Tips To Avoid Germs While In Flight.

I know so many people going on vacation in the next few weeks. Turks & Caicos, Aruba, Ireland, Chicago, Costa Rica... Just to name a few of the destinations of choice. It's vacation season, and people are anxious to get on their flights and get "chill-laxing."

Or are they?

I have heard so many people freaking out in the past 48 hours over the Swine Flu - oh, excuse me, the 2009 H1N1 virus - that I am calling "unnecessary hysteria" on this one. Yes, this is a new form of influenza that humans have not seen before, nor are we naturally immune to it. BUT, there are ways you can avoid this flu (which is being spread person-to-person)... And it involves good manners.

Yes... Wash your freaking hands, cover your eff-ing mouth when you cough, use a freaking tissue when you sneeze - and throw it away... You know, shit you should already be doing as a functioning adult.

Now, of course, you have to factor in the children... Children are naturally dirty little bastards. (I know most children are not bastards... I just wanted to write it.) And you can be as sterile as humanly possible around children, and they will still track in the nasty illnesses. It can be worse than the scary-looking prostitutes we saw sitting in the windows in Brussels... If you have kids or work with kids, you know: You are forever wiping them down.

You carry antibacterial wipes and gels with you. And the damn kids still get freaking sick. Which in turn gets you sick. And you work for assholes who won't allow you to work from home, so you go into work sick. And you try to be conscientious of what you touch (Unlike that skanky person who leaves their freaking fingernail clippings on the conference room table!), but you manage to get others sick.

It is the same with vacations too... You've worked long hours. You and your family planned the vacation months ago. Hell can freeze over before you decide you're not going to go because of a freaking illness. So you get on a plane for a few hours, and you practice your good manners... Hoping you get no one else sick. And others on the plane appreciate your efforts, and are simultaneously taking preventative measures to avoid your (and anyone else's) germs.

Here are some of those measures:

1. Carry tissues. And throw them away after you use them.
2. Cover your mouth when you cough. (Duh!) And don't be afraid to ask someone else to do the same if they don't. But please do it politely. No need to get the air marshall involved.
3. Drink carbonated water. (This one comes from Cheap Chic Travel.) "Carbonated water means the water is fresh and free of bacteria; esp helpful tip when traveling to remote places."
4. Use antibacterial wipes to swab down your area on the plane.
5. Swab your nostrils with Zicam. It's meant for warding off colds... But it can help with flu germs too.

In my opinion, there's no need for a surgical mask for the plane. That just creates the "unnecessary hysteria." And I will bitch slap you if I am on a flight and you get hysterical. Air marshall be damned.

I Prefer Theory To Prada, Myself.

I was reading an article in the Styles Section this morning about how women are downsizing their wardrobe budgets along with the downsizing of the economy.

It mentions that women are still shopping, but that they are giving extra thought to how a piece factors into their overall seasonal wardrobe, and whether a high-end designer piece can be substituted with a more moderately-priced designer piece. But, it asks the question...

"...is it realistic to think that a woman who wears Prada will give her love to Theory?"

Personally, I prefer Theory to Prada. That's because Theory IS my high-end designer. I actually don't like Prada at all. I feel the same way about it as I do Louis Vuitton bags: Far too sophisticated for my style.

Additionally, Theory ain't exactly cheap. I spent almost $300 on a cashmere blend sweater from Theory when I was in NYC last Fall. That was the most I had ever spent on a sweater, and I wear it weekly at least once, if not twice. But this got me thinking about wardrobe budgeting, and how much we all spend on clothing each year.

I have always had a budget. Always. It is 10% of my salary. I divide it up by quarter, which allows me to do shopping each season. It may seem like I just buy things in a "dilly-dally" fashion, with the way I write about them here, but I actually do not. I make sure to subtract the cost of the item from my overall budget for that quarter.

But it got me wondering what everyone else does. So, I set up a poll for this week, to the right, to canvass my readers... Do you budget for your wardrobe? Do you know how much you spend on clothes each year?

Alexander McQueen Cashmere Skull Scarf!

For a few months now, I have had $75 in credit on Gilt Groupe. I scored the credit with them because three of the people I referred purchased something. (Thanks guys!) I was DYING to use the credit before I move to Toronto, as Gilt currently does not ship to Canada. (Boo!) But I hadn't found anything I wanted to buy with the credit... Till I saw something earlier this week... A notice on Gilt informing me that "Alexander McQueen Accessories" would be holding a sale on Wednesday (today) at noon.

So, at 11:55am, I positioned myself in front of the computer. I proceeded to click "refresh" on the Gilt home page till I saw the sale section for McQueen accessories. It took about 10 "refreshes" till I saw it. And then, I was off and zooming through the images.

See, I had one thing in particular that I was craving from Alexander McQueen. I had written about it before, a long time ago. And I knew, I just knew, that it would be available today in the sale.



The Cashmere Skull Scarf!

Sure, I have the silk one I bought in London this time last year. (Actually, I think it was exactly a year ago this week that I bought it at Harrod's.) But the one I wanted the most was a cashmere one. A soft, fringed cashmere one. And you know what?

I got it!

I was able to throw the red scarf into my cart, apply my credits, and pay for the balance with my debit card... All in less than two minutes!

I love Gilt Groupe!!! I got a scarf I have been craving for nearly a year and a half, and I got it for a third of the original price!

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Veggie Tacos.

I do eat meat now. But not like I was prior to Lent. I usually eat it early in the day, for lunch or breakfast, then switch to veggies for dinner. In fact, I like to be vegan after 5pm... If I can handle it.

Tonight's dinner: Veggie Tacos w/Avocado



This dinner took me 25 minutes, and that includes the 20 it took me to "Shake-n-Bake" The Husband a chicken breast in the oven. For the tacos, I sauteed up a handful of chopped carrots, one small zucchini, small onion and two cloves of garlic. I heated the tortillas over the open flame of our gas stove burner, to give them a "charred" look. And then, instead of cheese, I topped my tacos with avocado slices.

Yummy and healthy!

Winter, Spring or Summer?

Ugh!

Well, truth be told, I am grateful for the warm weather. But this is just ridiculous... How can it be 54 all day yesterday, shoot up to 90 today, and then go back down tomorrow?



My Mac Weather Widget is usually pretty accurate. And the forecasters on the local TV station claim this to be true too.

I am just so confused... Can I put my sweaters away? Or should I keep them out for a few more weeks, till I move? My cut-off point for wearing sweaters is around 60 degrees. Once you hit that temperature, you don't need sweaters anymore.

Today, though, I will barely need clothes. And I should probably go ahead and get to an early Bikram yoga class... As it will be almost too hot to hit one later today.

Bubble Wrap, Anyone?

