Friday, January 12, 2018

A New Year to Nourish My Face, Accesorize the Fingers, Feed my Mind and Soul

✌☮☮☮☮☮FACE


Loreal Lumi Glotion-this new product by Loreal is a illuminating lotion for an all over glowing look.
It comes in 4 shades. Can be worn alone or under foundation. Compare to Chanel's Le Blanc illuminators. This is a mere $14.99. I like it!


Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream- This is a an Anti-aging moisturizer infused with Hyaluronic acid. It hydrates and softens the look of fine lines. Compare it to Chanel's Sublimage cream.  I use it morning and night. Olay is $29.95


Acure Organics Seriously Firming Facial Serum-Great for dry winter skin and sensitive skin. Don't use too much because it can be greasy. Apply to face and neck for great hydration. Love it. And it's only $16.99.


CeraVe Therapeutic Hand Cream-my hands and heals are cracking from the winter cold and constant washing. This hand cream really feels great and seems to be helping. $3.99.


Chanel Sublimage La Crème-This is supposedly the ultimate in skin care. It claims to restore your youthful appearance. I have been using this and I will say it is a lovely product, and very hydrating. However, it is highly fragranced which I find a bit worrisome for sensitive skin.  Is it worth all the hype and $400 bucks for the small jar? I think not.  Use the Olay!


Chanel Le Blanc base Lumiere-a multi-use illuminating base that minimizes appearance of pores. I apply a few dots of this with my foundation and use a sponge to meld. It gives a bit of a glow to your skin. I happen to like the Loreal lumi glotion better. The cost for Chanel-$48.00


Looking for a Fabulous Birthday Cake for young or old? Try the Pinata Explosion Cake at the Flour Shop in NYC.  A six layer explosion cake can cost between $150-$300. Check out the Cookies and Cream and the Unicorn Cakes too. flourshop.com


FINGER


I have just one recommendation: Check out Pomellato's new Iconica line. The wedding bands in gold, rose gold, and white gold and diamond are simply beautiful.  They come in different widths and are stackable or can be worn alone. The Pomellato Boutique is at 741 Madison Ave. NYC. Prices range from $2600-$6600.


MIND
   Books
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. This is a National Book Award Finalist. Story is a family epic touching on minorities and political disenfranchisement.  Very Relevant in today's milieu.


Anything is Possible by Elizabeth Strout. A continuation of My Name is Lucy Barton.


Lincoln in the Bardo-George Saunders's first novel. Mixed reviews: either the best book ever or a colossal disappointment. You be the judge.


My Absolute Darling by Gabriel Talent. A book about abuse. Supposedly beautifully written.


 Movies
The Post-Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks star in this Spielberg film about the timely story of the press's right to expose corruption.


The Disaster Artist-James Franco just won a Golden Globe for this true story  about the famous Hollywood Outsider Tommy Wiseau.  I can't find this in the theaters. Could it be on Netflix? 92% on Rotten Tomatoes.


The Commuter-Liam Neeson stars in this tense thriller on a commuter train. Only 62% on Rotten Tomatoes, so I'll see this one during the day without Jud.


 Television
Counterpart-Series premiere is January 21 on Starz. American Science Fiction Thriller with JK Simmons.


David Letterman's new show-On Netflix now. First interview is with President Obama. He exhibits  intelligence, balance, love for his wife and children, his mom and grandmother, and most of all love for this country. A joy to watch!


Lovesick- British sitcom about a 20 something who finds out he has chlamydia and must contact all his previous lovers to inform them. Cute. On Netflix.




SOUL
 Quotes I like:


"Of course exercise is essential for good health, But you can't outrun your fork!"  Dr. Scott Kahan


"Some of our best living is done by the people we leave behind."  Della Reese


"Each Family is unhappy in its own way."  Tolstoy


When Someone shows you who you are believe them, the first time. Not the 29th time. When someone shows you lack of integrity or dishonesty the first time, know this will be followed many many other times."    Maya Angelo


PEACE OUT



















Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Amongst A Sea OF Black Fury, A Fire Was Lit

On Sunday evening, the Golden Globes aired. Not much comment has been made on Seth Meyers performance, and in my opinion, he was perfection. He provided just the right balance of satire without being too over the top. Actually, I felt he should have had more air time. For my money, he's the best all around late night tv host.
Before I review the fashion, I have to ditto what the rest of the world was thinking- Oprah was inspiring and eloquent. (Trump should ask her to tutor him in oratory skills and vocabulary building.)This is someone who prepares, researches, and  practices speeches for days (not minutes) before she walks onto the stage. Her words expressed no divisiveness nor hate, and she made everyone feel that the future would be bright.
 Enough said-now some brief comments on the fashion of the night.


