Kiss My Face: Ultra Moisturizer

Dry hands, dry arms and dry itchy skin are all the result of wintry weather requiring furnaces to crank out heat 24/7 during the cold months in Chicagoland. Pre-washing dishes prior to placing them in the dishwasher only contributes to the dry skin problem. An all natural lavender and Shea aroma therapeutic lotion from Trader Joe's has come to the rescue. Kiss My Face is an obsessively natural ultra moisturizer for dry, sensitive and chapped skin from an all green company created by two vegetarians searching for healthy skin care products. Aromatic lavender's calming, relaxing and fabulously soothing qualities are mixed with wild crafted Shea Butter, used for centuries to protect the skin from the fierce sun of the Sahara. If it works there, it has to work in Northern Illinois. After just two pumps from the 16 fluid ounce bottle ($10.99 US) the skin immediately feels sensual, luxurious and hydrated. The fragrance is comforting, never offensively heavy, and even a husband wondered what smelled so good.

Started in an ancient house on a 200 acre organic farm in in the Hudson River Valley of New York in the early 1980's, Steve and Bob (their real names) decided they could create and sell healthy products for a green world. They were right. Twenty-five years later Kiss My Face now creates more then 200 all natural bath, skin-care and home products sold in 19 countries, and the two vegans are two happy, and probably wealthy, dudes. "Kiss My Face puts a smile in the aisle," according to one retailer who sells the fabulous product line. Often sold in health stores, the product line is available at Whole Foods and Trader Joe's. Kiss My Face put moisture back into the skin on these hands and if that doesn't cause one to purchase it, the name alone could do it. Kiss My Face is a keeper.

Photo attribution: By Thowra_UK

Cashmere: How Soft Thou Art

Cashmere sweaters are welcome attire on any cold wintry Chicagoland day. While wearing wool can create an itching dilemma for some, cashmere defies itching. According to the Cashmere Producers of America, cashmere is known as the non-irritating, warm and lightweight fabric of choice for those who can afford to purchase it. "Warmth without weight and incredible softness suited for a baby's skin is what cashmere is all about," according to CAPCA. Cashmere is luxurious, warming the body in such a way as to remind one that life is good. Cashmere has yearned to live in my closet, next to it's merino cousins, and in the most recent two years cashmere has succeeded. While in the past wool has been tolerated only when other clothing forms a barrier between it and the skin, a pink cashmere v-neck sweater warms me as I write this. Of course it's pink because I am a pink girl, as previously discussed here.

The softness and non-irritability of cashmere is called the "prickly factor;" the softer the cashmere, the lower the prickly factor. Cashmere is harvested from a specific breed of goats, the cashmere goat. The quality of the cashmere produced is determined by the environment in which the goat lives. Lucky goats who are fortunate to reside in a five star farm, similar to The Four Seasons Hotel, apparently will produce softer, thicker higher quality cashmere than goats who have the misfortune of spending their days at a 1 or 2 star farm. This makes perfect sense; the more stars awarded to a hotel, the higher quality sheets, duvets and room rates. Likewise with goats, the better the goats' environment, the better the fine undercoat the goat produces, the better the cashmere, and bling, the higher the price.

Cashmere softness is defined by style, in this case fiber style refers to the natural crimp of each individual fiber; the more frequent the crimps, the finer the spun yarn and the softer the finished product. The presence of a tight crimp creates a thin, soft and tight thread that is the hallmark of fine cashmere. Finer fiber has better crimp, which allows it to be spun into a very fine two-ply yarn that is lightweight but lofty, meaning tiny air spaces are trapped between the individual fibers. The loft, complete with air spaces, retains the body's heat and the loft makes cashmere different from wool, mohair and man-made fibers.

Everyone should purchase all things cashmere as a personal contribution to the Cashmere Producers of America's retirement fund. Pink cashmere socks from Mark Shale warm my toes and cashmere scarves are donned prior to dashing through the snow. Spun into bathrobes, nightgowns and coats, cashmere is the softest wool available and a black tightly crimped cashmere v-neck sweater is now front and center on my Christmas Wish List. Are you listening?
Photo attribution: By Puccabp

Blogging High

Everyone has a creative side, though some are unable to latch onto it and experience all it has to offer. It's there, under layers of protective clothing, eager to be discovered and released. English professors have known it for years: the more you write the better you write, and the better you write the more you write. This also applies to blogging, a disciplined type of writing that requires one to discuss a variety of topics on a regular basis in an established style on the web.

Blogging is the magnifying glass to the world, allowing the writer to see things through "new eyes." Blogging can increase creativity, sensory ability, and writing skills. For this detail oriented person, blogging has opened my eyes to the world around me that was already fully visible, but somewhat hum-drum and routine, until now. Writing a blog forces one to see things with eyes wide open, as though seeing them for the first time. The good feeling one gets when returning home from a business trip or even a vacation is experienced everyday from blogging. Candles have a new aura about them, leaves and rocks look more interesting through the lens of a camera, and a portion of an object can become more interesting then the whole. The beauty of a child's smile, a shadow on a flower, or a leaf gracefully swirling toward the earth are all seen as if for the first time. A greater depth of life is experienced and seeing old things in a new way is youthful and good for the soul. Blogging achieves this.

Some will say they are unable to blog, it's too hard, too scary, too open, too personal. Hogwash. These are the very folks who need to establish a blog and start writing posts; soon they will amazed at the positive physical result. They will feel good. They will feel proud. They will increase their critical thinking skills. Events that had been occurring regularly and had become routine will be viewed differently. Lemons in a bowl, tomatoes on a window sill, or water in one square of a screen are all interesting photos that can be examined in 500 words. With eyes opened to the big world, a blogger will experience life from a new perspective. All this without a drop of scotch or a handful of chocolate truffles. Blogging is a healthy "high" and I'm addicted.

