Home > Woman 2 Woman
New Year’s diet need a boost?
While I gave up on the New Year’s diet years ago, I am well aware that the time-honored tradition continues to be popular among women. I, myself, practiced the ritual for years, until the realization hit that, rather than reduce my waistline, the loss of cheese was driving me mad. What can I say, I’m a fromageophile. For those women, who may be slightly more disciplined in their diets, here is a list of foods I found here. These foods and spices may give your ordinary New Year’s diet a boost. A small sampling of the list includes:
— Beets — a rich source of folate.
— Swiss chard — a leafy vegetable packed with carotenoids that protect aging eyes.
— Cabbage — loaded with nutrients like sulforaphane, a chemical said to boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
— Tumeric — a spice that may have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Cooking
It’s a steal!
I received an e-mail today from my long forgotten guilty pleasure, www.bagborroworsteal.com. For those who don’t know, it’s a pocketbook paradise where one can rent designer handbags for a small monthly fee. I canceled my membership, but somehow, I’ve managed to stay on the e-mail list. Today’s e-mail notified me of the weekly outlet sale. The e-mail’s 70-percent off logo caught my eye, and quickly, before I could be distracted from my natural shopping instincts, I jumped on the site to see if there was anything to this-so-called sale, and more importantly, if there was anything I couldn’t live without. I must say, the selection wasn’t that great. Most, if not all, of the handbags I liked were sold out. But it was obvious that at one time, perhaps at the beginning of the week, there was shopping to be had. The site displays the availability of each bag, i.e. how many are available, and, had this really great Gucci bag been available, I’m sure it would have taken no time at all for me to fork out the $600 to purchase it. I did locate some other good finds including: a quilted bronze Dior ‘Cannage’ bag, $735.; a Fendi ‘Zucca’ baguette, $495; and a blue Betsey Johnson bowling bag, $135, however, they were either too expensive or too loud for my personal taste. The good news is new styles are added every Monday, and prices are reduced every Wednesday. So, ladies, I have two words for you: Get shopping!
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
The skinny jeans
I recently went through the contents of my closet, trying to get rid of the clothes that no longer fit, when I came across my skinny jeans. Similar to Miranda’s pair in episode 81 of season 6 — Yes, I am that much of a Sex and The City fan — I hadn’t been able to fit into them for years. And, as it turns out, I still couldn’t. It was so disappointing. They’re really cute, but also like a size 2. I know, it’s ridiculous. Even if I starved myself for a month, I will never be that size again. Yet, I can’t bear to part with them. They’re my skinny jeans.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
Attention online daters
So a couple months ago, I spent the morning with the ladies of the Nacogdoches Treatment Center bazaar. You can take a gander at our conversation here. It was great, and inspired me to take a look at how many local women use dating Web sites. I set up accounts, with the assistance of a colleague who had used them in the past, at two free online dating sites, and the two highly-publicized dating sites. I wanted to see how this whole thing worked. Unfortunately, it was a disaster, but not completely useless, as I did discover that a number of local women do indeed have profiles — whether they use them or not for dating purposes is still unknown. But I do want to know. So, tell me ladies. I want to know the good, the bad and the ugly of online dating. Send me your comments about the entire process at mmarcotte@coxnews.com.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Relationships
A love affair with shoes
As I sat at my desk today, trying to locate the most important stories from April, May and June 2008, one of my colleagues stopped by to comment on my shoes. I can’t say that I blame her, they really are fabulous! Charles David is a great shoe designer. Unfortunately, he, like many of my other favorites (Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin), have become too expensive for my East Texas lifestyle, and thus, I’ve just stopped purchasing shoes. I can’t bear to lower my standards. There is a distinct difference between the elegant form of a well-designed shoe, and the consumer-grade footwear that one finds at Payless and DSW. Just take a look here, here and here. There is no way a $20 shoe can compete. In lieu of purchasing new additions, I’ve added to my current collection by perusing the closets of friends and family. My newest pair is a yellow-and-white-checkered lace-up pump that I got via my grandmother’s closet. She, like I, was a shoe fanatic in her youth, and being married to the manager of a New Orleans nightclub, she was able to purchase them to her heart’s content. As for me, I’m satisfied with the few pairs that I have, but look forward to the day where I can rekindle my love affair with the shoes of the 21st century.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
The power of rouge
There is something I find truly powerful about red lipstick. It may be just me, but the bold color somehow makes me feel like I can take on anything. Lancome is one of my favorite brands that I can find here locally, and this season brought out some stellar shades. Absolute rouge and berry noir are two of my favorites, and both are available at the Belk Department Store, according to the company Web site. Paired with a little black dress and some strappy sandals, the color might be just what you need to to shake things up this New Year’s Eve.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
Home alone
Last night, shortly after I came home from work (about 6:30 p.m.), I heard a knock at my door. Now, I know this sounds silly, but I was immediately alarmed. I wasn’t expecting anyone, and most, if not all, of my friends have already left on holiday, so I didn’t think it was someone I knew. My mind began to fly to the 2008 horror flick “The Strangers” in which Liv Tyler and Scott Speedman come face to face with an attacker when they answer the doorbell in the middle of the night. I know 6:30 p.m. is not exactly the middle of the night, but needless to say, at that time it was a dark and scary outside. I got a further spook 30 minutes later, when I heard another knock on my door. It was the slow, terrifying kind. I was half expecting my cell phone to ring with a husky voice asking me if I liked scary movies. I know, I’m a little paranoid, particularly since the person turned out to be a FedEx carrier. Geez, I’m over dramatic! But, I guess that’s what I get for being home alone.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
Ice breakers
Since I’m in such a foul mood about Christmas, I thought I would skip right on ahead to the next holiday, New Year’s Eve. Now, the big night for me, typically includes a cram-packed, Dallas bar and some of my closest friends. But this year, I will be partying it up at a friend’s house here in Nacogdoches, likely with a host of people I barely know. So when this came across my desk today, I thought it might come in handy. The questions, such as “Did you indulge in anything fabulous last year?” are designed to spark fun, interesting and meaningful conversations, according to publicist Andrea Evenson. I’m not sure if it would actually work with people I don’t know — I’m not that into sharing my thoughts — but it sounds like something that I would enjoy doing with friends.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Things to do
Christmas … Oh mon dieu!
