Uniqlo's Contemporary Style Is Easy On The Eye And Wallet

Recently I stepped into Uniqlo,* an innovative Japanese clothing store for men and women, which opened in Soho in 2006. What I found was a massive place [36,000 square feet], consisting of 3 floors of stylish, comfortable and casual wear selling for a fraction of what you'd pay anywhere else. With extra fine merino wool skirts priced at $19.50, cashmere sweaters at $89.50 and women's corduroy pants for $39.50 you can't go wrong. It's definitely an upscale place to shop for basics. Dark denim skinny jeans are a reasonable $29.50, and stretch leggings are only $10.50. Uniqlo has every style and color of pants, scarfs, tops and shirts. They have cotton blouses, plain t-shirts, graphic t-shirts, crew-necks and v-necks, tanks, as well as, long or short sleeves. All are well made with durable, soft, mostly natural fabrics and listed at affordable prices. I saw a variety of colored tights for $5, smooth cotton hoodies for under $20 and fashionable parkas selling for $49.50. A preppy wool dress was $35, and a man's [100%] cotton oxfort shirt was priced under $40.

Uniqlo's New York flagship store is airy, colorful and organized. Its customer service is friendly and extremely accommodating. If the pants you select require hemming, they offer it as a free one hour service. And daily sales and special promotions are everywhere! Wednesdays are an especially thrilling day to shop. It's when the store is restocked with incoming "just arrived" merchandize, and new weekly promotions begin. If you need a smart casual essential, you won't leave empty handed. For telephone orders dial: 1-877-4-UNIQLO.

Undate: Two stores opened in Midtown: 666 5th Avenue at 53rd Street and 31 West 34th Street between 5th and 6th Avenues.  And now you can order online.

*Unlike its many competitors, Uniqlo is turning a profit.

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The Waiting Is The Hardest Part

City Gardener Extraordinaire

I work for a magazine. In early May I brought home a tiny bell pepper plant from a photo shoot, transferred it into a big flower pot, began watering it, added a weekly fertilizer and sat it in my windowsill just to see what would happen.

Later I bought sweet basil because herbs are like weeds, easy to grow. Than I received two free tomato plants [which I know] require a lot of sun to produce tomatoes. Still nothing ventured, nothing gained. So I transplanted both -- a male and female -- into a single large pot and tended to them too.

Now I have enough basil to make a pesto sauce and three bell peppers that are getting surprisingly big, mature enough to pick soon. The tomato plants have tripled in size. A dozen little yellow flowers have blossomed on each one, and I understand those turn into tomatoes. Had they been outside receiving 6-8 hours of full sun each day, tomatoes would be falling off the vines already. Regardless, I'm thrilled they're doing so well indoors. And plants are pretty. Even without the produce, all the greenery spruces up the apartment. So my experiment of growing the unlikely in flower pots is paying off. With a minimum of time, effort and experience, I'll actually serve fresh picked “garden” peppers, tomatoes and basil for dinner. And straight from my windowsill, I'll savor the sweet taste of success.

Update: Other easy to grow herbs include: mint, oregano, chives, sage, parsley and lavender. The red peppers and tomatoes were delicious! Another way to pollenate tomato plants -- and as it turns out all plants like air -- is to turn a fan on them. Most herbs need 4 hours of direct sunlight to live, but you can use an inexpensive fluorescent light to make up for not having enough sun.

Welcome To The Loveless Cafe

Nashville's Loveless Cafe opened its doors in 1951. That's when Annie Loveless first served a batch of her prized scratch biscuits – using a secret family recipe – along with her homemade preserves and fried chicken. Soon cured country ham was added. Over the years the business changed hands, but a dedicated group of Music City locals kept it open and continued serving up it's smokehouse specials and country relishes and condiments. Today it has a thriving “Hams & Jams” mail order business, but Carol Fay, who started working at the cafe 30 years ago, and her cooking crew, still make everything in small batches. Peach, blackberry and strawberry preserves are slow cooked – 72 jars at a time – using Annie's original recipe of just fruit, sugar and 4-6 hours of simmering. Each jar is poured, labelled and packed by hand. Over the years, Carol Fay mastered many jobs and worked her way up. Today she is the keeper of the secret biscuit recipe and the face of the Loveless Cafe. If you stop by to eat, you can say “Hello” to Carol Fay.

