Some say the best part of waking up is coffee, but how about a muffin to fill the stomachs of those those on the run?

If you are looking for a quick, easy breakfast pick-me-up, or a simple snack for the afternoon munchies, this Merry Muffin recipe is for you.  It only takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook and can make 12 regular sized muffins or 24 mini muffins.

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In the past year or so when writing this column, I’ve usually get my ideas from the women I meet and the issues that concern them.  I also have found issues that I feel are overlooked, if they are even recognized at all.

So it may seem odd that this column was inspired by a man.  He explained his discontent about the fact he was looked down on as though he was less than what he really was, and that being looked at as “less than” is the worst thing.  Having heard this, I began to think of how many times women quietly endure the less than stamp.  So many men despise this concept, and yet women are constantly subjected to this incorrect assumption in all facets of life.  continue reading »

Now that the holidays are over and life has resumed its daily hustle and bustle, why not give your family a treat that is quick and tasty.  For those of you out there who love seasoning and spicy food, this is a great recipe for you.

If you have a milder palate, just lower certain spices and the dish will still come out scrumptious.

This Spicy Pepper Steak and Rice dish will take you only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.  More great news is that it will definitely stay in your budget, and still have your family and friends praising your culinary skills. continue reading »

Today, having a ceasarean section during delivery is more of an option for women than ever before. A c-section is a surgical procedure performed to remove a baby from its mother’s womb, and is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby’s or mother’s life or health at risk, although it has been also performed upon request for deliveries that could otherwise have been natural.

There are many women who think the modern convenience of c-sections is being overly used for the sole purpose for the mother’s wanting less work and no pain.  There are also those who take the other side of the debate saying that a c-section is often necessary and easier. continue reading »

In the mood for sushi but not in the mood to head to Center City?  Makiman Sushi restaurant right on Oxford Avenue near Rising Sun Avenue is the perfect dining destination to satisfy your sushi cravings.  Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, this casual, cozy little Japanese eatery offers takeout in addition to sit-down meals.

The restaurant itself is very small, but it does have a warm and inviting atmosphere. Even if you’re not in the mood for sushi, Makiman offers a variety of cooked Japanes-style dishes. But I would highly recommend getting the sushi dishes.

The seafood at Makiman is fresh and delicious, prepared well and doesn’t leave a bad after taste in your mouth. The service was wonderful, timely and friendly.  Unlike other sushi bar, where there is often a long wait for food, at Makiman, my food was prepared and served in a very acceptable fashion. continue reading »

The New Year is upon us once more, leaving us wondering where 2009 went.  Here at NEast Philly we have had a great first year and would like to thank you, our readers, for your support, attention and contributions.

New Year’s Eve is a time to break out the champagne and celebrate a great ending or a fresh beginning. This year, there are parties being held all over the city in celebration of another year’s approach.

For those of you looking to stick close to home, check out some of these Dec. 31 parties. The Grey Lodge Pub will host Brew Years Eve, beginning at 9 p.m. with a DJ, door prizes, food and more. For a wider food selection but heavier price tag, Chickie’s and Pete’s offers an all inclusive option in addition to a pay-as-you-go deal.

If you’re looking to get out of the NEast for the night, the Crystal Tea Room is having its fourth annual midnight party to ring in the New Year at Penn Square.  In an attempt to outdo last year’s celebration, there will be live bands, alcoholic beverage discounts and a night full of dancing. Independence Hall will host the seventh annual Glitter City Gala, a black tie-optional event. Offering entertainment, live bands, drinks and food, this party is a great way to ring in the New Year with friends.

Wherever you end up, remember to be safe. Driving conditions are sure to be dangerous with all the late-night partying. If you’re drinking, leave the car keys home and make use of SEPTA, a cab or a designated driver. Start the New Year off right by getting home safe.

Happy 2010 from NEast Philly!

A Woman’s View is a column about women’s issues written by Donna Ward. The column appears every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See others here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.

Food For Thought will take a break this week for the holidays. If you’re in need of a last-minute dessert recipe for the holiday, try this one for Lemon Meringue Pie.

Have a safe and tasty holiday!

Food For Thought is a NEast restaurant review column written by Donna Ward that runs every other Thursday on NEastPhilly.com. See all of Donna’s reviews here. Read other NEastPhilly columns here.

Everywhere you turn, the holidays have exploded as if on steroids.  Fake snow, mistletoe, trees, toys, sale prices and hordes of people – ’tis the season to be cranky?

What happened to spreading the holiday joy and celebrating a time of family togetherness?  It seems that with each passing year the holidays become more about presents and a frantic race to ensure that the hottest new item is purchased before it is sold out.

Almost as soon as Thanksgiving ended, the NEast became covered in lights, decorations and holiday advertisements.  Earlier and earlier each year, stores seem to have a growing monopoly on what defines our holiday season. continue reading »

In the mood for a quick bite or some fantastic pizza?  Montesini’s on Frankford Avenue in the Mayfair Shopping Center has delicious food at very affordable prices.  Whether you are in the mood for pizza shop fast food, or a sit-down, relaxed, casual dining experience, Montesini’s can accommodate.  Parking shouldn’t be too much trouble with the abundance of the shopping center spaces, but beware: with the holidays rapidly approaching, the malls are becoming more crowded.

Very small and common, Montesini’s may not impress you much by its look or décor, but taking the advice of an old adage “never judge a book by its cover,” you will be pleasantly surprised by the taste of the food.  The staff manages to keep the restaurant relatively tidy and the silverware and flatware is clean, which is always a good sign.  The service is very friendly and fast.  I ordered my food, and in less than 10 minutes it was at my table prepared steaming hot. continue reading »

The streets and parks of the NEast use to be cluttered with happy children playing games and socializing.  No matter the climate they would endure the elements of Mother Nature and beg to spend a little more time enjoying life as a kid.  Adults could be seen flooding the streets for shopping, small errands and to socialize with their neighbors.

The time I speak of is not 50 years ago but a mere 10 years ago — before cell phones, iPods, BlackBerries and computers consumed our lives.  However antiquated the concept may sound, the simple fact of a society becoming overly reliant on technology cannot be denied.  continue reading »