Revisit the Mysterious World of P.D. James in ‘The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories’ [REVIEW]

I’ve been a fan of British crime fiction for decades, but one of my favorite authors was the Queen of Crime herself, P.D. James. Over the course of her career, magazines and newspapers commissioned her to write special short stories for the holidays. Growing up on the American side of the pond, I never got the chance to read any of these stories when they were originally released, so you can imagine my delight when Knopf decided to publish four of them together in book format. The result is the charming gift-sized volume, The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories. Continue reading “Revisit the Mysterious World of P.D. James in ‘The Mistletoe Murder and Other Stories’ [REVIEW]”

Jathan FinkDecember 23, 2016December 25, 2016Leave a comment

Food

Lard and Butter Pie Dough [RECIPE]

Pie crust in cast iron pan — This pie crust is so light and flaky, you’ll never want to buy a prepackaged one again! (Photo by Jathan Fink, Jadeworks Entertainment)

Men love pie. It’s as simple as that. But we don’t like pie crust that is too heavy, greasy, or dry as dust. It should be light, flaky and have a smooth, buttery finish. That’s why I absolutely love this recipe! Having tried numerous versions in the past, this version by far makes the best crust I’ve ever tasted. To channel Bubba Gump for a moment, I like it on sweet pies, savory pies, fruit pies, hand pies, pecan pies, quiche pies, pies for lunch, pies for dinner…. well, you get the idea. Want to make a pie? Just make this recipe. It will make you popular with all the guys in your life. Continue reading “Lard and Butter Pie Dough [RECIPE]”

Jathan FinkDecember 22, 2016December 25, 2016Leave a comment

Books

Explore Amish Country in Cindy Woodsmall’s ‘The Angel of Forest Hill’ [REVIEW]

When a young Amish woman is sent to help a family in trouble, it is supposed to be a temporary assignment. But after she arrives, it quickly becomes apparent that the family needs much more help than she realized. What comes next will irrevocably change her life forever. But is she up for the task? Find out in Cindy Woodsmall’s The Angel of Forest Hill. Continue reading “Explore Amish Country in Cindy Woodsmall’s ‘The Angel of Forest Hill’ [REVIEW]”

Jathan FinkDecember 21, 2016December 20, 2016Leave a comment

Money & Career

Protect Yourself from Phone Bill Cramming

Smart phone — Both landline and mobile phone users may be the victim of cramming. (Photo by Graeme Paterson, Flickr)

Have you ever received your phone bill and thought, “Whoa! Why is this so high?” If you know that you didn’t call distant relatives in the home country or spend hours on the line with the Hollywood Psychics, you may likely be the victim of cramming. But what does that mean and what do you do about it? Here’s everything you need to know. Continue reading “Protect Yourself from Phone Bill Cramming”

Jathan FinkDecember 21, 2016December 21, 20161 Comment

Family & Pets, Videos

Protect Your Pets from Holiday Hazards [VIDEO]

Dog and cat — Dogs, cats and other pets rely on their human family members to keep them safe during the holidays. (Photo by dixie wells, Flickr)

Each year, veterinarians around the country warn pet owners about the potential health hazards animals face during the holidays. From electric shocks and fires to strangulation and stomach upsets, human parents unwittingly place their furry children in the middle of a veritable minefield during one of the most festive times of the year. Here’s what you should know to keep your pets happy and healthy this season. Continue reading “Protect Your Pets from Holiday Hazards [VIDEO]”

Jathan FinkDecember 20, 2016December 20, 20161 Comment