Support local artists this holiday season Autumn Phoenix Designs Danielle Carlson Wire-wrapped jewelry and stained glass decor. Website: www.theautumnphoenix.com. email: autumnphoenix2@gmail.com. Chavenelle Studio Metal Works Gail Chavenelle Metal sculpture. Website: www.chavenellestudio.com. email: gail@chavenellestudio.com. Shop: Outside the Lines Gallery, 1101 Main St. or 101 S. Main St., Galena, Ill.   Lauren’s Custom Gifts Lauren McKay Themed and...

I love to walk home store shop floors early in the mornings before anyone else has arrived. It inspires me. As I walked a floor recently, I was awestruck by the one thing that tied each room together: Fall foliage. Florals are always fantastic, but this season, I felt as though I was seeing them...

My husband and I love to watch the show, “Alone,” a competition series where participants try to survive isolated and with limited resources in the wilderness. It’s evident that one of the biggest challenges of being alone for many days, weeks, or even months is the lost connections with family and friends. They choose their...

Downsizing. Every person at every age has an instinctive reaction to what organizing and downsizing means. Where and how to start, personal impact, as well as possible ramifications from others are all scenarios buzzing around our heads when contemplating a project. For some, the idea of making any decisions halts action. I believe this reaction...

Hearing “home for the holidays” often conjures memories of family vacations, family dinners and other family activities. However, when you have family that is no longer at home, the holidays might not seem as “Hallmark” as they once did. Holidays can be hard when families are grieving, and the time of year does not make...