I've done a number of moves in my lifetime. I grew up an Army brat and moved quite a few times before the age of 10. Then, in university, I moved a few times...

Dorm to apartment to apartment to dorm to dorm to dorm to dorm to apartment to apartment to apartment.

Next I moved to NYC about nine years ago, and I only moved three times there. Then I moved to Boston, and moved twice here. Now, though, I making another HUGE move (Toronto)... And I am going through the apartment and purging the joint of stuff I do not want to come with us.

We've gone through our books and clothes, and gotten rid of stuff. Now I need to throw out all the VHS tapes I have. And I did the bathroom shelves, kitchen shelves and refrigerator today. Needless to say, there are a ton of garage bags going out on tonight's trash pile. Including an entire bag of this stuff...



Yes, it's bubble wrap.

See, since I have moved so many times in my life, I know how freaking expensive boxes and bubble wrap are to buy. About a year ago, The Husband and I finally got rid of all the boxes. But I still had all the bubble wrap. And since The Husband has forbidden me from sitting around and popping the bubbles on them (which I love to do), I am just going to throw them out.

But don't worry, people... This being the South End, someone is sure to come by, dig through our garbage pile, and find the bag of bubble wrap.

Toronto: Am I There Yet?

Don't get me wrong... I am very much going to miss Boston when I move in exactly four weeks. But I discovered two things about Toronto this week...

1. There is a newly opened Anthropologie store there. (SQUEE!!)
2. I will live ridiculously close to a newly opened Bikram Yoga studio.

Seriously... It's a SIX MINUTE WALK from my building to the studio.

Yay! Two things I was worried about with moving.

Neighborly Note: Cigarettes Are Nasty!

Dear Person Living Below Us,

You're not our usual neighbor... The one we have known for the past four years. You are someone living in his place. And you are being unkind to the rest of us in the building.

See, this morning, The Husband opened the door (just simply opened it, mind you) and we got a nasty surprise...

YOUR CIGARETTE SMOKE!

We quickly closed the door, attempting to prevent any from seeping into our apartment. We determined that you must be chain-smoking downstairs, as there could be no other explanation for the nasty smell emanating from your apartment.

I should warn you that while we are more than willing to put up with this smell for the next four weeks that we are living here... The new people moving in will NOT be as patient. The woman moving in is very sweet, but also very prissy. I have a feeling she will be having "words" with you if the nasty smell starts to seep into the walls of this apartment.

I should ask the obvious though: It's nice out. Can't you just smoke off your back porch? Rather than in the apartment?

Just a suggestion. And a warning for the you.

Thanks!

XOXO,
The Missus

Channeling Blair Waldorf.

I was out bopping around Newbury Street yesterday afternoon when I tucked into Anthropologie (nearby) to peak at some Summer dresses. I didn't see any dresses that really caught my eye, but I did see something that I liked...

"Blair Waldorf" headbands!







So cute! And I have seen similar ones in J. Crew for a few months now. I was so struck by them that I tried on every single one. And they all looked cute on me. (I look good with hair accessories.) But...

They're far too fancy for my everyday style. If I bought them, I would have to rethink my wardrobe. I would need to start wearing cute mini dresses and skirts with cherry red, white, blue or magenta tights underneath. And I would need to restock my ballet flats. And then I would have to start hot-rolling my hair every morning, rather than wear it naturally wavy.

It would just require me to be far too high maintenance. And I like to roll out of bed, quickly shower, throw on jeans and a flowy blouse and my flats. A dusting of mineral foundation and some Nars "Orgasm"... And I am out the door.

But if I was still working in PR or at an agency doing marketing, I would totally rock the "Blair Waldorf" headband look.

Healthy Dish For The Weak: A & A Salad.

Our last night in Paris, Frogger and I ate at an Italian restaurant off of Avenue Montainge. It was down the street from the Crazy Horse, and right next door to Balenciaga. Across the street was Yves St. Laurent.

It was a fashionable and sexy street.

But back to our final meal... We decided to share a salad of asparagus, artichoke, mixed lettuces and Parmesan cheese flakes.



It was amazing!

Flash forward to this afternoon, as I am wandering the produce section of my local grocery store... Trying to decide what to make with my pasta for dinner. That's when I remembered the incredible salad, and how I had mentioned to Frogger how "easy" it would be to replicate it. Only I wouldn't add lettuce into it... Just a few ingredients:

Boiled Asparagus & Marinated Artichokes



Dressing Mixture of Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Lemon Juice



And then, after everything was mixed together, I would toss Parmesan flakes on top for the finale...



So yummy! So healthy!

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Blueberry Granola.

Right before I left for Europe, I picked up a small bag of dried blueberries. I had promised The Husband that I would make him some more granola before I left. And this time, I wanted to do it with blueberries, rather than my usual cranberry.

But I got too busy to make it for him before I left. And when I came back and picked up the newest issue of Everyday Food, I saw that the recipe (my recipe) was in there!

How funny! "Great minds" think alike! This is, seriously, the exact recipe I use when making my granola.

You combine two cups of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of coconut, and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds...



With a mixture of honey and vegetable oil (2 tablespoons of each)...



You spread it out on a baking sheet...



Then you bake it in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, tossing it halfway through to make sure it all cooks evenly.

You then toss the blueberries in it...



And the end result is yummy...

"I LIke To Read."

I read a lot. Online... Offline... On bathroom walls... On t-shirts... On Starbucks coffee cups... If there are words (pictures too), I will read it.

My most favorite things to read are women's and fashion magazines. Both domestic and international. And while at Heathrow Airport on my layover coming back to Boston this week, I indulged and picked up the May issue of Vogue UK, grateful not to have to wait till mid-May to buy it in the US.

I love Vogue from the UK. It's very different from the US version. It actually has helpful tips for fashion, beauty and health. And they also allow for "promotional content." So advertiser-based content, which is almost always fun and useful to read.

The next day (yesterday), when I was settled and rested from my trip back home, I headed out to Barnes and Noble to pick up my US magazines for May. They weren't out before I left for Europe, so I hadn't read any of them yet. Here is what I walked out of Barnes and Noble with...



Seven glossies, the newest issue of Everyday Food and a copy of In Bruges. (I didn't get a chance to watch the movie before I went to Bruges. It is HILARIOUS though!)

While I was going along the magazine rack, picking out what I needed, a posh older woman commented on what I was pulling.

"You certainly do read a lot," she noted.

I agreed that I did.

"It's research," I explained with a smile "I am always looking for new things about which to write, and it's helpful if I know what others have already covered."

