I'm not a big wine drinker and don't know much about it. And since I'm newly single and living in an apartment, I no longer give big dinner parties. When guests bring wine, we either drink it or it goes in my wine rack to pass along to someone else.

Life lessons can appear in the most unexpected places.  I was working on one of my blogs last week at the kitchen table.  The smoke alarm starts ringing.  I look up and can see smoke coming out of the oven which triggered the alarm.

Where is it often easier to consume more calories in one meal than you need in a whole day: fast food or sit-down restaurants? If you shouted out “fast food,” you’re wrong. Surprised? You’re definitely not the only one. Why is this the case? Let’s delve into just this question.

I’ve had more than a few people ask me what inspired me to become a dietitian. These individuals often think that it’s because I used to work for McDonald’s Corporation and the food they serve drove me away. That couldn’t be further from the truth. I enjoyed working there. And I like the food. The main reason that I left my job at McDonald’s was that as I found myself in my mid-forties I wanted to do something different.  I chose to follow a life-long passion.

Were you one of the panicked buyers who recently paid $20 or $30 for a box of Twinkies? If not, did you still lament the potential, although not likely, extinction of this spongy yellow cream filled cake?

I don’t know about you, but my feelings are decidedly mixed about the fate of the Twinkie. When I was growing up, Hostess products were pretty much a staple in our house. While I did indulge in the Twinkie every now and then, I must admit that my favorite was the cupcake, with all of the chocolate and cream-filled goodness it provided. So, the Twinkie was not my “go to.”

Here's a great printable Thanksgiving dinner shopping list.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I was watching The Voice when an ad came on for Sprint, "This Thursday is Black Friday!" I seem to have a vague memory that this Thursday was suppose to be something special, a day where we were supposed to do something, but for the life of me I can't remember what.

Breakfast Hero

Save The Morning / Save The Day

Hero:  Someone who comes to the aid of another or puts her personal values into civic action.  Heroes risk personal harm to save the day.

Why it’s important:  Our heroes clarify and define the values we choose for ourselves.  Character is shaped by personal values. 

Craving chocolate? I found an easy, healthful substitute to a decandent chocolate truffle.

I sampled this wonderfully scrumptious dessert today, at a yoga studio of all places. If it comes from a yoga place, it's gotta be good for you, right? When I asked the yogi for the recipe, she told me that it was easier than doing the Downward Facing Dog.

If you're anything like me, some of your best ideas come while in some interesting places. For me, driving and running are two activities that allow me to clear my mind {be glad you don't commute with me!}. I think the reason being is that we are alone with our thoughts sans distractions from family, to do lists, and technology.