Home > a charmed life
Sneak peek at the Dec/Jan Charm cover!
Check out the cover of our Dec/Jan issue of Charm, due out next week! (Cover photography by Melinda Harris, of Melinda Harris Photography in Nacogdoches.)
Our cover story is about the very talented Andrea Howard, owner of Couture Cakes and Catering in Nacogdoches.
In our Man Cave feature, we’ll hear from Cooper Castleberry, owner of Castleberry’s Furniture Showroom in Lufkin and Big 12 football referee.
And, we included some resolution solutions for you in our “New Year… New You” feature.
Of course that’s not all you’ll find inside, but we wouldn’t want to spoil the fun by telling you everything!
Look for it in your home-delivered paper or around town next Wednesday!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Unusual November observances
There sure are a lot of unusual monthly, weekly and daily observances in November, according to brownielocks.com.
These look especially fun to celebrate:
National Peanut Butter Lovers Month
National Inspirational Role Models Month
Pursuit of Happiness Week (8-14)
World Kindness Week (9-16)
National Game and Puzzle Week (22-28)
Cliche Day (3)
National Chicken Lady Day (I have no idea what this is but apparently we should celebrate it on the 4th.)
Men Make Dinner Day (5)
Pumpkin Chunkin’ Days (6-8)
Cook Something Bold and Pungent Day (love that one!) (8)
Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day (14)
Married to a Scorpio Support Day (18)
World Toilet Day (19)
Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day (24)
Stay Home Because You’re Well Day (30)
Which of these are you most likely to celebrate? And,if you could come up with your own national observance, what would it be? (Odds are there might already be one!)
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Until the last seed grows
Please make time to stop by the Hotel Fredonia sometime next week from 6-8 p.m. to see Kendal Martel’s photography exhibit, “Until the last seed grows.”
Kendal wrote the amazing story in the Aug/Sept issue of Charm about her time with the people who live in the slums of Kibera, Africa, which was highlighted by her beautiful photography.
Donations will benefit the Haki Community Development Group that helps the women of Kibera become self-sufficient.
Kendal has such a big heart for the people of the world. Attend if you can and please spread the word.
Thanks!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Are you a business woman?
If so, this week is all about you!
In honor of National Business Women’s Week, we’d like to hear from our local business women. Tell us who you are, what you do and what type of challenges you face as a woman in business.
For more about NBWW, click here: National Business Women’s Week
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Hello Holidays is Friday and Saturday!
I can’t wait to visit the Hello Holidays market tomorrow! I’m especially excited about ordering lunch from Sarah Stevens. Yum!

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Make like Madonna and “Express Yourself!”
In our next issue of Charm, we have a page dedicated to you! We invite you to tell us your deep or not-so-deep thoughts, share a poem, song or a favorite photo, let us “ooh and ahh” over your artwork.
Personal expression comes in many forms; let us tell your story in the pages of Charm.
For more information or to submit your entries, e-mail us at charm@lufkindailynews.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Bridal Market at the Main Event on Saturday!
Don’t miss the 2009 Bridal Market this Saturday from Noon to 4 p.m., hosted by The Main Event in Lufkin! Vendors, vendors and more vendors will be on hand to help you plan your special day.
One lucky pre-registered bride-to-be will win a $1,500 bridal package from The Main Event!
Get more info by clicking here: The Main Event
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Oct/Nov sneak preview!
Here’s a sneak preview at our October/November issue, out on Sept. 24! On the cover is Penny Ippolito Juergen, photographed by Sean Dupre of duprephotography.com.
Brides-to-be and brides of years past will enjoy checking out the newest trends in wedding dresses, cakes, rings and bouquets! We also included a feature on one of the hottest new photography trends called “Trash the dress” sessions.
Also inside is a look at the Lufkin Alumnae chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, an organization that works to better the community through education, mentoring and other charitable acts.
In one of our feature stories, you’ll read about Margaret Moorer, who is keeping the arts of spinning and weaving alive.
We explore El Camino de los Tejas from Nacogdoches to Natchitoches through a pictorial journey that will make you want to load up the car and go.
And, we finally gave in to the men who tell us how much they love to read Charm by giving them a space to call their own — The Man Cave.