We then went into a discussion about which domestic women's and fashion magazines were "good reads" and which were "unusable." We agreed that the bad included:

• In Style
• Vogue
• Cosmo (Which I refused to read after the age of 24.)
• W

Sure, Vogue and W are good for "high fashion" reading. But, the content really only inspires and transcends a small collection of people. The pictorials are good, but the first 100 to 200 pages of Vogue (for example) are all ads. And when you work your way through the magazine, there is far more ad space and far less content. I know it is a hard time for the industry, but this is ridiculous. If you must sell more advertising, please take a cue from the Vogue UK and put in "promotional content."

In Style I don't like because they really retread a lot of their content. A LOT! Seriously, I can pick up an issue in February, and in September they will be running a very similar story. Additionally, they seem to have gotten rid of the horoscopes section... Which is one of my favorite sections in any magazine. It's fun and silly, and I love it.

So, which magazines do I think are an excellent read and worth what you pay for them?

• Elle - Fantastic editorials. Great fashion collages.
  
• Harper's Bazaar - Really speaks to women of all ages for fashion. Excellent content.
  
• Women's Health - This is the health and fitness magazine you should be reading over any other. Excellent content, and it has this element of "digital-ness" to it. What I mean is, you get quick facts and information on the first few pages of content... And you can then connect to the more in-depth content inside further pages. It's a very helpful and inspirational magazine.
  

Self and Allure are decent as well. But they can get dull... Allure really focuses on the beauty and health aspects, meaning you will always learn about the newest and latest in procedures and products. Self is great for gym nuts who want to be inspired.

I do read the magazines I don't find helpful, such as Vogue and In Style. All in, I probably read about 12 women's health and fashion magazines a month... And an additional six or seven that are not focused on women's health or fashion.

What can I say? Other than, "I like to read."

Au Revoir, Paris!

We leave to come home tomorrow... All the way back to Boston. Great trip! I will be doing podcasts for each of the cities we visited. But for now, I leave you with pictures from Paris...


(Eiffel Tower)


(Arc de Triumphe)


(Balenciaga - aka "The Mother Ship.")

Drinks At The Plaza Athenee.

Frogger and I each had our "things" that we wanted to do while in Paris. Her: Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower. Me: Hermes store, Bikram Yoga Paris and...

Drinks at the Plaza Athenee!!!!!



Do you know the Plaza Athenee? I bet you do if you were a fan of Sex and the City! It's where The Russian and Carrie lived in the season finale of Sex and the City... You know, when Big comes sweeping into Paris to rescue her?

Well, I insisted that Frogger and I go to the bar at the Plaza Athenee for a cockatil. I knew it would be pricey (drinks around 26 Euros), but that it would be "fantistique!" And it was!

We showed up around 7:30pm tonight (our last night in Paris). We walked into the lobby of the Plaza Athenee and went up to the concierge. They walked us to the bar area, and were so wonderful to us after I told them, "My colleague and I have to have a drink in 'le bar'."



The bar was very cool. It was quiet, but beautiful.

It got busier as we made our way through our cocktails. Frogger went with a "Vespa Martini" (Lillet, Gin, Vodka) and I started with a Strawberry Martini, following up with the house special of raspberry puree and champagne.



We chatted and gossiped for about two hours there... The bar was just so amazing. Then we asked where the bathrooms were... And were amazed by the fresh flowers in them...





So pretty!!!!

If you go to Paris, I recommend stopping at the Plaza Athenee for at least one drink. So worth it. pricey, but worth it.

Bikram Yoga Paris: "But Madame, The Best Yoga Is Sleep!"

LOL!

I got up at 5:45am (Paris time) to get to a 7am Bikram class in Marais. I am staying at a boutique hotel in the 6th Arondissment in Paris... And the Marais Bikram Yoga studio (which is the closest one to me) is over a mile walk. But I got up early and walked all the way to the studio, to make it in plenty of time for the 7am Bikram class. But...

The hotel I am staying in does not allow you to leave the hotel with your room key. Whenever you leave the hotel, you need to leave your key at the front desk. There aren't many rooms in the hotel, and they know exactly who is staying in which room. (For example: No matter who is at the front desk, and no matter if I have ever met them, they know I am in room "deux.") And when I was walking out of my room at the ass-early hour of 6am, I found the front desk clerk sleeping on a blanket behind his desk.

"Je suis desole," I said. "I am going to yoga right now. I didn't mean to wake you."

He looked shocked.

"Vraiment? Maintenant?" he responded. "You are going now?"

"Oui," I laughed. "I have to go to yoga."

"But," he objected, "The best 'yoga' is 'sleep!'"

I laughed and told him I agreed.... But that Bikram's yoga was calling me. He understood my dedication, and happily took my key.

So I walked the 3.2 kilometers to Pompidou, which the Bikram yoga studio is close to...



It's a small studio. And it cost me $49 (USD) for the one class, with two towels, mat and water. But it was worth it. It was a very "juicy" class. Not hot, but very humid. And it was taught ALL IN FRENCH. No English. That suited me just fine too.

Of course, the teacher spoke English. I was grateful, when I walked into the studio at 6:45 am and said, "Bonjour! Je ne parle pas Francais."

He smile and said, "Bonjour. That is okay. I speak English."

During class, I was able to follow the instructions he gave... For example, during "Half Moon" pose, when we warm up by semi-marching our feet right and left while bending forward, I knew what he was saying when he said, "Droit et gauche. Droit et gauche. Droit et gauche. Droit et gauche."

And when I was doing Dandayamana - Bibhaktapada - Paschimottanasanahe specifically said to me, "The Missus... C'est facile! (SOMETHING) pieds!" (TRANSLATION: "It is too easy for you. Move your feet closer!")

And during a backbend, I got a "The Missus, tres bien!" (TRANSLATION: "Very good!")

I have to say... They kill you at the Bikram Yoga Paris studio, even though it wasn't quite as hot as I was used to. They hold the poses for what feels like a much longer time. And I thought Pranayama breathing would never end!!!

It was a tough practice... But very well worth the Euros spent and the sleep lost to get up so early. And now, I can say that I have practiced internationally at three studios!!!! (Melbourne, Amsterdam and Paris!)

Starbucks In Paris?

Seriously... WTF?

I was walking down St. Michel Boulevard this afternoon with Frogger (as we made our way to the Notre Dame) and I noticed something that should not be here...



A Starbucks!

Then, a few blocks later...



Another one!

And then I saw at least two more throughout the afternoon. And then...



Another one on the walk home from dinner tonight!

I guess I always assumed that because there are wonderful cafes in Paris, they would never allow a Starbucks into the area. I mean, I've never seen a Pret A Manger here. Only in London and NYC. So, to see a coffee chain like Starbucks here was a bit disappointing... And that coming from a Starbucks addict!!!

