I've yet to mention it here, but a pretty big life change is coming my way soon.

Friday, my sweetheart and I are getting married.

I didn't set out to make mustache sticks last night when I sat down with some cardboard, some black fleece and my glue gun, but that's what happened.

As local cook Dena Strong has already demonstrated, won ton and egg roll wrappers are versatile in the kitchen.

Another delicious recipe I acquired after a News-Gazette ladies' luncheon last week is Alice Vaughan's tomato pudding recipe.

Since I'm not doing much baking of my own these days, I'm grateful to be sharing the tried and true recipes of others.

The first Christmas I was dating Rob, he invited me to try some of his mom's fruitcake. I wrinkled up my nose and wondered what I was getting myself into. But a taste of Mary's fruitcake revealed a fruity, nutty treat I'd never experienced before.

My life has been a whirlwind for the last few weeks. I'm guessing this is true for many of you, as well.

I've mentioned this before, but my beloved editor Becky Mabry died a year ago on Christmas Eve. Because of that, even though I love Christmas, thinking about the actual holiday is tinged with sadness.

One of my favorite gifts to give this time of year is a donation to a charity in someone's honor.