By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
My father loved his safari vest. He found it so convenient, especially when traveling. Even though this was before cell phones and mp3 players he was still able to fill all the pockets with change, car keys, kleenex, maps and lord knows what else (kind of like my purse). The only problem was that when worn it always looked so bulky and lumpy. Scottevest has come up with a solution for this that is not only practical but also streamlined and stylish. Their 22 pocket vest is made of lightweight breathable Teflon-treated Cotton/Nylon blend. It [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
If your mother is like my mother-in-law, she is at an age that she dislikes shopping for shoes. She has a pair for walking, casual wear, summer, winter and dressy that are all comfortable, simple and go with anything. Now, as us ladies know, shoes and handbags are our statement pieces. My mother-in-law’s shoes say “Please don’t look down!” I love her dearly and she is always impeccably dressed but for the life of me I can’t get her to buy a new pair of shoes. She simply states that she dislikes the “breaking [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
More than just a beauty of nature, roses are an ancient symbol of love and elegance. When you send someone roses it signifies a message straight from your heart. White roses are a classic choice in wedding bouquets but they also mean that the person receiving them are worthy of the love from the person who gave them. The pink rose communicates sweetness and elegance, but it can also show your admiration and gratitude towards someone. Both white and pink roses are the perfect color to give to your mother.
And what better way do you [...]

It’s following my quest for the perfect nude colored summer shoe that I decided that, really, my efforts should not go to waste and that I should share my short list with you. Because, if I assume correctly, you are, like me, fashion conscious, though not a slave to trends. Being over 40, we want something that is sexy without being trampy; something dignified without being stuffy; something comfortable that isn’t frumpy; something affordable that doesn’t look cheap. And something that we can actually walk in, since our lifestyle doesn’t really permit a whole lot of the shoes that can [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Here is a way to help other moms for Mother’s Days and for you – or someone you love – to have a lovely piece of inspirational jewelry. PRAOLS Story Bracelets and More is a California based company founded by Rosario Venegas and Palmyra Zurita. They hire financially-challenged single moms and stay-at-home moms to create beautiful handmade jewelry that shares a positive message. This is a way for these moms to supplement their income and to save on daycare costs by working from home.
The handcrafted bracelets and necklaces all include a story card printed on [...]

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
Sarah Elbert came up with the idea of her Lil’ Masterpiece necklaces when she saw her niece’s artwork on her sister’s fridge. She felt that the drawings were absolutely adorable and wanted to come up with a way to keep some of them forever. She started experimenting with her Precious Metal Clays and found a method that transfers the actual drawing onto the surface of precious metals. Her first Lil’ Masterpiece necklace was lovingly made for her sister. After her sister received so many comments on her pendant, the Lil’ Masterpiece line was born. Sarah [...]

After everything she’s done for you, it’s time to celebrate Mom! The Gift Giving Advisory Board is here to help you show Mom how special she is with our 2011 Mother’s Day Gift Guide. Our expert advisory board members include the women of WickedlyChic.com, TheGiftInsider.com and TheSucculentWife.com. We KNOW gifts. We live and breathe gifts every day. And so, in this sponsored gift guide, we have pooled our know-how to bring you this very selective guide of some of the most beautiful,

By Audrey van Petegem, Senior Editor
With just one piece of jewelry, a basic outfit can be transformed into a stylish look. That is the power of a good cuff bracelet! And the bigger the better! Certainly, they are not for the faint of heart. They are designed to be seen and for you to be heard! Whether you want to dress up a casual outfit or just to make a statement of personal style, a cuff is a wardrobe essential. Each of these handmade cuffs mentioned below will come beautifully package by each artist, making them perfect gifts for Mother’s [...]

By Lisa Hughes Anderson – Guest Contributor
Sometimes it takes getting away to come back to yourself again.
What better way to raise your spirits than to spend a carefree night with good friends. I suggest an old fashioned sleepover, just like we use to do as kids. Gather up the girlfriends and host a night in pj’s and sweats. Order pizzas, bring out the comfort food and put on a movie or two that everyone will love. Have them bring their favorite pillow and spread comfy blankets around. Sodas, wine, beer or hot chocolate can fit the bill. For dessert, buy [...]

It’s March. And just guess what the weather is like here in Chicago today? It’s raining. Buckets. Frizz day. Or…
Here’s a cool idea. A stylish, rain-resistant rain scarf. Dena Perry – bless her heart, also from Chicago, invented the Pop.N.Go rain scarf. What is it? It’s a convertible rain scarf that protects your hair against rain and humidity. One side of the scarf is a water resistant nylon while the other is a satin fabric. Wear it as an accessory, ready to “pop on” whenever rain or drizzle threatens or keep one in your handbag instead of an umbrella. It’s [...]