Good morning dear reader:

I love these bunnies from On The Park!

It is a gorgeous spring day and the world is alive with possibilities!! What is there out there that you want to do, to be? This might be the day to plot your course to reach that goal. Just one step at a time.

Beauty alert!!

I wrote day before yesterday about the new Maybelline foundation, Instant Age Rewind Eraser, treatment makeup, SPF 18. It was rated the best of the year by Oprah Magazine and you know Oprah does not endorse products that aren’t Oprah-quality. Always looking out for your best, I rushed to Walgreen’s to pick up a bottle. Well, not only do they have it, but it is now 40% off, so the $12.99 bottle was $7.49.

Yes, I do like it very much. Color selection is tricky at drugstores so I checked with the store clerk and she informed me that beauty products can be returned if you will simply keep the receipt and of course return it before half the bottle is gone!

While I was scooping up the bargain makeup, I noticed they also carry Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Double Face Perfector which is a concealer on one end and a highlighter on the other to brighten both under the eyes and under the brow bone. It was also 40% off and only cost $5.39. I like this products as well. Let me know when you find great deals like this one!

Foundation has a nice sponge applicator

I had not been in Walgreen’s for a while and decided to look around and see what else caught my eye. I had been looking for a new makeup bag for my purse to hold my compact, lipstick, etc. I had seen some adorable ones in the mall for $10+, but nothing that I just could not live without. Well, I am so happy with my new zippered pink-and-green-and-white makeup bag I could just bust! It cost $1.99. It is by Modella. It would make an adorable little gift with some goodies or even a gift card tucked inside and no one is ever going to guess the price! It also has a cute lime green plastic lining so nothing will leak through.

Show Stress the Door!

Stress can take a toll on you both physically and mentally. One area of the body that especially is impacted by stress is the jaw. I read a great explanation of why this is the case on MSN by Coeli Carr. She explains that we clench our jaws (sometimes unconsciously, day or night) “as though you lock down the body part that’s associated with giving voice to your feelings”.

Massage is recomended as a great stress reliever to the jaw area, even though we don’t always think of that as a body part needing attention when we get a professional massage, or at least I don’t.

For self treatment, it is recommended to place 4 fingers of each hand (not the thumb) over your temples and make light circular motions for one minute. Then move down to the jaw area. Adjust pressure accordingly.

Plant something blooming--you'll feel better just doing it--instant beauty!

Thought for the Day

“Marriage is like twirling a baton, turning handsprings or eating with chopsticks. It looks easy until you try it.”  Helen Rowland

Make it a Great Day!

Diane

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

Yesterday I stopped by Barnes and Noble to pick up some magazines (one of my favorite past-times!) and as I was browsing through the racks I noticed a scary thing (it was not a shopper!). While there were probably a dozen or so different magazines about the home–crafts, decor, country, etc., I counted 11 magazines about the art and culture of…(you aren’t ready for this) tattoos.

Okay, this was in Austin, but how disturbing is that? I haven’t surveyed the Barnes and Nobles in Houston yet, but it is so mind boggling to imagine that for many topical magazines there are only 3 or 4 in each category and yet the market is sustaining 11 on the subject of tattoos. Granted, they may not all be monthlies, but someone is buying them. Yes, Austin is a bit weird, but I am pretty sure these are not local publications. Let me know if you observe something similar in your large bookstores.

One of my favorite hangouts!

Some things we really don’t want to know…

As if seeing all those tattoo magazines was not shocking enough, I noticed that Heidi Klum is featured on at least 2 magazines covers this month and stories about her and her success are everywhere.

I am very happy for her personally, but what distressed me was that when she showed up for a magazine shoot for Marie Clare she warned the staff that she might not be able to get into her regular size (probably 2 ) because she had just had her fourth baby five weeks earlier.

Here’s the shocking part:  everything fit just fine. If you weren’t depressed about the tattoos, you can be depressed about this! And the photos…well, hide the April issue  of Allure from your men because you will never, ever see that magazine again. And that is all I have to say on the subject.

If Oprah loves it, we’ll love it!

My baby sister, Janet, made a special early morning call to tell me that she had tried the new foundation that Oprah Magazine, April 2010, had proclaimed the very best–Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind the Eraser, $13 at drugstores.

