Be prepared....

My Mom use to say, "its not a fashion show!" whenever I would leave the house. I thought, no, I knew... all eyes were on me,
Which, of course, wasn't true.
But I behaved as such.
Now?
I am all about comfort and efficiency.
Have I given up?
No!
But,
I do NOT think anyone is focusing on a Fifty something year-old woman!

I do make sure I am clean, little bit of make-up, no holes or rips in my clothes, put-together out fit and a smile on my face.

I want to be prepared in case I see an old acquaintance or enemy. ( tee hee!)

Willi's Wine Bar, Paris

In 2000 my husband and I went to Paris for the first time.

I cried.

I cried because I couldn't believe I had waited so long. I should have spent my twenties in Paris.

I knew that I wanted to bring home reminders of our trip.

A Hermes scarf perhaps? A limoges box? Or a Longchamp bag?

Nope.

Way too much money and we would rather spend that money on the amazing french wine and food!

We also decided that most anything you could buy in Paris... we had in America.

 So, we were on a quest. We ended up bringing back French stationery and greeting cards-
Happy Birthday looks so much better when written Bon Anniversaire!
I also brought back linens which, surprisingly, were much better priced than at home.

Our biggest score or coup were these posters we brought back. 

Willi's Wine Bar is a Brit owned bistro in the Bourse area of Paris that we loved. Every year they commission a different artist to create a poster commemorating wine and Willi's.

THE perfect souvenir to bring home.

What is an added bonus?

The posters that we bought for $24 thirteen years ago?

Now sell for $150.00 to $300.00.

Quelle chance sommes-nous?

So true!

Being semi-tech savvy, except for the TV system in our house, I love that I can tell when certain people have read a text or email that I have sent.
Ironically, it is because they have neglected to turn off that feature on their phone or computer.
So, when they get back to me hours later and say they just got it?
I smile to myself and think, " oh no you didn't!"
It's always the same people. They are either waiting for a better offer, checking with others to see what their response should be, or?
Just don't want to deal with it.

It's their choice of course. But I love knowing the inside scoop!

Lab Love $80 www.preppyplayer.com

 $80 www.preppyplayer.com

A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera - Say Something

Compare/Contrast- Lululemon vs. Zella

Who likes to try on leggings?
NOT me.
Because I am out Christmas shopping for my daughters AND I need new leggings to wear with the Tizzie shirts I am selling, ( more on that tomorrow) I have done the research and yes...
the hard work!

I have narrowed down the BEST leggings to two different brands.
Lululemon and Zella.

We all know Lulu lemon. Zella is a Nordstrom brand that was developed by a former Lululemon designer.
Here is the breakdown for basic leggings that you can wear to yoga or in every day life:

Lululemon-

 Wunder Unders for yoga, the gym and everything in between. When winter weather comes, we want to keep on wearing them. We gave this version a brushed finish on the inside to keep us extra toasty. We like to tuck them into our Wellies and go!

fabric + features

• the brushed luon lining feels baby-blanket soft and warm on your legs
• the wide, soft waistband is designed to eliminate muffin top
• stow your yoga pass or gym card in the hidden waistband pocket
• the gusset is designed to give your lady business the privacy it deserves
• chafe-resistant flat seams let you focus on your practice

• fit: tight
• rise: medium
• inseam: 30^1/2"
• leg opening: 8"

$92

Zella-

"live in" Leggings,

Lean leggings, ideal for working out or wearing out, are cut from a stretchy moisture-wicking knit and are sewn with flatlock seaming for a comfortable, chafe-free fit.

• 29" inseam; 8 1/4" front rise; 14 1/4" back rise (size Medium).
• Hidden waistband pocket stashes cash or a key.
• Reflective logo enhances visibility in low light or at night.
• Smooth flatlock seaming won’t rub or irritate.
• Four-way stretch fabric offers maximum stretch for a wide range of motion.
• Moisture-wicking fabric dries quickly to keep you cool and comfortable.
• Zeltek Ultimate Stretch fabric.
• Intended for: gym, yoga, studio, Pilates, Barre, casual layering.
• 87% polyester, 13% spandex.
• Machine wash 

$52

I've always been a fan of Lululemon. However, a $40 price difference guaranteed that I would try the Zella brand.

