Thank goodness it’s Friday!!!

July 30th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:MississippiHome 024

It is Friday and none too soon for me. My new computer has been eager to show me how much smarter it is that I am. Unfortunately, it is. Right now, I don’t like it very much. My old computer was clunky, weighed at least 16 pounds and took 15 minutes to get warmed up. But it basically did exactly what I told it to do. I like that both in computers and people.

My new computer is fast and sassy. When I attempt some simple thing like let’s say, sending an email, it pretends to send it and then I look again and it is right back in my inbox. Maybe it doesn’t approve of my friends or my messages, but if it doesn’t get over that, I am thinking it might be Hammer Time…

They’re back on the runway!

Tonight is the season premiere of Project Runway, at 8 p.m. on Lifetime. If you have ever watched the show, I recommend it. First, the host is the gorgeous Heidi Klum. Then there is the fabulous Tim Gunn who  mentors the designers giving them great advice and some tough love when needed. As the creative director of Liz Claiborne, he is one of the most fashion-savy people around.

The talent on the show is amazing. In the course of as little as one day, the designers must create an outfit using materials they have never seen before. Sometimes they actually get to use lovely fabrics, but for some of the shows they have to sew their garments using recycling material, aluminum foil, old blue jeans, paper, etc. What they come up with is just incredible. You cannot help but be blown away by what they create.

Yes, I do love yogurt!

I hope you love it,too because it is so good for you! The August issue of Cooking Light Magazine, page 38, highlights the benefits of yogurt, which are many.

1. The good for you bacteria in yogurt is present only in those that say, “active yogurt cultures” or “living yogurt cultures” or similar. Heat-treating kills those.

2. Greek yogurt is nothing more than regular yogurt with some of the whey drained off leaving it with a higher protein content and a denser taste.

3. Even those who are lactose-intolerant can usually tolerate yogurt.

4.  When the whey is sitting on top, don’t pour it off. It contains protein and tart flavor–stir it in.

5. Check the fat content and calories of your yogurt. Some contain up to 250 calories in 8 ounces.

6.  Even when buying frozen yogurt, look for the “Live and Active Cultures” label. It may just have a bit of yogurt stirred into an ice cream product.

7.  Watch for added sugar–again, more calories.

My favorite breakfast is granola, Greek yogurt with a little honey and fresh peaches and blueberries. Right now Texas peaches are great in the grocery stores! Ripen on the counter top and yum!

Have a wonderful weekend! Check out our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Trip at the left and tell your friends!!!

Janet's adorable Sugar Ray! Such a gentleman

Janet's adorable Sugar Ray! Such a gentleman

Diane

§ comment on this post

Who knew I was a fortune teller?

July 29th, 2010 § 1 comment

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:009

Sometimes that darn spell-checker just blows it and lets a typo slip through, however if you find errors today it will be because I am zooming down I-10 across the state of Louisiana at 65 or so miles an hour. I know you will be relieved to know that I am not the one driving! Every time we hit a bump or a dip in the road, my little laptop bounces up and down so I hope you appreciate the dedication with which I am attempting this post.

After being on the road for more than a week, our car looks like one of those gypsy wagons where you can buy everything from pots and pans to jewelry and get your fortune told to boot. We have beach noodles, a beach umbrella, ice chests, suitcases, boxes of vegetables from my sister’s garden, a huge bucket filled with her gorgeous zinnias and about 25 books and magazines. Did I mention two grocery bags of snacks? You just never know where you will be able to find decent snacks on I-10.

About the fortune telling part, you will not believe this. I use MSN.com for news, and of course to see if Heidi Klum has had another baby. I just want to know who carries them for her? No one has four children and looks like she does. Life is just not fair.

Okay, back to the fortune telling. MSN.com has a new feature where you can check your daily horoscope. You are not going to believe this, but the gypsy fortune teller’s name is Madame Blanco. I think this is clearly some type of intellectual property violation because I am pretty sure I am Madame Blanco and I have not given anyone permission to put me on MSN.com, without properly compensating me, of course. Besides the character looks exactly like Bill Murray in a wig and headscarf. At the very least, they could have used Ryan Secrest.

