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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 »


 

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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 »


 

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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 »


 

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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 »


 

POSTED by
 
Martha Collins
 
 
 
 

Chinese Chicken Casserole | February 26, 2009

Chinese Chicken Casserole

Serves 8

2 c cooked white meat chicken, diced
1 c celery, chopped
1 c rice, cooked
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 c mushrooms
1 t onion, chopped
1 t lemon juice
1 t salt
1 package frozen snow peas, uncooked
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 4 oz can of water chestnuts

Topping:

1/2 c butter
1/2 c slivered almonds
1 c cornflakes, crushed

Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl.  Place in 2 quart casserole.  Melt butter, add almonds and cornflakes.  Sprinkle on top of casserole.
Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.

Photo Credit © Stefan Breton | Dreamstime.com

Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Share with Stumblers Tumblr … Read More »


 

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Phuong Le
 
 
 
 

Calling All Super Moms | February 25, 2009

Calling all Super Moms! Did you know that you are the largest demographic dealing with chronic tiredness and fatigue? Do you find yourself pulling a “second shift” at home after a long day of work?  Are you depending on high-caffeinated energy drinks, soft drinks, or coffee just “to get through your day?” A study by an independent nonprofit research group, The National Sleep Foundation, found that more than 65 percent of moms drink caffeinated beverages to get through their day. Today’s moms have become champion multi-taskers who are just as comfortable using their PDAs as they are making apple … Read More »


 

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The Glass Onion Creates Modern From Old | February 25, 2009

Gina Towarnick always been a creative person.  “I’m happiest when I’m designing or creating something. I started making jewelry a few years ago, and opened my shop, The Glass Onion one year ago,” says Gina.

“I adore working with vintage beads.  I am always searching for interesting and unusual vintage finds.  I like creating modern pieces from old components.  I tend to mix elements like feminine vintage glass with chunky oxidized silver chain for contrast.  I’m usually inspired by my beads and materials.  Occasionally I might sketch a necklace design on paper, first.  But usually I put all my beads in … Read More »


 

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kimbyers
 
 
 
 

Wild West Cowboy Bash Favors | February 25, 2009

Whether your little one has ever been out west or not, chances are they are quickly captivated by the thought of cowboy hats, sheriff badges and riding on the range. Encourage the imagination with these fun and easy to make favors for your little buckaroo.

Loot favor bags – Cowboys and girls will happily ride off into the sunset with these loot-filled goody bags and you’ll love how easy they are to make. Here’s what you need:

* Brown paper lunch bags
* Twine
* Sherriff badges
* Black Sharpie, thick
* Dollar sign template

Cut out the template and trace the dollar-sign onto your brown … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Denise Tong
 
 
 
 

Mikhail Baryshnikov Visits NYC Barnes & Noble | February 25, 2009

Renowned dancer, choreographer, actor, and photographer Mikhail Baryshnikov will visit the Lincoln Triangle Barnes & Noble on Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. to discuss his book, Merce My Way. The volume is a photographic tribute to choreographer Merce Cunningham, capturing dance in motion.

Visit the Barnes & Noble event page for details.

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Martha Collins
 
 
 
 

Shrimp and Crab Casserole | February 25, 2009

Shrimp and Crab Casserole

1/4 c butter
1/4 c flour
1/2 t salt
2 c milk
3 hard boiled eggs
1 c crab
1 c shrimp
* 1 cup scallops optional
2/3 c mushrooms
1/2 c chopped celery
1/2 c chopped onion
1 c grated sharp cheddar
1/4 c butter
1 c bread crumbs
Prepared brown or white rice

Saute celery and onion in 1/4 c butter.
Add flour and cook until lightly browned.  Add milk and stir constantly until thickened. In a mixing bowl, mix eggs, crab, shrimp, and mushrooms. Pour sauce into crab mixture and mix.
In a sauce pan combine 1/4 c butter and the bread crumbs over low heat.  Mix until all crumbs … Read More »


 

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Editor
 
 
 
 

Volunteers Help Change Lives | February 24, 2009

Terry Grahl an interior decorator whose mission is to give hope to ‘at risk’ women and children. Transforming the shelters that save people’s lives into beautiful sanctuaries that heal their spirit.

“For my mother, making a home where her children felt safe and their spirits could soar was just as important as keeping them fed and clothed. Improving and decorating our modest home expressed love for her family.  Through her example, I learned to envision possibilities, creatively shape environments, and the value of hard work involved in transformations,” says Terry.  “From that seed came a love for decorating which began … Read More »