Lifestyle

(Style on a Dime) The gift of giving this season

Wednesday, 02 December 2009 16:56 Marcia Humphrey

A couple of days after spending a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends, we officially kicked off our newest family tradition-bell ringing for Salvation Army, a Christian nonprofit organization, that provides physical and spiritual help to the needy. God blessed us with a mild, sunny day and for two hours my husband, our three children, and I hung out together-greeting passersby outside of the mall, singing Christmas songs and thanking children and adults who placed spare change in the red kettle. We considered it time well spent.

Make your kitchen a cozy delightful retreat

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:56

When the weather outside is frightful, your cozy kitchen can become a delightful retreat from the holiday hustle and bustle. ,Tis the season, after all, to create new traditions and yummy yuletide comfort foods that will make friends and family think you’ve finally found grandma’s secret recipes!

(Style on a Dime) Sending holiday greetings on the cheap

Wednesday, 25 November 2009 15:26

I am embarrassed to confess that there is one aspect of the holiday season that makes me feel a bit anxious, and I know that it will begin happening any day now. I am talking about receiving that first holiday greeting card in the mail from a friend or family member. While I thoroughly enjoy hearing from my loved ones, my anxiety level usually increases slightly with each greeting card that our family receives. Sounds crazy, right? (I agree-Help me Lord!)

Clean, orderly pantry supports holiday success

Friday, 13 November 2009 16:58 Marcia Humphrey

For most folks, November marks the beginning of the festive feasting season, which usually lasts until January. Most households have already started stocking their pantries with their favorite herbs and spices, fresh bottles of pure vanilla and lemon extract, sugar, cornmeal, and cans of cranberry sauce, chicken broth, and evaporated milk. All of these items are purchased in anticipation of upcoming gatherings, where family and friends come together to thank God for the year’s blessing.

(Style on a Dime) Proverbs 17:17: A friend loves at all times

Thursday, 05 November 2009 16:12 Marcia Humphrey

Lately I have noticed that my younger daughter, Arianna, is changing. At nine-years-old, I find her growing taller than she was a few months ago, wanting to express her unique style and newfound tastes in everything from clothing to room décor. Most importantly she has been on a quest to find that perfect best friend. Although she has friends, she is still looking for the one upon whom she can bestow the title of bff, best friend forever. She has been trying a few on for size and learning a lot in the process.

(Style on a Dime) Learning a new language

Thursday, 29 October 2009 15:54 Marcia Humphrey

When my oldest daughter was just three-years-old, I signed her up to attend a Spanish Immersion preschool twice a week. At the time we were living in Chicago, and it seemed that similar language schools were popping up everywhere for children of all ages. Having curiosity, but very little understanding of the immersion concept, I was both uneasy and excited the first time I walked into the classroom and observed the instructor speaking only Spanish to the children.

(Style on a Dime) Waste not, want not: Squeeze out the savings

Friday, 23 October 2009 15:10 Marcia Humphrey

I want to know if your mama is anything like my mama. See my sixty-something-year-old mama (who would ’whup me if I gave her actual age), doesn’t believe in being wasteful. This means when she buys toothpaste, she is able to squeeze out every last drop from the tube. Her bathroom is always filled with upside-down lotion and shampoo bottles lining the sink.