Sade is Back

After many years the fabulous Sade is back touring and recording. This morning I have been listening to Sade's new album Bring Me Home. 53 year old Sade still has that silky smooth voice that I fell in love with in the 1980s. As of today her new album is number one on the charts. You can find out more about the return of this amazing singer on her website.

Grilled Asparagus

 I've decided that this summer I am going to become the grilling queen. I'm trying to get more vegetables in my diet and my friend Lois told me about grilling asparagus. I am usually okay with asparagus but prefer it with lots of butter. Since I don't want to spend all my Weight Watchers points on butter, I decided to try grilling them. Found this recipe which is close to what my friend suggests. They were yummy yummy yummy and only used a couple of Weight Watchers points for olive oil.

Update - Thursday p.m.

They were so good that we are having them again tonight with grilled pork chops!

Keeping Bugs Away During Your Picnic

I have officially (okay as officially as I can do) named 2012 the year of picnics. This slide show has 7 ways to keep the bugs away while you picnic.

150 Fearless Women - Be Inspired

They're starting revolutions, opening schools, and fostering a brave new generation. From Detroit to Kabul, these women are making their voices heard.

From the Daily Beast

30 Storage Ideas for Under Stairs

I really like this idea. Plus there are 29 more terrific ideas for storage and stairs - from Fresh Home.

Congratulations Phillip Phillips - This Years' American Idol Winner

And the man has had BAD kidney stones all season. Ouch! He's having surgery right away. This young man is going to have one fabulous career. So is Josh Ledet. I look forward to both of their albums. Note to producers DO NOT RUIN THEM BY HAVING THEM SING STUPID POP SONGS. LET THEM BE WHO THEY ARE!

Visual Cues Can Stop You From Eating a Whole Bag of Chips

New research says that visual cues, like every 7th chip being a different color, can slow you down so you don't eat an entire can (or bag) of chips (or cookies). I'm one of those people who can't have chips in the house unless we're having company over. Not sure this would would for me...but interesting.
The article...

Michelle Obama Hosts G8 First Spouses

Love this picture. More pictures of the FLOTUS showing G8 spouses around the white house. I love our first lady's purple dress with the flared skirt.

10 Outdoor Ideas for Sunday Naps!

Don't you just love a great outdoor space to take a nap? My favorite is my hammock but this daybed looks awful comfy. Sunset magazine has 10 ideas for those Sunday afternoon naps!

Watermelon recipes

I bookmarked this Salon article about 2 years ago. But recently I've been on a watermelon kick (zero points on Weight Watchers) and dug it out again. Lots of yummy ways to use watermelon.

Jane Fonda - Still Looking Fabulous

Jane Fonda is 74 and still looks in great shape. Here she is at at the Cannes Film Festival. Wow. Now that's inspiration!

4 Walls Camping

Sunset Magazine has an article about camping experiences that I can get behind. I have always loved camping, but I have to say that these days I need a decent bed to get any sleep. They describe vacation areas from Hawaii, Washington and others that have these cozy tents. I want to go.

Bloggers' Choice: What's Country Now

So what is "country" design these days?  Throw out the chintz, wooden ducks, rag rugs and quaint  tea cups.  Here is an updated version of country decor.  more...

Flying car a 'step closer': US firm

Wow!  This really could happen in our lifetime? And I thought The Jetson's was just a fantasy cartoon! more...

Love and Haight

Anyone remember the "summer of love"  and the five years that followed?  I was a teenager then, living near San Francisco and wanting to go to the Haight-Ashbury district to experience the hippie lifestyle.  Mom and Dad basically said "Over our dead bodies "........i was so close but so far away! This book took me back to that time and place and reminded me of the pull San Francisco held for so many of us. LOVE AND HAIGHT, by Susan Carlton, gives a real picture of the the 1970's in the Haight. more...

12 SWOON-WORTHY BRUNCH IDEAS FOR MOM

Found some wonderful brunch ideas...special treats for Mom. I especially like the look of the Smores Waffle.

Best Hair Color in Hollywood

Are you sick and tired of your old hair coloring?  Here is a very updated look for everyone, no matter our coloring or age.  I sure am ready for a new look. more...

Some of my Favorite Pinterest Weight Watchers Boards

I am counting Weight Watchers points these days and have discovered some terrific Pinterest Boards that feature WW recipes.
Cynthia

Why ‘Bully’ Is a Family Film

With the bullying epidemic (exacerbated by Facebook and Twitter) affecting so many of our kids, time has come to look at the issue as a family.  This is one film that can be a catalyst for change and for clear values passed on by parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  more...

Spring Gardening Tips

I'm not much of a gardener but after just spending seven hours last Saturday  pulling weeds, I know one thing: it as heck is better to fill those empty spaces with gorgeous flowers rather than unwanted vegetation.  Martha to the rescue!  more...

Aging boomers seek roommates

I've noticed lately that my women friends and I talk more and more about living communally as we age. Apparently, this is becoming a worldwide phenomenon as people move into their 60's, 70's and 80's. Maybe we'll even have slumber parties again! more...

Blueberry Galette Recipe

As we head into blueberry season, here is an amazingly simple and delicious dessert to serve family and friends! more...

Fifty Shades of Grey: Book Review

Here is a review to the book phenomenon that  women are whispering about....steamin' hot! more...

Backyard Scrabble

First there was regular old board scrabble. Then there was Words with Friends on the iPhone. Now there is backyard scrabble on a giant board with big tile letters. How cool is that for all you scrabble/garden lovers?

...from Sunset Magazine.

14 Action Inducing Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

From a great blog called Dumb Little Man - tips for life. Benjamin Franklin was clearly a man who knew how to get things done. Here are 14 lessons for life...