Friday, February 29
Nothing to sneeze at
Herbal remedies help alleviate troublesome allergies
Can you feel it coming? There’s that tickle in your nose, tears running from your eyes, a perpetual crimson hue that takes up residence in those baby blues and the episodes of sneezing attacks where you cannot put a sentence together.
Feisty women win raves for their rants
Sometimes it is useful to state the obvious. The invention and universal acceptance of the Internet has transformed gardening, and for the better.
Yes, Wii can
"This is all your fault," says my sister Claire in a voice mail. "You told me to move the Wii upstairs!" She hangs up. She has an uncanny way of getting me to call back quickly. I'm sitting here wondering what in the name of Super Mario Galaxy she is talking about.
Words to fill the hours
"Winter, a lingering season, is a time to gather golden moments, embark upon a sentimental journey, and enjoy every idle hour." — John Boswell These books will definitely help you enjoy any free moment you can capture for yourself.
It's Friday - need we say more?
We've got a great new blog by Pat Detmer, a fun piece on boomers and the Wii, a cool new Web site for gardeners and great reads for your next airplane ride. Click on to get the links.
Thursday, February 28
Flashback of the day
"Goodbye, Farewell and Amen" to Hawkeye, Hot Lips and crew
Finding the right zinfandel
Zinfandel, it turns out, presents challenges even for veteran winemakers. First, it's seen as the All-American grape, brought to California around 1849 by Gold Rush miners who turned to agriculture. But it has never earned full respect; critics often call it "rustic," say it'll never be a "noble" grape like cabernet sauvignon, never make a truly elegant wine.
Cut the fat and sugar — but not the taste — from party food
I used to be the boss of a guy who was well over 200 pounds. One day in January when all the New Year's resolutions had kicked in, I turned to him and asked, "You know what's great about healthy snacks?" "What?" he asked. "Nothing," I replied. "Healthy snacks suck!"
Spring gardening is bound to come
Plan ahead when choosing what seeds to plant
Although it may seem like the snow and cold will last forever this year, spring is bound to come. But, even though it’s still wintry, it isn’t too early to start thinking about gardening, especially if you order seeds or start your own bedding plants.
An inconvenient trip
Here are 10 great destinations before it's too late
That dream vacation — diving along the Great Barrier Reef, skiing in the Swiss Alps — could remain a dream forever if you don't get a move on. It's been called climate sightseeing, a kind of farewell tour of Earth's greatest hits.
What's new this Thursday
Travel to "inconvenient" places, learn what to look for in zinfandel wine, cut fat and sugar from your party menu, and plan a Police/Elvis Costello concert this summer ... all without leaving your keyboard!. Click below for links to today's new stories and blogs.
Wednesday, February 27
Flashback of the day
Get some medical information with your morning coffee!
Making healthy bones a priority
It wasn’t too long ago that bone fractures were considered an inevitable part of aging. Research strides in the past 15 years, however, have revealed bone diseases such as osteoporosis not only can be diagnosed early and treated to reduce fracture risk but can be prevented altogether.
Hormone havoc undermines healthy sex life
The book is called "Sexy Hormones" but it could better be labeled "The Hormone Bible." Here's all you ever wanted to know about female hormones — from natural ones to bioidentical hormones, from treating hormone conditions like bladder incontinence to understanding what the birth control pill can do to undermine your sex life.
Splash of color can enhance contemporary furnishings
One of the challenges to overcome when utilizing a contemporary design is adding warmth to the space. After all, your mood is directly affected by the colors you display in your home.
What's new this Wednesday
From great information on avoiding osteoporosis to a blogger's candid account of addressing depression to a review of "Sexy Hormones", our new content runs the gamut today. Click through for directly links to the new stuff.
Tuesday, February 26
Has giving up foods containing gluten become the latest diet fad?
Just when bread was starting to make a comeback after the low-carb craze, it has been hit with the gluten-free frenzy.
Tip that works to remember workouts
Cell phones and PDAs can do more than ensure we stay in touch and keep appointments. A new study shows that middle-aged and older people who received daily reminders to exercise from PDAs put in more than twice as much moderate to vigorous exercise than those without the devices.
Where do I go from here?
When I was younger, I seemed clear about my life’s direction, and sure about most of the decisions I had to make. In recent years I find myself struggling and floundering about the next stage of my journey.
Topics for the last Tuesday in February
We've got the skinny on gluten-free diets, tips on using your cell phone to remind you to work out, a new Spirituality column by Eileen Roddy-Phillips and a fresh Herspectives today. Click below for details and quick links.