Kindness Begins With Me

There is no place in society for rude behavior, be it in young or old, rich or poor. Rudeness is a negative trait, similar to spitting on the sidewalk, only worse. Out of place year round, rudeness is particularly bad during the holiday season, which we have now entered. Rudeness should be banned, and tickets should be issued for snotty behavior, to be replaced with kindness, smiles and feelings of genuine gratitude.

The workplace is often considered the worse place for rude behavior, but why? Could it be the quest for the title, or the urge to be number one? Is being "right" always the right thing to be? Civility is chic and always in order, no matter the time or the place. Employers need to enforce the kindness rule and dole out rewards to those who are civil. If snide remarks surface at meetings, then the snide-remarker should be banned from the lunchroom. Begin today by being calm and courteous, kind and caring. "Please" and "thank you" will slip off your tongue and a smile will freeze on your face, in a pre-Botox infant kind of way. Together we can overthrow the rude ones out there with an enormous dose of smiling cheerfulness. I'm on it and I'm clicking my heels together as I smilingly publish this post.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Cyber Monday: Wish List Attack

The first Monday that follows Thanksgiving, known as Cyber Monday, is the day employees apparently take several breaks from their jobs and purchase Christmas gifts online. Kudos to the one who came up with this grand scheme as it saves time, frustration and stress for the purchaser, resulting in a happier and more relaxed employee. Buying online was accomplished by this writer on Saturday and Sunday when countless emails, offering free shipping and discounts from 15 % to 25 % off regular prices, arrived on screen.

Buying for adult children can be tricky unless carefully constructed Wish Lists are sent en mass early in the season. Blogger Boy sent his Christmas Wish List in mid November, and several clicks later a few items will no longer be just wishes. Law School Boy is always easy to buy for: he wears Brooks Brothers well and prefers a few good things from his favorite retailer along with a book or two. Jessica hasn't sent her Wish List yet, but it is expected to arrive shortly, maybe even today and will include clothes, a spa visit or two, and other interesting surprises.

More online bargains arrived this morning, so sometime today I could join the masses in the cyber Monday buying spree and decide what will soon arrive at this address. Note to boss: of course I will wait till I return home this evening to shop online. Note to HR directors: a great perk for all would be unlimited cyber shopping anytime. Employees would be happier, and more real work would be accomplished. What a grand idea.

Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Holiday Floral Arrangement

Flowers add warmth and charm to any room, especially at the holidays. Finding just the right arrangement can be both time consuming and costly. For a beautiful and somewhat different holiday arrangement with flowers, greenery, cranberries and pomegranates, grab your vase and get creative. The stately arrangement shown was made in ten minutes, once the car was unpacked and the necessary components were laid out in the kitchen. Start with a large glass vase, often seen at Pottery Barn or Target. The one in the photo is a 24 inch footed vase, but other versions are available in rectangular or square shapes.

Head to a good supermarket, Costco's or Trader Joe's, whatever you have in your area, where you will purchase a bag of fresh cranberries and one large pomegranate. Flowers can be purchased in any hue that compliments the red of the cranberries, such as raspberry, deep red, maroon, even dark rusty colors, and stems can vary in length. Use a minimum of three different flower colors in your arrangement. Greenery in three different textures and colors needs to be purchased and it is often sold separately. Some of the greens in the photo were cut from a backyard shrub, while others were purchased at the market. Also be sure to purchase green floral wire from a hobby store such as Michael's or Hobby Lobby. Head for home and you are ready to start playing Martha Stewart.

With a smile on your face and a "can do" attitude, trim the bottom of the flowers with a sharp knife and quickly place them in a jar or tub of cold water. Once done trimming, arrange the flowers on pre-read newspaper by placing various colors together in a bouquet, add the greenery and tie it in place with the green floral wire. Be sure the flowers are of various heights and the entire bouquet is circled by the greenery. Now you are ready to create the final piece. Place a pomegranate in the bottom of your large clean vase. Add cold water and the bouquet of hand tied flowers. Center the bouquet on top of the pomegranate. Carefully pour the bag of fresh cranberries around the bouquet, to encircle it with the berries. Cranberries float, which keeps the bouquet centered in the vase and adds an additional element of color, surprise and texture to your hand made floral arrangement. Wipe off any water from the bottom of your vase and with pride, carry the vase to it's intended place of honor. Stand back and let yourself take in the beauty you have created, you clever person. Every room needs a colorful and unusual natural floral arrangement to create interest as well as entertain the eye. Yours will be a hit this holiday season. Give yourself a pat on the back, your mother would be proud.

Revolving Door

The nest is empty. After ten days of hoopla and holidays, pumpkin pie and whipping cream, and comings and goings, the bedrooms are dark and the house is again asleep. One final trip to O'Hare to drop off Blogger Boy for his return to DC, while Law School Boy drove himself back to his current location, and the visitors are down to one. A last supper of turkey and stuffing, sweet potatoes and green beans, and the beloved raspberry jello, and the turkey left overs are ready for turkey soup. First thing in the morning, the onions, celery and garlic will be sauteed in olive oil, and fat free chicken broth with no MSG will serve as the base. Once the remaining turkey is added, along with chopped parsley, chopped dill, a little salt and pepper, and a few sliced carrots, the soup will be ready to eat in 45 minutes. Whether brown rice or small home-made dumplings are added will be decided in the morning sun.

Having visitors over any holiday is a blessing, but having one's family together for a few days of conversation and R & R, is the best thing a person can wish for. My wish was granted.

