A change could do you good

Step outside of your comfort zone to refresh your look By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Are you in a style rut? I feel it.  And, it’s a dangerous thing.  The last time I felt this way, I cut the length of my hair from my shoulders to my chin (then cried for approximately six months, give or take). A stylish makeover need not be so dramatic…but, in order to feel refreshed, I do believe...

Change the season, change the closet

With cooler weather, time to put away those summer fashions By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Fall is my favorite season! But, there is always a damper to the start of the season with the dreaded “CHANGING OF THE CLOSET”. For my children, the dip in temperatures simply means a hoodie thrown over what they would wear in July. NOT SO for Momma. It is a daunting task because, not only...

Treats and tricks for good oral health

Xylitol-sweetened products could help fight tooth decay and satisfy a sweet tooth By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, FAGD, Columnist, The Times Halloween is coming, and to be fair my kids are no different than yours. They will go out on Halloween and they will try to visit even more homes in the neighborhood than last year.  A very large and heavy sack of candy will be spilled out on the table when...

‘Making up’ my list of favorites

Kelly compiles her “must-have’ list of cosmetics By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I am a make-up junkie.  Lip-gloss, nail polish, under eye concealer….you name it, I’ve got it. Walking around a cosmetic store is a little slice of heaven. But, I also purchase a good deal of my products at the drugstore or supermarket. Here is a smattering of my favorites:  (in no particular...

Homecoming, then and now…

It’s all the same right? No? No!!! By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Homecoming Dance: Then & Now…. Kelly, Circa 1989-(wince) Hair: (huge) loaded with gel, glued together with a half of a bottle of Aqua Net.  Bangs teased, barrel curls. The bigger the better. Make-up: Approximately 7 layers of Maybelline Very Black mascara. Blue eyeliner. Black liner in the rim of the eyelid. ...

The picture of fashion, family style

A few fashion tips for the family portrait, assuming you get everyone on the same page By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times The last time I booked a family portrait, my youngest was still in diapers.  He is 11 now. Why have I waited so long?  The logistics of coordinating the four of us to be in the same place at the same time gets harder every year.  Preaching to the choir, right? However,...

‘Scoping’ out my new tattoo

Marked for life…if you have the right medical gear By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I have been writing my weekly article for over a year now.  And, I have discussed enough topics (fashion related and otherwise) to feel that this is almost like having a public diary.  I find very few issues “off limits.” That being said….I had the pleasure of my second colonoscopy this week. (In...

Mirror, mirror

Do we worry too much about what we think others see? By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times How often do you look in the mirror during the course of a day? Twice?  Ten times?  One hundred? I’ve never actually taken the time to count.  But, I think it’s safe to say that I do it a MINIMUM of ten times.  I wake up, fix my hair, and put on make-up.  I go to the gym and workout (mirrors...

Make the most of your dental insurance

Knowing your plan and your options can save you money and keep you healthier By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD, FAGD, Columnist, The Times If you have dental benefits, congratulations! – You’re one of the lucky ones. Many folks have no benefits.  Too many of us have very little idea how our plans work and how much they actually cover.  This is unfortunate and often works to the benefit of the...

Yes, you can shop at trendy youth stores

Be wary of sizing and pick your spots, but you could save a bundle By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Forever 21 is one of my favorite places to shop and I’m not ashamed to admit it. (I know, I know.  Insert “old lady” joke here.) HOWEVER, if you are slightly over the age of 21 and choose to enter this store, you must adhere to a few simple guidelines.  Otherwise, you could be leaving...