Saying ‘Farewell’ and thanks…

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Ladies and gentlemen, I have a bittersweet announcement to make : this is the very last “Read My Lipgloss”. Although The Times will continue, it will be an abbreviated version. As I reflect upon my brief stint in the world of journalism, I am grateful that Editor, Mike McGann, gave me the opportunity to be a part of this community voice. I have written...

My present is to be more present

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times So, I had the best intentions to do a last-minute Christmas Super Six for y’all. But, then I realized that 90% of the world is currently wrapping gifts, not still buying them. (Know that I hate you if you fall into this category.) Therefore, I will spare you my holiday panic and move on to lecture about the other stuff on my mind. Namely, that I discovered...

Giving thought to a few words of thanks

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love it for its simplicity. Basically, it is a day dedicated to sharing a meal with people you love. That’s it. No pressure to give or receive gifts. The present is our presence. (Cheesy, I know. But, isn’t it the truth?) And, as the title suggests, it is a time to give thanks for the many wonderful things that get...

Camping? Nope. But Glamping? Absolutely.

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I am not a camper. Even as a kid, the idea of sleeping on the ground did not appeal to me. I wanted to be a Girl Scout for the cute, green outfit and sash full of badges but, ultimately, gave it up due to the relentless, camping trip requirements. While I enjoy being outside, I don’t like dirt, bugs, wild animals, or walking to a community bathroom in the...

Super Six: ‘Fall’ into some great products

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Autumn, is that you? Could it be that Mother Nature has agreed to forgo the relentless heat and humidity in favor of some seasonable weather? I love, love, love fall in Chester County. The colorful leaves add even more magic to an already stunning landscape. And, the chilly temps necessitate adding layers, which is my favorite when it comes to personal style....

An event to help transition into Fall Fashion

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times This may come as a surprise…but, I am not a fashion expert (although, I sorta have held myself out to be since I started this column six years ago). I don’t have a degree and I can’t even sew a button. I just have strong opinions, a big mouth, and a knack for picking the most expensive options on the planet. What can I say? It’s a gift. However,...

This is music?

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I’m old. Like, officially “middle-aged” although I fight like hell to defy it. Beauty serums, hair dye, daily workouts…if it helps me to feel younger, sign me up. In my mind, I’m no older than 25. But, you know what gives me away? Makes me feel like that commercial for Progressive Insurance that says “we can’t save you from turning into your...

Super Six: Back to School

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Why should kids have all the fun with back to school shopping? I say, it is an opportunity for us to freshen up our wardrobe, too. After all, drop-offs, pick-ups, sports practice runs, incessant grocery shopping, and laundry folding deserves a fancy outfit. Correct? Well, lucky for y’all that I rounded up six of my favorite finds! Here we go… ...

Balance, Schmalance

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times “Work life balance” It is a concept that garners A LOT of press, particularly around the start of the school year. However, with all the buzz, I have yet to discover a definitive formula for success. When I was a high schooler (back in the time of the covered wagon), you were defined by your intellect OR your athletic prowess. Not to say that you couldn’t...

It goes by too fast

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Mothering is very, very hard work. For those of you with older kids, do you remember when they were little wondering “will I ever get 15 minutes to myself again”? Escaping to go to the bathroom uninterrupted was wishful thinking. I recall (vividly) setting the timer on the stove for a mandatory “rest” when my boys refused to take naps (much too early,...