K-swiss for my boys!

K-swiss is another clean cut shoe. While I still had control of my boy's kicks I always bought them K-swiss for school. These days my twelve year old allows them as long as he has his basketball shoes and cleats that he can choose.  Always indulge your Mom!

When do you decorate?

     I always loved the day after Thanksgiving- it seemed that overnight the world had become Christmas. That weekend my mother would begin decorating our house and we would all help. Out came the Christmas dishes, linens and, music. All of a sudden there were closets or rooms we were warned not to enter in fear of ruining Christmas surprises. 

     When I married and began a family I kept those same traditions, adding a few of my own. I made sure there was Christmas music in my car and that there were cinnamon and pine candles burning most evenings. 

     Little by little the malls, town halls, and Main streets began to decorate a bit earlier...  The Christmas candy and baked good began to appear in the supermarket the day after Halloween.

I vowed not to give into the pressure.

     But... I have accumulated so much Christmas "stuff!" It takes me a week to set up my Christmas village. My carolers take a few hours to dust off and set up. Hanging the greens in and out of the house? Hours. I can't leave anything out because the kids are adamant about our traditions and I understand. So, I  have them help me and that cuts down on the time. But the last few years, two are away at school, one lives in the city and the two younger ones are helpful only so much. 

     The worst part?  Taking it all down. So that is what it comes down to. I start the 28th and am done by Dec. 10th. and turn around, take it down on Jan. 6th. 

     I think I may break tradition. Yup. I want a month between put up and take down! I don't feel as though I am giving into the pressure of the malls, and media pressure. I am giving into being a slave of stuff. So, I will start on Nov. 20th and be DONE the day after Thanksgiving so that I can enjoy the music, the smells, the decorations, and most importantly the meaning of the season. 

And, when I have my own house some day (sans kids, keep the husband) I will only decorate the house with greens, candles, and anything my children have made me. I will only decorate the day after Thanksgiving and I will be done!

Soccer dinner gifts- www.preppyplayer.com

If you have a soccer dinner or team gift buying, head on over to my site, www.preppyplayer.com

Not only do I have well priced gifts, gift wrap and note cards-I also have large cards big enough for the team to sign.

If you need to buy in volume, email me and I will discuss wholesale prices with you.

Duck shoes-You decide!

I have had Duck shoes since middle school. My last pair I've probably had since 1984! Needless to say its time to get a new pair and there are lots of choices out there. They have always been a practical shoe, but I would never say attractive. But I'm thinking these two pictured are pretty cute. can you guess which one is $195.00 and which is $54.00?  I don't think I will be buying the orange pair, let's put it that way. What do you think? LL Bean or Tory Burch?

Tennis/Paddle ethics

    For some reason I don't think the situation I am about to describe is a male dilemma.  I think it is a problem women have.

And here is the scenario: My paddle partner and I are seriously kicking butt, we had won the first set 6-1 and are about to do the same second set. Our opponents are nice women, one is a fine paddle player, the other is an amazing tennis player that has never played paddle but they were desperate for a sub and she agreed to play. She was very frustrated as she didn't know her screens. Her partner( who is a good player) was trying to be patient and supportive, but was frustrated as well. So, I start to feel bad for the other team, begin encouraging them verbally and begin to give them easier shots!  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME!!! This is for a state team that we travel all over NJ with. We have to accumulate a high percentage of wins to move up to the next level. WE are supposed to win and win big. I know men do not pity their opponents and go"easy" on them. 

I don't want to be a man... but I need to get me some bad ass competitiveness! Do you ever go easy on an opponent when they are losing so that they don't feel bad?

My kitchen view, Autumn.

My winter job and autism.

    Here we are at Snowbird-unfortunately not where I work during the winter. I work at a tiny hill in Northern NJ where  I teach skiing to all ages, private and group. I especially enjoy teaching students with special needs, those with autism. My students range all over the autistic spectrum from those who are severely autistic to those with Asperger's Syndrome. I wish I could only teach the special needs kids as I find it immensely gratifying. Because I teach so many autistic children to ski I feel confident giving advice.

    My recommendations to parents of autistic children that are learning to ski, ( also for children with sensory sensitivity issues) are as follows:

1. Rent equipment for the season or ahead of time-  The rental area of any ski resort can be a nightmare for these type kids due to the chaos that is usually found there, also there is a lot of waiting which is difficult for the kids as well , and that would not be a good way to start off the day and then proceed to a lesson.

