"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." Chinese proverb
Give Back, Get Involved
"Tell me and I'll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I'll understand." ---Chinese proverb
This is thought of as 'the season of giving'. Well, when money is tight about the only thing we can afford to give is a good pat on the back. Sooooooo......Let's rethink what this holiday season should really be about this year, and every year. Don't just give, give back. Get involved!
Whether it's sitting down with your kids to send Christmas cards to the troops, volunteering at the animal shelter, or simply bringing a home cooked dinner over to your neighbor who just lost her job, when you take the time to extend a helping hand, you may start to understand. And, you'll make a difference in someone's world--- one card, one dog walk, or one meatloaf at a time.
This month's SSW highlights a local businesswoman who is getting involved in her community while changing her life, as well. Lynda Ferguson, a part owner of the newly renovated Inn at Scituate Harbor wants to "be a part of the neighborhood," she said. The three families who purchased the Inn this past summer are not just redecorating the digs, but they are also reaching out to other local businesses to create synergies that generate a new level of energy around town.
Also in this holiday issue we give you some new party ideas, like the 'Design with Wine' soiree by Daryce Morris, which turns redecorating into a fun get together.
Also in this combined November/December issue, we offer up a great new AppeTeaser from chef Perrin, and a little cardigan advice from our fabulous fashionista, Kathleen Sullivan. And, local entrepreneurs Rebecca Pimentel and Danae Fuller introduce us to their new product-- the Babushka!
We'll be updating our We Love! section over the next few weeks with great ideas for the holidays, (so check back in now and again!). And, if you need a relaxing reading, Wink webzine has some new stuff from contributors Erin and Diane. We also have some new blogs! Check out The Next JennaRation for some twenty-something insight. This time its a crushed crush.
BTW, check out last December's issue for a great story on Womanade, and more. And, when you're done....go get involved!
P.S.: If you have a story you'd like to share with South Shore Woman, let us know. We love to chick chat.
You can find our contact info in the "About Us" section.
Cheers!
Tracy and Steph
Join our South Shore Woman Facebook Group.
And follow us on Twitter at our handle SoShoWo
AppeTeasers,
Autumn Bisque
I have made some wonderful bisque using the season's local harvest...
Butternut squash, turnips, apples, cranberries, etc.
After some arduous peeling, chopping, cooking, pureeing and cooking again...
You have a delicious bisque.
Let's cut some corners, cheat a little and see if we can fool our guests.
(Of course never in the restaurant)
Ingredients:
1 can pumpkin pie mix
1 can applesauce
1 can whole cranberry sauce
1 qt light cream
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Brown sugar
Cranberry or apple juice (cider)
Liqueur optional (Frangelico, Amaretto or Chambord)
Salt and pepper
Directions:
Mix pumpkin, applesauce and cranberry sauce in pan with spoon or wisk.
Add light cream and mix some more over low heat.
Add a little salt and pepper to taste.
Add cinnamon, nutmeg and brown sugar to taste.
(be careful with the nutmeg it can overpower)
Add liqueur of choice until you can taste it.
(optional)
After the bisque is nice and warm and you think it is a little thick,
thin it out with the fruit juice of choice.
Voila!
A great first course to Thanksgiving or any autumn dinner.
Read the SSW write-up on The Fieldston which appeared in the December 2008 issue!
About Us,
Let SSW Promote Your Business!
SouthShoreWoman.com writes about the local people who follow their passion and build new economic opportunities in our communities. But, whether you have started a popular jewelry line, have an established retail store or restaurant, or offer a unique service, you will always need to reach new customers.
SSW, an online magazine, serves as the perfect venue for businesses that want to go a bit beyond their town borders. Let us help you get your message to the masses by being your vehicle into the larger world of social media.
Our affordable promotional packages give you an advertisement on SSW, plus a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. In addition to getting directly in front of our audience (there are over a thousand South Shore readers-- that we know of), your business will also be exposed to many of the 750 million Facebook users, 100 million Twitter users, and over 100 million LinkedIn members.
Let's put it this way: Print advertising is dead. Social media is the surest way to gain new customers in this Internet age. Yes, we know, you are running a business! You don't have time to tweet and post all day....
We want you to continue to grow and become social media savvy. Let us help!
We offer three packages that appeal to your needs and budget:
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Reporting
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**Don't have a website? We can build one for you. Contact us for more information.
