By Kathryn Finegan Clark Spring drops her magic mantle and the Lehigh Valley comes alive. Blossoms escape soil frozen stiff only days earlier, and grass turns green, overwhelming the dull browns of winter. And as each day grows minutes longer, with sunshine conquering April showers, the arrival of Easter brings its rich traditions to church and home and marketplace, where ... »
By Andy Cook Is there something that you’re passionate about? Do you want to share your skills and talents with others? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to these questions, volunteering may be the answer. Here’s something that may pique your interest: a 2011 study by the University of Michigan showed that people who want to volunteer because they want to help others, live longer... »
By Mary Beth Schwartz “I will clean house when Sears comes out with a riding vacuum cleaner.” —Roseanne Barr “I hate housework. You make the beds, you wash the dishes, and six months later you have to start all over again.”—Joan Rivers “Housework can kill you if done right.”–Erma Bombeck Call on some of these Lehigh Valley cleaning professionals to ease your spring c... »
By Cathy Kiley We live in a demanding world of busy people. There is barely enough time to work and care for our families and we simply do not take enough time to care for ourselves. To enjoy a rejuvenating walk on a beautiful day feels as if it is a privilege instead of a necessity and to think about taking even an hour out of our day to rekindle our spirits seems to be a... »
By Susan Stets Why would a grown woman look forward to endless hours spent up to her elbows in compost and mud? Don’t laugh. I actually yearn for weather warm enough to get out there and dig in the garden. In fact, the local garden center knows me as that flaky lady who haunts the place in colder months just to inhale the scent of living, growing things. I go there and wal... »
By Sara Hodon Foster Jewelers 1859 Main Street l Northampton, PA 18067-1588 l 610-262-4068 l fosterjeweler.com If you’re looking to add some sparkle and shine to your jewelry collection or repair a treasured family heirloom, Foster Jewelers has just what you’re looking for. Founded by Foster G. Longenbach in 1947, Foster Jewelers has been owned and operated by John a... »
By Melanie Gold Once upon a time, young adult literature (called “YA”) seemed to be limited to fairy tales and sports stories. In truth, YA authors tackle the fanciful worlds of wizards and vampires, and anything else that interests teens. The high quality of YA books has led to increased—and in some cases, unprecedented—sales. The runaway popularity of J.K. Rowling’s Harr... »
By Sara Vigneri I don’t ask for your pity. In fact, I know many of you envy me. As a freelancer, I get to work from home in my pajamas, making my own hours. My daughter once said to me, as I shoved her off to school one morning, “you have it so good–I have to go to school and you get to work in your bed!” Full disclaimer: I don’t work in my bed. At least, not if I a... »
By Mary Beth Schwartz For those who love to garden and socialize, the Lehigh Valley offers a bunch of garden clubs to join. According to the National Gardening Association, gardening is the number one hobby in America. Every April, the National Gardening Association (NGA) celebrates National Garden Month. According to the NGA, gardeners know, and research confirms, that nu... »
By Jennifer LoConte Before Sept. 27th, 2009, I knew nothing about pancreatic cancer. I didn’t know that it is the fourth deadliest cancer in the U.S., or that there is no early detection, limited treatment and finally, no cure. That early fall morning, my mother was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. For 51 short days, she fought a losing battle. I watch... »