Janet swears is it fantastic so I am off to try some. Also, I understand if you select the wrong color, check with the manager before leaving the store, that you can exchange it. This is my only complaint about purchasing makeup in drugstores–there are no samples to test colors.

By My Self…

You do have an Easter hat don't you?

I love Self Magazine because of the great health and wellness information in every issue. This month is no exception. I love Burt’s Bees products and the newest will give you a beautiful smile! Burt’s Bees Fluoride-Free Natural Whitening Toothpaste, $5, has cranberry extract which fights the bacteria that causes plaque and gum disease. Also, their lip balms have no petroleum like most do, which is really not good for anybody’s lips!

Who Knew?

I have always thought that there was something to foot reflexology but one of my walking buddies confirmed it. She swears that when her head is congested, she ( or any volunteer) can rub the balls of her feet and clear her head almost immediately.

Have a lovely day and a clear head!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

These are not in my yard!

It appears that in my absence, spring has sprung! I can tell that, not so much by the warmer temperatures, but by the enormous size of the weeds in my garden that are blooming right next to the mushy pile of rotting vegetation that used to be my lovely plants!

At least the weeds are green!

I don’t know if I have ever shared how I came to acquire the “lovely” garden bench that sits in my backyard. Several years ago I attended a charity auction where the auction items were lovely concrete garden benches that had been painted by local artists. I had not bid on a bench knowing how excited my husband is when I bring home items that weigh in excess of 250 pounds.

The auction was about to close and no one had bid on this particular bench which featured a rahter provocative woman. I felt terrible for the artist that no one had bid so I plunked down a bid, certain that someone would follow my lead. Okay, I guess not. Which is how we became the proud owners of “Moaning Lisa”.

"Moaning Lisa" is available to add to your fine art collection!

I was sure that rain and sun would fade “Lisa” until she was not so much moaning as simply fading into the concrete.

It is possible that like other works of artists who are not appreciated in their life time, that “Moaning Lisa” will find fame in the next century. Or perhaps there is an art lover among you, with a really strong back who might like to own “Lisa”. Call me.

Beauty Help Is On The Way!

Crammed right in the middle of all my mail from vacation was one of my favorite magazines, Allure, April 2010. They always feature the most up to date beauty products and about wellness and fitness. Here are a few items of interest:

The Good News…

According to Michael Roizen, chief wellness officer at Cleveland’s Clinic Wellness Institute, 80% of the aging process is dictated by lifestyle after age 50; the other 20% is controlled by genetics. So we can stave off illness and the shriveling process by incorporating good health habits, even after 50. It’s not too late!

One of the tools we can use to eliminate stress from our lives (which shows up in our face, bodily functions, and posture) is yoga.  It adds flexibility to muscles and helps quiet our mind, which for most women is generally a racing locomotive.

Yoga also incorporates meditation which can help you achieve joy, confidence, and help you rise above petty frustrations and people.

Yoga doesn’t require perfect posture, great balance or the ability to stand on your head. It is a very personal type of exercise with each person working at their own ability level.

I like to place my yoga mat in the back of the class, lest anyone consider my poses to be a model to follow. When I do lose my balance and end up splayed on the floor, there is a smaller audience to observe me.

You don’t need a glamorous wardrobe–a loose tee shirt and some loose pants, knee length or longer work fine. Most classes supply mats and any supplies you need.

Insecure? Isn’t Everyone?

I love this quote from Actress Viola Davis about her insecurities: “That they make these clothes for women who have no behind and thighs. And I have been endowed with some of both.” Amen.

It's spring planting time--see you at the nursery!

Have a positively secure day!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

If the passengers knew I was at the helm they would have jumped ship!

Yes, it is a beautiful morning! I think that I may have finally caught up on my sleep from some serious jet lag. I think I got home on Sunday, but the details of where I went and what I did on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are vague. Judging from the credit card receipts in my purse, I had a really good time at Macy’s cosmetic counter and the people in the shoe department have apparently decided to dedicate a chair in my honor. Feel free to go by and sit in it!

What my mail looked like--smushed, crushed. Thank you wonderful postmistress!

