Monday, April 30
Head to Nebraska for a weekend getaway
I had a friend last week who wanted to take her grandkids on a weekend getaway as soon as school is out. “Where other than Kansas City could we all have some fun?” she asked. “Think budget,” she added. I thought for a minute. “Lincoln, Nebraska,” I said.
The art of the scarf
While Hermes' Birkin bag garners more headlines and waiting lists, the French company's scarf attracts almost as much passion and devotion.
Internet can be useful tool for medical questions
People often are under stress when they turn to the Web for information. So take a deep breath before you get started.
Book is hands-on guide to managing health-care expenses
Laura L. Casey promises to help you make confident, informed choices about health care and costs in her new book.
Look at what's new on the site this Monday
We're rolling out new stories on the Travel, Health, Books and Fashion pages today. Read on to get quick links to whatever catches your eye.
Don't get stuck in horizontal mode
Here's a tip to help you snap pictures like the pros
Saturday, April 28
One home, two masters as couples choose to sleep better - apart
For the last 18 months, Joe LeVasseur and his wife, Ann, have been sleeping in separate bedrooms except on weekends.
Caregiving can sneak up on you
Most caregivers report some depression, some health decline, some lack of taking care of their own health needs.
Caring for a loved one puts your health at risk
I've always heard about people who are "born caregivers." After spending a few months caring for my late husband a few years ago, I have to admit I'm not one of those born to the job. In fact, I've got to think "born caregivers" fall in the same category as people who like to flail themselves with barbed wire.
Look at what's fresh on the site this weekend
We've got new stories on the Home and Family pages plus a new blog for your leisurely weekend reading. Click through to get previews and links to the fresh stuff.
Friday, April 27
Nora Ephron isn't the only one who feels bad about her neck
Use this tip to deflect attention away from your turkey waddle.
Recent events bring alarming emotions to fore
Dear Susan: I have a therapist, but this an issue I feel ashamed to discuss. Ever since the Virginia Tech killings, I have felt more like a bigot.
One thing aging can help: allergies
Getting old can be such a bummer. But wait! Suddenly, I can go out in my garden again without sneezing the petals off my petunias. Could it be I’ve outgrown my seasonal allergies at the ripe old age of 51?
Friends hang out, make jewelry at Bead Retreat parties
Augusta Valentine is a little unsure she wants to make her first piece of beaded jewelry. "I hope this is not going to become another addiction," she says, looking at the five other women seated with her around the table.
Here's what's fresh on the site this Friday
We're toasting another fabulous Friday with three new stories, a new Party Line blog and an advice column from Susan Kraus. Read on for previews and links. Cheers!
If love is blind, why do we hide our physical imperfections?
Many women swagger confidently through business meetings and cocktail parties. But once they shed the armor of dresses and jeans, they become flustered schoolgirls, ashamed of everything from scars and birthmarks to stretch marks and small breasts.
Thursday, April 26
New product prevents wardrobe malfunctions
Privacy Strips may not have saved Janet Jackson from Super Bowl mortification, but they could save you from embarrassment in the office.
Look at what's new on the site this Thursday
BoomerGirl is bursting with new stories on our Fashion, Home, Food and Create pages plus a new Home Alone blog. Read on to get previews and hot links to whatever turns you on.
Make healthy dressings at home
The key to making delicious healthy dressings at home is to reduce the oils and other fats (though retain enough to preserve a luscious mouth feel), and bump up the ingredients that contribute texture and flavor.
Make it a green sweep this spring
Excuse me while I finish something here - gurgle, slurp, kerplunk. That noise in the background? The sound of me dumping out my old toxic cleaning caddy.
A cure for separation anxiety
What to do when your drinking glasses stick together
Put me in, coach: Creativity and coaching
Get your muse on! Part 2
Quinn McDonald spent 25 years of her life working for corporations. The last time she got fired, her boss said, "You’re different … and you seem to enjoy it." It was not a compliment.
