Mary J

I am debating between beef bourguinon, coq au vin, or an italian-style chicken dish. Beef bourguinon is my front runner because a) it's just something a little bit out of the ordinary b) it's incredibly delicious and c) it seems like a cozy way to celebrate a mid-winter Saturday night with friends.

I think I'm afraid that the lack of side dishes with this dish will make it seem as though I took the easy way out. Also, although neither of my guests is a vegetarian, is it just "too much" to serve beef?

Thoughts? Preferences? Thanks!

Just wondering if anyone thought the traffic would be horrible on the NY Thruway this weekend? I'll be driving on Sunday from 287 in NJ to exit 15A (17 North).

Thank you!

Just finished a 5-day trip and although I am usually obsessive about my eating habits (ie, no excessive fat, about 1500 calories per day, high level of activity), I ate WHATEVER I wanted--and it really was excessive. I feel horrible about myself and am just curious... does anyone else exercise this TOTAL lack of control while on vacation?

A few weeks ago, I began experiencing pain/burning along the bottoms of my feet. I got ordinary arch supports for my shoes and things improved. I saw my doctor last week and he said that I have spurs on the side of my feet (outer edge, near big toe) and had a metatarsal injury (not a fracture) that could likely be corrected with the use of metatarsal pads inserted in the shoe. I'm using the pads, but I've been having increased pain in my knees and back, and the pain in my feet is back.

I know it may take some time to adjust to the shoe inserts, but my I am going on vacation next week--it was supposed to be a very active vacation. I realize I will have to change that a bit, but I'm concerned about being this uncomfortable. There's really no way to avoid a decent amount of walking every day. Any advice to decrease the discomfort (aside from OTC pain relievers and icing)? And any insight on whether I am actually doing any damage if I engage in moderate activity while having pain?

I'll be wearing the dress to a wedding in the Adirondacks and just found out it should be around 55 degrees and the ceremony will be outdoors--the strapless dress I picked won't work. I've searched my usual online destinations--Ann Taylor, Nordstrom, J Crew--and have not found anything. Has anyone seen something that might be appropriate while online shopping? Thank you!

I am making an eggplant, tomato, and zucchini gratin. Usually when I use eggplant, I sweat it prior to using; however, this recipe begins with sprinkling eggplant slices with salt and baking them for 15 minutes. Do I still need to sweat the eggplant first?

I've lived in Hunterdon Country for 4 years and have tried several different primary care physicians for check-ups. I really haven't found anyone that I wanted to visit again. Does anyone have a recommendation for a great primary care physician in the area?

No surprise, any New England town is booked in the fall, but i will need to be in Boston 10/4-10/8 and would like to stay someplace in Boston proper, but I don't want to drop a huge amount of money. I've tried hotels.com, travelocity, etc, and was wondering if anyone knew of a hidden gem (preferrably Back Bay)?

I get cold sores once or twice per year. I had one about a month ago, and since then the "tingling" feeling associated with an emerging cold sore has not gone away. I have been taking lysine daily, using topical zovirax, and two days ago took prescription famvir orally. Has anyone else had this problem? And does anyone know from experience if famvir really works?

I have a dream vacation coming up, the only problem is that I always seem to get sick right before I travel. Any recommendations (besides handwashing, good sleeping schedule, eating healthy...all of which I do religiously) to avoid catching something before I go?