On The Grill: Shrimp Skewers with Spicy Pineapple-Mango Salsa
Grilled Shrimp Skewers are such a fun meal on the grill, even more so with homemade Spicy Mango-Pineapple Salsa. It’s colorful and just the thing for a BBQ or 30-minute dinner.
…On The Grill: Shrimp Skewers with Spicy Pineapple-Mango SalsaRead More »
Living With Kids: Rachael Alsbury
All you really need to know about Rachael is that she’s one of those wildly entertaining writers who might make you laugh out loud a few times throughout her interview. She’s real and aims to live a debt-free life in her detoxed home. You’re going to enjoy this one, I just know it.
Welcome, Rachael!
…Recipe: The Most Delicious Non-Alcoholic Sangria
This Non Alcoholic Sangria refreshing and light, and you get to eat the fruit too. That is definitely one of the best parts. For this recipe, we’re using a combination of stone fruit (peaches, nectarines, cherries, plums) because they are what we most associate with summer.
…Newlane University US Accreditation!
Some very exciting news: Newlane University just earned US Accreditation!!!!!
Don’t know what the heck Newlane is? In 2017, my husband, Ben Blair, and my brother, Josh Stanley, set out to build a university that was accessible to everyone. It’s called Newlane University. Newlane’s Mission: “To make quality online liberal arts higher education accessible to anyone on earth by breaking down the barriers of cost, schedule, and geography.”
In 2019, they started on the journey to get US accreditation to help assure students that Newlane is a high quality education, and an institution they can trust. Earning accreditation is a HUGE accomplishment, and I could not be more proud of them. DEAC is the accrediting organization, and for those who are curious, you can see Newlane listed here. Here’s a quick FAQ about Newlane:
What is the cost?
Newlane is incredibly affordable! Newlane offers accredited degrees for $1500. Period. $1500 for an Associate degree, and if you already have an Associate degree, then it’s $1500 for a Bachelor’s degree. You pay a $249 registration fee, then $40 per month until you reach $1500. That’s it. You won’t get charged again even if it takes you another year (or years) to finish. And it’s risk free! If you register, try it out, and decide it’s not for you, you have 30 days to get a full refund.
I’m busy. Will Newlane work with my schedule?
Newlane courses are self-paced. This means you can starts and complete your degree according to your schedule, no matter where you live. You can literally sign up today and get started. Newlane has professors around the world who can accommodate any schedule. Need to fit your education around work or family obligations? No problem. In a hurry? You can work as quickly as you’d like. Don’t live near a campus? Doesn’t matter. If you can access the internet, you can complete your degree. Anywhere in the world.
What degrees does Newlane offer?
Newlane offers an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy. Some fun news: Now that they are accredited, Newlane can begin building new programs, degrees, and areas of study. Newlane is currently working on courses in Psychology, Art History, Business, Natural Science, and more. You can begin taking classes today that will count toward any degree they offer in the future.
Are the courses challenging?
Courses are rigorous and competency-based. This means you pass the course only after you’ve learned the material. There’s no sliding by with a B- or C, where you’ve only learned part of what the class covered. Students in typical schools often worry: Will the professor like me? Will I get a good grade? But those questions have nothing to do with actually learning the course work. In contrast, Newlane is explicitly focused on helping you master the course material, and verifying that you have in fact mastered it. It’s a totally different (and better!) approach. Again, you pass the course only when you’ve learned the material.
How do you pass a course at Newlane?
The final step to pass a class is called a Course Hearing, where you meet one-on-one with a professor on a video call for 30-40 minutes. The professor asks open-ended and follow-up questions about the material. Their role is to verify you have mastered all the course goals and objectives. And if you haven’t? The professor will tell you what you still need to review, and then you’ll schedule a follow-up Course Hearing. This means you can’t fail a class. You just review and try again.
What if I’ve already completed some college courses?
You can likely transfer your credits to Newlane, getting you closer to earning your degree faster. And you’re not alone. In the U.S., 40 million people have completed some college, but have not earned a degree. And that number is in the hundreds of millions world-wide. Many schools make it painful and difficult to transfer credits. Newlane does not. Newlane works hard to make this process smooth and efficient. No need to waste time re-taking classes, put those credits you already earned toward your degree.
