I Have a Bachelor Theory

February 28th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I collected these girls in Antigua!

I collected these girls in Antigua!

I don’t collect things. I collect people. Not only are they more fun, you never have to dust them.

I believe that if we weren’t so afraid to engage our fellow passengers in conversation on airplanes, we might make new friends, learn things about cities where they live and travel and get a clue if someone next to us was carrying an incendiary device in his underwear. (Hint: he would not be sharing his recipe for guacamole.)

In yesterday’s post I shared some of the great ideas about using color from Better Homes and Gardens March issue.  Page 65, “30 Tips & Tricks for Choosing and Using, and Loving Color” really clarified for me how to pull a room together by using color in different ways–like:

#4 “Follow the rule of three. When you pick a color, use it at least 3 times in a room.”

# 21–In a small room, keep the walls the same color as the primary upholstered furniture. The room will seem twice the size.”

Did I mention the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake recipe on page 179? If you make the cheesecake then you can have Blackened Chicken with Avocado Salsa (heart-healthy) for dinner, page 160.

Are you watching The Bachelor? Tonight is the finale and word on the street is that Jake will propose to Vienna (former Hooter’s girl that all the other girls have dished).

My theory is that Jake, who is one of the brightest and most likeable bachelors ever, decided he didn’t want to marry any of the girls and yet he didn’t want to have America hate him by ditching a doll like Ally or sweet Tenley. Therefore, he proposes to Vienna, enjoys a lovely pre-wedding honeymoon and then ditches her, to which America says, “Thank goodness, Jake came to his senses!”. Time will tell.

My junk will look so pretty in these organizers!

My junk will look so pretty in these organizers!

Target, how do I love thee? Every time I go in Target, I find something new I can’t live without! I swear this is the year that I am going to finally get everything organized in my closets and Target’s really pretty basket organizers just inspire me!

Michael Graves, who has put the most clever spin on everyday household objects, like the beautiful tea kettle and toasters at Target has designed the most clever can opener and

It flattens and pops open!

It flattens and pops open!

rectangular colander that fits over the sink, and collapses for easy storage.

It's a pretty can opener!

It's a pretty can opener!

If you are like me, you have been stumped trying to figure out how to accessorize your St. Patrick’s Day outfit. You will be relieved to know that Target has green boas and green felt cowboy hats–so Texas. What I loved were the great socks and tights–a sure hit at your office or school.

I want the shamrocks!

I want the shamrocks!

It’s Monday, go out there and make it a great day!

“Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the Titantic who waved off the dessert cart.”–Erma Bombeck (my heroine)

Diane

P.S. Follow me on Twitter- LipstickDigest

It’s a heck of a trip!

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I Think I Need A Nap!

February 27th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

I'm up with the chicken!

I'm up with the chicken!

It is incredibly early Saturday and I should be snoozing away. Why am I up? Because after tossing and turning for 20 minutes, I just got up. Truth is, my body doesn’t know the difference between a weekday and a weekend. Lord knows over the years I have tried to explain it, but it just doesn’t get it.

A friend will proclaim, I’m so glad tomorrow is Saturday so I can sleep until 10. My body says, 6 a.m. is such a lovely idea. I wonder if 5 a.m. could be more wonderful–let’s see! No 5 a.m. is not more lovely. It is darker and quieter. It also means that at 7 p.m. and possibly even at 2 p.m., (even if I am in a world-class important meeting) my head could drop to my chest and I could drool right onto my world-class paperwork–or my  finger paint, as the case maybe.

I do try to use these early mornings in a productive way, sometimes drinking 5 cups of coffee, reading the nutritional value statements on cereal boxes or counting my sun freckles…238, 239…

Just lying around counting freckles...spots next!

Just lying around counting freckles...spots next!

Painted into a Corner?

