"Do you have to potty?", my mother asked me one last time before bundling me up to head outside into the snow. I shook my head, "no". She looked at me with concern, but with the expression of a parent who was trying not to worry.  It was Christmas Eve and the second year in a row that tonsillitis had decided that the holiday was going to be spent at the doctor's office instead of waiting eagerly for Santa Claus. Mom and I stood huddled by the front door, as the sunlight danced between the snowflakes.

You checked your list twice, and sure enough, everyone was super nice this year. Darn your amazing friends and family! Ugh. Everyone deserves a treat, and it’s daunting because that could add up to a ton of {cookie} dough. But when the going gets tough, the tough get glue-guns! We have crafts for everyone on your list that will save the dough for more cookies to fill your Gingerbread mansion and be really fun to make. Have a gift-making party with your friends! This is the time of year to get together. While gift giving is fun, there’s something we should all keep in mind: No matter your budget, and no matter how special the people in your life are… Remember that expressions of love and gratitude do not have price tags attached. You can opt out of Black Friday and still feel that magical holiday feeling. Keeping that in mind, here are some ideas for the foodies, pet lovers, green thumbs, and birders in your life. Happy crafting!

If you were to walk into my dining room this morning, you would find me somewhere in the middle of a mix of cups and plates. There's three kinds of tea: iced carrot-top, steamy earl gray, and warm ginger! I have freshly squeezed orange juice, pressed the old fashioned way (without the help of a fancy juicer). In front of that, you'll find a pitcher of water, and sun shining through the glass. I brought out the fancy China set, with golden rims upon pearly white. Cheesy scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and blueberry pancakes stand like towers across my table. It is as much a feast for the eyes as it is for the tummy. No, it is not "training" for another contest. It is quite the opposite, in fact. This weekend belongs to me. I'm celebrating...

America’s Eating Contest, (aka. “Thanksgiving”), is nearly here, and you’re grateful. You’ve got family, friends, a cozy life, and a sensational sense of foodie humor that puts the “corny” in “cornucopia”! And for the love of yum, you’ve got your stretchy pants here to see you through the holiday season. Thank you, creators of elastic waistbands! With so much love in your heart and tummy, you’re feeling brave and ready to host your very first family feast! But even with so many mouths to feed, remember that the best things in life are free. Your family and friends don’t care about how well stocked your bar cart or how flourished your decorations are — they’re grateful for YOU! To help show them how grateful you are for them, we’ve put together some helpful tips. From how much turkey to buy, to how to clean up after the feast, like gravy on potatoes, we’ve got you covered.