Hiatus

Hello All,

My BLOG will be on hiatus until Friday, March 19. I look forward to bringing you more "Tips To Living Fabulously" when I return then!

Regards,
Shawn - One Gay Man

Late Night Laughter

The ancient people of Greece used to head to the amphitheater during the day to watch tragedies but only watched comedies at night. Luckily, the major TV networks and pay cable channels follow though on this tradition, even today. Take a cue from the Greeks and keep things light and happy before bed to insure a good night's sleep.

I always have a 30 minute episode of a late night show on my DVD waiting for me when I'm ready to wind down for bed. Watching a funny movie, sitcom or talk show can put you in a happy, light mood just before you hit the hay. When you are in a good mood, endorphins are released that can have a calming effect on humans, perfect to relax you for sleep.

Some people are more prone to nightmares when they see disturbing images, just before bedtime. Certain medications and the use of alcohol can amplify these night terrors. Avoid horror movies and tearjerkers to keep your slumber calm and pleasant, every night.

Caught With The Doors Open

No matter if you are watching your waistline shrink or swell, late night snacks can be a belt buster. It is advisable not to eat several hours before bedtime but sometimes that is not possible or practicable.

The best route for late night snacking is always low carb, high protein to keep the last bite of the day from going directly to your gut or thighs. A handful of nuts, preferably pistachios, will fill you up while boosting your protein levels. Reduced fat cheeses such as mozzarella will also crush your cravings.

If you are having a nocturnal sweet tooth, stay away from processed sugar. Eating a candy bar or ice cream will spike your insulin levels for a bit and then will crash as your body readily processes the sugar. You will end up back in front of the refrigerator at 3am, famished again. Instead, try a piece of fruit or a lower-sugar protein bar. Watch what you eat before bed to insure a good night's sleep and a lovely midsection.

Trimming The Fat... Without Cutting The Flavor

If you are planning a wedding or other large event on a budget, you may be faced with trimming some cash off the tab to stay on track. In order to have a successful and enjoyable time, there are some things that should never be considered as an item on the chopping block.

If you are faced with cutting back on the decor dollars, consider doing only one focal point...either the entry at a party or the ceremony site at a wedding. First impressions are everything. Instead of placing sporadic decorations throughout the space that look lost, do them in one or two large groupings for more visual impact.

Don't cut back on the cocktails. Everyone loosens up and has a better time after a couple of drinks. The food will taste better and the space as well as the guests will look better, especially when everyone and everything is viewed through "red wine colored glasses."

After the party gets going, be sure to include some sort of entertainment. After the food is gone and the cake has been cut, the band or DJ will keep people around for dancing, chatting and fun. There is nothing that brings an event to an early end faster than not to include music. While everything else is up for discussion, these three areas should not be scrimped upon.

And The Envelope, Please

Our bodies are made up of more than 70% water. At any moment, we are loosing it from perspiration, breathing and visits to the restroom. Medical professionals and nutritionist agree that we need to consume at least sixty-four ounces of water per day to maintain healthy levels in our system.

While some people may find it hard to "stomach" eight, eight once glasses of water per day, it is something we must all do. While there is nothing better than a big glass of ice cold water to quench my thirst, sometimes I need a little flavor to perk up my agua. Solution: water flavor packs.

Companies like Ocean Spray, Crystal Light, Hawaiian Punch and others offer many different fruit flavored, individual serving envelopes, to add to bottled water to make it go down easier. These products have just a couple of calories per serving with no sugar and are great for people watching their weight. Add one of these envelopes to a sixteen ounce bottle of cold water, shake, drink and you are already a fourth of the way through your daily requirement. You can also make your own flavored water at home by steeping sliced citrus and/or herbs in steaming water for a few minutes, then strain and refrigerate until cold. Get your 8 glasses in today and feel your best!

Bag Lady

I have spoken before about taking your cloth bags to the grocery store when you do your shopping in order to save the paper and keep millions of plastic bags from entering the ground as trash, only to take up to a thousand years to decompose. In another attempt to save the Earth, I have started using reusable dry cleaning bags.

While dry cleaning itself it not very environmentally friendly, I simply have no other choice for items like wool suits and such. I have reduced my trips to the dry cleaners significantly by doing my own shirts at home and buying more articles of clothing that do not require chemical treatment. When I do take a trip to the cleaners, there is now a reusable bag that turns from a duffel to carry the dirty clothes in and into a hanging garment bag to bring the cleaned and pressed items home.

Dry cleaners are happy for you to bring your own reusable bag because it saves them money so some of them offer these reusable cloth bags, right in the store. Websites like thegreengarmento.com offer these versatile, earth-friendly products, sent right to your door. Invest in your own bag if you make trips to the cleaner often and do you part.

RIN # 7654321

If you own a home, your personal possessions are covered by your homeowner's insurance. If you rent a house or apartment, what happens if your things are stolen, burned in a fire or damaged by an act of God? Unless you have a renter's insurance policy, you may literally be left out in the cold.

Renter's policies can be purchased from most insurance companies for around $100 a year for about $10,000 coverage and can be broken into four to twelve payments. If something happens to your belongings, the insurance company will reimburse you for your loss. You may think that you don't own $10,000 worth 0f household items but stop for a minute and think about how much it would cost you to replace all of your clothing, electronics, housewares and furniture.

As with homeowner's insurance, floods are not covered by renter's insurance policies so consider getting a supplement if you live in a low-lying area prone to flooding rains or rising waters. Sleep tight tonight, and every night, knowing your stuff is protected with renters insurance.

And The Oscar Goes To...

One week from today is the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, also know as "the Oscars" or the gay man's Superbowl. There is no better occasion to host a few or a few hundred friends for a gala of your own to watch the show.

Make the arrival to the event special by setting up a red carpet runner from the street to your front door. Event rental companies offer these very inexpensively as well as the stantions and red ropes to keep back all the "paparazzi and screaming fans." Flank your front door with life sized golden statue cutouts available online from party supplies sites like Shindigz.com.

