Top Ten All-American Classics

By Sharon Mosley Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 02:14 PM EDT

Want to get more bang from your fashion bucks? Then get back to the basics by investing in quality updated classics that will give you plenty of style. Getting dressed any time of the year will be a cinch. If you have a closet filled with the "core essentials," then you can easily add some personality pieces and accessories. But first you've got to start building your wardrobe by laying the foundation.

Here are 10 All-American favorites to get you started:

Agents of Treachery, A Compendium of Spy Fiction

By Mel Fabrikant Sunday, July 11, 2010, 12:42 PM EDT

Containing short spy stories by authors who specialize in novel length mysteries, Agents of Treachery offers the prowess of these long length writers to develop a story within a limited number of pages. Edited by Otto Penzler, an author and bookseller, he introduces the selections with some poignant and pithy remarks. Included are authors Lee Child, James Grady, Robert Wilson and Stella Rimington to name a few.

Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen

By Mel Fabrikant Sunday, July 11, 2010, 11:45 AM EDT

I must confess that my personal feelings are chauvinistic when it comes to female authors. Ice Cold seems to break down that barrier. Her stars, Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles, are not only featured here in this novel, but rizzoli & isles can now be seen on TNT. Gerritsen uses her experience as a physician to interact with the plot. I suppose that living in Maine has given her an inside view of the cold.

A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart

By Mel Fabrikant Sunday, July 11, 2010, 10:40 AM EDT

For all you mystery book fans, A Plague of Secrets will not disappoint you. John Lescroart has once again produced a novel that will capture your imagination and put your mind to work. Set in the San Francisco area, he blends in his longtime protagonist, Dismas Hardy, into another murder solution. Familiar with the Bay area, the author uses that as his setting for a murder that is baffling unto the end of the tale.

Skylights Look Hot But May Need a Cooling Touch

By Rose Bennett Gilbert Friday, July 09, 2010, 07:36 AM EDT

Q: We loved the idea when our contractor suggested that we put skylights in our new master bath addition. But he didn't tell us how hot that would make the bath, not just in the summer but all year-round when it's sunny. The ceiling is slanted, so I can't use regular curtains.

Help!

A: Help is as close as your nearest window treatment center. Skylights are cool to look at, but as you've found, they can be hot to live with. You have a couple of smart solutions to consider:

The Great Summer Kiss Off: Keep It Simple Style

By Sharon Mosley Wednesday, July 07, 2010, 05:10 PM EDT

When summer heats up, it's time to pare down our wardrobes to the bare essentials. Simple is best when it comes to beating the heat in style. Whether you're cruising around the Greek isles or answering the phones in a high-rise office, it's time to lose the fanny packs, the white tennis shoes and the concert T-shirts.

Instead, opt for these versatile summer basics that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion:

NJRA Taste-Tests Jersey Seafood With Secretary Fisher

By Esteinreich Sunday, July 04, 2010, 07:12 PM EDT

SECRETARY FISHER: SEAFOOD CHEF TO HIGHLIGHT BEST OF JERSEY DISH AT NATIONAL SEAFOOD COMPETITION

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher taste-tested a Jersey scallop, lobster and black bass dish prepared by chef Peter J. Fischbach at the Hospitality House at the New Jersey Restaurant Association’s (NJRA) Trenton office.

In the Swim

By Sharon Mosley Friday, July 02, 2010, 08:03 AM EDT

Love it or hate it. Swimsuit season is here. You can cover it all up or figure out a way to accentuate the positive and have a great time. Let's face it, we all have figure flaws, so let's figure out what works and what doesn't when it comes to baring it all ... well, almost!

"The first decision is whether to wear a one-piece or two-piece suit," says Jill Martin, fashion expert and author of "Fashion for Dummies."

"What you choose depends on what you're comfortable in and what body part you want to show off or hide," she says. "Get a one-piece suit if your belly is an area that you don't feel comfortable revealing."

Refreshing Summer Fruits Offer Important Health Benefits

By Dr. Rallie McAllister Friday, June 25, 2010, 06:14 AM EDT

Summer offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy a bounty of delicious, fresh fruits. Like other plant foods, fruits are packed with vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidant compounds known as phytochemicals.

These health-promoting agents help protect plants from environmental hazards, including insects, fungi and ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Although the human body isn't capable of producing many of the natural compounds found in plants, we can enjoy their protective benefits by consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes and grains.

Summer In The City

By Sharon Mosley Wednesday, June 23, 2010, 07:12 AM EDT

The girls from "Sex and the City" may have spent their summer in the desert, but what are us girls stuck in the hot city supposed to wear? We can definitely take some cues from the fashionable foursome in the latest "Sex and the City 2" movie, says Whitney Kessler, assistant editor of Stylesight (www.stylesight.com), a trend forecasting service.

The Angel’s Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

By Mel Fabrikant Monday, June 21, 2010, 06:26 PM EDT

The Angel’s Game

The author of The Shadow of the Wind has written another novel, The Angel’s Game also set in Spain. Zafón concentrates on Spain and his native Barcelona in writing this tale of intrigue along with vivid descriptions of the area. Somewhat on the order of Stephen King, he deals in occult mystery that he manages to piece together in a way that captivates the reader. He brings in some material from The Shadow of The Wind that blends into the story.

