A Sweet And Haunting Halloween Harmony

Candy corn is probably the most traditional of all Halloween candy ... dating back to the 1880s.  Created by George Renninger in Philadephia, PA, it was originally mixed and molded by hand.  It was shaped to mimick real kernels of corn, while its tri-color design was revolutionary in 19th century, rural America.  People flocked to buy candy corn, and here we are 130 years later.  Today the Goelitz Confectionery Company is the...

Read More

Add Red Oxblood To Your Closet ... Sounds Spooky!

Dress-Topshop, Pumps-Ann Taylor, Bag-ASOS-Nail Polish-EssieOh, but contraire!  Neutral colors are an indispensable part of a wardrobe.  You need a few dresses, skirts or leather basics, such as shoes and purses, in solid understated hues to stretch your trousseau. (Yesss, I'm teasing you with a fancy word, but you get my drift.) A few subdued, main-or-accent pieces will mix and complement other bright and flashy articles to form totally...

Read More

Eco-Wise Wool Blankets For A Long Winter's Nap

There is no stopping Old Man Winter.  Like it or not, he's coming.  Having soft, warm blankets, so the whole family can swaddle and snuggle, is a cold weather necessity.  This year Lands' End is teaming up with Pendleton Mills, the celebrated Northwest weaver, to offer quality and comfort for much less than you will pay anywhere else.At Lands' End, the many choices include cotton, fleece and wool blankets, goose down, or hypoallergenic...

Read More

Healthy Lentil And Quinoa Soup, Or Is It Stew?

Over the weekend, I got out my crock pot and made a thick, vegetarain lentil and quinoa soup.  Though meatless, this dish packs a powerful nutritional punch.  Lentils are an excellent source of protein, iron, phosphorus, copper, folate, manganese and dietary fiber.  And if that's not enough, quinoa contains all 8 amino acids, making it a complete protein all by itself.  Carrots give you plenty of vitamin A [beta-carotene].  The...

Read More

Who I Am: Pete Townshend

Look who's next on my reading list. ♬♪♪♫Earlier this week I stood a few inches away from Pete Townshend, who was in town promoting his new book at Barnes and Noble.  Actually, I have Matthew, a long time fan, to thank for my being there.  It turned out to be a fun evening, and Pete had to be pleased to see hundreds of his die hard fans eager to meet him after so many years in the business.  Luckily, we got in.  Many fans...

Read More

Your Fall Wardrobe: Shop For Value

Photo by GoopThe arrival of fall presents a good time to take stock of your wardrobe.  Put away your summer shorts and dresses and throw away what is shabby and can't be worn next year.  Now decide if there's anything you lack to get you through the colder seasons.  Perhaps you need a new wool suit, a pair of leather boots, rubber galoshes … or some stylish basics: long sleeve t-shirts, jeans, or new undergarments.  Here are five...

Read More