Flashback of the day
Beginning of the end for a childhood enemy
Wednesday, April 25
Crystal elegance
Fit for any room of the house
Forget the foyer and the dining room. That's where you'd expect to find a chandelier. How about in a walk-in closet, stainless steel kitchen or the bathroom?
Won't you make my brown eyes blue?
Benefit, queen of the quick fix, has a new product with yet another catchy name. This one is a mascara, Bad Gal Blue. OK, so it won't change your eye color, but it will enhance it.
Driving distractions
We had planned on driving back to Christchurch, New Zealand, from Dunedin with very few stops so that we could return the rental car before the office closed. The New Zealand landscape had other plans for us, however.
Here's what's new on the site this Wednesday
We've got brand new stories on the Travel, Home and Beauty pages plus two new blogs today. Click through to get highlights and links to what interests you most.
Flashback of the day
"Adrian!!!"
Tuesday, April 24
How to make your eyelashes look hot
Use your hairdryer for lasting effects.
Pick a sunny spot and crowd in the flowers for a lovely cutting garden
Cutting gardens have always provided cheerful blooms and an outlet for artistic expression.
How to be an Awesome Woman
If you're reading this — you're an awesome woman. By that I mean you are online and have an interest in things greater than yourself. You're not ready to stop being productive, but maybe you aren't quite sure of what direction to take next.
Look at what's fresh on the site this Tuesday
We've got new stories on the Books, Garden and Legacy pages, a reader-submitted Hot Tip of the Day AND a new blog from Costa Rica. Read on to get sneak peeks and links to whatever you want to read right now.
Monday, April 23
Gum disease can inflict damage elsewhere
"Every little thing in your body counts ..." And as doctors and dentists now suspect, gum disease is no little thing.
The zingy spice of fresh mustard
As we gather our recipes for family dinners, we discover that many of our spring dishes contain a bit of sunshine: mustard.
Putting faith in religious mutual funds
Socially responsible investing has become increasingly popular in recent years, with lots of mutual funds available for investors who want to keep their portfolios in line with their ethical beliefs. Most such funds avoid alcohol and tobacco stocks, but what they do beyond that varies quite a bit from fund to fund.
Step into history at Toronto shoe museum
They're the most unusual of sole mates — pop singer Elton John, an ancient Egyptian nobleman and 19th-century Chinese women with bound feet. What ties them together is the Bata Shoe Museum, where their shoes are on display.
Look at what's fresh on the site this Monday
We've got new stories on the Health, Food, Wealth and Travel pages plus a new reader-submitted essay in Herspectives. Read on to get sneak peeks and links to whatever interests you.
No more dusty "Desperate Housewives."
Here's a tip to keep your boob tube cleaner
Flashback of the day
A confrontation between two student groups boils over
Saturday, April 21
Tension natural in wake of tragedy
What happened at Virginia Tech has put us all on an emotional "red alert.” Nothing has changed in our real world. But our emotional world has shifted, and, as a consequence, we feel more vulnerable, more vigilant.
Go a bit greener — for free
In honor of Earth Day, Home Depot is kicking off its new Eco Options label this Sunday by giving away a million free compact fluorescents.
Hit by an emotional truck
“Where is God in all of this?” “Why is this happening to me?” “How do I get the pain to stop?”
Fit for green thumbs
For those looking to get right into spring cleanup this weekend, slipping on gardening gloves first may be a low priority. But eventually the tolerance for grimy hands and nails and dry skin wanes, and gloves begin to look more appealing.
Living beyond midlife divorce
The day the appraiser came, Suzy Brown cowered in a closet. She cried whenever she tried to leave. Unable to regain her composure she fell to her knees and held herself as she rocked back and forth on the floor.
Look at what's new on the site this weekend
We have three new stories and a Spirituality column for your leisurely weekend reading. Click through to get previews and quick links to what tickles your fancy.
