Girl Talk

[Barefoot]

Yes Bare! At Shingles "R" Us! Why on earth are you worried about the Shingles??? Nutjob! Worrying about the Shingles will give you the Shingles! Hahaha!:loco:

Chels, you witch, I already tried Shingles "R" Us ... they just sell roofing supplies.

I've already had shingles twice, which is why I am worrying about getting them a third time. I don't have a family doctor and I'm not sure if they give the shots at walk-in clinics. Just thought someone might know.

Speaking of shots, Fireboy got a swine flu shot today. Being a first responder, firefighters are encouraged to get shots. I'm wondering if anyone who lives in The Bubble will bother to get the shot.

[uujudy]

Bare, you had shingles TWICE? Oh, poor baby!

I thought that once I you had them you would be immune! (I'm asking because I heard that Canadians know more about medical things. It might just be a rumor, but doesn't everybody go to Canada for modern medical cures?) Does the vaccination work if you've already had shingles once?
:shrug:

Judy

[graciegirl]

Sweetie and I inquired about the Shingles shot at our local Krogers grocery store up north where we get our seasonal flu shots. They cost several hundred dollars. Sweetie got Shingles from our grandson when he had Chicken Pox. It was very painful.

[Barefoot]

Bare, you had shingles TWICE? Oh, poor baby!
I thought that once I you had them you would be immune! (I'm asking because I heard that Canadians know more about medical things. It might just be a rumor, but doesn't everybody go to Canada for modern medical cures?) Does the vaccination work if you've already had shingles once?
:shrug: Judy

Thanks uujudy, nice to see you back!

You definitely can have shingles more than once. And I'm told the vacination works even if you've had shingles previously. The vacination isn't readily available in Canada yet. Canada has socialized medicine, most treatments are free. We're a leader in that aspect. However I think most new medical procedures and medicines are developed first in the USA.

I had shingles twice. Each time, for some unexplained reason, I knew immediately what it was. I caught it early, within 24 hours, and started treating it myself immediately. Both time it was confirmed by doctors the following day. I got off lightly because I caught it so early.

If you suddenly have an unexplained rash anywhere .. be suspicious and have it checked out immediately. I know people who've been off work for more than a year. Remember Dave Letterman .. he had shingles and was off work for quite a while. Shingles can be extremely painful and long lasting. It can even cause blindness if you get it on your face.

And on a more cheerful note, it's a beautiful day in The Villages!

[uujudy]

Hi GracieGirl! Good talking to you again! I think the shingles vaccination was $225 back in September when The Villages had the flu shot clinics at the recreation centers. Anybody who's had shingles would tell you that it's worth every penny.

Bare, I wish I'd known I still needed the shot back in September. Mr. Judy got his at flu shot time back in Utah. He never had shingles, but he saw what I went through. My good friend (we diagnosed her over the phone) got shingles on her head. She went through 3 doctors who told her to keep an eye on "that rash" and was finally diagnosed by her eye doctor. By that time she had some severe damage to her cornea, and now she has scarring on her eye.

Folks, Bare is absolutely right. If you have a strange rash or a group of little blisters, see a doctor immediately. I believe you only have 48 hours if you want antiviral medicine, because it doesn't work after that. ( I'm not a doctor; I just play one on totv) :icon_wink: I could be wrong. Is there a doctor in the house?

[barb1191]

About 15 yrs ago, I suffered with shingles on my head (over the left eye) and although it didn't go into my eyes, my eyes became infected (but not shingles infection) which, thank goodness, had no lasting effect on my eyes and cleared up okay. Very so very painful.

Bill also had a bout of shingles a couple of years ago around his lower back and he also was in terrible pain.

BF, I did see an ad about shingles injections in TV and I can't recall where I saw it. It had to be either the TV Sun newspaper ad or in the new TV book that was just published. So sorry to not have this info for you, I've search the Sun ads daily and don't see it. Haven't looked at the magazine yet though. Do you think that the hospital would have that information for you?

[Barefoot]

Exciting news .. I met Boomer today. :clap2: :2excited:

Yes, she does exist, although she seems to be travelling incognito. She came to the Dog Park and tracked me down. What a detective.

She is really cute and young and personable. If you ever get to meet her, I know you'll like her. I wish she'd spend more time with us.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the same time I'm excited to have met Boomer, I am just so very sad that we lost Muncle. I feel like I've lost a treasured friend. :cry:

[katezbox]

Bare and Boom

Sorry I missed you all - was at DDRR earlier today.

k

[graciegirl]

Kate. We need to meet up. Hope to see old friends tomorrow night at Havana.

[emily]

Bare, I got a Shingles vaccination from my local doctor here in TV. I think it cost $100 or $200.

I know adults who had shingles, and I do not ever want to get Shingles.

Emily

[Barefoot]

Bare, I got a Shingles vaccination from my local doctor here in TV. I think it cost $100 or $200. I know adults who had shingles, and I do not ever want to get Shingles.
Emily

Thanks Emily. Because I'm Canadian I don't have a family doctor here in TV. I called a local Walk-In Clinic but they don't give the shots. I guess I'll just keep poking around until I find someone who will innoculate me.

[barb1191]

Hi BF: Hope this helps......b

Below is a list of locations that may offer ZOSTAVAX

If a health care provider that you are looking for isn't listed, call the office directly to ask if they offer ZOSTAVAX.

Please contact the location directly before your visit to obtain complete details including vaccine availability and ability to process different types of insurance claims if you have insurance to cover the vaccine.

Currently our database only lists pharmacies, but your regular doctor may also carry ZOSTAVAX. You may want to call to find out if your regular doctor has the vaccine.

LEESBURG FAMILY MEDICINE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
201 LAGRANDE BLVD
LADY LAKE, FL 32159
(352) 787-1324
Get Map

EMMANUEL CHRISTIAN HEALTH CENTER ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
918 ROLLING ACRES RD
STE 1
LADY LAKE, FL 32159
(352) 259-1991
http://www.vivianjwoodardmd.com
Get Map


This database is populated with information provided by the location providing ZOSTAVAX. The inclusion of locations in the Merck & Co., Inc. database is not an endorsement of the locations, nor is Merck making representations or guarantees about the qualifications, competence or skills of any health care provider.

ZOSTAVAX is a vaccine that can help prevent Shingles in adults 60 years of age or older.
Once you reach age 60, the sooner you get vaccinated, the better your chances of protecting yourself from Shingles. ZOSTAVAX is given as a single shot. ZOSTAVAX cannot be used to treat Shingles, or the nerve pain that may follow Shingles, once you have it. Talk to your health care professional to see if ZOSTAVAX is right for you.

Important Safety Information
ZOSTAVAX may not protect everyone who gets the vaccine.
You should not get ZOSTAVAX if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including gelatin or neomycin, have a weakened immune system, take high doses of steroids, or are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Possible side effects include redness, pain, itching, swelling, warmth, or bruising at the injection site, as well as headache.
ZOSTAVAX contains a weakened chickenpox virus. Tell your health care provider if you will be in close contact with newborn infants, someone who may be pregnant and has not had chickenpox or been vaccinated against chickenpox, or someone who has problems with their immune system. Your health care provider can tell you what situations you may need to avoid.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please read the Patient Product Information or Prescribing Information and discuss it with your doctor or health care provider.

[Barefoot]

Just wondering ... I need to get my carpets cleaned. I always think that steam cleaning, where they take away dirty water, is preferable to "dry" cleaning. Any thoughts?

I see that Scott Brown from Eco Power and Lotto are two cleaners that have been recommended on previous threads. Does anyone know anything about them?


P.S.
Thanks Barb for the Shingles Vacine info. I found a Walk-in Clinic over on Highway 441 who will give the shot for $220. I talked to a few family doctors but they all insist I must be "processed" as a new patient and pay an additional $150 on top of the shingles vacine cost.

[graciegirl]

I think steam cleaning is the best carpet cleaning and I need to look into it too. A friend had her whole house ( Whispering Pine) cleaned for less than two hundred dollars but I will have to ask her who she used. They did a great job.

[Barefoot]

I booked "Lotto" cleaners for Sunday morning to steam clean the carpets. He has been recommended on this site. I'll let you know what I think.

Having a house for sale, as many of you know, is an exhausting experience! I seem to be spending all my time picking up and cleaning. :rant-rave:

[bogart]

Hi, Bare --
Do you have your villa for sale? If so, are you moving to larger spaces? I know you love your current location.

Just curious.............?

[Barefoot]

Hi, Bare --
Do you have your villa for sale? If so, are you moving to larger spaces? I know you love your current location. Just curious.............?

Bogart, I want to get together with you to play mahjongg .. are you in The Bubble?

We've purchased another house in the Village of Belvedere, about ten blocks from our current Villa. I just love this central location. A bit larger, with a Man Cave for Fireboy when he retires.

But now we need to sell our Courtyard Villa. And we just added a birdcage with a view of the golf course which we love. :ohdear: I thought I was going to be sitting around with my feet up this winter; but apparently not!!

[bogart]

Thanks for the update. Now all of Canada knows where they can stay when they visit The Villages!

Will you continue to be on the golf course with a view? We're on the golf course in Colorado and love it ---- really miss not having a view with our villa in TV. Maybe I can scatter some golf balls in the tiny backyard and have a golf course mural painted on the walls.

Would love to play mah-jongg. We'll be snowbirding January, February and March.
Hope to see you and other TOTVillagers then.

Bo

[KathieI]

I used Lotto a few months ago. Excellent work. Very thorough and the carpet smelled so nice. He even did my area rug for me, he's a great guy. Bare, I'm sure you'll like him. He's great at getting doggy odors out. Good luck,,,
Tell me more about your villa!!!

[Barefoot]

I've been noticing a product advertised on television that promises fuller, darker eyelashes. Duh .. I can't remember the name of the product. I think it is Brooke Shields that they are using for a spokesperson. I'm just wondering if anyone has tried it.

I googled Revitalash and the comments seemed to be that it was very burning and irritating to apply. Is there anything that works? I'd be very hesitant to put any chemicals near my eyes.

Change of topic.

I met Katebox the other day and she is just as cute as a button.

[Boomer]

Hi Barefoot,

When I saw the eyelash stuff you asked about advertised on television, my first thought was that I had heard somewhere a while back that there was a prescription drug for glaucoma that had been shown to have the unexpected effect of growing eyelashes longer and thicker.

The link here is to Allergan's eyelash-growing drug Latisse.

http://www.latisse.com/

And here is the link to Allergan's glaucoma drug Lumigan. Notice one of the side effects of Lumigan that is listed.

http://www.lumigan.com/

Same company. Different forms of the drug maybe?

I remember thinking at the time I first heard about the side effect that the drug would probably end up researched and marketed in some other form that could be prescribed to grow eyelashes.

Would I use it for longer eyelashes? ... No.

Would I like longer eyelashes? ... Sure would.

Am I a big chicken? ... Yes. If I were not a big chicken, I would have had a little work done by now. Eyelids. But I am a big chicken. And with this eyelash growing drug, they sure do spout a long list of side effects in that ad. So it will have to be just me and my Lancome soft eyeliner pencil and my Maybelline Great Lash in that pink and green tube.

But I did read the other day that somebody famous (can't remember who) wears two Spanx at the same time. Now, that's a beauty tip I might have to try. Sounds like it might have side effects, too, though. Misery comes to mind.

Boomer

[graciegirl]

I too would like long lashes but I sure wouldn't use Latisse. One of the side effects is that it can permanently change eye color from blue to brown and cause itching lids.

Doesn't seem safe to me.

[katezbox]

[QUOTE=Barefoot;237362


I met Katebox the other day and she is just as cute as a button.[/QUOTE]

Oh Bare,

You are so sweet.... I was thinking great things about the eyelash stuff - until I researched it - ugh.... I will stick with Cover Girl that you but 3 to a pack at Costco...

[Boomer]

I realize there are medical conditions that cause complete loss of eyelashes and where this may be something worth considering. But most of the Latisse market will be those who just want longer, thicker lashes. I think I would have to simply glue them on if I were that worried about it.

And did you see the side effect where if you get it on some other area, you should be sure to wipe it off because you might grow hair there. With my lack of coordination, I would probably end up with eyelashes growing out of the side of my nose.

Now, I wonder if their next research will be for baldness. I bet they are in the lab even as we speak.

Allergan is also the Botox company I think. Like I said somewhere in this long thread, I just keep my bangs. My Botox bangs. No forehead wrinkles that way.

Boomer

[Whalen]

Hi Barefoot,

When I saw the eyelash stuff you asked about advertised on television, my first thought was that I had heard somewhere a while back that there was a prescription drug for glaucoma that had been shown to have the unexpected effect of growing eyelashes longer and thicker.

The link here is to Allergan's eyelash-growing drug Latisse.

http://www.latisse.com/

And here is the link to Allergan's glaucoma drug Lumigan. Notice one of the side effects of Lumigan that is listed.

http://www.lumigan.com/

Same company. Different forms of the drug maybe?

I remember thinking at the time I first heard about the side effect that the drug would probably end up researched and marketed in some other form that could be prescribed to grow eyelashes.

Would I use it for longer eyelashes? ... No.

Would I like longer eyelashes? ... Sure would.

Am I a big chicken? ... Yes. If I were not a big chicken, I would have had a little work done by now. Eyelids. But I am a big chicken. And with this eyelash growing drug, they sure do spout a long list of side effects in that ad. So it will have to be just me and my Lancome soft eyeliner pencil and my Maybelline Great Lash in that pink and green tube.

But I did read the other day that somebody famous (can't remember who) wears two Spanx at the same time. Now, that's a beauty tip I might have to try. Sounds like it might have side effects, too, though. Misery comes to mind.

Boomer


Ladies, ladies, ladies...What price vanity?


Also, eye doc told me that as a glaucoma treatment it was not the drug of choice as it waas not very good.

At this stage of the game I think I'll stay with my blue sometimes green eyes with short lashes.
:icon_wink:

PS Boomer,
Thanks for the research.

[Barefoot]

In early December I attended the "New to Golf" course at the Golf Academy with Peazoup. I enjoyed it and the instructor (Maria) is just wonderful. I'm hopeless at golf, but Maria made it fun.

Now I'm looking for a set of woman's golf clubs. I don't want to buy a new set until I figure out if I'm going to stick with the game. If anyone got new clubs for Christmas and wants to sell their existing set, please PM me.

[sschuler1]

Bare - Here is a link to a set of women's petite (which would be better for you!) set of golf clubs, including bag, for $149. This would be a good starter set for you. At least this gives you a price range, so you know not to spend more than this on a used set.

http://www.golfoutletsusa.com/golfgirl-fws2-golf-clubs-package-set--bag-pink.aspx?affiliate=cse-nextag&zmam=7997710&zmas=1&zmac=4&zmap=MR155

[Barefoot]

Bare - Here is a link to a set of women's petite (which would be better for you!) set of golf clubs, including bag, for $149. This would be a good starter set for you. At least this gives you a price range, so you know not to spend more than this on a used set.

Wowser, I've ordered this golf set. My own new set of Golf Girl Clubs. They are PINK!! What could be better than that. :2excited:
And a big thank you to Sue Schuler for the golf club link!! I've never been on a golf course before. Sue took me golfing last week and gently introduced me to a "scramble" which means you never have to be embarassed. Thanks also to Helene and Mint Julep for their patience.

Not only is Sue helpful and patient, but she hits the ball like Nancy Lopez!! :mademyday:

[dillywho]

Don't know if I'm doing this in the right place, but I wanted to share this with you gals and give you a heads up.

You've heard that you should get rid of makeup, especially eye makeup, every 4 months or so, right? I guess I have just learned that the hard way! I used one of my eyeliners this last week that I had not used in quite a while and you should see my eyes now. Looks like I have been on a big ol' crying jag!:yuck: I know it had to be the eyeliner because the last time I used it, the same thing happened. At that time, I didn't make the connection. I just thought it was something I had gotten on my hands and then transferred to my eyes. Needless to say, my trash is getting lots of "new" stuff tonight.

[Barefoot]

Don't know if I'm doing this in the right place, but I wanted to share this with you gals and give you a heads up.

You've heard that you should get rid of makeup, especially eye makeup, every 4 months or so, right? I guess I have just learned that the hard way! I used one of my eyeliners this last week that I had not used in quite a while and you should see my eyes now. Looks like I have been on a big ol' crying jag!:yuck: I know it had to be the eyeliner because the last time I used it, the same thing happened. At that time, I didn't make the connection. I just thought it was something I had gotten on my hands and then transferred to my eyes. Needless to say, my trash is getting lots of "new" stuff tonight.

Good information! I've read that makeup over three months old should be discarded because bacteria gets into it. But I guess I never really believed it. Excellent reason to throw stuff away that I've been hoarding.

[Barefoot]

As an experiment, I just visited "Color Me" for highlights (located beside Bonefish Grill). I thought they'd probably be specialists in coloring hair. Well, I can't always be right.

But, if you love rap music, you'd love this salon. Nuff said.

[graciegirl]

Bare. What a delightful way to give that assessment. I am not much into rap music either. Did they fix you up a little too colorfully?

[bogart]

Bare -
Do you have snow tires on your golf cart so you can continue your new golfing career?
Don't let a little cool weather keep you off the course. Remember, you Canadians should be used to this slight chill.

[Pturner]

As an experiment, I just visited "Color Me" for highlights (located beside Bonefish Grill). I thought they'd probably be specialists in coloring hair. Well, I can't always be right.

But, if you love rap music, you'd love this salon. Nuff said.

To a monotonous drumbeat:

I'm not into gasta rap
I don't like the crap
It sells. It smells, like drug cartels
It baits, preaches hate, now it's too late
To make amends, it just offends
To what ends?

Rape and murder glorified
I listened, I was horrified,
I cried, nowhere to hide
My brain was fried
And now I would be satisfied
If with the hate it baits, it died

[Barefoot]

To a monotonous drumbeat:

I'm not into gasta rap
I don't like the crap
It sells. It smells, like drug cartels
It baits, preaches hate, now it's too late
To make amends, it just offends
To what ends?

Rape and murder glorified
I listened, I was horrified,
I cried, nowhere to hide
My brain was fried
And now I would be satisfied
If with the hate it baits, it died

Hey Pturner, very clever!

Today I listened to rap for 2 1/2 hours. I thought it was very strange in a salon that caters to retirees. :22yikes: Never, ever again.

[Barefoot]

Bare -
Do you have snow tires on your golf cart so you can continue your new golfing career?
Don't let a little cool weather keep you off the course. Remember, you Canadians should be used to this slight chill.

Bogart, today I got my new pink golf clubs. Yes, they are so cute! I'm not sure what to do with them. But I do know that they won't come out of the bag until the temperature reaches 65!

Guess we'll have to play some mah jongg until then!

[graciegirl]

To a monotonous drumbeat:

I'm not into gasta rap
I don't like the crap
It sells. It smells, like drug cartels
It baits, preaches hate, now it's too late
To make amends, it just offends
To what ends?

Rape and murder glorified
I listened, I was horrified,
I cried, nowhere to hide
My brain was fried
And now I would be satisfied
If with the hate it baits, it died

:thumbup:

[graciegirl]

HMMM. I wrote something but it disappeared and your poem morphed into another digital form when I was writing it.

I just had this danged computer exorcised too.

What I was saying before it got demonized is.........

PTurner....I loves ya.

YOU ROCK!!

[JeanneBeannie]

Thanks Dilly for the great post!! I have been putting off one unpacking task for the past few months....guess whats in those boxes? Yep, makeup that I couldnt bear to toss out. I have a terrible habit of trying all new kinds of makeup etc., but cant use it up quick enough. Thank you for the tip, guess what I will be tossing out today?
Stay warm ladies,
Jeanne





Don't know if I'm doing this in the right place, but I wanted to share this with you gals and give you a heads up.

You've heard that you should get rid of makeup, especially eye makeup, every 4 months or so, right? I guess I have just learned that the hard way! I used one of my eyeliners this last week that I had not used in quite a while and you should see my eyes now. Looks like I have been on a big ol' crying jag!:yuck: I know it had to be the eyeliner because the last time I used it, the same thing happened. At that time, I didn't make the connection. I just thought it was something I had gotten on my hands and then transferred to my eyes. Needless to say, my trash is getting lots of "new" stuff tonight.

[sschuler1]

Can't wait to see your new clubs in action, Bare! We'll have to make a tee time once it reaches the high 60s.

