MEET COURTNEY

Welcome to Courthouse Collections where I share my growing love for a crowded kitchen.

I am a wife to a boy I crushed on in high school but didn’t meet until fours years after graduation. He made me a mama to our four darling children. Together, the six of us (plus a pooch) enjoy music, hopping on a set of wheels, or getting out-of-doors.

At our house dessert can also be breakfast so chances are there’s something sweet around. And where there’s a little sugar, little people aren’t too far off.

A warm kitchen keeps families together; which is why my absolute favorite pastime is spent preparing meals and hanging around a table in conversation with the people I love.

It is with great pleasure I get to play at homemaker, homeschooler, cook, baker, gatherer of people and books. Homebody lifestyle has gradually won me over but occasionally adventure calls and we keep a suitcase in arms reach.

As a fellow mama and friend, I know your time is precious. I am beyond grateful you decided to spend a bit of it in the kitchen and garden with me.

LET’S BE PALS!

 FAQs

  • From the encouragement of friends and my children, I started this blog. But it also satisfied a need to add playfulness to my routine.

    My attempt is to keep extending invitations to shorten the fence, elongate the table, and share the laughs and memories.

    From my home, I hope to share simple routines and delicious recipes I’ve collected to help others create their own lovely moments at the kitchen table too. For more on the heartbeat behind CKC read this.

  • While pregnant with our third child and living in Brooklyn, I thought I’d do something about my kitchen boredom. I had gotten into a habit of cooking the same four meals on repeat. So, I walked to our neighborhood bookstore, Books Are Magic, and cruised the cookbook section. I brought home Dinner by Melissa Clark and cooked my way through it— cover to cover. Along the way, I fell in love with cooking. In those days, I decided, "I'm just going to keep cooking and baking until I find my way".

    Check out these articles for more on the people and tables who initially inspired me in the kitchen.

  • Not at all. As much as I prefer cooking and baking as close to the source as possible, it requires planning and time. Some days just don’t allow it.

    Give yourself permission to use jarred marinara when you need to. We all have days like that. Also, know it isn’t as daunting as one may think to make the things you buy in the store too. The first step is doctoring up that jarred sauce to your liking.

  • Beauty and deliciousness is not lost on children. They are worthy of the effort of a warm, lovely meal and honestly, so are you! Whether or not my husband makes it home in time for supper, I try to set the table, put on jazz records, and get cozy at the stove as I do most evenings.

    Allowing little ones to help prepare their food is a step toward discovering food they love and healthy eating. Preparing attractive food is another step. We eat with our hands and eyes before our mouths.

    Also, if mama enjoyed making the meal, that enthusiasm often carries through.

  • It’s challenging to serve a meal that makes all diners want to kiss the chef (or at our home, fall out of their chairs over). Win some, lose some.

    My resolve is to invite everyone in on Menu Planning Days. When the children help plan or request, I try to honor them. I love cooking their favorites. Unless it’s the third time in a row for spaghetti.

    As much as we encourage the children to be courageous about new foods I am also realistic and cushion the week with tried-and-true meals they unanimously enjoy. Then save the truly adventurous menus for dates at home with my beau.

  • The Journal holds posts regarding beauty, wellness, family, homeschooling, homemaking, handmade projects and all that good stuff. It is my hope to lend more content and memorable experiences on these topics as I am lead to share.

  • If you're interested in working together or for inquiries on collaborations, recipe reviews, lifestyle photography, or freelance projects please touch base through the Connect form above.