Carrie Saum

Visiting my family in the Sierra Nevada foothills is one of the great pleasures of my life. I get to work, cook, and play while my amazing folks keep an eye on my kid. My inspiration and productivity skyrocket when I'm able to step away from my version of the daily grind and get a little refocused and centered. The food I make tastes a little better, and I move a little easier without a three-year-old constantly in tow.

I didn’t realize I was a polarizing person until my late 20s. I was raised in a tradition where being liked was extremely important — pivotal, even.

It was a life-altering mouthgasm of flavor explosions, and I totally wanted to pack my bags for India and Bali to have my own Eat Pray Love experience.

Can we talk about self-care for a hot minute?

I kind of hate it.

Apparently, there's a thing happening in Houston this weekend. A sportsball game of some sort and people are super excited about it.

In the tradition of ancient Ayurveda, winter is a time to reflect, ruminate, nurture yourself and your relationships, and be still.

One of my favorite winter gourds is the humble acorn squash.

Sick? Don't want to drink a gallon of Nyquil? Try this!

In the spirit of melted chocolate and simple, decadent expressions of love, I made a little treat for my friends.

You feel it. The change.