2. Have the child try on the boots and walk around in them, ideally- many times before the actual lesson. If the child cannot handle the boots the first time, try another day. But, if over and over the child cannot handle the boots... this might not be the year. If you have a child that likes to rollerblade or ice skate... the boots or skiing will probably not be a problem

3. Try to bring the child for a visit to the ski resort a day or two before the lesson. This seems to lessen anxiety.  Try to make it a fun, positive experience, maybe a hot chocolate as a treat or playing in the snow... anything that marks this a positive event.

4. Ask for an instructor that is familiar with children with autism.

5. Introduce the child to the instructor. let the instructor know about the child and his or her strengths and limitations. Give the instructor info regarding a reward when the lesson is over.

At first, I hated this. I had more than one parent give me fruit snacks to give their child after each ride up the chair lift. I felt like I was training a dog and thought it was horrible. But, these parents knew their children, and sure enough, once we got past the anxiety and unfamiliarity of the lesson ( it took many, many lessons) I eventually did not need the fruit snacks. in fact the parents were able to use the ski lesson as a reward!

 

6. It helps to have the ski lesson at the same time, place and with the same instructor. Predictability and routine lessen anxiety.

7.Explain to the child that they are to listen to the instructor. Let the instructor know if the child has any behaviors or triggers that might endanger the child or the instructor. Give the instructor advice or words to use if the child has a tantrum or is self injurious  that may cause problems on the chair lift or while skiing, (i.e. biting, hitting, slapping, pinching.) it can be very dangerous if the instructor does not have the right tools to calm the child down. 

8. Be aware that it will take time. Not all kids will take to it. Most of my students do. I love skiing backward as they follow me down the slope. I see grins sometimes and a few of my students sing all the way down. There is nothing better than that.

The best part of all for me? The parents. Most had no idea that their kids were capable of skiing, let alone being good at it. One Mom told me that when she looks up the hill and sees all the kids skiing down- she can't tell which is hers. They all look the same.

If you have any questions regarding autistic kids and skiing please email me- i love to share!

Ski Stuff

My guy.

What a Jersey term, guy. But true for me. Sometime I will upload some old pics of him. So you can really see how handsome my guy is. When we were really young, think high school/college, he had a ponytail and looked like Jesus, (Really!) Now, after 32 years, five kids, stress, etc., he is usually accused of being Clint Eastwood. ( That's another post- where I try to get a great reservation at a NYC restaurant based on that resemblance.) Anyway, I happened to take this pic on our hike today and I love it and him.

Mid Equinox Sunset

Today's hike with Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer...

Also known as my Kevin and his best friend Brendan! We live in Northern NJ and although we are only 22 miles from NYC , we are almost country. We took the boys hiking about four miles from our house and they were loving it. I think they caught two sunnies and about eight crayfish. I LOVE this age. They are old enough to be self sufficient, but they still want to hang out with us. My husband and I were actually able to have some long, relaxing conversations on our three mile hike and yet get tremendous enjoyment from the boys and their antics... is this what being a grandparent will be like ? I don't want to rush that and I want to make it perfectly clear that Marc and I started our family VERY young. But still, and I know I have written this before and it does sound cliche, It. Does Go. Fast.

FORNASH

Stackable rings. Love them.

Trunk or treat?

Most of us have grown up trick or treating- knocking on a door, it opens and we all yell, 

""TRICK OR TREAT!!!"

Until my parents and sisters moved to Utah I thought that was what everyone did.  I was wrong. I found out that in more rural parts of Utah, families would gather at their local ward (church) parking lot, open the trunks of their Halloween decorated cars/trucks and go from vehicle to vehicle trunk or treating. Now, I thought this was a Utah/Mormon thing. Nope. Apparently this happens in different regions of our country, mostly rural. All for different reasons. Some for pure logistics, lots of ground for kids to cover going from  one 100 acre farm to another, trunk or treating makes it easier! Others have adopted the practice for safety reasons, offering a more controlled trunk or treating environment.

Do they do this in your area?

Halloween on a Friday...

Every seven years or so (I think leap year might screw it up) Halloween falls on a Friday.

 Seems great, no work or school the next day... perfect right?    WRONG!!! 

Talk about pressure! 