*And, if you don't have an advertisement ready to go, we'd be happy to create one for you! (Monthly prices do not include $100 fee for ads created by SSW.)
For more information contact:
Tracy Coyne at dtcoyne@comcast.net (781) 413-6508
or,
Stephanie Neil at stephanieneil@comcast.net (781) 378-1652
Local Spotlight,
A Little Wine, A Lot of Design, And a Really Good Time
When Jen Foley put her Holbrook house up for sale, she asked her friend Daryce Morris to stage it to show to potential buyers, and, as a result, the house sold quickly, Jen said.
Two years later, in her new Braintree home, Jen, a working mom with two kids, had only been able to get through that first layer of interior design---some paint, pictures, and furniture remaining where it first fell. She just wanted to take her living room up a notch with all of the little accents that turn a regular room into a soothing sanctuary. So, once again, she called her friend.
Daryce is an interior decorator whose creative ability extends way beyond wall accessories and window treatments. As part of her Hanover-based business, Interiors by Daryce, she has added the 'Design with Wine' soiree, a decorating party where guests can see the before and after transformation of a room which Daryce does on-the-spot.
The soiree serves a dual purpose. "The decorating party is an excuse for people to get together, and it is also a way for them to see what I'm capable of," Daryce told South Shore Woman.
What's more, Daryce performs her magic free of charge for the party host, only asking to be reimbursed for items procured for the room, with a 20% markup on the retail value of the product.
Jen, ready to give her living room that extra lift, decided to have her own decorating party, but with a different spin. Given the season, she asked Daryce to update the room for the holidays. And, given the economy, she invited her friends over for a 'What's Old is New Again' exchange, asking them to bring items they already own, but no longer use or want, for an evening of swapping.
About 25 ladies showed up to Jen's party and got a glimpse of the living room 'before'.
Then they moved into the dining room for appetizers and 'shopping' of gently used Coach, Kate Spade and Vera Bradley bags, framed prints, lamps, clocks, even a glass bathroom shelf.
"It was a wonderful night. We had a lot of laughs, and the secret bargain hunter came out in all of us," Jen said, noting that leftovers from the swap were donated to The Bureau Drawer in Quincy, which provides services to families on the South Shore.
And, at the end of the night, the women were wowed by what Daryce had done.
"More than one person commented they couldn't believe it was the same room," Jen said. "No one could quite remember where the piano had been pre-decorating. There was greenery everywhere, wrapped Christmas presents, and even gold mixed with silver, and it worked. The room was cozier than I ever expected it could be!"
In addition, Daryce was able to showcase her talent, and prove that giving a room a much-needed facelift can be done quickly and on a tight budget.
To book your own Design with Wine soiree--- or a party theme of your choice--contact Daryce at:
Daryce Morris (left) and Jen Foley
Local Spotlight,
Heads Up!
Ditch the hat this winter and opt for a Babushka instead! This unique new headpiece (kind of a cross between a headband and a hat) is fun, flattering, and fully functional.
What's more, the Babushka, a chic accessory designed to accent any outfit, is made by a local company which was founded by two South Shore women.
Rebecca Pimentel and Danae Fuller are the dynamic duo behind BabushkaStyle. Rebecca, a Scituate resident, is a businesswoman with a knack for launching new products. A true entrepreneur, Rebecca is constantly coming up with new ideas and bringing them to market. Danae, a Kansas native who now calls Marshfield her home, is a photographer and busy mom. They teamed up to bring BabushkaStyle to life, which in reality all started with Rebecca's mother.
"My mom starting knitting them for me years ago," Rebecca told South Shore Woman. "When I opened my boutique I began selling them." But her mother--the one and only knitter at the time-- couldn't keep up with demand. That's when Rebecca decided to outsource. "Now we have five local knitters, and they are all made on the South Shore," she said.
The Babushkas are made with 100% Merino wool and come in 10 fabulous colors (like Red Haute Hippie, Geek Chic Green, Purple Preppie, and Brown Bohemian). Each has the company's signature leopard print button in the back, which actually never needs to be 'unbuttoned'. A simple quick stretch and the Babushka easily slides over your head and pulls back to keep your ears warm. Or, wear it in the fall or spring (ears exposed) for a splash of extra style!
BabushkaStyle also offers two specialty lines: BabushkaSport made from Polartec fabric; and BabushkaBaby designed for children ages 2 and over. The product line may soon be extending as Rebecca and Danae are considering making a Babushka for the beach! (Stay tuned!)
