Wednesday, April 30
Opposite-sex pals can enrich one's life
Generationally speaking, opposite-sex friendships are a relatively new phenomenon. And despite how common they are, some experts believe they can be problematic for marrieds, while others hold that cross-sex friendships are actually healthy and beneficial to marriage.
Cutting to the chaise
During the Victorian era, women used chaise lounges to sit on and to catch them when they fainted. While it's no longer common for them to wear corsets that can make them lightheaded, women still are the primary buyers of these accent furniture pieces, several furniture experts say.
5 tips for a fiesta fantastico
You don't have to be Irish to enjoy a Guinness on St. Pat's. And you don't have to be Mexican to enjoy a great meal or smooth tequila on Cinco de Mayo. Here are products that can help you prepare a fiesta fantastico!
Stroll back in time
Charleston, S.C., is rich with historical grandeur
This is a city known for its Southern beauty, charm, culture and hospitality. It's also known for its history, forts, beautiful gardens and plantations. Charleston is famous for its restaurants, Low Country cooking, pastel-colored row houses, moss-draped trees, upscale shopping, galleries and antique shops.
Another spill?
Chalk it up to experience with this great tip.
The last day of April
That means the end of our two contests (at 5 pm CDT today), a new Pat Detmer blog and new stories on the Friends, Home , Entertain and Travel pages. Click through for links to all.
Tuesday, April 29
Flashback of the day
You can get it all on UHF
5 things you didn't know about facial rejuvenation
Good results are those you don't notice unless someone tells you. Those you notice are obviously overdone, whether they've been pulled too tight or given too much Botox.
‘He's Yours', an adoption story
There was a time in Cheryl Dieter's life when she thought being the mother of one child would be enough. "I wanted to travel the world," the freelance writer says. "I thought I wouldn't be able to that with children."
Higher pay puts older workers on firing line
Older workers are more vulnerable to losing their jobs than younger ones when companies cut costs. They know this instinctively, even though the law of the land forbids age-related discrimination.
From garbage dump to garage
When finding a parking spot in the garage is like finding one in Manhattan, it's time to get organized. Nicole Alashaian of Emerson, N.J., is facing up to this reality. "My name is Nicole, and I have a messy garage," says Alashaian, who has a two-car garage.
Topics for a Tuesday in Spring
From facial rejuvenation to older workers on the firing line; from a messy garage confession to a new "Chicken Soup" book. We've got them all and a new Home Alone blog, today on the site. Click through for links to whatever strikes your fancy.
Monday, April 28
Flashback of the day
What is one of our favorite game shows?
Domestic abuse affects women of all ages
It's a serious and widespread social problem that threatens women from all walks of life. As BoomerGirl.com managing editor Cathy Hamilton reports, victims are not always young and defenseless.
Got bugs?
You’re not alone; experts offer advice on what to do about pests
Finally, spring has arrived. It’s a great time to throw a barbecue for family and friends and enjoy the outdoors. And then, there are the uninvited houseguests: bugs.
Why we all gather in the kitchen
New book looks at how kitchen has changed over past century
It used to be that you knew your neighbors by the aromas wafting from their kitchen windows. If it was oregano and tomato, you knew the family was Italian. If the fragrance was of paprika, they were Hungarian.
Walking on sunshine
Treat yourself to pop of color with yellow shoes
With bright being the new black this season, shoe lovers are doing a bit of sole-searching.
Getting the right fitness fit
While most sports bras come in just small, medium and large, most breasts don't, which is probably why you've been squeezing into some and getting little support from others.
Turn with the Simon Sisters
Return to the harmonies of the '60s with Carly Simon and her sister Lucy performing "Turn Turn Turn" — and check out that audience!
What's up this fine Monday ...
Beat those Monday blues with stories on sunshine-y shoes, great-fitting sports bras, a new book about kitchens and an intriguing video of a young, pre-stardom Carly Simon performing "Turn, Turn, Turn" with her sister.
A new use for shaving cream
And with this tip, you'll never have to worry about stubble.
Sunday, April 27
Look what's new this Sunday
From the first 'grandma' grad of Yale Med to the great comeback of the coleus to the end-all on asparagus, we've got those stories and more today on the site. Click through for highlights and direct links to the new stuff.
Asparagus shunned by skeptics
While I fantasize about having more asparagus than I can possibly eat, I understand that not everyone shares this passion. At the same time, I can’t tell whether the asparagus detractors are a significant segment of the eating population, as I don’t think anyone polls for this sort of thing. Without hard data, we are left to speculate, which is more fun anyway.
Top 5 questions to ask before renovating
Spending on remodeling is expected to reach $316 billion this year alone, and the number is still climbing, according to the Home Improvement Research Institute. So make sure you know exactly how big a renovation you can afford and whether it justifies the time you intend to spend in your revamped home.