Yesterday, I had such a thrill. I am a huge fan of Kathy L. Patrick, author of The Pulpwood Queens’ Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life. She is not only a book-loving literary expert, former publisher’s representative, hairdresser extraordinaire, but the founder of 319 Pulpwood Queen Book Clubs (We are organizing #317 in Kingwood). Authors adore her and flock to her shop, Beauty and the Book, in Jefferson, Texas for signings and of course, to get their hair done.

January 13 through 16, 2011, Kathy Patrick will hold her 11th Anniversary Girlfriend’s Weekend in Jefferson, Texas and we are invited! Not only will you have an opportunity to meet Kathy, you will be in the company of some of your favorite authors. In fact, there is an author’s dinner which is prepared by the authors themselves and served by them. Last year, the great Pat Conroy (Prince of Tides is one of my favorite, favorites!) served the iced tea and will be returning this year with his wife author Cassandra King.

There will also be a play written by and acted in by the guest authors. The highlight of the event is the Big Ball of Hair Ball, where you get to dress up and have really big hair. For some of us that will be a challenge. I am going to have to either rent or buy some hair because this little fuzz on my head will never qualify as ‘big” under any circumstances. Just ask my hairdresser Sylvia.  She cries every time she does my hair.

Lipstick Digest will be setting up camp in Jefferson hoping to rub shoulders with authors whose work inspires us. A complete list of authors attending and details about Girlfriend Weekend at Kathy’s Website, www.Beautyand the Book.com., click on Girlfriend’s Weekend. Hurry, attendance is limited!

Have a spectacular day! Don’t forget to sign up for Lipstick Digest’s European Christmas Market Tour, see Trips at the left!  Diane

The Pulpwood Queen's Tiara-Wearing, Book-Sharing Guide to Life

1 Comment

Back down on the farm

July 26th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I'm back in Mississippi, on the farm

I'm back in Mississippi, on the farm

I hope this Monday finds you in a good place physically, and mentally! With Mondays, that isn’t always the case! I woke up in a great place, my sister and brother-in-law’s home in north Mississippi. They have horses, cats and a great boxer, Sugar Ray, who has a fantastic repertoire of tricks, one of which involves a hula hoop. They live on a beautiful lake, where I understand Sugar Ray also is fond of fishing. I will have to see this to believe it. More later…

Saturday night I found myself channel surfing and for some reason I stopped at C-Span where General Stanley McCrystal was giving his farewell speech at his retirement ceremony in Washington. I was really saddened to see such a good, dedicated soldier brought down by a Rolling Stone reporter looking for a big scoop. Sure, McCrystal should have realized that he could not be candid in the presence of the media, but I think over the course of a month, in a war zone, with lives on the line every single day, being guarded in his speech was his last concern.

I didn’t know what to expect of his speech, but was curious none the less. What I saw was a man with a great deprecating sense of humor–forgiving, humble and grateful for 38 years of service to his country. He acknowledged he had no idea about his future, but he said he and his wonderful wife, from whom he had spent years apart because of his service, were focused on getting to know each other again. He said she had a fondness for Italian shoes and had amassed an extensive collection of them. He acknowledeged trying to use her buying power to get the Italians to send more troops to Afghanistan, but had been unsuccessful.

He reminisced about the night she opened the door to their home in her nightgown to find a crowd of paratroopers gathered for a party he had organized at their home after a jump, without bothering to tell her. She kindly invited them in and started preparing food. He talked about the real strength of a nation being the wives and families back at home who allow their loved ones to leave them and serve their countries. If you know any military families, you know just how true this statement is.

General McCrystal will be offered a wonderful job with some powerful American corporation, write a best selling book and make a ton of money on the speaking circuit.  His wife will be able to buy all the Italian shoes she wants. No matter what he does in his life, the Rolling Stone reporter will always be remembered as the man who wrote the expose that led to the firing of a great soldier and a really good man.

Sweetie Pies' triple threat!

Sweetie Pies' triple threat!

You know I can’t miss pass up a place called Sweetie Pies!