While not currently sold in any South Shore stores, you can buy them online ($40) from the BabushkaStyle website.
The best thing about the Babushka: No more hat-head. Love that!!!!
Local Spotlight,
The Inn Crowd
This past summer Lynda Ferguson counted a carpenter, a plumber, and an electrician as three of her best friends. She knew their kids' names, their hobbies, their favorite color--all the important conversations that pop up when you are working side-by-side non-stop for a common purpose. The mission: A record-setting renovation of The Inn at Scituate Harbor.
On July 17th, after a year of sitting dormant and collecting dust, 'The Inn' was back in business thanks to the Leaver, the Cooney and the Ferguson families. And with the simple passing of papers, these Scituate residents suddenly became local heroes saving what many in this town consider a treasured monument.
"It was all hands on deck and everyone in the group brought something to the table," Lynda said, remembering the frenzy that followed as the team worked to refurbish the bathrooms, paint and redecorate rooms, and purge the pool. By August 7th, just in time for Heritage Days, 24 of the 29 rooms were ready and the place was sold-out.
It was a great moment of pride for the families and for the townspeople who had hoped that someday someone would inject life back into this symbolic structure that sits in the center of the harbor.
Built in 1970 and originally called The Clipper Ship, the building on 7 Beaver Dam Road was a coveted destination for weary travelers as well as the residents who bought memberships to use the indoor pool. In 1999 the Clipper Ship was sold and renamed, but remained an economic engine for local merchants that depended upon the cash infusion generated from out-of-towners visiting the seaside community.
In 2005, however, after another change in ownership, The Inn's future was in flux. After a failed attempt to turn the building into condos, the owner at the time, Coronella Properties, was foreclosed upon by their lender. The building went up for auction, and a year later Bruce Leaver, Dave Ferguson, and Michael Cooney formed Cold Brook Partners and purchased the property.
The rest is history.
Now, The Inn at Scituate Harbor is alive once again. "It's like it's been resurrected and people are really happy" said Lynda. The happiness likely stems from the commitment of Cold Brook Partners to create a bustling business.
For example, Lynda, who is managing The Inn, is working with local merchants to put together 'staycation' deals, like a 'Girls Spa' package that combines hotel and a day of pampering. Or, a 'Guys Golf' weekend that may include a tee time at a local course.
And, this coming spring, The Inn will open a new pub that will carry a 'casual elegance' vibe, Lynda said.
In the meantime, the team--including the carpenter, the plumber, and the electrician--continue to update the amenities, creating a whole new look, feel, and energy around The Inn. It's worth a visit!
To book your room with a view overlooking Scituate Harbor, call for reservations at: 781-545-5550 or 877-477-5550
or online at: www.innatscituate.com
About Us,
SSW in the Air-CLICK HERE TO HEAR
Tracy Coyne and Stephanie Neil, co-founders of SouthShoreWoman.com, were recently guests on Teri Sica's talk show "Discovering Authenticity". The two talk about friendship, starting a business, and what SSW can do for you. Take a listen!
Here's the link: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow29.mp3
More WATD/SSW interviews:
11/20/2010: Jay Cole, owner of Riva restaurant recently sat down with Teri to talk about starting a business and being SSW's Male Muse. Tune in here: http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow34.mp3
And, to read Jay's Male Muse columns, click here! http://southshorewoman.com/author/jay-cole
12/4/2010: Stephanie Neil talks with Teri about turning challenges into opportunities and the life lessons along the way. http://www.959watd.com/discoveringauthenticity/DiscoveringAuthenticityShow36.mp3
Members,
B2B
SSW Business Members
(Click on the company name to read their stories here on SSW, then visit their websites to learn more about these local companies.)
