Hello and Welcome

I’m Elizabeth — writer, collector of beautiful small things, devoted wife to Bill, mom to three dachshunds (Pisa, Paris and Patches), step-mom to a son and a daughter and grandmother to two grandsons, and the woman behind Pinecones & Acorns.

I have been writing this blog for fifteen years. What started as a lifestyle blog covering recipes, home, books, fashion, art and whatever else caught my eye or piqued my interest has evolved into something more personal — and no, you will not be seeing more of me in photos, that is not really my style. What you will find is honest writing about midlife, intentional living, the beauty of ordinary things and the art of creating a home and a life that you can grow old in that feels completely like you and no one else.

If you are navigating midlife and looking for someone — or a community — walking the same path, you are in the right place. That is not to say that everyone else is not welcome here. If you are not yet in midlife I think you will find something useful too — how to turn off social media, get back to real life and real relationships, and maybe a peek at what this season of life actually looks like from the inside.

What You Will Find Here

Pinecones & Acorns is a midlife lifestyle blog covering:

Intentional Living After 50 — what it really looks like, not the Instagram version Home & Decor — layered, collected, deeply personal spaces that tell the story of who you are Food & Recipes — from a simple drinking chocolate perfected over forty years to seasonal recipes for entertaining and everyday life Books & Culture — what I am reading, what has stayed with me, and why books are still the best way I know to see the world Travel — familiar places I return to again and again — Paris, Scotland, Italy — and new ones that change me Style After 50 — classic, a little quirky, always intentional

A Little About Me

I grew up moving — Michigan to Alaska and states in between — which gave me an early love of new places, new things and new beginnings. At sixteen I took my first trip to Europe with my sister and never really stopped traveling. England, France, Germany, Spain and many other countries — these are not just places I have visited. They are places that have left their mark on my heart and shaped me into the person I am. And there are still countries on my list. I have no doubt they will do the same.

After reading a National Geographic article about King Tutankhamun’s tomb I was convinced — I was going to become an Egyptologist. I still love ancient history deeply but eventually changed direction and studied International Relations instead. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree, pursued doctoral studies and earned a Certificate in Holocaust Literature. I am a curious person by nature and have never stopped learning — over the years I have continued to study Art History and Egyptology in my own time. I interned for United States Senators, at the Institute of World Affairs and at the Library of Congress.

I also worked for my family’s leather manufacturing business for many years — which gave me something I am deeply grateful for. The gift of time. Thanks Mom, you were a fabulous boss. Time to read, to travel, to write, to research, to study and to build a life that feels intentional rather than accidental.

I met my husband Bill and my life took me on the path God planned for me. We have been together for over thirty years and married for twenty two. We recently downsized and relocated to a charming village in the South where we are slowly creating the English country cottage and garden I have always dreamed of. The house is coming along beautifully — the garden has been a bit more of a challenge, largely due to the deer who seem to consider my flowers a personal buffet. Pisa, Paris and Patches not only greet everyone who walks through the door but also supervise the renovations. Closely.

Why Pinecones & Acorns

I named this blog Pinecones & Acorns fifteen years ago because I have always loved them — each one is unique, just like each of us. Every time I find one it feels like a small gift from nature. Beauty and meaning are found in the smallest, most ordinary things, not in the big moments or the material things. That is what this blog has always been about and always will be.

Why You Can Trust What I Write

I write from fifteen years of experience and a lifetime of curiosity. Everything on this blog comes from my own life and my heart — my own kitchen, my own home, my own travels and bookshelves. I do not write about things I have not experienced and if I ever do I will tell you so. I do not recommend products I do not use — although let’s be honest, I cannot possibly wear every piece of clothing I share. In those cases I am recommending brands I own and love and trust.

And I do not pretend that midlife is something it is not. It is a challenge. We are aging. Our partners and our parents are aging. Sometimes we are caring for them while trying to care for ourselves. Sometimes there are children or other family members who need us too. Midlife is full and complicated and occasionally overwhelming. I will not pretend otherwise.

I have a formal academic background in research, literature and international affairs and I bring that same love of getting things right to everything I share here. When I use affiliate links I disclose them clearly. If I have been gifted a product I will tell you and give you my honest opinion — that said I do not accept or share products that I do not use personally. When I share a recipe it is one I have made and eaten. You are most likely to find salads, soups and sweets here as I do not eat anything that lives in water and rarely eat meat — I share those sorts of recipes on Friday Favorites from blogs I love and think you will too. When I recommend a book it is one I have read and loved, or have on my wish list at the library.

Let’s Stay in Touch

I would love for you to join me here. You can subscribe to receive new posts directly in your inbox — including my Weekend Meanderings and Friday Favorites. Or follow along Facebook, Instagram or X (formerly Twitter) or Pinterest.

For partnerships and collaborations please reach out at [email protected]

I am so glad you are here.

Quick Facts About Elizabeth

  • Married to Bill for twenty two years, together for over thirty
  • Step-mom to a son and a daughter, grandmother to two grandsons
  • Mom to three dachshunds — Pisa, Paris and Patches
  • Fifteen years of blogging at Pinecones & Acorns
  • Bachelor’s Degree and Master’s Degree in International Relations
  • Certificate in Holocaust Literature
  • Ongoing studies in Art History and Egyptology
  • Former intern: U.S. Senate, Institute of World Affairs, Library of Congress
  • Based in a charming village in the American South — currently creating my English country cottage one room at a time
  • A traveler of the world even if only from my armchair by the fire
  • A collector of things I love
  • Mad for plaid, a good book and a properly made cup of drinking chocolate

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