Writing Letters To Military Recruits During Basic Training

Photo VIA

When our loved ones are away at Boot Camp or Basic Military Training, we want to show our love and support by keeping a steady stream of letters or emails coming their way. I know the whole idea of a blank piece of paper or an empty email with only the To and From fields filled in is intimidating, but don’t be afraid.... your Airman, Soldier, Guardsman, Sailor or Marine will be so happy to hear from you! After all, this is going to be your main form of communication.

Flower Garden Essentials

I. LOVE. CHARLOTTE. MOSS. She is my go-to style guru. From the soap in the bathroom, the flowers in the garden, the book on the bedside table, her attention to detail is unsurpassed. All are strong symbols of a life in progress. You look at these details and a beautiful world unfolds. Even though it is planned, Charlotte makes it look effortless.

Cookies and Cream Icebox Cake

What makes a cake? Flour, sugar, greasing and lining pans, whipping and beating and spending all afternoon in the kitchen? I'll admit, I have a few cake recipes that are labor and time intensive — but this wouldn't be one of them. Containing all of four ingredients, and no bake time, this is the quickest and easiest cake I've ever made. Not to mention one of the best!

Bacon Florentine Pasta

Traveling through Italy taught me how quick and easy it is to cook pasta with fresh ingredients. Of course sitting at a side walk trattoria off of the Piazza Narvona gives GREAT inspiration! If you've never cooked with fresh spinach you will be surprised at how much it wilts and cooks down - so don't be intimidated by the 3 cups used in this recipe. Top this pasta dish with a couple of grilled chicken breasts, or the oh so very Italian bistecca, and you've got one fantastic speedy meal! ENJOY!

Inspiring Bookshops Around The World

My mother shared her love of reading with me. I grew up loving to read. I married a man who loves to read. We gave birth to two children who love to read. We are a family of readers and bibliophiles — book lovers. I am extremely grateful for this. 

A good date night for Mr.P and me is dinner, a trip to one of our favorite independent bookstores, a little late night music and maybe a trip to a coffee house or the frozen custard shop — depending on the weather!

HOBONOCHI or FAUXBONICHI?

Have you heard of it? A cross between a scheduler, notebook, art journal, diary...the Hobonichi planner has unlimited possibilities for uses. Hobonichi journaling originated in Japan in 2002 and has grown in popularity during the last decade. I really don’t know much about it other than it seems to be a page a day journal that focuses on visual journaling, which is right up my alley. It screams Susan Branch to me - whom I LOVE!

Oven-Roasted Rosemary Garlic Red Potatoes

Roasted potatoes are a very simple side dish to prepare and always a crowd favorite. Red potatoes, garlic cloves, olive oil, and rosemary sprigs roast at a higher temperature than normal, to create a crispy crust and dark golden exterior. They pair beautifully with just about any fish, chicken or meat dish.

Parmesan Crusted Baked Chicken Breast

My grandfather, Big Gran, is 96 and still lives on his own. My sister, aunt and I take turns checking on him, running errands, taking care of household chores and doing his grocery shopping. To be honest, the majority of the time these responsibilities fall on my sister and aunt — and thank God for them!

About a month ago Big Gran called me wanting chicken thighs. Yes he still cooks. Later that same day, I just happen to be talking with my mother. "No, no!", she said, "He doesn't want thighs, he wants chicken breasts. He doesn't like dark meat."

Flea Markets & Tag Sales You Won't Want to Miss in 2015!

As the snow melts and the weather starts warming up, the flea markets, tag sales, and other vintage-shopping events begin! Here are a few that America can't get enough of. What's the best spot in your neck of the woods?

On Your Marks, Get Set.......BAKE! with Mini Pear Pies

I am completely in love with the new PBS program 'The Great British Baking Show'. Better than Downton Abbey, better than Doctor Who. It's true, this is not an exaggeration. Personally, I don't understand my fascination with this show. Except for the rare episode of Ina Garten, I do not even watch Food TV. Unlike such shows as 'Cupcake Wars' and the 'Next Food Network Star'—where the contestants are cutthroats and catty—these Brits are actually quite helpful and kind to one another. There's also no prize for the eventual winner, except bragging rights. Image that.

Your Month-to-Month Guide to Great Sales Any Time of Year

Our son lives for Black Friday and Cyber Monday every year. And understandably so, the bargains—they are a plenty! Thanksgiving Day at our house is spent eating, visiting with family and friends, and pouring over the tantalizing ads promising great deals on everything you could possibly want to buy.

Then comes January and the opportune shopping season is seemingly over—no more big markdowns, no more incredible savings—at least until the same time next year.

However, shoppers don't realize there are well-established sales throughout the year. There are ideal times to buy particular items. With the Super Bowl around the corner, you'll see a slew of ads swearing that prices on big-screen TVs have never been better, which may be the case, at least until the next Black Friday rolls around.

But it's far from only televisions you can save on throughout the year. The holidays are about wants. The rest of the year is about needs. Here's what you need to know about what to buy each month:

Valentine’s Gifts for Friends and Family

Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and romance. Take the opportunity to show your family members and dearest friends how much they’re loved and admired with a thoughtful gift they’ll cherish well past Valentine's Day.