From Garden Peppers to Homemade Smoked Pepper Powder
What do you do with the last handful of peppers from the garden? I decided to smoke mine on the Traeger, dry them in my COSORI dehydrator, and grind them into homemade pepper powder. The results were better than I expected.
Planting Garlic in the Fall: A Little Less Garlic, a Lot More Common Sense
Last year, I somehow convinced myself I needed an entire garden bed of garlic. This fall, I'm taking a more sensible approach and planting fewer cloves saved from last season's harvest. Here's how I plant garlic in the Willamette Valley, why fall is the perfect time to get started, and what I've learned about growing just enough.
I Stripped Decades of Paint Off My 1930s Front Door — and Found Something Better Underneath
I stripped decades of paint from the inside of my 1930s front door and uncovered the original stained wood, decorative brass hinges, and vintage mortise hardware hiding underneath. Here’s how I removed the old paint, cleaned up the hardware, prepped the wood, and gave the door a modern finish without losing its original character.
Spring Gardening in the Pacific Northwest: Don’t Let the Warm Weather Fool You
A warm, dry spring in the Pacific Northwest can make it tempting to plant everything early, but that’s where many gardeners go wrong. Here’s what to plant now, what to avoid, and how to prep your garden for a successful season in Oregon.
Rachio 3 Review After One Summer: My Lawn Improved After Adjusting the Settings
After one full summer with the Rachio 3, I’m officially converted. Once I dialed in the advanced zone settings and paired it with my Tempest Weather Station, my watering got noticeably smarter—fewer brown spots, less waste, and way less guesswork.
The Best Quiet Portable Inverter Generators (Tested & Compared)
Power outages, RV trips, and quiet camping nights all demand reliable power. We tested and reviewed today’s most popular quiet, portable inverter generators, from dual-fuel workhorses to ultra-quiet premium models, to help you choose the right backup power for your home, garden, or next adventure.
Emergency Preparedness Essentials Every Home Should Have
Living in the Pacific Northwest means being ready for winter storms, wildfire smoke, and the very real risk of earthquakes. After seeing some of the worst disasters in our region firsthand, I’ve learned that preparedness isn’t about panic—it’s about having the right essentials.
Best Solar Generators for Homeowners: Jackery vs EcoFlow
Power outages don’t have to mean spoiled food, lost internet, or noisy gas generators. If you’re a homeowner looking for a clean, practical backup power solution, portable solar generators like EcoFlow and Jackery may be the smartest option. Read how these two popular solar generators compare.
Bring Back Vintage Magic: Why These C9 Outdoor Christmas Lights Are My Favorite Holiday Decor
Bring back that nostalgic, vintage Christmas glow with these bright, energy-efficient C9 outdoor lights. See why they instantly transformed my home into a classic holiday scene—and why you’ll love them too.
Best Blenders: Real Reviews and Honest Insights
Power, performance, and price, compared the top blenders of 2025 to find which models truly deliver smooth results, easy cleanup, and lasting quality. From budget-friendly favorites to pro-level machines, here’s what stands out.
Holiday Gift Guide 2025: The Perfect Finds for Those Who Are Hard to Shop For
Struggling to find the perfect gift for that friend who’s impossible to shop for? From smart home upgrades to cozy kitchen gadgets, this holiday gift guide features affordable, high-rated finds that are thoughtful, practical, and sure to impress.
The Best Air Fryers for Every Kitchen and Cooking Style
Air fryers have become a kitchen essential — delivering crispy, golden results with less oil and less hassle. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these top-rated air fryers from Nuwave, COSORI, Ninja, and Instant Pot offer speed, flavor, and easy cleanup. Discover which model fits your cooking style best.
Did You Know You Can Dehydrate Carrots for Quick Winter Soups?
Preserve your garden harvest for hearty winter meals. Learn how to clean, blanch, and dehydrate fresh carrots so they’re ready to toss into soups, stews, and stocks all season long.
COSORI Food Dehydrator Review: Quiet Power for Herbs, Jerky & More
Preserve herbs, fruit, and homemade jerky with ease. See why the stainless steel COSORI Food Dehydrator, quiet, spacious, and precise, has become my go-to gadget for turning garden harvests into year-round flavor.
How to Dry Basil in a Food Dehydrator: Step-by-Step Guide for Garden Abundance
Turn your basil harvest into year-round flavor! Learn how to wash, dry, and vacuum-seal basil using a food dehydrator to keep its vibrant color and aroma long after summer ends.
From Porch to Pie: Getting the Most Out of Your Homegrown Pumpkins
Double the delight from your homegrown pumpkins! Learn how to cure and display pumpkins on your porch for fall décor—and then turn them into rich, sweet pie. Includes best-tasting varieties, storage tips, and easy prep steps.
I’ve Never Dealt With Squash Bugs…Until This Year
First time battling squash bugs? You’re not alone—this year they’re everywhere. Learn how to evict them this fall and set a clever trap next spring so your pumpkins thrive bug-free.
What to Do When Your Tomatoes Split: Causes, Fixes, and Prevention
Cracked or split tomatoes? Don’t toss them yet! Learn what causes splitting, how to save your harvest, and easy tips to keep your future fruit picture-perfect.
5 Must-Have Gadgets to Transition Your Garden Into Fall
Fall brings shorter days, cooler nights, and plenty of garden chores. From shredding leaves into free mulch to staying ahead of frost warnings, these five gadgets make autumn transitions smoother and smarter. Discover the tools that save time, protect your plants, and keep your garden thriving well into the season.
REVIEW: Which Smart Thermostat Is Right for You? Ecobee vs. Nest vs. Honeywell
Upgrading to a smart thermostat can save energy, lower bills, and make your home more comfortable—but not all models are created equal. I’ve tested and researched the most popular options, from Ecobee and Nest to Honeywell, Amazon, Meross, and Sensi, to help you find the one that works best for your smart home setup.