There is no excuses to end the candy frenzy or the endless trick or treating. The teens have parties they HAVE to go to and the absolute worst? So do we. I am not creative or clever. it is tremendous pressure and with terrible anxiety that I even think about Halloween costumes for myself and my husband. And then there are the anti-Halloween parties, children not included. We have been invited to two fun parties. One is a pot luck with all our old neighborhood friends (empty nesters) and the other is another group of EN's at a wine tasting. Hmmm sounds good. But we aren't there yet. We still have younger kids, that would happen when your age range of kids is 24-12!! I don't think I want to be there yet anyway. Our younger two still want to be with us. Those of you with older kids (possible EN'S) understand and those of you with little ones? Well it sounds cliche, but it does go so fast-enjoy your children while you can :)

Anyway, we have decided to go to a big party that does include children, costumes optional.

I think you know what my option will be!

Where in the world?

     I remember, while in college, being asked, "So, where are you from?"  It was a hard question to answer. I was going to school in Florida, (hardly anyone was actually, originally from that state!)  My parents and three sisters had just moved to Indiana as my Dad was transferred with his job. My other sister was living in New Jersey and going to college there. So, this is what I would say:

I was born in Seattle. My parents were born there too. Both sets of grandparents had moved there in the 1930's for opportunities. My mother is one of eight and my dad is one of four, so all those aunts, uncles, and 28 cousins still live in western states.

 My dad was transferred to New York when I was in 5th grade. That was tough. We left all that family and moved across the country before the days of casual plane trips. This was also before the days of media influence. By that I mean,  kids/teens did not dress the same all over the country like they do now (uggs, abercrombie, messy buns,) So, let's just say... I was wearing bell bottoms and maxi dresses and everyone, I mean everyone in New Jersey was wearing straight legged jeans and mini skirts! I stuck out like a sore thumb. My accent was also a dead give away. 

    Before long it seemed as though we had always lived in NJ. I went off to college in Florida and then my Dad was transferred, in three years, to Indiana, then Michigan, Pennsylvania, and finally to Utah where they have lived for 27 years. My three sisters went to four different high schools! But they definitely think of themselves as Utahans. My other sister and I stayed in NJ.  We are certainly east coast, but I feel like a northwest girl and my heart will always have a place in Utah. So needless to say, just like in college, I am conflicted. 

Rain, Rain, go away!

     Here in the Northeast we are having a very rainy, chilly, stormy day. My paddle match was canceled, (Boo, Hiss) and it looks like the soccer games will be canceled too. 

So, you would think I would be productive... hmmm. Not. Really.

    I am online looking at a manufacturer that I have bought themed umbrellas from in the past, specifically equestrian and ballet, which I carry on my web site. Now I am debating carrying the umbrellas shown above.  So, this incessant rain was inspirational at the very least.

What do you think of the designs shown?

Want to be in on a prep/sporty trend?

I know, I know. Gross. But believe it or not, these items are the TOP sellers in the Lacrosse, Crew, and Volleyball world. At the tournament I was just at the girls were lining up to buy anything cheeta, leopard, or tiger in bras or compression shorts!  I do not sell these products but was amazed that my own daughters were coveting  these items.

Trust me. Your daughters play lacrosse? They want these.

NYC Monday

First, I hope these tips are helpful. Second, I hope you let me know if they are:)

Anyway, this week I have some really helpful info.

BROADWAY!!!!

This is how I score great tickets at great prices and I must let you know that my second son has done an internship for a big NYC ticket broker the last two summers... and they do this too.

Go to www.broadwaybox.com. It is amazing.  The pictures above are of my daughter, niece, and stars from Hairspray. I was able to get the tickets the night before, fifth row, for $60. EACH!

My son and I saw Mary Poppins, seventh row center, for the same price ($60) with tickets purchased a few days before.

And, another tip. If the weather permits, go to the stage door of the theater. The stars come out and sign autographs, take pics and socialize. Not all do this, but a good many do. My niece, who was visiting from Utah, was thrilled.

By the way, Ashley Parker Angel and Aubrey O'Day were awesome to the girls. Props to them!

A new day...

It is a new day, a fresh start. Whew! Even if I do feel as though I have been hit by a truck ...

Rachel and I set up for the tournament at 5:45 am in the dark. And cold. But of course by noon it was a beautiful sunny, warm autumn day. The tournament was held at Mount Saint Mary's.

 What a beautiful college! I was unable to take pictures as I had forgotten my camera. We decided against putting up my PINK tent and unfortunately Rachel is now a wee bit sunburned. All was good and I did make the desired amount of $$'s. I also met a lot of great people, have two new wholesale accounts and a couple of new customers on my website. 