When we arrived home there was a mountain of mail squeezed into our teeny, tiny little official mail sanctuary provided by the U.S. Postal Service. Among the trash was one real treasure–an invitation from my daughter’s in-laws to their Annual Spring Farm Party. The invitation, as every year, was handwritten by Dr. Herb Hahn, a retired physician and one of the wittiest men I know. I am sharing it with you so you see why he earned that title.

Greetings family, friends and interested passers-by,

We got clearance from Homeland Security and the Spring Party at the farm will be held again this year. The date is Saturday, April 3.

Kick-ball, soccer, football, and baseball are on the schedule as usual. If there is rain too heavy for outdoor sports we will set up the volley ball net in the farm house living room.

It took a long time but I finally go all the empty .22 shells picked up from the pistol range so the ladies will find it clean and neat. Remember to slip your gun into your purse, mom. There will be 38 special ammo on hand in case you forget yours.

We had hoped to have a swimming pool in the headquarters for water sports this year but unfortunately the funds we requested from the Stimulus have not yet arrived.

Dinner will be served in the evening as usual. The menu, as usual, will depend on what we catch in the traps. Anyone willing to help with the food preparation please contact Eva ( Mrs. Hahn) by e-mail (Eva doesn’t have e-mail).

Dr.Herb & Eva

Don’t be late!

Papa

I Love Oz!

I don’t know if you are a fan of Dr. Oz, who gained fame on The Oprah Show, but I am. His show on NBC has the best, most up to date health information I’ve seen anywhere. He cautions about watching expiration dates for food and gave some I did not know:

Almonds, open: 1 Month, open in fridge, 4-6 Months

Mayonnaise, unopened: 10-12 Months, open in the fridge, 3-4 Months

Eggs, in fridge in shells: 4 weeks

Milk: 1 Week after sell by date

Salsa, open in fridge: 1 Month

Salad dressing, open in fridge: 6-9 Months

Fresh Salmon: 1 to 2 days, freezer, 2-3 Months

Broccoli & veggies in Freezer: 10-12 Months

Beef in freezer: 6-9 Months

Most canned vegetables in pantry: 24 Months

Okay, okay, I ‘m cleaning out the pantry.

Scary fact from Men’s Health Magazine: There is 85% more sugar in cereals marketed to children than to adults.

Make it a great day!!!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Spring is here!!! And so is the pollen!

I am struggling to get back to whatever normalcy I had before my trip to Greece. My husband would challenge that such a state exists for me, but what the heck, I think the art of surprise is what keeps a marriage fresh.

Keep them guessing is my motto. Let them wonder if they are going to wake up with Mata Hari or Gladys Knight and the Pips ( in that case, you will want to be sure you have a king size bed).

Two Depressing Pieces of News…

This morning in the Houston Chronicle there were two depressing news articles on the same page, one is good news–bad news. It seems that as part of the health reform bill, more than 200,000 fast food restaurants and chains will have to include calorie counts on menus, even on drive-throughs. This is good for our health because we might make better choices and save calories.

What depressed me was the information that a Caesar salad, without croutons, can have as many as 800 calories. Fettuccine alfredo weighs in at 1200 calories and that is without the good old Italian bread and olive oil dip.

While I have heard fettuccine alfredo referred to as “heart attack on a plate” by my friend, Dr. Charlie Campbell, I’ve never thought of Caesar salad as a really bad food choice. It’s those calories lurking in food that “seems healthy” that gets us.

Combine this information with the accompanying article that states that women in middle age need at a minimum, one hour of moderate activity a day to avoid gaining weight. That means to just stay in a holding pattern–forget losing weight. We have our slower metabolism to thank and changes in our hormones. Oh, let’s see, we also get to have the babies, stretch marks and cellulite. Is there no good news out there for women?

It’s Low in Fat and Yummy!

These are just delicious!

Since we are going to be forced to watch those calories, I did find something new at HEB and probably in your grocery store as well, grilled asparagus in the frozen veggie section. You can warm it in the oven or in a skillet. Add a dash of salt or a sprinkling of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar and you have a delicious dish at 35 calories a serving (7 large spears) , with 1 gram of fat, about $2.50 for 12 oz.

I Love My Coffee and My Chocolate!

