Do you have an e-reader yet? A Kindle, Nook, or some other device that lets you read electronic books? I got a Nook Color several months ago, after much wringing of hands and swearing I would never, ever, ever give up my real, paper-and-ink books. And the truth is, I kind of love it. I [...]

I just discovered this site, and I wanted to share it. I love the owners’ story, I love the family-centered business, and I love the whole philosophy of the site. Plus, take a look at some of their cute stuff. Eat your heart out, Donna Reed. I bet you didn’t have a round chopping block [...]

Looking for a gift for the neighbors?  A rainy-day activity for the kids?  A cure for your sweet tooth?   How about some caramel corn?   Start by popping some popcorn.  I use an air popper, so I feel less guilty about all the goop I’m adding to it later.  This recipe is enough for one average [...]

The 4th of July means food, fun, fireworks, friends, family, and fattening festivities.  If you want to make a patriotic splash at the party this year, try these star-spangled ideas:   When it comes to kids (including this particularly adorable one, who happens to be mine), a little red, white and blue can go a [...]

Father’s Day is coming up, and it’s hard to find a gift that isn’t a) a tie, b) a shirt, or c) uh…a tie. Why is it so hard to buy for men? But not this year. Check out these groovy gifts: If your guy is going green, check out this great sale on solar [...]

Mother’s Day and I have a love/hate relationship.  I love being a mother.  I love having a mother.  I love being pampered on Mother’s Day, and the Sassy Husband does it well.  But I hate, in the most loving way possible, trying to find something for my own mother.  She and my dad have downsized to a [...]

Dilemma:  It’s lunch time, and you feel guilty for the Brownie Bites you had for breakfast.  You need something to ease your conscience (and your waistband), but you really don’t want to cook.  Solution:  Always, always have salad greens in your fridge.  Costco sells a big carton of organic mixed greens for, like, $3.50.  Keep [...]

Here it is, folks, the answer to my overflowing music problem. And it was a piece of cake to assemble. You will need: a phillips-head screwdriver, a hammer (or a shoe, or a thick Russian novel), and an I.Q. over 100. I hope I didn’t confuse you too much with my technical terminology.  I realize [...]

No raindrops on roses (we’ve been getting snow) or whiskers on kittens (ours ran away), bright copper kettles (I have stainless) or warm woolen mittens (Thinsulate gloves around these parts).  No brown paper packages tied up with string (but I do have an ongoing affair with Amazon, and its brown cardboard boxes with the smile [...]

If anyone out there is planning a trip to a Disney theme park, and you haven’t heard about this promotion, then you’re missing out.  You give a day of service, and get a day at the park for free.  What’s more, most of the service isn’t actually a full day.  It’s a few hours at [...]