POLITICS AND PUMPKINS, POLISH AND POUTS ~

Are you ready to toss your TV out the window?

Rip your phone off wall and throw it out? (If you’re ancient, and still HAVE a landline…)

If you answered “yup,” chances are it’s election season, and never has their been one as polarizing and difficult as this one!

 

People who know me know I am passionate about politics.  I do not discuss politics on this site, however, as it’s suppose to be a fun and uplifting place to come.  Politics, at least today’s version, has become a blood sport, pitting family members against each other, as well as friends and co-workers.

So, with help from fellow blogger Shannon Abels, I’ve devised what I think are some solid guidelines to get you through the next few months without losing your mind..

1. Seek out the truth

Often the important issues can’t be summarized in a tweet or news clip.  It takes time and patience and more than just skimming the headlines for you to learn the truth.  Especially with today’s media being, shall we say, agenda’d on both sides.  Be sure you are seeking out reputable sources, and just shut off CNN and FOX New altogether.

2. Converse to gain understanding.

The other day, I had a long political conversation with a Starbucks manager, in her mid-forties.  She was Black, Gay and adopted.  Listening to her, I was able to ascertain why she is voting the way she is, and, even though she and I are not in agreement about a lot of things, I now understand at least where her fears lie, and why she is voting the way she is.  We each have or own things that are really important to us, and no one candidate solves them all. Having civil conversation allows us to at least gain a better understanding of each other.

3. Determine if you have a willing audience for discussion

Nothing appalls me more, from either side, than a  person ASSUMING that everyone thinks like they do. They are the ones who will say at a dinner party “can you imagine the idiots voting for —- and how stupid can you be?” Facebook is different, because you know your audience and can control the privacy settings. But out in public, well, you’ve heard the saying “never assume…It makes an ASS out of U and ME!”  And just because a person lives in a heavily red or heavily blue state, does not mean they don’t think for themselves and follow the majority.

4. Seek depth, not soundbites

Soundbites lack context, but time is valuable: therefore, that is often all we hear or see. Please  be aware that there is always more to the story.

5. Watch or listen to debates

Sometimes, even the greatest pundits can’t cover up the lack of knowledge of a subject, or the extreme ideas or opinions of a candidate.  Truth speaks as candidates debate.

6. Seek out quality information, but less of it.

Read a paper or two, and limit yourself to about 15 minutes a night of political news from as unbiased a source as you can find…hard, I know.  After that, take a deep breath, and shift your focus.

It’s going to be a loooooong season.  Pace yourself, become an EDUCATED voter, then do your civic duty and VOTE!

Pumpkin is up next!

I found what looks to be a delightful recipe for pumpkin brioche in this months edition of  one of my favorite magazines, Victoria..

 

This will be a perfect accompaniment to my Bouef Carbonadde recipe ….

http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Classic-Beef-Beer-Stew

It appears to take most of the day to make, but since I am having  guests tonite, I will attempt to make the effort and report back next time!  You can see the above photo, and my “finished product” side by side, and decide for yourself!  The recipe can be found on Victoriamagazine.com

Polish time!  You ladies know about my obsession with nail polish by now, and particularly about Smith and Cult nail polish.  Great wear, easy application with a super flat brush, and THE.BEST.COLORS…

These are the three I love this season…The first is called  “1976” (because it reminded the color chemist of her moms rose gold lame dress from the disco days…I was there in ’76, and Yup! They got it right! )

My other two seasonal favorites are called “Darjeeling Darling”, a gorgeous Autumn green, and “Dark Like Me,” and lovely burgundy.

Buy them at Newman Marcus or here ….http://www.smithandcult.com/nailed-lacquer.html

 

Pouts!!…Have you seen the new seasonal trend in lip color?  Dark as the night, matted and in your face…(or at least on your lips!)

The new shades are gorgeous…deep plums, blues, violets..colors we’ve never seen on lips..

The problem is, they look AMAZING on young girls, but not so much on “we of the older and wiser generation”..

So I did a little research and found just the one.  By Urban Decay, this line blew me away with color…

 

But putting them on my lips was waaaay tooo Bella Lugosi-esque!  Barnabus Collins would dig it, but my family would have been horrified.

So I settled for one from the Urban Decay line called “Seismic”, that had all the pigment and color of the deep, lovely violet, but with none of the matte, and it was delightfully moisterizer  to boot!

 

 

So now you can talk politics without getting tarred and feathered, bake a delicious pumpkin brioche, have beautifully colored nails AND wear the dark lip trend without being embalmed first!

And you thought you were just reading some little blog post…

 

Have a fantastic Columbus Day Weekend, and Wear Your Crowns! ~

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ch-ch-ch-ch Changes (Turn and face the strange..) ~

Heloo, October!  I can’t BELIEVE how fast September went.

As some of you know, I went through a big life event last week. I closed up my big ol’ 9 room country club colonial, sold it to a lovely, starry-eyed couple (good luck, kids!) and moved into a 1300 square foot elegantly appointed apartment.  With about 1,000 neighbors and dogs!

I was really nervous at first, as I have never, in almost 58 years, lived in anything but a house.  Small as they were,  I always had my own space and my own land.

I entered into the next phase, however, with more excitement than trepidation.

You see, the best times of my life, in retrospect , have been the times of biggest change.  The bigger the change, the bigger my growth as a person, and the bigger the lessons learned.

I had been STAGNANT for so many years.  Something about being chained to taking care of a big house while working two jobs, and having so many empty rooms as most of my boys are gone, just left me feeling old.  The house had become a museum to the past, and I am all about the future.

I handed over the keys, thanked God for the memories, bad and good, and onward we went.

To date, I have meet such a melting pot of fine people in my new complex!  I’ve met hard-working, polite 20 somethings, Indian high tech professionals, a large Asian population with the MOST gorgeous babies and toddlers.  (Interesting about that culture…mom and dad bring the grandparents with them, wherever they reside, and have built-in baby sitters.  In the day, you see the grandparents in the playground or pool with the little ones, and at night, as they rest, the parents appear.  It’s a testament to that culture that family is everything.)

And then I met “Giselle”…..