If you have room, a great way to decorate the inside of the house is to put up full-sized posters of all the films nominated for "Picture of the Year". These can be ordered through websites like MoviePosters.com. Make sure all the TVs in the house are on and tuned to the telecast, starting with the pre show red carpet arrivals. Some elegant, light hors d'oeuvres displayed prominently, served simply with Champagne or a full bar is all that is required, as guest will only need nibbles and drinks this late in the evening.

One other touch your guests are sure to love is a recreation of a movie theater concession stand. Drape a six foot banquet table with a luxurious red linen to the floor and top with an old fashioned popcorn machine on loan from the event rental company. Stop by the Dollar Store and pick up tons of boxed movie candies and line them up on the table just like your favorite theater does. The sound and smell of fresh popping corn and the array of indulgent sweets will have your guests thrilled with delight. May the best movie win!

Window Wash

Every summer, years before the installation of tilt windows in our house, my mother would send me up on a ladder to wash the outside windows. Putting a clumsy twelve-year-old up an eight foot ladder with a bucket of water and cleaning tools may not have been the best idea...but she did get clean windows out of it. Even though I hated every minute, I do still subscribe the her way of cleaning glass, even today.

A soft rag or small towel and a bucket of warm, sudsy water will go a long way to cut the dirt from the windowpanes. The best soap for cleaning glass, believe it or not, is cheap shampoo. Once the glass has been freed from all grime, use a small hand squeegee to remove the excess soap suds and water. Dry the squeegee between passes with a clean, dry towel.

To make sure that the glass has no streaks, polish immediately with a freshly crumpled piece of newspaper. The newspaper trick also works on mirrors, glass top tables and any other reflective surface to easily and quickly remove that haze that forms from traditional glass cleaners.

Mix Tape

For the past few years, I have enjoyed the modern marvels of the DVR (digital video recorder). While there are several brands of DVRs available like the TiVo service to boxes available from your cable company or satellite provider, they basically all work the same.

Having the capability of recording a TV show when your not available to watch is the primary purpose of a DVR, but there are so many other features that I love even more. I don't know how I ever watched regular television before.

When there are two things on at once that I want to view, I can watch one and record the other or just record both to watch later. The very best part of my DVR is that I can watch several hours of TV in just minutes. I speed through credits, commercials and lulls in the action, maximizing my TV viewing time, reducing a 30 minute show to about 18 minutes on average. Life without a DVR now is unimaginable!

Market Watch

Trips to the supermarket can be easy and quick if you are armed with a list of all the staples and fresh ingredients you need to prepare this evening’s dinner or this week’s meals. You may already take a shopping list with you when you head off to the market but did you know how you construct your list can get you in and out of the store even faster?

I like to make my grocery list, especially when I am doing a big shop, on the computer and then email it to my BlackBerry when I‘m done. Start by simply listing everything as you think of it. Just before you are ready to head off, take a moment to arrange the list so like items are together. Think of how your favorite store is laid out and list all the items you need together in categories or “departments,” as if you were actually walking though the store.

Once you arrive, start on the outside edges of the store and then go up and down each aisle from one side of the sales floor to the other, checking off the list as you go through produce, meats, dairy, canned goods, etc. Having a list in the order of the path you take through the store will keep you from running from one end to the other, saving time and effort.

Little Spaces, Little Puppies

With the exception of short periods of time, I have always lived in a small apartment or condo. With that in mind, there are some breeds of dogs that fit into that environment better than others. While I always strongly suggest that anyone looking for a companion visit an animal shelter to adopt, you can even there, seek out a certain breed or mixed breed dog.

Most types of Terriers including Bostons, Parson Russells and Highlands make good housemates. They do need some exercise everyday but they are very intelligent, well-behaved pooches. Bulldogs and Chihuahuas love to lay around and nap so if you are short on time or energy, they both require little outdoor activity. Short hair also keeps grooming to a minimum on both of these breeds.

Shih Tzu pups were breed to be house pets. They are trusting and require very little physical activity but keep in mind their long-haired coats do require substantial grooming. The graceful miniature greyhound makes a fabulous buddy in a small space and require the least amount of grooming but they can be prone to health issues like epilepsy and leg fractures, especially as a puppy.

Again, combinations of the above mentioned types of doggies make the best pets. Take a trip down to the Humane Society or the county animal shelter and look around. A little personality is sure to catch your eye and so will begin a long relationship between man and beast.

Pack Up The Truck

I am in the process now of packing up my apartment to move this week. If you are moving with either a moving company or renting a truck, here a are a few tricks to get it done without spending a fortune.

When scheduling a move try to be flexible. By picking a day mid week and mid month, prices can be significantly less than weekends and the end of the month.

Don't buy boxes and other packing materials from the truck rental companies. They mark up these items astronomically. Home Depot offers reusable moving boxes and other supplies for significantly less.

Movers are the way to go if you want to get it over quickly. If you want to save a few bucks, you can rent a truck and pack everything up yourself. When renting a truck, check your auto insurance policy...you may be covered and not need to spend the extra cash to buy the daily insurance the truck company offers.

Foaming Power

When I meet someone, their teeth are one of the first things I notice. I love beautiful, straight white teeth. Since white teeth are attractive to me, I strive to keep mine as gleaming as possible. While I have used bleaching trays and still continue to use them, they are not very comfortable to sleep in all night.

A friend of mine told me something that he does to keep his pearly whites looking good...hydrogen peroxide. I tried it for thirty days and it really does work. After I brush and floss my teeth, I take a big swig and swish around inside my mouth for about one minute. Before I step into the shower, I spit but let the leftover foam work itself up on my teeth and gums. When I get out of the shower I rinse with mouthwash. This daily regime keeps my teeth white between tray bleachings.

Layers Of Light

Even if I am watching my weight, I always think dessert should be served when you invite people over for dinner. Today, I offer one of my quick but fabulous finishes that will create a "wow" but is low in calories, fat and sugar while actually being very delicious...a layered fruit parfait.

In a tall tumbler, wine or martini glass, layer a mixture of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and quartered strawberries in the bottom of the glass. Use whatever berries you have on hand or what is on sale at the supermarket, but try to select at least two varieties for color contrast. Pick up a ready-to-eat, six individual servings, container of sugar-free vanilla or white chocolate Jell-O Pudding snack pack from the refrigerated section in the dairy department.

