Thinking About Father's Day

My Father -- more than any other person -- gave me the love of music by example.  His musical tastes were surprisingly eclectic; even more so than mine.  He believed there were only two kinds of music, good and bad.  You either like it, or you don't.  My Dad was young when rock and roll began, so naturally we listened to Sam Cooke, The Everly Brothers, Little Richard and all of the pioneers of rock and roll.

As a matter of fact, when Dad wanted to keep 2-or-3-year old Debbie from getting underfoot around the house while he did paper work, or cut grass, he encouraged me to sit in my rocking chair and listen to an Everly Brothers' album on my box record player.  He said, “EB records worked every time.”  He'd pass through the room and see me rocking and mouthing along with Don and Phil:  “♫♫♫ Johnny wants to fly away to puppy love my baby ... He's a bird dog, ♫♫♫” and so, freeing Dad to accomplish his tasks.

In addition to rock and roll music, we listened to show tunes and pop voices like Doris Day, Teresa Brewer, Julie Andrews and Eddie Arnold.  Also, the Chad Mitchell Trio, Marty Robbins, Peter, Paul & Mary and Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass.  I remember being introduced to Simon and Garfunkel, The Band and Janis Joplin when Dad brought their records home and gave them a spin.

We also watched every pop, rock, blues, country, talk-variety-awards show that hit the airwaves:  Merv Griffin, The Midnight Special, The Johnny Cash Show, The CMA Awards, The Grammy's, The Dolly Parton Show, The Porter Wagoner Show, The Wilburn Brothers Show and others.  Dad made popcorn and cocoa for these TV-music nights.

Chet Atkins

When my Dad was a boy, he listened to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio.  Early country music has many of the best and most expressive voices in the history of the music industry.  The songs and arrangements of early country [and bluegrass] are rich and timeless.  Not only is this old-time music preserved in The Library of Congress, it has influenced much of the music we listen to today across genres.  If you are in Nashville, TN, it is well-worth spending a day at The Country Music Hall Of Fame.  I could spend years there.

Sunday is Father's Day, so I'm remembering my Daddy by giving his perennial music a nod. ♬♪♪♫♪♪

Marty Stuart

Carlene Carter has such a sparkle and authenticity.  I love her!  She is the daughter of country singers June Carter and Al Smith and stepdaughter of country legend Johnny Cash.  The grandma she wrote about here, is Mother Maybelle Carter of the iconic Carter Family, who contributed so much to American music.  Carlene is a fine singer and songwriter in her own right.  She was once married to English rocker Nick Lowe and has put out some excellent country rock albums in her career.  The video is good-enough to watch, but I wish it were sharper.  The friends backing Carlene in this performance are some of the finest musicians, still active in the music industry, including Randy Scruggs, Vince Santoro, Alan O'Bryant,*Roy Huskey, Jr, Marty Stuart and Emmylou Harris.

Listening to Carlene's song reminds me of what once was and how the world goes on.  Over the telephone recently, my Mom asked me if I remember how pretty my Dad's [and her Mother's] blue eyes were.

Yes, I do … along with other sweet memories.  Happy Father's Day, fathers!  

Click the links below to learn how the day became a holiday and for ideas on how to spend it with the family.  Enjoy! 

*Roy Huskey, Jr. is deceased.

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Treat The Triggers Of Allergies

I just watched an informative segment on The Today Show about how to lessen the symptoms of allergies.  Many people are allergic to pollen, dust mites and chlorine. The sneezing, red-itchy eyes and runny noise can be especially acute and annoying in the summer months as we spend more time outdoors.  If you suffer from summer allergies, here's what you can do to reduce symptoms:

1) When you come in the house from a day outside, shower and change your clothes and shoes.

2) Shower before bed instead of early in the morning to remove pollen from your hair and skin.

3) Keep antihistamines in your system to prevent symptoms from coming on.  You can take a regular antihistamine at night to help you sleep and a non-drowsy formula in the morning to get you through the day.

4) Make sure you wash your clothes and bedding in hot water that's at least 140 degrees F to kill dust mites.

[This next suggestion wasn't mentioned on The Today Show.]

5) Some allergy sufferers claim eating local honey builds up immunities to pollens where you live.  There's no scientific evidence to support the claim, but honey is sweet and delicious and worth a try.