Coleus are back, and brighter than ever
You gotta love a plant that comes in oddball varieties like Pistachio Nightmare, Kiwi Herman and Brooklyn Horror.
New season, new hairdo
It's spring! Time to add vivid color to your wardrobe, show off your toes in pretty sandals and top it off with a new, fresh hairstyle.
A successful operation: From teen mom to doctor
She works 12 to 30 hours with no sleep. Often, she skips lunch. But Dr. Karen Morris-Priester doesn't mind. An unwed teenage mother who grew up in a Harrisburg, Pa., housing project, she has gone through much tougher circumstances to achieve a lifelong goal of becoming a doctor.
Flashback of the day
'Cause you got ... Personality!
Saturday, April 26
Through a red door
Minority women find special support through Gilda's Club
These women, who all know what it's like to deal with cancer, to freak out about losing your hair, to feel fear and shock because of insidious cells replicating inside you, stretch out their hands toward Cheryl Littlejohn. They pray.
Poet examines life and a death
In the opening pages of her memoir, "The Florist's Daughter," Patricia Hampl sits determinedly by a hospital bed, holding her unconscious mother's hand while writing the obituary of this difficult woman with her other hand.
The case for a raw-food diet
A raw-food diet - basically raw fruits, vegetables and whole grains - has plenty of advocates, but whether it's the right choice for a cancer patient is open to question.
2-for-1 colors for cheeks and lips: Do they work?
We can't help it: Tell us something is a twofer, and we feel like we're getting a deal. A blush that doubles as a lip stain? Makes perfect sense to us.
Dance if you're 'Glad!'
We know that an inanimate object can't actually be happy, but that seems unimportant while watching an inflatable tube man dance in the wind to the tune of Cream's "Glad." ... In fact, we might have been inspired to groove along.
Settle in for a great Saturday read!
We've got new beauty products, a book review, an entertaining "music" video, and some good news for cancer patients on the site today. Read on for story descriptions and links.
Friday, April 25
Consider adding accents to complement wall colors
How to select a paint color is one of the most frequent questions I receive. Sometimes you have to work backwards to find the color for your design plan.
Going nowhere overnight in Lancaster
A hotel room doesn't have to be as utilitarian as bed, television, extra roll of toilet paper. Overnight accommodations can become destinations worth REM deprivation. Pennsylvania Dutch country, of all places, boasts two hotels that capture the romance of travel in rooms built for sleep.
Keeping it together while living apart
Lifelong Californian Laura Callahan had mixed feelings about leaving her hometown of San Jose to teach at Michigan State in 2002. It wouldn't be forever, she told herself, as she prepared to move from her family, friends and, worst of all, her husband of 11 years.
Grill talk
More women leaving the kitchen, heading for the outdoor grill
With the health benefits and the simple clean-up, one would think it would be easy for women to get over the idea of grilling being too scary or for men only. But Catherine Mayhew says after thinking about it, she came up with the root of the grill dismissal by her friends — the same ones who crowd her house to chow down on her home-grilling.
Happy Friday! Happy stories!
We're talking about women at the grill, healthy long-distance relationships, travel-themed hotels, home accents and a reader-submitted "Ode to the Day Trip" Herspectives essay today. Click through for direct links to whatever lights your fire.
Blinding white blinds
Fix those faded Venetian blinds without buying a new set.
Thursday, April 24
Flashback of the day
Shining, gleaming, Streaming, flaxen, waxen ...
Muss-free marinade
Conserve valuable refrigerator space.
This is what's fresh this Thursday
Take the fiber challenge, get an introduction to kugel, learn how to argue correctly and get your house mother-in-law clean in just two hours. Read these stories and a new Showbiz Kid blog today on the site. Click below for quick links.
It's all kugel
Passover involves asking questions, especially the Seder ones that start with "Why is this night different from all other nights?" So let's start with a question: How do you decide what's a kugel when a kugel can be almost anything?
Argue, but do it right
Arguing is inevitable in most relationships. And many experts agree that a healthy debate or disagreement isn't necessarily all that bad for a marriage. Some issues - finances, child-rearing, health and retirement - are simply worth fighting about.
Housecleaning emergency: The two-hour tidy
Only two hours to straighten the house? Several experts agree that's time enough for a fairly thorough job and certainly a cursory once-over that will pass muster.
The fiber challenge
Based on average calorie intake, women 51 and older should eat about 21 grams of fiber per day and men 51 and older about 30 grams of fiber daily, according to the Institute of Medicine.
Wednesday, April 23
Wipe down the wipers
Keep your view clear by keeping your windshield wipers clean.
Science has been caught napping over insomnia
Here we go again. It's 2 a.m. and I'm still awake, fighting a panicky feeling and a revved-up brain. On good nights, the gift of sleep might come after I journal, practice easy yoga or do breathing exercises. But tonight nothing is working. So I give up and bravely start reading Gayle Greene's new book, "Insomniac."
