Making Memories with Minimal Money

My mother’s birthday is quickly approaching. As much as I’d love to hand her the silver bracelet she’s been eyeing, replace her tile kitchen counter tops with sleek granite, or buy her an elegant new piece of luggage for her upcoming trip to Europe, I know that I can’t afford a present of such lavish proportions.  I’ve been attempting to meticulously craft an inexpensive alternative, but then cringe when I realize that I run the risk of presenting her with a nearly indelible olive-green discoloration around her finger. It’s a common dilemma I face: I want to give my recipient a gift that represents her taste and interests impeccably, makes her life a little easier, and, ideally, helps her learn something about herself, but I often lack the means to get it.

As I’ve

Live in the Lap of Luxury…For Less

In the midst of the obligations of work, school, and family, it often seems there’s an increasing need for escape—or at least relaxation. It’s easy to become bogged down by anxiety as hectic schedules start to dominate your everyday routine. Consequently, it’s not uncommon to find respite in a week-long vacation, relying on the serenity of a beach resort to reduce ever-building stress. Of course, not every toiling student or employee can afford the time—or the cost—of such a grandiosely-scaled outing. To some, it’s just as satisfying to enjoy the release of a convivial night out, complete with skinny ties and sequined tops, or the warmth and comfort of being enveloped in the heavenly evocations of a fluffy, white bubble bath.

To catch an affordable break from the doldrums of

During the Dog Days, Visit Dogeared

For the last month or so, we northern-hemispherians have been experiencing what are known as the “Dog Days” of summer. This oft-noted period of the hottest, most sultry days of the season often marks summer’s inevitable end, a time that people everywhere are trying their best to savor. Our ancient predecessors may have understood them to be evil for their perceived ability to incite high emotion, but today, the Dog Days of summer often prove themselves to be the most rejuvenating time of the year. As the weather intensifies, this time proves ripe for dips in turquoise aquatic paradises, end-of-summer barbecues, and turn-of-the season shopping sprees. And once these days have yielded to a nascent autumnal cast, we’re left wondering where in the world they could have possibly gone.

Flaunt Your Flair for Fashion This Fall

Look around you. You’ll probably notice that nature—and our culture—are in a state of transition. The sun is gradually setting minutes earlier than it did the month before. Floral blooms are growing full, preparing to revert back to latency. Students are returning to school, equipping themselves with the tools they need to complete another year of education. And, of course, devotees of fashion everywhere are meticulously studying the new collections and styles that surface once the leaves change color.

As the weather progresses from tepid to frigid, new ensembles become a biological near-necessity, insulating our naturally-produced body heat as we endure wind chill and heavy rain. But for the true fashionista, autumn offers the opportunity not only to elaborate on her

Staying in Touch When School Starts

The month of August is nearly halfway complete. What does that mean for you? If you’re a parent, it’s probable that your child, or children, are preparing to depart from a blissful three-month period of recreation, relaxation, and retreat from the discipline of academia. Perhaps your daughter is polishing off summer assignments for her first year of high school, or your son’s packing up his belongings to move across the country for his freshman year of college. In any case, you’ll likely find that as they enroll in new classes, explore their interests through extracurricular activities, and enhance their social lives, communicating with your kids is more important—and challenging—than ever. With increasingly busy schedules and ever-expanding responsibilities, you and your