A different kind of New Year Resolution
Jan10

A different kind of New Year Resolution

If you are like me you have a bunch of old cooking and lifestyle magazines tucked away somewhere, mine is in the closet and stuffed on shelves. Magazines were different only a few years ago, they were filled with wonderful stories about the little things in life, they put everything together from family meals to weddings and of course dinner parties. Now, we look on Pinterest to be inspired, or google a recipe and stumble on some cute...

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my pop (corn) secret
Apr19

my pop (corn) secret

Popcorn may be my oldest friend. It’s been in my life longer than I can remember. Dinner, snacks even breakfast. I only make it one way. So, here’s my secret for the tastiest corn around! I use my grandma’s heavy skillet that my Mom passed down to me. I will never part with it even though It’s seen better days, and I brown the butter. Here is the original recipe used in my family for three generations. Step 1...

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take a hike
Feb28

take a hike

Hocking Hills State Park Ohio is about three and a half hours from Pittsburgh but it could be a totally different world. Massive sandstone gorges, rock caves, Indian carvings and towering hemlocks make this pristine area both romantic and enchanting. Ollie had a little trouble deciding if she wanted to start our day long hike. Dave had to carry her into the park – but she got the hang of...

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STICK IT
Jun20

STICK IT

You don’t need a green thumb to have a colorful outside space, my family says I have a black thumb and I am always trying to prove them wrong but I also like to have a backup plan just in case! Here is an idea that doesn’t need watering, never gets bugs and blooms all year round. Take an odd number of sticks (odd numbers look more natural) look for ones that have smooth bark or bark that can be pulled off. Cut them to a size you like...

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Fill in the blanks…
Jun14

Fill in the blanks…

Something easy with a beautiful outcome is always a good thing. I have been trying to fill in a shady bed for a few years now. There is a good start of sweet woodruff in place but there are lots of gaps and it drives me crazy. Our solution, plant an inexpensive perennial (in this case a colorful mix of impatiens) to cover the gaps in an artful way. I love the...

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Orange you glad this isn’t the same old butter!
May26

Orange you glad this isn’t the same old butter!

Thank you Ina Garten! She published this recipe way back in 2004, I filed it in the back of my mind until last week when I wanted to send a special weekend breakfast to a friend. A trip to my go-to bakery for a homemade loaf of eight-grain cranberry bread, served with the orange butter sent the breakfast gift over the top! I may never go back to bagels and cream cheese again. Orange Marmalade Butter 2 sticks unsalted butter room...

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