Apply for Free at Newlane.edu
Newlane is currently accepting students from countries around the world. Feel free to email Newlane with any questions. They would love to hear from you. In the meantime, you can check out testimonials from Newlane students, graduates, and professors.
Founding a university from scratch and earning accreditation was super challenging. I’m so proud of Ben and Josh for making this happen. If you are a journalist, or know a journalist who would want to cover this, please reach out to Newlane. It’s a fantastic story and the more you dig in and learn about Newlane and Higher Ed in general, the more compelling it is.
For those of you who have been following along when I report on Newlane progress, I’m sure you already know how awesome this news is. We are cheering like crazy!!
Make it: Easy Hanging Succulent Frame
Still in love with succulents? Me too. They’re so easy to care for and they add beautiful depth and color and texture to any space. So I LOVE the idea of using a shadowbox frame as planter. Succulents on the wall? Yes, please!
This project is especially appealing to me for 4 reasons: 1) You can choose any style shadowbox — silver, modern, carved, traditional, black, glossy — whatever works best for your decor. 2) It hangs on the wall and keeps flat surfaces clutter free. 3) It works in any room. 4) It would make such a fun gift!
Let’s get dirty.
…Dessert For Two: Peach Shortcakes
Summer peaches are here! Which means maybe you’re in the mood to bake pies and things like these Peach Shortcakes for Two.
These peach shortcakes are really more like sweet biscuits, instead of spongy little cakes. They are flaky, buttery, toasty on top and soft in the middle shortcakes that practically melt in your mouth with each bite.
The peaches, if you’re using the sweetest, juiciest ones you can find, make all the difference here — it’s worth waiting until they ripen. This is not the dessert to use up sub-par peaches that are tinged with green and rock hard.
…Living With Kids: Mia Galison
Mia owns a super cute boutique toy company on the Upper West Side of New York. It began in the basement of the building where she still lives, but now is found just down the street. Once a renovated ballroom that at one point was a Japanese tea room full of flea market finds, Chinese art deco, rugs, sky lights, and school house lighting, it’s pretty magnificent. (Especially the bathroom converted to become her son’s room! See if you can spot the tiling and leftover soap bed!)
…DIY: Tree Branch Planter for Succulents
Hooray! I’ve got another gorgeous DIY to share with you. This project is the perfect excuse to get outside and interact with nature. These little planters would be gorgeous inside or out. I can picture them in our living room, and also on the balcony. I really want to make like 35 of these and line my front walk with them! I think they’re so cool.
I’m going to tell you right now, that this project takes a few bona fide tools and some muscle, too. But it’s actually pretty easy and straightforward. If you can handle a drill, then you can handle this project.
You ready to get started? Head out into nature and let’s make something!
…Summer Recipe: Chicken Pasta Salad with Bacon and Jalapeños
This is a flavor packed, non-mayo pasta salad that is going to knock your socks off. Chicken, cheese, bacon, and jalapeños. This is guaranteed to be the favorite dish at every summer pot-luck you attend.
…Summer Recipe: Chicken Pasta Salad with Bacon and JalapeñosRead More »
Living With Kids: Nathan of Wand’rly
I found Nathan in his own corner of Instagram, and was instantly intrigued. His bio reads “A family of five galavanting about Mexico in a 1978 VW Bus. Full-time travelin’ types since 2008.” His squares are dusty captures of a life lived on the run — not away from anything, to be sure, but more toward everything. Toward crisp blue bodies of water and hammocks for everyone and space to run and time to explore. Does that make sense? It will after you read Nathan’s compelling interview.
He founded an online magazine dedicated to advising others who want to travel full-time — A Complete Guide to Perpetual Travel, as he calls it — and it’s wonderfully empowering and community-building. Go see. (But first, this tour around his family’s life!)
I’m so excited to share him with you. Welcome, Nathan!
…Four Summer Picture Books
In the mood for some book recommendations? Here are four summer picture books that would complement your summer in a lovely way.
First up, National Parks of the U.S.A., by Kate Siber, with illustrations by Chris Turnham.
…8 Secrets To The Perfect Burger
The perfect hamburger: not too thick or too thin, juicy and flavorful, and every single bite is enjoyable.
Trying to recreate the perfect hamburger at home is actually easier and simpler than you might think. It’s just a matter of understanding a few basics and getting the timing down, and then you’ll be well on your way to a summer filled with juicy grilled burgers.
