Years ago when I was working I had to investigate the death of an employee. He suffered a heart attack on a business trip. I interviewed a co-worker who detailed their last day. They had business meetings and dinner and then retired for the evening. The co-worker couldn't get over the fact that his friend and colleague had "read a book, gone to bed and woke up dead".Read more

Many of you know how much I enjoy getting together with friends, and really, doesn't a glass of wine always add to the fun? You know it does! If you were afraid you had missed the Arts League's upcoming event, Wine, Women and the Arts, don't worry, it was postponed! Unfortunately, with Mother Nature acting a bit more unpredictable than usual, this fun event, which was scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23, has now been moved to Tuesday, March 9. Now, don't get flustered because the time, from 6 to 8 p.m. and the location, Robb & Stucky's in Southlake Town Square, is the same.Read more

Tax time always makes me want to reach for the closest bottle of Tylenol. So many questions to answer on all those detailed forms and none of them are even multiple choice! This year rather than doing the 11:59 drive-by to the post office on April 15, I decided to get my taxes done early.Read more

It happened 25 years ago ... to me it was a non-event; to another person it was a major event. How could two people have such different recollections of the same thing?Read more

With the arctic weather somewhat behind us and the very early signs of spring around the corner, that can only mean one thing ... Fashion Show Season is upon us. And this year, the weekend of March 26-28, is going to be the weekend of designers, luncheons and fun!Read more

With 2010 starting out similarly to 2009, many of us are still zealously pinching pennies and reining in expenses.

But some household maintenance procedures should not wait, particularly if they put our lives and homes in jeopardy. These include chimney inspection and clearing, especially if you've used the fireplace often during this unusually chilly, wet winter. I know I'm just as guilty about having my chimney cleaned as many folks. I thought that's $125 to $200 that could go toward groceries or youth soccer fees, and simply didn't realize how important it is until I talked to some chimney sweeps who work in our communities.Read more

Most of us would never drive under the influence of alcohol. We are aware of the dangers and the statistics. Designated drivers have become common. Driving drunk is a very "uncool," illegal thing to do.

So, I was horrified to learn I was doing something just as deadly: talking on my cell phone while driving. Drunk drivers are four times more likely to have an accident then unimpaired drivers. People talking on cell phones and driving are also four times more likely to have an accident.Read more

It is that time of year again. Valentine's Day is once again here and now you have a wonderful alternative to fighting the crowds in restaurants. This year, head on over to the sixth annual Black Tie & Boots Gala - Run for the Roses! benefiting the charitable work by Altrusa DFW Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Hilton Hotel in Southlake Town Square. There you can join 200 guests in silks, tuxedos, boots and hats to "stirrup fun," and have some great food!

Serving as honorary chair this year is State Representative Vicki Truitt, who has also donated her popular "Page for a Day" package which will be auctioned live that evening. And in case you haven't found that perfect Valentine's gift, many other items will be available at the live and silent auctions.Read more

How many couples are looking for a romantic escape this weekend but don't have the time or money for an out-of-town rendezvous?

More than a train load.Read more

We Americans are facing a financial crisis, but nothing even remotely on the scale of what has happened to Haiti. It's been heartbreaking to watch the destruction and mayhem the earthquake has left behind. Children are literally starving to death -- many even without a parent around to help. We cannot open a newspaper, turn on the TV or log onto the Internet without hearing or seeing shocking images of this catastrophe.

But amidst all the pain and suffering, I also saw this situation bring out the good in people. Folks have come together from all over the world to help, including our community's schools and religious organizations. People from around the globe have shown how much they care by unselfishly giving their time, swiping their credit cards and even withdrawing cash they've been saving for a rainy day. One of my all-time favorite actors, John Travolta, flew his Boeing 707 to transport doctors, food rations and medical supplies to the ravaged island. As hard as it might be to feel hopeful in the face of the news coverage from Haiti, it feels good to know that we as a nation and as a community can come together and rally as humanitarians to help these victims less fortunate than ourselves, especially when so many of us are feeling the economic pinch in our own lives.Read more