FOOD (Restaurant, Catering, and Personal Chef Services)
Beach Fire Restaurant, Hull
http://www.beachfirehull.com/
Riva Restaurant, Scituate
www.rivarestaurant.net
Jay Cole, Owner
The Fieldston Restaurant, Marshfield
http://www.thefieldston.com/
Jan Perrin, Owner
JennaCAKES
Jenna.perette@yahoo.com
Jenna Perette, Owner
Scarlet Oak Tavern, Hingham
www.scarletoaktavern.com
Jed and Josh Webber, Owners
Aoyama, Marshfield
781-837-6990
The Chef’s Table
http://www.thechefstableonline.com/index.html
Mark and Julie Ellis, Owners
Fruit Center Marketplace
http://www.fruitcentermarketplace.com/
Oro Restaurant, Scituate
www.ororestaurant.com
Jill and Robin King, Owners
Orta Restaurant, Pembroke
www.ortarestaurant.com
Jimmy Burke and Joanie Wilson, Owners
Beach Plum Baking Company
http://www.beachplumbaking.com
Jennifer Love, Owner
Barker Tavern, Scituate
www.barkertavern.com
Savor: A Personal Chef Service
www.savorathome.com
Meghan Haney, Personal Chef & Owner
Darlene Calcagno, Personal Chef & Owner
781-878-9700
Joanie Wilson, Owner
SPECIALTY SHOPS
Harborlight Toy Company
146 Front Street (Welch Company Bldg), Scituate
781-544-5487, website coming soon!
Jerry & Kelly Burke, Owners
Almar Building and Remodeling
Allison Quinn Guido, General Manager
781-826-2577
Hingham Sewing School
Alexis Kletjian
617-549-6755
APPAREL/ACCESSORIES
Sealore Designs
http://www.etsy.com/shop/sealoredesigns?page=1
Michelle Murphy, Owner
Roaring Stones
http://www.roaringstones.com/
Casey Kerr, Owner
SpitDudes
http://spitpermit.com/
Andy White, Owner
Crystals n Pearls
http://www.crystalsnpearls.com/
Carolyn Cattaneo, Owner
Boot Chic
www.bootchic.com
Kim O’Connor, Owner
Babushka Style
http://www.babushkastyle.com/
Rebecca Pimentel, Owner
Ring by Ring Designs
Bev Carlson, Jewelry Designer
FASHION/STYLE
Ready Set Style
Eva Gaiardelli, Owner/Fashion Stylist
eva@readysetstyle.com; 617-433-8295
Tracey Leahy, Owner
Charlotte & Company, Hairstylists & Makup Artists
Charlotte Phinney, Owner
Mary Kay
Shakira Perry, Independent Beauty Consultant
617-653-6796
FUN
East Coast Hui
http://www.eastcoasthui.com/Home.html
Bobby Fenton
HEALTH/FITNESS/SPA
Stacey Shipman, Feel Good Living
http://staceyshipman.com/
Stacey Shipman, Owner
A Healthy Balance
http://www.ahealthybalancenutrition.com/home.html
Nikki Tierney, Owner
Mariposa Body Massage and Therapy
http://www.mariposabody.com/
Cindy Doody, Owner
Healthy Options
http://www.healthyoptionscoaching.com/
Sheela Calhoun, Owner
Perpetual Motion
Jennifer McGilvray, owner
Dolce Med Spa & Boutique
www.DolceMed.com
Tracey Lively, President/Owner
781-792-0919
Spa-tique Day Spa
781-837-1850
South Shore Healing Center
Martha Tassinari, PT/CST
781-934-0100



ART/DESIGN
Cut River Gallery
www.cutrivergallery.com
Chris Lewis, Owner
Hawkmoon Studio
www.hawkmoonstudio.com
Michael Coyne, Owner
Everything Emily
www.everythingemily.com
Emily Loverin, Owner
Interiors by Daryce
http://www.interiorsbydaryce.com/home.html
Daryce Morris, Owner
SERVICES/Personal & Business
JKC Design
www.jkcdesign.com
Jada Coyne, Owner
Errands Etcetera
http://www.errandsetcetera.biz/
Stacy Mafera, Owner
South Shore Skin Center
www.southshoreskincenter.com
Fastteks
We travel to home or business for all computer services.
www.fastteks.com
Concierge Service
Gennie Litchfield Murphy & Chrissy Sladen McCormack, Owners
www.adminsanderrands.com
Columns,
Financial Freedom
We've pretty much seen it all this past year- a bear market, a long rally and even a period of neither-up-nor-down. But even though we've only got a few weeks left of 2009, you still have time to make some moves that can pay off for you in 2010 - and beyond.
Here are a few suggestions to consider:
- "Max out" on your IRA - and make regular contributions next year. For the 2009 tax year, you can contribute up to $5,000 to a traditional or Roth IRA, or $6,000 if you're 50 or older. And you have until April 15, 2010, to fully fund your 2009 IRA. Of course, it's not always easy to come up with lump sums of money, but do whatever you can to make up for any shortfalls in your IRA for 2009. And in 2010, consider setting up automatic monthly contributions to your IRA - it's a much more efficient way to maximize a great retirement-savings vehicle.
