Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and if you listen closely you’ll hear America heave a collective sigh of resignation (from the couples who must run out and buy obligatory gifts) and gloom (from the singles who feel like hiding sulkily under the covers). Yes, many people dread this seemingly benign holiday more than a trip to the dentist. But intuitive psychologist Susan Apollon says not to look at Valentine’s Day as an occasion for enforced “romance” or mourning for your dormant love life. Instead, think of it as a day to celebrate the existence of love itself... (Read More ...)

L-O-V-E – LOVE. It flows through our veins, makes us smile and cry, and is the theme of most pop music songs and far too many movies to count. Love is the reason we were created. It compels us to forgive and forget, to decide sometimes without thinking; to sacrifice and not regret. Love is a gift we both receive, and give, and on Valentine’s Day, many stop to express their love, in big ways and small, sparkling and handmade, with cards and kisses. Greeting card companies and florists alike prepare for perhaps the biggest sales day of the year in hopes of cashing in on this thing called... (Read More ...)

These images are not abstract paintings or from anyone’s imagination. They are Nasa satellite photos  of our planet paired with microscopic shots of structures within the brain.                           golgi stain Do you find pondering the vast beauty of the universe in harmony with invisible worlds in your skull nothing short of magical?                           glacier icecap Such naturally lovely artistry of the the big and small blows my mind as the truth... (Read More ...)

It seems since the famed movie “The Bucket List” made its debut, we’ve all received emails and Facebook strings asking us what’s on our own bucket lists. What remains to be done in order to have a sense of peace about the lives we have lived? That no rock was left unturned, no meaningful experience overlooked? In a casual chat passing the time on a long drive through France, my husband asked, “What’s on your bucket list?” As I sat looking out at the breathtaking countryside, I racked my brain to think of list worthy items – places I hoped to travel... (Read More ...)

Moms are so hot right now that shows are popping up left and right that really seem to ‘get it’ when it comes to our day to day lives, the identity shifts we undergo through the journey of mothering, and the incredible heroic acts we seem to pull off almost daily. Check out this latest creative new series starring Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy) and Julie Warner (Doc Hollywood, Nip/Tuck) who play mothers who also happen to fight evil. Also starring Brennan Hesser, Lourdes Benedicto, Tabitha Morella, Tim Rock, K Callan, Hank Baskett, Jacob Hopkins, Caitlin Carmichael, Jake Borelli, Patrick... (Read More ...)

“I accept the gift of now as it is –accept God–for I can’t be receptive to God unless I receive what He gives.” –Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts I didn’t expect to feel such angst after my first read-through of the powerful One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. I mean I have a pretty open mind, and just look at the gentle nest cradling aqua eggs on the cover of this New York Times bestseller! The book was a gift from a friend deeply inspired by it who knew I’d feel the same. But with each page, I noticed not inspiration but discomfort, rising defenses, fragments of anger surfacing,... (Read More ...)

While it’s fulfilling and fun to live and decorate our lives with style, there are far more important things. (Learning, enhancing family life, feeding the soul, and setting the stage for fond memories to make with our our families to name just a few…) My talented designer friend Monika has three young children and understands ‘chic mom’ is more often oxymoronic than not! Let’s take a peek at her world and be inspired, yes? A Swede planted in Seattle, Monika runs an amazing online boutique (Splendid Willow Avenue) offering unique quality items for home and wardrobe. She also authors... (Read More ...)

A couple years ago, during the summer months I had a part-time job as wedding co-ordinator for the chapel at the university where I work.  At one wedding in particular a young bride wanted to release butterflies from a box at the end of the ceremony.  The vision of seeing such delicate winged creatures fly into the sky was quite lovely.  However, the young woman found out that most of the butterflies would have been dead within such a confinement and the thought of dead butterflies at her wedding lost its appeal. This made me think of our own spirits. Like butterflies, our spirits should not... (Read More ...)

“I have lived pain, and my life can tell: I only deepen the wound of the world when I neglect to give thanks for early light dappled through leaves…”                                                                                                                                                                     -Ann Voskamp, A Thousand Gifts It has taken me awhile to find the guts to share E.’s story. Mainly because it’s too... (Read More ...)

You can’t judge a book by its cover, a person by their appearance or a wine by its label.  However, in this case, Mommy’s Time Out wines deliver exactly what their label promises…a well-deserved break!  Imported by Selective Wine Estates, Inc., Mommy’s Time Out wines are fun, drinkable, affordable and a great girlfriend gift this holiday season! The Moscato is the newest Mommy’s Time Out offering.  Blended with the Garganega grape it is juicy with notes of fig and just the right amount of sweetness.  Preferring drier wines, I was pleasantly surprised by how balanced this Moscato tasted. ... (Read More ...)