Good Afternoon Dear Reader:

I was just minding my own business when the call came in. I had a full slate of exciting activities planned that included scrubbing the grout in my shower, sewing buttons on the assorted 16 garments I own that are held together by safety pins and removing food from my pantry with expiration dates older than 1997. Pressing, I know. But when the president of our country picks up the phone asks a favor, how I can say no?

Undoubtedly, B.O. (he said I could call him that) has heard that I grew up on the gulf coast and have a special understanding of that area. He said he just was not sure that he was getting accurate information about what was going on down there and he needed someone who would just tell it like it is. He probably reads my blog.

So I put down my grout brush, packed a bag, okay two or three bags, a dozen or so magazines, some snacks ( you never know when you might have a snack attack and be without), my laptop, several adorable hats (the humidity on the beach just reeks havoc with bad hair) and a week’s supply of Cherry Coke Zero (not every store stocks it).

I thought Air Force One might be picking me up, but B.O. said that Oprah needed a ride to dinner so I was on my own. It’s just as well. When I am doing my investigative reporting I like to fly under the rader, so to speak.

My first stop is Biloxi, but I decided to forgo the ostentatious Beav Rivage and stay at the ever so sedate Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I was afraid that I might have to rough it in such austere surroundings but I was gratified to find not only Ben, but Jerry nestled right next to Starbucks on the second floor. I am in Nirvana. I also found my sister, Janet, whose husband Steve just happened to be speaking here at a conference. Funny, I never noticed it before, but Ben and Jerry look an awful lot like us.

Just be yourSELF!

I just picked up the August issue of SELF Magazine and as ever, it is filled with so many great articles about health, beauty and wellness. They have a fabulous offer, 12 issues for $12, plus $3 shipping and you get a cute tote as well!

Here are a few nuggets:

According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, people who drank chamomile extract every day for two months experienced less anxiety. According to the report, chamomile’s flavonoids may reduce your body’s production of stress hormones. Having a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime may be just the ticket for a great night’s sleep.

People with the highest intake of vitamin K have a 45% lower risk for non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The study from the Mayo Clinic of Medicine in Rochester, Minessota suggest eating more leafy veggies like spinach and other greens.

If you suffer with migraines, you may want to try a simple remedy before resorting to drugs. In a recent study,  more than 50% of the subjects tested found that Aspirin eased the pain.

Have a lovely evening!

Diane