We don't have the kind of yard suitable for a swimming pool, and that's fine most of the year, except during the dog days of summer. Thank goodness I have friends with pools, and I know that if I complain enough about the heat, they'll invite me to their next pool party... please?
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

As much as I like to think of myself as a fairly healthy hostess who serves only the best food to her guests, I sometimes don't take as good care of myself. For example, on most days, that 5-a-day prescription remains an unachieved goal. But now that summer fruit is in season, I can easily double that goal. Berries are bursting on market shelves and I can't resist. There's little room left for the other groceries in my cart. When my shopping cart overflows with berries, it must mean that it's time to host a Strawberry Tea Party, so that my juicy treasures don't get moldy before I can eat all of my greedy purchases.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}

When I was planning my wedding, I was living away at school and my future husband lived four hours away from me - therefore, I didn't do very much to plan my wedding. I left many of the details to my mother, and we certainly didn't take the time to register for gifts. Oh, how silly I was. My bridal shower guests had to guess what I would like and need. If you're invited to a shower for a bride who, like me, didn't take the time to think about her future home, here is my list of top entertaining gifts for a bride.

One of the many things I look forward to enjoying at summer barbecues is corn-on-the-cob. I could probably make a full meal of eating corn, and wouldn't be disappointed if my host ran out of burgers or hot dogs, as long as there was some corn, butter and salt to enjoy. But the one thing about corn is that it gets kind of messy to eat. That's why you might one to consider getting some, or even all, of these corn-on-the-cob accessories to make enjoying this summer treat a little less embarrassing for your guests.
_{Photo © Donna Pilato}