What more can I ask for?

I'm off to  Lacrosse tourney. Four hours away. I hope its worth it. 

Another interesting day so far. My husband and I went down to my storeroom to start getting merch. to bring to the tournament and noticed a puddle...HUGE leak in the boiler. Of course we have a carpeted basement and of course a good amount of the sports greeting cards, gift wrap and posters that my company produces are stored down there! ARGGGH!! We have spent the last few hours frantically getting all items off the ground. We were able to save 98% of the merch. Now we are waiting for the plumber (not, Joe!) and insurance to call. Meanwhile I still have to load my truck and leave by 4pm.

I hope I sell a lot.

Enjoy the Autumn evening!

Baby its cold outside...

I think its time to break out the vests-in style.

One of the best...

I am so lucky. My niece, Rachel, has agreed to come to Maryland and help me with the tournament. She is a go-getter and I am thrilled to have her help me. I don't have to prompt or remind her to help the customers, pick up or tidy the selling area- she just does it.

She has initiative and I really think that is something you are born with as she has always been this way. 

Plus, she is great company and we have a 4 1/2 hour drive.

Popular item

     Because I will be a vendor at a lacrosse event this weekend I anticipate this item to be a big seller for me. I have 16 inch cord in 8 different colors and the lax stick is sterling. The girls love to layer it with other necklaces. Moms like to use as a team/captain/coach gift with the cord being the team color. It is also popular as a stocking stuffer/secret santa gift. 

He's fine.

Luckily his stitches are on the hairline.

Not a good start.

Well, what a morning.

 I was about to enter the Lincoln Tunnel when I realized my phone was vibrating ( forgot to put the ringer back on after a match) I looked at my phone and saw that there were 8 CALLS from my husband!!! My heart went cold. I knew something was wrong. Of course there wasn't reception in the tunnel and I was freaking out, ( its a very long tunnel) 

Finally I was able to reach him and slowly ( too slowly) he began to tell me what had happened.

He had brought my youngest to school in our Pathfinder, parked, and as my son was leaving went to put his computer bag in the trunk. The door of the trunk is very heavy and he used both hands to slam it shut. Unbeknown to him, my son had come back to say goodbye and the trunk slammed down on his head!! My husband knew right away that this was serious, lots of blood and the force he had used closing the trunk. He rushed him to a clinic and as they were at the clinic my son threw up twice and was dizzy. They then rushed to the Emergency Room.

This is when I caught up with my husband. So at that point, we knew my son would need stitches and a Cat Scan. My husband said he had it under control. I said I would stay and finish my business and then meet him at the hospital. I think I was in shock. I went to two of my vendors and then realized, "I've got to get out of here!!" I needed to be with my son and my husband, who was riddled with guilt. So, I proceeded to rush out of the city. Luckily we live about 30 minutes away and I made it to the hospital in no time.

...just as my son was skipping out the Emergency Room door, smiling broadly. I see my husband looking like he had been hit by a truck, yet relieved at the same time.

Kevin is fine, three stitches, slight concussion, no sports for a week. No skull fracture.

My husband, not so fine. I think he will need a few drinks when he gets home tonight!

Off for a big shop!

     I have an event down in Maryland this weekend, the last lacrosse tournament of my selling season. I am well stocked with scout bags, sterling and pearl studs, hair bands, cell charms, peace sign anything, baby bows, and other preppy essentials, but I need some preppy, trendy items to create some excitement!

So, I am off to NYC down to the wholesale district and on to some favorite showrooms. One new favorite are the thin, leather friendship bands, we call them beach bracelets. You know, the girls wear them two, three or more at a time? I try to get them in uber preppy colors and they sell like wildfire. I need to find a new item that creates that time of reaction, especially in this economy!

I'll let you know what i find when I get back...

Time to stock up on...

     I am always cold. In the mall, movie theaters, restaurants, on planes, you name it. I have taken to bringing a pashmina wherever I go. I use them as a shawl, scarf or lap blanket year round (thanks to overzealous air conditioning.) So at this time of year I like to stock up on new colors.

I like the colors above and may also add a light blue to the bunch. You need to know that I am not buying real pashmina, oh no! I go into the city and buy them at $10 each. This way I am not freaking out if my daughter borrows one for homecoming and leaves it at her friend's or if while using it as a lap blanket I drop some soup.  They are economical, practical, and pretty.