I must say, though, that I would rather see a Starbucks in Paris than in Rome. If they ever show up in the Eternal City, I may never go back. That would just break my heart.

Day Trip In Bruges.

Just wanted to do a quick post about Bruges, which we visited yesterday.

It was about an hour's train ride from Brussels - Noord Station. And then we hopped a short bus ride to the center of town once we got to Bruges.



The first thing we did, when we got there, was climb the Belfort.



It's a tall tower that overlooks the entire town. And it has a ridiculous number of stairs you have to climb just to get to the top. The stairs are very narrow, and the staircase itself gets narrower and narrower the further up you go. If someone is coming down the staircase, you have to maneuver out of their way, as only one person can really fit on a stair at a time. There are "rest stops" every few flights. And you will need them, no matter what shape you are in physically.

It did have a pretty view though...



I will be doing a podcast with lots of pictures from Bruges. But I must confess... If you go to Brussels, there isn't a whole lot to do there. If you really want to experience Belgium, I recommend you go to take day trips to Bruges and Ghent.

On To Paris!!!!

Frogger and I are now on the Thalys train to Paris from Brussels.

YAY!

We planned for Paris to be our premiere stop on this European excursion, so we saved it for last. I am now posting from the train... And looking out the window, watching the countryside of Belgium fly by me.

Ohh! Just saw cows!!!!

Bikram Yoga Amsterdam: Going "Dutch!"

Yesterday, before I left Amsterdam, I was able to squeeze in a Bikram yoga class in Amsterdam.



And it was a little different than I had expected it to be...

See, even though Bikram yoga has "universal" elements, things cans still be different between studios. Yesterday, these were the differences I experienced:

• The studio was much cooler than I am used to. Three days before, I had practiced in a studio that was 114 degrees Fahrenheit BEFORE class started. The Amsterdam studio felt about 100 to 105 degrees.
• They discourage you from drinking water in class. They really don't want anything to disturb the "flow of energy" in the room. And drinking water can be disruprtive, if you're not disciplined in how you drink.
• When they do Dandayamana - Bibhaktapada - Paschimottanasana, Trikanasana and Dandayamana - Bibhaktapada - Janushirasana, they ask you to turn sideways on your mat. I actually have done this at other yoga studios, and I think the one I practice at is one of the few that doesn't do it. But I prefer it that way. You actually have to use your leg muscles when you do these poses, just to keep yourself from sliding.
• When they do Sasangasana, they don't use a towel around their feet for gripping. In fact, in the second set of this pose, the teacher specifically requested that I not use it.

The only other major difference between the two studios is that the first set of each pose was instructed in Dutch. The second set would be instructed in English. It was very cool. As was the studio itself.

It was very easy to find, and it was just gorgeous. Slate tiles in the lobby... Huge women's locker room... Large windows in the practice room...

No coconut water though. But it was a really good practice! Just a lot cooler than I am used to.

"They Look Like Vaginas To Me."

Okay... So, I am in Brussels now. After two days in Amsterdam (which, to be honest, isn't for anyone over the age of 27-ish), it was time for us to move onto a new city. And today we are in Brussels. We hopped the Thalys train here earlier today, and arrived without any real plans.

"What the hell were we intending to do in Brussels?" I asked Frogger while in a taxi to our hotel here.

"Remeber?" she began... "We wanted to take a day-trip to Bruges. In Brussels we can eat moule and frites (mussels and fries) and drink Belgian ale."

It all sounded good. In theory.

We walked around for a while this evening, and found ourselves near the Grand Place, down a cobblestone street where there were TONS of Italian restaurants. It was like Little Italy (in NYC) or the North End (in Boston). Everywhere we looked, menus stated they were serving moule and frites.

We chose a restaurant that was very faux Francais...



"Le Bourgeois."

I decided to "go with the flow" and order the delicious-looking moules and frites for dinner. But when they brought me my pot of "moules vin blanc avec frites," I found myself unable to eat any of the gorgeous treats from the shell.



See... I had forgotten the following:

• I don't eat shellfish. (Like, at ALL. Not even shrimp. I find it scary to eat something that lives in a shell.)
• That mussels in the shell remind me of vaginas. And I won't eat food that looks like human body parts to me...
  

I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm not "anti-vagina." I have "girl parts." I think they're cool. But these mussels were HUGE! And I am just not used to seeing them so big. And they were peeking out of the opened shells... And well...

I just couldn't eat them. I couldn't. That was a living thing. And all they had to do to kill it was apply some heat. It's different with a chicken, where you have to kill it before you can apply the heat (hopefully). So it was a "living beautiful vagina-looking" creature before they tossed it in some bin with hot water, white wine, celery and shallots.

Even though I didn't eat the mussels, I did dip my frites in the broth.



It was yummy.

I also ordered some crepes for dessert afterward...



These were pretty good. Frogger also ordered the moules et frites. She was able to eat all of hers and insisted, "They are delicious!"

I didn't doubt her. I imagine they were very good. They smelled delicious. But all I could do was turn them over in the pot they came in... Knocking the pieces of fish out of their shell. This then allowed me to dump the empty shells into my shell-pot... Making it look like I had eaten a good portion of them, when in fact I had not eaten a single bite of them.

Next times, maybe I will go for the "poullet (chicken) et frites." Stick with something I know I will eat?

On The Train To Brussels.

First Class Rail Service ROCKS!

Frogger and I have left Amsterdam, the land of Dutch bicycles, and are now moving on to Brussels. We will only get about a day and a half in that area, before we have to move on to Paris. We have been told many times that, "Brussels is so pretty!" So we are looking forward to seeing the beauty, drinking some Belgian beer, eating frites, and maybe buying some lace.

Oh, and we are going to try to hit up Bruges tomorrow.

I will be putting together podcasts and pictures for each city we visit. So be on the lookout for the Amsterdam one in the next few days!

Keukenhof: "It Is Not Aloud To Walk On The Grass."

For our second day in Amsterdam, Frogger and I decided to head out of the city and go to the Keukenhof garden.



The back of our tickets to the garden made it clear we weren't permitted to walk on the grass in the park...



We were at the garden for about five hours, and I ended up taking over 200 pictures in the monster garden. Here are a few of the ones I love best...

Space Cake: Had A Nibble.

After a canal ride and a tapas dinner, I dragged Frogger into a coffee shop last night.

Coffee shops in Amsterdam on pretty much two to a block. You can find them in Central Amsterdam everywhere. The one we went to last night was called, "Free World Coffee Shop." (In order to get in, you have to be 19 years of age, even if you have no interest to buy weed.)

Frogger wanted an anise-flavored tea, while I ordered a roobios tea for myself. While ordering it, I asked the guy behind the counter if he had any "baked" goods. He pointed to some containers behind him.