If you also belong to that club, you may want to check out the Website for Britt Coffee at www.cafebritt.com or call 1-800-GO-BRITT. I discovered this delicious coffee while in Costa Rica, where their coffee plantation is. I loaded up before returning home. Anyone can buy it on their Website for about $8.95 for a 12  oz bag. I buy the espresso whole beans, but you can get it in any grind as well.

Coffee and Chocolate--Make My Day!

They also have the most delicious gourmet hot chocolate (also in mint) for $8.95 and fantastic dark and white chocolate covered coffee beans. These make great gifts and they even do gift baskets and boxes. If you order 6 bags of coffee or the equivalent, shipping is free.

In thinking of the sad news about Caesar salad and now guilt over not exercising an hour a day, these quote seemed to sum it all up:

“Not only is life a bitch, it has puppies.”–Adrienne Gustoff

Have an athletic day!

Diane

Good Morning Dear Reader:

Memories of Greece--the beautiful island of Hydra

It has only taken me about 30 hours to finally wake up and feel normal again after returning from Greece. The trip was fantastic but oh those trans-Atlantic flights at the end of the trip!

All the fun is over. You have spent most of your money. The clothes you are wearing are probably not the freshest and unless you won the lottery, you are not in first class, but in the squished class–trapped! The more you think about not being able to jump up and get out, the more claustrophobic you become!

To prevent passengers from going stark raving mad the lovely flight attendents attempt to feed us to death. Everytime you think, “I’m really going to make a break this time and get out of this seat and comandeer a seat in the front with the rich people or at least in their toilet”–here they come again with more food.

I don't think we had the octopus or squid on the plane!

Even if you are not hungry, you are bored and have nothing else to do, so you say thank you for the cookie, for the meal, for the hot handi-wipe, for the chocolate bar, for the OJ, water, cola, wine, beer, Amaretto, crackers, for the next meal and then they start the cycle all over.

It must be a little like force-feeding animals to fatten them up. The flight attendants walk by and we just open our mouths. The only activity we get is periodically to stop chewing to loosen our seat belts.

When I finally managed to escape from my seat to the lovely toilet, I noticed that my choice of a black turtleneck and black slacks as my travel ensemble was not such a good choice. I assumed black would not show stains and if I managed to spill something on me, you couldn’t tell.

Boat-loving husband admires Greek fishing boats. No, they don't fit in carry-on.

Not only did crumbs adhere to my shirt, but I discovered I was wearing nice big smears of chocolate, which by the way does not blend into black anything. I was basically wearing all the evidence of my eat-a-thon. Did you ever try to use a white paper towel or heaven forbid, damp toilet paper to remove a stain from something black? It pretty much looks like you are wearing a snow storm or have really bad dandruff.

I picked off as many white flecks as I could and just finally gave up. Thank goodness the flight attendant walked by and handed me an ice cream cup which lifted my mood immediately.

Note duck feeder and duck houseboat to right!!!

When I finally waddled off the plane, I was so grateful to finally be back home on terra firma. They say that travel is broadening and now I know why.

Have a lovely day!!!

Diane

Kalispera (Good Afternoon) Dear Reader:

Oh my, what blue eyes you have!

It is our last day in Athens and we have crammed in more than I could have ever imagined. We left no monument untoured. The souvenir vendors have learned that we mean business when we insist on a “discount”. And instead of returning home tomorrow, I have decided that I want to join the Greek Army or at least the cute Greek guards who stand watch outside most government buildings in Athens.

I think I would look cute in this uniform.

In addition to cuteness obviously being a job requirement, they have to be able to do high kicks and still look ultra-masculine while wearing pantyhose and big fluffy pom-poms on their slippers. Oh, did I mention they all wear skirts–cute, black pleated skirts.

Some of the young, cute girls in our group were invited to dance with the head male dancer and after spinning them around and around about 20 times, he picked them up on his shoulders and continued to spin with them. I was hoping to get picked for the spinning but I think he noticed that a few too many Greek pastries had settled on my hips and lifting me over his head would have amounted to an invitation to hernia surgery or worse.