I don’t know how you feel about painting, but when I hear those words, nightmares of painting projects past swim in my head. It isn’t the actual painting that is such a problem. It is selecting the color. There are simply too many choices. And it isn’t as simple as,  I want the bedroom blue. It is do I want it Sweet Baby Breath Blue, or Sea Island Blue or Voodoo Blue or 200 other blues that are just a hair-width different.

On my last painting project, my family room and foyer, I got so chummy with the guys at Sherwin-Williams that when I would come by in the mornings for another adjustment to the color I got the day before, my coffee with cream and 2 sugars would be waiting for me on the counter. We were just that close.  Twenty-seven beiges later, I was pretty sure I had arrived at the right color.

Maybe there is a better way! The March issue of Better Homes and Gardens is on the shelves now and features “Color Made Easy”. There are some beautiful room layouts that give you the exact paint color and brand they used. What is also helpful is their Website, BHG.com where they actually have a room planner that allows you to select a room similar to one of your rooms and change the wall color, trim, furniture colors, drapes, etc.

Not only do they give you actual paint colors (Valspar from Lowe’s), you can save and print your projects. I found it very helpful. You can also do your home exterior–roof, doors, trim, etc.

The entire site has a wealth of decorating ideas, recipes, and so many great d0-it-yourself projects. You can also opt out of receiving newsletters on these topics, or sign up. I found it to be a great resource. The color project is BHG.com/coloraroom. You will need to register to use the site, but you do not have to be a subscriber. I love this magazine and find great, practical information every single month.

I hope that as I write this you are still sleeping and getting your appropriate beauty rest!

240, 241, 242…

Have a magnificient day! (I would, but my photo software is having a nervous breakdown! Yes, Scarlet…tomorrow is another day)

Diane

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Look What I Bagged For You!

February 25th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Happy, fluffy clouds! What a beautiful day!

Happy, fluffy clouds! What a beautiful day!

The sun is out, the sky is blue, there’s nothing left to spoil the view…’cause it’s sunny! Aside from a tiny bit of wind, it is a beautiful day to do anything outside!

Yesterday, I went in search of some cute bunny-themed decor. I am such a pushover for anything bunny-like. Marshall’s , T.J. Maxx and Home Goods have such an amazing collection of Easter decor that I had to have some! And of course, the prices were excellent. Target can also be counted on for great seasonal decor.

Isn't he just adorable?

Isn't he just adorable?

While I was in search of bunny paraphernalia, I had to swing through the handbag section because…well, just because. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I have been just smitten with yellow handbags, but not smitten enough to shell out major dollars for a designer one. That is just in case in June I should become smitten with a lime green one.

T.J. Maxx answered the question of where to buy the bag. They are simply loaded with great, bright-colored spring bags–yellows, greens, pinks, reds, purples, oranges and all shades in-between. The prices are right with brands like Nine West beginning at less than $30 to designer bags in the $150 range. Take your pick.

B.Makowski, Reg. $278, here, $149-$159

B.Makowski, Reg. $278, here, $149-$159

Since I know you love a good sale as much as I do, I noticed in the paper that all of Dillard’s reduced sale items are now an additional 40% off. Unless I am mistaken, that means they are almost “free”!

Lest I slight my other favorite store, Target, I saw the cutest strawberry pot complete with strawberry planting kit for $9.99 and it would make a great gift because it is packaged so adorably!

What a cute gift that keeps on giving!

What a cute gift that keeps on giving!

I love shopping on your behalf and my husband loves it even better when I just write about these great items and don’t actually buy them myself, of course, sometimes, they are just irresistible!

I really like the little musical stuffed animals, but I can tell you that the Hallmark Store was happy to see me leave. They must have had 5 or 6 different musical items and I had to hear every single one of them–twice. I’m pretty sure the staff locked the door when I left, just in case I might try to get back in!

On the way out of Home Goods the other day, I saw the most adorable, recyclable shopping bags in several sizes for only $.99. Now those are irresistible!

Home Goods' fantastic shopping bags!

Home Goods' fantastic shopping bags!

Have a great, colorful day!

