Peppermint is so easy to grow. Even someone with very little gardening experience can grow it. It is super healthy and adds flavor to food and drinks. Additionally, it has practical uses for repelling rodents and insects.
My airline cancelled all its flights during peak holiday travel. Luckily, I found a way to get home. Here are a few tips based on my experience.
Before I travel, I check my travel box—an invaluable tool for inventorying everything I need for my getaway. Having everything in one place definitely lowers my stress.
Growing tomatoes was new to me. It went pretty smoothly because I observed and learned some things from when I was a child. This guide will share some of the main lessons I learned from growing my first batches of tomatoes.
It seems I always took zinnias for granted. They seemed such a common flower and not very glitzy or special. In recent years, I have learned to appreciate their true value and plant them every year as they are now very special to me.
Panzanella is a great way to use tomatoes fresh from the garden in the summer. Bright and colorful, this side dish features the lovely flavor and aroma of basil. It's a super picnic or outdoor barbecue accompaniment, as well.
My father created this recipe based on a salad he loved from an Italian deli in the Bronx. Our family served it often as an appetizer or with meals. It's easy to make and stores well for several days.
I recently discovered purslane as a wonderful addition to my menu. Not only is it nutrient-dense and delicious, but it is free when found growing as a weed in one’s garden.
If you are like me, you probably have visited or seen pictures of Mount Rushmore without really thinking about it's history. That's a pity, because the history and the man who carved it are just so interesting and mind blowing.
This is one of the most colorful and yet historically accurate accounts of life in the untamed wild west of the United States. Written in small articles and put together quite like a group of short stories, it's hard to stop reading each little nugget of interest.
This is a recipe my late Aunt Dolly made all the time. She would serve it in slices as an hors d'oeuvre. I make it for dinner and serve it with a side salad. It is very versatile and a quick go-to recipe. Usually, I have all the ingredients on hand.
This recipe is a healthy and inexpensive way to stretch your seafood budget. It's easy to make with a few simple ingredients. Use either scallops or shrimp.
Using a spiralizer, it's easy to make noodles out of vegetables for gluten-free and low-carbohydrate alternatives to traditional pasta. Fruit noodles make interesting desserts. The colorful vegetable and fruit noodles add character to main dishes and salads and make for a great presentation.
Sometimes things just work out in the strangest ways.
Alas! Sometimes things are not what they appear to the uninformed observer. If you were just a casual observer and had not had intimate knowledge of the circumstances, the truth might not obvious.
Using a stencil on your kitchen backsplash will add color and charm to the room. Here's how I stenciled my backsplash, so learn from my instructions (and mistakes).
Take your kitchen island from blah to spectacular with a decorative painting on a side panel. It takes a little work, but the results are well worth it.
Be an informed consumer. Learn the possible side effects of Vitamin B6 when taken in high doses. Although B6 is necessary for healthy nerve function, too much may actually cause nerve damage.
Be a wary and informed buyer. Some things to consider before buying a condominium conversion. What may seem like a bargain may be your worst nightmare.
I had an interesting experience with pain in my big toes. The final correct diagnosis was very surprising and had a very simple fix.
In times of illness or injury we turn to our healthcare providers for care. We trust their knowledge and experience. But should we always follow without questions?
If you have listened to the theme from "The Gladiator" or "Titanic" you have heard the eerie sound of the Theremin. It's a sound that was ubiquitous in old Boris Karloff era horror movies.
Here's a great craft for young and old. Very inexpensive and easy to do with great (and creepy) results.
This strawberry blueberry chicken salad has a medley of flavors to treat the palate: the crunch and sweetness of almonds; fresh, crisp lettuce; blueberries; strawberries; and pungent bleu cheese.
Costa Rica is great if you want to take an adventure trip to a warm sunny country. See exotic animals and beautiful tropical plants,
Take a look back at the coffee klatch of days gone by.
What is more beautiful than a butterfly? Enjoy a walk through a butterfly garden getting a close look at these beautiful creatures.
A New Orleans favorite, you can enjoy at home. Rich coffee flavor, but oh so smooth, made so by the added chicory.
Give me the peace and quiet of secluded beach with the soft sound of the water slapping against the shore. What a relaxing day. No music blaring. No frisbees hitting me.
Call me crazy, but I get euphoric when I see violets pop up in the spring. Something about the bright purples against the green leaves, makes me happy and draws me to anything with violet decoration.
Make your own chocolate popcorn at a fraction of the cost of the one made by the gourmet shops. Have a sweet-salty crunchy snack anytime you want at home. So simple to make.
