February 8, 2021 The winter months call for a curated list of the tastiest bottles to help ward off the chill. Here are six wine recommendations that are perfect for sipping fireside, snuggled under a cozy blanket. Let’s raise a glass to 2021 and celebrate the winter…and the spring to come! Cheers! Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve…
February 4, 2021 Well, here we are. Another winter in full swing and a pandemic means most of us are home a lot more. Rather than do the same old thing or sit around complaining about the lack of places to go, why not find some new things to keep yourself (and your family) busy…
December 8, 2020 What a year! As we roll into the final month of 2020, so many things look and feel different. It can be a bit depressing when we miss out on the activities we loved to do each year. It can be upsetting when traditions have to be left out or altered. It…
November 23, 2020 It feels like another punch in the gut, but we’ve heard more and more how COVID-19 seems to spread quickly at small family gatherings. As such, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently released guidance on how Americans can stay safer while traveling, hosting, or attending parties with family…
October 26, 2020 It’s a common storyline in holiday films (and households) in our society. After family members gather together at the Thanksgiving table, all of the issues festering in their hearts and over their heads create tension that builds and leads a huge blow up. We might laugh when we see the antics unfold…
September 23, 2020 With over 2,500 kinds grown every year in the U.S., apples are perhaps the favorite fruit of the fall harvest. It’s long been said that “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away,” and nutrition experts agree: apples contain no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol, are a good source of fiber,…
September 10, 2020 It’s hard to know what Halloween will look like in 2020, but it’s reasonable to assume that many families will be skipping trick-or-treating this year. While it’s disappointing in many ways, it doesn’t mean that the celebration has to end. Here are some ways to celebrate Halloween at home and still have…
July 20, 2020 Tired of quarantine cooking? Aren’t we all?! Beef up your summer cooking game by grilling the best steak ever. Celebrity Chef and 7-time world barbecue champion Melissa Cookston has you covered with her recipe for The Best Steak Ever. Start with a star quality steak. What is the Best Steak Ever? A…
July 13, 2020 The nation is feeling very snacky. We creep to the kitchen in between Zoom calls daily. We spent our days hunkering down this spring binging shows about tigers and cheer squads or the latest documentary series Netflix served up as we served ourselves our favorite sweet and savory snacks. This year is shaping up…
June 22, 2020 There’s a lot of buzz about plant-based diets, but it might not resonate with you. We hear “diet” and think it’s a temporary plan. We hear plant-based and think “salad” or vegetarian only, or even Vegan. And while vegetarian and vegan are plant-based, they can also be full of unhealthy food (junk…
June 15, 2020 It is probably safe to say that most of us have been feeling more anxious than normal these days. A pandemic will do that to you. For those of us who already deal with anxiety on a regular basis, this certainly makes it worse. Boredom and fears definitely take up much of…
May 15, 2020 In the past, you might have held a barbecue, planned a weekend getaway, or gone out to dinner for Dad’s special day, but your plans will probably be a little different this year. The coronavirus pandemic continues to impact our lives, so you may need to think outside the box. Don’t worry,…
April 15, 2020 Are you wondering about the best meal kit for your family? Shopping and planning for your family’s meals can take hours each week. Even on a good week, it seems overwhelming. Using a meal delivery kit or service can save lots of time. And, it can mean you don’t have to make…
April 14, 2020 It’s hard to believe, but Mother’s Day is just around the corner. Have you finished your shopping? While there are plenty of ways to show your love and appreciation without spending a single dime, sometimes a sweet gift can really mean so much. You’ll find many traditional ideas listed in gift guides…
December 9, 2019 It’s the holiday season. Everywhere you look, there are snowflakes (real or decorative), red and green colors, and commercials of smiling children happily doing scenic activities. Let’s acknowledge the reality. Most parents are busy juggling a budget, end-of-the-year work, a schedule that includes more parties and school events than the rest of…
November 26, 2019 As someone who follows the keto diet, I can say that one of the most important things you can do is plan ahead when it comes to the upcoming holiday season and meals. If you think you’re going to be in a situation where you will have limited options and/or an abundance…