This is what's fresh this Thursday
Learn why science has let insomniacs down, how to spring clean your house in 2 days, the benefits of air-chilled chicken and the 10 questions Alice Lieberman would love to ask John McCain. Click below for links to what interests you.
Chill factor
Cooling chicken with air, rather than water, improves flavor, some producers say
Air-chilled is red hot. In the world of poultry, natural, free-range and organic have become all-too familiar labels. Now, look for another one at high-end grocery stores near you: air-chilled.
Two-day plan for a sparkling backdrop to dinner
When you're hosting a dinner party, you'd rather spend your time cooking than cleaning. But before you dim the lights and pass the pasta, you'll need to do some tidying up. Spread the chores over two days.
Moderation is key with fertilizers
The Environmental Protection Agency reports that more than 70 million tons of fertilizers are applied to residential lawns and gardens annually — and much of it is unnecessary, so get the facts on what you need before you apply.
Tuesday, April 22
Boil water faster
But remember, NEVER watch the pot!
Getting ready for house guests
People will be coming to stay in two weeks. Having houseguests means giving people the run of private spaces you otherwise might let slide.
How to de-age your face overnight
During sleep, skin is supposedly at its most receptive to regeneration and repair, and the beauty industry profits from those precious de-aging hours. But even night owls can benefit from nighttime skincare products that erase the telltale signs of the sleep-deprived: puffy eyes, dark circles, lifeless skin.
Take tough love into the closet
If you're serious about clearing out closet clutter, this is your challenge: Pick something at random and wear it tomorrow.
Happy Earth Day, everyone!
Learn how to use tough love on your closet, clean your house thoroughly in two week, de-age your face overnight and use your purse to change the planet for the better. All this plus a new Party Line blog is yours for the asking today. Click through for quick links.
Monday, April 21
Out, damn'd scuff spot!
Improve the marks on your furniture with this hot tip
Friendships build a life worth living
They were having such a good time. Four women. All middle-age and giggling and laughing like schoolgirls. Something about the women was, well ... different. Something shouted that they knew each other down to their toes. That they had paddled together in life's ocean for a long time, riding the high waves and savoring the low tides.
When color is king
Use complements or contrasts for vivid garden scene
Color in the garden — seems simple enough. When we paint our homes or dress ourselves, we use colors that are attractive to us, that lure us and intrigue us. Yellows are bright; blues are cool. What more is there to know?
How to plan for a happier ending
Marilyn Morenz teaches seminars on making medical decisions at the end of life and how to fill out living wills. Still, last February when her 80-year-old mother became seriously ill with advanced breast cancer, Morenz was surprised by how difficult it was to decide to stop life-prolonging blood transfusions that were no longer working.
Oh, how times have changed
Pity poor Harvey, whose wife can't make a decent cup of coffee to save her life. Thank goodness her friend directs her to an instant brand — if things hadn't changed, Harvey might have been forced to learn to brew a cup himself!
Spring cleaning: Let's go
"Spring cleaning" seems such an archaic phrase, conjuring rug beating outdoors and hands-and-knees floor scrubbing indoors. How Victorian. How June Cleaver. How ugh. ...
New week, new stories!
We've got the scoop on living wills, gardening with an emphasis on color, deep spring cleaning and the power of friendship, plus an old Folgers coffee commercial that you WON'T believe.
Sunday, April 20
Flashback of the day
President attacked by rabbit!
Deployment can put strong marriage to the test
Dear Susan: I'm 46 and my husband is in the Reserves. He's been called up to serve in Iraq. He went two years ago for a year. He's going to be a grandfather soon, not some 20-year-old kid, and I get crazy just thinking about it.
Off the beaten Irish path
There's no better place to hike than in the Howth hills outside of Dublin
We had planned to spend a full two weeks in Dublin. But after four fast-paced days in the city, my husband and I were craving green. We needed a day trip, and a hike.
How to avoid the eco-imposters
Today is Earth Day, and many consumers hope to do their spring cleaning with "green" or nontoxic products. Sometimes, it's hard to tell the environmentally friendly goods from the eco-pretenders.
Made for TV dinners
Welcome back your favorite show with a special menu
Your favorite primetime TV shows are coming back, and you've waited so long, you don't want to miss a single minute - even if it's dinnertime.
Ahhh, it's Sunday. Time for a good read.
Offered for your enjoyment: a travel story on "off the beaten path" Ireland, how to make McDreamy Wild Salmon Melts, tips on how to avoid eco-imposters, advice for military wives and one of the most touching videos you'll ever see. Click through for direct links.
Young @ Heart chorus is 'Staying Alive' with style
Move over Travolta — you've been replaced. Meet the Young @ Heart chorus, whose renditions of pop and rock songs will blow you away.