Monday, February 25
No Change, No Gain
Dear Christine, I was recently laid off after working for 15 years at a financial services company. I had a sense I was going to lose my job but I was hoping my years with the company would protect me. When I was informed my position was eliminated, I was practically in shock.
A virtual girls' night out
A light beer, some microwave popcorn, a cozy blanket and a phone. This is nice enough, I suppose. I'm trying to be open. I'm the last of the four babes to agree to this stupid idea. It's 9:30 p.m., so I punch in the phone number Beth gave me.
Quick! Where's the skillet?
Skillet dinners from the supermarket freezer case are more about convenience than economy. After you've emptied the contents into said skillet, supper is ready in 10 minutes or so.
Tying one on
A big trend this year, lightweight scarves can add flair to any outfit
They're expected to be the "it" fashion accessory this year – and believe it or not, scarves can work for the warmer spring and summer temps, too. We're not talking about knit scarves here, we're talking luxe-looking, feather-light wraps made of linen, silk or even T-shirt material.
Take base to store when searching for new lamp shade
Dear Mi-Ling: We have three table lamps in our living room with fabric shades that are just the wrong color (too yellow in a room with shades of white and beige tones.) We have been to a couple of lamp stores but we could not find replacements that work.
Start your week right with new stories
From virtual girls' nights out to advice for the recently laid-off; from spring's must-have accessory to new shades for tired lamps ... we've got something for everyone today. Click through for links.
Sunday, February 24
A fascinating novel with unexpected end
"Light of the Moon” is Luanne Rice’s most recent novel for adults and was released in January. The prologue of the novel catches the reader’s attention, that’s for sure. It’s a dark, foggy night. A young girl awakens to whispering voices. She looks out the window and sees a car, a man with a mustache and her mother’s bags.
Neti pots offer a simple solution to nasal woes
Like an estimated 36 million Americans, Karen Lukin suffers from sinus problems each spring. She tried a sinus rinse at the recommendation of a doctor, but it made her gag and seemed expensive. Then she embraced a holistic, low-tech alternative: the neti pot.
Now is a good time to prune your trees
Light pruning to remove a few small branches of trees can be done at any time of year, but more extensive pruning should be done in late winter to early spring.
What are they wearing for the Oscars?
If the expressions on the stars sashaying down the red carpet look just a little more frozen than usual it could be because they're wearing Freeze 24- 7.
Look what's new this Sunday
From a solution for your sinus woes to tips on which trees to prune right now to a review of a new book by Luanne Rice, we've got those stories and more for you today. Read on for details and links.
Saturday, February 23
School for the ex jeopardizes school for the daughter
Litigation over child support while attending school full-time when finances are low is not a good idea.
Jews immersing themselves in ancient tradition
Diane Reibel, 51, might have wallowed in self-pity or fled on a cruise when she learned she had breast cancer. Instead, she chose to put the bad news behind her - and mark the start of her healing - with a plunge into "sacred water."
Fresh content for Saturday
New stories on the Spirituality , Advice and Herspectives pages plus a blog on new uses for "mosquito ringtones" from Leah Hemenway. It's all on tap today on BoomerGirl.
Friday, February 22
Think gloves, hat, scarf have to match? Think again
If you go looking now for a hat, scarf and glove set to combat cold weather, you know that at most stores, it's already slim pickings.
Difficulties increase in finding nutritious, affordable food
Strolling through the supermarket last week, I spotted a cherry pie on sale for $2.99. If I pick and pit the cherries, I can make a cherry pie at less cost, but if I have to use canned pie filling, I can’t beat that price.
Condo dwellers are speaking up about noise
Brian Verban knows quiet when he hears it ... or not. He and wife Jamie grew up in small-town Illinois and in suburban Franklin, Wis., respectively. When they're home, they want to live in their own noise, and when they want to talk with their neighbors, they want to do it face to face, not through a veil of drywall.
Lip color with staying power
Any color I put on my lips has a tendency to do a quick disappearing act so I've long been on the lookout for lip color that lasts. Yes, I know there are some out with staying power, but they leave my lips feeling parched.
TGI Friday, everybody!
We've got the best long-lasting lipsticks, end-of-season shopping strategies, a new Lisa Johnson blog and tips on finding nutritious, off-season foods today. Click on to find previews and direct links.
Thursday, February 21
My Gal Greta
I have always loved maps. As a kid, I’d spread them out on the floor or table, and let my finger trace lightly over roads from one side to the other. For over 30 years, when traveling with my husband, I am the "map-reader," the one who gives the directions. It’s a big responsibility.
