He Runs, I Cook

Things don’t always go to plan in life, and the same can be true of cookies.   First of all, I had planned to write this post two weeks ago and life got in the way. I’ve been building a portfolio career, hanging out for school holidays, and generally enjoying life – but I’ve been busier than ever.  So busy in fact, that this post is wayyyyy overdue.  It is way easier to stick to a timeline and…

Not to brag, but I think I’ve finally found the perfect chocolate chip cookie. I mean, don’t get me wrong– every cookie baker and cookie eater has a “perfect chocolate chip cookie” recipe– and after trying what must be at least 50 chocolate chip recipes, I really do believe that these from Taste of Home are the best. I probably should do some sort of epic chocolate chip cookie experiment/taste…

Well, actually I got two new cookbooks- but I’ve only cooked out of one so far. And let me back up for a sec, the last few weeks have been a lot. I started a job and finished a job. I’ve picked up some part time and freelance work, and I’ve started a new writing project- Technicolor By Steph on Substack. (Stay tuned, I may move this blog to Substack… but then again, I may not). This and The…

I was having a conversation with my mom about her trying a new hobby and thinking about what new skills or activity she could learn.  We consulted Claude for help which was something new for my mom. Even before asking Claude, we were paralysed by choice. There are so many options and choices- it’s almost overwhelming.  Too overwhelming.  So overwhelming that it’s hard to pick something.  We all…

Which is overrated. Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to be back at work after a break. It’s great to have a purpose that has impact outside of the four walls of my house and family- BUT I’m also remembering what it’s like to be a working mom and how it’s a constant stream of doing. Doing work, doing home, hoping for self-care, and generally being on a treadmill that other members of the household…

First of all, May has been a very exciting month already. On the cookie front, Dorie’s Cookies continues to deliver. My Newest Chocolate Chip Cookies (well, not mine but hers, but also sort of mine) were AMAZING! And also her Cast-Iron Pan Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars which are the basis for her Multi-Mix-In Chocolate Chip Cookies were DELISH! Again 10/10- no notes! I just don’t know what to top…

Wow- April went by in an exciting, amazing, fabulous blur.  It was one of the best months I’ve had in a while.  Why?  We went to America! And the trip was full of highlights!   Cherry Blossoms, Birthday, Duke reunion, South Carolina, Atlanta.  It was jam packed and full of love! It really filled up my cup and gave me a new and improved energy for 2026– not that 2026 didn’t have a good energy,…

No, they’re not characters from a children’s story– although I am Slightly obsessed with Punch the Monkey this week.  There’s something about him that is both sweet and sad, vulnerable and hopeful, banal and inspiring.  He’s uniquely human, but also a monkey. It’s all very cute and very 2020s internet meme. Anyway, Panela and Ube are this week’s cookie flavours- sort of!  I finally made the…

I realised how long I’ve been writing this blog when I saw my pregnancy announcement. How have 10 years passed in the blink of an eye. The literal blink of an eye. The baby who we bought tiny Converse for nearly 10 years ago, now has feet that are nearly as big as mine. The little outline that we were so excited to see on the ultrasound is now all arms, legs, and sprawl on the couch. It feels…

Gong xi fa cai. It’s the Year of the Fire Horse which is meant to be amazing and life changing and all sorts of other things!  A year of transformation, fire, speed, inspiration, breakthroughs and travel. I say BRING IT ON!  Maybe I’m being overly optimistic, or maybe I’ve just been watching too many instagram reels but I’m excited for the year of the Fire Horse.  I probably should have paid…

So this week was The Runner’s birthday, and of course I made a cake.  Now, one of The Runner’s favourite things to do is to come up with extremely random ideas for dinner, cakes, or basically anything else that he doesn’t have to cook himself- which is 99.9% of what we eat at home.  About 90% of the time I ignore these random suggestions and Frankenstein-esque ideas, however because it was his…

Summer holidays are officially over- for some at least!  Last week, The Child started Year 4.  Year 4 seems like a big deal- I mean it didn’t at first but now it suddenly does.  It feels like the last year of being a kid, and the first step towards becoming a tween.  He’s no longer the smallest kid in his school– the kids starting Kindy seem tiny, and we’re navigating the complexity of loosening…

We’re 15 days into 2026 and I really don’t know what to say about it.    I had a fabulous end to 2025- The Mom/Nana was over from the US and we had a fabulous fabulous fabulous trip to Tasmania, a place I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back to!  Thomas had a great birthday, and genuinely December was good. But the vibes in January and, and for 2026 in general, seem off.  I mean there’s…

…nope not Christmas.  Thanksgiving.   Thanksgiving is my favourite holiday of all time of the whole year.  It’s not typically celebrated in Australia, but I love celebrating it.  This year is no different.  We (I) am hosting a Thanksgiving Potluck for a few American friends.  I’m doing the turkey and corn casserole (and mash potatoes)everyone is bringing side dishes so it should be quite the…

I don’t know if it’s all the cookies or if time is actually moving faster, but this has been the quickest year ever.  It’s November- NOVEMBER!!!  I forgot to write last week because despite not working, I’ve actually been SUPER busy.   Last week, I made the Gojuchang Cookies again and also Playdate Cookies from Dinner: A love story which I’m sure I’ve made before too. I was in Melbourne on…

This week we’ve revisited an old favourite and are trying a new favorite! The old favorites are the Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies from Jenny Rosenstrach’s “Dinner: A love story” cookbook.  I’ve always really liked this cookbook- it’s full of easy and tasty recipes that are great for families.  I’ve had it for years now– in fact, even before I was married or a mom.  She has a great blog,…

I’m in week 2 of my spring break and I’m leaning into it a bit.  It’s a bit of a weird break but it’s good. I’m enjoying the downtime and getting a bit done too.  The best thing about having time off is Monday morning pole classes.  I’m feeling really fit, healthy, and a bit sore but it’s great starting my week with 2 hours of exercise that doesn’t feel like exercise.  The only downside, they…