Fresh Roots Living

Fresh Roots Living celebrates the art of creating beauty without burden, connection without complication, and homes that nourish the soul without demanding perfection.

Fresh Roots Living is our new Substack and newsletter where we’ll dive deeper into creating homes that truly reflect who you are—without the overwhelm that often comes with “picture perfect” home design.

Two months ago, I hit publish on the first Fresh Roots Living newsletter, and honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. Since then, something beautiful has happened—you've shown up. You've subscribed, shared your stories, and proven that there's a real hunger for homes that feel authentic rather than aspirational.

Celebrating connection, craftsmanship, and the season’s best ingredients.

As the sun dipped low over the trees, Steve and I welcomed friends to our first annual Farm to Table Harvest Dinner at DIY Designer Homestead. What began as an idea—a way to celebrate the fall harvest and share the beauty of this place—became an evening that captured everything we love about homestead living: organic food, intentional design, and heartfelt connection.

The Vision: Elegant Simplicity Meets Harvest Beauty

With my catering and event planning background, I'm always looking for opportunities to craft gatherings that feel both elegant and authentic. This dinner was about honoring the fall harvest, celebrating organic food, supporting local farmers, and bringing together special friends for an unforgettable evening.

What made this collaboration truly special was having four creatives in the kitchen together—Steve, Chef Bob, Chef Annie, and myself—each bringing our unique expertise to create something remarkable. It's incredible what happens when passion for fresh, organic ingredients meets culinary artistry.

Small Traditions Carry Big Meaning

Birthdays are for making kids feel special, and for ours, nothing does that better than a stack of chocolate chip pancakes. It’s their favorite, and the joy on their face when they see that golden stack is why we keep this tradition alive.

It takes 15 minutes to whip up a batch. In that short time, you’re not just making breakfast—you’re showing them you know what they love. It’s a small gesture, but it lands big. Kids notice when you pay attention to what makes them happy.

Here’s how we do it:

Chocolate Chip Birthday Pancakes

Twenty-five miles east of the Twin Cities, the St. Croix River curves through limestone bluffs, and along its banks sits Stillwater—a town that earned its name honestly. The pace here feels different. Slower. More deliberate. It's the kind of place that reminds you travel doesn't always require a passport; sometimes transformation begins closer to home.

Stillwater offers exactly that: a chance to step outside the everyday rhythm without stepping too far from familiar ground. For those of us in the Twin Cities, it's an accessible reminder that escape doesn't demand elaborate planning. For visitors from beyond Minnesota, it reveals what the Midwest does quietly well—preserving history while embracing the unhurried pleasure of small-town life.

As the growing season draws to a close, our garden overflows with vibrant basil—holy, Thai, and sweet varieties, each bursting with unique aroma and flavor. Harvesting these fragrant leaves feels like capturing summer in our hands, ready to brighten our winter meals. This year, we're transforming our basil bounty into a versatile pesto, perfect for freezing and enjoying in countless dishes. Here's how we do it, along with creative ways to savor that pesto all winter long.

Thousands of you loved and shared our recent video on The Sacred Rush of Tomato Season. Thank you for joining us at Fresh Roots Living! We’ve been thrilled to see your enthusiasm and answer your questions. The top question we received was, “What do you do with frozen tomato puree after it comes out of the freezer?” Today, we’re sharing our family’s favorite Creamy Tomato Soup recipe—a simple, five-ingredient dish that’s fast, flavorful, and soul-warming. This soup is what we reach for on cold fall nights when we want something warm, nourishing, and uncomplicated. The frozen puree from summer transforms into comfort in a bowl.

Why let warm weather hold you back when you can embrace the cozy fall vibes the season calls for?

The air may still be warm and summer weather may be lingering, but fall has officially arrived. I felt drawn by the promise of crisp mornings ahead and the desire to embrace that harvest feeling that comes with the new season. With our Farm to Table event coming up quickly, our summer planters were ready for a complete transformation.

My Complete Planter Transformation

This wasn't just a simple refresh for all my containers—I made strategic choices that work within my budget while creating maximum impact. Here's how I created that perfect transition from summer's brightness to autumn's warm embrace:

The Strategic Approach: Living in Minnesota means working with nature's rhythm—five solid months of spring and summer growing season, followed by winter's five-month stretch. But fall? Fall gives us an incredible 6-8 weeks of pure magic. That beautiful, concentrated burst of seasonal change adds such excitement and urgency to embrace every fall color and texture we can capture. I completely disassemble and rebuild my two main showstopper planters while giving the rest a gorgeous refresh with gourds and vibrant mums.

