Like our fashion writer Alyssa Willard, I had a pregnant sister to look to for inspiration for this Carolina Charm issue which has a fashion emphasis on styles for women "with child." We also had our own in-house muse: stylish Telegram niche product advertising coordinator and fashion guru, Jessica Williams, is expecting a bundle of joy in late July.

Our gorgeous "enceinte" model, Dot Gardner (who will welcome a girl in April) illustrates the point that pregnant women don't have to go without stylish clothes for nine months. Special thanks to Pitter Patter boutique in Greenville, that provided us with lots of maternity clothes for Dot to model.

Our cover woman this month is a woman I have looked up to for a long time, Jean Almand Kitchin. When I first started at the Telegram, Jean was doing the Newspapers in Education program for us and I was wowed by her smarts, grace and beauty. Today she runs a successful company, takes care of her family, is a leader on many local community issues as well as a powerhouse advocate for getting North Carolina's children, from elementary school age to college age, an outstanding education. Spaine Stephens' cover story gives us a glimpse into what makes Jean tick and why she takes on the projects she does.

I hope you love this issue as much as I do. We've got a great fitness story, a beautiful Charm Jewelry Box, and don't miss the Braswell Memorial Library Ladies' book reviews. Enjoy!

Jenny White