin bed. The transition happened a little sooner than we planned after potty training because he started waking up asking to use the bathroom. I didn’t want the crib to become something that held him back, so we decided to just go for it.

In the rush of making the switch, his room ended up feeling thrown together. This weekend I finally spent about four hours completely in the zone - shopping our own house, moving furniture, drilling holes, hanging art, and making the room feel intentional again.

I hung this wooden fish using a plate hanger and the rope handle from a gift bag. Resourceful? Creative? Slightly unhinged? I’ll let you decide.

It ended up feeling so playful and perfectly “Hudson.” The quilt (video below) is probably my favorite part, different patterns on both sides depending on our mood.

Crafts, Coffee, and Good Company

Saturday morning I also spent nearly three hours making bracelets with some sweet neighbors and family friends.

It’s hard to believe we’ve lived here for almost five years and this was the first time we’d really sat around a table together like that.

There was something almost therapeutic about beading and chatting. Your hands stay busy while your mind gets to wander, chat, and laugh.

The time absolutely flew by. I think I could have stayed all afternoon!!

You know it was a good gathering when no one remembered to take photos. So instead, here’s my finished bracelets. I was apparently channeling Fisher-Price chic.

I hope this inspires you to find something that fills your own creative cup this week.

If you read What I’m Cultivating at 37, you know one of the things I’m intentionally making space for this year is creativity.

Another thing I’m cultivating? Opening my home more. So a girls craft night felt like the perfect excuse to do both.

Last Christmas, I hosted an ornament-making night, and it ended up being one of my favorite evenings of the season. The craft was simple enough that it never took over the night. Let’s be honest, I know the cocktails start flowing, conversations wander, and that’s exactly how I like it.

After sharing a collection of elevated craft night ideas on Instagram, I finally settled on what I’m going with for the first one. My only requirement was that it felt beautiful, approachable, and something people would actually want to keep once they got home.

Below I’m sharing the project I chose, the supplies I’ll be ordering, and the little details I’m using to make the evening feel thoughtful before the craft even begins. If you’re a friend and reading this, I promise no official invite was sent yet!

Gathered for This Evening

Tablecloth | Drink pitcher | Recycled glassware | Sea shells | Glass candle holders | Tulip matches | Oval platter | Bon Appétit plates | Gordal olives | Rechargeable table lamp | Shell toothpicks | Air dry clay | Gloss Mod Podge | Paint brushes | Acrylic Paint

Setting the Scene

When I’m hosting a girls night, or really any gathering, there are two things I think about most:

What we’re serving and how the space feels.

Lighting

I could probably write an entire article on lighting.

There is nothing my nervous system appreciates more than dimming the lights after the kids go to bed. It’s an instant signal that the day is slowing down.

For a craft night, I love layering light instead of relying on one overhead fixture. Small rechargeable table lamps give everyone enough light to work while still making the table feel warm and intentional. As I was looking for simple candle holders to link, I stumbled across these glass candle holders... and I have a feeling they’ll be making their way into my collection soon.

Food

If there’s one piece of hosting advice I need to remind myself of, it’s this:

Don’t make dinner and entertainment your full-time job.

The goal is to spend time with your guests, not disappear into the kitchen.

For my ornament-making night last winter, I made a sausage tortellini soup ahead of time so all I had to do was warm it up.

This time, I’m thinking a seasonal appetizer, a big salad, and good bread.

Drinks

The same rule applies here.

Wine, a big pitcher of margaritas, and glasses everyone can help themselves to.

You won’t catch me trying to shake cocktails while everyone else is laughing in the next room … unless, of course, we run out. A pitcher lets everyone serve themselves, and I love using simple recycled glassware that feels timeless enough to use all summer long.

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Coastal Clay Tray

Okay... now for what you’re probably here for if you’ve made it this far.

I hesitate to call this a trinket tray because somehow that makes it sound cheesier than I am hoping it comes out.

I can picture one on a dresser holding rings, on a coffee table with a candle, or styled on a bedside table with a favorite perfume. They’re simple to make, beautiful enough to leave out year-round, and exactly the kind of project that’s enjoyable without requiring everyone to become an artist for the evening.

I also have a photo of the wine stoppers because I think if the clay is out, I might try one before saying for sure it woll work.

One note: because they’re made from air-dry clay, I wouldn’t use them as a coaster or anything that will regularly get wet. They’re happiest holding the little things.