"We have the Space Cakes," he said.



"I'll try one," I said.

It had an "earthy" taste to it, but was very good... But other than waking up tired today, I felt nothing eating it. "No high."

Amsterdam: We've Arrived, But Not Impressed So Far.

Ugh... I forgot how taxing traveling is, and I am a good traveler.

We are now in Amsterdam, but I am either too exhausted or too irked to be impressed by it so far. Hopefully, after a shower a nap, I will be in better spirits. Here is what has exhausted/irked us so far:

• Got to airport three hours before flight. Check-in line (and you have to physically check-in for international flights) was almost snaking out the terminal door.
• Took 40 minutes to get to the front of the line, and Frogger was told her carry-on bag was too big to fit. She tried and tried, to no avail. She had to check-it, completely defeating the purpose of packing compactly. I however, was able to carry my luggage on to the flight.
• The line for security was even longer than the line for flight check-in... Though that line moved quicker.
• When we got through security, we only had 30 minutes to grab something to eat.
• Once boarded on plane, discovered we were put in the row in front of the bathroom... Which meant we were next to a bathroom and that our seats didn't really recline.
• Once FINALLY arrived in Amsterdam, went to get train tickets to get to Amsterdam Central, but discovered that credit cards were not working in the machine because they only accept 4-digit pin numbers, not the 6-digit ones our banks require. Had to walk around to find ticket counter to purchase tickets.
• Once on train, no one came to collect our tickets... Which negated the need for us to have hunted down where to buy tickets for 30 minutes.
• After arrival in the city's center, discovered hotel was being renovated, and had to enter through seedy side street.
• Also discovered that the travel company we booked the flights through didn't confirm hotel rooms for BOTH Frogger and I. Just her. The hotel fixed the issue right away. But I still sent email to the travel company asking, "WTF?"
• Hotel did not have two rooms all ready for check-in. Only one. So I am now in Frogger's room typing this. And I am DYING for a shower a nap in the worst way.
  

I am sure it will get better from here on out. But actually getting here was so taxing... I think I am done with Europe travel for a while after this.

Europe Checklist.

My flight leaves in a little over four hours. Here is what I have accomplished so far today:

• Grabbed coffee from Starbucks - √
• Made The Husband healthy Banana Nut Muffins so he won't starve this week. - √
• Boxed with The Trainer at the gym. (And ran into Yummy Mummy while there.) - √
• Re-hydrated after boxing and picked up some more groceries for The Husband for while I am gone. - √
• Went to Bikram and had a decent practice. - √
• Now washing some clothes (not to pack, just because) and getting ready to shower. - √

Busy morning! But I am now ready for my trip. Yay!!!

The Missus Says: "I Don't Want To Look Like A Tourist!"

Packing is a bi-atch, people!

As I've mentioned (probably a billion times), I leave for Europe tomorrow with my girl Frogger. (YAY!) And we both want to be fashionable while in Europe (aka, "Not look like complete tourists!"), but we insist on only bringing carry-on suitcases since we will be traveling by rail between cities.

Today's podcast is a glimpse into my experience packing for this trip...

(As always, please excuse the production quality!)

Newest Obsession: LARABAR Coconut Cream Pie.

Busy, busy morning... Looked at houses online with Husband... Sewed button on a coat... Showered... Met Yummy Mummy for coffee and chat... To the store for some last minute travel things... Grocery shopped... Now lunching (on watermelon and pineapple) and writing.... But am enjoying something sinfully good for me...

The new LARABAR Coconut Cream Pie bar.





OMG! I love LARABARs. Purely vegan, these are fantastic snack bars! And I am such an addict for anything coconut that I picked up a handful of these things to take with me to Europe tomorrow.

Workwear Boutique: I WISH I Could Be This Fancy!

When I was younger (like 15 years ago), I always envisioned myself in a career where I had to dress up for work each day and go into the office to do grown-up things... Like have "power lunches," make ground-breaking decisions and then go to corporate gym to work off stress at the end of each day. I had it in my mind that I would wear heels and suits every day to work. I would be "corporate girl chic." And that would require me to wear stuff like this...



This is from Net-a-Porter's new online "Workwear Boutique."

I never had a career where I had to dress this fancy. I imagine you only get to dress this chic if you work at an investment bank (which technically doesn't even exist anymore - as they are all now just "banks"), powerful law firm or fashion magazine (like in "The Devil Wears Prada.").

No, every career I have ever had (from the newsroom, to the PR firm, to the bridal consulting at the Evil Empire to all the marketing gigs), it never once required me to get this kind of chic. The most fancy-dress job I had was as the bridal consultant... And even then, you couldn't go too over-board, because you wanted the brides you worked with to feel more stylish and chic than you were. Plain Banana Republic or Ann Taylor suits, mixed with twin sets, was the modus operandi.

Every other job I had allowed me to mix jeans into my outfits, provided I still looked polished and professional to some extent. And so, I don't think I will ever have a need to get this fancy for work...

Though, I must confess, I am quite envious of those who do get to. Even though it's a lot of work to get that dressed up and coiffed each day, it really distinguishes your "work style" from your "casual style." Even before my "creative sabbatical" began, my "work" and "casual" styles were intertwined.

So much for teenage visions of the future!

Europe In Two Days! SQUEE!!!!!

I've been insanely busy the past few days... Between my birthday stuff, a few yoga classes, some small projects and moving stuff... I keep forgetting (momentarily) that I leave for Europe in two days.

YAY!

I was telling The Husband the other night that, "It's kind of funny that I am using my severance pay from a travel company to go on a multi-city European vacation."

He agreed that it was funny, but a well-deserved vacation. (For the record, I did offer to bring him with Frogger and me... But he kindly passed... As he knows it is more of a girls-getaway.)

It seems like, based on my last poll results, that many of you are like me... And not letting a "creative sabbatical" or "bummer" economy keep you from your vacations.



I think there's no finer time to travel, ESPECIALLY if you find yourself not working. You have the time... It can take you a while before you find a new job. And who says you can't surf Monster.com at night, while on vacation?

I once worked with a woman who got laid off fro ma previous job and spent the six weeks following it in the South Pacific. We were living in NYC then, and all you had to do to file for unemployment was phone in your claim each week. It took her a good three months to find a new job... One which didn't give her much vacation time to start. So she was happy she took the time when she had it.

"It was easier to de-stress in some place warm and beautiful," she reasoned. "And technology makes it easy to keep up connections and job-hunt."

So true! And imagine how fun it will be to explain to potential employers that you are a "positive person" and you "leveraged" your time off by having an adventure... Rather than freaking out and being sad.

"Dear Cyber-Stalker..."