The Loveless Cafe is known around the world for its hospitality and delicious Southern home-cooked breakfast, the best of the best. Outside of Nashville, you can call, or go online to order gift packs of smoked, favored bacon, country ham, Vinegar-Pepper BBQ Soak & Marinade, Loveless Seasoned Salt, or the cafe's [secret recipe] biscuit mix. You can butter your biscuits by ordering the cafe's scrumptious apple or pumpkin butters and satisfy your sweet tooth by sampling their heavenly confections, like homemade spiced pecans, caramel sorghum popcorn, or famous Tennessee T-Cakes, made in Nashville using a century-old recipe.

And visit the gift shop – either on your way out or online – where the cafe's cheeky slogans like “Our Butts Are Smokin” are sure to put a smile on your face.

Replacing Old Faithful With A New Printer

Okay, it finally happened. The inkjet printer I happily used for 8 years needs to be put out to pasture, not because it no longer prints, mind you, but because technology has moved so far ahead that the printer has lost some vital connections, like the ability to print a single page. This means if I'm reading a 50 page document and want to take a look at a hardcopy of page 19, I have to print all 50 pages to get it. Now that's just wrong. [And forget about printing PDF files. Very hit or miss.] But as it turns out, I can buy a spanking new all-in-one printer for $99.99, which is exactly the same price I paid all those tech years ago for the old printer! It really pays to shop around, and that includes looking online. I'm getting a great deal for a printer by buying Canon's online. They are running a 33% discount on the PIXMA MP620 Wireless I often eyeball at BestBuy and the Apple Store. By ordering online I get free Fed-Ex shipping, so I don't have to lug an 18 pound, plus box home. And I discovered that Canon has outstanding customer service and technical support. Certainly, I need the technical help to set up the wireless function of the printer. And I always appreciate when a company offers free returns should anything go wrong and you need a replacement.

As a bonus, the new printer will pay for itself in time. It's ink cartridges cost one-third less than the old printer's. And before I selected this model, I didn't realize when a printer's color cartridges are separate, you spend less on ink because you only have to replace the depleted color – in lieu of all the colors at once. It was time for a change ... at an unbeatable price.

Mean, Clean And Green

You are the first to know. I'm turning a little bit green. Lately instead of using commercial cleaners with a long list of undesirable chemicals, I mop my floor with a mixture of half white vinegar and half water. And guess what? The acid in the vinegar works to naturally clean and disinfect the floor. Not only does using vinegar cut down on what I have to stock – one less product to buy, yeah! – but a 32 oz bottle costs less than a dollar and leaves no residue, so I don't have to mop the same areas over and over to remove suds. I'm all for simplicity and less elbow grease, believe me! Also the smell of the vinegar goes away as soon as the floor dries, so that isn't a deterrent. Now I wonder why I didn't make the discovery a long time ago. According to a professional cleaner, adding a cup of vinegar to laundry detergent in the wash cycle makes clothes brighter. And vinegar with water removes dirt from windows too.

Here are a few other all natural, multi-tasking tips:

1. Salt – Mix with water and rub on dry, flaky skin during a shower. Rinse and you'll have smooth, silky skin.

2. Olive oil – Coat lightly on your hair before shampooing. It's an excellent conditioner.

3. Dr. Woods Pure Peppermint Castile Soap – Use as a moisturizing face and body wash, as well as, for fresh, itch-free laundry.

4. Seltzer – Cleans spills, including red wine, out of clothes, couches and carpets.

5. Used coffee grinds – Sprinkle on plants as a fertilizer.

6. Honey – Allergy sufferers swear that consuming a couple of spoons a day of locally grown honey reduces symptoms for Hay and Spring fever. I'm trying it and seem to be getting relief. But stay tuned, only time will convince me it's because of the honey.

