Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

I have some exciting news to report. Just as I was on the verge of giving up on finding a truly sweet, well-done romantic comedy, I found Leap Year. As far as I am concerned, we’ve been experiencing a rather dry spell in that genre lately. Mama Mia and It’s Complicated were two movies which were very well done (both with the amazing Meryl Streep). Since then, all my hopes have been dashed by many mediocre attempted romantic comedies.I had such hopes for Date Night, but it fell just a little short.

Leap Year received a lukewarm review in the newspaper and was gone from the theater before I had a chance to decide for myself. I am a huge Amy Adams fan after Enchanted (pure pleasure), Julie and Julia, June Bug and Sunshine Cleaning, not to mention Charlie Wilson’s War and probably more!

If you love the predictable, but always happy ending, the scenery of the beautiful country of Ireland, quirky characters and great chemistry, run right out and rent Leap Year!

Jeggings on sale!

It is rare to find one of the hottest new looks of the season on sale already, but Dillard’s has jumped the gun with a big mark down on jeggings capris by that great company, HUE. I found them in both faded and dark blue marked from $30 to $9. What a great deal!

Cranberry Pancakes–a recipe at last!

I am sure you remember how much I loved the cranberry pancakes in Nantucket (of course you do!). I have been looking for a recipe ever since I discovered you can buy them frozen in the grocery store. My dilemna was how to prepare them so they come out tender and not mushy or explode. Finally, I found a recipe online that allowed me to re-create that amazing and healthy taste sensation!

You can use your favorite pancake mix or this delicious one I found at Food.com with rave reviews:

To prepare fresh or frozen cranberries, take about 1 cup and bring about 2 inches of water to a boil in a saucepan. Add cranberries and boil for 1 and 1/2 minutes. Drain and allow to cool.

These were so yummy!

For batter:

2 cups all purpose flour

1 tsp. baking soda

1 pinch salt

1 tsp. vanilla

3 eggs

4 T. melted butter

2 and 1/4 cups of milk ( I think I used a bit more. I like mine light and thin)

Mix well. I use Pam in my skillet and when it is hot, pour in batter in size and shapes you prefer. I really love to make mine in elephants and puppy dogs when time allows, but on Saturday, I just did boring circles. After pouring in your batter, drop cranberries individually onto your pancake. When the bottom side begins to brown, turn, brown the other side and serve with warm maple syrup. Fantastic! These freeze well, if there are any left!

I must mention that one cannot engage in creative cooking without truly getting into one’s work. My accomplices insisted on an after photo.

Why yes, I do buy Shout by the gallon!

Have a splendid day and attempt to stay cool!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I wanted to bring you up to date on several burning issues. First many of you have expressed concern over my new fitness program which includes attempting to walk rapidly while carrying two long metal poles and not injuring any pedestrians or innocent wildlife. This “sport” is known as Nordic Walking.

My husband insisted that learning to do this would be very beneficial to my over all health, that is, if I did not have to go to court over any consequences of my exercise program. He bought me a lovely set of Lecki poles and directed me to an instructional video on YouTube which didn’t take me more than 10 days to get around to watching. In the video, several athletic people are seen literally gliding along the road using their Nordic walking poles, which look exactly like ski poles with no skis or snow.

While my technique is really bad, I can already see that done correctly, adding Nordic poles to your walk can strengthen your shoulders and arms, plus help tighten up that little “jiggly” arm issue. If you think it might be something you want to try, go to a specialty sporting goods store like REI where someone can fit you with the correct size poles, adjust them and demonstrate the technique. Then after 10 days or so, check out the very first Nordic Walking video on YouTube (210,000 people really liked it). Seriously, it’s not that difficult. Besides, it has great entertainment value for the neighbors.

Pizza that borders on healthy

After seeing Eat Pray Love and loving it, the Italy segment of the movie drove me straight home to fix a pizza. Julia Robert spends the first one-third of the movie eating beautiful Italian food. Judging from her hollow cheekbones, her stunt double must have done the swallowing.

