Though decades have elapsed since I was in my childhood, certain memories have lingered. Some of the fondest, are of the Bethlehem Public Library. Owning a library card was one of my first rite of passages into adulthood as an elementary schooler. Long before the days of computers, I proudly put my card into my wallet and stood in awe of the towering rows of bookshelves, f... »
For years, vodka has reigned as America’s #1 distilled spirit. Its success has been due, in large part, to the fact that it has nothing going for it. “Nothing” as in no color, no aroma, no flavor. “Vodka is basically a good spirit to put into a mix when you don’t want the taste of the liquor to affect the other flavors,” says Chad Butters, co-owner of Eight Oaks Craft Dis... »
When I was in my twenties, I focused on finding a partner. I found one, and he became my date, my fiancé, my husband, my world. When I was in my thirties, he left. I felt like in the game of life, I had been stripped of everything and sent back to the start. I looked around for help, and I found it in my many friends. These smart, supportive women rallied around me. Some... »
Boxes of chocolates for Valentine’s Day might strike you as a cliche, but one thing is certain: It’s still a good idea. Light, dark, or white; cream-filled, caramelly, or coconutty; smooth, chewy, or crunchy—it’s a gift that will delight practically any recipient. And while it’s easy to grab a pre-selected box or two off the shelf, it’s nearly as easy to put your personal ... »
Somehow, it’s already December, which means that it’s time to close the chapter of 2017 and look ahead to 2018. Perhaps you review the past 12 months and celebrate your accomplishments. Maybe you think about what you’ll do differently next year. Or, were there things you hoped to do this year, but never got around to doing? While many people enjoy making New Year’s resolut... »
It’s a perfect winter day, and your friends or family wants to hit the slopes—but you don’t. Maybe you wiped out years ago and can’t quite get over the trauma, or perhaps you’re about as coordinated as a dog in roller skates. But whatever your reason may be, just because you’re bad at skiing and snowboarding doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Turns out, most ski resort... »
This month, NaNoWriMo—the shorthand moniker for National Novel Writing Month—can put you in touch with your inner novelist. Some half-million people around the world will be working toward a goal of writing 50,000 words in November as part of the Berkeley, California-based nonprofit organization’s 19th annual flagship project. Participants who do achieve this high-speed wr... »
Here’s a helping of Turkey Day trivia to bestow upon your tablemates this holiday season alongside second servings of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. Whether you need to fill an awkward pause, defuse a squabble, or you just want to flex your knowledge, there’s at least one thing on this list that’ll get the conversation flowing. Pilgrims weren’t the first. It sou... »
You’ve heard about the great gas mileage. You probably know someone who owns a Prius. You are certainly intrigued by the idea of never having to pay for gas again if you go full electric. But you wonder about reliability. How will it drive? And what is this term ‘range anxiety’ (fear of running the battery down and being left stranded somewhere) you’ve read about? Well, be... »
Just as craft beer is having its own (long, wonderful) moment, specialty coffee has officially moved into the spotlight as well. Much like craft beer, coffee can be as simple or as complex as the producer would like to make it. There are light roasts, dark roasts, single-origins, and blends—all from beans found around the world—and so many ways to serve and enjoy it. Gone ... »
