Yesterday, Lori and I spent the day at the downtown Gift Mart for product research. The Gift Mart is a collection of showrooms -- 12 stories tall -- for buyers and designers to find out what's new and hot, figure out what will sell in their stores, order up that product, get creative inspiration, and stay informed. We're excited about expanding the PRACTICAL WHIMSY line, and always thinking about the goods that families like to have in their homes... and to… Read More

At my son's pre-school, the parents in different classrooms take turns hosting monthly "Teacher Appreciation" lunches. With them, parents are encouraged to sign-up for a specific dish that they bring in, all relevant to a central, celebratory theme. Herewith, a few tips I've picked up from spearheading a few of these lunches, for an assist if you're suddenly Parent-in-Charge (or eager to help out and participate):

Keep the theme familiar -- Parents can totally get behind Mexican Fiesta or… Read More

I've long noticed that Slow Cookers have throngs of admiring fans, and that's recently become even clearer. In my last Practical Whimsy monthly column for "Y'ALL: The Magazine of Southern People," I wrote about using Crock Pots for slow cooking during the Winter. Since then, I have been (happily) mobbed by e-mails at my website by readers eager for new recipes... and of course I'm more than happy to oblige.

My affinity for the Crock-Pot definitely started with my… Read More

My mother instilled in us four kids the importance of -- when visiting someone for supper, cocktails, or a party -- to bring a hostess (or host) gift. Maybe it's my Southern upbringing, coupled with my Hollywood experiences, but her wisdom in that is continually cemented in my manners... and I've already found myself passing it on to my kids. Bringing a host(ess) gift to a party is just the right thing to do.

The "gift" doesn't have to… Read More

Lately, I've been appreciating more-than-usual the verbal dance that happens during breakfast while I'm trying to consume as much coffee as possible. This morning -- with my wife at a Funky Fitness class (it's not really called that; that's just what I like to call it) -- I had a dawning. Over waffles and hard-boiled eggs, little Rocco and ChiChi LaRue engaged in a conversation with me that left me speechless -- and yet -- also strangely energized.

A… Read More

With very little fanfare, a frozen bag of chicken pieces can become a healthy, comforting meal that's a perfect remedy for those prevalent end-of-winter colds (well, or anytime you're eager for a quick, homemade chicken soup).

At the warehouse stores, I love getting the Foster Farms chicken packs of skinless, boneless thighs and skinless, boneless breasts. When I get home, I portion them out, combining a few pieces of each kind in freezer bags. Using the contents of one… Read More