‘Tis the busiest time of year, but how do you get through all this month’s social activity with style and ease? Red Typewriter has got you covered. To inspire your December wardrobe selections, we’ve assembled a few fun and fashionable ensembles for seven different occasions. All of them are guaranteed to increase your holiday spirit and turn heads in your direction. … //READ MORE
It all started in the fifth grade when a few girls, who I thought were my friends, pulled away from me and began forming their own clique. Something as simple as a pair of jeans I wore or a phrase I uttered was suddenly considered “uncool” and caused them to whisper and laugh.
Welcome to the often-complex, sometimes cruel world of female friendships. … //READ MORE
Was there ever a year when we’ve been more ready for summer? Between the arctic vortex that pummeled much of our country this winter, to the erratic temperatures and winds that ran up and down the coastlines this spring, we’ve experienced a wild range of weather for the past two seasons. Now that the warmth has finally arrived and your once-sleepy neighborhood is finally buzzing with activity, consider throwing a bash to celebrate.
If you’re wondering how to get the party started, reach out to the party people you know for ideas and support. Think about it: We all have that one friend who’s expert at throwing shindigs and making every bash look effortless, so why not enlist her to sit down with you, give you some tips and help you organize things? (That’s half your battle right there.) Maybe you know someone who can arrange photo-worthy appetizer trays and another who loves to bake the best cookies and cakes. Delegating planning and cooking responsibilities not only makes your job easier, but can also highlight the contributions of those who helped out. And everyone loves to be acknowledged for something they’re good at.
As long as we’re on the topic of delegating, try giving a few party attendees a job to do. Nine times out of 10 that person will be delighted to help grill, put out the plates and napkins, play bartender, rally the kids for some activities or serve as DJ. To keep the party momentum going, here are 10 inspiring ways to add panache to any hot-weather celebration. Your attention to detail will be appreciated and discussed well beyond Labor Day if you follow a few of these suggestions. … //READ MORE
A few years back—OK, let’s call it 40—a father’s responsibilities were relegated to bread-winning, assembling toys and giving a good pep talk every now and then. Flash forward to 2014, when the average family man now changes diapers, sits on teddy bear tea parties, and hits the playground regularly. Today’s dads are stepping up their game.
To honor the man who does everything (we’ll forgive him for leaving the toilet seat up or forgetting to stock the diaper bag), we’ve compiled a list of great Father’s Day gift ideas. Whether you’re the daughter of a great dad, or the life partner of a magnificent man who’s helping you raise some rocking kids, you’ll find something here that’s worthy of the man (or men) in your life. And no, that doesn’t mean another tie, a bottle of cologne or soap-on-a-rope. Here are 10 unique and fun ways to show your love for those wacky, lovable and doting fathers on June 15. … //READ MORE
Cooking a meal together can be a great way to reconnect.
It had been one of those days that left me physically and emotionally drained. Bone-tired and preparing dinner, I looked over at my girls, 3 and 5, who were parked in front of the TV. It was a welcome respite after they’d spent the previous hour hounding me for more snacks and arguing with each other. My husband, Chris, was stuck in traffic and running late, so I started on the kids’ dinner first.
After the girls ate, I noticed something brown on my shirtsleeve. Had I given either one of them chocolate today? My 3-year-old had needed help wiping when she went earlier. Hmmm…Push that thought aside. When Chris finally walked through the door, he looked exhausted. He’d just spent the past three days working a trade show, where he’d been standing for hours at a time, talking endlessly to customers and taking clients out for late dinners, only to face emails and paperwork when he returned to his hotel room.
For the rest of the evening, we went through the motions of eating, clearing plates, bathing the girls, getting them into their pajamas and helping them brush their teeth. By the time we read them bedtime stories and put out the lights, sleep sounded like a divine idea to both of us too. It’s hard to remember that only a few short years ago, at that time of night we’d probably be hitting the sheets for more interesting reasons than the need for shut-eye. … //READ MORE
Until you become a mother, you might not realize how much work and dedication are involved. From creating memorable holidays and birthdays, to caring for everyone (including herself) when they’re sick, moms are truly on it year round. So this May 11, don’t forget to honor all those incredible women in your life who happen to be moms—your mother, your mother-in-law, even your close friends who have kids. And if you’re a mother too, hopefully someone will go out of their way to show you how special you are.
Here are some cool Mother’s Day gifts to consider. We’ve selected thoughtful presents for different personality types so you can customize your gesture. Be sure to share this list with your kids and your partner—because even the most well-intentioned people could use a little hint now and then. Better yet, treat yourself to one of these goodies. … //READ MORE