Professional dance team on our cruise ship

In addition to the vast amount of feta cheese I have consumed perched on Greek salads, I have become addicted to Greek yogurt. It is plain–unflavored, but thick and creamy and tart. You can top it with fruit, but I like it the way the Greeks eat it, with honey spooned on top. Their honey is thick and rich. I tried to buy some to bring home, but it cost more than the earrings I was looking at so I brought them. I have seen the Greek yogurt in my grocery at home, and from now on I will be buying it. It makes all other yogurt just seem wimpy.

Now that is a beautiful Greek cappuccino!

You know that I am so addicted to my coffee and I have not been disappointed in the coffees here. Of course their cappuccino is divine. They have a special Greek coffee that is thick and I believe has chocolate in it. When you drink a cup, there is a heavy residue left at the bottom and you let it sit for 10 minutes, turn it out and have someone “read” your fortune in it. The Greek waiter who “read” my coffee said, “I can see you like chocolate and Greek pastries”. Duh.

After walking what seemed like a million miles today through downtown Greece, the flea market, the Plaka, the museums, we decided to take a break and get on one of those sightseeing vehicles that are so popular everywhere. The trouble is, there was no nice double-decker tour bus, no city bus–just the Happy Train.

Feelin' happy on the Happy Train!

I hope back at home that you are feeling happy as well! It’s been a great trip but as you know, there is really no place like home! Traveling, especially outside the U.S. is a great reminder of what a great country we live in and what freedoms we enjoy and take for granted!

Have a lovely day!

Diane

Kalispera (Good Afternoon) Dear Readers:

Our bus at the Rion-Antirion suspension bridge

I am on a tour bus speeding back toward Athens after spending time at Olympia, birthplace of the Olympics ( 776  B.C. ), Delphi—the 5^th century cultural crossroads of the world, and lastly at Kalambaka and Meteora—home to six monasteries/nunneries built on top of rock cliffs over 900 feet high.

Delphi was home to the Oracle, a woman who could “see the future” after inhaling methane gas which was seeping up through the earth. People came from across the known world to pay tribute to the Oracle and bring gifts and sacrifices. Many of these treasures were looted or lost, but enough survive to know that some of the finest sculptures, gold and riches of the time were brought to honor the Oracle.

The Oracle was actually a series of women because occasionally, an “Oracle” would inhale too much methane gas and instead of just hallucinating and having a vision would actually OD. Since she was kept in a room where she could not be seen by the visiting legions, they had no idea she was many different  women and not just one with mystical powers.

If you have ever traveled with me, you know I have this teeny, tiny little issue with heights. Well, Greece is not flat and we have crossed some rather large mountains during which I have managed to bury my head in a magazine at the appropriate times. Our driver, Dimitri, is excellent and due to my level of trust, I agreed to join the excursion up to the monasteries at Meteora.

That is the nunnery on top of that really high rock!

The early monks sought solitude and found it on top of a free-standing rock over 900 feet in height. The structures where they lived are marvels of engineering and ingenuity.

Everything in the 1600’s including bricks, tile, furnishings, food, water, etc. had to be brought to the top hauled in nets by hand.

Today, there are roads to the top or steps and tourist’s dollars help pay for the upkeep of these monasteries and nunneries which are still in use today.

The monks have carved this garden out of the side of the mountain.

These glamorous skirts were on loan to wear into the monastery.

Today the mountains, tomorrow the Greek Islands. Opa!

Have a wonderful day where ever you are!

I can't resist these beautiful wildflowers!

Diane

Kalimera Dear Reader:

Remains from the original Olympic structures

It is 6 a.m. in Delphi, Greece and I am sitting in the lobby of Hotel Amelia. It is mostly dark and the one desk clerk is looking at me suspiciously like I might be planning to steal the sofa cushions. It is a nice sofa, but I have no room in my suitcase for sofa cushions. I don’t even have room in my suitcase for all the stuff I brought with me that originally fit in my suitcase.

Somehow, my stuff has exploded and I can barely close the lid. It is a little like the way my jeans feel this morning after finishing the better part of two desserts last night. One was a baklava-like layered flaky pastry with a rich custard filling and then soaked in honey. The other was a chocolate mousse–and I never say no to chocolate.

