In Honor of an Influential Lady in My Life

Did you know that today is the anniversary that Barbie was introduced to the world at the New York Toy Fair (back in 1959)?  

Growing up, I loved my Barbie dolls.  I remember playing with Barbie, Ken, Skipper, and all of their pets.  I loved all of the clothing (many, many missing tiny shoes that were probably sucked up by the vacuum), the Barbie Jeep that I had to have (and later rolled my guinea pigs around my basement in), and most of all - my Barbie computer game.  Remember the Commodore 64?  Wow...I am totally dating myself.  That game was the coolest back then - Ken would call Barbie on the phone and ask her to go out somewhere, and then it was your "job" to drive her around town and pick out her outfit, hair, everything.  The line, "Sounds like fun!" still resonates in my head - and my dad does a great rendition of it too (ha ha).   I cannot believe I just found this on YouTube...

I had to get the "Dana" Barbie doll when it came out...to have a Barbie with your name.  Dana was part of the band, Barbie and the Rockers...c'mon now that's cool!!  :)

As I was doing my research for this post (Greg helping me too!), we came across the BEST BARBIE OF ALLLLLLLLLLL TIME!!!

Lo and behold....the AUDREY HEPBURN BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S BARBIE DOLL!

I think I need one...so if anyone wonders what I would like for Mother's Day, my birthday, any day ;)  

You Can Call Me a Slacker...I Deserve It

I completely planned on going to the gym yesterday - until I woke up and realized that I had never felt the front of my thighs "burn" as bad as they did!  That 25 minute Core & Balance video I found on On Demand kicked my butt (or shall I say thighs?).  Seriously!  I actually secretly liked the burn...it reminded me every time I walked up and down the stairs, heck every time I WALKED, that I worked out on Sunday.  So, I skipped yesterday (and then I skipped today).  Tomorrow, barring any unforeseen meetings or emergencies, my butt (and thighs) are back in the gym!


Today I tried a protein shake for the first time ever.  I, of course, consulted my friend and co-worker on this new endeavor.  Max is super healthy, works out like mad, has tried training with me during lunch (I have a scar on my knee to prove it LOL), and humors me and my daily "new healthy idea".  Today - a chocolate protein shake from an unnamed company that my friend represents.  I showed Max what I was interested in sampling - he checked it out, saying it was very healthy (translation - yucky tasting?) and I requested a sample packet of the chocolate and vanilla.  


I was so apprehensive to try this shake that I truly wanted to like.  I was told that it didn't have the typical protein shake aftertaste (what about the "during-taste"?).  OK...fast forward.  Max prepares the shake, I take a sip.  I give the rest to Max.  I tried it...I did, and Max (you had better comment on my blog this time) was my witness.  I think I am going to stick with the Zone Bar in Chocolate Caramel Cluster.  MMMMMMMMMM   :) Delish!

Walk with the (5,000) Animals & Exercising!

I was so excited for Saturday morning...the Walk for the Animals finally was here!  Sadie and I were ready to walk for this great cause...to benefit the Humane Society of Broward County.  I am proud to say I raised a total of $457 - thank you to everyone who donated!  

We arrived with our standard walking partners - Danielle and Aidan, and could not believe the number of pets and their owners that filled Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale!  It was PACKED!  We finagled our way around the passes to check in and get our goodie bags.  I met about a half dozen fellow goldendoodles and was like a kid in a candy shop each time we came across another "family member" of Sadie's.  

Besides the mass amount of poop piles, we made it through the 1.25 miles :)   Dogs and bearded dragons alike, enjoyed the gorgeous Florida morning - we were expected to hit an all time high in the upper 80's!  The Humane Society had water stations and baby pools set up along the path. They had everything planned out so well.

Today, between my shower and going to a birthday party, I took advantage of the free exercising shows available on On Demand.  I found a great 25 minute Core and Balancing video that, although I thought it was going to be easy, was challenging.  There were many a times in that short time span that I thought to myself, "I could stop this now and no one would know..." BUT then I realized I was cheating myself, and no one else.  I finished the video, super proud of myself and loving the "burn" in my legs.  

On the eating front - I have been trying very hard to enforce the "no carbs after 5pm" rule. Friday was a bit hard because my husband made Osso Bucco - and what better to have Osso Bucco with than pasta!  It was a spinach pasta, which I guess is a bit better than the standard, but I only had a few fork-fulls.  I was proud at my restraint!  Saturday night we had the most delicious smoked wings and pizza on the BBQ.  YUM!  Tonight - chicken lettuce wraps, and my Chinese fave - shrimp with lobster sauce - with BROWN rice.  

