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Ana Valentine
 
 
 
 

Exclusive Interview: Ghada Abuhakmeh, Smallworld Beauty | December 21, 2010

Ghada Abuhakmeh, just like every other girl went through the awkward teenage years, but it was in those years that she discovered her love for the beauty industry. Passionate about living a healthy full life, she has made it her mission to not only enhance her own lifestyle but also to share her tips with the thousands of women who read her blog.

What attracted you to the beauty industry?

As a young girl, I remember being so fascinated with the artistic way my mom applied her make up. She never let my father catch her looking less than beautiful. Her skin … Read More »


 

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Grandma’s Scotch Fudgies | December 21, 2010

By Sue Keels

No one who bakes – bakes alone

No one who cooks – cooks alone

Even when you are baking or cooking by yourself, a cook in the kitchen is surrounded by generations of cooks past, vintage advice and precious family recipes passed from one generation to the next.

Years of love, laughter and memories every time you stir, simmer and sift!

I have such fond memories of my grandmother’s baking. As young girls my sister Karyn and I would enjoy snowy visits to New York on Christmas Day to spend time with my grandmother. The sweet smell of “scotch fudgie” … Read More »


 

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Christie Ressel
 
 
 
 

Office Christmas Party Perfect! | December 21, 2010

Every year, many women are faced with the dilemma of finding something perfect to wear to their work’s Christmas party.  What most don’t realize, is that you can often create something festive from your very own wardrobe.

No need for frustrating trips to the mall!  All you need: a classic dress (whether it be a LBD or a splash of colour – I prefer the later) and a great blazer.

From there, all you need is a splash of some fabulous statement accessories in metallics – silver or gold. A great necklace, bracelet, and cocktail ring. Careful though not to overload on … Read More »


 

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Nadia Murdock
 
 
 
 

Simplicity Launches the SUEDEsays Collection | December 20, 2010

Stephen “Suede” Baum, seasoned fashion designer, TV personality and season 5 Project Runway® contestant, has signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Simplicity Creative Group. Suede will be offering patterns, fashion trim and other creative products under the SUEDEsays™ brand.

I had the opportunity to get a behind the scene look at the launch of the Simplicity SUEDEsays™ collection. Three exclusive looks that will début in the Simplicity Spring 2011 Pattern Catalog were modeled by Karalyn West, also from Season 5 of Project Runway. These patterns included modern silhouettes, dresses, tops, rompers and skirts. The looks range from classic, edgy and … Read More »


 

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Beth Newman
 
 
 
 

Living Elegantly in a World of Oblivions | December 20, 2010

While driving the other morning, I found myself behind a swerving vehicle.  The man driving it was shaving.

Last night in my yoga class, I could not salute the sun effectively because two women next to me chatted nonstop.

To this day, I cringe when I recall a former boss telling me about her suffering from a disease only she, her significant other, and her gynecologist should know about.

I’m always amused, though, when someone assumes he knows my political or religious views and attempts to draw me into a conversation in order to express his own beliefs.  Imagine his surprise if he … Read More »


 

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Chocolate Olive Oil Madeleines | December 20, 2010

The marriage of dark chocolate, extra virgin olive oil and salt is a miraculous one. Somehow these three ingredients have managed a rendezvous that can only be described as a thing of unique beauty. The complex earthy richness of cocoa blended with the rich bright lusciousness of extra virgin olive oil is only brought to a higher level with a generous pinch of salt.

The recipe can be assembled in just a few minutes. If you love the sprightly tango of chocolate and fruity olive oil, these petite cakes … Read More »


 

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Leslie Chatman
 
 
 
 

Hydrate Winter Skin | December 20, 2010

Winter officially begins December 21st however if your skin is like mine, it is already a bit dry.  Dry, itchy winter skin is very pleasant.  Scratching leads to greater irritation, continued cracking and possible infections.  During the winter, skin requires extra protected to keep it soft, supple and moisturized.

Here are some tips I use to help me combat dry, itchy winter skin:

Take Warm Showers! Hot water feels wonderful but it make skin feel dry and can further irritate already dry skin.

Exfoliate! Slough off dead, dry skin that creates a barrier preventing moisturizers from penetrating.  I prefer to use a homemade … Read More »


 

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Michelle Lehman
 
 
 
 

Seriously, I Mean Really!?!?! | December 20, 2010

Okay this has nothing to do with organizing…well part of it does but not the first part.  I am so steaming MAD right now!!!  I like many of you other moms out there have purchased some of my Christmas gifts online.  Two reasons, one to saves time and the other because it was not located in a store here in Tulsa.