Supplies

• Air dry clay

• Shells (Use them as a mold or press them into the clay to create the pattern.)

• Rolling pin (I only have one, so a smooth drinking glass works just as well.)

• Parchment paper

• Small bowl of water (for smoothing the edges)

• Fine-grit sandpaper (220–400 grit)

• Acrylic Paint (optional) Paint brushes

• Gloss Mod Podge

Instructions

1. Roll the air-dry clay to about ¼-inch thick on a sheet of parchment paper.

2. Press a large scallop shell firmly into the clay to create the shell texture. Trim around the shell with a craft knife if needed.

3. Gently lift the clay and smooth the edges with your fingers. Pinch and ruffle the edges slightly for a more organic, handmade look.

4. Place the tray over an upside-down bowl (or nestle it inside a shallow bowl) so it dries with a gentle curve.

5. Let dry for 24–48 hours, flipping halfway through if recommended by your clay manufacturer.

6. Once fully dry, lightly sand any rough edges until smooth.

7. Leave it natural or paint it before sealing with 2–3 thin coats of Gloss Mod Podge or another clear sealer.

Consider this your sign to text the group chat!

If you’ve been following along as Hudson tends our little garden, here’s where all those tomatoes, peppers, and herbs end up.

One of my favorite parts of gardening isn’t actually growing the food. It’s figuring out what to make with it, staying inspired to try new recipes, and of course, watching Hudson enjoy it fresh off the vine.

These aren’t just the recipes we’re making on repeat this season—they’ve been in our summer rotation since long before we had a garden of our own.

One warning: don’t skip the pickled peppers at the bottom. I don’t charge for my Substack, but if I ever did, it would probably be for that recipe.

Mom’s Summer Pasta

My sister and I requested this pasta all the time growing up. Even now, whenever one of us makes it, a picture ends up in the family group chat.

Like most of my mom’s recipes, there was never an actual recipe, just a little of this, a little of that. After years of watching her make it…this is the version we make today. It’s simple, fresh, and somehow tastes like summer every single time.

Ingredients

• 1 box penne pasta (though in my video I'm using Rummo fusilli, which the kids and I love).

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, diced

• 1 (8-ounce) ball fresh mozzarella, diced

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced

• Fresh basil, torn

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain.

2. While the pasta cooks, dice the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, mince the garlic, and tear the basil.

3. Transfer the hot pasta to a large serving bowl and drizzle generously with olive oil and a splash of balsamic vinegar. Toss to coat.

4. Stir in the tomatoes and garlic.

5. Let the pasta cool for 10–15 minutes before gently folding in the mozzarella and basil. (Adding them while the pasta is too hot will melt the cheese and wilt the basil.)

6. Season with salt to taste. Add another drizzle of olive oil and balsamic if needed before serving.

Marissa’s Note: This is one of those recipes that’s even better made by feel. Taste as you go, add a little more olive oil or balsamic if it needs it, and don’t skimp on the fresh basil. We eat it warm, room temperature, or straight from the fridge the next day.

Tomato & Burrata Appetizer

If there’s one thing we make on repeat once the tomatoes start coming in, it’s this.

It’s one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but takes less than ten minutes to throw together. We usually enjoy it outside with a glass of wine while dinner is on the grill.

Ingredients

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 ball burrata cheese

• Fresh basil, thinly sliced

• Extra virgin olive oil

• Balsamic vinegar

• Flaky sea salt

• 1 baguette, sliced and toasted

Instructions

1. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to a serving bowl.

2. Drizzle generously with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and fresh basil. Toss gently.

4. Nestle the burrata in the center of the bowl.

5. Slice a baguette, brush with olive oil if desired, and toast until golden.

6. To serve, tear into the burrata, scoop it together with the tomatoes onto toasted bread, and enjoy.

Marissa’s Note: Burrata usually comes in a package of two, so I always plan another meal around the second one. It also makes an incredible tomato toast the next morning—which is exactly what we’re making next. 🍅

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Eggs a la Hudson

We joke that Hudson is part egg.

When I was first pregnant with him, all I could stomach was toast and eggs. And living in the south, I quickly learned bread and tomato is actually a delicacy. So every single morning, I'd make the same breakfast: a thick slice of toasted sourdough, a swipe of mayonnaise, a few slices of tomato, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and soft scrambled eggs piled on top.

It became such a staple that Hudson now eats eggs almost every day. Maybe there really is something to that.