Diane

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Help! I’m a prisoner of my printer!

February 23rd, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:winter

I don’t know how recently you have done a search on the big wide world of the Internet, but there is really a lot of stuff out there! My search began simply enough, with a nice rolled pork loin I bought on special at the grocery store.

Coincidentally, and maybe not, my walking buddies were talking yesterday about this fabulous restaurant in Salt Lake City called Cafe Rio where they make the most amazing marinaded pork salad with tomatillos and guacamole, and lots of other good stuff that they could not remember.

In fact their discussion of the deliciousness of this dish lasted at least half of our walk. Of course, I asked for the recipe. They both assured me that it was easy to just download online. The word “easy” was what hooked me.

Yes, that is a teeny, tiny (retouched) Paula Deen chuckling at me

Yes, that is a teeny, tiny (retouched) Paula Deen chuckling at me

I took that little porker out of the freezer to thaw and could literally taste that sweet-spicy salad concoction. About 2 hours ago, I started Googling the restaurant and began clicking on links that promised the recipe. I enjoyed several blogs where I read about their adventures shopping at a book sale in Phoenix and deep sea diving. I found Carrabbas recipe for their dipping sauce, and a recipe for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese (um…that’s a hard one).

For the actual Pork Salad Cafe Rio, I found at least a dozen–all different. Some proclaimed the secret to be using real Coke in the marinade. Others swore it was Dr. Pepper. Some cooked the pork 18 hours in a crock pot, others 4-5.

I tried printing what looked like the best of the lot, and 1/3 of a ream of paper later, I still don’t have a good recipe, but I have some swell comments, like “Did we meet each other at Brigham Young?” or “I think you know my cousin, Jose” and about 200 more like that.

I tried to cancel the printing, but the printer completely ignored me like children do when they are having fun and don’t want to come inside for dinner. Then I took all the paper out of the printer and when it began begging for more paper, I turned the thing off.

Isn't she a beauty?

Isn't she a beauty?

Problem is, I’m pretty sure when I try to print something really important, like a color picture of these shoes I am really in love with, I’m going to first get another 200 comments, like the one from Erica that said: “Sometimes it is a little runny. I don’t think it is too cilantro-y though.”

Just so today isn’t totally wasted, I am sharing the recipe for Dipping Sauce.

Carrabbas Italian Grill Bread Dip Mix

1 T. crushed red pepperRosemary2

1 T. black pepper

1 T. dried oregano

1 T. dried rosemary

1 T. dried basil

1 T. dried parsley

1 T. garlic powder

1 T. minced garlic

1 tsp. salt

Grind together. Put 1 tablespoon of mixture in a small bowl. Pour extra-virgin olive oil over and mix well. I like to add to my oil mix on my bread plate either two tablespoons of balsamic vinegar or two tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese–fantastic, but the balsamic vinegar is definitely lower in calories.

The source for this recipe is: www.all-restaurantrecipes.com.

Stay warm, the freeze is coming!!!

Cover those pansies tonight!!!

Cover those pansies tonight!!!

Diane

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A Wake-up Call for Your Brain!

February 22nd, 2010 § 5 comments

Good Afternoon Dear Readers:roses

I just read something quite amazing that I am trying to put into practice. It seems that we all possess tremendously greater brain power than we utilize. It is as if one part of our brain is perpetually napping, letting the other part do all the work, most in a rather routine way. To tap into the other part of our brain, and to engage more creativity and problem-solving power, there are several things we can do.

One  way is to change up the way we would ordinarily perform a function–such as brushing our teeth or our hair. Change hands and perform the task. Do it every day. Drive home or to work using a different route. While staring at the computer screen, shift your eyes to the far right or left and focus on some other object for a few moments. Solve puzzles.

What part of my brain is doing

What part of my brain is doing

I am trying this today by using my left hand to operate my mouse on my computer. It is not going so well. Apparently part of my brain is still napping. I will work on the teeth brushing and get back to you!