[KathieI]

Don't throw good money away. Dilly is right, its really only eye make up that is the problem after 3 or 4 months. You can keep liquid foundations, blushers, and even eye shadows longer than that without a problem. I'm not a cosmetic chemist but being in the industry for years, there are enough preservative systems in the makeups that they should be safe for 6 months or longer, depending on the type of product.

Although why am I admitting that, I have stock in cosmetic companies and probably would benefit from everyone throwing everything out after 3 months, LOL....

[graciegirl]

Book me too Bare. I never played with anyone with pink clubs.

I AM teasing. (about the clubs not the golf date)

[Pturner]

Hi Bare,
Bet your pink clubs would look adorable in my pink golf bag! Or at least, on the same cart. Got a foresome yet? Pls. count me in!

[Pturner]

I met Katebox the other day and she is just as cute as a button.

We met her and Jim when we were down in Dec. :agree::agree::agree:!

[Barefoot]

Hi Bare,
Bet your pink clubs would look adorable in my pink golf bag! Or at least, on the same cart. Got a foresome yet? Pls. count me in!

I would just love to play golf with some newbies like myself. When the weather warms up! It would be way too embarassing to play with accomplished golfers.

But we do need one person who is experienced so I don't drive my cart in the wrong direction or get yelled at by an ambassador! Someone like SueS to guide us and tell me what clubs to use and in what direction to hit the ball. SueS is an amazing golfer, and so patient. And boy oh zowie, can she hit the ball!

[graciegirl]

Many "accomplished" golfers like Sue, (I have played a long time but still can't break 100) many good golfers have a great deal of patience with beginners and truly can help them with rules and directions and club choices.

My husband Sweetie has gone out on the course with many of my beginning friends and because of his patience, calmness and good direction has helped them so much that they are playing well and enjoying the game.

I have been present when some husbands were very impatient and directing and just plain frustrated and have caused everyone in the foursome to have a miserable time.

I certainly understand that it is hard enough to understand this challenging game without feeling stupid every time you " whiff" or dig the dirt or hit it four feet. But just remember that every golfer has been there. It is the measure of their kindness, and patience in the other areas that make them good golf teachers for friends.It makes me impatient to meet Sue.

I hope you do well in this game that you can play for life. You will find that you can quickly find the measure of a person's character on the golf course.

I hope you will let me play in your foursome when the weather gets warm, when Gretchen gets healed, and I get down there.

Keep your eye on the ball Bare.

[Barefoot]

Many "accomplished" golfers like Sue, (I have played a long time but still can't break 100) many good golfers have a great deal of patience with beginners and truly can help them with rules and directions and club choices.

My husband Sweetie has gone out on the course with many of my beginning friends and because of his patience, calmness and good direction has helped them so much that they are playing well and enjoying the game.

I have been present when some husbands were very impatient and directing and just plain frustrated and have caused everyone in the foursome to have a miserable time.

I certainly understand that it is hard enough to understand this challenging game without feeling stupid every time you " whiff" or dig the dirt or hit it four feet. But just remember that every golfer has been there. It is the measure of their kindness, and patience in the other areas that make them good golf teachers for friends.It makes me impatient to meet Sue.

I hope you do well in this game that you can play for life. You will find that you can quickly find the measure of a person's character on the golf course.

I hope you will let me play in your foursome when the weather gets warm, when Gretchen gets healed, and I get down there.

Keep your eye on the ball Bare.



Gracie, I didn't realize you were still up north with Gretchen. I hope she is healing quickly. Poor thing.

To be truthful, you aren't missing much. The weather is very cool, and most peeps are huddled indoors waiting for warmer weather. I haven't even used my new pink clubs!

[Pturner]

Many "accomplished" golfers like Sue, (I have played a long time but still can't break 100) many good golfers have a great deal of patience with beginners and truly can help them with rules and directions and club choices.

My husband Sweetie has gone out on the course with many of my beginning friends and because of his patience, calmness and good direction has helped them so much that they are playing well and enjoying the game.

I have been present when some husbands were very impatient and directing and just plain frustrated and have caused everyone in the foursome to have a miserable time.

I certainly understand that it is hard enough to understand this challenging game without feeling stupid every time you " whiff" or dig the dirt or hit it four feet. But just remember that every golfer has been there. It is the measure of their kindness, and patience in the other areas that make them good golf teachers for friends.It makes me impatient to meet Sue.

I hope you do well in this game that you can play for life. You will find that you can quickly find the measure of a person's character on the golf course.

I hope you will let me play in your foursome when the weather gets warm, when Gretchen gets healed, and I get down there.

Keep your eye on the ball Bare.

This gives me goosebumps. Gracie, you are so kind!

Bare, I've also played a long time and not broken 100. About four years ago, my hubby encouraged me to join a ladies golf group. Before that, I just didn't know any women golfers and didn't get to play much.

My first time out with the ladies group, I was so scared of embarrassing myself. (I did too! Nothing quite ruins a golf shot like tension. lol) BUT... I had the best time. The ladies were fun, warm, accepting and patient. They helped and encouraged me. Some of the the best golfers were the most patient and encouraging.

I agree with Gracie. I think golf builds character-- maybe because it's so humbling. :) Besides, every once in a while you hit that one great shot. It looks great, it sounds great, it feels great, and trust me, it keeps you coming back.

Happy, happy golfing. (Hopefully sometimes with me!)

[Barefoot]

Happy, happy golfing. (Hopefully sometimes with me!)

For sure, we'll get a fun group together as soon as it starts to warm up. :2excited:

[graciegirl]

To all of my friends, good news. Our daughter Gretchen had her second surgery on her leg, broken in three places. It was yesterday and the last three pins were able to be inserted. The tissue that had been damaged by improper splinting had healed enough to allow the surgery. It was successful and hopefully Village07 can tell us about good physical therapy and we can bring her down to finish her recovery in Paradise in a couple, three weeks.

I know I have been a pill, posting dumb stuff and hanging on to this forum for dear life. I do have cabin fever as one of you pointed out. Thank you all for your patience. I am slightly less ditzy than I have acted the last month or so..................or NOT.

[Pturner]

To all of my friends, good news. Our daughter Gretchen had her second surgery on her leg, broken in three places. It was yesterday and the last three pins were able to be inserted. The tissue that had been damaged by improper splinting had healed enough to allow the surgery. It was successful and hopefully Village07 can tell us about good physical therapy and we can bring her down to finish her recovery in Paradise in a couple, three weeks.

I know I have been a pill, posting dumb stuff and hanging on to this forum for dear life. I do have cabin fever as one of you pointed out. Thank you all for your patience. I am slightly less ditzy than I have acted the last month or so..................or NOT.

1) :clap2:for successful surgery
2) :clap2:you get to go back to Paradise in a few weeks
3) If you're a pill, I want a prescription!

:highfive:

[Bettiboop]

To all of my friends, good news. Our daughter Gretchen had her second surgery on her leg, broken in three places. It was yesterday and the last three pins were able to be inserted. The tissue that had been damaged by improper splinting had healed enough to allow the surgery. It was successful and hopefully Village07 can tell us about good physical therapy and we can bring her down to finish her recovery in Paradise in a couple, three weeks.

I know I have been a pill, posting dumb stuff and hanging on to this forum for dear life. I do have cabin fever as one of you pointed out. Thank you all for your patience. I am slightly less ditzy than I have acted the last month or so..................or NOT.

Great! Hopefully the next 2-3 weeks will go by quickly and you all can get back to Paradise. That oughta be "just what the doctor ordered" for Gretchen's recovery.....and yours!

[another Linda]

To all of my friends, good news. Our daughter Gretchen had her second surgery on her leg, broken in three places. It was yesterday and the last three pins were able to be inserted. The tissue that had been damaged by improper splinting had healed enough to allow the surgery. It was successful and hopefully Village07 can tell us about good physical therapy and we can bring her down to finish her recovery in Paradise in a couple, three weeks.

I know I have been a pill, posting dumb stuff and hanging on to this forum for dear life. I do have cabin fever as one of you pointed out. Thank you all for your patience. I am slightly less ditzy than I have acted the last month or so..................or NOT.

That is wonderful! So glad to hear it. (about Gretchen, less glad to hear you aren't ditzy like me)

[Barefoot]

Gracie, that is such good news about Gretchen. I'm sure her recovery period will be much more enjoyable in a warmer clime.

I haven't been posting much recently either. Because we are in the process of moving within The Villages. Our Courtyard Villa has sold and it is time to move on. I am sad because I loved that villa a lot. However we decided we needed a double garage and driveway, which is wonderful. And a Man Cave for Fireboy.

I honestly forgot how really horrible it is to have a house listed, and have to clean it every morning to "model" perfection. And then the actual move itself. I think my middle name is now bitchy. Moving is no fun at all!

So now we're in the process of having the new (resale) house painted, unpacking boxes and hanging pictures, ordering sun tunnels, a birdcage, a new glass front door, setting up lawn maintenance and pest control, and getting estimates galore. Arrrrrg. Deja Vu to three years ago when we first moved to The Villages.

I've even ordered an invisible fence from Dog Watch. Me!! (I hereby apologize to all of the people I told "I'd never have an invisible fence.) I once thought they were so inhumane. Now that I've tried the shock mechanism on my arm and could barely feel it, I am much more comfortable. Apparently it is more of a surprise to the dog, than meant to cause punishment.

The first week involves training without the current on. We are required to train the dogs twice a day. The collar merely beeps when the dogs approach the perimeter of the property which is flagged. Then we bring the dogs back to the middle of the lawn and praise them. (You can see me outside in my bathrobe in the early morning running around the coloured flags. A sight to avoid for sure.)

I think the dogs are both starting to get the idea. However if you see Lolli Pop chasing ducks on the Churchill Golf Course, you'll know that invisible fencing doesn't work.

Soon I hope to start newby golfing, play more mahjongg and hang out at LSL again. And please remind me ... never to move again!

[Freeda]

Hi, Gracie, I'm so glad to hear your daughter is doing well and got a good report from her surgery; and that you'll be able to get to TV soon. We'll try to have it warm for you down here when you arrive!

[Blondie]

Hi Gracie....I am so glad that Gretchen is doing well....please give her my best, and I wish her a very speedy recovery.

[Boomer]

Gracie,

That is good news. A friend of mine broke her leg last winter. That sure can turn into quite a journey. I am so glad things are better now for your daughter.

(And did you see that strange, bright. shiny thing that showed up for a while today in this Cincinnati sky? And the color blue was there, too. That has been really nice....while it lasted. But now they say a little snow tomorrow. -- Stay warm.)

Boomer

[Halle]

I've even ordered an invisible fence from Dog Watch. Me!! (I hereby apologize to all of the people I told "I'd never have an invisible fence.) I once thought they were so inhumane. Now that I've tried the shock mechanism on my arm and could barely feel it, I am much more comfortable. Apparently it is more of a surprise to the dog, than meant to cause punishment.

The first week involves training without the current on. We are required to train the dogs twice a day. The collar merely beeps when the dogs approach the perimeter of the property which is flagged. Then we bring the dogs back to the middle of the lawn and praise them. (You can see me outside in my bathrobe in the early morning running around the coloured flags. A sight to avoid for sure.)

I think the dogs are both starting to get the idea. However if you see Lolli Pop chasing ducks on the Churchill Golf Course, you'll know that invisible fencing doesn't work.

Soon I hope to start newby golfing, play more mahjongg and hang out at LSL again. And please remind me ... never to move again!


Congratulations on the new house and wishing you many happy years in your new home.

Good luck with the invisible fencing! We had Invisible Fencing install ours. The installer/trainer was very professional he taught us how to train the Girls and it works great! He says he has never had it not work but training is the key to success. We love the freedom the invisible fence provides for the girls and the security it provides us. I hope it works out for you as well as it has for us.

[rshoffer]

I thought I'd start a thread so we can talk about girly stuff like self esteem, sushi, pedicures, sex after 50, etc, and the guys can't hear us. And we can go off topic as often as we want. :clap2:

Guys, don't read this, it is for girls only. Handie, this includes you!!

BBB, Nonie and Donna: I just know you've got some stuff to say!!I want a Forum---> "MENSPEAK"... Guns, Gas, Sports, Cars, and more....

[uujudy]

Gracie, I'm so glad to hear that Gretchen's surgery went well. You'll be back here before you know it. Sounds like relaxing in the sunshine is just what Gretchen needs -- and you, too!

Bare, good luck with the move. If they made courtyard villas with 2-car + golf cart garages they'd never sell a 'real' house! LOL

[sunflower3630]

To all of my friends, good news. Our daughter Gretchen had her second surgery on her leg, broken in three places. It was yesterday and the last three pins were able to be inserted. The tissue that had been damaged by improper splinting had healed enough to allow the surgery. It was successful and hopefully Village07 can tell us about good physical therapy and we can bring her down to finish her recovery in Paradise in a couple, three weeks.

I know I have been a pill, posting dumb stuff and hanging on to this forum for dear life. I do have cabin fever as one of you pointed out. Thank you all for your patience. I am slightly less ditzy than I have acted the last month or so..................or NOT.

I am so glad to hear this wonderful news! I hope the next couple of weeks go by very quickly for you so that before you know it, you'll be back again in Paradise! You ALL will feel so much better being back in the sunshine and warmth again! Kiss the Cinci grey skies good bye! Sunshine and good wishes to Gretchen for a very speedy recovery! :pepper2:

[Barefoot]

I want a Forum---> "MENSPEAK"... Guns, Gas, Sports, Cars, and more....

rshoffer, what are you doing in Girls Talk!! :throwtomatoes: This is where we talk about underwear, bikini waxes, and other unmentionables!

When we started this topic two years ago, the guys (feeling instantly competitive as guys do) started a "Guys Talk" thread. Sadly, it only lasted about five minutes! Apparently there isn't a lot to be said about cars, sports and hunting! :1rotfl:

I just love Girl Talk. Women instinctively enjoy and support each other. And like to trade secrets. We find each other's thoughts genuinely interesting. Girls Rule! :highfive:

[Boomer]

Hi Barefoot,

About that Invisible Fence....I think our Invisible Fence probably saved Annie's life -- or lifestyle, for sure. (Yes, she is still here beside me, sleeping at my feet, and probably dreaming about what she would like to have for her 16th birthday, coming sometime in April -- we think.)

Annie showed up at our back door one day in early September of 1994. We tried to find her owner. We put the "Found Dog" notices in mailboxes and on phone poles and in the newspaper.

And then, after a few days of all that trying to do the right thing, we got worried that somebody might claim her....she was our dog -- we knew.

She came to us housebroken, calm, sweet, loved kids, and knew what a refrigerator was. Annie was somebody else's dog first. But she had run away from them. How? Why? We never found out for sure. But we soon developed a theory.

(There was a line in the play Sylvia where the dog says to the man who finds her when she is lost, "There are some things about me that you will just never know." -- and that is what Annie said to us.)

We named her Annie because she was an orphan when she arrived.

As we got to know Annie better, she soon revealed her secret vice. Even though she never got bigger than about 35 pounds, she has always had big ideas. Annie chased deer. Herds of deer. Bucks and does and fawns. Whatever. She chased them.

And at that time, we lived on a few acres with a woods in the back. And Annie knew the deer's schedule and she waited and watched and ran after them. Mr. Boomer would chase after her. We were all a lot younger then.

One day, Mr. B, in pursuit, was in a clearing just to the north of our woods, when out of those trees came a thundering herd of whitetail deer. Nine of them. The herd split, 4 on one side, 5 on the other, ran right around Mr. Boomer. Geez! And following behind, in hot pursuit, was Annie. Running like a deer herself. She could not catch any of those deer, though she was barking threats of what she would do to them if she did.

Finally, Mr. Boomer caught her when she quite simply ran out of steam -- for that chase anyway.

That was when we decided to spend the money to fence an acre with Invisible Fence.

Had Annie lost her first home because of her vice of chasing deer -- for who knows how many miles? Well, she won't tell us for sure. But we do know that we would have lost her eventually. And that she might have ended up dead or with somebody who would not take good care of her.

And so Annie spent a lot of years, watching for those deer. And if she was in the yard, she would chase after them and threaten them, shouting, "If I did not have this :censored::censored: collar with this :censored: battery around my neck, I would come after you and I would kick your :censored::censored: asses, every last one!"

Now, we have downsized to our geezer ranch-style house with the small yard. And we put in Invisible Fence again.

And Annie is old, really old. She sniffs the trail where maybe a whitetaill has passed through in the night But she does not run anymore. Not much anyway. But she still wears that collar with the battery pack. She wears it proudly. And I think I hear her, every once in a while, out there in the yard, shouting, "If I did not have to wear this :censored: collar with the battery, I would chase you :censored: deer and I would so kick your :censored: asses!"

(That Invisible Fence gave us all these years with Annie. I just know it.)

Boomer

[another Linda]

(There was a line in the play Sylvia ...)



OMG, wasn't that a wonderful play? We saw it many years ago when our own version of Sylvia (Ranger, a very large collie) was many years old. It still gives me warm feelings.

[annie2]

Hi Barfoot:
We don't have an invisible fence for our Shih Tzu Poodle but my husband's parents have one for their Goldens. I don't know if this is common, but my in laws do not even have to put the battery in the collars any more. The dogs were trained within a week. And, yes, you are correct that the "shock" is not as bad as we all would imagine. Our son decided to put the collar around his leg and walk through the invisible fence. He definetly felt it, but claimed it was "no big deal".
How is the new house?

[Boomer]

OMG, wasn't that a wonderful play? We saw it many years ago when our own version of Sylvia (Ranger, a very large collie) was many years old. It still gives me warm feelings.

Hi Linda,

I know. I love that play. When we saw the production at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park several years ago, I kept the program because the drawing of the dog on the front looked like Annie. If I were not so inept with pictures, I would scan it and put it here along with a picture of young Annie and a repeat posting of old Annie.

That play would be so perfect for a community theater group in TV to do. A good production of that one could run forever there. There would have to be rotating casts probably because the performers would need a night off once in a while.

Kind of a weird little aside here -- imagine that -- While I was typing that story about Annie's deer-running younger days, I let her outside. When she came back in, she started running like a maniac-dog, through this room, through the family room, into the kitchen, spun around, ran back in here. Ran! I tell you. She ran! Maybe she had been reading over my shoulder and was re-living those younger days??? She hardly ever runs anymore. But she sure did...just now.

Boomer

[bkcunningham1]

Boomer, that was a wonderful story. I had tears in my eyes reading (may be my menapausal emotions contributed). Seriously, what a wonderful storyteller. I could visualize the entire story. What a way with words. I had an Australian Shepherd for some 17 years. I trained him to know his borders within my property. I contemplated an invisible fence when he was a puppy but the cost was too much. He lived to run along side the real fence and chase the cows someone pastured in a field behind my house in the country. He's gone now and I'm sure he's in doggie heaven running after cows trying to avoid a swift kick from a protective mommy. B.K.

[Barefoot]

Hi Barefoot,

About that Invisible Fence....I think our Invisible Fence probably saved Annie's life -- or lifestyle, for sure.

And so Annie spent a lot of years, watching for those deer. And if she was in the yard, she would chase after them and threaten them, shouting, "If I did not have this :censored::censored: collar with this :censored: battery around my neck, I would come after you and I would kick your :censored::censored: asses, every last one!"

(That Invisible Fence gave us all these years with Annie. I just know it.)

Boomer

Boomer, thanks so much for your tender story about Orphan Annie. You are so funny! Annie is very lucky to have found you for a mum. I feel much better about the invisible fence thing now, after reading your comments. And other comments from Halle and annie2.

I loved the play Sylvia. And it would be just perfect for The Villages. I'd line up to see it again.

[rshoffer]

rshoffer, what are you doing in Girls Talk!! :throwtomatoes: This is where we talk about underwear, bikini waxes, and other unmentionables!

When we started this topic two years ago, the guys (feeling instantly competitive as guys do) started a "Guys Talk" thread. Sadly, it only lasted about five minutes! Apparently there isn't a lot to be said about cars, sports and hunting! :1rotfl:

I just love Girl Talk. Women instinctively enjoy and support each other. And like to trade secrets. We find each other's thoughts genuinely interesting. Girls Rule! :highfive:I was peeking.

[truth101]

I go to Urban Hair Studio on 466 and they use wella.

