Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Happy Labor Day! It is my wish that neither you nor I actually labor today. Hats off to the employers who have the same value system. I am always interested in the annual list of the best 100 companies in America for whom to work. The values of those employers are focused not just on competitive salaries, safe workplaces and good employment practices, but nurturing their employees and supporting them to the extent that many provide not only onsite fitness facilities, but day care as well.

Those same companies also provide leave for the father as well as the mother when there is a birth or an adoption. Maybe one day, all employers will realize that perks like these build huge loyalty from employees and lead to a satisfied, stable and productive workforce.

Take care of your SELF…

I am a regular subscriber to SELF Magazine because it is filled with really great information on health, fitness and emotional well-being with a fashion forward look. There are always success stories of women who have overcome health challenges. In the September issue, there is an excellent feature about young healthy, active women whose lives were changed by heart disease, “My heart broke”, page 146, by Marisa Cohen.

These symptoms of heart disease should send you running to your doctor:

Heart Attack:

• Tightness, pain in center of chest
• Pain in shoulders, arms, back, neck, teeth, jaw or abdomen
• Shortness of breath
• Anxiety, dizziness, sweating, nausea, vomiting or both
• Unexplained or unusual fatigue

Stroke:

• Numbness/weakness in face, arm or leg (esp. one side)
  

  Visit The American Heart Association, www.heart.org

• Trouble speaking/understanding
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Dizziness, nausea, loss of coordination
• Severe headache
• Chest pain/breathlessness

Aneurysm:

• Sudden and severe headache/pain above/behind the eye
• Weakness/paralysis on one side of the face
• Dilated pupils/changes in vision, including light sensitivity
• Nausea/vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Loss of consciousness or disorientation

Many of these symptoms are present with all three conditions. Know them and don’t take a chance.

This month’s Consumer Reports, October 2010, also has an excellent article, “Surviving a heart attack”, page 38, which includes information about aspirin for your heart. According to Dr. Steven Nissen, of the Cleveland Clinic, your best response, in addition to getting to an emergency room is to swallow an uncoated 325-milligram aspirin tablet during a heart attack or suspected one. Not a bad addition to our make-up bag.

I am a long-time subscriber to Consumer Reports and never make a major purchase without consulting either their annual yearbook you get with your subscription or their online resource. Their repair record for almost all auto makes and models goes back five or more years so when purchasing a used car, you know where to look for trouble spots.

The October issues features a guide to saving energy and one tip I think most parents can use is to turn off devices that draw power when they are in a standby mode. Video games are a major offender. Turning them completely off can save as much as $125 a year. A one-year subscription which gets you online access as well is only $29.

Join us for Christmas Markets!

If you can slip away, come join me for our wonderful Girlfriends’ European Christmas Market Tour, Dec. 1-9 to Austria, Germany and Switzerland. We have 29 fun ladies from ages 30 to 78 and would love to have you come, too! If you have frequent flyer miles you may be able to use those as well and knock about $900 off the price of the trip. For details, click on TRIPS at the left!

Have a wonderful Labor Day!

Diane

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:

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:

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:

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 Morning Dear Reader:

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

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

They’re back on the runway!

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

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

Yes, I do love yogurt!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Janet's adorable Sugar Ray! Such a gentleman

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

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

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

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

Girlfriends, Let’s Go!

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

Victoria Secret is no secret!

What a deal!

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

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

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

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

The darling Jean with some of her beautiful handmade jewelry

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

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

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

Eat some almonds and come back tomorrow!

Diane

Darling dressy blouses at Dirt Road Divas by Joy Joy

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