Stacey Kennedy Macioszek is one of those women who just makes life a little more fun than it was before you met her. Naturally sweet with just a touch of sass, Stacey is the true definition of “life of the party.” She somehow manages to juggle being a single mother of two teenage daughters and one pre-teen son, while also working a full-time job as a chef at Bess’ Delicatessen and Catering Specialists. “I’ve been a chef since I was 20. I just kind of fell into it. But you know, it’s still fun; it really is,” Stacey said.

Pushy, aggressive people have been known to say: 
“Lead, follow or get out of the way.” I say that is a big crock. 
How much better is it to “march to your own drummer” in the parade of life?

When you first glance at Elaine Senn and see the happiness that radiates from her eyes, you would never know that less than a year ago, she was diagnosed with leukemia. Like most people, Elaine was in complete shock.

All right, so if New Year’s resolutions do not really work, what else can we do? Read on for some really NEW thoughts. Remember, you saw it here first!

It's no secret that children crave independence—from picking an outfit to choosing a snack—so convincing yourself- appointed ™big kid∫ to cooperate can be a big challenge. Young children are driven by emotion and they live in the moment. Simply explaining what you want doesn't work! However by using a variety of child-friendly methods, you can bring about some happy cooperation.

For the most part, I gave up judging people about the same time I gave up perfectionism.

Robert Frost once wrote, “The best way out is always through.”

Is it important to seek treatment for hearing loss?

People with untreated hearing loss (people with hearing loss who do not wear hearing aids) experience a Decemberreased quality of life.

The days are long and complications abound—there are many, many things we must get our children to do, or stop them from doing—all day, every day. Add the fact that children don’t always listen to us, or do the things we want them to do, and you can understand why parenting is a challenge!

Makeovers are the perfect place for a fresh start and Eleni Kotellos is ready for both. Her recent move to Hilton Head from Virginia is the perfect example of her eagerness to start over. After her son graduated from high school, Eleni said she felt it was the right time to get back to doing more of what she loves, and giving herself some much-needed attention. A lover of nature and its beauty, Eleni has a distinctive ability to combine natural treasures, inspired by Japanese art of Oshibana, to create unique pieces of jewelry. Her jewelry line, FLOWERBLESSINGS, offers one-of-a-kind hand-pressed flower pendants, earrings, brooches and barrettes. While Eleni is very in touch with connecting her mind and spirit, we were happy to help her begin to reflect that beauty from the inside out.

Children are to be seen and not heard. I can’t tell you how many times I heard that from my father when I was growing up. I really never bought into it, but you can bet I immediately shrank into the woodwork when he said it. I knew, in no uncertain terms, that he meant to be quiet and behave, and that meant now! I also knew that if I didn’t, I would be the one on the losing end.

As “Gone with the Wind” opens, our very slim heroine Miss Scarlett O’Hara 
is being urged to eat a stack of pancakes with gooey syrup on top so that she won’t appear hungry or greedy at the upcoming lawn party. Actually, that is not such a bad idea.

My mother glanced at the colorful dishcloth hanging from the handle of her oven door.
As she noticed the cloth was slightly disheveled, she asked, “Did somebody wipe their hands on that dishcloth?”

Fully expecting for me to rat out one of my kids, I confidently admitted that I was the culprit,
“I wiped my hands on that dishcloth. Why?” Of course I knew the answer. I learned a long time
ago not to ask questions I don’t know the answer to.

So, I braced myself for what was coming.

Well, sisters, November is a time for harvest, gratitude and self-evaluation.
OK, I know that harvest and gratitude are not really conducive to self-evaluation,
but now is as good a time as any, especially with all of the yummy food
coming our way as Thanksgiving approaches.

My mommy had breast cancer and she survived. I guess that sounds kind of funny coming from an adult, but it’s just the way I felt when my mom was diagnosed. She was only 37 years old; I was 12. Each year as October rolls around and Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines the spotlight on this devastating disease, my family is reminded how lucky we are to still have our family in tact.

My mommy had breast cancer and she survived. I guess that sounds kind of funny coming from an adult, but it’s just the way I felt when my mom was diagnosed. She was only 37 years old; I was 12. Each year as October rolls around and Breast Cancer Awareness Month shines the spotlight on this devastating disease, my family is reminded how lucky we are to still have our family in tact.

Halloween (or Hallowe’en ... also known as Samhain, Summer’s End, All Hallow’s Eve, and Witches Night) is a holiday celebrated annually on the night of October 31. It originated in Ireland and is said to be among the world’s oldest holidays. It has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain (celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture). The essential elements of Halloween—bonfires, costuming, trick-or-treating, telling ghost stories and attending parties—can all be traced back to as early as 2000 years ago.

We have heard for years “mother knows best.” Unfortunately, I’m not sure that still rings true. The rising generation of children have been called the laziest, rudest and most entitled kids in history. How did they get this way? Let’s ask Mom.

We have heard it a million times: The only way to lose weight is through diet and exercise. However, recent studies tell a slightly different story. Exercise is, in fact, not really
an essential part of a “weight loss” plan. It is not possible to exercise off excess weight without proper nutrition, nor is it possible to keep eating a poor diet and maintain
a healthy lifestyle, even if you exercise. There it is, folks, and it is true.

Encountering Faris was one of those instances where you fully realize what a small world it is and how lucky we are to be a part of it together. Faris is an irrevocably gentle, humble and genuine person. If anyone could possibly deserve a pampering day away from the grind, it’s Faris.

Encountering Faris was one of those instances where you fully realize what a small world it is and how lucky we are to be a part of it together. Faris is an irrevocably gentle, humble and genuine person. If anyone could possibly deserve a pampering day away from the grind, it’s Faris.