Layer a heaping tablespoon of pudding over the fruit followed by another layer of fruit and a final dollop of pudding on top. Sprinkle the top of the pudding mound with ground cinnamon. Place the glass on a colorful cocktail napkin on a small plate and serve with a teaspoon on the side. See...dessert doesn't have to be fattening or difficult!

Stressed...Party Of One?

Sometimes things don't go exactly as they way we had planned they would. In a world of email, cell phones and instant messaging, we are always "on" and always connected. Constant stimulation of the brain sends our stress levels into orbit. Work, family and other commitments all are a demand of our precious time. The result of this can manifest as uncontrollable stress levels in our life.

While stress is our body's natural response to external stimulus, too much or exposure to very long periods of stress drains both the mind and the body and also can actually cause physical and functional damage to the brain and other organs. In order to minimize the effects of stress, there are steps you can take everyday to remove yourself from the situation, if only for a short time.

1. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night in a bedroom without a radio, TV or computer
2. Maintain a healthy diet
3. Exercise doing something you enjoy at least 20 minutes a day, 3 days a week, particularly cardio
4. Turn off your cell phone, landline phone and computer for at least one hour a day and practice meditation, yoga or prayer
5. Say "no"...you cannot be everywhere and do everything that is asked of you
6. Prioritize your day...do the most important things first and if you don't get to everything, there is always another day, Scarlet
7. Don't multitask while at home...dedicate all of your energy and focus on one project at a time
8. Treat yourself to a massage or acupuncture to reduce your stress level at least once a month
9. When winding down for the day, instead of watching TV, put on some soft music, lower the lights and light some candles
10. Be kind to yourself and remember, there is just one of you!

Paint The Town

Today, I am off to paint the den at my new place before I move in next week. Painting yourself can save you hundreds of dollars in labor costs and is even fun if you know what tools you need to get the job done properly.

Before you begin, make sure the walls, baseboards and moldings are clean by washing them with a damp rag and mild soap and allow to dry thoroughly. Remove all nails, window coverings and hardware, light switch and electrical outlet covers and use blue painters tape to cover trim not being painted. Fill all nail holes with putty using a putty knife and allow to dry.

Move all furniture out of the room or to the center of the room, if large enough to do so, and cover with a drop cloth. To paint, you will need a roller pan, a roller brush, trim brushes and additional drop cloths for the carpeting or hardwood floors. Prepare the walls first with primer if you are going from a very dark color to a light color or vice-versa. Primer is much cheaper than actual paint, will neutralize stains, will cause the top coat of paint to adhere better and you will use less coats of the more expensive final paint color. Use a white primer when going from darker to lighter colors and a tinted primer when painting light colored walls dark.

If you need to take a break while the paint dries, put the roller or trim brush in a zip bag so the paint does not dry out on the brush. If you need to stop overnight, place the brush in the zip bag into the freezer. Allow the brush to thaw about forty-five minutes before painting again. When you are done with the project, dip a wooden stir stick into the paint and cover most of it to get a good sized color sample. Peel off the mixing sticker from the lid of the paint can and attach to the stick. File the stick away and when you need to do touch ups, you have not only a color swatch but the date you painted, the name of the home improvement store the paint was purchased from and the formula for mixing the exact paint color again.

Howdy, Cupcake!

Everyone loves cupcakes. Such a little confection can bring a huge smile to both the young and young at heart. If you need a little something for a birthday, holiday or just a take-a-long to your hostess, a half dozen of cupcakes make the perfect gift.

It has never been easier to find cupcakes than it is today. Gourmet bakeries specializing in cupcakes from minis to jumbos have sprung up all over the country. The little, rich, bite sized cakes are displayed like expensive diamonds behind glass but can be yours for just a few bucks a piece.

While you could buy your cupcakes, making them yourself makes the gift even more special. Cupcake making is a quick and easy process even if you don't normally bake. Cupcakes also let you get creative with the flavors and decorations. Some of my favorite are PB&J (yellow cake with grape jelly filling and peanut butter frosting), S'Mores (chocolate cake with marshmallow butter creme and graham cracker dust) and Peanut Butter Cup (chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting). Mix and match or give a pretty box of all one flavor. Add a colorful ribbon and you've got a gift not soon to be forgotten.

The Taxman Cometh

Your W2 arrived a couple of weeks ago, your 1099s are finally here. Its time to gather all that tax information and input those numbers for either a pleasant refund or a not-so-fun tax bill. If you planned ahead and are lucky enough not to owe a big tab this year, you want your refund as quickly as possible.

If you prepare your taxes yourself or have a professional do it for you, the best and fastest option is to E-File your return. While you may get your refund a bit faster if you go into a tax office and get a tax refund anticipation loan, you will pay through the nose for this service. By filing your taxes electronically, it typically takes about 10 days to get your money directly deposited to your savings or checking account and it is free.

A tax professional will E-File for you as part of their paid services but you can do your Federal taxes online very inexpensively or sometimes even free through services like TurboTax and H & R Block. Using one of these programs will make sure you get all deductions due you and make preparing your return yourself much easier than the old fashion way of years past. Get your taxes done now and don't spend your refund all in one place!

Suit Up

A man in a suit is a timeless, classic look. No matter if you pair a suit jacket with jeans for a casual night out to dinner or go for an ultra formal tuxedo, there is a suit for every occasion.

Unless you are stuck in the 80s or headed to a retro-themed prom, steer clear of the dated double-breasted jacket. The two or three button jacket is the best investment when you purchase a suit. While most men can wear either, shorter men tend to look better in two button jackets. Taller men can get away with two or the more modern three button variety.

While we're on the subject of buttons, some people are confused as to which ones to close and which ones to leave open. A simple rule to remember, from top to bottom... always, sometimes, never. Unless you are seated, always have the top button of the jacket closed, no matter if two or three. You should usually keep the middle button on a three button suit closed as well. The bottom should always be open. Styles change as the years go by but a suit always suits any dressy to formal occasion.

Put It Down On Paper

My memory is about as short as a two-year-old's attention span. My mother used to say when I was a child that I would forget my head if it weren't attached! The solution to my dilemma, list making.