BEST DRESSED
  Jessica Biel-Beautiful Dior gown. Hair and Skin were magnificent. Perfect berry lip and smoky eye. Bulgari jewels (which were not my favorite).


  Alicia Vikander-While a bit chaste looking from the front, the Vuitton gown from the back was spectacular.


Claire Foy-Loved the Stella McCartney tuxedo.


Allison Janney-Dressed in Mario Dice (who?). Loved the dress detail. She looked amazing and her facial work is the best I have ever seen.


Halle Berry-WOW WOW WOW! At 51, this woman rocks it. Only she can get away with a black lace mini, and that face is beyond.


WORST DRESSED


Catherine Zeta Jones-Thought the Zuhair Murad gown was inappropriate for her age, the hair completely horrid, and I didn't like the Lorraine Schwartz earrings. Don't ask me why at 48, I didn't like this look for Catherine, but loved Halle Berry's short dress! 


Nicole Kidman-The high neckline and flutter sleeves didn't do it for me. Everyone's talking about her omission in her acceptance speech. She failed to mention the two adopted children she had with Cruise.


Christina Hendericks-She looked like she swallowed an elephant in the custom made Christian Siriano gown. So unflattering.....


Angelina Jolie-She always looks the same to me. Same gown, different year. Same hair, different year. The Versace gown was ill fitted and matronly. Jolie's looks like she could use some Zoloft.


Kate Hudson-Unflattering Valentino dress. Neckline too plunging. There was way to much side boobage. The headband was ridiculous! Like the Harry Winston necklace though!


Elizabeth Moss-Her performance in The Handmaid's Tale is truly exceptional. Her speech was one of the most powerful of the evening. But sue me, I really did not like this custom Dior dress on her. So unflattering - and so too, was her makeup and hair. That being said, she is one of the most amazing actresses of our time.


Emma Watson-couldn't get past those bad bangs. And the gown was pretty bad - a discarded Sally Field's Flying Nun costume.


FINAL THOUGHTS


Penelope Cruz looked sensational.
Jennifer Aniston's hair is way too blond and her face has too many fillers.
Giuliana Rancic's fake ponytail looked like it was procured from a horse's tail.
Hugh Jackman's wife looked like a drag queen (please forgive me).
Mariah Carey may very well be a man in drag (mea culpa again).
Dakota Johnson's Gucci gown was incredible. The back was AMAZING.
Sara Jessica Parker looked old. Remove the green eyeshadow and change your hair colorist.
Zoe Kravitz-simple, elegant, and oh my-those emerald earrings were the bomb!
Jessica Chastain-BEAUTIFUL!
Margot Robbie-every man's dream woman.
James Franco-he seemed reasonable normal at the globes. Where did his crazy go?

















Friday, December 22, 2017

Bams, Birds, Craks, Dots and Dragons-OH MY!