Saturday, April 19
The queen of Croc
Designer builds empire on exotic handbags
There is a universe in a single scale of a crocodile, if it's one of Nancy Gonzalez's. It ripples and glistens, melting into tiny slivers of gold, silver, salmon or scarlet.
Orgasm ... again
A few years back NARS saw their sales sky rocket when they came out with a blush that some marketing genius named Orgasm. It immediately drew women's attention to a nice peachy shade that many of us may have been apt to overlook. In addition this new shade was billed as one that looked good on every skin tone.
The hair isn't the thing
Q: My husband is 47 and obsessed with his balding hair. He swears his "comb-over" hides his bald spot. I think it's his security blanket, and it looks ridiculous. He says, "Look at Donald Trump's hairstyle. I'm in fashion.
Paint is good, but now is the time to buy fireplace screen
Dear Mi-Ling: Is it possible to paint a fireplace screen? I have a polished brass screen and I think the finish is outdated. The room is traditional with wood floors — walls are painted a dark khaki color, red brick hearth, white crown molding and mantel. Is there a high-heat paint I could use? I
Saturday stories and a Detmer blog
Today brings stories on obsessive balding husbands, a Miami handbag designer, painting fireplace screens, a beauty product called "Orgasm" and a new "Laughing All the Way" blog. What more could you ask for? Click below for links.
Friday, April 18
Say good-bye to scum
Switch your bathing routine up and keep your shower clean.
Boomer-friendly garden gadgets popular
Long ago, in a much simpler time, growing vegetables was a straightforward matter. When our grandparents were wielding the hoe, they worked the soil, planted their seeds and let nature take its course.
Boomers eye trendy hearing aids
How can you make a hearing aid sexy? You call it "Passion" and color it shocking pink or lipstick red. You call it "Vibe" and dress it in leopard print or checkerd flag that looks positively NASCAR.
That's a spicy meatball!
A suffering actor's plight is food for entertainment in this classic Alka-Seltzer commercial.
TGIF, BoomerGirls!
From boomer-friendly garden gadgets to hip hearing aids to the elegance of spring asparagus and a new Rock 'n' Roll Grandma blog, we've got it and then some today. Click through for links to whatever strikes your fancy.
The spring elegance of asparagus
Spring produce starts to trickle into the grocery store like little bulbs sprouting daffodils after lying dormant all winter. Among the produce filling bins this month is asparagus. And they'll continue to be prevalent until June, so you have plenty of time to prepare this healthful and kitchen-friendly vegetable.
Thursday, April 17
Declutter your bathroom countertop
Get a handle on the brushes, combs, hair products, toothpaste, makeup and other everyday items.
Flashback of the day
Mr. President, you're signing your hand again, sir.
‘Ch-ch-ch-chia!' The super little seeds are more than a jingle
Chia seeds are best known for providing the fast-growing greenery on little clay "pets," but it's time to start thinking of them as a supergrain. Chia reportedly contains more omega-3 fatty acids than flaxseed, more fiber than bran and more protein than soy.
Garden hopping
Green thumbs enjoy an afternoon spent swapping tips, eating and drinking
Shovel dirt on the formal garden party of yesteryear, at which ladies in dresses lunched among perfectly manicured flower beds. That's way too much work for a host and guests. Instead, with less prep time, you and your friends can pitch in to create a mini garden tour among yourselves.
Men, women entrepreneurs driven by different motivations
Men may be from Mars and women from Venus when it comes to relationships, but how about when it comes to entrepreneurship?
'The Door' is open for art and coastal fun
This is Ed. I met him — er, rather, I made him — in Door County, Wisconsin, at an art farm with four llamas, two horses, nine goats and a slew of cats, chickens and ducks.
See what's new this Thursday
From an artsy trip to Door County, WI, to tips on throwing a progressive garden party, to the latest "super food" - chia (that's right, like the Chia Pet!). We've got those stories and a Passover blog from the Showbiz Kid today. Click through for quick links.
Wednesday, April 16
Flashback of the day
We know how to do it, and we know how to show it.
Who cares if they spill?
Your linens are protected.
From sloping garage roof to elevated landscape
One look out the back window was all Vivian deZwager needed. Then inspiration struck: Why not turn the garage roof into a garden?
Easy exercises to prehab your tennis game
My friends say I’m like a broken record when I tell them “An ounce of Prehab is Worth a Pound of Rehab”. But with the rising number of baby boomers and beyond taking to the tennis courts, this phrase rings true especially if you’re interested in staying literally, in the game!
What's fresh this Wednesday
We've got a new Carole King "Tapestry" contest, tips for getting in shape for tennis, a gardening on the roof how-to, a new Blue Skirt blog, and a new photographer in the gallery. Click through for quick links to whatever moves you.
