Fall is that time of year when we begin to gather the shucks and pumpkins from the fields, even if it’s only to decorate the lamppost at the end of the driveway. We are not the only ones bringing in the harvest; Mother Nature has done a good job of stocking the pantry for her little progeny, and we can make use of this bounty to decorate our yards...

In many ways, entering Annie Armstrong’s living room puts one in mind of a house in another age. Though there is ample evidence of the modern world, the room is brimming with decorative and handmade items. The cozy room’s walls form a gallery - testament to Annie’s legendary skill with a needle. The promise of something delicious floats on...

It may seem very complicated and appear to be a lot of hard work, but planning a Victorian Christmas is not only a memorable experience, it is lots of fun too. The key to the whole plan is to start the activities early! In prior years, when I was teaching cooking classes on this very theme, I would have to schedule the classes during the last...

Steps to take before you build to make your home visitable Most everyone wants their new home to be very hospitable and inviting, to provide a sense of warmth, starting with the front door and continuing from room to room. But have you given any thought to whether your home will welcome everyone in a real, practical sense? What about those...

“Fragmented”, she replied when I asked her how she was feeling. She had bought into the common philosophy that being busy is somehow a virtue. I’ve been there too. Most of us have. We buy into the notion that we must “be more”, “do more” and have more”. We find ourselves fragmented and stretched like a piece of worn out elastic. Oh,...

It can happen to even the most organized shopper. You make your list and check it twice. You shop carefully and diligently. Then it happens. Just when you think your Christmas shopping is done and you can relax, you suddenly remember that one person whose name wasn’t on your list but should have been. That person could be your babysitter, your...

Food safety Defrost frozen turkey in the fridge if possible. If defrosting at room temperature, wrap the bird in a heavy paper bag to prevent the surface from getting warm before the centre defrosts. Don't over-stuff the turkey. Pack it loosely, and remove the stuffing right after taking the bird out of the oven. Remove leftover meat...