The Secret is Out...

I am really sorry that my husband is going to have to find out the truth here in my blog, but I have to confess that I have met another man. It was an innocent meeting. I was shopping for Christmas ornaments in Macy’s and there he was, staring at me with those big blue eyes. He looked at me, drinking in every word I said. I’ve never met anyone who was as good a listener as Bob. His sincere expression tells me, he has eyes for only me.

Bob's the strong, silent type

Bob's the strong, silent type

We see each other when we can, meeting casually, sometimes in the China Department and other times in Housewares. If you’re in the store, you might see him, but don’t get too excited, he’s all mine!

Cleaning Fun?

If you are having trouble getting kids to help around the house, Amazon.com has some of the cutest tools ever.  They are all shaped like animals with brushes for hair or a duster for a skunk’s body. They were designed by Christoper Raia, a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. The scrubbers are porcupines, hedgehogs, and an octopus. Animal House Cleaning Tools, $6-$10.

Martha’s Garden…cabbage

The March issue of Martha Stewart Living is out and it is devoted to gardening and is filled with good information and beautiful photos. One of the best articles in the issue is how to choose a paint color. The case in point is finding the right neutral shade of beige for a room. I know that is a challenge and I have the 27 cans of sample paint to prove it.

Kevin Sharkey, who is Martha’s design expert,  looks for the correct undertone to use (yellow, pink, gray) by studying what is already in the room–tile, carpet, upholstery. Then he begins putting up samples directly on the wall to test the colors, painting them in side by side strips a foot wide and  approximately 4 feet high. The complete article is on page 80 and is full of good advice.

Bundle up! Cold weather is coming!

Diane

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I Think I’ve Been Malled!

February 21st, 2010 § 1 comment

Good Evening Dear Reader:kalanchoe

I don’t know why I feel so exhausted. All I can think of is that strenuous ski jumping, speed skating and all those high flying triple jumps on the ice. Oh, wait, I’m only watching the Olympics. After about 6 hours somehow it feels like I have been right there!

Any pain I am feeling would be from walking 34  miles( at the least)  inside the Galleria looking for just that perfect outfit and not chasing a bobsled. Had I known that I would have to look in so many different stores, I would have worn more appropriate shoes, like my comfy bunny slippers. And I would not have in a million years carried a purse that weighs as much as a small refrigerator. Of course, I would have also packed some snacks, because you know how hit or miss mall food can be.

Godiva Truffles, is there anything better?

Godiva Truffles, is there anything better?

I did manage to stumble on some delicious Godiva chocolate truffles at one of my favorite Galleria stores, Dillard’s. The precious Angela Hill and staff were serving samples of Godiva’s valentine truffles, which were half-price! In addition, they had the new Godiva coffees, Creme Brulee, Premium, and Chocolate Creme. I tried the Creme Brulee and can hardily endorse it at $12.50 a bag and worth every penny!

It is yummy!

It is yummy!

While I was enjoying my coffee and chocolate, I found some other great sales almost too good to be true. In the luggage section, there are great bags in all sizes that are now from 50-70% off.  Since my suitcase looks like it has been drug behind a train, I bought one of those!

Need a wedding gift? Or to replace some of your own cookware? They had great bargains in Wolfgang Puck’s new line of stainless steel cookware–$29.99 for beautiful large pans with lids through Feb. 28. When I see a bargain, I share and I hope you will, too!

Wedding gift or one for you?

Wedding gift or one for you?

Although they were certainly not on sale, I must admit I am in love with the beautiful brightly colored handbags in almost every line. Although I just read that the Fashion Week shows in New York featured mostly neutrals, I think you are going to see a lot of color this spring. So even if you are wearing a neutral, like khaki or black, give it some punch with a great bag.

Bright bags are in!!! I want one (or two)!

Bright bags are in!!! I want one (or two)!

