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Eating healthy just got simpler.  Recently the USDA replaced the old food pyramid with a new MyPlate icon.  Most of us should be eating smaller amounts of food, as well as, making healthier choices.  Precise Portions , a new line of porcelain dinnerware takes the guesswork out of figuring out what and how much food to put on your plate.  It's not that we can't enjoy an occasional treat; but we should be eating more fruits and vegetables, a portion of starch or whole grains, proteins and dairy most of the time.  Designed by a dietician, the dinnerware follows the new USDA guidelines.  It shows you what a portion is [usually the size of a clinched fist], and reminds you what a balanced diet looks like. It's easier to be a mindful eater when the information is right there on your dinner plate staring you in the face.  A shocking percentage of children and adults in the US are not just overweight ... but are obese.  This set makes a great gift for f...

The Secret Sisters singing a song written by Hank Williams. They can sing anything ... and do. Click here . Thanksgiving.  What a lovely holiday, centered around family, great food, (music in our house) and perhaps a little reflection and tradition. According to historians, Native Americans and early colonists [in Jamestown and New England] were accustomed to holding days of prayer and celebrations, thanking God for blessings, such as safe travel, victory in battles or a successful harvest.  In the New World thanksgiving services were quite common. Well folks, here we are again, observing a tradition, which lives on into the 21st century.  So as you take a moment to gather around and remember your blessings, enjoy the day!  As one of my buddies said, "Get out the pajama jeans!"   You're sure to need the stretch. According to my readings, Native Americans ate a diet of maize, beans and squash.  One of their thanksgiving dishes consisted of a large pumpkin s...

Calphalon Nonstick Covered Fry $39.95-$49.95 Vinturi Wine Aerator $39.95 Williams-Sonoma is, hands down, my favorite store for kitchenwares and home furnishings.  I love the specialty foods too.  Since the goods are expensive, I must be careful not to empty my wallet shopping there.  [If only I had Ivanka Trump's budget, I could have the entire line ... and join the wine club.  Dream on here .  Hand-picked wines make a sure-to-please gift for someone special.] The company was started in 1956 by Chuck Williams, who appreciated the restaurant quality of French cookware and wanted to introduce it to Americans.  Williams bought a hardware store in Northern California.  He restocked the hardware with imported French cookware.  Now there are over 260 retail stores across the USA and Canada. The pots, pans and utensils are high end.  Buy one of the store's prime culinary tools, and you'll never have to replace it.  Watch for sales to get value ...

Victoria's Secret Collection  (The marks are the alphabet on a scanned page.) Autumn is boot season.  Tall or short, high or low, zip-up or lace-up, there's a fashion, fit and function to flatter every foot and pair of legs.  Boots can complete an outfit, while protecting you from the elements.  Whether you are angling for a polished look, or trying to keep old man winter at bay, there's a choice and length of boot to help you look your fabulous best.  My picks are very often low heels and working boots.  I walk for miles on concrete, so my boots have to withstand the punishment of city streets, as well as, be kind to my feet.  I don't want to develop bunions or hammer toes, but won't sacrifice on style.  With choice galore, there's no reason we can't be chic and comfortable, simultaneously.  And REAlly , boots are made for walking ... so why settle for less.  When your feet are happy, you are happy. Retailers offering lots of boot ...

Good Health is priceless, and preventive medicine pays.  It's always easier to nip a medical problem in the bud, than to treat a chronic disease.  If detected early, skin cancer can be removed in a doctor's office, and breast cancer treated as outpatient surgery.  Sometimes a doctor's advice about diet and exercise can even stop a patient from developing an illness, which would then require medicine or surgery to treat.  In our 20s we may feel invincible, but hopefully, we know better as we mature.  A trusted doctor is important to have, and regular checkups can help you maintain optimal heath.  Below is a cheat sheet for the checkups you need and at what age to begin (i.e. add a new exam):  Your 20s Men and Women : 1. Internist or family doctor – Go once a  year for a general checkup: Your doctor draws your blood (so you may have to fast) and takes urine and stool samples to check your general health and screen for an assortment of diseases....

Gwyneth Paltrow gets the credit for today's post.  On her blog, GOOP , she has her London makeup artist, Emma Lovell, show us how to apply makeup.  To be sure, it's excellent advice, but too many steps for me.  And it's unlikely most woman will buy all the recommended products.  So I reduced the steps and added my own spin from tips makeup artists have shared with me over the years.  Admittedly, it's still a case of do what I say and not as I do since, I rarely use foundation, mascara, or an eyelash curler.  And, people may be thinking that I should use all of them.  If you are thinking it, be nice!  Below are my Emma Lovell-inspired tips on how to do your own makeup ... along with recommendations for products to save a few bucks. Always lovely, Lauren Graham For daytime : 1. Start with a clean face and neck. You can use witch hazel . 2. Moisturize your face, neck, and lips.  During the day, use a moisturizer with sunscreen like Olay Complet...