There are some things in relation to parenting that I take credit for even though the credit might not fully belong to me (like, for example, my children’s musical ability – although I get to sit in the audience and bask in reflected glory it’s usually my husband who slogs through the grueling daily practice [...]

Slow Down, Mummy Courtesy of Gaga Couture, Australia.

This is a traditional recipe that’s simple to understand, easy to make, and impossible to mess up. My kind of recipe for kids! Also makes a great teacher gift at the holidays. Ingredients 1 cup butter, plus 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon sugar, for sprinkling (optional) Directions Preheat [...]

  Christmastime always conjures the ghost of my father, who loved and embodied all things Christmas. It was his favorite day. He loved wearing his kilt, attending midnight mass, cooking a Christmas breakfast, singing carols, opening presents, and having a house full of people over for a big feast. He’d wake up early on Christmas [...]

It’s our first year with the Elf-on-the-Shelf and we are having so much fun! It turns out that our Elf-on-the-Shelf, Noelle (aka “Elfie,” who is a very naughty elf) has a thing for AKALaverne’s rather hunkolicious elf, Alejandro. And you can read all about their tawdry exploits here. I’ve got to get back to supervising [...]

On Monday I wrote a letter to Santa asking him for things, but after the events of the last two days I’m revising my wish list: All I want for Christmas is to stay alive. …So I can be there for my children as they grow up. Yesterday I went in for my annual mammogram. [...]