- Increase your 401(k) contributions. If your employer permits it, try to add more money to your 401(k) or other retirement plan before the year ends. By increasing your 401(k) contributions, you can lower your adjusted taxable income while you potentially build more resources for retirement.
- Convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. Depending on your individual situation, a Roth IRA, which offers the potential for tax free growth, provided you meet certain conditions, may be a better choice for you than a traditional IRA, which offers the potential for growth on a tax deferred basis. Consequently, if you meet eligibility limits, you may want to convert your traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. However, this conversion is likely going to be a "taxable event," so you'll need to have money available outside your IRA for the tax bill. You'll want to discuss this move with your tax advisor.
- Sell your "losers." If it's appropriate for your portfolio balance and long-term goals, you may want to sell some investments that have lost value to take the tax losses. If these losses exceeded your capital gains from selling appreciated stocks, you can deduct up to $3,000 (or $1,500 for married couples filing separately) against your other income, reducing the amount on which you must pay taxes. And if you lost more than $3,000, you can carry over the excess into subsequent years. Consult with a tax advisor before selling investments to claim a tax loss.
- Consolidate your investment accounts. Instead of having an IRA with one firm, some other investments with another and a cash-value insurance policy with a third, you might want to consolidate all your assets with one provider. That way, you'll be better able to align all your assets with a central, unified investment strategy.
- Review your insurance coverage. Over the course of a year, you could experience significant changes in your life: marriage or divorce, the birth of a new child or the departure of an older child from your home, the start of a new job or retirement from an old one, and so on. That's why you'll want to make sure you have the right amount and type of insurance to protect your family and your financial future.
By making these moves, you can close out 2009 on a positive note - while positioning yourself for progress on your long-term goals.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by Loraine Fields, your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its associates and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice.
For more information, contact Loraine:
Loraine Fields
Financial Advisor
Edward Jones
1442 Broadway
Hanover, MA 02339
(781) 826-4043
Columns,
Advent Calendar Craft!
Thanksgiving has passed and as grateful as I was I am diving head first into the Christmas spirit! A favorite of mine is the advent calendar. I find myself reinventing it every year and this December is no different. Boy do I have a great twist this time……
Buckets of goodies
You’ll need:
25 containers, I used small metal buckets in varying colors
5-8 yards of ribbon
Scraps of fabric, felt or tissue paper
Number stickers, small tags or coordinating craft paint
Small toys or candies to fill your containers
Small nails or screws; or removable wall hooks
To get started you need to scout out a space in your home with at least ten feet of running room. I chose over a set of windows, but a mantel or even a blank wall would work great. I tacked small brads (tiny, skinny nails) into the top of the header of my window trim, one on each end and another in the middle. –You can’t see them, so leave them up for your next project! Next string your ribbon across the span tying it tightly around the nails and leaving a little slack for aesthetic purpose. Here’s the creative, and in my opinion, fun part! Number each bucket 1 through 25. You can adhere number stickers to each container, attach decorated tags, or even paint them for a more permanent project. Now tie your remaining ribbon in varying lengths to each bucket. –Anywhere from six to 18 inches long. Hang each bucket to your pre-hung swag of ribbon by simply tying a knot or a bow along the line. A small scrap of fabric or tissue paper in each container serves as the perfect little nest for whatever holiday goodies you decide to fill them with. Each day of December your little elves will love to discover what treat is waiting for them in their very own banner of Advent!
Columns,
The Girls of November
Mid November and the sniffles and sagging eyes have had all of us sighing and coughing up huge flem balls of wishing it was spring rather than Thanksgiving. It's the time of year for sweaters and baggy blue jeans and for both the ladies and the gents to feel okay about the 10 or 20 extra pounds they are carrying around because this is the time of year where heavy clothes hide those shameful bundles around the thighs and waists and necks and ankles. And the ladies will order the 16 ounce lamb shanks drenched in rich red wine sauces and the guys will drink far too much beer and, for some reason, people will want to drink pumpkin martini's and milky dessert drinks on the rocks.
