October 6, 2017 I struggle with the organization 0f my kitchen cupboards and drawers almost every day. One day I’m trying to fit a baking sheet onto a shelf in the cupboard, the next I’m trying to store sharp knives. I know that I am not alone. Here are four DIY projects to organize your…
October 13, 2017 The windows have been open all summer and now dust is everywhere. As the weather begins to cool it’s time for a deep fall cleaning. This includes climbing up on a step stool and trying to wipe the grime off the ceiling fans. As you clean your fans, do you dream of…
October 4, 2017 Holidays are a time of family meals and festive treats; it’s also a time when many of us permit ourselves a little splurge. Still, it’s possible to make holiday meals a little healthier with these simple tips. Sour Cream Substitute Whether you’re topping a baked potato or making your favorite dip recipe,…
October 18, 2017 Oktoberfest is the time of year when we celebrate two of Germany’s most beloved gifts to the world: brats and beer. The celebration originated in early 19th century Munich, where today more than six million people from around the globe gather to guzzle down nearly two million gallons of beer every autumn….
October 11, 2017 Celebrate Halloween at the happiest place on earth! Disney World is a boo-tiful place to experience Halloween chills and thrills. Haunted happenings, harvest goodies, and plenty of tricks and treats are all on the menu. Here’s everything you need to know about the not-so-scary family fun at Disney World this Halloween. The…
October 10, 2017 Everywhere you look, people are using Mason jars to drink lattes, layer salads, and create decadent desserts. Mason jars are both durable and affordable, plus nearly everyone has a few jars—or even a case or two–in their pantry, attic, or garage. Once you’ve used the jars for your coffee, salad, or chocolate…
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,…
October 30, 2017 If you have holiday travel plans, you’re likely wondering how to stay healthy when you’re away from home. If you’re like me, any disruption in your routine often leads to the sniffles and a general run-down feeling during the trip, or a day or two after returning home. While traveling can be…
November 7, 2017 Colorado Ski Country USA offers world-class skiing and snowboarding, while also embracing families with little ones who are just getting the hang of the bunny slopes. The 2017-18 ski season promises new events, updated infrastructure including new terrain and chairlifts, as well as plenty of new lodging and dining options. Some highlights…
November 14, 2017 It’s so easy to send the kids off to watch TV while you prepare holiday meals (or a weekend dinner) isn’t it? But as a mom whose kids don’t know much about cooking, I wish I had brought them into the kitchen earlier and more often. Teaching cooking tips, sharing the work,…
November 8, 2017 Are you wondering how to ditch disposables and cut down on waste during the holidays? After the holidays last year, I was truly amazed at the size of the garbage bags we set out for pick up. I tried to be very careful when I made holiday choices, but we still managed…
November 22, 2017 Museum dining used to mean dull cafeteria-style fare served up in a dingy atmosphere. Today’s museums keep the foodie-oriented visitor in mind by offering locally-inspired cuisine in stunning settings. Here are five U.S. museum restaurants that go above and beyond to offer both remarkable food in memorable settings. Mitsitam Native Foods Café…
November 19, 2017 If you don’t want to spend a lot of time decorating for Thanksgiving when Christmas is right around the corner, these DIY decorating ideas will make your house festive for Thanksgiving—and beyond (and yes, you can still use your child’s hand turkey as your centerpiece!). Hanging Pinecones Instead of a wreath, consider…
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 30, 2017 You’ve come down with something but you’re not sure what. ‘Tis the season for sniffles and coughs, after all. While many people conclude they have a bad cold when they’re laid low, it’s important to determine if its the cold or the flu you’re suffering from. By identifying the source of your…
November 29, 2017 The old adage tells us that homemade gifts mean more because they come from the heart, and this is a idea I’ve tried to pass on to my children. Besides, unless your child is some sort of entrepreneurial prodigy, he or she probably can’t foot an extensive gift-giving bill. But if a gift…
December 6, 2017 It’s time for holiday decorations! The fireplace mantle is adorned with stockings, garlands, and pine cones. The tree is covered in balls and tinsel. Now it’s time to make your front porch inviting for guests! Here are three ways to decorate the front of your home. Small Christmas Trees This craft is…
December 8, 2017 When the holidays are over and spring is nowhere in sight, it’s easy to feel bored and antsy. January can seem twice as long if you are cooped up indoors. Alleviating the doldrums can be as simple as keeping busy with fun activities and adding events to your calendar. Get Out and…
December 9, 2017 The holidays often mean too much food and too little healthy living. During the holiday season, we tend to go out more and stay up late; to spend time drinking hot chocolate in front of the fire and snacking on Christmas cookies. All of that holiday living may mean we need a…
December 12, 2017 With the turn of the seasons, you’ve probably been inundated with commercials, articles, and conversations about New Year’s resolutions. These make me simultaneously excited and irritated. Visions of a well-toned me strolling a beach in the south of France while fluently conversely with a local have me resolving to go to the…
December 13, 2017 Drinking plenty of water every day is recommended if you want to have a clearer complexion, improve your digestion, lose weight, boost brain function, or simply enhance your overall health. Given the many benefits, you’d think it would be easy to drink plenty of water, but many people have trouble getting enough…
December 26, 2017 When it comes to New Year’s Resolutions, we seem to hear the same ones over and over every January. While losing weight, giving up alcohol, or getting more exercise are definitely worth the effort, there are other ways you can make yourself a priority in the coming year. We have five suggestions…
December 14, 2017 With the new year on the horizon, many people are evaluating their lifestyle choices. Many of us make resolutions to lose weight, follow a healthier diet, and become more active. If you have had a sedentary lifestyle for years and aren’t used to working out, it can be challenging to get started. Here…