As always, there’s much more inside, so check your home-delivered paper bright and early on Sept. 24 or pick up a copy later that day at locations around town.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
The worst question, ever!
I visited a local superstore yesterday to pick up a few groceries. I also happened to pick up a bottle of wine, because it’s full of antioxidants and I care about my heart, and all.
Anyway, the cashier scanned the wine, and instead of the price coming up on the screen, the question, “Is the customer over
40?” came up.
Well. That’s new.
Usually, I have no problem NOT being carded. I mean, the drinking age is 21, and I know I don’t look 21. I have a daughter who’s nearly 21, so the youngest I can even pretend to be is… oh, you do the math.
But, this was different. At 44, I’m not THAT much older than 40 (just play along here), and even though I never lie about my age (I said, play along here) I found myself holding my breath while I waited to see what the cashier would say.
Her response? “Oh, I don’t know. Are you?”
Of course I answered honestly, but I left wondering WHY some man (I’m sorry, but I just KNOW it had to be a man!) would pick that random age to ask. Why not 29? Or 33?
I really don’t think I can stand the level of scrutiny required for someone to try to determine whether I’m older than 40, so I’m leading the call to bring back 21 as the determining age.
Should that fail, however, I better get carded from now on. I’m just saying.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Post your comment |
Do you want a makeover?
If so, The Dream Team is looking for the next ‘Change your Life’ Pineywoods Makeover recipient, but you better act quickly! Applications must be turned in by Aug. 31, 2009.
Applicants must be available for appointments, examinations, surgery and recovery from Aug. 2009 to May 2010, must be a U.S. citizen and must be at least 21 years old.
Applications are available in Nacogdoches at Lehmann Eye Center, Aaron Polk’s dental office, Jinx Cosmetics, Curves, The Oasis Spalon, The Daily Sentinel, Creative Photography by Clay Bostian, Shelley’s Bakery Cafe or online at www.lehmanneyecenter.com.
To see pictures of the transformation of Lynn Thorne, last year’s recipient, click here: Lynn Thorne makeover
During Lynn’s nine-month makeover, she learned about diet and exercise, underwent Botox injections and an eye lift, and received cosmetic dentistry, as well as fashion and makeup advice.
For more information call Kathy McGough at Lehmann Eye Center, at 569-8278.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Tomorrow is another day.
It’s hard to believe the movie based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel, “Gone with the Wind” is 70 years old. The timeless classic still entrances those who watch it today.
Who do you think was a better match for Scarlett — Ashley or Rhett?
In case you missed our Sunday Lifestyle, you can read about a real-life Scarlett who collects “Gone with the Wind” memorabilia by clicking here: Scarlett Fever
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment |
Guns N Hoses Blood drive today and tomorrow
The Lufkin Fire Department and Lufkin Police Department are hosting their annual Guns ‘N Hoses Blood Drive today and tomorrow.
Stop by the van parked outside City Hall between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. to donate.
Everyone who donates will receive a coupon for free Bluebell Ice Cream and a Guns N Hoses t-shirt.
Blood supplies run low during the summer months, so try to make it by if you can!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Williams Riley Band in town TODAY!
Joanna over at KJ103 just called to remind me that the Williams Riley Band will stopping by Lufkin today.
Go see them at First Street Cafe from 5 to 7 p.m. Free music, good food — what more do you want?
Check them out here: http://www.williamsriley.com
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Free Health Fair tomorrow in Lufkin
Senior Circle and Healthy Woman Chapters at Woodland Heights Medical Center
Host FREE Health Fair
On Wednesday, July 29th the Senior Circle and Healthy Woman chapters at Woodland Heights Medical Center (WHMC) will sponsor a FREE Health Fair as part of its ongoing effort to inform, educate and empower the community to adapt healthier lifestyle behaviors.
The fair, which will include free health screenings for the public, will be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Affinity Center at WHMC. It is located at 302 Medical Park Drive, Suite 103, adjacent to Angelina Surgical Associates and Dr. Dean/Evan’s offices.
