Good Morning Dear Reader:

As circumstance would have it, today I am holding court at Starbucks. I really didn’t intend to, but after parking my computer at a table and procuring my coffee, I just met so many interesting people. I may move here permanently. I have been watching he ebb and flow of people coming and going and I have found that is it probably one of the most fun places around.

First, I have already seen at least 3 people I know and I have made two new friends and I have only been here an hour! I have, of course, made no progress on my blog, but my social prospects are really looking up!

I actually thought about spending an entire day here just asking people what they like about Starbucks, besides the coffee and the tea and all the really, really delicious pastries. Their sandwiches are are not bad either.

Maybe part of it is the upbeat atmosphere that exists when you have a group of people who are either fully caffeinated or waiting to be caffeinated. Some people might that is a problem, however, thanks to this article I just read in Women’s Health Magazine, Starbucks just might hang out a sign that says, Wellness Center. Read on…

Drinking Coffee could reduce your risk of cancer

Women’s Health Magazine, one of the best magazines on the market for my money, reports on page 62, the September issue, that according to a study by Dr Shelly McGuire, associate professor of nutrition at Washington State University, that coffee may have “health super powers”.

Studies show that drinking coffee daily may cut your risk for Parkinson’s disease, cancer and type 2 diabetes. Chronic diseases are typically related to some type of inflammation and coffee is full of anti-inflammatory compounds. It also has more anti-oxidants that than almost any food.

Dr. McGuire warns that drinking coffee full of real cream or drinking iced high-fat coffee drink may dilute the positive benefits of the beverage, so watch the add-on calories but let the guilt go  over that 2nd or 3rd cup of coffee. So besides being good for your social life, stopping at Starbucks can be a really good thing!

Fashion news, too?

Women’s Health is packed with the latest scientific  studies on wellness and exercise, but there is always a fashion/beauty section and the latest issue has been expanded on those topics.

The Denim Report…page 8

Yes, thank goodness, the denim we love is still hot. Of course some of us would be still wearing our denim even if it was declared to not be hot!! Here’s some good advice from WH:

1. Mix your denim shades. None of this matchy-matchy stuff.

2.Turn jeans inside out and wash in cold water on delicate.

3.  Use minimal detergent and avoid those with “bleach” or “brighteners”. They will alter the color.

4.  Line drying is the best. Or use a cool setting on your dryer. Use “hot” to dry “only if you’ve recently lost 5 pounds.” The heat can also break down Lyrca.

5.  Wear jeans 3-5 times before washing. It wears out the stretch and creates baggy knees and butts. Now who needs that? Nature will take care of that soon enough!

One more great article… page 58

Even though there are many excellent articles, Feel Sick? Click Here by Bridget Sweeney brings to light Web sites that are helping patients take more control of their illnesses by comparing notes with others with the same affliction, trading treatment information, helpful hints, and support. Share these sites with those who can benefit:

1. PatientsLikeMe.com

2.  HealthCentral.com

3.  ACOR.org

4.  Keas.com

5.  CureTogether.com

Have a powerful day!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

After being out of town for a week, I returned to find a mountain of mail including all the great magazines I dearly love. Although reading them is never a chore, there have been so many good articles that I have found myself progressing at a snail’s pace–don’t you just hate that trail of slime? For me it is more like a trail of subscription cards.

The prices to subscribe are just fantastic with great incentives for adding gift subscriptions. I am sure I probably mentioned that Better Homes and Gardens has an offer for 3 subscriptions for $15, and it is one of the most well-rounded magazines out there. There are bargains, check the Internet for your favorites.

Drowning in pictures (this is not about The Titanic)

I love making pictures so I have lots of them. The ones choking up my computer’s hard drive don’t take up much space at the house, but those prints from years of family photography are just waiting and waiting for me to do something with them.

I have even gone so far as to purchase frames. They too are waiting. I was not sure exactly what I was waiting for until I saw this terrific article, ” Walls That Talk“, in Martha Stewart Living, the September issue, page 98.

The four-page spread is the step-by-step process that MSL’s Editorial Director Gael Towey used to  sort, size and shift family photos to create a beautiful two-story wall collection. Where I found hope for my own eclectic hodge-podge of photos was in the photos that Towey used for her wall display. They were a mixture of professional studio shots, Brownie camera photos, and even children’s art.