I make list for everything. I always have a list going on the memo pad application on my Blackberry for the supermarket and Target. As I need something, I add it to the list and then when I'm actually at the store, I have it with me to throw what I need into the shopping cart.

Whenever I plan a party or do design work for a client or host a dinner party myself, I make a time line for the project and a needed item list to keep me on course as I progress through the task. Once I write it down, I can let that information go out of my head and refer to the outline when I need a reminder as to where I am on my progress.

Crossing off an entry as I proceed through the list also gives me a feeling of accomplishment and will inspire me to get going if I have procrastinated a bit too much on any particular job. Keep yourself motivate, inspired and in the know with list making... just don't forget where you put the memo!

Last Minute Rezos At Home

You have waited to the last minute to make reservations for a dinner out tonight for you and a loved one, haven't you? Good luck with that, my friend. You're only options now, a Whopper with cheese combo for two or make an intimate, romantic dinner at home. Pick the first option and see how well that goes over, genius. The only problem with the second option, you don't cook! Luckily, you can count on the supermarket to help you fake a great dinner that will have the light of your life talking for days.

A fresh salad of packaged, prewashed baby spinach with quartered strawberries, creamy goat cheese crumbles, walnut pieces and bottled poppy seed dressing kicks off the meal with a splash of Valentine's red. Stop in the meat department and look for fancy looking prepared stuffed chicken, beef, pork chops or fish. Follow the easy cooking instructions on the packaging and add a side of delicious long grain rice medley from a box or envelope. If you can boil water you can make this accompaniment in just 5-10 minutes.

For dessert, a sweet and refreshing raspberry sorbet caps off the meal, garnished with a fancy cookie. Select your favorite bottle of wine or Champagne, light some candles and spend an intimate evening for two at home this year. Happy Valentine's Day!

To Do List

Almost three years ago I left the stress of my job as an event planner and the cold winter of Charlotte to move to a more relaxing, warmer and tropical life in Ft. Lauderdale. If you don't live here and ever make it down for a visit, make sure to check off my "must do list" during your stay.

While in Ft. Lauderdale, make sure to cross over one of several causeways that take you over to the beach for some sun and a bite to eat at one of the great seaside restaurants such as Casablanca Cafe at Sebastian beach. From there you can see people come and go on the beach and see cargo and cruise ships waiting just off the coast for their dock time. Later in the evening, stroll down Las Olas Boulevard for some shopping and browsing in one of the many art galleries. A daytime boat tour on the Intercoastal Waterway to see the huge yachts and mansions is a great way to spend an afternoon.

A quick trip south down I95 to Miami Beach is also a must if you have never been. I suggest a Sunday afternoon drive down Ocean Drive in South Beach and then head over to Lincoln Road for a great lunch, some shopping and wonderful people watching. Lincoln Road is closed to vehicular traffic for about four blocks between Lenox and Washington Avenues and has a very European market feel.

Another overnight trip from South Florida is down scenic US1 across the 42 bridges to Key West, the southernmost point in the United States. Park your car once you arrive and tool around down on Duval Street. If it is blustery and snowy where you are now, there is no better time to hop on a plane to sunny South Florida!

I Can Feel It Rising

With the price of automobile fuel as high as it is these days, we need to do all we can to not only reduce the amount of gasoline we consume to cut expenses but also lower carbon monoxide emissions that are harmful to the environment. With that in mind, here are a couple of ideas to help you accomplish these goals.

First, when buying a new or newer vehicle, pick one that gets better gas mileage than the one you are replacing. While driving daily, try not to brake and accelerate quickly and obey the posted speed limit. Doing both can lower the amount of fuel your car consumes by 5-30% according to the US Department of Energy. Removing excess cargo weight from your trunk and turning the car off when idling for more than one minute goes a long way to conserve gas. While on the highway, use your cruise control if your car is so equipped.

Keeping your car tuned up and your tires properly inflated can save you up to the equivalent of 8 cents per gallon. Try to combine daily trips around town to conserve gasoline. Carpooling to work or staggering your work hours to travel during non rush hours will also allow you to pull up to the pump less often.

The Tipping Point

People who work in the service industry not only expect to be compensated by the people they service but depend on your gratuities, as they make up the majority of their income. In most states in the US, servers in restaurants make less than $5 per hour. I know from experience from years in the business that most workers get a check for $0 after deductions are made for taxes, insurance, etc.

Keep in mind that most tips you leave behind in restaurants are usually split between 2 or more people so dig deep. Be sure to tip fully on amounts of the bill that were discounted or free to you. Servers at buffet-style restaurants still should be tipped accordingly to how you would at a full-service establishment. If you pick up takeout from a restaurant, throw the person who takes care of you a couple of bucks as well.

With this in mind, I'm sure everyone wants to do their part to take care of the people that take care of you but sometimes it can get confusing as to who, when and what to tip. Below is a guideline for most situations. Keep in mind if you are high maintenance (and you know who you are) or the service professional goes above and beyond the call of duty, you should adjust your tip upward accordingly

Bartenders $1-2 per drink
Servers 18-20% of the total bill, including wine and other alcohol

Housekeeping - $1-5 per night stayed at a motel or hotel, more if you've trashed the room
Bellhop - $1-2 per bag, more if your bags are really heavy
Valet - $2 per car when you pick up your keys, more when you drop it off if know in advance that you need to leave quickly

Sky Cab at the Airport - $1-2 per bag (you don't want your luggage on a flight to LA if you're going to NYC)
Taxi -15-20% of total fare

Hairstylist/Colorist - 15-20% of the total bill
Shampoo Person - $2-5, handed directly to that person
Manicurist/Pedicurist - 15% of total bill

Pizza & Other Food Deliveries - 10% of total bill
Movers - $20-50 depending on the distance and weight of items moved
Car Detailers - 15% of total bill or $3-5 per car

iFruit

Everyday when I leave the gym, I see a big platter of juicy, red apples on the desk as I head out the front door. I have been watching my carbs and sugar intake for a couple of weeks now in order to shed the pounds I've added in the past months. So, after doing cardio or weightlifting, I have started grabbing one as a refreshing post-workout snack.