The pizza I made after the movie was one which was not only healthy, but was easy and delicious. I started with Pillsbury Refrigerated Pizza Dough. Follow the instructions for baking. When the dough is pressed onto the cookie sheet or pizza stone, I prebake it for about 5 minutes or until it puffs and begins to lightly brown. Spread with a thin coat of your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce. On top of that I place thick sliced, ripe tomatoes that I have baked in the oven, brushed with olive oil at about 350 degrees for 20 minutes to firm up.an

In the microwave for 2 minutes I place sliced red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, mushrooms, any veggie you like. Drain well and place on top crust. Add chopped olives, capers and any other non-meat topping you like. On top of the veggies, I sprinkled shredded mozzarella cheese. On top of the cheese I placed thin strips of proscuitto from a 3 ounce. package–high in flavor, low in calories. It will pretty much cover the entire pizza. On top I spread some fresh basil ( I gave my plant a haircut) and fresh oregano. Then, the good part, I placed generous teaspoons of skim milk ricotta cheese about ever 2 or so inches. Bake until lightly brown.  Buon Appetite!

Arrivederci Amico!!

Diane

P.S. I think I am turning into an Italian! Momma Mia!

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Viking Century Sun

To some of you it would appear that I must have “ants in my pants” because I am constantly on the go. Possibly I do. I read somewhere that the money we spend on experiences–doing things, seeing things–is far better spent there than on buying things that we soon tire of. Memories last forever. I know some of you are joining me for our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Tour, Dec. 1-9, and it will be a blast, I promise! In fact, if you pay by Friday, Aug. 13, you get a rebate of $150, otherwise it is still the fantastic price of $2650, good through Sept. 2.

A coincidence? I think not!

Yesterday, I had two amazing things happen. First I was browsing a brochure for river cruises, which I have always wanted to do and noticed that many are on sale right now. As I was inquiring about pricing from a representative of Viking River Cruises (voted the number one small ship in the world–300 passengers and less), the precious Owen told me that in National Geographic’s list of the top ten trips of a lifetime, Viking River Cruises’ The Imperial Jewels of China was number 4. I looked it up for myself, sure enough it is right there. When he told me the upcoming sailings were half-price, he got my attention.

I don’t know if China is on your radar, but all my friends who have been just rave about what an amazing country and culture it is. Victor and I decided we needed to see it for ourselves. If you feel that way, this 12-day trip with 3 days in Beijing, 3 in Shanghai (all in very nice hotels) plus a 6-day river cruise on the Yangtze River might be right for you.

We can walk the Great Wall

We would love for you to join us. Three meals a day are included in the price and all guided tours in every city. All ship cabins have private balconies, in grades A-F the only difference is the deck they are on. We are in E. The prices for the complete trip in that level is $3242 , just reduced today to $2499 (regular

The amazing Terracotta Warriors

price is $6399) per person, air fare will be about $1000, depending on your location. The price also includes 3 flights within China so you waste no time on a train or bus.

If you want to join us, contact Ann at Kingwood Travel,  281-359-5464, ASAP, as much of the ship is already sold out. Other dates are available in September at these prices if another date is better for you. Click on TRIPS – China at left for complete itinerary.

Jet Blue, a pretty smart airline

We don’t have Jet Blue flights here in Houston to places I need to go, but they get raves from customers. I am sure you heard about the flight attendant who was verbally abused by a passenger who would not sit down during landing and hit him on the head with his overhead bag. Steven Slater, the 20-year veteran flight attendant, exploded on the PA system cursing out the customers, thanked his crew mates for support and hit the emergency slide and left the plane. He was arrested and is out on bail.

He has become a folk hero to flight attendants, but also to others who labor to serve ungrateful customers. Jet Blue issued a statement, that I love, that you wouldn’t see coming from most in corporate America:

“Perhaps you heard a little story about one of our flight attendants? While we can’t discuss the details of what is an ongoing investigation, plenty of others have already formed opinions on the matter. Like, the entire Internet.”

You have to love it!

Have a simply wonderful day!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

If it is not 100 degrees every day where you are, I want to go there. Here in Texas, we have reached beyond the “frying an egg on the sidewalk” stage. Last night we jumped in our pool for some relief from the heat and I could have sworn it was the hot tub. About all I can say is that it was wet and very, very warm.

It is just the time for the release of a fun movie to watch indoors--Date Night is out with Steve Carrell and Tina Fey. If you are like me, you already have a trip planned this weekend to seeing the opening of Eat Pray Love with Julia Roberts. I loved the book and am sure the movie will be delicious as well, although possibly a girlie movie. Guys be warned.

Yesterday, I was just over the top about the September issue of Oprah Magazine, but not without reason. With the doldrums of August upon us, now more than ever, we need to be energized and positive. This issue will do it for you. There is a special offer inside for a one-year’s subscription for $15. That’s a deal. Last year’s best offer was $18, I think. Incidently, about that early Christmas shopping thing, this is one of those items that makes a great gift and when it arrives each month, it’s like another little gift from you!

