Friday, January 20, 2012

My Baby Is Having A Baby!

     Several weeks ago, my first born and her husband, said they were driving out to N.J.(they don't own a car-they "zip" )  and wanted to stop by.  It is not the norm, especially the traveling by rental car and not the train. I don't know why, but I didn't suspect a thing. You should probably know that I am not a mom who ever delves into my kid's personal lives. All my friends always knew who their kids were dating, how serious their relationships were,  and once they were married, when and if they were trying to get pregnant, and how long they had been trying. I have never asked any of those questions. It's not that I don't care, because I really really do care. It's just that my daughters are strong, independent women who are not very forthright with personal information.  If they wanted me to know something or needed my advice, they would ask.  But, I did start noticing that my daughter wasn't starting the meal with a cocktail, OR she would reply when asked if she would like a glass of wine, " maybe later", OR she would order a drink and by the end of the meal it was untouched. OR by the end of the meal, her husband was feeling no pain because he would take one for the team ( he would drink hers and his!) So I had a sneaking suspicion, she might be trying to get pregnant or could be already.
     Lo and Behold-the reason for their rental car visit to New Jersey was to announce to us and my son-in-law's parents that they were expecting. I can't express the joy, excitement, and happiness both my husband and I felt at that moment!! Our baby was having her own baby. As a parent of daughters, you look forward to two things (besides hoping for high school, college and graduate school degrees!): 1)planning their weddings and 2) welcoming their children (your grandchildren) into this world.
I have been fortunate enough to have the wedding planning experiences for both my girls, I have been fortunate enough that they are married to, and  about to be marrying, amazing men.  So, the next order of business,  meeting my grandkids!
    I want to tell my daughter, that there is no greater feeling in this world, than the first time you hold your baby in your arms. Having children changes your lives forever, but only for the better. I was a very laid back kid, teen, and adult, UNTIL my children came along. My daughters don't believe that this hyperactive, organized, mom was ever anything but type A. But I was a hippie and truthfully, when your first is born, you do change.  You can't help worrying more. You  love your child more than anything in the whole world. You want everything to be all right all the time. You  don't want sickness, or unhappiness EVER. All we want as parents and now soon to be grandparents is for these precious beings to be happy, healthy, and successful for a very long time. We can't wait to meet this first grandchild. If she/he is anything like her/his spectacular parents, this is going to be one extraordinary person!
    

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Golden Globes

The Golden Globes this year were a total snooze. In fact, it seemed like it went on forever. This year there was not enough of Ricky Gervais and when he was on stage, he was far too tame. So I guess I will discuss what I enjoy most about the award shows, which is the fashion. Much has already been said about the best and worst dressed. At the risk of repeating what other commentators have reviewed, I will offer my opinions.
   BEST JEWELRY:
Glen Close's sappphire and diamond earrings were by far my favorite pick of the evening. The designer was Wilfredo Rosado.
Charleze Theron was wearing Vintage Cartier-the tiara and ring were off the hook.
Laura Linney was donning fabulous star design hanging earrings that looked like H. Stern.
Julianne Moore-her emerald tassle earrings were perfect for her skin and dress. She looked stunning.
   BEST BODY:
Elle McPherson-Elle reveals she works out everyday,and she totally looks it. I loved the dress.
Others debated her Zac Posen choice. I thought it worked and she rocked it. Perfect tailoring.
Jane Fonda-what is there to say? Although I didn't care for her dress, I thought she looked amazing. This is not a young woman, and she looked more beautiful than most of the young actresses.
Sofia Vergara-you can't leave her out of this category. She is every man's dream woman. Didn't like the dress, but who's looking at the dress?
   WORST DRESSED:
Michelle Williams-For me, she had the performance of the year. I hate to dis' her. But, the dress and headband were absolutely horrific. Needs a new stylist. She has a great body and is adorable-who is dressing this woman?
Jessica Biel-I thought her entire look didn't work. The lace Ellie Saab gown looked like she was a sister-wife, and her hair didn't help the situation.
Meryl Streep-How can you criticise Meryl? She is the most talented actress of our time. Yet,one has to wonder what she was thinking. Her hair was an uncombed  mess. There's nothing wrong with a sleek ponytail, but she looked like she just had sex with her husband. And that dress, was torture. She needs to step it up. Meryl, look for a better stylist. Better yet-GET a stylist.
Sara Michelle Geller- she was an epileptic seizure in blue.You could tell her daughter picked the gown out. It looked like her child fingerpainted on it at nursery school.
   BEST ALL AROUND LOOK:
Michelle Pfeiffer: She looked beautiful, timeless, and not botoxed. Her gown, hair, and earrings were a home run. Simple and beautiful. Not sure who she was wearing...
   BEST HAIR:
Reese Witherspoon: Her red dress was sensational, and her hair blown just the right "messy". Always like the way she looks.
   BEST MOVIE:
Comedy/musical-The Artist (I thought this was fabulous!!  I was scared it would bore me and I totally loved
every minute, especially the dog.
Drama-The Descendants. I did not think this was worthy of an award, nor did I think Clooney's performance was worthy of best actor award.

