Here’s a different take on chili. It’s made with black beans instead of kidney beans. These give a lighter texture to the chili and are perfect for a vegetarian meal. The broccoli in this recipe is cut into small pieces that absorb the flavor of the tomato-based sauce. This chili tastes great the second day,...

Stumped for holiday gifts for kids? Brighten the season for little ones by checking out these gift ideas: Unique experiences One-of-a-kind experiences can expand a child’s worldview and help create lifelong memories. There are numerous ideas to consider that will appeal to a broad range of interests. For a sports enthusiast, consider a one-on-one outing...

I am not a shopper; however, this time of year, I find myself in the shopping mood. My shopping sprees are not for me. Instead, I enjoy purchasing gifts to give. My goal is to offer unique gifts that keep on giving throughout the year. These gifts are great for anyone, especially those hard-to-buy-for friends...

Support local artists this holiday season Autumn Phoenix Designs Danielle Carlson Wire-wrapped jewelry and stained glass decor. Website: www.theautumnphoenix.com. email: autumnphoenix2@gmail.com. Chavenelle Studio Metal Works Gail Chavenelle Metal sculpture. Website: www.chavenellestudio.com. email: gail@chavenellestudio.com. Shop: Outside the Lines Gallery, 1101 Main St. or 101 S. Main St., Galena, Ill.   Lauren’s Custom Gifts Lauren McKay Themed and...

I love to walk home store shop floors early in the mornings before anyone else has arrived. It inspires me. As I walked a floor recently, I was awestruck by the one thing that tied each room together: Fall foliage. Florals are always fantastic, but this season, I felt as though I was seeing them...