November 5, 2013 When it comes to Thanksgiving, most people really look forward to all of the delicious food that comes with the holiday. The turkey, ham, candied yams, stuffing, cranberries and pumpkin pie really draw in the crowds and can even lure estranged loved ones back to the table. For this reason, it’s so…
November 7, 2013 Sequins are white hot right now and this is the perfect time of year to add some sparkle to your day. Don’t be daunted by the gorgeous glittering of a sequin skirt and don’t wait for that holiday party or special occasion. You can rock this look on a daily basis. Yes,…
November 15, 2013 Staying at a quaint small bed and breakfast can be a really relaxing way to spend your vacation. My husband and I take an annual trip to Iowa for the Iowa football homecoming game. We have been doing this for about 8 years now, and have reconnected with some of his college…
November 12, 2013 Relish in the autumn spirit with some festively fall juices and smoothies that are guaranteed to help you detox from all that post-Halloween candy and pre-Thanksgiving Day feasts headed your way. Load up on antioxidants, lots of seasonal fruits and vegetables to help keep you hydrated, maintaining your weight and feeling fit…
November 13, 2013 With many fun adventures to choose from – from riding an elevator to the top of the tallest freestanding structure in the world to petting a friendly shark – Toronto makes for a great long weekend family escape. As Canada’s largest city and cultural and entertainment hub, there is no shortage of…
November 14, 2013 Over the last few years, people have become more interested in learning how to save money. Times have been tough and everyone seems to be reevaluating the importance of material things. Still, it’s understandable that most of us still want to be festive during the holiday season while simultaneously hoping we can…
November 15, 2013 Several years ago, we found out that my oldest daughter was gluten-intolerant. That discovery brought about a huge change in the way that I cooked and prepared meals. I have always loved to bake breads and desserts and wanted to continue to make them, but I also wanted my daughter to be…
November 19, 2013 Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are the holidays that I most connect with food. Ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and Halloween candy. Family, friends, stuffed turkey and pumpkin pie. Presents, Christmas cookies and stockings filled with all types of chocolate candy. Holiday entertaining just seems to go hand in hand with delicious holiday food. Of…
November 21, 2013 Not sure what to get your best friend, quirky aunt or teenage niece? Accessories are one of the best, budget-friendly but luxe, ways to show someone you care. Friends Forever Whether you’ve known her since grade school, college or later in life – your best friend is your rock. She is your…
November 26, 2013 We are knee-deep in the season of giving and perpetual hope. The New Year will surely have us embarking on a resolution that involves a more fit you and one that tries to save the world. You can do both when you decide to buy some workout duds that give back to…
December 5, 2013 Red is back! After delving into the darker tones in the last few fall/winter seasons the ultra-bright, always classic and bold red is here. Just in time too. The holiday season is awash in cherry and tomato hues and it is easy to get inundated. Check out these fun ways to play…
November 28, 2013 This Thanksgiving, challenge yourself to master the art of gratitude. Life has a way of taking unexpected turns and, through this roller coaster of a journey, we can begin to feel unmotivated and even angry by the challenges we continue to face. While it is reasonable to have an emotional reaction when things…
November 29, 2013 The holidays are a very hectic time of year for many people. There are so many extra errands that need to be done during the holidays that it is almost inevitable that I spend too much time in the car. I find myself stopping at the store for extra ingredients I need…
December 21, 2013 It’s the time of year when we make resolutions and vow to make major changes in the upcoming year. The problem is that three weeks into the new year we’ve already admitted we won’t succeed. Sometimes it’s because we make unrealistic goals: Lose 25 pounds by Valentine’s Day. Walk 8 miles a…
December 13, 2013 Even though times are changing and technology is a forefront on how things are accomplished, some family traditions will never go away. Holiday baking is one of those traditions. Haystacks And Peppermint Bark are everyone’s favorite year after year. The haystack recipe is extremely simple, you could even get the kids to make…
December 12, 2013 I’ve always been a huge fan of Mexican food. Give me some chips, salsa and a margarita and I’m a happy girl! So I was thrilled to hear about the margarita line from Laughing Glass and very excited to chat with co-founder Carey Clahan about their product. The Laughing Glass margarita is…
December 9, 2013 When it comes to traveling this time of year, it could be worth it to embark on your adventures after the big holiday rush. Many people are clogging up the highways and taking up seats around Christmastime, so things tend to be busier and the prices tend to skyrocket. Leaving just a…
December 10, 2013 Feeling frazzled this month? Join the club! Between work, school and family obligations everyday chores can seem suddenly overwhelming. Beat back the crazy stressed out feelings the holidays can bring with these helpful, de-stressing mediation apps. You’ll be saying “Om” before you know it! Musical Mediation If temple bells and chants are…
December 5, 2013 Bundle up and head into the great outdoors this winter to celebrate the chill. Wearing the proper winter gear and participating in calorie burning activities like ice skating and snow-shoeing will guarantee not only warmth, but also family fun. Here are three popular winter festivals that bring out the best of winter….