Brilliant "green" jewelry
My husband surprised me with a beautiful diamond and sapphire-studded wedding band to commemorate our 25th anniversary. What made the ring even more special was that it was manufactured by a company that crafts its jewelry from recycled gold and earth-friendly gems.
Taxing decisions: Finding the right tax preparer
April 15 may seem like a long way off, but for those who don't won't actually enjoy waiting until the last minute to file their 2007 tax return, it'll be here before you know it. And if you dread the prospect of tackling a 1040 on your own, you might want to consider enlisting the assistance of a certified public accountant.
No need to plow a fortune into your garden
Sharon Barkhymer uses words like "thrifty" and "frugal" to describe her penny-pinching gardening style, but other people call her just plain cheap. "I'm not cheap," she protests. "I'm responsible."
Fresh ideas for your Thursday
From the sparkle of earth-friendly bling, to the joys of traveling with a talking GPS system, to hints on picking the proper tax preparer, we've got it AND a new Showbiz Kid blog for you today. Click on for previews and speedy links to the new stuff.
Wednesday, February 20
5 things you didn't know about irritable bowel syndrome
Although doctors still aren't sure what causes Irritable Bowel Syndrome, they no longer believe it's a somatic or mental disorder, a common theory before the 1990s
Three, or more, is never a crowd ...
... for polyamorists with a whole lotta love
Polyamory isn't about sex, polys tell you. It is about love. It is about loving your primary partner enough to love that they have a new secondary partner, even when their New Relationship Energy with that person leaves you, briefly, out in the cold.
Students say a little hovering is fine
Colleges wary of `helicopter parents'
One insisted on sitting in on his college student's job interview. Another demanded that her graduate student be given a different housing assignment.
Uncle Sam matches some 401(k) deposits
Many workers get excited when their employers kick in a matching contribution to spur them to save in a 401(k). What few people realize is that Uncle Sam will kick back up to $1,000 to reward low-income taxpayers who save for retirement, too.
Single women: Prepare now for next Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is now over. If you are single, how did you fare? Were you depressed? Did you ignore the day? Did you find your own way to enjoy it? Wait a minute, you say. Why think about Valentine’s Day at all, since it has just passed.
Here's what's new for you this Wednesday
From celebrating singleness, to the good and the bad of helicopter parenting, to the 5 things you didn't know about IBS, we've got the 411 and more today. Click below for highlights and quick links.
Tuesday, February 19
Your risk of an audit 'is way up'
Based on the amount of income that Americans fail to report every year - $345 billion, according to one government report - millions of Americans have little fear of a government audit. But tax pros and government reports suggest the Internal Revenue Service is gradually shedding its "kinder and gentler" attitude in favor of more and stricter audits. In short, an audit could be like a truck in your side-view mirror: closer than it appears.
Tantalizing topics for Tuesday
From a new recipe for cooking locally to tips on beating the audit odds to 5 things you didn't know about midlife crises, we've got those stories and a Pet Detmer blog today. Click below for details and quick links.
Timberline Lodge, marvel of the Works Progress Administration
Where else can you channel the ghosts of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Stephen King's "The Shining" under one roof? The stories that Timberline Lodge can tell. And only an hour's drive east from Portland.
5 things you didn't know about midlife crisis
In his 1965 article "Death and the Midlife Crisis" for the International Journal of Psychoanalysis, psychologist Elliot Jaques coined the term "midlife crisis," referring to a time when adults realize their own mortality.
From Farm to Fork
For those of you who don't live in Kansas, I host a weekly cooking show, "Jayni's Kitchen," that airs across much of the state. In January, my guest was Simran Sethi, a contributing environmental correspondent and expert for NBC News. Simran suggested that we do a show together based on the 100-mile meal concept.
Monday, February 18
Flashback of the day
Hang up your coat, put on a cardigan and exchange your dress shoes for sneakers.
Beauty salon break-ups
Dear Susan: This is going to sound like a trivial question compared to what you usually get but I’m asking it anyway. How do I break up with my hairdresser?
Cutting back on sodium starts at the supermarket
How can someone cut back on sodium, even when relying more on prepared and convenience foods and restaurant meals? Some sodium is necessary in the diet. But there is room for the "less is more" philosophy.
Giving's a joy, but get a receipt
Donors need more than a kind heart to get a tax deduction. Starting in 2007, donors need receipts or canceled checks if they drop money into the collection plate at church or the Salvation Army kettle, or dig into their pocket to help out charities.
