Though our December social calendars are usually too packed to include yet another event, one invite that inevitably warrants a “count me in” RSVP is a holiday cookie exchange. I like to think of it as party on steroids (or should that be sprinkles?). Sure, it’s a fun social event, a time for friends to… Continue reading.

“I appreciate you.” Three words. Three impactful words. We need to use them more.  And mean them when we do. As we celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first Thanksgiving that was shared by Plymouth colonists and Native Americans this month, why not verbally honor the people around us who may not realize they’re making… Continue reading.

How do you relax? Perhaps you take a walk or ride your bike around the neighborhood. Maybe you de-stress in a warm bubble bath or while napping in a hammock. I personally enjoy temporarily escaping reality by immersing myself in a good book. No matter what method you use to calm your mind, it’s just… Continue reading.

Those who’ve lived in their homes for many years probably have boxes filled with forgotten treasures tucked away in seldom-visited nooks and crannies under the stairs, in the basement or in the attic. I know I have. So, for the past few months, I’ve devoted several hours each weekend to unearthing what’s inside my collection… Continue reading.

Either I’m late to the whole rock painting trendor I was actually way early. The summer when I was 10, I found a rock that I thought was shaped like a foot. Immediately, I was inspired to pick up a paintbrush and enhance that resemblance. That was literally my stepping-stone to adorning a handful of… Continue reading.

Coffee has never been my beverage of choice. Although I’ve always adored how it smells, its characteristic bitterness assaults my taste buds.   But since I’ve recently discovered caramel frappes — which I’ve decided are my personal “gateway” into the wonderful world of coffee — I’m starting to understand the appeal of an occasional cup… Continue reading.

Letter writing — and the process of sitting down, capturing thoughts and ideas, and actually communicating — seems to be a lost art in these days of texting and social media.  But a documentary released last fall called “Dear Future Me” shows us how writing letters to our future selves can provide clarity and allow… Continue reading.

Shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. And finding unusual things to buy from unusual places is especially enticing to a shopaholic like me. That’s why I was so excited to learn about the Unclaimed Baggage Store which, just like its no-nonsense name suggests, sells all kinds of items that were lost in transit or… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling Some of my fondest memories have been of my silliest moments. I’m not one to laugh readily; my funny bone needs to be seriously tickled to bring on the chuckles. But I’m convinced that a good belly laugh is a powerful, restorative thing. It lifts your mood and the moods of those… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling No, the above headline does not contain a typo. “Friluftsliv” (pronounced free-loofts-liv) is a word coined by Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen in the 1850s which literally means “free air life.” Ibsen believed that spending time outdoors enjoying nature was key to maintaining one’s spiritual and physical well-being. Ibsen’s “communing with… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling In my Christmas column last year, I talked about the gift of warmth. This year, sharing the holiday spirit with those we love and with others less fortunate is more important than ever. To say it’s been a tough year is quite the understatement. This year has transformed our habits, accelerated our… Continue reading.

By Emily Schilling Thanksgiving will certainly be a bit different this year. Friends and relatives may choose to attend a virtual turkey day celebration instead of an in-person dinner. And those prepping the feast may not only be shielded by aprons, but face masks as well this year. Holiday safety precautions nowadays go far beyond… Continue reading.