Not her real name, but a dead ringer for the real Giselle, I noticed this lovely young Brazilian mom by the pool everyday with her  beautiful, blond, curly haired toddler.While everyone else poolside was gawking at her “Girl from Ipanema” beauty, I noticed something else….how utterly attentive and captivated she was by her little boy.  Unlike a lot of moms today, she did not have her face in a phone constantly.  In fact, she didn’t even carry one.  She was SO enchanted by her little guy.  I could tell she was a great mother. She looked however, a bit lonely.  I think, because she was so gorgeous, the other residents were a bit intimidated to even stand next to her bikini clad body, much less talk to her.

Luckily for both of us, I don’t intimidate easily, and I approached her to tell her what an awesome job I thought she was doing as a mom.  She broke down in tears and thanked me heartily.  We started talking, and she confessed that her baby boy, Franco, is the love of her life, but she misses her mom in Brazil tremendously.  She said there are days when she can’t take the loneliness, as her husband works long hours and her mom can’t Skype.  The more we talked, the more it became clear that the Divine Spirit had a plan for us….

I have been waiting for a young lady to come into my life for a long time.  With a husband, and three sons who have  no “serious” girlfriends yet, it’s a lonely existence for a woman in my house!  Even my dog, Jesse, is a boy!

The more I talked with “Giselle”, the more we bonded.  I told her she could call me anytime, night or day, and I would be there for her.  I will be babysitting for her so she can get back to her sport of running,and I can get my fix of baby love, and have a surrogate daughter for the time we both reside there and maybe onward.

The day we met, as we were parting, she asked me my name…when I said “Kathy” she burst into tears and hugged me….her mom in Brazil is named “Kathy.”

Coincidence or Divine Interveniton?  You decide.

If I hadn’t broken waaaaay out of my comfort zone to try new things, I wouldn’t be as happy as I am as of this writing.

Now, unemcumbered by that house, my husband and I have the time to embrace new things instead of raking lawns and fixing leaks.

We have lots of adventures awaiting, and I’m so ready for what’s ahead…

I may even try the Indian food truck that comes to the complex next Friday….; )  or maybe not…

Here’s a pic of my tiny tiny balcony…decorated within an inch of it’s life for Fall….Can you tell I’m a downsizer?

Have a glorious October, embrace the changing of the seasons of your life, and wear your crowns! ~

 

CLEAR THE WEEKEND….~

I’VE BEEN A VORACIOUS READER SINCE THE “NANCY DREW” DAYS.  I’M HAPPIEST  WHEN I’M LOST IN A BOOK.

I ENJOY BIOGRAPHIES MOST BECAUSE  I’M ENDLESSLY FASCINATED BY HOW PEOPLE NAVIGATE THE JOURNEYS OF LIFE.

IN MY FIFTY PLUS YEARS OF READING, HOWEVER,  IVE NEVER READ ANYTHING LIKE THIS….

JUST PUBLISHED, “LOVE WARRIOR”, BY GLENNON DOYLE MELTON WILL BLOW THE LID OFF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A MODERN DAY WIFE, MOTHER AND WOMAN.  IF “EAT PRAY LOVE” SPOKE TO YOU, “LOVE WARRIOR” WILL HAUNT YOUR DREAMS….

EVEN BEFORE OPRAH SWOOPED DOWN AND MADE IT HER BOOKCLUB PICK OF THE SEASON, I HAD READ THE BUZZ FROM AUTHORS I ADMIRE LIKE BRENE BROWN, ELIZABETH GILBERT, CHRIS NOTHRUP AND MARIANNE WILLIAMSON. THEY RAVED, AND THEY WERE RIGHT.

YOU WILL BE HARD PRESSED TO READ A MORE HONEST BOOK.  I COULD EASILY HAVE READ IT IN A SITTING, BUT SEVERAL TIMES I HAD TO PUT IT DOWN TO ABSORB THE WORDS.   I’VE SAID THOSE WORDS. I’VE HAD THOSE THOUGHTS…WE ALL HAVE IF WE ARE HONEST.  FINALLY, A WOMAN IS SPEAKING THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW HARD IT CAN BE TO WEAR ALL THE HATS, HOW FULFILLING AND DESPERATE, ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

READ THIS BOOK IN PIECES, AS SHE MOVES THROUGH THE STAGES OF HER LIFE. BEGINNING WITH HER BULIMIC CHILDHOOD, THROUGH THE DRUG FUELED COLLEGE YEARS, TO MARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD , SEPARATION, SINGLE PARENTING, RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS, SHE BARES IS ALL WITH SUCH INSIGHT AND HONESTY, NOTHING IS SPARED.  ULTIMATELY, JUST AS THE BOOK WAS GOING TO PRINT, SHE ANNOUNCED SHE AND HER HUSBAND ARE DIVORCING. YOU WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO SAY THEY DIDNT TRY.

HER WRITING IS LIKE NO OTHER, AND HER TRUTH IS HUMBLING. THIS ONE WILL DO FOR OUR GENERATION WHAT BETTY FRIEDAN’S “THE FEMININE MYSTIQUE” DID FOR OUR MOTHERS..IT WILL BE TALKED ABOUT AT BOOK CLUBS FOR YEARS TO COME, AND IT MAY CHANGE THE WAY WE THINK ABOUT OUR LIVES.

PROFOUND.

AND ON A LIGHTER NOT….

AND HAVE YOU SEEN THESE?

 

BY A COMPANY CALLED “BELLA BEAT”, FINALLY A “FITBIT” WITH A LITTLE STYLE.  THIS TRACKER, ENCASED IN A LEAF SHAPED PIECE, CAN BE WORN AS A PIN, NECKLACE OR BRACELET, IN SILVER OR ROSE GOLD.  AND IT DOESNT JUST TRACK YOUR SWEATY STEPS, BUT YOUR STRESS LEVEL, MEDITATION AND SLEEP CYCLES, YOUR FERTILITY AND MORE.

BEAUTIFUL PIECES ON THEIR OWN, GET ONE NOW AS THEY ARE BACK ORDERED FOR MONTHS…

I KNOW WHAT SANTA CAN BRING ME THIS YEAR IF HE CAN GET IT IN TIME!!