Out with the armoire
Designers may cringe, but more people are putting flat-screens right out there
Sherry Davis knew exactly where she would put her new 50-inch flat-screen television: in the living room, above that other indisputable focal point, the fireplace.
Fresh content to jump-start your week
We've got all kinds of how-to's today: how to break up with your stylist, how to cut down on sodium, how to stay out of trouble with the IRS, AND a brand new Red Skirt/Blue Skirt blog. Read on for quick links.
Author uses first-hand experience to write dating book
In Jo Renfro's case, the old saying, "write what you know" could be amended to "write and draw who you know." The forty-something divorced mother-of-three wrote and illustrated "The Big Book of Bad Dates" based on, you guessed it, some painful yet humorous, first-hand experiences.
Sunday, February 17
Crocheting program allows inmates chance to help
The story behind how Veranda Auld learned crocheting begins with yarn and hooks. It ends with hope for a second chance. Auld had never crocheted a stitch in her life, she said, until Peggy Bomba taught her how during once-a-week meetings.
Early identification key to controlling household pests
Houseplants are particularly vulnerable to insect pests this time of year; the plants are under stress from dry winter air and short days. Look closely at your plant each time you water — catching an insect infestation early can make a crucial difference.
There's more than one way to bake your own loaf
On a cold winter weekend, nothing seems as homey and smells as delicious as baking a loaf of bread. Besides, it's a perfect excuse not to venture out. Just say you can't leave the house because you're waiting for dough to rise.
The year of filing dangerously
Filing your taxes has never been fun. But this tax-filing season is shaping up as one to dread because of extraordinarily late changes in tax laws, outdated or erroneous instructions and forms, increasing complexity and the widening gulf between federal and state tax rules.
Can beauty be dangerous?
Lipstick tainted with lead. Mascara that contains mercury. A hair-straightening treatment that slicks your tresses with protein ... and formaldehyde? As three recent controversies show, sometimes the world of beauty can be downright ugly.
New stories for a serene Sunday
From an inspirational tale of one woman making a difference to tips on how to bake your own break and advice on filing your taxes, our content runs the gamut today. Click through below for links to whatever catches your eye.
Saturday, February 16
Mutual ancestry and love of 'Braveheart' spur odyssey to Scotland
As far as I'm concerned, no man properly pays homage to a kilt quite like Mel Gibson does in "Braveheart." OK, Liam Neeson in "Rob Roy" comes in a close second - make that a very close second.
A boost for women's low libido?
Thanks to Viagra, Cialis and Levitra, men with erectile dysfunction can get on board the Food and Drug Administration-approved love train. But women who experience a different sexual problem — sagging libido — have been left at the station. That may be changing.
Saturdays are for site surfing
Today's a great day to check out our new stories on Scotland, affordable decor for renters, face-brightening make-up and the new female testosterone gel OR catch up on stories you missed earlier in the week. Read on for links to the fresh stuff.
Do new powders light up faces, or are claims mere dust?
Nothing quite transforms need-a-lift complexions like a dusting of powder. Loose or in a compact, they have the capacity to instantly hide pores, add glow or diminish shine. Now a new breed of powders allegedly does more, lighting your face to air-brushed perfection. We asked three testers to try three formulas. Did the powders leave them with velvety, radiant complexions? Or was it all a puff piece?
How to achieve a pleasant atmosphere in a rental space
Dear Mi-Ling: I am renting an apartment. I have been trying to decorate on my own for the past six months and already have spent quite (a bit of) money without being able to make the place look much nicer. The basic furnishing is there but I need some cheap accessories or rearranging.
Friday, February 15
Decode that Valentine bouquet
I cannot help but chuckle over Valentine’s Day. There can be so many mixed sentiments intertwined with this particular holiday. Does he love me? Are we meant to be? Is this relationship doomed? Our poor little flower friends certainly have a lot to live up to.
Enriched grains may cut Alzheimer's risk
Every once in a while, the government does something amazing. Since 1999, all U.S. enriched cereal grain products, such as bread, pasta, flour, breakfast cereal and rice, have been required to be fortified with folic acid - the synthetic form of folate.
Belts, hats and prints are back
The fall runway clothes of the week will not move into stores until late summer, but never mind. The conversation has already changed. The ideas offered here almost immediately affected how people think about style. Gradually you may begin to shift your own closet.
Le Meurice restaurant and Adventures for Singles
If you're a solo traveler with no time to plan your own adventures, Suzy Davis and her Adventures for Singles might be able to help. AFS is a tour company that puts together great packages designed to help you see the world.
