Step aside bows and barrettes. You’re in competition with a new hairstyle accessory … feathers! Used for years as a decorative component of men’s and women’s hats and occasionally as an element of other apparel, feathers have become popular this year, integrated into tresses in a naturalistic way. Hair accessories can be subtle or bold including black satin bows, sleek barrettes, flowers or even glitter. The new feather look can range across that spectrum, a barely noticeable streak that Read more [...]

The last few years, my husband and I have turned our focus from buying gifts to making gifts. We got to a point where wandering aimlessly through a store, searching for the “perfect” gift became daunting and un-enjoyable, not to mention a strain on our pocketbook. And most of the time we felt that what we chose was undeserving of its recipient. Now, around this time, we brainstorm what it is we can make for our loved ones — and we look forward to it! A plate of fresh cookies, a homemade Read more [...]

Is it just me or does everyone start to reflect on what they’ve accomplished for the year in November? I think I do this in month 11 because there’s still time to tick off a few of those lingering to-dos in month 12. I hope you’re less like me and have all of your to dos completed and you’re prepared to celebrate the holidays in style without worry or guilt. Now, I personally gave up guilt a long time ago. I know that there is certainly a reason for that particular emotion, but from what Read more [...]

Creative Wellness Hosts Oncology Open House Creative Wellness, Michigan’s largest complementary health center, will host an Oncology Open House from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4. Services for patients, survivor, caregivers or those interested in learning more will be explored Healthy foods and drinks will be served. Creative Wellness will award one lucky winner a Winter Care Package, a personally designed package with a service each month there is snow on the ground in East Lansing this winter. For Read more [...]

The holiday season is a busy time. So before you make your shopping list this year, do a quick budget checkup. Rainy-day funds, planning gift purchases, saving for college or just making your rent payment can all be made easier with a budget. Whether you are saving for a family vacation, a down payment for a house or a new pair of shoes, if you stick to a plan, you’re more likely to achieve your goal. Putting together a household budget requires time and effort. Here are a few tips for creating Read more [...]

Thanksgiving Day for me growing up in Michigan was all about tradition: lots of great food and the Detroit Lions on TV. Problem is, both traditions have a history of giving you indigestion or inducing a nap. That is until this year. The Lions Thanksgiving Day game against the Green Bay Packers could actually be significant compared to past years. This will cause concern in homes across Michigan and Wisconsin. When do you serve the bird and not miss any action on the field? Thankfully, my brother Read more [...]

In my coaching business, one of the tools I frequently assign as homework for clients trying to get “unstuck” and to shift their energy is a Gratitude Journal. It made sense to me that if I could get clients to notice more of what was going right instead of where they were getting stopped, little bits of happiness would start to seep into their lives. And I saw it work. One client, Rob, had been unemployed for a year and a half and was beyond discouraged. I suggested the Gratitude Journal. He Read more [...]

Bah humbug! What, too soon? Sorry. With the holidays just a good stone’s throw away, I guess that I was just getting into the spirit-of-the-season. Okay, maybe the whole “humbug” thing was a bit much, but the “bah” was sincere. You see, I love the holiday season, (at least the being-with-family and the goodwill-to-all people and the soy-nog stuff), but I hate the way that whole thing has been co-opted by marketers, cynics and bookstore owners! And while I can do little to affect the Read more [...]

Is it November already? Where has this year gone? I had such high hopes of things I intended to accomplish. I was able to check many of them off my list, but some will have to carry over to 2012. It wasn’t for a lack of desire or determination, but rather a lack of time. Despite my intentions of curbing my involvement in charitable and community causes, I ended up increasing them … again. It’s hard for me to turn down the opportunity to help others. Instead of fighting it, I have come to Read more [...]

The holidays are right around the corner and that means party season! If you live in the Greater Lansing area, you won’t have to go far to find help with all your decorating needs. Nestled in the heart of downtown DeWitt is a charming shop called Twiggies that also houses Occasions, an invitation consulting service. Need flowers? Invitations? Holiday décor? Gift baskets? Check out Twiggies, a full-service shop from start to finish. Not only will Twiggies provide the materials, it will Read more [...]

Celebrating its 90th birthday this January is the Zonta Club of Lansing. Organized in 1922, this chapter of the Zonta Club was a spin-off from the Detroit club — one of the original nine Zonta clubs. From its early beginnings with only 29 members, Zonta Club of Lansing has grown over the years and sponsored eight more local clubs including Owosso and East Lansing. Zonta Clubs are dedicated to advancing the political, economic, health and professional status of women. “Zonta has become a passion Read more [...]

Honestly, does the food even matter? I am pretty sure there are enough people in the area who bleed green and white that if the Spartan Hall of Fame Café served shoe leather with a side of fries, people would still populate the establishment. Lucky for us more reserved Spartan fans, the quality of the food far exceeds shoe leather. Good enough to get a die-hard Michigan fan in the front door? We will have to see. My dining partner and I decided that starting with the sampler platter was the Read more [...]