Friday, January 13, 2012

New Year's Resolutions

Why do you suppose so many people have trouble staying committed to making a change in their lives? Is it a lack of willpower, laziness and a lack of ambition, or is it actually a genetic factor? I can't really say. I am curious if there is a certain fortitude someone is born with or is it something you can develop?
   People make all types of promises to themselves: They are going to exercise everyday, they will stop smoking,  they will give up all white foods, lose 20 lbs, lessen their alcohol intake, get all A's next semester, try being nicer to others, stop wasting time at the office, volunteer somewhere and make a difference, pay more attention to their partners-have more sex, throw out the credit card, or spend more quality time with their children or grandchildren, be a nicer friend......the list goes on and on. Everyone has something they would like to change for the better.
    What I do know is that people often make excuses-lots of excuses. Until one puts themselves first, feels they are worthy, and REALLY wants to change, they will continue to fail. So here are some suggestions that may  help you succeed in 2012:
      1) Tell a few people who are close to you, what you want to change in your life and your plan. Now you are accountable to someone. Ask for their help.You can talk to them and they can try to keep you focused and positive. (Think Larry David and the hostess of a dinner party who told him under no circumstances should he allow her to eat the eclair!)
      2) Take responsibility for your own life. This is your issue, not anyone else's.
      3) It is never too late to make a change.
      4) It shouldn't be an all or nothing proposition. Start slow,make small changes, then gain momentum, and if you screw up, Start again. Do not beat yourself up.
      5) Plan ahead, but take it one day at a time. Set some small goals. And even more important, set some rewards. (Note-shopping should not be the reward if you want to pay off your credit card debt!)
      6) Stay with it-Perservere. This is the year you can keep your resolutions. Remember that you create your destiny and you can acheive whatever goal you set out to do.
      7) Put away your IPhone-there's no app for this!
 Good luck-this will be a great year-make that promise to yourselves AND keep it.
      

  
 
    

         
   
   
   

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Check out the following television shows

Unfortunately, I am an insomniac. I watch television all night and into the early morning. Lately, I have been enjoying an array of new offerings that are quite good.
  My first pick is CBS Early Morning News with Gayle King (Oprah's best bud), Erica Hill, and Charlie Rose. This totally trumps Matt and Anne(whom I cannot tolerate) on NBC, and George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts ( a total fluff show, in my humble opinion) on ABC. Charlie Rose is a great interviewer and this is finally something fresh and exciting to watch if you choose to switch the channel from Morning Joe and MSNBC. My prediction: the new CBS show will beat out all other morning shows in the ratings ( Fox news with Rosanne Scotto isn't worth discussing).
   Next is Californication on Showtime. Of course, all who know me,  also are aware that Californication is my absolute favorite show. The first episode was this past sunday and it did not disappoint. The opening episode is David Duchovny coming back to California from NYC after 2 years have passed. Every character in this series is compelling and so much fun to watch. Hank's daughter, Becca (my personal fav), has an obnoxious new beau,  who is a younger version of Hank. Charlie Runkle, Hank's best friend and manager, is "busy" (literally) conquering his 100th sex partner after his divorce.
And, Duchovny (Hank) is the bad boy everyone loves to love.Watch this show-it is worth the cost of Showtime!
   Right before the Californication slot,  is a new show with Don Cheedle and Kristin Bell called House Of Lies.  This,too, is worth a nod. However, I could do without the superflous freeze frames.
    On Bravo, there are two new developments that I have liked. The first being that at 11pm Andy Cohen hosts his late night show now 5 nights a week. He, alone, has made this network what it is. Although you may not go in for all the silly "Housewives" shows, he is the brains behind the success of Bravo.
   The other Bravo show that I am embarrased to say I love and watch is: It's a Brad Brad World. Brad Goreski, is the former stylist who worked with Rachel Zoe. There seems to be some bad blood having to do with his leaving Rachel's organization which he briefly addresses in the first episode. I especially like Brad's portrayal of the magazine editors at In Style and Details- it is spot on. This docudrama is pure fun. FYI -I don't think he is such a great sylist.
   Finally, check out my favorite primetime series-Modern Family, Parenthood, and  a show with Zoe Deshchanel, called "New Girl" written and produced by JJPhilbin. That's our beloved Regis Philbin's daughter. Deschanel is talented and endearing. Hopefully, viewers will tune in and it won't get cancelled.