Fantastic fare for Friday
We're deconstructing Fashion Week, decoding your Valentine's Day flowers, delivering great health news on the prevention of Alzheimers and more today. Read on for highlights and delightfully quick links!
Thursday, February 14
A love that endures
After 22 years of marriage, cancer has provided Vic and Toni Mounts an unlikely new chapter — what Toni calls "our new normal." Cancer, and a love story.
Changing the chopped salad game
For years, the chopped salad has been resting on its laurels — or its iceberg lettuce, anyway. Fortunately, it's undergone a renaissance lately. All those heaps of cut-up iceberg, mozzarella, salami and chickpeas tossed in red wine vinaigrette have given way to more interesting ingredients, more artfully prepared.
Stories from the dating front
We asked some of BoomerGirl bloggers to share their bad date stories. From fumblings at the drive in to an encounter with someone overly enthusiastic about feet, here are stories to wince — and laugh! — over.
Disastrous dates 101
Artist writes complete guide to Mr. Wrong
If you don’t have hot Valentine’s Day plans, seek solace in this: A night of eating ice cream on the couch would be better than Aleah Menefee’s first date. She was 15, and everything was wrong.
Happy Valentine's Day, Girls!
Whether you ADORE February 14th or just can't wait for the blasted day to end, we know one thing - you'll LOVE our selection of stories and blogs today. Read on for links to love, laughter and chopped salads!
In the mood for love
"Home & Away" with Lori Carson visits Annette and Chris Cook, Kansas chocolatiers who have found sweet success living and working together.
Wednesday, February 13
Makeovers that make sense
Sometimes the only thing we need to break a fashion rut is a little push in the right direction. We like to joke about fashion dos and don'ts, but the real styling woe is the fashion yawn. Who says that you have to do something wild and dramatic?
For you, a bouquet of roses
No need to worry if you've put off planning a special evening with a special someone. A flute of pink sparkling wine is a celebration in a glass no matter whom you share it with, or when.
When friends move away
You shouldn't be angry when a friend announces she is moving. You can't take it personally. She got a new job, or her husband did. It happens every day. Everything about America says it's the right thing to do.
Flashback of the day
Happy birthday to the unofficial leader of the Pink Ladies!
It's Wednesday - here's what's new...
Sensible age-appropriate makeovers, bouquets of rose wine, a fresh blog from Leah, a new political club and more. Click below to get links to today's content.
Tuesday, February 12
Love later may be better
Last week, Ray and Patsy Magness of Craig, Colo., celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary. Whether it’s the dozen or so times they say “I love you,” the constant hand holding or surprise hugs they share, one might assume they’ve been married for decades.
Relationship expert gives advice on keeping a marriage going — with respect
Author and marriage counselor Emerson E. Eggerichs of Grand Rapids, Mich., says has important messages for spouses: Wives are made to love, want to love, expect love, but many husbands fail to deliver. Husbands are made to be respected, want respect, expect respect, but many wives fail to deliver.
Good news for breakfast lovers who like a warm start to their day
When the wind blows, overnight temperatures drop into the 30s, and snow makes a show, there's no question the season for hot cereal has arrived. A bowl of steaming whole grains not only is a comforting way to start a chilly day, it's also one of the most nutritious breakfasts you can eat - low in fat and calories, high in fiber and vitamins - and definitely filling.
New FDA-approved anti-aging products
What does your mirror say to you at 7 a.m.? For many women over 40, it might be silently pressuring them to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for an anti-aging treatment like Restalyne or Thermage. But could over-the-counter products do the trick?
Topics for your Tuesday
From new love that blooms late in life to advice on keeping a marriage going strong, we've got these stories and more today. Click below to get highlights and links to whatever strikes your fancy.
Flashback of the day
Her competition dresses were designed and sewed by her mother.
Monday, February 11
North Carolina's Outer Banks offer 100 miles of history and fun
It was just a few miles off the No. 1 beach in America that the pirate Blackbeard sailed his Adventure into battle against Lt. Robert Maynard's British Navy sloop Ranger in 1718. How do we know that Ocracoke is the No. 1 beach in America? Because Dr. Beach says so.
Bring spring inside
Are you antsy for springtime? There is a way to get an early taste of it by forcing the branches of some flowering shrubs and trees snipped from your backyard or picked up at a floral shop.
Proper lighting in the bathroom can change your look
The right bathroom lighting can switch an image in the mirror from beast to beauty, but it often ranks way below a luxury tub, modern fixtures and stylish tile on the priority list.