BAD, Barefoot, BAD, BAD, BAD...

I will try to resist this thread.

But you know that - like my screen name says - I will, in fact, be back.

OK. I must confess. One of my biggest fears about living in TV for long periods of time is that I will have to leave my hairdresser. She is one heck of a chemist. She is so good that people are surprised that it is a dye job. The problem is that parts of my hair are snow white (prematurely, of course) and she can make all that go away. But she has to use Wella, in addition to another step or two in the process. Nobody in TV uses Wella. At least, I could not find a place when I was there.

Well, that didn't take long did it?

[Barefoot]

A year ago, I spent quite a while on Girl Talk, boring everyone senseless, raving about my first try at artificial nails ... "Pink and Whites". :blahblahblah: How I loved those little darlings. Well, "pride goes before a fall", or so my mother used to say.

Sadly, I'm now cursed with fingernail fungus. And I had my nails done at reputable TV salons, or so I thought. Now, instead of pretty pink and whites, I have the ugliest little stubs for nails imaginable. Lesson learned.
:cryin2:

[bkcunningham1]

I had a friend years ago who got the same type of nail fungus. She went to the pharmacy and asked, you have to ask; they keep it behind the counter, for colorless or clear iodine. (Since it has no color, it could be dangerous since iodine is poisonous) Anyway, apply that to your nails and it will get rid of the fungus.

I went to a place (don't say it out loud but it was in The Villages) while we were on our LSV in December and had acrylics put on. There were things that happened to the application of color to the nails that have never been seen before by me or the others in the salon. Some weird film kept appearing. We deduced the nail polish was contaminated. As I sat there, I thought the place was dirty but was so far into my nail job I just sat there.

My nail salon back home keeps everything that touches my nails in a box with my number on the box. When I go there, the utensils for my nails are sanitized and used ONLY on me.

[Barefoot]

I had a friend years ago who got the same type of nail fungus. She went to the pharmacy and asked, you have to ask; they keep it behind the counter, for colorless or clear iodine. (Since it has no color, it could be dangerous since iodine is poisonous) Anyway, apply that to your nails and it will get rid of the fungus.

I went to a place (don't say it out loud but it was in The Villages) while we were on our LSV in December and had acrylics put on. There were things that happened to the application of color to the nails that have never been seen before by me or the others in the salon. Some weird film kept appearing. We deduced the nail polish was contaminated. As I sat there, I thought the place was dirty but was so far into my nail job I just sat there.

My nail salon back home keeps everything that touches my nails in a box with my number on the box. When I go there, the utensils for my nails are sanitized and used ONLY on me.

Thanks BK for the tip about the iodine. I've also been told to soak my fingers in listerine and also in vinegar. I also put drops on each night, probably the iodine product.

I definitely should have been more careful about the salon I used. But it is an extremely popular place here in TV and I guess I'm naive.

I have two nails that are very discoloured from the fungus. Of course the rest are tissue-paper thin from having had solar nails.

I'm wondering .. does anyone know how long it takes to fix fungus?

[MaryGoRound]

I need therapy when it comes to dying hair! What a nightmare I have been through! I have long hair that is naturally dark brown and after dying my own roots for 18 years with Natural Instincts, it coated my hair and turned it black! Nothing would get it out! (Don't use Natural Instincts to cover grey roots if you don't want it to coat your hair FOREVER!) Since I have vitiligo and have a white face with no pigment, the black hair looked hideous! (I looked like a DEAD WITCH!) The black hair had to go even if it meant I would have to go to a short spiked hairdo! After 6 1/2 months of nightmare, peroxide and bleach washes, color removers and a born blonde lighteners, the black is gone, FOREVER!!! Hallaluia! My hair is a pretty red and I get lots of complements and I am HAPPY! It damaged my hair, but I managed to keep it conditioned heavily in between lightening, and it's still long! Some fell out, but I wear hair extentions to fill it out, but don't have to and it stills prevails!
Oh, yes, I found out that cheap Revlon Colorsilk (strawberry blonde and light auburn) lighten my roots beautifully after spending many bucks at Sally's trying all their many red colors that looked too red. My hair looks natural!!
Happy days are here again!!

[MaryGoRound]

Don't throw good money away. Dilly is right, its really only eye make up that is the problem after 3 or 4 months. You can keep liquid foundations, blushers, and even eye shadows longer than that without a problem. I'm not a cosmetic chemist but being in the industry for years, there are enough preservative systems in the makeups that they should be safe for 6 months or longer, depending on the type of product.

Although why am I admitting that, I have stock in cosmetic companies and probably would benefit from everyone throwing everything out after 3 months, LOL....


Do you know which eye makeup and lipstick line does not have perfumes and is safe for sensitive skin?

[graciegirl]

Thanks BK for the tip about the iodine. I've also been told to soak my fingers in listerine and also in vinegar. I also put drops on each night, probably the iodine product.

I definitely should have been more careful about the salon I used. But it is an extremely popular place here in TV and I guess I'm naive.

I have two nails that are very discoloured from the fungus. Of course the rest are tissue-paper thin from having had solar nails.

I'm wondering .. does anyone know how long it takes to fix fungus?

Hey Bare.:wave:

It is very possible that the fungus was just hanging out waiting to reproduce itself in a warm dark place with little oxygen. We all have all kinds of little living things sitting on our skin at all times. Usually a nail fungus requires an oral antifungal. The only down side is that you cannot drink alcohol when you take it.

Type in Oral antifungal for nail fungus.

I think this happens to a lot of people and the cleanliness of the salon is maybe not the reason...but I could be wrong.

[Barefoot]

I need therapy when it comes to dying hair! What a nightmare I have been through! I have long hair that is naturally dark brown and after dying my own roots for 18 years with Natural Instincts, it coated my hair and turned it black! Nothing would get it out! (Don't use Natural Instincts to cover grey roots if you don't want it to coat your hair FOREVER!) Since I have vitiligo and have a white face with no pigment, the black hair looked hideous! (I looked like a DEAD WITCH!) The black hair had to go even if it meant I would have to go to a short spiked hairdo! After 6 1/2 months of nightmare, peroxide and bleach washes, color removers and a born blonde lighteners, the black is gone, FOREVER!!! Hallaluia! My hair is a pretty red and I get lots of complements and I am HAPPY! It damaged my hair, but I managed to keep it conditioned heavily in between lightening, and it's still long! Some fell out, but I wear hair extentions to fill it out, but don't have to and it stills prevails!
Oh, yes, I found out that cheap Revlon Colorsilk (strawberry blonde and light auburn) lighten my roots beautifully after spending many bucks at Sally's trying all their many red colors that looked too red. My hair looks natural!!
Happy days are here again!!

That is such interesting information about Natural Instincts and Revlon Colorsilk. I'm surprised that Natural Instincts would coat your hair ... I thought it was a temporary "wash-out" product. I love hearing feedback about cosmetic and hair products.

[Barefoot]

Hey Bare.:wave:

It is very possible that the fungus was just hanging out waiting to reproduce itself in a warm dark place with little oxygen. We all have all kinds of little living things sitting on our skin at all times. Usually a nail fungus requires an oral antifungal.

Hey GG, thanks for the info about an oral antifungal. That never occurred to me. I think the drops I'm putting on my nails nightly are working. The discolored portions of my nails seems to be turning white. Or maybe that's not a good thing.

[barb1191]

Bare...

Sounds crazy, but it works!! At bedtime, rub Vicks Vaporub and wear cotton gloves to bed and in about two weeks your nails will be like new.

Another solution is to soak nails in Listerine mouth wash daily morning and night or whenever convenient for about half hour; works fine as well.

Much better than ingesting medications....barb

[sunflower3630]

I need therapy when it comes to dying hair! What a nightmare I have been through! I have long hair that is naturally dark brown and after dying my own roots for 18 years with Natural Instincts, it coated my hair and turned it black! Nothing would get it out! (Don't use Natural Instincts to cover grey roots if you don't want it to coat your hair FOREVER!) Since I have vitiligo and have a white face with no pigment, the black hair looked hideous! (I looked like a DEAD WITCH!) The black hair had to go even if it meant I would have to go to a short spiked hairdo! After 6 1/2 months of nightmare, peroxide and bleach washes, color removers and a born blonde lighteners, the black is gone, FOREVER!!! Hallaluia! My hair is a pretty red and I get lots of complements and I am HAPPY! It damaged my hair, but I managed to keep it conditioned heavily in between lightening, and it's still long! Some fell out, but I wear hair extentions to fill it out, but don't have to and it stills prevails!
Oh, yes, I found out that cheap Revlon Colorsilk (strawberry blonde and light auburn) lighten my roots beautifully after spending many bucks at Sally's trying all their many red colors that looked too red. My hair looks natural!!
Happy days are here again!!

Mary,
I thought I was the only one who had trouble with Natural Instincts. I used it maybe a couple of times (3 or 4?) and I found exactly the same thing - it "coated" my hair to the point it felt like I had gobs of conditioner on it. I washed it a couple of times a day and it still didn't help. It wouldn't hold any curl and kinda felt dirty. Ick! I quit using it and sucked it up and started going to a hairdresser. Now I have to go every 3 weeks to get these dang roots done, and she doesn't always pull the color all the way through, just colors the roots, which is fine with me. I'm still debating about going back to my natural grey this summer. It sure is a heck of a lot easier............:shrug:

[MaryGoRound]

Mary,
I thought I was the only one who had trouble with Natural Instincts. I used it maybe a couple of times (3 or 4?) and I found exactly the same thing - it "coated" my hair to the point it felt like I had gobs of conditioner on it. I washed it a couple of times a day and it still didn't help. It wouldn't hold any curl and kinda felt dirty. Ick! I quit using it and sucked it up and started going to a hairdresser. Now I have to go every 3 weeks to get these dang roots done, and she doesn't always pull the color all the way through, just colors the roots, which is fine with me. I'm still debating about going back to my natural grey this summer. It sure is a heck of a lot easier............:shrug:

I thought I was doing my hair good by using a temp color (Natural Instincts) for 18 years! Now I know that it just kept coating my hair and keeping it yucky! I use a permanent color now, Colorsilk, and I am so happy with the price, the color and the outcome. I only dye my roots and I will continue to because I love the natural red color I have, and my hair is long. I use hair extentions to add more hair. It's easier to lighten my dark hair without using bleach because the grey blends the color in nicely!

[Barefoot]

I use hair extentions to add more hair.

OK, I'm curious. Can you tell me about hair extensions .. where you get them, how much they cost, etc.

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has tried permanent makeup in TV .. eyebrows, eyelashes, etc.

P.S. My nail fungus is almost gone. The doctor said to use a topical fungus solution. Not oral. Too hard on the liver.

I'm not sure I'll ever get artificial nails again. I love the look for sure. But they are so time consuming, and the fungus was disgusting.

[MaryGoRound]

OK, I'm curious. Can you tell me about hair extensions .. where you get them, how much they cost, etc.

I'd also like to hear from anyone who has tried permanent makeup in TV .. eyebrows, eyelashes, etc.

P.S. My nail fungus is almost gone. The doctor said to use a topical fungus solution. Not oral. Too hard on the liver.

I'm not sure I'll ever get artificial nails again. I love the look for sure. But they are so time consuming, and the fungus was disgusting.

I bought hair extentions years ago before anyone knew about them. Recently,
I get them from U.N.I. beauty supply in Ocala and at Holly's beauty Supply in Leesburg, but I buy the hair wefts, they come on a line 5 feet long, I cut them to length and sew them together to create the length and volume I want. I use elastic I removed from old wigs to sew the lines of hair together. The extentions you can buy on line can vary, you never know what you are getting, so I do not buy them on line any longer. Matching your own color, texture and curl is very difficult. I always color my extentions to match my hair. Buying bulk hair is the most inexpensive way to go. Extentions are the same hair with clips sewed on them. They charge extravagant amounts of money just for the sewing, which I do myself. Both beauty supply stores sell the clips. It takes patience to do this, but it's so worth it for me. I get alot of compliments on my hair, and noone can tell I am wearing extentions. I blend them into my long hair by parting my hair and simply clamping downs the small clips. I don't even know I am wearing them. I hope this helps someone!!!

[Barefoot]

I have a friend who just got "permanent" eyebrows. She loves them. She is thinking of getting the eye liner.

Has anyone out there tried it? I would be worried about getting an eye infection from the tattoo dye. And also I would think it hurts, although my friends says no.

Anyone out there have any experience or recommendations?

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I see we have some new icons to play with.
:boom::what::sing:

[Pturner]

I have a friend who just got "permanent" eyebrows. She loves them. She is thinking of getting the eye liner.

Has anyone out there tried it? I would be worried about getting an eye infection from the tattoo dye. And also I would think it hurts, although my friends says no.

Anyone out there have any experience or recommendations?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I see we have some new icons to play with.
:boom::what::sing:

Are the "permanent" eyebrows the same as "permanent" hair color? I mean, it it the same mixture, just put on the eyebrows?

Permanent eyeliner would save time in the mornings for sure! Bare, your friends who say it doesn't hurt-- have they done it themselves, or just heard? If they have, how long ago? Any complications? Just curious. I love the idea, but don't think I'd do it. Seems risky.

[bkcunningham1]

Permanent eyeliner and eyebrows is cosmetic tattooing, right?

[ceejay]

I'm not sure I'll ever get artificial nails again. I love the look for sure. But they are so time consuming, and the fungus was disgusting.

My daughter-in-law turned me on to "sculpted" nails about 10 years ago. For me, it was an answer to my prayers because my nails were SO soft and were always splitting. I never had nice nails so I appreciated the look and the strength they gave me.

However, I HATE spending the time (and money) at a salon. I would let them go for about 3-4 weeks and they looked horrible towards the end. I know that the nail ladies were always talking about me behind their masks in Korean! :o Don't ask me how I knew....I just knew!

Now my DIL tells me that she no longer gets her nails done...she now uses "Hollywood" nails.

I looked for Hollywood nails at Walgreens and they had none, so I purchased "Kiss Everlasting French" nails...and I LOVE them!!

They look great (very natural) and I've had lots of compliments. They are not as strong as a sculpted nail, but they give me the added strength that I need and they make me feel good about my hands again! I have had a couple come off when I was using them strenuously (planting, scraping a pan) but you get extras in the box, so you just glue on another one!

These are NOT your old "press on nails". They have greatly improved and I am so glad I found them!:pepper2:

[Barefoot]

Permanent eyeliner and eyebrows is cosmetic tattooing, right?

Yes, it is cosmetic tattooing. It is not like hair dye at all. It is very permanent. My friend had her eyebrows done about three months ago. It looks good and she loves it. She is thinking of having eye liner done. She says that it doesn't hurt. The beautician deadens the area with a topical cream first.

I'm just afraid of anything around the eye area. :22yikes: But I think tons of women have done it successfully.

I know we should all treasure our good health and our many blessings. I know this. And we should forget about vanity. But it is tough getting to look more like your grandmother as the years go by.

[Barefoot]

My daughter-in-law turned me on to "sculpted" nails about 10 years ago. For me, it was an answer to my prayers because my nails were SO soft and were always splitting. I never had nice nails so I appreciated the look and the strength they gave me.

However, I HATE spending the time (and money) at a salon. I would let them go for about 3-4 weeks and they looked horrible towards the end. I know that the nail ladies were always talking about me behind their masks in Korean! :o Don't ask me how I knew....I just knew!

Now my DIL tells me that she no longer gets her nails done...she now uses "Hollywood" nails.

I looked for Hollywood nails at Walgreens and they had none, so I purchased "Kiss Everlasting French" nails...and I LOVE them!!

They look great (very natural) and I've had lots of compliments. They are not as strong as a sculpted nail, but they give me the added strength that I need and they make me feel good about my hands again! I have had a couple come off when I was using them strenuously (planting, scraping a pan) but you get extras in the box, so you just glue on another one!

These are NOT your old "press on nails". They have greatly improved and I am so glad I found them!:pepper2:

That is extremely interesting. I've never considered Walgreen nails. Perhaps I'll experiment. I am not eager to repeat the artificial nail process ... so much time and grinding to look good. I always hated wasting two hours every two weeks at a nail salon.

And yet, I look at my stubby little fingernails, and :sigh:sigh, I remember how pretty my pink and whites used to be.

I have some questions:

Do you wear them all the time? Are they hard to apply? (I find false eyelashes incredibly hard to attach). Do you need to "cut the nails provided to size"? Can you put these nails on for a special occasion (I have a wedding to attend.) How hard is it to remove the nails?

[marianne237]

Figured I'd try the feminine forum for my question. Back north (Indiana) I used to be able to purchase Karen Scott blouses and tees at L.S. Ayres.

Would love to find this good clothing line down here. Anyone know who might carry it? Have tried finding them via the computer, but no luck. Any suggestions?

[islandgal]

Karen Scott at Macy's in Ocala

http://www1.macys.com/catalog/index.ognc?CategoryID=35784&PageID=35784&cm_guid=1-_-100000000000008326581-_-3556827838&cm_mmc=Google_Women_Brands-_-Macy%27s+Private+Lables_Karen+Scott+-+Brand+-+Regular-_-3556827838_Exact-_-karen+scott_mkwid_s100000000000008326581_355682783 8|-|100000000000008326581

[ceejay]

I have some questions:

Do you wear them all the time? Are they hard to apply? (I find false eyelashes incredibly hard to attach). Do you need to "cut the nails provided to size"? Can you put these nails on for a special occasion (I have a wedding to attend.) How hard is it to remove the nails?

Well...I have been wearing them all the time, even though the packaging says "7 day wear". I had two of them come off due to usage and they were broken, but you get 24 nails of different sizes, so I just replaced them. It includes a file if you need to file them down to fit...I didn't...the sizes fit great. They were not at all hard to put on. You get a little bottle of glue with the kit. You just put glue on the fake nail and your own nail, press and hold for 5 seconds and, viola', an instant nail! These would be great for a special occasion. I bought the "real short" length (but they're not that short, the perfect length for me). They have so many sizes and lengths...there was a whole section in Walgreens for nails. As far as removing them, I also bought the "Kiss All or One Nail Remover". This is like a tub of nail polish remover that you can soak your nails in, making them easier to remove. The box says to "trim and file the surface to break through the protective topcoat and then use the remover to wipe off the softened plastic and glue". It's really easier than it sounds...I was afraid to try them at first...now I'm glad I did! Let me know if you try and like them! Oh yeah...they also have them for toes...I'm debating!!!;)

[TrudyM]

Figured I'd try the feminine forum for my question. Back north (Indiana) I used to be able to purchase Karen Scott blouses and tees at L.S. Ayres.

Would love to find this good clothing line down here. Anyone know who might carry it? Have tried finding them via the computer, but no luck. Any suggestions?

L.S. Ayres became part of Federated Department Stores(now called all stores and corporate renamed Macys) in 2005 I beleive.

Karen Scott is a name of Macys midline of goods. Alfani being their top line and Charter Club their budget. All Macys carry some Karen Scott the larger stores will have the full line. What is available year to year varies alot as they are direct imports and if they switch from one supplier to another the fit can change so always try on. This is true of most clothing lines today. The goods are designed and put out for bid by various factories the company has agreements with (in some cases they own a factory but not usually).

Information overload sorry

Trudy
formally of Macys Northwest Purchasing Planning Dept. (Was the Bon Marche before the name change)

[marianne237]

Thanks for the info. I just never seem to get to Macy's when in Ocala, and will look there next visit to the mall. Your help is appreciated.

[Barefoot]

I'm looking for a place to dispose of used clothing. I need to clean out my closets and I find it much easier to give clothes to the needy, rather than throw them in the garbage. Some things have never been worn. They aren't worthy of consignment, but I hate to throw them out.

Up north, there are bins in every plaza from Salvation Army, Good Will, etc., to collect clothes and small knick knacks.

Does anyone know of handy place in The Villages that takes used clothing?

[dillywho]

I'm looking for a place to dispose of used clothing. I need to clean out my closets and I find it much easier to give clothes to the needy, rather than throw them in the garbage. Some things have never been worn. They aren't worthy of consignment, but I hate to throw them out.

Up north, there are bins in every plaza from Salvation Army, Good Will, etc., to collect clothes and small knick knacks.

Does anyone know of handy place in The Villages that takes used clothing?

St. Timothy's Church the last Thursday of each month takes them.

