Great cheeses are made all over the world, including this country, and here we’re lucky enough to have many of them available to us. This also makes it difficult to decide what kinds to choose when you get to the cheese counter. Read the rest of this entry »
HANUKKAH traditionally involves the giving of eight presents over the eight-day holiday celebration. Floral designer Preston Bailey makes the wrappings just as wonderful as the gifts themselves. He uses plain, unpainted wooden boxes, in various sizes and shapes. These are easy to find, and inexpensive, at crafts or art supply stores. He also uses “oasis” or floral foam, in small circles with plastic bottoms – easy to find at florists or crafts stores. Using the traditional Hanukkah colors of blue and white or silver, Preston ties the boxes with metallic blue ribbon, attaches the oasis, and puts fresh flowers on top. The result: a gift that’s as beautiful as what’s inside!
The way that a gift is wrapped can be as special as the gift itself, and here they have elevated gift wrap to an art form. In addition to supplies, the store also has a wonderful selection of books, some of which focus on gift wrap. Read the rest of this entry »
HOSTESS GIFT BASKETS are just as much fun to give as to get! The items you put together don’t have to be expensive, but they should be thoughtful. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the special joys of the holiday is an elegant, formal dinner for family and friends. A formal table setting takes a little extra time, but is well worth the trouble, as it creates a stunning backdrop for a memorable, special meal. Here are special tips for a formal table setting, with style. Read the rest of this entry »
Some great tips on how to clean your your diamonds and other gemstones at home using household supplies.
Soak your precious stones in a small bowl of club soda for 15 minutes. The carbonation helps lift out dirt and grime. Dry with a soft, cotton towel. Read the rest of this entry »
The key to dressing and creating a good basic wardrobe is to have fun with, and a sense of adventure about, clothes. He feels this brings out the younger part of all of us. Much of Patrick’s designing influence comes from Southern California, and the mainstays of his line are basics that can be worn with comfort, ease, and in a relaxed but “together” way. Read the rest of this entry »
Leather is nature’s ideal material for footwear. It breathes, flexes, is durable, and restorable in many cases. Proper care and treatment is very important to ensure your footwear’s long life and wearability. Here’s how to protect your investment: Read the rest of this entry »
Practiced for five thousand years throughout India, Africa, and the Middle East, Mehndi is the act of painting the body with preparations made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant. Whether it be in the preparation for a special occasion or in celebration of a particular event, it has always been done with the assumption that the act would engender good fortune, happy results, and good feelings. Read the rest of this entry »
Since women wears a lot of make-up, taking care of her skin is really important to her and some of the best ways to do that are recipes that can be made right out of the garden. With simple ingredients like these herbs, fruits, and vegetables, it’s easy to create an entire beauty routine, from toner to moisturizer. Read the rest of this entry »
