Craft & Bond Blog

I planned this trip within an inch of its life. I measured distances. I built in buffers. I confirmed reservations twice. In my own mind, I was a logistics genius. And then Europe, a heat wave, and my own nervous system took turns reminding me that a plan is just a story you tell yourself before the actual day happens. Forty days, six bags, one wedding, one ferry, and one very public moment involving a sweater. Here is everything that went sideways, and exactly how I would do

I started packing a month early — and that week of distance taught me the difference between the wardrobe I fantasize about and the one I actually live in. Here's how I edited down to a real capsule for 40 days abroad, California-casual meets Euro-stylish.

paring down my packing list and my closet at the same time. I love fashion, clothing and looking good, but I don't want to pay for extra checked bags.

A 10-minute whipped feta that looks like you fussed for an hour. Lemony, silky, topped with sweet peppers - make it ahead, chill it overnight, and watch it be the first thing gone.

....And How to Renew Your Minor Child's Passport So You Never Live It The pile on the ottoman, the forms and hoops ahead of me, just trying to keep it all together. Literally and figuratively. We were 2 weeks out from a last-minute work trip to London. Tickets booked, the hotel covered because this was a work trip. This was the kind of trip where a mom and her kid could truly enjoy one-on-one time in Harry Potter land. Venice had just read the books, so he was over the moon.

Two dark walls, a chevron wallpaper accent, a gallery built from Facebook Marketplace frames, and a sectional we never want to leave. The full living room transformation — and every product and price that got us here.

It's a funny little place, our rental. It has low ceilings, it's dark, and you can feel the early 1980's seeping into you as you walk though it. It needed a vibe switch. The little dining nook off the kitchen was a blank slate when we arrived. A sideboard with Corian countertops - that white plastic molded material that was avant-garde circa '83 - white walls, and a whole lot of nothing happening. For years, the best thing in that room was my kids and dogs, and maybe the gian

Eight summers ago we showed up to our annual camping trip with a cooler full of marinated chicken and a vague plan. I was delighted when everyone raved about it. Since then, this chicken has become the thing people request. It's our version of a standing tradition - the meal that says we made it another year.The marinade is simple: orange juice, fresh herbs, olive oil, shallot, and garlic. Bright without being aggressive. Herby without being fussy. The gremolata drizzle at th

How I lit my entire rental backyard — pool deck, gazebo, steps, and pool — with zero hardwiring, all solar and battery-powered lighting. Every product linked, including one honest "don't buy this" review.

At first I just dated the egg chairs. Four egg chairs and two homes later, I have fully embraced my egg chair era — here's how it happened and everything you need to shop every version, from $67 to over a thousand dollars.

It's easy to make your own dog house from found materials and shipping boxes. Turn your next delivery into your pet's dream home

This dreamy project saw me take an old beat-up VW van and turn it into a mobile dream office/ beach day hauler / hippy love family car.

In June 2025, the New York Times featured 490 Hillside Drive in their ["What $3 Million Buys You in California"](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/02/realestate/2-million-dollar-homes-in-california.html ) column. One sentence in a real estate roundup. A photo. A listing price. What the Times didn't have room to tell was the story behind it — the 1980s ski chalet we gutted to the studs, the once-in-a-century storm that pushed our walls out of alignment mid-construction, the self

Every good transformation starts with a problem to solve. Mine was a beloved, weathered play structure sitting in the middle of a narrow Santa Monica side yard — and absolutely nowhere to go from there until it was gone. This structure had history. Years earlier, my family had sanded it, painted it, and reassembled it together — my boys working alongside their dad and grandfather, all of it done for their little sister who just wanted something to play on in the backyard. It

I love the LA Flower Market. God, I love it. LA Flower Market In all its messy, beautiful chaos, Downtown LA holds this fragrant, living gem within it. The moment you enter the market, you're hit with a symphony of smells—every kind of flower you’ve ever known. It’s glorious. And yet, because this is LA, there’s always something unexpected in the mix. The scent of tacos sizzling from nearby food trucks. The city’s grit. The unmistakable aroma of downtown life. Is that someone

Do you love to celebrate Christmas with your pet? This cardboard gingerbread house is a cute and inexpensive way to include your pet in the festivities!

If I had an unlimited budget, I’d be crafting epic date nights regularly. We’d be jetting off to Santorini, savoring the best sushi in LA by the beach, or snagging tickets to see our favorite artists live. But the reality is, budgets exist, and not every date can be a grand adventure. After 25 years together, I’ve realized that while it’s wonderful to have those occasional, unforgettable nights, what really sustains a relationship is finding joy in the “regular” dates. These

If you’re a traveler, you likely know the benefits of popular sites like Airbnb , Expedia , and TripAdvisor for finding accommodations...

The other day, someone asked me, “Who’s your favorite child?” It wasn’t the first time I’d heard this question, but for some reason, it really stuck with me. I found myself ruminating on it, trying to understand the concept. Why do people even have a “favorite child”? So, instead of letting it bounce around in my head, I thought it might be healthier to get it down on paper and share it with you all. I’d love to hear your perspective—especially if you’ve had similar experienc

Sustainable Tourism Vall de Núria is truly a hidden gem, nestled in the heart of the Pyrenees in Catalonia, Spain. Accessible only by a...