(I have to confess, I did have one of the small shot glass desserts...it was small...baby steps...).

I Work Out...

I laugh every time I think of that song, "I'm Sexy and I know It".  Partially because the words are funny but mainly because that seems to be N's favorite song to sing.  Just thinking of his little body dancing in stiff, jerk-ish motions and hearing his super cute voice singing, "I'm sexy and I know it" puts the biggest smile on my face.  I know the song lyrics are less than ideal for an almost 7 year old - but thankfully he doesn't know what the lyrics actually "mean"...yet....I know...


So today I went alone to the gym during my lunch break.  I did a 3 minute warm up on the treadmill...speed 3.5, incline 6.5; followed by 5 minute run at speed 5.2, incline 0; followed by walking speed 3.5, incline 6.5; followed by 5 minute run at speed 5.2; followed by a cool down of 2 minutes walking at a 3.2 speed, incline 4.5.  THENNNNNN, I did 30 leg lifts (usually I can do more but my legs were screaming "No more!" and you know they always say to listen to your body!).  I stretched a bit and now I am back at work!!


BTW - the title of this blog came from the song "I'm Sexy and I Know It"  :)

I am Going to Get in Shape - For Real!

I have finally realized that ripping exercise articles out of magazines, watching video clips on the computer, and buying cool workout outfits is not getting me in shape.  LOL.  But seriously...I need to get my butt in gear!  In the many articles I have read in the past, they mention the concept of blogging about your exercising...making yourself accountable for working out and eating healthier because your readers are "watching" you.  So here I go...delving into the "accountability". I thought of writing this blog subject many a times...and, many a times, I realized I have to follow through and that scared me a bit.  I can follow through with purchasing that fabulous pair of shoes online, I follow through with office meetings...why not exercising and doing something for my health, right?

I AM DOING IT!

First I want to share this video on how to do a proper sit up.  I need to get me one of those straps.  Or I guess I could use one of the dozen ties Rich doesn't wear anymore.  


I started eating healthier this week.  No carbs after 5 pm.  I went to the gym with Danielle during lunch on Tuesday.  20ish minutes on the elliptical!  I'm getting there...baby steps.  


My favorite workout clothes - Lululemon.  I am going to reward myself with something cool from Lululemon if I keep this up.  I am liking this challenge!

Cute Lululemon running SKIRT!

Support the Doggies!

I am doing a Walk for the Animals this weekend and would love if you could please support my efforts!  Click here - every little bit counts!  Thank you!!!

Sadie and I thank you!

Street Art in NY! Moving Street Art!

Knowing my love of street art, my husband forwarded me this link from the New York Daily News...so cool!


Also, while removing the grays from my head, I found out that my colorist loves street art as well!  We started talking about the different styles of art, the movie Exit Through the Gift Shop (which I highly recommend), and then he mentioned "moving street art".  This is SO COOL!!!  The  movie is a bit long, but it is so amazing!

How Priti!

I am a big beauty supply lover (along with shoe lover, scarf over, jeans lover, jewelry lover, etc.). I js signed up for monthly deliveries of new equity finds from www.beautybox5.com. Click here to learn more.


I received my first box of goodies this weekend and couldn't wait to try everything out! My nail polish has seen better days, so no time like the present to try the PRITI NYC soy nail polish remover cloth. I LOVE IT! Not only is it a biodegradable wipe, it was so easy to take off my base coat, 2 coats of dark gray polish, and top coat. I loved that the cloth enabled me to remove the polish along my cuticles with ease...cotton balls just don't do that for me. You have to get out q-tips to totally clean off the polish left behind by the cotton ball...too many steps for me.

The packaging boasts that "this earth friendly product is naturally derived from farm crops and does not contain any petroleum products...it is non-toxic, contains no carcinogens...has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency."

The yuck smell from conventional nail polish removers - no more! I highly recommend checking this product out. Go to www.pritinyc.com to learn more.


(I did not get paid for this review...I really like it and want you to know!)

South Beach, China Grill, Lenny Kravitz - AMAZING!

This weekend was just what the doctor ordered!  After a long week out of town for business,  I was so ready for a relaxing, yet exciting weekend.  I did have a great week with my coworkers in somewhat chilly PA.


