We’ve written low-key checklists for summer and fall, but what are your winter hopes and dreams? As someone who can struggle with depression and anxiety, I like to plan fun things to keep spirits up during the darker days. I’d LOVE to hear what works for you, and here are 12 chill things I’m looking...

Want to step into a living postcard? Chestertown, Maryland, has everything you want in a small coastal town: walkable historic streets, friendly people, unique eateries and indie shops that feel more like treasure hunts than retail. Historic Chestertown Maryland Peaceful waterfront views along the Chester River in Chestertown, MD. with maritime charm on full display...

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. There’s a reason the best fall candles feel less like décor and more like a seasonal ritual. Autumn heightens our senses: a breath of crisp air, the first bite of something spiced, the quiet shift as the...

It’s made for the long season between iced coffee and hot chocolate. Mornings feel easier now, the kind that let you reach for something light without second-guessing it. In warmer parts of the country, fall doesn’t bring much weather to talk about, just a change in pace. You start to want texture, softer fabrics, clothes...

Here’s my hot take: scones are the most underrated treat in any pastry case. Sure, the range from incredible to just okay can be wide—but when you find a great one, it’s magic. These are that kind of scone. They may not be the flashiest pick, but one bite and you’ll be texting everyone you...

When I started dating again after my divorce, I put together a playlist of sexy songs, including Movement by Hozier and Stay by Rihanna and When I Get My Hands on You by The New Basement Tapes. I still stand by them all. Bonus: It’s an hour and 45 minutes, so you can take your...

We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article. Full disclosure: I have an addiction to granola, and tend to make a batch almost every weekend. It’s that combination of sweet and salty with lots of crunch that does it for me. This past weekend, I...

If you’ve been following An Ideal Life for some time, it likely comes as no surprise that I swear by my morning routine—and my mindful morning must-haves! When I stick to my routine, I find my whole day is a little more organized and a whole lot more joyful! *This post may include affiliate or...

Little-known fact: my career started in catering. When I moved to Austin at 21, I scored a job as an event planner for a catering company, totally unaware of how much I’d fall in love with the thrill of pulling off high-pressure events. I was new to the city, staying up late at a neighborhood...

One of my life beliefs is that every party should have a bowl of hummus. Store-bought is totally fine, of course — we’re living in a golden age of hummus brands, after all — but put out a bowl of the homemade stuff and it becomes the star of the snack table. And pink hummus?...