Two years ago, I traipsed off to see an acupuncturist that a friend had suggested. Was I in bad health? No, but between you and me — I’d always wanted to try it. My doc is known as an energy healer … or spiritualist … or guru … or swami … or something. That would explain why he is not covered under my company’s HMO.   They’d deem him a certified quack. 

Now I typically have an open mind about things … and I’ll try anything once. Heck, that’s how I fell in to advertising! My motto: Nothing ventured, nothing gained. (This does not apply to Brussels sprouts, however … which I have never tried because they resemble green turds.)

So I’m sitting in his office when – as God as my witness – he starts waving his hand over me with this magic wand-thingy. I was intrigued. I was perplexed. And I was starving and wondering when he’d finish the hell up.

He informed me that I had far too much wine to drink the night before. True, but how did he know that? Was he psychic?  No – my liver was “sending off bad energy”, according to him.  He also informed me I had a fracture in my ankle (which I failed to mention on my 36-page questionnaire because said fracture happened when I was eight years old). And he found great humor in the fact that I had recently injected multiple vials of Botox in my face. He (and the magic wand) knew that because my face was “toxic and devoid of energy”.

I was now shocked … amazed … and stunned. And even though it wasn’t registering on my face (thank you, Botox!), the doc immediately knew I was impressed.

After quickly deducing I had a crappy diet, he thoroughly chastised me.  He diagnosed me with candida and immediately put me on something called the “Candida diet”.  That means I can only eat things while listening to Tony Orlando and Dawn.  Kidding.  I can eat meat and vegetables and that’s it. Or as he put it … “steak and potatoes … minus the potatoes because they are too starchy.”

Two years later, I’m still a firm believer in the diet.  To be honest, I don’t miss bread.  Donuts, however, are another story.  But when I deviate from the diet, I regret it.  When I’m on it, I look and feel better.  And it’s all thanks to trying one new thing. Which just goes to show you … you can teach an old dog how to thin quick … er, think quick.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained … at least on the scale.

“My shoes are like Hitchcock Blondes. Like Kim Novak and Grace Kelly, they have a distinct look that is mysterious and beautiful. Each one tells a story,” – Bettye Muller

Interviewed famous women’s shoe designer Bettye Muller yesterday.  She’s a delight … she’s as quirky and fun as her shoe line.  One of my questions to her was, “Okay – at which point did the little light bulb go on over your head and you decided to design shoes?”  Turns out she used to be a shoe MODEL and “fell in to it.”

Growing up, I pictured myself in a variety of industries.  I wanted to be a veterinarian until I realized I’d have to work on farm animals.  For a brief while, I thought about being a fireman and/or a bona fide Prince.  Not Prince as in “Little Red Corvette”, but as in “Charming”.  (I was a fickle child.)  If I could have “fallen in to it”, I would have.  Who doesn’t like wearing crowns?

Bettye now has over 500 shoes in her line.  Cameron Diaz AND Katie Couric have been spotted in her fierce footwear.  She longs for the day that Angelina Jolie puts on a pair.  How do I know this?  She said, “I long for the day Angelina Jolie wears my line.”

I could care less about the shoes I wear, but a lot of people obsess over what covers their corns or blankets their bunions.  It was near chaos yesterday at the Halls.  It was a three-ring circus.  I’d call it a shoe carnival … but that store chain would probably sue me.  (Plus, Bettye’s pumps are a little pricey for the Carnival.)  Women were fighting and shoving their way to try on particular pairs of boots … and those were the store’s employees, mind you.  The funny thing is … everyone wanted the shoes Bettye was wearing.  “Oh, those aren’t available until next year,” she cooed.  The only incited the crowd more.  I know better than to get between a rabid woman and a shoe sale.  So I backed off and waited patiently until I could do my interview.   Click on the link below to watch it:

http://www.kctv5.com/video/24613237/index.html

I blame Carrie Bradshaw for our nation’s obsession with stylish footwear.  And I can say that as I sit here wearing oh-so comfortable flip-flops.  (I, too, have 500 different pairs.)