“The most creative force in the world is a post-menopausal woman with zest.” ~ Margaret Mead Lost Your Zest? Get It Back! »more»

Here’s the thing. Most of my features come from my Romanian roots. I’ve always liked having dark hair and blue eyes. I am most psyched that my “gray” hair is silver, some people will even pay for that! After all, Dracula was Romanian and by many accounts was a particularly handsome man-thing. »more»

Almost everyday we hear somebody say “I live vicariously through you” or “ I wish we could do what you’re doing.” As inviting as it may seem, it’s probably not the lifestyle for everybody. There is actually quite a commitment to chucking it all and becoming a gypsy. »more»

It’s Mother’s Day. This one is a milestone for me. It’s my first without chicks in the nest. I’d received phone calls from all three of my children -- the fast-walking, subway-chasing, black-wearing, taxi-flagging NYC urbanite daughters, 24 & 22, and The Boy, 18, sending their love and best wishes. »more»

On the same day that we officially became empty nesters, the very day our youngest started college, we got on a plane headed for Zürich. We didn't really plan for the two events to happen on the same day, it just worked out that way. »more»

A good friend of mine is convinced that the world is nearing the end of times. This is a topic that she and I differ on. I come at it from my knowledge of history, sociology, world events, and even world religions and I'm not quite sure where she's coming at it from. I think online bible study and her family. Who is right? Who is wrong? »more»

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Now that the chicks are out of the nest I'm nurturing a new side effect--fearlessness. Okay not exactly fearlessness, but I'm finding that I'm more drawn to crazy antics than I used to be. Perhaps this effect is common in empty nesters--or at least with the baby boomer ones. Were we not the VW bus driving, world-changing, stickin' it to the man, try-anything generation? »more»

What are the chances? »more»

OM stands for "other man", BUT in the Shepherdess Book of Latin Definitions, OM stands for "optimus minimus"...least optimal, while OW stands for "other woman" or in the Latin it means "Overlus Willingus"...overly willing. »more»

One of the many advantages to having an empty nest is the freedom to swap your nest with other adventurous types. We decided that before we sold our house, we would try using it as bait for a cheap month in New York City. Being in the habit of Googling at the drop of a hat, we decided to take the online approach to finding suitable exchanges. »more»

I've read that one of biggest pitfalls to having kids is that couples tend to forget who they were prior to breeding (though I personally think the the loss of perky breasts is high on the list). As a Gypsy Nester, one who is looking forward to life after kids, I thought I'd share a secret. »more»

There may be more than ten ways to chase off your boomerang kid -- in fact we're sure there are! The GypsyNesters have assembled ten sure-fire, never-miss, bound to run 'em off suggestions to send your boomerang kid screaming out of your house for good. »more»

I'm an advice column junkie. I can't help it. I kick off my morning with a frothy soy latte, my “Crack”berry and a heavy dose of the “Dear crew”. When I'm lucky, I can persuade David to play along with a game of “What would Abby do?” If he's is in a particularly sporting mood, we can delve far beneath the layers of the written word. »more»

Dear Oprah

How are you? I am fine. Well, all except for that little mishap at the grocery store yesterday. I suppose I shouldn't have had the second cup of coffee before I left to buy milk but who knew something as innocent as a little sneeze could cause that to happen! You would have known how to handle it - or should I say, hold it - Oprah. »more»