August 15, 2019 It’s that time of year again! Back-to-school! Are you ready to pack a lunch five days a week once again? Are you hoping that your kids will actually eat what you’ve packed? Skip the sandwich and add these easy ideas to your lunchbox packing repertoire. Kebabs Kids know that everything is more…
July 30, 2019 Annabel Karmel is the mother of three children and the UK’s leading expert on feeding children. Her latest family-focused cookbook will show you how to make family mealtimes fun and healthy with over a hundred easy-peasy recipes. REAL FOOD KIDS WILL LOVE (August 20, 2019, St. Martin’s Griffin) features dishes designed to…
June 26, 2019 Everyone’s doing it. Or are they? Meal kit delivery services are popping up all the time, with companies offering every style and type of cuisine imaginable. Pre-portioned ingredients right to your door! For some people, this is the ultimate service. Yet for others, it may not be a good fit. Today I’m…
April 16, 2019 This year, Earth Day falls on April 22 and it’s a great time to pull together as a family and show love for our planet! There are so many ways you can show your appreciation for Mother Nature and set a good example for the next generation. Our world is in their…
April 12, 2019 It’s spring and that means smaller clothing and bare skin right? I’m craving lighter foods already. If you’re looking to shed a bit of that winter puffiness, start with adding a detoxing salad daily. Detox salads are packed with nutrients, low in calories, and they are bright as the new season. We’re…
January 18, 2019 It’s almost game day and time to play your Super Bowl celebration. Even if your team isn’t in the lineup, snacking your way through the plays (and the commercials) has become a cultural event. Whether it’s just your own little family or you’re planning to host a party, there are some quick…
January 17, 2019 The cold winds and snow may have you wanting to lounge by the fire, but that’s no reason to neglect healthy eating. Now’s the time to take advantage of seasonal winter superfoods that are loaded with essential vitamins to get you through the winter months. If you’re looking to boost your immunities…
December 5, 2018 Looking for the perfect gift for the crafty, artsy, creative girl or boy in your life aged 8-12? Here are our picks for high quality natural and imaginative toys that help bring out a child’s natural curiosity and creativity. Crayon Rocks Kids love creating beautifully textured drawings with the pebble-like-shaped Crayon Rocks….
November 26, 2018 Christmas is the favorite holiday for many people. For some it’s for religious reasons, for others it’s about cherishing family and festivities. For most, it’s a combination of both! Unfortunately, it can get very stressful for many people. It is overwhelming to budget for gifts, host out-of-town guests, plan and host holiday…
November 15, 2018 Much has been made in movies and pop culture about the downright craziness that can surround the holidays, particularly Thanksgiving. While it’s meant to be a day for showing love and gratitude, tempers can flare when extended family members—some of whom may be estranged—try to gather around the table for a meal….
September 12, 2018 Don’t you just love the start of each new season? With it comes new fashion, new weather, and new seasonal foods. Picking your own produce is the best but farm stands and farmers’ markets are great sources and can be fun too. Grocery stores will have in-season produce at good prices too!…
July 31, 2018 If you’re lucky enough to grow tomatoes, you know you’re always in for a treat mid to late summer. Picked at the height of the season, a fresh tomato is a mouthwatering delight for many people. They are easy to grow, even on small sunny patios in pots, so living in a…
May 10, 2018 Breakfast, lunch, dinner … tacos are always on everybody’s most wanted meal list, no matter the time of day. This traditional Mexican dish, which consists of a corn or wheat tortilla folded around a filling, has been embraced by the world. Here’s a tome that takes on tasty new takes on the…
February 27, 2018 If there was ever a year to throw an Oscar Viewing Party, it’s this year! The 2018 Academy Award nominees are the most diverse in history—nominees of all color and gender—and films many people have actually seen! Plus, could you ever before have imagined a world in which Star Wars, Blade Runner,…
February 26, 2018 It can be so frustrating dealing with a child who refuses to eat most foods—especially when their likes and dislikes seem to change overnight. Apples on Monday are wonderful, then suddenly apples on Wednesday are a definite no. What happened? Of course, there can be medical reasons that lead to picky behavior….