I like to see that the ladies are going out together in packs a lot more often these days. I like to think that the ladies are putting their collective feet down and saying to their boyfriends or husbands, "Tonight is girls night out Mr. So-n-So, so you can take the kids tonight Mr. So-n-So, or, you can go out with the boys tonight Mr. So-n-So, because I don't really care what your doing tonight Mr. because tonight I'm going out with the girls and there's nothing, absolutely nothing, you can do about it!" Oh, I just love to see the ladies doing what they want, when they want, with whom they want. And when these ladies do their thing together, these packs of ladies just seem to walk with their collective heads held higher... as if they were once again back in high school walking the corridors together after lunch, so cool... as if these ladies were once again school girls on Friday nights hitting the local Pack Dance at Sacred Heart and nothing, absolutely nothing, could be cooler!
It's as if these ladies are once again flirting with the old feelings of sneaking a nip of schnapps behind the local Mini-Mart or kicking back with a couple Parliament Lights on the 50 yard line of the football field... Oh, the good old days... ... ... Or maybe, maybe all this has to do with the fact that I just can't seem to get over this whole Facebook craze where people who I haven't seen in like 20 years are now saying hello, inviting me to be there friend, asking how I've been and... when I see their "recent" pictures, part of me just wants to scream and shout out, "What the hell happened to you!? Good God," I want to say, "could the last 20 years have been any more rough on you! You look awful," I want to say... but I don't. I obviously comment about how great it is to hear from them and "Wow," I say, "You look great."
Where, oh where, does the time go, I ask?
Oh, who knows? I dunno. Perhaps I'm seeing my old self and my old friends and our old ways in these recent girls of mid-November? Perhaps these girls of today are simply reminding me of a time, not too long ago, where I would gawk at the pack of girls walking the corridor of my school after lunch with their collective head held high? Maybe these girls of today are smoking their cigarettes outside in the cold November wind so that I'll remember the time when I did the same thing with my friends. And boy oh boy, my friends and I would stand outside until our faces were blue while we waited for those girls of November to come walking our way.
So I guess I'm just all caught up in seeing the past in everything I do presently. Things could be worse I say! And it's when I feel like this that I usually break out my old high school year book and take that trip down memory lane. I'll giggle a bit, maybe regret some things... but I really think I'd like to thank these girls of recent times who like to go out together and raise a little cane together because it brings me back to a nice warm spot in my belly... it brings me back to a time where the future was bright and anything was possible. And oh yeah, it brings me back to a time when I was 25 pounds lighter and my hair was fuller and my.... You get the point. Happy Thanksgiving.
We Love!,
The Chef's Table
There are plenty of catering services in the area, but what makes The Chef's Table so special is its personalized service. Mark and Julie Ellis understand it's the little things that count and they go the extra mile to deliver extraordinarily delicious food with a touch of sensitivity.
Whether your outdoor wedding gets washed out in a thunderstorm, or your kids just came down with the flu during the fundraiser event you've been planning for a year, the Ellis' will often swoop in with extra reinforcements to save the day. Believe us-We know! And that's why We Love! The Chef's Table!
It might be a little too late to order your Thanksgiving dinner, but check out the Chef's Table website and get on their mailing list for updates on upcoming holiday specials.
You can also join their Facebook group!
Wink webzine,
The Flower Faerie
Our Flower / Plant expert, Tamara Coyne, gives us advice on what to plant and which flowers are hearty at this time of year. She also fills us in on some of her personal favorites, and comments on her experience working with local brides!
SSW: What should our readers be planting this time of year?
TC: You can plant tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, crocuses, iris and grape hyacinths now all the way up to the first frost, those are the easiest and as long as the ground is still soft you can plant your bulbs and have a beautiful spring.
SSW: As we start thinking about entertaining in the fall, what are some arrangement ideas to beautify our table?
TC: Take a vase or a special container that you like (pitcher, hollowed out pumpkin) and put together berries, mums, asters, fruit, fall foliage, solidago (golden rod --- but some people are allergic), wheat, cat tails, and my personal fall favorite is dahlias. With dahlias, the down side is they don't have a smell but they are so pretty that it doesn't matter.
SSW: Are there any flowers/plants that you dislike?
TC: My least favorite flower to use is baby's breath. It has a 'pee" smell to it and it is very strong. It also makes whatever you use it in look really cheap. I have no idea how the person who put them (roses & baby's breath) together in the first place got away with it because it looks hideous.