If you have stayed away from Retin-A because it makes your skin peel and irritated, the Philosophy line has introduced a new product, Miracle Worker, that  is a retinoid-high performing skin treatment without irritating even sensitive skin. It is on the shelves at Sephora. It is not cheap, 60 pads for $70, but the company says you will see improvement in your skin in 7 days! If you try it, let me know so I can share with others.

The new issue of Oprah  Magazine is out on news stands and if conquering clutter is on your agenda, you may want to pick up a copy. The entire issue is devoted to ways to better organize everything and how to make those tough decisions about what to let go–children do not fall into that category.

“If you can’t be a good example, then you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.”—Catherine Aird

Good Evening!

Diane

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I Need A Nap!

February 19th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Evening Dear Reader:tomato bush

I made the mistake of having a late afternoon iced green tea at Starbucks. I had wanted to stay up to see the Olympics last night, especially the men’s free skate. As it turned out, it was not a problem, in fact at 2 a.m. I was still awake, wondering  just how much caffeine that green tea had. I’m pretty sure if they needed a last minute replacement for the women’s ski jump, I would have been ready!

Watching American Evan Lysacek skate was pure poetry. When he won the gold over the somewhat arrogant Russian, Evgeni Plushenko,  what a moment that was! Plushenko now suggests that because Evan did not do a quad jump he should not be considered the winner of the gold. Such sour grapes is rare in these competitions.

I heard a sad comment at the ski jump competition when the sports commentator noted that the athletes from around the world arrive in their big motor coaches with large entourages whereas the Americans managed to get here from the proceeds of bake sales. It is the rare Olympian, like Shaun White or Apolo Anton Ono, who are rich because of endorsements.For most, it is all about love of the sport, the pride of representing your country and a little piece of metal.

I Love Pizza!pizza

The only problem is that the pizzas I love are loaded with calories and have white-flour crusts with absolutely no redeeming value. I found a frozen pizza that is tasty, filling, and is healthy to boot, Kashi All Natural Mediterranean Pizza. It has 15 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber. Two slices are 290 calories. Of course I ate three, but who is counting? Since I walked all day in high heels, I must have burned up enough calories to cancel out that third piece, don’t you think?

At the Movies…

Valentine’s Day is doing well, probably because it has almost every major Hollywood star in it. I read that Julia Roberts’ role amounted to a whole 6 minutes of film for which she was paid $3 million dollars, not bad.

I was so creeped out by the TV previews of Shutter Island, I had to put my head under a sofa pillow. It is said to be a glossy, gory thriller. Don’t say you weren’t warned! If you like ghosts, madness, and scary movies, you will probably love it.

A Good Read…

Today I was a participant and a speaker at the Lone Star College’s Women’s Conference. Our keynote speaker was the author and motivational speaker Fawn Germer. A former investigative reporter, her book,  Hard Won Widsom ,was endorsed by Oprah (And we know what that means!). It contains profiles and interviews with 50 extraordinary women such as Jane Goodall, Helen Thomas, Cokie Roberts,Sarah Weddington, and Rita Moreno. There is something to learn from all these women who have broken barriers and achieved great things.

Encourage another woman today!

Diane

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What’s Your Halfpipe?

February 18th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Is it spring yet?

Is it spring yet?

It is another gorgeous day! I have been glued every evening to the Olympics. Last night I watched Shaun White, the “killer tomato”, simply fly on the halfpipe and do things that look humanly impossible to win the gold medal for the second consecutive year. Shaun turned “pro” as a 13 year-old skateboarder mentored by Tony Hawk.

Shaun has won every possible skateboard and snowboard competition in the world and is held in awe by even his own team mates. Is it just that he is amazingly athletically gifted  that has allowed him to reach such heights at a young age or is there another factor at work?