Right now, our garden is overflowing with leafy greens – and this simple recipe is our go-to way to celebrate the harvest. The beauty of this dish? It's incredibly forgiving and adaptable. Don't have kale? Toss in some Swiss chard. Out of spinach? Arugula works beautifully. The key is celebrating whatever fresh greens you have on hand.

Why We Love This Dish

This isn't just another side dish – it's a nutrient powerhouse that can completely transform your meal. Eat it on its own for a vitamin-packed boost, or use it to elevate simple grains like pasta, rice, or quinoa into something special. The combination of garlic-kissed greens, fresh tomatoes, and sharp Parmesan creates layers of flavor that make vegetables the star of the show.

No Garden? No Problem!

If you don't have your own garden, don't worry – farmers markets are absolutely bursting with fresh greens right now. It's peak season, so you'll find the most vibrant, flavorful options at incredible prices.

Dreaming of growing your own but short on space? All of these greens can thrive in container gardens. Even a single large pot can produce enough greens for multiple meals. Check out our One Pot Wonder guide for everything you need to know about container gardening success.

At Fresh Roots Living, travel is more than a getaway—it's an extension of our core philosophy: finding beauty without burden, creating connection without complication, and embracing moments that nourish the soul. Whether it's standing on the rugged coast of Maine, wandering Portugal's sun-drenched markets, or savoring morning coffee in a quiet Italian piazza, travel invites us to step outside our routines and experience life with fresh eyes.

But here's what I've learned after years of wandering: the difference between a good trip and a transformative journey often lies in the hands that help shape it. Fifteen years ago, I met someone who would fundamentally change how I think about travel—Vanessa Abbe, a woman whose own adventures across continents have evolved into something beautiful: the ability to craft experiences that touch your soul.

I'm absolutely thrilled to share some incredible news - Fresh Roots Living and I are featured on the cover of Minneapolis Lakes magazine!

This beautiful 4-page story captures the heart of everything we're building together in this community. From our 18-acre DIY Designer Homestead to the simple philosophy that guides Fresh Roots Living: "beauty without burden, connection without complication, and homes that nourish the soul without demanding perfection."

There's something almost frantic about late summer, isn't there? The garden doesn't care that you have three back-to-back meetings this afternoon or that your inbox is overflowing. When those tomatoes decide it's time, it's time. Period.

I learned this lesson the hard way a few seasons back when I ignored my cherry tomatoes for just one extra day—coming home to find half of them split and overripe, casualties of my own procrastination. Now I know better. The harvest waits for no one, especially not busy professionals who think they can squeeze garden time into neat little calendar blocks.

The smell of cinnamon and vanilla filling the kitchen on a crisp fall morning never gets old. This coffee cake has saved us countless times for lazy weekend brunches, unexpected guests, and those moments when you need something sweet but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen. It's embarrassingly easy to throw together, yet impressive enough that people always ask for the recipe.

Your entryway works harder than any other space in your home, yet it's often the most neglected. As fall arrives with its crisp energy and fresh possibilities, there's no better time to refresh this hardworking space. With a few strategic updates—smart paint choices, clever organization, and welcoming accessories—you can transform your entry from chaotic catch-all to a space that energizes everyone who walks through your door.

Welcome to the second chapter of our pickling series, where we turn up the heat with a bold twist on preservation! In our first lesson, From Garden to Jar: Pickling Fundamentals, we explored the essentials of transforming fresh produce into tangy, long-lasting treats using vinegar or brine. Now, we’re diving into Spicy Pepper Pickles, a quick-pickling recipe that blends crisp Kirby cucumbers with a fiery medley of banana peppers, jalapeños, and aromatic garlic scapes.

Zucchini is a versatile vegetable that shines in appetizers, offering endless possibilities for stuffing, baking, or sautéing. From elegant dinner parties to casual afternoon snacks, zucchini's mild flavor and tender texture make it a perfect canvas for bold seasonings and creative preparations. Below is a delightful recipe for zucchini appetizers with a zesty dip, plus tips for exploring other ways to enjoy this garden favorite.

Vodka and vinegar make a dynamic duo for natural cleaning. Vodka’s alcohol content helps dissolve grease and grime, while vinegar’s acidity tackles stains and neutralizes odors. Paired with the fresh scent of herbs like lemon thyme, they create an effective, eco-friendly cleaner for everyday use.