7. Lemon juice – Cleans and shines brass and copper.

8. Aluminum foil – Crinkle a square and rub it on pans to remove burnt in foods.

9. Microwave oven – Nuke your wet sponges for 60 seconds to kill germs.

10. Baking soda – As the commercial says, put a box in your refrigerator and pour the old box down your drains to keep them smelling fresh. After using detergent, I throw a little in sinks and tubs [mix with water and wipe] to get an extra sparkle, without scratching the enamel.

11. Drop a few bay leaves into canisters of flour, rice, or cornmeal to keep bugs out.

12. Place peppermint tea bags in your closets to keep moths from eating your wool and cashmere sweaters.

All of these products are safe, inexpensive and effective. Why not try them?

Eaters Beware

Journalist Michael Pollan recently published an interesting book called “In Defense of Food.” In it he argues we could maximize health by only eating food our ancestors would recognize. He advises us to focus on eating real food – mostly plants – and not too much of it. Pollan opposes processed food and corporate farming and says much of what we're eating now isn't even food, but "food like substances" … or "imitations of real food."

Here are his seven rules for better health:

1) Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food.

2) Don't eat anything with more than 5 ingredients listed, or with ingredients you can't pronounce.

3) Don't shop in the middle aisles of a supermarket. That's where most processed foods are displayed. Instead, buy along the sides where real food like eggs, milk and fresh vegetables tend to be.

4) Don't eat anything that won't rot -- like Twinkies.

5) Leave the table when you're about 80% full.

6) Don't buy food where you pump gasoline.

7) Eat meals with people you love.

His book certainly makes you think about what you're putting in your body. While I haven't gone the organic route just yet – because I like the convenience and variety of a supermarket – over the years, I've cut down on junk food and have gone back to eating fresh food with few ingredients. I also buy an assortment of fruits and vegetables and salad. Sometimes I'll even bake a loaf of whole grain bread.

Here is my recipe:

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

3 1/2 cups rye flour

2 1/4 cups buttermilk [Eyeball the amount as you work the dough.]

4 tablespoons brown sugar, or honey

1/4 cup of caraway seeds

1/8 cup flax seeds [Eyeball the amount.]

2 packages dry yeast

2 teaspoons salt

4 tablespoons olive oil

2 eggs [The eggs are optional, but I use them to add protein.]

Extra whole wheat flour to sprinkle while kneading

Make sure the wet ingredients are lukewarm. Mix everything in a bowl until the batter is firm. Kneed until the dough is easy to handle. Place the dough in an oiled bowel. Cover and let rise in a warm place until the dough doubles [about an hour]. On a cutting board kneed again and shape into a loaf. Oil a large loaf pan and press your dough into it. Allow the dough to stand again in a warm area until it doubles. [Extra tip: For the best tasting bread you'll ever make, bake it in a cast iron dutch oven with a lid, instead of a loaf pan. You can add a cup of raisins also.] Preheat your oven to 400 degrees and bake for 25-30 minutes until done. Remove bread from the pan while it is warm. Slice and enjoy!

What A Difference 100 Years Make

This week I'm celebrating a birthday.  Well actually, I celebrate birthdays in small ways with treats all month long. Already my Mom sent me a lovely card, a thoughtful gift and a fascinating clip from a neighborhood newspaper about what it was like living many years ago. The caption is, “What a difference a century makes.”  I have to admit it's a fun read, but what exactly is my Mother trying to say by sending it to me on my birthday, hmm?  You can read it for yourself below.

Here are some statistics for the Year 1909:

The average life expectancy was 47 years.

Only 14 percent of the homes had a bathtub.

Only 8 percent of the homes had a telephone.

There were only 8,000 cars and

only 144 miles of paved roads.

The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.

The tallest structure in the world was the Eiffel Tower.

The average wage in 1909 was 22 cents per hour.

The average worker made between $200 and $400 per year.

A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year.

A dentist $2,500 per year, a veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year and

a mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.

More than 95 percent of all births took place at HOME.

Ninety percent of all doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION!

Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press and the government as 'substandard. '

Sugar cost four cents a pound.

Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.

Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.

Most women only washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.

{People also used lye soap to wash their hair and skin. Homemade lye soap killed poison ivy, poison oak and took tough stains out of laundry!}

Canada passed a law that prohibited poor people from entering into their country for any reason.

Five leading causes of death were:

1. Pneumonia and influenza

2. Tuberculosis

3. Diarrhea

4. Heart disease

5. Stroke

The American flag had 46 stars. {New Mexico, Arizona, Alaska and Hawaii had yet to come into the union.}

The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30!

Crossword puzzles, canned beer and ice tea hadn't been invented yet.

There was no Mother's Day or Father's Day.

Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.

Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.

Marijuana, heroin and morphine were all available over the counter at the corner drugstore. Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears the complexion, gives buoyancy to the mind, regulates the stomach and bowels and is, in fact, a perfect guardian of health."

Eighteen percent of households had at least one full-time servant or domestic help.

There were about 230 reported murders in the Entire U.S.A. {I wonder how many murders were unreported! Or undetected!}

After considering the world 100 years ago, aren't you happy to be celebrating birthdays in the 21st century? So much has improved. People are living to be ripe old ages, and with the touch of a button information, music and video can be sent around the globe in seconds.

The article suggests we, "try to imagine what it will be like living 100 years from now."

Just think: What new technologies and inventions will there be? Which diseases will be cured? How will life be better? What will homes look like? How will people work and play? What will transportation be like? And how will the map of the world change?

And while we're at it, why not imagine how we'd like for the world to be in 100 years and contribute to making it happen for all humanity.

Moving Towards The Sun

Summer is here. It officially arrived on June 21, the summer solstice, a turning point in the earth's journey towards the sun. So unless you live Down Under {Hello Australia!!} let the longest days and warmest time of the year begin! I love the easy, breezy days of summer when the great outdoors can be enjoyed like no other time of the year. And isn't a summer wardrobe cheaper, easier … skimpier and more fun to put together? Even at swanky affairs you can get away with showing up in a no fuss dress, or light cotton slacks – looking comfortable, casual and smart. Leave your multi-layers and neutral beige at home. Whip out a spectrum of lively colors to go with the sunshine and adventures of the season. Now is the time to relax, kick back your heels and play.

This year the summer sales started early. Already retailers – with good price points all year around – are offering 20%-70% off on everything you need for the summer. They include:

Lands' End – Expect to find quality fabrics and well-made clothes, shoes and beachwear for men and women. Choose from a large inventory of 40% off. Prices range from $10-$35.

Newport News – They are known for their ultra low prices and cute styles. Sun-kissed tops, flirty skirts, pants and capris are listed from $8-$25.

Gap – They are offering 20%-50% reductions on summer clothes for men and women. For a limited time you can get jeans [in stores only] for $19.99. [Regularly: 49.50-69.50] Prices for most tanks and tees are $9.99.

Old Navy – They have weekly specials for men and women. You can get up to 50% off on tops, pants, shorts, dresses, swimwear and accessories. Prices range from a hard-to-beat $5-$30.

Victoria's Secret Catalogue – Their semi-annual sale is on. You'll find a big variety of tops, skirts, dresses, jeans, swimwear, shoes and accessories discounted 20%-60%. Prices start at $10 and go up.

All of the merchants offer weekly deals, so check their websites before you buy for up-to-the-minute savings, plus free shipping. Now go out and make the most of your summer.

Celebrating Father's Day

Photo by Natalie Kimball

My Father … perhaps like yours … had many attributes. He was smart, funny, creative, patient, a gentleman; the list goes on and on. But the quality I remember most was his reliability. He was there for you. You could count on him ... and his good judgment. Even during spats as a teenager, I was secure in the knowledge that he was totally on my side.

I was lucky to have a caretaker dad. The summer I turned seven my two front teeth were missing. All summer my Dad cut watermelon into cubes so I could eat it. When I was 25, my Dad came to visit me in New York. Before leaving to return home he told me that of all the things he accomplished in his life, being a dad was the role he enjoyed the most.* And perhaps that's why he was so good at it and explains why I always knew he approved of me and would go to any lengths for me. Whatever the circumstances, good, bad or ugly, he was there for you.

