Blogs
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12/20/12The Heart of ChristmasThe room was essential with a small bed, table and one chair. The window panes cracked with cold air blowing through with whispers of silence of a little girl wrapped in a tattered Cincinnati Bengals blanket that was actually missing the letters ALS. But you just knew what it was because of the colors. She looked up and in her beautiful blue eyes you could see courage, strength and big dreams. She looked down again and turned the next page of a worn book titled, The Heart of Christmas, and she continued reading, "Love is the essence of everything, in every plant, every animal, every star, every planet, every baby doll - she added that herself - in the air, in everything." The little girl slowly closed the book and walked over to a near by... Posted at 11:40 AM | Permalink |
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10/15/12Halloween Decor and MoreWith October just around the corner- it won't be long before we hear the shrieks and shrills of little ghosts and goblins out on their quest for treats and goodies. Fashionable home decor should be at the heart of the festivities and can create a boo-tiful display that welcomes excitement and laughter to your front door. So whether your style has a crisp white color palette with hints of color and traditional persuasion... vintage appeal full of rustic charm... or minimalist modern contemporary- black will always be a favored color choice used to incorporate a Halloween influence. Black makes a bold statement and crafts a flattering contrast with white as well as color.... Posted at 12:40 PM | Permalink |
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10/03/12Don't Move, ImproveFabulous work and excellent customer service is what you’ll find when working with both Phantom Theater & Sound and Clayton Douglas Homes. Just ask Danny and Donelle, who have recommended both companies to numerous friends and family members. Homeowners Donelle and Danny built the home of their dreams in September 2003. The main floor and upstairs of the home were perfect, but something was missing – a finished basement for entertaining. The couple was no stranger to the high quality service provided by Phantom Theater & Sound, having worked with them on the product selection, installation, and maintenance of the whole house speaker system that runs throughout the upper levels and pool area of their home and is controlled via iPad and iPhone. “It... Posted at 10:05 AM | Permalink |
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10/03/12Making Lasting Memories at VIEW CucinaI was reminded on a recent Saturday evening what it was like to have a truly wonderful dining experience. To celebrate my birthday, my boyfriend, Jason, asked where I would like him to take me. Without hesitation, I chose VIEW Cucina. As a person who loves cooking, thoroughly enjoys eating, and relishes the experience of dining out, the evening stood a test of high expectations and excitement. I can honestly say I wasn’t the least bit surprised when the restaurant of choice not only met, but also exceeded my expectations. Upon entering the restaurant, we were met by owner Gay Stephens and given a warm welcome. The ambiance spectacular: beautifully and tastefully designed, complete with a fireplace that gives the restaurant a cozy and inviting atmosphere, and of course,... Posted at 08:45 AM | Permalink |
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09/27/12One Community, One CauseThe American Cancer Society estimates that more than 220,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. That is 220,000 mothers, grandmothers, aunts, neighbors, daughters, and friends who will bravely fight against the disease. It is estimated that 39,510 of these brave women will lose their lives to breast cancer. For more than 25 years, the month of October has been dedicated to providing education and awareness to countless women throughout the country. During this month, Monkee’s of Madeira will honor women – survivors, those currently battling cancer, and loved ones whose lives were lost to cancer – through the second annual Pink Ribbon: Tie a Ribbon for a Cure campaign. “The majority of the Monkee’s stores around... Posted at 01:45 PM | Permalink |
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09/27/12VIP Way to TravelWhether traveling for business or luxury, a trip can turn from excitement to anxiety to misery in moments. Upon arrival, while checking in, your wallet is instantly drained by unanticipated baggage fees. Irritated and disgruntled, you find yourself waiting through seemingly endless security lines and then racing through terminals to make your flight. Finally, upon arriving, breathless and perspiring, you discover your departure time has been delayed. Stress levels are now high, and a voice calls for boarding. You are boarded on the plane, squeezed like sardines in a can. A voice comes over the intercom to announce that there are unforeseen mechanical issues and to hold tight while they are being repaired. Your fate has been sealed, stuck in claustrophobic purgatory and destined... Posted at 01:45 PM | Permalink |
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09/27/12Sound Advice from a Source You Can TrustIn a time of economic and political uncertainty, it can be highly stressful and perplexing to make financial decisions. This is why we need people like John Dovich, President of John D. Dovich & Associates, LLC, to lend his knowledge and experience and guide us through the proverbial trenches of financial uncertainty. John Dovich discusses: In addition to this year being a presidential election year, 2012 brings a number of tax changes at year’s end. The current environment that we are in was borne out of an extension to tax rates back in late 2010. We are in an environment referred to as a “patch.” This patch necessitates action from Congress or rates will revert to those in effect under the George W. Bush presidency. The professional... Posted at 01:45 PM | Permalink |
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09/27/12Rising Leaders of CharactorRobby Wellington helps to revitalize, improve, and brighten the lives of women LIVING with breast cancer. Sara Kate and Emily Wiser are responsible for dozens of smiles of joy on the faces of residents at the St. Margaret Hall nursing home. Michael Van Dorselaer mobilized and championed the effort that led to providing 96 villages with clean drinking water, saving countless lives. These four incredible students epitomize the dedication The Summit Country Day School has for developing great leaders of character. The school’s character education program is symbiotic with its scholastic components. The distinctive program historically has been one of the key attractions of the school. The character education program is intentional, age-appropriate, and curriculum... Posted at 01:40 PM | Permalink |
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09/27/12Your Dream Spa Come to LifeImagine a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere where all of your beauty, aesthetic, and relaxation needs are cared for by highly experienced, well-trained, and trustworthy individuals with your best interest in mind. Behind the doors of SIA Spa, you’ll find all of this and so much more. SIA Spa offers Medi Spa Services under the direction of Devinder S. Mangat, MD, FACS, SIA Spa’s Medical Director. They offer a vast array of services including Medi Spa Services – Injectables, Fillers, Microderm Abrasion, Peels, IPL Photofacials,Fraxel Laser, and Laser Hair Removal. SIA also specializes in Ayurvedic Treatments, Rejuvenation Journeys, Body Massage, Rejuvenating Facials, Waxing, Threading, Nails, and the recent addition of CoolSculpting, and Designer Hair... Posted at 01:35 PM | Permalink |
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09/27/12Living a Life of ImpactEvery sound we hear and listen to has a different message in it. Every step we take leads us to a place that we never dream of arriving, because in those moments we find a sense of being when we are living a life of making a difference. I am sitting looking out the window, crisp cool breeze blowing, in the stillness of the day mesmerized of the amazing view of the effervesce ocean in Cape Cod, sea gulls singing to the tune of each wave, thinking about life and what it really has to offer us, if we choose to listen. When I was child nothing was simple. The challenges of life seemed to be more than I could bear. I seemed to be always trapped in unexpected roads of twists and turns that were never ending with no light at the end of the tunnel. Then one day I realized the light... Posted at 01:30 PM | Permalink |
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09/27/12For an Elegant Way to Celebrate Your Holiday EventThe holidays are a time to join together with friends, family, and loved ones, to reflect, reminisce, and laugh about the good times and revive old traditions and inaugurate new ones. Regardless the activities, merriment, or customs that accompany your special gatherings, one thing that is consistent and brings everyone together is incredible and decadent dining. With over 30 years of catering to every type of holiday party imaginable, Elegant Fare has the experience and expertise as one of the premier caterers in Cincinnati to transform your event into an unforgettable occasion. It is a distinct and rare ability to be adept at creating stunning menus for every possible festivity. Whether your impending event is small or large, holiday or culturally themed, private,... Posted at 01:15 PM | Permalink |
09/26/12Sacksteder's Interiors and Potterhill Homes in Homearama 2012!What an exciting year this has been for the Home Builders Association of Greater Cincinnati and the participants of Homearama 2012. Along with the display of six beautiful homes was the celebration of Homearama's 50th Golden Anniversary! Sacksteder's Interiors partnered with Carolyn Rolfe of Potterhill Homes as part of the celebration in this year's event. Sacksteder's was given the honored privilege of decorating The Zero Energy Home for Carolyn and the team of Potterhill Homes. The building envelope that went into the construction of this home was designed to save the home owner an average of forty percent on energy costs. This is the physical separator between the interior and the exterior environments of a building taking the value of this home to a... Posted at 12:25 PM | Permalink |
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08/27/12Give a Child with a Life Threatening Illness the Chance at Being a KidBeing a child should entail having fun, whether it’s playing with your siblings, going swimming at the local pool, or celebrating at your birthday party. For some children, however, this isn’t a reality, but a seemingly unobtainable dream. Children diagnosed with life threatening and chronic illnesses are deprived of the opportunities that other children consider the norm. That’s where A Kid Again brings their dreams to life and helps children remember how to smile. The Greater Cincinnati chapter of A Kid Again was established in 2000 by volunteers and board members from Columbus. Twelve years later, the organization serves 620 children and 607 families. In January, the Dayton chapter merged with Cincinnati and now A Kid Again is comprised of the... Posted at 09:05 AM | Permalink |
