Cara Strickland is a food critic and freelance writer based in the Pacific Northwest. She writes about food, faith, relationships, and singleness for a variety of publications in print and online. You can find more of her work at carastrickland.com.

Smaller Check, Please!

When you’re trying to save money, chances are you think dining out needs to be off the table. But whether you’re looking for a fun evening with friends or you’re tired of your own cooking, it can be fun to treat yourself. With these tips, going out to eat doesn’t have to be out of reach on a tight budget.

Table For One: Learning to Love My Own Company

I used to hate the idea of being watched as I ate alone. My mind would spin wildly, imagining the thoughts of other diners who might be sneaking glances filled with curiosity or, worse, pity. Still, there was something that seemed brave and self-assured about the people I saw eating alone in public. I wanted to see what it was like.

Staying Sane at Work

When you’re a newly minted member of the workforce, it’s natural to want to do well. That enthusiasm and work ethic will be valuable to…