Good Morning Dear Reader:

This morning I found myself pouring over the” Flavor” section of the Houston Chronicle where every recipe just sounded amazing. I should not have been hungry because at the time I was stuffing my mouth with some leftover cranberry pancakes I had stored in the freezer. Did I tell you I had topped them with fresh peaches and blueberries? I was enjoying this feast while reading the recipes and cookbook reviews and I could just taste the Crunchy Sesame Chicken Wings and the Carrot Cake with Pineapple. It is the curse of being a foodie.

No matter what social scientists say, I contend that all people fall into two groups, foodies and non-foodies. It is easy to tell the two apart. Foodies love food. When they are not eating they are talking about food. When they are not talking about food, they are reading about food or watching the Food Channel, planning their menu, a trip to the grocery store or a restaurant.

Non-foodies can take or leave food. Sometimes they go so far as to forget to eat. This is a concept so foreign to me that I simply cannot even imagine how that could be possible. The only time I can think of that I might have forgotten to eat was when I was giving birth. That would make only twice in my life that I was not either eating or meal planning. As it happened, I had to have two C-sections and I do remember waking up from the anesthetic and first asking, “boy or girl?” (these were the olden days before sonograms), and then “could I please have a chocolate pie?”.

You can always tell when a non-foodie is under stress. Their weight begins to plummet and they refuse all offers of food, no matter how enticing it may be to a foodie. When a foodie is under stress, the reverse is true. Our weight begins to inch up and we become one of H.E.B.’s most popular customers. Blue Bell Creamery in particular loves us. Somewhere in our history, food and comfort were married and divorce is not even a possibility.

Unlike other opposites, we foodies embrace our non-foodie friends as we marvel at their iron will power and pathetic appetites. Besides, they are the perfect buddy with whom to share a luscious dessert because we already know, one bite and they’re done.

Movie Alert…

For those of us who love George Clooney, his latest movie The American, is getting great reviews and 3 and 1/2 stars out of 4. In it he plays an assassin who is depressed and lonely. I am never depressed or lonely watching George. Just a warning from the reviewer, this movie does contain some violence, sexual content and nudity. So I’ll be seeing you there?

Have a lovely Wednesday and come back tomorrow!

Diane

Did I tell you I was a bird watcher? These are my favorite.

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Today I tackled a project that I have been avoiding for quite some time–weeding my flower beds. There was a point, 3 or so months ago when they looked just great. We had weeded, mulched and planted some great hot summer plants. Over the past few months everything has deteriorated, except for the weeds which have grown spectacularly. In fact, they were so lush, it was difficult in some spots to see the original shrubs.

Today, I just could not look at it one more minute. I assembled my tools:  rake, 2 sets of clippers, garden gloves, sunscreen, not so glamorous sun hat, large garbage can and Barry White.

I cranked up Barry and I boogied a little and snatched out weeds a little. I even did one small fire ant dance. Ultimately, I hauled out 3 garbage bags of weeds, lantana that never lived up to it’s promise and a small mountain of pine straw. I must say the flower beds look much better. I must also say that I cannot raise my right arm above my waist. Barry and I may not be dancing for awhile and the next door neighbors who observed my contortions think that is really a good thing.

What I do have is a bumper crop of cuttings from hydrangeas gone wild and coleus that threatened to take over the neighborhood. While they are rooting, I’m going to be looking for something I can trade them for with the neighbors–like margaritas or a nice chocolate pie. Offers?

Coldwater Creek is the place!

I had a chance to pop into Coldwater Creek this week and I was most impressed with the great sale they have going on. Besides reductions of up to 60% on a ton of cute clothes, they have some great bargains on decorator items for your home.

$49.99 bracelets!!!!

In the new fall merchandise, I fell in love with the gorgeous bracelets with slices of geodes at $49.99, just stunning. Also their scarves for fall have delicate pleating and fringe that really set them apart from the thousands of others in the stores. Check them out!