Well they said it couldn't be done! But here I am learning the game of Mah Jongg! I have a wonderful group of  women who teach and play the game with this loony beginner. They provide the patience and knowledge, and I provide the comic relief. Kudos to these special and fun women.
   I have also started reading again. Haven't had the desire or focus for a very long while. Just finished Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. It's a novel about race, class, and family dynamics. Although this came highly recommended, I wasn't wowed.
   Next on my list is: Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan.
                                  The Best of Us by Joyce Maynard
                                   Born a Crime by Trevor Noah
                                   A Walk in The Woods by Bill Bryson
  In addition to enriching my life with games and books, I recently went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art to see several fabulous exhibits. We loved the David Hockney exhibit which featured his paintings, drawings, photography, and renown jewel toned landscapes. It was amazing.
  Next we ventured over to the Michelangelo exhibit which is once in a lifetime opportunity. You really need several days to conquer all his works-it is overwhelming and impossible to cover in a day.
  While touring the museum, we saw beautiful Rodin sculptures including The Thinker (Think opening song of Dobie Gillis!). And before we left, I  was compelled to sneak a peek at the Leonardo to Matisse exhibit which I thoroughly enjoyed as well. This featured European artists from the Renaissance to early 20th Century. The art of da Vinci, Rembrandt, Seurat, Matisse, and many others were on display and breathtaking-Don't miss this exhibit. You will need several days to cover all of these exhibits. I  strongly recommend a weekday morning versus the weekend which has long lines of patrons waiting to get inside.
  Ok, so I have covered games, books, and museum exhibits.
  Now for my movie and television picks.
Recently I have seen Lady Bird, Three Billboards, and The Shape of Water. All three are exceptional movies that I strongly recommend.  Lady Bird is a coming of age movie with a home run directorial debut by Greta Gerwig. If you have daughters, this is a must see.  Three Billboards was one of the ten best movies I have ever seen. A bold statement, I know, but the acting was stellar. Woody Harrelson, Frances McDormand, and Sam Rockwell were mesmerizing to watch. I was sorry when this film ended. And Finally, The Shape of Water, starring Sally Hawkins, is a wonder to watch. She is nothing less than spectacular in this role. The cinematography is breathtaking-each frame a masterpiece. LOVED.
  Next on my list is: Star Wars (of course), Wonder Wheel which got horrid reviews; The Post; I, Tonya and Call Me By Your Name which is getting rave reviews. I know what I will be doing this weekend!
   On the telly, I finished the second season of The Crown which was very juicy and even better than the first season. You gain a lot of insight into His Royal Highness, Phillip and Queen Elizabeth. Well done!
   HBO's new series, SMILF is written beautifully. It's about a single mom trying to balance work, sex, childcare, etc. Rosie O'Donnell as Brigette's (Frankie Shaw-the creator) is perfection. Check it out-very worth it.
  Next on my list: The Hand Maid's Tale.


Wishing All of You a Very Happy and Healthy New Year-See you in 2018!

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

The Deflation of My Veins and the Inflation of My Tires

     So Far, August has been days of blood tests. The Allergist is retesting for shellfish and purple eye makeup, the Cardiologist is checking my cholesterol and sugar, and the internist is rechecking a number she thought was funky. In the meantime, my car has notified me that my tire pressure needs checking, inflating, and resetting. While my veins have been deflated, my tires are being inflated!
     The good news (I guess) is that my physicians come back with the same diagnosis when they enter the room to present my results. And to quote my many Doctors: "there is absolutely nothing wrong with you-you are just OLD!"  I still think of myself as 19, but apparently my body does not agree.
    Anyway, with my car tires back to normal and my body ready to chug along for many more years
(I hope), I have places to explore and new ideas to discuss. 


First off are the  NYC dessert places I need to try:
    Do'-cookie dough by the pint or mixed into ice cream or other desserts. 560 La Guardia Place.


    Wowfuls-made to order egg waffles shaped into a cone and filled with ice cream and toppings.
    309 E. Houston St.


     Stuffed-warmed glazed donuts stuffed with home made ice cream and dipped in toppings.
     They call them Cruffs. 139 1st Ave.


     Becky's Bites-small confections made of cream cheese or dips for you to use for bagels, fruit, and
     anything you think combines well with flavored cream cheese. 122 E. 7th St.


     Donut Plant-my all time favorite donuts. Rob a bank first. Each donut is about $4! So worth every
     bite. Try peanut butter and jelly, crème brulee, carrot cake,  white out  and every other flavor.
     Three locations. I like 379 Grand St.


For anyone who loves food, there is a website I just found called Food 52. It has great recipes, kitchen tools, food products, dishes and flatware, and it even has a wedding registry. I especially liked the French vintage green canning jars that I would use for my yogurt parfaits or overnight
oats. They sell for $44.


Next Topic is Gadgets.


Epson Workforce printer-this is a cartridge free printer which will work for 2 years without refilling
ink. It will print up to 11,000 pages of black ink and 8,500 pages of color. It is also wireless and will easily print from tablets and smart phones. Available at Best Buy. From $199.00.


HP Sprocket portable photo printer-instantly prints photos directly from your smartphone and is portable. It is about the size of a cell phone. You can add emojis, frames and more to your photos.
Available at Best Buy or Staples. From $129.