Give Yourself a Mental Makeover

Dr. Phil’s column, page 78, is so spot on. We have all kinds of help to improve ourselves on the outside, but what’s on the outside is a reflection of what is going on inside, and that is where we need to begin.

1. Own Up– “We teach people how to treat us…Even if kindness is not repaid in kindness, remember no one else has the power to hijack your state of mind. Your emotions belong to you.”

2. Be a trend-spotter–Watch for patterns in  how you behave–saintly, martyr, put-upon friend. Adjust your responses and change your life.

3. Shed toxic emotions–Suffering with anger, anxiety,guilt or the  pain of betrayal? Start by doing the smallest thing you can to clear your mind of debilitating thoughts. Apologize, forgive yourself?

4.  Adjust your approach–Improve how you engage with the world and the people you love. Watch for triggers that de-rail relationships. Try on a new attitude.

5. Write a new life script--Push yourself outside your comfort zone and try new things connect with new people. It is never too late—until you are dead.

6.  Accept yourself– Love yourself enough to believe you can do better and deserve better. “If you have an internal reservoir of dignity and self-aceptance, you won’t be begging others to fill it”.

Good words from Dr. Oz

I love Dr. Oz. His TV show is just filled with great health information. Good facts to know (O Magazine, page 142)

1. Valerian Root is an ancient insomnia remedy that may have a positive effect for people struggling to get a good night’s sleep.

2.  Check your toohtpaste for sodium lauryl sulfate, which causes foaming action.  It does not contribute to the cleaning process and in some people can cause canker sores. Ouch!

3. Ask your doctor, if you are over 40, about taking 1-2 baby aspirins a day to reduce your risk of heart disease and breast and colon cancer.

Traveling soon? Sign up at Yapta.com to track airline ticket prices and possibly get refunds if prices go down.

Have a lovely day and try to stay cool!

Diane–check out The Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour–click on TRIPS at the left! Let’s Go!

I think carrot muffins could be considered vegetables!

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Life is back to normal or whatever that might be. Athough I am still trying to re-distribute the contents of my suitcase which miraculously doubled in New York. No, I did not shop until I dropped, in fact, quite the contrary. My only real tangible purchase was a pair of flip flops I bought because my “comfortable, but dressy tennies” had rubbed giant blisters on my heels. Obviously, the breaking-in of them was insufficient. They are still cute, but will be worn in short increments of time, with big wads of cotton stuffed in the heels leaving them looking not quite so cute after all.

Look what I did…

I want you to carefully observe the photo to my right. Not only is it of some beautiful coleus I grew, but there are actually 3 zinnias in there as evidence that some plants are determined to survive no matter how you treat them! The other thing I would like you to notice is the clever photo editing, the softening of my photo, the text on the picture and the borders. No, I have not mastered PhotoShop, and possibly never will. However, thanks to a wonderful seminar at BlogHer, I discovered the fantastic photo site, Picnik.com. It is free to use and easy to use. I mastered the basics in 10 seconds, so you know even your beagle can learn to use it. The basic services are free, but there is an upgrade for about $2 per month that allows you to get really, really fancy. For most of us, this is plenty. Try it, have fun!!

Quick, buy this issue! It is life-changing! Buy one for a friend!

Oprah really is brilliant

If you don’t subscribe to Oprah Magazine, run, don’t walk to the store and buy a copy of the September issue. I will not recycle it. I will not loan it. I will keep it forever. It has the best collection of articles to inspire and improve how we live our lives. Every article is spot on.

Even Dr. Phil, who at times I must admit, gets on my nerves (at least on TV). His column, Give Yourself a Mental Makeover, is powerful. In fact, the entire magazine is devoted to “Makeover Your Look, Your Luck, Your Life”. I started turning over corners of all the articles I found helpful and pretty soon I realized I had dog-eared more than half the magazine. I am going to share some excerpts, but you owe it to yourself to have your own copy because I can’t do justice to it because there is so much great content!

Tomorrow, I will highlight some of the articles I found to be so powerful–truly, road maps (with clear directions) for getting to where you and I want to be in our lives.

Have a great hair day anytime!