Earlier this week one of my orders came in from Amazon, I just happened to be home first.  My husband picked the boys up from school to take them to basketball practice.  Thank goodness because right next the front door … Read More »


 

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Marie Denee
 
 
 
 

Warm up this Winter with your perfect plus size coat | December 17, 2010

Daylight savings time has forced the cooler weathers to arrive sooner. With weathers dipping into nippy lows, it’s time to bust out those wonderful winter coats. However after perusing your closet, you realize that your wardrobe is in dire need of a new, fun, updated, AND functional toasty coat.

I have whipped up handy guide for you to use and reference when looking for that perfect Winter Coat! Now, I must admit, I am a coat hound! For each type of coat I am going to share with you, I have at LEAST one of!

Depending on your lifestyle, budget, and tastes, finding … Read More »


 

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Laura Carson Miller
 
 
 
 

Flower Arrangements: Tips from Designer Christina Loucks Ahumada | December 17, 2010

I love fresh flowers and often have them in my home, but I’ll be the first admit that I could use some help when it comes to displaying and caring for them. Since I spend so much time at my desk, working on projects like this wonderful story, having a lovely vase of flowers to look at diverts my eyes from the monitor, whiling providing joy and calm all at once.

Knowing that I’m likely not the only one who could use some flower related tips, I called in an expert, my friend Christina Loucks Ahumada, floral designer and stylist at … Read More »


 

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Denise Tong
 
 
 
 

Donate Food & Toys For Free Admission: Bronx Zoo or NY Aquarium | December 17, 2010

What better way to close out 2010 than by visiting animals with with loved ones and giving to those less fortunate?

Through December 31, you can help the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Food Bank for New York City give food and toys to the needy–and you’ll receive free admission to the Bronx Zoo or the New York Aquarium in return. For each new, unwrapped toy or bag of 10 or more packaged food items, you’ll receive a free general admissions ticket to one of the two venues.

Visit the Wildlife Conservation Society for details on drop-off locations.

Bookmark on Delicious Digg this post … Read More »


 

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Be the Most Beautiful Mother of the Bride | December 16, 2010

It’s your daughter’s wedding day and you want to look your absolute best so make sure you find the perfect dress for her wedding. It’s tricky for mother of the brides to find the perfect dress because there are so many things to think about when it comes to color and style. First, you want your daughter’s wedding colors to somehow follow the color scheme of your dress. As much as you must be involved, choose a dress that would go along with the color scheme so that your daughter can be excited for … Read More »


 

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A Walk On The Wild Side with Norman Carr Family Safari | December 16, 2010

If your looking for some adventure, take a walk on the wild side in southeaster Zambia on a Norman Carr Lions Cub Family Safari. Norman Carr is a classic safari company whose namesake and founder pioneered the walking safari. Visitors can walk through the bush of the South Luangwa Valley and National Park, an area known for its abundance of game, its 400 species of migratory birds, and its plethora of exotic flora like the magnificent mahogany tree. It is one of the last pristine wilderness areas of Africa and considered by many to be the finest wildlife sanctuary on … Read More »


 

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Holiday Cookies: Küsse | December 16, 2010

By Dr. Susan Delaney

My great-grandfather, Gustav Hugo Schultze, was the baker for the White House. His bakery, Schultze’s, was on Connecticut Avenue. He would drive his horse and buggy up the circle drive to the White House and drop off baked goods that had been ordered the day before. Five generations of my family have enjoyed his recipes.

Here is his original recipe for Küsse (Kisses). This recipe is over 150 years old! Of course, modern appliances and techniques may be used, but the original recipe is charming:

Küsse (Kisses)

Ingredients

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup butter

2 cups flour

2 … Read More »


 

POSTED by
 
Beth Newman
 
 
 
 

Friendly Values | December 15, 2010

My recent relationship with a particular group of women has come to an end.  I tried to make our friendship work, and they tried to make our friendship work, but when it came right down to it, we could not have been m ore dissimilar in interests and more importantly, in values.  There was no need to force the situation, and there were certainly no tears shed.  It was a very quiet, very simple, parting of ways – I merely stopped showing up at their gatherings.

That’s how it goes sometimes.  It’s almost like revisiting junior high:  you’re desperate to get … Read More »