Before leaving Gulf Shores, my sister and I stumbled upon a bake shop called, Sweetie Pies. Of course, we had to stop. Well, if you have ever seen taller meringue anywhere, I want to hear about it. While they serve delicious sandwiches, soups and salads, the piece de resistance is the dessert selection! Oh Momma! I am pretty sure after we left, they had to clean our drool off the bakery cases. We went from lemon to chocolate to coconut ( which was proclaimed to be the local favorite), to chess and finally to the fruit varieties.

Don't you just want to fall in?

Don't you just want to fall in?

We wound up with an enormous bread pudding which we begrudgingly shared. I still wanted Chocolate pie, but Janet said no. What a spoil sport she can be. Southern Living wrote glowingly about the rapture that is their pecan pie, which comes in six varieties, including white chocolate. Check them out in Pelican Place, Gulf Shores and on Facebook, www.sweetiepiespelicanplace.com. Tell Tammy I sent you!

Please click on TRIPS, on the left of the page, and join me for the First Annual Girlfriend’s European Christmas Market, Dec. 1-9! And invite your buds! Hurry, the deadline is August 13!

You have a sweet day today!!

Diane

§ comment on this post

Let’s go to Europe!

July 24th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I do not usually post to my blog on the weekend, but I am so excited about this upcoming trip that I cannot wait one minute longer to tell you about it. Every year I take a group to Europe, usually a combination of couples and singles, but this year I have something very special planned, just for the ladies! The First Annual European Christmas Market Tour will be December 1-9 and I am hoping you and your friends will join me!!! It will be so much fun and what great photo opportunities!  We have a very short window to fill this trip. Our deadline  is August 13, so we have to hurry. Please share will all your friends who may want to go. And what a great idea for husbands to give to their wives–no Christmas shopping agony!

Join Kingwood Travel and Lipstick Digest for the

First Annual Girlfriends’European Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany & Switzerland

December 1-9, 2010

$2650, per person, includes airfare, hotels, travel insurance, 7 buffet breakfasts, 3-three course dinners plus Farewell dinner with wine in Lucerne, plus pre-trip party to meet, greet and swap packing ideas

Yes, there will be dancing!

Yes, there will be dancing!

Call up your gal pals and experience a Christmas shopping experience like no other. Visit the traditional Christmas markets of Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, Innsbruck, Zurich and Lucerne. See Europe decked out for the holidays in picture postcard splendor. Camera bugs will have a field day! Yes, this is your chance to wear that fur in your closet!

We will fly British Airways to Vienna (returning from Zurich) to begin our adventure with the services of a full-time Trafalgar guide and multi-lingual speaker traveling on a luxury coach with 30+ fun-loving women. Diane Blanco, author of Lipstick Digest.com and frequent European travel host, will be our tour director. In addition to shopping in the traditional Christmas markets and shops, we will see some of the most amazing scenery, landmarks and highlights of each city. King Ludwig’s castle in Neuschwanstein will literally take your breath away.

We will possibly overdose on laughter and fun, but that is the price of traveling with friends. This tour will fill quickly so if you wish to join us, and believe me, you do, sign up ASAP. Our deadline for this amazing price is August 13, 2010. To sign up, call Ann Chamberlain at Kingwood Travel, 281-359-5464 or e-mail diane@lipstickdigest.com.

You'll make new friends & enjoy great good!

You'll make new friends & enjoy great good

Our Itinerary:

Day 1 – Depart USA

Overnight flight to Vienna.

Day 2 – Arrive Vienna (2 nights)
Welcome to the Austrian capital city, Vienna, at this festive time. There is time to relax before enjoying a Welcome Drink with our Tour Director and fellow travelers.

Hotel: Hilton Danube (SF)

Day 3 – Vienna sightseeing and Christmas markets
Our sightseeing tour with a local guide includes a drive along the Ringstrasse with views of the Hofburg, the Parliament, City Hall and the State Opera House. Then there is time to visit Vienna’s ‘Christkindlmarkt’ in traditional decorated wooden huts which display handmade wooden toys, local gingerbread and warming ‘Glühwein’. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 4 – Vienna – Salzburg – Munich (2 nights)
A scenic drive along the Danube Valley brings us to Mozart’s Salzburg, where the Christmas markets are held in and around the ancient Cathedral. Our guided walking tour shows us the Mirabell Gardens, Mozart’s birthplace and the Old City. Then we drive through fairy-tale Christmas landscapes to the Bavarian capital of Munich, with its festive Christmas markets and bustling beer-halls. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

We can always nap on our deluxe motorcoach!

