Taking your first step onto the housing ladder is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. The journey from renting to homeownership can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating unfamiliar territory like mortgage applications, property inspections, and closing costs. However, with the right preparation and knowledge, becoming a first-time homeowner can be...

Making the decision to invest in a vacation home is a significant choice that requires careful consideration, but this property could turn into a profitable investment. Naturally, you want a place that feels like a cozy escape for your family, but there’s more to it. Your vacation home could also become a vacation rental when...

How was your weekend? Back in December, a reader named Molly asked if we could share weekend recaps, which was such a sweet request. Here was our first one, and below is the second (and please share yours in the comments!)… First off, New York got a foot of snow! The boys, of course, were...

As we enter 2026, there’s no better time to recommit to your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re looking to build better habits, address longstanding health concerns, or simply feel more energized and vibrant, taking control of your health is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself. The good news? You don’t...

Imagine stepping downstairs into your own private sanctuary—a luxurious spa retreat where you can unwind after a long day without ever leaving home. Your basement, currently sitting underutilized or filled with forgotten belongings, has the potential to become this tranquil escape. With strategic planning and the right improvements, you can transform that dark, damp space...

Some days, I feel like I’m running in place (and by all accounts, I’m not a runner). I’m doing all the normal things—writing, packing lunches, squeezing in strength training, carving out time to connect with my husband—meanwhile, my nervous system is like SOS. And I know I’m not alone. So many of us are living...

Photos by Sarah Kieffer of The Vanilla Bean Blog Originally published in September 2014 School started this week, and I sent my little ones off on the bus for the first time. Independence is rather bittersweet as a parent; I’m so proud of their growth, but I still want to bottle the summer up and keep...

Originally published in January 2020 The secret to getting more done every day is to make the moments in between work for you. I had no idea how much time I was letting slip away until I started taking inventory of what I was actually doing with the minutes and hours in each day. Sometimes I’d...

There’s a certain kind of dinner I find myself craving this time of year—something warm and nourishing, healthy but not ascetic, and most importantly, one that doesn’t require me to hover over the stove for an hour. Especially during a busy work-and-school week, I love to end the day by prepping ingredients I can slide...

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. If you’re coming off the holiday season feeling more moody, bloated, or just “off,” you’re in good company. In my work as a nutrition consultant, I see this pattern with clients every year: December happens (life gets...