...and what to do before you start

The easiest 5 minute meal!

6 Ingredient Simple Vinaigrette

5 things you can do to combat lonlieness as you are building your empire!

Loss of Identity is a Mother F'r. 5 Tips on how to overcome it and more...

Kitchen burnout is real. If you don’t have a plan - you are going to “Postmates” yourself to death!

Have you been hustled?

Are you a podcast junkie?

You are not chicken fingers...not everyone is going to like you!

Why Asking for What you Want is Key to Your Success

10 Business Books Every Entrepreneur Needs to Read

How + Where to Start in 2021

10 Free Apps + Tools To Help Build + Scale Your Business

10 Gifting Ideas That Won't Break The Bank!!

Hannukah Cookies for all Taste Buds!

Mexican Wedding Cookies

What are you Afraid of?

Sunday Night Dinner {And a Weekly Meal Plan}

The Hook is the “Breaking News”

How to “raise” your business like you would your kids!

S-O-A-P {An Acroynm you want to know about}!

Dorm Food Sucks! And My Kids are Starving!!

I know, I know...I've been M.I.A. Sorry!

Back to School Like We Have Never Seen it Before!

Feeding Others is my Love Language!

I confess...I am a Cookbook Nerd

Who Was Your First Mentor?

I used to be tired...like all the time!

Do you know what Stage your are in?

5 Tips to Shift your Perspective - How to create what YOU want-regardless of a pandemic!

Do you have a set of rituals that help pull you through your day?

How do you feel today?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

Are you experiencing change right now?

I know, I know...I've been M.I.A. Sorry!

I know, I know...I've been M.I.A. Sorry!

I know, I know...I've been M.I.A. Sorry!

My Thanksgiving Roadmap

I know, I know...I've been M.I.A. Sorry!

She is inspiring others to dream the dream.

Are you experiencing change right now?

A little something you may not know about me...

My #1's favorite Ice Cream flavor!

BBQ season is my favorite season.

Elana began cooking as a young child

Butter, Butter and more Butter!

Did You Know...

Whitney and I met on-line. She and I met because I had been admiring her from a far (well, not so afar – from my phone screen) and was completely in love with her POV.

Bite Sized Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake

The ranch is multi-functional and has many purposes

I am less interested in seeing your highlight reel and more interested in seeing you

Isaac's favorite coffee cake!

She is the Meredith Grey to my Cristina Yang

Getting sick woke me up and unstuck me.

Isaac's favorite coffee cake!

If you earn your living via building a home based business - then OWN THAT SHIT

Passover Desserts no longer have to taste like cardboard!

If you earn your living via building a home based business - then OWN THAT SHIT

Another pre-school connection. I know – so many bad-asses came out of that “institution”! One of my first memories of Wendy was when she walked in to my furniture factory for the first [...]

Passover Desserts no longer have to taste like cardboard!

Debbie Ullman is completely One Of A Kind and like no other.

Re-Invention is a mother-f*ckEr. At least for me it was.

Isaac's favorite coffee cake!

Dayna and I met when our eldest kids (now almost 21 years old) were about 2 years old. We landed in the same pre-school class. The connections and the friendships that we created from that [...]

Finding that secret sauce takes a lot of flipping work.

Passover Desserts no longer have to taste like cardboard!

Kimberly is a 4th generation Angeleno, and knows every nook and cranny of our city!

Raise you hand if you volunteer or agree to participating in stuff that often times you dread!

Isaac's favorite coffee cake!

Lori and I met in high school, over 40 years ago. Although we went to different high schools, I was BFF’s with one of her BFF’s and she and I became fast friends. Always connected through that [...]

So my advice to you, is get super duper clear on what it is you want.

Generally, I cook with leftovers in mind.

The word FAILURE vibrated loudly in between my ears and it came at a price - an emotional price.

Nancy prides herself on being a kind, calm and collected…control freak.

A childhood favorite memory - and the cookie is fantastic!

This is what is currently on my night stand...

Jerelyn and I met as my youngest and her middle were graduating from elementary school.

Generally, I cook with leftovers in mind.

What are you willing to release in order to accept yourself for exactly who you are?

Isaac's favorite coffee cake!