Reweave some 'Tapestry' memories and win
Every BoomerGirl has at least ONE great memory inspired by Carole King's 'Tapestry' album. Tell us yours and you might win a copy of the newly-released, remastered Legacy Edition of this 1971 classic.
Tuesday, April 15
Hole in one in the bath
Just don't step on it, or you'll slip.
A pricey lesson in airline policies
This is a story about two retirees who bought $753 round-trip tickets to Europe and wound up paying nearly $10,000. It's also a story about self-serving airline policies, regulatory indifference and the perils of booking separate tickets for connecting flights.
Hang ten with Gidget and Moondoggie
We are happy to report that falling in love with the impossibly young Sally Field in Gidget is just as easy and natural as learning to surf. Actually ... given our probable skill on a surfboard, it's probably much easier.
Overcoming the mental obstacles to great sex after 50
The obstacles to great sex are not age-related factors. Anyone at any age can suffer from boredom, be "too busy" for sex, or let duties get in the way of pleasures. But some people use age as an excuse for failing to surmount these obstacles to sexual pleasure.
Reusable totes are hot
Floating on the wind, littering streets, clogging streams and threatening bird and marine life, the ubiquitous plastic grocery bag has become a symbol of so much that has gone awry in modern life. It may be cheap and it may be convenient, but it exacts a high price in oil consumption, clogged landfills and pollution.
Non-taxing topics for Tuesday
Today you'll find new stories on overcoming mental obstacles to sex, the best recyclable tote bags, getting stuck in air traffic, a nostalgic look at Gidget, and a new Red Skirt blog (and NOTHING about taxes!) Click through for highlights and quick links.
Gray matters
Young fan born with brain tumor willed Jayhawks to 1988 NCAA title
He was born with an inoperable brain tumor. Though the illness never affected Ryan’s mental capabilities, it took a toll on him physically. By the sixth grade, he was permanently confined to a wheelchair. But that restriction didn’t stop Ryan, the son of Dr. Captain and Kitty Gray of Lawrence, from becoming a crucial member of the 1988 KU squad.
Monday, April 14
Mother of Jayhawk hero explains feeling when son hit three-pointer
If you think you were nervous when Mario Chalmers released that 3-point attempt at the end of regulation last Monday night, imagine being Mario's mother. Almarie Chalmers has had more than her fair share of excitement this year, and at that gut-wrenching moment, she found the faith to be confident in her son.
Country singer's cookbook gets back to Georgia comfort foods
One of the key things the Yearwood women had to do for Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen was make sure they could make the Brunswick stew.
Perennial allure
Hostas classic, varied garden shade plant
I think just about everyone has planted a plantain lily, more commonly known as a hosta. They are a quintessential classic garden shade plant.
Taking care of your shoes
Have you ever loved a pair of shoes so much that you bought them twice? Experts say you shouldn't have to. A pair of good leather shoes, treated correctly, should last for years, decades even.
Planning is key to a successful garage sale
It’s that time of the year, when yard sale signs start sprouting up on street corners and garages are unloaded onto lawns for bargain-hunters.
Look at what's new for Monday
We're kicking off the week with Trisha Yearwood's new cookbook, plans for the perfect garage sale, the 411 on hostas and more! Click below for highlights and quick links to our new stories and blogs.
Painlessly sharpen your scissors
Cut through this, then you can cut through anything!
Sunday, April 13
Flashback of the day
"Imagine me and you, I do ..."
Legacy in pink and purple
It was not the bike I would have picked. All the other kids had Sting-Rays with banana seats. I mean, everyone who was anyone. Look at "The Brady Bunch": imagine Jan or Marcia on a geeky upright! Wouldn't happen. So, I had to learn to love that bike.
Tea for 2 … or 200
Often, our fast-paced schedules don't allow time to relax and enjoy time with friends. An afternoon party is a perfect opportunity to return to a quieter, less hectic time, sip a cup of tea and nibble on homemade treats.
A high-flying adventure in Georgia
How good are you at facing difficult situations? Putting “mind over matter” to do what needs to be done, no matter how challenging? I have an adventure that will certainly test — X-tremely test — your mental stamina.
Keeping grown kids in the nest isn't a problem, if there's a plan
Dear Susan: My daughter is graduating college in May with a degree in art. She wants to move home and try to "make it" as an artist. She has won awards and has talent, but I'm not sure, as I think we'd be enabling her to not face real life.
A smorgasbord for Sunday
We've got advice for mothers of graduates, a Georgia tree canopy tour, tea for two (or 200), and a blog from our pal in Costa Rica today. Click through now for links to our fresh stories and blogs.
Saturday, April 12
Woman who has inspired me the most
Mom's ability to persevere under any circumstance, to smile even when it hurt, to look at life with a glass-half-full philosophy, and to love family, friends, and life passionately until her last breath has inspired me to work earnestly every day to exhibit the same values and character that my mother exemplified rather than taught.
