Nov 2009
EDWARD AND ME, THE NEXT GENERATION
Recently, a friend and I were trading book suggestions. She asked if I had read the TWILIGHT series. As much as I love to read and be familiar with all books that are being universally discussed, I had never been interested in vampires and other supernatural subjects. She looked at me with such a fanatical gaze, I thought she was ”phasing.” She swore that the true core of the TWILIGHT series was romance and urged me to read the books. Always up for a good romance, I decided to see what the mania was about. Yes, I am sure that I am the last one on the boat, but for any remaining hold-outs, I encourage you to reconsider. I am speechless as I type this as I never thought I too would fall victim to the TWILIGHT frenzy. Instead, I am head over heels in love with Edward and wondering why ten years after marriage my husband is NOT in a state of constant worship of me. I am halfway through ECLIPSE, panicking that I am two thirds of the way through this magical journey and dreading my future of books like THE KNITTING CLUB 1 and 2. The depicted romance between Edward and me, oops, I mean Bella, transcends any typical love story. She claims that she will love him for eternity because loving him for the rest of her life does not do their relationship justice. Unfortunately, I am ill-equipped to regale my lemonaid drinkers with shallow topics such as lipgloss suggestions today. I am in a state of infatuation, meditation, deep thought– I can’t quite describe it! I must sign off to get under the covers and return to my obsession. I can only hope that my seven year old will be able to finish his homework solo and prepare dinner for my five year old. Mommy is in Forks tonight!
Nov 2009
A DESSERT SUGGESTION
If anyone is looking for a last minute yet unbelievably delicious dessert to serve on Thanksgiving, read on. My mother in law was once a caterer in Philadelphia. She is one of the greatest cooks I know. If anyone was ever going to inspire me to learn to cook it would be her. She gifted me a book of her all-time best recipes when I married her son. To this day, I have tried only one recipe and it remains the one receipe I have perfected and continue to make over and over. It is easy, quick, and truly one of the most addicting chocolate desserts ever. Trust me you will be invited back to every dinner if you promise to make this dessert. Introducing “Ma Joel’s fudge pie!”
INGREDIENTS
1 UNBAKED GRAHAM CRACKER SHELL
2 CUPS WHITE SUGAR
½ CUP FLOUR
3 WHOLE EGGS
½ CUP DUTCH COCOA
1 CUP BUTTER
1 ½ TSP OF VANILLA
PUT ALL INGREDIENTS IN A LARGE, HEAVY BOTTOMED SAUCEPAN AND BEAT WELL WITH A LARGE SPOON. BRING TO A BOIL AND POUR INTO A PIE SHELL. BAKE FOR 30 MINUTES AT 300 DEGREES. TURN OVEN TO 350 AND BAKE FOR 10 MORE MINUTES. COOL. SLICE AND REFRIGERATE OR SLICE AND FREEZE. EAT IT PLAIN OR SERVE WITH ICE CREAM OR WHIPPED CREAM FLAVORED WITH VANILLA AND SLICED STRAWBERRIES OR HOT FUDGE SAUCE.
Nov 2009
IT JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER
My family survived swine flu with a smile. The boys bravely conquered the virus and it escaped the house through the open doors and windows. We were in the clear, or so I thought. With visions of my favorite holiday dish of sweet potatos and crispy marshmallow, I was ready to kick off the holiday season. And then the unthinkable happened which about cost me my holiday appetite! My oldest son started complaining about an itchy head. Please God, NO! I pleaded to the powers above… Please don’t give us lice. We did the swine thing. We kept our germs within our own home. As a little girl, I narrowly escaped lice. Therefore, I kind of assumed that my boys also would never experience those nasty bugs. As oldest son continued to itch, I searched around his hair. Not knowing what I was looking for, I pulled up lice images on the computer. I did not really see anything until my nanny pointed out the moving white specks on his scalp. Nasty! Nasty! I quickly dialed up every hair fairy, queen, king etc. No one was available that night and I could not allow my son to go to sleep another night with live bugs in his hair (or continue to infest the house.) I am itching as I type this. Luckily, I was able to secure an evening appointment at The Hair Wizard in Encino. Although youngest son assured me that his head was not itching, I dragged him to the salon as well. Immediately, the hair wizards confirmed the presence of lice in my oldest son’s hair. However, it was the “infestation” in my youngest son that threw me over the edge. $400 and a bag full of products for my house later, we were out the door “lice free.” We made our check up appointment for after Thanksgiving and laughed the whole way home about who had more eggs or live bugs. In terms of the fourth member of our family who already sports an edgy bald head, My husband was forced to clipper number zero his head and now he really looks like Mr. Clean, bald and shiny! Remember, I have no ego and any and all additional lice removal suggestions are welcome. Happy Thanksgiving!
