BoomerGirl Diary

Flashback of the day

She works hard for the money

Soften your hands overnight

Now THAT'S intensive care!

Flashback of the day

Me, I want a hula-hoop!

'Enlighten, inspire & entertain ...'

One woman seeks to turn the tomes of Topeka into a cultural gateway

Like a clever writer who is adept at luring her readers into an intriguing mystery, Gina Millsap enjoys adding a twist of drama when strangers ask her what she does for a living.

The time-tested terrarium

A 19th-century medical serendipity allows your green thumbs to do more than twiddle this winter.

Outside the air is crisp and green thumb enthusiasts have made final preparations to put gardens to bed for the winter. Houseplants have been lugged indoors where their leaves fall onto the rug from the shocking blow of at-home conditions: less sunlight, less humidity and fan-propelled heat. Winter can be a grim time for plant lovers.

Sassy Glasses: Fashion accessories that are easy on the eyes

Reading glasses might as well be in the same category as braces for the style-obsessed fashionista.

Find the Big Apple bargains

Here's a must-have for any New York trip: Pratique shopping guides. Have you ever spent hours looking for a store that you knew was just around the corner? With the Pratique Guides, you'll know exactly where you're going in the giant shopping mecca of NYC.

Flashback of the day

Say goodbye to the drummer.

Foil your least-favorite chore

Cut your ironing time and save energy!

Make plans but be ready for surprises when on the road

OK, so you’re probably wondering. Who is that delicious hunk? And why is his arm around that 50-year-old Boomer Girl? The answer to the first question is “I wish I knew.”

Weight management key to keeping resolutions

if you really want to keep your New Year’s resolution, here’s my advice to you: Stop dieting!

Make your connections count

Success in business is not only about products or services. It is about people — getting to know who they are, what they do and what they need.

Undoing alcohol’s damage to the mind

In addition to claiming lives, marriages, homes and careers, alcoholism has a greedy way of robbing its victims of brainpower. Over time, alcohol dependence literally shrinks the brain and several of its components.

Share your memorials with us

If you've lost a special woman in your life - mother, sister, friend - and would like to honor her on this page, we would love to help you.

Flashback of the day

Say kids, what time is it?

Don’t rid your diet of all fats

We’re reminded of the dangers of fatty foods in our diets constantly. Most foods contain several different kinds of fat. But some fats are decidedly better than others.

Three questions to ask before buying life insurance

Various events in your life — including getting married or remarried, having a child or grandchild, buying a home — will have an impact on your life insurance needs.

Arts duo raises ‘Brave Voice’

Their hands are both on a keyboard. One uses a piano, the other a computer, and they meet each other in the middle to write songs.

Time for inside knowing has come

We were born at a time when, as Joni Mitchell said, “We are star dust, we are golden and we’ve got to get ourselves back to the garden." Like the experience of walking in the garden or lying in the grass, the energy of plants provides a sense of peace in a chaotic and frantic world.

The 30-year gap

I resolved that I would always travel, that I wouldn’t be tied down by work and family. I would never get trapped by domestic responsibilities like my mother. I’d never be afraid to take risks. Yeah, right.

Cocktail of the week: Hot buttered rum for 12

Get your holiday party started with this delicious, make-ahead hot toddy.

Concern over drinking signals need for communication

Dear Susan: Bill is a decent guy, very hardworking, cares about my kids, but he drinks. I've tried to say that I don't like it, but he blows me off. Should I be worried about this?

On the job training

By 10:30 in the morning do you find yourself with a tight and achy neck and shoulders?

Flashback of the day

The song with its own FBI file.

Flashback of the day

Make way for the Princess of Steel.

Flashback of the day

All we want are the facts, ma'am.

Flashback of the day

Yes, she has her Emmy.

Learn to embrace your inner beauty

Beauty over 40 is not about trying to keep looking like you are in your 20s or 30s; rather it is about embracing who you are, paring down to basic essentials and working with your features in ways that maximize what you have become.

Flashback of the day

He's the Man with the Midas Touch.

Buy safer cosmetics

Most personal care products sold today contain troublesome chemicals you’d probably want to avoid ... if you knew about them.

Toasting tips for New Year’s

Although toast making isn’t governed by any set-in-stone rules, there are some guidelines floating around to point you in the right direction.

Daily practice builds spirituality

One of my strongest memories from childhood is the sight of my grandmother davening every morning.

Flashback of the day

The workout queen and "The Mouth of the South."

Cosmetic chaos

The $70 billion a year cosmetic market wants to assure us that less is NOT more and that the fountain of youth can definitely be bought.

Instead of 'retirement,' think of 'new life engagement'

So if we aren’t going to retire what are we going to do? Boomer women have a reputation for being trailblazers and we will chart a new course.

Rise of the dress

Designers predicted that by spring 2006, we'd be all about the dress. But last summer, we were still consumed with full skirts and fitted jackets.

Waterproof mascara meets its match

Seems like the holiday parties give us license to load on the eye makeup. Smokey eyes, coats and coats of waterproof mascara, dramatic sweeps with eyeliner. But at the end of the evening, we want it all off: swiftly, thoroughly and without stinging. Three testers gave their lids a swab with formulas designed for a clean sweep. Did they work or were the gals left with raccoon eyes?

