Tara Jarmon Cotton Pleated Skirt, Made in France

I featured this skirt from my friend Christabelle’s Closet many months ago, because it is a classic. The price has been reduced to $10.00

Tara Jarmon Pleated Skirt Made in France

Irresponsible Parents Spawn Flu Outbreak; Protect Yourself from Disease

Health and Happiness

There they go again: sending high-school teens to foreign resorts for “spring break”, where kids can indulge in barbaric activities, while risking kidnapping, disease and even death. Like the parents of the teenage girl who disappeared in Aruba, these New Yorkers thought it was chic to allow under-age kids to go gallivanting about in tropical climes. For all their purported sophistication, none among these geniuses received the memos about kidnapping, the white slave-trade, and rampant murder in Mexico. And now, because of their mindless allegiance to convention,  which dictates that even the quite young should be allowed to participate in this increasingly toxic “spring break” tradition, these ridiculous parents have imported a deadly flu. We all remember the imbecilic attitude of the Columbine murderers’ parents, and what that  lax bunch spawned….

The authorities tell you to use hand-sanitizer. That’s a good idea. Maybe that little precaution taught to President Obama by President Bush when they shook hands, and which was castigated as “racist” by vicious left-wingers, has possibly saved the president’s life. After all, Mr. Obama shook hands on April 16th with a Mexican official who died from the new influenza just a few days later.

My husband and I have always gone out in gloves. We hate germs of all stripes. I’ve never gone grocery shopping without gloves. For one thing, the carts are filthy, and carry spittle from little kids, a population that seems to often be sick. Once we are home, I wash every item to the best of my ability to kill whatever exterior bacteria they carry; the possibility of surface germ-transference is something I never ignore.

Don’t be afraid to wear gloves. People wore them all the time forty or fifty years ago, and had done so for centuries. Would you rather get a look that could kill or acquire a disease that may kill you from some boorish cad who goes out into the public to spread virulence for sport? And while you’re at it, you may consider following the new fashion embraced by our Mexican neighbors and wear a matching mask; this thing is airborne, as well as communicable through surfaces.

Of course, wearing stylish gloves with today’s inelegant hip-hugging pants and skirts will look silly. I recommend dumping these muffin-top-inducing clothes, as well, and covering up your skin to the waist (unless , of course,  you are planning a belly dancing career and wish to serve as your own best advertising gimmick).

Well, I always look for a silver lining: maybe this outbreak of worrying disease will cause people to wear actual clothing, shoes, gloves and hats…. No, I’m just dreaming–even the threats of economic ruin and dread disease haven’t mitigated the self-destructive behaviour of Americans.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009

Swine Flu Facts: Update from Reporter Bryan Walsh

As regular readers know, I have been advocating the wearing of gloves for many years. Now, I’m promoting a matching mask!

~~M-J

By BRYAN WALSH – 45 mins ago

Concern that the world could be on the brink of the first influenza pandemic in more than 40 years escalated Sunday as France, Hong Kong, New Zealand and Spain reported potential new cases in which people had been infected with swine flu and Canada confirmed several new cases. In the U.S., where 20 such infections have been confirmed, federal health officials declared a public-health emergency and are preparing to distribute to state and local agenciesa quarter of the country’s 50 million-dose stockpile of antiviral drugs. Meanwhile, in hard-hit Mexico, where more than 80 people have died from what is believed to be swine flu, the government closed all public schools and canceled hundreds of public events in Mexico City.

Though the World Health Organization (WHO) is referring to the situation as a “public-health emergency of international concern,” the apparent emergence in several countries of an entirely new strain of H1N1 flu virus has led some scientists to believe that it is only a matter of time before the WHO declares pandemic status, a move that could prompt travel bans to infected countries. “We are clearly seeing wide spread,” says Michael Osterholm, a pandemic risk expert who runs the University of Minnesota‘s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy. “There is no question.” (Read about the vaccine being prepared in case of a pandemic.)

