I bought some cinnamon-scented pine cones and mini-pumpkins today to decorate the interior of the house for Fall. Such a simple little thing, but it really helps set a mood to welcome the new season. Pine cones were always one of my favorite things when I was a child–I used to love how you canRead more about Pinecone Philosophy[…]

I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, where the big highlight of the summer season was the Italian Feasts held in Bensonhurst. There were amusement park rides, carnival games, popcorn, cotton candy, and food vendors selling the most delicious homemade Italian specialties: sausage and peppers, meatball heroes, porchetta sandwiches, and hot fried zeppole. Today, the SonsRead more about The Feast[…]

I bought this garden sign a few weeks ago, because I loved its message. It shows sad, misunderstood little Eeyore, making a plea on behalf of the lowly, much-maligned weed: “Weeds are flowers, too,” he says, “once you get to know them.”  Unfortunately, I don’t have the greenest of thumbs–okay, I admit it, I tendRead more about Weeds Welcome[…]

On rainy mornings like this, I used to love to cuddle up with my daughters and watch Little Bear. That was a long time ago, and although I was happy to see that the show is still on, it seems the years have not been kind to our furry little friend. Oh, dear. 

Here’s a photo of my laptop: As you can see, I have a piece of paper taped over the built-in camera/webcam. There’s a good reason for this.  Last year, I had the opportunity to visit a Cybercrime Investigation Unit at a State Police facility.  I took part in an informative Homeland Security briefing about theRead more about Cover That Webcam!![…]

Traditionally, s’mores are made while sitting around a campfire with your Girl Scout troop, and the recipe couldn’t be simpler: a piece of Hershey’s milk chocolate topped with toasted marshmallow and sandwiched between two graham crackers.S’mores are a fun dessert that my kids love making all year ’round, not just in the summer. The problemRead more about Indoor S’mores in a Toaster Oven[…]

Last September, I finally upgraded from my ancient Blackberry to an iPhone 5.   I still miss typing on keyboard buttons, but other than that, the phone has been great. Lately, however, I’ve experienced two issues: the Home button doesn’t always work when the phone is in “lock” mode.  I used to be able toRead more about iPhone 5 — Volume Down Button not working?[…]

Today, the US Supreme Court is hearing arguments on whether or not Marriage Equality is a Constitutional Right.  I support marriage equality. Too many bright, vibrant lives have been cut short by discrimination and violence against homosexuals: in 2011, “anti-gay” murders reached an all-time high in the United States. Victims like Matthew Shepard (who wasRead more about In Support of Marriage Equality[…]

I made Matzoh Ball Soup for the first time today, in honor of Passover.  No, it’s not a holiday I celebrate personally, but I saw the instant mix in the store, and it was cold and dreary outside, and I thought, “Why not?” Here’s the mix I used…. and here’s the finished product… It wasRead more about Matzoh Ball Soup![…]