Cucumbers, those crisp and refreshing garden stars, are often abundant this time of year. If you've already tried our pickling recipe from an earlier post, you're in for another treat today with a simple yet flavorful way to showcase cucumbers.

This Mediterranean Cucumber Mint Salad is a quick, versatile dish that celebrates the season's freshness. With minimal ingredients and no strict rules, it's impossible to mess up. The result is a bright, cooling salad perfect for hot summer days or as a side to any meal. Let's get chopping and embrace the garden's bounty together!

Just harvested a bundle of mint from your garden or picked up fresh herbs at the farmers market? Instead of letting them wilt in the fridge, try storing them in ice water. This simple trick keeps your herbs vibrant and flavorful while adding a touch of natural beauty to your kitchen.

This method treats herbs like fresh-cut flowers, helping them stay fresh longer than standard storage techniques. It works well for herbs like parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint. One exception: basil prefers room-temperature water over ice.

The first sip of water infused with herbs from your own plants delivers more than refreshment—it carries the satisfaction of self-reliance and the pure taste of plants you've nurtured from seed or cutting. Beyond eliminating added sugars and artificial flavors from your hydration routine, these simple infusions bridge the gap between gardening and daily wellness, transforming basic water into a mindful ritual.

Growing your own herbs for infusions is one of the most rewarding entry points into food self-sufficiency. These resilient plants thrive in the smallest spaces—a sunny kitchen windowsill, a corner of your balcony, or a few containers on your porch. Unlike many crops that demand extensive garden space, herbs offer maximum return on minimal investment, producing continuously when harvested regularly.

The beauty of herb gardening lies in its forgiving nature. Most culinary herbs actually prefer slightly stressful conditions—think Mediterranean hillsides rather than rich garden beds. This means less fussing, less watering, and more success for beginning gardeners. Plus, the more you harvest, the more they produce, creating a sustainable cycle that rewards your efforts with fresh flavors all season long.

Picture this: You step outside with your morning coffee, planning to grab a few tomatoes for lunch. Thirty minutes later, you’re back inside, arms loaded with zucchini the size of baseball bats. Your pockets bulge with cherry tomatoes, and there’s a cucumber tucked behind your ear.

Your kitchen counter looks like Mother Nature threw a surprise party and forgot to mention it was BYOB (Bring Your Own Baskets). This, my friends, is Peak Season Magic. If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by this gorgeous abundance, you’re not alone.

Here’s the plot twist: This “overwhelm” isn’t a problem to solve. It’s the most delicious adventure you’ll have all year.

There’s a beautiful moment every gardener knows—when summer hits its stride and suddenly everything is ready at once. Your zucchini has tripled overnight, the herbs are spilling over their borders, cucumbers are hiding behind every leaf, and your counters are covered with the most gorgeous abundance you’ve ever grown.

This is peak season, and it’s both a blessing and a delightful challenge.

Imagine starting your day with a simple splash of something from your kitchen that could help steady your energy, support healthy weight management, and even give your heart a little extra love. That's the promise of apple cider vinegar (ACV)—not some trendy fad, but a fermented apple brew that's been helping people feel better for centuries.

Made by turning apple juice into a tangy liquid rich in acetic acid, ACV might just be the gentle health boost you've been looking for. If you're curious about feeling better naturally, read on—this might inspire you to give it a try!

You've just uncorked a promising bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, poured a glass, and taken that first anticipated sip—only to be met with a harsh, astringent bite that makes you wonder if you wasted your money. Here's the thing: that same bottle could taste completely different with one simple step that takes less time than deciding what to watch on Netflix.

Decanting red wine isn't some pretentious ritual reserved for sommelier show-offs. It's a straightforward technique that can transform a tight, tannic wine into something smooth and expressive, making even budget-friendly bottles taste like they cost twice as much. At its core, decanting involves pouring wine from its bottle into a specialized glass vessel, allowing the wine to breathe and unlock flavors you never knew were hiding in there.

Life’s transitions—whether it’s a new home, a shift in career, or simply evolving into a new version of yourself—offer the perfect moment to pause and reflect on what truly supports your days. In my 26 years guiding families through real estate journeys in the Twin Cities, I’ve helped thousands refine their spaces during these pivotal times. It’s not just about buying or selling; it’s about gently sifting through the “stuff” that fills our homes, making choices that feel lighter and more aligned. I’ve seen clients light up when they release the weight of outdated possessions, creating room for pieces that bring ease and joy to everyday rituals. It’s a process that’s invigorating, like clearing the air for a breath of fresh possibility.