An idea about E.D. finally gains respect

Back in the early '90s, Arnold Melman and George Christ were mocked when they suggested using gene therapy to cure impotence. After all, the futuristic form of medicine requires an often dangerous intervention into the genetic code. At the time, gene therapy was inspiring dreams of curing cancer, AIDS, and debilitating childhood diseases - not something as "frivolous" as erectile dysfunction.

Memoir vividly brings African childhood to life

You know how exciting it is to meet someone who has traveled or lived in exotic places and who tells great stories about their life? That is how reading Alexandra Fuller’s "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight: An African Childhood" makes you feel.

Designer Christian Louboutin knows what a woman wants

Manolo Blahnik upstaged? Non, c'est impossible!

Fruit pastes: Something new to pair with cheese

You’re the one people always look to for wine & cheese pairing ideas. How about adding something new to the mix?

Strong friendships formed through life experience

When Gov. Ann Richards, my former boss and friend, passed away this fall, I had the chance to reunite with my old “Ann days” friends. That is when it dawned on me that the five years I worked for her and helped get her elected governor of Texas can be classified as my “sorority” experience.

Flashback of the day

The King becomes a Private.

Consider yourself a beautiful gift, no matter what the wrapping

I believe that each of us is a special, beautiful gift. I am a gift to myself, and a gift to other people. I believe that part of spirituality is the discovering of and the sharing of the gift we are and the gifts we have.

Counting spring robins before they've landed

I love the idea that I'm spying on birds in, I hope, secret. I like the idea that I'm looking in on their bird lives, watching them interact with one another, watching as their eyes dart from point to point.

Modern grandparents assume new roles

Grandparents are becoming the most stable feature of today’s fractured family life — a reservoir and conduit for family values.

Warm hearts to warm kids

"When I was a girl I walked 3 miles to school, one way, in 2 feet of snow, without a coat ...”? The last part is true for many kids in Kalamazoo, Mich.

Demystifying the German wine label

Even though Germany’s national beverage is beer, their wines are truly the darling of the country. German Wine Law dictates that certain facts be included on every label (mostly in German!). Decipering them lwill help make you a more educated consumer.

Finding voice

Since the age of 14, or before, some might say I have been obsessed with sex. The day Mr. Marty Stickle, my 10th grade biology teacher, described in great detail the intricacies of human reproduction, I was swept away.

Study cool to black cohosh as relief from menopause symptoms

A popular herbal treatment called black cohosh is practically ineffective at relieving hot flashes and night sweats in women going through menopause, a study found.

Feng shui — my shui

My playground is “space.” I create in it. It’s what I do. And what I know is that when environments are efficient and pleasing to look at, they inspire us, naturally contributing to our sense of well-being and ultimate happiness.

Transformation and rebirth during menopause

Most of us have spent the majority of our adult lives caring for our children and everyone else in our families. Whether we have children or not, our primary focus has been on the needs of those surrounding us — not on ourselves.

Textiles artist weaves stories with fiber

Mary Anne Jordan believes everyday fabric tells stories. A dish towel and its stains might bring to mind a grandmother’s toil in the kitchen. A kerchief might conjure images of a farmer wiping his brow.

Flashback of the day

Backyards nationwide become safer.

The art of eating well, Italian style

Whether dining in an industrial area on the outskirts of Florence in a cafeteria that serves 5-star-quality platefuls or stopping at an Autogrill perched over Italy’s super-highway to enjoy freshly-grilled mozzarella paninni with a slice of proscuitto-wrapped melon, the true Italian meal is never rushed.

Anti-holiday stress and (very!) casual dress

Deck the halls with lavender, eucalyptus, and vanilla too

You’re up to here with turkey and gingerbread and wrappings and relatives. Somewhere between drop-in visitors and trips to the airport, break away - and sneak in this casual spa get-together with girlfriends.

What’s sexy after fifty?

My philosophy is: Yes, you can look as sexy as your body and age permit. At over 50, that means REASSESS!

Tips on giving gifts of money to children

With the holidays upon us, lots of financial gifts — money, savings bonds, stocks and so on — will be ending up in little hands. And lots of givers have some sort of personal-finance goal on top of ordinary giving. Many parents — and especially grandparents — want to make gifts whose primary purpose is financial training.

Shop for shoes, then get a shot of Botox

Medical spas move into malls

Amy Andrade had been thinking about Botox for a while, so when she spotted a spa-like “cosmedical” clinic in the upscale Dallas mall she visits about once a month she immediately found herself interested.

Keep moving during holiday travel to avoid blood clots

While overbooked flights and bumper to bumper traffic are unavoidable this holiday travel season, health risks due to long car trips and extended air travel can be minimized with raised awareness of an ailment that many travelers fall victim to year after year.

The first birthday

In Tribute: Gloria Starr. Born June 4, 1922, died Sept. 23, 1999

On her birthday, I’ll put on her best jewelry, the double strand of pearls, the diamond earrings, the stunning wedding band. I’ll parade down my little street in her most elegant dress, unfurling a banner with her name in giant, gold glitter.