Friday, April 20
Here's what's fresh on the site this Friday
We've got three new stories, a new blog by Pat Detmer and a reader-submitted essay in Herspectives today. Read on for direct links to whatever piques your interest.
With a shine one your shoes ...
Here's a hint to make your footwear fabulous
Finding MOB outfit is no piece of cake
There are blatant inequities when it comes to wedding attire for males and females. Men do not try on tux after tux, tossing them over the fitting room door with sighs of exasperation, rejecting cummerbunds five, 10 and 20 at a time, vowing to give up carbs and try Pilates.
Health professor advocates changing attitudes toward sex
Today's lesson is about sex. About the way guys grow older and don't seem to change their attitude toward being intimate. Indeed, the more years, the more they become "randy roosters," according to one of my lady friends.
An aloha to remember
Every time we pass a Cost Plus or a dime store, Dave's searching, searching for items: travel posters, Japanese lanterns, raffia, tiki candles. I call him from a seashell shop that's going out of business. "Grass skirts?" I ask. "Get three!" he says.
Thursday, April 19
Eyes not what they used to be?
Use this trick to make sewing easier.
Pondering payback? Sleep on it
The husband has three sleep modes. Small Electrical Appliance Mode, when he snores with the whir of the blender and the mixer; Commercial Transportation Mode, when he snores like a 727 on take-off; and his third mode - the most alarming of all: Silence.
Sprinkle some petals on your salad
Or fry up some tasty day lilies
The view from the kitchen window includes all varieties of blooming beauties these spring days. Why not add the petals of some of those flowers to the dishes you are cooking?
On the cutting edge
Electric mowers are much friendlier to environment
Here's some disturbing data: A study suggests that cutting your grass for an hour puts as many pollutants into the air as driving 100 miles in a car. Read how one man attempted to "go green" in the mowing department.
Look at what's new on the site this Thursday
We've got four new stories and a new blog for you on BoomerGirl today. Click through for sneak peeks and links to the content that interests you most.
Get your muse on!
Midlife is the perfect time to reinvent yourself. You have the hard-earned wisdom of aging, the kids are (hopefully) out of the house, and if you’re lucky, a tiny bit more money than you had when you were 20. It’s time to stretch your wings and try something new, something exciting, something … creative!
Flashback of the day
The American becomes a Princess.
Wednesday, April 18
Flashback of the day
One actress, but double the fun at Camp Inch!
Keep your specs shiny
Try this tip to clean your lenses
'Organic' doesn't have to mean 'expensive'
Want to buy organic food but hate to pay the high price? Try these Organic Food Price Busters tips.
Hooray for gray!
Baby boomers toss dye bottles to wear natural color with pride
With salt falling on their heads like a blizzard, baby boomers are, as usual, opting to do it their way. So long, stigma, hello gray.
Here's what's fresh on the site this Wednesday
Today we're treating you to a new "Shop Green" column, two great new blogs and a story on the joys of going gray. Read on to get previews and links to the content you want to read now.
Tuesday, April 17
Supplements and vitamins, what do women really need to take?
A nurse helps make the choices clear
You can spend a lot of time and a whole lot of money trying to find the vitamins and supplements that are right for you. But if you're a woman of say, 45 or older, in generally good health, which of these pills and potions do you really need?
What’s the skinny on Lipodissolve?
Somewhere after ab-blasters, carb burners and Thighmasters comes a new agent in the fight against saddlebags and spare tires — Lipodissolve. Is it too good to be true? How does it work? Who is a candidate? How is it administered? Is it safe?
Asthma and exercise
It was long thought that asthmatics should avoid exercise because it induced attacks. Recent research shows that certain kinds of exercise can actually benefit many asthma sufferers.
Here's what's new on the site this Tuesday
We've got new stories on our Health, Fitness and Beauty pages plus a new blog in The Men's Room. Click through for previews and links to the fresh content.