I'm sure you've heard the saying, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away" but do you know just how valuable a daily apple is for your nutritional well being? Apples contain no fat, no cholesterol, almost no sodium and are packed with antioxidants. Even though apples are deliciously sweet, they contain a relatively low amount of carbohydrates and unrefined sugar.

When consuming apples, be sure to eat the skin. Most of the nutrients, including vitamin C and fiber, are located there. A four and a half once piece contains 65 calories but is actually a negative calorie food... that means that your body burns more calories digesting the fruit than you consumed eating it. Apples are an amazing "wonder" fruit... start your regimen today.

The Key To My Heart

There is nothing more symbolic than the gift of a key…a key to the city when you’ve done your part to service your community; a key to your apartment when your relationship moves to the next level; a key to your heart when you are madly in love. Right now, you may be racking your brain, trying to come up with the perfect gift for your significant other for the swiftly approaching Valentine’s Day holiday.

Flowers fade, chocolate melts but jewelry is forever. This year, a charm in the form of a key on a beautiful necklace or key chain is just the gift to let your loved one know just how much you care. No matter if you are buying for a male or female, this gift is appropriate for either sex. Retailers from Target to Tiffany & Co. offer styles from sterling silver to platinum, so you’re sure to find one to fit into your budget. Wrap one up now in a fancy box with ribbon and see the reaction you get from such a simple trinket.

Peas On Earth

In a very small effort to do my part to reduce the cruelty to animals and pollution of the Earth due to factory farming, I switched to soy milk some time ago. While I have never been a huge milk drinker, I do enjoy vanilla flavored soy milk on my cereal.

Soy milk is produced from pressing cooked soybeans and is higher in protein and iron than cow's milk... but that is just the beginning of it's benefits. Soy milk is low in calories and fat, cholesterol-free, lower in sodium than milk produced by dairy cows and has natural cancer-fighting benefits for women.

I prefer the taste of vanilla soy milk over plain. Even thought low in sugar, vanilla flavored soy milk has a sweet taste than is amazing with cereal. I don't have to add sugar or Splenda when I use it, even on unsweetened cereal. In addition, I have introduced soy milk into cooking and baking and have experienced great results. The next time you pour yourself a bowl of cereal, give Elsie a break and try soy!

I Fold

If you entertain as much as I do, one of the best weapons in your arsenal is a six foot folding banquet table. This versatile piece seems to literally "pop up" at almost every event I host. When purchasing your own table, choose one that is heavy for the size so it feels like a substantial piece of furniture that is not wobbly or flimsy.

When I have more than four people over for dinner, I move the dinette set out, set up the folding table with a linen to the floor and pull out extra chairs to host up to eight people for a seated meal. The table also makes and appearance occasionally at cocktail parties to hold a buffet selection of appetizers. I use the table as a bar out on the patio when I host a very large group and the drink selection is too big for the kitchen counter.

Storage is very compact, since the legs fold into the tabletop and the tabletop folds in half. When you're done, slip the table under a bed or set upright against the wall behind your hanging clothes in a closet until its once again time to celebrate.

Stop Hanging Your Pictures Too High!

Have you ever walked into someone's house and saw art on the wall floating near the ceiling? I don't know what some people are thinking sometimes. Framed or unframed art such as photography and paintings or mirrors should be hung at normal eye level.

If hanging a piece over a sofa or buffet table, the art should be no more than about six to eight inches above the furniture. Unless you are hanging a grouping of several pieces, center the frame with the center of the sofa or table. If in doubt on how high or low to go, always go lower than you think you should. If you are hanging art on a wall without furniture underneath, the center of the art should be just below normal eye level, about five to five and a half feet from the floor.

Chandeliers over dining tables look ridiculous as well if hung too low or too high. The bottom of the light fixture should hang about 30 inches from the tabletop but make sure it does not obstruct your view of other people when seated at the table. If you prefer a more modern look, a height of 24 inches from the table also is acceptable. A professional designer look is yours if you know the numbers.

Finishing School

No matter if you are into traditional or modern styles of home decor, furniture sets are the boring way to decorate. When everything matches, your surroundings end up looking dull and lifeless. The solution...select things that coordinate, rather than match exactly.

When I decorate a room, I like at least two finishes of wood. Cherry and mahogany are one of my favorite wood finish combinations. Make sure to distribute both evenly throughout the room to make the space cohesive.

Like wood finishes, I also prefer a couple of different neutral fabric colors on upholstered pieces. Select your most comfortable and durable fabric, like microfiber or washable cotton slipcovered pieces, for your sofa or sectional. For occasional chairs, I always like to throw in a contrasting fabric like leather, silk, rayon and acrylics to spice up the mix. Finish the look with dramatic pops of color in your coordinating throw pillows and accessories.

Love Is In The Air

Chocolate, candlelight and music...the basics of St. Valentine's Day. No matter if you are hosting my "Italian Feast of St. Valentine" that I spoke of on February 2 or just need a injection of passion into the music shuffle on your iPod, classic crooners and the ladies of that area are just the thing you need to set the mood. Below are some artist and their tunes to be sure to include in your current play list:

Etta James
"At Last"
"Someone To Watch Over Me"
"Trust In Me"

Dean Martin
"Thats Amore"
"You're Nobody Til Somebody Loves You"
"You Belong To Me"
"Send Me The Pillow You Dream On"
"Everybody Loves Somebody"

Frank Sinatra
"The Way You Look Tonight"
"Fly Me To The Moon"
"I've Got You Under My Skin"
"Strangers In The Night"
"You Make Me Feel So Young"
"My Funny Valentine"

Nat King Cole
"Unforgettable"
"L-O-V-E"
"When I Fall In Love"
"Mona Lisa"
"Almost Like Being In Love"
"I Love You (For Sentimental Reasons)"

Bing Crosby
"I've Found A Million Dollar Baby"
"Love Is Just Around The Corner"
"A Fine Romance"
"Too Marvelous For Words"
"Somebody Loves Me"
"Be Careful, Its My Heart"
"I Love You"

Ella Fitzgerald
"Tea For Two"
"Love Is Here To Stay"
"Hooray For Love"
"Its Only A Paper Moon"

Sammy Davis, Jr.
"Easy To Love"
"All Of You"
"Because Of You"
"For Once In My Life"

Billie Holiday
"You're My Thrill"
"I've Got My Love To Keep Me Warm"
"Them There Eyes"
"The Very Thought Of You"
"It Had To Be You"
"The Man I Love"
"Let's Do It"

Start downloading these tunes now and let the music do it's part to bring that feeling of romance and enchantment to your home for the "season of love."