Nov 2009
I SEE STARS AND OTHER BATTLE SCARS…
Last Sunday night, I had the joy of towel drying my delicious four year old after his warm bath. My youngest child is spirited and unique and demands to be towel dried on all fours similar to a puppy dog. This position used to work in that I was able to dry his entire body in one fell horizontal swoop. Why would last night be any different? As I was drying his back and tummy, my dear son swiftly threw his head back and slammed his skull into my nose. I heard the snap and saw a rush of stars. I collapsed to the ground in a wave of nausea. Five years ago, this “accident” might have been something I would have happily endured as I had always been looking for a reason to get a nose job. Today, however, that was not the case because sometime within the last five years, (surprise) I had already had my nose tweaked by the brilliant Dr. Kanodia (and was pleased with the results!) After suffocating through the nose packing last time, I swore I would never undergo rhinoplasty again. Today and many thousands of dollars later, I have a nose that truly looks as if I had never gone under the knife. It matches perfectly with the scar located between my eyebrows. This “battle scar” was given to me on my first mother’s day by my oldest son. I guess the night time feeding had not satisfied him and he grabbed the nearest Pellegrino bottle at the NY hotel we were visiting and smashed it over my forehead to show how desperately parched he was. These battle scars do make me smile as they were given to me by the two people who love me most in the world. God- they have an odd way of showing their love!
Nov 2009
THE BIKE WHISPERER
Remember those simpler safe days when children rode around the neighborhood with other kids unattended. Those were the same days before the invention of velcro sneakers and kids knew by an early age how to tie their own shoes. Today, children don’t have the same opportunities to ride bikes. Exploring the world alone on a dirt bike is unsafe! Instead, children are stuck indoors getting their physical activity on a Wii or Playstation. All of a sudden, the years had gone by and my child was seven when it dawned on me that he really should learn how to ride a bike– and I didn’t mean one with training wheels. Appropriately named The Bike Whisperer, meet Jim Wilson jimbobikesurf@yahoo.com 310 227 5934 who taught my son how to ride a bike without training wheels in one hour flat. We met him at a school in Santa Monica last Sunday at 10:00 am. By 11:00 am, Jim had left and my son was whipping around the parking lot on a bicycle with a huge smile on his face. We were amazed! Now that my son has conquered bike riding, he is begging me to arrange another time with Jim who also teaches skateboarding. Imagine that– The Bike Whisperer and Skateboard Whisperer in one. I wonder if he can teach shoelace tying as well?
Nov 2009
NO MORE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Believe it or not but the following tip is an olive branch for my male lemonaid drinkers. You can thank me later! There are so many options to coif and “Brazilianize.” But there is no simple at hand remedy to “trim” the area. Who wants to explore in a national geographic type forest? In fact, my husband was forced to trim my area with water spraying out of me as my child’s head crowned because I went into labor the day before my scheduled bikini wax. Had Schick invented the “quattro” seven years earlier, poor husband could have been saved from this ghastly site. Read on….
“It’s just the gadget a girl needs to stay perfectly groomed. Try new Quattro for Women® TrimStyle™, the first four-blade razor and waterproof bikini trimmer in one. Shave, trim and transform with just the flip of a handle.”
This cutting edge razor even comes with a bracket that mounts on your shower wall so it is easy to grab and use without much thought. Like all other Schick products, the Quatrro can be purchased at drugstores and markets. This is one product to purchase!
Nov 2009
“CATCH” THIS
There is nothing better than being exposed to a fabulous new online shopping site with a fresh vision and unique brands. Girls- get your credit cards out! I recently met the creators of CATCHBOUTIQUE. This site was launched last April to rave reviews by Natalie Howell, a very chic stylist from London, and Matthew Stephenson. “ Husband, I confess! I am an online shopper. If you look closely, you will probably see some charges from this site on my amex!” From cool brands like Grai (THE best leather jackets), to Pleasure Doing Business, to Twelth St. by Cynthia Vincent, to Kain T shirts and countless others CATCHBOUTIQUE.COM has the coolest designers. And do not forget to check out the vintage accessories– the only problem is they go quickly. Additionally, there is a section of the site where you can learn info about each of the designers as well as have a live chat with a stylist. Here is the best part, Lemonaid drinkers get 30% off their first shopping adventure on CATCH. Just type in the discount code of lifestylelemonaid30 at checkout. Have fun!
Nov 2009
WHAT TO BRING, WHAT TO SERVE
The other night, I hosted book club at my home. I was in charge of providing the actual main course ( Trader Joes turkey meat loaf – as written about many posts ago). Other people were in charge of the appetizers and the desserts. Usually, the most popular dessert that we enjoy is a self serve frozen yogurt make shift Menchie’s type dessert with several topping options. Well, there is a new sheriff in town in the form of dessert and I want to be the first to talk about it. Imagine two moist Red Velvet cookies sandwiched around real yummy cream cheese frosting with cocoa/cinnamon crumble on top- Sounds delicous right? Well, I am pleased to introduce you all to XTREME DESSERTS. (www.xtremedesserts.com) Whether it is baby showers, anniversaries, or corporate events, I guarantee you that your guest will devour and remember the desserts. Xtreme desserts can now be ordered online and there is the option of having the desserts delivered. Now for anyone who shares the same pediatrician, manicurist, and dermatologist as me, I tap these as my holiday gifts.