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08/27/12A Promise of Comfort“We’ve been where you are.” It’s a comforting promise for the countless women who come to Cincinnati's Eve Center seeking freedom from life’s daily struggles. It’s also the slogan of the faith-based nonprofit whose growing numbers, appealing events, and international presence are capturing the attention of area donors, investors, and volunteers who want to support a worthy cause. The Eve Center was founded in 2003 by Cinny Roy, MA, LPCC-S, a licensed professional clinical counselor and counseling supervisor. Her vision was simple: to give women a safe, confidential, and loving place to be heard, heal, and grow from any of life’s struggles—at no cost. Many common struggles women seek help for include post-abortive... Posted at 09:05 AM | Permalink |
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08/27/12Bella LunaJan White and her husband Maury White joined friends Todd Margolis and Dennis Hackett for a cocktail at the bar while enjoying the tunes of a live band before dinner. The group was kind enough to take a moment to share their thoughts about their favorite dining spot. “Bella Luna is easily one of our favorite restaurants in Cincinnati. The entire staff is incredible. You feel very welcomed and cared for from the time you walk into the door and are greeted by the hostess, to the accommodating, knowledgeable, and friendly wait staff, to owner Harry (Stephens), who is an absolute joy. They all truly make you feel as though you are family. When we visit, they know our names and it is such a fun place to come. The food is exceptionally good. My husband and I have our favorites.... Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink |
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08/27/12For Financial Peace of Mind, Trust John D. Dovich & Associates, LLCThe mission of John Dovich, president of John D. Dovich & Associates, LLC, is to provide clients with strategic financial planning. He and his staff accomplish this by coordinating the elements of portfolio management; retirement, estate, and education planning; as well as insurance needs. They strive to effectively implement and monitor their strategic planning approach necessary to help clients achieve their goals. The main objective is to provide clients with financial peace of mind. The firm accomplishes this through a top down comprehensive look at both their client’s personal and business objectives. This approach fully encompasses the client’s wide spectrum of financial wants and needs. The firm provides comprehensive services to three specific groups... Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink |
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08/27/12Revamping to Bring a New StyleA day at the spa or stylist should be a relaxing and luxurious experience. It is unfortunate to enter a nice salon where the atmosphere is cold and you simply feel you don’t fit in. At Tanya’s Image & Wellness Salon, this is never the case. They strive to create a comfortable and homey environment for all of their clients. As guests enter the salon, a friendly receptionist greets them and shows them the way to a waiting room. But at this salon the waiting room is a living room where clients are encouraged to sit on a comfortable couch and enjoy a hot cup of gourmet coffee or cold glass of cucumber water. They offer gourmet snacks to enjoy. At Tanya’s Image & Wellness Salon everyone is welcome, and everyone receives the relaxing and luxurious experience they... Posted at 09:00 AM | Permalink |
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08/27/12A Beautiful Collaboration of Art, Entertainment, and Dining at the Dayton Art InstituteWritten by Jamie Rogers There are countless places to visit on a day out. One might consider taking a lovely stroll through the park, catch a newly released movie, or have a pleasant lunch at a local café. But when is the last time you took the day to enlighten and enrich your senses with a dose of true beauty teamed with history and delight? At Dayton Art Institute (DAI), you can experience the essence of art in a rich history that has brought awe and wonder to countless minds for more than 90 years. Whether it’s spending a Saturday afternoon, viewing a favorite exhibit, or celebrating the best day of your life marrying your loved one, you can always expect a glorious art-filled and elegant ambiance. And though you may not generally associate a museum with decadent... Posted at 06:55 AM | Permalink |
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08/14/12Cincinnati's Painted HistoryCan you envision Cincinnati’s landscape 100 years ago – or maybe 200 years ago? Where most of the beloved buildings downtown now stand was once an uncharted and undeveloped natural landscape, littered with forests. Cincinnatians and travelers who lived in the past had a unique view of our city’s sights and sounds that was much different than the bustling cityscape we know today. “Treasures of the Past: Cincinnati’s Historic Art 1800-1930” exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal, on display through August 5, give the public that perspective. “Treasures of the Past” features both rarely and never before seen paintings, sculptures, furniture, and a variety of other works of art, mostly from the Cincinnati Museum... Posted at 01:46 PM | Permalink |
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05/04/12THE ESSENCE OF WHO WE AREIn life, We tend to find Many unexpected Benefits that Make our world Become something More than We Ever thought it Ever Could Be. It is in the little things that We tend to miss, that turn Us into _Everything_ We Want to become in Life. It is in those moments that We realize that it is All about the Journey and Not the Destination. It those little things that make Us Complete that Give Us a Gift that Can Be Greater than Anything We Could Dream of. In that Little thing, We become in a Moment, the Essence of Who We Are. I was Thinking Earlier Today what makes Us an Extraordinary Human Being? What is it that Transforms Us into Being Something or Someone of Significance? And, when do We Realize We are becoming Significant in Life? Is it about Being a Super... Posted at 12:23 PM | Permalink |
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04/27/12Charlie and Sherry Blu Proposal StoryOur proposal story is that there was no "proposal". My husband and I met when we were Seniors in different high schools (I had dated his best friend). After 5 weeks of dating, on our way home one evening in February 1968, during our conversation he said "when we get married". . . . .I told him he must be crazy and, to that, he said "you are the girl I have decided to marry, so when you get ready, just let me know". After graduation, 4 months later, I took him shopping at a jewelry store, pointed at a ring and said "that is the one I want", which he bought. So there was no asking or answering, it was just understood and meant to be. He gave it to me a few weeks later when he was leaving for the... Posted at 01:08 PM | Permalink |
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04/23/12A Day at the ParkCincinnati comes second behind Paris in the amount of parks held within a city. Many of us either take the parks for granted or have no idea what phenomenal utilities are offered at our fingertips. If spending a spring afternoon walking through one of the variety of park lands within in minutes of our homes, has not been an activity for you in the past couple of weeks, I suggest its addition to your "to do" list. The largest protector of the parks is the Cincinnati Parks which oversees five regional and 70 neighborhood parks and 34 nature preserves. The Cincinnati Parks oversee 10% of city land which includes The mission of the Cincinnati Parks is to conserve, manage, sustain, and enhance parks' natural and cultural resources and... Posted at 01:46 PM | Permalink |
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04/16/12Art & Rockin’ Fun to Benefit Pro Seniors at August 11 EventCreative works by area artists and live rock from the decades will fuel the fun at Pro Seniors’ signature fundraiser, the 3rd Annual “Rock On for Seniors,” at 7 p.m. August 11 at the Cincinnati Radisson Riverfront (Covington). The event is being dedicated to the memory of George Meinhardt, respected real estate leader, passionate community volunteer & family man, who also generously contributed to Pro Seniors as a member of the agency’s Board of Trustees in the 1990’s. The event has attracted a great array of talented artists who are creating unique rocking chairs for the live auction. Artists include Kate Albert, Graydon Head attorney Bruce Petrie, Jr., Susan... Posted at 01:54 PM | Permalink |
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04/13/12Je suis une touriste américaine!Having the opportunity to travel and see the world is an opportunity that everyone should take advantage of. Weather it is traveling to a different state or traveling to a new country, each destination will offer an experience unlike any other. When traveling, you get to experience sites, sounds, and cuisines that are specific to that destination. These, among many others, help to define the culture of that area. While the culture may be specific, what each person takes away from it is not. The differences in taste and style of each person helps to bring a special aspect to your traveling. One person may like the food, while the other hates it. One may like the local museums, while the other would like to wonder around exploring the new area. These differences are what make traveling... Posted at 09:14 AM | Permalink |
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04/11/12BE A POSITIVE FORCE IN LIFEBE A POSITIVE FORCE IN LIFE "It's easy to make a buck. It's a lot tougher to Make a Difference." - Tom Brokaw I Believe the One Thing that frightens Most People is not Dying. I Believe what scares most People is Never Having Lived Life Understanding "What Their Life Was All About". We Can Do anything in this world to make money and be successful. But, the Challenge is Choosing to Live a Life that has High Impact on Others. Making a Difference in the world We Live in Requires something Much Greater then sacrificing time and money. It Requires Changing Ourselves. And that takes a lot of effort and fore-thought. And it is never Easy. Service is the Lifeblood of Our... Posted at 12:52 PM | Permalink |