My Father died a few years ago, so I'll spend this Father's Day Sunday remembering him and all the years we had together. And I'll feel lucky to have had him as my Dad.

Happy Father's Day to all fathers. May you receive the gift of having your children nearby and knowing how much they love and cherish you.

Ideas for Father's Day:

1. Spend the day with Dad. Engage in activities he likes. [a meal, theater, music, a movie, sports]

2. Call him and have a leisurely conversation. Be open and accepting. Take your cues from him and listen twice as much as you talk.

3. Make or buy him his favorite music. [records, CDs, or program an ipod]

4. Give him a favorite book.

5. Order him a magazine subscription he'll enjoy.

6. Put together a basket of favorite treats.

7. Fill a need, or bring him something that will make his life easier.

8. Spring for season tickets [for two] to an activity of his choice. Go with him if possible. [If you can afford it, make it for 3 or 4 and include your mother and/or spouse.]

*At the time of Dad's remark we were out sampling New York pizza, and I wondered what made him say such a thing. I was surprised, but pleasantly surprised.

Ever Cooked With A Lodge Culinary Treasure?

"Nestled" in the Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee sits a company that's been making cast iron cookware since William McKinley was president. Established in 1896, Lodge Cast Iron has been owned and operated by four generations of the Lodge family. Amazingly, some of those first skillets, griddles and Dutch ovens are still in use today. That's 113 years of use!

There are many reasons why cast iron pans get handed down from one generation to the next. They are exceptional heat conductors. Cast iron heats evenly, consistently and retains heat. To say they are durable and a good value is an understatement. With the proper care, a skillet will last several lifetimes.

Cast iron skillets are the original – and natural – non-stick pans. After "seasoning,” they get better with age. With chemically-treated pans, the Teflon wears off after a few years. Cast iron pans never stop working, and there's no perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a carcinogen, to worry about.

Enameled Dutch oven  

Seasoning a cast iron pan is easy. You coat it {inside and out} lightly with vegetable oil and bake it upside down in an oven heated to 300 degrees for 60 minutes. The oil fills in microscopic pores to create a smooth non-stick surface and keeps your pan rust-free. You're supposed to clean your cast iron cookware with hot water and no soap because using soap will remove the seasoning. But I've never had a problem using a drop of soap and hand-washing it with a sponge or scrubbing it with a piece of aluminum foil. I simply brush the skillet with a little olive oil the next time I cook.

A cast iron pan is so versatile. It can be used on top of the stove, in the oven, on a grill, or even over a campfire. You can make the best tasting pancakes on the griddle and month-watering stews in the Dutch oven. Lodge added enameled pans in 2005 letting you cook tomato-based (an acid) soups without worrying about the dish picking up a metallic taste after sitting in the cookware for hours.  I love cornbread "fried" in a skillet that has been brushed lightly with oil.

Professional chefs swear by cast iron. And imagine never having to replace your cookware. Even after 100 years, you simply clean, season and use it. A 10¼ inch skillet sells for $22.95, but you can find it for less. Grandma really did know best.

High Fashion Runway Meets Mass Market Retail

Like many woman, I try to buy beautifully designed dresses, skirts and pants that are well made and last many seasons – unless that is, I'm looking to add a trendy piece to my wardrobe. In that case, I don't mind if the dress or top only lasts a season or two, and I don't usually pay a lot of money for it. Sorry Tommy Hilfiger – but in general you can get away with spending less than $30 for fun (and summer articles) like tanks, shorts, tees and even dresses. Last summer I found a cute 100% cotton dress at H & M for $10, and honestly, I never fail to get compliments on it. Today, I wore it to a doctor's appointment, and my MD wanted to know where I got it! As it turns out, my doctor shops at H & M too. Obviously, our bad economy has hit everyone.