Reduced to $18.99

Who knew fiber was so important?

We already know that fiber is very important in our daily diets, but now new research shows that it is even more important when we are recovering from any bacterial infections. That includes fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains–like artichokes, lima beans, blackberries, oranges, flaxseed, pears and more.

The soluble fiber changes immune cells from being pro-inflammatory warrioers to anti-inflammatory peace-keeper cells says Dr. Gregory Freund of the University of Illinois. It also boosts the production of the protein interleukin-4, which stimulates the body’s infection-fighting T-cells.

Chocolate to love!

Yum-Yum!

You know I love chocolate, but most chocolate (that’s any good) has a lot of sugar in it as well, which is not the best for us. Until this week, I had never found any sugar-free chocolate worth eating–rejoice!!!! Dove has done it! Their new line of sugar-free chocolates is divine and I promise you cannot tell the difference. I have only had the chocolate peanut butter creams, but I am certain the entire line is just as good. These come about 12-15 to a bag on the candy aisle. I found mine at HEB.

Have yourself a delicious weekend and come back Monday!!!!

Diane

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:

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:

Yesterday I shared my experience with Nordic Walking and I was thrilled this morning to find a comment from a gentleman, James, who lives in the UK:

“I saw Nordic Walking in a magazine a year ago, had a one-hour try out on a Saturday morning, and went straight out and bought the poles.

Before … Obese and couldn’t walk a mile. Lost 100 lbs in 7 months, cured type 2 diabetes, and now I take the poles everywhere.

And I walked 50 miles in 3 days to celebrate my 62nd birthday.”

Our beloved Spanx has another line, Assets, that I had not seen in our area. I got a pair in New York and must say they are quite powerful. The other good part is that they retail for around $18 and should be available at Target, Dillard’s, Belk’s, Motherhood Maternity, etc. The line includes a cami, maternity Spanx, tights, pantyhose and a bra.

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:

I just might be a centerfold with a mustache!

Yes, I did eat my way through New York!

Sadly, I have been forced to come back to earth after a very exciting visit to the really big city of New York. The blogging convention was inspiring. Seeing 2400 women toting laptops, some with babies, pushing strollers, all with a passion for sharing bits of information that might somehow help someone else.

The blogging topics were endless, but there are some huge blog groups out there. The biggest one is probably the mommy bloggers group. They likely need the adult  human outlet the most. I couldn’t believe the number of brave women who toted an infant with them to New York. I am guessing for some, it was the only way they could come. The national group, BlogHer, provided not only childcare rooms for meetings, but a Lactation Suite. Probably we won’t see either of those at male-run conferences, but it was a welcome sight.

Possibly the world's tiniest jogger

The first morning I came down to pick up my registration materials, I met an elevator full of women in jogging clothes and tutus. Turns out there was a fun run through Central Park to support a charity sponsored by BlogHer. Amazingly enough, some of the ladies were still sporting their tutus at lunch. Obviously, they were very comfortable.

I wish I had packed my tutu!

New York is a place where all your senses are hyped up to a new level. Yes, it is probably noisier than where you live, but the compensation is how much better it probably smells.

The aromas on the street of the food make you want to stop every block and eat. I don’t know why New Yorkers don’t all weigh 300 pounds apiece. Yes, I do. They walk and walk and walk. Aside from the thousands of restaurants and bakeries, the street food–the food trucks and kiosks have fantastic, delicous food–giant, fresh pretzels, meaty hot dogs, Italian ices, and the falafals and Middle Eastern food. There was a food cart across from the hotel that had lines at night of up to 50+ people at all times. It was insane. But even at midnight, the people were there.

The Naked Cowgirl (Granny) as viewed by a Boy Scout troop (with leaders) studying for sex ed badge

The food truck business is booming and yummy!

The vast majority of people I saw in New York were just like you and me, working people who reside there and visiting families on summer vacation. And then there were the strange ones.