Thanksgiving Left-overs

It was a wonderful day. Four vehicles arrived from various Chicagoland and southern Wisconsin locales. Ten adults, a happy two year old boy and his somewhat sleepy 10 week old sister, combined a total of two grandma's, four mothers, three fathers, five sons and four daughters, all together for a grateful Thanksgiving dinner on a blustery cold Chicagoland day. A parade, a few football games, several new children's books, a lead-free toy or two, far too many snacks, and loads of conversation contributed to successful and certainly not fat-free holiday. Photo sessions for the upcoming holiday card were completed and new bottles of wine and Pelligreno were opened and consumed. After two days of preparation, the linens are again clean and put away, the china, crystal and silver has been carefully washed and returned to the china cabinet for another month of rest until late December when a similar group will reconvene for another holiday.
Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus

Thanks For Everything

The old adage, "if you have your health, you have just about everything," suggests at least one blessing to be thankful for when people across the US celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday. Families like mine who are able to be together can reconnect over the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of free-range turkey, stuffing with ground sausage, garlic mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans with onions and feta cheese, sweet potatoes, and of course red raspberry jello with suspended fruits. Dessert, though rarely eaten on other days, offers additional culinary delight in Door County cherry pie, pumpkin pie, apple pie and strawberry chocolate cheesecake. Six cans of heavy whipped cream stand ready in one of the refrigerators. Wine of many colors and origins, Johnny Walker Black Label, Pellegrino, and coffee add to the festivities.

Many are tolerating a first painful Thanksgiving sans a spouse or loved one. While this might not be as joyful as it could be or once was, allowing yourself to celebrate what you still have to be thankful for, not what is missing or different from the past, will bring comfort to an aching or healing heart. Each future holiday, from this one forward, will be better, somewhat easier, and somewhat more joyous. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

For my three healthy and happy children, I give thanks. For my husband, who recovers from a health setback, I am grateful. For Milly, who visits and continues to be a healthy and prosperous woman, I am happy you are here. For friends, far and near, I continue to be grateful for your love, support and interesting acquaintance. And to all my readers from across the world, in New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Turkey, China, Canada and the far east, as well as in the United States, especially those who read today from Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Ohio, I am grateful. May those who are celebrating be filled with love, understanding, and humor. A final thought: your day will end better then the turkey's. Happy Thanksgiving.

Photo attribution: somewhatfortyplus and Jack, for the clay turkey made twenty some years ago. Somewhatfrank, for the moss and leaves outside my window.

Velvet Venture

Making guests feel welcome when they come to visit is a very important aspect of being a good host. Providing a clean and well decorated room with a comfortable bed, good linens and clean towels speaks volumes towards how much one values their visitors. A few weeks ago Jessica, the eldest duckling in the brood, wondered aloud where she and her husband would stay over the Thanksgiving holiday, since Milly had taken over her bedroom. Never one to let an offspring feel less then welcome or comfortable, a day long journey ensued to find and purchase a comfortable queen size bed to replace the somewhat smaller full sized bed. Realizing the previous dust ruffle, sheets and down comforter would no longer fit the new bed, the rest of the day was spent locating and purchasing items in just the right colors. Nothing is ever easy, and being one who is somewhat precise with combinations of colors and textures, the pursuit was an all encompassing adventure.

Mission accomplished. Law School Boy's bedroom is papered in luxurious golden grass cloth that sets the tone as a masculine retreat. Dark hardwood floors, with a cranberry Oriental rug, and a wall of windows overlooking the horse barn and pastures sport woolen drapes in tones of cranberry and gold damask. Moss green adds the needed pizazz in the tailored dust ruffle and two Euro pillows. Cranberry quilted pillows and cranberry, green, brown, and gold paisley pillows, edged in velvet, complete the look. The down comforter is hidden beneath the camel colored duvet. Pottery Barn located a must-have cranberry quilted velvet blanket which rests at the end of the bed where it adds holiday color and style to a stately room. Law School Boy will love the change, and his sister and brother-in-law will love the larger bed. Life is good.

What A Winner

I was somewhat unhappy to read today that I had "won the lottery" in the UK. Sure I did. While anyone with an ounce of brains knows this is another example of a scam, look at the grammar errors below for proof, just in case you were somewhat hopeful. In case you were wondering, I did not respond. Nor should you. As you read the letter, watch for incorrect or awkward sentences, misuse of the language, and the oddity of the entire message. Duh.

Dear Lucky Winner,
We are pleased to inform you of the result of the just concluded annual final draws of UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL PROGRAM. After this automated computer ballot, your e-mail address emerged as one of two winners in the category \\"A\\" You are therefore been approve to claim the sum of1,000,000 (One Million Pounds Sterling) with the information below:

REF No: UK/9420X2/68/ BRTBATCH No: 074/05/ZY369/ BRTTICKET No: 56475600545188 SERIAL No: S/N-5368/02 LUCKY No: 887-13-865-37-10-83

To file for your claim, Contact the processing Consultant:
Contact Person: John Campbell
Email: payofficer272@tlen.pl
Tell: +447045721627

Do fill out the claims form to Mr.John Campbell, in other to process the claims of your prize without delay.
PAYMENT PROCESSING FORM
(1.) FULL NAME (2.) FULL ADDRESS (3)NATIONALITY (4) DATE OF BIRTH(5) OCCUPATION (6)TELEPHONE NUMBER (7) SEX (8) PRESENT COUNTRY
Sincerely,
Mrs. CINDY HOWARD
FOR UK NATIONAL LOTTERY.

Note to self: do not respond. You did not win. This is a scam. Dang it.
Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Thoroughly Modern Milly

Aging takes it's toll on all of us as each new line breaks the surface and aches and pains slowly startle us as we stiffly move into what once were comfortable positions. A little stretching later and we're "good to go." Sometimes one's attitude shifts from being excessively positive to less then happy, sending one into a downward spiral along with the lines and aches and pains. But not always.

Milly arrived ten days ago for a lengthy holiday visit, and once she rested a bit from her travels, she has not missed a beat. Rising at 5:30 or 6:00 each morning, Milly peacefully sips a cup of coffee, thinned out since it is much too strong, and catches up on the previous night's events with Fox News. Where I go, she goes, except to work with me which would actually be a good thing. Off to the mall, Milly is riding shotgun. To Costco to get a few things, Milly is pushing the cart. Milly was my partner as we hit UPS, the cleaners, Trader Joe's, and four or five mattress stores. Always dressed fashionably, with her Estee Lauder make-up and whatever else it takes, Milly is ready to greet the world and explore what it has to offer. Since aging makes one somewhat colder as the temperature drops, Milly is the proud owner of a new bathrobe and matching pajamas purchased for her yesterday to help keep her warm. As we sat sipping our coffee, mine diluted with cream and her's cut with water, the Chicago Tribune provided the reading material and Milly was snugly in her new pink duds. Though she doesn't look it nor act it, and people are shocked to hear it, Milly will be 86 years young in January.

