EDITOR'S LETTER MISSION STATEMENT Platinum is a monthly, glossy lifestyle magazine published by the Detroit Jewish News. It reflects all aspects of life in the Metro Detroit Jewish commu- nity, including decor, fashion, food, health, spirituality, books, shopping and more. Whether profiling a unique member of our community or the latest hot spot or trend you should know about, Platinum's got it covered. Our goal is to be a part of the fabric of the Jewish community and to reflect those who have created it — our readers. GROWING UP, I never thought of myself as a girly girl. I liked clothes, but shopping gave me a headache. Though I loved my Barbies (they had long, blond hair; I did not), I hated the color pink (too frou-frou). Kickball was my game. I dreamed of playing guitar in a band. I wanted a motor- cycle. My poor mother! Then I became engaged. And I went, as I call it, bridal. Gone were my notions of a simple sheath gown. I want- ed the pouf. I wanted the veil. I wanted to be a princess for a day. And I developed a passion for the color pink. My fiance wanted to elope. In the end, we had a gorgeous, heartfelt wedding. But after the emotional turmoil of realizing — then learning to embrace — my inner princess, it was a bit of a letdown returning to being a mere civilian, albeit a happily married one. When would it all be about me again? Probably never, I realized. But six years later, I've come to terms with that. I've had a baby, and for now, it's all about him. I am now in the throes of planning an at-home bridal shower for a friend (for tips on how to do the same, see "No Place Like Home" on page 16), and am delighting in knowing how to make it special for her. Annie Cohen, of Bloomfield Hills, felt the same way when she was helping to plan her daughter's fairy-tale wedding in Charlevoix (for a peek inside, see "Happily Ever After" on page 18). And I'm sure the mothers of brides- and grooms-to-be, who modeled our "Hot Mamas" fashion feature on page 22, feel the same way — even while stealing admiring glances in the mirror! While most of us just get one day in the bridal spotlight, we have numerous chances to make others feel special, to focus the attentions of their family and friends on them — and nobody but them. But, of course, we want to look good doing it, and maybe we can attract just a little atten- tion to ourselves. That's what this issue is about. To all families celebrating an upcoming wedding, we wish you mazel toy! Relish it. Lynne Konstantin, editor lkonstantin@thejewishnews.com My husband, Jeff, and me, moments after we were married, six years ago this month. PLATINUM giveaway A new winner every month! visit JNonline.us for details last month's winner vet Jeffrey, of Oak Park, won May's aluminum star dish. Congratulations! QueeN OF The CASTLE our giveaways are donated by the store at www. Jewish.com . It is a Judaica store like no other! how to win June giveaway: royal ceramic platter perfect for your favorite bon bons! 4 • JUNE 2006 • JNPLATINUM Enter to win at JNonline.us and press the Platinum Giveaway button. This contest opens at noon on the first Thursday of the month and closes at 3 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Winners will be chosen and notified by the end of each month. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. One entry per person per month. Please note: Winner's name will be printed in the following issue of Platinum.