Another thing about this issue that I think is great, Oprah is wearing a darling wig. She looks fabulous and I think younger as well. I am all for wearing what I like to call “party hair”. I don’t care how fabulous your hair is, there are just days when fab is hard to find. Traveling is hard on the hair. Looking good from dawn til’ disco might be easy for some, but for the rest of us, there is not enough hair product in the world to give us good hair after 9 p.m. on a big day. That is when you pull out your “party hair” (wig) or your clip on hairpiece. Today, the wigs are light weight and very natural and the clip-ons, like Jessica Simpson’s are available in many color matches (at Ulta).

I have had great success finding my great party hair at Sherry’s Wig’s on 1960 at I-45 in Houston. If you know of other great stores, let me know and I will share.

Have a simply wonderful day!!!

Diane

Don”t forget to check out our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour of Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Dec.  1-9. We already have some absolutely fun women going and we’d love you and your bestie to join us!!! Click on TRIPS at the left for details!

Good Morning Dear Reader:

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

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

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!

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!

Have a sparkling day yourself!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I think I have figured out how this country will eventually be conquered by either a foreign government or aliens.  It will not be necessary for them to fire a single shot. They will simply turn off the Internet. This entire week I have been battling two powerful adversaries, a brand new computer and intermittent Internet service. I have pretty much snatched out all the remaining hairs on my head (there weren’t that many to begin with) trying to successfully post to this blog. I only hope that my frustration has not rubbed off on you, because if it has, I will be seeing you soon at Sally’s House of Wigs where we will both be getting fitted.

After years of complaininig about my old laptop computer, which by the way, weighed 64 pounds (I’m pretty sure) my sweet husband bought me a beautiful new one that weighs about the same as my makeup bag, 4 pounds. It is sleek. It is shiny. It is mean. Nothing works the same way as “Old Reliable”. It is also fast, whereas, I am poking along trying to figure out how in the heck to do all the things I want to do with a brand new system.

Don’t get me started on disappearing and reappearing Internet service. If you want to feel my pain, shut off your phone and e-mail for one day. That’s when the shakes start. Pretty soon you are imagining you won the lottery and no one can find you to tell you that you must claim your prize by midnight. As far as I know, Walgreen’s does not have an aisle for Technology Pain, I know I have looked.

So that is where I’m at for now.

What is a brand?

We all have one. It is what comes into other people’s mind when they think of us. Think of “Godiva”. For me, it conjures up images of dark, rich, yummy chocolate. What about Ferrari? Fast, expensive sports car. Crest? Fights cavities, dentist approved.

Godiva--one of my favorite brands!

If you don’t know what your brand is, ask your family and friends. They all know. Are you confident, flighty, dependable, conservative, indecisive, bohemian, inventive, creative, or a trendsetter?

Here’s the big question:  Is that the brand you want to project? And why does it matter? Our brand is a reflection of not just how we look or how we dress, but also how we act. And the most successful people in both their personal and professional lives are consistent in their brand.

No matter how intelligent and efficient a person is, if their physical appearance is sloppy, that message supersedes what lies beneath the surface, at least for first impressions. And many times all we have is one opportunity to create a positive impression.

Estee Lauder is a great brand

A woman who dresses like her teenage daughter will have great difficulty being taken seriously in any situation. A business man who has a nice suit, but wears scuffed up shoes that need to be polished or replaced is sending a message that details don’t matter.  If your wardrobe says “stuck in the 80’s” how up to date can you be in other areas?

Knowing your own brand and tweaking it to project exactly how you want to be known can lead to greater success in both your personal and professional life. Which is why fashion, good grooming, and caring for your body both inside and outside matter .

Have a great day!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Another reason to visit Barnes & Noble!

Due to some serious Internet connection issues, I have been officing this week at Barnes and Noble, where the barista Jonathan and I are new besties! His cappuccino is magnifico and the chicken and wild rice soup he made me for lunch yesterday was amazing. I may not go home again.

Jonathan is the best!

There is the matter of the “small” people to deal with. I have enough concentration problems when I am at home, alone, sitting in a room by myself with the drapes drawn, imagine how challenging writing is with 5 or 6 young children running laps and yodeling (I’m being kind, it was screeching).

I am pretty sure that the parents have tried to quiet them by giving them double espressos, or maybe it just seems that way.

How appropriate!

No matter, remember this blog was written under extreme conditions. Fortunately, I have found a book that may help.

I peeped in Coldwater Creek yesterday, lured in by the prospect of a great summer sale. As it turns out, everything is the store is 25% off and all jackets, even the fallish ones are 50% off. The sale section has some great buys.

