Family Critic is a thoughtful guide to great stays, memorable meals, and well-considered home decisions. From places worth booking to the systems, layouts, and details that shape how a home truly lives, we share practical insights with a calm, editorial point of view. It’s a place for people who care about comfort, usability, and making smart choices that feel beautiful, lasting, and well worth it.
Family Critic is a place for thoughtful perspectives on the things that shape everyday life well. We cover memorable meals, worthwhile stays, and smart home decisions with a focus on comfort, usability, and lasting value. It’s an editorial approach grounded in real experience, created for families who want their choices to feel both practical and beautifully considered.
From pre-build planning and layout decisions to lighting strategy, electrical planning, home systems, and practical design choices, we share how we think through decisions before they’re built.
You’ll also find reflections on materials, kitchens, fixtures, outdoor living, multi-generational design, and the balance between where to invest and where to save.
Not trends. Not décor diaries.
Just thoughtful decisions that shape how a home truly lives.
We stopped into Lanky's on Laurens, right at the entrance to The Alley in downtown Aiken, for a snack between meals. Here's our honest take on the food, atmosphere, and whether it'
Gibson & Latimer Linen Dress Review: A Pink Shirtdress and a Little Dillard’s History I have a weakness for clothes that look as though they could have been worn in another d
Crock-Pot Pork Shoulder: The Best Way I’ve Found to Make Pulled Pork I have recently become a little obsessed with pork shoulder, which is not something I ever expected to say. I
Our honest, firsthand review of Chimney Rock Smokehouse: the Top of the Rock, tacos, sliders, live music, and everything else worth knowing before you go.
Joe’s Jeans Review: Fit, Fabric & Signature Styles Disclosure: I purchased the Joe’s Jeans Corduroy Provocateur pants myself. This article is not sponsored, and Joe
El Tejano Latin Cuisine Express: Rich Latin American Flavors in Augusta, Georgia I don’t know about everyone else, but every so often I get a craving for Latin American food. Not
Just Julie’s Sandwich Shop: One of the Best Local Lunch Restaurants in Aiken, SC The first time we discovered Just Julie’s Sandwich Shop, we enjoyed it so much that we returned
Ferrando’s Italian Pizzeria: One of Aiken’s Best Family Restaurants Great restaurants are not built on one exceptional meal. They are built on delivering an enjoyable experienc
Designing a pantry goes far beyond adding shelves. After years in real estate and property management, we're sharing the features we're prioritizing in our multi-generational home,
Embark on a journey to travel destinations with Family Critic.
We are your ultimate guide and a leading hotel review blog for those who seek not only luxurious stays but also unforgettable culinary experiences.
As a manager of teams for 15 years, I am keenly interested in the training and management that sets the stage for the customer’s experience.
