Gifts from the Heart

On this February 14, celebrate the lovely bond of togetherness and deep affection by giving something special. Choose a gift that would speak volumes about your intense feelings to your beloved, something that would touch the heart and express your love in the most beautiful form.

Candles are the easiest way to create instant romance.  The music can be perfect and the food delicious, but if the bright lights are on, the feeling is instantly less magical and romantic.

We are extremely fortunate to live here in Southern California - with the weather, the opportunities to go skiing in the winter and to even enjoy the coastline the next day, and all the cultural and ethnic events that our communities have to offer.  Coming up here in February is a combined educational venue, museum showing and art sale that should not to be missed. 

Red has long been a symbol of eternal love and romance.  Carrying more meaning than any other color on the spectrum, red is the color of energy, life, love and passion.  That is why red roses, red lipsticks, red panties, red garter belts, red satin robes, and gifts wrapped in red play a governing role on Valentine’s Day.  Red communicates your passion towards your special someone and towards life itself.

Amethyst is the official birthstone for February. It is also the birthstone for the zodiac sign of Pisces.  This beautiful purple gemstone is a member of the quartz family occurring naturally as crystals form within rocks.

Mac Talk is here to help you cross off that resolution on your list and help you get to know your Mac.  Just after ringing in the New Year, Apple announced a slew of new software bundles for you to cut your teeth on.  As of this January you can get your hands on iLife ’09 and iWork ’09.  It’s a great time to make the switch from that dusty old PC to a shiny new Mac.

Custom framing is a very creative activity, and some people have difficulty imagining what the final piece will look like.  If you’ve ever had something custom framed you know that the design process includes placing a corner sample of a frame and a corner sample of a mat (the colored border) on the corner of your artwork. 

Many are so pleased with her services, and some even shout with joy from the dressing room because they finally have a bra that fits! Who is this expert bra fitter?   She’s Sharon Dallas, owner of Naughty But Nice Lingerie.  Sharon is the the “virtual professor” in the art of making woman feel great has been fitting loyal, soon to be “beautified” customers for over 19 years. 

On November 3, 2008 proud parents Jon and Kerin Sudtell along with big brother Kevin welcomed a beautiful baby girl into the world. 

On August 22, 2008 proud parents Conrad and Katie Fenner along with big brother Colin welcomed a handsome baby boy into the world. 

The New Year is here. With it comes hope, and a desire for renewal.  That is a little difficult when your home still has the fallen pine needles scattered around and there is leftover decorations and open presents in the family room. What to do?
Get a fresh start.

In 2006 Tera McHugh, Founder of Association of Women Entrepreneurs (A of WE), came to a Betty Ferguson Foundation (BFF) women’s meeting, Mes Amies, and then met with them afterwards with an idea about having a daytime monthly meeting primarily geared towards working women.  Lunch and Learn Seminars was born.

Owners Randy Burzynski and Rose-Marie Longan are excited to create and build a family-based business that will allow them to become more involved and give back to their community.  “We live and have been active members in the SCV for over fifteen years. 

The 10,000 square foot Sand Canyon estate of Wayne and Dianne Crawford was transformed into a holiday wonderland during the 28th Annual Henry Mayo Holiday Home Tour Gala on Friday, December 5, 2008.

It is important to correctly frame your collectibles using current conservation techniques, which will display them aesthetically as well as preserve their beauty and value.  A professional picture framer who knows his or her business will be able to help you select the correct color combinations and pick out the appropriate custom framing that will really set off and enhance your personal treasures.

How does it happen that someone becomes a fanatic?  You know what I mean, it’s when you can only talk about that thing, and it’s all you can think about.  It must be like that chemical reaction that happens when you are in love or at least very infatuated.  Obsession rules the day.  You go out of your way to be involved with it, to know all there is to know about it. 

In the last year my life collapsed around me.  I’d worked myself into exhaustion, my mother died, and my relationships with loved ones were in turmoil.  Little did I know at the time, out of my greatest despair was to come my greatest growth.  Unbeknown to me these words paralleled the words of Rhonda Byrne.  To help you with your New Year resolutions here are a few inspirational affirmations as stated in her book, The Secret that helped me redirect my life; in hopes that these affirmations will guide you in bringing about those changes in your life that will bring you great joy and a feeling of empowerment.

Remember that corals are the stars of a nano reef aquariums, but live rock sets the stage for dramatic displays.  Start by arranging the live rock in visually interesting layouts.  Not just conventional layouts but make sure that all the live rock is piled towards the back of the aquarium.