Real Life Mama: Friends when you need one
This time two years ago, I was in a pretty rough place. Covid was still running wild, and my marriage was unraveling to what I knew would be an end in the near future. I was scared, lonely and felt completely misunderstood.
On Gardening: 2022 was a Rockin year with hummingbirds, butterflies
As I write this, I am on Day 211 of hummingbirds feeding at The Garden Guy’s house, marking the longest date on the calendar that I have had them, until hopefully tomorrow and the day after. I don’t use feeders, just plants. This year has opened my eyes about their choices in plants.
Living with Children: Public apology needed for social media behavior
Q: I am a principal at a private church-affiliated school. Contrary to my graduate school training and most of my peers’ practice, I believe disciplinary actions should fit the crime. As such, I do not generally issue the namby-pamby sort of consequences other principals deliver. Fear of being sent to my office goes a long way toward explaining why my school has a reputation for impeccable classroom behavior. One of our students recently spoke ill of a fellow student on social media. What, in your estimation, would be a consequence that would fit the crime?
Quick Fix: Apples, cider with pork make for a perfect Halloween dinner
With Halloween just around the corner, I’m thinking about apples and cider. For this dinner, I add them to pork with a hint of rosemary for a Halloween treat. Charred sweet potatoes add a colorful side dish. They keep well; make extra to go with another meal.
Why do we like to be scared?
Science can explain why some people love the heart-pounding, chest-tightening, jumping-out-of-your-seat feeling of a good scare.
Neiman Marcus wants to have a relationship with you. What does that look like?
DALLAS — Neiman Marcus CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck talks about love and relationships more than most top retail executives. It’s not a stretch. Neiman Marcus has been loved for more than a century, and generating enthusiasm and loyalty is part of the Dallas-based luxury retailer’s DNA.
Ex-etiquette: Try to react to husband’s ex hatred with kindness, patience
Q. My husband’s ex hates me. This is predictable, I suppose, but it’s getting in the way of my husband spending time with his children. I really haven’t done anything other than marry the guy — 11 years ago! And it’s been hell ever since. For some reason, his ex wants the kids to think their dad is still in love with her and I was the one to break up their marriage. I met him 6 months after they broke up! The youngest, age 26, has seen through it and doesn’t pay much attention, but the oldest has taken on her mother’s point of view and we haven’t spoken to her in over a year. I’m so angry! What’s good ex-etiquette?
Answer Angel: The real lowdown on runway fashion trends
Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I’ve been saving up this question until the runway shows in New York and in Europe ended. I compiled a list of questionable fashion trends I saw on the internet and in magazines that I, for some reason, keep subscribing to. I want to get your take on some of the styles and trends I’m wondering about. In no particular order:
Laurie Hertzel: Is it wrong not to finish a book?
One year, I kept track of every book I read. That is, I kept track of every book I read to the end — there were a lot of titles that I started and abandoned along the way.