FIND OUT ALL ABOUT THEM HERE….

https://webshop.bellabeat.com/collections/all?sort_by=best-selling

 

ADJUST YOUR CROWNS, OWN AND CELEBRATE YOUR OWN STORY, AND HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND, OR WHAT WILL BE LEFT OF IT IF YOU OPEN THIS BOOK!~

Well, HELLO AUTUMN!❤️🍁

 

And hello blogosphere ! Too long, I know. Many changes and lots to do has taken me away from my happy place, Wear Your Crowns. I apologize ! I’ve been busy selling a nine room home and trying to figure out how to fit it into a four room apartment as temporary dwelling til the real estate market catches up with its low inventory. At the end of this month, I’ll be camping out for the holidays in a cozy but lovely place, looking for that Final Destination. I’ve moved a lot and the next house is the last!

How was your Summer? Ours was dry and drought filled, which is kind of amazing considering the severe flooding in other parts of the country. My heart goes out to the people who’ve had bigger challenges than dry lawns and a truncated foliage season to deal with.

One of the best nights I spent this summer was the night of the Perseid Meteor Showers. It was promised to be amazing this year! I had lots of wishes and needed to find some shooting stars, and it did not disappoint.

It took three different locations by car at 2 AM, but bleary-eyed, I found what I was seeking and the show was breathtaking!☄💫✨

One of the things I wished for was that I would never lose childlike wonder and the ability to be thrilled by the world around me. Many wishes later, I crawled home stiff-necked but filled with hope and awe. Amazing.

Another thing of interest this Summer happened September 1st. While I’m not a student of Astrology, this next event fascinated me.

The New Moon in Virgo, with a Solar Eclipse  is a significant astrological event in two parts (Sept. 1 and Sept. 16). This is a time of major change and clearing. It’s a time to reject old patterns that aren’t serving you, accept the past, forgive and move on, and be mindful and open to the changes this period of time will bring about. According to the astrologers I have interviewed, some changes may not be welcome, some very appreciated, but the key is to stay open to the process, don’t fight it, and see where it takes you. This astrological movement culminates in March 2017, so hang on to your hats…it’s going to be interesting!

My motto has always been “change is growth”, and it’s always the tough changes that bring the most growth. To me, being stagnant and unable to move, letting life happen to you as opposed to creating and living your life consciously, is the sorriest of human states.

While it’s not always easy to embrace change…a child leaving for college, leaving a stress filled job that doesn’t serve you, ending a relationship that isn’t healthy, dealing with an illness, these are the hards of life that bring you to the place you are supposed to be. Fear is the only thing, I believe, that keeps people stuck.

Remove the fear and meet life head on. The beauty of living an authentic life, the life you are supposed to be living, is the greatest reward. One I’m very much looking forward to in the days ahead.

SO! Welcome back and thanks for being here… Today’s “lecture” culminates with the prayer that you set your intentions, keep your hearts open, and of course, Wear Your Crowns👸🙏🏻❤️

Have an AMAZING AUTUMN~

THINGS I’M LOVING, SUMMER 2016❤️~

With Memorial Day upon us, I want to share some Crown~Worthy  things that, in my humble opinion, will enhance the all too brief summer experience. Remember, I’m from Boston…our summers last about ten weeks, our winters five months. Summers are sacred in New England.

SO! Having said that, here’s my SUMMER 2016 Hall of Fame Crown~Worthy list!

I love my champagne, but I love it even more, sitting on a beach, watching the sunset.

Veuve Clicquot Rose is the perfect drink for a special sandy sunset. It’s light, like the Rose we enjoy all summer, but with a magical taste of bubbly goodness, and SO pretty🍾 . It’s hard not to smile when enjoying a glass. Treat yourself at least once this summer. You owe it to yourself!

Summer tends to play havoc with my hair, newly silver. Between the UVA rays, salt water and dry heat, delicate gray shades don’t stand a chance. White becomes yellow in no time, and not in a good way.

After a year-long search, I finally found the perfect shampoo for white, silver and platinum.

Aveda Blue Malva is a joy to use. Smells like I think Heaven would smell (if I ever get there😉), and when your hair dries, it’s bright, silver and luminescent. Not a trace of dull yellow, and it feels like silk. Highly rated online, highly recommended by me. A Crown~Worthy  find a year in the making, but not cheap. It runs about $38 per bottle, but it’s 33 ounces, so you’ll use it awhile.

I can see a difference in my hair since using it, even in photos….

 

Next on the list…

I searched far and wide for a summer nail color I wouldn’t get tired of. One that was neutral enough to go with everything, but not boring like most neutrals. (I will never be accused of being boring!)

I saw this on a model in a magazine and eureka! That was it, and the search was on…

I finally found it, but it was sold out everywhere, forcing me to buy it direct from the company and pay shipping, which I was not happy about. But it’s mine, it’s on my feet and toes, and it makes me smile every time I look at it, so it’s all good!

It’s by a company called Smith and Cult, and while the names are insane, the colors are gorgeous. This green is called “Bitter Buddhist” of all things, but it’s a subtle, grayish green that reminds me of a Monet. The wear is great and, if you are into that kind of aesthetic, the bottle is gorgeous.

You can find it at Neiman Marcus, if you’re lucky, and other places online if not sold out. But I bought it direct from the company because when I finally found it, I had to have it.

Heres a cute article from the Huffington Post about the company and the crazy names of the colors..

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/17/smith-and-cult-nail-polish-line_n_5990128.html

 

Next up, a water bottle that A. Looks sleek B. Keeps your water cold FOR TWELVE HOURS IN A HOT CAR….it’s true, I tested it, and may I introduce my new favorite thing…

 

Produced by the company S’well, these bottles are it for me!

Ranging around $35. per bottle, I’ve seen them in Starbucks and Barnes and Noble Cafes. Target sells the cheaper, smaller version of their bottle, but when it comes to water, go big or go home!
How pretty is this limited edition rose gold one….?

Oh, and did I neglect to point out that it keeps the above referenced champagne, or any other wine, ice-cold for an outdoor picnic?  And yes, it’s keeps your hot coffee steaming all day in the cold weather, but we aren’t going THERE today.🌞

Here we have a make your own ice cream sandwich kit from Williams Sonoma. SO cute, and you can customize all day long to make the perfect sandwich. I’m famous for my ice cream sandwhich cookies for the beach parties our extended family gathers at. This makes it so much easier. Why spend your precious time on anything but being creative?