As my pregnancy progressed and my appetite returned, I started adding little extras. Pickled red onions became my favorite for a bit of tang, and a drizzle of Sriracha gave it just enough heat.

It’s less of a recipe than a reminder that sometimes the simplest meals become the ones your family remembers.

How we make it:

• Toast a thick slice of sourdough.

• Spread with a thin layer of mayonnaise.

• Top with sliced tomato.

• Add soft scrambled eggs.

• Finish with flaky sea salt.

• Optional: pickled red onions, Sriracha, fresh herbs, or avocado.

Pickled Peppers

These were the whole reason we planted the garden.

I’ve been making this recipe for almost ten years after getting it from a gentleman I used to work with, and it has become one of those recipes friends always ask for.

We love serving them over cream cheese with saltines for an easy appetizer, but they’re just as good piled onto an open-faced egg sandwich.

What makes them a little different is that they’re cold-packed, so they’re incredibly simple to make.

Here’s the coveted recipe…

Makes: 1 pint jar

Ingredients

• Fresh jalapeños, sliced or diced to fill 1 pint jar

• 2 parts distilled white vinegar

• 1 part water

• 1 teaspoon pickling (jarring) salt

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 1–2 cloves garlic, peeled (or minced, if preferred)

Instructions

1. Sterilize the jar. Boil an empty pint jar and lid, then pack the jar while it’s still hot.

2. Prepare the peppers. Fill the jar with fresh jalapeños.

3. Make the brine. In a small saucepan, combine:

   • 2 parts distilled white vinegar

   • 1 part water

   Bring just to a slight boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Keep the brine hot.

4. Season the jar. Add the pickling salt, oregano, olive oil, and garlic directly to the jar with the peppers.

5. Pour and seal. Pour the hot brine over the peppers until completely covered. Wipe the rim clean, seal with the lid, and allow to cool before refrigerating.

Notes

• Be sure to use pickling (jarring) salt, not regular table salt.

• This is a cold-packed refrigerator pickle, not a water-bath canned recipe.

• They’re even better after sitting for a few days in the refrigerator.

Fresh Herb Sauce

The herbs are usually what I end up with the most of, so pesto and chimichurri have become my favorite way to use them up.

I rarely follow a recipe. Instead, I grab a mason jar, throw everything in, blend it with an immersion blender, taste, and adjust until it feels right. It’s one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up.

My Pesto Formula

• 2 packed cups fresh basil

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts or walnuts

• 1–2 garlic cloves

• Juice of ½ lemon (optional, but I usually add it)

• ½–¾ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend until smooth, adding more olive oil if needed.

My Chimichurri Formula

• 1 cup fresh parsley

• ½ cup fresh cilantro (optional, but I like it)

• 2–3 garlic cloves

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

Blend until finely chopped but still a little textured.

Marissa’s Note: Don’t overthink it. If your basil is overflowing, add more basil. If it’s too thick, add olive oil. If it feels flat, add another squeeze of lemon or pinch of salt. These are the kinds of recipes that get better the more you trust your taste buds.

If you're a mom or home cook looking for simple recipes and little bits of inspiration, I hope you'll subscribe and stick around. And if you have a favorite way to use tomatoes, basil, peppers, or whatever's growing in your garden, I'd love to hear it. Some of our favorite family recipes came from someone else sharing theirs. Maybe the next one will come from you.

Last week, I wrote about preparing for a season I knew would feel a little chaotic. Our babysitter was gone for two weeks, and instead of trying to force life to feel “normal,” I decided to prepare for a different rhythm.

It got me thinking about the small systems I’ve built over the years. Some help me manage work, others keep our home running a little more smoothly, but they all have the same goal: creating more space for the things that matter most.

None of them are revolutionary, but together they’ve created a little more breathing room, a little less decision fatigue, and a little more space to enjoy the season we’re in.

I don’t think I’m naturally organized. I just hate feeling behind.

Here are a few things making life easier lately.

Meal prep

This one is huge for us. It’s almost like habit stacking. When meal prep happens, better decisions get made all around.

I usually prep a couple proteins: grilled chicken, meatballs, taco meat, or ground turkey. My lemon feta turkey meatballs are a favorite from my ten-month-old all the way to my husband. We eat them like snacks around here.

I’ll usually make a batch of rice or another grain, too. Lunches are simple, cold or reheated. But for dinner I like to pair those prepped ingredients with something fresh, whether that’s roasted vegetables, a salad, or pasta. This way dinner still feels homemade, but I’m not starting from scratch at 5:30.