Dear Cyber-Stalker,

I know you know me personally. You have left comments from time-to-time, usually "anonymously," on my blog. They are always nasty comments. I get it...

1. You're scared of me. I could kick your ass verbally, probably physically too, if you ever said these comments to me in person.
2. You're jealous of me. I mean, I have a blog that has a readership. (It's taken over three years of writing, but I have a nice following and appreciate it!) And I keep things civil and positive on it... With the exception of your nasty comments. I understand why you are jealous. You want people to read your words and actively comment too. But you probably have nothing kind or fun to say.

If you ever do get the balls to start a blog of your own, I will enthusiastically link to it from my blog. And if you also ever get the balls to tell me who you really are, I will appreciate your feedback.

But don't bother leaving comments that read, "You have no class!" or "Taco Bell is having a two for one sale. Wishing you got a box full of class from the Husband." The "cyber-bullying" is just childish. And you are clearly some much older (than a junior high schooler) hag who should know better.

Bottom line: You start something with me, I will finish it and finish you. You want to go toe-to-toe verbally? Bring it on. I have the venom and the verbiage to take your ass down. Feel like playing?

Now go fuck yourself.

XOXO,
The Missus

P.S. I worked for Taco Bell back in high school, and I know for certain they never have "2-for-1" sales. They pride themselves on providing food quickly and economically. So please, if you leave comments, try to come up with better quips.

P.P.S. Go fuck yourself, and your "class" obsession.

"...I Think You're Much Cooler Than Jesus.:

Yay! I just got a birthday Someecard from Frogger...



The message she wrote with it:

Happy Birthday!!! Have a wonderful day, and for what it's worth, I think you're much cooler than Jesus.

That's sweet. Though, I don't know if that will score me many points with the Big J. He already thinks I am a jerk based on a quiz I took on Facebook ...

Jesus knows me well. And he doesn't think much of me.

B-Day Drinks & Date.

The Husband took me out today for my b-day. Though my birthday is technically not until tomorrow, we decided today would be better than Easter Sunday. On the agenda for today was...

• An afternoon showing of Adventureland.
• Drinks & appetizer at the Mandarin Hotel. (I went with the "Garden Martini," which had strawberries and basil in it...)

• Ending with dinner at Sel de la Terre.

Tomorrow I will be doing brunch with a friend, a Bikram class and who knows what else. I will probably keep it very low-key though.

Airplane Beauty Ritual: Hydration! Hydration! Hydration!

T-minus 4.5 days till I leave for Europe. (Yay!) Frogger and I are catching a flight to London, where we will then connect to a flight to Amsterdam. The first leg of our trip over is the longest. I will likely do what I always do as soon as I sit down in my seat on any plane: Fall asleep.

But before I do, I will be slathering on one of my favorite products:



Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask.

This is a hydrating mask I have written about in the past. It's so thick, but light. And it works heavenly. Additionally, the smell of it is heavenly - but then, I think that about pretty much all of the Fresh products I use.

We all know (or rather, you should) that airplane air is nasty and dehydrating. So in an effort to combat this and keep my face from looking puffy and haggardly, I will performing the following ritual.

1. Hit 7am Bikram class. (The inversions and exertion in class will help me sleep on the plane.)
2. A few hours later, workout with trainer. (This will also help tire me out, and make me feel less restless.)
3. Beginning four hours before showing up to the airport, down 64 ounces of water. (This won't be difficult, as I will be re-hydrating from morning workouts.)
4. Rinse make-up off before boarding the plane. (It would be obscene not to show up wearing a little mineral foundation at least!)
5. Once boarded, spray face with Fresh Rose Marigold Tonic Water. (I use this every day before I put on my moisturizer.)
6. Then, slather on black tea mask... Place a small amount on forehead, neck, cheeks and "laugh line" areas. Avoid nose and most of chin. (I don't have dehydration problems in those two areas.)
7. Wipe off excess mask from finger tips with hand wipes.
8. Dab eye cream around my eyes.
9. Dab lip balm on lips.
10. Pull hair back in silky scrunchie. (Don't laugh! These things are GREAT for avoiding tangles in long hair when you sleep.)
11. Eat some fruit. Try not to eat in-flight meal. (Adds to puffiness of all sorts: face, waistline, ass...)
12. Watch Twilight. (It's one of the few movies being offered on the way over to London that I will gladly watch.)
13. Fall asleep.

Once I land in London, I will rinse the mask off. One of the creators of Fresh recommends you keep the mask on overnight, so it is okay to keep it on for the six hour flight to London.

The flight from London to Amsterdam is much quicker. So I won't worry about repeating the process a second time. I may spritz some more of the tonic on my face, and add some of my regular moisturizer. But that's it.

Ted Baker "Burnaby" Blazer From Therapy.

I have been craving a tuxedo-like blazer for quite a while now. A delicious black one, which I could throw over dresses, tees, blouses, tank tops... Whatever. It could be dressed up or down. And it would be non-stop androgynous sexy.

Today, I finally found my blazer.



It's the Ted Baker "Burnaby" Blazer... And I got it for a great price at Therapy in the Trilogy building by Fenway.

Therapy is the sister store to Jean Therapy, my favorite place to buy jeans in the WORLD. (Side Note: After two years of talking non-stop about the place, Bail FINALLY went and visited the place tonight. She now has jeans that fit better than anything! Now, to get Frogger there...)

Therapy is going to be under-going a makeover of sorts, and now everything in the store is marked off 50%.

There were a few things I wanted, including a black soft-leather bag made in Vancouver. But I need to be careful about dipping into my set-aside Europe budget before I leave next week. (Though, should I not go through all my Europe budget, I will be returning to Therapy in hopes that something is left.)

Besides the blazer, I also picked up this dreamy Voluspa jasmine-scented candle...



I love the jar. Perfect for my rings, once the candle is used up!

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Guacamole Pizza.

Since The Husband does eat meat and I do not (right now), I often have to make meals with at least two different view points. Last night it was the lemon and dill cod/chicken. Tonight, it was pizza...



His favorite kind of pizza is pepperoni with green (not black) olives. I, however, have been craving avocados like crazy lately. I had one for lunch today on a veggie burger/avocado/sprouts/mustard/sprouted bread sandwich...



And then I mushed one up and put it on the pizza dough with red onion, tomato sauce, crushed red pepper and some mozzarella.



It was a spicy, healthy (at least my half was) and tasty pizza.

European Travel Chic.

I spent a small chunk of my afternoon yesterday at Starbucks, plotting out what I am going to take (wardrobe-wise) to Europe.

I am visiting three/four European cities on this trip. And I am only taking my McQueen Hero upright carry-on, so I have to be selective and merciless with what goes in it. Currently, here is what I am thinking...