Here are some simple shipping suggestions that will save you time and money. Don't wait until you get to the post office to find out you could have chosen a better, less costly shipping method.
"I love you" may be said in so many languages an so many ways. Here are some suggestions to make it special.
Smooth and creamy a Brandy Alexander goes down easily. It tastes more like a dessert than a cocktail.
Bean Stroganoff is quick and easy to make with readily available ingredients. A nice change from a the meat version, this is low in fat and loaded with fiber
Whether you have extra dinner napkins or find them at a thrift shop or tag sale, here is a great way to turn them into a throw pillow. It's super simple as the edges are already finished for you.
Looking for the perfect throw pillow? Make one yourself! Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make two kinds of throw pillows out of old quilts and handkerchiefs.
Ah yes, we are all getting on in years. It's not how old we are in years, it's a matter of how we deal with it.
Here are a bunch of great window box ideas to inspire you. Window boxes are not too labor-intensive or expensive and can produce some beautiful results.
It's so simple (and inexpensive) to make outdoor decorations. All you need are some shrubs and berries you have right on your property.
Clan Oreganato Crackers are gooey and crunch and just loaded with savory flavor. You can have all the ingredients on hand and just whip up a batch when you want a snack or hors d'oeuvre.
It's cool to the taste, with a freshness. Creme de Menthe goes down easy and is a great after dinner drink. Instead of an after dinner mint, try a small glass of Creme de Menthe.
Here's a great recipe for creme de menthe. It's so easy and you get to make it as sweet as you want or as minty as you want.
Turn a corner in New York City and you are in another century in the Washington Heights area.
Morningside Heights, New York is a truly beautiful area of New York City. It is home to a magnificent cathedral, beautiful sculptures and is located near a botanically rich part of Central Park.
Take a fascinating tour of Harlem, one of New York City's oldest neighborhoods. Now enjoying a renaissance, Harlem offers so much to do and see.
This tofu salad is so delicious and so nutritious. Easy to prepare from a few simple ingredients, this makes a great lunch or snack.
Things were a little different on Halloween back in the 1950s. If you were a kid back then this may jog your memory. If you weren't then maybe you would like to see how different it was.
The fragrance of this pie/cobbler when it is baking will intoxicate your senses and make your mouth start to water. Apples, cranberries and sweet potatoes with cinnamon and nutmeg. Yum.
Want to explore a place with a mysterious past? Try taking a tour of Gungywamp in Groton, Connecticut.
Baked macaroni is one of the greatest comfort foods ever. Who doesn't love to dig into a plate of ooey-gooey cheesy macaroni?
There is a rich history available by walking through a cemetery. Here are some of the more remarkable ones in Connecticut
Walnut pumpkin soup is a rich-tasting dish that is great for company. You can also make it for yourself. Very nutritious ingredients make you feel good about eating decadently.
The Saranac Lake - Lake Placid area of upstate New York is fun for the whole family year round. So much to do. A little something for everyone.
Enjoy these beautiful pictures of wildflowers commonly found in Southeastern Connecticut.
If you are lucky enough to live on a pond, you know what a great opportunity it is to view wildlife. If you don't live on a pond, come read and enjoy my pond experience.
This is an engaging story told to me by my companion of many years, Herbert (Jim) Margosian. He served as a paratrooper in the Pacific theater in WWII.
The zurna, dumbeg, dudek and the oud are common instruments to Armenians, but are not widely known to the rest of the world.
I love blueberries; they are so very tasty and healthy. Here's a fun way to get kids to nibble on these antioxidant-rich treats.
Chocolate Blueberry Clusters are a yummy little treat. It's a nice way to have chocolate with a fresh berry filling.
Window boxes add a great pop of color to your home. Choosing the correct plants is critical to the success of your plantings.
Danish Dessert was a popular treat back in the 1950s. Back then, you could find a package in any supermarket or grocery store. Today it is still around, but you may need to hunt for it.
The Barn Island Wildlife Management Area is easy to reach although tucked away off a side road in Stonington, Connecticut. It has many different trails and different landscape views along the way.
Would you like to take a leisurely walk in Southeastern Connecticut? Haley Farm State Park is your go to place.
Mount Misery in Connecticut is a climb with a beautiful view from the top. Ready for a challenge, but not too big a challenge? Climb Mount Misery.
Vintage costume jewelry often has intricate workmanship, not readily found in today's costume jewelry. They are great conversation started when added to an outfit, especially if they have a history.
