Anna Watson Carl

After a long day at work, often the last thing you want to do is get in the kitchen and make a meal. There's the chopping, the cooking, and then, after everyone scarfs down the meal -- the dreaded cleanup. Isn't it just easier...

With the balmy weather, budding trees, and extra hour of daylight, I'm in the mood to plan a spring brunch party. Because what could be more spring-like than tulips, mimosas, and pastel colors?!

There's something really wonderful about...

I'm a salad gal. I love 'em. They're versatile, virtuous (theoretically), and chock full of vegetables. They're also the world's quickest meal: just add your ingredients to a bowl and toss with a vinaigrette. Easy. But in the winter, I don't exactly crave...

The New Year brings with it a whole host of resolutions (eat less! exercise more!) and unrealistic goals that are often abandoned by February. Everywhere we look magazines and ads are touting the virtues of "detox diets" and "liquid cleanses" as a form of...

Looking to avoid holiday weight gain -- and feel better at the same time -- this December? It's easier than you think. No need for fancy diets, juice fasts, or personal trainers. Just follow the sage advice your mom gave you as a kid: "Eat your vegetables."

Thanksgiving is over, and like it or not we have officially entered the season of holiday parties. Personally, I love this time of year. Not only because of the decorations and festivities and gift-giving, but because from now until New Year's Day, everyone will be breaking out the bubbly.

I...

For months, you've been bombarded with images of golden, perfectly roasted birds, gorgeous homemade pies, and picture-perfect table settings. Every magazine and television program seems convinced that on this one day of the year, we all must unleash our inner Martha Stewarts to whip up veritable feasts with nary a...

For me, there is no better way to start a day than with just-baked croissants, homemade jam, and a piping hot café au lait. Considering that it's hard to find good croissants in Manhattan, I was blown away to find these beauties in Traverse City, Michigan at 9...

This time of year, with holidays (and the onslaught of holiday parties) right around the corner, it's more important than ever to get in the habit of eating healthy weeknight meals. Takeout may be the easiest option, but it's rarely the healthiest. Cooking for yourself allows you to control your...

A few years ago, a vacation in Northern Michigan wouldn't have even crossed my mind. Though my brother went to college in Grand Rapids and I've visited my husband Brandon's family in Kalamazoo many times, I'd always thought of Michigan as a place to visit people, a place for reunions,...

People tell me all the time that they are intimidated to host a dinner party. They're not sure what to cook, worried about their lack of space, and afraid it will be a ton of work -- so they end...