Still not sure about bringing the Dior stilettos... It may be too cold for them. And I will be wearing the trench and Hunter wellies on-board the flight. And there will be at least two pairs of jeans, if not three in there. And I will also be packing a pair of Bikram yoga practice pieces, as I will be able to hit a class in two of the cities I visit.

You have to be strategic with packing!

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Dill & Lemon "Spring."

Inspired by last night's Seder cod, I decided to repeat it on chicken for The Husband... And on another piece of cod, for me.

I marinated the two pieces of meat with lemon slices,, two tablespoons of chopped fresh dill and extra virgin olive oil...



I then baked them in the oven for about 20 minutes, along with some asparagus, at 375 degrees. Then I made some simple couscous to go with it all...



This is a total Springtime dish. And it was really good, and very healthy.

Coco Avant Chanel.

I am DYING to see Coco Avant Chanel, the Coco Chanel biopic starring Audrey Tautou.



There is no set U.S. release date. So I figured I would just catch it in Paris in a few weeks. But it looks like I can not... It opens the day that I leave Paris to come back to the U.S.

Ahh!

I Ate Meat. But It Was So Worth It.

Yes. I ate some meat. And with only four days left to go in Lent. But, it was for a good reason: Passover.

Okay, so I know I am not Jewish. But I was honored with an invite to a Passover Seder. And it was very educational and the food was delicious. And I'm not sorry, but I couldn't pass up this gorgeous brisket that Frogger made...



I had one slice of it, and that was it. It was delicious. And I am sure that the cow it came from had a happy life. Plus, I ate it as part of a religious tradition. So I think God is A-okay with that.

(Seriously, though... For someone who doesn't really eat meat herself, and almost NEVER cooks red meat... Frogger did a kick ass job rocking her Grammy's recipe.)

Rocking The Passover Seder With Sweets!

Tonight, The Husband and I will be going over to our friend Bail and Whale's house for Passover Seder. Frogger wanted to cook her Grammy's brisket recipe, and Whale wanted an opportunity to host a serious Seder.

However, I should point out that (I believe) most of the people in attendance will not be Jewish. Still, we plan to rock that Seder. And my contribution?

Macaroons made from scratch...



And Matzo Toffee...



I even used kosher chocolate chips! I have already taste-tested both... And it is delicious. Unfortunately, since I am off meat, I will not tasting Grammy's brisket recipe. But Frogger is making a cod as well. So I will have something other than the brisket or lamb that is being served.

Can't wait!

BY POPULAR REQUEST:
Matzo Toffee Recipe from Martha Stewart Everyday Food.

Real Housewives Of New Jersey: It Looks AWESOME!

Dear Real Housewives Of New Jersey,

My apologies. I am so sorry for writing this blog post a year ago and doubting that your show would be good. I just watched the preview for your upcoming season, and all I can say is...

"OH HOLY HELL! THIS IS GOING TO BE THE BEST 'REAL HOUSEWIVES' YET!"

... And I hope like mad hell that I can get this show up in Toronto when I move there in May. Or else I may CRY!

XOXO,
The Missus

Wavy-Haired Girl's Dilemma.

Until I hit the age of 14, m hair was naturally straight. It was thick, and had lots of body to it. But this was 1991... And I had been getting my hair permed at the local JC Penney Salon for a few years, always with the same style: spiral curl.

After about six months, the perm would be nearly all gone. But I managed to make it last quite a while. My trick: mousse, Aussie Scrunch Spray and gel. I washed it every single day. And every single day, these three products would go in it.

But when I reached the age of 14, for some reason, my hair decided to become wavy. (Must have been the hormones of puberty.) And I no longer needed to pay for my hair to be permed. But by the time I was 15, the "Kelly Taylor" straight hair and soft bang was the preferred style... And a new vicious cycle began...

The straight perm.

I would take at-home perming kits and put them in my hair. Only instead of curling my hair, I would take a very fine-toothed comb and constantly comb it straight while the activator was in it. Eventually I trained my hair and could get it to be thick, soft and full of body... With just a touch of curl at the ends. The trick was hot rollers. And to this day, I still use them when I wash and dry my hair. But that doesn't happen that often.

No... I have now embraced my natural waves. Occasionally, I will wear it straightened. But I like the "boho" quality my natural hair type has. And I am not alone in feeling this way about my natural hair... One other reader feels the same way about her own hair.

From Brahmin in Boston:

I was thinking about the right kind of shampoo for my hair. It seems that we both have same kind of hair type.

...My hair is wavy/slightly curly. I would love to keep it that way. I wash my hair twice a week.

Now to the problem:
After I wash my hair, it stays smooth and curly but after it dries out. It is a different story altogether! Curls go away... And it becomes frizzy. Also I NEVER blow dry my hair - partly because I fear the damage and partly because it is waaay to thick to do it single-handedly!

Do you know of nay hair products which can maintain the waves just as they are without turning them frizzy after drying? I don't have any patience at all with the gazillion products on the market anymore! Currently I am using Dove conditioner which seem to be good but I am searching for the better...

To be honest, it's a never-ending quest for the best products for wavy/curly-haired girls. Here is what I recommend, currently, as I have found it to work for me, and hopefully it will work for you too:

When Wetting Your Hair:

1. Wash hair only once a week with shampoo. I like L'Oreal's EverPure (sulfate-free) Shampoo.
2. Rinse hair daily (or every other day) with just water. Follow with a thick, creamy conditioner. I like Pantene.
3. After you conditioner your hair, spray Bumble and Bumble Hair Tonic in it. Let it's tea tree oil infusion set in to your scalp. You will feel it "tingling."
4. Comb through your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
5. Spray and scrunch a "beach wave" product into your hair. Twirl some pieces around your fingers, making chunky curls. This will help define the curls as they dry. Bumble and Bumble's Surf Spray is a classic. But I also like the Wave Creating Spray by Frederic Fekkai.

When Not Wetting Your Hair (Days that you skip washing/rinsing it):

1. Sleep with your hair twisted up (loosely) in a scrunchie. (No, I am not kidding.)
2. When you wake up, mist some water in your hair. (Keep a spray bottle with water, or use those Evian misters.) This will lightly moisten your hair.
3. Use a styling wax (I like Umi's Sitewax) to comb and redefine your locks.
4. Never run a comb through your hair unless it's wet from being washed.

I hope this helps!

Review: REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask.

Last week I picked up a new mask, the REN Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask.



It was replacing another mask that I had loved using for a few years. The old mask was great because it worked. I could feel it tingling... It smelled great... And I could see a "refreshing glow" to my skin. So, would the new REN mask be able to get the job done as well as the old one???

Yes. Yes it would.

