Birds have been a part of holiday celebrations and traditions for hundreds of years. Their place in the festivities continues to grow. During dark Scandinavian and Northern European winters, Christmas celebrations brightened the days and lifted spirits. A large part of the activities … read more

Lana Decker’s love of Christmas began when she was in high school. Over the years, she’s amassed quite a large collection of ornaments, santas, trees… so much so, that the collections have taken over the Deckers’ three-car garage. At last count, she had … read more

This holiday season, hospitality industry veterans such as Andy Seymour — a top bar educator — are encouraging hosts to use port wine as the focal point of their festivities in both food and drink menus. “Port’s depth of flavor and versatility in … read more

It’s cold and wet; snow covers the deck and the sidewalks. Nothing warms the home and heart more than turning on the oven and baking something fragrant, spicy and tasty. The holidays are coming and a traditional delight for me is mincemeat. No, … read more

It is no secret. The holidays are not necessarily “the happiest time of the year” for everyone. This can be particularly so for aging seniors who may feel isolated during Christmastime due to limited mobility, diminished health or lack of contact with friends … read more

When friends of Katie and Glenn Eberling open their mailboxes and find a personal, creative, original invitation to a Christmas party, the holiday season officially begins. The couple have been holding Christmas gala parties for several years to kick off the Christmas season, … read more

As cold weather arrives, gardeners’ thoughts turn to the best approaches of protecting their overwintering crops and tender ornamentals. Simple structures can benefit gardens year round. The Winter Garden What a treat it is to venture out into the garden in the coldest … read more

Many people want to move because they don’t have enough storage. Let’s be honest, Americans have a LOT of STUFF. I often meet with people who think moving will solve the issue, but often it is just a rearranging of space that is … read more

It might not feel like you alone can have an impact on the environment, but over time, small lifestyle changes can make a substantial difference. Need some ideas to get started? Draw inspiration from the collective efforts of one California olive company working … read more