Recently redesigned, Alfie’s in the Blue Grass Shopping Center [map], has reopened to offer food and entertainment.  Aside from a full menu, Alfie’s offers Sunday night salsa (and other dances throughout the week) until 1 a.m. — a great way to forget about the upcoming work week.

There is plenty of parking in the spacious lot of the shopping center just outside Alfie’s.  Since the nightclub/restaurant has been renovated recently, the entire place is new and sparkling with freshness.  The floors and tables are kept clean, as are the dishes..  The staff from the hostess to servers is very friendly and always eager to help you.  I was also very pleased to see how well kept the bathrooms seemed to be, given the large crowd that usually appears on Sundays. continue reading »

What is the leading health threat for women in the U.S.?  It isn’t cancer and it isn’t men.

You might be surprised to know that heart disease is the leading killer in women in the U.S. and has been for several years now.  This silent killer hardly ever gets the recognition it deserves.

One of the large reasons that heart disease goes overlooked as the leading cause of death is because most women do not realize the problems — or even the symptoms — of heart disease. continue reading »

What’s better than hot chocolate on a snowy day after shoveling?  How about making some hot, creamy potato soup to warm you from the inside out.

Made fresh and fast, this is a wonderful delicacy for any household in the very white winter months this season.  Kids usually love the taste without realizing they are eating something wholesome, and adults can’t get enough of this filling soup.

Push the snow aside and pull up a bowl of delicious hot potato soup that only takes about 30 to 45 minutes to cook and can feed up to eight people.

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Sometimes it may seem that some of the hardest things in life involve starting over.  Letting go of the past or present and moving on to a new and different beginning can seem overwhelming and almost not worth the effort.

Whether it involves a job, location or relationship, starting over is a difficult task that few would welcome.  Several people remain in the same career for fear of failing in the unknown endeavors they wish were options to pursue.  Especially with today’s economic situation, the struggle to achieve self-set aspirations can seem impossible, but it is a travesty to sell your dreams and goals to your fears and simple daily tasks.  continue reading »

Some say the best part of waking up is coffee, but how about a muffin to fill the stomachs of those those on the run?

If you are looking for a quick, easy breakfast pick-me-up, or a simple snack for the afternoon munchies, this Merry Muffin recipe is for you.  It only takes about 20-25 minutes to prepare and cook and can make 12 regular sized muffins or 24 mini muffins.

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In the past year or so when writing this column, I’ve usually get my ideas from the women I meet and the issues that concern them.  I also have found issues that I feel are overlooked, if they are even recognized at all.

So it may seem odd that this column was inspired by a man.  He explained his discontent about the fact he was looked down on as though he was less than what he really was, and that being looked at as “less than” is the worst thing.  Having heard this, I began to think of how many times women quietly endure the less than stamp.  So many men despise this concept, and yet women are constantly subjected to this incorrect assumption in all facets of life.  continue reading »

Now that the holidays are over and life has resumed its daily hustle and bustle, why not give your family a treat that is quick and tasty.  For those of you out there who love seasoning and spicy food, this is a great recipe for you.

If you have a milder palate, just lower certain spices and the dish will still come out scrumptious.

This Spicy Pepper Steak and Rice dish will take you only 20 minutes to prepare and cook.  More great news is that it will definitely stay in your budget, and still have your family and friends praising your culinary skills. continue reading »

Today, having a ceasarean section during delivery is more of an option for women than ever before. A c-section is a surgical procedure performed to remove a baby from its mother’s womb, and is usually performed when a vaginal delivery would put the baby’s or mother’s life or health at risk, although it has been also performed upon request for deliveries that could otherwise have been natural.

There are many women who think the modern convenience of c-sections is being overly used for the sole purpose for the mother’s wanting less work and no pain.  There are also those who take the other side of the debate saying that a c-section is often necessary and easier. continue reading »

In the mood for sushi but not in the mood to head to Center City?  Makiman Sushi restaurant right on Oxford Avenue near Rising Sun Avenue is the perfect dining destination to satisfy your sushi cravings.  Open Monday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, this casual, cozy little Japanese eatery offers takeout in addition to sit-down meals.

The restaurant itself is very small, but it does have a warm and inviting atmosphere. Even if you’re not in the mood for sushi, Makiman offers a variety of cooked Japanes-style dishes. But I would highly recommend getting the sushi dishes.

The seafood at Makiman is fresh and delicious, prepared well and doesn’t leave a bad after taste in your mouth. The service was wonderful, timely and friendly.  Unlike other sushi bar, where there is often a long wait for food, at Makiman, my food was prepared and served in a very acceptable fashion. continue reading »

Everywhere you turn, the holidays have exploded as if on steroids.  Fake snow, mistletoe, trees, toys, sale prices and hordes of people – ’tis the season to be cranky?

What happened to spreading the holiday joy and celebrating a time of family togetherness?  It seems that with each passing year the holidays become more about presents and a frantic race to ensure that the hottest new item is purchased before it is sold out.

Almost as soon as Thanksgiving ended, the NEast became covered in lights, decorations and holiday advertisements.  Earlier and earlier each year, stores seem to have a growing monopoly on what defines our holiday season. continue reading »