I’m beginning to freak out a little because Christmas is two days away, and I have yet to wrap a single present, purchase a single grocery for Christmas dinner or shop for anyone besides my parents. Why does Christmas have to be so stressful? Isn’t it supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year? It’s more like the most difficult time of the year. Ba humbug :-)
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
5 ways to cheat cleaning
So rather than me drive to Dallas and back in the same day for Christmas, my parents have agreed to come to Nacogdoches for the holidays. As I’ve stated before, I’m not much of a cleaner — my spring cleaning often happens the following fall. That’s why I nearly did a cartwheel at my desk — trust me, it’s possible — when I found this on the AP News wire. The reader’s digest version has these simple suggestions.
Light lemon-scented candles to give your home a clean scent.
Wet wipes to the rescue.
Empty your laundry basket on your closet floor, scoop up stray toiletries and stash them in the tub, with high hopes guests won’t peek.
Rinse and stow dirty dishes in large cooking pots until the guests leave.
Grab a few of your best canvas totes to collect blocks and random toys for stowing in room corners and closets. The totes will look like a brilliant organizing technique.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
Calling all models, photographers and stylists
A new reality show will be filmed here this spring, and applications will become available Jan.1 to anyone 17 and older interested in participating. The show, The Perfect Picture, will follow five models, five photographers and five set designers as they work together to create the perfect picture. The week-long show will be filmed May 18 through May 23 at The Hotel Fredonia. In addition to local photographer JaNiece Cefalu, judges for the show will include New York photographer John Woodward and Dallas photographer Tremayne Lathon.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Things to do
A fashion trip
OK, so I’m a huge fashion addict, as you might be able to tell from the numerous w2w stories on designers and couture each Sunday. So, when I read this today I knew it was something I had to put on my to do list. It’s $65, which is expensive for a tour, but seems worth it. The 26,000-square-foot home is right on Miami’s Ocean Drive, and was home to one of fashion’s biggest icons. Even the pool’s design is inspired by a fashion accessory. Now all I have to figure out is when and how I can get to Miami.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
The things we learn about our parents as we age
My mother, who is in East Texas this week to help my grandmother sell her home in Henderson, agreed to come for dinner tonight, but following our unusual conversation last night, I’m a little bit worried. My mother called late last night to confirm a time for dinner, and as we meandered into small talk, I casually mentioned that I wanted to make teriyaki pork stir fry for dinner. “Pork!” she exclaimed through the phone. ” I hate pork.” “Really,” I thought to myself, as she continued to ramble on about her distaste for “the other white meat.” In my 27 years, I never once recall her saying she didn’t like pork. On the other hand, I don’t remember us having too much of it growing up, but then again, we lived in Saudi Arabia, a country that doesn’t think too highly of pigs, and doesn’t keep much (if any) pork products on local grocery shelves. It’s strange how I never knew her aversion to it. You’d think it would have come up at some point, but, no. I wonder if she’s ever noticed my distaste for dark chocolate.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Relationships
Christmas shopping
So, last night, while sitting on my couch, listening to the occasional holiday song come on the radio, I realized it’s time for me to jump on the Christmas shopping bandwagon. I’m a holiday procrastinator in the worst way — there’s only 15 days left to shop, and I haven’t even thought about what to buy or for who. I hate holiday shopping. I never know what to get anyone. Is it bad if I just purchase everyone a gift card?
