Imperfection
I bought the bowl above at a crafts fair when I was in college. I loved the size—big enough for the dinners I routinely made for friends—, the shape, and, …
Recipe keeping — Ways to organize and display your recipes
Weeding my cookbook collection down to a reasonable number was a challenge. (I still have 50 or so, but trust me, it was a significant whittling!) That was just a …
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Poinsettia plants — Tips to keep your poinsettia looking its best for the holidays
What’s your favorite color poinsettia? I can’t decide. Red is classic and perfect for the holidays, but the white is so fresh, and pink is my favorite color. And then …
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‘Tis Christmas tree season! — How to choose, put up, and maintain your Christmas tree to keep it green throughout the season
I’m not terribly picky about choosing the perfect Christmas tree at the tree farm each year. As long as it’s healthy and the right size (as big as we can …
5 Ways to give meaningful gifts
Isn’t it exciting when you find the perfect gift for someone, something that reflects their interests and needs and is also maybe a bit unexpected or creative? I keep a …
Pillow care — How to wash and otherwise take good care of bed pillows and throw pillows
Every time I come across a description of what’s in my bed pillow (not the fiber content, but the added dust, allergens, dust mites, skin, and sweat—eew), I vow to …
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Keeping spices fresh — How to store your cooking spices for maximum flavor
I have a seriously bad habit when it comes to cooking with spices. I’m forever shaking the little jar of seasoning directly into the pot or pan on the stove. …
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Caring for books — How to store, clean, and handle your books
Whether you love surrounding yourself with books at home or prefer to limit your at-home collection and frequent the library, it’s good to know how to take good care of …
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Recycling during the holidays — Don’t toss your commitment with all the wrappings!
I’m a pretty committed recycler, but there are times when I find it a stretch. The holidays are one of those times. To be honest, the hustle and bustle (and …
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Spud storage — How to store potatoes so they don’t go bad
Potatoes are one of those veggies (like onions, garlic, and squash) that are great at hanging in there for months at a time. Given the right care and conditions, of …
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