[islandgal]

I'm looking for a place to dispose of used clothing. I need to clean out my closets and I find it much easier to give clothes to the needy, rather than throw them in the garbage. Some things have never been worn. They aren't worthy of consignment, but I hate to throw them out.

Up north, there are bins in every plaza from Salvation Army, Good Will, etc., to collect clothes and small knick knacks.

Does anyone know of handy place in The Villages that takes used clothing?

Bare -
I take mine (clothing, furniture, etc.) to Habitat for Humanity which is where I always took them before moving here.

Habitat for Humanity of Lake County: Leesburg Thrift Store
www.habitat.org
200 North Lone Oak Drive
Leesburg, FL 34748-4715
(352) 728-6366

[marianne237]

There is a Good Will semi parked daily north of the Villages west of 27/441.
It is a little behind the Office Depot store. Also, The Haven will taked used clothing and the many thrift shops around. I'm with you, if it's still usable, recycle it. I think about the consignment shops, but never do get there.

[Barefoot]

St. Timothy's Church the last Thursday of each month takes them.

Where is St. Timothy's Church located?

I am located near Southern Trace Plaza. I often have just a few articles of clothes or household knickknacks to donate.

Previously, I donated clothes to Women's Shelters. I find it so strange with the enormous population of TV and the inexpensive shops (like Bealls) around, that there aren't convenient drop off bins within TV for donations.

[Diana McKinney]

Question from someone totally new: does anyone know of a hair salon in TV that uses frameisi hair color? (not sure of the spelling, think it is an Italian hair coloring product)...any input greatly appreciated!

[starflyte1]

Diane, you might try searching backward-start with the product name, go to their web page and look for places that use the product. It works for me with skin care.

[Barefoot]

Question from someone totally new: does anyone know of a hair salon in TV that uses frameisi hair color? (not sure of the spelling, think it is an Italian hair coloring product)...any input greatly appreciated!

Welcome Diana .. nice to hear from someone new! I've never heard of Frameisi hair color, but some of the trendier places may use it.

Did you all get to meet Pturner? I'm still pouting because I didn't know she was here for a visit. But I did get to meet Boomer, so all is not lost.

Barefoot is packing slowly and sadly this week for her exile to Canada. :cryin2:

[Pturner]

Welcome Diana .. nice to hear from someone new! I've never heard of Frameisi hair color, but some of the trendier places may use it.

Did you all get to meet Pturner? I'm still pouting because I didn't know she was here for a visit. But I did get to meet Boomer, so all is not lost.

Barefoot is packing slowly and sadly this week for her exile to Canada. :cryin2:

Bare,
You met Boomer! I'm jealous... and still bummed that I didn't meet my dear friend who turned me on to the eagles' nest and loves dogs and started this very thread and has a big heart and... :cryin2:

[Diana McKinney]

Diane, you might try searching backward-start with the product name, go to their web page and look for places that use the product. It works for me with skin care.

thanks for the input, I will give this a try! P.S. I love this forum!!!

[Barefoot]

Thanks for the warm fuzzies Pturner! :kiss: We'll meet up for sure the next time you're in TV.
------------------------------------------------------------------------


By the way, for those of you who haven't discovered it, the spray-on suntan stuff you buy at Publix works. I use Australian Gold spray-on bronzer. Your legs won't exactly appear well tanned, but it takes away that ghostly look.

(But don't use too much or it will run down your legs and pool up around your toenails. And you'll look like you've been doing way too much gardening. :) )

[islandgal]

Wonder if this is taught at the Learning Center? :pepper2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a2DQC-ghio

:a040::a040:

[bkcunningham1]

Love your shelf! Hilarious islandgal. Thanks for posting.

[Whalen]

Love your shelf! Hilarious islandgal. Thanks for posting.

I'm still laughing!
:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Barefoot]

Love your shelf! Hilarious islandgal. Thanks for posting.

Thanks for the laugh, Islandgal. That is really funny.

[nONIE]

Whenever I see a shelf, I am immediately obsessed by a burning desire to put a doilie and a few knick nacks on it! Beware of exposing your shelves to me!

What a funny video Islandgal, I havant tried those tummy exercises yet.:laugh:

[duffysmom]

IslandGirl, Thanks, what a great way to start my day.
This is one class where I would excel. :1rotfl:

[Barefoot]

Bare, I have a Roomba. It has good points and bad points. First, though, you should know that it is not a vacuum cleaner. It's more like a carpet sweeper. It has a brush that sweeps lint and debis into a little cup, but it doesn't vacuum. It works better on floors than it does on carpets. I have a huge kitchen floor in Utah, and it's wonderful for the kitchen and back hallway. It tends to get stuck on throw rugs, so you have to pick them up before you use it. You also have to make sure your electrical cords for lamps and computers are off the floor, or it can pull the lamp down. When it bumps into something it turns around and goes in another direction. If you have fragile vases and pots on the floor you should protect them. It's a lot louder than I expected it would be. I thought I could turn it on and go to bed and get up to a sparkling clean house. Believe me, you can't sleep while it's working. Rrrrrmmmmmmm, bang, bang, rrrrrrrmmmmmm, bang, bang bang.....
On the other hand, after you have removed your throw rugs, the kitty dishes, looped your computer cord over the chair, lifted your lamp cords off the floor, and moved your bar stools to another room, it works all by itself while you're taking a shower, and it really does go back to the charger and plug itself in.

I'm on the brink of purchasing a Roomba, the robot vac that cleans your house while you go shopping. How cool is that. But I have a feeling that if the Roomba really worked amazingly, every single household would have one.

The information above from uujudy was posted in January 2009. It sounds as if the 2008 Roomba was a carpet sweeper and not a vacuum cleaner at all. I'm looking at an ad right now and it definitely says it vacuums carpets. I'm way too lazy to put away furniture and throw rugs and lamps and power cords and dog dishes .. that is more work than vacuuming!

Anyone out there have any Roomba experience?

[barb1191]

I'm on the brink of purchasing a Roomba, the robot vac that cleans your house while you go shopping. How cool is that. But I have a feeling that if the Roomba really worked amazingly, every single household would have one.

The information above from uujudy was posted in January 2009. It sounds as if the 2008 Roomba was a carpet sweeper and not a vacuum cleaner at all. I'm looking at an ad right now and it definitely says it vacuums carpets. I'm way too lazy to put away furniture and throw rugs and lamps and power cords and dog dishes .. that is more work than vacuuming!

Anyone out there have any Roomba experience?

Yes BF, you need to hire a cleaning person who can do it all, not just the floors. It sure is worth it and doesn't even break the bank....b

[Barefoot]

Yes BF, you need to hire a cleaning person who can do it all, not just the floors. It sure is worth it and doesn't even break the bank....b

You know what Barb? You're absolutely right. That is a brilliant idea. And well worth the money.

Scratch the Roomba idea. :boom:

[Boomer]

We just returned from a family wedding. It was fun. But the most fun of all was being seated at dinner across from the mother-of-the-bride's best friend from high school. This woman is from Alabama and is one of the funniest people I have ever met. We got into discussing all the tizzy that can come with weddings, the tizzy over doing things just so.

I told her that I had actually wrestled with a little angst over the fact that when I sent the gift of a check, before the wedding, I made it out to the bride only, but that after I did so, I thought, "Uh oh. The bride is 26." -- She probably thought it was weird that the check was made out to just her and did not include the groom's name. No and in sight. Not even an or on that "Pay to the order of" line. I started to wonder if I had possibly caused our niece to fret, asking herself, "Ohhhhh, what is Aunt Boomer thinking? Does she think he is going to abandon me at the altar?"

Now, being of an age, of course, we all know that is how it was always properly done in the past. Before the wedding? A check is made out to the bride only. Now? Oh... who knows?

Anyway, after I got a consensus that I was absolutely and perfectly correct in the traditional way of making out that check, we went on to discuss other wedding customs. For instance, my wedding gifts (from my first wedding that is) were displayed in the dining room of my parents' house in the weeks before the wedding. That was so my mother's friends could stop by to "view" them. (It was a long time ago.)

Then we got to talking about whether or not we had been to a wedding with a groom's cake, which seems to be a Southern custom. (Yes. I had. My sister had one made for her daughter's wedding last year. My mother's Southern influence is still with us.)

And that was when my new friend from Alabama told me about a book that I need to read because it is pretty hilarious. She had sent it to my sister-in-law before the wedding we were attending.

The book is called, "Somebody Is Going To Die If Lilly Beth Doesn't Catch That Bouquet: The Official Southern Ladies' Guide To Hosting the Perfect Wedding." I went to the bookstore today to look for it. But it was not there, and so I have it on order. I will find out if some of these things that have happened in my Ohio life are as a result of Southern influence. Or maybe all of you had your wedding gifts on display for weeks, too.

(And, btw, not a wedding thing, but has anybody else ever been taught that it is improper to display candles with a brand new wick? According to what I learned, growing up, you should always "touch the wick" -- with a flame so that it is burned. Light it and blow it out. Otherwise, I supposedly would be considered quite tacky with my candle display with untouched wicks. Oh my! :faint:)

Boomerbelle

[islandgal]

Yes, Boomer, I grew up in Virginia being told about quickly lighting new candle wicks and I still do it.:shrug:

[Boomer]

Yes, Boomer, I grew up in Virginia being told about quickly lighting new candle wicks and I still do it.:shrug:

Oh, islandgal, do you ever secretly want to touch the wicks at somebody else's house? Ohhhh, it is so hard not to. But that would be so rude. I just can't. But I want to.

Boomer

[ceejay]

I still work and my free time is precious. My hair is just getting too long and shabby and I need to have it trimmed. Trimmed....that's all...just trimmed...not styled or colored or permed etc. etc. etc....just trimmed!
I went to Cal's Barbar Shop in the Colony Plaza. I was told I could just walk in...just like men do in a barbar shop. I walked in, all the barbar's were busy but no one was waiting. I entered my name in the book and checked that I was a walk-in. After waiting patiently for 15 minutes, one of the stylists finished up, then proceeded to the back room for about 5 minutes. I thought "Ok, she needed a bathroom break or whatever". She returned, walked over to me, asked what I needed. I told her and she turned away, walked over to the other 2 girls who were cutting hair and began discussing me. They talked, kept glancing at me (making me feel very uncomfortable) and she finally came back. She asked me if I had an appointment. I told her "No, I was told I could just walk in, just like the men do...I don't care WHO cuts my hair...I just need it trimmed". She then proceeded to tell me that they recommend that women make an appointment and would I like to make one? "No", I told her. She told me that they make appointments every 15 minutes and that they all had appointments. THERE WAS NO ONE WAITING!!! And in the 10 minutes she spent discussing me, she could have trimmed my hair! I feel totally discriminated against! Now, I am stuck. My hair is still too long and shabby and now I don't have time to get it cut for at least another week! I walked out in a huff and cried all the way home. Was I asking too much????:(
Thank you for listening...I feel much better now...even though I am shabby looking.

[TrudyM]

I always thought that wedding rules were the same everywhere.
I will tell you what happened at my wedding. I got married in Hawaii (I was living there and married a local) and most of my family was in NY and New England. So I opted for a small wedding. When I came down the alise there where only 10 people in the church. :ohdear: Apparently in Hawaii the churches (for the most part) are kind of small, and the weddings are huge, 300-800 not unusual, so people only come to the church if they get a separate personal hand written invitation. No one told the mainland haole. Everyone showed up for the reception.:icon_hungry: They give money as gifts but as I was not a local I also got 13 rice cookers I guess they had heard that I made long grain rice, so figured my new husband would go into shock. His friends also dropped by with raw fish about twice a week for months in fear for his diet.

[ssmith]

I did enjoy reading your posts. Boomer it seems many things have changed. Trudy... I bet you were surprised at your wedding.

Weddings in Indiana...well, yes, I did display my gifts for weeks before the wedding for friends to come and see...not so with my 2 daughters though. Also you you had the gifts delivered to the home of the bride and did not show up at the wedding with a gift unless it was money in a card.

Then there is the matter of the time of the wedding....I was taught the wedding should always be 1/2 past the hour...it was simpley bad luck if the hands of the clock were not sweeping up. Does anyone else remember this?

I had to relearn what is done now days when my daughters got married. First mistake I made was having my first daughter register for china which now sits in boxes in her closets. Not to worry ...she is building a new home with a dining room in it :)...maybe we will see the china after all. Youngest daughter married a musicain...good thing she never registered for china :).

So funny to her wedding traditions/etiquette.

[ssmith]

I did enjoy reading your posts. Boomer it seems many things have changed. Trudy... I bet you were surprised at your wedding.

Weddings in Indiana...well, yes, I did display my gifts for weeks before the wedding for friends to come and see...not so with my 2 daughters though. Also you you had the gifts delivered to the home of the bride and did not show up at the wedding with a gift unless it was money in a card.

Then there is the matter of the time of the wedding....I was taught the wedding should always be 1/2 past the hour...it was simpley bad luck if the hands of the clock were not sweeping up. Does anyone else remember this?

I had to relearn what is done now days when my daughters got married. First mistake I made was having my first daughter register for china which now sits in boxes in her closets. Not to worry ...she is building a new home with a dining room in it :)...maybe we will see the china after all. Youngest daughter married a musicain...good thing she never registered for china :).

So funny to hear wedding traditions/etiquette and wonder how they came about.

[PR1234]

I still work and my free time is precious. My hair is just getting too long and shabby and I need to have it trimmed. Trimmed....that's all...just trimmed...not styled or colored or permed etc. etc. etc....just trimmed!
I went to Cal's Barbar Shop in the Colony Plaza. I was told I could just walk in...just like men do in a barbar shop. I walked in, all the barbar's were busy but no one was waiting. I entered my name in the book and checked that I was a walk-in. After waiting patiently for 15 minutes, one of the stylists finished up, then proceeded to the back room for about 5 minutes. I thought "Ok, she needed a bathroom break or whatever". She returned, walked over to me, asked what I needed. I told her and she turned away, walked over to the other 2 girls who were cutting hair and began discussing me. They talked, kept glancing at me (making me feel very uncomfortable) and she finally came back. She asked me if I had an appointment. I told her "No, I was told I could just walk in, just like the men do...I don't care WHO cuts my hair...I just need it trimmed". She then proceeded to tell me that they recommend that women make an appointment and would I like to make one? "No", I told her. She told me that they make appointments every 15 minutes and that they all had appointments. THERE WAS NO ONE WAITING!!! And in the 10 minutes she spent discussing me, she could have trimmed my hair! I feel totally discriminated against! Now, I am stuck. My hair is still too long and shabby and now I don't have time to get it cut for at least another week! I walked out in a huff and cried all the way home. Was I asking too much????:(
Thank you for listening...I feel much better now...even though I am shabby looking.

Ceejay I want to give you a hug! NO, you were NOT asking too much. I seem to go through these types of scenarios with hair stylists a lot myself. We are snowbirds and just b4 we left TV I had my hair cut and colored. Now I am old enough to know that if I get a bad hair cut to wait 4 weeks and get another one and everything will be fine. NOT so with this cut! Big chunks cut out all over, looked like my 5yr old granddaughter had gotten ahold of it. I had to hurry and find someone else and go back the next day for another $75.00 (had some highlights put on over the awful color), and that guy didn't do much better!
My point is I SO feel your pain....especially about crying all the way home. It gets so frustrating putting out all that money not to mention the time...and then constantly having a bad experience! BTW...Men just DON'T get what we have to go through! Hugs to you.......hope you are feeling better:)

[Boomer]

Hi ssmith,

Yes. I know about that one, too. The hands must absolutely be going up the clock. Down the Clock = Bad Luck. :22yikes:

Before you were married, did any of you ever take a piece wedding cake home with you so you could put it under your pillow because then you would dream about whoever was to be your husband?

Boomer

[salpal]

Yes, took the wedding cake home and put under pillow (did not work)! LOL Also, did you ever hear the superstition that when you get an apple, you twist the stem while saying the alphabet out loud? When the stem breaks, whatever letter you were saying at the time is the initial of your future husband. When I was a little girl, back in the 18th century, we did that all the time.

[ceejay]

Hugs to you.......hope you are feeling better:)

Thank you for your kind words and understanding...and yes, I do feel better after reading your post! Have a great summer back home and God speed your return to The Villages!:wave:

[Barefoot]

Ceejay I want to give you a hug! NO, you were NOT asking too much. I seem to go through these types of scenarios with hair stylists a lot myself. We are snowbirds and just b4 we left TV I had my hair cut and colored. Now I am old enough to know that if I get a bad hair cut to wait 4 weeks and get another one and everything will be fine. NOT so with this cut! Big chunks cut out all over, looked like my 5yr old granddaughter had gotten ahold of it. I had to hurry and find someone else and go back the next day for another $75.00 (had some highlights put on over the awful color), and that guy didn't do much better!
My point is I SO feel your pain....especially about crying all the way home. It gets so frustrating putting out all that money not to mention the time...and then constantly having a bad experience! BTW...Men just DON'T get what we have to go through! Hugs to you.......hope you are feeling better:)

Ceejay, I also want to give you a hug! What a bummer. The people at Cal's Barber Shop need a seminar on Customer Appreciation!

I find the whole hair care experience to be extremely frustrating. I had my hair died jet black last year at this time (but sadly, I'd requested light golden brown). It took pails of dawn dishwasher detergent and the whole summer for my hair to lighten.

I've finally found someone I like to color my hair, but the salon plays loud rap music all the time. And they won't change the station. So I'm trying to decide if I should keep the colorist and wear ear plugs, or find a new one.

Also, the woman who colours my hair can't cut it worth a darn. So I have to go two separate places! Arrrrrg.

I'm tempted to cut off my hair so it's an inch long and wear wigs all the time.

[nONIE]

I dont have hair, I have frizz! The only thing I can do with it especially in this tropical climate is pull it up in a ponytail, all the time, every day, and Im sick of it! But I know better then to go to any hairdresser. I have gone to so many in the past and i end up looking like Alfalfa! My frizzy ponytail is the lesser of two evils.

in my next life, I want to have long, silky, hair.:ohdear:

[Barefoot]

I dont have hair, I have frizz! The only thing I can do with it especially in this tropical climate is pull it up in a ponytail, all the time, every day, and Im sick of it! But I know better then to go to any hairdresser. I have gone to so many in the past and i end up looking like Alfalfa! My frizzy ponytail is the lesser of two evils.

in my next life, I want to have long, silky, hair.:ohdear:

I wish you'd wear your hair in an afro. I bet it would be adorable.

[sschuler1]

Nonie- I used to do a topsytail on my daughter's hair all the time. That would look good on you and give a little bit of a change. I've even seen upside down topsytails lately, and that would be really cute too. If you don't know what a topsytail is, here is the best way I can explain it: with you hair in a pony tail, loosen by taking the hair tie and pulling it away from your head a few inches. Then divide the hair in half between the hair tie and your head, and pull the ponytail through going from the top to the bottom. (or from the bottom to the top for the upside down topsytail) You can then tighten the hair tie up again if desired. If you can't figure it out, I'll do it for you the next time I see you if you would like.

[Boomer]

Nonie- I used to do a topsytail on my daughter's hair all the time. That would look good on you and give a little bit of a change. I've even seen upside down topsytails lately, and that would be really cute too. If you don't know what a topsytail is, here is the best way I can explain it: with you hair in a pony tail, loosen by taking the hair tie and pulling it away from your head a few inches. Then divide the hair in half between the hair tie and your head, and pull the ponytail through going from the top to the bottom. (or from the bottom to the top for the upside down topsytail) You can then tighten the hair tie up again if desired. If you can't figure it out, I'll do it for you the next time I see you if you would like.

(OK....let me see if I can do this....pulling hair away....pulling it through....upsidedown...over...under...around and through....OUCH!....look in the mirror.)

EEK! SS! I think I did not do it right. Now I've got that look of perpetual surprise like when a facelift goes oh so wrong. Ohhhhhh, I think Mr. Boomer is going to have to help me cut these rubberbands out of my hair. Geez. I wish the babushka would make a comeback.

Boomer

[nONIE]

I did it! I did it!

From the back it looks really cute, but from the front, I look like that old lady farmer in the famous american gothic painting, , the one with her husband that is holding the pitchfork!!! :22yikes:

Im Hopeless! Im seriously considering the Afro Bare,I sure wish baldness would come into style, it would make life soooo simple and all we would have to worry about is beautiful earrings.:sigh:

[Barefoot]

I did it! I did it!