Earth,Wind and Fire spread the love in Bergen County

By newjerseynews Friday, June 18, 2010, 11:53 AM EDT

Tom Murro from Celebritymagnet.com covered Earth, Wind & Fire’s most recent concert at the The Bergen PAC in Englewood, NJ.. Tom’s met the band and a certain lady “In Red”. The 1970’s multi-Grammy winner, Gold and Platinum album band with its groundbreaking African-American jazz, R&B pop is currently on tour.

Disco, funk, pop and soul were all very alive when Earth Wind & Fire hit the stage last night in N.J. The group simply is, in one word, Amazing!

Mushroom Side Dish Is Almost a Meal Unto Itself

By Caroline Dipping Friday, June 11, 2010, 03:33 PM EDT

Q: My wife and I have always enjoyed Donovan's Steakhouse in La Jolla, Calif. Their steaks are absolutely the best you can find, but we also really love their sautEed mushroom side dish. They're so good, I honestly think I could eat those as a meal all by itself.

We've tried to recreate them at home and have not even come close. If you could get the recipe, it would be greatly appreciated. They are described on the menu as SautEed Mushrooms; button mushrooms sautEed with thyme, rosemary and black pepper.

Pat Benatar rocks Bergen County

By newjerseynews Tuesday, June 08, 2010, 04:52 PM EDT

Some may not know that Pat Benatar got her start in an off-Broadway musical composed by Harry Chapin when she was twenty-two. It’s true, the musical was called "The Zinger". After that, she was discovered by a record agent while singing at the New York club Catch A Rising Star. Pat Benatar has produced plenty of rock hits over the years.

Pat Benatar was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall Of Fame October 30, 2008. In her acceptance letter, she said, “My upbringing, and the values and ideals I learned back in my hometown kept me grounded. I never forget that a small town girl from Lindenhurst, LI actually got the chance to live her dreams”

The Creative Coolness of Homemade Ice Cream

By Anonymous Sunday, June 06, 2010, 07:53 AM EDT

When the slight chill of spring gradually gives way to the warmth of summer, thoughts and cravings turn to sun-soaked afternoons on the water, outdoor barbecues and, of course, the cooling comfort of ice cream.

Sure, we can turn to our always reliable friends at Ben & Jerry's, Haagen-Dazs and Baskin-Robbins to satisfy our primal urge for this most elemental of desserts, but instead of heading to the nearest ice cream parlor or supermarket freezer case, why not make it ourselves as a way to celebrate the Memorial Day weekend?

Trina Introduces 2010 Spring/Summer Collection

By Paramus Post Friday, June 04, 2010, 07:27 AM EDT

Trina 2010 Spring/Summer Collection The newest collection reveals a whimsical look towards exotic destinations for fashionable and functional travel and cosmetic accessories

Perfect for travel and leisure lifestyles, the Trina Spring/Summer 2010 Collection was inspired by long, luxurious days at the beach, sunny getaways and simple indulgences – all with a sophisticated twist. With high-fashion and practicality in mind, the collection features chic fabrics that bring elements of playfulness together with bright springtime hues and classic gold detailing. Inspired by the fashion industry’s hottest looks, each bag in the Trina Collection allows you to translate the latest couture trends into your daily wardrobe and lifestyle.

Frenchmen Can't be Wrong About Their Favorite Furniture Style

By Rose Bennett Gilbert Thursday, June 03, 2010, 10:28 AM EDT

Q: I spent my junior year in the south of France (Montpelier) and fell in love with French-style furniture (with everything French, but that's beside the point). Now, my husband and I are furnishing our first home and I would like to create a French provincial theme. He's not for it and says French furniture is too "effeminate." Au secours!

A: "Help!" In any language, that's what you need to bring your husband past his stereotypes.

Fashion Intervention for Dads and Grads: Top 10 Summer Trends for Men

By Sharon Mosley Thursday, June 03, 2010, 05:08 AM EDT

Think the man in your life might need a little fashion help this Father's Day? Or do you need to buy a special graduation gift for your nephew? Or are you planning a vacation for you and your husband? And you know who will get to pack for both of you!

June is a great time to plan a fashion intervention for the guys. And Father's Day, in particular, is the perfect occasion to help "upgrade" your man's style through "strategic gift-giving," according to fashion expert Tom Julian, author of the recently released "Nordstrom Guide to Men's Everyday Dressing."

Hats Off to You: Tips and Trends for Wearing Hats

By Sharon Mosley Tuesday, June 01, 2010, 12:56 PM EDT

We stop and stare. Who is that wearing that hat? We think it must be somebody special. Indeed, hats have been crowning us with glory for thousands of years, ever since the first Phoenician women entered competitions for their glorious headpieces.

Today, celebrities know the glamorous power of the hat and the attention it creates. Just look at the toppers of Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Demi Moore, Beyonce Knowles and Harrison Ford — all of whom have been "hat dressed" by Ellen Colon-Lugo, the milliner for both the theatre and the couture fashion crowd. Her famous "Ellen Christine" hats have turned heads for over 30 years.

Pack It In

By Sharon Mosley Thursday, May 27, 2010, 12:37 PM EDT

Heading to the beach this summer? It's never too early to start thinking about your packing "to-do" list. Put pencil to paper and come up with a plan. Get organized and create a vacation wardrobe with mix-and-match separates — plus a few great accessories — that will have you sipping margaritas when you reach paradise, not worrying about those fabulous gladiator sandals you left at home.

Here are some travel tips to help you start packing for your trip to Margaritaville: