Letter to the Editor

Amidst daily news of crime and corruption there also exist humbling acts of human goodness that too often go unreported. These invisible threads of hope interwoven throughout our community offer some of the best unexpected gifts we’ll ever receive.

A few months ago my husband dropped his wallet in a restaurant parking lot and didn’t realize he’d lost it until hours later. We drove back to the establishment to search for it but it was gone. The manager said he’d call us if anyone reported finding it, but we knew that was unlikely by then. When we got ... Read More »]]>

Letter to the Editor

Amidst daily news of crime and corruption there also exist humbling acts of human goodness that too often go unreported. These invisible threads of hope interwoven throughout our community offer some of the best unexpected gifts we’ll ever receive.

A few months ago my husband dropped his wallet in a restaurant parking lot and didn’t realize he’d lost it until hours later. We drove back to the establishment to search for it but it was gone. The manager said he’d call us if anyone reported finding it, but we knew that was unlikely by then. When we got back home we began scrambling to protect ourselves, notifying our credit monitoring service and law enforcement, and cancelling everything he’d been carrying. We didn’t care about losing the cash or credit card charges. I just prayed that we’d be kept safe even though the police assured us that people who steal wallets rarely want anything to do with the owners. No one turned the wallet in and we tried to get on with our changed life.

On a rainy day a few days later our doorbell rang. I peered through the peephole and only saw part of a large man outside our door. He was bending down like he was trying to hide from full view. Not sure what was going on, we called the Sheriff’s office, told them about the stolen wallet and the stranger outside our front door. They advised us to stay inside and wait for an officer to come check things out. The large man disappeared then we waited wondering what might happen next.

Shortly afterwards, a deputy appeared at our front door informing us that he hadn’t seen anyone. He looked down and picked up a small object from our doormat–my husband’s wallet. I was stunned. Everything was inside including the cash. The deputy told us that rarely happens–that we’d been very lucky. I didn’t feel lucky, just grateful to be shown the existence of such a golden soul.

Later we found a small handwritten note from the stranger inside our mailbox telling us that he’d found our wallet at the restaurant and had left it at our front door. It was unsigned. He’d not even wanted any recognition for his good deed.

I no longer believe in Santa Claus. But, I do believe in the power of the simplest acts of kindness toward others as the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.

Julie Matherly

Tallahassee, Florida

Originally published in the Tallahassee Democrat

Photo credit © Isabel Poulin | Dreamstime.com

 Holiday cheer is contagious: the spirit is infectious, the charm is encapsulating. It’s so divine, in fact, that you wish you could “bottle it up” – savor it, treasure it. Luckily, your friends at Dr.’s REMEDY did just that this year with their holiday collection of hues: JOLLY & JOY. In the lineup, five shades that are rich, riveting, and radiant. And the best part: the colors are traditional in scope but not on scale; meaning red and green – yes, the docs have you covered. See for yourself in the best holiday collection yet: Dr.’s REMEDY JOLLY ... Read More »]]>

 Holiday cheer is contagious: the spirit is infectious, the charm is encapsulating. It’s so divine, in fact, that you wish you could “bottle it up” – savor it, treasure it. Luckily, your friends at Dr.’s REMEDY did just that this year with their holiday collection of hues: JOLLY & JOY. In the lineup, five shades that are rich, riveting, and radiant. And the best part: the colors are traditional in scope but not on scale; meaning red and green – yes, the docs have you covered. See for yourself in the best holiday collection yet: Dr.’s REMEDY JOLLY & JOY for holiday 2011.

The holiday 2011 JOLLY & JOY collection of Enriched Nail Polish includes:

REVIVE Ruby Red: A shimmer-infused, Wizard of Oz-inspired shade of crimson

PASSION Purple: A bombshell-boysenberry with subtle silver meshed throughout

ESSENTIAL Emerald: A take on the classic tree-and-plant-inspired gem of a shade, with delicate glimmer and unparalleled amounts of glamour

SERENE Silver Glitter: A seasonal sizzler like no other: shine, chic, totally unique in the metallic scene

RESOLUTION Red Glitter: A red-meets-copper spin that’s sequin-look-alike laden with high-shine and sparkle

Dr.’s REMEDY is a line of doctor-inspired cosmetics that is dedicated to using clean, hypoallergenic ingredients. The birth-child of two New York-based podiatrists, Dr. Adam Cirlincione and Dr. William Spielfogel, Dr.’s REMEDY proves quintessentially-perfect for any person looking to better the condition of her skin and nails. Dr.’s REMEDY is sold exclusively at www.remedynails.com or by calling 877-323-NAIL.

