Skip to Content

Anna Chesley is a freelance writer with a soft spot for old books, old recipes, and old-fashioned ways of doing things. She’s the founder of saltinmycoffee.com,  where she writes about homesteading and self-sufficiency, and the1800shousewife.com, where she re-creates 1800’s recipes for the modern kitchen.

The holiday season is upon us, and the pressure to create magical moments for our families can sometimes feel intense. One beloved tradition, the advent calendar, has been a staple in many families for generations. Parents everywhere, though, can relate to the way December 1 has a way of sneaking up, and catching us unprepared …

Read More about Online Moms Swap Clever Last-Minute Advent Calendar Ideas

Feeling overwhelmed by the thought of decking the halls? You’re not alone. This year, a surprising number of people are turning to an unexpected helper to make their homes merry and bright: ChatGPT. This clever AI tool can help take the stress out of holiday decorating, making it easier than ever to bring your festive …

Read More about ChatGPT Brings Ease and Fun to Holiday Decorating

The holiday season is often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for families with neurodivergent children, it can also be the most overwhelming. The disruption of routines, sensory overload from bright lights and new decorations, and the pressure of social gatherings can be a lot for kids who thrive on predictability. …

Read More about TikTok Mom’s Tips For a Happier Holiday with Neurodivergent Kids

As the holiday season draws near, many parents face a familiar challenge: how to create a magical Christmas without being buried in a mountain of presents. The “four gift rule” has long been a popular way to curb holiday excess, giving parents a simple framework to follow. Most of us know the catchy rhyme: “Something …

Read More about TikTok Upgrades Four-Gift Rule to Five With Playful Twist

Picking out a live Christmas tree is a cherished tradition for many families. The scent of fresh fir needles fills the air, and the search for the perfect tree becomes a memorable annual adventure. With so many options available, though, how do you choose the right one? A fourth-generation gardener, who owns a garden center …

Read More about TikTok Gardener’s Tips For Choosing the Best Type of Christmas Tree

Every year, parents across the country face a familiar challenge: capturing that perfect, magical photo of their children in front of the Christmas tree. The struggle to get the lighting right, avoid blurry shots, and create a photo worthy of the holiday card can feel overwhelming.  Many parents are turning to TikTok for tips to …

Read More about Photographer Shares Viral Tips For Magical Tree Photos Using Just a Phone

Every year, as the holidays approach, visions of lush green garlands draped perfectly over doorways and archways dance in our heads. We dream of creating a home that feels like a scene from a classic holiday movie, with every corner bathed in a warm, festive glow.  For those who rent their homes or simply want …

Read More about Viral Curtain Rod Hack Has Us Decking Halls Like a Hallmark Movie Set

The holiday season brings many cherished traditions, and few are as sweet as building a gingerbread house. Families gather around tables piled with gingerbread slabs, colorful candies, and sticky icing, ready to construct their edible masterpieces. This year, one talented TikTok creator is helping everyone elevate their gingerbread game with a few simple yet genius …

Read More about TikTok Creator’s Viral Tips for Stunning Holiday Gingerbread Houses

Thanksgiving usually conjures images of crowded dining tables, chaotic kitchens, and relatives squeezing into every corner of the house. But for many people this year, the holiday looks a little different.  A quiet but growing movement is taking over TikTok, where users are embracing solitude with open arms. Under the hashtag #thanksgivingalone, thousands of creators …

Read More about Feast for One: TikTok Creators Serve Up Solo Thanksgiving Inspiration

Thanksgiving is approaching fast, and if you are hosting this year, your stress levels might already be climbing. We all want our homes to look like a magazine spread when the in-laws walk through the door. We want the baseboards to sparkle, the windows to be streak-free, and the linen closet to be color-coordinated. But …

Read More about Viral TikTok Cleaning Routine Takes Stress Out of Hosting Thanksgiving