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Christine Spencer
 
 
 
 

Change As A Catalyst For Growth | February 27, 2009

Since the dawn of cultivation, our existence has relied on our ability to cope with, embrace and be inspired.
Whether we (or our egos) like it or not, the truth of the matter is that we live in a world of constant change.

It’s just that from time to time; some of the changes we face tend to be more monumental than others.  The economic downturn that we are currently experiencing has left some people with a shaky ground to stand on, bringing up painful emotions.

But what is about change that causes fear? Is it the feeling of losing control (or the … Read More »


 

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Vibrant Candles To Polka Dot Your Home | February 27, 2009

Wendi Rutherford, owner of Polka Dot Candle Shoppe, started making candles about 10 years ago as a hobby.  She loved making candles so much she decided to make it into a business. “Polka Dot Candle Shoppe is all about creating unique candles and products that make a house into a home with wonderful fragrances and the ambiance of candle light.  Our candles are unique by their polka dot exterior, high fragrance capacity, and vibrant colors,” says Wendi.  “They are made only with premium ingredients that creates a candle with a very nice clean burn with a wonderful scent!”

“We have votives, … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Artie Vanderpool
 
 
 
 

Man Caves | February 27, 2009

Hockey Player, Ryan Steen was lucky enough to afford Candice Olson’s services when he and his wife, toddler son, and pets moved into a large house in an affluent Toronto Suburb. Together, Candice and her team, in their usual fashion, turned Ryan’s basement into a relaxing oasis, hmm – I mean, “man cave” for he and his hockey buddies to rest, relax, and even work out.

The large basement was broken into 3 separate spaces, giving room for this beautiful gym, a living room with television and amazing raw end branch wall art, and … Read More »


 

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Martha Collins
 
 
 
 

German Chocolate Cake | February 27, 2009

Wow!  I just found out something interesting about German Chocolate Cake.  All of my life, I thought it was from Germany, hence the name.  But NO, it is not.  I found out that the dark, smooth chocolate was developed in 1853 by a fellow named Sam German who worked for Baker’s Chocolate Company. It was sold as “Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate”, which lead people to believe it was from Germany. Today it is still labeled “Baker’s German’s Sweet Chocolate”.

The famous German Chocolate Cake that we all know and love is not from Germany, either. It was the creation of a … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Laura Carson Miller
 
 
 
 

Argan Oil Beneficial Inside And Out | February 26, 2009

Have you heard about argan oil? Argan oil is made from the nuts of the argan tree, found exclusively in the southwest regions of Morocco. The nuts produce oil loaded with essential fatty acids and boasts Vitamin E as well as polyphenols and sterols, which are said to be cancer-fighting compounds.  The fruit itself has a flesh like exterior resembling an olive, but larger. Argan oil can be used in food preparation and in Morocco is often poured on salads, over couscous and roasted vegetables.  Used a garnish for soup, it adds yet another layer of flavor to your … Read More »


 

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Graphic Designers Windproof Hats | February 26, 2009

Mari Baskin and Eric Neumann met in person for the first time in 1984, almost ten years after Mari’s first exposure to Eric’s work, work that influenced continued study of her first love: art and design.

Mari finished high school (Evanston, IL) and college (University of Illinois, BFA in Industrial Design), hoping to one day work on the same kind of cool stuff designed by Eric (Elmhurst, IL and Chicago Academy of Fine Arts) while her father had been a customer of the company for which Eric worked. Herein lies the prior exposure to Eric’s early work although the two did … Read More »


 

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Fashion Week With Karl Lagerfelt | February 26, 2009

In one big final flourish, Jack Mackenroth serves up a celeb-filled photo album of Fall Fashion Week 09 — with a certain towering fashion icon!

If you have been following my blog entries for the past week or so you know that I have been lurking around the tents at Bryant Park watching as many fashion shows at my sleep-deprived brain could handle. What I forgot to mention is that throughout the entire week I have been sneaking a plus one into all of the shows with me. He is a fashion powerhouse and very slim due to his amazing … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Carrie Castleman
 
 
 
 

2nd Annual 12 Hour Cycle For A Cure | February 26, 2009

All 12 hours BABY!!!!!!  You better believe it!  I did it last year and you know what they say—-once you go 12 you can never go back…..well you can go back, but I had to write something.

So few times in our lives can we be involved in an event that brings such great joy into our hearts.  On Feb 9th, 2008, I had the opportunity to participate in such an event.

For 1 1/2 years prior to that date–I was LOVING getting tortured by this spin crazed chick in cycle class, and grew to love her as a great friend.  … Read More »