Leigh and I met on the internet, on LinkedIn specifically. I found her and liked her vibe. That was about a year ago. We took our new found relationship “off line”, hopped on a call, had a great [...]

I know this first hand, because I have been bullied.

The best part about this particular dessert is that it can all be mixed in a bowl, using a whisk.

I, like most of the universe, has become obsessed with Marie Kondo. After binging her Netflix show, Tidying Up, I googled the crap out of this woman to learn more. I had read the book years ago, [...]

As a creator, artist, educator and giver, Laurey is fueled by her artistic nature.

And that pain is how we all learned to grow and it no longer defined us.

My kids could eat Asian food 7 days a week, 3 meals a day.

Anything and everything Red Velvet is one of Isaac's favorite desserts.

Shirley is more like a clarity coach and we are both convinced that we were stronger than sisters in many many lives before us.

The latest and greatest and stuff on our list!

Dorie Greenspan is one of my favorite cookbook authors and all around chef and creator.

There are no other women I would rather walk through the trenches with

Life is hard. Parenting is harder and it's easier to self judge and believe that I could have done it better or differently.

Lindsay and I met through our friend, Suze around 1993. She was fresh out of the Graphic Design program at U.C.L.A. and my brand, Little Folk Art, needed her. She and I immediately clicked and we [...]

Being industrious was not a choice - it was a necessity.

Krisha and I met through my youngest and her oldest boy. The two of them bonded over their love for food.

This is my dynamic Duo!! Lashboost has changed the look and appearance of my lashes and now I officially cannot live without it. Paired with this awesome mascara (thank you Klara for the [...]

This past year came and went with it's own set of challenges. It was not an easy year.

Brenda and I met in 8th grade. She and I went to different middle schools, but we had mutual friends that brought us together. Brenda and I instantly connected and became fast and best friends. [...]

Natalie and I met about 4 years ago when I boys landed on the same basketball team. We also had the most amazing human in common (Jennifer) and our friendship grew from there.

I heard this quote on a Podcast the other day and it stuck with me.It was on my early morning walk with Lola and I had to pause the episode because I wanted to write this down when I got home.

Finding our lane isn’t always easy.  Some of us find what we want to do really early on. I have friends who got into their profession or work right out of college and that was it for them, [...]

It’s hard work because it is a daily practice. No different than your exercise routine, the eating and lifestyle choices one makes, how we take care of our skin and our body and so much more. [...]

I try to create new meals and side dishes with any kind of leftovers and Thanksgiving is the mother load of leftover inspiration.

There is a restaurant in our neighborhood that has a very good happy hour menu.

I'm trying to find the balance between what I want to eat and what I need to feed my kids

There are many nights where I will make this salad

Gluten free jelly doughnuts A.K.A. Sufganiyot!

This applesauce recipe is so good (and easy) that I am gifting it this year. A double batch gave me a dozen gifts, packaged in 8 ounce Ball jars. And…there was plenty of leftovers to eat at home [...]

Brisket is always best when made a day in advance. Hannukah is tomorrow night and I am not making one, but two briskets this year. Why you ask? Levi volunteered my brisket for the Multi Cultural [...]

I started loving my carbs at a very young age.

This sugar cookie has been in my repertoire for over 30 years.

Hands down...best Crinkle cookie - Ever!

Shortbread + chocolate + peppermint candy = a great big tray of cookie bark that goes along way.

Fudge. I really don't know anyone that doesn't like it.

Blueberry Vodka. Need I say more? Making flavored vodka is easier than breating.

I made homemade vinegar for Valentine's day a few years back and it was very well received. Since then I have experimented with other flavors.

Loaves make great gifts. Especially mini loaves.

Truffles are basically the "one pot treat" of dessert making.

Who doesn't like a big bag of Caramel Corn?

Brownies are an American favorite and this brownie recipe is a household favorite.

This is the perfect little gift. Packaged with homemade marshmallows and wrapped up all cute inside a functional little mug - the "Ooos" and "Ahhs" will follow.

My grandma Rose made these butter cookies all the time and could always be found in her cookie jar.

For the next 25 days, I will be posting a recipe a day.

It's a time to share, give, and do what I love - creating tasty treats for others.

I made this cake a few weeks back to celebrate the Jewish New Year.