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04/11/12Dart WarsDart wars season is here! Ready to see kids running through neighborhoods with nerf guns? You better be. Kids here get really into the game and won't stop at anything to shoot your kids. The rules get pretty intense and even parents like to get into it and help their kids. People get fairly rowdy though, so beware. Also, you should be aware of the thong rule. If someone is running around with a thong on in your yard, it means that they can't be shot and they can't shoot either, so don't just automatically call the police. The game involves anyone who wants to play and each team has 5 members. Each week, if you win, you play someone new and shoot outs occur on Sundays if neither team gets eliminated. Most parents... Posted at 09:58 AM | Permalink |
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04/09/12Standing TogetherUsually spring break is a time to have fun with your friends and family and escape from reality for a week, but last week on Indian Hill's spring break, not everyone made it back safe. Indian Hill suffered from a great loss of a student, senior Ian Pierce. You always think you're invincible when you're teenager and you always think that bad things will never happen to you. Well, it happened to one of our classmates, who was just trying to have fun on spring break while on a jet ski. We never think of jet skis as being unsafe; they're just a way to have fun and drive fast, not to hurt you. Unfortunately, a freak accident occurred and Ian didn't come home after spring break. Ian Pierce and his twin brother, Drew were so... Posted at 02:58 PM | Permalink |
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04/09/12A Young Woman's Legacy Makes Dreams Come True For High School GirlsA Young Woman's Legacy Make Dreams Come True For High School Girls I was back home spending time with my family in Cincinnati for Easter weekend. After mass and brunch on Sunday, my parents and I took a walk up to Alms Park. We journeyed off the path to an scenic resting stop overlooking the Ohio River. The patio space had an engraving of a compass with the following etched in its center: "in memory of Mckenna Ann Comiser, 'Kenzie' ". Kenzie passed away 10 years ago in a car accident while attending St. Ursula Academy. Despite the tragic circumstances surrounding her death, those close to Kenzie chose instead to celebrate her life and letting her legacy as a girl with a big heart and so much generosity continue. ... Posted at 02:28 PM | Permalink |
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04/04/12PLOTT Performs at Touch of Elegance with a Must See Dinner Theatre ProductionPLOTT Performs at Touch of Elegance with a Must See Dinner Theatre Production In my book, there are few things better than spending an evening at a Dinner Theatre. I love enjoying a show and any sort of theatrical performance…and dinner is the perfect combination. That being said, where to get dinner is always the complication. It can be a hassle to go out and eat before the show. One never wants to be late to the theatre, but how can you judge if you get stuck in traffic? Have slow service at the restaurant? Even if you decide to eat after the show…nothing can be more gruesome to endure than a growling tummy! Hence, Dinner Theatre is a perfect solution quelling any hesitancy. Even though this seems like such an obvious conclusion, few dinner theatres... Posted at 11:28 AM | Permalink |
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04/04/12THIS EASTER HOLIDAY SEASONTHIS EASTER HOLIDAY SEASON Nothin' but blue skies makin' Me Happy. Nothin' but blue skies do I see. When we hear the words to this hallmark song it makes Us Feel Good about life doesn't it? Growing up many folks spend Easter at one or another of relatives' homes. Many will go to Sunrise service, a famous Easter breakfast followed by a big Easter Egg hunt and Easter baskets full of lot's of goodies. Then off to lunch, with many of the women disappearing into the kitchen area and just a few hours later out pops the famous holiday meal followed by a tradition of everyone laying around on the floor, stuffed with Easter lunch and napping. Or, maybe you go out for Easter brunch where an array of holiday dresses... Posted at 11:19 AM | Permalink |
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04/02/12Paul and Kayla Winner ProposalWith school and work hours taking over much of our time my sister Leah, her fiancé Dan, my now fiancé Paul and I decided to enjoy a nature getaway at Hocking Hills State Park. After booking our cabin and eagerly waiting for the day to come we packed our bags and made the trip down. The weather was not looking good with a forecast of scattered showers and cooler temperatures. So a massive tub of chili and hot tub time were in order. Paul and I arrived first and scoped out our beautiful wood cabin. Walking through the door brought an immense smell of the outdoors and fresh cut wood. It was everything we expected and more. The views around the cabin were just as spectacular, with the woods as far as we could see and a little wildlife occasionally peeking... Posted at 10:13 AM | Permalink |
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04/02/12ProKids Advocating in Cincinnati CourtsWhat comes to mind when you hear the word CASA? Most of us are probably journeying back to memories of our last high school Spanish class or recalling the episode of Dora the Explorer that might have been playing in the background of the family room the other morning. Regardless, we all are aware that casa means home. The national philanthropic organization, also known as ProKids in the Cincinnati area, strives to fight for the best “home” possible for children. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates and this national organization makes a difference in the lives of children daily. Children in the foster care system often have to deal with the court system and the array of legal responsibilities associated with the determination of their future.... Posted at 09:56 AM | Permalink |
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03/28/12Kristina and Ryan Laker Proposal StoryI had no idea that after eight years, Ryan had a ring and was going to propose when I got back to Cincinnati after being on a business cruise with my mother. Sadly, my beloved grandmother unexpectedly passed away that morning, so I rerouted my trip to accompany my mom to Chicago. Ryan later joined me, but naturally I was consumed with grief and helping the family with funeral arrangements. After the funeral dinner, Ryan stood up and asked if he could say a few words. He talked about how much he loved my grandmother and how he saw a little bit of her in all of us: my mother, my three aunts, my sister, and me. He told us how impressed he was with the way we all supported each other during such a difficult time, especially with the way we took care of my developmentally disabled... Posted at 12:49 PM | Permalink |
03/28/12Spring Break Anyone?Spring Break Anyone? At this time of year, I'm sure all of you already have your spring breaks planned and know where you're spending a week in the sun. This year, some of the top destinations for spring break still haven't changed; Cancun, Mexico, Panama City, Florida, Miami and South Beach, Florida, and the Bahamas and Jamaica are still on there. But why doesn't everyone try something new and go to somewhere out of this world!? I will be spending my spring break in the Cayman Islands, which has a gorgeous seven-mile beach and so much to do. To me, the beach is the easily the best part of any vacation spot. If you don't have a good beach, well you might as well not go. Another problem with a lot of spring break... Posted at 10:10 AM | Permalink |
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03/28/12JUST DO ITJUST DO IT It was 1988. A couple of ad agency execs were sitting in a meeting with some Nike execs and one (reportedly) told Nike: “You guys just do it right.” Hmm...nice ring to that. And Nike’s incredibly famous and successful slogan was born. Twenty-four years later, Nike’s simple three word mantra “JUST DO IT” is going strong. It has gone through many different target groups and fashion changes. But...the basic fact, the basic push, is the same. It, actually, is a timeless thought. Yes, you know what point I am going to eventually make. Every day we make choices. Now that’s a good thing. We all want freedom of choice. The downside is that we have a choice. The upside is that we have a choice. Stay... Posted at 09:33 AM | Permalink |
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03/14/12If you don't have a Pinterest account yet, get one. Recently, its users have spiked and it has become that latest social media buzz. Although, this one's a little more impersonal, unlike Facebook and Twitter. It shows you anything you want to see! It is now said to be one of the top 30 U.S. websites. Type in anything that interests you, like cute puppies, any kind of recipes, pictures or fashion and it will show you thousands of hits. It is a new place for companies to get their brand-name out by using flashy pictures and blog posts and it makes consumers more interested. Pinterest is where you post blogs, pictures or anything of entertainment and people can follow you and pin what you pin! You can do this with other people too, of course. ... Posted at 01:01 PM | Permalink |
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03/14/12Schmidt Proposal StoryHere is our first proposal story of the week for our facebook wedding contest! If you enjoy this proposal story then visit us on facebook to 'like' this story and help Margaret and Mark win a $500 gift certificate to James Free Jewelers. Mark, Meggie, Kristin and I decided we needed to make a trip to Lake Cumberland for two days of serious ‘lakin’. The plan was to spend the afternoon wakesurfing and wakeboarding.It was mid-afternoon and I had just finished a very long wake surfing session where Mark was the one who pulled me and Meggie was snapping pictures of my awesomeness. As I climbed in the boat, Meggie set down the camera and started to prep for her turn. As she was digging out her life jacket, Mark stood up from the... Posted at 11:10 AM | Permalink |
03/12/12The Cincinnati Observatory is Waiting for YOU to VisitHave you looked up in the night sky recently? Besides the full moon we enjoyed last week, there are some other dazzling features lighting up our midnight sky. On the western front, both Mars and Venus are shining brightly. In addition, it is easy to point out Jupiter and a telescope can help you see Mercury and Saturn. With the planets aligned amidst a sky of asteroids and meters, it is prime viewing time for a show amongst the stars. The Cincinnati Observatory was founded in Mt. Adams in 1842. Founder Ormsby McKnight Mitchel, fueled passion amongst the country with his astrological studies and devoted his life to the establishment of astronomical programs. The Cincinnati Observatory was the first of its kind to be created in our nation and former President, John... Posted at 07:31 AM | Permalink |