The biggest gift isn’t just the time I save cooking. It’s avoiding the mountain of dishes that comes with cooking an entire meal from scratch every night. That part doesn’t get talked about enough!!

Groceries arrive at my door

This one pays for itself.

I spend less on impulse purchases, avoid dragging two kids through the grocery store, and save a couple of hours every week.

Sometimes the best investment isn’t money, it’s energy!

We use Walmart+, and I recommend it to almost every mom I know. I’ve even convinced both of my parents to start using it.

Laundry on Sunday

This one’s a team effort.

Jake and I usually start laundry first thing Sunday morning because, between the four of us, it’s easily four loads.

We don’t always get every single load folded before Monday, but I try to start the week knowing everyone has clean clothes in a basket in their bedroom.

I always plan something to look forward to

This one might be a surprise on this list.

I suggest this to my husband all the time, too. Life can start to feel like it’s on repeat some weeks.

So I try to plan something small…a dinner with friends, a new recipe I've been wanting to try, fresh flowers, or even a coffee run. Having one small thing on the calendar can make an ordinary Tuesday feel a little less ordinary. It's one of the ways I'm trying to cultivate more spontaneity this year, a theme that's found its way into more than one piece I've written lately.

A running note in my phone

If I think of something I need to buy, remember, or do, it immediately goes into my Notes app.

I’ve stopped trusting my brain to hold everything. It’s much happier when it doesn’t have to.

A clean kitchen

The rest of the house could be a war zone, but if I need to clear my mental clutter, I know exactly where to start.

For me, it’s the kitchen.

Does anyone else have a space like this? For my husband, it’s our bedroom. I love that we each have a room we’re naturally motivated to keep tidy.

Baskets

Truthfully, if I had a professional organizer come to my house, I wonder if they’d approve.

I use baskets for everything. From the kid’s toys to collecting things that need to make their way back to another room. I also keep a few collapsible laundry baskets around to help shuttle things from room to room.

It feels like everything in our house has feet these days. This is my best attempt at keeping up.

A huge tote bag

I have a Boat and Tote for each of the kids that holds their lunch, diapers, a change of clothes, and whatever else they need for the day.

But I realized I was constantly borrowing one of theirs and overflowing it whenever we went somewhere as a family.

Last month, I bought us an XL Boat and Tote with our last name on it, and it’s been one of those silly little purchases that’s made life noticeably easier. We use it for the pool, beach days, park outings, and just about every afternoon adventure.

None of these habits are about becoming more productive.

They’re simply small ways I’ve found to make room for the parts of life I want more of: slower mornings, easier dinners, creativity after bedtime, and feeling a little more present with my family.

I’d love to know, what’s one small thing that’s making your life easier lately?

The Happiness Edit →

Every week or so, I share a collection of things inspiring me lately, from home ideas and recipes to beautiful finds and little moments worth slowing down for.

I don’t always send these by email, but if they sound like your kind of thing, this week’s edition will be live on Sunday. In the meantime, you can read a past one here.

Our beloved Ms. Jen, who watches the kids, is gone for two weeks this summer.

A year ago, that sentence would have sent me into a spiral. Juggling work while being fully present with my toddler felt like an impossible balancing act. Not because I couldn't do it, but because I couldn't wrap my brain around how to let go of our routine.

I’ve learned this about myself, so this time I prepared differently. I planned my workload ahead of time. Lined up a few sweet neighborhood gals for some mornings, and my husband and I got on the same page before the week even started. Instead of trying to protect my routine at all costs, I planned for it to change.

So, I leaned into summer. We had slow mornings instead of rushing out the door, watched more movies than routine Marissa approves of ...and hit the neighborhood pool with some new pool toys, like we were on vacation. Hudson spent the whole time chasing frogs with a group of boys he’d just met - talk about boyhood. I don’t think I would have chosen a day like that if our routine hadn’t been interrupted.

When we got home, I watched Hudson cozied up on the couch and could almost feel what a good day he’d had. I looked at my husband and said, “Don’t you just want to be him? Fresh out of the sun, cozied up, eating a popsicle, watching a movie on your parents’ couch?” Is there a better place to be??

Stepping outside my routine hadn’t just given me a different week, it reminded me what summers should be like as a kid.