Shopping Velvet

With the holidays almost in full swing, guests will soon be arriving, unpacking, staying over night, showering, eating, watching whatever game is on, eating some more.....you get the idea. As the mother of three adult children, each has their own bedroom they can crash in when need be, until now. Milly is in town for several weeks, and she reigns over the guest room, which is Jessica's room, which means Jessica and her husband are now somewhat homeless once they arrive for the holiday. While they don't live too far away, sleeping in the same house for Thanksgiving, and every other holiday, has been the tradition since each child was born, so there is a certain expectancy a place for all to rest their weary heads will be available. Law School Boy arrives Wednesday morning, Blogger Boy is already in town, and Jessica will arrive Wednesday evening. Soon each room will be in delightful disarray as the three ducks return to the nest and settle in.

A week ago Jessica wondered aloud where she and her husband would be sleeping, since her room had already been moved into by Milly. She and Mike could camp in Law School Boy's room, on the main floor, and the ever accommodating Law School brother could sleep in a twin. Blogger Boy already claimed his queen sized sleigh bed on another floor. This was the perfect solution, but I was wrong. Apparently Law School Boy's bed was somewhat uncomfortable, being too short, too narrow and too old. The idea that a child of mine might not get a comfortable night's sleep in this home was more then I could bear.

After a half day of traipsing from store to store comparing foam, springs, and prices, and laying on too many mattresses to count, a new queen-size box spring and Sealy Posturepedic mattress will be delivered and set up on Monday morning. The new tailored dust ruffle, new mattress pad, new 800 thread count sheets and new down pillows have already arrived, awaiting proper placement. I am somewhat doubtful the down comforter and duvet will fit the new bed, having rested on a full sized bed for the past few years. That may be the next quest for another day.

The room will be complete when a velvet quilt lays at the foot of the bed. Having seen the perfect cranberry velvet and silk quilt at Pottery Barn, I put in a call and made the trip to get it, but alas, someone else arrived first and apparently gave my name to purchase the quilt. My quest for a queen sized cranberry velvet quilt was almost complete, until Pottery Barn sold it. Tomorrow is another day, and Chicagoland has several other PB's who have the velvet quilt. By tomorrow night a cranberry velvet and silk quilt will be in my car and by Monday night, it will be laying ever so casually at the foot of the new bed, awaiting whoever is lucky enough to sleep in it.

Mama Would Be Proud

Watching TECH cocktail hosts Frank Gruber and Eric Olson meet their guests Thursday night at John Barleycorn-Wrigleyville was awesome. Both are young, Frank is 29 and Eric is 24, both are good-looking in a GQ kind of way, and both are out-going well mannered and charming guys who know how to make their guests feel welcome at their party. Over 500 people made their way to the top floor of Barleycorn to visit with sponsors, watch demo's, exchange business cards and business plans, and have one heck of a good time.

But that's not all. These are life changing events, where unsuspecting well qualified individuals meet their future employer and make the jump to a new job, often in a new location half way across the country. Thursday night was no different. One HR executive with the American Medical Association was there to "hire another good person." Already having hired five employees from previous TECH cocktails, this well dressed man was on a mission to meet, greet, and collect business cards and resumes. No doubt he was successful. Those in attendance know the tech field well, are hard workers, yet managed to tear themselves away from their jobs to socialize with their mirror images in an upbeat and fun atmosphere.

Single-hop charmed the crowd with their massive give-aways, including an iPod, games, tee-shirts, and hamburgers with fries, then hot dogs and other finger foods to provide nourishment and added excitement. Green jaw-breakers are called that for a reason, but served up in large green bowls they are hard to refuse. With so many professionals of various ages and in various attire in one locale, from jeans and "going out" shirts to finely tailored suits, TECH cocktail continues to be the place to be. Congratulations Frank and Eric.

Bye-bye BJ

They were the perfect couple. She, ever so blonde, beautiful and elegant, and he, the tall handsome Southern boy oozing with charm. They had it all. Several homes were theirs in Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois, including a 13,000 square foot brick home they had recently built in the far northwest suburbs on 11 acres of wooded and hilly property. They called it Brigadoon and they moved in, bought new furnishings and filled the five car garage with a Jaguar, Mercedes SUV, the newest pick-up truck, a huge golf cart and a farm sized tractor. They had a successful business in northern Illinois that focused on agricultural items and created a fortune for them worth 20 million dollars. She held a Master's Degree and he a Ph.D. Thought to be loving law-abiding citizens, this perfect well respected couple hosted numerous charity events at their new home, which awed many who saw it. Jack Daniels was over ice for him, Beefeater's was her beverage of choice.

Yet something was wrong. She had numerous physical ailments, including arm, shoulder, and rib injuries. She visited doctor after doctor searching for a cure. Then there was the black eye she wore so elegantly with her formal black gown and sparkling diamonds to a fund raiser. While it surely was a "sign," no one picked up on it and her life continued in a downward spiral until September 13, 2004, when it almost ended. They were supposedly on their way to Paris, but in fact she was air-lifted to a major trauma center for the two week Paris vacation period, and he was eventually arrested and charged.

After a long and painful two month jury trial in March and April of 2007, BJ Cox was found guilty of first degree attempted murder of his wife of 43 years and criminal aggravated battery and he will be sentenced on Friday. To support Carolyn, the courtroom will be full of friends who will again make the trip to the McHenry County Courthouse, some fifty-five miles northwest of Chicago, 70 minutes by train. The outcome, while predictable, will be gruesome for the felon as well as those in the gallery. If only someone had been more intuitive, keen, aware or nosey, maybe this would have ended differently. No one will ever know, and on Friday, a former friend will learn his fate, and a current friend will feel somewhat safer at night, thanks to McHenry County State's Attorney Lou Bianchi and his skillful prosecutors. Justice for all.

