by — Jennifer Alexander Ruple When it’s time to “undecorate” your home after the holidays, are you team pack-it-up-the-day-after-Christmas, or are you team let-it-linger-into-the-new-year? Personally, I have been on both sides of the fence, depending on the year.  Regardless of your decorating preferences, it will eventually be time to transition your home from holiday mode to winter mode, that seemingly endless stretch of time between … Continue reading It’s time to transition to winter decor

by — Jennifer Alexander Ruple It was a delight to be asked to judge Heritage Sylvania’s annual pie baking contest, a local tradition since 2015. The contest was held at the Heritage Center Museum on Sunday, Oct. 17 in conjunction with Sylvania’s Fall Festival.I, along with fellow judges, Ben Malczewski, manager of the Sylvania Branch Library, his 10-year-old daughter Lucie and his wife, Danielle, were … Continue reading Pie contest is a sweet tradition

by — Jennifer Alexander Ruple Fall is here in all its glory. The beauty of the season presents us with great opportunities to hop in our cars and head out for day-trip adventures.  Catawba Island is an especially gorgeous spot to visit this time of the year. There is something about the afternoon light that sparkles on Lake Erie’s waves as they roll into the … Continue reading Plates and Places: A day-trip to Orchard on Catawba Island