Are you ready to get grilling?
…Living With Kids: Jan Verhoff
I always love to hear stories of how families chose their homes. Sometimes it’s walk-through-the-front-door-perfect, and sometimes it requires a little imagination. Plus also a general contractor with access to heavy machinery!
Jan and her family needed a little help, but they also put in a lot of their own sweat equity — I love her advice about that! — and I’m pretty sure they wouldn’t have done it any other way.
Come meet her. Happy to have you here, Jan!
…Yogurt Lemon Sheet Cake Kids Can Make All By Themselves!
One of the most beloved and easy cake recipes is the classic French yogurt cake. The tradition goes that it can be made by measuring all of the ingredients using a standard (French) yogurt cup. And while this recipe doesn’t specify those measurements, it’s pretty close. And one of the best parts about this lemon sheet cake is it can be made by kids in its entirety. (Younger children will obviously need help with the baking part.)
In addition to the tangy yogurt, this sheet cake has loads of fresh lemon juice. It’s about as lemony as you can make a cake. And really this sheet cake doesn’t even need frosting… it’s that good! (That said, there are still two frosting recipes included below. Hah!)
…Yogurt Lemon Sheet Cake Kids Can Make All By Themselves!Read More »
Highlights
Tall House Renovations
Making Limewash For Wallpaint in the Family Room at the Tall House
Sanding Floors in the Tall House Attic
Applying Soap Finish To Wood Floors in the Tall House Attic
The Double Wall We Found in the Living Room at the Tall House
Tall House Attic Renovation — Part 3
Moving Into The Tall House
Installing a New Old Window in the Workroom at the Tall House
Restoring The Original Cast Iron DoorBell at the Tall House
Tall House Kitchen Remodel — Part 4
Another Round of Fixing the Brick Floor
Tall House Entry Renovation — Part 2
Tall House Entry Renovation — Part 3
Tall House Entry Renovation — Part 4
Painting the Front Doors of the Tall House
Tall House Staircase Renovation
Plumbing Troubles at the Tall House
Restored Cast Iron Radiators at the Tall House
Fixing the Brick Floor and Installing Reclaimed Bricks
Creating a Curved Ceiling in the Tall House — Part 1
Creating a Curved Ceiling in the Tall House — Part 2
[Former] Dining Room & Lighting at the Tall House
Installing the Laundry Room Counter at the Tall House
Little Cupboard Under the Stairs at the Tall House
Renovating the Landing at the Tall House
Some Treasures We’ve Found at the Tall House & Small House
Moving the Green Piano to the Tall House
Making Built-In Bookshelves at the Tall House
Building a Built-in Closet from IKEA Pax for the Primary Bedroom at the Tall House
Early Renovation of the Carriage House (a building in the Tall House Garden)
Bringing Back the Original Doors of the Carriage House
Fixing The Carriage House Doors
Bringing a Small Digger Tractor to the Tall House Garden
Figuring out Plumbing in the Tall House Garden
Working in the Tall House Garden
Transforming the Big Garden Doors with Glass
Bioethanol Fireplace at the Tall House
Building Window Benches for Betty’s Bedroom at the Tall House
Painting Upholstery on a Bed in the Tall House
Renovating the Workroom at the Tall House
Tours of Finished Rooms & Tall House
Finished Tour of the Laundry Room at the Tall House
Finished Tour of Flora June’s Bedroom at the Tall House
Finished Tour of Betty’s Bedroom at the Tall House
Finished Tour of the Primary Bedroom at the Tall House
Finished Tour of the Green Bathroom at the Tall House
Travel
A Visit to the D-Day American Military Cemetery
Family Trip to Mykonos, Greece (after two years apart during the pandemic)
Family Trip to Santorini, Greece
A Visit to Mortagne Au Perche, France
A Trip to Marrakech, Morocco — Part 3
A Trip to Marrakech, Morocco — Part 2
A Trip to Marrakech, Morocco — Part 1
A Visit to Monet’s House & Gardens at Giverny
A Family Trip to the Dordogne region of France
Family Trip to the US — Part 1
Family Trip to the US — Part 2
A Family Trip to Yosemite, California
Family Trip to Scotland — Part 1
Family Trip to Scotland — Part 2
Family Trip to the British Island of Jersey — Part 1
Family Trip to the British Island of Jersey — Part 2
Tour of Chateau D’O, Normandy, France
Tour of Chateau “De Castro”, Normandy, France
Family Visit to Versailles, France
Family Trip to Heidelberg, Germany
Family Trip to the Alsace Region of France (Strausburg & Colmar)
Press Trip to Chateau Purnon in the Loire Valley
Miscellaneous
Adventures at the Cottage — Part 2
A Discussion About My Ancestry