The outdoors makes a better gym for the brain
It's no wonder that fitness resolutions tend to fizzle in February. Americans vow to get in shape at the worst possible time of the year, just when miserable weather forces us indoors.
Here's what is on tap for Monday
Spring is getting closer, and we can almost taste it — spring flowers, exercising outside, visiting the beach: get information on all of that on BoomerGirl today. Get the full details here.
Flashback of the Day
A step for South Africa.
Sunday, February 10
Peat moss poor choice for eco-conscious
A bit ago, I received an interesting article about how peat moss is actually suspect for gardeners to use liberally or even sparingly in their gardens. How can that be? Peat moss has been layered onto garden soil since our great-grandparents began toiling away in their vegetable plots and flower beds. Why in the world would the use of peat moss suddenly be an issue for gardeners worldwide?
Devotee swears by 10-day fast
For those of us who would rather jump in front of a train than jump on ye olde gym-and-diet bandwagon, there is another alternative to resetting your system after a binge: fasting.
Avoid sides when friends divorce
Q: Is it OK to resume a friendship with the ex-husband of an old friend? Following their divorce all the friends took the wife's side. She bad-mouthed her ex and we all bought into it. Now I am divorced and remarried and I saw my friend's ex at their son's wedding. I felt sorry for him as he told me how rejected he felt by all of us. What is the proper etiquette in these cases? I know my friend wouldn't like it as she can be a bit controlling. Do I respect her wishes and therefore say goodbye forever to her ex-husband as my friend?
Learn to deal with imperfect relationships
Most of us would like to have a few perfect relationships. Wouldn't that make life easier? The truth is, however, there aren't any perfect relationships. None.
Welcome to Sunday!
It's all about reaching out and cleaning up today on BoomerGirl, with stories on our Legacy, Friends, Family and Health pages. Get the scoop by clicking through!
Boomer finds sense of belonging
Seventh grader Aspen and empty nester Bonnie Wells have been making beautiful music together for 2.5 years. That's when Wells sent her third, and youngest, child off to college and was approached that same month by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Inc. about volunteering.
Saturday, February 9
Start off a sweet, savory weekend
We're serving up a sweet and savory weekend here at BoomerGirl with new content on the Home, Health, Beauty and Food pages, not to mention a new Showbiz Kid blog. Click through to get the details.
Does "miracle" cream really help aging skin?
When the BBC reported a scientific study that showed Boots No. 7's Protect & Perfect to be as effective against skin damage as doctor-prescribed creams, there was a run for the product in Great Britain, where it quickly sold out. We were curious: Is this the miracle potion that will end our Sephora-based search for the fountain of youth?
Truffle-rific
Yes, those chocolate delicacies can be made at home. Here is a simplified way
Truffles: Rich chocolate coating gives way to a soft, flavorful ganache center. So expensive, yet so addictive. Godiva. Vosges. Joseph Schmidt. Even good ol' See's. They're so magical that we never think of making them ourselves.
Take heart: Researchers refine what aspirin can and can't do
An estimated 50 million Americans now take the over-the-counter pain reliever to protect their hearts from clots, the leading cause of attacks and strokes. Take an aspirin, save your life. Better than apples.
Classy cabinets: A move toward soft contemporary
Ellen Thomas of Fresno, Calif., searched high and low for new kitchen cabinets to replace her whitewashed oak ones. There were a couple of requirements, however
Friday, February 8
Flashback of the day
No more Norman Rockwell covers
Comfort food: Healthy one-dish meals
Like Rodney Dangerfield, the casserole gets no respect. To many, the word conjures up church basements and Pyrex pans filled with bland blends of mushy noodles, cream soups, mayonnaise, sour cream and cheese.
The easiest way not to look old
Clothes, hair and makeup visually define who we are and hint at our age. But there's another important factor in the equation; one that shouts old no matter how well you've nailed the perfect skirt length or lip color and that's posture and bearing.
An aerobic gift for your heart
I’ve been an advocate of aerobic exercise, both doing it and teaching it, for over 20 years. But these days with Pilates and yoga being the fitness flavors of the day, aerobic exercise is all but forgotten even by many fitness enthusiasts. Bad idea!
Aromatherapy: An Introduction
Aromatherapy, Plant Spirit Alchemy and Women's Spirituality
I am delighted to be able to share with the readers of Boomer Girl a new column on aromatherapy and plant spirit medicine. Working with the plants has been a passion of mine for over 25 years, and now having an opportunity to write about these amazing gifts of nature and sharing this knowledge with a new audience of women of like mind and heart is a true blessing.
