Looking for some fun Valentine Recipes to make with or for your kids, or just because you’re in the mood? Try these wonderful creations from Catherine McCord of www.weelicious.com. Start with Dried Cherry Scones as an appetizer, leading to a main course of Ravioli Pesto Hearts. Finish with Raspberry Shortbread Tarts or Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups with Sea Salt, and top it all off with Strawberry Milk! Maybe they don’t make a meal, but certainly each is an entirely fun Valentine treat! Dried Cherry Scones (Makes 13 3-inch Heart Scones) 2 ½ Cups Flour½ Cup Sugar2 ½ Teaspoons Baking... (Read More ...)

Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us and with it comes the typical parties with candy and card exchanges. It all sort of reminds me of elementary school. I did some brainstorming and came up with a few classy, slightly more mature – but nothing explicit – ideas for fun Valentine’s Day parties. Single and Loving It If you’re flying solo this Valentine’s Day, not to worry. You can throw a singles party that will be as much or more fun than any of your paired-up friend’s shindigs.  Invite your single friends and tell them to invite theirs. Games and music will... (Read More ...)

For many Americans, overspending seems like a birthright. But, warns financial advisor and author Leslie Greenman, sooner or later, those bad spending habits will catch up with you. She explains why we feel compelled to overspend and provides advice for making 2012 the year you tighten your purse strings. Are you still wondering how you are going to pay off holiday bills? Studies show that many Americans will still be paying off their holiday debt months, and possibly years, after gifts have been exchanged. But let’s be honest. If overspending was a problem for us only once a year, most of... (Read More ...)

With the cozy days ahead, pasta is a common choice for meals. Pasta is one of the staples of the American diet, but it need not taste like a staple! “It is so much more than just grabbing a jar of generic sauce at the store, boiling some water and mixing it all up in a bowl,” said Dave Hirschkop, the namesake of the Dave’s Gourmet (www.DavesGourmet.com) line of sauces and veteran pasta and sauce aficionado. “There are subtle secrets in every step of the process, from choosing the sauce, boiling the water, and plating the finished meal that can take an everyday dull meal... (Read More ...)

A glance at the calendar will show you that the holiday season is fast approaching. Before you know it, you’ll be counting your blessings over a generous serving of turkey and gravy, and soon after that, you’ll be making eggnog toasts and fa-la-la-ing to your heart’s content. However, if you’re slated to host one of those holiday meals, the task in front of you might fill you with more dread than holiday cheer. If that’s the case, you’re not alone. For those of us who don’t answer to the name “Martha Stewart,” figuring out who is coming to the table, what to serve, and how to... (Read More ...)

Fire up the grill and get ready for kickoff; football season is here. What goes hand-in-hand with football season? Tailgating of course. Fans everywhere are honing secret recipes and stocking up on supplies to make their party dominate the parking lot. It’s important, however, to be mindful of spending, as the festivity’s cost can quickly add up, from team memorabilia to beer and food. Before you put the finishing touches on your tailgate plans, try out a few of these thrifty tips. 1. Team Up
The atmosphere at a major tailgate party is all about community, but don’t be fooled;... (Read More ...)

Let your little monsters enjoy the ghost and goblins of Halloween without the highs (and lows) of a sugar rush. Catherine McCord, founder of the family friendly culinary site, Weelicious.com has come up with these simple and delicious healthy “trick or treats” that ensure the monster within every child is kept at bay. Pumpkin Pancakes w/Chocolate Filling Pumpkin Pancakes (Makes 18 Pancakes) 1 Cup White Flour 1/2 Cup Whole Wheat 2 Tsp Baking Powder 1 Tsp Baking Soda 1/2 Tsp Cinnamon 1/2 Tsp Salt 1 Large Egg 1 1/4 Cup Whole Milk 1 Tbsp Honey 1 Tbsp Vegetable Oil, plus extra for greasing the... (Read More ...)

When Jeff Robbins first learned his youngest daughter had Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder of the small intestine caused by a reaction to gluten, the longtime consumer market researcher aggressively began reading up on her condition and testing the available products for a gluten-free diet. To his dismay, he quickly discovered that most of the gluten-free food options on the market were lacking in both taste and quality. Refusing to simply give up and accept the lack-luster choices available, Robbins got down to business and put together an all-star team. He approached his longtime friend... (Read More ...)

It’s that time of the year again: you finally get settled into a workable summertime routine with the kids and everything changes again. It’s back to school time and that means back to morning chaos, homework disorganization, and dealing with massive amounts of information between school and home. I’ve got some interesting tips that highlight some lesser-known ways for keeping kids organized for school, and I thought you might be able to use in a story you’re planning. It’s normal for kids to generate chaos and disorganization (it comes with the territory), but being organized is a learned... (Read More ...)

Sundays are my days of rest. While I don’t take the day off completely – there are still dishes to wash and the never-ending loads of laundry that a family of four accumulates – I do try to keep the day “loose.” If you’re throwing a kids’ birthday party on this day, you won’t see the Perillo clan there. Sundays are about family, and we’ll make exceptions only for the very closest of friends. One thing I do love doing with such friends is brunch. Forget the lines and rushed service at restaurants. Not only is it better to chill at home and let... (Read More ...)