Mary Beth has launched a lifestyle blog about cooking, decorating and adventures with family and friends.  It will be entertaining, informative and most of all fun.  Join Mary Beth and join in the discussion, sharing your ideas and comments. www.plankblog.com

The last month has brought many highs and several lows. Some that are hard to wrap my head around. On the high, my kids were all home for about a month and now that they are adults or close to, we can really enjoy the “people” they have become. We had numerous meals out, laughing and sharing stories…such a delight. Our two older children were just happy to hang out with us, which was very sweet. My oldest son, at

“I can’t believe another year has gone by. It seems like yesterday I was sharing last year’s holiday adventures with all of you. Crazy! All of my kids are older and my two oldest live away from home so the holidays are a great time for us to be together. It is so fun for me to decorate the house, have a fire going and something great smelling baking in the oven for their return. It felt so warm and

“As you may or may not know, my husband and I have raised our children Jewish. I was not raised Jewish and actually had little knowledge of the faith, customs or heritage. Not to mention the FOODS of the holidays. As the years passed I learned a lot alongside our children. I cannot read from the Torah like my kids but I can make a mean brisket and an even better Kugel.  I could write about so many things I

“This past weekend 9 women gathered in Colorado from around the country to celebrate my best friend Carrie’s “landmark” birthday. One from New York, one from Boston, one from Louisville, one from Colorado and five from southern California. Some of us had met before, some had not. What an amazing time we all had. It’s a true testament to her that she has so many friends that are all so kind and generous in spirit. We hiked some amazingly beautiful

“As the end of the summer has come, so have some big transitions.  Friends of my youngest son (17) are headed off to college.  His very best friend his entire life is also named Matthew and is the son of one of my closest friends.  He is a year older and when I found out I was having a boy, I told my friend that I wanted to name my son Matthew too.  I said, “It’s not like they will