is the spa near palm springs? I’ve never had outstanding food out there but there’s a pretty good burger place called tylers (although not sure if you want to undo all the healthiness of the spa weekend with a cheeseburger). as usual, though, I can make bar recommendations. you should definitely go for drinks at the parker palm springs (there’s also a restaurant there you might want to check out now that I think about it. a little pricey but fun). and the viceroy has a cool bar - might be nice to compare and contrast to the one in LA. they also have a restaurant but I’ve never eaten there.

as for lent, it has both pagan and christian origins. wikipedia is your friend: Lent.

I’ve fallen in love with those Fiber One bars, too! I heard about them at my WW meeting and tried the flavor you mentioned. YUM!

The fiber one bars are surprisingly good. Who would have thought it?

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and is the 40 days before Easter(excluding Sundays). Its meant to remind Christians of the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness preparing for his ministry and you give up something you enjoy like alcohol, sweets etc to attempt to identify with his willpower and to do penance.

And this is why you should all go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

I’m not religious but from what I understand, the good thing about Lent is that you can give up things that are easy to avoid and then feel good when you go 40 days without it. For example this year I pledge to go 40 days without punching a clown. In previous years I have pledged to stop referring to myself in the third person, quit being a vampire and promised not to wear velvet pants.

That’s virtuous Will, but what’s this I heard about you punching a velvet-pants wearing clown? While referring to yourself as Will Dracula? G-d wants you to try harder.

I’m giving up those chocolate oat bars. And Crisco. As a Jew, it won’t count for warm spit, but I feel virtuous already.

I love Stride soooooo much. My favorite gum too. Lasts a very long time! (not to sound like a commmercial!)
Glad you’re feeling better.

I just bought those Fiber One Bars! I read about them on Hungry-Girl. I Heart Hungry-Girl!!

(www.hungry-girl.com)

No, I don’t Work For Them.

xoxo,
TDR

L&O SVU! I was on the edge of my seat. What will happen to Olivia and Elliot?!?

Rancho Mirage? How much $$ have ya’ll got?

Wally’s Desert Turtle, 71-775 Hwy 111 in Rancho Mirage,(760) 568-9321

http://www.wallys-desert-turtle.com/dessert.htm

I’ve been there, and I remember original artwork illuminated by chandeliers with real candles. Find a sponsor! And order the Grand Marnier Souffle with Creme Anglaise - mmm.

so happy to hear you’re feeling better!!!

I love the Fiber One bars…You should try the Oats and Peanuts one if you like peanut butter.

Have you baked with the new Crisco yet? What’s the word? I still have a few bars of the old-fashioned Crisco in my pantry, so I haven’t bought transfat-free crisco yet.

Hah. I had no idea the Fiber One bars were so popular! I just noticed them a few weeks ago on the shelf and they looked so good–and they are!

Nani, haven’t tried the new Crisco yet. But from what I understand, they’re getting rid of the original Crisco and replacing it with the trans fat free kind. I’ll report back after I try it.

mmh…maybe i should stock up on the original kind while I still can…just in case. lol.

If you like sushi, then there’s a fabulous sushi place at River Walk in Rachno Mirage called Maki Maki. They have a million different rolls and lots of great sushi!

I am addicted to Prison Break, it’s really addictive, and Wentworth Miller is HOT.

I’m off to South Africa today for 2 weeks, and then back in California 2 weeks later. Hopefully see you and your family very soon! can’t wait!

Is it sad that I’m totally psyched to hear about those bars? What is my life coming to?

I’m going to disagree with the recommendation for Wally’s. Delicious food but old people vibe — I go there with my parents when I’m in the desert but wouldn’t choose it for girls night out. The River, a restaurant/ movie theater situation (like a very mini-Grove) in Palm Desert has the basics (PF Changs, Flemmings, a good Italian place I forget the name of, etc) and is a bit more happening (its across the street from Wally’s). Las Casuelas Neuevas has the best Mexican food — sit outside. If you go up to Palm Springs, I love Matchbox on Palm Canyon. Great people watching and the yummiest mini-burgers with onion rings and excellent spinach salad. Also near the new Cactusberry for dessert, though maybe that’s not so much of a draw for you… Have fun.

Thanks for the mention of the Fiber One bars. When I went to the store last night I decided to check them out. They’re DELICIOUS.

My aunt told me she baked with the trans fat free Crisco for the first time recently- and she couldn’t tell a difference. Which I take as a GOOD thing.

I bought the Fiber One bars this morning too, on my way to work. The whole box was gone by the end of the day, because everyone loved them, including my friend without a colon, who says that the bars didn’t make her stomach hurt, despite all the fiber. Amazing! (Also, 2 points for one bar, which is pretty good considering how filling they are…)

I saw “Rancho Mirage” and my jaw dropped. I LIVE HERE! WHEE! I could go on and on about the restaurants here but I don’t want to bore you. If you’re really curious, feel free to email me and I will be more than happy to answer any questions or offer some suggestions. Uh, and I really don’t work for the tourism bureau, I just sound like it. I’m a bartender and my honey is a chef, so I’ve got plenty of info for you if you’d like it.