A Piece Of Cake

If I had a dollar for every piece of wedding cake I’ve served, I would be a rich man. Rectangular or square cakes are very easy to cut. Round cakes, especially ones with stacked tiers, can be more of a challenge.

For a cake 9 inches across or less, cut the cake in half from one side to the other. Cut a wedge off the left side of the half round and then begin slicing the remainder of the half cake in half inch pieces. As you slice each serving, let the cake rest on a cake server or spatula and move to a dessert plate.

For larger diameter cakes, begin by carving a circle in the center of the cake in a stabbing motion so the distance between the inner circle and the outside of the cake is about four to five inches. Make multiple inner circles if the diameter of the cake is large enough to do so. Insert the knife into the cake and cut from the center circle to the edge. Remove the knife and place the cake server or spatula into the slit. Make another cut a half inch from the first cut and carefully remove the first slice. Continue around the cake until the entire thing has been sliced.

While working on serving the cake, keep a container of warm water nearby to dip the knife and wipe with a clean cloth between cuts to keep the frosting from sticking. Clean, easy cuts are a snap when you know what you’re doing!

Italian Feast of St. Valentine

Its time to start planning Valentine’s Day dinner. You could always make reservations to eat out, but why not be a little more creative? No matter if you are inviting couples over to share a special evening or dining along with your significant other, I have a great theme for you…the Italian Feast of St. Valentine.

Start by setting the table with a red and white checkerboard tablecloth. A centerpiece down the center of the table consisting of squatty Chianti bottles, thin bread sticks in tall tumblers and a few red globe-shaped candles bring back memories of nights out at an old-fashioned Italian restaurant. Set the table with plates for the main course and serve the food family style. For my party, I found some dinner plates with an olive boarder.

As the guests arrive, the evening begins with serving a mini appetizer buffet of tomato and mozzarella on crostini with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and some delicious stuffed mushrooms. When everyone is seated, whip up a classic Caesar salad. Plate up in the kitchen and use the dinner plate as a charger for the first course. Once everyone is done, bring on the food! Pass around large platters of easy-to-make chicken Parmesan, pasta with a spicy sauce and sauteed broccoli and garlic. Pick up some cannoli from the bakery to round out the meal with a sweet treat.

A Bunch Of Posies

The days are counting down to the holiday of love, St. Valentine's Day. While candy and jewelry are always popular gifts for your sweetie, flowers have and always will be at the top of the list of Cupid's bounty. Now, and at other times of the year, is a great time to give flowers. With a couple of tips, you can create your own beautiful arrangements from inexpensive stems you pick up at the supermarket or neighborhood flower stand.

For the very inexperienced, start with a big bouquet of a single variety like roses, Gerber daises or sunflowers. Place eight to twenty-four stems in a glass container, cutting the stems down so the flower heads created a tight, rounded bouquet at the top of the base. For gift giving, consider tying a colorful ribbon or raffia into a bow around the neck of the base.

For a intermediate design, select a few different specimen of flowers in different shades of the same color. Create a base in the container with some large textural greens from the flower stand or even from your yard. Place the largest blossoms first and fill in the gaps with the smaller flowers, using odd numbers of each type, as they tend to appear in nature.

For a very modern look, select a large, wide mouth cylindrical vase. Fill the vessel to the top with water and submerge large stems of orchids, tulips or other hearty cut flowers in the water, resting on the side of the vase. For an added bit of drama, add a few goldfish to swim amongst the blooms.

The Earth Is In The Bag

Every year, Americans put millions of pounds of used plastic grocery bags in the ground to rot for 10-20 years. For several years I have used eco-friendly, reusable canvas bags when I head to the checkout. Most supermarkets and even discount stores like Walmart and Target offer bags for about $1 each, embossed with their logos.

These bags are very durable and will actually hold much more than traditional paper or plastic handled bags. I keep my collection of bags in the trunk of the car and grab them as I rush in to shop. Not only do the bags make carrying your goods home a breeze, but I throw them over my shoulder in the store and fill them up instead of pushing a cart as I weave up and down the aisles.

Even though the bags may have a nominal cost initially, some grocers offer a "bring your own bag discount" each time you shop. Over the life of the bag, it will more than pay for itself and even knock off a few cents on your order each time, saving you money and Mother Earth too!

Hello...My Name Is Shawn And I'm An Addict

Sugar has always been my dieting pitfall... I love sweets of all kinds. Based on scientific reports I have read and my own experience, I am convinced that processed, sugar-packed foods fire my addiction, throwing my appetite into overdrive. I love Splenda but the safety of this chemically processed artificial sweetener is still up for debate in the medical community for consumption over long periods of time.

There are other sweeteners available however, that wreak less havoc on your blood sugar, causing fewer spikes and dives in your insulin level. Honey is one of nature's sweet nectars. Produced naturally by bees, honey is perfect for baking, in dressings and to dissolve in hot beverages. Agave nectar is a honey-like syrup extracted from the same plant in which tequila is made. I personally prefer the taste of agave better than honey and it dissolves wonderfully into cold sauces and drinks unlike the way bee honey can crystallize.

Still another option is the more recent introduction of Truvia and Stevia which is a very low carb, low calorie natural sweetener derived from the leaves of a plant native to South America. The Stevia plant has been used by locals there for hundreds of years and is three hundred times sweeter than processed white sugar. If you still crave the sweet, granular texture of what we know as sugar in the USA, try less processed sugar in the raw... a very grainy, brownish version of the one we all know.

