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

Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

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

Girlfriends, Let’s Go!

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

Victoria Secret is no secret!

What a deal!

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

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

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

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

The darling Jean with some of her beautiful handmade jewelry

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

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

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

Eat some almonds and come back tomorrow!

Diane

Darling dressy blouses at Dirt Road Divas by Joy Joy