BUT, I still love routine!! It’s one of the ways I care for my family and myself. Maybe it’s preparing well enough that when life inevitably pulls us outside of it, we have enough margin to notice what we’d otherwise miss.

Every time I step outside my normal rhythm, I seem to bring something valuable back with me. Sometimes it’s a better or different way of doing things. And sometimes... it’s remembering what it feels like to be a kid in the middle of summer.

After a few glasses of champagne, my friend Louise asked me what goals I had for 37. I was surprisingly ready to answer.

I shared I had just purchased the book The Artist’s Way and The Book of Alchemy with the desire to bring creativity back into my life. Both books felt like permission slips in different ways, The Artist’s Way inviting me to reconnect with the creative parts of myself I had neglected, and The Book of Alchemy encouraging me to slow down, reflect, and find meaning in the ordinary moments of life.

Motherhood has been the greatest joy of my life, but it has also required so much of me. In the last few years, my creativity, personal style, hobbies, and quiet interests have often taken a back seat to the very real and important work of raising my babies. I don’t resent this season, it’s necessary and beautiful and probably what I’ll miss most someday. But as I settle into life with two little ones, I can feel parts of myself gently asking for attention again.

At first, I thought my answer was simply creativity. That’s why The Artist’s Way and The Book of Alchemy immediately came to mind. But the more I sat with Louise’s question, the more I realized creativity wasn’t the goal itself. It was the thread connecting so many things I’ve been craving lately. Cooking from beautiful cookbooks, refining my style, hosting friends, printing photos, working on our home, and finding my way back to creativity. They all require the same thing: making space for the parts of myself that have been patiently waiting while I focused on navigating the first few years of motherhood.

Going back to the original question, I sat down to think about it more. At 37, I find what I’m looking for most is making space for the things that make me feel most like myself. These are not goals in the traditional sense, but small invitations back to the life I want to be living. Here they are...

Cook recipes from a cookbook
I have so many unopened and beautiful cookbooks. Especially two my Mema recently gave me. An original Martha Stewart cookbook (with Mema’s notes) and a cookbook from my husband’s hometown (Rochester, NY). They don’t make Junior League cookbooks like this anymore, which makes them feel unique.

Refining my style
I want to refine my style, both in my home and in my closet. Before pregnancies, and the uncertainty of a changing body, fashion was something I genuinely loved. This feels a bit deeper since it’s coupled with the desire to feel more comfortable and confident in my skin and postpartum body.

Refining my home style has been a constant focus for me lately. Things that have helped me create spaces I’m happy with are, knowing this is a long-term home worth investing in and acknowledging how we want to live and feel in our home.

No new hobbies
This sounds silly but I am always fighting the urge to pick up whatever craft is trending on IG or Tiktok. Beading necklaces and sewing quilts to name a few. I am the one to pick up the $500 hobby because I can make the $30 item myself. Anyone else?? I really want to focus on the hobbies and projects I’m already juggling.

Spend less time on decisions and trust my instincts more
I might be working on this one for the rest of my life. Nothing is that big of a decision but I have a way of making it life or death and hours of research.

Print more pictures and archive these seasons of life
I have always loved documenting life. I suppose that’s part of why I love what I do. With our life being so digital and caught inside of a phone, I find myself nervous we won’t have tangible memories to look back on.

A Return to Storytelling
I want to make space for creative expression through writing and thoughtful digital storytelling. I studied graphic design and have spent much of my career creating content and telling stories for others. Lately, I've felt called to turn some of that creative energy inward, to tell my own stories, explore my own ideas, and reconnect with a part of myself that has always loved creating.

Create family traditions
Homemade popcorn and a movie, hosting the annual Halloween party, pancakes on a Saturday morning. Everything from elevating a normal day to making a holiday feel more special.

Host more in our home without the need for it to be perfect
I made this goal back in January, before I turned 37. Entertaining has always been a favorite art form but a much different beast as a mom. Life is too short to wait for the house to be clean and everything to be finished the way I’d like. There is something special about a good Tuesday evening with friends around the table.

Spontaneity
Jake and I are very routine. It’s when we feel our best. But I also love what comes of adventures (big and small) where we decide something spontaneously. Sometimes I need that to fuel my creativity and to remind myself of what WE loved before kids. And it doesn’t need to be anything crazy, a new coffee shop on a Friday morning can do.

Looking at this list, I realize these aren’t really goals at all. They’re things I’ve always loved. Some of them just got a little quieter for a few years. Here’s to making room for them again.

