We have two Christmas trees at our house. My favorite is the “Family” tree decorated with our girls’ homemade ornaments, decorations my husband and I have had since childhood, and ornaments we’ve collected during our travels. This tree is not trimmed to perfection, it does not match the color palette of our living room… but it is the BEST! I love the smiles it brings to our … [Read more...]
Autumn Apple Cider Cocktail
We love the holidays around my house, especially the time from Thanksgiving to Christmas! I’ve tried the last couple of years to simplify things and prepare as much as possible, allowing me more time to enjoy company and not feel like I’m stuck in the kitchen. We divvy up the recipes for sides and desserts - shouldn’t everyone get in on the fun? Last year we had an impromptu … [Read more...]
Tales of Sugar Plums: Candies by Vletas puts the Candy in Christmas
Every year right after Thanksgiving, the downtown section of North First Street is magically transformed into the North Pole, with Christmas lights and sounds and, of course, Santa’s Workshop. That may not be the official name of the store at 1201 North First Street, but anyone who has shopped at Candies by Vletas during the holidays will tell you that’s exactly what it is. … [Read more...]
Grieving Between the Lines
SISTERS WRITE CHILDREN’S BOOK ABOUT LOSING A PARENT “My Little Boy, Your heart is now learning to feel many new things…” The poignant beginning of a children’s book about working through grief sets the tone for what’s to come. It should also serve as a warning to grab a box of tissues before reading too far into it. The book, Love, Mom, was written and illustrated by … [Read more...]
Holiday Pies with Life of Pie
“We’re foodies,” Leslie said with a playful laugh. “It all started with our love for sweet and spicy foods.” Leslie Bivens and her husband, Cory, are co-owners of Life of Pie Bistro & Boutique. “We’re thrilled to be a part of Abilene’s ever-widening entrepreneurial offerings,” Leslie said. “Abilene is a great town and the people here have done so much for … [Read more...]