They began with about 100 photos of their life as a family, editing down to what they felt were the best of their collection. They then photocopied the pictures. The photocopies were then pasted on larger sheets of white paper to represent the size frame and mat that would be appropriate. Using removable tape, they began attaching them to the wall and moving them around before they committed to a final plan.

Ultimately, they had their photos framed and in their case (with their budget ) hired a professional to do the actual hanging. My husband has a hammar, a level and I can give orders all day long. There is some question as to how long he would be taking them…

There is a better way! And better photos!

Good ideas:

1. There is no need to follow a timeline. By mixing it up, it becomes more interesting.

2.  It’s okay to mix black and white old photos with new color ones.

3.  Even though many frames were different, they were all in a dark wood tone.

4.  Most photos were matted in the same shade of white/ivory.

5. Photos with the same theme can be used to create a collage–sports, hugging, pets, etc.

For more great ideas about hanging photos and art, go to marthastewart.com/photo-displays

You heard it here!

Check out the feature on page 90 in Martha Stewart Living–”Tied and True”, using handmade tassels to dress up everyday objects. The instructions are simple if you want to make them yourself or you can simply purchase them at places like JoAnn’s Fabrics or Hobby Lobby. The article shows them on baskets, hand towels, throws and pillows,window shades and bookmarks–great ideas.

You can save 74% on a subscription to MSL and get a year’s worth of her beautiful magazine, Everyday Food for $24!

Have a wonderful, creative day!

Diane

P.S. We have 27 adorable, fun ladies going on our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Trip, come with us!!! Click on Trips at left for details!

Good Afternoon  Dear Reader:

I am afraid I am drowning in a sea of freshly-printed fashion magazines and, and well, how can I say it? There’s good news and then there’s bad news. The good news is that many of the looks from last season are still in style and our favorites— like khaki pants, jeans, cardigans, cropped pants and scarves are everywhere. You already know that you must have either spots or scales—leopard, snakeskin or such, somewhere on your body.

In footwear, boots are very hot and the bootie heel (imagine that a short boot and a stiletto mated) is just huge. The look that is new is the bootie with a huge wedge heel. I know that it will be  flattering to someone, but not me. There is such variety in the shoe styles for fall that I think everyone can find something to love. The loafer is back looking a bit more sophisticated and streamlined, and in lots of colors. Toes are round or pointed. Heels are stilettos or kitten.

Now for the bad news. the hot jeans for fall are skinny. This is not good news, girls. The photos in the magazines of the jeans they describe as being relaxed and curvy, show a model about 5′11 who weighs 100 pounds. I don’t know about you, but I have tried on skinny jeans. I’ve seen sausages with more room in the casing than I had in those pants.

The other look that I will be avoiding is socks with heels. Page after page in the new Lucky magazine features models in great looking outfits with high heels and socks. Just for your benefit, in case you have not seen the magazine, I made some photos. You have no idea what a sacrifice it was to make those photos. Have you ever tried to photograph your own foot? It is not easy. I tried leaning over, propping my foot up on the bar , the table and a chair. I may be seeing a chiropractor later today. I do hope you appreciate the sacrifices I make so you can stay on the cutting edge of fashion.

Lucky Beauty Editor Jean Godfrey-June is simply over the top about the new Burt’s Bees’ Milk & Honey Body Lotion. At $8 and available everywhere, it stands up nicely to other beauty products reviewed in the range of $60+. She insists one application leaves your skin soft and supple even 24 hours later.

It’s Real Simple to me

The September issue of Real Simple has a fun article, 6 Uses for a sock.  Some of those include filling it with rice and essential oil and microwaving for a mini-heating pad, using it over a broom handle to dust difficult to reach places, filled with beans and secured to stop drafts under a door and my personal favorite, using it as a decorative carrier for a wine bottle. Somehow, I think my sock missed the mark on this one.

If you are contemplating decorating or redecorating your home, you can find inspiration at www.Houzz.com. This site is a compilation of more than 40,000 images submitted by decorators, architects and users. Real Simple, page 60.

Have a simply splendid day!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Finally, it’s Friday! The rain that was forecast never materialized and the steam heat is still with us. I have to remind myself that this humidity is really fabulous for my skin, but I really can’t see it for all the SWEAT!

Trip drastically reduced!

Drastically Reduced (not me, I wish!)

