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There’s something deeply satisfying about holding a story in your hands — the weight of it, the promise of it, the way a book can feel like a tiny world you get to keep. So today, I decided to take that feeling and shrink it down even further… literally.I spent the afternoon making miniature books of the novels I’ve read this year, plus the ones patiently waiting on my TBR list. And let me tell you: these tiny books are ridiculously cute. The kind of cute that makes you stop mid‑project just to squeal at them. The kind of cute that makes you consider building them their own little bookshelf, because obviously they deserve it.The covers came from TaylorMayedDesigns on Etsy, and they’re perfect — crisp, colorful, and detailed enough that even at miniature size, you instantly recognize the titles. I opened the package and immediately knew I was in trouble. The good kind of trouble. The “I’m about to spend hours happily crafting and ignoring my laundry” kind of trouble.There’s something meditative about cutting, folding, and assembling these tiny books. It feels like stitching together a visual diary of my reading life — the stories that moved me, the ones that made me laugh, the ones I’m still thinking about, and the ones I swear I’ll get to soon. (Looking at you, stack of fantasy epics.)I love how these little books capture the joy of reading in such a playful, creative way. They’re going to look adorable on my shelves, tucked into photos, or even hanging as ornaments when the holidays roll around again. And honestly, they just make me happy. Sometimes that’s reason enough.If you’re a fellow book lover or a crafter looking for a low‑pressure, high‑delight project, miniature books might be your new obsession too. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you.

As the last hours of 2025 simmer down, I’ve been thinking about everything we cooked, created, and shared together this year. When I started Culinary & Craft, I hoped it would become a cozy corner of the internet — a place where food meets family, where stories meet saucepans, and where a little bit of everyday magic sneaks into the kitchen. This year, you helped make that dream feel real. 

Christmas Day this year was everything I love rolled into one: great food, loud laughter, familiar traditions, and those little moments that sneak up on you and tug at your heart.We kicked off the morning at MaMa Becky’s house, just like we do every year. She makes her famous Cinnabon French toast—sooo good. I’m not even a big sugar eater, but mine disappeared in under a minute. No shame, no regrets.Before we headed out, the kids insisted on opening presents first thing. Watching them tear into wrapping paper with that early‑morning excitement hit me differently this year. It suddenly dawned on me that this is the last Christmas where my son is technically a “kid.” Next year he’ll be an adult. How did that happen so fast? It’s wild and a little bittersweet, but mostly it just made me grateful to soak in every second of this season.The rest of the day was spent at home, where my husband and I took over dinner duty. We went all out—dry‑aged prime rib, mac n’ cheese, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and homemade gravy. The house smelled like pure holiday comfort.And the best part? My “brother” came for dinner. Having him there made me really happy. It just made the day feel complete in that way only certain people can.That’s the thing about the holidays: the food is amazing, sure, but it’s the people around the table who make it unforgettable.

There’s something magical about December cooking. Maybe it’s the twinkle lights, maybe it’s the promise of family gathered around the table, or maybe it’s the thrill of opening your fridge every morning to check on a massive, cheesecloth-wrapped prime rib like it’s a very carnivorous advent calendar. 

When Working From Home Feels Like Working From Everywhere At Once 

By the time Friday rolls around, I swear my body can sense it before my brain does. Something in me just whispers, “You’ve made it… barely, but you’ve made it.” And after a week of juggling busy work schedules and being sick on top of it, I am clinging to that whisper like it’s a life raft.So when the family put in their official dinner request—tacos—I didn’t even pretend to debate it. Tacos are the universal “we survived” meal. They’re easy, they’re comforting, and everyone in this house will actually eat them without negotiations, side‑eye, or dramatic sighs. That alone feels like a small miracle.But because I’m me, and because food is how I reset my brain for the weekend, I’ve already mapped out the rest of our cozy lineup:🌮 Friday: TacosRequested, approved, and happening. I’m not fighting the system.🍲 Saturday: Tortellini Meatball SoupThis is the kind of soup that hugs you back. Perfect for a December weekend when you’re still recovering from being sick and want something warm, hearty, and borderline therapeutic.🥣 Sunday: Lasagna SoupWill I actually make it Sunday? Maybe. Will I switch it with Saturday because I’m feeling rebellious? Also maybe. I like to keep my weekend meals flexible… mostly because I never know what level of energy I’ll have by Sunday afternoon.Honestly, I’m just looking forward to slowing down, eating good food, and pretending the laundry pile doesn’t exist for at least 24 hours. If the kids are fed, the cats are happy, and I get to sit down with a bowl of soup at some point, I’ll call it a win.Here’s to a restful weekend, a warm kitchen, and meals that make the chaos feel a little softer.

It’s Wednesday, which means we’re officially on the downhill slide toward the weekend. I don’t know about you, but by midweek my brain starts wandering toward cozy meals and what I might cook when I finally have a little more time.This week, I stumbled across a recipe for Tortellini Meatball Soup—comfort in a bowl, right? The idea of cheesy tortellini swimming in a rich broth with hearty meatballs sounds perfect for a chilly December weekend.But here’s the catch: not everyone in my house is a fan of meatballs. (Cue the family debates.) So now I’m scheming alternatives—maybe swapping the meatballs for shredded rotisserie chicken, Italian sausage, or even keeping it vegetarian with extra veggies and beans.Either way, I love the thought of a big pot simmering on the stove, everyone wandering in and out of the kitchen, cats pretending they’re sous-chefs, and the weekend feeling just a little more delicious.What’s cooking in your weekend plans?