TECH cocktail 6

Over five-hundred party-goers have signed on to share the fun when TECH cocktail returns Thursday evening to Chicago for the sixth event in eighteen months. The place to be for technology enthusiasts, geeks or geek-wanna-be's, entrepreneurs, business professionals, and girls who just want to have fun, TECH cocktail is the brainchild of Frank Gruber and Eric Olson. Born over a cup of coffee one fine day when Frank and Eric decided to start a series of mixer events where guests could interact in a friendly learning environment, TECH cocktail has spread to Washington DC and Boston. And the party gets bigger and better each time.

According to The Chicago Sun Times, "Tech Cocktail events regularly attract hundreds of virtual movers and shakers who share and pitch business ideas to one another while enjoying one or a few free drinks." TECH cocktail amplifies the technology signal in Chicago and the signal is getting louder and louder with more and more sponsors. TC6 is being sponsored by Centro, Singlehop, Carepages, Optimus Solutions, Athena, ChicagoMicro, myAOL, Saper Law Offices, Fiodan Corporation, Sittercity, Origin Ventures, Seat Quest, MK Capital, and Interactive Mediums. Anyone interested in sponsoring a future event can contact cofounders@techcocktail.com. Sure to be a great time, TC6, I'm here for you.

Feed Thyself

Listen up, you out there making unhealthy food choices. Life is funny. Just when we are the busiest, most stressed, and under deadlines at work or graduate school, we reach for the most unhealthy food choices available to fuel our bodies and keep us going. Foods with high fat, sugars, white flour and vegetable shortening are the products we allow to pass through our mouths on their way south. The word on the street is you are not making good food choices lately and you need some remedial work on how to eat healthy foods. Read on.


Breakfast. Knowing your busy schedule, you're probably just drinking coffee, cup after cup of coffee, with a donut or candy bar chaser. While they might taste good and provide the sugar high and sudden surge of energy you want, don't fool yourself. You need to add protein to this "diet," easy proteins like cheese slices, string cheese, a hard boiled egg or last night's left over hamburger patty are good choices and will keep your body going until lunch. Breakfast is an important first meal of the day so take advantage of it and "break the fast" by adding healthy food to your body.


Before you lose interest, here is what you need to purchase at the grocery store next door, around the corner, or across the street. Dairy section: out of the refrigerated display and into your cart goes milk, cottage cheese, low fat cheese (cheddar, colby, feta, etc.) eggs, yogurt, and string cheese. Vegetable section: lettuce (romaine or early spring mix) do not buy a head of iceberg lettuce, it has no nutrients and it frustrates everyone in the checkout line near you. Grab some red onions, cucumbers and tomatoes, all for the salad you will be making and enjoying.

Lesson 1 will be how to make a Greek Salad so head to the salad dressing aisle and put a couple of bottles of Newman's Italian or vinegar and oil dressing in your cart. While it may be odd that you are buying Italian dressing for a Greek Salad, all of Newman's Dressing taste good and won't hurt you. If you are lucky enough to spot a real Greek dressing, buy it. An excellent choice is a Greek Dressing made by Hellman's, the makers of the mayonaisse your mom uses. Now search for the olive aisle, and purchase a couple of jars of pitted Kalamato olives -- the best ones. I can taste theit tanginess already.

Head for your kitchen, wash the romaine in cool water and gently blot it dry with layers of paper towels. Rip the almost dry romaine into bite size pieces and toss into a large bowl. Cut the red onion into paper thin slices and toss onto the romaine. Wash the cucumber, and if it is an English cuke, peel it and remove the seeds as we are unable to digest the seeds from an English cucumber. You'll know it's an English cucumber because its somewhat long and somewhat thin. Cut the cuke into thin slices and toss onto the onion, on top of the romaine. Wash the tomatoes, cut in half, then half again and toss into the bowl. Now throw in a half cup of black Kalamato olives and top with feta cheese, either cut into small pieces, or shredded. Mix together and coat lightly with your dressing of choice: the Greek Dressing or one of Paul Newman's dressing. This yummy salad will be good and healthy!


On another day you will learn how to make other foods, but not today. The salad is a good beginning -- and you can eat it with anything from bowls of cereal to fish and chips. The old adage "you are what you eat" has merit, so stop eating the junk food and reach for a salad, a tomato, or a chunk of cheese. If you want me to come up and cook for you, I am but a phone call away.

Pro's of Probiotics

We care for our sewer system, worry about our school system, question the political system, but do we ever think about our digestive system? A happy and healthy digestive system keeps us from experiencing one of life's most uncomfortable problems always at the most inopportune time: abdominal discomfort, flatulence, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. None of the above are enticing and none are something to covet; keeping them at bay is a goal with which to strive.

Always one to possess a somewhat healthy digestive system, the idea of taking a supplement to ensure continued excellent digestive health is an interesting concept. Didn't even know I needed this. Knew I needed vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, calcium and fish oil, but didn't know I needed probiotics. Align is a daily probiotic supplement that helps one build and maintain a healthy digestive system to keep all working parts actually working. Each capsule contains 1 billion Bifantis bacteria that introduce healthy good bacteria into one's system to help with digestion.

Though I've never had digestive disorders, I have been taking Align for two months and see no difference. That does not mean taking Align is not necessary or not working. Imagine how much discomfort I could have experienced just two weeks ago when I ate chili for three days straight. Nothing happened. Or when I ate all the three-bean salad and again nothing happened. The bags of Trader Joe's popcorn were fine. Beans, cabbage, lentils, legumes, I eat them all and nothing happens to my digestive system, apparently because it is healthy and I have kept all discomfort at bay. Maybe my digestive health is aligned and I am caring for my digestive system don't even know it.