Want a great day trip? A beautiful stroll across the Bridge of Flowers in Shelburne Falls , Massachusetts will delight the senses.
Harkness Memorial State Park has a bit of everything: a nice little beach, a shaded picnic area, wide open grassy areas for kite flying, and beautiful gardens to tour.
Explore the interesting information on vintage and antique shaving mugs.
These 1940's vintage postcards all have the soft linen finish to them. It's so different from the glossy postcards we are so used to.
Enjoy a look at these beautiful old New Jersey postcards. Maybe you will recognize some of the locations that still exist today, and see how they have changed -- or not.
Most often delicately colored or clear, Depression glass has its own unique look.
Enjoy a look at this beautiful series of vintage postcards with floral designs.
Exploring the origins of vintage or antique pottery is so interesting! Here's my personal collection, including everything I know about the pieces and photos of the pottery marks.
Beautiful porcelain pieces are ageless. But somehow, the older pieces speak to me. The patterns and styles are varied and endless. Enjoy a look at my collection.
Red berry pudding is cool and delicious and so easy to make. That, and as desserts go, it is reasonably healthy. Loaded with antioxidant rich berries.
These hearty, stick-to-your-ribs recipes have been favorites in our family for as long as I can remember.
The Slater Memorial Museum is a great way to spend the day. Enjoy looking at the massive statue cast from the original masterpieces as well as other works of art.
Do you or your children love dinosaurs? Here's a great place to spend a few hours and learn more about these great creatures. Conveniently located off of I-91 in Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
A pie iron is a great way to make a quick and easy sandwich or dessert. It's a fun tool that will delight children with the cooking and the results
Vintage teacups have an elegance all their own. There is an infinite amount of cup shapes and patterns. So very delicate and beautiful.
Rocky Neck State Park in Niantic, Connecticut, is a great beach area to spend time at, and it's also a nice place to take a hike. You can take a leisurely stroll, camp, or explore the surrounding town.
Napatree Point, Rhode Island has a relaxing vibe to it. The wide open sandy shore line invites a leisurely stroll all year round.
Maple walnut cream cheese pie has everything you could want in a dessert: crunchy walnut crust, maple cream cheese, and a topping of fluffy whipped cream with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Love chocolate and white chocolate --- love them together? Try this recipe for a combo of all your favorite chocolate flavors
Want to relax? In today's stressful world, finding some quiet time can be all important. Here is one technique that works for me. Try it and see if you like it.
International dolls are a fun collectible. Purchase one as a reminder of one of your travels or find them at estate sales and auctions.
Have a go-to can of tuna in your kitchen cabinets? Here are some recipes to make that can of tuna even more versatile. Enjoy!
Spend a nice quiet day in Old Lyme, Connecticut. Explore the beautiful art museums and take a leisurely walk along the Connecticut River.
These dark chocolate truffles look so fancy and delicious when they are arranged on a plate! Basically, it's one recipe, and then each one is rolled in the toppings of your choice.
Could you use a little extra cash in your pocket? How about a little bit extra to save for a rainy day? Read these quick and easy tips to painlessly save some money.
Some of my grandparents' breakfast recipes are crunchy and some have soft chewy texture. All of them have at least a touch of sweetness to get the morning started.
I like to watch a mystery or a crime drama with a twist? For a while I was stymied by the terms they used, but now I am a fairly well versed. I am will share that information with you.
Oh-so gory, but oh so tasty and sweet! Here's a great little Halloween treat for those who love the taste of white chocolate.
You won't know until disaster strikes, what it is going to be like. Still, you can prepare yourself as much as possible. Here are some suggestions of things I learned from my experience.
Create a theme for your next potluck. It's a great way to attract unusual dishes for everyone to try and a great way to get the conversation going.
A few classical music fun facts. Hopefully, they will pique your interest, or maybe they can serve as trivia!
Bluff Point is a great place to take a nice walk. The circular path brings you right back to the start, with a stop-off point at a beautiful overlook.
This is a great old family recipe for Rock and Rye. If you have never tasted Rock and Rye, you are in for a treat. It has a smooth sweet flavor that goes down easily.
Vintage postcards have a different look and feel to them. The soft linen look finish is richer than the ubiquitous glossy photos. Take a look.
Two thirds of Voluntown, Connecticut is occupied by beautiful State forests. All are open to the public, free and absolutely beautiful.
Need some go-to dips for parties? Check out the delicious recipes here.
Here are some great recipes for flavoring yogurt to suit your taste. Maybe after reading this, you will think of some ideas of your own.