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!

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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?

Scout Four Boys Bag- Fall, 2013 preview!

Still $50. Still HERE!

Buh-Bye JCrew!

I know.
I've threatened before.
This time I mean it!

First, they lost my daughters.
Now?
Me.

This Summer wasn't too bad. Loved the Seahorse shorts.

However....
Just received an email with the Fall 2013 Look Book...

So... who is their customer now?

Better yet,
Who are they?

Love my patio cubes!

Have a seat!

Im selling these now- LOVE them!

Fab Habitat brings an innovative new line of indoor/outdoor poufs. Made from recycled polypropylene and other materials suited for outdoors, these cubes are weather and mildew resistant. Sturdy enough to balance food and drinks, they can also double as seating for your guests. 

Whether inside or outside the house, these cubes multipurpose used in so many ways!

 $150.00

Haven't figured out how to ship them economically just yet- stay tuned!
At the very least? If you see me at an event- I'll have them!

Equus Foundation, one of my favorite events!

"Charities are born from the passions of people united by a common interest,The EQUUS Foundation is no exception. It was the belief that horses have a positive impact in our everyday lives that led to the establishment of The EQUUS Foundation in August 2002. The EQUUS Foundation also does business under the name, Horse Charities of America. The name, Horse Charities of America, was selected in 2009 to better convey the mission of The EQUUS Foundation.

Since 2003, over $2 million in grants has been awarded to charities across America that are improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Horses enrich the lives of millions of people of all ages every day, especially children. Help us transform the way horses are treated and perceived and build a more compassionate America that values the magical and powerful bond we have with horses."

Look for me here!

How I am greeted every evening...

Wanna play?

Down the shore!

I'm selling "down the shore" today. 

Because I'm aiming to live down here one day, I try to get jobs/gigs in the area where I would like for us to end up.

About an hour by train or ferry from Manhattan, 4 miles from the beach-( far enough from possible ocean flooding) the Rumson/ Fair Haven area of NJ is beautiful. The taxes are better and the area is not as congested. 

Give me five more years and I think I can convince my husband this is where we should be... In the interim i will continue to build my business down in here in preparation!

Anchors

For the past six year I have been selling anchors because a certain girl in my life was involved in this:

Now, everywhere I look all I see is anchors!

I'm thinking the Anchor won't just be a symbol reminding me of my oldest daughter's sorority life, it will also be a symbol of Summer 2013!

www.preppyplayer.com