Dishing on Life (& Shopping)

Many voters are unsure how to vote when both parties represent positions greatly at odds with their beliefs. This ONE MINUTE read addresses my opinion on how to deal with this conundrum.

What can we do when we can't trust the government? A couple of really important things, actually.

This is a traditional, oniony-flavored brisket recipe, which is not hard to make, but it does take time. And love; you definitely need to make this with love. And if you do, I promise you will have found your new favorite brisket recipe.

I promise you there is something cool to explore close to your home, and if you go there, you'll feel like you actually got a break.

I've recently realized that feeling old is more than just how old you physically feel (or are). To combat that feeling, spend time with friends and live for today.

Planning for Medicare is imperative and anyone in their 50's and 60's should be aware of its ins and outs (financial and medical). There are a lot of decisions to be made and deadlines to keep, and I have everything you need to know in this post.

A thought experiment about the two-party system. As the Democratic party becomes more diverse, is it realistic for them to be able to find a single party leader given the division resulting from said diversity? What do you think?

There's no sugar-coating it; the state of the US is dismal right now. And, unless things change in a BIG WAY (and soon), there may well be no turning back. We need to break from the current regime, and we need it now.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to eating healthfully. Different experts espouse different approaches, but it all really comes down to your own body chemistry, life stage, and medical situation. So, efforts to stay on top of nutritional advice is a losing battle, in my opinion. Within reason, you do you and enjoy life.

There's a lot entailed in getting your affairs in order (ducks in a row), so you'll want to save/ bookmark this for reference as you get to it. I list the items which will ensure your wishes are honored when you can't communicate them yourself. It's an unpleasant, time-consuming, and often expensive endeavor, but I would argue, an essential one. Welcome to adulting.

When and if the US survives the current regime, no apology will be enough to make things right to the rest of the world, in my opinion. So what can be done?

How do we celebrate a new year which could easily be a dumpster fire? Concentrate on things which make you happy, to the exclusion of pretty much all else (in spurts).

Tis the season to show you care with love and gifts. I can't help with the love, but I've selected some gifts you might find appropriate (Amazon and NOT).

The Let Them philosophy can help folks cope with dicey personal interactions (making it especially relevant during holiday seasons) . Just make sure sure you get it right.

Ask yourself, "am I going to regret this decision?" If the answer is yes, it is my firm belief you should heed your inner inclination, difficult though it may be, and just say no. I even offer polite ways to do so.

The secret to a long and happy relationship (romantic or platonic)? Companionate Love. Read on for more.

Even for technology phobes like me, the time has come to try using AI for travel planning. It will save you so much time and stress that you will never look back. Trust me. And, yes, I include the AI websites to try.

Knowledge is power. But how can we trust what we hear/read? This is my current conundrum. I have a few ideas. Do you?

Rant warning! I have pretty much had it with everything I read and see these days. Here's what's on my mind.

I think we spend too much time planning the logistics of retirement rather than the way our lives will work once we're there. Let's avoid a rudderless and lonely retirement, shall we?

250 years ago, Paul Revere warned, on a midnight ride, that "The British [were] coming," which kicked off the American Revolution. Now is the time for another midnight ride to protect our democracy.

Express your love with food this valentine's day. I have a simple (to make and to clean up) menu which will communicate how you feel. xoxo

If you're struggling with what to do given the current state of affairs, read on for actionable info on staying put as well as on leaving.

January is the perfect time to plot out the year. So get out your calendar now and set yourself up for a most-fulfilling year.

Another year is starting and who knows what the future holds. Don't be passive in 2025. Resolve to run TOWARDS your future!

If you want to enjoy the holidays while hosting friends/ family, make a list of meals NOW so you don't have to fret later. Trust me.

A curated list of great holiday gifts for those near and dear.

Thanksgiving feels different this year for many people and families. Let's respect the need for self-care this year.

Planning insights for Thanksgiving: which pan to use, when to prep what, and how to dial it back for an intimate meal.

We need to learn from our mistakes and rethink the future of the USA. Let's start with improving education and bringing back civility.

Life is short and often unpredictable. Plan for the fun and not-so-fun, and then don't procrastinate in order to get the most out of life.

Learn, vote, & do something to save democracy in the US. Read on to find out how.

If you want to save democracy and the rights of citizens, there is only one way to vote in the US election in November.

You know things are bad if I'm delving into politics. If you have any hope of the US remaining a democracy, you have no choice...

Summer means hosting & being hosted. I offer my two favorite gifts to bring, as well as some fun reads appropriate for summer.

Father's Day is coming up and I've offered some ideas here. Forward/ share this with loved ones so they don't end up in the dog house.

Not sure how retirement can work for you (not the money stuff)? Read this piece by guest blogger Sally Chapman Cameron.

Mother's Day is coming up and some folks need gift ideas! Share this with anyone you think could use some and/or use it yourself!

A Passover Primer for guests and hosts alike, this post offers the gold-standard brisket recipe (in my opinion) as well as some inspiration.

Black & White/ Light & Dark ideas in honor of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.

End-of-life considerations are never fun, but they are vitally important if you want to go out on your own terms. I've got some thoughts...

St. Patty's Day, Purim, Easter, and Passover are coming up and it's time to think about how you'll be celebrating them, or not.

It's time to rethink the notion of giving greeting cards to loved ones. Read on for an idea which may work for you and yours...

A new feature on the Donnarama Dishes website, The Store is a marketplace of recommended items for you, your loved ones, and your home.

Some great shopping ideas for you, your home, or your loved ones. There's always some gift-giving holiday coming up, right?

Ring in the new year with cheese, don't over-resolve, and read about suburban life for Libby this weekend.

Feeling happy & joyful this time of year? That's GREAT! If not, you're not alone and do not need to go over the top pretending you are.

Don't toss things under the bed or in a closet when tidying up this holiday season. Find the "right" place and put things there instead!