My oldest boy

I'm feeling a bit melancholy tonight.

 It has been almost a year since my oldest son moved into his own apartment in NYC and I think it has finally hit me that we may never live under the same roof again... That seems so strange and unimaginable-but true. And right. I know I should be happy that he is independent and I am, sorta. I miss him and his childhood.

Soup's on!

Thanks to Ina J. Offret, I have been thinking of soup for a week now, so I decided to drag out the crock-pot. I love my crock-pot/slow-cooker. Its like having a Mom! I come home after a day of errands, tennis, after school activities and the whole house smells so good and I honestly catch myself thinking, "I wonder what she made?" I add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread and we have (I think) the perfect meal. 

Now, there is a downside. I have to remember to do this ten to twelve hours in advance-not always easy for me. But I remembered this morning, Hooray!

So, we will be having White bean and kielbasa soup tonight!

here is the recipe taken from my slow cooker cookbook:

White Bean(cannelli) and Turkey Kielbasa Soup

1 16ounce pack of dried beans, sorted and rinsed

1 lb of Kielbasa, cut into 1/4 inch slices

2 med. carrots cut into 1/4 inch slices

2 stalks of celery cut into 1/4 inch slices

1 large onion finely chopped

2 garlic cloves finely chopped

7 cups of water

salt and pepper to taste ( the kielbasa has enough salt for me)

1 14 1/2 ounce can of diced tomatoes, undrained

Mix all ingredients except tomatoes in slow cooker

cover and cook on high for 10-12 hours until beans are tender

stir in tomatoes

cover and cook on high for another 15 minutes

let me know if you try this and what you think!

Our Team

More cold weather prep

Oh, and you might have had a cozy icelandic sweater in your closet as well. 

Old school winter prep

Before Uggs, and yes there was a before, if you were up in Vermont, Maine, or the Adirondacks you were sure to own a pair of these- Caribou Sorels. I still have a pair!

Preppy Skully Tennis!

I want to thank 10NISNE1. She mentioned that the same company that makes the lax and soccer skully tee's does a tennis Tee and here it is! Don't you love it?

Cute Halloween idea...

To get this "hair raising" look it is very simple. Get an empty water bottle, hold it on the top of your head and then bring all you hair up around the bottle and secure with a pony tail holder. Obviously the longer the hair- the better, sorry boys!

Becky has used this "look" for Halloween and Crazy Hair Day at school many, many, times.

people can never figure it out and it is so easy. let me know if you try it!

Scary, Preppy, Scarf!

NYC

     Pastis is one of my favorite casual restaurants in NYC. It is a french bistro right in the middle of the meatpacking district. The food is good, more peasant fare than fancy, the prices are not bad and the location is great as it is a great neighborhood to walk around in after your meal. This neighborhood can be VERY touristy, especially on the weekends. It is a great area for people watching-always see a celebrity or two :) 

As for Pastis, Here are the reasons I love it:

 You don't have to get dressed up.

They are open 8am -3am.

Their french fries are to die for!

The wait staff is actually very nice.

Sometimes I find parking on the street.

The bathrooms are cool.

I feel as though I am in Paris, without the incessant smoking.

Not expensive.

Pastis

9 9th Ave.

NY, NY

212-929-4844

Homecoming

Last night was Homecoming.  My daughter was so excited and rushed from her county soccer game into the shower and was dressed and beautified in 45 minutes, just in time to go to her Bff's for pictures. It was a real Freshman girl (read 14 year-old) pre-party. No boys, girls still wearing braces, gangly, adorable, lovely girls.

Kevin's birthday redux

    The birthday festival continues! First, it was the family party on the exact day of birth, then it was the extended family party, and now it is the "friend" party. Whew!

This year we are revisiting The..Forest...of....Fear. SCARY!!!! It is truly well done, almost Disney World caliber. Last year my husband, daughter, and Kevin went with four of Kev's friends. I think I almost died laughing at my husband and daughter. They led our group through the massive haunted house and as each character popped out or acted out a scene, they reacted so dramatically- it was hysterical. This year we are bringing eight ghouls with us, oops! I mean eight boys!

Friday Night

Yes! 

 Tonight there will be four couples playing platform tennis from 7:30 to 9pm.

Then those same lucky people will have sushi, wine, beer and other libations. I am not too embarrassed to say that I have been looking forward to this all week. Really.