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03/07/12Diverse LivingJe suis du Canada, de L’Australie, de la Suisse et des Etats-Unis. (Meaning, I am from Canada, Australia, Swizterland and the U.S., in french). Where I live, in such a small community, offering world perspectives is one of my greatest contributions. Being born in Australia, to then moving to Canada, then to the United States, to Switzerland and then back to the States, I have experienced a fair share of cultures. Also, being a Canadian citizen and now an American citizen, I have spent my whole life around a kind of culture that is different from that of the United States. I am very fortunate for not only having lived in these diverse countries, but for also being able to travel the world with my family at such a young age. Almost every chance that my family gets... Posted at 11:41 AM | Permalink |
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03/05/12Keep SmilingKeep Smiling Ever had one of “those” days? Of course, we all have. Life is a mixture of the good, the bad and the meh. What makes some people seem perennially happy is not the events life throws at them, but the attitude with which they face each day. Take my Aunt for example. In the past few years, she has gone through some rough times. First their house burnt down. It was an electrical fire that started when no one was home. Thankfully that meant no one was injured. But since it was a little while before anyone noticed and called the fire department, they lost everything from replaceables like furniture, to the priceless like family photos. Next she was diagnosed with skin... Posted at 12:42 PM | Permalink |
03/02/12ArtWorks Partners the Community and Artists with the Celebration of Cincinnati’s Flying PigsArtWorks Partners the Community and Artists with the Celebration of Cincinnati’s Flying Pigs The Big Pig Gig is coming back to Cincinnati this summer to once again fill the streets with lots of silent "oinks" and change our perception of the pink piglet. In honor of the World Choral Games, the Olympics of Choirs taking place during the month of July, ArtWorks is calling one and all to help make the Big Pig Gig another grand celebration. ArtWorks, a Cincinnati based nonprofit arts organization since 1996, connects artists of all ages with opportunities in the arts through apprenticeships, community partnerships, and public art. ArtWorks strives to help aspiring and emerging artists gain recognition by beautifying the community. Since their founding,... Posted at 11:56 AM | Permalink |
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03/01/12Want to Lose Fat? Start With Understanding Your Metabolism.In dealing with people who desperately want to lose weight and fat on a daily basis, I am continuously reminded that most people just don't have a true understanding of metabolism. Let's take a look at the components of your metabolism and how you expend energy: 1. Your Resting Metabolic Rate: This is the number of calories used by your body each day at rest and represents an astounding 70% of your total calorie expenditure. It might be hard to believe, but even if you simply sat on the floor all day long, your body would still burn a certain number of calories in order for it to function. An easy way to estimate your basal metabolic rate is to multiply your current body weight by 12. 2. Non Exercise Activity/General... Posted at 04:47 AM | Permalink |
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02/29/12Heading off to CollegeBeing a senior has its luxuries. You're the leader of the school, you have so many privileges, you get to sleep in or leave early and some days, you'll even get free bagels in the morning! As great as it is, seniors are going through a tough and stressful time in their lives. College. It might make you nervous or anxious or excited, but if you have no idea what you want to study or where you want to go, it might make you stressed out of your mind. For the next four years of your life, you'll be here (at least if you don't transfer). That's a big decision! It's a scary decision, too. It can be intimidating; looking at all the scores you need to get into schools, seeing how many students are there, how many different courses they offer and how... Posted at 12:58 PM | Permalink |
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02/27/12Leap for HOPE for the Lindner Center of HOPEHistorically, Leap Day has been the one day in which women could propose marriage. Even though the folk tradition might not remain significant today, beyond the occasional Sadie Hawkins dance themes, Leap Day provides the setting for one of the biggest fundraising galas of the year. The High Hopes, an auxiliary group of women volunteers connected with the Lindner Center of HOPE, is hosting an annual fundraising event February 29th for the Center, Leap for HOPE. A luncheon and shopping extravaganza will be taking place at Kenwood Country Club to raise money for The Lindner Center of HOPE’s Helping Hands Fund. One in four people in this country suffers from... Posted at 11:59 AM | Permalink |
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02/24/12Indian Hill Presents "Footloose"Everyone has seen, or at least heard of, the musical sensation “Footloose”. Indian Hill put on a production of the musical in this year’s high school Pow Wow. Many talented students shined in the spotlight with their unique voices and awesome acting skills. Last night was the opening night and the show will also be on Friday night at 7:30, Saturday at 2:00 P.M. and at 7:30 P.M. Tickets sold out fast for both Friday and Saturday night and opening night was a big success! Junior, Hugh Strike, played Ren, a city boy who moved from Chicago to a town called Bomont, which had very strict laws against almost everything he wanted to do. Dancing was made illegal, which made Ren none too happy. After an accident that involved alcohol and driving, 4... Posted at 01:09 PM | Permalink |
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02/24/12P & G AnnouncementP&G Announcement This week, P&G announced plans to make cuts to non-manufacturing jobs to the tune of 4,100. This is in addition to the 1,600 already announced cuts in the form of early retirements. While the local impact to jobs and the company overall is unknown, it is a mixed bag of news as this will certainly bring some level of turmoil to the 12,000 P&G employees in our area. On the other side, it could be the restructuring investors need to get the company back growing in the manner it has for generations. Much of the area media covered the announcement and its impact on local investors. I was honored to be a part of WCPO’s coverage. As the news likely impacts, either directly or indirectly, many Venue readers... Posted at 12:56 PM | Permalink |
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02/24/12The Fiore FamilyIf you have ever lived around Indian Hill, you probably know who the Fiores are: a family of nine children that have been spreading their family name across the area. They are some of the most diverse, successful and energetic people anyone has ever met and they have been blessed with one of the most wonderful families. Unfortunately, even for a loving family like this, tragedies happen. Earlier this week, on February 13th, 2012, Joseph Fiore, the father of the nine children, passed away. He had been battling a rare form of cancer since earlier in 2011. Joseph Fiore is one of the most respected men in Indian Hill and has been the most amazing father to his children. Even with nine of them, he loves each and every one of them individually.... Posted at 12:41 PM | Permalink |
02/08/12Beat the BloatOkay, so you get this call from your friend (or sister or whomever, fill in the blank) and this person says to you: “Hey, I just won two tickets to a movie premier in Hollywood,” (okay, that may be a stretch, but you’re getting the picture) “We should go and you should wear that knitty black dress of yours .” And you are thinking “Oh, you mean the one that clings to every bulge and belly bloat? Yeah, right.” Belly bulge is not fun. It is something we all fight. However, in a pinch of needing to look as if we spend hours every day in the gym working on our abs, help can be found. If you have about 24 hours to look (and feel) suddenly slimmer, especially in the belly area, here are a few tricks that work: ... Posted at 11:29 AM | Permalink |
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02/07/12Body MagicWe all have a Personal Brand. It is 2012 and still very early in the year and in striving for what We Want Our year to look like also has a lot to do with Who We want to Be and How We Want to Be Perceived by others. Imagine Yourself Becoming What? The “What” is what I call Body Magic. It is Everything about Who We Are and the Package We are selling. My grandmother used to say to me, “When You walk into a room, You Own the room.” How do We Own the room? Many different things contribute to us doing just that. We have the obvious, like what we wear. How we walk; Our facial expressions; To how we greet others. However, I believe it Begins with what is going on inside of us. Whatever is going on... Posted at 09:11 AM | Permalink |
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02/07/12How Quickly Can You Change Your Finances?This week I want to look at some things you can do to tackle that personal financial to-do list. By this time of the year, resolutions are pretty well behind us and we’re left with the stark reality of what needs to get done here and now. Our finances, while extremely important, are rarely urgent matters and, therefore, get put on the back burner. Don’t have enough time to get things addresses? Phooey. Over the next few blogs, I want to look at various tips comprised from all over the internet, magazines and other resources to find those things you can tackle in a relatively short period of time. For example, this week, is there really something you can do to help your finances in just 10-15 minutes? There sure is.... Posted at 08:40 AM | Permalink |
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02/06/12Warm Weather Winter SalesOur unusually warm winter so far has produced some potentially surprising results. While many homeowners have spent the holidays contemplating the appropriate time to sell their home, there have been a few who went for it now, in the “middle of winter”, and put their homes up for sale. What I have seen happen is a perfect answer to the question “how’s the market looking this year?” Listing two very nice homes in very good condition seemed to be the ticket – both homes sold quickly, within weeks, and there were showings lined up with regularity until the homeowners decided to stop showing their homes. See what happens when you spend so much of your time getting your house ready for the market? You wind up spending... Posted at 10:36 AM | Permalink |
