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The Donnarama Dishes Blog
Dishing on Life (& Shopping)
Personal insights on coping with life and gifting (which is arguably part of living)


Just Say No (Thank You)
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.
Sep 18


Companionate Love: It's The Most Important Thing
The secret to a long and happy relationship (romantic or platonic)? Companionate Love. Read on for more.
Aug 29


You Need To Try AI For Travel Planning!
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.
Aug 26


Searching For Truth
Knowledge is power. But how can we trust what we hear/read? This is my current conundrum. I have a few ideas. Do you?
Aug 2


Just Breathe.... (Yeah, No)
Rant warning!
I have pretty much had it with everything I read and see these days. Here's what's on my mind.
Jun 21


Retirement Planning Beyond Finances
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?
Jun 16


On This Anniversary Of Paul Revere's Ride
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.
Apr 18


Valentine's Day!
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
Feb 11


What Now?
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.
Feb 6


They Go Together: January & Your Calendar
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.
Jan 22


Live It Up In 2025
Another year is starting and who knows what the future holds. Don't be passive in 2025. Resolve to run TOWARDS your future!
Jan 8


Making A List (And Checking It Twice)
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.
Dec 17, 2024


Gift Ideas for The 2024 Winter Holidays
A curated list of great holiday gifts for those near and dear.
Dec 3, 2024


Taking Some Old Advice
Thanksgiving feels different this year for many people and families. Let's respect the need for self-care this year.
Nov 26, 2024


Thanksgiving Prep (Mostly à la Martha)
Planning insights for Thanksgiving: which pan to use, when to prep what, and how to dial it back for an intimate meal.
Nov 19, 2024


An Inconvenient Truth
We need to learn from our mistakes and rethink the future of the USA. Let's start with improving education and bringing back civility.
Nov 15, 2024


Plan In Advance, Then Don't Procrastinate
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.
Oct 10, 2024


Do Something: Research, Promote Facts, And Vote!
Learn, vote, & do something to save democracy in the US. Read on to find out how.
Sep 26, 2024


At This Point There Is Only One Option
If you want to save democracy and the rights of citizens, there is only one way to vote in the US election in November.
Jul 23, 2024


At This Point There Is Only One Option
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...
Jul 4, 2024


Summer Fun -- Hosting, Guesting & A Few Good Reads
Summer means hosting & being hosted. I offer my two favorite gifts to bring, as well as some fun reads appropriate for summer.
Jun 25, 2024


Father's Day Gift Ideas
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.
Jun 4, 2024


Retirement: Reading Your Next Chapter
Not sure how retirement can work for you (not the money stuff)? Read this piece by guest blogger Sally Chapman Cameron.
May 9, 2024


Mother's Day Gift Ideas
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!
May 5, 2024


How To Make This Night Different From All Other Nights (Hint: It Could Be My Brisket)
A Passover Primer for guests and hosts alike, this post offers the gold-standard brisket recipe (in my opinion) as well as some inspiration.
Apr 10, 2024


Black Bean Soup, An Eclipse-Friendly Playlist, And Some Other Black & White Ideas
Black & White/ Light & Dark ideas in honor of the upcoming solar eclipse on April 8, 2024.
Apr 2, 2024


Give A Little Respect
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...
Mar 29, 2024


The Spring Holidays Are Upon Us
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.
Mar 6, 2024


Rethinking Greeting Cards
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...
Feb 20, 2024


A Long-Envisioned Plan Comes To Fruition with The Store
A new feature on the Donnarama Dishes website, The Store is a marketplace of recommended items for you, your loved ones, and your home.
Feb 13, 2024


Shopping Ideas For You (Your Home) & Your Loved Ones
Some great shopping ideas for you, your home, or your loved ones. There's always some gift-giving holiday coming up, right?
Jan 30, 2024


Ready for 2024? Don't Over-Resolve!
Ring in the new year with cheese, don't over-resolve, and read about suburban life for Libby this weekend.
Dec 28, 2023


Gift Yourself (And Others) A Break This Season
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.
Dec 19, 2023


End-Of-Year Organizing Tips
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!
Dec 13, 2023


The Holiday Table & Entertaining
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.
Dec 8, 2023


Holiday Gift Ideas: 2023
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.
Dec 5, 2023


Wordplay!
A lighthearted take on words which should be part of our collective vernacular, but aren't. Yet.
Oct 17, 2023


For Those In Need Of Comfort
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.
Oct 12, 2023


Oh no, oh no, oh no!
To err is human, and boy am I human! Find out about a recent example; and then learn from it.
Sep 29, 2023


Slippers for everyone!
It is possible to be a thoughtful host while asking your guests to remove their shoes upon entering your home. Here's how.
Sep 18, 2023


Let It Go
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.
Sep 7, 2023


Tis the season... to jump start your college student's career efforts
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
Aug 28, 2023


Clutter Won't Go Away On Its Own
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??
Aug 3, 2023


A Different Kind of Go-Bag
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...
Jul 12, 2023


Travel As A Great Way To Connect with the Young Adults in Your Life
Sharing memorable experiences with your young adult children (or grandchildren) can be difficult. They have their own lives and want...
Jun 15, 2023


Be a Great House Guest
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...
Jun 12, 2023
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