The two strangest, and you may have heard or seen them, were the Naked Cowboy and the Naked Cowgirl, who I have renamed the Naked Granny because when viewed from the front, parts of her anatomy are clearly headed into granny territory.

Costumed character are common and fun–Mickey Mouse, Elmo, Cookies Monster, Sponge Bob, all hoping to make a buck if you have your photo taken with them. Then there are the street musicians who create incredible sounds with two paint buckets and a few pots and pans.

Just glad this cowboy is not in Texas!

The crowds in Times Square just blew me away, especially when around here, at 10 p.m. someone is out rolling up the sidewalk. Walking around after the theater (Promises, Promises–fantastic!) there were thousands of people out strolling and eating and just hanging out.  In Times Square and other New York locations, the half-price ticket booths for same-day performances of on and off Broadway shows is possibly the best bargain anywhere.

Sean Hayes (Will & Grace) & Kristin Chenoweth-great!

There were a lot of people in Times Square!

It’s hard coming back to earth after a great trip. However, I think doing the laundry and attacking the gargantuan weeds in my yard will do the trick.

Have a fantastic day!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

One of the beauty spots of NY, 850 acres of Central Park

One of my goals when I  began this blog was to share information that would be helpful to others, make their lives better, to save time and money and find something fun to share. My husband tells me that in the interest of saving you money and time, I have expended quite a bit of my own, and possibly his as well. I told him you are worth every cent and as long as I am able to lift my handbag and carry my own suitcase, I will continue to blaze more trails, find more sales and pass them on to you.

New York is waiting…

This week I am in New York with 2400 other women bloggers at BlogHer ‘10. I have managed to find time to see some of the wonderful things this city has to offer. If you have not visited New York recently I advise you to think about planning a trip. I would suggest that October might be a great month and much cooler. The leaves should be changing and that should be a sight to see.

Some fascinating things I have learned since arriving here:

1. I have never seen so many restaurants and eaten so much good food. In fact, in New York, there are 28,000 restaurants. That is not a typo.

2. New Yorkers like coffee (me, too!). In addition to all the neighborhood coffee shops, there are 250 Starbucks locations. Macy’s has 4 inside. Yes, everyone is caffeinated here. And I like that.

3. They like their sweets. Most blocks have a bakery of some type and there are 1000 Dunkin Donut locations.

4. There are only 11 service stations in all of Manhatten.

5. There is only one grocery store with a parking lot.

6. Fast food is alive and well. There are 350 MacDonald’s locations.

7. Brooklyn has the largest high school in the area with 20,000 students.

8.  There is a rivalry between The Magnolia Bakery of Sex and the City fame and Crumbs, the other big cupcake bakery. The key lime cheesecake at Magnolia Bakery will win Best in Show anywhere for my money. The cupcakes weren’t bad either. I will eat anything to find only the best for you.

Magnolia Bakery's Key Lime Cheesecake--Yum, Yum

9.  The most expensive piece of real estate in the city is underneath a hot dog cart where the tiny space it sits on rents for $10,000 a month.

10. Grayline ’s double-decker hop on hop off tours are a splendid and cheap way to see the city and many major attractions.

Do not rush out and buy this outfit!

In addition to the fabulous art, music, theater, architecture and of course, shopping experience, there is the people watching which is just as entertaining as anything you’ve ever seen on TV.

I have seen too many candidates for “What not to wear“, but have not met one single person who wasn’t polite or helpful.

Don’t wait, plan your trip, but diet first because I can tell you that you”ll be bringing some memorable pounds. Yes, the diet begins on Monday.

Have a just wonderful weekend! Come back Monday!

Diane

P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for our Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour–Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Dec. 1-9, fun, fun, fun. Click on TRIPS at the left

Good Morning Dear Reader:

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!

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!

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

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

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

Have a splendid day!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

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.

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...

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!

Have a lovely evening!

Diane