Monday, April 16
We need rhymes for today's times
At 53, I've never seen a weasel, let alone one that pops. Even sheep of the "baa baa black sheep" variety aren't everyday players in most kids' lives, and city ordinances prohibit most Marys from having little lambs.
Founder of Spanx reshapes foundation wear
Spanx has almost single-handedly revived what was a dying foundation-undergarment industry. But it began as a quiet revolution. It has been only in the past year that women have become enamored enough to start proclaiming their Spanx allegiance.
Plan a tasting party and tell your guests to say cheese
The "cheese board" approach allows you to try a sheep's or goat's milk cheese while also comparing young cheeses and harder, aged cheeses.
Variety is the tea of life
Most people aren't tea experts, so consider this tasting a broad education.
Tasters' choices
From tea to chocolate, tasting parties easy to brew
You love to entertain and your palate is aching for adventure. But after a long week at work, you can't quite muster the energy to throw an elaborate dinner party.
Sea birds and chocolate
We spend the better part of an hour scanning the sea for any signs of penguins and begin to think it is hopeless, when we see some other bird watchers along the path start pointing to the shore. At last, penguins! But no, it is only a fur seal.
Here's what's fresh on the site this Monday
We've got new stories on our Entertain, Fashion and Family pages plus another installment of Kiwi Chronicles from our BoomerGirl "down under." Read on to get links to what you want to read right now.
Herbal remedy for insect problems
Raid your spice cabinet to keep bugs away
Saturday, April 14
Secrets of 'organic' wines, part 1
Viticulture means the cultivation of grapes, and when the grapes are used for winemaking, it is better known as viniculture. As with all areas of winemaking, If you want to learn more about organic wines, you have to start with the grapes.
The magic of knitting
Funny thing about knitters: They will wear an exquisitely beautiful sweater with pants from Goodwill. Why? Because they spent $200 on yarn and had no money to buy pants.
Seeking a clean start with eBay's help
Lisa Perry wants a fresh start. So she has decided to sell nearly all of her belongings in one massive auction on eBay.
Look at what's new on the site this weekend
We've got three new stories and a new artist in the Gallery today. Read on to get previews and links to whatever lights your fire.
Friday, April 13
Whistle while you work ... or walk, or drive, or play
Whistling is deader than coonskin caps and drive-in theaters, especially among the young.
Multiple sclerosis patient not letting disease slow her down
55-year-old using art, grandchildren, exercise to help fight symptoms
During a recent 35-minute workout, Sue Kapfer seemed a typical healthy 55-year-old. She was in good humor, teasing her personal trainer that she was “punishing” her with 12-pound weights.
Look at what's fresh on the site this Friday
We're celebrating another TGIF with an inspirational Health story and three new blogs for you today. Read on to find previews and links to whatever interests you most.
Nobody likes stinky hands
Use this tip to keep smelling sweet in the kitchen.
Thursday, April 12
Look at what's new on the site today
We've got a new "Dear Crabby" column, two new blogs and a fresh story on our Fashion page. Read on to get previews and links to what you want to read right now.
Keep your stainless steel shining
Here's yet another use for that all-purpose club soda
Choosing fashionable eyeglasses
Eyeglasses aren't just for reading anymore. People are seeking brighter and bolder frames to make a fashion statement, and having two to three pairs is not uncommon. But not all frames are for all faces.
What price beauty?
Dear Crabby: I recently read something in the news about cosmetics being bad for you — can this be true? What’s the story on cancer-causing cosmetics?
Wednesday, April 11
Left with old insurance policy? How to win the paper chase
Imagine: Dad dies, leaving you with an old life insurance policy issued by a company you don't recognize.
Affirm your finances
By the time I hit my mid 30s, I began to realize my relationship with money was in need of some counseling. After nearly two decades of schooling, I was undeniably financially illiterate.
Making tasty tapas at home
In the early evening hours throughout Spain, restaurants and bars begin serving "tapas," tasty bites of interesting cheeses and canapes. It's a festive atmosphere as neighbors stroll the streets visiting with friends and stopping at favorite restaurants or bars for a glass of wine and something to nibble until dinner late in the evening.