Sister Cinema

No mater if you are gay, straight, a he, a she or Regis and Kathy Lee, gay stereotypes are funny... especially when they are in one of the top ten gay-themed comedies of all time. Here is a list of my favorite from number ten to number one.

10. Love! Valour! Compassion! (2004) starring Jason Alexander
9. Another Gay Movie (2006)
8. Trick (2000) starring Tori Spelling
7. Jeffery (1995) starring Patrick Stewart
6. Another Gay Sequel (2008) filmed right here in Ft. Lauderdale
5. The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994) starring Guy Pearce
4. Sordid Lives (2000) starring Delta Burke and Olivia Newton-John
3. To Wong Foo Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar (1995) starring Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo
2. The Bird Cage (1996) starring Robin Williams, Nathan Lane and Gene Hackman
1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon

This weekend, grab one of the DVDs above and spend a couple of hours laughing with "the girls!"

Journey To A Secret Place

Whether you looking for an obscure kitchen item or just stocking your galley for the first time, consider a visit to a restaurant supply house. There is usually at least one of these gems in every major city and almost all are open to the public. You will arrive to find rows and rows of things needed both in the kitchen and the front of the house of every restaurant.

Restaurant supply stores stock china, silverware, cookware, a myriad of serving pieces, bake ware, small appliances, cleaning supplies, industrial appliances, grilling accessories and other unique pieces you won't find anywhere else. While some items have to be purchased in a lot of six to twelve pieces, most things are available for purchase as a single item. Prices on the majority of these goods are about half of what they would be, even in a big box discount store, while the selection is ten times better.

Bottom Of The Barell

What can you do with just a tiny bit of a condiment in the bottom of the jar? When you can't get a knife in far enough to make a sandwich, turn what is left into a fresh salad dressing, vegetable dip or sauce for steak, fish or chicken.

Tiny bits of a variety of mustards such as Dijon, deli style or whole grain are perfect for this money saving method. Salsa and even fruit preserves also make interesting toppings for your favorite salad or entree.

To the remnants of your leftover specimen, add olive oil, salt, pepper and twice as much acid as what is now in the jar. You can choose red or white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon or lime juice. Screw on the lid of the jar and shake vigorously to blend.

Swimming Against The Current

The holidays not only brought cheer this year, they also brought a few extra pounds. After a couple of weeks stuffing myself into my pants and struggling to get the zipper all the way up, I finally decided to get my diet back on track and shed the extra blubber. I've mentioned before that I have always had a battle with my weight and since the late 90s have been able to keep it under control with exercise and my own version of the South Beach Diet.

Even though I've deleted sugar, bread, potatoes, pasta, alcohol and other high value carbohydrates from my diet until I cast off my winter surplus, I still have a quick and easy menu on hand to meet my diet needs and entertain dinner guests at home. A quick salad of mixed field greens, halved grape tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, toasted walnut pieces and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette start off the evening.

For the main course, broiled salmon, simply rubbed with olive oil, lemon juice and freshly cracked black pepper provides a delicious protein-packed entree. Pair the fish with some steamed, fresh green beans and mashed cauliflower. To prepare cauliflower mash, cut up a head of cauliflower and roast on a pan in the oven or steam in the microwave until tender. Place in a large bowl with a 1/2 cup of low carb mayo substitute, 2 tablespoons of dijon mustard and salt and pepper to taste. Mash florettes with a potato masher or whip with a stand or hand mixer until creamy. If the mash is too dry, add a little fat-free chicken broth. Pass on the dessert course and you have a great dinner that entertains and want ruin your diet.

Home Sweet Home

Living either short term or for the long haul in a rental property need not be a sterile, uninteresting existence. While you may be limited to cosmetic changes you can apply to a space you don't own, there are lots of things you can do to make your simple dwelling a home you will love.

Color, once again, is the lest expensive option to get the biggest bang with your budget. Most landlords will allow you to paint the walls, provided that you return everything to its original color. Even just a large accent wall will go a long way to warm up your room. If you can't paint at all, consider purchasing large canvas stretcher frames from an art supply store and cover with inexpensive fabric in a bold color. A couple of these around a large room create focal points behind furniture groupings and are perfect for the living, dining or bedroom.

When purchasing major upholstered pieces of furniture such as sofas, sectionals and beds, invest in timeless lines and neutral colors like chocolate brown, charcoal, a soft gray or sandy beige that will work with your next apartment or when you finally buy that house. Add pops of color with pillows, accessories and artwork which can be changed when the next space has a different color palette or you tire of a trendy color scheme.

Palms and other large potted plants are a very thrifty way to fill in large gaps of empty space and provide an additional layer of texture. Finish the look by changing out dated or ugly light fixtures over the bathroom sink or dinning room table with more stylish, inexpensive lighting from home improvement stores or Ikea. Your perfect home is waiting for you, albeit briefly, if you take the time to create it!

Sunday, Sunday

If you want to throw a dinner party for friends but are intimidated by cooking or have the need to be cost conscious, host a early Sunday afternoon brunch. Not only are most brunch items easy to prepare in advance but large quantities can be produced very inexpensively.

Plan your menu with help from your supermarket deli or local bakery and select a variety of muffins, scones, biscuits and croissants. You can also make ahead of time a egg and vegetable quiche or frittata. Smoked salmon with all the accouterments or marinated shrimp will cover a seafood option for your brunch spread. Sliced melons and pineapple as well as whole strawberries not only provide a pop of color to the buffet but are delicious. Adding another option of your favorite breakfast meat such as bacon, sausage or ham round out the meal.

Set up a self serve bar with Champagne and OJ for mimosa, your favorite vodka and Bloody Mary mix and fresh coffee with Baileys, Frangelico and Kahlua to spice up the afternoon. You may find that hosting a brunch is so much fun and easy that it will become a recurring monthly event. I will be waiting on my invitation!

Boxing Day

In recent years, I shared a three bedroom house with a friend of mine. We loved the location but there was only one problem...one bathroom and no storage. You can imagine two gay men limited to one powder room and no medicine cabinet or drawers for our potions, lotions and pills.