December 20, 2017 Terrariums are a great way to bring plants indoors. For those who live in a small space—or those who don’t want the hassle of big plants—this is the way to go. Regular plants brought inside tend to dry out fast, especially in the winter when you run the heat. By placing them…
December 19, 2017 If you traveled in your youth, you know how much the airline industry has changed. In those days, there were fewer gates, more predictable schedules, and last-minute changes were uncommon. Hospitality was a big deal. Most flights included a decent meal, and if something went wrong the airlines took care of you. Nowadays,…
December 21, 2017 Many people make New Year’s resolutions to change their lives for the better. Resolutions range from losing weight to drinking more water to learning a new hobby. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to declutter and get organized. If this is one of your goals, start by organizing your…
January 3, 2018 Frigid weather outside calls for warm lunch inside. Skip the sandwiches with their utterly cold cuts and pack a hearty meal in a container that promises to keep it warm. Our family’s go-to lunchbox system is the Vaya Tiffin—a functional and versatile container that keeps wholesome lunches warm—but any insulated food jar will…
December 28, 2017 I’m not overly worried about germs. That doesn’t mean I don’t cover my mouth when I sneeze or wash my hands after I take the subway or handle a public pay phone. But I’m not one of those people who uses hand sanitizer compulsively or disinfects everything in my home at the…
December 27, 2017 This weekend, a friend and I chatted about her new interest in minimalism. She has started gradually tossing out things that don’t serve a purpose in her home. In contrast, her mother-in-law with hoarder tendencies just moved to a special care home, which means her house needs to be sorted. It hit…
January 4, 2018 The holidays are over and the decorations put away. Relatives have all gone home. Temperatures continue to fall, along with rain or snow. There are dreary days ahead and, for many of us, the winter blues are setting in. This time of year, you’ll be spending more time indoors, so it’s an…
January 9, 2018 Most of us take wonderful photos over the holidays, and it seems a shame to just leave them on the computer, or pack them away in a box. But how can you display your holiday photos besides putting them in a picture frame? Here are a few ideas that may work for…
January 8, 2018 We read about it daily: the white refined sugar we put in our coffee, add to our baked goods, and consume in most processed products is one of the worst foods we can eat. Eliminating sugar entirely is difficult for most people, but we can cut back significantly with a little conscious…
January 16, 2018 It’s January and everyone is scrambling to get the year off to a good start. If you’re looking for ways to improve your chances of reaching your goals, the first thing you need to do is get organized. This extends to all areas of your life. When things are in disarray, they…
January 19, 2018 I’ve been going through my closet and I realize I have far too many clothes that simply don’t go together. I can either spend the rest of the winter wearing mismatched clothing and not leaving the house, or I can figure out what needs to stay and what needs to go. After…
January 25, 2018 Embracing aging doesn’t mean we don’t want to look our best. When we feel young on the inside, we want our exterior to look good as well. Not everyone is into injections or facelifts and there are no magic pills or creams that eliminate aging. Still, there are steps you can take…
January 24, 2018 Whether you’re wearing a light hoodie in the middle of January or recovering from the bomb cyclone, it’s never fun to come back to reality after the holiday season. Need something to boost your spirits? Get started on spring break planning! It’s a great time to catch some travel deals and before…
January 23, 2018 I love houseplants and have several around my house. Not only do they brighten a room, but some species of houseplants actually help remove toxins from the air. I’m a relative novice when it comes to houseplants. I know how to keep them alive, for the most part, but I don’t want…
January 22, 2018 The stress of the holidays are over, but often a new strain looms on the horizon: separation or divorce. Divorce is exhausting, both emotionally and financially, so I spoke with Mischelle Luckett, managing partner of Luckett and Ashford, to get her advice on ways to prepare and items to consider before moving forward: Do you…
January 30, 2018 Whether you work from home or just need a private place to keep your bills and calendars organized, you deserve to have a designated and comfortable office space in your home. Your space should serve you, not the other way around. Here are four tips to help you create your own charming…
January 29, 2018 If you live in Vermont, winter boots are a winter essential! Lately, I’ve been working on making my boots last longer. I invested in a few pairs that I love, and I want to keep them looking good as long as possible. Winter weather can really do a number on your boots…
February 7, 2018 Many people are turning to natural remedies for stress and healing. Sales of herbs and organic foods are booming, and yoga is more popular than ever. But there’s one approach to stress that many people haven’t heard of: EFT tapping. EFT practitioners claim it can help with everything from stress and pain…
February 8, 2018 The 2018 Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 9th to 25th—which means you have just enough time to prepare a fantastic party for the Opening Ceremony. Whether it’s small and intimate or a gathering of friends and family, you can get in on the action and support the athletes competing…
February 13, 2018 First it’s kale, then it’s brussel sprouts, now chia is the trendy food item popping up everywhere. Have you heard of chia seeds? Certainly not new, this superfood dates back to Mexico around 1000 B.C. Chia seeds have several health benefits: Antioxidants. The more antioxidants we consume, the more we protect our…
February 12, 2018 These days, the only thing I wear on my feet when I go outside is my snow boots. But eventually the snow will melt and it will be time for sandals and flip-flops (hard to believe, right?). Before that happens, my feet need a little bit of pampering and attention. Here are…
March 5, 2018 Remember how pumped you were on January 1st to start your new life and demolish those resolutions? New year, new you, right? Now that it’s March, how’s it going? If you’re still going strong, keep up the good work! If not, don’t feel discouraged. You can still crush your goals! Here are…