Dr.’s REMEDY is offering the following special price on selected holiday shades. Purchase ESSENTIAL Emerald, RESOLUTION Red Glitter AND SERENE Silver Glitter for only $14 each while supplies last.  Also, free shipping on orders of $50 or more with code: HOLIDAY thru 11/18/11. Dr.’s REMEDY Enriched Nail Polish is available for $17 online at www.remedynails.com.

Lucky for me, I was able to once again try out Dr.’s REMEDY’s new holiday polishes, courtesy of Dr.’s REMEDY! As most of you remember, I was able to try out the fall polishes. Since that article, my nails have become brighter, softer, and healthier overall than ever before. Dr.’s REMEDY has definitely won me over. Here are a few pictures of my experience:

The first color I applied was Passion Purple which was a very maroon-like hue! You can see by the bottle that is a very shiny, vibrant color. I applied one coat, which went on smoothly, and there was no need for another.

Revive Ruby Red is bright and shiny! I loved this color because it reminds me so much of Christmas time. I applied only one coat and the color lasted all day.

Essential Emerald is a gorgeous bright green. This color is perfect for a Christmas party or just to add a little pop of color to your outfit. I only used one coat and the color looked amazing!

Serene Silver Glitter is perfect for a fun New Years Eve party! Apply one coat to your nails and pair with silver pumps for a perfect punch of glitter to your outfit!

Resolution Red Glitter is a gold glitter polish with a tint of red in it. Apply one coat and wear with gold pumps and jewelry for New Years Eve parties. Both of the glitter polishes were easy to apply and simple to remove. With most glitter polishes, it is extremely difficult to remove all of the glitter. Somehow, it is always a messy situation but not with Dr.’s REMEDY!

Thanks again, Dr.’s REMEDY for allowing me to experience your new hues! I have become one of your biggest fans. I have surely been bragging about this amazing line of polishes to everyone who knows me. Fingernail polishes have a horrifying smell. Dr.’s REMEDY surely has the upper hand in the fingernail polish market: it has no smell, the bottle is virtually unbreakable, the colors are vibrant, and they completely live up to their word! My nails have never looked better. Be sure to take them up on their amazing offers for the holiday. You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter!

Kaitlin Vocker is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Marketing. In her spare time, Kaitlin enjoys being a freelance writer and a Marketing/Public Relations intern for Chic Galleria Publications, fashion in general, and spending time with her family, fiance, and friends. You can visit her celebrity style blog or follow on Twitter.

This winter season, Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary. First opened to the public on Dec. 16, 1961, Breckenridge was the first ski resort in North America to install a high-speed quad (1981) and the first Colorado resort to allow snowboarding (1984). This Christmas holiday, Breckenridge, Colorado is introducing a new event for holiday travelers called “Race of the Santas”.

Combined with Winter Dew Tour, a holiday lighting ceremony (pictured above) and an amateur snow sculpting contest (pictured below), Race of the ... Read More »]]> Looking for something new to try for this Christmas? Want to get a break from the same old tradition?

This winter season, Breckenridge Ski Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary. First opened to the public on Dec. 16, 1961, Breckenridge was the first ski resort in North America to install a high-speed quad (1981) and the first Colorado resort to allow snowboarding (1984). This Christmas holiday, Breckenridge, Colorado is introducing a new event for holiday travelers called “Race of the Santas”.

Combined with Winter Dew Tour, a holiday lighting ceremony (pictured above) and an amateur snow sculpting contest (pictured below), Race of the Santas offers yet another free way to celebrate the holidays in the Victorian town of Breckenridge, Colo. Ski Free Stay Free values are available during the holidays; with events throughout December, travelers can ring in the season during peak holiday times or travel early to save on lodging and airfare.

Breckenridge, Colo. Victorian Holidays Introduces “Race of the Santas” Month-long holiday lineup lets travelers celebrate early, save money

Here is a list of the schedule of events for this 2011 holiday season:

BRECKENRIDGE, COLO. – Nov. 2, 2011 – The mountain community of Breckenridge, Colo. will kick off the holiday season with a new event, Race of the Santas, on Dec. 3, 2011. The fun run benefits Adopt an Angel Summit County and takes place just prior to the Lighting of Breckenridge. Art openings, Santa visits, the Snowflake Challenge (amateur snow sculpting competition) and Winter Dew Tour round out the month-long lineup of festivities.