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01/30/12Where Should I Give?One question I get asked fairly often is for guidance on how and where to point philanthropic efforts. It’s a difficult question with no shortage of answers. There are countless non-profit groups from the arts to children’s services to helping the less fortunate that all have causes worthy of our attention. One site I regularly send people to is Charity Navigator which does a great job of assigning a point system to various charities in how efficiently they spend their resources along with breaking down organizations across countless other categories. Sometimes, more of a benchmarking tool is desired and there’s never been a great way in the past to really get a sense for where the largest donors were spending their philanthropic... Posted at 01:43 PM | Permalink |
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01/11/12The All or Nothing MentalityDo your diet and exercise plans fall by the wayside during the holidays? Rebecca Hendrixson, owner of HenHouse Fitness, explains how to get back on track. Posted at 08:42 AM | Permalink |
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12/21/11'Tis the Season for Bubbly!I happen to love a good sparkling wine at any time of year. (I can “see” you nodding in agreement!) The sparkling wines of the world are often thought of as just for special occasions. My view is that any occasion with friends and family is made more special and festive with sparkling wine! While it is tempting to use “champagne” to describe all sparkling wines, in fact the term can be used only to describe bubbly from the Champagne region of France. It is a protected name. The category of sparkling wine is actually quite complex and can be confusing to consumers. Earlier this month I attended a terrific seminar at Cincinnati State’s Midwest Culinary Institute (MCI) presented by sommelier Laura Landoll. With her permission, I want to share... Posted at 12:16 PM | Permalink |
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12/20/1110-9-8-7-6………,The count down is on so I ask, are you ready? Have you checked your list twice, trimmed the tree and hung your stockings by the fireside? If you answered yes to all of these then you are ahead of most. If you still have last minute shopping to do, gift-wrapping or decorating there is no time to waste. Plan wisely and clear that check list off with ease with one stop shopping for gifts, holiday décor or that special one of a kind present sure to please anyone on your ‘nice list’. Don’t delay; go to Sacksteder's Interiors today. You’ll find everything from appetizer and soup starters to a table to serve them on and the chairs to relax in after a long day of eating or shopping. We also have a... Posted at 07:49 AM | Permalink |
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12/15/11Baby StepsAs we approach the end of the year, we’re often faced with a little extra free time around the house. Yes, schedules get extremely busy, but there’s generally a free moment or two where we get a chance to reflect on the year behind us and what lies ahead in the New Year. Rather than overwhelm you with a list of the 50 or so personal financial issues that should be on that list, I thought I’d cut to the chase and provide just two that would take no more than a few hours between now and when the ball drops in Times Square. Make copies of those documents most important to you. There are far too many instances of identity theft, a lost wallet or purse or the like that is inevitably made worse by the lack of proper recordkeeping. This could... Posted at 07:47 AM | Permalink |
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12/14/11Pump Some Iron and Beat the BluesAs if we all really need one more reason to exercise....let’s see, we’ve got the obvious reasons; because our mothers told us we should and because we finished off the last half of every pie that was left over from Thanksgiving. Believe it or not, there are still more reasons. One of them is the blue, sluggish, blah feeling that many of us battle. Depression symptoms often improve with exercise. Exercise most likely helps ease depression in a number of ways. First, exercise releases neurotransmitters and endorphins, our “feel good” brain chemicals. Two, exercise reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression. And three, exercise increases body temperature, which can have a calming effect. Exercise has psychological and emotional... Posted at 07:35 AM | Permalink |
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12/08/11Shopping 101Surviving the shopping shuffle with success can be tricky but with a few helpful hints you can have a win win experience for givers and receivers. First and foremost have a complete list of all the people you will be buying for with a few good gift ideas for each. Then categorize your stops and the items to be purchased at each stop. Do your homework on pricing and availability with a phone call or online and have backup gift ideas. Keep in mind shopping at your local merchants where gifts tend to be unique and personal. You’ll find hand picked merchandise beautifully displayed and get personal attention from sales people. Many local businesses even send you out the door with your purchases wrapped or bagged in holiday... Posted at 07:32 AM | Permalink |
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12/05/11Focus on Year-End FinancingFocus on Year End Finances This week, I wanted to take a moment as we hit the holiday season to remind everyone that 2011 is coming to an end. Sound obvious? How many years have you started to review your financial situation after the New Year has already begun? For many, taking just a few minutes to take stock before the hustle and bustle of the holiday moves to full throttle can be very helpful. Here are a few things to look at now . . . Take a look at annual spending Don’t wait until after you’ve done your holiday shopping to discover you’ve really blown your 2011 spending goals. You don’t need to go through with a fine tooth comb, just look at bank balances from January 1st and where that checking... Posted at 10:54 AM | Permalink |
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12/02/11A Buyer's MarketAccording to a report from the Cincinnati Area Board of REALTORS(r), local home sales for October – at 1,382 units -- were up 25.1% over October 2010. It was the fourth month in a row of increased sales on a year-over-year basis. Last month’s average price was $142,893, compared to a year prior of $158,832. Average price for the first 10 months of 2011 was $152,188 compared to $159,228 the same 10 months a year ago. The Cincinnati area housing market currently has 9 months of available inventory compared to nearly 13 months a year ago. A balanced housing market has 6 months of inventory. Therefore, buyers have the advantage in today’s market. According to BankRate.com the average rate for a 30 year fixed mortgage in... Posted at 09:20 AM | Permalink |
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11/28/11Put Some Jingle in Your JangleAt Sacksteder’s Interiors you are sure to get inspired for the holidays as soon as you walk in the door. And sometimes all you need is a little inspiration to launch into full swing. Our stores are full of holiday décor, from completely decorated trees for purchase, to all the yuletide favorites you’ve come to love over the years. Sacksteder’s has been well known for it’s unique items and this year is sure not to disappoint. Whether you are looking for a special gift, or one of a kind ornaments to trim your tree, or a beautiful new holiday arrangement sure to wow your guests, Sacksteder’s Interiors is the place to shop! With only one month left, the time is here to put rings on your fingers and bells on your toes (we... Posted at 11:10 AM | Permalink |
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11/23/11Pull Up a ChairThanksgiving is almost here and many of us are pulling together all the last minute details to ensure an unforgettable feast with family and friends. This is a time of year when more guests are pulling up chairs to your table than usual so having additional seating may be required. While some may have a bounty of formal dining room chairs for a small village, most of us are scrambling to pull enough chairs together for everyone. While an eclectic look is acceptable, folding lawn chairs are not. Make sure your chairs are comfortable and the right height so that your guests are comfortable. If room is a problem try to keep the armchairs at the heads of the table only. Consider adding chair covers to seats that may be comfortable but need a... Posted at 02:48 PM | Permalink |
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11/22/11Thankful For Doing What I LoveLet’s just say that I really love what I do. I love seeing new and different houses every day and finding the right match for clients. When a buyer finds the right house, you can tell. It’s usually in the first few minutes of a showing that a buyer decides that a house is going to be “the one”. Everyone reacts a little differently, but I have seen it happen so many times that I know it too. I have admitted a lot of things through the course of writing real estate blogs – I love architecture, I enjoy watching real estate-related shows on TV, I have an affinity for beautiful pictures, I went to school in the south (a real Jeffersonian influence on my early taste in architecture), and various other bits of information. One other thing I... Posted at 03:48 PM | Permalink |
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11/22/11Thanks and GivingDuring this time of year we celebrate the tradition the Pilgrims started so many years ago of Thanksgiving. A time when we start to think about what in our life we are thankful for and take time to be appreciative. Thanksgiving is the kickoff to the holiday season. During the holiday season most of us find ourselves filled with a giving kindheartedness we don’t always feel other times of the year. Why do we wait until the holidays to see our blessings, be appreciative and give openly? Wouldn’t our life would be happier more fulfilled if we lived it in a thankful and giving way all year? I must not be the only one that gets a lot from this time of year. Just a few weeks ago, I found research that talked about how being appreciative can actually change our brain chemistry.... Posted at 01:34 PM | Permalink |
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11/16/11Making Room for the HolidaysWhether you are staying home or traveling this holiday season, being organized is key to maximizing your enjoyment with family and friends. Planning your time wisely will reduce your stress and allow that hohoho spirit to shine through. People are finding the advantages of decorating early, and many have made it customary to put up the tree and decorate Thanksgiving weekend. Most of us know how time-consuming holiday decorating is and having it up to enjoy for a longer time period just makes good sense. Make the most of your investments by spreading the seasonal joy beyond the week of Christmas. If time is not on your side, Sacksteder’s Interiors provides Holiday In Home decorating service. We can fulfill your needs whether you want us... Posted at 11:00 AM | Permalink |