We can always nap on our deluxe motorcoach

Hotel: Hilton Munich City (SF)

Day 5 – Munich orientation and at leisure
Our orientation shows us the Hofbräuhaus, the Marienplatz and the ornate Glockenspiel on the impressive town hall. Then time at leisure to browse through the stalls at the Christmas market and maybe visit one of the famous beer halls of this hospitable and charming city. (Buffet Breakfast)

Day 6 – Munich – Neuschwanstein Castle – Oberammergau – Innsbruck
This morning, with views of snowcapped mountains, we drive to visit Neuschwanstein, the most extravagant of King Ludwig’s castles. Then to Oberammergau, where the Passion Play was performed in 2010, and on to Innsbruck, where, after an orientation tour, we have time to enjoy the Christmas Market in the Old Town Square. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Grauer Bär (F)

Day 7 – Innsbruck – Liechtenstein – Zurich Christmas market – Lucerne (2 nights)
We head westwards to Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein, before entering Switzerland and reaching Zurich the financial capital. Time to visit the lively indoor Christmas market before continuing on to lakeside Lucerne in central Switzerland where we spend the next two nights. (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

We will always stop for coffee & chocolate!

We will always stop for coffee & chocolate!

Hotel: Schiller (F)

Day 8 – Lucerne orientation and at leisure
This morning our Tour Director shows us the poignant Lion Monument, the covered wooden Chapel Bridge and the Jesuit Church, before there is time to shop for Swiss watches and chocolate. Tonight, we all enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner with wine together with our Tour Director and new found friends. (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 9 – Lucerne – Zurich – USA
Morning transfer to Zurich airport. (Buffet Breakfast)

§ comment on this post

Come on down, the beach is great!

July 23rd, 2010 § 1 comment

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Gulf Shores, 9 a.m. today, my footprints, no oil or tar

Gulf Shores, 9 a.m. today, my footprints, no oil or tar

When I read stories about the rich and famous who vacation at private islands or secluded resorts, I always wish I could do the same.  Of course with my budget, I would be able to spend only 4.5 hours there. That is barely enough time to unpack my beach gear and slather up with sun screen. So I don’t think you could say that would be much of a vacation.

Since our arrival here in Gulf Shores, I have discovered that this place is as close as you can get to your own private, secluded beach resort, just without Brad, Angelina and the paparazzi. Oh yes, and without the sky-high prices.

Like everyone else, I have been following so many sad stories about how devastated the Gulf Coast is, which gives the impression that oil is everywhere and the place is ruined. That is not the case.  What I see here is that obviously business is down. Occupancy at hotels, condos, and private home rentals are down and owners are suffering. Restaurants are nowhere near full, but they are serving fantastic seafood, which I am sure is coming from other locales.

The beach is lovely, not crowded, and there are lots of available rentals, 40% off

The beach is lovely, not crowded, and there are lots of available rentals, 40% off

Rentals are a bargain, with prices reduced at least 40% at most agencies and some prices for condos and homes at VRBO.com (Vacation Rental By Owner) even lower. Sadly for those who make their living in the tourist industry, there are no crowds anywhere.

Yes, you probably do not want to swim in the Gulf, or eat the fish you catch right now, but sport fishing is still available. The beach is as beautiful as ever. Last night while walking on the beach, we had to search hard to find a tar ball for my sister to take to her school class back home. This morning we could not find even one. Yes there are booms out there and they are keeping the oil off the beaches. The water is not discolored and is as blue-green as ever.