From the back it looks really cute, but from the front, I look like that old lady farmer in the famous american gothic painting, , the one with her husband that is holding the pitchfork!!! :22yikes:

Im Hopeless! Im seriously considering the Afro Bare,I sure wish baldness would come into style, it would make life soooo simple and all we would have to worry about is beautiful earrings.:sigh:

Nonie, nonie, you are such a nutbar. You didn't tell us .... what did you do?

If you mastered SueS's directions for a topsytail, then congratulations. You must have used a GSP!

Nonie, get Bernie to take a picture with his camera and post it here. I'm lonely in Canada, I need to giggle.

[Pturner]

Sue,
Great suggestion. I just tried it! The upside down one was kinda cute. When I pulled the hair through from top to bottom the hanging piece looked funny. I'll try again in the morning when I'm not tired-- and have on makeup.

I would love additional suggestions for ways to wear long hair. I'd be tempted to cut mine except... I love that it's long enough to put in a pony tail, which is great for when I'm either golfing or don't have time to fix it.

Ideas please.

And Nonie, please post the picture of you in the topsytail. Husband with pitchfork optional. :)

[Barefoot]

If you don't know what a topsytail is, here is the best way I can explain it: with you hair in a pony tail, loosen by taking the hair tie and pulling it away from your head a few inches. Then divide the hair in half between the hair tie and your head, and pull the ponytail through going from the top to the bottom. (or from the bottom to the top for the upside down topsytail) You can then tighten the hair tie up again if desired. If you can't figure it out, I'll do it for you the next time I see you if you would like.

I think I finally figured it out! But you need long hair that isn't layered to make it work properly, right? When I do it, I just get the really tufty look.

Nonie, I'm looking forward to your pictures!!

[Barefoot]

I'm wondering if anyone has any "cures" for arthritis pain. I have a torn miniscus, but I think arthritis is making the pain worse.

The doctor says to take Tylenol 3 (until I have an MRI). But I don't like to do that. I've been trying a drink called "Elations" which is primarily Glucosamine. I have friends who swear by "Osteo Bi-Flex". I'm also taking hydro therapy in a 91 degrees pool.

I keep hoping for a miracle cure that will make me feel 18 again!

[K9-Lovers]

For arthritis, Aleve works best for me. It takes a couple of days to kick in, but when it does, you'll know it.

[graciegirl]

Oh Bare.

I know that hurts. Sweetie had one too, and it did heal, but it doesn't happen often. He did it when squatting and he never complains about things but that really laid him low.

He was prescribed a higher level of ibuprofen than available over the counter. I don't know what you have available in Canada. He was scheduled for surgery, but it cleared up before that happened.

My GP takes glucosomine, so I would be thinking that could help. I know you don't want to hear this but surgery can fix that tear.

Sorry you are not feeling good, Bare.

[sschuler1]

I'm with K-9 on this one....I take Aleve.

[uujudy]

Does anybody remember Dr. Mirkin, who advertised on totv long ago? I signed up for his e-zine, and one thing he said to do to alleviate arthritis pain was to avoid eating mammal meat. (There was an entire page of scientific reasons for this, which I promptly forgot) Like you, Bare, I don't like to take medicines or chemicals if I don't have to, so I thought quitting the mammal meat for a month or so would be an easy experiment. There are plenty of chicken, fish & pasta dishes to enjoy.

After about 3 weeks of my experiment some friends asked me how it was working, and I told them I didn't think it was working at all. lol I stayed with the diet, but after about a month we were invited to a neighbor's for a steak dinner cookout. Who can resist? Ay carumba! The next morning my old knees could barely get me out of bed. Then I remembered... that was how they used to feel all the time. It might be worth giving up mammal meat for a while to see if it works for you?

On the other hand, my sister-in-law's vet prescribed glucosamine for her golden retriever, and the ancient, arthritic dog was like a puppy again!

I hope you're feeling better in no time!

[Pturner]

I'm wondering if anyone has any "cures" for arthritis pain. I have a torn miniscus, but I think arthritis is making the pain worse.

The doctor says to take Tylenol 3 (until I have an MRI). But I don't like to do that. I've been trying a drink called "Elations" which is primarily Glucosamine. I have friends who swear by "Osteo Bi-Flex". I'm also taking hydro therapy in a 91 degrees pool.

I keep hoping for a miracle cure that will make me feel 18 again!
:cry:
I kneed you to get better soon!

[Barefoot]

Does anybody remember Dr. Mirkin, who advertised on totv long ago? I signed up for his e-zine, and one thing he said to do to alleviate arthritis pain was to avoid eating mammal meat. (There was an entire page of scientific reasons for this, which I promptly forgot) Like you, Bare, I don't like to take medicines or chemicals if I don't have to, so I thought quitting the mammal meat for a month or so would be an easy experiment. There are plenty of chicken, fish & pasta dishes to enjoy.

After about 3 weeks of my experiment some friends asked me how it was working, and I told them I didn't think it was working at all. lol I stayed with the diet, but after about a month we were invited to a neighbor's for a steak dinner cookout. Who can resist? Ay carumba! The next morning my old knees could barely get me out of bed. Then I remembered... that was how they used to feel all the time. It might be worth giving up mammal meat for a while to see if it works for you?

On the other hand, my sister-in-law's vet prescribed glucosamine for her golden retriever, and the ancient, arthritic dog was like a puppy again!

I hope you're feeling better in no time!

Hey UUJudy, your post is very interesting. I've never heard the term "mammal meat" and had to look it up on Wikipedia! I've never eaten lamb or veal or (shudder shudder) horse. I had a horse named Jets Encore for 23 years. I won't even give my dogs horse meat! I gave up beef about four years ago. I just couldn't stand to look at the cows in the trucks going to the slaughter house and feel guilty any more.

Off topic. Anyway, I can't give up mammal meat because I don't eat it. But I guess I'd probably feel far worse if I hadn't given it up.

Some people swear by Glucosmine and others find it doesn't help a bit. Others swear by fish oil and I'm taking that also. It doesn't seem to help, but I have lots of fishy burps .. uggggg! I'm really hoping that spending an hour a day in a 91 degree pool will help.

I've heard Alleve is great, but I think it is a blood thinner and I'm not allowed to take those. I guess I'm stuck with Tylenol until they figure it my knee injury out. When I take Tylenol, it definitely eases the pain. But I don't want to spend the rest of my life taking tylenol.

I has arthoscopic surgery on both knees 20 years ago. That isn't a walk in the park either. I hope I don't have to do that again.

Graciegirl, I'm encouraged that Sweetie's injury healed without surgery. And PTurner, you're a nutbar!

[tamara]

You are correct about Wella, it is great for grey hair and very high quality hair color. Urban Hair Studio right off of CR 466 past Walmart uses Wella.

[Boomer]

While channel surfing one night last week, I found a new sitcom on TV Land. I really like good sitcoms, but they don't make 'em like they used to and so I don't watch many of the new ones. But this one looks pretty good so far. I saw the pilot episode of "Hot in Cleveland."

All the actresses are really well known, especially Betty White. Betty got all the best lines -- which is as it should be I do think. The writing is not up there with "Golden Girls" but, hey, what is? But there are many good lines in this one. Lines that women will love.

The other actresses are Valerie Bertinelli and the woman who played Daphne on "Frasier" and also the woman who played Nina on "Just Shoot Me." It's a great cast.

The story starts when three women from Los Angeles are on their way to Paris for a girlfriends' trip when the plane has to make an emergency landing in Cleveland.

Here's the link if you would like some details.

http://www.tvland.com/shows/hot-in-cleveland/?xrs=SEM_HIC_0064&gclid=CLD41YunuqICFQ0hDQodjktK7A

Boomer

[Barefoot]

Boom, I heard about that show and I've heard that it was excellent. Betty White is just amazing. Wish we could all be that bright as we age. Sadly, I don't think we get the show in Canada.

On another topic ....

While I'm in exile, I'm trying to lose weight. Oh, I know, boring, what else is new. Aren't we all.

I'm thinking this would be a great place to exchange weight loss tips. Not the old "eat less and exercise more". Who the heck needs to hear that. But other good ideas we've discovered.

OK, I'll start.

Eat a dill pickle with every meal. The vinegar in the pickle will stop your blood sugar from spiking and you won't get hungry again right away.

Jello is your friend. Keep bowls and bowls of it in your fridge in different colours. Think of it as dessert, not coloured water. You can eat unlimited amounts.

Get lots and lots of sleep. Sleep creates endorphins that make you less hungry. Oh, maybe I just made that up, I'm not sure.

Now it's your turn. :girlneener:

[uujudy]

Boomer, I watched the pilot for Hot in Cleveland, and settled in for the next show (the TV guide had 2 episodes back to back), but the next show was the same as the first show, and this week was the same! Did they only make one episode? Have you seen another?

Bare, thanks for the pickle tip. I'll definitely give it a try. Btw, don't underestimate the benefits of fiber. I can hear you all saying, "Ewwww," but it works. When Mr. Judy is gone for a few weeks I'll make a big pot of chili, and that will be my main meal every day until it's gone. Then I'll make a big pot of bean soup for the next week. . . (You can understand why I only do this when I'm alone). I have fresh fruit or steamed veggies (all you can eat) for the other meals. My tv-watching snack food is popcorn. By the time Mr. J flies back to Florida I've easily lost 5 pounds, sometimes more. You can eat all you want, but be sure to open the windows. :loco:

[Barefoot]

Boomer, I watched the pilot for Hot in Cleveland, and settled in for the next show (the TV guide had 2 episodes back to back), but the next show was the same as the first show, and this week was the same! Did they only make one episode? Have you seen another?

Bare, thanks for the pickle tip. I'll definitely give it a try. Btw, don't underestimate the benefits of fiber. I can hear you all saying, "Ewwww," but it works. When Mr. Judy is gone for a few weeks I'll make a big pot of chili, and that will be my main meal every day until it's gone. Then I'll make a big pot of bean soup for the next week. . . (You can understand why I only do this when I'm alone). I have fresh fruit or steamed veggies (all you can eat) for the other meals. My tv-watching snack food is popcorn. By the time Mr. J flies back to Florida I've easily lost 5 pounds, sometimes more. You can eat all you want, but be sure to open the windows. :loco:

I'm laughing UUJudy. I know exactly what you mean. I make a diet soup which is mainly vegetables, especially cabbage, but I add lentils. And I also add a few cut-up low-fat hotdogs, and lots of spices. You can eat that stuff endlessly and never gain weight.

But there is a price to pay when you eat a lot of fibre! :22yikes: I make my diet soup when Fireboy is working long shifts at the Fire Hall! Or at the lake cottage.

[uujudy]

Sounds yummy! :icon_hungry: Bare, can you share the recipe? I love cabbage, and it sounds like a nice break from the beans in the chili and the bean soup. I'm especially interested in the spices. I have no spice gene. Other than onions and salt & pepper, I never know what spices to use.
Thanks!
Judy

[K9-Lovers]

Here's my diet tip: I make "green" smoothies. You take anything green like spinach or turnip greens, etc., and add fruit. Blend it up and you have a yummy drink that is healthy and fills you up just like a meal. You can add nuts (cashew, almond, etc) to help thicken. Use any kind of fruit or veggies, all raw. Here's an example of what I throw in my blender:

1/2 cup plain unsweetened yogurt
2 cups greens (spinach, turnip greens, etc. - uncooked)
1 carrot
1 small tomato
1/4 cucumber
2 cups frozen strawberries (more or less)
1/2 frozen banana
3/4 cup Splenda or other sweetener to taste

If you don't have frozen fruit, then just throw in a couple of ice cubes. You can use any kind of fruit, but I mostly use berries because they don't cause blood sugar spikes. This recipe is best with a high-power blender. Yum!

[ConeyIsBabe]

My all time favorite healthy/high fiber meal is black bean chili made with ground turkey and lots of chopped celery, garlic, tomatoes, a cup of grated carrots & more navy beans, spiced with chili powder and curry powder. The last 8 minutes of cooking, I throw in a cup of whole grain elbow pasta :icon_hungry:

[Boomer]

Hi Girls,

A question -- Has anybody used StriVectin-SD eye cream?

There is a story behind this question, of course. But for now, I gotta get out of here. Today is Boomette's birthday and I have to finish getting ready to go to the party later.

She was born on the 4th of July so we named her :boom:ette.

A happy 4th of July to everybody.

(I wonder if I should ask Boomette if she is tired of red, white, and blue birthday cakes with sparklers on top instead of candles.)

Boomer

[uujudy]

Boomer, I haven't used the eye cream. I think you should try it and report back to us with before and after pictures.

Happy birthday to :boom:ette!
At least you didn't name her :boom::boom: tee hee :laugh:

[Boomer]

About that StriVectin-SD eye cream…..What happened to me is either a coincidence or this stuff actually works. That’s why I was wondering if any of you had ever used it. Here’s the story….

About a year ago I was in Macy’s cosmetics department when they were pushing StriVectin. You girls know the drill. I let the saleswoman talk to me about it to the point where I ended up buying a small introductory kit that had different creams in it. At first I thought that the stuff was so expensive that there was no way I was buying any of it – not the spiel or the cream. But the more she talked, the more interested I got and besides, I had some of those Macy’s coupons so I thought….ohhhh, whattheheck.

Anyway, I brought it home and stuck it on a shelf in the closet and continued with my old stuff and forgot all about the StriVectin until last week when I suddenly developed puffy bags under my eyes. One day – there they were – no warning – nothing gradual, I had aged rapidly, in just one day.……

The big puffy bags under my eyes were set off by a deeply etched red-rimmed circle under just the left eye. I guess this was a sinus infection. I had never really had such a thing happen before.

It's not like I am a spring chicken to begin with, but I have seen Bassett hounds that looked a whole lot perkier than I looked.

I kept looking in the mirror and worrying about the new me. This went on for a couple of days. And then I began to play it out to one of those, “Ohhhhhh my goodness….oh, nooooooo what if?” things. What if the puffy, puffy swelling never goes away??? Or what if it the puffy part goes away after a long time, but then the skin itself is all stretched out and leaves behind a saggy, floppy droop of skin. (I am of the collagen-challenged age and so I figured that could happen.).

Then I remembered the StriVectin in the closet. And I remembered those promises from that sign in the aisle at Macy’s. And I remembered my encounter at the counter where I let myself be talked into buying some of this magic potion.

And so I dug out the eye cream and I put it on and the next morning – you guessed it – I looked like myself again. The bags were gone. There was no droop. And the red circle had faded away.

But I don’t know if it was a coincidence or if this stuff worked. The sinus infection hung around for a few more days.

And that’s why I asked you girls if anybody else had ever used this stuff. This seems too good to be true. Has to be. None of that stuff works like that for real. But it has been kind of fun to wonder.....

Boomer

[barb1191]

Boomer.....

I did a bit of online research on this product and read a number of critiques from users that varied from it being "magic" to warnings of it's damage to the eyes (nothing life-threatening; merely sore red eyelids). Well, I deduced that there was nothing really worth considering alarming since the fact is that we are all so unique in our own bodies that what's good for the goose isn't always good for the gander. One must test the water gently.

You happened to hit it lucky and that's great because bottom line, the results merely depend upon one's unique body and it seemed to work well for you. Good for you....Hugs, Barb

[Barefoot]

Then I remembered the StriVectin in the closet. And so I dug out the eye cream and I put it on and the next morning � you guessed it � I looked like myself again. The bags were gone. There was no droop. And the red circle had faded away. Boomer

Great story Boom. I think you've just boosted StriVectin sales by 300%! :mornincoffee: (But I've heard Preparation H does the same thing for a lot less cash).

P.S. I love the diet recipes and the K-9 power drink. I can't imagine the smoothie tastes yummy, but I'll give it a try!

UUJudy, I will post the diet soup recipe the next time I make it. I swear you can eat it endlessly and lose weight. (Of course you get quickly tired of all the bloating from the fibre) :faint:

I've been making the diet soup for 20 years and I never use a recipe. So I'll write down the ingredients the next time I make it. I throw in a bunch of spices until I like the taste, so I'll measure those also.

[Boomer]

Great story Boom. I think you've just boosted StriVectin sales by 300%! :mornincoffee: (But I've heard Preparation H does the same thing for a lot less cash).



Barefoot! That has to be it! All I could think of was that it was probably made out of cucumbers and teabags, but I bet you are right.

And Barb, thank you for the research.

There is a lot of it left in the tube, but I was at Macy's the other day and I checked the recent price because I was curious. It was on sale for 47 bucks for a tube that is supposed to last 6 months. The saleswoman said that they are changing the packaging and so the old stuff is on sale. Still a ridiculous price. And certainly not as cheap as Preparation H.

I have a feeling that you are absolutely right about the Preparation H. The wonders of marketing huh. -- Could be exactly what this stuff is. -- Well, if not exactly, it is probably really close to the formula.

Sooooo, I wonder if we should conduct a scientific experiment here in the Girl Talk thread?

Boomer

PS: Also, it looks like we have some new people around here on TOTV and if you are one of them and you are reading Girl Talk, welcome. This thread was started by Barefoot more than two years ago. It is a conversation. The kind of conversation that only women understand. We go from subject to subject and we never lose track of what we are talking about and nobody can ever be accused of hijacking because there is no such thing here.

Of course, I know that you must be a girl if you are reading this because it is "No Boys Allowed" here in this thread. So please join in anytime with Girl Talk.

[Barefoot]

Barefoot! That has to be it! All I could think of was that it was probably made out of cucumbers and teabags, but I bet you are right.

I have a feeling that you are absolutely right about the Preparation H. The wonders of marketing huh. -- Could be exactly what this stuff is. -- Well, if not exactly, it is probably really close to the formula.

Sooooo, I wonder if we should conduct a scientific experiment here in the Girl Talk thread?

OK, Boom, we'll conduct an experiment .. you go first! :22yikes: I don't have eye bags right now. I have a myriad of other facial challenges, but not bags. (How can you have wrinkles and break-outs at the same time??) But I digress.

I've definitely heard that Preparation H works! But I can't get past using stuff around my eyes that is designed for .. well .. that other place. :angel:

[Boomer]

OK, Boom, we'll conduct an experiment .. you go first! :22yikes: I don't have eye bags right now. I have a myriad of other facial challenges, but not bags. (How can you have wrinkles and break-outs at the same time??) But I digress.

I've definitely heard that Preparation H works! But I can't get past using stuff around my eyes that is designed for .. well .. that other place. :angel:

Nooooo, Barefoot, nooooooo. I figured maybe we could get StriVectin to send us a case of the stuff, in the name of science, of course, but the Prep H??? No way.

I have to admit though, now that those bags have disappeared as suddenly as they appeared, I am going to hoard the rest of the tube of StriVectin in case it happens again.

And about Prep H.....a few years ago I had to have an MRI (turned out fine) but the instructions I had before the appointment said to remove jewelry. Well, my wedding ring had not been off since our wedding. It still fit fine. Or so I thought. But I had not realized that I could not get it off.

I twisted it. i turned it. I soaped it. I lotioned it. And all that just made things worse. And then the light bulb went off over top my head and I went to the drugstore and got a tube of -- you guessed it! And it worked like a charm.

So when I went in for the appointment, I told the person at the desk about it and said that maybe they should keep some in the desk there for others who might have a problem taking off a ring. I felt ever so clever with my solution and I wanted to pass it along.

Boomer Heloise

[barb1191]

Boom, I heard about that show and I've heard that it was excellent. Betty White is just amazing. Wish we could all be that bright as we age. Sadly, I don't think we get the show in Canada.



BF.... I watched the first two shows, not on my television but on MY COMPUTER yesterday!! So, if you can't watch it on your television in Canada, try this link which you may have to copy/paste.

The Official Hot in Cleveland Site starring Betty White, Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick : Hot In Cleveland

Hope it works for you as it's really good......b

PS: If the link doesn't work, then copy/paste to "Search" and it will probably come up.

[Pturner]

Here's an article on Preparation H for wrinkles

http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/42773

After reading it, I don't know if it works or not.:shrug: I guess it doesn't matter, as I won't be trying it. :)

[Barefoot]

BF.... I watched the first two shows, not on my television but on MY COMPUTER yesterday!! So, if you can't watch it on your television in Canada, try this link which you may have to copy/paste.