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11/14/11Negotiating Tips for Real Estate and LifeOver the years I have learned that in every business venture, and in many life situations we are negotiating. Most of us learn negotiations as children with our parents. Mom offers a special treat if we finish our spinach. Dad might get that special toy for me if I get good grades. As we get older we learn how to turn these negotiations in our favor and suddenly Mom and Dad are at our mercy! “Dad if you let me get that new smart phone you will be able to get a hold of me to make sure I am where I'm supposed to be, and besides, if I am in an emergency I can call Mom.” Our negotiation skills can determine success in our business life, our personal life, and in our financial life. Here are a few tips on negotiating from a REALTORS(r) perspective, but first a... Posted at 03:23 PM | Permalink |
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11/14/11French Wine Explorers Grand Cru Tour of Burgundy Day 1-Part 1French Wine Explorers Grand Cru Tour of Burgundy Day 1 - Part 1 Noon, Beaune FR (10.10.11) Anticipation: two hours to go until the launch of the Grand Cru Tour of Burgundy! Getting to Beaune is not an easy proposition if you live anywhere outside of western Europe. I am so glad I decided to arrive a day early, catch my breath, and awaken fresh for the gastronomique "workout" that lay ahead. French Wine Explorers arranged my booking of an extra pre-tour night at Le Cep, which is a highly recommended amenity. After sorting out three trains from CDG to Gare de Lyon, Dijon and finally to Beaune, it was lovely to have a walk about Beaune Centre Ville in the gentle October rain and set my internal compass. (A word of advice: book your TGV train... Posted at 09:52 AM | Permalink |
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11/14/11Targets Are Just TargetsI tend to get suspicious anytime I see the word guarantee. Target-date funds, according to investopedia.com, are mutual funds that automatically reset the asset mix (stocks, bonds, cash equivalents) in its portfolio according to a selected time frame that is appropriate for a particular investor. . . and is structured to address some date in the future, such as retirement. These funds have become increasingly popular in retirement plans and generally do not hold themselves out to be guaranteed in any way. Despite that, I recently saw a study that more than 50% of workers believe that investing in target-date funds guarantee they’ll meet their retirement needs by the date stated in the fund. If you’re in that majority, I have some bad news for... Posted at 09:17 AM | Permalink |
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11/08/11CCD Students Give Back on Community Service DayEvery year at Cincinnati Country Day School, the Upper School devotes one full school day to service. On Community Service Day, the student body is divided up by grade and sent out into Cincinnati for the morning, to locations of various kinds, where they work with local organizations for several hours. After returning to school for lunch, they continue their day of service within the school, engaging in projects with their Advisory groups. On October 18th this year, as students spread across the city, the locations served included Granny’s Garden in Loveland, Valley View in Milford, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, and Matthew 25 Ministries. Throughout the day, students cleaned white lion enclosures, readied garden beds for the winter, packaged soap to send to... Posted at 01:33 PM | Permalink |
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11/08/11Fall's "Rise" in Real Estate ActivityThe end of the week is usually a busy time for real estate. Other agents call our office to set appointments for the weekend when most people have free time and can go out and look at homes for sale. Here we are in November, with Thanksgiving in less than three weeks, and you would think that it was the peak of the market the way our receptionist is talking! I walked back in through the front door of our office on a beautiful fall day around 4:30, met with this look of amazement on her face, “We’ve set about 75 showings today!” she said. She scrolled through the list on the computer screen, showing me all the confirmed appointments. It turns out it wasn’t quite 75 showings, but it was well over 50. She tends to exaggerate a little, which is why I made her... Posted at 11:08 AM | Permalink |
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11/01/11Mold Problems?Recently I had a client write an offer on a home that seemed to have an active mold problem. We suspected a problem because of the odor and decided to have a mold inspection performed. Although we couldn't see the mold, the inspection confirmed our suspicion. There were multiple colonies of mold in areas that were not visible. Inspections are much more complicated in today's real estate market than the past, if you have any doubts, have the house tested, your health might be at stake. For more information regarding mold, please visit my website and get the free report "10 Mold Facts for todays Homeowner" Courtesy of Ron Adams, Bastion REALTORS www.bastionrealtors.com Posted at 08:31 AM | Permalink |
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11/01/11Are You Protected?Last week marked “Protect Your Identity” week across the nation. Did you miss it? I have to admit, I did too. That said, it’s still an important conversation to bring up from time to time. I’ve recently been reading some concerning stories about identity theft that involve victims that few of us even knew were vulnerable, your children. Yes, we’ve all heard about visiting www.annualcreditreport.com to check our credit reports for accuracy, www.creditkarma.com to check our scores and reviewing our credit card and bank statements for suspicious activity on a regular basis, but, the kids? They don’t have credit. Are they even vulnerable to these kinds of attacks? The unfortunate answer is, yes. ... Posted at 08:16 AM | Permalink |
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10/31/11Decorating With PillowsDecorating with pillows allows you to effortlessly and cost effectively boost the design and charm quotient of a room. Pillows can transform the feel of a room and depending on your mood you can simply switch them out for a whole new look with a splash of color or fabric design. Add a variety of textures by using pillows with different covers from leather, velvet, felt, linen, silk, or cashmere, just to name a few. The design or pattern of the pillow fabric can sway the room’s general design style from traditional to funky by easily swapping pillows that have a paisley pattern to pillows with a modern geometric design. Posted at 08:48 AM | Permalink |
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10/27/11Fashion and Art: A Love AffairThere are so many incredible places, people and things in this world that can inspire us. In the same way we all have different tastes in fashion; we also have different tastes in art. Sometimes we feel unsure of what our personal style really is. As I briefly mentioned in earlier posts, your wardrobe can say a lot about you. Look inside your closet and make note of the trends. What colors do you see most? What textures? What patterns? Your fashion sense can help you discover your art sense. Fashion inspires art & art inspires fashion! So if you love that sequin dress or feel absolutely gorgeous in that floral blouse, choose artwork that makes you feel just as fabulous. See more at ADC's Blog. Posted at 03:12 PM | Permalink |
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10/27/11Controlling the Holi-dazeIs it just me or does all of my free time vanish when November 1st rolls around? This is the time to start planning for the holidays. Thanksgiving dinner needs to be planned, Christmas shopping needs to start, Holiday cards need to be ordered and mailed, Christmas decorations need to put up, and our annual Christmas vacation needs to be organized. It’s crazy and chaotic. I love it but it’s all just a whirlwind of activity. It would be nice to be able to just enjoy the holiday season. So, I have a plan this year: let other people do some of the running around. First, for Thanksgiving dinner I’m having as much of it catered in as possible. After budgeting out what it costs to buy the food and the time it takes to make it, I can... Posted at 09:51 AM | Permalink |
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10/27/11South African SundayWade and Debbie Dent have a downtown dream. It's called Venue 222. With the purchase of one of Over-The-Rhine's gorgeous vintage 1868 five-story brick buildings at 222 E.14th St. and the launch of a very cool event space, they are halfway there. Now both kids are off to college, so they are ready to start thinking about renovations and living on the top two floors! Naturally, a wine tasting (or two) would be needed to help christen the space along with regularly booked corporate and social events. With its exposed brick walls, rotating art exhibit open to the public on Final Fridays, well appointed catering kitchen, and flexible furnishings, Venue 222 provides a fun and functional atmosphere. Janice Liebenberg was one of our guests at a recent Spanish wine tasting.... Posted at 09:30 AM | Permalink |
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10/25/11Enjoyment as a Stress RelieverPositive Psychology research shows that the number one thing that counteracts stress is happiness, joy and fun. The research suggests that as we have fun we build our resiliency to help move through our daily stresses more easily. I like to use the analogy of a grain silo to explain this concept. Think of it as every time you have a joyful, fun or happy moment you are putting grain in your personal silo. When stressful events happen in life we then take grain from the silo to “feed” ourselves and give ourselves energy to get through the hassles and burdens of everyday life. When your silo is depleted you don’t have an energy source to help you overcome the stress. It can become a vicious cycle if you are someone that “runs on empty” a lot.... Posted at 02:53 PM | Permalink |
