I love to entertain—whether it be during a planned dinner or an impromptu gathering. As we roll into the holiday season, here are some go-to wines...
Noteworthy
‘The Speckled Beauty’ Book Review
Speck is not an average family pet. He came into Rick Bragg’s life as a scrawny, starving, disobedient animal prepared to wreak havoc. Bragg’s ode...
Creepy Halloween Cocktails
Get in the spirit this Halloween. Halloween isn’t just for the younger set. Prepare some spirited beverages for your over-21 guests at your own...
Packing Tips and Tricks
Some quick and easy tips for packing for vacation. Vacations are full of fun activities, sightseeing and experiences, but packing for a vacation can...
Go-To Grill Mixes
My husband and I recently refurbished my outdoor gas grill. We’ve done this several times before, opting to install new components rather than trash...
Local Author Helps People Work Through Grief with New Book
Kristy Boike reaches people suffering through grief and loss with her new book, Rise Up, Little Bluebirds. After the loss of her mother, she and her...
‘The Last Cuentista’ by Donna Barba Higuera Book Review
The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera is a dystopian tale about the power of stories and the importance of diversity. It follows Petra Peña who,...
Family Photo Shoot Styling Tips
Fall is right around the corner, meaning it’s time for those soft knits, cozy layers, moody colors and, for a lot of families, a fall photo shoot.
‘Mom Milestones’ by Grace Farris Paints a Literal Picture of Motherhood
In the graphic novel Mom Milestones: The True Story of the First Seven Years, Grace Farris paints a literal picture of motherhood. As adults we tend...
A Quick and Easy Wine Education
Here’s the secret to wine education: Drink wine. It is that easy. There are two rules to follow. Drink what you like. Someone might tell you how...
‘Atomic Habits’ Book Review
Do you have a bad habit you’d like to break? Or perhaps a good one you’re looking to adopt? If so, I highly recommend Atomic Habits by James Clear....
Homemade Pizza Ideas for Summer
I think pizza is by far one of the best things you can make on an outdoor grill. During the summer, I grill pizza at least once a week. Our bakery...
Different Planes: Listening to Seniors
Stephen R. Covey noted, “Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” I find this true when it...
The Best of Style: The Denim Jacket
My go-to, favorite layering piece is a denim jacket. A denim jacket is a classic piece that fits all styles, budgets and seasons. This versatile...
Kid Friendly Summer Drinks
It’s the weekend. You have friends coming over, and they are bringing their kids. You have food and cocktails planned, but what are you giving the...
Impactful Storytelling
Jen and Riley have been best friends since kindergarten. They consider each other family even though their lives have gone in different directions....
Independent Pet Partners Moves Headquarters to Woodbury
Local resident Brian Murphy and president of Independent Pet Partners (IPP), owners of Chuck & Don’s, relocated its headquarters to Woodbury in...
Stella Snacks
I’ve written many recipes for loved ones over the years: sister, daughter, son, husband, mother-in-law, best friend and so on. However, there is one...
Beauty and Endurance
Blaise Pascal, a polymath of the 1600s, said even a genius needs beauty, noting, “In difficult times, carry something beautiful in your heart.”...
Stop and Smell the Rosemary
Last summer, my husband built me a new garden, complete with raised beds, storage for all of my supplies and a gate to keep out the “neighbors”...