Here's to Fridays and fresh content!
From the surest way NOT to look old, to healthy one-dish meals for the weekend, to a brand new columnist on the Health page, we've got all this and more today, just for you. Read on for highlights and links.
Thursday, February 7
White chocolate makes cookie guilty pleasure
Every so often, I am confronted by what I deem to be the tastiest cookie ever invented, which features hazelnuts and chunks of white chocolate as its main ingredients.
Penny-pinching with panache
It's a tough time to be an optimist. The economy teeters on the brink of a recession. Global markets are topsy-turvy. Consumer confidence is plunging like Pamela Anderson's neckline, and the Fed would have us spend our way out of this pickle.
Appliances have us stooping to old lows
Hanging up my wine glasses, it occurs to me that the wine rack people really got it right. I can slide 30 glasses in up there without bending over to put them away.
Grow your own calla lilies for a quiet, stately bouquet
In bouquets for friends, for homes, even for funerals, calla lilies stand out in quiet beauty with their trumpet-shaped flowers. If you're an admirer of these flowers, you'll be delighted to know you can grow your own bouquet of callas in many regions. With a little planning, especially in regard to location, some calla lilies can thrive.
This is what's fresh this Thursday
From ways to cut back during a recession to the "the tastiest cookie ever invented" to Rock 'n' Roll Grandma's take on the Super Bowl halftime show and more, we've got it for you today. Click below for highlights and links to what you want to read.
Wednesday, February 6
Less lung provides more air
It doesn't seem logical that shrinking or removing part of the lung would help someone with emphysema breathe better. But the treatment - known as lung volume reduction surgery - has been shown to work in certain patients.
Shopped for a mattress lately?
Here's how to navigate the aisles
It's hard not to succumb to the mattress sales pitches that seem to promise the moon - less stress, deep sleep, no more lower back pain. And if you were just starting to wrap your head around the concepts of a Sleep Number bed versus a Tempur-pedic, along come new buzzwords: Coil count. Cashmere. ComforPedic. Latex. Pillow-top.
Happiness Curve: The best is yet to come
The road to happiness is U-shaped. Research last week has found that happiness over the course of a lifetime follows a universal curve in which the greatest bliss occurs at the beginning and end of life, while misery dominates middle age.
Roses are my weakness
Winter rose care
When I was a petulant high school student in NYC, my sweet Aunt Cecile lived upstate, in the country and grew the most spectacular English roses. My sisters and I would sigh loudly and roll our eyes, as she’d go on and on about her Wife of Bath and Heritage roses. The payback for judging people is that someday you become just like them.
Stories and blogs for your Wednesday
We've got gorgeous roses from the Dirt Diva, a new Shift Happens blog from Eileen Roddy-Phillips, tips on shopping for a new mattress, intriguing information on age and happiness and more today. Read on for quick links to the new stuff.
Flashback of the day
A big day for Maverick's favorite song
Tuesday, February 5
The Bold West
Looking at livestock in a whole new light
Western art, we've discovered, is a divisive topic. In an informal word association free-for-all recently, most folks mentioned Remington and Russell as most representative of the genre.
Bundt is back
Cable television serendipity struck again a few weeks ago when I picked up the remote control and shazam: One of my favorite scenes from "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" popped up.
Clients bond with stylists via chats, touch, shared objective
If you think of salons, you might think of scenes from "Steel Magnolias" or "Shampoo," in which chatty women gossip with their stylists/therapists while having their hair colored and curled.
More seniors take out loans that dip into the equity in their homes
Reverse mortgages remain relatively rare, but their popularity is rising across the country. The loans, available only to seniors, enable borrowers to transform their homes into a source of cash. However, the cash withdrawn eats into the equity built up in a home over the years. With the first wave of baby boomers hitting retirement age this year, the rapid growth is projected to continue.
Fresh content for your super Tuesday!
We're talking politics, art, reverse mortgages, food and hair on the site today. Click below for previews and links to whatever sparks an interest.
Monday, February 4
Flashback of the day
Keith Moon prepares the charges for the drums.
Too-far-gone fruit isn’t necessarily a bad thing
I found myself a few weeks ago with a supply of over-ripe bananas. I like my bananas with sugar spots, but these were too far gone even for me, so I let them continue to ripen until they were black.