OK-you didn't think I would blog without discussing Movies, Television, Books and Makeup? Here we go!


Movies I have watched:


To the Bone-Lily Collins stars with Keanu Reeves in this movie about a girl who struggles with
anorexia. Netflix. Don't bother unless you are interested in this topic.


Drinking Buddies-rom com with Olivia Wilde and Anna Kendrick.  Just fair.  Netflix.


Save the Date-rom com with Lizzy Caplan and Alison Brie. Cute. Netflix.


Liberal Arts-30 year old has a crush on a 19 year old.  Josh Radnor from How I Met Your Mother.
Best of the 3 rom com's I described. Netflix


Dunkirk-Powerful WWII movie. In theaters now. Worth going.


Detroit-Very Powerful and Hard to watch movie about 1967 riots. Well done but painful to view. In
theaters now


Coming out August 11th-The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. Liked the book,
 so I am looking forward to watching Naomi Watts and Woody Harrelson in this flick.


Television I am Watching:


Younger-Sutton Foster returns posing as a 26 year old in the workplace. She's really 40 though.
Like this sit com. On TV Land


Suits-returns for another season. Fun to watch but not very realistic. Clothes are great!














   
 

Wednesday, July 12, 2017

Dog Days of Summer 2017

As all of you know, summer is my least favorite season. I hate the heat, the sun, the humidity, the scant clothing, the A/C bills,  one piece bathing suits (can't pee quickly), swimming, and my perpetual frizzy hair. I know I am in the minority with this opinion, but that's the way it goes. So no, I will never have a second home in Florida. Or, probably not down the shore either (but I must admit, I do love the family vacays in Spring Lake).
   This summer is seems to be going even slower for me.  So in the meantime, while my spouse sleeps soundly beside me, I stay awake nights binge watching television and during the days I often seek a cool, dark movie theater to immerse myself in, rather than a pool.
In recent months, these are the movies I have seen:


Norman-Richard Gere plays a New York fixer who knows people and makes things happen. 89% on
              rotten tomatoes. I liked this a lot!
The Dinner-Richard Gere again with Laura Linney. Two Couples meet for dinner to figure out how
                    cover up a crime their children committed. Great cast but a terrible movie. 51% on rotten
                    tomatoes.
Lovers-Tracy Letts and  Debra Winger star in this. A look at fidelity, infidelity, and an unexpected
             twist. I really liked this. 86% on rotten tomatoes.
Wakefield- Bryan Cranston and Jennifer Garner. A NYC attorney decides not to come home to his
                   wife and children. Instead, he hides in the garage attic for weeks examining his life.
                   Very interesting, and well done. I liked this a lot. 74% on rotten tomatoes.
The Big Sick-Ray Romano, Holly Hunter, and Kumali Nanjiani (who?) are the stars. A true story and
                      a fabulous rom/com. LOVED.  97% on rotten tomatoes.
Baby Driver-Ansel Elgort stars in this. First 30 minutes is the best opening scene in a movie since
                     Shattered with Tom Berenger. Soundtrack is Amazing! Not for most of my
                     contemporaries. Must love pop culture and music! Loved it! 96%.


Two movies I would like to see:


Maudie-Sally Hawkins and Ethan Cooke, Live in housekeeper falls in love with her employer, a fish
              monger. 91% rotten tomatoes.
Okja-Tilda Swinton. Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho's latest film about a genetically-modified pig.
          I am not kidding! Supposedly, amazing. In theaters but also available on Netflix. 85% on
          rotten tomatoes.


Television I have been (binge) watching:


The Crown- Netflix. The life of Queen Elizabeth II from the 1940's to modern times. Fabulous!


House of Cards-Netflix. Kevin Spacey & Robin Wright. Five seasons (15 episodes each season) of
                          political revenge, lies, and intrigue. Not sure if there will be a season 6.  So juicy!


Stranger Things-Netflix. A twelve year old boy goes missing and an investigation is launched.
                           Suspenseful and edgy.  Can't wait for October 27th-season 2 begins.


The Son- AMC. Pierce Brosnan stars in this family saga. Better than Dynasty and Dallas! Season 2
                will be in mid 2018. Watch it with your partner-both of you can enjoy this one.