Raise your hand if you like breakfast for dinner?

When it comes to cooking magazines, it's safe to say I am a "hoarder.

One of my favorite memories growing up was going to Phillipes.

My son, Eli, and his friends took up fishing a few years back.

We love dessert! I wish we didn't, but we do.

I like finding new ways to use ground beef, turkey, and chicken.

I had a pretty great neighborhood growing up. Goldy, our neighbor was an awesome cook.

It's been a very, very short summer.

Isaac shared his experience at the Gentle Barn

A summer meal for me means very, very little prep.

5 ingredient - Homemade Magic Shell

Soup, unlike baking, does not have to be exact.

I gave in, I purchased a slow-cooker!

I have not been inspired nor motivated.

The dish was inspired by my friend Steve, a passionate chef.

Tonight's dinner consists of taking leftovers and creating a whole new meal.

These stuffed tomatoes are one of my favorite quick and easy weeknight meals.

We love good Mexican food in the Salzman household.

Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen.

The key…simple ingredients.

I love the week between Christmas and New Years.

Today Levi is 8 years old.

Dinner has to be easy and has to be prepped in no time.

I bought my first Ina Garten book about 12 years ago. Each new edition, I immediately ran out and purchased. Barefoot in Paris was no different. I have probably made [...]

It’s been a busy week. The night before Thanksgiving has always been a kind of “whatever” meal. However, this year, the Wednesday night before was the first night of Hannukah. A full [...]

Gluten Free Sufganiyot are total game changers!

Comfort food with a crust. Need I say more? Thanksgiving, for me, is all about the sides. I do love my gravy, but I prefer it over my rustic herb stuffing. Forget the turkey and save it for a big [...]

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that next week is Thanksgiving. This year, on Thanksgiving, we have a double celebration. The first night of Hannukah falls on Thanksgiving this year. I am [...]

There is really nothing more satisfying to me as opening up my pantry, fridge, and freezer and creating a meal with what’s on hand. This dish is exactly that. Thursday’s are a very [...]

I know, I have been M.I.A. Eating, cooking, and planning has remained a huge part of my life, but photographing and writing about is a whole nother story. This past summer my business consulting [...]

When summer roles around, I am in need of a much needed break from my daily routine. With that said, I do love routine; I meal plan, time manage my days, and don’t really like when a wrench [...]

In our house, eggs and cheese go hand and hand

If my kids had their way our pantry would be loaded up with spicy chips, frozen pizza snacks, noodles with freeze dried whatever – packaged in a Styrofoam container, cream filled sandwich [...]

Yesterday was Sunday. My favorite day of the week. No lunches to pack, no sporting events to race to, and no errands. It is my day to organize, clean, and prep for the busy week ahead. Sweat [...]

Yesterday was the “big game”. It’s was also Sunday, the day that I spend my morning prepping for the week ahead. Knowing what needs to get done allows me to not stress over the [...]

The key to getting whole, unprocessed weeknight meals on the table in 40 minutes or less comes down to prep and organization. I am always met with awe and a “how do you do that” when [...]

Sometimes, Thursday’s role around and all I really want to do is grab a friend and sneak out to a 10 a.m. movie. Eat popcorn for lunch and then come home and take a nap before the kids get [...]

For those of you that have children, I am sure you (like me) spend your Saturday’s and Sunday’s at the park or gym, watching children, small and large, playing with balls. [...]

It’s New Years Eve. A new year is about to begin and new beginnings are on the horizon. Two weeks ago, Eli started a new school and he is a completely new person. One of confidence, [...]

I admit, I am not very good in the garden. I could easily be called a plant killer. But, after all,  it just makes perfect sense for me to have an edible garden. I am already making all [...]

  I love little bites. Often I have some sort of little bite waiting for the kids when they come home from school. Bacon Hash is always well received (love seeing their expression change [...]

I LOVE having bite sized snacks on hand for pretty much anytime of the day

I have been in the kitchen non stop since before Thanksgiving. Baking, creating, cooking, organizing, and eating. After baking thousands of cookies, bars, making candy, and teacakes, for holiday [...]

I am grateful. I am fortunate. I am blessed. This weekend I celebrated Levi’s 7th birthday with family, friends, and all of his buddies. Doing what he loves; playing football, eating bean [...]

