Eliza Cross 
Every few weeks, I drive to my local Sprouts store and buy a couple bags of organic Guatemalan coffee. This particular Sprouts store is a rather, shall we say, relaxed establishment where long lines are part of the experience. On a recent Thursday at 5 p.m., three cashiers were open and the lines of people stretched all … Read more
This is a post I wrote a few birthdays ago. As the years pass, I find that I’m more introspective on my birthday — so deeply grateful for another year and all of the experiences and blessings of this life. I recently found a photo of myself taken about forty years ago. As I studied … Read more
I can divide my adolescence in two parts: Before and After. The break happened when I was thirteen, on what began as a normal day. I was at a girlfriend’s house when my mom called and asked me to come home. Opening the front door I discovered Dad on the couch fighting back tears, a … Read more
Note: This article was originally published on June 15, 2015 at Happy Simple Living. Sylvia Crosslen became my step-grandmother when her son Howard married my mom Betty, some forty years ago. If you are fortunate enough to have a special relative through marriage, then you’ll understand when I say that it didn’t take long for … Read more
Captain Crunch French Toast is sweet, crunchy and absolutely decadent for breakfast or brunch. Crispy bacon is the perfect accompaniment; add some fresh fruit on the side, and you can boast that your French Toast is “part of a balanced breakfast.” I’ve always loved Cap’n Crunch cereal. As a child raised in Boulder, Colorado by … Read more
This fresh corn avocado tomato salsa is easy to make and SO delicious. You can serve it as a dip with corn chips, as an accompaniment for Mexican food or as a side salad with grilled meats. Appetizer, side or salad? No matter what you call it, this simple recipe combines some of my favorite … Read more
This no bake strawberry cheesecake without gelatin is light, sweet and creamy. We LOVE cheesecake in this family, and we especially adore it topped with sweet, juicy strawberries. The filling in this cheesecake pie is so light and creamy. It’s a sweet, flavorful blend of softened cream cheese, whipped cream and Greek yogurt. The non … Read more
I’m a fan of setting micro goals to make big things happen. Let me explain. Many of us struggle to set realistic New Year’s resolutions and accomplish all of our hopes and plans. Instead, I’m a fan of making tiny little micro goals I might actually achieve. For instance, if I’m procrastinating on a project … Read more
Our mom has been making this crispy meringue pavlova with berries, a classic dessert, for as long as I can remember. Some call it Pavlova or Vacherin, while the Joy of Cooking simply calls it a Meringue. Imagine a crispy, sweet, light-as-air cookie like a French macaron, topped with ice cream and fresh berries. It’s … Read more
These frugal living blogs are full of ideas, inspiration and information about how to live well while spending less money. These websites include food and meal planning tips, money management and financial help, frugal and self sufficient living, thrifty home and DIY projects, and simple living ideas to fuel your inspiration all year. Food and … Read more