November 18, 2017 The holiday season is here—which can be both exciting and anxiety-producing. In theory, it’s wonderful for everyone to gather and be festive, but the reality is that bringing many people together can be stressful. While you can’t anticipate or prevent all conflicts or hurt feelings, you can follow some rules to maintain…
November 2, 2017 Hawaii plays host to so many festivals—from the traditional to the quirky. There’s a fit for every interest and a festival for every family under the tropical sunshine. If you’re looking to go beyond the standard tourist sights, planning a trip around a festival gives you a chance to meet the locals,…
June 1, 2017 Leah Segedie doesn’t have a whole lot of down time. She lives in Simi Valley, California, with her husband and three boys, aged five, eight, and eleven. She created the website, Mamavation, which promotes health and environmental sustainability, and connects mom bloggers with healthy and eco-friendly brands. To help unite and build…
May 1, 2017 This post is sponsored by Tropicana. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important for moms, but sometimes it’s just too easy to grab food from the drive-through or to snack off your kids’ plates. Your stomach suffers, and you end up feeling worse than ever. I don’t know about you, but the last…
April 25, 2017 Sandy Coughlin created the website, Reluctant Entertainer—but she’s an enthusiastic entertainer herself. When she was growing her mother entertained often, and Sandy loves cooking, inviting friends and family, and hosting large, exuberant meals. For Coughlin, hospitality is about much more than the food, it’s about creating connections and building community. When she realized…
April 11, 2017 When it’s time to transition from heavy winter dishes like soups and stews, to lighter salads and stir fry dishes for spring,using fresh, in-season ingredients is the way to go. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables taste better than frozen or canned and provide amazing nutrients too. The spring produce in your grocery store or…
January 10, 2017 At the start of the new year, many people focus on getting their finances in order and reducing their expenses. One of the easiest ways to lower your budget is to focus on your grocery bill. Toward the end of last year, I noticed that my food bill had been slowly creeping…
January 4, 2017 January is here and, for most of us, that means bitterly cold weather and lots of indoor time. It’s easy for families to scatter about the house, especially as kids get older, and fail to spend much quality time together. Finding a few projects that the whole family can work on is a great…
November 28, 2016 Last week we talked about the evolution of holiday desserts—and what better way to switch it up than to take a familiar pie and turn it into a cheesecake? I did just that last year with this delicious pumpkin cheesecake. Here are two more cheesecake recipes from A Taste of Home that are sure to…
November 28, 2016 I love my core circle of girl friends. Whether we are heading to the movies or dinner, it’s fun to get out of our yoga pants and into something a little fancier. But sometimes it’s even more fun to have them over for a Girls’ Night In. Take a break from all…
November 21, 2016 As the weather starts to turn cooler and snow looms on the horizon, many people long for the warmth of summer. The beach, swimsuits, towels, sunscreen—and lounging in the sun sipping a mixed drink with an umbrella. Well you can have the latter anytime! Bring a bit of summer into your winter…
November 17, 2016 The holidays are fast approaching, which means ’tis the season of parties and festive gatherings. This year, step up your mixology game by bringing a pitcher of a delicious new drink to your next holiday fete or offering fabulous cocktails when you host friends and family for dinner. Tropicana Premium Drinks are…
October 27, 2016 When I think of GE, basic appliances come to mind. Functional, sturdy, and reliable stoves and refrigerators. I have owned a few of them and they always worked well, but I would never describe them as high end. So I am here to blow your mind: GE has introduced the Monogram series,…
October 27, 2016 If you’re in the Chicagoland area, you’re probably familiar with Abt. The company has only one location, in Glenview, but it’s expansive and the family-owned business is known for its service and selection. Abt sells online, too, but if you’re in the area you should check it out in person. The 100,000…