I have been making a lot of candy this holiday season. Marshmallows, carmel corn, brittle, and others as well, applesauce, stocks and soups, hash, and grains. My cookware get’s a lot of [...]

For me, Hannukah is the time to bring family and friends together, create traditional food (mostly my grandma's recipes), and read stories

The gluten free cupcake had become my nemesis. Until these. Several failed attempts at making both vanilla and chocolate, gluten free cupcakes did not discourage me. Cupcakes are a household [...]

Sweet potatoes were not my responsibility this year, instead, I volunteered to make my stuffing, a shaved brussel sprout salad, cranberries, this tart, and mini-cranberry hand pies (recipe to [...]

Every holiday deserves a little cocktail. Don’t you agree? Using seasonal ingredients to create both savory and sweets is a given. Drinks should share in what the season has to offer and [...]

I know…I just posted an apple recipe. And yes, I did say I was not really a pie person. But, I never said anything about not liking tarts. I love tarts. Mostly savory tarts, but a tart like [...]

Thanksgiving is next week. I am in amazement as to how quickly this year flew by. Last year at this time I was starting to clean out our pantry in preparation for experimenting with a gluten free [...]

Finding random emails in my in box, requesting a review(basically asking if I want “free” stuff) of a product, kitchen gadget, or cookbook always ignites my curiosity. I get request [...]

Halloween is days away. Our house has been deemed the “meeting place” which inevitably means dinner first. What do I feed 12 boys, ranging in age from 7 – 14 without spending my [...]

I am always finding ways to pack healthy, whole snacks in my kids lunch boxes. Chips and most foods that are processed are a thing of the past. Instead, it’s always something warm [...]

It’s October. Pumpkins are EVERYWHERE! It is just starting to cool down in L.A. and the flavors of fall are creeping into my home. Meals like Shepherds Pie, Claire’s Brisket, [...]

  Fall has finally arrived in sunny Los Angeles and it’s that slight chill in the air that makes me yearn for warm soups, one pot stews, and hearty pasta dishes. One night a week pasta [...]

The kids have been in school for a little over a month. In the beginning the lunch box fare was exciting, new, fresh, and savoured The honeymoon is over. I mean, really, how many chicken-quinoa [...]

Every Sunday I roast a few chicken breasts (bone in, skin on). It’s easy. Having shredded chicken in the kitchen at all times prevents me from randomly eating empty calories during the [...]

A few weeks back I got this crazy great email from Catherine McCord reaching out to me to see if I wanted a copy of her new book, Weelicious – One Family One Meal. Immediately responding [...]

Baking has become much easier in the past few months than it did at the beginning of the year when we switched to a gluten free lifestyle. No one in my home is a Celiac, but two of my boys, as [...]

If it were up to the kids, ice cream would be a freezer “staple”. My list of staples includes; lentils, quinoa, brown rice, black beans, cheese, nuts – all kinds, tahini, [...]

I love eggplant, but get stuck making it the same old way; roasted and then mixed with pasta and lemon, gratin (way too many calories), and grilled then made into ratatouille. Inspiration for [...]

Prior to Isaac leaving for 3 weeks of sleep away camp, he was very specific on what he wanted his “last meal” to be. His pre-camp meal was baked macaroni and cheese with bacon, lamb [...]

Back in the day, I did buy pre-packaged granola bars. The ones that we were told were “good for you”. The more I got into making homemade everything ( like this, this, and this), the [...]

I think you all know by now that I like mini desserts. Mini cheesecakes, mini doughnuts, mini potato kugelettes, mini cupcakes, and so much more.

Summer berries – is there really anything better? Ever since I can remember, cherries have been my berry of choice. I love them. I love them so much that not only do I buy big bags every [...]

After returning from a long vacation checking out the coast of Alaska, creating a market list and meal plan was not a high priority. While the pantry had ample provisions, the fridge, on the [...]

I admit to not having a green thumb. When I moved into my first apartment back in 1979, while attending U.C. Berkeley, I killed ALL of my plants. Although I have been somewhat successful with [...]

Isaac left for camp on Tuesday. Three weeks without my guy. Sigh…

  A few weeks back I made an angel food cake. The recipe called for 10 egg whites. When it was all said and done, I had 10 egg yolks left over. And when ever my kids see the glass jar filled [...]