Delicate perches
Turn mismatched vintage china into dainty bird feeders
For years, I coveted (quite openly) a charming little bird feeder my best friend had in her garden, made from a vintage china berry bowl mounted on a metal stake. Because she moved out of state, any hopes I had of seeing it appear in my garden have disappeared with her, so I decided to make my own.
2-for-1 potions shave time from shower routine
Our shower stalls are cluttered with bottles and jars and tubes of products that clean, exfoliate and moisturize, de-frizz and volumize, smooth and soothe. We might not willingly give up our beloved hair potions, but we're pretty adventurous when it comes to body washes.
Fashionably frugal
Creative ways to get the look for less
With spring's arrival, many women are looking for ways to update their wardrobes. And in a shaky economy, they are also looking for ways to do it with budgets in mind.
The dirt on cleaning products
At long last, it’s time to open windows and doors to welcome spring and waft out stale winter air.
Here's to leisurely Saturdays
Make a bird feeder from your old china. Create "the look" for less. Get the dirt on home cleaning projects. Read a woman's beautiful tribute to her courageous mom. Do it all, today on the site. Click through for links.
Friday, April 11
Flashback of the day
"Okay, Houston, we've had a problem here."
She sees you
Cubo.cc is one of those Web sites that have no real point ... yet. Who knows what they'll do one day with the techniques used to make it look like a photorealistic woman is intently following our every move of the mouse?
7 tips for great relationships
True commitment means much more than simply committing to staying married. Here's one of my favorite quotes about marriage: "When you marry, you don't marry one person, you marry three: The person you think he is; the person he really is; and the person he is going to become as a result of marrying you."
Tillers’ effectiveness, cost vary
For many vegetable growers, April is the most important month in the gardening cycle. People who do not plant early vegetables usually turn the soil for the first time in April. For them, the work they do this month will be the first opportunity to reconnect with the piece of ground they have been working for the past several seasons.
Fridays are for fresh stories and blogs
From 7 tips for great relationships to the bottom line on garden tillers to a semi-creepy Web site that's weirdly compelling, we got those stories and more for you today. Click below for details and direct links.
Individual use of atrium brings light and character
Dear Mi-Ling: I just purchased a home and I am geared up to decorate. I have a paint problem. I want an accent wall that I would like to paint a dark red.
Shoes like new
Another use for laundry starch.
Thursday, April 10
'Our Bodies, Ourselves' continues to educate women
Things were happening to her body that Dorothy Robinson couldn't quite understand. She works out regularly and strives to eat right, yet it was more difficult to keep her weight under control.
Zumba: aerobics to a Latin beat
Zumba is a fitness class with multiple personalities. One minute you're writhing around like a sensual belly dancer. Next, you're turning your hips to the rousing Latin beats. And just as quickly, the music changes and you're now a cowboy, riding an invisible horse and shaking your fist in the air.
Fruity liqueur comes with a French twist
The opaque elixir before us has the questionable, slightly brownish hue of oxidized dessert wine. Then he pours a splash into a juice glass, releasing inviting citrus aromas. We take sips. Tart orange and clove flavors infuse the earthy warmth of brandy in a drink dancing with fresh fruit.
Caring from afar
Step-by-step planning and organization make long-distance caregiving manageable
Like many people in her generation, Nancy Schwanke, 54, is working hard to help her aging parents stay as independent as possible.
What's fresh this Thursday
We've got help for caregivers, the skinny on the Zumba exercise craze, a firsthand report from the Final Four and a review of "Our Bodies, Ourselves: Menopause". Click through for quick links.
Quick splinter removal
Save your fingers — and your eyes.
Wednesday, April 9
Emergency lint remover
A sticky solution to a common winter problem.
Flashback of the day
Feel the beat from the tambourine!
A place for experimenting and family; at home with Kathy Ireland
"Every home needs happiness," says the queen of a billion-dollar home furnishings empire. No, not Queen Martha. That was Kathy Ireland talking.
Letting off steam
Stovetop. Microwave. Bags. What's the best method of getting crisp and flavorful veggies? We test them all.
Cheap improvements
Spruce up your home without breaking the bank
The credit crunch. The slowing economy. That big ol’ mortgage bill/rent check/monthly ball and chain. All of them are putting the vise on your wallet these days. It’s a bummer, because you, too, want an HGTV-ready home just in time for the open-your-windows kind of weather.
Nancy shows us all how it's done
We are saying we've got something for you ... something that's a song, we confess.
New stories and blogs for 'hump day'
We've got inexpensive home improvement tips, a profile on entrepreneur extraordinaire - Kathy Ireland, a nostalgic look back at boots made for walkin' and much more today. Click through for highlights and links to whatever you want to read now!
Tuesday, April 8
Greens under wrap
Keep your celery fresh.
