Hi, I’m Crystal.

I’m an Arizona native, currently living in a fairytale forest in the northwestern woods of Wisconsin with my Love, a fiercely wild cat, and the sweetest golden pup. I’m a writer, visual storyteller & photographer, and home-cook working out of our forest home which I have officially named “the Treehouse” — a far departure from my life growing up in the desert and in predominantly urban areas, and, for some time in the not-so-distant past, on the subtropical island of Okinawa. It is different to be sure, but in some of the best ways. I am endlessly inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds me, which I hope also becomes evident in this space. From the tall, grounding pines, to the cattail’s musings, sun-drenched afternoons, and spectacular starry nights, there is beauty to be found in each moment.

As for how I arrived at where I’m at - that story is a much longer, and decidedly more circuitous one. I’m a wanderer at heart, but it feels as though everything has come full-circle, and I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. At the heart of it, I love to create, explore, and learn. My educational background is in architecture, urban studies, and environmental management, and though I am currently not singularly pursuing any one of these paths in a direct sense, they each have their lasting effects on how I view the world, the projects I take on, and in the ways in which I strive to be a better steward of our beautiful Mother Earth. One of my current projects is planning & starting an edible & herbal forest garden on our property (come next spring), which I’m excited to share progress on here. I find so much inspiration from other home gardeners and earth lovers, and their unique personal stories, and hope that this space also cultivates a source of inspiration for others. I am by no means an expert on this front, but learning along the way is really all we can do, and I find it to be the best medicine.

Some of my loves in life: Nature, adventuring with my Love, walking in the woods, creating in the kitchen, cozy spaces, the rain, Japan, wildcrafting, foraging, floating in the ocean (or any body of water for that matter), prose, the scent of the sea, music, writing, Japanese philosophy, linen, pottery, pigeon pose, shadow, dappled light, exploring the world, and so much more…

On food, a focal point here:

Some of my earliest and sweetest food memories evolved from simple childhood staples as they oftentimes do, mainly my mother’s banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, particularly at Christmastime, and the warm, rich notes of my grandmother’s freshly baked pumpkin and apple pies. In a word, comfort. Growing up, my mom always encouraged me to explore the culinary world, although it wasn’t until I was well into my twenties that I expressed a deeper interest in learning about the origins of our everyday food and the myriad ways in which it impacts both our individual and collective health & well-being. Needless to say, my relationship with food has evolved into a much more intimate and meaningful one over the years - because eating is personal, and it looks vastly different for everyone. 

I’ve found that for me, committing to a mostly plant-based diet and cooking with the seasons is not only good for the body, mind, and soul, but that it also provides an exciting sense of adventure in the kitchen. As I do with most things in life, I like to leave room for a fair amount of flexibility and spontaneity when making and baking, and so for the recipes that I share here, you’ll find that I often try to lend a friendly encouraging to make the recipes your own if you’re so inclined to try them. I hope that you do, and I’d love to hear your thoughts and unique suggestions.

I’m also for shared meals, gathering for the occasion, and for no occasion at all. I’m a firm believer that one of the best gifts we can give ourselves and to others is time spent gathered around the table, or whatever happens to suffice as such. It is in these moments that we find connection, conversation, healing, and presence; and because I think nourishing our bodies is synonymous with nourishing our relationships - with ourselves and with others. That, I think, is the real sustenance of life.

Want to get in touch?

Stay connected by subscribing to my newsletter for musings, recipes, and creative shares. You can also connect with me by sending an email to: crystal@plumcreativeco.com