Cocktail dresses for that special party Choose a sleeveless dress for simple elegance. Try the sheath dress with the notched beaded neckline. The boat necked dress offers attractive back detail. V-necked dresses enhance the figure. Add a rhinestone pin for back detail. Add holiday shimmer with a satin dress complete with a shawl. The...

Lavish fashion this fall/winter spotlights shaggy fur, rich textured fabrics, gemstones, bows, ruffles, feathers, delicate chiffons, tartan, patent leather and new sculpted silhouettes. This season is about variety. Beautiful fall colors grace the runway. Rich jewel tones in sapphire blue, eggplant purple, burnt orange, gold and the berry colors-blackberry,...

With the temperatures plummeting this time of year, many of us tend to hibernate inside our homes. But, hibernating is for bears. As humans it's important to stay active through all four seasons. Yet, a poll of 5,000 people found that 30 percent get no exercise at all during the winter months. Just because it is cold outside doesn't make it open...

This season brings back the elegance of the 40's, 50's and 60's fashion. Jackie O inspired dresses and coats with her signature big buttons provide a fun yet sophisticated flair. From the 50's houndstooth makes its way back into the mainstream on jackets, suits, dresses, vests, shoes and purses. Go with the classic houndstooth black and white...

Evening wear at Christmas has a relaxed feel. Popular fabrics of the season are Georgette, sheer, lace, polyester, satin, silk, chiffon, and velvet. Essential colors include wine, gold, silver, bronze, red, teal and turquoise and any type of limestone sequence. Tops Satin tops blend style with comfort and make great evening wear. A bias style...

Last year when the price of natural gas went up, I was shocked at my heating bill. Almost one week’s paycheck a month was going to keeping my house at only 65 degrees. I decided a change had to be made. I sewed a heavy floor to ceiling curtain and hung it in the hallway separating the bottom floor of my house from the upstairs. That way I wasn't...

Natural gas prices are going up all the time. At what point does it make sense to replace my gas water heater (40 gallon) with an electric one? I live by myself and my July gas bill was $28. I take 1 quick shower a day, do 2-3 loads of laundry a week, and run 1 dishwasher load per week. I also rarely, if ever, use my gas stove during the summer....