Masters of None-Netflix. Aziz Ansari is Dev, an aspiring actor in love with a woman engaged to
                            another man. Watch season one and two to see if he ends up with Francesca.
                            The last scene gives you a hint, if you watch very closely.
                             Really funny sitcom-Ansari is super talented. Totally worth every minute.


Animal Kingdom-TNT. Ellen Barkin is the matriarch of this crime family with 4 sons and a grandson
                                       pulling off  "jobs". Think Tony Soprano in a female version. Now in the
                                       second season.  Liked the first season a lot, but not so sure about this season.
                                       Barkin is one bad ass though.


Ballers-HBO. "The Rock" stars as a former football player and now a financial planner. You all know
             how much I adore Dwayne Johnson.  A Fabulous series for sports fans. Very entertaining.
             Stay tuned for Season 3 on July 23rd.


I'm Dying Up Here-SHO. Although this is receiving good press, I hated it. I found it painful to watch.
                                Check it out if you dare. I couldn't get into it.


Great News-NBC, Another sitcom by Tina Fey about an up and coming news producer. I didn't like it
                    despite my friend's stellar recommendation. I don't like Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
                    either. Both bored me with their silliness.
                  
Two Shows I am gearing up to watch:


Genius-National Geographic. Geoffrey Rush Stars as Albert Einstein. Series is about his personal and
            professional struggles.


Gypsy-Netflix. Starring Naomi Watts. Psychological thriller about a therapist who becomes creepily
            involved in the lives of her clients. A lot of sex and bad behavior!


For all those sleepless nights, an aging lady needs some help looking refreshed in the a.m., so these are a few suggestions for a fresh dewy look:




 Shiseido Synchro skin glow luminizing fluid Foundation. $45.
 Urban Decay Naked Skin Highlighting Fluid. $28.
 Edward Bess Matte Artiste 8 Eye Shadow Palette-Always sold out everywhere! $75.
 L'Ore'al Paris Brow Stylist Kabuki blender. $12.99.
 Laura Geller Iconic Baked Sculpting Lipstick. Try Soho Nude. $21.
 Chanel Chance Hair Mist instead of for the body. Yummy. $55


Now that you are all dolled up, grab your mate and go for dinner:


Par 440-The new restaurant at East Orange Golf Course in Short Hills, NJ. 440 Parsonage Hill Rd.
Folklore Artisinal Taco-57 Harrison Ave. West Orange, N.J.
SLA Thai-38 Upper Montclair Plaza. Montclair, N.J.
El Matador-418 Broad Street. Bloomfield, N.J.
Wabi Sabi-407 Broad Street. Bloomfield, N.J.  Bone Broth, Sushi, Pork dumplings/peanut butter.
Jack's Seafood Shack-718 Bloomfield Ave. Montclair, N.J.
Bluff City BBQ-21 Midland Ave. Montclair, N.J.
Punto Rosso-6 Park St. Montclair, N.J. Gluten Free Italian-REALLY!
Chico's Mexican Grill-63 Speedwell Ave. Morris Plains, N. J.
Wegman's-opening in Hanover 7/23 and Montvale 7/24. Can't Wait!!


Enjoy August!! One b


           








                 

              
   

Monday, May 22, 2017

JUNE-IT STARTED WITH A KISS AND NOW IT IS 40/70 YEARS OF BLISS

June is a month of celebrations. We have High School and College Graduations, Anniversaries, and Father's Day. Jud and I are celebrating our 40th Anniversary! Happy Anniversary to my honey-I love our children, our grandchildren and the life we have created together. You are the Very Best. And, A very Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad who are celebrating 70 years together-You both show us everyday how to have a loving and lasting marriage. Wishing everyone much joy and happiness whatever you are celebrating. Now for my crazy lists-


MUST HAVES FOR SUMMER
Pineapple Sheets-White soft cotton sheet with golden foil pineapple embossments. Target. From $25.


Monogrammed Leather Weekend Bags or Totes-Madewell. $150 and up.


Flower Print Sling Back Pumps-Perfect with jeans or a LBD. Nicholas Kirkwood Leda Cutout $295,


J Lo Nude Lipstick- When less is more-the creamiest lipstick ever.#370 for $9 at Ulta or CVS.


