Welcome to Oak and Ladle!
Hi, friend. Put your feet up—grab that cold (or reheated, no judgment!) cup of coffee—and stay a while. Here at Oak and Ladle, chaos is just part of the charm, and there’s always something simmering on the stove. Whether you’re a tired parent juggling soccer schedules, a middle school teacher grading endless assignments, or just someone who’s Googled “easy dinner ideas” more times than you care to admit, you’re in the right place.
We get it. Life is BUSY (and yes, all caps are necessary). But here at Oak and Ladle, we believe even the busiest families can create joyful moments together—whether it’s around the dinner table, on the run to extracurriculars, or during belly-laugh-filled kitchen chaos.
The Genesis of Oak and Ladle
Why “Oak and Ladle”? Well, it started with an actual old oak tree.
Growing up, my grandma’s Indiana farm was my happy place. Acres of woods surrounded a cozy farmhouse where family gathered, stories unfolded, and amazing food was served—always hot, always made with love. There was one tree in particular, “The Old Oak,” that anchored it all. You could see it no matter how far you wandered, beaconing you back home. It stood for stability, connection, and finding your way when you felt lost.
The “ladle” symbolizes that food is at the heart of so many of life’s grounding moments. From grandma’s hearty stews to grabbing McDonald’s on the way to a baseball game, food ties us together. And Oak and Ladle became my metaphorical safe space—a blend of roots, love, and food.
About Me
I’m Rachel, and I wear a lot of hats (probably some with food stains on them). By day, I’m a creative marketing professional managing website projects and crafting digital solutions. By every-other-second? I’m a wife, mom, home cook, and borderline chaos coordinator.
My life partner and best friend, JJ, and I have a full house—8 kids total, though we’re usually managing 6 “littles” between the ages of 9-14. Picture it…endless loads of laundry, mismatched socks galore, and at least one kid who “lost” their homework daily. (FYI, the homework is never missing—it’s always crumpled in a backpack beneath uneaten fruit snacks.)
Life is loud, messy, and hilariously human around here. We’re just out here trying to do life imperfectly but lovingly. Oh, and I cook—a lot. Cooking is my ultimate “love language.” There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing my family enjoy a meal I’ve made, even if every pot and pan in the kitchen gets used in the process.
But here’s the kicker—I’m not out here curating the perfect life over meticulously garnished plates. I’m about pre-packaged salad kits, boxed mac and cheese on tired nights, and finding systems that actually stick for busy families.
The Mission of Oak and Ladle
If I had to sum it up, Oak and Ladle was born out of necessity—how do we make busy, messy family life manageable and meaningful? From the get-go, I’ve been a problem solver. Life with lots of kids and full-time jobs means I needed systems that work for our time, budget, and sanity. Oak and Ladle is my way of sharing those nuggets of wisdom, plus some tried-and-tested recipes, insights, and laughs along the way.
Here’s what you can expect from hanging around this corner of the internet:
- Cooking Without Chaos: I’m all about simple, flavorful recipes that DON’T take hours to prepare. (Although, if someone wants to babysit so I can tackle a croquembouche, hit me up.)
- Family Management Hacks: Earned through trial, error, and a zillion chaotic mornings.
- Travel Tips for Full House Families: We’re pros at hitting the road with and without a herd in tow—and yes, our kids sneak toys into their snack bags.
- Honest Moments: From burnt toast fails to dinner table belly laughs, the chaos is real…but so is the joy.
What Makes Oak and Ladle Different?
If you’re expecting a picture-perfect, Martha Stewart lifestyle, bless. You won’t find it here.
What you WILL find? A judgment-free space for families just trying to make it through the day while sneaking in meaningful moments. We get it—some nights it’s pizza rolls on paper plates while the dishwasher runs for the third time.
My cooking philosophy? “Convenience meets flavor.” I’ll teach you tricks to recreate a restaurant-worthy meal in less time than it takes your 9-year-old to definitely not clean their room.
House too messy for aesthetic Pinterest content? Same here. But we’ve got realistic solutions to streamline the chaos—and sometimes we high-five just for remembering to take the trash out on time.
Here, we value progress over perfection.
What You’ll Find Here
Curious to explore? Here’s what awaits on Oak and Ladle:
- Budget-Friendly Meals
Simple, delicious recipes that work for busy families and tight wallets. Yes, that “easy chicken dinner” can taste high-end, and no, ramen isn’t always an emergency backup plan (although we like ramen, too).
- Family Hacks
From meal prep shortcuts to chore strategies, it’s all about solutions that WORK—whether you’re headed to soccer practice, a school play, or just trying to find matching shoes.
- Travel Highlights
We’ve nailed balancing work trips, vacations, and kid meltdowns en route to Disneyworld. Our travel tips will have you booking the family’s next adventure with confidence.
- Real-Life Chaos Updates
Burnt toast (with flames). Sticky floors. Endless loads of laundry. Get a front-row seat to the delightful mess that is family life.
Join the Oak and Ladle Community
We’re so glad you’re here—and we want to hear from you!
Have a chicken marinade that your family loves? Shoot it my way. Travel tips? Spill the tea. Together, we can create a supportive little corner of the internet for working parents, teachers, families, and anyone looking to simplify life’s chaos while making joy-filled moments.
Pull Up a Chair—Welcome to the Table
At Oak and Ladle, the mission is simple—to find joy in the little moments, to build memories worth keeping, and to make life just a little less overwhelming.
If you’re ready for messier kitchens, happier hours, and flavorful shortcuts that make dinner the best part of your day—you’re in the right place. Take a seat at our (sometimes sticky) table and start your adventure today.