Health officials in Washington were quick to point out Sunday that none of the 20 cases identified in the U.S. so far has been fatal; all but one of the victims has recovered without needing to be hospitalized. Officials also noted that only one American has been infected so far who had not recently traveled to Mexico – a woman in Kansas got sick after her husband returned from a business trip in that country, where he became ill – but that could change as more intensive disease surveillance begins. “As we continue to look for more cases, I expect we’re going to find them,” said acting Centers for Disease Control (CDC) director Richard Besser.

In the U.S., where cases have also been found in California, Texas, and New York City, the declaration of a public-health emergency is part of what federal officials termed an “aggressive response” to the outbreaks. In addition to releasing from the national stockpile some 12.5 million doses of the antiviral drugs Tamiflu and Relenza – which scientists say has so far been effective against the H1N1 swine flu virus – the Department of Homeland Security will begin “passive surveillance” to screen people entering the U.S. Any traveler coming from a country with a confirmed human swine flu infection will be questioned, checked for symptoms and potentially isolated if they are found ill. Though the CDC has issued public warnings about the more serious outbreak in Mexico, there are no recommendations from Washington against traveling to the neighboring country.

That is in contrast to the more extreme actions of some other governments, including Hong Kong, where officials on Sunday urged residents to avoid going to Mexico. Hong Kong officials also ordered the immediate detention in a hospital of anyone who arrives with a fever above 100.4 F, respiratory symptoms and a history of traveling over the past seven days to a city with a confirmed case of swine flu infection.

But Washington officials Sunday did their best not to overstate the situation and emphasized that their response wasn’t out of the ordinary. “I wish we could call it declaration of emergency preparedness, because that’s really what it is in this context,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. “We’re preparing in an environment where we really don’t know ultimately what the size or seriousness of this outbreak is going to be.”

Versatile Buttermilk Biscuits

M-J's Buttermilk Biscuits and Cheese Biscuits (Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009)

M-J’s Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe

Buttermilk is good for you. When in Scandinavia, we drink it at breakfast-time, as is customary.

If your grocer has stopped carrying buttermilk, insist that he stock it. Alternatively, you may use powdered buttermilk, which is found in the baking section of most food markets.

Why buttermilk? It is not only tasty, but acts as a leavener in pancakes and biscuits. It is said to be good for the gastrointestinal system, and for the skin. Granted, buttermilk is an acquired taste, not popular with many children. I didn’t care for the idea of it until I was an adult. But, if one likes the taste of yogurt, buttermilk ought to appeal.

When baking buttermilk biscuits according to my recipe, which is linked above, I sometimes fold the dough over some shredded Cheddar cheese. These cheese biscuits, shown in the foreground of my photo, are popular at drinks parties.

Cheddar Cheese Stands Alone at Elegant Survival

2009 April 25, by M-J de Mesterton

Cheddar with Rock Painting by M- de Mesterton Copyright 2009

Cheddar by Albertson’s, Copyright M-J de Mesterton

My three favourite cheeses are Cheddar (named after the town in England) and Parmesan (named after Parma, Italy). Of course, I am fond of other cheeses from around the world, such as Swedish Farmer’s Cheese, Danish Havarti, Kashkeval, feta, halloumi, mimolette and brie, but these two cheeses seem to have many more applications.

One of the nice things about Cheddar cheese is its versatility: it is always welcome at a cocktail or drinks party, and melts well for nachos and other American dishes.

The charming host of America’s Test Kitchen, Christopher Kimball, also of Cook’s Illustrated magazine, has written about Cheddar cheese in its latest number, and has also conducted a taste-and-quality test of various Cheddars offered in most American supermarkets. I have always depended upon the quality and taste of Tillamook (Oregon) and Cracker Barrel brands. The test results bore out my choices. Another great Cheddar from the U.S.A., available in several western states, is Albertson’s supermarket brand California Cheddar (pictured here), costing about four dollars per pound, a price which is commensurate with that of the two aforementioned selections.

