Our e-newsletter from Nordstrom this week contained 26 pages of spring dresses, each with more than twenty dresses displayed. Too much information!

We know the dress is back. This has come down from on high, in every fashion magazine, on every blog.

It’s hard enough to get used to the thought of wearing them for more than weddings, fundraisers and funerals. We need dresses that work everyday, without going through hundreds of choices.

Here’s one answer, right in our backyard. Simplify. Pick classic styles, get custom fittings. Go to www.dvlllc.com for a look at Danielle Van Looveren’s line of clothing.

From a studio out back of her home in Chester, overlooking a pool and a country field, Danielle designs, sews and sells.

Danielle likes to work in silk and cotton. Her youthful spring line of dresses -- soft and feminine in tasteful patterns and colors, will take you from the office to that afternoon wedding in style.

Her silk collarless jackets over textured sleeveless shifts announce you as a CEO. Or the chic host of the party. But you won’t have to cash in your stock options to carry this away.

If you like the fabric, but reject the style? Danielle will customize a pattern for you for $350. Add the cost of making the dress... you’ll still pay less then you would buying from a better known designer.

Love the dress, but not your jewelry? Danielle will create a necklace made from similar fabric.

A percentage of all of Danielle’s sales goes to organizations that mentor women for roles in the business world.

So pay a visit to the little studio overlooking the pool and the field. You’ll find something that has your name on it, maybe a few things. You’ll satisfy the fashion police, without sifting thru hundreds of dresses and styles. Now if only Danielle would create some shoes!

When the world makes you crazy, we’ve found the perfect escape: The Floataway Pod (www.floataway.com).

It looks like a small Prius without windows or tires. You can enter with or without a bathing suit. Just raise the motorized top and step into the antiseptic calm blue orb.

You sit in the silent dark, in ten inches of water heavily steeped in Epsom salts. You dream without sleeping. It runs $95 for your session.

At the Elite Wellness Center (www.elitewellnesscenter.com) in Emerson, they call it R.E.S.T. , or Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy. The center website lists more than two dozen ailments where the floatation chamber may be useful, including diabetes, anxiety, depression, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Spa director Philip Gotthelf says the treatment works especially well for migraine sufferers.

There are only two Floataway facilities in this country. The other is on the left coast. In Europe, there are flotation centers booked hour after hour, as pod users zone out.

Back in Emerson, a young mother, Karen Barouk took a pod break from her newborn. The total lack of any noise or light made her “refreshed” and “completely relaxed.” Barouk began her sessions during her pregnancy.

Imagine, giving a pod session as a gift to a stressed out friend, co-worker, or even boss. They’ll check in, check out, and chill. One hour a day-- totally unplugged.

Corporate wife. Angry and lonely, in a McMansion up in Sparta. Over-achieving and neglectful husband amasses frequent business traveler miles.

She flees to Pawley’s Island, a sleepy resort off the coast of South Carolina. She becomes a live-in caretaker, finds romance, and gets a meaningful job. Husband tries to salvage his life and marriage.

It’s called The Richest Season (www.amazon.com).

You might think this is a Nicholas Sparks novel. And it well could be. But Hackettstown’s Maryann McFadden (www.maryannmcfadden.com) penned this juicy story.

McFadden, a former realtor, and youthful grandmother, self -published the book a few years back, after trying unsuccessfully to convince many literary agents to take a chance on her.

What happened? Maryann McFadden -- her name alone is fabulously author-esque -- became a genius at self-promotion. There were book signings, local cable appearances. Book clubs around the country started buzzing. Finally, a Big Time Literary Agent signed her. It’s just a matter of time before a Big Time Publisher signs on too.

Order a copy of The Richest Season on-line now, or check McFadden’s website for local stores selling it. It won’t take you long to read it; a few days at most.

You will find lots to like about Joanna, the heroine, and Grace, the ailing widow she cares for. There is the vividly painted backdrop of the ocean, Joanna’s turmoil, and a dash of lust and tears.

It’s not a brain drain, but it won’t dumb you down either. Just a nice escape. And we could all use one of those, this time of year!

Here Kitty?
The coolest cats are at the Morristown Armory this weekend.

The Norwegian Forest kitties are purr-forming for judges. See this beautiful breed on parade Saturday and Sunday? not to mention you can buy nifty toys for your kitty, and catty clothing for yourself (www.catshowsnj.com/nnfcshowinfo.htm).

Here Kiddies?
Get your ?rents to take you to the Kids Can Expo at the Cape May Convention Hall, Sunday all day. Nature, crafts, entertainment. (www.capemaytimes.com/cape-may/events.htm). Mom and Dad can sample a ?spirited? weekend of wine tasting (www.capemaymac.org).

For Your Vows?
Lots of goodies and ideas for all you wedding planners on Sunday, as the Grand Summit Hotel hosts a big bridal show. Ditto at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township (www.americanbride.com).

Wrist Watching?
The Lois Hill trunk show at Nordstrom (www.nordstrom.com) in Menlo Park?snap up one of her snazzy signature wire-weave bangles or hammered silver bracelets.

Sherry Baby?
Frankie Valli is still at it, and the real Jersey Boy, with his current Four Seasons, is at the Borgata tomorrow night in Atlantic City (www.theborgata.com).

Stay?
In AC to see the Classic Car Show all weekend at the Convention Center. So many amazing wheels, they spill over into the Borgata Ballroom (www.acclassiccars.com).

Keep It Coming?
With the King of The Blues, B.B. King, at NJPAC in Newark, tonight, (www.njpac.org). The Thrill Is Gone?not! He?s just warming up, at age 81!

Hope you stay warm too? Have a great weekend!

You indulge in a pedi, mani and blow-out. Revive the art of lunching, for no reason, other than to “do” lunch.

May we suggest Café Panache (www.cafepanachenj.com) in Ramsey.
Atmosphere: French; but it’s cozy, not intimidating.
Food: Fabulous fish. Fresh salmon, grilled scallops, lightly oiled, perfectly prepared-- best we’ve had recently on this side of the G-W.
Wine: BYOB.
Wear: Anything Chanel!

Feel like rolling the dice? Dine at Buddakan (www.buddakanac.com) at Caesar’s Pier.
Atmosphere: Movie set.
Food: Asian fusion. Meant to be shared. Great appetizers and bento box.
Wine (or Beer): No shortage.
Wear: Derek Lam.

Make the move to Mama Tucci (www.mamatucci.com) -- formerly in Madison, now upstairs, in the new shopping mecca, the Livingston Town Center.
Atmosphere: Upscale traditional Italian.
Food: Pasta, combo’ed with chicken, shrimp, or veal.
Wine: BYOB.
Wear: Bottega Veneta.

Let the afternoon drift by at Mediterra, (www.terramomo.com) on Palmer Square in Princeton.
Atmosphere: Spacious Mediterranean.
Wine: By the barrel.
Food: Tapas, country salads, Spanglish.
Wear: Carolina Herrera.

Got a favorite lunch of leisure place in your town? E-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with suggestions. If we don’t answer right away-- we might be out to lunch.