Updates About My Book, Ejaculate Responsibly
Making a Rothko-style painting
Major Storm Knocked Down Towers on the 13th Century Church Across The Street
Oscar’s High School Graduation
Small House
Small House Video Tour Before Renovation
Renovating the Small House Roof — Part 1
Renovating the Small House Roof — Part 2
Renovating the Small House Roof — Part 3
Renovating the Small House Roof — Part 4
Clearing Out the Small House Upstairs
Treasures Found at the Small House
The Work Jacket We Found at the Small House
Working On the Small House Upstairs
Loft Beam Repair at the Small House
Restoring the Loft at the Small House — Part 1
Restoring the Loft at the Small House — Part 2
Insulating the Ceiling at the Small House
Small House Upstairs Repointing — Part 1
Small House Upstairs Repointing — Part 2
Small House Upstairs Repointing — Part 3
Renovation of Small House Upstairs Ceiling and Beams
Renovation of Small House Ceiling — Part 2
Small House Upstairs Bathroom Floor Renovation
Welding Repairs on the Doors at the Small House
Small House Loft Electrical Updates
Building the Upstairs Bathroom Walls at the Small House
Small House Upstairs Bathroom Sheetrock
Handmade Faucets in Small House Upstairs Bathroom
Upstairs Bathroom SubFloor at the Small House
Tadelakt Walls in the Upstairs Bathroom at the Small House
Soaping Tadelakt Walls at the Small House
Cleaning Reclaimed Tiles at the Small House
Reclaimed Floor Tile in the Upstairs Bathroom at the Small House — Part 1
Reclaimed Floor Tile in the Upstairs Bathroom at the Small House — Part 2
Building a Vanity for the Small House Upstairs Bathroom
Foam Fix in the Small House Upstairs Bathroom
Installing an Antique Bathtub in the Small House Upstairs Bathroom
Restoring the Loft Staircase at the Small House
Wiring and Electricity Update at the Small House
Bathroom Lighting Upstairs at the Small House
Bedroom Floor Renovation (Upstairs) at the Small House — Part 1
Bedroom Floor Renovation at the Small House — Part 2
Bedroom Floor Renovation at the Small House — Part 3
Bedroom Floor Renovation at the Small House — Part 4
Bedroom Floor Renovation at the Small House — Part 5
Remaking the Bathroom Door Upstairs at the Small House
Installing Baseboard Upstairs at the Small House
Replacing Glass in the Big Windows at the Small House
Painting Windows at the Small House
Limewashing a Bedroom Wall at the Small House (last half of highlight)
A Kitchen From the 1400s at the Small House
Electricity Updates at the Small House
Finishing Wood Floors with Soap or Staining With Vinegar
Fixing a Broken Stone Mantel Upstairs at the Small House
Clean-up Day on the Ground Floor of the Small House
Staining the Loft Floor at the Small House
Restoring the Ground Floor Staircase at the Small House
Staining the Ground Floor Staircase at the Small House
Removing the Blacksmith Forge Hood at the Small House
Painting Woodwork at the Small House
Staining with Vinegar and Applying Linseed Oil to the Wood Floors Upstairs at the Small House
Plumbing Updates at the Small House
Converting a Cast Iron Radiator to Electricity at the Small House
Insulation on the Ground Floor Ceiling at the Small House
Repairing the Ground Floor Fireplace a the Small House
Restoring the Small House Gate — Part 1
Restoring the Small House Gate — Part 2
Restoring the Small House Gate — Part 3
Restoring the Small House Gate — Part 4
Some Bath Details at the Small House
Repointing the Living Room Walls at the Small House — Part 1
Installing the Entry & Kitchen Ceiling at the Small House
Insulating the Living Room Ceiling at the Small House
Installing the Living Room Ceiling at the Small House — Part 1
Installing the Living Room Ceiling at the Small House — Part 2
Repointing the Living Room Walls at the Small House
Restoring the Ground Floor Stair Landing at the Small House
Putting Linseed Oil on the Big Beams at the Small House
More Painting at the Small House
Electrical Installation in the Living Room at the Small House
Working on the Living Room Floor at the Small House
Repointing the Big Wall in the Kitchen/Entry Area of the Small House — Part 1
Repointing the Big Wall in the Kitchen/Entry Area of the Small House — Part 2
Ham and Cheese Overnight Breakfast Casserole — Perfect for Mother’s Day Brunch
Have you ever made a breakfast casserole? They’re great for holidays or special days. You prep it the night before, then pop it in the oven in the morning. It keeps things simple, but also feels special and substantial. And the leftovers are so great for busy school mornings! The leftovers can even be cut into squares, wrapped well, and frozen.
