My husband, Nick, and I just returned from a very wonderful ten-day trip to Germany. We explored medieval cities and fairytale castles. We saw Bavarian maibaums and got lost in the Alps. We ate pretzels and wursts and schnitzel, we drank liters of hefeweizen, and we celebrated Oktoberfest with new and old friends.

Now German food is not for everyone — it’s very heavy in meats and starches. In fact, I’m still surprised I didn’t come back five pounds …

Occasionally my husband has work obligations that take him out of town overnight. Sure I miss him when he’s gone, but I also savor the quiet time. Sometimes I take a leisurely stroll through the farmers market. Other times I run along my favorite trail. And often times I curl up on the couch with a book.

Last time Nick left for the night, I picked up a basket of heirloom tomatoes — likely some of the last of the season. …

This Tuesday morning in August begins at 6:30am. I’m up and out of bed before my husband and ease into my day with a hot shower. While I dry my hair and apply my make-up, Nick shaves and showers.

We rendezvous in the kitchen to make our morning smoothies — which have recently replaced unnecessarily large mugs of coffee. (Is anyone else trying to cut back on caffeine?) Our current favorite smoothie includes berries, bananas, Greek yogurt, soy milk, wheat germ, …

One of the joys of finally having a home with a yard and a patio is that we can host summer picnics. Our typical picnic menu includes a variety of cocktails and grilled meats with simple side dishes (followed by dessert, of course).

I want to share with you two of my favorite summer slaws. They both take advantage of produce that is readily available this time of year and have been a hit each time we’ve served them.

Broccoli Slaw (from …

Strawberry season is a short one. Or perhaps it’s no shorter than blueberry season or blackberry season, but because the strawberry is my favorite fruit, its season just can’t be long enough.

There is a distinct difference between strawberries picked from patches and those harvested and shipped from commercial fields.

Local berries are more vibrant, fragrant, and juicy. They’re smaller than their convenience store counterparts, but they pack a much fuller, sweeter flavor.

If you’re fortunate enough to live …

It’s a blessing that my professional life is so closely connected to my personal interests. But it’s also exhausting.

By day I manage the online presence of a public broadcasting station. I promote local TV and radio programs and community events. I develop and edit content and write scripts. I produce faculty interviews and educational forums. I compress videos and author DVDs. I initiate online chats and implement Flash slideshows.

And how do I spend the …

I’ve never been a morning person. In high school, I rolled out of bed, jumped in the shower, pulled my hair into a ponytail, and grabbed a Pop-Tart on my way out the door and into homeroom. In college, I scheduled my classes after 10am — with the exception of an 8am Psych class during freshmen year, which I only made it to with help from my hallmates.

And for the past five years I’ve worked …

Hello, lovely ladies! You may recognize me as the bride who became a wife in a garden by the river on a rainy August day. And for those of you who aren’t familiar with my fondness for the Gocco, Ray LaMontagne, and red umbrellas, allow me to introduce myself.

I’m Emily, and I met Nick – the love of my life – in a science lab in 2007. He was a graduate student in a white lab coat, and I was …