I believe that at a very young age, Shaun discovered his passion, like so many other Olympic athletes, and was allowed to pursue it above all else. He was completely supported by his family, who recognized and valued his gift and desire. His natural talent, plus training, support,  and mentoring have taken him to the very pinnacle of his field.strengths

There is a wonderful book that I would recommend to you, Strengths Quest, which is a guide to discovering and developing your own strengths. It includes a code for an online quiz to isolate your top 5 strengths or traits. The theory of the authors, Donald O. Clifton, Edward Anderson and Laurie Schreiner is that if we focus all our energy on developing those five strengths, we will rise to the top of our field. Their mantra is, “Build on great talents rather than focus on deficit remediation”.

This material will not tell you anything you do not inherently believe to be true about yourself, but what it will do is allow you see that  the traits you have are talents that not everyone possesses and when combined,  point to careers, and areas where you can soar.

I will leave it to you to read the book and take the test if you are still not sure what your true passion in life is and where you can achieve the most. What I will tell you is that for me, it clarified what I wanted to do, which is to communicate ( trait: communication) with you, connect you to ideas and products to improve your life (belief & maximizer) , to entertain (woo), and make your life better for it (positivity).

Celebrity Watch…

I hope you not one of the mothers who thinks that their little girl can be happy with a $6.99 purse. You might get away with it if your little darling isn’t old enough to read the tabloids and see that Suri Cruise carries one that cost $850.

Clean Eating for me ( chocolate is clean right?)

Full of cancer-fighting antioxidants!

Full of cancer-fighting antioxidants!

Clean Eating Magazine is really a great buy because it doesn’t just have healthy recipes, it tries to educate us about food and making better choices. This month they rate the top snack crackers.

1. Kashi TLC Original 7 Grain Crackers

2. Food Should Taste Good Multigrain Tortilla Chips (also a cracker)

3. Triscuit Original Crackers

4. Ryvita Multi-grain Crispbread Crackers

Very tasty for salt-free

Very tasty for salt-free

They also suggest using sea salt if you must salt because it is more mineral-dense than table salt. I have had great results subsitituting Mrs. Dash Table Blend for meats and veggies.

Grapefruit for me!

In the grocery right now are some of the sweetest Ruby Red Grapefruit I’ve ever eaten. They are priced right by the bag and make a delicious snack. Research says they help burn calories. What a combination!!

Delicious & healthy!

Delicious & healthy!

Have a healthy, happy day!

Diane

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As It Turns Out, It Is The Small Stuff!

February 17th, 2010 § 3 comments

Good Morning Dear Reader:

These are for you!

These are for you!

I hope the sun is shining wherever you are because here in Houston it is a beautiful day! I was out early walking with buddies and greeting all the surprised neighbors who were sneaking out to get the newspaper in their jammies. I had no idea some people could run so fast!

When I left the house, it was 32 degrees and I was bundled up like an Eskimo. by lap two I was looking for a place to ditch the glove, the scarf and the second layer of pants. It really wasn’t all that cold, but who knew just looking at the thermometer?

By the time I got home my thighs were screaming and I thought how good a nice bubble bath would feel. So many days I automatically opt for a quick shower to get out the door in a hurry. Even when time is not an issue, I forget how relaxing and peaceful a nice bath can be. While it really is a small thing, for me, it made such a difference in how I started my day.

Are They Really Small Things?

I was thinking about the “small things” that so often we are cautioned not to sweat, but author and marriage therapist Terri Orbuch disagrees. She has just written a book, “5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great.

The book is based on a research study that began in 1986 with 373 couples. Today almost half of those couples are divorced. In interviews with the couples, Orbuch concludes that it is not life’s big challenges that cause couples to part, but it is the accumulation of small, everyday things that make the difference.

She suggests that couples spend at least 10 minutes every day just sharing feelings and things that have nothing to do with work or household issues. It’s a form of connection that help re-affirm your partnership and respect for what the other is feeling. She also advises to stay out of ruts, try new things, find ways to have fun together. Be open. Laughing together is very therapeutic.

Tiny irritations, like not replacing the toothpaste cap or leaving a pile of dirty clothes on the floor, when you know it drives your spouse up the wall can create cumulative resentment when not addressed. Being responsive to the “small stuff” can make all the difference.

