After decades of renaming January, and celebrating Soup Month, I and my family are no strangers to the many perplexed looks and questions we undoubtedly receive throughout the first month of the year. The most popular question is more of a clarifying statement: “So, you eat soup for a whole month.” The perusal of cookbooks, various websites, and recipe specific searches are all part of this week’s repertoire, the week just prior to what my family has (sometimes unkindly, especially, if close to Jan 31st!) referred to as “Soup Month”!

We have always been a dog family.  Over the years, there has always been a rescued lab of some sort in our family.  Now that we are empty nesters, we decided we still wanted a lab in our home, but decided an older dog, rather than a puppy, was the right choice for us.  Our latest family addition is named Etta James, and we couldn’t be happier.

August is the hottest and sometimes the longest days of summer indulgences. Happy days swimming, day trips to the beach to take in the warm water and gentle waves. Children may be antsy to fall into a routine vs day trips and family picnics. Included below are some easy tricks to make the end of summer easy and memorable.

If you are not organized for preparing your 2017 taxes, well, you are not alone. Is anyone ever really ready to file their taxes?  Even though it happens at the same time every year, tax time still sneaks up on me. The good news is, that with a few simple supplies, the first few weeks of April don’t have to be such a scramble.  

It is college graduation time at our house. A big deal and lots of excitement as our youngest leaves the nest. One of the practical gifts I gave my oldest daughter is (to this day), one of her most-loved gifts. She uses it regularly and the box itself reminds her of her college accomplishments. Temple Tuff!

I put together a basic tool box. A gift that reflects the common sense in me, gives a daughter self-sufficiency and also allows quick fixes of small household tasks. Even the DIY-challenged require basic tools for survival!  Yep, it’s not glamorous but it is utterly practical and totally necessary for moving out into the world.

It’s often a mad, mad rush to choose and mail the perfect card for Christmas wishes. If you do the family photo card, you know that just getting that photo can be a challenge.  And then, once you have the photo, there is a myriad of online choices that can print your card for you. (minted, shutterfly, snapfish, simply to impress, mixbook, etc) and don’t forget about the digital options. Sites like paperless post will send your personalized cards via email. But what if you didn’t have to do this anymore?