Wednesday started off with a meeting, followed by a meeting, then trailed by a meeting.  When lunch came around, I was more than ready to break out of the office for lunch with my two new co-workers.  Becky recommended Xcilantro, and who could say no to a restaurant with such a great name!  It was great - the name and the venue!  The ambiance was very contemporary...white with accents of lime green.  Nice!  I ordered the corn chowder, recommended by the waiter (who, in turn, was also a chef there) along with chicken enchiladas and mole sauce.  The corn chowder - delish, not too creamy.  The chicken enchilada, or I should say the mole - not so much.  I never had mole before and figured I should be daring, maybe portraying a good impression on the ladies.  Both Janelle and I bit into the mole and were like, "no-le".  Other than the mole, I would totally recommend this spot.  After lunch, we took a stroll (towards the car) and didn't make it far beyond three storefronts when we came upon this great frame shop (as in glasses).  Becky and I both share a love of cool glasses, so I figured a super quick browse before going back into the office wouldn't hurt.  Browsing turned into loving, and 15 minutes later I scored myself some super cool red colored cat eye glasses!  (Mind you, I was not in need of glasses, but did say I would look for a pair of wire-framed glasses since I had 4 pairs of plastic frames - make that 5 now).  I love them - no regrets!


Thursday, Sarah showed me around a great little town, Media PA.  We drove around checking out the area (who knows...I may live there one day...) and I gawked at the FABULOUS Trader Joe's on the main street (in a building that used to be an old armory).  The houses are beautiful, old and full of character.  Lunch at On A Roll was delicious and then back to work we went!  Wednesday night I dined with Amy at Theresa's Next Door.    Delicious mussels, a burger and great conversation ensued.  I am on a mission to find her some cool master bathroom designs.

Shower inset at the Loews - thought of Amy and her quest...I may "borrow" this idea too!

Friday - one day closer to my Lenny concert - went by quickly and uneventful.  I had lunch with current and one old coworker, followed by work and then a flight home!  


Saturday morning couldn't come fast enough!  We packed for us and the boys - they were going to Grandma and Grandpa's for the night - yay!  

Arriving at the Loews Hotel, we noticed that the weather was not optimal for a poolside nap, so we relaxed in the comfy and simplistically modern room for a bit.  Lack of packing lipstick brought us out of our room and onto Collins Ave.  The weather was yuck, but the people watching and art deco architecture made up for it.  


As we were passing by the Diesel store, my husband decided he needed a new pair of sneakers (he apparently never heard of the concept of washing one's sneakers in the washing machine...) so 20 minutes later, he was walking out of the Diesel store in a new pair of (white...uy) sneakers.  We did eventually hit Sephora, where I scored a nice lip gloss and made friends with a sales associate who loves Caudelie as much as I do (score - 2 nice sized samples of their eye cream which my new friend said he is "obsessed" with.  Can't wait to try it!)


On to dinner - China Grill.  We started off with a refreshing sake and cucumber-infused drink, lobster pancakes and calamari salad.  I could have passed on the pancakes and eaten the whole calamari salad myself!  Dinner included short ribs (succulent), drunken chicken (same), and vegetable fried rice.  We could have done without the rice, as I think my eyes were WAY bigger than my stomach and I also have a soft spot for rice (odd, I know).

On to the BEST, BEST part of the night....LENNY KRAVITZ!!!!!!!  

I was so excited - kid-less for the night, great dinner, Parker dress bought especially for this special night, new shoes (that I ended up hating by the end of the night...don't wear new shoes to a concert that you are going to be standing and dancing in the whole time - ask my poor toes), and now LENNY!!  


The concert was at the Fillmore, a beautiful, intimate venue that I would definitely visit again...any seat was ideal.  The opener was a singer named Rafael who, from conversing with our seating neighbors, used to be in the group Tone Loc.  Don't hold that against him,  his new group is talented.  The music was a mix of Motown, big band, and R&B.  Great opener, but now on to LENNY!


He was so freakin' amazing...he is so talented.  He is personable, and cute, and amazing and fabulous...I could go on and on.  His new album, Black and White America, is a little off his beaten path, but one to at least sample on iTunes.  I loved his song, Black and White America - as he was singing, a slide show of his childhood streamed behind him.  Old photos of his mom and dad, him as a child, then growing up - proving that we live in a Black and White America.  His father - Sy Kravitz a Russian Jewish NBC television producer, and Bahamian and African-American mother  - Roxie Roker, most popularly known as Helen Willis in the 70's TV hit The Jeffersons, brought Lenny up in NY on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  His music career begin at the age of 3, banging on pots and pans - look at him now!  


