Lala’s Legacy: Baking Gladys Gay’s Nut Bread with My Daughter There’s something deeply comforting about baking from an old family recipe box—the kind with soft, yellowed paper and ink that’s just beginning to fade. A few years back, my daughter Lolly and I pulled out a gem: Gladys Gay’s Nut Bread. And what a treat it turned out to be—not just the bread, but the moment we carved out together in the kitchen. My husband and son were away for the week, so Lolly and I seized the chance for a little mother-daughter staycation here in Central Wisconsin. With cooler, fall-like weather rolling in, it was the perfect time to turn on the oven again. After a few days of picnicking, gardening, and a spontaneous fishing trip, we decided to wind down with some baking. Lolly wanted to choose a recipe from my grandmother’s collection—what we lovingly call Lala’s Legacy Box. Now, a little backstory: Lolly is named after both of her great-grandmothers. Her middle name is Luella, and when her big brother ...

Rhubarb Cake with Strawberry Glaze A Sweet Spring Celebration for Family Birthdays There’s something magical about spring — the gardens waking up, the warm breezes, and best of all, fresh rhubarb ready for picking. Yesterday, while out in the backyard, I spotted our rhubarb plants bursting with life. Perfect timing: I’m thinking about recipes from Lala’s Legacy and wanted to revisit this one. It’s s imple, cozy, and bursting with flavor. Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Cake Uses simple pantry staples (plus seasonal rhubarb!) Moist, fluffy texture with a sweet-tart bite Bakes beautifully in loaf pans, bundt pans, or rounds Naturally adaptable — gluten-free, dairy-free, or nut-friendly Perfect with preserves, glaze, or a dollop of whipped cream Ingredients For the Cake: ½ cup butter, softened 1 ½ cups white sugar (or brown sugar for a deeper flavor) 1 egg 1 cup sour milk (or buttermilk, or DIY with milk + vinegar) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 cups al...

Packing Up and Moving Home: What to Expect When Your College Kid Comes Back for Summer The final exams are over, the dorm room is (almost) packed, and your college student is heading home for the summer. Cue the happy tears, open arms… and maybe a tiny bit of chaos! If you’re anything like me, you’re thrilled to have your child home again — but you’re also wondering where exactly you’re going to put all their “stuff,” and what life will look like under one roof after months apart. Here’s what I’ve learned from helping my college student pack up, move home, and settle back in — all with as much laughter and grace as possible. The Art of Packing (and the Reality Check) If you imagine your college student neatly folding clothes and organizing boxes days before move-out, let me save you the trouble: it’s going to be a last-minute sprint. Despite the best intentions, that “I’ll start packing early!” plan tends to dissolve under the weight of finals, social goodbyes, and a whole lot o...