I remember when my daughter graduated from high school, she and I went to Puerto Vallarta for a girl’s trip. Not only were the beaches not sugar white sand, but the ocean was so polluted, no one would want to swim in it. We swam in the hotel pool, ate great food, took a “pirate cruise” and enjoyed local sights. It was a fantastic trip. You can do all those things right here, right now and not only does everyone speak English, you can drink the water. Did I mention there is a fantastic Tanger Outlet Mall in nearby Foley?

Yes, there are booms and clean up goes on off the coast

Yes, there are booms and clean up goes on off the coast

I am including the photos I took yesterday and today so you can see for yourself how beautiful, clean and ready for your vacation Gulf Shores is.

When I finally waddle home…

One fine restaurant!

One fine restaurant!

And waddle I will. I have had so many fantastic meals–mostly seafood. Yesterday it was at Felix’s Fish Camp on Battleship Parkway on the road to Gulf Shores. Do stop. They are part of the Ruth Chris Steak House family. That says it all. Amazing shrimp and grits, jalapeno hushpuppies. and fried cheesecake with a sparkler. Life doesn’t get any better than that!

Felix's fried cheesecake. Love the sparkler!

Felix's fried cheesecake. Love the sparkler!

Have a sparkling day yourself!

Diane

1 Comment

Scary story, happy ending

July 22nd, 2010 § 5 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

One cool place to stay in Biloxi!

One cool place to stay in Biloxi!

I am warning you that the UFO sighting last week in China was just the first of an alien invasion that has already started. The first strike against us is well underway. They are attacking our technology. I am already a victim after losing all computer and phone service for more than a week. I am still limping along with only limited contacts showing up. My sister has now become a victim.

Last week after working in her yard all day, she was incredibly hot and sweaty so she took off her jeans and shirt and tossed them in the washer. As she reached for the washer start button, she received a telepathic message that said, “Earthling, your phone that was in the pocket of your jeans is also dirty, and sweaty. It needs to be cleaned as well. ” Which is when she decided to toss it in the washer. The good news is that it is really, really clean. You know what the bad news is.

When I was able to calm her down sufficiently enough to drive her to an AT&T store for help, we of course, expected to be greeted by a service representative who would be very skeptical of Janet’s alien experience.

Our hero, Matt Cook, who rescued Janet from an alien technology intervention

Our hero, Matt Cook, who rescued Janet from an alien technology intervention

Well, were we ever wrong! When we met Matt Cook at the Biloxi store, he took one look at us and said, “I can see that you ladies could very well be alien targets. After all, when the aliens come, they are going to be seeking out the finest of our kind with whom to communicate and study.”

We immediately knew that in Matt we had found a kindred spirit. He quickly sold us one of everything in the store. What a wonderful guy.

I know for many of you it will be quite a drive to Biloxi to purchase a new phone after alien sabotage of your current phone, but let me tell you, it will be worth it. Matt understands.

When you’re in Biloxi getting your new phone…You must stop in and eat at the Blow Fly Innin nearby Gulfport. Now I know that does really not sound like a place where you would find delectable food, but it really is! It was opened 40 years ago as Hickory’s Bar B Q, but was so out of the way that finally one local began to give directions to it by saying, “Go Past Pass Road, take a right and follow the string of blow flies”. It soon took the name of The Blow Fly Inn. Even the telephone company refused to put it in the directory saying it was inappropriate. Eventually, they reconsidered. They probably came out and had lunch.

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed The Blow Fly. As everyone knows, you can’t really kill blow flies, so they rebuilt high overlooking a beautiful bayou.

The Blow Fly Inn's amazing onion rings

The Blow Fly Inn's amazing onion rings

Our sweet waitress Tammy turned us on the some of the best onion rings I have ever put in my mouth–crispy and at the same time juicy. She gave us a really cute parting gift, a handful of —you guested it–plastic blow flies.

The spirit is strong here in Biloxi and the people are resilient. They will survive the spill and rebuild once again as they have so many times before. Come on down, the sun’s out, the hotel pools are fantastic and the food is just great.008

Have a beautiful day!

Diane

P.S. I love to hear from my readers.  Please leave me a comment.