The show was spectacular.  He spoke to us, the audience, as if we were his friends, saying how one of his goddaughters chose to be at his show that evening instead of Cody Simpson's concert; joking that he has risen to the ranks of Justin Beiber and such.  

The night did end with sad, torn up toes (please see above...) but they did not ruin my great weekend!!

How To Fold a Fitted Sheet

I love reading blogs.  One of my daily reads is The Average Girl's Guide.  I was so psyched when she posted the video below...How to Fold a Fitted Sheet!  My mom has tried to teach me numerous times, and its not that I haven't paid attention or anything, I have a brain block when it comes to this housekeeping task.  

What Would We Do Without Tootsie Rolls?

Today is the anniversary of the first day that Tootsie Rolls were sold in American candy shops (in 1896)!

Some little known facts to celebrate this sweet day:

• Tootsie rolls were the first penny candy to be individually wrapped (Wikipedia)
• This chocolate candy was named after the inventor's daughter, Clara "Tootsie" Hirshfeld!
• There is an online store for all of your Tootsie needs and wants!
• There are eight varieties!  (who would have known!)  
• To see how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop...click here!

W.C. Fields and I Would Have Been BFFs

"I cook with wine.  Sometimes I even add it to the food."

At one of our many date nights, my husband and I stumbled across a great bottle of wine.  We went to City Cellar, a favorite spot of ours, where I love their bolognese and my husband swears by their lamb shank and mushroom soup.  On this particular night, we were welcomed by a waiter that was very knowledgeable in the wine department.  I explained how I am a fan of Pinot Noir...love me some Mark West or Acacia!  He recommended Hitching Post, so I obliged.  

I love it!  Such a nice taste..I had to learn more about this brand!

Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post wines are made by Buellton Hitching Post owner/chef Frank Ostini and his good friend, former fisherman Gray Hartley.  They used to make the wine at home in 1979 and then in 1984, they moved their efforts to a winery where they would produce the wine exclusively for the Hitching Post restaurant.  

Thankfully, they now share it with the world!!

You can purchase the wine online here.  I recommend buying more than one bottle :)  To learn more about the history of this delicious wine, click here.

Please note that I do these reviews purely because I enjoy sharing things that I LOVE with my friends, family, and readers.  

Pucker Up...Safely!

My husband very rarely sends me an email about an article he had recently read (not that he doesn't read articles...but I guess they don't resonate as much as this following one did).


Apparently, the USDA found 400 lipsticks that contain lead in them.  The levels are so small that we need not fully worry, but some people do ingest their lipstick.  This brings back memories of practically eating my cherry Chapstick...thankfully it isn't on the list!!


The ten lipsticks that contained the most amount of lead are:

1. Maybelline Color Sensational, Pink Petal (7.9 ppm)

2. L'Oreal Colour Riche, Volcanic, (7.0 ppm)

3. NARS Semi-Matte, Red Lizard (4.93 ppm)

4. Cover Girl Queen Collection, Ruby Remix, (4.92 ppm)

5. Nars Semi-Matte, Funny Face (4.89 ppm)

6. L'Oreal Colour Riche, Tickled Pink (4.45 ppm)

7. L'Oreal Intensely Moisturizing Lipcolor, Heroic (4.41 ppm)

8. Cover Girl Continuous Color, Warm Brick (4.28 ppm)

9. Maybelline Color Sensational, Mauve Me (4.23 ppm)

10. Stargazer Lipstick, #103 (4.12 ppm)

If you are concerned about contaminants in your lipstick or other cosmetics, the Environmental Working Group rates over 1000 cosmetic lip products on its searchable database. 

CLICK HERE for 11 Lead Free Lipsticks from the Yahoo article.

My Favorite Gloss...Make Up Forever...not necessarily this color - I love Star Collection S2.

This is When I Wish I had an iPhone...

I am totally slacking on posting and I promise I will get back on track!


I just saw these phone cases and LOVE them!!!