Here is the article about Cheddar cheese from this month’s Cook’s magazine.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009

Elegant Survival News: the Auxiliary Page for

Elegant Survival: Stylish Living on a Shoestring

• Home
• About Elegant Survival
• M-J’s Theater of the Absurd
• Miscellaneous
• The Elegant Lady’s Boudoir

Cheddar Cheese Stands Alone at Elegant Survival

Cheddar Cheese and Rock Painting by M- de Mesterton, Photo Copyright 2009

California Cheddar by Albertson’s, Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009

My three favourite cheeses are Cheddar (named after the town in England) and Parmesan (named after Parma, Italy). Of course, I am fond of other cheeses from around the world, such as Swedish Farmer’s Cheese, Danish Havarti, Kashkeval, feta, halloumi and brie, but these two cheeses seem to have many more applications.
One of the nice things about Cheddar cheese is its versatility: it is always welcome at a cocktail or drinks party, and melts well for nachos and other American dishes.
The charming host of America’s Test Kitchen, Christopher Kimball, also of Cook’s Illustrated magazine, has written about Cheddar cheese in its latest number, and has also conducted a taste-and-quality test of various Cheddars offered in most American supermarkets. I have always depended upon the quality and taste of Tillamook (Oregon) and Cracker Barrel brands. The test results bore out my choices. Another great Cheddar from the U.S.A., available in several western states, is Albertson’s supermarket brand California Cheddar (pictured here), costing about four dollars per pound, a price which is commensurate with that of the two aforementioned selections.

Here is the article about Cheddar cheese from this month’s Cook’s magazine.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009

>Cheddar Cheese Stands Alone at Elegant Survival

>

Cheddar Cheese and Rock Painting by M- de Mesterton, Photo Copyright 2009

California Cheddar by Albertson’s, Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009

My three favourite cheeses are Cheddar (named after the town in England) and Parmesan (named after Parma, Italy). Of course, I am fond of other cheeses from around the world, such as Swedish Farmer’s Cheese, Danish Havarti, Kashkeval, feta, halloumi and brie, but these two cheeses seem to have many more applications.
One of the nice things about Cheddar cheese is its versatility: it is always welcome at a cocktail or drinks party, and melts well for nachos and other American dishes.
The charming host of America’s Test Kitchen, Christopher Kimball, also of Cook’s Illustrated magazine, has written about Cheddar cheese in its latest number, and has also conducted a taste-and-quality test of various Cheddars offered in most American supermarkets. I have always depended upon the quality and taste of Tillamook (Oregon) and Cracker Barrel brands. The test results bore out my choices. Another great Cheddar from the U.S.A., available in several western states, is Albertson’s supermarket brand California Cheddar (pictured here), costing about four dollars per pound, a price which is commensurate with that of the two aforementioned selections.

Here is the article about Cheddar cheese from this month’s Cook’s magazine.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009

Courtesy of M-J de Mesterton

Cheddar Cheese Stands Alone at Elegant Survival

Cheddar Cheese and Rock Painting by M- de Mesterton, Photo Copyright 2009

California Cheddar by Albertson’s, Photo Copyright M-J de Mesterton 2009

My three favourite cheeses are Cheddar (named after the town in England) and Parmesan (named after Parma, Italy). Of course, I am fond of other cheeses from around the world, such as Swedish Farmer’s Cheese, Danish Havarti, Kashkeval, feta, halloumi and brie, but these two cheeses seem to have many more applications.
One of the nice things about Cheddar cheese is its versatility: it is always welcome at a cocktail or drinks party, and melts well for nachos and other American dishes.
The charming host of America’s Test Kitchen, Christopher Kimball, also of Cook’s Illustrated magazine, has written about Cheddar cheese in its latest number, and has also conducted a taste-and-quality test of various Cheddars offered in most American supermarkets. I have always depended upon the quality and taste of Tillamook (Oregon) and Cracker Barrel brands. The test results bore out my choices. Another great Cheddar from the U.S.A., available in several western states, is Albertson’s supermarket brand California Cheddar (pictured here), costing about four dollars per pound, a price which is commensurate with that of the two aforementioned selections.

Here is the article about Cheddar cheese from this month’s Cook’s magazine.

~~Copyright M-J de Mesterton, 2009

Courtesy of M-J de Mesterton