Cheers to 37. I have a feeling this list is going to lead to good things.

This month’s Happiness Edit was inspired our long weekend in New Orleans.

I came home with very few souvenirs, but a long list of things I couldn’t stop thinking about: green courtyard gardens, oyster plates stacked on restaurant tables, jazz drifting out of open doors, precious stone jewelery, beautiful old architecture, and a tarot deck that somehow found its way into my suitcase. We can talk more about that last one soon 😆

One of my favorite things about traveling is noticing what lingers after I get home. It’s rarely the big attractions. It’s usually a plant on a hotel porch, a piece of art, a meal, or an idea that makes me want to recreate a little bit of that feeling in my everyday life.

This collection is a mix of those finds and inspirations, from oyster plates and jazz books to tropical greenery, entertaining pieces, and a few things currently bringing me joy at home.

You can shop most everything from Happiness Edit Vol. 6 here. Calling out a few specifics below:

The oyster lady art is an exception, that’s linked here. This was a piece of art Jake and I fell in love with back in the Carolinas. New Orleans reminded us how much we loved it and inspired us to finally make the purchase!

I saw so much turquoise and now I may need some. Specifically in bolo form. I didn’t think I could pull off a bolo but styled right, im starting to reconsider. Have you seen this trend? I’m glad I didn’t grab the one I saw, I think a cooler one will come by way soon.

The pom bag, this cutie is by a local store along the forgotten coast, Becasa. I used a similar bag on our trip and it was just the right amount of chic to dress up a simple look.

I don’t do a ton of traveling but if you’re looking for NOLA recs, tell me below and i’ll try and find some time to write up a few notes from our trip.

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But despite that, the entire process brings me joy. Planning the bed, success in growing, having freshness within arms reach, and teaching my littles to enjoy the fruits of our labor. And for that, I’ll do it year after year. Here are some photos of the backyard bed I did. This season we’re working on our pathway and landscaping around the bed. I will have more updates on how that comes together if you subscribe.

This year I built a raised bed with some extra flagstone we had. I have plans to fill it with Zinnias and Dahlias.

We had a small amount of Zinnias come through in our bed last year which inspired me. My ultimate goal would be to setup one of those free libraries outside our house and fill it with flowers in addition to books!

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To no surprise I have been shopping Garden inspired items for myself and the kids. I’ll throw some seeds and gardening gloves in Hudson’s basket, he really enjoys working with us on these projects. Here are some of the items I am eyeing and sourcing. Everything below can be found and shopped here.

Everything I’m eyeing and sourcing from the above can be found here.

Happy planting friends! Tell me below what you’re planting this season, I am always inspired by what others find success with.

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Shop everything above here

This is becoming my new form of art. In my past life art for me was building brands, social channels, and websites. Today it’s maintaining an influencer brand and creating content in the blogging space. I talk about that occasionally here if it interests you.

Sourcing has become second nature to me. It’s scary how I can look at someone and know at least one item of clothing they are wearing, where it’s from, and what the general consensus on it is.

I’d argue that sourcing like this makes me spend less, it’s almost like I get the dopamine hit just from creating and not from purchasing. My husband might argue otherwise.

This weekend I rounded up items I am ordering for a second time I got so much use, as well as items that make me want to leave my house and have somewhere fun to go…

1. Woven shoes: after wearing the white version of this gold mule I reordered in white and bought the gold for spring and summer. They’re comfortable, breathable, and don’t break the bank. No one will guess they are from Amazon.

2. Slip on platform sneaker: dare I say I tried these on in a STORE?! I cant remember the last time I went in a store and tried shoes on but on a whim, with my MIL, we went in a strip mall after I had baby 2. I’ve been wearing these on repeat for 6mo and I need to order another pair before they don’t make them anymore. I’m 5’5 so these are perfect for a smidge of height.

3. Multi-color dress: If I had anywhere to be this spring, this would be on my list to try. I have been so drawn to weird prints and more specifically mixing prints. I also am a sucker for a button down so this is the best of both worlds.

4. Green dress: again, all dressed up with nowhere to go. But if I did have somewhere, this cut is perfect for a postpartum body like mine. Accentuate the chest and help me stay discrete around my waist. Repeats to self: my body is amazing and birthed two beautiful babies

5. Denim baby outfits: I am not sure this will ever go out of style. They remind me of things I wore as a kid. Kennedy is in the two piece set in this picture. Perfect for spring with the long sleeves. The overalls have me wishing I could pull off a pair!!