Other delicous cookie flavors to dream about….
Red Velvet cookie:Two moist Red Velvet Cookies sandwiched around real yummy cream cheese frosting with Cocoa/Cinnamon crumble on top.
Pecan Pie Maple cookie:This unique twist on an old favorite has two moist 100% Maple cookies sandwiched around homemade Pecan Pie filling. Topped with a lightly sugar coated Pecan.
Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cream Cookie:Two soft cocoa chocolate chip cookies with a silky smooth peanut butter cream cheese filling. We add the Xtreme chocolate ganache drizzle to top it off.
Reese’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownie:One of our most popular chocolate chip brownies. Peanut butter cream cheese frosting topped with your favorite candy, Reese’s peanut butter cups. Chocolate & peanut butter become the most outrageous melt in your mouth flavors.
Raspberry Chocolate Chip Brownie:Raspberry and chocolate have been hailed as the perfect combo. Now combining them in our rich chocolate chip brownie adding raspberry cream cheese frosting with a hint of raspberry preserves and drizzled with white chocolate ganache makes this one happy honeymoon couple
Green Mint Chocolate Chip Brownie:Fans of chocolate-mint-ice cream will think this sweet treat is just as cool. The brownie is chock full of chocolate chips. The pure mint cream cheese frosting is refreshingly unique. Topped off with a swirl of chocolate ganache.
Chocolate Malted Brownie:Chocolate chip malted just like you’d expect from the soda shop, only in our Xtreme brownie creation with a creamy and rich chocolate malted frosting.
Nov 2009
NOTHING BETTER…. THAN A DELICIOUS BOWL OF CHICKEN SOUP
Tis the season of the swine flu, cold(er) weather, daylight savings and cozier nights. Figuring out what to make for dinner that will heal the sick ones, warm tummies, and nourish the soul is a complicated task. However, no food is more uniformly loved or appreciated than that of homeamade chicken noodle soup. As I have expressed before, I do not cook nor do I enjoy attempting to cook. I do have strong taste buds and thus, the first time I ever tasted the organic chicken soups by Fabulous Food Company, I knew had stumbled onto something that would forever own a place in my repertoire of dinner options for my family.
The chicken soup can be ordered five ways. Starting with a clear yet tasty broth and perfect pieces of chicken, you can choose to add rice, noodles, potatoes, or egg drop.
They soups come in 16 oz., 24 oz. and 32 oz. containers (BPA free, recycle and microwavable.) People can also buy the variety pack in those three sizes, which includes all 5 flavors.
The soups can either be order online (fabulousfoodcompany.com), or via phone 310-394-SOUP (7687) Monday-Friday 10AM-1PM.
The soup is 100% organic, low in fat, no preservatives and we sell it frozen.
Both Vicente Foods and the Coop in Santa Monica carry it chilled.
If you dial up now, you can probably serve the soup tonight for dinner. Enjoy!
Nov 2009
INTELLISHADE SPF 45 BY REVISION SKINCARE
With my newly peeled face, I am absolutely forbidden to step outside without sunblock. I must admit that in the past I had not been vigilant about putting sunscreen on my face assuming that my face make-up would be sufficient. I have since learned that face make-up does not offer any serious protection from the sun. Since the sunspots and freckles have been completely removed from my face, my virgin skin is more prone to a vicious sunburn. I no longer need face make-up. My skin is ghost white! All I need is a sunhat and a terrific all-purpose sunblock. I spent some time looking for an effective tinted sunscreen that would blend easily and provide the much needed sunblock to maintain my “baby tush” face. I recently discovered INTELLISHADE by Revision skin care and I am obsessed.
“For all skin types, Revision Intellishade SPF 45 is a lightweight, non-greasy and tinted moisturizer with a SPF to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, giving skin healthy radiance glow. Revision Intellishade contains breakthrough peptides that reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and the ACS-456, a proprietary blend of ingredients which helps to increase collagen synthesis.
Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are included to help maximize UV protection. Infused with a multitude of functional ingredients including botanical antioxidants and a powerful peptide for anti-aging benefits. Great for all skin types. Skin of all ages needs daily suncreen and antioxidant protection. The natural tint makes this moisturizer perfect for those needing just a touch of pure, healthy color.”
You can purchase Intellishade on many on-line websites. Google Revision Intellishade SPF 45 and take your pick of vendors. This is definitely a product worth trying. I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
