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 Morning Dear Reader:

If you have been reading my posts for a while you know by now that many times my (mis)adventures have been a result of my “creative” method of tackling a problem. Even as a young child, I always looked for more interesting ways to accomplish tasks. I remember one of my early inventions was a series of lawn rakes tied together that I had planned to use to triple the amount of pine straw I could collect in every swoop of the rake. Unfortunately, once tied together, the rakes would have required a 250 pound man to drag anywhere. Thus, the invention of a huge labor-saving device was thwarted.

Later on, my mother entrusted me with the highly glamorous job of cleaning the bathroom. Her cleaning product of choice was powered Ajax. After a few futile attempts to get any real action out of that powdered product, I had a brainstorm. Looking around the bathroom shelves, I commandeered bubble bath, a dab of toothpaste and a good shake of mother’s dusting powder.

I had some powerful action going, until she poked her head in the bathroom to check on my progress. Her first clue there was a problem was the mountain of bubbles flowing over the edge of the toilet. Then there was the trail of Cashmere Bouquet dusting powder across the room. I didn’t have to clean the bathroom for a while after that. Other consequences of the event have been repressed and I am still working on that with my therapist.

Unfortunately, my mother’s short-sightedness has ultimately cost us a fortune. Little did she know at the time that I had invented Scrubbing Bubbles.

I was reminded of that experience yesterday as I attempted to mop the dusty tile on my back porch. I started with a large bucket of water and a dab of dishwashing liquid with pathetic results. Ah, not enough soap, easy solution—more detergent.

This is where my plan went astray. I have always belonged to the school of, “if a little is good, a lot more is better”. This an excellent philosophy when considering things like money, chocolate, clothes and shoes—not so good with water and dish detergent.

As I dumped a large bucket filled with water and detergent onto the slick ceramic tile I quickly discovered that old slick flip flops can become powerful gliders. Actually they can become out of control powerful guiders. After a few attempts to escape the slippery slick, I resigned myself to wait it out.

Eventually, my husband wandered out of his man cave upstairs for a half-time snack. He took one look, shook his head and for the 537^th time, and rescued me. (Yes, he does keep count.)

Who’s in your family tree?

If you are interested in tracking your family history, the Internet has a wealth of information at your fingertips. For a fee, Ancestry.com, with four billion records and Genealogybank.com, a great newspaper collection, are valuable resources. The free site, Pilot.familysearch.org covers the U.S. and other countries. Read more in Allure Magazine, September 2010, from Emily Hsieh, page 104.

Have a wonderful holiday weekend and come back Monday!

Diane

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.

Guess what's at Payless?

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

This is the really, really big issue!!!! Weighs at least 6 pounds!

Today I am in a total fashion state of mind. Not that if you saw me at this very moment would you say, “You look so fashionable!”.  I am showered but beauty and fashion are still on stand-by. Nothing comes between me and my blog when I am inspired and I am today! My September issue of Vogue just arrived with the fall fashion forecast and I am just filled with inspiration and I know you will be as well!

First, this issue just weighs a ton, so you know it is just packed with great clothes and ideas–to be exact, 726 pages of them. At $4.99, this magazine bought off the shelves is a steal. With a subscription, there’s not a better deal anywhere unless Godiva has one of those “going out of business sales” which I seriously doubt will happen. (One year is $15, buy online)

Second,this issue of Vogue tipped me off to a great injustice. On September 10 and beginning as early as September 7, New York City is the scene of Fashion Night Out (FNO) when the block party to end all block parties happens with Vogue editors, models, celebrities and major fashion retailers taking part in special events–including, of course, shopping! Other cities in the U.S. such as Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta will participate as well.

Houston, we have a problem! Do we not love fashion? Are we not consumate shoppers? What the heck is wrong with this picture? Besides, Bloomingdales, Sak’s, Sephora, Macy’s and more than 900 other stores will participate. CBS is even showing a documentary of the event on September 14. Proceeds will benefit NYC AIDS Fund.

For more details about Fashion Night Out, go to Vogue.com. QVC has its own event running on TV from September 10-15.

While I am getting over being left out of FNO (you would know the jet is in for repairs), I am very excited about some of the really beautiful clothes and accessories that will be coming to our stores soon. While some of the outfits featured in Vogue may cost thousands of dollars, there will be very similar styles at affordable prices at our local retailers soon. The fabrics are rich jewel-toned colors and there is lots of gorgeous, rich suede, fur accents, and the strong  influence of  animal prints and patterns.

Continuing the march of high-end designers to affordable retailers like Target.  Payless Shoes has their own stable including Project Runway winner, Christian Siriano, Lela Rose, and Isabel Toledo. Don’t expect their designs to be in the stores long because they are stunning, however, you can buy them online right now. Most are priced between $39 and $45. Wow!

I know those of you who are like me and have issues with really bad hair days will be elated to learn that Vogue has proclaimed that the turban is back!! I can’t remember when it was in, but I am relieved to know that we have another option besides wearing our tennis hat all day. I am guessing that we will be soon seeing classes on “How to wrap a turban”. As big as scarves have been recently, we’ve all got the essential material, we just need possibly more than just a little help–at least I for one do. There is probably a trick to looking more Grace Kelly-like than cleaning woman. And then there is Bret Michaels. Maybe this is one look we will skip!

Have a simply fantastic day!

Diane

Darling shoes by Isabel Toledo for Payless!

I didn't have a photo of an Emmy! This represents all the beautiful women!