6. Baby bow: I am not expert since this is my first girl. But of all the bows I was gifted, this one stays on her head best.

7. Name bracelet: at the top of my list for things I cant wait to do with a girl someday is make bracelets. Until then, this name bracelet is on my list.

What are you shopping for? I’d love to include you in my next sourcing roundup…

If you are in a low spot of motherhood, here is your reminder it is always darkest before the dawn. At least thats what we have found to be true.

The sun and good weather is making it’s way to where we are so this weeks edit reflects that. Here is a mix of things Im eyeing, buying, or already have. Let’s get into it! Below I link each item individually or you can shop them all here.

1. Mom of the Year hat | the honest truth for each one of us. The only problem here is I always think I can pull off a baseball cap but not sure I can?

2. Baby Wrap | if you're my friend and this is on your list, I am getting it for you. If you’re my friend and it’s not on your list, I am getting it for you. By far my most used baby item. The pattern I am wearing is sold out but this new one is just as cute!

3. Green Linen Set | swoon worthy. I love that you could buy just one piece and mix and match with white pants or shorts. Top, Skirt, Jacket

4. Leather bags | I have a similar one to this crossbody and love that I don’t need the entire diaper bag with me but feel prepared. If you are someone who likes to fit a bit more, this satchel has more room and is in the same family.

5. Bottles | I just weaned from breastfeeding and these are the bottles we went with. Different from what we did for baby #1 (Dr.Browns). Less pieces and just as much success.

6. Sunscreen mist | I had this in my last edit. Heading to Sephora tomorrow and hoping to find this or similar. We’re in Florida and the good weather is here.

7. Sunglasses } speaking of good weather, these green sunglasses wont break the bank but give “cool-mom”.

8. Bangles | Would you believe these gold bangles are Amazon? They are a dupe for a much more expensive set. I love to splurge but cant justify it here yet so i’ll go with these.

9. Beaded necklace | I am stepping out of the simple gold necklace era and into the statement necklace era. I love a simple white top and these necklaces give my outfit a pop.

10. Beach hat | classic look and this texture is chefs kiss.

11. Baby Girl Outfits | I am a sucker for a denim baby outfit but thought this green was sweet for spring too.

12. Highlighter | all about a subtle glow lately, it’s giving me list in this postpartum world.

I love sourcing these weekly edit’s for you! Tell me below if these brig you joy. Or subscribe to get my Happiness Edit sent to your inbox weekly…

I’m not an Interior Designer but I am a mom with Pinterest boards and opinions. I say that because I know there are more of us than there are designers, and it can feel good to read something from someone in a similar boat… or home. I also have two littles, so practicality plays a big role in my decisions. Or maybe my lack of decisions.

The hesitation, the limited time for projects, and the uncertainty around my personal style have all made it hard to move forward, even though it always feels so good when I do. Over the last six months, I’ve felt myself honing in on what I actually love when it comes to decorating. For years I called myself picky, but maybe picky was just unsure. So why does it feel like I finally have it figured out? And can I trust myself?

After having our first baby two years ago, we bought our second home. It felt less like a starter home and more long term. The one we would raise babies in and slowly shape into ours. I would not call it a forever home, but maybe a “first ten years” home. With that came countless Pinterest boards and saved Instagram posts. Most of them never left the folder I saved them to. But the more I move forward on decorating various parts of house, the more I feel at home.

Here are five things that have helped me actually move forward and make our house feel like home.

1. One decision a week

With two littles, making a decision is half the battle. Even more helpful than telling yourself to make one decision a week is narrowing it down to the very next action step. For example, I have been putting off ordering art and having it framed for our kitchen. Instead of writing the to do as that (because it is much more than what it sounds). I decide on one next action, like measuring the wall. Breaking it down makes it feel manageable instead of overwhelming. This mind shift has been such a help that I am currently working on a family spreadsheet to help us stay on track in a similar way.

2. Stop resisting

I resisted my own style for years. I love antiques, and I can see now that I lean more traditional. Living in a newer build, it felt hard to incorporate pieces with history, so I just wouldn’t. But the more I stopped overthinking it and started bringing in the right character pieces, the more momentum I gained. It turns out leaning in builds confidence.