The free health screenings at the fair will include:
Glucose/cholesterol screening (7am-9am only)- please fast 12 hours prior to testing
blood pressure
Body Mass Index
Hearing
Bone Density
Health information and community resources will also be available as well as samples, demonstrations and door prizes!
Following the fair, monthly luncheons and resistance training classes will continue to be held in the Affinity Center. These not only promote good health, but also encourage local residents to utilize local health care resources within the community.
Not a member of either of these programs? Don’t worry
.we can sign you up that day!
To learn more about Senior Circle and Healthy Woman visit www.woodlandheights.net or call Tara Watson at 936-637-8687 or Jennifer Stevens at 936-637-8688.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
If you could talk to the animals…
…why not tell them you’d love to volunteer at the Ellen Trout Zoo? See the attached flyer for ways you can help.

Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Sneak peek at the Aug/Sept Charm cover!
Here’s a look at our August/September issue of Charm, which will be included in your home delivered paper bright and early July 30th!
Our beautiful cover photo of Bianca Herrera was taken by the talented Maria Alanis of Nuevo Milenio Photography.
In this issue, you’ll learn about the Hispanic tradition of celebrating a young woman’s 15th birthday with a quinceanera. I was excited to experience Bianca’s special day with her family and friends.
Also in this issue, are the Rhythm Rocker Cloggers, a high-energy group of women who, through their clogging ability, act as fun and enthusiastic ambassadors of East Texas. After reading Michele Marcotte’s story about the group, I’m seriously thinking of taking lessons!
In our Daytripper feature, we’ll take you to the Rangerette Showcase and Museum in Kilgore, to find out more about this high-kicking group of ladies who mesmerize crowds wherever they perform.
We also talked with some enterprising women who work from their homes, to learn more about how they balance their home and work lives.
And, we’ll hear from S.F.A. student Kendal Martel, who during a trip to the African slums of Kibera, learned of a grassroots movement designed to empower women and free them from the grips of poverty.
As always, there is much more inside that you won’t want to miss!
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment |
Guess who’s going to be in the next Charm?
We caught up with the Rhythm Rocker Cloggers as they were preparing for an upcoming exhibition. Read about them in our next issue, out on July 30th.
In the meantime, I happened to find a couple of videos of some of their past performances. What fun!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Celebrate Blondie!
July is International Blondie and Deborah Harry Month! Make sure you celebrate — one way or another.
Blondie One Way or Another on iTunes
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Longhorn Brandon Belt offering baseball lessons
While at The Very Thing! in Lufkin today, I noticed a sign posted on the door which noted that Texas Longhorn Brandon Belt, who was recently drafted by San Francisco, is offering baseball lessons to area youth.
Wow! What a great opportunity to learn from a local boy made good.
He’s available to help with pitching, hitting or other baseball skills.
Call (936) 556-3478 for more information.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
What does freedom mean to you?
As you enjoy your Fourth of July, take some time to remember the reason for the celebration.
Happy Independence Day!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment |
Trivia contest question!
Who were the three ladies (first and last names) to grace the cover of our Nov/Dec/Jan issue?
First correct answer posted here wins a Charm T-Shirt! Good luck!


Latest comments
I’m a big Scrabble fan, but I hardly ever win!
... read the full comment by Denise | Comment on Unusual November observances Read Unusual November observances
I am most likely to celebrate the National Game and Puzzle Week. At the Nacogdoches Public Library I will display some of the game and puzzle books for clients to check out. Does anyone know a local source that sells the game “Boggle”? I have
... read the full comment by Anne Barker | Comment on Unusual November observances Read Unusual November observances
Denise, Thank you for remembering. And you are right that day was a life changer. We need to talk and expand more on that day! On that day I truly understand what it means to be married and be one flesh. When Shelley and I married I didn’t understand
... read the full comment by Jesse (Shelley My Sweetheart and Husband) | Comment on Remembering Shelley Read Remembering Shelley
Hello Denise, I’m Jesse’s sister. I was only 13 when shelley passed away and I was there when shelley passed. I will never forget that day and I don’t think I can. Shelley was the sister that I never had and she taught me so much about
... read the full comment by Belinda Tipton Romanowski | Comment on Remembering Shelley Read Remembering Shelley