Author Archives: Paula Widish

Is your environment too clean? Every time you apply a little elbow grease to rid your home of nastiness, do you endanger your family’s health? When you stay home from a get-together because someone in your family has the sniffles or a cough, do you do a disservice to the people who showed up? Do […]

I just love good news. Don’t you? Give me the option of good news or bad news first, and I’m jumpin’ all over that good news. Nine hundred and ninety-nine times out of a thousand, I’m the gal who thinks everyone has the best of intentions. I look for the silver linings, and I firmly […]

Dear Person, I’ve been meaning to talk with you about a few things but wasn’t sure how to approach it. The subtle signs I’ve been sending you don’t seem to be doing the trick, so now I’m going with a more direct approach in hopes we can remain friends. Just remember that I always have […]

Yum! One of my favorite vegetable seasons is underway, which means asparagus abounds. Sure, these days you can find it in the grocery store pretty much all year long, but that doesn’t mean it’s always worth eating. Asparagus isn’t like the grape tomato, which has a flavor that seems to hold up no matter when […]

The arrival of the spring equinox is a surefire signal that it’s time to dust off those bicycles that have been cooped up in storage all winter long. Riding a bike sparks a certain excitement that nothing else can. I mean, really—don’t we all remember the first time we rode our very own bike solo? […]

How often do you think about your tongue? Unless you get a canker sore or burn it on some hot soup, I’d be willing to bet that you’re like most other people and rarely consider it at all. Yet if you were to take an occasional glance in its direction, you could learn quite a […]

There are a few things in life you can be certain of: Christmas will fall on the same day every year. Your kids will outgrow their blue jeans every year. And every year you’ll find another article in the mainstream media discrediting the use of supplements. Now, I’m a firm believer that the best way […]

It’s March! It’s March! It’s March! Why all the excitement? Because with March comes spring, and with spring comes rejuvenation and reawakening to all living things—plants and animals alike. And I, for one, love it! Spring means less brown and barren, more green and vibrant. For us humans, spring brings a natural sense of reinvigoration […]

I’ve always been a fan of coconut. I remember how the coconut flakes in my mom’s custardy, buttery “Impossible Pie” would float right to the top. I haven’t had it in years, but I can almost taste it as we speak. Of course, when I was younger and growing up in a small Midwestern town, […]

In many parts of the country, winter is long and gray. These long, gray days can take a toll on the psyche, making us wonder if we’ll ever be able to go outside without layer upon layer again. But the wonderful thing is that spring arrives every year without fail—even if it doesn’t come quick […]

I come from a long line of huggers, and I wear my “Free Hugs” T-shirt with pride. There’s really nothing quite like giving or receiving a hug, especially when it involves someone you adore completely. With Valentine’s Day just a few days away, and with your loved ones expecting even more gestures of affection, there’s […]

Sure, it’s a few weeks past the New Year, and you’ve already made your resolutions—done and started. Way to go! Now that you’re in the groove of making those personal ambitions a reality, why not shift your focus in a way you may not have considered in the past. Could a few simple resolutions for […]

Since we’re smack dab in the middle of the cold weather season, I have no doubt that your weekly menu items are much the same as mine—soups, stews, and pot roasts. Warm, comforting foods always seem to fit the bill when the temp gets low. But as much soup as we go through this time […]

I adore my cast iron skillets. I have the utmost respect for any device that makes the perfect fried egg and doubles as a weapon in a pinch. I’m a pacifist by nature, so it’s not like I keep one at the side of the bed or anything—but, ya’ know, if push came to shove. […]

You’ve made your list, checked it way more times than twice, and crossed each person off as his or her gift was purchased. Now, here it is, two days before Christmas morning and you’re done. You’re done! You’re high-fiving yourself left and right, but wait… You just got an invite to a small gathering from […]

In case you haven’t been paying attention, here’s your friendly reminder that there are only 23 days until Christmas. If this makes you cringe, don’t worry. Gifts don’t need to be overly complicated or even pricey. Of all the presents I’ve ever given or received, my favorites have been simple, straight from the heart, and […]