Pardon my raving about the China trip yesterday. Can you tell I am excited? Last night I received an alert that the 12-day Imperial Jewels of China trip with Viking has dropped from over $3200 to $2499. That is 3 days in Beijing, 3 days in Shanghai, and a 6 day river cruise. The hotels are the Ritz-Carltons. Wow!

Weekend Movie Alert!

You know I have been anxious to see Eat Pray Love after reading the book by Elizabeth Gilbert last year. The movie is out today and the review in theHouston Chronicle is a bit lukewarm. The author, Mick LaSalle,  found the love affair with James Franco obligatory ( please obligate me), and the section of the book where Elizabeth goes to India to deepen her studies of meditation and yoga to be pretty boring.

I can’t imagine how you would film someone really meditating and make it exciting. I don’t think meditation is exciting, if it was we would all be doing it and Elizabeth would not have had to go to India to do it.

LaSalle found the film’s spiritual insight superficial. It is superficial. It’s a movie. He says her journey toward self-acceptance, “arguably borders on solipsism.” Frankly, I was thinking the same thing about Mick, except I wasn’t quite sure what solipsism was. I don’t remember covering it in my 365 New Words a Year calendar. After much research, what he really wanted to say was that she was guilty of self-absorption. Yes, she was. Her life was turned upside down in a terrible divorce, her spouse took most of her money and her home, and her self-esteems was shot.

He does herald the arrival of Javier Bardem, hot fiance of Penelope Cruz, in Bali. He credits Julia Roberts with never being so relaxed and at home with herself. “She is a nice travel partner.”  For those of us who enjoyed the book or who are Julia Roberts fans, who love a great travelogue, or who want to escape with James Franco and Javiar, it sounds like 2 hours well spent.

This is what love looks like!

I saw Dinner for Schmucks and even though I love, love Steve Carrell, the premise is sad–making fun at the expense of people who are very different ( a blind artist/fencer, a woman who speaks to dead pets, and Steve who creates dioramas with dead mice). Paul Rudd is simply wonderful. Wait for the DVD.

For my money, the movie to see is The Kids are Alright with Julianne Moore and Annette Benning, sure to be Oscar-nominated, especially Benning. It is about a gay couple, Moore and Benning who have one child each with a sperm donor (unknown) and when the children reach 18, decide they want to meet their father (Mark Ruffalo). He enters their life and reeks havoc. He is a motorcycle-riding health-food chef and they are all changed by him. It brings to mind the following quote:

“Remember as far as anyone knows we are a nice, normal family.”– Unknown

Have a splendid weekend and come back on Monday!!

Diane–check out those TRIPS!!! (left on the page)

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:

Could it have been something I ate? 3 cream-based soups perhaps?

I probably have not told you about my new fitness program necessitated by the strange phenomena of my zippers quite suddenly not meeting. It was almost as if it happened overnight. One minute I am breathing perfectly normal while shoving great quantities of delicious food into my mouth and the next looking for some discreet location to unbutton anything not visible to innocent bystanders.

I blame the whole problem on travel, which I do love. However, when removed a sufficient distance from my safe and relatively empty refrigerator and confronted by meal choices that sound way better than low-fat boiled turkey, what’s a person to do? Most restaurants I visit have no really unappetizing choices. The Weight Watcher specials might be there but they are hidden by the deep fried, the honey crispy and the well-sauced entres. Did I mention I have no will power? The only real answer for me is going to have to be exercise, as painful as it is.

May tone calves, thighs & rear or may lead to hospitalization

I had started walking around my neighborhood, more of a stroll really. Then my husband decided to join me. If you remember, I bought a pair of the Sketcher Shape-Ups, the walking shoes with boats for soles. My stride in them was not quite perfected when he decided we should add trekking poles to our walk. He has watched the training video, studied the technique on the Internet and has it perfected.

As for me, did you ever see Elaine dance on Seinfeld? That’s about my form. I am sort of an accident in slow motion, not quite colliding with anything, but just on the verge. I am sure with my husband’s coaching I will be excellent in no time or one of us will be in traction. It’s a dangerous sport. If you see us on the walking trail just get out of the way.

Some good health news…

The new Consumer Reports is out for September and it is an excellent issue. It addresses the issue of multivitamins and supplements. There has been so much in the press lately about their safety and questions of whether we should even be taking them. Their research confirms that most are perfectly safe and that price is not a real factor in purchasing quality. There is also a list of safe and unsafe supplements that is very helpful. (Complete article, page 21) The article also suggests that we really should be taking our vitamins in the form of healthy food!