New types of roses are low-maintenance projects
If you ask me about growing roses, I will tell you that there are really only two types of roses: those that require a lot of care and those that do not. I consent to the fact that there are more classifications, but all roses can really be grouped into those two categories.
Extroverts and introverts who fall in love face unique challenges
Some things don't make sense. Love is a good example. We could live in a world where everyone who wanted to stay home and read a book partnered with someone sharing that desire. Instead, many of us leap mysteriously toward the Other who wants to co-host the neighborhood progressive dinner. This is probably a good thing.
Found! The product I've been searching for
Only pink — not coral, bronze or red — gives that color that at a young age appears naturally. It lights up the face and brings it alive like nothing else, save vigorous exercise or sex can. In her later years my mother achieved it by combining three products together (don't ask). I wanted the same result from one powder.
'I suffer. Please be in touch.'
Those six words might be the quintessential Mom Note in our opinion, but there's no shortage of worthy choices to be found online on a new blog.
Tantalizing topics for Tuesday
From new easy-to-grown roses to a new must-have beauty product to a fresh Blue Skirt blog on sex ed in schools, our content covers the bases today. Read on for highlights and direct links.
Monday, April 7
Natural remedies help with insomnia
There's nothing worse than not being able to fall asleep when you really want to. As BoomerGirl Cathy Hamilton reports, some people with sleep problems are taking the natural route to relief.
Who are you calling ‘old?'
Can we compare today's 70-year-old to someone who reached that birthday 10 years ago? And will the boomers, just easing into pre-retirement with 62nd birthdays this year, act even younger in eight years?
Pillows: the inside story
I love my pillows — the bigger and puffier the better. I've always thought of them as the ultimate allies, cradles of comfort outside the womb, the means to melt into peaceful slumber. And I've been so wrong.
Covering up chicly
It's possible to wear a bare look without revealing too much
Here it comes: warmer weather. There they go: all those layers of clothes. As much as women look forward to shedding their bulky sweaters, those of a certain age also might find themselves wondering just how much skin they dare to bare.
We can dig it
Hip, smooth, happening — that describes John Shaft, all right. Oh, but it also describes the ukulele, didn't you know?
Mondays are better with "Shaft" by ukulele!
You read it right - "Shaft" - that unforgettable anthem of the 70s - performed by ukuleles. And if that doesn't thrill you today, maybe our other new stories and blogs will. Read on to find out what they are and get a quick link to that twangy rendition of "Shaft".
Sunday, April 6
Flashback of the day
They could Start it Up ...
Don't make pals choose one or other
Once the court proceedings and parenting plans are finalized, there's another thing to be decided: After a divorce, who gets the friends?
How I love him!
A classic song, a classic TV show, a classic moment. You get three in one when Shelley Fabares sings on "The Donna Reed Show."
Glittering world of 1899 Manhattan, with a twist at the end
"The Luxe,” by Anna Godbersen, released February 2008, is a novel for young adults — but one adults will equally enjoy, too. It’s a novel you just can’t put down.
Unhappy with your backside? Take a hike
Are you happy with your butt? Most of us aren’t. They’re too big, too saggy, too soft, and I’ve even heard men complain of having “lost” theirs. (“Honey, have you seen my glutes anywhere?”)
Why are more folks getting shingles at younger ages?
Q: I'm 48 and recently had shingles. My doctor says she's seeing more cases of shingles in younger adults. Many of my friends either had shingles or had a close friend or relative in their age group (40s to early 50s) who had it.
Sunday is for Johnny Angel
We've got Shelley Fabares at her finest, divorce advice at its wisest, fitness tips at their highest...and more today! Read on for additional details and links to the fresh stuff. Enjoy!
Saturday, April 5
Mascaras promise luscious lashes; do the eyes approve?
There's no such thing as volume control when it comes to our lust for long lashes. We're willing to have affairs with many brands, tossing each aside for grander promises of enviable eyelashes with no flakes, no messes. We asked three lash-challenged ladies to give these new contenders a chance. Are any of them lasting lash loves?
Flashback of the day
Turn on, tune in ... turn it up?
It's time for strong, feminine pants
It's hard to believe that plain old pants once caused a major ruckus. And not that long ago. Sure, Hollywood types wore them, and by the '50s and '60s, they were fine for casual wear. But set foot in a school, church or office, and women were expected to show some leg (calves only, please).
Finding the right color scheme depends on room
Dear Mi-Ling: I have an evergreen microfiber couch and a medium oak wood floor, and an exposed brick fireplace on one wall. What color can I paint my walls?
Rite of spring: Gardeners dig designer dirt
Ah, spring ... time for gardeners to play in the dirt, or, in some cases, with their dirt. Some gardeners obsess on getting just the right combination of organic matter and nutrients. They sprinkle in kelp from Alaska and phosphate from Florida. They brew up compost spiced with rabbit poop.
