Thursday, July 31
Best workout playlist ever
I couldn't conceive of getting on that blankety-blank treadmill this morning with the same ol' tired playlist. So, I delved into iTunes and hastily click-and-dragged an hour's worth of fresh music into "workout3." Wow! That playlist was the kick in the pants I desperately needed. I'll show you mine, if you show me yours....
I'm a winner!! (Sort of.)
There's an old lottery saying: "You can't win if you don't play." I've got another one for you: "You can't win if you play and then lose your freakin' ticket!!"
Wednesday, July 30
"Geezers" boffo at box office
Great essay by a 30-something in the LA Times today on the staying power of Meryl Streep and other "seasoned stars." Makes me more determined to fit a "Mamma Mia" screening into my immediate future.
Tuesday, July 29
Is secret spending a form of marital infidelity?
Do you wait until your husband is out of the house to sneak new purchases into the back of your closet? If so, there are people in the world who think you're cheating - yes, cheating! - on your spouse. It's called "financial infidelity" and many of us (I'm not naming any names) are, apparently, guilty as sin.
An hour a day keeps the LB's away
Today's BBC story has confirmed what I realized some months ago but chose to ignore - it takes more than 40 minutes a day on the treadmill to lose weight. ARGH!!!!
Monday, July 28
Do you Hulu?
Far be it from me to promote extracurricular TV watching at work. But if your office seems duller than usual today, check out Hulu.com for free episodes of "The Office" to watch whenever and wherever the boss won't find you!
They put WHAT in my exfoliating scrub?!
Here's a story that ALMOST made me come to work au naturel - that is, sans makeup, hair products and body balm. Of course, I came to my senses just in time.
Sunday, July 27
Fish phobia flashback
No matter how hard I try, I can’t get the visual of feet-eating fish out of my head. That’s right, I said “feet-eating fish.” Tiny carp that nibble the dead skin off your tootsies, like the ones being used in an Alexandria, Virginia, nail salon as a piscine prelude to the “deluxe” pedicure.
Saturday, July 26
Cucumber-infused ice water
Here's an idea I stole from the Chateau on the Lake spa in Branson, Missouri - cucumber-infused water on ice! So cool and refreshing....
There are some things a mom just doesn't want to know about
Last night, when I called my son in New Zealand, he was having breakfast (it was "tomorrow" morning there) and couldn't talk because he was going on a "canyon swing." Thinking he meant a swing around the canyon - as in a long, leisurely hike - I didn't think much about it. Until his e-mail this morning...
Friday, July 25
Dear John, say it isn't so!
I've been hit with a miserable summer sinus infection so I'm crankier than usual, but the John Edwards "love child" story - breaking now on Fox News after the National Enquirer got the scoop - has me seeing red!
Miley rocks Rockefeller Plaza
Count me among Miley Cyrus' newest fans, but color me happy I don't have girls anywhere near the age of nine.
Another reason to put them on speakerphone
When the head of a respected cancer institute sends a memo to 3,000 staff members, because of a "growing body of literature linking long-term cell phone use to possible adverse health effects including cancer," you can bet I'm going to wake up and pay attention.
Thursday, July 24
"Just a helpful reminder..."
Anyone who has ever suffered the note-writing wrath of a passive-aggressive co-worker, roommate or - heaven forbid - significant other, will appreciate this just-for-fun Web site showcasing actual notes from real (and really annoying) whiners.
Wednesday, July 23
Here's the 51st way to leave your lover
I would never dump a lover via voice mail but I can think of a few other applications of Slydial, a new phone service that puts you directly into a person's cell phone mailbox and bypasses the inconvenenient real person.
Viagra, women and anti-depressants
Here's an item I couldn't ignore: Viagra to counter the adverse side effects of SSRI drugs in premenopausal women? Brilliant!
Tuesday, July 22
'Golden Girl' Estelle Getty dies
The AP is reporting that Estelle Getty, who played the acid-tongued Sophia on TV's "The Golden Girls," died today in Hollywood. She was 84, two years younger than the actress who played her daughter on the show.
Travel tips to take with you
Even the most seasoned globe-trotters need to be reminded how to travel safely in today's world. I like this list of tips, compliments of Motley Fool U.K., especially #2 - the email reminder.
Caprese salad tonight!
Finally, I've got enough ripe cherry tomatoes to make my all-time favorite summer salad. Tonight's the night! Recipe to follow...
