If you’re a parent, you might want to think twice about shooing a thumb from your child’s mouth. Researchers in New Zealand have found that children who suck their thumbs or bite their nails are less likely to develop allergies later in their lives. The research comes from a long-term project known as the Dunedin […]

“I’m from …um …New England,” my 12-year-old son (a proud Patriots fan) spoke into the microphone, introducing himself before his turn navigating a boat around Boston’s waterfront, as children on duck boat tours are often invited to do.“What?!?” the duck boat operator said disdainfully. “No one is FROM New England! Where do you live, son?”My […]

Margaret Kirkland, who participated in this year’s Southern Living Idea House, is an interior designer based in Atlanta.  Known for her timeless interiors, she has been named a Next Wave designer by House Beautiful and best 15 under 40 by Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine. Kirkland works on projects throughout the East Coast and abroad […]

A few months ago, a friend of mine was sharing her introvert guilt, explaining that she hates events at her daughter’s school where she has to make small talk. I told her I sympathize because I am an introvert, too. She responded with, “I figured you were. You spend every day with imaginary worlds and […]

“This Saturday, jewelry-making course,” my friend Janine says. It’s not a question or a demand. More like a strong suggestion. Saturday is my wedding anniversary. I am newly separated; for the first time in six years, I have no plans. Janine does not know the significance of the date, but she always seems to know […]

I just watched my beloved, treasured, magical, sharp and thoughtful 12-year-old struggle to open a CD case for a full 20 seconds. He stared at it, fidgeted with each edge and then fought with the wrong side. He pushed on the black spine, trying, I’m guessing, to activate some secret spring-release mechanism. He flipped it […]

As the Washington Post reported last week,  a large, dark and very hairy beast was seen walking on its hind legs through New Jersey neighborhoods for the third summer in a row. It’s clear that this being is no human. What could it be?In this case, video captured by locals has shown that this particular […]

The director of the public library in Thorntown, Indiana, extended a job offer this week to a stray ginger tabby cat named Chance. He is to replace Tober, a much-loved library cat who died last fall after seven loyal years of service in the stacks. Meanwhile, a thousand miles away in White Settlement, Texas, fur […]

The word “wicker” might bring on flashbacks of the dusty rattan seating sets of the ’70s and ’80s or the last wicker crush in the ’90s, but today’s wicker – the technique of weaving reeds and other natural fibers into furniture and accessories – is worth reconsidering. Wicker is older than any fad, after all. […]