When my friend Amanda started her campaign to do a wonderful act of kindness for others, I was completely on board. Desserts for the Deserving is a wonderful event where lucky nominee’s [...]

Cookie dough lives in our freezer. Pancakes, waffles and muffins are made and eaten weekly. Cake, on the other hand, has been a thing of the past. Until now!

I am not a big drinker. It’s rare that I finish a glass a wine at dinner and I rarely order a “cocktail”. With that said, when I do invite friends over for dinner, I like to [...]

Failure can sometimes be okay. With my most recent experience with failure, a failed batch of gluten free graham crackers did not go to waste. Actually, in my house, very little goes to waste and [...]

I grew up drinking Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda. I loved it. I would go to Art’s Deli with my dad and nothing made me happier than a big bowl of matzo ball soup, a potato knish, and a [...]

Nothing really speaks summer better than fresh rhubarb and fresh strawberries. I love going ot the farmers market and smelling the scents of summer. Fresh fruit is everywhere: berries, stone [...]

I am almost in a place where I may be able to come up for air (maybe after Tuesday). The past 6 weeks, or so, has left me exhausted, spent, weary, and in desperate need of a 2 hour massage. Or a [...]

I really did not want to post, write, or share another chocolate chip cookie recipe. I mean, come on, how many more chocolate chip cookie recipes do we need in our repertoire? Well, maybe, just one.

Traditional shortbread should really be called “several sticks of butter – cookies”. The butter could very well be what makes them so additively mouth watering. Shortbread is [...]

photo courtesy of Rosco (sideshowphoto), originally seen at Brave Tart used with permission Memorial weekend, traditionally, kicks off the beginning of summer. Grilling, eating outdoors, and [...]

The local farmers market today was filled with several varieties of stone fruit, rhubarb, strawberries, and melons. Melons were everywhere. Red, orange, green, and white. I grabbed whatever I [...]

Over the past several months, I have been testing various gluten-free doughnut recipe. Lots of not so good tasting experiments have come out of our kitchen. That didn’t stop me from me from [...]

June is generally coined, “June Gloom”. Well…it’s May. And the end of April and beginning of May has been everything: gloomy, very cold, windy, hot, and warm. So [...]

I am blessed. My kids are blessed and we, as a family are fortunate and grateful. Grateful to live in the community that we live in. Fortunate to have our local, public, charter school inhabit [...]

Almost every child I know, loves the idea of Chinese style orange chicken. Hmmm… it’s fried, it’s salty, it’s sweet, and it’s crunchy. I get it. There have been more [...]

With this new found way of eating, one meal in particular, breakfast, has become less creative than mornings of our past. Smoothies, eggs (hard boiled and chopped, fried, scrambled, and soft [...]

A very large pile of recipes, magazine articles, and newspaper clippings reside on a chair, next to my desk. This pile grows with greater speed than the rosemary bush in my backyard herb garden. [...]

Having sweets on hand is sort of expected from my three boys. Not  having something in the designated glass jar is visited with great disappointment. With the shift to a more gluten free [...]

Potatoes grace our dinner table once or twice a week. With the absence of all things gluten, getting creative with brown rice, quinoa, millet, and potatoes is a weekly activity. This past [...]

By Thursday or Friday everything that I have prepped for the weeks meals and snacks are pretty much gone. Turning little bits of this and that gives me the mid-week creative boost that I need. [...]

Tonight is the first night of Passover. Passover is essentially a gluten free holiday. With the absence of wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and oats for 8 nights, creates limited choices. Protein [...]

French Ceramic Bowls from D.L. Rhein When it comes to holidays, I do not discriminate. Any excuse to bake massive amounts of new treats, purchase unnecessary packaging, ribbons, and lovely [...]

Passover is around the corner. In the past, thinking about cleaning out my cupboards, omitting all the Chametz (anything made with wheat, barley, rye, spelt, or oats or any product that is made [...]

A roasted chicken goes a long way in our house. It is one of those easy dishes that requires very little prep. Stuffing the cavity with a whole lemon cut in half, a whole garlic bulb cut in half, [...]