December 11, 2013 The holidays have always been hectic for me. From gift wrapping to party planning, I am constantly on the go, helplessly trying to get everything finished on time. In fact, all the work doesn’t make it feel like “a holiday” at all. And though this season will forever be a favorite of…
December 12, 2013 Jack Frost is probably nipping at your nose big time this week. But not your nails! Take a bit of time to pamper yourself and get creative and up-to-date on the holiday season’s latest nail trends. From glittery colors to simple designs you can have yourself a glam set of digits in…
December 16, 2013 Growing up, snacks were always a staple in my stocking on Christmas morning. I would receive a variety of tasty treats from candy bars to Cracker Jacks. Candy can add a little sugar to Christmas morning, but conventional candy can be loaded with a number of different allergens, preservatives, artificial flavors, dyes, and genetically-modified…
December 13, 2013 Love it or hate it, Christmas is the time for fruitcake. The oldest recorded references to fruitcake were discovered in Ancient Egypt and the Roman Empire. The Ancient Egyptians reportedly added a fruitcake to the tombs of their loved ones so it could sustain them in the afterlife. Did you know that…
December 20, 2013 By the end of December we’re all a little tired of the same ole pumpkin pie and banana bread. Why not switch it up this year with a pumpkin cheesecake and zucchini bread? These recipes will have your family and friends clamoring for more. Pumpkin Cheesecake This recipe makes two 9 inch pies…
December 18, 2013 For anyone trying to lose or maintain weight and stay healthy, the holiday season can pose all sorts of problems. There’s Christmas cookies, potato latkes for Chanukah, fruitcake (which seems to add one pound to your hips for every ounce you eat), turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, endless amounts of gravy and, of…
December 24, 2013 The holiday bulge might be creeping up on you. Kick it to the curb and keep your New Year’s “healthier you” resolutions by taking up one of the top new fitness trends for 2014. No matter what your speed or fitness level there is a class or workout that can fit your…
December 26, 2013 Pantone announced that Radiant Orchid is the color for 2014, but it’s the shades of blue that reign supreme right now. Blue is the symbol for winter months, while still allowing you to stay upbeat and practical. The just-released Pantone shades Placid Blue and Dazzling Blue add both cheer and classic style…
December 27, 2013 It’s nearly here, New Year’s Eve! A time for having fun and partying with friends as we ring in the new year. While you might wake up on New Year’s day craving pizza or a burger (shades from our college days perhaps), greasy, fatty foods will actually make you feel worse. Here…
December 26, 2013 Broken and damaged relationships may often be in your thoughts, but the holidays always seem to bring these issues to the forefront of your mind. During a time when people are feeling more benevolent, you may feel the urge to reach out and offer or ask for forgiveness. Truth be told, no…
January 3, 2014 2013 was the year of the cronut, the ramen burger and the turducken (a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey). What will this year bring? The waffle chicken tenders, the cookie in a cupcake, a donut breakfast sandwich? This year will see more mashups integrated into restaurant menus. I expect some…
January 2, 2014 Have you heard? Pantone named the shade, Radiant Orchid the color of the year. A hue both bright and bold, it is lively, fun and a great way to boost your mood when you are stuck smack dab in the doldrums of winter. If wearing a classic cardigan or plunking down coin…
January 1, 2014 Does your honeymoon seem to have taken place a long time ago? When was the last time you dined over candlelight? Or explored a new city without pushing a stroller, too? Are you craving time to reconnect with your partner in parenting and life? Then it’s time to call the grandparents STAT, …