My favorite is combo is salted caramel gelato, the sandwich dipped in melted chocolate and sprinkled with crushed cashews. The options are endless and we’ve been known to use anything from pop rocks to crystallized ginger! The kit is super easy to use, and  at a $19.95 price point for three, it pays for itself in no time!

You can purchase this at Williams Sonoma in store or online.

At last but not least, while I am a HUGE proponent of shutting off the TV and being outside as much as possible in the precious summer, here’s one hilarious show I found recently to binge watch if you have a rainy day.

Silicon Valley, an HBO comedy centered around the high-tech industry, is uproariously funny, or as one of my male friends said “freakin brilliant!”

It’s the story of a team of nerdy but brilliant computer guys naively navigating the cut throat Hi Tech industry of Silicon Valley. Having two computer engineers in the family, (how do you think I set UP this crazy blog?!), I can tell you from my sideline observation that the show is dead on, and funnier than it has a right to be! Now in its third season on HBO, it’s available for streaming. Enjoy!

Wherever your summer takes you, whatever you eat, drink, shampoo with or watch, have a GLORIOUS SUMMER and savor each and every day, and have a Crown~Worthy Memorial Day Weekend❤️👸🏼~

MOTHERS AND OTHERS~

Mother’s Day…So many images come to my mind when I think of the word “mother”.

There’s the obvious mom, yours, and there are the ones not so obvious.

There’s the aunt who was like a mom, always magically appearing when you needed her most and there’s the friend who came over and gave you a heating pad when you were having bad menstrual cramps (or in later years, had a level 3 hangover,) because your own mom was busy elsewhere..your friend just knew exactly what you needed and provided it.

There was the teacher in third grade who could see that you were hurting because you were new to the school and not making friends.  She let you sit with her during indoor recess, and included the “cool girls” at her desk as well. Discussions on the merits of “Beatles” vs. “Monkees” ensued, and  by the time recess was over, you were a cool girl, too.

There’s the sister who called you the day your first-born was leaving for college, because she’d been there, and knew you couldn’t breathe from sorrow.

That’s mothering..

There are all different kinds of moms…crack addict moms, and gluten-free, free range,organic only, natural birth with a doula moms.

There are the absentee moms that say “life is a bitch, and if you don’t toughen up, you will get eaten alive,” and there are the moms that would kick down the doors of Hell for you.

What kind of mom did you have?

and what kind of mom were you?

I find there is a correlation between the two.

If your mom was a “June Cleaver”, you probably tended to be a “Murphy Brown”.

If your mom was a “Roseanne”, you were more likely to be an  “Abilene,”(the housekeeper/nanny from the movie “The Help”..)

What little girl would not want to be on her lap, hearing her coo “you is smart, you is kind, you is important.”

 

I had a hard-working, career pediatric nurse for a mom.  I was the only girl in my class who had a professional mom in the 60’s.  I was SO proud of her.  But I missed her, and often, while she was healing the sick children in the city. She wasn’t home for us much, even when she was.

I overcompensated by being the breastfeed til they were two, stay at home, homeschooling, Boy Scout, school board and every-sport-known-to-man volunteer mom.

the one who would kick down those Hell doors….

After a lot of trial and error, I turned out OK…

and while they are still works in progress, so will my boys.

Somewhere between my mom and me, there exists the perfect mom. A mom who has the perfect balance of give and take, of attention and independence, of   “let them grow up” and “don’t ever let them go”…..

My mom and I are polar opposites, but one thing we have in common…we do the best we can, and really….that’s all you can do.

Happy Mothers day to all the moms, aunties,teachers, sisters,  friends and all others who mother us well, and make our lives worth living.

 

 

 

 

 

 

THINGS I’M LOVING NOW~

Well, hello SPRING! That’s what I’m loving most, even if it WILL snow tonight. I’ll be walking the beach and picnicking in no time!

I’ve talked about this before, but about four times a year, Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra join forces to produce a free 21 day meditation challenge. The first one I did, about two years ago, changed my life. I came to realize that whatever I was lacking, or whatever I needed, was right there inside me and always had been.   I just needed to make the time to access it.   That knowledge empowered me to make major changes in the way I think and the way I look at the world, and I’m better for it.  I look forward to their challenges now, each one focusing on a different thing.

Starting Monday, they are offering a new meditation challenge centered around weight and weight loss. If you need to lose weight, I urge you to participate. You won’t be sorry. It only takes about 17 minutes a day, and after twenty one days, you will think differently about your body, I promise!!

I’ve recently lost twenty pounds, but understand that keeping it off is going to be the real challenge, so I’m ALL IN for this one!

Just go to Oprah.com and find the above link to register. You will thank me!

The next thing I love was introduced to me when I was on my weight loss program recently. The diet, (The Fast Metabolism Diet, highly recommended,) requires that you drink half your weight in ounces of water each day. Yikes!!! For someone who doesn’t like to drink anything but coffee or wine, this was a challenge. Then I found La Croix sparkling water at my local Whole Foods, and became instantly hooked. It’s a sparking water that’s flavored with essence of natural fruits, no calories, no sodium, nothing artificial. SO REFRESHING, I can drink it all day.  With favors like coconut, cucumber mint, mango, pear, etc., you can shake it up!

 

Another thing I’m loving.. The new show Vinyl on HBO is a rollicking ride through the seventies music scene. Produced by Martin Scorcese and Mick Jagger, it’s a take no prisoners story of the excess of the seventies. Sex, drugs and rock n roll as only Martin and Mick could tell it.

And the cast??? Powerhouse Bobby Canavale soars as the coke’d up record producer Richie Finestra, with the golden ear for great music. Olivia Wilde plays his recovering wife, and GREAT PERFORMAMCES by Micks son James Jagger, Juno Temple, Andrew Dice Clay, and Ray Romano like you’ve never seen him. Hang on to your hat…especially if you remember the early seventies! When the Emmys roll around again, bet money of this!!!