Spring has sprung! When it comes to weather, we Californian’s have it pretty darn good. Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, and cool evenings reminds us that soon enough, we will be sporting [...]

Since transitioning into a more gluten free life style, we do not eat nearly as much pasta as we have in the past. I am not complaining. With spring around the corner, pasta is the furthest thing [...]

Potatoes are one of the most versatile vegetables and can be used for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Latkas and scrambled eggs for breakfast, creamy potato soup for lunch, and paired with some [...]

Food Fare 2012 is right up my alley. Lots and lots of food, great chefs sharing their deliciousness, and an organization that supports both woman and men. What began in 1979 with a cooking [...]

My kids are a lot like me. They like their chocolate. And they, like me, like it everyday. It could be as simple as a bite of dark chocolate, broken off of a high quality bar, or the discarded [...]

Lucky me, I just received the Versatile Blogger Award!! Out of the blue, I receive two emails, both of which I am grateful for. Many thanks to Kathy and Sandra from Sandra and Kathy’s [...]

I grew up loving “taco night”. It was one my favorite nights of the week. I love a crispy shell(a tortilla, lightly fried in oil), filled with seasoned meat, homemade salsa, [...]

I have not made this particular fudge recipe in over 3o years.

Not many, but some recipes call for evaporated milk. In the past I have kept it in the pantry for those rare occasions when a recipe does call for it. Evaporated milk sounds innocent enough, [...]

Slowly, we are all starting to lead a gluten free life. Finding snacks and savories, without gluten is a conscious effort. And, it’s really not that hard. Gluten free pretzels dipped in [...]

Lately, all Eli can talk about is hot wings; specifically establishments that advertise hot wings on T.V.(I may have to limit the T.V. watching to only that that has been recorded, thus-avoiding [...]

I have spent the last few weeks cleaning out my pantry, fridge, cupboards, and freezer. My son, Levi, has Eczema. I grew up with eczema, it was such a burden. I lived with it my whole life, tried [...]

The kids have been begging me for homemade ice cream. The month of December wiped me out and January has been filled with easy, one pot meals, baking only what cookie doughs reside in my freezer, [...]

Before Thanksgiving I went to my friend Mary’s house to photograph her artwork. She’s an amazing artist. Not only can she paint, but Mary is a great cook, creative being, calming [...]

The Web is filled with wonderful, amazing, and creative places. Here are a few of my new favorites: 1. NYC Taught Me | 2. Cupcakes + Cashmere | 3. You Are My Fave  | 4. Inchmark 5. Daily [...]

Last night was The Golden Globes. I live in a house full of boys. By now, they all know the drill. I prep and create dinner early in the day. Generally, it’s a self serve, easy, healthy [...]

I make soup every Sunday. Along with my pre-made grains, a legume, some roasted chicken(or sauteed sausages), cleaned and prepped veggies, soup is always simmering on Sunday mornings. I meal [...]

The quest for health and wellness continues. Kombucha is an acquired taste. A few years back, I picked some up at my local health food store. I was totally tuned off. This past year, I tasted [...]

It’s the 2nd day of January. How many of you have vowed (or “resolved”) to 1) eating better, 2) exercising everyday, 3) omitting the “white stuff”, 4) accepted that [...]

New Years Eve is tomorrow night. Before kids, the hubs and I would pick a great restaurant, go out with friends, drink too much, and spend way too much money. After several years of that, we [...]

2011 was a year filled with travel, food, new friendships, and self-reinvention. It was the year that I took many of my passions; photography, writing, meal planning, marketing/branding, and art [...]

Levi is my third boy. Yes, sadly, he does sport the occasional hand-me-down sweat shirt or ski parka. He hasn’t participated in as many extra curricular activities as his two older [...]

If you are visiting me for the first time, I like to bake(ya think?). And each holiday season, I bake all of our(and the recipients) favorites. Along with our list of holiday “go-to” [...]

D.L. Rhein Table Setting Ideas I get a lot of inspiration from fellow food bloggers, on-line cooking magazines, chefs, and writers. I like to take what I find and adapt it to my personal tastes [...]

I have been in my kitchen for three weeks straight. Baking, candy making, creating the packaging, and making my list of who gets what. On top of that, I have catered two events, made gingerbread [...]