6) If you are sensitive to chloride, you will be less bothered by swimming in an outdoor pool over an indoor pool, where the chloride will be trapped and more concentrated.  Also be sure to wash the chloride off your skin immediately after you finish swimming.

Hopefully, taking a few prudent steps to treat the triggers of allergies will stop some of the suffering.

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Save On Summer Fashion Essentials

I love how carefree and comfortable a summer wardrobe is.  In the summer there's absolutely no reason to buy anything that's high maintenance, or will require dry cleaning.  Articles of clothing can be thrown in a washer and dryer and be ready-to-wear in less than an hour.  And you can pay less for fun accessories, or a few basics than what it costs to buy a Frappuccino coffee at Starbucks.  Below are several darling, but practical essentials, along with places to go for the best value:

Old Navy – Old Navy is the place to go for summer tops.  It offers t-shirts, tanks and camis in every color, shape and style … with inexpensive, matching cardigans, shorts and flip-flops.  The t-shirts are 100% cotton and range from classic to smock to crocket-trimmed and ruffled jersey.  Usually, $6-$15, there are always promotions, so you can pick up a t-shirt for $3 and a pair of flip-flops at $1 on sale days.

Forever 21 – This retailer stocks a wide selection of ultra chic sunglasses with 100% UV protection.  Why wear sunglasses that don't shield your pupils from the sun, when you get fashion and protection for $6.50, or less?  I found a snazzy pair for $1.50.  If they are lost, no big deal.

Kmart – Has fashion-forward visors and hats.  The Joe Boxer visors keep the sun out of your face and the hair off of your neck.  They come in turquoise, hot pink, red, white, denim, navy and beige.  Attractive straw and cotton hats are priced between $10-$12.  Visors are $3.

H&M – Is the place to go for ankle and no-show socks.  Lots of colors and patterns at unbeatable prices.  7 pairs for $10 and less.  And while there, you will likely find a trendy dress, skirt, or trousers for a few bucks.

Express – Carries adorable, well-make, graphic canvas totes, leather shoulder bags and patent-leather, quilted wristlets with lots of compartments and other bells and whistles.  Costs: $15.90-$49.90.  Sign up for their emails to get $20 coupons and up to 40% off.

Lands' End – Lands' End is where men and women will always find great value and super, well-crafted clothes.  I love their assortment of "trekker" Mary Janes and sandals, as well as, the "water shoes."  If you work-out on a trend mill or run, you'll still need traditional sneakers.  For everything else, from riding a bike to long-distance walking in the woods, or on city concrete, Lands' End's trekker shoes will support your feet.  I love them because they add style when paired with dresses, leggings, jeans and shorts.  Wearing mine, I seldom put on sneakers anymore.  Look casual smart at $29.50-$39.50.

With prices like these, you can splurge without spending lots of money.  [Ideas for swimsuits here.]


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Vitamin D And A Little Sun Is Good For Your Heath

What's a patient to do?  For years doctors have warned us to stay out of the sun.  That's because one in five people develops skin cancer, so too much sun is definitely bad.  But, not getting enough sun is bad too.  When we are in the sun, our skins produce vitamin D naturally.  Studies show that vitamin D is more important to our health than even doctors realized.  No doubt, most of us know vitamin D promotes strong bones by helping with the absorption of calcium.  But recent medical studies link a lack of vitamin D in the blood to disease, including diabetes, muscle and bone pain and certain cancers.

Doctors now believe a little exposure to the sun is beneficial. Getting enough vitamin D may reduce your risks for cancers of the breast, colon, esophagus, ovaries, prostate and the lymph system.  It suppresses cancer cell growth, as well as, the formation of blood vessels, which feed tumors.  An adequate dose of vitamin D may also prevent heart attacks, arthritis and multiple sclerosis.  It reduces heart disease by lowering blood pressure.

Sunlight and/or vitamin D also seems to lessen migraines, depression and chronic fatigue, but doctors haven't established what the connection is, and scientific research is ongoing.

According to many doctors, including Drs Michael Roizen and Mehmet Oz of the You books, adults need 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily.  You can get some from fortified foods like milk, orange juice and breakfast cereals.  But it's difficult to get all the vitamin D you need from diet alone.  Vitamin D3 supplements help, but some doctors now advise us to expose our bare arms and legs to the sun [i.e. no sunscreen] for 10 to 15 minutes a few times a week and use sun protection the rest of the time.  Your skin will produce 10,000-25,000 IUs (and safely store what it doesn't use).  That's all the sun we need to meet our vitamin D requirements without significantly increasing our risks for skin cancer.