The REN mask is much gentler on my skin though. I don't feel a tingling. And I don't experience a small break out a day after using it, as I would with the Murad mask. But I get the same "refreshing glow."

I guess it doesn't have to "sting" or "tingle" for you to know it is working.

Eggplant Gratin.

I would have loved to file this one under "Healthy Dish for the Weak," but... It ain't exactly healthy. Eggplant Gratin is, however, very much delicious.

Layering into the gratin dish was easy, after I gently browned the eggplant slices in olive oil.



And it turned out beautifully...



I served it over angel hair pasta, my favorite noodle...



I will absolutely be making this again. Only I will slice the eggplant even thinner than the recipe calls for - hoping it reminds me of a fabulous eggplant gratin Frogger had when we were in Rome last year.

3-1-1 Limits: My Carry-On Essentials.

With my brother and sister-in-law here this weekend, it kicked some sense into me and made me realize that in a week and a half I will be leaving for Europe... FOR JUST OVER A WEEK. That means I have got to make sure that I have everything I absolutely need for those eight days, in terms of liquid toiletries.

I am not a person who needs to take a great number of things with me when I travel. I mean, I wear mineral make-up, so that doesn't have to be put into a special bag. I use crystal deodorant, which isn't a liquid... So "ditto." Also, my sunblock is in my mineral powder, which means I don't have to worry about specialized packing for that either.

So when I go to pack my 3-1-1 baggie with my toiletries (because I am NOT checking a bag), this is what I need to go in it...

• Rosewater toner
• Soy face cleanser
• Soy face cream
• Toothpaste
• Two containers of conditioner (I don't bring shampoo - I just use what they have in the hotel.)
• Hair tonic with tea tree oil
• Spray-in hair conditioner (I need lots of conditioner for my hair. It's a frizzy, wavy mess otherwise.)
• Two kinds of scented body lotion
• Contact solution
• Hair serum (To give my curls some definition.)

But can I get it all into my baggie???



Yes, yes I can. But barely.

Anthropologie Cloverleaf Blouse.

I'm such a whore for a specific style when I find something that totally works for my body type. I give you the Anthropologie Cloverleaf Blouse...



Similar to the Marc by Marc Jacobs and Joie tops... I am non-stop Boho-chic these days.

Joie "Eve" Blouse: Boho Sexy.

Last Fall I ruined my favorite blouse...



It was a Marc by Marc Jacobs top that I had bought two years ago. It would have looked great on anyone... It was flowy and feminine. And I could even get away with wearing it at work. But one walk through a crowded (although, fabulous) bar in Fort Point ruined it.

Lesson: Beware of sharp corners!

I had been searching for months for a replacement. And yesterday, I found one..



The Joie "Eve" top!

It's more sheer than the Marc by Marc Jacobs top, so I will have to wear a camisole underneath it. But it's very "boho" and still sexy.

"First Lady Chic."

In case you haven't heard (and really - you should have), Michelle Obama is an obscene fashion obsession for Europeans. The Obamas are in Europe this week, making the acquaintances of foreign leaders and dignitaries. And yesterday, the British press was LOVING her style.

I think most of us feel the same way about Michelle Obama... She is a natural style icon. While I didn't immediately love her inauguration suit or ballgown, they have grown on me. And I find them very reflective and in step with her style. And the consistent chicness is refreshing from her. I can identify with what she wears, and I would wear most of what she has worn.

She is inspiring.

Now, as I flip through fashion sites, I see myself spotting pieces that I have dubbed as being "very Michelle." In fact, I put together a fashion-scape with something inspired by the First Lady...



I would absolutely wear this. I don't know if she would... But I love the full skirt paired with the J. Crew cardigan. And the white blouse is reminiscent of her inaugural ballgown. The cuff and the Balenciaga bag are pure "me"... But I think she would approve.

It's Gotta Be The Bikram...

After injuring my calf muscle last week, and having the walk-in clinic doctor insist I walk only with crutches... I finally had my follow-up with one of Boston's best orthopedists. But he was baffled...

See, I explained to him that for the first two days, I couldn't walk. And that my ankle and foot were swollen. (I even showed him pictures of it.) But that now it was perfectly fine. And that I had seen my trainer three times and been to Bikram once since.

"You should still be in pain," he said. "But, I'm not going to argue with it. You likely pulled a very small tendon. As to why it seems to have healed itself, I do not know."

He encouraged me to "keep doing the yoga." And I have to agree with his advice. Bikram yoga is healing. I think my body may have healed itself because of it.

Channeling My Inner Stepford Housewife.

So far today, I have made healthy muffins, veggie enchiladas (for dinner tonight), swept, washed and pressed sheets, dusted and vacuumed. And before I did any of this, I showered, got dressed with make-up and semi-fixed my hair.

It made me feel somewhat like a Stepford Housewife...



Only I'm not wearing a pretty Spring dress and white sandals. My make-up is also not that heavy.

I joked with Frogger and Bail this weekend with a, "Wouldn't it be fun to see if I could live the life of a Stepford Housewife for like a week?"

"You know... Wake up. Get dressed - wearing a dress, heels, make-up and beautifully coiffed hair. Make breakfast for The Husband. Clean my house wearing an apron. Make dinner."
They both laughed.

"You couldn't make it a day without laughing it off and giving up!" proclaimed Frogger.

And she is probably right. I probably couldn't do it and take it all seriously.

Healthy Dish For The Weak: Banana Walnut Muffins.

I had some bananas lying around that were nice and spotty. And once that happens, I always like to make banana bread or muffins with them.



But today I decided that I would try a healthier approach to the baking of them. Instead of butter, flour and sugar, I went with white spelt flour, turbinado sugar and canola oil.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups white spelt flour
• 2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup turbinado sugar
• 3 beaten eggs
• 2/3 cup of canola oil
• 3 ripe bananas, cut into small chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Mix the dry ingredients (baking soda, flour, salt) together. Mix oil, sugar, eggs and bananas together. Combine the two sets into one bowl, and stir in the walnuts. Bake for 30-35 minutes in a 350 degree oven.

I am enjoying one large muffin with my soy latte as I write this.



YUMMY!

April Fools: Ascots Are For Assholes.

I got up and realized it's April 1st today. I don't know about you, but I am not big on practical jokes... Big or small ones.

Sorry to be a "spoil sport," but I think they're mean. And I have seen others play practical jokes that got really out of hand in the past. Thankfully, no one has ever played a big one on me... Because I am the type of person who would stop talking to someone if they did.

But what about you? Are you the type who gets totally in to practical jokes and April Fools? Or are you like me, and hate that kind of thing?



I don't get this "April Fools" photo... But I liked it because the guy is wearing an ASCOT. What an ASSHOLE.