I never thought I'd say this as an adult, with excitement that is...but I have come to LOVE camping!  I do think it's mostly because we SPLURGED a few years ago and bought a small Class C RV.  And we live in Western North Carolina, so it's kind of hard NOT to love it.  Just for a little added bonus, there is another reason to love living here.  BEARS!  We only lived here for one month in 2020 when we got to see our first one, right next door in our neighbor's garbage.&n …

It's finally here, Spring, my personal favorite. Let's appreciate the beauty of this country we live in, all over again.  The trees are beginning to bloom, the daffodils and the tulips will dazzle us with their beautiful colors, and the air is crisp but at the same time, inviting.  It’s time to come out of hibernation!                                               & …

Easter Brunch: A Table Full of Springtime Memories There’s something about Easter morning that feels different from any other day of the year. Maybe it’s the soft return of spring after a long winter, the sound of birds outside the kitchen window, or the quiet excitement of children searching the yard for brightly colored eggs. For many of us, the day started early—new clothes laid out the night before, the smell of coffee brewing, and the promise of a big family meal waiting a …

Saint Patrick's Day will be here next week and now is the time to plan your feast! If you grew up in an Irish-American household or even just in a neighborhood where everyone celebrated, you probably remember how the smells of supper seemed a little richer on March evenings. It was the kind of meal that simmered on the stove all afternoon while the wind still hinted at winter outside. For many American families, St. Patrick’s Day meant one thing: corned beef and cabbage. A big pot bubbling …

We’re nearly a week into the Lenten calendar, and by now you might be searching for a few new meatless meal ideas beyond the usual pancakes, macaroni and cheese, plain pizza, and fish sticks. That’s pretty much what Fridays during Lent looked like when I was growing up. My best friend’s family was strictly Greek Orthodox, and they didn’t eat meat for all 40 days of their Lenten season. I spent so much time at her house—sometimes once a week—because we were in …

Punxsutawney Phil popped up last Monday morning, took one look at his shadow, and—well—here we are. February in Pennsylvania is still holding tight to its icy grip, the kind of cold that seeps into your bones and makes the wind whistle a little louder. To make matters worse, colds and flu seem to be making the rounds, just like they used to when winter felt endless. If you’re feeling under the weather too, you’re not alone—and you’re probably craving the one t …

Today, January 19, is National Popcorn Day, and we're making Old-Fashioned Popcorn Balls! I can still see it as clear as yesterday, even though it’s been a lifetime or two. Back then, the kitchen felt like the heart of the whole house, and when Mom said we were making popcorn balls, you knew it was going to be a good day. Those were the days when excitement came from the simplest things and happiness fit right in the palm of your hand. The popcorn popped on the stove, one lively pop at a …

January is National Soup Month, and it couldn’t be better timed. After the sparkle of the holidays fades and winter settles in for real, January invites us to slow down, warm up, and nourish ourselves in simple, comforting ways. With cold winds, shorter days, and snowy evenings, soup feels less like a meal and more like a small act of self-care. There’s something wonderfully practical about soup in January. It’s warming from the inside out, helping to take the chill off after c …

Make this spinach and mushrooms dish for a side that is equal parts healthy and flavorful. Featuring fresh spinach, delectable mushrooms, and tasty artichoke hearts, this is a vegetable recipe you won’t want to miss! Spinach and Mushrooms Recipe Ingredients you will need: Extra virgin olive oil 2 lbs. portabella mushrooms 3 cloves garlic, chopped 2 bunches of fresh spinach Artichokes Red pepper flakes Zest and lemon juice Grated cheese blend Whole wheat breadcrum …

Feeling nostalgic for a 1950s treat while hanging out with friends, reminiscing about the good old days? These Chocolate Ice Cream Sodas will make you want to pull out the old Elvis records and have a dance party. Makes four 16 oz. glass servings Ingredients ¾ cup chocolate syrup 1 cup milk 4 cups carbonated water, such as club soda, chilled. 8 scoops of chocolate ice cream (2 scoops per glass) Whipped cream in a can (optional) Directions Place 3 tablespoons of chocol …