Photo attribution: you can count on me

Happy Birthday Mac

Everyone loves a party, and the birthday celebration cake of the day was a rich chocolate two layer with butter cream filling and creamy whipped chocolate frosting. The birthday girl was turning thirteen and entering her teenage years in less then a week, so her wishes were granted and chocolate was the only flavor option. Just in case there wasn't enough chocolate, additional pieces of Snicker bars were carefully set on top of each swirl of frosting, guaranteeing a piece of chocolate heaven to all who had the courage to eat a slice. The richness of the cake cried out for a scoop of Breyer's vanilla ice cream, along with a big glass of cold milk to wash it all down. Thirteen candles to blow out, and this soon-to-be-thirteen year old young lady was moving to the next birthday party stage: opening of the gifts. What she got from who or whom is her news, not mine. Greenbacks seemed to be the consistent gift, though gold coins jingled their way out of one card.

Always a sweet and courteous girl, Mac is entering her teen years in seven short days. Who is this child? Willowy and tall, Mac eats only when she is hungry, then she packs it down, with a chaser of fresh vegetables and ranch dressing. Except today, when chocolate cake was her chaser. A horse lover, Mac rides twice weekly at a stable near her home and her skills are apparent as she carefully mounts Lucy (not her real name). After a little trotting and cantering, Mac lets Lucy run and it is hard to tell who is enjoying it more, Mac or the mare.

Birthday celebrations are such a memorable part of every person's life and so important as children move further away emotionally from their parents with each year. Honoring the child with a party, be it a large family event or a small gathering of school friends, reminds the child of their value as a human being who is loved and cherished. It also allows parents to hug their child and hold them tightly in their arms, one more time before they rush off to college, graduate school, work, life. So much is ahead of Mac as she moves into her teenage years. With her love of horses, her sweet temperament and her academic success, along with strong family support and common sense, she has an exciting time ahead. I hugged Mac and held her tight today before she left. Happy Birthday to you.

Photo attribution: somewhat frank

Kermit Green

I'm going green, along with Kermit the frog, who went green a long time ago. Green is a fabulous color. My eyes are green, as are the eyes of one of my male children. Paper money appears in shades of green with various lines and forms added in an attempt to make it harder to print at home. I print many things at home, but I've never attempted to print money.

Green surrounds us both inside and out. Leaves are green, as are my beloved Pelligreno bottles. Lettuce is available in shades of green, each with a unique flavor. Granny Smith apples are cleverly referred to as apple green. Asparagus, spinach and celery provide flavorful fiber as green vegetables. Grass is blue green. Last night's heavy frost has transformed the grass green surface into an icy green, not returning to spring green until the season's once again change and the sun moves closer to Chicagoland. Green also shows up in rainbows, which offer one continuous line of various shades of green, connecting one end of the earth to the pot of gold at the other.

There are quite a few songs with the color green in them, including "Green Eyed Lady," but an all time favorite features Kermit singing a Paul Williams original that answers the question, why are there so many songs about rainbows? Click, sing along, and go green with Kermit. You might even be able to answer the question. Quiz tomorrow. This one's for you, Jack.

Photo attribution: Somewhat Frank

Here Comes Milly

Milly arrives in Chicagoland on Friday afternoon for a three or four month visit, depending how it goes and how she feels. Milly is remarkable. The mother of three daughters, she was a stay-at-home mom for several years, then answered the call and returned to work in the medical field before throwing in the towel and finally retiring. The grandmother of eight, Milly volunteers at two hospitals near her home, and serves as an election judge as well.

Always a real go-getter, in an earlier life Milly made dill pickles and canned green beans, tomatoes and beets, in separate jars, not all thrown together. In those days. canning was something many did as a way of preserving the harvest through the winter, and keeping the costs down as well. Though canning involved a pressure cooker, glass jars, wax and loads of patience, Milly ended up with high quality food that always "sealed." To those eating the canned goods, a "good seal" meant they would live one more day without botulism.

Food preparation wasn't all she did. Milly also knew her way around a sewing machine and made draperies and slip covered furniture when it started to look a little worn or she decided a new color was in order. No project was too big for Milly, and just last year she decided to re-upholster her family room sofa. Through the years Milly has traveled a bit, owning a second home on the Florida east coast, a few summer homes in the northern states, and the main home in a large city in the Midwest. Soon Milly will be visiting with her family in Chicagoland.

Friday afternoon Milly will arrive at my home for an extended holiday visit. The guest room has been redecorated in shades of blue and green, the armoire cleared, and new wooden hangers are empty in the closet, awaiting her clothes. Though she repeatedly said "don't get anything different for me," new Pottery Barn towels hang in the bathroom, and fresh vegetables and fruits have been washed and placed in the refrigerator. Milly arrives in Chicagoland on Friday afternoon and her daughter can't wait for her to get here.

What A Chili Day

Midwest temperatures dropped to the high twenties the night before last as the area moves closer to winter. Though warned, waking to frost on the roof is a sure sign one's breath will be visible in the outside air. As chilly as it is outside, temperatures inside can get warmer quickly with a big batch of homemade chili slow cooking on the stove. Chili provides plenty of nutrients, lots of protein, outstanding flavor, and the Sonoma Diet folks list it as a preferred meal, especially when out and wondering whether to purchase McDonald's nuggets or Wendy's chili. Go with the chili.

Making chili is easy. Pour enough good quality olive oil into a fry pan to coat it, to a depth of less then 1/8 inch, then add one large diced onion, 2 cloves of mashed and diced garlic, as much celery as you have in your house cut into small pieces, and saute until soft. Add chunks of the ground turkey and continue cooking until all the turkey is sauteed. Salt and pepper to taste. Add some dried basil and a few shakes of oregano.

In a large pan pour in one 30 ounce can of diced tomatoes, one 28 ounce can of undrained kidney beans, and two 15 ounce cans of undrained black beans. Mix well. Pour the onion/garlic/turkey mixture into the pot of tomatoes and beans and mix together. Add chili powder, how much depends on your taste buds, but I use about 3 to 4 tablespoons. To cut the acidity of the tomatoes, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and mix well.