SSW: What is your favorite flower to use for wedding arrangements?
TC: I have a lot of favorite flowers to use. If I have to choose a couple then it would have to be peonies, anemones, "garden" roses, lisianthus and lilacs, they are all so gorgeous and really easy to work with.
SSW: What do you like most when working with brides?
TC: The most exciting part about working with brides would have to be when they don't have a budget!!! he he he :-) No really, when they know what they like and don't like, it helps out tremendously.
The Flower Faerie
Wedding and special events Florist
Tamara Coyne
P.O. Box 185
Scituate, MA. 02066
781.635.3815
Wink webzine,
It's Not Fair
Messianic Age: God will redeem Israel and establish His kingship over all the earth. There will be no war and no want, no struggle and no strife. Righteousness will prevail and eternal peace and prosperity will be the lot of all good people.
----The Second Jewish Book Of Why
There is an image that plays over and over in my mind. I see a four year old boy, a child in the preschool class that I teach. He wanted to be chosen line leader, but his name was not picked. He throws himself onto the rug, fists and feet pounding the floor, sobbing, and screams, "It's not fair, it's not fair." My co-teacher Susan looks at me and I know her thoughts. Just wait, her expression is saying, you're just starting out on the "it's not fair" road.
Later, after the children have left with moms and au pairs and car pool drivers, Susan and I sit on child-sized chairs, open our yogurt containers, and reflect on the morning. "He's right, you know," says Susan. She goes on to explain. "I see life as having three levels of unfairness. There's the little things like being in line at the market. The next aisle opens up and the person behind you dashes over before you can. Then there's the second level, like not having enough money to pay your bills. At the top are things like illness, accidents, abuse."
I nod in response and share my own thoughts. "Just open a newspaper," I tell Susan. "This morning I read an article about a young woman who had been very ill while stationed in Iraq during the war. Now back in the States she is having trouble getting medical treatment." We pass examples back and forth like a ping pong ball being whacked over a net. "Well," I conclude, pushing myself up from the chair, "you just have to play the hand you're dealt as best you can."
A few days later I return to the subject, this time seated over coffee and bagels with my friends Karen and Rene. "What if we lived in a perfect world? I ask them. "A Messianic age? How would you describe a world where life is fair?" My friends contemplate my question, sip coffee, spread cream cheese and jelly on bagels. Karen responds first. "In a fair world," she says, "there would be compromise. If people could talk out their problems and felt that there was equality, they would feel content." Rene picks up on the idea of equality, telling us that in a fair world everybody would have food, clothes, the comforts of life." For the next few minutes we are silent, reflecting.
Driving home, the voice in my head continues the conversation. A fair world, I think, would be one without suffering and pain. I can almost hear Nat King Cole singing, "What a wonderful world that would be."
A few more days pass. I am back in my classroom. We are at circle time and helpers are being picked. My little friend, the one of pound the floor fame, is beaming. Luck of the draw, his name has been chosen. For today at least, for him, life is fair.
Columns,
What To Wear
What's old is suddenly new again. Each new season inevitably introduces us to a fresh, new fashion trend. This case is a little different. The best part about this item is that you probably already own at least one. Perfect at a time when most of us are trying to be smarter about our purchases. The cardigan is out in full force and is the must-have piece for fall. It is an immediate hit for many reasons. It can be worn many different ways and be paired with most things already in your closet.
They are made in different fabrics for the changing temperatures, they can be dressed up or down, and they are shown in different styles so that they can flatter most any woman. A cardigan can be cropped or can fall all the way down to your knees. The long cardigan is my personal favorite as it is perfect for hiding anything you want hidden. You might be thinking about your grandmother, the school librarian or Mr. Rogers, but that is yesterday's sweater. It's all in how the cardigan is worn.
Tips on how to wear...
*Add a waist-cinching wide belt to your long cardigan (also called the boyfriend cardigan). It shows off a slim waist and updates an older sweater. Leave the cardigan partially open to let what's underneath peak through. Try a lacy camisole or ruffled blouse to give your cardigan a completely different feel.
*Wear a long cardigan over skinny jeans or leggings with a pair of flats or tucked in your boots. This is a quick, stylish outfit as seen in many celebrity magazines. The long cardigan pairs perfectly with a long, multi-chain or link necklace. Layer these necklaces for more of an impact.
*Add a scarf and gloves and wear a calf length sweater cardigan as a coat in early fall or when temperatures only require so much. More options will allow for you to get more wear out of your wardrobe.