The Song of The Five Chicks Weekender Bag-Large duffel sized bag for beach or weekend away.
Cool Ticking lining and two side pockets. CTW Home Collection. $59.


A Great Pair of Earrings-Bavna or Arthur Marder have beautiful options. $$-$$$$


FATHER'S DAY GIFT IDEAS
Matching Swimsuits-for Dad, the children, and Grandpas-Vineyard Vines. $55-$90.


Personalized Golf Balls-pick your number, initials, etc. At your local pro shop or golfworks.com.


Bombas Socks-Dress, Ankle, Calf in solids and prints. 20% off first purchase. For every pair purchased, they will donate one pair.  A nice way to give back!


For the Man under 5'6'' - Peter Manning makes shirts with shorter sleeves, pants that don't need hems, etc. No more paying to have your long sleeve shirt altered! 933 Broadway, NYC.


FOOD NEWS
Dunkin' Donuts now has frozen coffee for the summer! Beware the calorie count is ridiculous.


Verona, N.J.-Aroy The Thai Elephant and Thai Cream(ice cream) is opening in the old Di Paolo
Bakery. Hopefully, a delicious thai option in our area.


Summit, N.J.-Piattino and Summit House are fairly new additions to the town. 67 Union Place and 395 Springfield Ave. Both accept reservations on open table.


Madison, N.J.-Il Goccino Ristorante is fairly new, and a BYO Italian restaurant. 33 Main Street.


Montclair, N.J.-The Crosby. Gastropub with 40 beers on tap. Casual American Fare. If you are over 50 and not adventurous, go on a weeknight. This is crazy busy, loud, and very young-especially after 8pm.


TELEVISION
Shout out to my kids who bought me apple tv and hooked it up. Just in time for the summer reruns- nothing for me to watch on regular tv during the summer. HELLO NETFLIX-I love it!! Up all night having a ball. Thanks for the greatest present EVER!


David Brent-Ricky Gervais is a traveling salesman 12 years after the office aired. He is funny-the movie is just fair. Netflix


Masters of None-Comic Aziz Ansari is hysterical in this comedy. Watch 1st episode of season one and then decide.  Very Funny writing. Netflix


Thirteen Reasons Why-based on a novel by Jay Asher, about teen suicide. A controversial series and frankly, I strongly disliked every second of it. Watch at your own discretion, Netflix


Grace and Frankie-two women move in together after they find out their husbands have fallen in love with each other. Starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, and Sam Waterson.  Great cast and a joy to watch.


Stranger Things-This will be my next binge watch. Rotten Tomatoes gives it 95%! Wynona Rider stars. Netflix


Wizard of Lies-Robert DeNiro and Michelle Pfeiffer as Bernie and Ruth Madoff. A sympathetic look at the sons and wife of Madoff.  Just fair. HBO


NEXT BOOK ON MY TO READ LIST
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie-A coming of age story about race and identity. The author won the 2013 National Book Circle Award for Half of a Yellow Sun.


Enjoy your summer!










                                                                          

Monday, May 1, 2017

MAY DAY MUSINGS

Finally, Spring is here! Let's talk restaurants, books, shows, gifts, medical stories, and events.


Shows
Dear Evan Hansen-There is no better performance on Broadway than Ben Platt's. The show is spectacular. The music and actors are amazing.


Come From Away-I haven't seen it, but have upcoming tickets. Supposedly, a very good show.


Hello Dolly-a tough ticket. How can you go wrong with Bette Midler and David Hyde Pierce?
It's got to be great fun.


Books
Since We Fell-by Dennis Lehane. Psychological thriller.
Prince Charles-by Sally Bedell Smith. About his loves, life, and convictions.
Men Without Women-by Haruki Murakami. Seven stories focusing on theme of isolation.
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness-by Arundhati Roy. The plot revolves around several "mad souls".
Mother Land-by Paul Theroux. Cape Cod family and their controlling Matriarch.
Into the Water-by Paula Hawkins. Teenage girl and a single mother  found dead weeks apart. Thriller.




Upcoming Movies
The Circle-In theaters now. Starring Tom Hanks. Book by one of my favorite authors, Dave Eggers.
An anti tech movie. Hasn't gotten great reviews. But I like Hanks, so I'll go.