Read more <here> on vitamin D deficiency by Dr. Frank Lipman.  He combines western, eastern and wellness medicine.


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Why Are Products Shrinking?

If it seems like you run out of dishwashing liquid or breakfast cereal much faster these days, you are not imagining it.  Many of the products we use everyday are shrinking.  It's a sneaky way for manufacturers to raise prices without a buyer noticing ... at least not right away.  But it's getting harder to miss because the products shrink over and over again.  Just where -- at what minuscule size -- will it stop?  Already I'm purchasing 6 ounces of yogurt when I used to get 8 ounces.  Yesterday I spotted a brand reduced to 5.3 ounces!  And as it turns out, I'm not satisfied eating the 6 ounces!  This is causing a dilemma where there shouldn't be one:  Consuming one yogurt isn't enough.  Eating two yogurts is two much.  For a while, I tried buying a large 32 ounce container and divided it into 4 servings, but most New York City supermarkets only stock plain and vanilla yogurt in the larger size.  And I missed the refreshing fruity flavors.

Sadly, yogurt companies aren't the only merchants doing it.  All products are shrinking:

• Recently canned tuna went from 6 ¾ ounces to 6 ounces to 5 ounces.
• Kellogg's Raisin Bran, once 22 ounces, shrank to 18 ounces, than to 16 ounces, and then again to 15 ounces.
• Dishwashing liquid, which was once 16 ounces, decreased to 14 ounces before going to 12 ounces, then 11-and now 10.3 ounces.  Are they kidding!
• 16 ounces of tomatoes and other cans of fruit and vegetables are today only 15 ounces.
• 5 pounds of Domino sugar is now sold as 4 pounds.
• 32 ounces of Hellmann's mayonnaise is now 30 ounces.
• 16 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips are down to 12 ounces.  I don't think Nestle's is trying to help me prevent cavities, do you?
• One pound of ground coffee is only 13 ounces.  Yesterday I saw a Folger's can at 11.3 ounces.
• 250 Kleenexes are now boxes of only 100 … while prices are still going up.

The practice and the list goes on and on.  And, I'm not sure how we can stop it.  Manufacturers often redesign packages to fool us into thinking the quantity is the same.  It's certainly not transparent and slightly dishonest.  And it's leaving some of us hungry!  For brief periods, consumers can compensate by switching to other brands, but eventually, manufacturers seem to follow one another.  Nowadays, I couldn't find a 6 ¾ ounce can of tuna without stepping into a time machine.  Aren't we really being cheated out of product?  Personally, I wish companies would leave quantities alone and just raise their prices.

Meanwhile, here's what we can do:

1. Compare unit prices between brands and sizes to find the cheapest one.

2. Buy store brands (before they shrink). Certain products like flour, sugar and dried beans are indistinguishable from a name brand.

3. Check drugstore chains.  Walgreens and Rite Aid have weekly sales on food and paper goods.

4. Stock up on stapes when they go on sale.

5. Buy in bulk when it makes sense.  Only if you use enough of a product, and it has a long shelf life is it a bargain.

Score one for team consumer: I'm skipping the 5.3 ounces of yogurt and the 11.3 ounces of ground coffee. Enough with not enough!!

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Slow Cooker Lasagna Lite

My friend Norma is an excellent cook and a Crockpot enthusiast.  I am late to the party, but recently bought one.  So this summer I won't be slaving over a hot oven, or even be at home while dinner is cooking.  Some of the tastiest cuts of beef include (1) rump roast, (2) bottom round and (3) eye round roast.  They are lean, effortless to prep, but require hours of slow cooking to tenderize.  I usually slow cook a roast in a Dutch oven until tender, but I might try a few new Crockpot recipes as temperatures heat up ... just for variety.

Yesterday I gave my spanking new slow cooker a whirl, while I left the premises for 3 hours to run errands.  I altered a lasagna recipe to see if a healthy, low-fat version would taste great too.  Certainly, I'm not opposed to eating regular cheese and pasta.  Go to Italy and note:  Italians don't use whole wheat noodles, or low-fat cheese -- but yesterday I wanted to try another way.  And truthfully, it is a low-fat winner.