*Change the look of a shorter cardigan by changing which buttons are left open and closed. All the way open is more casual while all the way closed is more conservative. Close just a few buttons in the middle to draw in the waistline. Leave all buttons undone and add a vintage brooch at the top for a closure. Old jewelry is always unique and fun to pull out every once in a while.
*Pair a cropped or shorter cardigan with a dress or over a festive holiday tank. You will see the great style underneath, but add warmth and versatility. It is not fashionable to stand shivering on cold evenings out or freeze in an overly air-conditioned restaurant.
*Darker colors are dressier for nighttime...gray, navy or black. Choose a bright color cardigan for day. This is your opportunity to add the pop of color I wrote about last month. Yellow or red are great contrasts to denim.
*Don't buy too trendy. Buy a more basic cardigan and add the accessories yourself, whether it is a scarf, belt or brooch. You will get more versatility out of your purchase and be able to change it as you please.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Check out In Style's November issue for play-by-play examples on how to wear your cardigan if you need a little motivation. The possibilities are endless. The cardigan is lightweight, stylish and the perfect item to battle New England's weather changes. Find one in your closet or shop for something new...either way don't leave your cardigan behind.
Wink webzine,
Shutter to Think
Photography has kept pace in our world of always advancing technology. As a photographer, the introduction of digital photography brought with it nearly boundless possibility. Other than a large cut in cost (I have not bought a roll of film in four years.), digital photography has fulfilled two basic desires in human nature: Immediate gratification and perfection. But, at what point do we rely too heavily on digital tools?
I personally welcome a bit of digital retouching around the eyes now that I am 42 years old. Incorrect lighting, of course, is always the reason for my pronounced wrinkles . . . or the angle of the camera . . . or the way I applied my makeup that day . . . or, etc . . . I have also digitally moved one of my children's heads in one picture to replace one of their heads in another, but only for the annual holiday card, of course.
I believe strongly in the practice of digitally removing acne from a senior portrait. Mothers of seniors in high school, however, can often be a bit too fanatic. "I'd like you to change the color of Suzie's green sweater to blue . . . so that it matches her eyes." Or, "I'd like you to digitally remove Timmy's braces from his mouth so you can see his teeth." They seem to lose their sense of logic; in a photograph, there are no teeth behind "Timmy's" braces.
My venture as a digital photographer has been nothing less than exciting and rewarding, both as a professional and as an artist. But, I have also had experiences that I hoped would someday make me laugh rather than yank out my hair. For instance, there was what I call the "jigsaw puzzle family portrait," which is now legendary.
I arrived at the location for this portrait to meet 10 adults and 6 children, all members of an extended family. The woman in charge gave me complete creative control, except that I needed to leave four open spaces. "I have two sons who live in Florida and they were unable to get here. I also have two sons-in-law who could not leave work." I thought to myself, does this woman realize that it's Sunday?
The woman told me each of the absentees would email me digital images of themselves to be placed in the portrait. (O.K., I thought, as long as she pays me the sitting fee today.) I positioned the adults and children, and left spaces for the phantom family members.
Just as the woman promised, I received four digital images via email, each of a different man. I had to be sure to place each one with the correct spouse. I contacted the woman to tell her that two of the faces were in stark sunlight. This presented a problem since her family portrait was in the shade. So, the two sunlit men sent me new images, but both forgot to wear their blue golf shirts that were intended for this portrait. Two more images were sent my way, each in the shade and each with a blue golf shirt.
One of the children in the portrait was crying, so her mother asked that I replace her head with one from a picture in which she was crying least. First, I successfully placed each of the men next to their respective spouses. Then, I replaced the crying child's head with another.
When the woman came to my home to pick up her 16- x 20-inch print that she ordered, she told me it was beautiful. "But," she said "there's a tiny problem. Both of my sons from Florida are six-foot two-inches tall. You placed them in the portrait as though they are about five-foot nine-inches tall." The woman left the print with me and I went back to Photoshop.
When she came to pick up the reprinted photograph, the woman was very happy. As I closed the door behind her, I was very happy. One hour later, the telephone rang. It was the mother of the crying child. "That's not my child's head! That's my nieces head!" Well, I thought to myself, they do look alike. Couldn't she just pretend it was her daughter's head? Not likely. But, three years later, I'm laughing.
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