How to host an intimate holiday party
By: Heidi Botkin

If you have a love/hate relationship with hosting a holiday party, try downsizing this year. Entertaining doesn’t have to mean extravagant gourmet dinners. Get back to the basics by inviting a few couples over for an intimate holiday dinner and serve simpler dishes. You and your guests will appreciate the attention and conversation a small gathering affords instead of the “lost in the crowd” sensation most often accompanying a larger party. (more…)

How Cincinnati’s lifestyle expert celebrates everyday
By: Staci M. Giordullo

What comes to mind when you hear the name Martha Stewart? Do you run for a pen to write down her latest recipe? Or do you cringe at the thought of that task she’s adding to your to-do list? Well, move over Martha. There’s a new way of doing things around this town and there’s a new lady to show us how. Allow us to introduce you to Cincinnati’s own lifestyle expert, Amy Tobin. (more…)

Get dinner moving
Plan a progressive dinner
By: Amy Whisenhunt

If you want a new twist on the classic dinner party, think progressively. Progressive dinners are a hot trend on the neighborhood circuit. Planning a multi-course dinner can be overwhelming and costly. But with a progressive party, individual courses are served at different locations hosted by different friends, neighbors or guests. (more…)

Party Ready In Less Than An Hour
By: Vivian Moore

By now, the invitations to holiday parties have started arriving. It’s important to take time to celebrate with friends, family and co-workers even though it’s during one of your busiest times. But that’s no excuse not to look your best! Here are some time saving ideas that will get you ready for any party in less than an hour. (more…)

Your Holiday Fitness Guide

Most of us would agree that one of the best things about the holiday season is spending quality time with our loved ones. This year, why not use that time to de-stress, re-energize and burn those extra holiday calories by making fitness your new family tradition. Use these following tips to jump start your active lifestyle now and help keep your family healthy for years to come. (more…)

To give or not to give?
Gifting for the charitably inclined.
By: Patty K. Scott, Senior VP and Managing Director First Financial Bank Wealth Resource Group

A variety of personal benefits are available from charitable giving – advantages that go well beyond just that “warm feeling” and a tax deduction. Many gifts are made for purely unselfish reasons. Individuals who donate their time and talents to their church, synagogue, community organizations, educational institutions or other charities are often open to making monetary gifts as well, especially when they are shown tax-saving methods to do so. (more…)

From power suit to party gal
Day-to-night transformation made simple
By: Amy Provisor

Holiday parties are on the horizon. With our hectic schedules, going home after work to spruce up is rarely an option. Keeping that in mind, here are a few simple ways to go from day to evening without a total wardrobe change. (more…)

Think out of the gift box
With these alternative strategies
By: Heidi Botkin

You may not be able to knit a scarf or crochet a sweater for everyone on your list this year, but instilling a little creativity can make gift-giving more heartfelt and personal this season – and alleviate some of the stress and financial woes of holiday shopping for family, friends and co-workers. (more…)

After You R.S.V.P. - B.Y.H.G. (Bring Your Host a Gift!)
By: Kelly Clark, Owner of Design Fini!

Is your calendar full of holiday parties to attend this year? Show appreciation to your host with a thoughtful and creative gift that will keep you on the guest list year after year.

Sign Here Please
Create a memory of the party for your host with a journal and pen gift set in which friends and family in attendance can write a special holiday message. Get the ball rolling by making the first entry and help circulate the journal among the guests. (more…)