Next.. After a long drab winter, it’s a bright OPI red for my nails. Nothing says Spring like Chick Flick Cherry

And finally, I’m loving my muse, Jesse, snoozing in the sunlight of the first Spring day.

Have an AMAZING SPRING, and a lovely week~❤️🌷💐🌸🌹

BRAVO, DOWNTON ABBEY👏

I came late to the party called Downton Abbey.

I didn’t even consider it til last month, when a nasty illness forced me to bed for an extended time.

I decided to rent an episode to see what the fuss was about. $90. worth of Netflix episodes and four weeks later, I had binge  watched six seasons of some of the finest TV  I’ve seen in a long time.

Almost immediately, I was transported to a world of pure bliss. Escapism at its finest. The decor, the scenery and those CLOTHES!!!🙏

While I feel the plots aren’t as epic as those of other great shows such as say,  “Mad Men” or “Breaking Bad”,  the brilliance of this show is that you come to care very much about the characters, and  are totally whisked away to another place and time. A time of all things gentle and lovely.

Feisty Dowager Crowley, played by the brilliant Maggie Smith, is a force to be reckoned with, but someone I’d love to have a tip of spirits with in another time. My kinda gal!

As an Ex-Pat in a very English world, Countess Crawley has her husband, Lord Grantham, and the rest of the house wrapped around her pretty little finger. She KNOWS you catch more flies with honey.

Lady Mary and Lady Edith give new depth to the words “sibling rivalry”….and yes, I did want to slap Mary many times.

Tom, the lower class mechanic who marries into this British nest is my favorite. Sparking Irish eyes, always the mediator with wit and charm, he won me over with his decency and huge heart.

Then there’s the overworked “downstairs staff”. All trying to just get by while taking care of the more fortunate class. Most certainly not the easiest of lives, but  they seemed to accept their collective lots and make the best of what were the times they lived in.

It’s not often that we are treated to such a beautifully, classy piece of drama. TV today is not for the faint of heart.

So I will miss this show tremendously.  I do, however,  hold out hope that I am treated to something again, as visually lovely and well done, in my ever advancing  lifetime!

Sunday night I’ll raise a glass and watch the finale.

BRAVO, and well done Julian Fellowes, et al, and thank you for making a tough Winter a bit easier.

Better late to the party than never!

Have a lovely week, and find your escape~

 

❤️EVERYDAY IS VALENTINES DAY~

Can it be that another Valentine’s Day is almost here???

How time flies when you’re having fun!

In my house, we have a motto that “everyday is Valentine’s Day”. We don’t wait for special occasions to say “I love you”, or to do something nice for one another. Why let the advertisers dictate when you should pay attention to your partner, when, with a little effort, you can do it all year long? It’s the little things that matter. The things that mean more than a dozen roses ever could.  The gestures, the kind word, or the quiet support. Having one another’s back. Those are the things that cement a relationship.

HOWEVER…we DO like treats! So what better day to gift the one you love than on the day of love. Forget flowers on Valentine’s Day.  So unoriginal, so easy.

Here are some things that would surely please your mate on Valentines Day…

Tickets to a romantic show, like this one, would be GREAT paired with a nice dinner, or after show cocktail and dessert at a lovely bistro.

Remember these two?

The FABULOUS Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neil of “Love Story” fame have teamed up again after decades to bring a poignant joy to this long standing romantic play. The reviews are great! Check to see if it’s coming near you. Perfect Valentines Day gift if you were touched by Oliver and Jennie, back in the day.❤️

Next, for the coffee lover in your life, and you all have one, this is some of the best coffee I’ve ever had. Black Bear Roasting Company in New Hampshire is a hidden jewel of a find. This mail order company delivers some outrageously good coffee beans straight to your door. You can buy it in half pound bags, or in bulk, and the selection is great. Trust me on this one…the quality and taste of this coffee will knock your socks off. The service is terrific and the price is comparable to a Starbucks bag…… But SO MUCH BETTER!

My favorite is this gorgeous blend, Country French. This rich, smooth blend is perfect for a weekend cup in bed with the papers…my idea of heaven!

Find it here… https://blackbearcoffee.com

I’m not a big jewelry gal….simple pieces, on occasion, and I’m good. But when I saw this Tiffany piece, I went MAD (for obvious reasons..😉) This will adorn my neck soon!❤️

At TIFFANY.com, your Queen will adore you❤️👸

If you still don’t know what to get your honey, friend, dog, child, etc, here are more ideas from last Valentine’s Day…

Crown Worthy Valentines Gifts ~

Finally, while Valentines Day is the day of love, never forget that the most important person to love is yourself. If you can’t figure out how to love and honor yourself, you can never learn how to really love and honor another. Put yourself at the top of that list!

Have a lovely Valentines Day❤️~

 

 

FINALLY, A DIET THAT WORKS!🙏❤️

I never really struggled with weight before.

When I turn fifty, I thought I needed a “tune up”, so I lost 22 pounds, simply by cranking UP the excercise and cutting DOWN on the food. Nothing fancy, easy peasy, it took 12 weeks.

Enter the Big M.

Menopause, when I finally went through it a 57, Kicked.My.Ass.

It seemed like I was gaining two pounds a week😩🔫.!!!

By Christmas, I had exceeded my 9 month pregnant weight, and I’m 5’2!!!! My hips and knees had been aching for months, my blood pressure was creeping up, and for the first time in my life, my cholesterol was high. I don’t eat much meat, fried food or dairy, as I prefer seafood, veggies and fruit, so that will tells you how compromised my metabolism had become. Puberty in reverse!

Desperate time called for desperate measures…..
and that’s when an angel appeared. My friend Jackie, a foodie who works on a national cooking show, came to the local coffee shop for the first time in months looking GREAT! Her skin was glowing, and she looked svelte. I asked her what she was doing, and she told me about the Fast Metabolism Diet.

 

This diet, by nutritionist Haley Pomeroy, has already changed my life in 25 short days.

Be warned, it’s not easy to follow, and there is sacrifice involved…..

The list of “no’s” would kill a lesser woman, but as I said, desperate times….
No alcohol
No sugar
No wheat
No dairy
No artificial sweeteners (I’m a Sweet and Lo addict!)
No processed foods
And the biggest sacrifice…. NO CAFFEINE! Not even DECAF! 😩😱☕️

And if that’s not bad enough, you have to drink HALF your weight in ounces of water each day!
I think I now know every restroom location North of Boston!

