Seasonal Activities
Broccoli Casserole
This classic has been served at countless family dinners, pot lucks, parties, etc. It's definitely a family favorite! Read more
Corn Casserole
The first time I had escalloped corn I was hooked, and since then have made it every major winter holiday. Read more
Meami’s Magical Mashed Potatoes
This is a wonderful treat for a special occasion -- and remember, life is to be fully enjoyed because it's too short to spend time peeling potatoes! You can tell your guests that Dr. Meami told you that! Read more
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
In our family, we have a number of dietary restrictions to juggle when we plan holiday menus. This take on mashed potatoes can be made a variety of ways to cater to everyone's food needs for a filling and delicious side dish. Read more
Basic Strata Recipe
On Christmas morning, with the melee of gift opening and the general excitement, I have made this meal the easiest one ever by making Strata – the Italian version of a savory bread pudding. Read more
Cranberry, Pistachio and White Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
This recipe is the perfect mix of salty, sweet and sour/tangy. They are a hit with everyone I've ever baked them for and they're so easy that the kids can definitely help you make them. Read more
Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze
This recipe by Giada De Laurentis is my favorite! I have been making these for years and my family LOVES them. Read more
Marzipan Confections
These small chocolate candies are delicious. A great family activity to mix the dough, roll the candies, and dip them in chocolate. Though a bit time consuming, it's well worth the effort. Read more
Chewy Ginger Bars
This cookie is a great twist on the traditional Gingersnap: great taste, chewy texture. Best yet it’s made in a 9x13 pan so it’s quick. Read more
Boterkoek (Butter Cookies)
Cookies are my preferred treat. Easy to grab and go, or sit and savor with a cup of tea. With the array of colors, flavors, and textures during the holidays it’s hard to narrow it down to just one favorite. But this one is... Read more
The Organized Clutterbug
From decking the halls, to family traditions and joyous gift giving, the holidays can be a wonderful time of the year. And being organized can help keep you sane and embrace the season of festivities instead of stressing over them. Read more
The Audacious Believer: Peace from broken pieces
The holidays aren’t as joyful for some as they are for others. While some families are snagging eccentric projects off Pinterest and enjoying the traditional holiday festivities, there are many others suffering from situational depression. Read more
Maintaining wellness during the holidays
The holidays can be a stressful time.That’s why it’s so important to equip yourself with the tools to manage stressful times successfully and maintain your mental wellness. Read more
Gifts kids can make
Gifts that your kids can make this holiday season that won’t break their piggy banks (or yours!) Read more
In Search of the Best Donuts
Witness this Webster woman’s serious, yet delicious, 10-year journey. Read more
Fourth of July Holiday Weekend Festivities
Looking for free family fun over the 4th of July holiday weekend? Here is a list of festivities in the Rochester area for July 1st-7th. Read more
Pumpkin Mini Tarts
We've all heard that pumpkins are packed with nutrients- enjoy them in a new way with these mini tarts! Read more
Have a Stress-free Holiday with Special Needs
The gathering of friends and families are more likely to look like reindeer games than resting gentlemen. And, for families that have children with a disability, there is more planning that goes into a fun, peaceful holiday season. Read more
Holiday Chores for Teens
Does your teen find every excuse in the book for why he is not available when it comes to doing chores? This can be very frustrating, especially during the holiday season when you need help from your teen the most. Read more
Tips to Enjoy the Holidays with Your Newborn
Having a baby over the holidays transforms the season from merely festive to utterly unforgettable. Sure, it can be exhausting and overwhelming. But it comes with built-in advantages. Read more
A Local Mom shares her experience as a Salvation Army Bell Ringer
It all began when my kids were very young. Whenever we’d pass someone standing by the bright red kettle, I’d give the boys some coins to deposit. The older they got, the more I’d tell them about why I thought it was important for us to do this. Read more
Don't Let A Busy Holiday Schedule Wear Your Family Down
Stress, short-tempers, and the seeming inability of the household to function smoothly are typical signals that you may have slightly overdone it in the commitments department. So, you overscheduled your family. Read more
Four Tips to Surviving Thanksgiving with your Family
It’s the time of year when extended families – who you may not see much during the year – come together and if popular culture is to be believed, many parents and their adult children look forward to the holiday with a mix of pleasure and worry. Read more