The wonderful Blow Fly Inn-Gulfport, MS

The wonderful Blow Fly Inn-Gulfport, MS

5 Comments

Rockin’ at the Hard Rock

July 21st, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Sadly, the shrimp boats are empty and idle in Biloxi

Sadly, the shrimp boats are empty and idle in Biloxi

It is a beautiful day in Biloxi, Mississippi. The sun is shining and there are crowds here. That’s the good news. The bad news is the huge number of shrimp boats sitting idle in the marina behind the hotel. We are on the sound and not the gulf, so sadly, I do expect to see plenty of oil in the next few days.

Things at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino are jumping. It is truly a lovely, fun hotel. My sister, however is having some adjustment problems. It’s all about the shower and the toilet. You see she is quite the modest one.

Hey, you can see right through that door!

Hey, you can see right through that door!

All the new hotels must be built by exhibitionists because they are swapping bathroom doors and walls for glass or nothing at all as the case may be. The Hard Rock has some lovely glass doors to the bath, which at least are frosted. In an attempt at modesty, Janet positioned the really cute animal print( I’ve been telling you animal is in for fall!) ironing board in front of the doors–decorative but it doesn’t conceal much.

Cool zebra ironing board, not quite wide enough!

Cool zebra ironing board, not quite wide enough!

She’s not too happy with me these days. When she was visiting last month, she found a gorgeous foxtail fern at a garden center and bought it to take home to Mississippi. When it came time to leave, she had no room in the car for it so she made me promise to babysit it and bring it this week. Well, when I got ready to leave, I had no room for it, so I planted it in my flowerbed.  It looks lovely.

When she found out I didn’t bring the fern, she threw a hissy fit and now she is holding my newCole Haan sandals for ransom that I left in her car. Somewhere I’ve got to find a foxtail fern

The famous Mary Mahoney's Old French House Restaurant

The famous Mary Mahoney's Old French House Restaurant

Last night we had the most wonderful seafood dinner at possibly the most famous restaurant in the South, Mary Mahoney’s Old French House Restaurant, opened in 1964. Located in one of the oldest homes in America, built circa 1737, the restaurant has survived two recent hurricanes first, Camille in 1969 and more recently, Katrina in 2005, bringing water up to the second story of the restaurant where the family lives.

Point of flood waters on wall at second floor

Point of flood waters on wall at second floor

The founder, Mary Mahoney is gone but her family lives there and within 9 weeks of the devastating flood were back and open for business, such is their spirit.

One of the most amazing sights here at the restaurant is the huge oak tree which shelters it. The tree is known by the name “patriarch” and has been estimated by four different tree specialists to be older than 2,000 years. It is simply a marvel. I recommend if you are in the area that you visit the restaurant and the tree. Any dish you order will be divine and be sure and don’t miss the bread pudding with rum sauce. You know I had some!

The "Patriarch" oak tree, over 2,000 years old

The "Patriarch" oak tree, over 2,000 years old

Have a splendid day!

Diane

§ comment on this post

When duty calls…

July 20th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:pinkflowers

I was just minding my own business when the call came in. I had a full slate of exciting activities planned that included scrubbing the grout in my shower, sewing buttons on the assorted 16 garments I own that are held together by safety pins and removing food from my pantry with expiration dates older than 1997. Pressing, I know. But when the president of our country picks up the phone asks a favor, how I can say no?

Undoubtedly, B.O. (he said I could call him that) has heard that I grew up on the gulf coast and have a special understanding of that area. He said he just was not sure that he was getting accurate information about what was going on down there and he needed someone who would just tell it like it is. He probably reads my blog.

So I put down my grout brush, packed a bag, okay two or three bags, a dozen or so magazines, some snacks ( you never know when you might have a snack attack and be without), my laptop, several adorable hats (the humidity on the beach just reeks havoc with bad hair) and a week’s supply of Cherry Coke Zero (not every store stocks it).

I thought Air Force One might be picking me up, but B.O. said that Oprah needed a ride to dinner so I was on my own. It’s just as well. When I am doing my investigative reporting I like to fly under the rader, so to speak.

Yes, I am roughing it.

Yes, I am roughing it.