Our solution... buy a bunch of gallon sized flip top storage containers for our toiletries, label and store them in our bedroom closets. I separated everything into several categories...one for the shower with shampoo, soaps, facial cleanser and scrub. Another container houses other liquid items such as mouthwash, toothpaste, moisturizer and deodorant. One final box keeps dry things dry like Q-Tips, vitamins and metal fingernail clippers and tweezers.

What started out as a necessity has continued today to help me stay organized and maximize my storage space. Not only do the closed boxes stack well on a closet shelf or in the cabinet under the sink, but they also make travel in the car easy too. Just grab your boxes, throw them in the trunk of the car and you are off quickly for an overnight or week-long trip.

Part-Time Vegetarian

The days of cattle roaming free on grassy fields is mostly a romantic vision of the past. Most animals raised for food these days live in factory farms. Not only are these "meat mills" sometimes inhumane for the cow, chicken or other livestock, but the effects on the environment can be extremely toxic. When I first moved to South Florida, I worked for a vegan restaurant called Sublime for about a year and a half. While there, I experimented with a completely vegetarian diet. After about 6 months, I realized it was not for me.

What I did learn from that attempt at becoming a herbivore...there are lots of options to supplement our diet with high protein vegetables and grains. If everyone in the world would give up meat one day a week, the demand would drop enough that balance would return to our food chain, our health would improve and we help stop the effects of global pollution on Earth.

Most people are familiar with tofu, derived from soybeans. There are also an array of plant-based, high proteins such as the ancient grain, Quinoa. This wonder grain is similar in texture to rice but contains more protein, pound-per-pound, than beef. Quinoa breaks down slower in your system than most carbohydrates, maintaining blood sugar levels. Legumes, nuts and leafy greens like spinach are also good choices when replacing animal protein. Do some experimentation with some of these items and join me as a part-time vegetarian.

Lovin' In A French Oven

One of my best recent investments has been in a large, enameled cast iron pot with tight fitting lid. While our ancestors have been preparing food over a fire this way for hundreds of years, I have only recently discovered the ease of cooking and delicious possibilities available only from slow, even-cooking cast iron.

Everything from soup, stews, meats and poultry cook up wonderfully in this marvel perfected by the Europeans, hence the terms Dutch or French ovens. Cast iron pots are very versatile and can be used on top of the stove, in the oven or combination of both.

When selecting an enameled pot, pick one that is much larger than you think you will actually need. A round or oval 7 quart version is a good place to start. That size will give you lots of possibilities for experimentation as you discover and perfect your favorite recipes. Cast iron vessels should be heavy for there size with a very smooth exterior finish. While top-of-the-line brand Le Creuset can be very expensive, there are now more economical versions available at about half the cost. Watch for a sale and snag one for yourself.

May The Force Be With You

Last week I needed a touch of Spring in the house to combat the winter blahs. Unseasonably cold weather in the area made me long for warm April days back in North Carolina. As I stopped in the grocery store, I picked up some potted tulips to bring home to enjoy for a week or so. Now that the blooms have faded, it is time to put the bulbs to sleep so I can enjoy them again later.

Tulips, amaryllis, narcissus, daffodils and iris are all flowering bulbs. Normally, bulbs are plated into the ground in late fall or early winter and remain dormant until Spring when they begin to peak through the dirt. Bulbs can also be planted in pots to be enjoyed indoors. When the blooms spent, you can appreciate the blossoms again by "forcing" them to cycle again.

New or previously bloomed bulbs can be put in a brown paper bag for 12 weeks or more and placed in the vegetable drawer in the bottom of your refrigerator. After the sleep period, plant them in a grouping in a flowerpot with fresh soil with the root end down. Water well and place in a sunny, warm spot. In six to eight week, the bulbs should bloom once again, in all of their glory.

Expiration Day

Food and medications have an expiration date. How many ancient bottles of condiments do you have in your refrigerator or archaic prescriptions in your medicine cabinet? Take a minute now and on a regular basis to sort through them both.

Most processed foods have a "best if used by" date stamped on the original packaging. This makes it very easy to, on a monthly basis, sort through the forest of bottles on your refrigerator door and toss out the old sauces and dressings. A weekly check of fresh produce in the crisper will keep vegetables from rotting next to food that is still blemish-free. Items in the freezer need a check too. Frozen meats will last about six months to a year before they become "burned" in the freezer, provided they are packages properly. Dried herbs and spices lose their kick in about a year, so label each one with a marker the day you open and replace as necessary.

Prescription drugs wear an expiration date as well. You probably will not get sick if you take something after the printed date, but the effectiveness of the Rx will decrease little by little after that date. Toss out anything past the date and call the doctor for a refill. Prescription drugs that do not require refrigeration are best stored not in the bathroom medicine chest but rather in a dark bedroom closet. Light, heat and humidity in the bathroom can ruin expensive medication over time.

The Smoking Gun

Smoking not only kills, even worse, it makes you look old! I have spent my entire life without ever smoking one cigarette and have never understood the appeal. If you are a smoker, stop now.

Years of nicotine abuse on the body not only blacken your lungs but also ages the skin more than any other carcinogen, second only to overexposure of the sun. This effect is genetically magnified on women. How often have you seen that "smoker's face" from years of drawing and puffing on a cigarette?

The smoke from that nasty cancer stick also permeates into your hair, clothes and home creating a stinky, stale cloud following you like Pig-Pen from Peanuts...not sexy. It is still early in the year so make a resolution today to cut out the butt.

Colors of the Rainbow

Paint is the easiest, quickest and least expensive way to change the look and energy of a room. A can of paint, a couple of hours and some elbow grease is all you need to wash the walls in a new color.

When selecting color for a specific room, keep in mind the purpose of the space. For living rooms, let your imagination go wild. Since you spend most of your time in this room, pick a color you really love. Reds and oranges work well in dinning rooms, stimulating the appetite.

For kitchens, yellow is a classic color that perks you up in the morning. Bedroom colors should be calming... think spa. Greens and blues in pastel to dusty hues give a since of calm and induce relaxation. Bathroom color can run the range from stimulating to soothing, depending on your goal of waking up for the day or winding down for the evening. When selecting colors for any room, it is a good idea to buy a small sample of the color and paint a section of the wall before making a commitment to the entire room.