After I got over the initial shock, I decided to take the plunge, and on January 1st, I jumped on with both feet.

By the end of day on, I was experiencing a withdrawal headache. By day two, I was a sick as I’ve been in years, seriously withdrawing from sugar, alcohol, caffeine and saccharin . I will never forget how I felt, and I now have a new respect for what I put in my body, and how it effects me.

But I soldiered on, and a funny thing happened. The needle on the scale started dropping….and dropping…and dropping!

With three days left (it’s a 28 day program), I’ve lost 15 pounds so far, and the best part is, I’ve lost ALL MY FOOD CRAVINGS, and I’m NEVER HUNGRY! I also no longer have ANY of the aches or pains from my hips and knees that have plagued me for two years!!

All this is 26 days!

Can I get an AMEN!!!!!

The diet is not easy to follow. The week is broken down into three phases, and in each phase you eat different types of food. Two days of carbs, two days of all protein, and three days of good fats like hummus, avocado, eggs and curry! The food is tasty, depending on how you prepare it. Unlimited veggies, all real food, no calorie counting, no stress.

You are switching phases every two days, so it’s kind of hard to keep up with, but what it essentially does is confuse your metabolism. By doing that, it resets itself, and because you are eating fruits, veggies, lean protein and whole grains, as organic as you can find, you are always providing high quality nourishment for your body, and it pays off. No fake diet food, no dangerous pills, just food that we were designed to eat and thrive on.

I feel great now and am sleeping better as well.

Also, if I haven’t sold you already, the more weight you have to loose, the more food you must eat!!

When this phase ends on Thursday, I intend to treat myself for a few days. There is a blood orange martini out there with my name on it, and a pastry or two…..and maybe the Eggs Benedict with sweet potato hash from my favorite breakfast place.

But on Monday, I will get back on the horse and lose the last seven, maybe even by Valentines Day.
The author then suggests  you do a week of the diet once a month to keep your metabolism cranking. That’s a small price to pay for being healthy and enjoying food.

The is the find of the decade for me, and I enthusiastically give it five crowns!!!!!

Stay healthy and have a great week! I will raise a victory martini on the weekend and see you next week ~

#52SATURDAYS, AND RECOVERY REMEDY

Last week, I spent the better part in bed with Attack Of The Killer Bronchitis. 2016 hasn’t been kind in the health department! I’m soldiering on, however, and I’ve even lost 13 pounds on my supposedly health inducing diet. I’ll take it, but I don’t do well being sidelined with illness.
My Saturday photo day gave me a good excuse to get out of bed,go visit my salon, and my favorite “color whisperer”, the lovely Bridgette. I always feel better after, and got my Saturday shot to boot!

Spending so much time in bed has some benefit. I caught up on my reading, and finished “Boys in trees”, the veeeery interesting autobiography by Carly Simon. She and Sean Connery, who knew?

Turns out, Carly is a really good writer, and the bio is chock full of antidotes from the Seventies. From Sweet Baby James, to Warren, Paul and Linda, Mick, et al, it is an enjoyable read. Made me want to dig out my fringe vest and guitar….if I had a guitar!
See you Saturday. Who knows what I’ll capture then??

52 Saturdays#2

This challenge is tougher than I thought it would be!
52Saturdays, where I take one interesting picture that reflects my Saturday for the entire years.

I had big plans of going into Boston to get a great shot of the Public Gardens or Old Faneuil Hall, but I woke up to a dreary day, and wanted to continue my Downton Abbey binge more than anything else. So, like a crazy women, I ran around the house shooting anything and everything til I got what I needed.

I was looking to do something interesting with a shadow, and lo and behold, here it was.
Levitating peppers!
Due to the white ledge they were placed on, the shadow below and the shape of the pepper, this shot somehow managed to make them look as if they were floating in air!

Pleased was I!

Then, because I didn’t get “out there” like intended, I decided to take a pic of My Muse, Jesse, for the bonus points. (He’s using his “please put down the camera, get off your ass, and walk me!” face).

Have a fantastic week ahead! ~

IT’S BAAAACK!~

Winter in New England.

Since the days of the Pilgrim, we New Englanders have been enduring.

Mountains of snow with nowhere to put it, ice that never seems to melt, no matter how much salt you apply. A transit system built-in the 1800’s that can’t possibly withstand another winter, but does with break downs daily. Bone weary cold, gray days.

So we hunker down, find ways to be happy, and things to look forward to.

The Super Bowl is a huge event (even when our Beloved Patriots AREN’T in it, which isn’t often!)

Valentines Day is next, but that can be a “salt in the wound” day for those not in love.

Every Bostonian is Irish on St. Party’s Day, and next thing you know, it’s Opening Day at Fenway Paaak, and Marathon Monday! Spring returns, and we’ve stared down another winter, tough as we are.

We aren’t, however, immune to the damage winter does to our skin and hair.

The week the heat gets turned on inside is the week we start slathering…..oil, lotions, cream, moisture, moisture, moisture!

Here are a few things I CANNOT.SURVIVE.WITHOUT over the cruelest of seasons….

By my favorite hair product line of all time, Bumble and Bumble, this hairdressers oil has CHANGED my hair. (Especially now that I am growing out to grey, and grey hair is more brittle), this light weight oil is magic. Two drops, rubbed into your hair after shampoo, and your hair is shiny and healthy all winter, with no fly away static! It’s pricey at $37. a bottle, but it will be the only one you buy, lasting like, ever! They also have smaller sizes at Sephora, so check there, as well. I wrote about this in the oil last summer as well, but it’s so good it bears repeating..

http://www.bumbleandbumble.com/product/9358/23196/Products/HairdressersOil/hairdressers-invisible-oil/index.tmpl

Next, Josie Maran Argon Oil. An oil so light, it melts into your skin in minutes and stays put, offering protection from drying heat and bitter cold air. It’s so light you can use it alone, but I mix a drop into my moisturizer AND a drop into my foundation when I wear it. Within minutes, no oils sheen, just a nice supple look. REALLY good stuff as our skin ages and gets thinner. You can use it on your hair as well, but I like the Bumble Oil better.

http://www.sephora.com/100-percent-pure-argan-oil-P218700?skuId=112179

Next, from Rosebud Perfume Company, this little tub of salve, fairly tinted pink with light rose scent, can be used on your lips, elbows, knees and even your grandbabys bottom. It’s that pure, but oh so effective at eliminating dry chapped lips and skin. I keep several pots in my car, on my nightstand in all pockets and I honestly never have dry lips anymore.