Let’s get this casserole prepped and ready to go.
…Ham and Cheese Overnight Breakfast Casserole — Perfect for Mother’s Day BrunchRead More »
Flora June Blair’s Birth Story
Flora June Blair turned 13 today. It’s the end of an era. Our youngest is officially a teenager. To mark the day, I thought it would be fun to republish Flora June’s birth story. And be sure to check out the links in the last paragraph for more photos and details.
From June 7, 2010
Today, Flora June Blair is one month old. I can hardly believe it. What was our family like before June arrived? I don’t even remember. To mark the day, I wanted to write down her birth story before I forget the details.
Ejaculate Responsibly — More Book Tour Dates!
Since I’m heading to the U.S. for a conference and for our son Ralph’s college graduation in May, my book team has put together a few more book tour stops!!! I am REALLY looking forward to these events. If you can make it, I can’t wait to meet you and connect with you in person and hear your stories. These are the dates and cities:
May 9th – PHOENIX
NEW EVENT
7:30pm at The Garn Residence
45 S Sawyer Lane
Gilbert, AZ 85296
RSVP to John.a.webster@icloud.com — space is limited.
Earlier that day, you can find me at the Mom 2.0 Summit, The Camelback Inn, Scottsdale
5402 E Lincoln Dr, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
I’ll be part of the Closing Keynote.
Click for conference tickets.
May 10th – SALT LAKE CITY
6pm at The King’s English Bookshop
1511 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
In conversation with Amy McPhie Allebest of Breaking Down Patriarchy.
Click here for SLC event tickets.
May 11th – SALT LAKE CITY
6pm at The King’s English Bookshop
1511 S 1500 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84105
In conversation with Amy McPhie Allebest of Breaking Down Patriarchy.
SOLD OUT
May 13th – BERKELEY
7pm at Books, Inc.
1491 Shattuck Ave Berkeley, CA 94710
In conversation with my husband Ben Blair.
Click here for Berkeley event tickets.
May 15th – ATLANTA
7pm at Eagle Eye Book Shop
2076 N. Decatur Road Decatur, GA 30033
In conversation with author, Jessica Handler.
Click here for Atlanta event tickets.
Dessert For Two: Fluffy Lemon Pudding
Oh my goodness, you’re going to absolutely love this recipe! It comes, slightly adapted, from Rachel Allen’s Irish Family Food, a beloved cookbook. With spring here, it makes a perfect addition to the Dessert For Two series – scaled down a bit, that is.
This recipe is magic. Magic! As the pudding bakes, it separates into layers of spongy cake and a warm, lemon custard (think: lemon curd) on the bottom. Basically it tastes like warm lemon bars only with the crust on top. And the rim of the baking dish gets that kind of sticky, caramelized crispy edge. So darn irresistible!
…6 Secrets and Tips for Moving Home Smoothly
Some moves are bigger and more hectic than others. But let’s just get this out there: moving stinks! I don’t know one person who has ever said, “Moving is great! I love it!” Quite the opposite! That’s because it’s just plain miserable most of the time. Packing up all of your belongings, schlepping them to another town, state, or country? Not fun at all. Am I right?
It would be dreamy to hire a moving company to do all the work, but since that’s not always an option, I rely on some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with you to help you or someone you know have an easier time packing and moving — and hopefully making it a bit less miserable in the process.
Ready to get packing? Let’s go!
…