5 things to know before buying a sewing machine
To a seamstress, a new sewing machine is like a new stand mixer to a baker or a new iPhone to a tech junkie. It's shiny - almost toylike - and its new owner probably will crack it open the second she gets it home. That same unbridled enthusiasm, however, also can lead to rushed, uneducated purchases.
Lingerie Buying 101: Not for men only
Whether the purchase is for daily use or a special event, fashion expert Rachel Zalis knows that a lot of mistakes are made when buying lingerie. And it isn't only men trying to buy a Valentine's Day gift. Women are also at fault.
New light shed on 'sunshine vitamin'
Inside a laboratory at Stanford University, researchers are confidently pursuing evidence that vitamin D plays an important role in breast and prostate cancer prevention.
Matters for a marvelous Monday
We're kicking off the week with advice on choosing lingerie (not for men only), new info on Vitamin D (here's a hint - you probably aren't getting enough), 5 things to look for in a new sewing machine and more! Continue reading for details and quick links to whatever interests you.
Sunday, February 3
Too much information
Dear Crabby: It seems like almost every day in the news, I hear that some medicine is bad for me or some treatment I'm using increases my risk of something-or-other. When I try to check it out, I get even more confused! How should I handle all this information?
Perfume affects your mood, people's perception of you
Smells say so much. The right perfume can stir you up or calm you down. The wrong one can leave you in a cloud of stink that torments anyone who gets too close.
Keeping houseplants healthy
Most of us know that our houseplants need air, water, sunlight and nutrients in order to grow. But many of us have a difficult time figuring out which of these important life-sustaining elements is the cause of our plant problems.
Stories and blogs for your day of rest
We've got RX for your house plants, health info with quality control, a new Polly Vous Francais blog and a sizzling page-turner for you today. Click below for previews and links.
Krentz’s ‘Sizzle and Burn’ thoroughly enjoyable
“Sizzle and Burn,” a romantic suspense novel, is bestselling author Jayne Ann Krentz’s newest “Arcane Society” book.
Saturday, February 2
Stories for a relaxing Saturday
From tips on how to negotiate the grocery store aisles to cures for dry winter skin to the best in natural sugar substitutes, we've got it and more today. Read on for details and speedy links to what you want to read.
Grocery guidance
With supermarkets becoming larger and more confusing, fresh shopping strategies are a must
Most people pay for their groceries with three currencies: money, time and angst. Grocery stores are getting bigger and more complicated. Unless you have all day, wandering aimlessly through the store can be frustrating, and it can wreck your budget.
Eco-friendly flooring poses a challenge for home design
Dear Mi-Ling: I am having real hard time selecting the right paint color for my living room. It has a very light yellow bamboo hardwood floor. We have a dark brown leather sofa with chocolate brown cushions and light, dark brown pillows. The room doesn't get too much light. I prefer warm colors. I am thinking about using an accent wall. What color should I use for the accent wall and the rest of the wall?
The sweet life
Sugar substitutes are more plentiful than ever, but don't overdo them
It's a common problem faced by folks with a sweet tooth: You want to eat healthier without giving up the taste of sugary desserts and drinks. That means making sense of sugar alternatives.
Itching for some relief for dry winter skin?
'Tis the season to resemble a reptile — at least maybe when it comes to dry skin. As the temperatures plummet and we crank up the heat on our thermostats, our skin flakes, our hair dries out and our lips begin to crack.
Friday, February 1
Single women: Reclaim Valentine’s Day
Remember in first grade when you had a crush on little Jimmy? Starting February first, you struggled with whether you should make him a valentine card. But what if he didn’t make you one! Your other big worry was if little Suzie would give you one. They were equally big worries. And, would you get as many as Janie?
Can Hillary be in “Vogue”?
Anna Wintour in her “Letter From The Editor” (Vogue, Feb 2007 issue) expressed amazement and chagrin over Hillary Clinton’s reluctance to appear on Vogue’s pages “for fear of looking too feminine.” But, Anna, I understand where Hilary is coming from.
Memory-loss tests for elderly hot issue
At age 77, Alice Pickett of Seattle is healthy and active, but every once in a while, she temporarily forgets why she walked into a room or where she put the car keys.
Refresh your kitchen in seven easy steps
Whipping your kitchen into shape doesn't require a lot of dough.
Thank goodness, it's Friday!
We're announcing the winner of January's giveaway, launching our new "Single in a Married World" column, exploring the Hillary Clinton/Vogue magazine controversy, refreshing our tired old kitchens and more today. Click through for links to whatever strikes your fancy.
Flashback of the day
Introducing Paul Shaffer and "The World's Most Dangerous Band" ...