You can check them out here!!  http://osky.co/xHXLof

Yet Another Quote From Ms. Hepburn... :)

“The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman is seen in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides. True beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It's the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows & the beauty of a woman only grows with passing years.” 
― Audrey Hepburn

Shop Suey

There are a bunch of websites that I love to check out for cool stuff - whether it is for handbags, clothing, accessories, kid-related, dog-related.  I also love to share great deals and beautiful things with my friends and family, so here is another one of those instances :)

Shop Suey is a website that was introduced to me, at first, via a magazine article.  I couldn't believe the price for this one purse that I liked.  I had to investigate further.  Shop Suey was started in 1999 by Heather Gray, a self-proclaimed "shop-a-holic".  She began SS as a form of extra income, as she was a stay-at-home mom.  Now, it is a world-renowned Internet shopping site, seen on the pages of countless magazines.  

I have a bunch of her bags...they are so great!  Instead of spending a lot of money on some of the latest trends in handbags (and jewelry), I sometimes choose to browse her great site and see what styles she has for the season.  A lot of the products have their own product video, which is a great way for you to see how the bag lays and what the interior of the bag looks like.  

Right now they have a GREAT 50% off sale going on some of their popular bags and accessories...definitely worth checking out.  

DDSmart Review

I don't know about you, but I need to have my cup of coffee and breakfast to start my day.  I was turned on to Dunkin' Donuts' DDSmart menu via another fellow blogger and had to check it out for myself!

Last week I went into D&D, as I like to call it, and ordered the Egg White Flatbread Sandwich - with the turkey sausage.  It was delish!  I also ordered my usual iced latte light, a staple during my Dunkin' Donuts trips.  The sandwich was very filling, and at only 280 calories, a definite score for me!  My small iced latte light is only 80 calories and made with skim milk and Splenda - 360 calories for a delicious, satisfying breakfast - who could ask for more?


Other items from the DDSMART menu include:

• Wake-up wraps - smaller portion-sized, delicious :) Egg White Veggie, Egg White Turkey Sausage, Egg & Cheese, and Ham, Egg and Cheese. (range between 150 - 200 calories each)
• Freshly brewed unsweetened teas - zero calories!!
• Freshly brewed unsweetened medium iced tea - only 5 calories!!

All Dunkin' Donuts' DDSMART items meet at least one of the following criteria: 25% fewer calories; 25% less sugar, fat, saturated fat or sodium than comparable fare, and/or contain ingredients that are nutritionally beneficial.  


To learn more about Dunkin' Donuts, please visit www.dunkindonuts.com.  

Rest in Peace Uncle Frank

...

I just don't understand sometimes. I knew he was sick and I had a gut feeling it wasn't going to be long before I got a call from Mom and Dad telling me that he died, so why am I such a basket case now?


Mom called and said they were going to unplug the machines. His organs were failing, he wasn't "there" anymore. Aunt Jean, what is she going to do? Please someone give her strength. She has been through the worst, she is losing her husband. She has been watching him slowly leave, sometimes catching a break for just a little bit. Dad is going to lose his buddy...someone he admires for his old-fashioned-ness, and his tool store as Dad called it. Uncle Frank has every tool and gadget imaginable. His consideration for everyone - from the slippers he had waiting for Mom and Dad' visits to the glasses holders in the bathroom and guest rooms, there for the comfort of the guest.


He is 83...he still is now no matter what anyone says. Whatever happens tomorrow is something different. This 83 year old man IS selfless, loving - loved my two boys as if they were his grandsons. When he'd go to the flea markets with my aunt, he would make sure to look for toy cars for my boys, knowing how much they loved cars - especially the ones that had numbers on them. He'd wrap them up in a box and send them down with my parents.


He introduced me to stamp collecting. I see the books he passed down to me, sitting on the
hallway desk, every time I pass through. He gave me all of his stamps, taught me about the different markings, how to mount the stamps, where to get more for my new found collection. I remember visiting their house in NJ - playing in the side yard, going through the side door, through the kitchen into the bright (yellow?) room that had the TV we'd watch.


Does he know about tomorrow? What's going to happen...is he going to be relieved? Out of pain and at peace? Is it terrible that, although I know deep down inside that this is the best for him, I wish tomorrow would never come for that reason? That Aunt Jean has to watch that, and knows what will happen next? Will he know that she loves him as does everyone
that has met him? Will he know?


Will someone please give Aunt Jean strength, hug her so tight, tell her that it's ok? Will it give her peace as well? Knowing he isn't suffering anymore, that he probably wants her to live her life now...she did everything she could and then some.


I don't know how to end this because I don't want it to "end". I love you Uncle Frank. I love that my boys got to know you as the great man I knew since a little girl. I just wish for a bit longer, but I am glad and thankful for the time I've had.