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
My bed
So I’ve decided my bedroom needs a makeover, and the first place I’m going to start is my bed. Currently, I have a red-leopard-type-thing going on, which originated during my college days, but has clearly outlived its trendiness. I spent part of today perusing Bed Bath & Beyond and Linens-N-Things to get some ideas, but, unfortunately, I didn’t come up with much. It wasn’t until I ventured to my favorite store, that I was welcomed by a plethora of beautiful bedding. Here and here are just some of the goodies I found. Too bad they’re out of my price range, but perhaps since it’s Christmas, they’ll still appear on my bed in time for the new year.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
The long-distance friendship
Yesterday one of my friends announced she was moving to Houston. I’m happy for her to be embarking on a new part of her life, but sad at the same time, because it’s been my experience that once friends leave, so do the phone calls and e-mails. While social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace have made it easier to keep in contact with those who live far away, long-distance friendships can still be hard to maintain. I Googled around today, to see if there was any advice out there on how to preserve them, and here is what I found. Most of the Web sites stated that the first step is to commit to the friendship. Essortment, which publishes various online articles, suggested making a friendship calendar, where you mark which friend you last spoke to and on what day of the month. The Web site also encouraged people to plan an annual get together to keep in contact. I’m not so hot about the calendar idea, but an annually scheduled get together sounds like a good idea.
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Relationships
The holidays
Thanksgiving evening, following a long day with family, my best friend and I did what we do every year — broke out the wine and settled down for a relaxing night at home. But, instead of lounging around and talking about the upcoming Christmas season, Sara decided she was ready to start it. She rummaged through her countless boxes of decorations, and before I knew it, the entire living room was transformed into a holiday wonderland. Sunday, when I returned to my own home, I peeked into the closet where my decorations are kept, but the thought of dragging them all out and decorating just seemed the worst. Perhaps it’s because it’s just too early, or because this year’s floundering economy has put a damper on my holiday budget, but it seems this year it’s harder to get into the holiday spirit.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
What is this?
This looks so painful. How on earth does someone wear closed-toe shoes?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
Holiday glow
There I was last night, eagerly watching the final table of the World Series of Poker at my friend’s home, when suddenly the scent of freshly baked muffins wafted into the living room. My friend’s wife informed us that the smell was from an oil burner, and while the guys were bummed at the fact that there were no muffins being made, I was intrigued at the new device that she had just purchased at Bath & Body Works. The Slatkin & Co. oil warmer is $15, and for the holiday season comes in red, silver and green. The oils, $7.50 each, come in a wide range of scents from fresh linen to pumpkin. Needless to say, by the end of the day, my apartment should have a similar scent.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Life
A new style for the White House
A red-and-black sheath by Narciso Rodriguez has everyone talking political fashion. The dress worn by Michelle Obama at Grant Park on Tuesday garnered quite the attention Wednesday morning as one can see from here and here. One woman even went as far to say, “I voted for Obama, but I didn’t vote for that dress.” Ouch.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment | Categories: Fashion
Girl talk
Being that I report mainly on the interests of women, I tend to spend a significant amount of time with — well, women. Needless to say, the result is a lot of girl talk, the most recent of which occurred last Thursday when I went to speak with a group of women involved with the Nacogdoches Treatment Center bazaar. I have to tell you, these women were a hoot. They practically had me rolling on the floor from tales of romantic evenings gone wrong to online dating disasters. They each use an artistic talent to design and produce the items sold at the bazaar, all the while enjoying the favorite female pastime — gossip. “It’s kind of like Steel Magnolias around here,” Mary Anne Oglesbee told me as I recovered from yet another hysterical tale. The women, aside from Oglesbee, are all volunteers, and they all, Oglesbee included, appear to truly enjoy each other’s company. As I listened to them interact, I realized that these ladies have forged lifelong friendships, something that appears to be in abundance throughout many of the women’s organizations and clubs of Nacogdoches.
Permalink | Comments (1) | Post your comment | Categories: Groups/ organizations
Latest comments
I, too, harbor a distaste for dark chocolate. Actually, most chocolate is a bit too sweet for me (except brownies, mmm). But, even if you’re not a sweet tooth, sometimes chocolate is just what you need.
I wonder if you read the comments to
... read the full comment by David Miller | Comment on The things we learn about our parents as we age Read The things we learn about our parents as we age
i am a 38 year young carpenter married with two boys aged 6 and 13.i work in northern kenya eastern africa. bordering somalia in the east. i have always loved to have a friend across the world america or europe or asia canada russia or australia. to exchange
... read the full comment by james ngari | Comment on The long-distance friendship Read The long-distance friendship
Hi! My name is Jessika!
... read the full comment by beleinvignces | Comment on Do women typically ask men to validate their actions? Read Do women typically ask men to validate their actions?
Michele, I’m so thankful to have you as a friend. Houston isn’t that far away, and I will come back to visit. We’ll always be friends. I pinky swear.
... read the full comment by Tyesha | Comment on The long-distance friendship Read The long-distance friendship