World Breastfeeding Week

World breastfeeding week will be celebrated August 1st to 7th this year. Even if you're not breastfeeding, you can help those who are by encouraging and supporting their breastfeeding journey. Please support this important and lifesaving initiative. I am!

Eye on the Homefront

I don’t want to beat a dead horse here but the economy – yeah well, it sucks. Millions of Americans are feeling the pinch, and though I’ve tried to put it off as long as possible, I’m worried too. I’m concerned for our local economy – the small business struggling to survive in our area and the talented, unemployed folks in our town who will be forced to search for work elsewhere if the status quo doesn’t change.

So what can you do to show your support? Simple. Keep your dollars in your town. Buy local if at all possible, and as directly from the producer as you can. Sure, it’s going to cost you a little more, but I’d rather invest a little more into the health of my hometown then send one more cent overseas.

Breaking News

What's going on with the whole gossip is news phenomenon we've got going on today? A funeral for an accused (and later cleared) child molester is the topic of most note today, while real news like the President's overseas goodwill missions or the end to the terror inflicted by a serial killer gets buried some stories back. Heck, I'm even giving it more press by talking about it!

Wistful thinking

Laurie was right. Snuzzy IS my new favorite site.

Winds of Change

Today I'm proud to be an American; proud to witness this historic moment and excited and thankful my daughter has been born in this amazing era.

Congratulations to our president elect, and congratulations to the people of America - it is you, and only you, who are responsible for this change.

PSA

Get out and vote.

Fall is my favorite season. Not only is it the season of my birthday, fresh donuts and cider, finally cooler temperatures, agricultural bounty, but it's also the start of the holiday season and the time for my favorite annual publications - the thanksgiving editions of the food magazines. Oh there's nothing better - it's food porn and I'm an addict. I love the pictures decorating the shiny pages of perfect food; golden turkeys, fluffy potatoes, browned casseroles, vibrantly colored vegetables.

My addiction to Thanksgiving isn't limited to the food. The seasonal decorations and the table settings are also a focus of my addiction. Autumnal colored linens, elegant holiday china, cornucopias, leaves, pumpkins and gourds, mums; I can't get enough. I hit the store to collect all the Thanksgiving editions of magazines I don't already subscribe to (yes, there are ones that I don't subscribe to thankyouverymuch), then I head to the library to check out all the cookbooks they have too. I plot and plan the menu, the table, the snacks, and the dessert with my mom and sister beginning more than a month in advance - discussing holiday menus past and assigning items for preparation.

This year we have an additional reason to be excited (and thankful) - two new family members trying holiday food for the first time (well, one actually trying it herself, one trying it second hand).

We have favorite dishes that return yearly to grace the holiday table (sausage stuffing, sweet potato casserole) and new items being tested for the first time. What are favorites on your holiday table?