God’s Promises Day by Day, (Compiled by Terri Gibbs, J. Countryman Press, from the “God’s Promises” series, hard cover, $13.99) J. Countryman, the world’s largest inspirational gift book publisher creates, produces and distributes high value, quality, God-centered gifts designed to touch and change lives. J. Countryman gift books are carefully crafted to meet people at […]

(MS) – As the holidays bring families and friends together, it is the perfect time to share the culinary traditions that make this season so special. Holiday food and drink remind us of seasons past and are a favorite part of almost every celebration. From an old friend’s recipe for sugar cookies to a new […]

It’s Not My Fault (By Nancy Carlson, Carolrhoda Books, Lerner Publishing, Grades PreK-3, hardcover, $15.95) Poor George is in trouble again. He’s been called to the principal’s office, but before the principal can tell him why he’s there…he confesses. He was late to class, didn’t finish his math assignment, spilled paint, and set a cage […]

Almost to Freedom (By Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, illustrated by Colin Bootman, Carolrhoda books, Lerner Publishing, interest level: Grades 1-5, hardcover w jacket, $15.95) Sally, a tattered rag doll, tells the story of a young girl and her parents as they escape from slavery and start the dangerous journey along the Underground Railroad to a place […]

(AP) – Your cousin gave you a sentimental figurine last year that doesn’t blend with your collection of Imari porcelain. It’s still in its box, so maybe you can just rewrap it and present it to a co-worker this season.Then you reconsider. After all, your sister-in-law once gave you a chiffon scarf which smelled of […]

(MS) – Ah, the holidays – they’re just a few weeks away, along with the glimmer of the lights, the distant sounds of holiday music, the hustle and bustle, and the frantic shopping! If you’ve even set foot inside a shopping mall since Halloween, you know the rush is on. With so many people to […]

Think cheesecake has to be full of fat? Fat-free cream cheese and fresh fruit make these “Mini Cheesecakes” from “3 Steps to Weight Loss” (Better Homes and Gardens Books) a guilt-free treat. At just a couple of bites each, they still burst with flavor and will satisfy any sweet tooth.Mini CheesecakesTo create a colorful platter, […]

You’re making a batch of cookies for your son’s holiday party afterdinner. But, you didn’t realize that the recipe calls for brown sugarand there’s none to be found in your cupboard. You ask your neighbor ifhe can spare a 1/4 cup. But next time, make sure you can grab some fromyour well-stocked pantry of nonperishable […]

Inexpensive home décor project makes great gift if you’re handy…By Vicki Payne You’ve still got time to create a great homespun gift for you or someone you love. You don’t need a pricey interior designer or a major makeover to create a brand new look. A simple inexpensive tabletop treatment made with fabric can create […]

(NAPSI)-Chocolate and peanut butter are one of America’s most beloved combinations. In addition to being enjoyed by themselves, nothing enhances chocolate’s velvety, sweet complexion quite like the robust, savory flavor of peanuts and peanut butter. In celebration of this delicious duo, the National Peanut Board offers some chocolate-peanut butter combinations:• Top chocolate ice cream with […]