The really healthy choice!

The really healthy choice!

Read Those Labels!

I had no idea how different hot oatmeal cereals could be until I started reading labels. I found one that was excellent–low fat, no sugar, low salt, low calorie, good vitamin content–Village Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal at Walmart. When I finished the box, I went back and they aren’t carrying it anymore. I e-mailed the company and–yippee! H.E.B. is now carrying it under their brand name in both blueberry and cranberry, Heart Healthy Whole Grain Oatmeal.

Bling Went My Heart!

Jeanne McGill with Cyrese fashions

Co-owner Jeanne McGill with Cyrese fashions

I love jewelry and especially beautiful beads. I found the greatest selection at Cyrese & Company in Kingwood. Not only do they have a fantastic selection, displayed by color, they will custom-make beads for your special outfit.

I fell in love with a gorgeous Mary Francis turquoise evening bag, Miss Me Jeans and some great new blingy bags from Blue Elegance ($100 range). Check them out, 4570 Kingwood Dr., Suite A, 281-360-4499.

Beautiful Mary Francis bag & accessories

Beautiful Mary Francis bag & accessories

Have a wonderful day!

Diane

3 Comments

February 15th, 2010 § 0 comments

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Some of the best things begin with coffee...

Some of the best things begin with coffee...

Nothing delights me more than discovering something new and wonderful–a great restaurant, a beautiful shop, a healthy and delicious item at the grocery store and wonderful new friends.

When you travel and open up yourself to engage strangers in conversation sometimes wonderful friendships blossom, recommendations for dining or travel are discovered or you have passed the time in a much more pleasant way than had you not spoken at all.Pete

Starbucks has always been, for me anyway, a great place to meet and talk to interesting people. While stopping at the Starbucks on Cannery Row in Monterey, I met the most delightful and talented artist, Pete Corcoran. He was sitting at a table sketching a woman which as it turns out is the design for some logo items for the U.S. Open in Pebble Beach in June.

Highway 1 winds through Big Sur, with great views

Highway 1 winds through Big Sur, with great views

At the beautiful Post Oak Ranch in Big Sur while sipping cappuccino (coffee does seem to be a connector for me) on the patio, I met two new friends, Kevin and Ross who live in the Napa Valley.

As a result of our conversation about the wonderful wineries, restaurants and spas, I am working on a trip for fall that would take us to Napa, San Francisco and surrounds with plenty of wine-tasting and good food. They inspired me with their knowledge of the area and great contacts for a future trip. Will you come?

Post Oak Ranch cabins, tranquil--no TV

Post Oak Ranch Cabins--Tranquil, no TV


In Cannery Row, I found the most adorable children’s hat store, actually for little girls of all ages called, Little Hat Shop, 1-831-655-3272 or go to www.montereyhats.com. I have never seen such precious hats for girls from infant to elementary ages. Beautiful, whimsical, funny, silly, and useful hats are all here.
Pretty in Pink

Pretty in Pink

Dinner could not have been better or more entertaining at the Fish Hopper on Cannery Row. A big, happy place right on the water with inside and outside dining and a happy, fun staff.

Seafood is their specialty and they get it right. Their specialty bar drinks are flammable and huge. They come with 4 gigantic, long straws. You can imagine there is always a party happening there.

Messy, but delicious!

Messy, but delicious!

The Fish Hopper, delicious and fun,seals swim below

The Fish Hopper, delicious and fun,seals swim below

I ate the most delicious dungeness crabs, shrimp and scallops and had the local wheat beer–those flammable drinks are way too powerful for me!!!

You can’t go wrong with seafood in this town! The Fish Wife is another restaurant that receives great reviews as well.

I am sorry to say that the Monterey Chamber of Commerce is neither funding my adventures there or giving me any discounts on anything. No one has to work too hard to persuade people to come here, its beauty speaks for itself.

Have a Lovely Day!

Diane

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