The exciting news is many leading designers, known for their high fashion couture and celebrity clients, are teaming up with mass retailers like H & M, Target, JC Penny and others to bring out a collection of affordable clothing for men and women. Now more than ever you can be cheap and chic at the same time. And why not?

Here are a few retailers who have hired famous designers and are offering trendy clothing at lower prices.
Target signed:
Alexander McQueen – He is known for his bright, vibrant patterns. Prices range from $23 - $80.
Carlos Falchi – He designs leather classic, yet modern handbags and accessories. Prices will be announced.
JC Penny hired:
Charlotte Ronson – Her line is called “I Heart Ronson.” She is known for her floral skirts and frilly dresses. Prices range from $15 - $65.
Uniqlo signed:
Steve Allen – He is known for his button down shirts and unisex, urban appeal. Expect to pay $39-$59.
Jil Sanders – She is known for her minimal aesthetic style and clean lines. Prices will be announced.
At Wal-Mart:
Max Azria – has joined Maley Cyrus to design a rock music inspired line of clothing and accessories for teens. Everything sells for under $20.
H & M signed:
Mathew Williamson – He is known for his fun, bold colors and prints. Prices start at $25.

And finally, remember the summer sales began at the end of June. You're sure to see generous markdowns and reap big savings.


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You Can't Always Get What You Want

Keith Richards & Mick Jagger, The Rolling Stones

Don't get me wrong, I like nice things, but am not an overly materialistic person -- and I don't like to accumulate clutter which is what would happen if I bought everything that popped into my head. At the same time, when I need something I don't hesitate to get it.

When buying a product gives me pause, it's usually because I'm tempted by a good price or feature ... but I don't necessarily need that item. I either already have something comparable, an older version, or I probably wouldn't use it very often -- but having it " just in case" is appealing.

Every winter I wear a pair of black UGG suede boots which my feet adore! They are incredibly comfortable, toasty warm and ultra stylish when paired with jeans or dresses. And boy, do they hold up. Even after five seasons, they still look terrific. But they DON'T look brand new. So when I passed a shoe store that offered my UGGs for $50 off, temptation reared its ugly head. I nearly bought them on the spot. In the end, I decided, "no," because, 1) I'm not ready to throw out the old pair, 2) I have plenty of boots, and 3) I don't need another pair (not really). It took discipline, but ultimately I saved $110 by passing on the sale.

Now I'm going through the same temptation over buying a new printer. I have a compact Hewlett Packard deskjet that sits neatly in the corner of my room. It prints beautifully, but that's all it does. Lately, I wonder if I should get an all-in-one printer. If I needed to fax, copy, scan and crank out photos frequently my decision would be an easy "yes," and I'd replace my old inkjet in a heartbeat. But the fact is, I mainly need to print. On rare occasions when I need to copy, I have a drugstore across the street that charges five cents a page. Another drugstore on the opposite corner develops photos. And, my low tech printer shows no signs of wearing out. So the dilemma is, do I get what I want "just in case?" Or save $150 plus by keeping what -- so far -- fits my needs? What kind of a buyer are you? Do you over buy? Or under buy?

Treat Yourself To One Nice Thing

I don't wear costume jewelry. I'd much rather own a few good pieces of the real thing — even if it's just inexpensive sterling silver, or a simple gold chain — over having a dresser drawer full of designer, sometimes more costly costume jewelry.

And I hope everybody has the experience of receiving classic jewelry like 14k gold earrings for a 21st birthday, or a bracelet with precious stones to celebrate a graduation, given to you by someone who matters in your life. That's why it's the worst feeling in the world to lose a piece of jewelry. Often there's a story and sentimental value behind that neckless, so it can't easily be replaced.

Once in a while I'm even good to myself. I notice that with jewelry I'm a more modest spender and not quite as generous with myself, as I am when buying for another person. But it all works out, because that's how special people in my life are with me also.

I have a pair of cultured pearl earrings that I bought on sale at Macy's department store for $80. They may not be flawless Akoya pearls, but they are nice. They are classic ... real ... and a thing of beauty. They dress up any outfit -- and with care, they will last for decades.

