By Ann Wlazelek Stephanie Smith saw an image on the Internet and was instantly intrigued. It was a mandala, or circular art form created in one siting while meditating. She took out her notebook, started drawing and could not stop. “I liked the repetition,” she said of the circular designs that calm her creative clamor. That was almost seven years ago. Today, the 44-year-o… »
by Andy Cook Autumn is upon us, the time of year when the weather turns crisp and we need a light jacket or sweater to venture outside. I actually like this time of year, even though it’s apparent that the number of daylight hours is decreasing. And whether you’re a fan of living in the Lehigh Valley where we have four distinct seasons or not, old man winter is not too far… »
by Cathy Kiley photos by Ryan Hulvat The Buckeye Tavern is the epitome of a local gathering place. It’s lively, friendly and crowded with a menu offering a cornucopia of snacks to full course meals. The Buckeye Tavern has existed on this site in some form since 1735. It was purchased in 1768 by Martin Speigle who paid a little more than ten pounds for the place. During the… »
LARGE ORANGE CANDLE HOLDER, $34 from GAIL GRAY ORANGE BEAD NECKLACE, $23 from JEMS TINY ENVELOPE BAG, $34 from FRANCESCA’S KISSY KISSY VELOUR HALLOWEEN OUTFIT, $41 from BELLINI UPSIDE DOWN PETALS SCARF, $20 from FRANCESCA’S HEET ROCKSTAR CRYSTAL BRACELET, $250 from BOUTIQUE TO GO ALEX AND ANI BRACELETS, PRICES VARY from MISSING PIECE, MURPHY JEWELERS, SOMETHING… »
by Sara Vigneri photo by Deb Cummins At the height of the real estate bubble of 2007, homeownership was suddenly accessible to everyone. Mortgages were handed out to anyone with a pulse and families who never imagined owning a house were able to snag a bank loan and move in to their dream home. Unfortunately, too many people bit off more than they could chew during that ma… »
Located between Breinigsville and Wescosville, Trexlertown is the oldest town in Upper Macungie Township. Named for Jeremiah Trexler, who owned and operated a tavern in the early 1730s, the town prospered after a public road was laid from Trexler’s property through Zionsville, Shimersville and North Wales to Philadelphia. Today, Trexlertown is home to approximately 2,000 p… »
by Nancy Moffett Driving past the Premise Maid complex on Rt. 222 west of Allentown always makes me smile. The beautiful buildings with their Old World charm and the delicious treats that wait inside urge me to pull in, then wander through the shops, to ooh and aah at the candy, the ice cream, the unique gift items and the baked goods. How did this fairyland of indulgence … »
By Ann Wlazelek An estimated 69 percent of Americans, ages 35 to 44, are missing at least one tooth; another 26 percent over the age of 74 have lost all of their natural teeth. But that does not mean men and women must look like Alfred E. Newman or “Moms” Mabley. Nor does it mean they have no choice but to wear a bridge or dentures the rest of their lives. For most folks w… »
By Kathryn M. D’Imperio Halloween costumes have changed dramatically from the times when we were kids. I remember being about seven and wanting in the worst way to be a flamingo for Halloween that year. (Don’t ask me why. I’m still not sure.) My mom – who rarely backed down from a heartfelt plea – agreed to help me make the costume. The funniest part of it is looking… »
Zombies, aliens, monsters in the closet, slithering things in graveyards – how I love those things! At least in the movies or on TV. Up-close-and-personal haunted houses and hayrides are another story, though. They offer no easy escape, and the spooks are way too real for my taste. But if you’re an adrenalin junkie, you’ll be delighted to know our region is home to an eldr… »
