Rustic Urban Life

Oh don’t mind me… I’m just over here rendering the cleanest lard you’ve ever seen before I hit the books and write another paper.

This is the last of the fat from a whole, organically raised hog we purchased from Turner Farm. Slowly rendered, pure, and free from fillers or seed oils.

Why lard?
• Stable at high heat
• Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats
• Naturally vitamin D-rich when sourced well
• And nothing makes baked goods flakier

Pro tip: Swap lard for butter in my 3-ingredient pie crust and thank me later
Recipe is live on RusticUrbanLife.com

Old-school nourishment. Modern life balance.

October, I’m sooo ready to cook for you!
Starting the month off right with shrimp & grits, smoky andouille, and tender okra 🤤 comfort food that warms the soul.
Would you call this breakfast, brunch, or dinner?

Vanilla magic in the making!

I did the unthinkable! I used this smooth and delicious Victory Parkway Reserve Bourbon from Cincinnati Distillery to make homemade vanilla extract. It feels almost criminal to pour such a good bourbon over beans, but I can already imagine how rich and flavorful this will turn out.

Sometimes the best kitchen experiments start with a little risk! 🙌🏾

Would you try bourbon vanilla?

The first day of school is always filled with excitement and possibility. I am grateful for this thoughtful plant, a symbol of growth and resilience as we begin a new school year. Just like this plant, our students and staff will continue to grow, flourish, and reach new heights together.

❤️

A rare summer gem!
Meet the mini watermelon that’s keeping it old school… with seeds!
Sweet, crisp, and packed with nostalgia…just like the ones from childhood. Thanks!
Would you keep the seeds or spit them like a pro?

It’s pesto season, baby! 💚 When your basil is booming and the garlic is bold, there’s only one move: blend it up and jar the magic. This little green jar is summer in a spoon — earthy, garlicky, and so good on everything. 🫶🏽🌱

👇🏽Tell me: do you spread, dip, or toss it?

It’s more than a date on the calendar it’s our DELTAVERSARY!
Another year of sisterhood, service, scholarship, and strength as a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. My first Deltaversary with a legacy! My legacy, #45!

Grateful for the love, the lessons, and the legacy that comes with wearing this crimson and cream.
Shouting out my line sisters and all my Sorors — y’all already know! 🔺❤️AOL