So here's a pearl of wisdom. Every so often when you reach a milestone, or overcome a hardship, let yourself have one nice thing. Reward yourself for meeting a challenge with a strength and resilience you didn't know you had. It doesn't have to be a top of the line purchase, necessarily; just factor into your budget a little something you are hankering to buy. Make sure it's something that brings you happiness ... and enjoy it, because the reality is, it doesn't take long to live a life.

You Are What You Eat

Good nutrition builds body cells, keeps us healthy and helps us stay mentally alert. With spring here and summer fast approaching, it's the perfect time to add healthy foods, including an assortment of fruits and vegetables to your diet. The price is right, and you can afford to be adventurous. Have fun mixing it up. Eat a variety of colors and experiment with new recipes.

Recently I tried making homemade tomato sauce. It was nearly as convenient as opening a jar, and I thought tasted better and fresher without the unnecessary preservatives -- with names I can't even pronounce.

Then I wanted a cool, sweet treat, so I threw blueberries and skim milk into a blender and added sweetener to get a refreshing, low fat - high protein smoothie. It's cheaper than ice cream, good for you and delicious. (You may not want to give up ice cream entirely; just reserve it as a special treat.)

Both recipes are keepers. See if you agree:

Homemade Tomato Sauce

2 28 oz cans whole tomatoes (Break the tomatoes up with your fingers.)

Extra virgin olive oil for sautéing garlic, onions and vegetables in a skillet --

1 medium onion, diced and sautéed

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon salt
fresh black pepper

1 teaspoon oregano [all the spices to taste]

1 tablespoon basil

1 teaspoon garlic (or sautée 4 cloves garlic)

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Optional:

Add any, or all the following to the tomato sauce --

1 small bell pepper, diced and sautéed

1 small zucchini, diced and sautéed
2 or 3 mushrooms, sliced and sautéed

Separately, brown and add some (1/4 - 1/2 pound will do) lean ground beef

Throw the above into a large pot, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Pour over cooked pasta of your choice. Makes 6 servings.

Berry Smoothie

Drop into a blender:

1 cup skim milk

Choose one: 1/3 cup frozen strawberries; or 1/3 cup frozen blueberries; or use fresh berries and 3 ice cubes

2 teaspoons sugar, or a natural sweetner.

Blend for a minute, or until smooth. Pour into a tall glass. Makes one serving, so multiply for the number of servings needed. Enjoy!

Great Gifts For Mom And Everyone Else

For natural beauty products I count on two stores, their names so similar that folks looking for one might make the mistake of walking into the other. The Body Shop and Bath & Body Works are two separate stores with much in common. Both offer skin, body and hair care items made from pure, ultra indulgent ingredients. Both sell pretty gift sets – ideal for birthdays, special occasions and days when you just need to pamper yourself. And both give terrific discounts on spa and glamour products that are already reasonably priced – usually just when you need gifts for special occasions like Mother's Day.

Recently I received a thoughtful gift – The Body Shop's "Love Your Body" card. It comes with exclusive member-only benefits. On Thursday, the card's 10% discount increased to a whopping 25% [for one day only], so I ran in to stock up on my favorite product in the store, their Mononi Miracle Oil. It's a great after-bath moisturizer and ends-of-hair treatment. I was given my membership card along with a gift certificate – the perfect combination to make someone feel like a VIP. The Body Shop also has top-notch makeup. Rich in pigments, colors last all day.

At Bath & Body Works the inventory is enormous! Whether you buy fragrances, skincare, or accessories, you'll get excellent quality and value. There are literally 1001 gifts to choose from - including their signature body sprays, lotions and shower gels, soft micro-terry loungewear, self-heating gloves, and booties, plus blends of aromatherapy oils, shea butter, and candles. Brand new this year is a lovely "garden in a pail.'' You can select a mix of snapdragon, petunia, and marigold, or bring home indoor sunflowers, or choose parsley, basil, and chives. You simply can't go wrong with either store to find the perfect gift. And while you look, be sure to pick up a tiny indulgence for yourself.