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10/18/11Brad Hammoor: InvolvedFrom the time Brad Hammoor was in 6th grade, he was connected to community service. Dragged along to various functions by his deeply-involved sister, young Brad was soon entrenched in service with the Spofford Home in Kansas City. Once he was old enough, Brad took it upon himself to carry on the tradition of service. During 8th and 9th grade, Brad spent over 150 hours working at the Spofford Home, a residential school and treatment center for child victims of abuse, neglect, and mental health disorders. The children Brad worked with were the ones in such dire situations that they had to be legally removed from their homes. “Sometimes both parents had been arrested or just left them,” Brad added, “so they’re put in this home where they can learn and live in... Posted at 10:19 AM | Permalink |
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10/14/11Tracking Your RewardsAdmit it, you’re nearly drowning in points, miles and rewards programs. Your key chain identifies you as a loyal patron of at least half a dozen stores. You belong to points programs at no fewer than four hotel chains. Through the years, you’ve accumulated miles on five or six airlines and you have two or three credit cards that give you some combination of cash, points and miles. Worst of all, you have no idea how many points you have where or what you need to do to redeem them. You’re not alone. In fact, most of those companies you’re so loyal to count on you misplacing, losing track of or just plain forgetting that you have those points and miles and they profit nicely when you do. Well now, there’s help. ... Posted at 02:43 PM | Permalink |
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10/14/11ViewFall is my favorite time of the year. There is something about it that puts Me in a mode of Deep Reflection. I feel a sense of Transition during this time as no other time in the year. I enjoy hiking in the season because everything is so crisp and colorful. I have some favorite places to go to, specifically Sharon Woods in Cincinnati, Ohio. The fall colors shine out over the lake with just a little sun bringing out its brilliance that takes my breath away. As I look over the waters it is this huge pallet of color, design and strokes. It makes Me want to lay down and roll in the trees. It is interesting though. I have another favorite spot that takes Me almost above the trees. In this area I look down over the tops and it... Posted at 02:33 PM | Permalink |
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10/14/11Social Media and...FilmAs some of you know, I am a big advocate of social media as a way to reach potential home buyers and sellers. In fact, there are those of you out there who have seen my short (two minute) videos that I make whenever I want to say something interesting or unusual about one of the homes that I am trying to sell at the time. I think that these videos can be effective because they are an attempt to promote something without actually having to “sell” it. And my philosophy has been that the consumer no longer wants the hard sell, so my hope is that these videos have given people a way to be introduced to me and my business (my listings!) without hitting them over the head. So it’s a rather big announcement when I say that I have just thrown my hat in the ring as a... Posted at 02:27 PM | Permalink |
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10/14/11Have Family, Will Travel. But How Many Bags?Like many of my customers, I have a family. At ages 13, 12, and 12 (yes, twins), our children participate in most of our vacations, and we feel fortunate that we can help them see more of the country and globe than just their native Ohio. Deciding whether to travel is easy. Deciding how many bags to carry is not! Some of my customers, like myself, grapple with the dilemma of how many bags to carry when traveling with a family. I've been asked: is it better to have each child be responsible for his or her own luggage, or pack all the children's things in one large bag that's managed by a parent? Well, there's no fool-proof answer. Variables such as the ages and number of children, the length of the trip, the distance to and location of the destination, the mode... Posted at 09:46 AM | Permalink |
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10/14/11Holidays Design Ideas are Sparkling at Sackteder’s InteriorsI love this time of the year at my home and our beautiful stores. I started my shopping for the holidays at the beginning of this year, January 2011. I enjoy bringing new Holiday trends to complement the simplicity of the season that we are all looking forward to. I have always decked our home out for the holidays. I enjoy sharing my sparkling holiday home with my family and friends. It is all about the Bling, Girlfriends! It might seem to you that I am speaking a little early about the holidays, But the weather is changing. We are thinking about finishing up any designing projects that we have been thinking about. The race is on! We have many clients that enjoy the natural beauty of the season. The only problem with using all natural items is the length of... Posted at 09:09 AM | Permalink |
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10/14/11ChangesWell ladies, it's that time of year again...the leaves are changing, it's getting colder out, and most of you may be noticing a change in your skin. Cincinnati weather is notorious for drying out even the most glowing of faces. Not only can this be uncomfortable, but it also highlights more wrinkles and imperfections (egads!). Time to shake up your skincare routine! First and foremost, make sure you are exfoliating on a daily basis. This will allow any product you use to get more fully absorbed, and you'll truly get more bang for your buck out of your skincare routine. I, along with many a dermatologist, recommend the Clarisonic, an electronic brush that will do all of the heavy lifting for you. When choosing one for their huge selection, go for the Mia...it's a... Posted at 08:52 AM | Permalink |
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10/13/11Go, Go, Power RangersIf you are over the age of 20, you probably remember the amazing Power Rangers, a team of young people trained by a mentor to morph into Rangers. These Rangers had special powers to defeat and overcome evil that would threaten humanity. Here is how it worked: They each possess their own unique individual abilities and weapons. Each team of Rangers obeys a general set of rules outlined by their mentors. Power Rangers may not use their Ranger powers for personal gain or for escalating a fight. They also may not make their identities known to the general public. The penalty for disobeying these rules would be the loss of their power. Their attire was a color-coded battle suit. Red, blue, and yellow appeared in every team. A fourth team member, dressed in either pink, green, black, or... Posted at 09:03 AM | Permalink |
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10/12/11The Prism of WineLogroño is the official capital of Rioja. It is about 30 minutes by car driving southeast from Haro into a different sub-region of La Rioja (Rioja Alta). It is worth choosing September for a visit to Logroño to experience the annual harvest festival honoring San Mateo. It is a sort of "thanksgiving" festival to celebrate the start of harvest. The festival lasts for a week, culminating in a raucous evening of celebration. Thousands of people pack the streets to eat tapas, drink wine, watch an incomparable parade, and swoon over the fireworks display. It's truly a once in a lifetime experience. But before the harvest festival closes out this story of Spain, let's focus on wineries! Fans of Frank Ghery will recognize Marqués de Riscal as... Posted at 09:21 AM | Permalink |
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10/06/11A Tale of Two RiojasHow can one small place offer such dramatically different experiences of terroir and territory? Two wineries, two towns. La Rioja is incredible in this regard. As part of a guided tour, which I highly recommend, you can visit wineries providing the most extreme imaginable differences in operations and wine styles. Parts I & II of this four-part Spain story featured wines that are "modern" style. Now we will visit a pair of wineries that define Riojan benchmarks for modern (new oak barriques) vs. traditional (large casks used many times) styles of Reserva and Gran Reserva Tempranillo wines with great aging potential. Bodegas Fernando Remírez de Ganuza, nestled in Samaniego in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa sub-zone, is a mere 20 years old.... Posted at 01:32 PM | Permalink |
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10/05/11The Art of EntertainingOn September 15, ADC unveiled Michele Nieter, of Arbor Living Interior’s, Design Star Cincinnati showroom. And, wow, what a success! The crowd was beyond impressed. Throughout the evening I continued to hear people say they want to lift Michele’s room right out of the gallery, and plop it down into their own home! (…and, yes, I confess I was one of these people!) Even the smallest details of this room, dedicated to “The Art of Entertaining,” were well thought out including the colors, textures, and even the technology! TEAL WITH ZEAL Michele’s use of color in this room is well balanced and gives the room a sophisticated energy. By using such bright teal with a more subdued and neutral grey, the color accents pop! The pillows, vases,... Posted at 02:43 PM | Permalink |
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10/04/11Tale As Old As TimeIf you are looking for a night of family friendly entertainment, take your kids to see the musical-stage performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast playing at the Aronoff Center through Sunday, October 9. I attended Cincinnati’s opening night performance. It’s a “tale as old as time,” and younger audiences will be delighted to see Belle, Gaston, Lumier, Cogsworth, Mrs. Potts, and all their other favorites come to life right in front of their eyes. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to... Posted at 10:39 AM | Permalink |
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10/03/11Slow & SteadyThe market responded largely positively to the news this week that the economy is growing, albeit at an extremely slow rate. That said, the response by many in the media was to berate the growth rate as simply not enough. Many a comparison is made to how our current economy and stock market compares to the highs seen in 2006 and 2007 to defend these rants. I won’t begin to get into the political debate that surrounds all of this, but will touch on this need for constant growth and to get back to where we were. We, as a society, went through an absolute credit and spending binge in the middle part of the last decade. A binge that we will pay for for years to come. We should not hope for the days of getting back to that economic data. It is... Posted at 02:53 PM | Permalink |