Thanks Barb .. I found it on my TV schedule, yay! The pilot of "Hot in Cleveland" is showing tonight at 8 PM. I've been wanting to see it.

I say this with a mixture of glee and sadness. "The Bachlorette" (Ali) is also on at 8 PM tonight. And if I were to be truthful (and we always tell the truth on Girl Talk), I am addicted to the Bachlorette. Now I'm out of the closet. I'm the only person in North America who loves Reality TV. Yes, I'm ashamed! As terrible and phony as it is, I'm addicted. I always swear I'll never start watching the new season and then I do. It is such a train wreck of a show, so overdone and dramatic.

But .... Jake the Fake is on tonight. He was engaged to Venetia, and he dumped her. And now they are both on tonight's episode of The Bachlorette. He is such a loser, I really dislike him, he is so phony, how can I not watch!

And no, I don't have any of those gadgets that let me record shows. I barely know how to answer my phone.

Anyway, Fireboy is working tonight so I'll just watch both shows at the same time which drives him mental. Well, it would drive any normal person mental.

But I digress. Gotta go or you'll be calling me Boomest.

[villages07]

But I digress. Gotta go or you'll be calling me Boomest.

Make that "Boomfoot"

(or maybe "BareBoom"???)

:boom:
:BigApplause:

[K9-Lovers]

Well don't be ashamed, BF, cause I'm watching the Bachelorette this season, too.

I would consider using the Prep H under my eyes because I have bags, too, but then I noticed the bags on the underside of my arms are so much larger -- they should be tended to first. Now that would take lots and lots of Prep H. So, I gave up the idea.

And yes, that Green Smoothie does taste good. My husband is amazed every time I make one for him and I list the ingredients. Truly yummy.

[Boomer]

Hi Girls,

Tonight at 10:00, "Hot in Cleveland" is on again on TV Land. I set the DVR. It looks like the channel is doing that weird thing again where they play the same episode back-to-back. But it is supposed to be a new episode, at least.

Last week they went to the Rock and Roll Museum. Huey Lewis played an aging rock star (imagine that) who had long ago had a thing with one of the women. They were recreating some memories -- or trying to.

All the actresses are really good, but Betty White is still the best of all.

Boomer

[Barefoot]

I'm at the lake cottage in Canada and our TV isn't working. :cus: I missed the Bachelorette home town visits. I missed Hot in Cleveland again! It is amazing how attached you can become to a television and how boring nights are without one! Oh, I really need to get a life. :popcorn:

[villages07]

Boomer...thanks for the heads up; I watched "Hot in Cleveland" last night for the first time. Kind of a younger version of the Golden Girls. It was entertaining and funny. Too bad it's buried on the "TV Land" channel. Maybe one of the networks will pick it up in the future.

[bkcunningham1]

Thanks Boomer. We also watched "Hot in Cleveland" for the first time last night. I saw Valerie Bertinelli promoting it awhile back and had totally forgotten about the show.

The scene when Betty White came into the kitchen with her hair dyed was hilarious and very reminiscent of kitcen table talks and one liners from "The Golden Girls." It seemed like Betty White's character is similar to Sophia Petrillo in "The Golden Girls." Estelle Getty was great in that role.

I really like Wendie Malick. She gets better with age? "Just Shoot Me" was sooo funny. Her timing is great.

And what about that Jane Leeves. My husband and I debated for a minute if that was Daphne Moon from "Frasier." And then in walks Newman from "Seinfield."

IMHO Valeria Bertinelli is not a very good actress. My husband kept saying, "Who cares. She is sooo beautiful. Leave my Barbara alone. (From her years on "One Day at a Time.")

I wonder how the LeBron James thing will affect the show?

[Boomer]

I know the link to "Hot in Cleveland" has already been posted in this thread. But here it is again. The reason I am putting it here is because on the lower left of the opening screen, there is a schedule of repeats of the shows so far.

The one called "Birthdates" is especially funny. They draw names and have to find a date for the person whose name they get. It is a fiasco except for Betty White's date. Can't remember which character found Betty's date for her, but she did it by emailing the senior center and got the only one who knew how to email back. The scenes with Betty White and her new boyfriend are wonderful.

I am glad to hear you girls like the show.

And Barefoot, I bet when you get to see it, you will like it, too. (And talk about needing to get a life....geez....here I am acting like I am somebody's agent on "Hot in Cleveland.")

(And I agree that some of those channels sure manage to bury a show and seem to work against it with how the schedule works or does not work.)

So anyway, here is the link that shows when the DVR can catch the other episodes. They are running all of them on Saturday. A DVR is a wonderful thing.

http://www.tvland.com/shows/hot-in-cleveland

Boomer

[Ohiogirl]

Boomer - thanks! I have missed all of these, so I've now set the VCR to record them all this Saturday - probably will have a girlfriend party to watch them (doesn't that sound much better than "hen party")?

[Barefoot]

Has anyone experimented with the Sensa Weight-Loss System? Supposedly little granules you shake on your food that affect your sense of smell and you magically lose weight. :girlneener:

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. :sigh: I know, I know, I know .... don't remind me .... eat less and exercise more.

And yet I continue to look for a magic solution.

[Boomer]

Barefoot, for more than two years I have been hoping that you would announce that you have discovered the magic solution. Darn it. Please keep trying though. I am depending on you.

Somewhere in here, a while back, I was going on and on about how I was swilling down V8 because I heard that was supposed to help. Well, I guess you all know how long that lasted.

And then I told everybody that I was going to write a diet book. I was planning to call my diet book "The Fiddle-Dee-Dee Diet: Tomorrow Is Another Day." (I guess that could be the most realistic diet book ever written.)

But please keep up the quest. OK?

Boomer

[graciegirl]

I am changing the subject. I need comfort.

We are putting our home up for sale and the first prospective realtor said that our house doesn't smell like "old people live here".

[bkcunningham1]

What exactly is an "old people" smell anyway? The lingering smell of young love, honeymoon hugs, baby powder and baby diapers and cough medicine and sleepless nights from bygone days. The smell of bubble baths and bedtime stories. The smell of roses for anniversaries and birthdays and countless Christmas trees and the dye from Easter eggs. The aroma of decades of Thanksgivings and laughter from house parties. The smell of conversations and disagreements and make-up kisses. The smell of iodine and bandaids on skinned up knees. The clean smell of prayers of thanksgiving and tears from rearing children.

Maybe this young whippersnapper just didn't recognize the smell of life. I hope they experience it one day. I want my house to smell like old people lived and loved there.

[graciegirl]

Oh BK. I feel all better. This is being printed and framed.

[Pturner]

What exactly is an "old people" smell anyway? The lingering smell of young love, honeymoon hugs, baby powder and baby diapers and cough medicine and sleepless nights from bygone days. The smell of bubble baths and bedtime stories. The smell of roses for anniversaries and birthdays and countless Christmas trees and the dye from Easter eggs. The aroma of decades of Thanksgivings and laughter from house parties. The smell of conversations and disagreements and make-up kisses. The smell of iodine and bandaids on skinned up knees. The clean smell of prayers of thanksgiving and tears from rearing children.

Maybe this young whippersnapper just didn't recognize the smell of life. I hope they experience it one day. I want my house to smell like old people lived and loved there.

Wow!
:BigApplause:

[Pturner]

:wave:

I'll start with a statement of self defense. I'm not one to speak ill of other people.

BUT... I'm here to bitch about Ms. Mini Pause.

Having no magic bullet is one thing. (Oh please, please find that magic bullet!) But eating less, exercising more and still gaining weight is Mini Pause's ultimate bad joke. :cus: I was the original 98 lb. weakling until I turned 50.
And then along come's Mini

And does she want to keep me slim or let me burn the calories
that give me pleasant memories?
Or maybe rather gather tales from all the fails and tribulations
Everyone can see

When we met I had quit eating lunch
Now my empty gut shows the pack of her punch!
Seriously, I turned 50 and my metabolism died. In the eight years since, I've gained 20 pounds. I eat less and less and still gain. I exercise and still have a hard time taking it off.
So yes, we struggle much
When told that such a tender touch of hers
Will make us not the same!
Anyone feel my pain? Suggestions?

[bkcunningham1]

P, I just turned 49 this July. About a year ago, when we moved to NC from DC area, I started thinking I was losing my mind. I couldn't remember simple things. I'd wander aimlessly in the new house. I didn't say anything to my husband.

I thought oh, he's stressed and doesn't need to hear my silliness. I'm just stressed from the move. It progressed to a point of panic on my part. I had to start taking a nap in the afternoons before I could fix dinner. Not that I wanted to lay down and sleep. Because I couldn't put one foot in front of the other. Then I started having chest "pains" and horrible sweats and gaining weight. I went to a general practioner and a cardiologist. Both said the same thing. Menapause.

I thought, you know, of all the wonderful women I've known in my life, none warned me of this. Then I realized. They may have wanted to, but they forgot.
My forgetfulness was the most shocking. The weight gain is uncontrollable because I don't have any energy to spike my metabolism. I am not taking HRTs. Just sweating it out.

I saw a little sign that said, "Women over 50 shouldn't have babies. They'll lay them down and forget where they put them."

[uujudy]

Freeda, I googled "list of low glycemic foods" and I couldn't find RJ Gator's Shrimp Po-Boy or Mallory's all-you-can-eat wings or Cane Garden's fish sandwich or Havana's pineapple chicken salad or Nancy Lopez's clams and pasta or Hacienda Hill's half price hamburgers or Red Sauce's eggplant parm or a pitcher Yuengling anywhere on the list. I can't understand why I'm gaining weight? :laugh:

[Barefoot]

P, I just turned 49 this July. About a year ago, when we moved to NC from DC area, I started thinking I was losing my mind. I couldn't remember simple things. I'd wander aimlessly in the new house. I didn't say anything to my husband.

I thought oh, he's stressed and doesn't need to hear my silliness. I'm just stressed from the move. It progressed to a point of panic on my part. I had to start taking a nap in the afternoons before I could fix dinner. Not that I wanted to lay down and sleep. Because I couldn't put one foot in front of the other. Then I started having chest "pains" and horrible sweats and gaining weight. I went to a general practioner and a cardiologist. Both said the same thing. Menapause.

I thought, you know, of all the wonderful women I've known in my life, none warned me of this. Then I realized. They may have wanted to, but they forgot.
My forgetfulness was the most shocking. The weight gain is uncontrollable because I don't have any energy to spike my metabolism. I am not taking HRTs. Just sweating it out.

I saw a little sign that said, "Women over 50 shouldn't have babies. They'll lay them down and forget where they put them."

Hey BK, I laughed and laughed at your post. And then I read it to Fireboy and we both laughed. You are such an entertaining writer. I loved the sign about forgetting where you put your baby. Hilarious.

And Boomer, don't worry, I'll never give up the quest to find the magic bullet. I know it's out there. I'm actually trying acupuncture next. My friend Hyacinth is currently eating all her food with a baby spoon. To slow down her eating. There is no end to the things we'll try (as long as it doesn't involve exercise or eating less, :laugh:)

UUJudy, you just listed all my favouite foods. Except you forgot Haagen Daas Icecream! When I find the magic bullet, I know that it will allow us to eat all these foods!

I'm still seriously considering having my eyebrows tattooed.

[K9-Lovers]

Well, I'm not as clever as many of you word-smiths, although I am a word-smith "wannabe". So my post might be boring, but, Freeda has the answers; it is only through practice that they work. I do the same thing -- I ask for veggies rather than the serving of fries with my fish basket. I never eat any bread, unless it is extremely high fiber. Sugar doesn't cross my lips; I bake/cook my own sugar-free desserts and treats. My salads are eaten with vinegar dressings without sugar in them (no creamy fattening stuff). Fruits are all low glycemic and are limited to mostly berries. Veggies are all low glycemic -- I haven't eaten corn or white potatoes in a long, long, long time. Cooking can be an outlet for creativity. If you don't cook, educate yourself about low-glycemic foods and choose wisely in restaurants.

When I was younger, I always wondered why "old people" were always so interested in taking vitamins and life-extension. I thought it was silly to panic at the end and try to extend your life. Just lately I have come to understand that we "old people" are not trying to extend our life, but instead are hoping to stay healthy during those last years. Am I on the right track with low-glycemic foods? I think so . . .hope so.

Now, if you really want to be healthy, eliminate meat from your diet. (Read The China Study) But that's another (sometimes touchy) subject . .

[ssmith]

:bowdown: So Freda,,,I have read South Beach and some of Dr Oz...what book do you use to determine glycemic values and recipes etc....

[Pturner]

I forgot about the forgetfulness part. That too. :rant-rave:

Freeda, you make excellent points. Honestly, I could cut back on many "bad foods" without much complaint. But bread? Soft hot breads are my ultimate comfort foods. A life without bread-- the mere thought makes me want to grab a (dark) chocolate bar to relieve the stress.

Why, oh why, do women need comfort food!?

[Freeda]

I forgot about the forgetfulness part. That too. :rant-rave:

Soft hot breads are my ultimate comfort foods. A life without bread-- the mere thought makes me want to grab a (dark) chocolate bar to relieve the stress.

Why, oh why, do women need comfort food!?

I totally understand; that's how it was with me and French fries. I really don't miss them, and would have never believed I'd say that!

Some of the lowest-glycemic breads are: coarse barley kernel bread (75% or higher in kernels) - around 27-34 on the glycemic index; and rye kernel bread (pumpernickel) - 41 on the glycemic index. I would limit even low-glycemic bread, but these are at least some of the better choices. Not soft, and not white, I know, but at least there are some choices versus total abstinence from bread!! There was NOTHING that I could substitute for French fries; I just had to go 'cold turkey'.

And probably a little dark unsweetened (and non-milk) pure chocolate here and there would be a better choice than white bread. Alas, white bread is 70 on the glycemic index; ie, it is higher than if we just slapped pure table sugar (which is 'only' 61 on the glycemic index) on our tongue.

[K9-Lovers]

I used to be just like PT with my bread. Stand back and don't get in my way when warm, fresh white bread or rolls with real butter was around. It tasted just like dessert to me. But now when I eat bread, it tastes like gummy, gooey yucky stuff. I never thought I'd say that, either! I will eat pumpernickel occasionally, and enjoy it.

[barb1191]

I'm at the lake cottage in Canada and our TV isn't working. :cus: I missed the Bachelorette home town visits. I missed Hot in Cleveland again! It is amazing how attached you can become to a television and how boring nights are without one! Oh, I really need to get a life. :popcorn:

BF.... Have no fear.... If you put HULU in your search engine you will come up with all kinds of interesting movies, television shows, specials that you can see on your computer. You can also bring the pictures to full screen.

That's how I watched the first show (that I missed on tele) of Hot in Cincinnati and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Give it a go; think you'll enjoy, especially if you don't have any television....b

[Whalen]

I need to have one of my ears re pierced. Don't ask...it's a long story.

Any suggestions as to where to go?

I'm not comfortable just going to the mall.

Thanks:smiley:

[Freeda]

I don't know about here; but in Louisville, where I moved from, some plastic surgeons' offices would do ear piercing. The most important thing, I think, is to go to someone who does alot of them; not just once in a while. You don't want to be 'practice' for someone.

[Pturner]

I used to be just like PT with my bread. Stand back and don't get in my way when warm, fresh white bread or rolls with real butter was around. It tasted just like dessert to me. But now when I eat bread, it tastes like gummy, gooey yucky stuff. I never thought I'd say that, either! I will eat pumpernickel occasionally, and enjoy it.

K9, I'm with you on white bread being yucky. Wheat, pumpernickel, multi-grain... yum.

But I don't know where Whalen should get her ear re-pierced.

[PR1234]

PT I am SO with you and it is frustrating as H#*@# I am 56 and have been going through the same thing you have since about 50. I have been on Weight Watchers for an entire year and have not lost a thing. I seem to go up a couple and back down a couple. I keep telling myself, at least the good thing is I am not gaining! We are snowbirds and I can't wait to get back down in Oct. at least there are a lot more activities to keep me going. The only bad part is......I am too tired to do half of them:rant-rave::rant-rave::(

[LisaJ]

Hi Pturner-Have you tried bioidentical hormones? I turned 50 in December and balooned with my weight. Put 20 pounds on overnight!!! After watching the Dr. Phil show and listening to Robin about bioidentical hormones, I decided to find a doctor that specializes in them. I was having terrible night sweats, was exhausted (from not sleeping at night) and starting to feel depressed about the entire situation. She prescribed progesterone (in a cream form) with a touch of testorone. I have lost 5 pounds and my outlook on life is definitely moving in the right direction. Good luck and let me know if this works for you.

[uujudy]

" UUJudy, you just listed all my favouite foods. Except you forgot Haagen Daas Icecream! When I find the magic bullet, I know that it will allow us to eat all these foods!

I'm still seriously considering having my eyebrows tattooed."

Bare, Haagen Daas Ice Cream! Yes! Please keep looking for that magic bullet! When you find it the world will thank you -- or at the very least, we at the TOTV Girl Talk Forum will elect you as our queen! :thumbup:

[Pturner]

Hi Pturner-Have you tried bioidentical hormones? I turned 50 in December and balooned with my weight. Put 20 pounds on overnight!!! After watching the Dr. Phil show and listening to Robin about bioidentical hormones, I decided to find a doctor that specializes in them. I was having terrible night sweats, was exhausted (from not sleeping at night) and starting to feel depressed about the entire situation. She prescribed progesterone (in a cream form) with a touch of testorone. I have lost 5 pounds and my outlook on life is definitely moving in the right direction. Good luck and let me know if this works for you.

Hi Lisa, I'm leary of taking hormones, and not sure it would be right for me, anyway. I got night sweats for 2 or 3 nights several years ago, then never again. Knock on wood, I don't have either those or the "personal summers". Been paid back in spades though with the dead metabolism, feeling tired often and forgetfulness.

Got thyroid checked earlier this year after having some dizzyness, blackouts and vertigo. Sure enough, thyroid was barely functioning. Since taking synthroid, those symptoms are gone. Also, no longer gaining weight, but can't take off the weight gained even with eating less/more healthy and exercize.

Plan to try low-glycemic approach. In addition to Freeda, anyone had success with it???

[Boomer]

Judy and Barefoot,

Being a Cincinnati girl, I hope it will be Graeter's ice cream, but I gotta tellya, Haagen Daas rum raisin is my backup.

And speaking of Cincinnati, Mark Twain is supposed to have said that if the world is ending you should go to Cincinnati because everything there happens 20 years later. Well, Twain was probably right. I just heard about Greek yogurt. Probably everybody else already knows about it.

When I heard about Greek yogurt, I thought maybe I could make myself believe this stuff tastes like ice cream. So I bought a brand called Chobani and I mixed it with walnuts and blueberries and bananas. It was fine --as long as you wanted to be eating Greek yogurt with walnuts and blueberries and bananas and not Graeter's ice cream. (Sigh) If only I had a better imagination.

Barefoot, when I read about your friend Hyacinth using a baby spoon, I got up and went into the kitchen and opened the silverware drawer and sure enough, there I found a little fork and a little spoon -- toddler size, left over from the days when my grandchildren were little. Ironically, a couple of weeks ago, I noticed them there (the spoon and fork, not my grandchildren) and wondered what I was going to do with them, and now, here's a plan, right here on Girl Talk.

And, Judy, I agree. Barefoot would be our queen if she found the magic solution. Heck, Barefoot would be Queen of the Entire Universe if she did that. I sure hope she would still have time for us little people back here in Girl Talk.

Boomer

[salpal]

She would be The Queen indeed.....

I am almost 58, when I turned 50, almost overnight, my body SHAPE changed. I did not gain weight (according to the scale) BUT, now my hips have hips, by butt is disappearing and all my weight shifted to my hips, they seem to grow wider by the year. Also, I suddenly had muffin top, something I never had before. So my conclusion is that the lack of estrogen equals the lack of muscle tone (I know I have to lift weights but it is so darn boring).

They do not manufacture clothes for this body type....I am reduced to elastic waists only. OMG, I have just become my Mother.

The night sweats have finally stopped after 7 years and now only get a hot flash when I drink something hot or too much red wine..... You will get a kick out of this one....once when having my 12th hot flash for the day, hubby says "Geez, Can't you control that?"

PS: Love the greek yogurt, especially mixed with cool whip!