Monday, July 21
You think YOUR dog barks too much
Whenever I'm in the mood for a heavy dose of satire, I head over to the Onion News Network and get my fill. Today, I found this "story" on a dog that's been barking for six years. As a former yippy-yappy terrier owner, I didn't think the spoof was too far of a stretch.
Fish pedicures: The next big thing?
I don't know whether to laugh or throw up over the new craze in Washington, D.C., in which live fish are used to nibble dead skin off of customers' feet, instead of those "unsanitary" razors. Excuse me?
Yes, Virginia, there IS a political 'do not call' list
I knew it was going to be a good week when a gentleman responded to my last post about the Obamamatrons. While my "Hello, it's me" blog about spam calling was intended to be somewhat tongue-in-cheek, this guy is REALLY mad about political robo-calls and is doing something about them.
Sunday, July 20
"Hello, it's me" or someone who sounds like me
One night during presidential primary season, the phone rang at dinnertime. Seething and swearing, I ripped the phone out of its cradle and cried, “This better be good, my tuna surprise is losing its shock value as we speak!” Then, I heard a deep, familiar voice say, “Hi, this is Barack Obama.”
Friday, July 18
Bye-bye, I'm off to get high!
I'm headed to the beautiful Missouri Ozark hills to attend my baby sister's wedding, atop an imposing structure called "Inspiration Tower." The bride wanted to choose a venue that would be "memorable." What she doesn't know is that half of her family have a serious issue with heights.
Dr. Oz to the rescue?
Who among us doesn't love Dr. Mehmet Oz and his adorable sidekick, Dr. Michael Roizen? Between the two of them, they can turn an Oprah show into the biology class you WISH you would have had in high school. Now, as if answering my personal plea, they've come up with a CD to help me breathe, meditate and relax.
Thursday, July 17
Is low-carb making a comeback?
Except for a few detours, I've always tried to stay on the low-carb road. With a family history of diabetes, I think it's the most sensible and effective approach for me. But low-carb crusaders have had a tough fight since the end of the Atkins heyday. Maybe the new study released today will tip the scales back in their favor.
Wednesday, July 16
When chicks flock back to the nest
In August, my two chicks are returning to my precious empty nest. I'm not that upset about it, but this piece in the Orange County Register makes me wonder whether I should be charging my little chickadees room and board by formal agreement.
Is it age-appropriate to wear madras bloomers to a wedding?
On Saturday, I ordered a darling cashmere-blend cardigan in shocking pink from the Gap to wear to my little sister's wedding this weekend. This is what I just got in the mail ....
Do you lie about your age?
Something must be wrong with me, because I never lie about my age. I don't even fudge. (Ex: I'm 52. There you have it. 52 big ones.) So, I don't know what to make of a Canadian Web site for women that's promoting a "Best LIe About Your Age" contest with a $1000 spa package as the prize.
Tuesday, July 15
Anything but "Grandma"
I don't have any grandkids, that I know of. But when I do, I'll be darned if I'm going to let one of those little rug rats - irresistible though they might be - call me "Grandma." That's why I loved this column in the Contra Costra Times.
Monday, July 14
How much will it really take to retire?
This is how I want to retire: Lounging on a chaise with a great book and an ocean view, getting up only for a round of golf, Spanish lesson, or to volunteer at the local animal shelter. But is the notion of retirement only pie in the sky?
Sunday, July 13
In pursuit of the perfect purse
I am carrying the handbag from hell. (Note to male readers: Yes, this is a story about pocketbooks. But, there’s a payoff, if you’ll just hang in. Here’s a hint: It involves my husband’s “man purse” from 1975.)
Saturday, July 12
Germs at the gym
I've never been much of a germaphobe, like some people I know, but this story on CNN today has me feeling a little creepy-crawly.
Friday, July 11
FaceMaster experiment: Week one
I started testing the FaceMaster facial toning system on my own 52-year-old mug last Saturday. I have used the machine every day for seven days and, so far, I think I'm noticing some subtle changes...or am I just seeing things? Being a lab rat is harder than I thought.
A lion never forgets
I received this video from two friends in the past week and thought it high time I share it with BoomerGirl readers. Watch this 2-minute upper and you'll feel good for the rest of the day. I guarantee it.
Thursday, July 10
Why do men die first?