Finally, if you have less than perfect skin, I urge you to try this next product.

Touché Éclat Blur Primer by Yves SaintLaurent was the years BIG FIND for me. Use it before putting on your makeup and you will wonder how you ever lived without it. It smoothes your skin to silk! Fills in the tiny lines, scars, etc, and unlike most blur creams, it actually has tiny teeny gold flecks that you almost can’t see. (If you look closely at my inadequate picture above, you can see the flecks.) But when you apply it to your face, you radiate like a Golden Goddess! Pure health in a bottle. Perfect if you’ve been on a long flight or had too much to drink, or BOTH!😉 Just massage it into your skin and wait for it to melt into liquid glow.

Also sold at Sephora, be prepared for sticker shock, and be prepared for it to be sold out!

Winter is here again, and we may as well make it brilliant.
Bundle up, get out there and have an amazing weekend ~

52 SATURDAYS~1

As mentioned previously, in 2016 I decided to challenge myself to take better pictures by joining the “52 Saturdays” Group.

The idea being that you set out consciously to get a great shot somewhere. Unlike “Picture Of The Day”, it can’t be a spontaneous shot, but a mindful excercise.

Full disclosure…the day before, I started a cleansing diet of no caffeine, sugar, alcohol or dairy.

I guess I underestimated how badly the caffeine withdrawal would be.

I started my day feeling a bit lousy at 6 AM, but needed to walk, so I thought I’d capture something in the overcast cemetery.

This little angel was quietly waiting for her close up on the chilly, snow capped morning….

As the walk dragged on, it became very clear to me that I was withdrawing from caffeine in a BIG way.

The walk was cut short, and crushing headache, nausea, etc. ensued.

I ended up in bed for the next 24 hours, binge watching Downton Abbey.
(Where have you BEEN all my life?)…..

So if my 1st of 52 Saturdays is to be honestly reflected, it’s this image….(the only one I could show without scaring you!)

Hopefully, that’s my quota for winter ills.
The good news is I’m down five pounds, but would take those pounds over how I felt yesterday, any day!

And a big THANK YOU, to my wing man, husband extraordinaire, for the care yesterday.

In sickness and in health, you’re the greatest❤️

Have a healthy week!~

BON ANNIVERSAIRE~

One year! It’s flown by!
Thank you so much for all the emails and kind words.
2016 is going to be gangbusters!
I promise interesting content, fabulousity, and lots of fun. ❤️
Thanks for stopping by, and see you in a few~

CHRISTMAS, MY WAY~

This year, The holiday season was off to a bad start. The list of “must do” and “must attend”  was getting longer than my arm. I found myself becoming cranky and annoyed as I started making the endless lists and circling dates.

“This is not how I want to spend my time”, I found myself thinking over and over….

What to do?

Then I had an epiphany….this is MY one and only life, and for decades I’ve being living it to satisfy the desires  of others. It’s time for me to design a Christmas that resembles one I would like to celebrate..

and off I went…

Instead of spending Sunday at the mall running around with sore feet and too many packages, I saw a Nordic Christmas concert advertised at a local Episcopalian church.

I’m not Episcopalian OR of Nordic Descent, but it was just lovely…!

Then I made a tough call….to pass up one side of the family’s semi-mandatory Christmas party to go to see my parents, one who is ailing, and treat them to a weekend of high tea, laughter and reminiscing.

Next, a small but pleasurable departure from the Season of Stress. Leaving a work obligation later than expected, I took the time to pull off the road and watch this….

.

The sights and lights!

A Christmas martini and a Sound Of Music singalong❤️

We even squeezed in an OUTSTANDING movie….The Big Short,

Onto Christmas Eve…

A lovely meal at a reputable Asian restaurant after a beautiful church service…where they opened the windows because it was 68 degrees! A FIRST for this fifty-seven year old!

Christmas was an elegant brunch of Brioche French Toast and Barefoot Contessa “Crack” Bacon. Crack, because you eat so much you will need bacon rehab. Here is the recipe….

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/caramelized-bacon.html

The day ended with my favorite drink by the fire…
 No stress, all JOY❤️  (And off tonite to see the movie, “JOY”, starring some of my favorite actors.)

New Years Eve next, then off to what I KNOW is going to be an extraordinary year….my way!

Have an authentic week ahead, and Happy New Year!

Make it YOURS~

2016, ANTICIPATION, ADVENTURE AND A SPACE OF MY OWN🙏

 

I’ve been thinking about 2016, an exciting year for sure.

My husband and I will be selling our big old house and downsizing. The best part is we have no idea where we are going, or what we are looking for…it’s a wide open plan we call “The Great Adventure!”

Unencumbered now by the housing needs of our sons, we can finally plant ourselves where we WANT to be, not where we NEED to be.

And I, for one, could not be more excited. Our Final Destination, after owning five places in four cities in thirty years, is all about US, and will reflect our taste, our needs, and who we are at this stage in our lives.

One thing I know for certain… having lived with four males for the past three decades, it’s MY turn. I plan on surrounding myself with beauty, nature, and my own space to create, think, nap, reflect and dream.

Here’s a perfect book I found recently. A photographer happened upon a growing women’s trend in England called “The Small Spaces Movement.”

 

 

Women are carving out space for themselves in the most unusual places! Sheds! Who knew??

It’s like going back to the playhouse or treehouse of your childhood, but with electricity and in some instances, gas and plumbing!

I’m doing this for sure! I’m thinking Shabby Chic Shed, and I’m having a “NO BOYS ALLOWED” sign made for the door.😉

Also, at the start of every new year,  I like to challenge myself to take better, more interesting pictures.

To achieve this, I commit to a photo of the day, month, etc. challenge.