I bought a pair of leggings a couple of weeks ago and have been wearing them for work and for when I play paddle.

I LOVE ZELLA!!!

Not just because of the price. They have a tight, snug fit that makes me feel supported- no jiggle! There isn't sag at the knees and they have kept their dark black color after multiple washings!

I recommend you give Zella a try and save yourself $40!

Shipley Shops 2013!

So excited to be a vendor at this amazing event. Bringing these babies!

Craig's list

I am one of "those people."

My last child( Of five) is a junior in high school, house will be empty in two years...

Of course we had to get a puppy.

God forbid we should be footloose and fancy free!

 And of course we chose an energetic breed, a Jack Russell terrier.

And now? Our main topic of conversation?

 Our little, LuLu!
Has she peed? Has she pooped? How was puppy class? Whom did we meet on our MANY walks? Did she behave? Isn't she the smartest/cutest/ bestest puppy- EVER?

Yes. I am one of "those people."
I love my dog.
Because of all our walks, I know my neighbors again- especially those with dogs.
Because of LuLu I am guaranteed exercise everyday, rain or shine.
My husband and I get a kick out of all the funny things puppies do, so there is lots of laughter in our home.
My children come visit more often to see LuLu- so then we see them more often.
So far, all positives and no negatives to having a puppy/dog.

My only regret/
That when we had our other two dogs and cat that they didn't get this same attention and love that LuLu gets...

Must mention-these delightful photos were taken by Kim DeGooyer!

Blog: http://semisweetstudios.blogspot.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/semisweetstudios
FIne Art Shop:
http:// <http://semisweetstudios/> www.etsy.com/shop/semisweetstudios <http://www.etsy.com/shop/semisweetstudios> 

The Jawbone is connected to the-

Wrist bone!

I am sure you know, (I am always the last!) about the biggest craze, newest fashion statement-
exercise bracelets/activity trackers

There are lots of choices, the main three are,
Fitbit Flex
Jawbone Up
&
Nike Fuel Band

They all have their pros and cons. Mainly, they track your activity/steps, your distance, your calories burned, and your sleep quality. They sync up with your phone or computer for easy tracking and analysis.

I just ordered 5 as Christmas presents.
I chose the Jawbone up because of ratings on comfort, ease of use and The sleek look and the color choices.
 The price is in line with the others, $129 at https://jawbone.com/up

I chose to go to Jawbone's web site rather than Amazon or other sites. The price was best and I felt like they explained it better. Plus, why not go right to the source if you can?

My big decision was color, there were so many choices! In the end I felt that since this was a bracelet that I would wear every day- I would go with black/boring.

If I wasn't so practical, Mint Green would have done it for me!
Do you use an activity tracker? If so, what type goals did you start with and how long did it take to surpass them?

Un-happy Anniversaries...

Every generation, country, region, family, or person has one-or many.

Today is bad for many of us.
Because of where we live or who we knew, the pain is lurking,

I went outside this morning and was automatically relieved that the beautiful day of twelve years ago was not repeated- the crisp air, the azure colored sky, the bright beautiful sun of that day was no where to be found today.

It is hot, humid, and sunny and I am glad- because whenever the weather is most perfect?
I am transported back to that terrible day. Similar to when I hear a song from the summer of 1977 and I am on the beach in Pt. Pleasant, NJ. I swear I can almost taste the salt air just from hearing a song from that time.

I still cannot watch any documentaries or TV specials regarding 9/11.
It isn't the visuals that get to me...
I can't listen to the broadcasts, the 911 calls from the towers, the interviews of families searching for their loved ones.
The pain of that day comes back immediately, powerfully.

So today, like every other September 11th since 2001, I say silent prayers through out the day. I remember those who perished and mostly?

I pray it never happens again.

Service dogs

After reading the story below?
My heart broke.
Although I am not in the position to adopt or foster- no patience or energy left after raising five of my own....

More then ever I would like to train my LuLu to be a service dog.

If you have ever done this, please let me know your story :)

Service Dog Heals a Broken Heart

"There are better boys out there..."  said Jason to potential adoptive parents.