If one doesn't regularly consume beans, one might find comfort in Beano, a popular product used to prevent intestinal discomfort and to help the body digest beans. To further understand Complex Carbohydrate Intolerance, check out this fact sheet. This beautiful and aromatic chili mixture will continue to cook slowly on low heat on the stove for an hour. Keep mixing so it doesn't burn and add additional salt and pepper as needed. While this makes a wonderful lunch or dinner, it is also a splendid breakfast, topped with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese or Greek yogurt. Soon the chill of the day will be gone and chili will be warming your inners.

Life is Rose-y

The dreaded news arrived with the seven o'clock weather report. "Cover your flowers tonight as the evening temperature is expected to drop well below thirty degrees." By morning all the roses will be dead, not victims of Al Gore's global warming but victims of anticipated killer seasonal changes. In previous years, in hopes of prolonging the inevitable, 800 thread count king size sheets would carefully be placed atop the rose bushes to shelter them from the cold killer frost. But not tonight.

Grabbing the pink handled Fisker scissors from the drawer, I knew what had to be done. Switching on outside lights as I moved quickly through the house, I flung open the door and lovingly gazed at them one more time, allowing myself one last look at the delicate double petals I had adored all season. A slow deep breath and their light sweet and spicy fragrance was filling me and yet calming me in anticipation of what I was about to do. Moving quickly I snipped again and again, until all that remained was greenery and thorns. While Knock-out roses are hardy, drought resistant, and double bloomers, they are not frost survivors. After trimming off extra leaves, three vases are now full of beautiful blooming aromatic roses. Life is rose-y and come next spring, the whole cycle will begin anew.

Note: Ever the optimist, several flowers were left on the rose bushes just in case the weatherman was incorrect.

Tiffany Delivers

I'd been waiting for the box since Thursday when it happened. I carefully tracked it as it crossed the country on its way from the east coast to the Midwest. Soon it would be at my front door and I would be able to sleep better that night, once it was in my possession.

The big blue box arrived today with four new Tiffany coffee mugs individually wrapped in white tissue paper, bubble wrap with small bubbles, and bubble wrap with large bubbles. They were in perfect form. Tomorrow coffee will again taste better and look stunning as it is gulped from one of the seven mugs. It will be so simple. Pour in coffee, add half-and-half, pull toward lips, caress cup, pour into mouth, savor the flavor and swallow. Tiffany really delivers.

Cancer: Away With You!

My best friend has neuroendocrine tumors -- NETs -- another word for cancer. Val had surgery in late September, previously discussed here. For five days early last week Val had a fever ranging from 100.6 to 103.0, complete with chills, and shaking body ache, the whole thing that goes with a bug of some sort. Good news came today: her temperature was 98.4. Can you hear my big sigh of relief?

Recovering from surgery of any kind is tough, especially when one is active, always on the go, and thought to be in excellent health. Val was my Sonoma Diet buddy, and together we lost weight; now Val has lost 15 more pounds of weight she didn't need to lose. She is tall at 5 foot 8 inches, carries herself with distinguished grace, and has always looked tall and thin. Now she is tall and too thin, if one can ever be too thin. Time to bring in the refrigerated bottles of Ensure, each worth 350 calories of protein, calcium, and several nutrients and minerals. A strawberry Ensure for Weight Management was the flavor of choice, and after a little nudging, nothing remained but an empty bottle. She had consumed 550 calories for the day. With a little hope, a lot of herbs and seasoning, and a fair amount of nurturing, she might be able to reach 2000 calories by dinner.

Hurrah for Holly-days

It was a beautiful day for a party; the sun was shining, the air was warm, people were still out in shirt sleeves and an occasional pair of shorts. It could be May or October, but it was November 4th. Wasn't it too early for a holiday open house? Of course not. The family owned design gallery that has provided many ideas and items to make this house a home was the host of the open house, and I'm always ready to be a guest. The store had been closed for two days as multiple Christmas trees with stunning ornaments, vases filled with boughs, holly, and feathers, and silver, crystal, pottery and stunning textiles were perfectly placed to promote a holiday buying frenzy. The smells of the season greeted visitors entering the store and after a mere hour of shopping, I left with a few items, most of them for me, which is always the case when one goes Christmas shopping early and without the list of desired item.

The perfect black bag now lives in my purse closet, on call for the next event that requires a chic embellishment. It is a beautifully made black silk bag, from the 2004 Designer of the Year, Mary Frances. "Since 1990, Mary Frances, a San Francisco Bay area designer, has been creating “works of art” with her unique blend of elegance and whimsy." And one will soon rest on my left shoulder.

It is probably the most beautiful bag I have seen recently. It is a "statement piece," and it will begin gathering compliments the first time I use it. Each side of the bag is unique, one side embellished with stones and fur, and the other a tad plainer, yet still beautiful. It will go with anything from the purple suit with black mink trim I bought a few weeks ago, to a tailored suit or even jeans. It can best be described as "gold faceted cabochon set on golden silk embellished with black, gold and bronze beadwork, textured black trimmings, mesh pearl drop beads with golden finials, golden rosette and barrel beads. Black leather side and corner panels." It has a woven shoulder strap of black silk and a magnetic flap closure. Now you know exactly what it looks like.

It is large enough for a phone, cash, credit cards, a camera, check book and pen, and the cosmetics no one should leave home without. Watch for it soon. You'll absolutely love it.

Australia's Number One Export

Wearing sandals always takes its toll on feet, specifically heels. The skin becomes a bit thicker, and constant pumicing only seems to make it worse. Pedicures help, but the skin continues to dry out and become thicker then any other skin on one's body. Until now. Heel hell can be alleviated for a mere $7.95 in Illinois, more or less where you live, thanks to Laderma Corporation of Sydney, Australia. Flexitol Heel Balm, for rough, dry and cracked heels has done wonders in only twelve hours. Heel hell is gone, replaced by softer, more pliable skin on both heels. According to Laderma Corporation, Flexitol is Australia's number one export. With all they have to offer, this is what leaves Australia more then anything else? Laderma Corporation only makes skin care products but apparently they are very good at it.