The Lovers-Debra Winger and Tracy Letts star. About a loveless marriage and the affairs they have.


Norman-Starring Richard Gere and Steve Buscemi. In theaters now. About a New York Fixer. It's gotten great reviews. And Gere is so easy on the eyes!


The Dinner-also starring Richard Gere with Laura Linney. Thriller film about two couples. Sounds very interesting.




New York Restaurants I want to try
Augustine-5 Beekman St. Keith McNally's new high end Brasserie in the Beekman Hotel.
Cherche Midi-282 Bowery. Another Keith McNally spot. Bistro food-steaks, salads, fish.
Lalito-104 Bayard Street. Californian Mexican in Chinatown.
Empellon-230 W. 4th Street. Mexican brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Cosme-35 E. 21st St. Upscale Mexican in Flatiron.
Atla-372 Lafayette St. Another all day Mexican eatery by Chef Enrique Olvera.
ABCV-38 East 19th St. a Vegan Jean George restaurant in ABC building. Tough reservation!
Charles Prime Rib-4 Charles St. New steakhouse by Brendan Sodikoff from Chicago.
Greenwich Steakhouse-62 Greenwich Ave. From Smith and Wolensky , Victor Chavez opens here.
Chumley's-86 Bedford St. American menu. Limited choices. Upscale speakeasy.
Union Square-now located at 10th and Park Ave. Danny Meyer makes several menu changes.
La Sirena-88 9th Ave. Mario Batali's newest spot. Good food, beautiful outside seating.




Happening Now/Upcoming Events
Montclair, NJ Film Festival-May1-May6. Call 973-783-6435 for tickets and times.
Madison Square Eats-Sat. May 13. 5th Ave between 25th and 26th. Food Venders for all palettes.
Women of the World Festival-May 4-7. wowapollo.com. Power of women from around the world.




Gifts for the Upcoming Grads, Mother's Day, Birthdays, etc.
The Instant Digital Camera-$100 by Poloroid. Picture taken and printed in your hands in seconds.
Sudio Vasa Bla Earbuds-$73.99. Bluetooth connection. White, black, pink, rosegold.
Skullcandy Hesh 2-$59.99. Over the ear cushioned headphones. Nice sound for the value.
Nimuno's Lego Tape-for the grandkids. Not available in stores yet, but online. Adhesive tape that sticks on surfaces and you can build out from the tape. Put it on windows, furniture, refrigerators, etc.
Removes easily and can use again and again. Many color options.
Madewell-$45-$200. Madewell makes totes, belts, luggage tags, laptop covers, and clutches. They will monogram all of these items for a small fee. Perfect idea for grads or moms!
Jointile.com- $25-$130. Attach a tile to your phone, keys, backpack, luggage, etc. Never lose them
again. Perfect gift for almost anyone!


Medical News (one is great; two are VERY scary!)


DBS-stands for deep brain stimulation. This surgery often removes all symptoms of Parkinson's. It is also used for epilepsy, chronic pain, cluster headaches, and Obsessive Compulsive behavior. Leslye Stahl's husband has returned to a normal life of walking, writing, and moving normally after this procedure was recently performed on him for his Parkinson's symptoms. 


Rat Lungworm Disease-Nightly news recently reported this deadly parasite has been infecting people on the Big Island and Maui in Hawaii. The parasite is found in rodents (urine and feces) which pass it to snails, slugs, crabs, and other critters. Slugs live on lettuce, and fruits- you do the math... The disease can cause death or permanent disability to brain and spinal cord. Don't walk barefoot on the beaches! Bad ju ju!!


Deadly Superbug of Candida Auris-New Jersey has had 17 cases and New York 39. This is a drug
resistant fungus.  Causes swallowing difficulty and yeast like symptoms such as itching and burning.
CDC is not sure how to stop or contain this superbug as of now.


FINAL MUSING
On this day, May 1st, I have a fond memory of doing a Maypole dance during my grammar school years. For those of you who don't remember, or if you have no idea what I am talking about, the maypole is a tall wooden pole where multicolored ribbons are attached at the highest point. Each child takes the end of the ribbon nearest the ground and moves around the pole while weaving in and out. At the end of the dance, you have created a beautiful woven design. This was always a favorite day at school for me!