3. It’s not forever

I can overthink decisions endlessly. Now I remind myself this does not have to be forever. Not every choice is permanent. That mindset shift alone has helped me move forward. I gravitate toward versatile pieces, ones I can move from room to room without consequence. If it can live in more than one place in my house, it is a win.

4. Let your kids live there
I’m not saying let it be messy. But let the toys and art have a home and take pride in it. I love finding what my kid is interested in and organizing it pretty on a shelf. This helps everyone in our house know where toys live but also allows me to enjoy their spaces with some mental clarity. If you don’t have a play room, think baskets! Baskets are one of my favorite hiding hacks. I used to design for the future version of our house, the one where the kids were older and things felt quieter. Now I lean into the tiny chairs and art projects.

5. Edit before you add

Before I buy something new, I try to move what I already own. Swap lamps, rearrange art, pull a chair from one room into another. Sometimes the room doesn’t need more, it just needs a shift. Editing first has saved me money and helped me understand my style more clearly. When I move things around, I can see what I’m actually missing instead of guessing. And often, I realize I had what I needed all along.

Despite what we see on instagram, a house does not become a home all at once. Home takes time! If you are in your own “first ten years” home, I hope this gives you permission to start. Even if it’s Just one decision a week.

When I do these for others, I can usually do them faster, with less emotional investment. But when they’re for me, I take my time; like someday I am actually going to place these items in my home or buy these items for my or my kids closets. And I do, sometimes. But that’s why this is the happiness edit, they are items that are sourced out of happiness and curated to my mood that week. I’ll always share what it is that caught my eye about something.

1. This Dress is not the one I am wearing in the photo but it is one that I am eyeing to replace it this season.

2. Beaded Necklace - own and love this in a neutral color. This is the perfect color mix for Spring.

3. Hair Barrette - coming back into my barrette days as a mom. Perfec if you have mid length hair and need some support to keep hair out of your face.

4. Graza EVO - hooked! And bonus it looks nice sitting out.

5. Speckle Enamel Piece - Soooo many pieces like this I want. Thinking kids cups too?!

6. Kid’s Apron - Hudson is a little chef. I’d love to get him something cute like this to hang in the kitchen.

7. Candle - I’ve heard AMAZING things. Should I splurge?

8. Rattan planter - I love the look of a fern in one of these.

9. Plates - in my plate collecting era. Wall coming soon.

10. Floral babygirls outfit is in my cart. Why is dressing girls so much better?? Here is the the yellow baby girl’s outfit as well. We’re approaching Spring here in Florida.

11. Tray - I have been eyeing this for a while. I love seeing styled on a coffee table.

12. Sunscreen setting mist - intrigued. Always about less steps!

If you liked this happiness edit, please let me know! They take time but are like a little piece of art for me. Eyes are drifting off as I finish this, goodnight and have a great weekend!

I usually joke, “If I knew the secret sauce, I’d be one.” And honestly—even if there is a secret sauce, I’m not sure I could (or would want to) show up the way the algorithm seems to demand. The women doing this work are some of the hardest-working people I know. This isn’t a 9–5—it’s a 24/7 kind of job. And so much of what they do is never seen online.

With that said, while I don’t consider myself an aspiring influencer, I’d be lying if I said I don’t feel at home in this space.

I’m a creator at heart. I always have been. It’s just that my version of it has mostly lived off-camera—and somehow I’ve managed to build a career around it. My mind is always spinning with new ways to make things, share things, and simplify things. I’m constantly thinking: How can I maximize what I’m already creating? How can I do it better, faster, and with less mental load?

And maybe the biggest reason I love this world is the community.

There’s something powerful about women finding solutions from other women in the same stage of life—how to dress, decorate, cook, mother, and everything in between. Somehow, someone through a screen can make you feel a little more capable… and a lot less alone.

I’m so grateful I stepped into this different way of working: flexible, fast-moving, and built around real life. I’ve learned so much about what it really takes to show up online in a sustainable way. And while most days it feels like I’m not in a phase of life to sustain anything beyond what’s already on my plate, I’ve committed to showing up here for future me—the version of me who will be glad I started before I had it all figured out.

Because even though I’m still uncertain about where I’m taking this, or what exact problem I’m solving… I am certain that I belong here.

What you’ll find here as I figure it out in real time is whatever is currently filling my cup, what’s getting me through motherhood in this season, and a few honest tidbits from my life supporting a creator-led business.

Thanks for being here. I’m figuring it out in real time, and you’re invited.