When company's coming and you need something beautiful on the table, fast.

Those gorgeous charcuterie boards that make your guests go "wow" don't require hours of planning or a culinary degree. In fact, my go-to entertaining solution takes exactly 10 minutes from grocery bag to gorgeous spread, and it never fails to impress.

Summer entertaining brings together all the best elements—golden hour light streaming through windows, an abundance of fresh blooms, and a relaxed pace that invites easy conversations. Yet too often, we find ourselves scrambling at the last minute, stressed about creating the perfect setting for our guests.

The secret isn't in elaborate preparation on the day of your gathering. It's in the simple organization that transforms your dining space from everyday to comfortable and inviting in just ten minutes.

Rosemary and basil are more than just culinary staples, they're powerhouse herbs packed with health benefits and versatile enough to elevate any dish or routine. Incorporating these herbs into your daily life can boost your wellness while adding vibrant flavors to your meals. We explore the top five benefits of eating rosemary and basil daily, followed by five creative ways to weave them into your routine.

That innocent bottle of white vinegar sitting behind your olive oil? It’s quietly plotting to overthrow your entire cleaning cabinet. While you’ve been accumulating an arsenal of specialized sprays, scrubs, and solutions—each promising to be THE answer to specific problems—this humble pantry staple has been waiting to show you what real versatility looks like.

Swap the pre-made dressing for a whisk and a bowl, and suddenly you’re creating something entirely your own. It's about that moment when you taste, pause, add a pinch more salt or a splash more acid, and suddenly realize you're not following a recipe anymore. You're listening.

Pickling is a preservation method that transforms foods like cucumbers into tangy, flavorful treats by immersing them in an acidic solution, typically vinegar or brine, to extend shelf life and enhance taste. It's been around for thousands of years, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, and is beloved for its simplicity and versatility.

Adding flowers to your cooking repertoire can transform ordinary dishes with vibrant colors and distinctive flavors. From peppery nasturtiums to floral lavender, edible blooms offer home cooks an opportunity to experiment with ingredients that are both beautiful and functional. Here are ten accessible edible flowers that can enhance your culinary creations.

When Steve and I bought our fixer-upper, we knew it would test our patience and vision. The house had solid bones but needed a complete overhaul. We've revamped the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas, but the laundry room remains untouched.

In the heart of Edina’s Indian Hills neighborhood, a 1970s ranch at 6608 Pawnee Road once stood as a relic of its era—carpeted, cramped, and overlooked. In just 10 months, it was reimagined into a thoughtfully designed home tailored for today’s empty nesters, balancing functionality with refined finishes. This transformation, led by Cari Ann Carter and executed with the craftsmanship of Urban Edge Homes, reflects a broader shift in home design: creating spaces that prioritize family connection, accessibility, and timeless elegance over ostentatious scale.

We found this wonderful lemonade at the Farmer's Market and wanted to share the recipe with you, along with some other refreshing variations that are great for summer.

Flavor Combo: In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, ½ cup fresh lemon balm leaves, and ½ cup fresh mint leaves; simmer for 5 minutes to make a syrup, strain, and mix with 1 cup lemon juice and 3 cups cold water.

We love spending the early morning or evening hours tending to the garden. The gentle sound of water cascading over leaves, the fresh scent of damp earth, and the satisfaction of nurturing life from the ground up. Yet for many gardeners, this therapeutic experience gets overshadowed by one frustrating reality: dragging heavy hoses around the yard.

Gardening often involves a bit of rearranging to help plants thrive, and transplanting is a key skill for any gardener. In the video, we moved vibrant nasturtiums from a crowded salad garden to a decorative trellis. This post provides a universal guide to transplanting plants. If you're making space for other crops or giving a plant a better spot to flourish, these steps will ensure a smooth transition for your greenery.

We’re so grateful to share that Fresh Roots Living has crossed the milestone of 100 subscribers on Substack! Your support means the world to us as we build a community dedicated to creating beauty without burden, connection without complication, and homes that nourish the soul without demanding perfection.

Tired of the same old routine? You don’t need a far-flung vacation to find joy and connection. By weaving nearby destinations like state parks, regional trails, and local hangouts into your daily life, you can turn ordinary moments into extraordinary experiences.