[K9-Lovers]

I've had hot flashes for 12 years . . . no kidding. They have changed through the years and are now the worse ever. My face, chest, back and arms turn bright red and I sweat profusely. One flash can last only a few seconds up to 5 minutes. My doctor recommended that I NOT take hormones, but instead try over-the-counter "Estroven" and it has helped immensely. If you are suffering, try it!

As for the Greek yogurt. Boomer, try putting it in a blender with frozen fruit and it will taste like frozen yogurt -- much better than just refrigerated yogurt!

[graciegirl]

Estrogen is a proven cancer trigger. Even artificial (natural) estrogen. If there is breast cancer in your genetic makeup, than even soy milk is something that a physician should evaluate.

I think that you should have your vitamin D levels checked by a regular M.D.

Mine were almost non existant. He put me on an extremely high dosage of vitamin D. Once weekly for three months. I lost 30 pounds in that time frame. He told me to continue to take 1000 units a day. I think any additives need to be evaluated by a physician.

[Pturner]

Wow, 30 lbs in three months. That's almost.... a .... magic.... bullet.

Pass the Vitamin D!

[pooh]

I freeze Yoplait Whips and find they satisfy the need for a frozen treat. Actually, I have one every morning with my breakfast. Chocolate raspberry is the flavor I enjoy the most.

Had no idea this thread was so long! One day when I have time, I'll have to sit down and read...and read and read... :)

Oops, I spelled yogurt incorrectly....sorry about that. Type faster than my brain engages sometimes.

[barb1191]

I need to have one of my ears re pierced. Don't ask...it's a long story.

Any suggestions as to where to go?

I'm not comfortable just going to the mall.

Thanks:smiley:

Possibly a jewelry shop? I think I had my ears pierced there so many years ago. ......b

[Barefoot]

Estrogen is a proven cancer trigger. Even artificial (natural) estrogen. If there is breast cancer in your genetic makeup, than even soy milk is something that a physician should evaluate.

I think that you should have your vitamin D levels checked by a regular M.D. Mine were almost non existant. He put me on an extremely high dosage of vitamin D. Once weekly for three months. I lost 30 pounds in that time frame. He told me to continue to take 1000 units a day. I think any additives need to be evaluated by a physician.

I agree with GG that estrogen falls into a "suspicious" zone. I stopped drinking soy milk for that reason.

I took HRT for five years, I think "forever young" was the mantra. And then suddenly, after many years of doctors swearing that HRT was a magic bullet, the whole world realized that HRT could be very harmful. Who knew?

Re Vitamin D .. I thought that sunshine equalled Vitamin D. I'm confused. But it can't hurt to have it tested. So now I'm taking GG's advice. Stand back .... I'm heading to the doctor to have my Vitamin D levels checked. Sigh. Could this finally be a solution to my muffin top?

[graciegirl]

Bare.

Having vitamin D levels checked is a recent addition to an annual check up. Just for the sake of curiosity, google Vitamin D weight loss. There seems to be quite a lot of information lately.

The amount of vitamin D I took initially was a prescription. I think anything taken as a supplement should be discussed with a physician. Hope it works for you.

I am feeling quite good.

[Ohiogirl]

knowing I am not the only one dealing with all this (hot flashes, weight gain). None of my friends nor my sisters have had the excessive hot flashes I'm still having.

I'm almost 60 and started having hot flashes about 2 years before menopause at 55, but of course that was just when the HRT study came out and everyone was getting off hormones. After 2 years of misery (about 20-24 hot flashes a day, mostly at night) I finally went on low-dose PremPro (no family history of breast cancer). I had tried black cohash supplements on my doctor's advice with no relief. The PremPro really helped the hot flashes, then I went off after 4 years - could have stayed on for one more year but thought what the heck, why not get off now. Hot flashes came back almost immediately, but not quite as often or as severe. Only about 4-5/day now, still mostly at night, but only wakes me up once or twice nightly instead of hourly.

HOW LONG CAN THIS GO ON???!!! What is the record? Will I still be doing this when I turn 70?

And Freeda, is low glycemic the same as low carb? Appears to me to be the same?

[pooh]

Evamist..... please read this article. May not be news to some, but there are some who might find the info of value to them or those they know.

http://www.webmd.com/menopause/news/20100730/fda-evamist-exposure-risky-for-children?src=RSS_PUBLIC

[Boomer]

Greek yogurt is new to me. But since finding it, I have been working hard on trying to make myself think it is ice cream. For the past few mornings I have replaced my standard bowl of Cheerios, walnuts, and bananas and/or berries with Greek yogurt, walnuts, and bananas and/or berries. (Yeah. Yeah. I know what you're thinking. You are thinking why am I talking about ice cream and breakfast in the same paragraph. But admit it. -- Who among us has never had ice cream for breakfast -- every once in a while. C'mon, you know you have.) But I digress.

Now, back to the Greek yogurt. I bought two different kinds, Yoplait and one that I had never heard of, Chobani. The Chobani wins with me. The texture is better and the fruit tastes like it might be actual fruit and not some syrupy jelly stuff.

And something else that absolutely guarantees that Chobani Greek yogurt will be my choice from now on -- it's the carton design. -- Yep. The carton design. . .

I like the Chobani yogurt carton design because. . .

As some of you may know, I write sometimes about my dog Annie who is always here beside me when I am at the computer. Annie is past her 16th birthday now, and for those many years she has expected us to share a little of our food with her, and depending on what it is, we do share.

Annie likes yogurt and expects to finish off the carton. But think about those Yoplait cartons and how they are shaped. It is impossible for a dog to get to the bottom of it. I have to assist and rip the Yoplait carton and hold it for her. But with the Chobani carton, I can easily give Annie that last little dollop by setting the carton down on the floor and she can take over, needs no help at all.

Chobani tastes way better than Yoplait, in my opinion anyway. But the fact that my dog can manage the carton on her own for the little leftovers sure is a nice touch. (I wonder if Chobani's marketing department thought of all the dogs that would be happy.)

Here is the link to Chobani's site. You can see the carton shape and other stuff, too, including some recipes.

http://www.chobani.com/

Boomer

[Pturner]

Funny you should mention it. I discovered Greek Yogurt at the grocery yesterday (Monday). The brand I found was called Fage. All live cultures.

I decided to try it but... I had decided that starting Monday, as part of this low GI plan Freeda has convinced me to try, I would eat NO sugar at all between now and Aug. 21. No sugar added that is. I'm eating plenty of fresh fruit. So, I got the plain yogurt, no sugar, no fruit (because the ones with fruit have sugar and high fructose corn syrup and stuff).

Needless to say the plain, unsweetened yogurt by itself was TERRIBLE. YUCK! I added some raw honey, fresh blueberries and raspberries and sliced some banana and mixed it with the plain yogurt. Had it for breakfast this morning. It was good.

Why no sugar until Aug. 21? That's the date of my 40th high school reunion. I'd love to shed 10 lbs by then. It's a great incentive.

So Monday was day one. I ate oatmeal with fresh berries for breakfast. A field greens salad with brocholi, cucumber, radishes, almonds, pamagranade (wierd but on hand-- and good), a little cheese, egg and oil & vinegar dressing for lunch. Some pecans and half an apple for a snack. Salmon rubbed with garlic-flavored extra virgin olive oil and asparagus for dinner, with the rest of the apple for desert.

Weighed this morning. On day one I lost 1 lb!

[Barefoot]

Weighed this morning. On day one I lost 1 lb!

Please may we have an update.

[Taj44]

My only concern with the Greek yogurt, is that it can be high in fat. Perhaps its the brand we had. It was made with cream, instead of milk, so tasted delicious, but the fat content was pretty high, if I recall, 10 gms of fat per serving.

[Boomer]

My only concern with the Greek yogurt, is that it can be high in fat. Perhaps its the brand we had. It was made with cream, instead of milk, so tasted delicious, but the fat content was pretty high, if I recall, 10 gms of fat per serving.



EEK! Whatever kind you had sounds quite wonderful and terrible at the same time. Your post sent me running for Choboni's website. I look at that stuff when I am in the grocery store, but I thought maybe I had a lapse or something and the high fat content was what was making me go on and on here about how Annie and I really like this stuff.

Anyway, it's OK. The fat content is zero, zip, zilch in a lot of the flavors but some have more - not much though. The part of the site I am linking here shows all the labels.

(Phew! That was scary for a minute!)

(But ohhhhhhhh, wasn't there a Seinfeld about something like this??? Oh dear! Oh my! Oh well.)

Anyway, here's the link to the labels on the various flavors.

http://www.chobani.com/media/Chobani_nutritional_web.pdf

Boomer

[graciegirl]

I don't recall the Seinfeld thing but I do recall something from Shakespeare, since I hang out with all of you English majors.


"Beware of Greeks bearing yogurt".:pepper2:

[Taj44]

EEK! Whatever kind you had sounds quite wonderful and terrible at the same time. Your post sent me running for Choboni's website. I look at that stuff when I am in the grocery store, but I thought maybe I had a lapse or something and the high fat content was what was making me go on and on here about how Annie and I really like this stuff.

Anyway, it's OK. The fat content is zero, zip, zilch in a lot of the flavors but some have more - not much though. The part of the site I am linking here shows all the labels.

(Phew! That was scary for a minute!)

(But ohhhhhhhh, wasn't there a Seinfeld about something like this??? Oh dear! Oh my! Oh well.)

Anyway, here's the link to the labels on the various flavors.

http://www.chobani.com/media/Chobani_nutritional_web.pdf

Boomer

Good - glad yours was the low/no fat type. I find yogurt to be generally pretty bland, so when my daughter brought out this Greek yogurt, I was absolutely amazed. It was sooooo good...until I looked at the label.

[pooh]

I just bought some Choboni's Greek style yogurt and I must say, it is much better than the Yoplait. Sam's Club sells it, 12 containers to a box....4 strawberry, 4 peach and 4 blueberry.

Glad I saw the recommendation here because I wasn't going to try another type of Greek yogurt since I really didn't care for the first brand.

Thanks.

[ssmith]

Did you ever go back and read all of the old posts? Did you get to the posts on the banana hangers :)? Boy did I just roar about those....fun to remember.

About Greek Yogurt, I know it is good for you and I personally love the tart taste. It takes some getting used to ...but I developed a taste for it.

[pooh]

I don't always go back and read old posts....getting lazy in my old age...lol. I'll have to go back now and read about those banana hangers

I, too, don't mind the tart taste of yogurt, but the Yoplait brand just didn't taste all that good to me. I do freeze the Yoplait whips....satisfies the urge for ice cream....well, some of the time. ;)

[uujudy]

Boomer, yes there was a Seinfeld episode about a low-fat frozen yogurt shop that opened in their neighborhood. They couldn't believe it was low fat, so they ate it every day -- and they gained weight! Thanks for the reminder!

[Pturner]

Please may we have an update.

1st day was a fluke, losing a whole pound. But I have lost 3 lbs since Monday!

I lost something else too. My mid-afternoon slump! I am amazed because I have had a terrible time midday, sometimes feeling almost painfully sluggish. Knock on wood, it has disappeared.

In addition to boosting metabolism, this low GI plan is suppose to prevent your blood sugar from spiking high and then dropping low. I don't need a blood test to tell me that it has. I've had problems with low blood sugar for years. My fasting blood sugar is ultra-low everytime it's tested. Once when the results came back, it was so low my doctor said he didn't understand why I wasn't in a coma! So, OMB, the difference is amazing!

The Faze brand greek yogurt is also zero fat, yet creamy, creamy, creamy. I've never been a yogurt fan, but am developing a taste. With fresh berries and a touch of honey, it's quite good.

[K9-Lovers]

Put that yogurt in a blender and add some frozen strawberries. Amazing.

[Boomer]

Gracie, I loved your "Beware of Greeks bearing yogurt" warning. When I read it, I immediately visualized yogurt packaged inside a little wooden horse with wheels on it. I think it was Cassandra in the story of the Trojan War who ran around inside the walls of Troy, yelling about the Greeks, "Do not open that gate. Do not bring that wooden horse in here. It is not a surrender gift from the Greeks. It is a trick." But nobody would listen to her. And now, I will remember that story every time I think about Greek yogurt.

And Judy, you're right about that Seinfeld episode. Do you think we are in a Seinfeld episode here? I think maybe we are.

And pooh and ssmith,

I have to ask this. You are talking about banana "hangers" but i am wondering if you meant banana "hammocks." We were talking about those several months ago here. I told about the unfortunate choices of swim trunks made by a couple of guys who insisted on parading past my water aerobics class. There was Mr. See-Through-Pants who wore the baggy white ones -- baggy until they got wet. And then the guy wearing the banana hammock and we all know what those look like. Both -- unfortunate choices.

I thought that was what you meant. I typed "banana hammock" into Search and it took me to p. 103 of our thread here. I sure am going to be embarrassed though if you were talking about banana hangers like people have in their kitchen and here I am talking about something completely different.

Boomer

[graciegirl]

I wonder if the Greek yogurt has another microorganism. The domestic ones have lactobacillus acidopholus and that triggers a migraine for me.

[Pturner]

Yea! I've lost 5 lbs. Sure would like to shed 5 more by 8/21. Sure would like to keep it off. :)

[bkcunningham1]

Excellent P. That's a lot of weight if you think of it in terms of a five pound bag of sugar you've lost!! Yea!!!

[Boomer]

I have lost 4 pounds since the day before yesterday......but, btw, I had food poisoning from a restaurant quiche. I lived in Ice-Chip City for a while.

Seriously, congratulations, Pt. That is such a reasonable and healthy way to do it. Balanced.

Those blood sugar drops you talked about are wicked. I get mean if I go too long w/o food. Mean is not my style. I have a friend who gets those drops, too. We were on our way to a nice dinner out one evening when I diverted to an Arby's drive-thru on the way. She was sooooooo mean. All she needed was about half of an Arby's Jr. and then we could go on and have a nice leisurely dinner without her terrifying the server.

Anyway, thanks for the inspiration, Pt.

Boomer

[Pturner]

Cuz and Boomer, thanks so much for the moral support.

Boomer, I hope you got all the food poisoning out of your system! Had it once. Never want it again!!!

:a20: about your friend's "mean" attack.

[ssmith]

I meant banana hammocks...and get the giggles every time I remember that!!! P Turner, so what plan of glycemic index are you using? A certain book perhaps? Whatever it is I want to know more. Any recipes you use etc.

[K9-Lovers]

Good Job PTurner! You already look slender to me from your photo, so losing that much is quite a feat! You will knock 'em dead at the reunion (oops, is knock 'em dead going to offend someone? probably! yuk yuk).

[Barefoot]

Yea! I've lost 5 lbs. Sure would like to shed 5 more by 8/21. Sure would like to keep it off. :)

PT, congrats. Good going girl! Can you tell us some "basics" of what you're eating. Not exact portions or details .. just a list of some basic foods you're eating.

I'm also curious whether anyone has some good smoothie recipes which contain protein. Or perhaps you just add a protein powder? I think K-9 is our smoothie "go to" girl. Any good internet sites with smoothie suggestions?

Edit:

Just found a new good smoothie website called "3 fat chicks on a diet".

[K9-Lovers]

I'm also curious whether anyone has some good smoothie recipes which contain protein. Or perhaps you just add a protein powder? I think K-9 is our smoothie "go to" girl. Any good internet sites with smoothie suggestions?

Here are two good websites with lots of recipes to try:

http://www.incrediblesmoothies.com/smoothie-recipes/

http://pimpmyproteinshake.blogspot.com/search/label/protein%20shake%20recipes

After reading lots of these recipes, I've come up with a simple formula that I follow. I go through my fridge and pantry and just use what's there. It's best to have a HIGH POWERED blender or liquifier so you won't end up with an unappetizing "chunky" instead of a smoothie. I use a VitaMix. Put into blender in order of soft stuff first, then hard stuff. Here goes:

- small amount of almond milk, or soy milk (or yogurt)

- protein powder if desired (I use Jay Robb rice, it tastes best)

- soft stuff: fresh fruit or veggies (like peaches, orange, apple, grapes, blueberries, melon, cucumber, tomato, sweet pepper, etc.)

- greens: uncooked spinach is good for beginners 'cause you cannot taste it

- hard stuff: whole carrot, uncooked cabbage, celery

- frozen stuff: frozen strawberries, frozen mixed fruit, 1/2 frozen banana (just take the peel off, break in half, place in baggie in freezer

- sweetener: 3/4 cup splenda, or use stevia, honey, agave, or your favorite sweetener

- flavorings: you can add cinnamon, peanut butter, extracts, nuts, etc.

Or, if you just want a fun flavor, simplify and just combine yogurt/milk with frozen fruit. Or yogurt/milk and dark chocolate, sweetener & ice. You get the idea . . .:beer3:

[uujudy]

I hope you all can help me to understand the allure of smoothies...

Why would you take perfectly good strawberries, blueberries, spinach, carrots, yogurt, etc... and mush them all together in a blender? You wouldn't do that with a steak dinner, would you? :shrug:

I had a smoothie once, and it wasn't bad, but it seems like a lot of work and mess to make a smoothie at home when you have the fresh ingredients right there, ready to eat, and the strawberry tastes like a strawberry . . .

But then again, I feel the same way about the crock pot. Everything tastes the same when it's finished, and it's kind of mushy.

[Ohiogirl]

I'm kind of with UUjudy on crock pots. I use it for about 3 things - cocktail meatballs, chili (which I mostly cook on the stovetop first), and pot roast - it is really good for pot roast with carrots & potatoes & onions. If anyone else has any really GOOD crock pot recipes, let us know - in detail, please! I'd like to do more, now that I'll be off daily to golf, water aerobicize, etc.

[Pturner]

Hi y'all,
I appreciate so much the moral support on my diet. Sorry for the delayed response. As mentioned on another thread, I am working on my HS reunion, and as the time approaches, busy, busy, busy.

I am not following one particular book. Did quite a bit of research on the internet. Looked through some books at nearby bookstore, but didn't find one that jumped out at me.

I am eating a lot of fruits, especially berries, which I love. I eat an apple or peach every day as they are high in soluble fiber. Eat some type of peas or beans every day as they are very high protein and little to no fat. I've made some soups with barley and other whole grains. Dark green, red and purple veges. Various fish and shell fish. Some chicken. Eggs. A few nuts with fruit for snacks.

Sorry to say I have given up on yogurt. Wonderful as it's supposed to be, I just don't like it. Thought I would develop a taste, and instead I liked it a bit less every time I ate it. BTW, I agree with UUJudy about the smoothies. I love, love, love fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc, and prefer to eat them that way. I eat them with oatmeal-- yum.



Some notes on the low GI and smoothing out blood sugar front:

Always eat some protein with a meal! Never an exception. It lowers the glycemic load of the meal, you burn more calories and it stabilizes blood sugar
Sour foods help stabilize blood sugar-- so if I can add lemon or vinegar to a dish, I've been doing that. Garlic, even better. Good for cholesterol and stabilizing blood sugar! Eat mo' pickles
Smaller portions, but eat more often. I see this as adding kindling to the fire (metabolism) to keeping the fire (calories) burning.
Cinnamon (w/out sugar) supposedly helps stabilize blood sugar, so I put it in oatmeal, apples, coffee and green tea.
Meals
typical breakfast: Either Oatmeal with flaxseed and fruit or omlet and fruit, whole-grain bread, coffee. (I make oatmeal and omlets with a little skim milk for the calcuim.)

typical snacks: some type of fresh fruit with nuts or seeds or a boiled egg

typical lunch or dinner:
salad, oil (extra virgin olive) and vinegar dressing. Salad will include some protein such as: nuts, chicken, little cheese, boiled egg, peas, beans, seeds.

chicken or fish, steamed vegetables, side salad

barley (and/or other grains) and vegetable soup.

desert: what else, fruit and nuts

I'll venture out more after I lose 10 pounds. Haven't thought about maintenance plan yet. I'm still in weight loss mode.

I feel great!!

[K9-Lovers]

I hope you all can help me to understand the allure of smoothies...

Why would you take perfectly good strawberries, blueberries, spinach, carrots, yogurt, etc... and mush them all together in a blender? You wouldn't do that with a steak dinner, would you? :shrug:

I had a smoothie once, and it wasn't bad, but it seems like a lot of work and mess to make a smoothie at home when you have the fresh ingredients right there, ready to eat, and the strawberry tastes like a strawberry . . .

But then again, I feel the same way about the crock pot. Everything tastes the same when it's finished, and it's kind of mushy.