Saturday, Dec. 3: Race of the Santas and Lighting of Breckenridge – Race of the Santas will bring some 100 Santa Clauses sprinting down Main Street, all in the name of fun and fundraising. Registration starts at $20 and includes free Santa suit and donation. Free hot cocoa, a Main Street procession with the real Santa and lighting of the town tree follow the race.

Saturday, Dec. 10: Second Saturday – A nod to the First Fridays of the great art cities across the U.S., Breck’s Second Saturday is a monthly social and cultural event: galleries open their doors, provide refreshments and host openings with new artists.

Dec. 9 – 16: Breckenridge Snowflake Challenge – This open-to-the-public, amateur event brings snow art to the streets of downtown Breckenridge, Colo. Sculptures remain on display throughout the holidays and site maps for viewing will be available the week of the competition.

Dec. 15 – 18: Winter Dew Tour – Winter Dew begins its three-city tour at Breckenridge Ski Resort with a showcase of the world’s top freeski and snowboard athletes competing in slopestyle and superpipe events.

Festivities continue throughout December with activities including holiday-themed performances at the Backstage Theatre, a living nativity, museum open houses and more. With some 200 shops and 70 restaurants, travelers can take advantage of one of the best shopping districts in Colorado’s high country – Main Street Breckenridge. Breckenridge Central Reservations is offering Ski Free Stay Free packages that offer one night of free lodging and a free day on the slopes with reservations of four nights or more. Visit GoBreck.com or call 800-Go-Breck (800-462-7325) for details. GoBreck is the destination marketing organization for the Town of Breckenridge. Connect on Facebook or Twitter for Breckenridge news and updates or text BRECK to 25827 to download the in-town mobile application.

Photo Credit: Timothy Faust

Kaitlin Vocker is a senior Marketing student at Louisiana Tech University, graduating November of 2011. In her spare time, Kaitlin enjoys being a freelance writer and a Marketing/Public Relations intern for Chic Galleria Publications, fashion in general, and spending time with her family, fiance, and friends. Her style icons are Rachel Zoe, Brigitte Bardot, and the Kardashian sisters. Visit her celebrity style blog at http://www.secretivestyle.wordpress.com or follow on Twitter @SecretiveStyle.

Searching for our Christmas tree was the perfect opportunity for my daughter and me to spend some time together without computers and phones.  It was cold, but not too cold.  The sun was out and we were on a mission.  It wasn’t hard to find a tree we both agreed on, but more importantly it was nice to be able to laugh and enjoy the day together.

Coat: Juicy Couture, Jeans, T-shirt & Sweater: LOFT, Hat: GAP, Scarf & Gloves: Courtesy of Lands’ End Canvas, Boots: Earthkeepers™ Mount Holly Duck Boot Courtesy of Timberland,  Lipstick: Private Plum Courtesy of DuWop Cosmetics.

Daughter ... Read More »]]>

Searching for our Christmas tree was the perfect opportunity for my daughter and me to spend some time together without computers and phones.  It was cold, but not too cold.  The sun was out and we were on a mission.  It wasn’t hard to find a tree we both agreed on, but more importantly it was nice to be able to laugh and enjoy the day together.

Coat: Juicy Couture, Jeans, T-shirt & Sweater: LOFT, Hat: GAP, Scarf & Gloves: Courtesy of Lands’ End Canvas, Boots: Earthkeepers™ Mount Holly Duck Boot Courtesy of Timberland,  Lipstick: Private Plum Courtesy of DuWop Cosmetics.

Daughter – Coat & Scarf: Old Navy, Jeans: LOFT, Boots: Lexie Courtesy of Koolaburra, Gloves: Target, Lipstick: Private Plum Courtesy of DuWop Cosmetics.

Photo Credit: Allison Lee Photography

Beth B. Anderson is the creator and CEO of Chic Galleria Publications, LLC and Editor-in-Chief of Chic Galleria magazine. She is a Lucky magazine Alpha Shopper, Vogue magazine Influencer, Southern Living magazine source panelist and a member of the ELLE.com/ Style Coalition network. She was named one of Lucky magazine’s Favorite Bloggers.  Beth lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she has been featured on FOX23 Daybreak and various local publications.