January 7, 2014 It might be cliché to talk about juicing in January but cold, hard winters like this one need a boost that picks you up and leaves you feeling great inside and out. Whether it is a “mean green” juice concoction or one filled with carrots and beets with a side of apple, juicing…
January 10, 2014 2013 was the start of the mashup foods like the cronut and ramen burger. Chefs also started using local food produce in their restaurants. This year, these 2 trends will continue to grow. Some restaurants will even be growing their own food, so they know exactly what they are serving. The healthy…
January 14, 2014 It’s winter, and no matter if you are hitting the slopes, or curling up to the fire, it’s important to look your best. Looking for tips to fight winter beauty woes and achieve the perfect winter look? Why not get advice from the experts!? Sisters Sam and Nic Chapman are the stars…
January 14, 2014 One of the newest trends in health is anti-inflammatory foods and the anti-inflammatory diet. In a nutshell, its eating specific foods that help the body lower levels of inflammation and stay healthier. The popular health guru, Dr. Andrew Weil, is the developer of the anti-inflammatory diet but many people have eaten this way…
January 10, 2014 A growing trend in feeding cats and dogs is raw. A raw diet consists of muscle meat, bones and organ meat. In a few models, vegetables and fruit are added, though in this case, we are sticking to the “pure” raw diet with no extra ingredients. Sure it’s easy to pour some…
January 13, 2014 Do you ever peel your citrus fruit and toss the peel in the trash? Stop now! There are so many different ways to use citrus peels (from oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruits, and more) at home. The next time you eat an orange or grapefruit or squeeze lemon juice for your lemonade, hold…
January 14, 2014 Along with the new year, many people have made New Years’ resolutions to get healthier. Some people intend to quit smoking, others exercise more, and still more to eat healthier. Unfortunately, many people last only a few weeks being true to their resolutions. Some people are frustrated because they think that eating…
January 15, 2014 The holiday season is a couple of weeks behind us but many are still reeling from the stress that accompanies the end of the year. With so much traveling, socializing and resolution-making, it’s understandable that most of us feel feeling drained. We also can build things up so much in our minds…
January 24, 2014 A friend of mine just installed a wood pizza oven and threw a pizza party. He agreed to make the dough if everyone brought over toppings. I wanted to do something a little different and opted for a dessert pizza. Here’s the recipe I used: Pizza Dough You can buy refrigerated dough…
January 20, 2014 Mid-January and our resolutions are waning, especially the one about getting into better shape. Stay on top of your fitness goals and beat the winter blahs by changing up your workout wear. Ditch the baggy t-shirts and old gym shorts. Punch up your running, cross-training or Zumba attire with clothes that look…
January 20, 2014 For centuries, meditation has been associated with a calm mind and zen existence but, in recent years, scientific studies have shown that specific types of meditation can actually improve your health in many ways. From preschoolers to the elderly, the benefits of this ancient practice are endless. What is Mindfulness Meditation? Meditation…
January 23, 2014 Remember gladiator sandals? You rocked them all summer long for the past two years! Be prepared to haul them out of the closet and dust them off again for this spring and summer. Styles and inspiration taken right from the ancient ruins of Rome will be trending hard and we want to…
January 24, 2014 Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to splurge on a decadent chocolate fondue. When I was younger, I remember my parents having parties and serving fondue. I have vivid memories of an avocado green fondue pot sitting on top of a small can of sterno. There were long-handled forks with avocado green…