Italians are famous for cooking noodles al dente, meaning firm, but not hard.  Dr. Andrew Weil, a supporter of integrative medicine, says eating regular noodles is perfectly fine, if they are cooked al dante.  In my dish I used whole wheat noodles for heartiness since it was my first experience making lasagna in a Crockpot.  Here's Sunday's easy recipe:

Overstock is selling many sizes.  Click here.

Low-Fat Slow Cooker Lasagna 

Ingredients:

2-28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes

5 cloves garlic, finely minced

½ small onion, finely minced
--2 tablespoons dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

parsley flakes

dash of nutmeg

1 pound ground sirloin browned in a skillet

28 ounces dry cottage cheese (that's 2-16 ounce containers, minus 4 ounces), or part-skim ricotta cheese I use a mixture.*

2 cups grated part-skim mozzarella cheese (16 ounces)

¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

12 ounces whole wheat lasagna noodles (or regular lasagna noodles)

Directions:

1) Use 2 mixing bowls:  In one, combine the crushed tomatoes, garlic, onions, dried spices, and ground beef.

2) In the second mixing bowl, mix the cottage cheese, 1 cup of the mozzarella and all the parmesan.

3) On the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker, spread a thin layer of the sauce.

4) Top with a layer of uncooked noodles.  Break to fit; layer them densely without overlapping.

5) Spread the tomato sauce over the noodles, making sure you cover the noodles with the sauce so they will cook.

Know where your food comes from: Click to enlarge

6) Next layer with the cheese mixture; use a large spoon to dollop on top.

7) Repeat the layers.  If you have a round Crockpot, you will repeat the layers twice.  If you have a rectangle-shaped slow cooker, you will only repeat the layers once.  Both ways (2 or 3 layers) work.

8) At the very top, sprinkle with the remaining cup of mozzarella.

9) Cover and cook on low heat for 3 to 3 ½ hours.  When the noodles in the center of the Crock are tender, you are ready to eat.

I like to add a green salad, or a blend of steamed broccoli and carrots, along with a lovely glass of Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon.  Buono Appetit!
*Cottage cheese is lower in fat and has more protein, but ricotta is dryer.


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Going Organic: Face, Body And Hair Essentials

Although I buy makeup and personal care items from the corner drugstore, I also love organic products.  All things being equal, I prefer organic cosmetics, as well as, skin and hair care items.  But like everything else in life, I compare the benefits with costs and convenience.  No matter how outstanding a product is, if it's crazy expensive, who can afford to use it every day?

The Industrial Revolution has been both a blessing and a curse.  It's made products cheap and available for the masses, but it has also brought us new worries like stripping products of their natural benefits and the safety of using certain chemicals to manufacture and preserve them.  So whether it's as an individual or a society, there's not one simple answer for choosing products:  In every instance, benefits verses costs, convenience and availability.

In the 21st century the masses are living relatively well, at least in industrial societies.  Nowadays we do more than just subsist.  We are exceptionally good at producing plenty of affordable products.  We now have the luxury of asking:  Can we make smarter products?  Can our products be better and healthier and good for our planet?  Are you like me (still shopping at drugstores) but leaning towards organic?  As our demand for organic products increases, their costs should come down.  Only products certified as organic can claim the label.  I use "certified organic" products and read "natural"  product ingredients carefully since there are no regulations to use the term.

Here are my picks of earth-friendly personal care products to try:

Jurlique Skin Care – A company founded by two scientists, the skin care is blended from herbs and botanicals harvested from a 153-acre farm in unpolluted South Australia.  The company has serums and moisturizers to treat dryness, oiliness, sensitivity and aging.  Costs: $17-$75.

Karma Organic Nail Care – It's organic, 100% biodegradable, non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.  And it supports Farm Crops.  The polish is long lasting, and the polish remover comes in lavender, tea tree, or unscented with vitamin E.  Costs: $10-$12.

Korres High-Drama Antioxidant Color Collection – A 7 piece makeup collection featuring eye shadows, eyeliner, mascara, and lip gloss, all formulated with good-for-you ingredients like cherry oil, evening primrose oil, vitamin E and more.  Jewel-tone colors with rich pigments.  Costs: $29.50.

Aveda Hair Care – Shop by hair type and solutions, from straight to curly to damaged to controlling dandruff.  The Sampure shampoo cleans and fortifies any hair type.  It is a calming mix of 25 plants and flowers and is infused with a smooth botanical aroma of your choice.  Costs: $10.50 for 8.5 Fluid ounce.

