Eat, Pray, Love- One Fab Mom's Review!

After reading the book Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert, I was set to be disappointed by the movie. The book was so wonderful I thought there was no way they could capture it on film. Guess what, they did!

Yes, the movie has the scenery and the food, but what it really focuses on is relationships. Elizabeth Gilbert (played adeptly and subtly by Julia Roberts), is on a journey to find balance, and ultimately to find love. This was the focus of the film and rightfully so. They could have just made a movie with gorgeous locations, stuck Julia Roberts in with hot guys (Oh my word James Franco and Javier Bardem are yummyyyyy), and not really cared about the journey. That would have been the Hollywood way to do the book on screen. Thank god they knew people would not put up with that!

Julia journeys to Italy to eat, to India to pray and to Bali to love. She accomplishes all three as her demons finally catch up with her. The supporting cast was amazing. Billy Crudup as the boring but sweet husband, Viola Davis as her editor and best friend, but I felt it was Richard Jenkins, as Richard from Texas, that really was perfection. His story of why he was at the ashram was heartbreaking. I also thought the movie was perfectly cast with Javier playing Philipe. He was the perfect mix of steady and sexy!

This was a very modern, deep and fun adaptation of Elizabeth Gilberts book. A must see. I am giving it 5 cosmos. The top honor! Did you see it? What did you think?

A Dozen Eggs! Greatest Give Away Ever!

 At least I think so! I love A Dozen Eggs. I have ordered from them for teachers, parties, new babies and friends! (how cute are these baby girl cookies!)

A dozen eggs is a small, owner-operated, fully licensed bakery located in Mount Holly, Vermont. They started their business in 2004 in Boston, Massachusetts, their home for 16 years, before moving themselves and their pets to the bucolic splendor of Vermont!

Because I am such a fan, they have agreed to do a give away of my favorite cookie collection!


The Palm Beach Collection!

Could you die? Shift dresses, flip flops, sunglasses, flamingos and palm trees! All in Pink an green! I know you want these for your next party, best friend, or just yourself!!!

To enter:
1) Go to A Dozen Eggs and tell me your favorite cookie favor or collection. (That gets you one entry!)
2) Become a follower of my blog (That get's you another entry!)
3) Follow me on twitter (another entry!)
4) and leave your contact info! Also let me know how many entries you have!




That's it!
Good luck!
Winner will be drawn this Friday!

Wordless Wednesday- The Getty Museum

The Water Whisperer- Changing Lives One Toddler At A Time!

This summer we enrolled Landon in swim lessons with the Water Whisperer. This was not something Landon, or I was looking forward to. He was one of those kids who did not like swimming. He was very nervous, didn't like water in his face (not even in the bath!), and he was not happy about getting in the pool.

We showed up for lessons and the first day or two, there was a lot of tears. He was upset, he didn't want to swim. By the third day, Landon was feeling more confident. By the fifth day, he was thrilled. He was happy. He was joyful. He was swimming!

This has seriously been the highlight of my summer. To have a kid who was not happy about swimming become a person who loves the water, is worth it's weight in gold to me. The water whisperer has great instructors who are kind but firm, loving but disciplined.

I am telling you I have been blown away by Landon's progress. I am so proud of him! Thanks Water Whisperer!!

Toys For Toddlers- Melissa and Dougs Stack and Sort Board!

Landon had this and adored it. He loved sorting the colors and stacking the blocks! I knew it would be the perfect thing to take out for Coco! It's so fun seeing these toys the second time around! Great that it can be enjoyed twice! Talk about recycling!

You can get it here in my Open Sky store!



What else do I like by Melissa and Doug? Go to my store and see!

My Thoughts Exactly

Okay so it's an ad. So what? I love what this says. What do you think?

Welcome Cooking Underwriter!

After absolutely begging my bestie, neighbor Sheila, she started a cooking/recipe blog! She is the Cooking Underwriter. Insurance underwriter by day and chef by night! Please go and say hello, follow, her, follow her on twitter and make her feel welcome! You remember your first post right?

This is her first post! Blueberry pomegranate cobbler!!!! I was the taste tester and it is INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eat, Pray, Love, Mid Life Crisis?

I know it's going to happen. People are going to see Eat, Pray, Love and there will be a major mid life crisis epidemic. After all a lot of us think they should be, or could have been, living another life. Something more exciting, passionate, and adventurous. For some people living in California or Los Angeles for that matter, is a dream life. Sun, beach, movie stars, it's all here, but you better have thick skin because the entertainment business is no joke.

It was my dream to live and work in California, like Carol Burnett. I dropped everything and move out here. I left family, friends and a boyfriend behind and came out to LA knowing no one! Looking back it seems so brave. I was terrified but it didn't stop me. The other option was to not ever try to live my dream.

My dreams have changed over the years, simplified a little. When you have kids you tend to focus on their happiness more than your own.  Lately though, after turning 40, I have been dreaming more. I think a lot of people are looking for more after forty.