The long answer:
The reason we like smoothies is because we can put a wheelbarrow load of vegetables in with the fruit, whip it up, and it tastes like a dessert. The color of the smoothie may not be pretty depending on the ingredients, but the taste -- oh my -- it is always refreshing. Eating raw vegetables is particularly healthy and truthfully, we probably would not eat that many raw vegetables if not for the smoothies. Mrs. K9 adds protein to her portion, as she is subject to blood sugar spikes.

For us, it is easier and less messy than trying to prepare all those vegetables so they would be appealing and tasty. For example, do you normally eat raw cabbage unless it is made into cole slaw? Making cole slaw takes a lot more work than just popping a wedge into the blender. Did you know that raw cabbage juice is good for the intestinal tract and has been proven to heal all kinds of digestive problems? What about raw celery -- do you eat it plain? You see, with the smoothies, we get the benefit of the raw veggies without the time-consuming preparation, and usually the prepared veggies are laden with extra calories.

The short answer:
The more green smoothies we consume, the more weight we lose without even trying.

[Freeda]

And Freeda, is low glycemic the same as low carb? Appears to me to be the same?

Sorry for not answering this sooner; been on the go alot. 'Low carb' is not the same as low-glycemic, as I'll explain below. A low carb diet would be like the Atkins diet, which is high protein, low carb.

With a low carb diet, your body feels that it is starving, and begins to draw on other sources of fuel for its metabolic needs; similar to what happens with fasting. The body, especially the brain, prefers glucose (which comes from carbs) as its fuel of choice. So, where there is no, or low, carbohydrate in your meals, insulin levels drop dramatically (since there is little if any excess sugar in the blood, and therefore not much insulin is needed, since its job is to remove excess sugar from the blood and store it in the cells). Next, the body uses up glycogen stores (stored glucose as a ready source of fuel) from the liver and the muscle. These stores are used up in a couple of days, and so next the body begins breaking down fat and more muscle as a means of obtaining fuel for energy, in the form of ketones. (This is called ketosis, and can lead to impaired liver function, low blood pressure, fatigue, constipation, and leaching of minerals from the bones). The brain can function on ketones as fuel, but glucose is its fuel of choice. Thus, in this unnatural state of ketosis, one feels fatigued, confused and irritable

With low-carb diet the initial weight loss is very rapid, in terms of pounds lost - but it is a 'fake' weight loss, and here is why:
For every gram of carbohydrate (in the form of glycogen) stored in the liver or muscle, four grams of water are also bound. In other words, for every gram of glycogen released from the liver or muscle, four grams of mere water weight are also released. So, when you are using up reserved glycogen from muscle and liver, you are also releasing alot of water - thus, essentially all, or at least most, of the 'weight loss' shown on a scale is actually loss of water weight - not much loss of fat. When before and after body fat measurements are compared, there is little fat loss on a low-carb diet, regardless of the 'weight' loss shown on the scale.

Then, when you inevitably return to eating carbs (the body will eventually force this, in order to get energy once the glycogen stores are used up, and after the state of ketosis becomes prolonged - so that you can feel good again), the glycogen stores will be replaced, along with the water that is necessary to be bound with them. So, the 'lost' weight returns.

After a low carb diet, one looks (for a while) thinner, because both muscle mass and water have been lost. But, the trap has been set: because muscle mass has been lost, and muscle is what burns fuel, once you go off a low-carb diet, you have less muscle mass to burn fuel; thus, fewer calories are needed by the body for fuel, and fat can be gained more easily and quickly from eating the same or even less food than before the diet. This is the cause of the 'yo yo' dieting experience.

In short, the body must have plenty of good carbohydrates in order to function normally - and to maintain a normal weight. Not only do carbohydrates provide fuel, but they are an important source of nutrients, so low carb diets are also a problem due to lack of nutrients.

Low-glycemic eating (which is actually just another term for eating the way that Mother Nature intended for us to) combines healthy carbs (low-glycemic carbs are 55 or less - and the lower, the better - on the glycemic index - see www.glycemicindex.com or other internet sites to learn about this, and about what to eliminate), ie, carbs that do not unnaturally spike the blood sugar, with healthy proteins and fats. We need a diet where our calories come from about 40-50% healthy (low-glycemic) carbs, about 30% healthy fats, and about 20-30% healthy proteins.

The single most important principle of low-glycemic eating is that because you are no longer unnaturally spiking your blood sugar, you will not be dropping in to a hypoglycemic state (low blood sugar), and within a short time this will cause you to stop getting that shaky feeling and craving high-glycemic carbohydrates - in other words, when you stop eating high-glycemic carbohydrates, the cravings for them (that are caused by hypoglycemia - and the craving is very analogous to the withdrawal that drug-abusers experience) will quickly vanish. I know this may seem hard to believe until you experience it, but it is true; and that is why low-glycemic eating does not required alot of 'will-power' or self-denial or suffering - which are the main reasons that virtually all true 'diet plans' fail. Most if not all 'diet' plans are too complex, restrictive, and extreme (ie, unnatural) to result in a sustainable weight loss; and more importantly, a sustainable FAT loss.

So the difference between low-carb and low-glycemic is that low-glycemic (ie, natural) eating focuses on the quality of the carbs - not so much the amount of the carbs - and dispels the notion that all carbs are the same; and also dispels the notion that 'simple-carbohydrates' or 'complex-carbohydrates' are the important focus. For example, whole wheat bread, shredded wheat, and baked potatoes, are 'complex' carbohydrates as that term has been used traditionally for decades (since this theory was introduced in 1901); and traditional thinking was that 'complex' carbohydrates would be more slowly absorbed into the blood stream. However, whole wheat bread, shredded wheat, and baked potatoes are all actually very high-glycemic, meaning that they are rapidly absorbed into the blood stream, resulting in a sharp blood sugar spike (with consequential blood sugar drop and craving for more food). In fact, all three of these foods spike the blood sugar more than if we slapped an equal amount of pure sucrose (table sugar) on our tongue. Conversely, cherries and fructose, which are 'simple' carbohydrates (which would traditionally be considered unhealthy because simple carbohydrates were believed to be more easily broken down and, thus, absorbed into the bloodsteam more quickly) under conventional 'simple' vs. 'complex'-carbohydrates theory, are actually very low-glycemic, and healthy. So much for the conventional (and, unfortunately, antequated info that is still being taught to many of the diabetics in our country) 'simplex vs. complex' carbohydrate theory; which is what resulted in the government's food pyramid showing grains and bread (ie, 'complex' carbohydrates - but, unfortunately, they are also high-glycemic) at the bottom - ie, largest 'rung' in size - of the food pyramid, encouraging us to have more servings of those foods per day than of any other foods; which is a principle reason for us having become a 'carbohydrate nation' with an increasingly overwhelming, enormous, tragic, and unnecessary healthcare crisis.

The end results from low-glycemic eating are: that the body will start naturally releasing stored fat, so you will (inevitably) get thinner (and lighter in weight) from fat loss - not just from muscle and water weight loss, and you will not be craving food, you will not ever have to go hungry or 'deprive' yourself of eating, and you will naturally stop overeating because you will only be hungry when your body actually naturally needs energy.

(Even children, studied on low-glycemic eating, have the same results: when a group of children who were fed a low-glycemic breakfast were compared with a group of children who were fed a high-glycemic breakfast, and all of the children were then given unfettered access to many food choices for the rest of the day, the low-glycemic breakfast group chose several hundred calories of less food over the course of the day, than did the high-glycemic breakfast group; and beware, most 'traditional' breakfast foods and cereals are - you guessed it - very high-glycemic; so many children are starting their day on a high-glycemic roller-coaster). Children's Hospital, Boston, study in 2000 - Dr. L. E. Spieth)

Once you have reached your goal weight, eating an occasional moderate- or even high-glycemic carb (most - but not all - of which are from processed carbohydrates) will not wiggle the needle on your scale.

Hope this info helps. Glad to hear PTurner that you are having such success!

[Pturner]

Freeda,
Thank you for that great explanation. I was hoping you would post again as you seem to have great knowledge on this subject. Some of the benefits besides weight loss that are supposed to happen seem to really be happening! I'm not having blood sugar spikes or cravings for any foods. I don't get gittery from suddenly feeling famished. I enjoy everything that I am eating, yet am having no trouble at all stopping eating with smaller portions. I have more energy throughout the day.

If there are things I could be doing to improve what I'm eating -- less of something or more of something, I would welcome your feedback.

[Ohiogirl]

Freeda, thanks for the great explanation and the link to the website. I've bookmarked it, scanned it briefly, and will really look into it.

I was also (note the word "was") one of those people who really never had to worry about weight, ate anything I wanted, but mostly ate and liked healthy stuff, with a lot of fresh fruits and veggies. Too much cheese and crackers and potato chips, though. I think one of my problems is I like almost everything, not at all a picky eater.

Noticed gradual weight gain after I hit about 40 but not enough to really bother me until recently, when I had to go up another dress size (why do we say dress size when most of us hardly ever wear dresses anymore)?

Every time I went on a "diet" I actually ended up gaining another pound or two, because I was so focused on food. I once joined Weightwatchers on the low fat program, and didn't lose a pound after 6 weeks. Just ate everything on the no or low fat list, and more of it.

This (low-glycemic) does really seem like a complete lifestyle change, but a really doable one. I will keep you posted.

And thanks again, Freeda, for taking the time to give us the details.

We switched to whole grain pastas and brown rice 2-3 years ago, almost exclusively, am assuming this is still a great move. Other thing we did was switch to Joint Juice, with chondroitin and glucosamine, instead of fruit juices. We buy it by the case at Sam's club.

[Barefoot]

The long answer:
The reason we like smoothies is because we can put a wheelbarrow load of vegetables in with the fruit, whip it up, and it tastes like a dessert. The color of the smoothie may not be pretty depending on the ingredients, but the taste -- oh my -- it is always refreshing. Eating raw vegetables is particularly healthy and truthfully, we probably would not eat that many raw vegetables if not for the smoothies. Mrs. K9 adds protein to her portion, as she is subject to blood sugar spikes.

For us, it is easier and less messy than trying to prepare all those vegetables so they would be appealing and tasty. For example, do you normally eat raw cabbage unless it is made into cole slaw? Making cole slaw takes a lot more work than just popping a wedge into the blender. Did you know that raw cabbage juice is good for the intestinal tract and has been proven to heal all kinds of digestive problems? What about raw celery -- do you eat it plain? You see, with the smoothies, we get the benefit of the raw veggies without the time-consuming preparation, and usually the prepared veggies are laden with extra calories.

The short answer:
The more green smoothies we consume, the more weight we lose without even trying.

I love your response to the smoothie question. Like uujudy, I've always thought smoothies were more trouble than eating fresh stuff. I've never had a smoothie in my life but I'm going to start experimenting with low glycemic smoothies. I hate cooking and I'll reach for whatever is handy when I'm hungry. I hope that by making a batch of smoothies and keeping them available, I'll eat healthier.

I love this talk about healthy eating. I've found a few great ideas by using some internet sites suggested by our Girl Talk posters. Thanks Chicas!

[Barefoot]

K9, I like the "pimpmyproteinshake" site you suggested.

[Jhooman]

A friend of mine uses a special dye too. She asked the hairdresser to give her the info and asked the new hairdresser to order the product. This was done, she paid the additional costs and now she doesn't have to travel a 100 mile round trip to have her hair done.

[graciegirl]

Bare, the smoothies I have made and refrigerate sort of ....separate and look funny.

[Barefoot]

Bare, the smoothies I have made and refrigerate sort of ....separate and look funny.

Well, there goes that plan! Another idea hits the dust. :mornincoffee:

[K9-Lovers]

Yes, Graciegirl is right . . . you can't make a smoothie in advance and store it for later. You have to drink them right after blending.

But, in my opinion, it is still better than all that messy food prep. When you are finished, you put hot tap water in the container so it is half full, add 2 drops of dish soap, then run the blender and it cleans itself!

[Barefoot]

Yes, Graciegirl is right . . . you can't make a smoothie in advance and store it for later. You have to drink them right after blending.

But, in my opinion, it is still better than all that messy food prep. When you are finished, you put hot tap water in the container so it is half full, add 2 drops of dish soap, then run the blender and it cleans itself!

OK, that clean up sounds easy peasy! I don't have a blender but I have a food processor. Will that work?

Do I have the "basic" smoothie thing right? ......:confused:

I need a fluid .. skim or soy or almond milk?
I need protein .. whey isolate protein?
I need yogurt?
Some type of berries? Or low GI fruit.
Something healthy like spinach? Or low GI veggie.

Do I need icecubes?

[K9-Lovers]

OK, that clean up sounds easy peasy! I don't have a blender but I have a food processor. Will that work?

Do I have the "basic" smoothie thing right? ......:confused:

I need a fluid .. skim or soy or almond milk?
I need protein .. whey isolate protein?
I need yogurt?
Some type of berries? Or low GI fruit.
Something healthy like spinach? Or low GI veggie.

Do I need icecubes?

Basic Smoothie:

Fluid -or- Yogurt, not both
Whey Isolate Protein works
Spinach is good - I use the prewashed baby spinach in a bag
Freeze your berries or other fruit to eliminate the need for ice cubes. Ice waters down the taste, plus it stays "grainy". My favorite combination is frozen sliced strawberries and 1/2 frozen banana.

A regular blender would work better than a food processor. And, a food liquifier works better than a blender. As you know, the food processor has a large bowl and the spinach will be cut into small pieces and some will stick on the sides of the bowl. You will have to scrape down the sides of the bowl several times if you use a food processor.

Start on low speed and then go to highest speed. (For a blender: use something to push the spinach and frozen fruit down into the blades while it runs on highest speed. Stick a wooden spoon or something else down through the hole in the top of the blender cap, but be careful not to hit the spoon on the blades). For a food processor, pulse many times, scrape down the bowl, pulse and scrape, pulse and scrape. (I don't expect the food processor to do a very good job, though).

If you find that you like smoothies, and think you will make them often, then it might be worth looking into a food liquifier because they make the BEST BEST BEST smoothies (even the seeds from the fruit disappear!). And, you can use them to make a variety of meals so easily. Since we got our Vitamix, we threw away our regular blender, our ice cream maker, our bread machine, and our old smoothie maker because it replaced all of those appliances. The food processor almost hit the trash - but I love it and can't part with it, even though the Vitamix can almost perform the same tasks. Montel has an infomercial selling a food liquifier that's not too expensive. We got our Vitamix from costco online. Even though everything is liquified, you still benefit from the fiber.

Let me know how it turns out!

[duffysmom]

K9, thanks for the information on smoothies, I'm intrigued. In shopping for a vitamix I see many models. Which model do you have? Costco has a package with attachments and costs $649. Wow... Is there a less expensive model? Thanks for you help. Like Bare, I dislike cooking and want to get more veggies in my diet.

[Barefoot]

K9, thanks for the information on smoothies, I'm intrigued. In shopping for a vitamix I see many models. Which model do you have? Costco has a package with attachments and costs $649. Wow... Is there a less expensive model? Thanks for you help. Like Bare, I dislike cooking and want to get more veggies in my diet.

The lure of healthy, pure, easy-to-make, good tasting food is spurring me on! Vegetables that taste like dessert? I'm in!

But wowser, that Vitamix is expensive. I tried making a smoothie this morning with a hand blender .. don't even bother trying! Then I tried my expensive food processor, same result. So now I'm looking for another gadget. I see food liquifiers for sale from $25 to $500. Guess I have to head out and explore. I'm wondering if a Magic Bullet would do the trick.

Today I'm also buying an IPAD! And I'm technically inept. I've decided I need to expand my boundaries! :Screen_of_Death:

[K9-Lovers]

Mine is the Vitamix 5200. I got the package deal from Costco because I also like to make Almond Flour and work with other dry grains.

If you don't care about the dry grinding, check out the costs on QVC. Also, Vitamix has their own website store.

Before buying mine, I did a lot of research, and decided that Vitamix and Blendtec were the best according to customer reviews on a bunch of sites, including cooking sites. But the one offered by Montel, I think it is called the "HealthMaster" is about $200 and it has a pretty big motor. I considered it also.

Go to Amazon.com and type in Healthmaster in their search window and you will see a bunch of different prices for a variety of Vitamix, Blendtec and Healthmaster machines.

[jaspal]

K9, thanks for the information on smoothies, I'm intrigued. In shopping for a vitamix I see many models. Which model do you have? Costco has a package with attachments and costs $649. Wow... Is there a less expensive model? Thanks for you help. Like Bare, I dislike cooking and want to get more veggies in my diet.

I bought the Blendtec from Costco when They had a demo. It was (I think) under $500. I love it and use it to make healthy smoothies-soups dressings etc. I felt comfortable buying it at Costco because their policy is "returns on anything within 90 days). I had nothing to loose if I didn't like it.

I like the Blendtec because it fits comfortably under the counter is id light.....
A friend bought first the Nitamix but returned it for the Blendtec because of the size. They are both good blenders.

Pat

[K9-Lovers]

I bought the Blendtec from Costco when They had a demo. It was (I think) under $500. I love it and use it to make healthy smoothies-soups dressings etc. I felt comfortable buying it at Costco because their policy is "returns on anything within 90 days). I had nothing to loose if I didn't like it.

I like the Blendtec because it fits comfortably under the counter is id light.....
A friend bought first the Nitamix but returned it for the Blendtec because of the size. They are both good blenders.

Pat

Yes, you are right -- my Vitamix doesn't fit under my upper cabinets, but luckily, my counter extends further out toward my dining area, and I have a little nook where it sits comfortably.

Any recipes you care to share with us?

[uujudy]

The long answer:
The reason we like smoothies is because we can put a wheelbarrow load of vegetables in with the fruit, whip it up, and it tastes like a dessert. . . . For example, do you normally eat raw cabbage unless it is made into cole slaw? Making cole slaw takes a lot more work than just popping a wedge into the blender. Did you know that raw cabbage juice is good for the intestinal tract and has been proven to heal all kinds of digestive problems? What about raw celery -- do you eat it plain? You see, with the smoothies, we get the benefit of the raw veggies without the time-consuming preparation, and usually the prepared veggies are laden with extra calories.

The short answer:
The more green smoothies we consume, the more weight we lose without even trying.

Thanks for the explanation, K9. I do eat a lot of raw celery, but I eat it with dip made with plain yogurt and the zippy spices that they sell at the craft fair at the Square, or with just some peanut butter. I also make my own cole slaw. It's not hard at all. Is raw cabbage better than steamed cabbage? I love steamed veggies, but if drinking a smoothie will make me lose weight without trying, I'll give it a try!

[Barefoot]

I bought a CrushMaster blender today. The box assures me it makes wonderful smoothies. Tomorrow I'll start chugging spinach. I never thought I'd hear myself say that sentence.

I also bought an IPAD today, although I'm finding it hard to operate without an instruction booklet. Can you imagine selling an IPAD without any guidance as to operation? Weird. My toaster oven came with more instructions than my IPAD.

[uujudy]

Bare, I thought the same thing when I got an iPod. I expected more instructions than a tiny little pamphlet. Thank goodness my daughter was nearby to set it up for me and load it with music.

[Ohiogirl]

Lack of instruction/owners' manuals appears to be the norm nowadays. I got a new phone a few months ago (maybe it's a smart phone, not sure - I don't have the internet/texting package - just wanted the Qwerty keyboard for the ease of inputting contacts and a few other features).

Anyway, compared to my cellphone of about 3 years ago, even though this phone does way more, there is basically a quick "get started" few pages. Everything else is supposed to be either intuitive or accessed by the help button. I suppose there is a manual online as well.

I have always been a book person and even a person who actually usually reads the instruction sheets that come with things to put together. Apparently, I am not very "intuitive." Sigh . . . (Thank goodness I have kids who help me out when I really get stuck).

I got a Macbook in January, and I do find it more intuitive than a PC, even for me, but I still get a lot out of the free classes at the Apple store. I didn't pay for the One-on-One tutoring Apple offers, but they have free small group workshops on various things - my next one is I-photo. Since I now have the time, I'm trying to become less of a dinosaur. Not my first choice though, of how to spend free time. I would still rather read a book - an actual book, not on a Kindle or I-pad or whatever.

[islandgal]

Looks like this might be a good source according to the reviews:

http://downloadbookz.com/ipad-for-dummies.html