There is a precious natural linen, feminine jacket that was reduced to $59, then to $23, and now because it is a jacket, take another 50% off, so it’s free. Well not free, but $11.50 is close to free.

Talk about a great sale!

A great fall accessory or for any season are the croc-embossed adjustable belts in both black and brown, with a great size selection, regularly $39.99 and now, $11.99.

Colorful glass votive holders originally $14.99 are now $6.99. Precious canvas bird prints were $18.99 and now are $4.99. I found a darling scarf for less than 50% that will go right into fall.

These are appx. 4" square and heavy votive holders, $4.99

Choosing paint can be paintful!

I know some of you have an amazing eye for color and then there are the rest of us who go to the paint store and see 100 shades of beige that all look pretty much the same, that is, until you slap them on the wall.

Then you find out that the nice neutral beige you selected was really pink or lavender in disguise. Sometimes it is too late or too costly to redo and you have to live with that mistake, and decorate around it, or remove the light bulbs from the fixtures. Whatever works.

House Beautiful undoubtedly feels your pain and mine and have produced a lovely and helpful guide, House Beautiful’s 500+ Favorite Paint Colors, the Ultimate Paint Guide, $9.99. It is in the magazine section at B&N and is worthy of being a staple in your decorating library. The magazine helps you choose not only a color, but a mood you want to achieve with your color.

Redecorating? Start here!

More and more magazines are listing paint colors and source in their decorating sections, but having 500 colors and brands in one place is really a great idea!

Have a lovely, colorful day!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

By now you know that I can barely lift my head off my pillow without my morning coffee. Which is why the idea of “fasting” for my annual blood work is just so depressing to me. The prospect of getting out of bed, stumbling to the shower, facing a mirror while decaffeinated, is just frightening. Unfortunately, the bloodsuckers will not make house calls. I know, I have asked.

My strategy was to obtain the earliest morning appointment, sleep as late as possible, thus minimizing my time awake without the benefit of my java. I managed to secure an 8 a.m. appointment and was feeling pretty good about my plan, until the darn air conditioner died and I had to spend my appointed time waiting on Alex and Juan, the repair hunks.

Since I had already procrastinated more than a month going for lab work, I talked myself into getting up this morning and going in even though I would be a “walk-in” and have to wait a little while.

Breakfast of champions--Latte & chocolate Cheerios!

When I arrived at the lab, at 7:50 a.m., there were already 12 people standing outside in the hall waiting for the doors to open. By 8:00, there were almost 20 and based on the level of anxiety, I am pretty sure none of them had their coffee.

We started making silly little jokes like, “which one of us is going to kick that door down first?”.  A twelve-year boy who was along for the ride with his father gave a little speech about antioxidants which really cheered everyone up. He obviously was not a coffee drinker because he used some two and three syllable words. Frankly, my brain was so cloudy, I have no idea if what he said make sense or not.

Gratefully, the door opened and we poured inside streaming toward the reception desk to sign in and secure our place. Only a few people were trampled. Who knew I could leap over a wheelchair? Those aerobics are really paying off.

By 8:30 I was in the car speeding toward Starbucks. When I drove in the parking lot it was almost deserted. As I turned off my ignition and took a deep breath, five cars pulled in almost simultaneously. I leaped out of the car and ran for the door. I think I was followed. I can’t swear that all five were in line with me at the lab, because I was only functioning at 50 per cent, but based on my personal research, I think Starbucks might want to consider relocating. That lab is just a coffee goldmine.

A Shopping Victory!

Eureka! Success at last! After thoroughly combing the Houston market, I have found the “famous” Dryel to Go pen which my friend, Bev swears is the secret to a great trip. This product works on clothing that needs to be dry cleaned. Check the laundry aisle at your favorite Super Walmart. It’s less than $3–a small price for a miracle.

It’s So Alluring!

Allure Magazine is always full  of great beauty tips. In the July 2010 issue there is a simple recipe for a homemade scrub for exfoliation. Combine a cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of olive oil and rub it into damp skin in a circular motion. You’ll get the same results as the $25 stuff! I would recommend doing this outside, otherwise you will have one heck of an oil slick in the bathtub or shower.

Also great for exfoliating, pick up a natural bristle body brush and use it on all dry skin areas before you bathe. Then follow with moisturizer. Avoid the thin skin on the chest area and face. I found a great brush for this purpose at Ulta for about $6.

Have a wonderful weekend! I hope you’ll come back Monday!!

Diane