My first stop is Biloxi, but I decided to forgo the ostentatious Beav Rivage and stay at the ever so sedate Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I was afraid that I might have to rough it in such austere surroundings but I was gratified to find not only Ben, but Jerry nestled right next to Starbucks on the second floor. I am in Nirvana. I also found my sister, Janet, whose husband Steve just happened to be speaking here at a conference. Funny, I never noticed it before, but Ben and Jerry look an awful lot like us.

Ben and Jerry look strangely familiar...

Ben and Jerry look strangely familiar...

Just be yourSELF!

I just picked up the August issue of SELF Magazine and as ever, it is filled with so many great articles about health, beauty and wellness. They have a fabulous offer, 12 issues for $12, plus $3 shipping and you get a cute tote as well!

Here are a few nuggets:

According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, people who drank chamomile extract every day for two months experienced less anxiety. According to the report, chamomile’s flavonoids may reduce your body’s production of stress hormones. Having a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime may be just the ticket for a great night’s sleep.

People with the highest intake of vitamin K have a 45% lower risk for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The study from the Mayo Clinic of Medicine in Rochester, Minessota suggest eating more leafy veggies like spinach and other greens.

If you suffer with migraines, you may want to try a simple remedy before resorting to drugs. In a recent study,  more than 50% of the subjects tested found that Aspirin eased the pain.

Sunset on Lake Travis, so beautiful I had to share!

Sunset on Lake Travis, so beautiful I had to share!

Have a lovely evening!

Diane

§ comment on this post

I’m on the bumpy road back

July 19th, 2010 § 0 comments

Don't you just love flowers? Don't I wish I could grow them like this!

Don't you just love flowers? Don't I wish I could grow them like this!

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

I know that all of you will be gratified to hear that I am limping back into technology. What that means is that while I can send and receive e-mail, any e-mails I had before last Sunday have gone into the Twilight Zone. I know there were important messages there, recipes for the perfect 2 ingredient casserole, possibly the funniest YouTube video ever, and about 35 pleas to forward a chain e-mail to my ten closest friends or risk some horrible fate. I think I already experienced a horrible fate–I lost my e-mails, my contacts,  my calendar and possibly the birthdays of some very important people! Maybe even yours!!

Girlfriends, Let’s Go!

Later this week I hope to have some exciting news about a Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour in partnership withKingwood Travel and Trafalgar Tours, December 1-9. I have been hosting tours to Europe for the past seven or so years and have always longed to be there during the holidays to experience the traditions, the lights, the holiday spirt and of course, the shopping. I hope you will all think of at least 3 or 4 of your dearest and most fun friends who would love to go as well. I can guarantee a great time, possible terminal silliness, lots of healthy endorphines from laughing and a whole bus load of new good friends. Stay tuned!

Victoria Secret is no secret!

What a deal!

What a deal!

Victoria Secret has a swell sale on bras. The great tee shirt bras are now two for $32! Check it out.

Here’s the dirt–or the Dirt Road Divas If you are anywhere near Houston, you should swing up to Kingwood and check out Jodie and Tony Robinson’s Dirt Road Divas boutique, 2665 Royal Forest Dr., which has nothing to do with biking or being dirty. It is a precious store with ladies and children’s fashions, many from local talented artists /designers. While they have those tiny sizes we love to hate, they also carry ladies sizes 1X-3X. There are familiar lines includingJoy Joy, ABS, Zenby with cool New Orleans vibes, Romeo and Juliet, Free People, and more. www.dirtroaddivaskingwood.com, 281-360-DIVA

The lovely Jodie Robinson, Dirt Road Divas owner with some great after 5 looks

The lovely Jodie Robinson, Dirt Road Divas owner, with some great after 5 looks

You will love the original jewelry line they carry, Tobbe Creationsby Jean Gathmann. She combines pearls, natural stones, and crystals to create beautiful, unique and affordable pieces. If you live elsewhere, visit her at Tobbecreations.Etsy.com

The lovely Jean with some of her beautiful handmade jewelry

The darling Jean with some of her beautiful handmade jewelry

I love you Dr. Oz, but you’re scaring me!

