Henry has been a judge for quite a few years now and as he gets older, he takes the job more and more seriously. For the past couple of years, he has begged me for a ‘proper’ score card so he could judge more than just kids’ choice. Instead, since I have so much trouble…
Category: Holidays
Tartines, Toast, Open-Faced Sandwiches: Pesach Bites
Ideas for what to top your matzoh with for the week of Passover. Passover-friendly sandwiches and tartines. From avocado toast to ‘not a pop tart’
Easter: A Tisket A Tasket A Local Boston Basket
I love Easter. Well, we don’t celebrate Easter but I love the memory of Easter brunches in Toronto. We used to go fairly often to my parents’ friend’s place; they were like family to us. We would drive a good hour to get there and when we did we were rewarded with a table of…
La Chandeleur: Crêpe Day aka Candlemas
February 2nd is La Chandeleur, a French holiday. Some say the holiday celebrates the sun and longer days of sunlight ahead. As for Candlemas, that refers to February 2nd the date marking when Jesus was presented at the temple in Jerusalem. Before this religious tie in, Chandeleur was rooted in pagan traditions celebrating the fertility…
Perfect Hostess Gifts from the Grocery Store: Shop Local at Brothers Marketplace
There really is nothing quite as exciting as a really good gift basket. Some fresh fruit, some cookies, a little of this an a little of that. It’s a bit like the jackpot of the holiday gifts. A gift basket doesn’t have to be over the top to be fabulous but you want to avoid…
From Eaton’s to Macy’s
https://www.nfb.ca/film/sweater/embed/player/ The Sweater, Sheldon Cohen, National Film Board of Canada My Macy’s growing up was Eaton’s. The iconic stripes of an Eaton’s gift box always held something special inside. My bubbe used to work at the confection counter at Eaton’s in Winnipeg and would always bring a box of chocolate rosettes as a treat when she…
The Porches Inn: North Adams
North Adams is an interesting little spot in Western MA. We like to go there in the Fall for a little hike, a little art, and a little r & r. We also love going there in the Winter for some outdoor winter swimming, some small beans family resort downhill skiing and a little…
Family Fun at the Marriott Burlington
The Burlington Marriott is in the suburbs but perfectly situated so that there is plenty to do within minutes of stepping outside the door. The Marriott has a great space if you want to just hibernate and not leave the property. The lounge area is spacious and has a sleek, long, modern gas fireplace there…
Unusual Places to Shop for the Holidays: A Breath of Fresh Air
I enjoy shopping, whether I’m window shopping, going to a few favourite stores at the mall (Nordstrom, Kiehls, Polarn O. Pyret, Victoria’s Secret (they have the best pyjamas), Williams Sonoma) or popping into local stores I love (Half Crown, Didriks, Hatched, Magic Beans, Henry Bear’s Park, Porter Square Books, Crate Escape/Raining Cats & Dogs, Polka…
Fantasy Thanksgiving Menu: Boston Area Thanksgiving To Go
I love to cook, so our Thanksgiving is prepared by me and my entire family with a few exceptions. We always have a selection of Fastachi nuts, seeds, and mixes for guests to nibble on while the turkey is cooking. I also love the ooey gooey deliciousness of Petsi Pies pecan pie so I…
Spring Eggs: Passover or Easter The Chicken Doesn’t Care
Eggs are a symbolic part of both Passover and Easter. As a lover of anything crafty and fun, of course I had to adopt the practice of decorating eggs. I can do without the bunny (that’s just totally confusing- I mean where does a bunny even get eggs?) I can skip all the sugar too…
5 Local Hostess Gifts: Drink Local
When I refer to “hostess” I use the broad definition. What I mean by that is if you are attending a party you bring a hostess gift, and if you are hosting a party you deserve to treat yourself. We’ve all joined our summer and fall CSAs and some brave souls have also signed up…
Leah's Life: Pearls and Oysters 