BoomerGirl Diary

Intimacy, not technique, is key to happy sex life

The concentration on sexual techniques and gimmicks cuts off many couples from true intimacy.

Who doesn't love a massage? Master these rubdown basics

Unplug the phone, and light some candles (nix the harsh overhead lighting). Make sure the room is toasty, and get ready to give your partner your undivided attention.

'Boomeritis' a new term for old aches and pains

Boomer girls, listen up. You might be suffering from what health experts are calling "boomeritis." It's a physical leap from where you are and where you feel mentally, but reality says you need to take your undeniable age into consideration when dealing with your body.

Beading a better life for those living in poverty

There's more to these pretty baubles than meet the eye; these handmade paper beads are helping people halfway across the world.

Ex and the single girl

ExfileZ.com calls itself "the better business bureau" of relationships.

Flashback of the Day

Flashback of the Day for Nov. 29.

Watch out for this guy

Beware, holiday parties can lead to trouble

Committing a regretful faux pas at the office holiday party doesn’t have to secure you a permanent spot on the boss’ naughty list.

Holidays pose special stressors, dangers for pets

Whatever method your pets have settled on to get their way, between now and New Year’s you might want to steel yourself to be vigilant and to say “no” once in a while.

Where’s Mary? Eras and the name game

Careful, your name might reveal more about you than you realize. If you’re a Linda or a Larry, for instance, it’s a good bet you’re older than 40 and probably closer to 60.

Homemade wreaths make simple project

Nothing says “Happy Holidays” like a homemade evergreen wreath. With a little time, a few supplies and some imagination, you can create a holiday centerpiece like no other.

Hors d’oeuvres for the holidays

If you’re stressed out, your guests will be. That means finding appetizers and other party snacks that aren’t too complicated to make — or that can be made in advance of your party or dinner.

Putting Out a Contractor

"You are forgetting your contractor's oath," I say to Dan, my contractor. He throws me a glance of pure impatience. "My what?" he says. "Your oath," I say. "The promise you made on behalf of all the houses throughout the world in need of rehab. Your pledge!" "Okay, you wanna refresh me on that?" he says. He is holding his tape measure, tool belt slung low across his hips, work boots tied in double knots. "Consult never the husband," I recite. "Consult always the wife."

Flashback of the Day

Flashback of the Day for Nov. 24.

Flashback of the Day

Flashback of the Day for Nov. 23.

Flashback of the Day

Flashback of the day for Nov. 22.

Holiday hypothesis: Giving makes a person feel good

Giving cash to strangers is easier than it sounds.

Say cheese at Sugarbush Farm

While on vacation in Vermont a few years back, we visited Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock for a little tour and a little syrup and cheese sampling. We’ve been ordering from them ever since.

How to collect vintage jewelry

Collecting vintage jewelry should be more than just plunking down your dollars for an item.

Don’t let your sense of fashion style go downhill

Ski bunnies, be glad you were born when you were.

Flashback of the Day

Flashback of the Day for Nov. 21.

Time to redesign

When it comes to decorating your home, there's a time to part with old friends and a time to see them in a new light

It seems fitting that a profession so centered on making changes has itself evolved considerably in a relatively short period.

'Just work your rear off'

But how do you find that motivation when it's freezing outside and the rest of your body (and probably your rear as well) just wants to stay inside?

There are plenty of reasons for exercising and staying fit in the winter, but nobody promises that it will be easy.

Picture perfect

Forget the cheese: Relaxation, coordination are key to fabulous family photos

To help get that perfect family photo, focus on comfort.

Party planning 101

Hosts can make festivities a success with these tips

Throwing a party can be a lot of work, so here are tips for those preparing for a holiday celebration or other gathering.

DeLIGHTful designs

New lighting fixtures can help illuminate a mood, make a stylish statement or simply add some function

For decades, lighting has been judged primarily by its functionality. And while that’s still important, lamps, wall sconces and overhead lights have taken on attributes that can add drama to home decor.

Say '¡Hola!' to Ramon

Welcome to BoomerGirl.com. Check out today's sexy Spanish lesson with Ramon, our exclusive Spanish teacher and your personal tutor. And don't miss the new column on our Home page on how to decorate for the holidays!