This is the morning after the night before when all the people we love on television came together in one place, on one night to celebrate the best–The Emmys. It’s no wonder that I’m pooped today. These award ceremonies are just exhausting. First there is the pre-award show and the red carpet showcase of who’s wearing what. Since there are two different pre-red carpet show, you pretty much have to keep flipping back and forth to be sure you aren’t missing something, especially that one really outlandish outfit that could resemble a zoo animal or something that fell off a UFO.

I am sure that when all the reviews are in, the beautiful January Jones from Mad Men will win the “what the heck was she thinking?” award”.  In case you missed the show and can’t wait for the special edition of People, her gown was royal blue made up of what might have been  plastic, pleated cones. The full gathered skirt was short in the front and long in the back. I am pretty sure one of my kids made something like it for a science fair.

It is interesting that the gorgeous Miss Jones also had the distinction of being selected last year for the most awful gown. It is possible that while she might not have won an Emmy, she may have this award in the bag or in the dress as the case may be.

Emily Gerson’s acceptance speech for the Emmy for producing Temple Grandin was upstaged by her strapless gown that slipped a little lower with each emotional “thank you”. It was nothing short of a miracle that there was not a complete wardrobe malfunction. You can count on her dress getting more press than her Emmy.

I love Modern Family and undoubtedly lots of others do as well. It took the Emmy for best comedy. If you haven’t seen it, you are missing some of the best writing and ensemble actors on TV. Christopher Lloyd, the writer, not the actor from Back to the Future, by the same name, previously wrote and produced one of the best ensemble comedies in the history of TV, Frasier.

Mad Men, my other favorite show won again for best drama. Even if you didn’t live though the 60’s, this series captures the feel and the look with another talented ensemble. Or you can ignore the ensemble and just watch Jon Hamm, who by the way did a mean boogie with Betty White in the opening number of The Emmys.

Back down to earth…

Great sale on sheets & comforters!

Keep your eyes peeled for Dillard’s ads announcing those days when they take another 20-40% off of their already marked-down sale items. There are a number of items in the stores currently marked 70% off, which is almost giving them away!!! With an additional percentage off, you just can’t miss it!!!

Need linens? Check out the linen department at your favorite Dillard’s. Mine in Deerbrook Mall had a huge selections of beautiful sheets marked 70% off. If you know sheet sizes for your family members, those make great gifts and the price is exceptional. If you need a comforter and accessories, Dillard’s has most brands marked at least 30% off, and some by Ralph Lauren at 50% off.

Swimsuits are finally 70% off and the selection is best in larger sizes. Obviously, the skinny girls shop early.

At 70% off, swimsuits are a deal!.

Have a fantastic Monday!

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:

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:

Yesterday I was thrilled to point out a great buy on this season’s hot wardrobe item, jeggings–on sale at Dillard’s. I purchased a pair without trying them on and then wrote my post. This morning in the bright, cruel light of day, standing in front of a full-length mirror, I realized I had made a serious error in judgment. I really don’t know quite how to describe the way the jeans jeggings looked on my body. No, I will not be including a photo.

It is possible if they were all dark denim, they might have been more forgiving, but with the dark denim fading into light denim and back again, I had the sensation that big waves were swelling up and down my thighs and and about to crash onto a really large shore on top. Possibly I could have thrown on a top over them, but the only part I would have ever considered showing was about 2 inches just above my ankles. So today, back they go for some willowy woman to buy or at the very least, a woman who does not own a full-length mirror. Buyer beware.

What do you love about you?

There is am interesting feature in the September issue of Marie Claire magazine called, “What I love about me“. I thought that was a strange feature because I think most of the time we are so focused on what we don’t like about ourselves that we don’t pay enough attention to what is positive. The women who are in the magazine feature are all mostly in their 20’s, but I think it is relevant for women of any age. While most of them are attractive enough, they are not  all great beauties. Just a sampling of some of their comments:

“Shoe shopping is easy when you wear a size 5 and 1/2″

“I was a dancer…and was extremely thin. But now my body has returned to its normal size–I celebrate healthful eating.”

“I like my crooked smile. Unique imperfection is better than having Chicklet teeth.”

“Both my parents are 5′6″ so it took me a while to make peace with my 6′ frame.”

“Growing up in South Korea where pale skin is the ideal, I always thought my skin was too dark, but now I embrace it.”

If you were to answer that question, what would you write? For me it would have to be my laugh. All my life I have been teased about my laugh which has been compared by some to various creatures including a hyena and a chicken. On the positive side, my family and friends can locate me in a Super Target in a matter of minutes. I was embarrassed by it and had no luck controlling or muffling it, until one day someone stopped me and told me they loved my laugh. It was contagious and made them laugh as well. So now, I look upon it as an opportunity to hopefully bring a smile to someone else’s lips and maybe even a really good snort.

Free or almost free Computer Apps for every job!

Last Monday, The Houston Chronicle had an excellent article that highlighted many computer applications that are very handy to have and are free or are very inexpensive. Here are a few you might enjoy:

1. For photo editing, I have already mentioned Picnik.com, which I love, but also try, GIMP.org, Paint.NET and photoscape.org.

2. For Internet Security try avast.com, malwarebytes.org, mywot.com

3.  For digital drawing try inkscape.org

4.  For Web page design try kompozer.net

Keep your herbs happy!

Fresh herbs allow you to use less cream, oil and salt in marinades and sauces. Treat fresh herbs like you would fresh flowers, trim the stems at a 45 degree angle and place in a glass with two inches of water. Refrigerate up to two weeks. You can cover the leaves with an unsealed plastic bag to minimize odor absorption and replace the water if it gets cloudy.

Have a lovely evening!

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