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09/30/11110 HoursOver the past two summers, CCDS Senior Caitlin Hilberg has been working to unite Madeira residents with locally grown, organic food. She’s served at the Madeira Farmers Market for over 170 hours over the past two summers, aiding both the local economy and delivering healthy food. On Thursday of every week from May to October, local farmers gather in Madeira off of Miami Road, near McDonald Commons. For several hours each week, their stands are set up, traffic is blocked off, and pedestrians are encouraged to come and purchase their groceries for the week. However, last summer, the Farmer’s Market was extremely short staffed. “My mom’s best friend is on the board of the Farmer’s Market,” Caitlin explained. “Last summer they... Posted at 12:45 PM | Permalink |
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09/30/11Making A DifferenceYou don't have to be Willy Wonka to make a sweet Impact on Other's Lives. People often underestimate the Power of taking the time to Listen to another individual. I remind myself often as I go through my day that I can Make a Positive Impact on the Live's of Other's by simply not pasing them by. When We stop to take a moment to show interest in Other's or to lend an ear "We are Initiating Change". We do that by Connecting to them. The Key to really Connecting is not just Listening, but, Really Listening. Listening with Purpose. That Purpose is revealed to Us in Numerous ways. The Ability to Connect with Other's Begins with Understanding the Value of who they are. The Value of People. When We... Posted at 08:58 AM | Permalink |
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09/30/11A Pound of FleshOkay, so you gain one pound every six months. Not too bad. Manageable, right? However if you continue in that pattern, unpleasant things begin to happen. For example, you notice the dryer is shrinking your favorite shirts; you realize the size on the tag in the back of your jeans was a mistake by the manufacturer; your mother tells you that solid, darker colors work better with your personality; you laugh hysterically when someone suggests you try on your wedding dress. Weird stuff, right? Here’s the deal. If you continue on this path of gaining a pound or two every six months, you will have added: In five years of marriage - 10 pounds In 10 years of marriage - 20 pounds In 20 years of marriage - 40 pounds In 30 years of... Posted at 08:21 AM | Permalink |
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09/29/11It's a LookToday, my youngest daughter decided she was going to wear all of her hair bows in her hair to school. We’re talking 10-12 barrettes and bows in this child’s hair. All down the sides and all different colors. Ducks, butterflies, sparkly, big, small, striped, checkered. Each side of her head was covered in a plethora of hair accessories. At first I tried to talk her out of it but then I realized the only reason I was trying to talk her out of her accessory binge was because I didn’t want to be embarrassed. I was worried about what the other parents would think, not so much what the other children would say to my daughter. Thankfully, it was a fleeting thought. I shut my mouth other than to tell my daughter to go... Posted at 03:31 PM | Permalink |
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09/29/11Loving KindnessWe are loving and kind to our children, and to our coworkers, friends and family but too often don’t extend that same courtesy to us. We work hard to watch how we talk to others and most of us virtually ignore how we speak to ourselves. Whether you are aware of it or not, we spend a lot of time talking to our self. Not necessarily out loud, but we are constantly having internal dialogue with our self almost every moment of every waking hour. We don’t even realize that we are carrying on this internal conversation a great deal of the time. It turns out that most of us are frequently bombarding our self with negative messages and a good majority of these messages are about us. I challenge you to pay attention to what you are saying to yourself.... Posted at 02:17 PM | Permalink |
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09/29/11Hot Savings in Queen CityChez Renee www.autrepeau.com Huge Tent Sale!1 Day Only !!!Saturday 6/25 10-4 pmUp to 80% off 8181 Camargo Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45243 Posted at 07:52 AM | Permalink |
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09/27/11Ready or Not?I had the conversation the other day with a home buyer who, unable to find the right home so far, asked me if I thought the inventory would remain the same now that we are heading into fall. "Aren't most people settled in now with school and everything else and the only people that are selling will be people transferring out of town?" he asked me. So if buyers are thinking this, maybe homeowners who are ready to move are also considering waiting until spring to put their home on the market. I had to remind my client that we had put his home on the market last fall and that we had a contract written sometime between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I actually remember negotiating some inspection items just after Christmas! So here’s your answer, or at least... Posted at 01:47 PM | Permalink |
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09/26/11Everything You Wanted to Ask a Plastic Surgeon, Part 2If you read my interview with Dr. Donath a few weeks back, this is part 2. You may wonder why a makeup artist interviews a plastic surgeon, or a facialist. My clients expect me to be an expert on all things beauty and want to know where to turn when concealer just isn't enough anymore. I firmly believe in aging gracefully, but that doesn't mean I am anti-procedure. These hands have touched many an over-surgerized face, and I feel very strongly that Dr Donath's work is tasteful, subtle, and not overdone. See for yourself! (We plan to do an open house with his office in November; details to follow) Posted at 02:47 PM | Permalink |
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09/26/11Crete Anyone?The Mediterranean diet is based on the eating habits of individuals living in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. So what do they eat? For starters, a large amount of fruits, vegetables, legumes, bread (awesome), pasta (yummy), rice (good), and other whole grains. Their diet also includes nuts, extra virgin olive oil, and a greater consumption of fish (we don’t mean batter-dipped shrimp from Long John Silver’s - no offense, LJS). Poultry and lean red meat also is part of the diet but to a lesser extent. Cheese and yogurt are included in the diet, as well, as are moderate amounts of wine. Now, this plan does not sound all that bad. Agree? Of course there is a pyramid shape to use as a guideline, which puts physical activity at the very bottom, meaning the... Posted at 02:26 PM | Permalink |
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09/23/11Wine and TapasGrapes are typically happy in Spain in September. Days are quite warm, but not hot. Evenings are cool - only about 10 degrees diurnal temp variation. There is a light morning fog, creating an easy but important challenge for the sun to burn off and further concentrate the natural sugars in the grapes for an excellent vintage. There is much celebration before the official harvest period begins and a quiet hush descends over the vineyards as the hard work of hand-picking and crop selection begins. The perfect introduction to Rioja begins at Dinastia Vivanco Museo de la Cultura del Vino. Unlike most of the rest of Rioja, this elegant museum and high-design winery complex is over the top in production quality, almost like a movie set. But the museum tour is well worth it, providing a... Posted at 02:38 PM | Permalink |
Mind & Body
Fitness
Aim low. Obviously, we don’t hear those words very often. Most of the advice we receive and the messages that surround us are all about aiming high, going for the gold, and making our dreams come true, all admirable things. And in most areas of our lives we should aim high....
Posted 05/09/11 @ 06:41 AM
It's a Good Life
The Heart of Christmas
The room was essential with a small bed, table and one chair. The window panes cracked with cold air blowing through with whispers of silence of a little girl wrapped in a tattered Cincinnati Bengals blanket that was actually missing the letters ALS. But you just knew what it...
Posted 12/20/12 @ 11:40 AM
Home & Garden
Halloween Decor and More
With October just around the corner- it won't be long before we hear the shrieks and shrills of little ghosts and goblins out on their quest for treats and goodies. Fashionable home decor should be at the heart of the festivities and can create a boo-tiful...
Posted 10/15/12 @ 12:40 PM
Real Estate
Don't Move, Improve
Fabulous work and excellent customer service is what you’ll find when working with both Phantom Theater & Sound and Clayton Douglas Homes. Just ask Danny and Donelle, who have recommended both companies to numerous friends and family members. Homeowners Donelle and Danny built...
Posted 10/03/12 @ 10:05 AM
Food & Wine
Making Lasting Memories at VIEW Cucina
I was reminded on a recent Saturday evening what it was like to have a truly wonderful dining experience. To celebrate my birthday, my boyfriend, Jason, asked where I would like him to take me. Without hesitation, I chose VIEW Cucina. As a person who loves cooking, thoroughly enjoys...
Posted 10/03/12 @ 08:45 AM
Women's View
One Community, One Cause
The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 220,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. That is 220,000 mothers, grandmothers, aunts, neighbors, daughters, and friends who will bravely fight against the disease. It is estimated that 39,510 of these brave...
Posted 09/27/12 @ 01:45 PM
Vacation
VIP Way to Travel
Whether traveling for business or luxury, a trip can turn from excitement to anxiety to misery in moments. Upon arrival, while checking in, your wallet is instantly drained by unanticipated baggage fees. Irritated and disgruntled, you find yourself waiting through seemingly endless security...
Posted 09/27/12 @ 01:45 PM
Investing
Sound Advice from a Source You Can Trust
In a time of economic and political uncertainty, it can be highly stressful and perplexing to make financial decisions. This is why we need people like John Dovich, President of John D. Dovich & Associates, LLC, to lend his knowledge and experience and guide us through the proverbial...
Posted 09/27/12 @ 01:45 PM
Youth and Services
Rising Leaders of Charactor
Robby Wellington helps to revitalize, improve, and brighten the lives of women LIVING with breast cancer. Sara Kate and Emily Wiser are responsible for dozens of smiles of joy on the faces of residents at the St. Margaret Hall nursing home. Michael Van Dorselaer mobilized and...
Posted 09/27/12 @ 01:40 PM
Mind & Body
Your Dream Spa Come to Life
Imagine a luxurious and tranquil atmosphere where all of your beauty, aesthetic, and relaxation needs are cared for by highly experienced, well-trained, and trustworthy individuals with your best interest in mind. Behind the doors of SIA Spa, you’ll find all of this and so much...
Posted 09/27/12 @ 01:35 PM