Discover your inner spark

You can transcend anything if you come to understand and apply spiritual principles. By becoming aware of these laws and utilizing them in your favor, you can fling wide the doors of creativity, love, and joy.

Arts center director, longtime artist finds satisfaction in presenting

Karen Christilles’ job is to make sure theater, music and other performance-based art forms are seen and enjoyed by as many people as possible.

Flashback of the day

Hear her roar!

Grateful for grandmothers

Neva Belle Johnston and Kathryn Sweeney Russell

This faded image is one of my favorite photographs. I love the way Dad's mom beams at her younger son while Mom's mother can't take her eyes off her only child.

Chili warms up chilly nights

I make my chili with chunks of beef simmered slowly with caramelized onions, tomatoes and a variety of spices — toasted cumin seed, cinnamon and clove — guaranteed to send you into a pleasant sensory overload.

Project: Reinvented wine rack

Junking is easy. And repurposing is some of the best kind of junking; it just takes a little imagination.

Colder weather spurs thoughts of soup

Why don’t you invite all the family over, toast some good crusty bread and enjoy the start of the season with this tasty soup?

Breast cancer drop follows reduced use of hormones

The millions of women who quit taking menopause hormones after a big federal study found that the pills raised the risk of breast cancer now have more reason to be glad they stopped.

Road Trips with Friends: Priority One

An excerpt from "Girlfriend Getaways: You Go, Girl! And I'll Go, Too!"

The point isn't what you do or where you go. The point is simply this ... we girlfriends need to get together.

Flashback of the Day

We're just about to lose our minds. Honey, honey, yeah.

Kitty Kelley to turn her pen toward Oprah

Congratulations, Oprah, you have been selected by Kitty Kelley as the subject of her next tell-all, unauthorized biography.

Nature's call

Artist finds inspiration in the great outdoors

Lawrence artist Linda Sallee has a passion for nature that flows from her soul and is interpreted with her weathered hands.

Mail-order munchies

Monthly food clubs deliver edible ‘gifts that keep on giving’

“Food of the month” clubs are becoming popular gifts for the hard-to-shop-for-but-easy-to-feed crowd. There’s one for just about anybody.

Flashback of the Day

Bring on the girl groups and the sequins!

Flashback of the Day

Everyone's favorite coin with an 11-sided rim.

Short cut to recovery

Theirs was more than a doctor-patient relationship. Debbie Meyer, 54, and the surgeon, 52, also were good friends. “Marilee said she’d call after she got the pathologist’s report ... and when my doorbell rang, I knew there was something wrong,” Meyer said quietly.

Varicose veins commonly a cosmetic problem

Lately blue lines have started showing up all over my legs and calves, and it is very embarrassing to go out in shorts. My friends are telling me there is only one way to get out of it and that is surgery to remove that part of the skin. Is that correct?

White on the money

Clorox UltimateCare Premium Bleach promises to make bleaching easier, but does it deliver?

Flashback of the day

The end of a royal romance.

Flashback of the Day

From Junior Miss Georgia to Batman's girlfriend.

Have a life and take this job

If you were in a domineering relationship that sapped you of so much time and energy that it was impossible to see your friends, eat a meal at home, or have a life — you'd get out as fast as you could. Right? For many people, their job is that relationship. Here are enterprising alternatives for anyone who feels stuck in a rut, trapped or simply worn out.

Time for single gal to dump dowdy duds

We're racking our little diva brain for what profession you might have that dictates matronly pant suits as the fashion protocol. Didn't those go out with Maude in the late 1970s?

A potion of youth?

Quest for perfect complexion brings glut of facial serums

They call to us from gleaming counters with promises of dewy complexions and renewed radiance. Try me before you go in for Botox or Restylane or a face-lift, they seem to say.

Flashback of the Day

Bad scene at Altamont.

10 ways to take charge of your health

Quit smoking, drink some water and cut down on sodium and you'll be well on the way to a healthy heart!

You ought to be in pictures: Santa Barbara

Few places in the world look as gorgeous on the celluloid screen as "The Mediterranean of the U.S." With its Mission-style downtown and picturepostcard setting between sparkling beaches and towering green mountains that turn purple at sunset, it's only natural that Santa Barbara is where the Hollywood film industry got started.

Party etiquette: Invitations, hostess gifts, thank-yous and more

Being a guest does not just mean showing up and chowing down. It requires graciousness, conviviality and an appreciation that someone has gone to a great deal of trouble to entertain you. So, behave.

Till death do us part ... but then what?

The importance of having a will

When death takes a loved one unexpectedly and the deceased has left no will or trust, the family they leave behind may suffer with unanswered inheritance questions. Mourning relatives end up having those questions settled by the courts.

Reinventing the little black dress

Heading to a slew of holiday parties? Accessories can make this wardrobe essential look brand new every time

It’s the holidays. You have gifts to buy, menus to plan, guest rooms to tidy. The last thing you need is wardrobe stress.

Babs Does It Again

Babs Does It Again

Flashback of the Day

Flashback of the Day for Dec. 1.