Stories for a leisurely Saturday
From room color advice to the best volumizing mascaras to tips on keeping those lost pounds off forever, we've got everything you need right here. Click through for details on other stories and links to whatever you want to read now.
Friday, April 4
Flashback of the day
The Fab Four bingo out
Survey: 3 to 13 minutes optimal for sex
Maybe men had it right all along: It doesn’t take long to satisfy a woman in bed.
Contesting premarital agreements varies by state
Q: I am 48 and have three children; my husband is 61. I have not worked since we married, have developed health problems, and lost my nursing license. The premarital agreement says that should we get divorced for whatever reason, both of us waived support and all property would belong to the person who held title.
Thank goodness for Friday stories!
We'll tell you what 'rick-rolling' is, how long sex REALLY is supposed to last, and the true meaning of 'cupcaking'...it's an educational experience, today on BoomerGirl. Read on for details and links.
Finding renewal after 50
Helen Dennis believes, and so do I, that this generation of women - highly educated, career-minded - is confused and unwilling to face retirement. We are the first generation affected by the women's movement. Heck, some of us started the movement.
Never gonna give you up, Rick
The phenomenon called Rickrolling is best described by example: You are reading your favorite Hollywood gossip blog and arrive at a link urging you to "Click here for exclusive video of Britney's latest freakout!!" Click you do, but instead of Britney, it's a dashing 21-year-old Briton who pops onto the screen. You, ma'am, have been Rickrolled.
Thursday, April 3
Heart disease a surprising diagnosis for many women
Vicki Westburg made excuses for being tired and short of breath. She blamed long, stressful days on her job as a special education administrator for a weariness she couldn't shake. And she thought her labored breathing was due to asthma.
Make memories while saving them
Keep a family diary that encourages telling it like it is
So you don't scrapbook. You don't have to. With just a little effort, you can still keep a good grip on your family memories - and get the whole family involved.
Taking care of the caregiver
Living far away from an aging parent — especially one who is injured or sick — can be an emotional rollercoaster for an adult child, who must cope with worry, frustration and feelings of inadequacy. These feelings are compounded by the stress of caring for that person over hundreds or thousands of miles.
Hanging 10 ... er, 4 ... in Hawaii
A talking horse is one thing, but a talking horse on a surfboard is surely one of the pinnacles of '60s sitcom art. Kick back and watch as Wilbur takes Mr. Ed on vacation.
What's fresh this Thursday
From the latest info on women and heart disease to the Hawaiian antics of Mr. Ed (you remember: "a horse is a horse, of course, of course..."?) to a woman's musings on losing her basketball mojo just in time for the Final Four, we've got a smorgasbord of stories for you today. Read on for links.
Wednesday, April 2
At 10 a.m., 'Today' is So Yesterday
The country's premier morning show has defined women's dialogue as pablum. And it's enough to make one gag.
Serve a springtime brunch with bliss
Come this way, up the garden steps and into a back yard where the patio is shaded by an old avocado tree. Fill a plate from a buffet of dishes as springlike as they are fresh and take a seat in the mild morning sun.
Americans are living longer than ever
Mankind's greatest triumph of the last century was not the mastery of flight, the invention of the computer or the recognition of rights for women and minorities. As huge as those achievements were, they were overshadowed by something more profound.
Work on the friendship to create a healthy marriage
Are you so fed up with your marriage partner, you're ready to call a divorce lawyer?M aybe you can't think of one more way to fix your relationship. You're out of ideas.
What's new for Wednesday
From throwing a springtime brunch to enhancing your marriage to fighting agism in America, we've got it all plus a new blog in The Men's Room today. Click through for additional content and quick links.
Tuesday, April 1
History, spas and spectacular scenery
The Jemez Trail takes you from Albuquerque to Santa Fe
Beep Beep! These rugged red mountains look awfully familiar. Deja vu! I've seen this tawny scrubland before. On the day you arrive in New Mexico, you will recognize it. And not just from Road Runner cartoons.
Learning how to retire in style
They saved it. Now comes the spending part. Millions of baby boomers who have worked hard and saved for retirement over the past few decades are now faced with the challenge of how to spend and manage their nest eggs once they retire. Figuring out how to do that while making the money last over their lifetimes is no easy task.
Don't forget the mackerel
Ah, the fabulous '70s, time of discos, polyester, and ... fluffy mackerel pudding? Hey, wait a minute — we thought the disasters belonged on the big screen, not on our dinner plates.
We're not foolin'! We've got great content today!
You'll get no practical jokes from BoomerGirl. We've got a contest winner and great stories on the Jemez trail, retiring in style, the latest solar-powered gadgets, a new artist in the gallery and the funniest diet food you'll ever see.
The sun can power lights, calculators and cellphones
The push to live green and save money is giving solar-powered gadgets and home systems a boost. Appliances charged by the sun provide an alternative source of energy, especially during power outages and emergencies.