Intro: An 'Uncommon' start to handmade art

For Vincent and Jessie Leman, turning their crafty creations into sellable decor was the most unexpected and enjoyable wedding presents they received.

New Products for Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013

Berry good

Spring, electricity in the air on Fashion Week couture day

There's never a gray moment for haute couture.

Some gifts fall into the love-it-later category

Have you ever said "thank you" through clenched teeth? The gift in that nicely wrapped box was so not what you wanted: comfy clothes instead of designer duds, or a kitchen gadget instead of a shiny piece of jewelry.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson fans, from left, 4-year-old Luke Sumner along with Camen Alexander and Angela Alexander, all from Cincinnati, Ohio, arrived at 8 a.m. Wednesday to claim their spot in front of the stage for Wednesday night's events at the Jackson home in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson fans Brittney Pimento, of Columbus, Ohio, and Carlo Riley, of Denver, find some shade Wednesday near the Jackson home in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's son Prince and daughter, Paris, receive hugs from Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson during a news conference Wednesday at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's son Prince and daughter, Paris, are greeted by Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson during a press conference Wednesday at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's son, Prince, and daughter, Paris, receive T-shirts Wednesday from Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson during a news conference at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's son Prince and daughter, Paris, pose during a news conference Wednesday at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's son Prince and daughter, Paris, arrive at a news conference Wednesday at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's daughter, Paris, waves to fans Wednesday at the Jackson home in Gary.

Jackson children help fans pay homage to hometown's beloved King of Pop

Michael Jackson's son Prince and daughter, Paris, leave a news conference Wednesday at the Majestic Star Hotel in Gary.

OLYMPIC ROUNDUP: Agnel wins 2nd gold in 2 nights at London Olympics

LONDON | Yannick Agnel bested Ryan Lochte for the second night in a row at the London Olympics, upstaging the American as the biggest star in the pool so far in these games.

Vegetables from garden to grill with coconut popsicles

This season I have a renewed appreciation for natural bounty, both homegrown and purchased locally. ---Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore Magazine.

An angry Bradley Wiggins keeps Tour de France lead

PORRENTRUY, Switzerland | Tour de France. Keeping his cool was another matter.

My dinner at Bentwood Tavern last Friday night

Perseverance, time and distance work in my favor at the silent auction part of the NBBA Bev's Second Season Ball each winter at Heston Hills in LaPorte.---Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore Magazine.

THE GOOD LIFE: Five lessons I learned about the French lifestyle

There is some truth to the saying that we Americans "Live to Work" and Europeans "Work to Live." This became very evident during my family's spring break trip to Paris this year when we all noticed significant differences between how we live in America and how the Parisians approach the joys…

Hidden Las Vegas: Matt Erickson goes off the beaten path in his home away from home

The neon signs burn just as brightly as they ever have. And never have the mega-resort casinos been more gargantuan, with bigger-than-life million-dollar stage shows and change-your-life million-dollar dreams. Yes, Las Vegas is still very much the famed "Entertainment Capital of the World." …

Small plates at the Heritage and Millar scores in James Beard

Incredible food lineup for Saturday night at the Heritage Center in St. Joe includes chocolate-covered bacon mousse and Reserve Chef Matt Millar is in James Beard semifinals. --Pat Colander, Associate Publisher and Editor, Shore magazine