Before my dad died in March, I might have brushed past the new health book called "Why Men Die First." I've always been aware that women live longer than men, but never fully considered why until an interview with the book's author this morning on the Today show.
Wednesday, July 9
He has his filing system; I have mine
I'm embarrassed by what I just pulled out of my purse when searching for an important receipt but, oddly, not too embarrassed to share.
The sexual revolution revisited
Provocative piece today in the UK's "Independent" about the sexual attitudes and practices of the over-70 set. Something to look forward to?
Tuesday, July 8
MapMyRun.com is so cool!
Let me make this perfectly clear, I don't run unless someone is chasing me with a machete. But this groovy Web site (referred to me by a BoomerGirl reader today - thanks, Fran!) is just as useful for outdoor walkers who are always wondering how far we roam.
Win this special edition of Billy Joel's "The Stranger"
Although I admired his musicianship and many of his songs (especially "She's Got a Way"), I was never a huge Billy Joel fan. Maybe that's why I'm willing to sacrifice this fabulous boxed set to the reader who tells me the best Billy Joel story.
Life by number: 5707 steps down, 4293 to go
Had a harsh reality check this morning when I wore my trusty (free) pedometer on the treadmill. After 43 minutes, I had logged under 6000 steps. What's up with that?
Contest winner up to her neck in chocolate
June's "You Deserve It" winner, Diana Cowing, is thrilled with her Pretzables prize package...and so are her grandkids.
Monday, July 7
More evidence that women are smarter than men
I'm really not a man-basher. I love men. Under the right circumstances and in the right light, I sometimes prefer men over women. But the annual running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, makes me wonder why scampering like scared little rabbits from a half-ton beast is considered a show of manhood.
"The water doesn't know how old you are..."
She's 41 and she just qualified for the Olympics...for the fifth time. Dara Torres, you rock!
Return of the Neti
I stored my Neti pot away when spring brought a welcomed dose of humidity to the dry winter air. But climbing grass pollen counts have convinced me to break out my little white nasal irrigation system again, and I recommend it to all my fellow allergy sufferers.
Sunday, July 6
Life in the fast line, surely make you lose your mind
I got my first speeding ticket in 29 years, and I couldn’t be happier.
Saturday, July 5
Lorrie Browne is sharing her secrets
Have you always wanted to have your own interior designer on retainer? Well, here's the next best thing. BoomerGirl welcomes new blogger and regular guest contributor, Lorrie Browne of MyDesignSecrets.com.
R.I.P., Bozo
Even though I did a stint in my late 20s playing "Bubbles the Clown" at children's parties, clowns - with their garish hair and gaudy makeup - always scared me a little. (Isn't it ironic, Alanis?) Still, I was saddened to learn that Larry Harmon, known to millions of Baby Boomers as "Bozo," died this week at age 83.
Friday, July 4
Happy Fourth of July!
Today, I'm declaring my independence from the computer all day long!! (That is, right after this post....)
Thursday, July 3
Watermelon yields "Viagra effect;" men make run on produce sections nationwide
Just in time for your Fourth of July block party, a scientific study is released showing that eating watermelon can have the same effect on a man as swallowing that "little blue pill."
Life by Number: A new snooze button record
Thanks to a boisterous thunderstorm that jolted me out of bed after midnight last night - and kept me awake for the next two-and-a-half hours - I pushed the snooze button to the limit this morning, breaking my personal record.
Wednesday, July 2
Wild about Wimbledon...but why?
I'm not a tennis person. I don't play tennis, don't follow tennis, and can probably name only a handful of modern tennis stars. Yet, for some reason, I find the coverage of Wimbledon every summer simply irresistible.
Could prairie skirts be making a comeback?
I've always loved CNN correspondent Jeanne Moos, but her story today has me giggling more than usual. Check out Project Runway's Tim Gunn critiquing the "polygamist look" with Mo Rocca. Marc Jacobs, are you listening?
Starbucks closing 600 stores; it's all my fault
When Starbucks announced a major downsizing yesterday, I felt a pang of guilt. I haven't darkened their doors since gas hit $3 a gallon, not that I haven't been tempted.
Tuesday, July 1
Paging Michael Phelps, your razor is calling
U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps excites me. Not in a tawdry cougar-ish way (because, let's face it, I'm old enough to be his mother and that's just gross) but in that rah-rah, 'let's all get behind the latest American hero' spirit that comes over me with every Olympics.