Last month, one of our therapists asked to borrow service dog Ruthie because she had to tell a little eight year old that his adoptive parents had changed their minds. Here is her account of what happend:

“As I broke the news to Jason, Ruthie snuggled and nurtured him. We sat amongst my pile of stuffed animals and pillows until, with Ruthie by his side, he drifted off to sleep. He stirred a bit as he slept--whimpering, checking to ensure I was still there, etc.”

This wasn’t the first time Jason felt rejection. First his mom left him, then his aunt, then a foster family, and now the possibility of a real family slipped away. Jason rarely gets his hopes up. In fact, the first time he met the couple who wanted to adopt him, he said "You might want to keep looking. There are better boys out there.”

Being on the front lines of tragedies like this one is hard. But with your support, we will find Jason—and the many Danielles, and Tyrones, and Nikeyas out there who need families - loving homes. Thank you!

If you know someone who might be willing to take a child into his or her home, click here or call 212-932-9009.

I think that...

The Jewish people have it right.

The Fall should be the New year!
This is when I want to clean out closets, the garage, my car.
This is when I look for new clothes.
Kids start school= new books, clothes, supplies, thoughts...

At this time of the year I feel as though everything is beginning.

In January?
Not so much.

All I want to do then is-
Keep warm.
Nest.
Eat and drink.
Go on vacation.

I think this is why Autumn is my favorite season.
So many possibilities.
So many changes.

So exciting.
Happy New Year!

My girls-

I love my girls.
Love my boys too!
However, there is a definite benefit to having daughters in a male dominated family-
Built. In. Allies.
My three sons and husband prefer movies that involve tons of car chases, sci fi, and... violence.
My girls?
We can watch you tube videos of reunited army vets and their family or pets all night( tissues included) or Bridesmaids for the umpteenth time.
Lana Del Ray on Pandora- Check!
Chilled white wine- check!
Look thru old pics, watch old home movies, or read baby books- check!

When I worry about my sixteen-year-old son and EVERYTHING he does and EVERYWHERE he goes?
My husband and my two sons scoff, shrug, wink and laugh with each other...
My daughters knowingly shake their heads in agreement with me and rub my arm to comfort me.
They, like me, text him to be careful.

We are kindred souls.
And now-
One is off to college and the other has... gulp... left to live in NYC.
I will miss them both so much.
On the other hand, because I love them so much?
I am so happy and excited for them! I can't wait to hear about their adventures and experiences.
A whole new chapter...

Wide legged pants- let's discuss.

Went to new York shows this Summer. ( the normal apparel shows where the clothing that is actually sold in stores is shown)

Saw A LOT of wide leg, patterned pants.
They were worn with flats, heels, or wedges.
Saw them with tanks, blouses, and tight turtle necks.

Not sure what I think....

Part of me thinks that they are a split version of the long skirt, ( Which will still be around next Spring and Summer by the way!) the other part of me thinks that they resemble pajama bottoms.

The patterns do distract from any figure flaws ( wide hips, protruding tummy) but I still think these pants may be best on the under 30 set.

Although... A really dressy pair with a tight back t-neck and black heels might be a nice holiday outfit.

Jury it out.

Scout Weekender- perfect to bring for your Junior year abroad!

$45  www.preppyplayer.com

It's- Football on your phone!

This is what everyone is talking about!

Over the years....

 The last few years my son's friend's sister has brought her brother and 3 friends to Six Flags- including my son. They all look forward to it and have many traditions involved in their annual trip.
One being that they take a picture on the same bench, in the same order each year.

I'm so glad they do!

Jack Russell Love!

Music Recommend- Lorde. You're welcome!

Because?
YOU will thank me.

Stella D'oro Margherite Cookies- YOU decide.

I love Stella D'oro Margherite cookies.
Unfortunately, if there is a package in my pantry I visit all day.
One or two a visit adds up, but who is counting?
They seem so mild, so harmless.
They aren't to sweet or too big.
Just. Right.

For a long time I bought these packs-

And usually I would eat the chocolate and if I was desperate, the vanilla...


Then Stella D'oro must have heard my prayers!

Now my only problem? If you look at the calorie content, one or two cookies- many times a day...
Add up.

And I was blaming the wine for those few pounds.
Wine or cookies, which makes the cut?