"Flexitol Heel Balm for rough, dry and cracked feet has been formulated to moisturise and hydrate very dry heels and feet. With daily use it keeps your feet soft, smooth and supple. Flexitol Heel Balm also helps prevent blisters and friction during exercise and when "breaking in" new shoes." This is a product every woman needs in her medicine cabinet, and definitely on both feet.

What's the magic ingredient? Flexitol contains "25% chemically synthesized Urea in a highly concentrated moisturizing and emollient base." After just two applications: one at 6 o'clock, then again at bedtime, I awoke with someone else's feet. A morning application and I am a believer for life in this fabulous product. Who knew? Heel hell -- be gone!

Photo attribution: somewhatfrank

What'll I Do?

Near the end of the semester my college students often start to question their grade, their major, their goals, and even the value of their current job. Are they in the right field? Will they get an "A," or at least a "B?" Should they switch majors? Will they find happiness in a job of their choosing after they graduate? We are all searching for answers to similar questions and no matter what the inquiry, it can occupy our thoughts 24/7.

Each class is a line on a transcript, allowing entry into the next class, the next semester, the next school. And each job is a line on a resume, preparing one for the next job, next line, next check. If we think of life this way the current position is more tolerable. You don't have to like a current position to accept the paycheck; and you don't have to like a class to complete the assignments and excel.

Conversely, with every class we take we foreclose other options that we could have taken. In economics its called an opportunity cost: what opportunities will I miss out on because I have made this choice, and how does that change the value of the two alternatives? Therefore, it is important to not only plan for the short-term, but also to keep in mind long-term goals. The clearest example is the desire to avoid early morning classes: if not taking those morning classes means you don't get the job you want or at the salary you want, then the cost of those extra minutes of sleep really increase. Shy away from choices that do not bring you closer to your ultimate objective, and outright avoid choices that move you farther away. Liking something is a choice we all make and is changeable from day to day. So if you find you are in a "not so positive state" today, like Stephen Colbert did in South Carolina for example, tomorrow could be better; next semester will be brighter, and the future is always promising.

Tiffany Cup No More

Gifts received from others are always appreciated, but gifts received that one actually likes are cherished. Last Christmas I received four Tiffany Company china coffee mugs from Blogger Boy. I have protected these cups -- they were four for $180, (I looked them up). They were beautiful large mugs, they were white with blue flowers on them, they made coffee taste better. They were from Blogger Boy.

Knowing the cleaning ladies were coming, I did what every woman in America does prior to the arrival of the cleaning crew: I cleaned. I carefully washed the two Tiffany mugs that had made our morning coffee taste better then it ever does in other cups. I lovingly placed the two Tiffany mugs in the stainless drying tray in the sink. I adoringly looked at the mugs, remembering the joy of receiving the big blue box. I recalled how careful the cleaning ladies have been, yet I agreed with myself, I should place the two Tiffany mugs back on the shelf, prior to the ladies arrival to clean. Just to be safe.

Working in my office I suddenly saw the long face of my husband as he approached. "I have some very bad news," he said. "Linda broke one of your Tiffany cups." I said nothing. "She will replace it." I said nothing, knowing I would never ask her to do so, and knowing they are sold in lots of four, not one by one. I have a friend with cancer, an aging mother, a few health issues, three successful children and a loving husband. "A Tiffany Company china coffee mug broke into a zillion pieces today when it fell to the floor of a suburban home," the news headline would read. "No one was injured." Four more Tiffany Company china coffee mugs are now on their way to the same grateful suburban home.

Colbert -- Don't Give Up On Us, Baby!

Here's a dose of truthiness for you. Presidential hopeful and political pundit Stephen Colbert was denied his right to be placed on the Democratic ticket in South Carolina today. According to officials in South Carolina, Colbert "isn't serious enough about running for president" since he is only running in his homestate of South Carolina. Stephen, you are our hope for the future. "Don't give up on us, baby --- it's still worth one more try."

Pellegrino

I drink a lot of things, most of them water. I wake up in the morning only after a cup filled with Folger's Coffee and heart-stopping real cream has made its way past my lips. A second cup accompanies two eggs, over easy, with a half slice of heated pita on the side. On the way to work I guzzle a bottle of Ice Mountain, to keep me moisturized. During the day I stop ever so often for a gulp from a second Ice Mountain. Lunch, something Sonoma Dietish, is washed down with an Ice Mountain chaser.

Once home, I am finally able to let myself go and indulge in the best this world has to offer: chilled or room temperature San Pellegrino, sparkling natural mineral water, bubbling all the way down. I love Pellegrino water and drink it all the time, or as often as I can at home and away, as my preferred beverage. Each time I am at a cafe or restaurant, and the waiter asks that question my family has come to dread, "Can I get you something?" I wonder if they have Pellegrino, and while some do, most don't. I am visibly disappointed and settle for water, regular water with a twist of lemon or lime. I feel deprived.

Though I have never run out of Pellegrino, and have four cases in waiting at the moment, I dread the day the cases would be empty. Each case holds twelve large green glass bottles -- each bottle holds 25.3 fluid ounces and lasts three hours. I have four bottles on my granite counter at any given moment, waiting for me. I am always ready for the sparkling effervescence of this remarkable beverage that contains 12 % of my daily calcium requirement per bottle. I am ready to treat myself to the joy others experience from wine, but I can't drink wine--I get migraines--so Pellegrino is my wine.

A bottle of Pellegrino is a work of art, holding a remarkable treasure, only found in Milan, Italy. And while a case is costly, it is worth it, one gulp at a time.

No one came

The chocolate candy bars still sit near the front door, waiting for a trick or treater to step forward and request one. No one came. The Reese's Pieces, Snickers, and bags of M & M's will be happily eaten by the male member of this duo. He didn't even have to ring the door bell.