Don't get me wrong, I will be lined up to see Eat, Pray Love. I loved the book. I understood Elizabeth Gilberts wanting more, feeling trapped, and needing adventure! Sometimes I wonder about living doing somewhere else, doing something else. Would I be happier? Probably not!

I'm not sure we all need to go to India and Italy to find our true happiness. I know Elizabeth Gilbert needed to get away and find herself, but let's be serious, not many people have the time or money to go gallivanting all over the world.

I have one simple way I solve this. I try to bring the excitement, the adventure, into my own life in big and small ways.

Here are just a few:

I rearrange my living room and den every few months. 
I drive home different ways to find new places.
I find new cool restaurants to try.
I have friends over and try new and exciting new table scape's and menus.
I arrange girls nights with different groups of women and try to connect people.
I grow my hair long and then cut it short.
I stay open to living in other places, making new friends, and joining new groups.
I take day trips on the weekends with the family.
I take on new projects, even if it's outside my comfort zone!


Let's face it life can feel dull and monotonous, especially when you are running a household and raising kids. You need to keep it fun and interesting!

Not So Fabulous Forties- My Eyes Are Going!

Imagine having perfect eyesight for 40 years and then whammo! Suddenly I cannot read things up close and my vision is blurry! I mean WTF.

This fabulous forty thing is something I subscribe too. I enjoy all propoganda to this end. I even have my forty things to do before forty list going. Do you? Start one! Here's my whole blog dedicated to it!

Anyhoo, so when I notice my eyes are going bonkers I am not thrilled to say the least. Suddenly I imagine I am going blind (dramatic screenwriter here) and will need friends and family to cart e around with my walking stick. I head in for my first eye exam. I ask husband, who has been wearing contacts for years, how this is going to go. I don't want someone touching my eyeball. I mean that is yucky. He assures me nothing bad will happen. Hmph.

At the eye doc, he does all these tests, can you see the shaky line, can you read these letters, how about now? Now? NOW?

The good news? My eyes are healthy and my general eyesight is 20/20. Bad news? I need glasses for computer (which I am on 29 hours a day) and for reading (who has time to read a book?). This is made more upsetting by the fact that my mother has readers and this will be added to the list of ways I am turning into her. But that's a whole other post.


How are your eyes?

My First Open Sky Product! Tasty Baby!

As you know I am now an Open Sky seller! I am asked all the time about the products I use, love and want to share! This is a great way to do it!


My first product is Tasty Baby! This is the best organic baby food company! Founded by mom's, one I know well! Their food is amazing and inventive and delicious!


Coco loved the corn! The only veggie she would eat!

Get yours here!

 

When Kids Give Up The Nap- A Mothers Log Flume Into Hell

Landon has started giving up his afternoon nap in an effort to kill me. Seriously. I need a little break in the afternoon, doesn't he get that? Some of my friends are dealing with this too. I swear this is one of the hardest things to go through!

I have had it good. Landon is four and still was napping until now. The problem is, even if he's not tired at nap time, he gets tired around dinner time and becomes pretty whiney and angry. Even my friends who's kids have given up the nap have managed to get their kids to "rest". This entails just being quiet in their rooms, reading and such. Landon is not having that one bit. No sir.

Doubling my problem is Coco still napping. If they both were giving it up I would just take them somewhere or play, but with Coco sleeping, we have to be quiet and at home.

The transitions in motherhood are always the hardest. Giving up the pacifier, potty training, giving up breast feeding...they are tough to deal with. Once you are on the other side of the transition you feel better, but in the thick of it, you are on a log flume to hell. Oh you know what I am talking about. The log ride at the water park where you get DRENCHED every time.

Right now Landon has him computer, and so do I. We are laying in bed "checking our emails" watching project runway. Don't judge me. I'm just trying to make it here!

PS Any and all brilliant advice and encouragement will earn you at least three gold stars.
PPS Yes his apron says "spoiled rotten (almost)".

Five For Friday! The Five Things I am Liking Right Now!

I am having a fun summer, trips to Greenwich Ct, and Lake Tahoe have made it feel very vacationy around here. Summer is my favorite time of year. Here's some things I am liking right now:

1) My Gold Bonannos Stephen Bonanno Sandals)

2) Kris Pinot Grigio

3) So You Think You Can Dance

4) Paesano Olive Oil

5) Lilly Pulitzers Fall Line

I am tagging:

Some twitter friends like OuiserB, MBR77, MrsLSJ,   and Maryland Pink and Green

and some bloggy friends

Social Climbers, Henley on The Horn, A Mile In Mom's Manolos, Monograms and Manicures and Muffy Martini!

What are your five things you are liking or loving right now!

Real Housewives of New Jersey- Kim G Double Agent? Or worst actress EVER?

After an enjoyable night tweeting about the Bachelorette finale (OMG, she chose Roberto even though I had heard she chose no one! Hate Reality Steve!) I am back to my beloved New Jersey Housewives, or as Caroline Manzo calls them: The Houzewivez of New Jerzey.

When we last left the ladies, there was a sixteenth birthday, a fake 10th anniversary ring given, and of course some legal issues. Regular New Jersey stuff.

