Dishing on Life (& Shopping)

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!

Want to have more time with your guests when they come over for a holiday meal? I've shared some tips which might help in this latest post.

I've amassed a (not too-long) list of holiday gift ideas in the hopes it can save you some time and stress this holiday season.

A lighthearted take on words which should be part of our collective vernacular, but aren't. Yet.

I decided I wasn't going to wade into deep waters. But what is going on right now is not OK. I'm not even sure chicken soup will help.

To err is human, and boy am I human! Find out about a recent example; and then learn from it.

It is possible to be a thoughtful host while asking your guests to remove their shoes upon entering your home. Here's how.

In order to live your best life, you need to purge yourself of the physical and emotional clutter. While this isn't easy, it is worth it.

Getting that first REAL job has always been a bear, and it seems to get harder every year. Here are 5 tips to get college students thinking

Making the time to get things in order is well worth the effort and time (and/or expense). You DO want a calmer life, right??

The Funeral Go-Bag: A sad but recommended accessory to keep in your car for those times when you can't get home before a funeral. You'd...

Sharing memorable experiences with your young adult children (or grandchildren) can be difficult. They have their own lives and want...

Don't show up empty-handed, and give some thought to what you bring. You know the expression, "do unto others as you would have them do...