Here's what's new on the site this Wednesday
We've got a fresh blog and new stories on the Food, Sex and Learn pages, plus a new column on how to make peace with your financial situation, especially at tax time. Read on to get links to the fresh stuff.
Did you know that sex is supposed to be fun?
There's an old joke about the three types of marital sex - there is house sex, bedroom sex, and hallway sex.
Tuesday, April 10
Search for perfect pair of shoes a challenge
Stylish shoes that are comfortable and healthy for feet over 40 - do they exist? Who better to answer the question than a female podiatrist?
Cheese can grate on your nerves
Here's how to keep your cheese grater clean
A bicycle built for two
Couple finds happiness on two wheels
It didn’t take many simultaneous bike rides before Carol and Alan McBride realized that, when they were riding together, they weren’t really riding together.
Walk 10,000 steps a day and count on losing weight
If you haven't gotten your 10,000 today, maybe you should. Steps, that is.
Wine and dolphins
During our travels in New Zealand, we had driven through several wine producing areas on both the North and the South Islands. But, since we were driving, we had not stopped to do any wine tasting.
Look at what's new on the site today
We've got a new dispatch from our BoomerGirl in New Zealand, plus new articles on the Fitness, Fashion and Family pages today. Read on for links to what you're most interested in.
Flashback of the day
Yoko Ono is on the end of a lot of finger-pointing
Monday, April 9
Oil up for silky smooth legs
Try this pre-shave treatment for lovely gams
Son raises questions of unconditional support
Dear Susan: My son is getting divorced. I can’t quite believe it, but he is. The problem is that I feel like he is the one at fault because he had an affair, and I am so mad at him I can’t see straight.
'Ethical will' allows wisdom to pass down to youngsters
"Some people pick a particular event and say 'This is the most important thing that happened to me in my life.' Or `This is how I feel as I look back on my life.' "I think what's important is you don't have to be a great writer. You say or write the will in your own words, words that are familiar to the people who know you, words that come from your heart."
Don't be a fashion coward - wear yellow
Of the hottest colors for spring - black, navy, red, yellow and white - it's yellow that has us stumped.
Hobby farms as a rural remedy
Plenty of boomers nationwide are getting dirt under their fingernails. "You don't get rich doing this, but it's a satisfying lifestyle."
Here's what's new on the site this Monday
We've got new stories on the Business, Fashion on Learn pages plus a new "Good Directions" column today. Read on to get highlights and direct links.
Saturday, April 7
A place to take root
The revival of potting sheds
Potting sheds are starting to get the respect that they deserve. Gone are the days of unimaginative structures purchased at a big box store and made of “wood-like” materials.
Test makes a hard choice for women a bit easier
Like any newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, the only thing Barbara Fredericks dreaded more than having chemotherapy was not having it and later regretting the decision. So when her oncologist said surgery and a hormone drug would probably cure her early-stage cancer, Fredericks got a second opinion.
'Second adulthood' reawakens passions
When they left college, boomers vowed to change the world. Somewhere along the way, they got distracted by jobs, families, responsibilities. For millions of us, reinventing ourselves at midlife could be the most exciting career of all.
Look at what's new on the site this weekend
We've got new stories on the Health, Passions and Garden pages plus a new blog from Costa Rica today. Read on to get sneak previews and links to what you want to read.
Friday, April 6
Essays on faith rise and fall
"Grace (Eventually): Thoughts On Faith" by Anne Lamott; Riverhead Books ($24.95)
Anne Lamott's quirky, intimate, outraged-liberal voice has been a breath of fresh air in the sometimes stuffy genre of modern Christian literature. And so fans of her wry, witty observations on faith and life will welcome her third faith-focused book, "Grace (Eventually)."
Christchurch at last
Much later that same day we finally arrive in Christchurch, which is just as beautiful as we had been told it would be. There are gardens and flowers everywhere! Our temporary new home is bright and breezy, and there are roses blooming in the yard.