Every year, starting in September, my kids start talking about Hannukah.  Like it is the end all, be all. They throw out their wish list from a pair of Nike socks to a laptop(so not happening). [...]

This past week, one of my clients hosted a great event with Laura Filipowicz of Bag Lady Promotions. I have known about Laura for a while, but it wasn’t until a few weeks ago, over vegan [...]

I both love and dislike this time of year. I love the spirit of the holiday; the lights, the decorations, the flavors, hand making our holiday gifts, and the excitement that takes over my [...]

A few months back we took the kids(and some of their friends) to Pizzeria Mozza for a “pizza”. Yes, we ordered  pizza, several different kinds of pizza. Plus one of every [...]

I always look forward to Thanksgiving. Sharing the holday with my family, extended family, and a handful of friends. Each year, my sister-in-law and I alternate with hosting it. I do like having [...]

Last year at this time, I had a crazy idea to start a frozen dough and pastry line. A few of my friends hosted an open house to introduce my new edibles. The parties were fun. Chatting with other [...]

I have been an avid reader of Cooks Illustrated Magazine since 1980. In the November/December 1995 issue they had Perfect Pecan Pie – 3 ways. A traditional, a triple chocolate chunk, and a [...]

A few weeks back I came home from work to find a nice size box on my doorstep.  I said to myself, “what did I order?” I had ordered some books, but this box was way too big.  My kids, [...]

Thanksgiving is my favorite national holiday. It is not focused around the obligatory(bad) gift, it’s secular, and the abundance of flavors, color, and creativity in the food and [...]

Stuffing is never my department. My mom has always made the stuffing (another one of my dad’s favorites) and she ALWAYS stuffs it in the bird.

I am not a huge coffee drinker. I don’t own a coffee maker and when I entertain, generally I leave the coffee making to someone else. The truth is, I do not make coffee well.

It’s November.  The days are getting shorter, and the weather is changing.  I do love this time of year and cooking in a somewhat cooler climate makes me happy.

I am the designated “cooker” in Levi’s kindergarten class. Last month we made mini apple pies using store bought dough(that the kids rolled out), this apple filling recipe and [...]

This past week was my 26th wedding anniversary.  Yea, I know, I am too young to be married 26 years (not young at all).  Today marks 3 years of blogging. a

Persimmon’s are finally in season and they are all around us. At the market, on my friends tree, and at the local farmers markets. I am a late bloomer when it comes to this overly delicious [...]

I started this blog nearly three years ago.  Prior to that I had spent 17 years building a prominent children’s furniture business which introduced me to many wonderful experiences.  Flew [...]

Itty Bitty Baked Doughnuts Halloween is around the corner.  I am starting to bake for our school’s big Halloween Hoot this weekend, the house is almost all decorated, and the kids have [...]

For many years, we had always hosted the neighborhood Halloween Party.  On the night of Halloween, everyone showed up in costume attire to chow down on big vats of homemade chili, corn [...]

A few weeks ago, I took the kids to visit my friend Molly on her new farm: Apricot Lane. She invited me and 100 or so of her friends and we all enjoyed the scenery, organic drinks and food, and [...]

Lucy Lean and I met about a year ago over dinner at The Avalon Hotel. I liked her immediately and her energy was infectious.  Then, a few weeks later, I learned that she would by my roommate [...]

Before heading off to the farmers market this past Sunday, I took inventory of what I had on hand that was still salvageable.  I had some leeks, some cooked quinoa, a few pieces of fruit and [...]

My friends over at French Friday’s with Dorie have been cooking up some amazing dishes and I have, sadly, missed the party.  It has been a whirlwind, these past two months and my normal [...]

In my car, I generally listen to Martha Stewart Living Radio on Sirius.  Religiously, I listen to Jennifer Hutt on Just Jenny Radio – I love her!  If you drive by my house [...]

School resumes in the less than two weeks.  Levi, finally, will be in Kindergarten(woot woot!) and Isaac will be the big cheese(5th grade) on campus.  Eli-the head honchow will be in [...]

Best resources for ribbons May Arts | Paper Mart | Nashville Wraps I receive a lot of emails asking me where I get my boxes, my ribbons, freezer storage containers, and even some of my props. [...]