Theresa starts to plan Audriana's christening party at The Brownstone (I am having every party there from now on), and wants ice sculptures in the shape of a cross and Audrianas name.  Rather than sporting her normal Snooki Poof, Theresa had a more subdued giant sequined headband. Throughout this planning Joe is dying because "the money ain't flowin like it used to."

Danielle takes her now sixteen year old to her first gyno appointment and promptly grills her about sex. Now Danielle is incredibly virginal and demure so I can understand why she would be the perfect role model in this regard. This is like a stripper teaching ballet dancing.

Meanwhile Kim G is stalking her kid and the gorgeous fabulous Caroline Manzo's kid cause she wants to go to lunch. There were two problems with this. One, she needs to stop wearing leggings and sequin sweaters cause she is 74 years old, and two BUTT OUT! I can see why she wants face time with he Godfather (mother), Caroline Manzo rules the town, and it's people, so Kim G must have a special request.

Theresa dresses the girls and ready's herself for the most Italian christening ever. Every girl has a poofy dress, head band and jewelry. Joe is still annoyed about the money and would rather remain shirt free as usual. The fabulous Dina Manzo came back for this episode and sweet jesus I missed her. No one can rock a 10 pound earring better than her. Dina dresses the baby (who is so cute), and off they go. In the car Joe lectures "I hate when you throw a party", ie "stop spending money!".

Danielle goes over to double secret agent Kim G's house and uncovers yet another Danielle drama. She wants to look for her "real" mother who had her at fifteen. Kim G, tearful, offers to help. There's a love fest, but you know what's coming. Melt down city.

Back at the christening Audriana, drowning in layer after layer of lace, is baptized by a priest who's face is blurred out. Hoping this isn't because he's in the mafia. After, the party at the Brownstone turned out to be less over the top than I thought. The ice sculpture with Audrianas name on it was only four feet high with angel wings, there was bread saying god bless Audriana and Marie Antionette was serving sushi. No biggie. Dina, no stranger to a party, changed into a whole different dress and showed off the rhinestone cake and favors she came up with. Not tacky, just Theresa! Everyone bawled at Audriana first dance at the christening with her parents. Oh you didn't do a first dance at your christening? What's wrong with you? Oh you didn't have 200 people, a DJ, and a sit down dinner? I did! Wait. that was my wedding. Good luck Joe, you are going to the poor house for sure! LOL

Later with Danielle and the kids, she hears that Theresa knows all about her search for her Mom. Now Danielle knows that Kim G is a double agent. She leaves the table to call her ex con friend. She's gonna get even, but on her terms.

Caroline hears from her son that Kim G wants to go to lunch. She has no interest. "Kim will have her uh oh moment with Danielle, they all do". Spoken like a true Godmother.

Kim G is a famewhore, there's no doubt. She has been inserting herself into every situation. She shows up at Jacquelines house, bitching and moaning about Danielle. She says she's been up since 3am, because Danielle sent someone an email saying not to be friends with Kim G. She says she's been a good friend, but let's be serious she played Danielle. She was trying, just like in high school, to improve her social status and get in with the show and the Manzos. She got on the show because she befriended Danielle, but now wants to be friends with the other girls.

Danielle takes her ex con to ambush her soon to be ex best friend. Why they want to do this at a restaurant is beyond me. Maybe the restaurant is paying for the publicity! Come have dinner at Portabello! The place Kim G and Danielle had their blow out! Try the fettucine alfredo! Danielle shows up and sits down with double agent Kim G. At this point it would have been fabulous for Kim G to say "all is going as planned, they think I hate you, and I'm in with them!" BRILLIANT! But no, instead Kim G throws a napkin and says "you're a goddamn liar and a sneak". It was kinda funny to see her keep trying to escalate things like she had a beef with Danielle. Danielle looked more sane then ever before! She even tries to leave and Kim G curses her out the door! Why?

Because Kim G wants it to look like she is choosing to not be friends with Danielle, not that she was caught. She wants it to look like she hates Danielle and wants nothing to do with her because just like the others she's been screwed over. Nice try Kim G. And ps: calling someone "square tits" is not only not nice, but it's tacky. Tackier than Theresas christening party. And that's tacky.

Deisgner Tag Sale Finds by Fyndes! Featuring Ferrick Mason and More!

My friend Carrie told me about a designer tag sale she was having and I could not wait to go! She is the owner of the design site called Fyndes which showcases designers and let's you search for and buy fabulous things!

She also offers design production with her partner at Little Castle Productions!

I thought you might like to come along for a virtual tag sale shop!

It was on this table I snatched up the two silver dipped shells for bestie's 40th! Normally $100 each, got them for under $50!

Spy anything here you like?

These fabrics are by my friend Alex Mason who is a fabulous painter now doing fabrics! I have one of her paintings and now bestie Katie (who I brought with me) has one too! Congrats Katie! Alex designs under the name Ferrick Mason.

It was the best. I walked away with these other two treasures.

 

 Pillow was $30 by DL Rhein, and Cuckoo clock was $10! Couldn't leave it there! The pillow I almost put down until someone else said they wanted it! Then I had to buy it! LOL