Here's what's new on the site this Friday
We've got two new blogs and two new entries on our Books and Travel pages for your reading pleasure today. Read on and find previews and links to whatever moves you.
Here's a natural insect repellent
And it's DEET-free!
Thursday, April 5
Fight menopause mind with mental calisthenics
Dear Crabby: It seems like ever since I went through menopause, I can’t remember anything! I lose things, forget people’s names, and even why I went into a room in the first place. Am I going crazy or becoming senile?
Kick off your adventure in the port city
I have a well-honed approach to cruise departure planning. 1. Never fly the day of the cruise. One delay and the boat sails off into the sunset without you. Fly the night before and you have 20 hours to make it. On the way home, who cares? 2. Use the cruise port as a transition from real life to vacation … in other words, start having fun.
Here's what's new on the site this Thursday
We've got new stories on the Health and Travel pages plus two new blogs for your reading pleasure today. Read on for previews and quick links to whatever interests you most.
Wednesday, April 4
Carrots: The lazy gardener’s best friend
As a general rule, carrots are the easiest vegetable to grow in the home garden and the hardest to mess up — as long as you take a few specific steps at the beginning of the spring planting season.
Municipal bonds make a lot of sense — and dollars
Stock market making you nervous? Then how about an alternative, a safer investment that beat stocks over the past five years — and did it without all the scary ups and downs?
Look what's new on the BoomerGirl.com today
We've got new stories on the Wealth and Garden pages, two new blogs and a reader-submitted essay on the Herspectives page for your enjoyment today. Read on to get previews and quick links to whatever flips your switch.
Withdraw deposits
Get the water pressure you deserve from your shower
Tuesday, April 3
Take, take, take your vitamins?
A study released last month says the antioxidant vitamins taken by tens of millions of people around the world won't lead to a longer life.
Green jewels from the garden
I'm crazy about spring vegetables. My favorites are sugar snap peas and asparagus spears. These seasonal beauties are best plucked from the vine or snapped from the earth in your own backyard garden.
Opening the heart, Part three.
One of the best gifts we can give ourselves is the gift of forgiveness. This does not mean we forget what happened or even tolerate or minimize wrong done to us. Forgiving what we cannot forget enables us to create new ways to remember — ways for us to rediscover who we are — persons of courage and strength.
Look what's new on the site this Tuesday
We've are jammed packed with new stories and blogs today. Read on to get previews and links to what you want to read right now.
Savory Sayulita
On my first day back in the office after spring vacation, a colleague asked what I found most memorable about my trip to Sayulita, Mexico. Without a split-second hesitation, I replied, “the fish tacos.” Let’s face it — after you’ve arrived at your destination and gotten your bearings, vacation is all about the food.
Flashback of the day
Definitely a Pick and not a Pan
Monday, April 2
Carrot bisque
Naturally sweet carrots make a terrific — and simple — pureed bisque. A bit of creme fraiche (sour cream would work, too) and fresh dill add depth. For a bit of kick, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes at the start of the recipe.
Tennis hat trick, anyone?
Keep the sweat to a minimum with this handy hint.
Fill up with fiber
It's time to embrace a diet rich in roughage
Fiber is today's health super-hero. It's been rediscovered, researched and readdressed in a variety of products and a new diet.
How to know what to keep and what to pitch when spring cleaning the pantry
Want to be a better cook? Start by tossing some food in the trash.
Future son-in-law raises questions
Dear Susan: My daughter is getting married in August. Her fiancé doesn’t seem interested in the wedding plans at all. Whatever I ask for his opinion, he says, “Whatever you guys want is OK with me.”
Here's what's new on the site this Monday
We're kicking off April with a bang and three new stories on BoomerGirl.com today. Read on to get previews and links to whatever piques your interest.
Flashback of the day
Steinbecks and Snyders and Stewarts, oh my!