10 Simple Ways to Say, “I Love You”Written by Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes
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10. Help your kids write a letter to a family member who lives far away. Write first few lines of a story and instruct recipient to write next, and then return letter. Your story can continue indefinitely. This year, instead of store bought Valentines, give gift of time spent together. What special Valentine tradition does your family share? Please let us know. Contact us at info@togetherparenting.com You have permission to reprint this article electronically or in print, free of charge, provided that each article is: 1. Printed in its full form with no changes 2. Includes an active link 3. A courtesy copy of your publication is sent to above contact 4. And following byline appears at bottom of each article: About Authors: Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are co-authors of award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to

Rondi Hillstrom Davis and Janell Sewall Oakes are the co-authors of the award-winning book Together: Creating Family Traditions. To check out their website that's jam packed with family ideas, visit To subscribe to their online newsletter, go to
| | Hot or Not -- Trends for Prom 2004Written by Blake Kritzberg
Continued from page 1 Fashion influence is drifting, and East is gaining ground: Londoners do their best to dress like Persians, and Bollywood antics make global radar more often. You'll see lovely outcome in those 2004 prom offerings with an elegant sari look and extraordinary hand beading. // Sporty Spice J. Lo lives on in sporty side of Prom 2004, where two-piece gowns (some midriff-bearing) continue to make a splash. This look is not only fresh but practical; those beautiful bodices can be paired with jeans long after prom night's become a matchbook and a memory. "Sporty-prom" fashionistas can augment their costume with sparkling navel gems and exotic paint-on body tattoos. // Celebrity Fashion Can it go any lower? The prom world's not immune from red carpet antics, and several sultry 2004 offerings call for double-sided tape. This year's 'necklines' sometimes plunge so far that there's nowhere else to go; look for 'backdrift' to follow (no pun intended) in next few years. // In Truth, 2004 The dresses genuinely in sync with 2004 runways are ultra-feminine pastels, with delicate ruffles. Think "prom dress meets park." Don't be afraid to go with soft green, coral and pink paeons to girlhood, simply because most offerings are jewel-toned and sizzlingly seductive. // Hair Soft, shiny waves are new for spring (think lovely Charlize Theron at Golden Globes); Aniston-straight is out. Whatever you do, don't torture your hair into some unnatural confection; it's simplicity and naturalness that updates these retrospective looks. // Shoes Clunky is dead. Open-toed stilettos are red-hot. Sure, gorgeous silver (or transparent) sky-high creations on market are ultimate in impracticality. The romantic prom-goer will buy them anyway, get a great pedicure, and slip them off halfway through night for a 'best of both worlds' (if not 'best for pocketbook') experience. // Jewelry and Makeup With all those strapless fashions, take care not to over-accessorize. Unless you're going for a vintage look, don't spoil that beautiful expanse of clavicle with a necklace; don sparkly, dangling earrings instead to create a long line. If Nicole Kidman look is more to your taste, consider one of those retro multi-strand chokers (in black, of course), or a slim black ribbon paired with a silk rose. Chandelier earrings might be "outre" at Oscars, but they're definitely not a done deal at Prom 2004.

Blake Kritzberg is proprietor of the Prom Dress Guide 2004, at http://www.prom-dress-guide.com/ Visit the site for 2004 prom offerings, news and trends.
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