My journey to becoming a graphic designer started in high school when my amazing teachers told me about the different types of printing and print processes, from Gutenberg’s movable type to letterpress to silk screening. It instilled in me a love for what has now become a dying art with the overwhelming new waves of technology.

The Spring issue, available in The Daily Progress on March 4, is all about the history of Central Virginia’s women - from Dolley Madison’s time at the White House to the legacy left by local artist Frances Brand, who graces the cover. Click on the image above to read the issue.

why we picked a blood donation party over cocktail hour

Learn how to help your loved ones in a coronary event.

Tea Forte’s Coco Truffle brews up all the flavor without milk or sugar

melt your stress away - the techie way

A sneek peak at MAC cosmetics’ Hello Kitty collection, available at Belk starting Feb. 12.

Skip the presents, take me to see “Coraline”

liquid sunshine from Bath & Body Works? almost

“Under a Virginia Sky: Paintings by Steven Walker” might be just the thing to combat holiday-frazzled nerves.

Somewhere between the dapper grooming habits of the 1950s gentleman and the rise of Mountain Dew, Axe Body Spray replaced showers and men’s grooming social norms were changed forever.

Until Smell-O-Vision returns, my best guess is that Bree Hodge of ABC’s “Desperate Housewives” wears Narciso Rodriguez.

After enduring Black Friday, “Cyber Monday” has rolled around. Haven’t heard the term before? Well, I hadn’t either until just recently, so I thought a quick trip to Wikipedia would help me out with the definition.

Every year everyone and their mother gets a little busier, so don’t underestimate the power of handmade gifts this holiday season.

Goodbye unsightly muffin top and plumber’s booty.

After being a slave to countless body, hair, and facial moisturizers for years, I’ve streamlined my product arsenal down’t to one fabulous treatment.

The 14th Annual Artisans Studio Tour got off to a great start, despite the rain and windy weather yesterday. Seventeen art studios have opened their doors for the public to immerse themselves in the local talent and unique styles - ranging from jewelry, hand printed goods, pottery, furniture restoration, etc.

Mark your calendar - the Charlottesville event is Monday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. at Spring Street boutique on the Downtown Mall.

This live cooking demonstration will make any last-minute holiday cooking a breeze.

Now that I’ve officially run out of candy corn, it’s time to start thinking about epic Thanksgiving side dishes with a little help from Martha Stewart.

Studies show that when women get busy, sleep and exercise are the first things to suffer. But our hair takes a beating, too.

We knew him as the writer of Jurassic Park. His friends and family knew him as a loving husband and father with a wry sense of humor.

Virginia polls close at 7, so it’s just about time to kick back, relax, and watch the numbers roll in. With a little help from the New York Times tonight promises to be more intriguing than the Summer Olympics and just as fun.

My brother and I have always been interested in films and video production, so when I first found out about the Virginia Film Festival three years ago, I was excited to experience such an event.

To celebrate the music video that launched a thousand zombie obsessions Madame Tussauds broke the world record for the most people dancing to Thriller at the same time.

I might be all grown up and pay my own car insurance, but I’m not too old to dress up.

Leggings a la Lindsay Lohan aren’t appropriate in the professional environment, but Gap’s skinny jeans are just as comfortable and arguably cuter.

When I bought my new MacBook Pro a couple months ago, I decided I didn’t want a ridiculously huge and unattractive laptop case. After looking around a bit, I finally found the nearly perfect bag. Built NY Laptop Case in “Dot No.7/Powder Blue.“

It’s been over a year since Marc Jacobs launched Daisy perfume and I’m still not over the cuteness.

Don’t let a chapped, red nose add insult to injury this cold season

I love it when I am in the midst of deleting a myraid of emails from various mailing lists I’ve signed up for and something catches my eye. I’ve found two great items you might enjoy - especially with the holiday season right around the corner.

This Goochland County resident is fighting stage 4 cancer so she can care for her children the way she used to.

Is there a better chilly/gloomy/cranky day pick-me-up than hot chocolate? Sure, maybe. But have you tried the new Starbucks Signature Hot Chocolate?

While putting together the first issue of Charlottesville Woman magazine, we ate, breathed, and slept ideas for the publication (Aleta dreamed she wrote an article on the health benefits of eating ice cream for breakfast, true story).

While putting together a story about the Artisans Studio Tour on Nov.15 & 16, I fell in love with the natural textile designs of Lotta Helleberg.

I hardly need an excuse to pick up a new carry-all, but Sephora piles on the incentives with the Sephora Project tote.