Today is St. Patrick’s Day and we have been having a contest to select a a king and queen on our bus. We use any excuse to engage in silliness. The candidates have made campaign speeches and it looks like a close race. This morning we will vote and I have a feeling when the winners see their prizes they may wish they had passed.

Where athletes entered the Olympic field in the 4th century B.C.

Yesterday we visited the ancient city of Olympia, the historic site of the Olympics. It is a beautiful little town and so rich in history. The magnificent buildings are gone, but the original field where all the races occurred is in tact exactly as it was when the original Olympics began. There was a group of teenage girls who lined up at the start line and actually ran the field. My group kept asking where the was the refreshment stand and a Starbucks.

All that remains of the temple of Zeus in the Olympic area

We drove from Olympia along the coast to Delphi crossing over the world’s longest suspension bridge, which is not only beautiful, but an engineering marvel.

The wild flowers are in full bloom here and they are beautiful! In fact, they are as tempting to photograph as some of the historic sites! I say that in jest because yesterday I saw the ruins of a recently excavated site that was some type of a residence that has been calculated to be 4000 years old. Many of the ruins we have seen here were built in the fifth century before Christ. And yet they survived. You cannot help but be in awe.

Statue of the goddess Nike in the museum at Olympia

Greece is a beautiful country–with gracious, fun-loving people. I hope that if you have not been here you can visit one day. They are struggling with many economic problems much more severe as a nation than we are, but their spirit is strong.

I might mention that the Greeks may  make some very fine wine, but we haven’t found it yet. This vintage was uniquely bottled and still enjoyed by all.

I hope all is well with you and yours!

Diane

Not Gourmet Greek Wine

Kalimera! (That’s Greek for Good Morning):

The Temple of Athena at the Acropolis--Athens--scene of the crime!

It is day two in Athens and we have lost one of our little sheep. Our tour group had stopped to see the magnificent Acropolis. Thirty-three went up the hill, thirty-two came down. After a thorough interrogation, it was confirmed that our missing lamb was last seen half-way down the hill shopping at the souvenir kiosk. Our tour guide, Anna, left us on the bus and went to check the kiosk. She wasn’t there. While the guide was gone, the missing lamb’s roommate decided to go and look for her at the top of the Acropolis, imaging that something horrible had happened and she might be lying ill or worse. Not wanting to have those two go alone, four men from the group joined them in the search.

Our little lamb is out there somewhere!

When our guide returned to the bus to count heads, she determined that instead of one missing lamb, now we had seven missing. Thirty minutes later, the group reassembled and we were still missing our one lamb. As the leader of this little band, I stayed behind with her roommate and my husband to wait and see if she might still be in the area.

We noticed a public restroom and wondered if she could have gone in there, fainted in a stall and gone unnoticed. The only small problem we had was that you needed .50 cents to get in. We didn’t have any change and my husband insisted her roommate and I could just slide past the turnstile—which we did. That is when the Toilet Nazi observed two ugly Americans trying to cheat the Greek government out of one Euro.

Interrogation of suspicious characters

We tried to explain that we didn’t want to use the toilet, just to look for our friend. She would have none of that. Pay up or leave is what I am pretty sure what she said. I don’t speak Greek so she could have said anything, but her arms folded over her chest told me unless I had a black belt, we weren’t going in. Unfortunately, I was only a leopard belt, so I dug in my purse and gave her 2 Euro, my smallest coin.

She stepped aside where we were met with two Greek women who proceed to lecture us in appropriate toilet etiquette or she could have been explaining to us the theory of relativity because she didn’t speak English either. Whatever she said, she was passionate. We pushed past her and checked all the toilet stalls, no lamb—lost or otherwise.

Her roommate started out the door. I stopped her and said, “I’ve paid 2 Euros and I’ll be darned if I’m leaving before I enjoy the facilities.” So we did. I also used a lot of soap and possibly even 3 paper towels. I wanted to get my money’s worth.

Eventually, our little lamb turned up at McDonald’s—the mothership—our meeting place, oblivious to the frantic search. We’ve forgiven her but installed one of those security cuffs on her ankle just to be sure we don’t lose her again. I figure before this trip is over, with a group our size, we are going to wish we had bought them by the gross.

And you thought only Scottish men worn short skirts!

Opa!

Diane