OK, I'm gonna get this off my chest right now. I'm just glad we all crawled across the finish line to reach 2017.
I know many of you hunkered in the bunker during the "dark days" of 2016. Some were even afraid that seeing their own shadow might bring about six more weeks of nuclear winter.
Well aren't you a Gloomy Gus! I bet you were the hit of all the holiday parties.
Get over it! Now that 2017 is upon us, it's time to step into the light and embrace what's left. And by "what's left", I'm referring to my sanity and remaining brain cells.
Since we could all use a head's up on what to expect in the coming year, I did what I always do the day after Christmas. I power-chugged the leftover eggnog and slipped into a fever dream to converse with my Shaman.
When I ask my mom Patsy what she wants for Christmas, she usually says "Just anything," "I have everything I need" or "You always pick out something nice."
Sound familiar? If you need a gift idea for a special woman in your life, try one of these bodacious beauty buys. They're great alone, as stocking stuffers or tied to the bow of another present when you want to do a little something extra.
Bob, our son Cole and I have a long-standing tradition. They watch football. (Go Cowboys!). I surf the internet and show them Christmas ideas for thumbs up/thumbs down when they come up for air.
With my main men handled, I move on to shopping for the girls on my list. There's my mom, my sister Pam, my sister-in-law Cyndi, Cole's girlfriend Chelsea, my nieces, my BFFs and more.
Lucky for me, as a blogger, I get tons of help coming up with fem-centric ideas like these WOW-worthy picks. They're sure to please everyone from beauty fanatics to fiction lovers. (I know because I've road tested them.) And with prices under $200, you might even find something for old St. Nick to put on your wish list.
Every girl who longs for younger-looking skin will obsess over L'Occitane's fabulous Divine Immortelle gift set. This luxurious, French-inspired treasure chest contains a four-step, anti-aging program designed to give you a just-kissed glow. (Ooh la la!)
The award-winning collection from this much-admired brand is made with essential oils of organic Immortelle. Called the everlasting flower, this amazing plant never fades after it's been picked. We should all be so lucky!
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
