• Relationship Advice

    Time Stand Still

    Have you ever been in a season of life that’s so tough that you just want every day to pass quickly? Or, the place that you’re in is so busy that your life feels like it’s on autopilot? We’ve all been in one or both of these places in life. We’re rushing, rushing, rushing. Missing out on so much. And that’s just not fair. Life is beautiful. It’s meant to be savored – ups, downs, and in-betweens.  We should want time to stand still. One of the seasons of my life that I hoped time would pass quickly was when we were trying to have children. I focused my thoughts…

  • Life Advice

    Joy Is a Choice: Being Joyful in the Bible

    I love Barefoot Contessa. Her cooking is top-notch, and I just want to be in the kitchen alongside her chatting, laughing, and making roast chicken and lemon bars. And her relationship with her adorable hubby, Jeffrey? Can you say Relationship Goals? If you don’t know who she is, her actual name is Ina Garten, and Barefoot Contessa is the name of the specialty food store she opened in New York. She subsequently catapulted herself to success with numerous bestselling cookbooks and a show on Food Network. One of her cookbooks is named “Back To Basics.” Even cooks at Ina Garten’s level recognize the need to execute the basics well. I…

  • Relationship Advice

    You Make Loving Fun

    One of the things I love about my life with Bobby is how much fun I have with him. He has a witty, dry humor that sneaks up on me. We laugh A LOT together. All that laughing adds up to a great quality of life for us. The person who you can laugh with becomes the one you want to spend time with, and the one you can’t wait to call when something happens. They become your bestie. Being besties is a great foundation for your relationship. I thought about the fun we have and what I have learned over the years about it. Decide your way into fun.…

  • Life Advice

    These Are My Friends

    My cousin recently visited Italy. While he was there, he stayed with friends at an Airbnb.  They were trying to decide where to eat one night, and their host got wind of it. He came over and told them about a great place a short walk away. He then charmingly escorted them to the restaurant, introduced them to the owners, and with arms outstretched, he boisterously exclaimed “These are my friends. Make them fat!” I love this story! Who wouldn’t want to be welcomed like this?!? I come from a long line of hospitable people. My paternal grandparents were Italian immigrants from Castel Frentano. They had 12 children and not…