In an abbreviated list, the top multivitamins are:

Adults (the children’s list is almost all the same brands, plus Flinstones as costliest)

Kirkland Signature (Costco)

Equate Complete (Walmart)

Up and Up (Target)

Centrum

One A Day Maximum

Among recommended supplements:

Calcium (fights osteoporosis), Cranberry (fends off urinary infections), Fish Oil (decreases risk of heart attack), Glucosamine Sulfate (slows arthritis of knee), Lactase (combats lactose intollerance), Acidophilus ( prevents diarrhea when taking antibiotics) , Psyllium( helps lower cholesterol/mild laxative) , Pygeum (may reduce systems of enlarged prostrate), SAMe (may reduce depression/fight osteoarthritis), St. John’s Wort (helps with depression), Vitamin D (compliments calcium)

Finally, a cookbook with me in mind!

Also in this issue:

The best running shoes

The best laptops and printers

Surviving worst case scenarios

There is still more—saving money on cell phone bills and smart phones & the latest 3D TV’s!

It is a magazine that pays for itself every month.

Have a lovely Monday!

Diane—P.S . Tell your buds about our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour–deadline for great price is Aug. 13, click on TRIPS at left.

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

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

Good Morning Dear Reader:

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!

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!

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

Good Morning Dear Reader:

It is as I have feared, Armageddon. There was a huge UFO sighted over China and now my e-mail is gone. Quickly, move into your bomb shelter, this is it. I should probably go back a step or two so you can see how completely horrific my situation is.

First, oh happy day, I got a beautiful new laptop computer. It is light as a feather, or at least as light as the sandwich I ate for lunch yesterday. No more walking tilted left or right hikinging through aiports trying to balance that anvil-sized laptop I have had for so many years.

Then came the hard part, transferring all my five million pictures and data from the old clunker to the speedy new model. Of course, I have no idea how that can actually happen because I handed it over to my personal tech support person, my husband. Without missing a beat, I posted a blog on my new machine and it just hummed. After that it all went downhill.

Somehow, my phone got involved in transferring my contacts to the new computer, migrating (I thought only birds did that) my e-mail from Gmail to Outlook. Then as fast as you can say,”Oh my gosh, my phone is blank”, it was. When I say blank, I mean, the only information on there was the time. When you have no e-mail, no contacts, no recent calls, no favorites, and no text messages, you don’t really care what time it is.

There is one piece of good news, I can get on the Internet, and of course post to Lipstick Digest, because otherwise, I would have probably jumped off the nearest roof and would now be in traction at some hospital wishing I could call anyone and complain about the pain. But of course, I couldn’t because MY PHONE IS BLANK!

On a more pleasant topic

My new Marie Claire arrived yesterday, which was a lovely distraction. Dakota Fanning, who’s now 16, is on the cover looking just stunning. There’s a story inside about her and how she got started in the acting business. Not unlike Taylor Swift, she knew what she wanted to do. Her parents and grandparents were great athletes and had plans for her to follow them, beginning with tennis. One day, after playing, she told her mother she didn’t want to play tennis anymore because she got too hot. Acting is obviously way cooler!

Denim is hot again, but you really aren’s surprised are you?

It’s official, if you don’t have some suede, camel, fur trim, and animal prints, you could be missing the fashion boat. There are some great looks in the August issue and many for under $100. Denim is going to be big again, and that’s certainly no surprise, but the good news is that no matter what leg or

Update your wardrobe with belts in animal prints and metal trim, Marshall's

wash you prefer, they are all in this season. There is even a tuxedo jean, complete with stripe down the legs. I am guessing you save those for the prom.

Yes, water works

There is an excellent article on page 176, Water Works by Dr. Howard Murad the author of  The Water Secret which stresses that in lieu of drinking 8 glasses of water a day, we need to replenish moisture in our body through the consumption of fruits and vegetables high in water, and most are. This type of liquid is surrounded by molecules that help it get into cells easily and quickly.

He encourages us to fill up on these healthy foods high in water:

Watermelons and cucumbers, 97% water

Tomatoes and Zucchini, 95% water

These clearly did not come from my garden!

Whole-wheat bread, 1/3 water

Roasted chicken breast, 65% water

Baked salmon, 63% water

Cheddar cheese, 40 % water

Red kidney beans, 77% water

Have a great day!

Diane