Here’s my post about photo diaries from January…

Photographs and Memories ~ 2015

For the upcoming year, I’ve chosen “52 Saturdays”….the idea being to find something interesting to shoot every Saturday, no matter what, and edit and post it on a social media site for all to see.

I chose this project because for the past 25 years, I’ve worked Saturdays in one form or another, and decided this year to give myself the gift of that day off. So this challenge was a perfect fit for me.

I will be posting the photo here, on Flickr, and on Instagram, starting January 2nd. Watch for it. I promise it will be fun!

Have a lovely weekend, and get ready for 2016!~

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE A CROWN WORTHY CHRISTMAS ~

It’s started, whether you like it or not, the holiday shopping season.

Here are a few things I would love to see under MY tree😉

 

 

Feather light, like a warm, soft hug for your feet, cashmere socks are the ultimate luxury. Perfect to wear in your winter boots, these by Garnet Hill are the ones to buy. 100% cashmere, no blends here. Lovely colors, and while expensive, can you put a price on pure happiness??

http://www.garnethill.com/women-27s-cashmere-socks/117684

Next, moisture is your best friend in the harsh New England winters. Your skin needs it, and your nasal passages will thank you as well, for this next gift.

How cute is this portable, aroma diffusing, warm mist humidifier that glows with soft light in the dark?

By Aliexpress.com, at a $31. price point, it’s a great grab gift or stocking stuffer for your girlfriends, or a perfect addition to a chilly college dorm room. Buy two, one for your bed, one for your office..

The next little slice of Heaven is from UGGS.Com
Cozy yet practical, these shearling, fingerless gloves are indispensable. If you’re like me, and can’t take enough photos of the beauty in the chilly outdoors, OR if you are a teenage girl and glued to Tumbler/Tinder/IG/FB texting, tweeting, etc., etc., and on and on…😩 (look UP once in awhile…It’s a beautiful world!), I digress…..these are for you. You need to keep those busy hands warm, and what better way to do it than with these babies…UGGS really knows how to blend warmth and practicality with style. I love this color, but they come in five…pricey for $145, but then they are UGGS!!

 

Next, a great book filled with three of my favorite things…Hope, Optimism and FOOD!

“MY KITCHEN YEAR, 136 Recipes that SAVED MY LIFE”, by Ruth Reichl, is part memoir, part cookbook, (a twofer!)

Ruth was the longtime editor of Gourmet Magazine, loving her job and her life. When the magazine abruptly closed, she was unprepared and lost. Each day was a challenge to rebuild and redefine herself in her midlife, a daunting task. But with a lot of courage, and a KILLER repertoire of comforting recipes, Ruth put one step in front of the other and literally cooked her way to solid ground once again.

I loved her pluck, her spirit, and her recipe for three day short ribs !!! Crown Worthy accomplishment, this book and her comeback❤️

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-kitchen-year-ruth-reichl/1120998970

You need a good candle, or twelve, in the winter, and these are the best on planet Earth. I promise.  By Diptyque Paris, this Feu de Bois candle smells like a crackling fireplace in a country cottage…in the woods…with pine cones..and a glass of champagne…and your honey beside you….can you smell it now😉?? WWW.diptyqueparis.com

Not cheap, but very high quality burn and scent is indescribable. You just have to trust me.  $60. For a large candle, but much class expensive than buying a cottage in the woods!

Finally, grab your best girlfriends, and give them a gift that will last the Winter,(and help you survive the gloom!)
Plan one night a week, buy some good wine, make some delicious apps, and watch one or two episodes of this HILARIOUS comedy!

Easily the funniest show I’ve seen in a long time. A perfect “girls night in” show..(which also made my handsome husband laugh out loud, too many times to count), this is the story of two lifelong BFF’s who haven’t been able to count on the men in their lives, so they form their own little family when one gets pregnant. Played BRILLIANTLY by real life besties Jessica St. Clair and Lennon Parham, you would swear they don’t have a script. Supporting actor Keegan Michael-Key is the maniaclly  funny scene stealer, and ever-still-hunky, Kenny Loggins makes an appearance in the season two finale. (If you watch the series, you see this coming a mile away!)😆

Whoever and however you gift, find the beauty in life this season, and enjoy the magic.

Have a lovely, Crown Worthy weekend ~

THANKSGIVING, AND “THE BOOK”, TRADITIONS OLD AND NEW❤️

Twenty four years ago, I started a tradition on my favorite holiday, Thanksgiving.
Instead of going around the table, asking what my family and guests were thankful for, I made a rule…”if you don’t write it in the book, you don’t eat!”

At first, I was met with a lot of eyeball rolling and sighs . But I persevered. And can I tell you, 24 years later, my sons all remind me to make sure I dig out The Book for turkey day? We have to travel now for this holiday, and the rule has become “please don’t forget The Book!”

A simple few paragraphs written, (some years at gunpoint!) have become the most precious of family archives. Two of my sons could not even write when the book was new, and one not born yet. They would dictate as we wrote of their love, appreciation and a few Christmas requests thrown in for Santa.
Later came the crayon entries…then the teen years, creative writing and duct tape frames. Anagrams and angst slowly and tentatively became words mature and the sentiments, poignant.
We’ve lost some of the people in The Book, and some have come back to the family. Some are nearing the end, and we wonder “is this his last entry?” This makes it even more precious.
Someday, when I’m gone, I know The Book will be sitting on a table at my family’s feast.
I hope they remember that each year was beautiful, even the ridiculously hard ones…and oh, so very precious to me. And I hope they will always remember to take a few minutes to record their blessings….Because then they live forever.❤️

A new tradition, started last year, are these little delights…The Thanksgiving “Breakfast of Champions”, for we who have to get up very, very early and hit the road.  “Over the bridge, and through the woods, to Grandmother Jean’s house we go!”

Cinnamon buns, bacon feathers, candy corn beaks…that and a STRONG cup of Starbucks, and we can handle anything the Traffic Gods throw at us!

Have the most amazing Thanksgiving. And remember to tell the people around them how very much you love them…even if you must have a big glass of wine to do it! These are words I promise you will never regret saying..

👸 and don’t forget to set your scales back ten pounds!