Author: Lily

You know that feeling when you’re surrounded by people at a dinner party, everyone’s laughing and talking, and somehow you feel more alone than if you were actually eating by yourself? That hollow sensation in your chest that grows stronger with every surface-level conversation about the weather, work deadlines, or weekend plans that never scratch below the surface of who you really are? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially after stumbling across some research that completely flipped my understanding of loneliness. We’ve got it backwards. The loneliest people aren’t the ones eating takeout on their couch on…

🍽️ May’s Cook With Sam Challenge This month’s recipe is an all-time weekend fave: Vegan Buttermilk Pancakes We’ve already made dessert (brownies) and a main (mac & cheese), so this month I wanted to bring in my favorite breakfast: pancakes. (Although… I fully support pancakes for dinner too 😄). These are fluffy, golden, lightly sweet, and perfectly tender. I’ve tested a lot of pancake recipes over the years, and I truly think this is THE ONE. The search is over. These are the best pancakes ever. I hope you agree! 👉 Get the recipe here: Vegan Buttermilk Pancakes 💡 What…

A classy lemon pound cake that has a delicate and pleasant fresh lemon flavor with a dense, moist crumb. Leave it plain for a simple, everyday snack, or top with cream cheese glaze to turn it into a fancy dessert. Jump to: Why Buttermilk Lemon Cake? I’ve always been a chocolate cake girl, I love chocolate and I think it runs in my veins. Lemon cakes on the other had never made an appearance in my mom’s kitchen growing up. Until, one of you guys wanted a lemon bundt for her lemon loving kid. She wanted a cake with moist…

Rita Wilson shared two poignant requests with her husband, Tom Hanks, right after her 2015 breast cancer diagnosis. Speaking at a New York City event on April 28, 2026, to promote her upcoming album Sound of a Woman, she opened up to Demi Moore about those vulnerable moments. This revelation highlights her blend of raw emotion and life-affirming optimism during a terrifying time.What Did Rita Wilson Ask of Tom Hanks?She told Hanks to grieve deeply if she didn’t survive: “be sad for a very, very long time.” Yet that raw honesty came paired with joy. Her second wish? A lively party…

At long last, the Worthington Inn has reopened in Old Worthington! The local institution has been closed since the end of 2018, following a run as one of the city’s oldest continually operating businesses since 1831. The building has lived numerous lives over its nearly two centuries, as a private home, hotel, restaurant, stagecoach stop, event space, and condos. And now, thanks to the team behind Wolf’s Ridge Brewing and Understory, it’s entering a new era. The Worthington Inn has pretty much sat empty since it closed in 2018. During that time the main floor has been unused, while the…

Carol, 76, just returned from a cross-country trip — visiting her newest grandchild, catching up with friends, doing some sightseeing along the way. For most people, that would be the story. For Carol, it’s just the latest chapter in a life built around movement — one she almost lost. “I’ve been active my whole life,” says Carol, 76. Hiking, cycling, spin classes, light weight training, walking — “it was lots of different things.” She and her husband even walked the famous Camino trail in Spain. Staying active wasn’t a habit for Carol. It was a calling. Which made the slow…

This Winter Orange Whiskey Cocktail is bright, cozy, smooth, and perfect for cold-weather sipping. Fresh orange juice brings natural citrus sweetness, whiskey adds warmth, maple syrup adds rich winter flavor, and a splash of lemon keeps everything balanced. If you love easy whiskey cocktails that feel special but do not require a long ingredient list, this orange whiskey cocktail is a perfect choice. It is simple enough for a quiet winter night at home, but pretty enough for holiday parties, Christmas gatherings, New Year’s Eve, or a cozy dinner with friends. This cocktail has the warmth of a bourbon drink,…

Pillowy, crispy gnocchi pairs so beautifully with Muhammara, a Middle Eastern roasted red pepper dip with bright, vibrant flavors! Serve as a starter or side, as an entree, or a salad or wrap! (soy-free with gluten-free option) I have been craving textures lately and this vibrant meal packs textures and flavors and nutrients all in one meal! The outrageously delicious red pepper walnut dip paired with crispy gnocchi and veggies, is topped with a zesty walnut pepper lemon crumble, so each bite bursts with flavor and texture. For this amazing meal we’re making a Muhammara bean dip. Muhammara is this…

Learn how to make hummus at home. This smooth, creamy, and easy homemade hummus recipe requires only 6 ingredients and is perfect for pita chips, crunchy vegetables, or to use as a spread for your favorite sandwich. Photo Credit: Ali Redmond My Family Hummus Recipe is the Creamiest! Hummus is a quintessential Middle Eastern dip made by blending chickpeas with tahini, garlic, and lemon. Being raised in Egypt, hummus was a regular part of our meals as a family. When I met my husband, Saba, his mother made countless batches of hummus for their family restaurant, and I picked up…

Gaming has become a popular leisure activity for millions of people around the world. It positively impacts your mental health when played in moderation. Gaming also helps connect you with like-minded friends and makes you feel good. It can be a way to unwind from the stress of the day. While it provides entertainment and a way to socialize with others, it can also present some mental health challenges for players. When gaming becomes excessive, it becomes dangerous to mental health. Spending long hours in front of a screen, dealing with toxic online communities, and experiencing intense emotions while playing…