2009 December | Chic Galleria

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Book Giveaway: The SuperStress Solution | December 31, 2009

The SuperStress Solution
By Roberta Lee M.D.

We manage (or at least we think we do) with less sleep, less exercise, and more work, eating junk and processed foods on the run, fueling up with caffeine and sugar. Toss in 24/7 news and addictive devices that give us “screen sickness,” and is it any wonder that anxious is the new normal?

Our bodies have been hardwired to cope with stress since prehistoric times, but we are biologically ill-equipped to handle the kind of stress that accumulates in our lives today.

The brain, in all its majesty, can’t distinguish true physical emergencies from daily hassles, … Read More »

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Lori McNally

World’s Friendliest Countries | December 31, 2009

Part of being a smart traveler is being able to open your eyes and being willing to jet set to parts of the world you may have never considered before. Of course, a lot of research must go into planning a trip to make sure that where you are deciding to go is safe and welcoming for tourists. That being said, Forbes has just put out its list of the friendliest countries in the world, and Canada is still on the list, but not at the number one spot anymore.

Check out the list and see if … Read More »

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Lauri Rottmayer

Kahlua Banana Coffee Cake | December 31, 2009

I’ve had this recipe for a long time, always thinking I’d find a time to make it. With New Year’s Day coming up, I thought it would make a great cake to take to brunch. It’s a big cake and will feed a crowd. As a bonus, it contains one of my favorites boozes to bake with – Kahlua.

Start out by greasing a tube pan. I used my trusty square pan. I have a nice square plate to put the finished cake on so I love using my square pan. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Mash 2 bananas and … Read More »

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What Was the Highlight of Your Year? | December 31, 2009

What was the highlight of your year? I have been asking that question during the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve every year since college. It’s an opportunity to reflect on what the previous twelve months have entailed and how that has affected your life.

This year it has taken on a different meaning for me. In reflecting on this year, ‘highlights’ are not so much the point as ‘life changing events’, and there have been many.

The single biggest event, by any measure, is the loss of a loved one. In my case it was a parent. The implications of … Read More »

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Second Season of Models of the Runway | December 31, 2009

16 New Models to Walk the Catwalk on Second Season of MODELS OF THE RUNWAY

Lifetime Television and The Weinstein Company Season Two of Models of the Runway launches at 11:00PM ET/PT, beginning January 14, 2010, with 16 fresh faces aspiring for their chance at being paired with the last Project Runway designer standing on the catwalk. Models of the Runway provides a back-stage look at Project Runway from the models’ perspective. The winning model will receive a $25,000 cash prize from L’Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Professional make-up line and will also be featured in the designer’s fashion … Read More »

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Beth Anderson

Book Giveaway: The Pioneer Woman Cooks | December 30, 2009

Ree Drummond began blogging in 2006 and has built www.ThePioneerWoman.com into an award-winning website, where she shares recipes, showcases her photography, and documents her hilarious transition from city life to ranch wife. Ree lives on a working cattle ranch near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, with her husband, Ladd, and their four ranch hands.

With the recent release of her cookbook, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Recipes from an Accidental Country Girl, Ree hit #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers list, did a whirlwind book tour and made it home in a snowstorm to celebrate Christmas with her family.

“After years of living in Los … Read More »

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Beth Anderson

Project Runway Returns to New York for Season 7 | December 30, 2009

FASHION’S PREMIER COMPETITION SERIES PROJECT RUNWAY RETURNS TO NEW YORK WITH STYLE ICONS HEIDI KLUM, TIM GUNN, MICHAEL KORS, NINA GARCIA AND 16 EXCITING AND TALENTED NEW DESIGNERS, BEGINNING JANUARY 14Lifetime Television and The Weinstein Company heat up winter with the return of 2009’s highest rated cable reality program among Women 18+ and in Households, Project Runway, as the series heads back to New York for an all-new season. Premiering on Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 10PM ET/PT, host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, judges Michael Kors (leading designer) and Nina Garcia (fashion director for Marie Claire magazine) … Read More »

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Lori McNally

Washington DC Restaurant Week | December 30, 2009

Listen up all my foodies and jet setters! Washington, DC Winter Restaurant Week has been announced for January 11-17, 2010. Almost 200 area restaurants in and around the DC area are participating and offering great deals. Here is what you’ll get:

Lunch: $20.10 for a three-course fixed-price meal
Dinner: $35.10 for a three-course fixed-price meal
Beverages, gratuity and tax are not included.
Start making your reservations now! It’s a great way to try some of the fancy, expensive restaurants in DC without breaking your wallet.
Written By: Lori McNally
Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post Recommend on Facebook Share with Stumblers Tumblr it Tweet about … Read More »

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Lauri Rottmayer

Cuba Libre Pork Roast | December 30, 2009

I decided to take a diversion off the FABU Highway down Savory Street when I saw this recipe for pork roast. I’m really more of a last minute kind of cook so I had to remember to prepare for this one since the meat needs to marinate for two days before roasting. The preparation was easy and the results FABU! The roast was tender and moist with a wonderful flavor that was totally worth the wait.

I combined the rum, cola, lime juice, honey, brown sugar and kosher salt in a bowl and stirred it until the sugar was disolved.

I placed … Read More »

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Michelle Lehman

In With the New, Out With the Old… | December 30, 2009

Something new you may want to try this year is a “things to remember list” for next Christmas that you can place in with your decorations. Basically it is a list of things like desserts everyone loved/hated, buy a bigger turkey for next year, don’t invite so and so again unless you are mentally up for it!! This list will help you take the guess work out of next Christmas. Don’t forget to add to this list, “make sure there are enough batteries on hand”, nothing is worse than getting a new toy for Christmas that needs batteries and you … Read More »

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Christie Ressel

Dating and fashion tips from style expert – Christie Ressel | December 30, 2009

I was interviewed by Will from Cheapdateideas.com on dating, style, and fashion- he was such a pleasure to meet!

Warmest wishes,

Christie Ressel, Image consultant and style coach

Personal Power Image Consulting

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Jennifer Taylor

Easing into Change | December 29, 2009

You know the annual routine. During the first week in January, you head to the gym and can’t find a parking spot. By the time March comes roaring in, the lot is empty. That gives you an idea of how many people make resolutions that don’t hold. So if you’re determined to keep your promises in 2010, read on for tips to make them stick.

First, why do we make resolutions to begin with? According to Elizabeth R. Lombardo, Ph.D., M.S., P.T, Psychologist & Physical Therapist, the answer is simple. “We all have parts of our lives that we want to … Read More »

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Lauri Rottmayer

Caribbean Corn Bread | December 29, 2009

Intriguing is what I thought when I saw this recipe. I love corn bread. I remember a place where we used to go when we first got married that served the most amazing corn muffins. It was a buffet and you could have all you wanted and that was my favorite thing to eat. I have never been able to replicate those corn muffins but it doesn’t stop me from trying.

This corn bread is so yummy. The rum, coconut and nutmeg, which are such different ingredients compared to any other corn bread I have ever made, combine to make a … Read More »

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Jane Mudgett

Should I Adjust My Communication Style for Electronics? | December 29, 2009

I’m not always the best verbal communicator, but many people feel comfortable conversing with me. Years ago I realized that my bold Aries personality and my New York upbringing were not always viewed as a positive attribute when it came to well, interpersonal skills. So, I solicited help from communications books, and training. I attended the $100 day seminar for resolving conflict and how to communicate with your co-workers and employees and with each session I became more confused and yet a bit more adept too. I had numerous good role models and mentors, but the one that had the … Read More »

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Christie Ressel