Ecotools By Alicia Silverstone – Cute cosmetic bags and quality brushes made with 100% eco-friendly materials and practical details.  Great for traveling and storing your makeup.  Costs: $7.99-$14.99.

Dr. Teal's Therapeutic Solutions Epsom Salt – Epsom salt is used to rid the body of toxins, relax tense muscles and revitalize the skin.  Lavender induces a good night's sleep so you wake up looking fresh and beautiful.  Costs: $5-$6 for 3 pounds.

The Body Shop's Hemp Body Butter – Dermatologically tested for very dry skin.  It moisturizes for 24 hours and contains Community Trade hemp seed oil.  The Body Shop looks for natural ingredients from around the globe for their assortment of face, hair and body products.  They have always been environmentally responsible and against animal testing.  Costs: $16 for 8 ounces (without a deal).

If demand increases, going organic will be good for you, the environment and your wallet.  Look closely: Organics are starting to appear in the aisles of the corner drugstore for less!


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Blogger.com Problems

Hello Readers, 

You may have noticed.  Blogger had a few problems the last two days.  Google seems to have fixed them, and we're back up and running.  However  for some strange reason, I lost all of my edits in my last post.  I had to redo the post, i.e., try to remember the final version. It reminds me of the movie, "Groundhog Day."  And everybody's comments have disappeared.  Google, thanks a lot!  Hopefully, we'll have smooth sailing from now on.

Buy Flowers For Less

I love flowers.  And now that Spring is … well … in full bloom, with summer to follow, fresh flowers are a no brainer way of bringing beauty, elegance and nature into your home … or showing someone you care.  I rarely cross paths with anyone, male or female, who doesn't appreciate flowers.  But depending on where you buy them, flowers can be expensive.

Here are some ways of finding nature's perfect brilliance without spending a fortune:

1.  Always buy flowers that are in season … and be flexible.  You don't have to buy the rarest and most expensive, or even a great quantity.  A few flowers will look beautiful by tying them together with a bright ribbon.  You know pretty when you see it.  Buy what you like, but can afford.

2.  Select short stems over long steamed roses.  People usually cut long stems before placing roses in a vase anyway, so why pay for inches of stem that end up in the garbage?  Roses are beautiful both ways, but short steams are cheaper.

3.  Shop outside of a florist:  My friends don't care how much I spend on flowers, it's the effect – the thought and how they are presented that counts.  Many grocery stores, Home Depots and Targets have entire flower departments, where you can get beautiful arrangements for $7 - $30.  I find bouquets and potted plants at Home Depot and Food Emporium that are so lovely you'd never know they didn't come from a florist.

4.  When buying for a friend or relative, deliver the flowers yourself.  Flowers make wonderful hostess gifts, and supermarkets will even deliver for a small charge if you can't hand them to the recipient in person.  But if possible, don't you want to see the look on someone's face when they open the door and see their bouquet or arrangement?  I realize I'm doing it for someone else, but I don't want to miss out on the fun.  It's such a joy to make someone happy when they have no reason to expect it!  Surprise!  Gotcha!!

5.  Herbs and spices are a cheap and healthy way to decorate your home.  Instead of plants you can't eat, consider a window-box herb garden.  Not only are they green and beautiful, they are easy to grow.

6.  Buy aromatherapeutic flowers like lavender and eucalyptus plants that can be dried. Each smells divine, looks fantastic and lasts a long time, so you really get your money's worth.  I purchased a wicker ring at a dollar store, wrapped eucalyptus leaves around it and decorated my wreath with the blossoms of tiny silk roses, baby's breadth and sunflowers.  It makes my home smell so clean, and I love it!  (So does my neighbor.)  I don't think of myself as crafty, but I just had an idea in my head of what I wanted to hang on a wall and tried it.  I needed 4 bunches of eucalyptus, 3 twigs of different colored, silk flowers and the circle.  My total cost: $25.00.

Now it's your turn.  With a little ingenuity and knowing places to shop, you can enjoy beautiful flowers at very affordable prices.

Extra tip: I once attended a wedding reception where the table centerpieces were small clay pots of African violets, which guests were encouraged to take home.  It was simple, charming and probably saved the bride's family a bundle.

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