Making home work

These fabulous, functional spaces are designed to get the job done

When artists Roger Shimomura and Janet Davidson-Hues married more than a decade ago, they knew they would need plenty of room for creativity in their new home. The couple faced a problem not unlike one faced by many others: how to have an inspirational place to work at home.

Inner growth

Crop of green thumbs use houseplants to keep homes and offices brimming with life

Maybe the cure for the winter doldrums — brought on by shorter days, gray skies and brown gardens — is to bring the living inside.

With new love, best friend goes MIA

Dating can be a thrill, but don't let it cut you off from those who've known you longest.

Experience uncrowded luxury in the Southwest

Travelgirl investigates the American Southwest, which is just the place to relax during the chill of winter

Wine may not need to wait long to exhale

I’ve let “big cabs” breathe for two or three hours before drinking, but eight hours seems excessive to me, especially because the wines should have aerated when decanted.

Sounding through

Poet juggles teaching, prose, poetry and the cello

Courage is something Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg herself has in spades, and even a recent battle with breast cancer didn't put a damper on her many creative enthusiasms.

Oh joy, it’s the holiday season

Educate others when it is helpful to YOU. It’s fine for you to remind someone, “Actually this is going to be a very tough time for me because the love of my life died last spring and this is my first fill-in-the-blank holiday alone."

Writer singled out for voice, craft

Mary Wharff’s certainly not living in fear. At 46, she has remarried, left a career in promotional writing and completed a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing. Now she devotes at least four hours a day to penning new stories.

It’s scary when friends put their heads together

My grown-up friends — the attorney, the nurse practitioner, the grandmother — are screaming and cackling with such force and volume, woodland creatures miles away are stopping dead in their tracks, their little ears cocked to the sky like in the forest fire scene from “Bambi.”

Be cautious when firing lawyer without good cause

Even when a person is sure that she wants to end the marriage and brings a lawsuit, there is often lingering doubt. A long history of drinking, abuse, and adultery by a “three-time loser,” however, is not a forecast for a viable marriage.

Weight-bearing exercise can replenish lost bone density

The problem that most women have is you tell them they need to start working out, and they think they have to start running marathons and lifting 100-pound weights. But with osteoporosis, it’s mainly getting on your feet and walking.

Today's lesson

Learn to say "Is this seat free?" in Spanish with Ramon, BoomerGirl's charming language tutor.

It’s castle time

Aside from the obvious visits to London’s Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, be sure to visit Hampton Court Palace where Henry VIII chased Anne Boleyn down a corridor to snatch her off to the Tower of London.

I am in first class

Learn to say "I am in first class" in Spanish with Ramon.

Road tested: How to send food home with college students

College-age children who live within driving distance may come home fairly often, which can create a dilemma for parents who want to send home-cooked foods back to school with their child.

Meditative motion

For Alberta Wright, dancing is the root of prayer

Alberta Wright’s church didn’t allow her to dance when she was growing up. Now, she says dancing is all the religion she needs.

If you like the Gap, you’ll like the shoes at Piperlime

Gap has gone into the shoe business, launching a fun and festive e-commerce site called piperlime.com.

Bathe yourself in a rainbow

When it comes to choosing color, there is no one right answer. So instead of agonizing so much over color swatches, choose a color that makes you feel good and go with it.

Eco-sensitivity comes in many colors

Whitney “Anna” Walker repaints rooms as casually as some women swap out handbags.

Red rides again

Use red to add a little sizzle and to stand out from the black-clad fashion pack.

Worldwide sex study finds married couples get more

Tying the knot doesn’t mean getting less in the sack, according to a new worldwide study of sexual behavior that also found teens aren’t getting busy any earlier than they used to.

New wrinkle-filler has patients beaming, some concerned

The latest anti-aging treatment from the makers of Botox won’t hit the national market for a couple months, but Susan Domino catches a sneak preview every time she looks in the mirror.

Gaelic girl’s guide to escape: Isle of Ornsay

You may need to learn a bit of Gaelic when escaping to this tiny scenic island known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife and ancient history.

'Fabulous after 50 and Sexy at 60!' a must read

Age is a number and dating can be fun, even when you are 60.