Hi there! I’m Emily Carter, a mom of two energetic toddlers—our daughter, Sophie, born in 2022, and our son, Jack, who followed in 2023. I live in the beautiful coastal city of Charleston, South Carolina, balancing life with my husband Michael and a house that is always loud, messy, and full of love. Cooking is my refuge, a way for me to turn vintage inspiration into reliable recipes while originally calling the South my home.

My love for cooking began over 20 years ago, when I would help my mom in her kitchen, stirring pots and licking the beaters. Those early years taught me that the best meals aren’t always the most complicated ones; they are the ones that bring people together. Today, I bring that same love to Retro Meal, which I started in January 2025 to share my nostalgia-obsessed recipes that fit my busy lifestyle as a mom, and yours.

Lately, I’ve fallen head over heels for classic family-favorite recipes reinvented for today’s busy life. My favorite “guilty pleasure” foods are a tie between Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup and a big bowl of Creamy White Chicken Chili.Whether I’m making a hearty main dish or a vintage dessert, I focus on providing comprehensive visual prep galleries that show you the key stages of how I made each dish in my own kitchen, ensuring your cooking experience is fun and stress-free.

I believe every busy mom deserves meals that feel like a warm hug, even on the craziest days. That’s why I specialize in recipes that won’t take you all day to make, ensuring they don’t just look good in a photo but taste incredible for the everyday cook. Every recipe is tested and then tested again to make sure it is perfect for your family table.

When I’m not in the kitchen, you’ll find me hunting for vintage cookbooks at thrift stores, gardening, or playing at the park with Michael and the kids. Our spoiled Golden Retriever, Cooper, loves to hang out in the kitchen while I’m cooking, waiting to “taste test” just like the kids. That’s the magic of it all: cooking that brings the whole family together.

So here’s to all the busy moms out there, join me at Retro Meal, where we’re building memories one quick, nostalgic, and reliable meal at a time. Let’s make everyday cooking feel warm, simple, and real. From my busy kitchen in Charleston to yours, I’m so glad you’re here!

POPULAR FAQS

Where are you from?

I’m originally from the South, and I currently call Charleston, SC home!

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

When I’m not in the kitchen, I love hunting for vintage cookbooks at thrift stores, gardening, and playing at the park with Michael and the kids.

What’s your favorite “guilty pleasure” food?

It’s a tie between Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup and a big bowl of Creamy White Chicken Chili!

Do you have any pets?

Yes! We have a very spoiled Golden Retriever named Cooper who loves to hang out in the kitchen while I’m cooking.

STAY IN TOUCH!

I love hearing from you. If you have questions or comments, please shoot me an email at [email protected] or find me on social media and send me a DM!

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