Here's what the wellness industry doesn't want you to know: the most transformative recipe in your kitchen probably uses six ingredients you already have. No superfoods. No expensive equipment. No 47-step process that requires three different apps to track.

Just rhubarb, oats, butter, and the kind of simplicity that feels revolutionary in our over-complicated world.

Last night was the perfect date night—no kids, just a cozy evening with a fabulous, savory dinner that came together in under an hour.

I whipped up sautéed pork chops, one of Steve’s favorites, finished in the oven with fragrant sage and oregano. Paired them with sautéed shallots and shiitake mushrooms for that rich, earthy flavor.

Modern homes serve multiple functions simultaneously. They house families, facilitate remote work, accommodate hobbies, and provide entertainment space. This convergence of purposes creates invisible stress as different activities compete for the same physical and mental space. The solution lies not in expanding existing rooms but in creating intentional separation through dedicated backyard structures.

Summer cooking is about using fresh, seasonal ingredients with minimal effort to let their natural flavors shine. The warmth of the season encourages lighter meals, often prepared with vegetables straight from the garden or farmers market. Asparagus, zucchini, tomatoes, cucumbers, and yellow squash are abundant and at their peak, offering vibrant tastes and textures that need little enhancement.

Leather furniture has this particular way of grounding a space. It's not flashy or demanding attention, but it carries weight—both literally and figuratively. When you walk into a room anchored by a well-chosen leather piece, there's an immediate sense of substance, like the space has been lived in and loved. Leather is about the long view, about choosing pieces that will develop character alongside your life.

Father's Day is the perfect time to celebrate the dads who fill our lives with love, strength, and joy. At Fresh Roots Living, we've created a gift guide that speaks to what matters most to him—whether he's passionate about the garden, loves to cook, enjoys entertaining, prioritizes healthy living, or has an eye for home design. Discover meaningful gifts that match his interests and make his everyday moments even better. These are our favorites of 2025.

There’s a certain magic that happens when friends gather around a beautiful table. But beautiful doesn’t have to mean laborious. I’m championing what I lovingly call “Quick Tables in Under and Hour”—inviting, elegant settings you can create, leaving you free to enjoy what matters most: the company. This week's newsletter is about Spring entertaining.

When life gets hectic but your body deserves better than a drive-thru, this simple 3 minute scramble becomes your culinary ally. I discovered this method years ago and it's transformed my mornings ever since.

Picture this: you step into a house that feels like a museum of bad decisions – light blue tiles gleaming like a community pool, cherry wood trim screaming 1990s excess, and walls coated in a shade I can only describe as “depressed beige.” That was our dream home, or so I hoped, if I could look past the decor shouting “turn back now!” My heart sank, but my designer’s eye sparked with possibility.

Picture yourself in a kitchen that stops you in your tracks—where every surface gleams with elegance, every meal feels like a celebration, and every moment inspires awe. I’m Cari Ann, your guide to creating spaces that spark joy, and I’m spilling all the secrets behind the jaw-dropping kitchen renovation at my personal home, the DIY Designer Homestead. We transformed a dated 90s relic into a gourmet masterpiece, starring the daring choice of Italian marble countertops—gorgeous, yet famously tricky due to its porous nature.

Yesterday, I embarked on what might be my most practical gardening project yet—one that I'm genuinely excited to share with you all. I created an entire salad garden in a single oversized pot, and I'm already convinced this approach will revolutionize weeknight cooking for many of you.

There’s nothing quite like stepping into my garden in the early morning, when the dew is still clinging to the leaves and the air is filled with the intoxicating scent of fresh basil. This is where my love affair with cooking truly begins – not in the kitchen, but right here among the tomato vines heavy with fruit and the herb beds that seem to whisper promises of the meals to come.

I’ve learned that size doesn’t dictate success, intention does. As a realtor, I’ve seen how plants transform homes of all sizes into happier, healthier spaces. From tiny studio apartments with a single sunny window to sprawling suburban yards, every space can benefit from the strategic selection of plants that enhance both your space’s aesthetics and your emotional well-being

Every morning, I begin my day with a simple ritual that nourishes my body from within. It's quick and effective: one heaping teaspoon of Green For Life powder mixed into a tall glass of water, combined with a scoop of collagen. This drink delivers antioxidants, hydrating nutrients, and age-supporting benefits. Here's why this combination aligns with my Fresh Roots Living approach and can enhance your daily wellness.