The Houston Chronicle carries Dr. Mehmet Oz Dr.Michael Roizen’s weekly column on Mondays and today they shared some scary stats. Once we hit 40, our lean body mass begins to shrink 8% each decade. At age 70, it almost doubles to 15% each decade leaving us with less muscle, more fat and a slugish metabolism. We can stave off some of this loss by eating sufficient protein, especially good-for-your-heart foods like fish, nuts,beans, low-fat dairy, eggs whites, soy and skinless poultry, taking some at every meal.

Some ways he recomends getting your quota is with peanut butter on whole wheat toast for breakfast, snacking on nuts, non-fat cottage cheese, hummus and whole-wheat pita, and  nonfat Greek yogurt.  Lunch or dinner can be 3 ounces of turkey breast on whole wheat bread, beans, tuna, and chicken.

Eat some almonds and come back tomorrow!

Diane

Darling dressy blouses at Dirt Road Divas by Joy Joy

Darling dressy blouses at Dirt Road Divas by Joy Joy

§ comment on this post

Grab your bag, the sales are on!

July 16th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

This is the way I want to go !

This is the way I want to go !

Although it is a lovely Friday, I am still no closer to resolving my technology problems, although miracle of miracles, I can get to the Internet, just not my e-mail or contacts on either my computer or phone.

Believe me, Bill Gates is staying up nights trying to fix my Microsoft Outlook issues. And I am grateful. I will be more grateful when I can contact people by some other form than telepathy. I hope all of you got those personal messages I beamed out yesterday. I’ll be sending more today, so get ready. Some may include winning lottery numbers, George Clooney’s personal cell number, Donald Trump’s ATM code, and Demi Moore’s plastic surgeon’s name, number and discount code. Stay tuned.

Fall on sale now!

One of my favorite stores, Nordstrom, has started their anniversary sale today! If you can’t get there in person, go to their Website, shop.nordstrom.com. They have the most gorgeous boots of all kinds that are 30%+ on sale. For the first time in my memory, they have Uggs on sale, and not last season’s styles. The classic Kensington regularly $199.95 is now $139.95, the Mare at $169.95 is $109.90 and the Abbie Clog at $129.95 is $89.90. If not for yourself, some lucky girl on your Christmas list would be thrilled with a pair.

Check out their women’s apparel for all the great fall coats, faux fur vest (sale $89.90 from $137) and also designer apparel is on sale at great values.

Both Nordstrom and Dillard’s have a first, the Shape-ups Sketchers in several styles are now $67-$69 from original prices of $99-$109.

At $67-$69 these Shape-Ups are a deal!

At $67-$69 these Shape-Ups are a deal!

In person or online, the deals are calling!

Of real benefit…

In the new Lucky Magazine, I found two great gifts either for a friend or just for you! Benefit cosmetics has two great new samplers of some of their best products. Each contains eyeliner, gloss, cheek color, and four shadows, plus step-by-step instructions. You can find them at Sephora or at major department stores. The cases are gorgeous! $38

Speaking of good deals…

You know I love magazines and right now there are so many bargains out there because many are struggling with this economy to stay afloat. If you love one or more, do consider subscribing and giving gift subscriptions for  Christmas and birthdays or just to someone you know would love a reminder once a month that they are special to you.

Here are just a few great offers:

Allure, the beauty expert, gives you 9 free issues plus a darling red tote bag and makeup case for $10, which is a one year’s subscription. Or get two years and the goodies for $18 plus $2 handling.

Lucky, the fun shopping guide, has 12 issues for $14.97 or 24 issues (2 years) for $19.97! For the young girl in your life, you can get Lucky and TeenVogue for $20 for a one year subscription for both.

Conde Nast Traveler, a great magazine, has 12 issues for $13 and 24 issues for $24 (includes shipping cost).

There are more great deals out there, just go online and find your favorite and check out the great offers!mascara

New from Revlon

Revlon has a new Grow Luscious Mascara which claims 96% of women testers saw “instantly longer lashes”. It also claims to strengthen lashes to complement their growth cycle. If you are using or have tried it, weigh in. Inquiring minds want to know!

Have a simply fabulous day and weekend–come back Monday!

Diane

§ comment on this post

« Older Entries