Here we are: Summertime and the livin' is easy. There is so much to do to stay active, if the weather permits. But from midnight until dawn, sleep is very overrated. So, instead, I catch up on shows and books. Many of these I haven't seen or read so this is basically just a list for those of you who may be interested.
MOVIES
Rocketman-Taron Egerton and Jamie Bell star in this amazing story of Elton John's life. Run!
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019
WELCOME ROSS EVAN!
It's taken me a while to write about my newest grandchild, Ross. This beautiful, precious, little boy was born on March 22nd. He is my fifth grandchild and the fourth boy! I am now surrounded by four very handsome boys and one exquisite princess!
Each and everyday with my grandchildren is a fun adventure. Everything they do gives me joy. I can be in the most foul mood, or in the most depressed state, or notice an ache in my body that came out of nowhere... And then - whoosh- I enter one of my daughter's homes and miraculously, every issue in my life fades away. A smile instantly appears on my face.
I have the invaluable fortune of living in close proximity to both of my children. And I have the extra bonus of having daughters and son in laws that basically have an "open door policy" when it comes to the grandparents visits. In fact, they welcome all of us, and gladly go off to shower, nap, cook, exercise, run errands, work, or just take a minute to regroup. They are thrilled to have a few minutes where another set of capable hands can watch the kids.
I have to say that I was not "that" daughter to my parents or my in laws. I wanted some advance notice and didn't want unannounced visitors. Also, my parents and in laws were not as interested, involved, or as capable as Jud and me. Yet, as a result of my own wishes, I now always call or text before going over. I don't want to take anyone or anything for granted, and I never want to be taken for granted. I am sure there are times when my daughters just want me to leave and they have had enough of Nonni, but they have never made me feel unwelcome. I want them to know that I respect them, their spouses and their lives and in return, I want to know they have the same respect for us.
I have told my friends that being a grandparent has infinitely changed my life for the better. I adore my children and love being their mom. But being a parent is stressful ALL the time (even now). You never stop worrying about their health, their happiness, their friends, their education, their issues, money, jobs, homes-all of it is a concern at various stages of life.
As a grandparent, you have the privilege of watching your children parent. And that is such a miraculous experience! It is an affirmation of the job we did in raising them. They are highly capable, smart, and ironically, often, exhibiting similarities in our parenting styles, And sometimes, they are not! But, however they choose to parent, they are truly GREAT at it! Thus, my reason for being a bit more relaxed about my grandchildren. My kids are crushing it...they have it all under control.
So Mr. Ross, I want to welcome you to a world where so many people already adore you! I know you will always be well taken care of, cherished, and loved. I wish for you a long, wonderful healthy life filled with lots of happiness, fun, curiosity, knowledge, and kindness. I, for one, will do my part to ensure that you will have awesome adventures with your Nonni. And, I promise Pops and I already LOVE YOU UP TO THE SKY AND BACK AGAIN AND AS WIDE AS THE OCEAN. You are a special blessing.
Nonni (AKA One B)
Each and everyday with my grandchildren is a fun adventure. Everything they do gives me joy. I can be in the most foul mood, or in the most depressed state, or notice an ache in my body that came out of nowhere... And then - whoosh- I enter one of my daughter's homes and miraculously, every issue in my life fades away. A smile instantly appears on my face.
I have the invaluable fortune of living in close proximity to both of my children. And I have the extra bonus of having daughters and son in laws that basically have an "open door policy" when it comes to the grandparents visits. In fact, they welcome all of us, and gladly go off to shower, nap, cook, exercise, run errands, work, or just take a minute to regroup. They are thrilled to have a few minutes where another set of capable hands can watch the kids.
I have to say that I was not "that" daughter to my parents or my in laws. I wanted some advance notice and didn't want unannounced visitors. Also, my parents and in laws were not as interested, involved, or as capable as Jud and me. Yet, as a result of my own wishes, I now always call or text before going over. I don't want to take anyone or anything for granted, and I never want to be taken for granted. I am sure there are times when my daughters just want me to leave and they have had enough of Nonni, but they have never made me feel unwelcome. I want them to know that I respect them, their spouses and their lives and in return, I want to know they have the same respect for us.
I have told my friends that being a grandparent has infinitely changed my life for the better. I adore my children and love being their mom. But being a parent is stressful ALL the time (even now). You never stop worrying about their health, their happiness, their friends, their education, their issues, money, jobs, homes-all of it is a concern at various stages of life.
As a grandparent, you have the privilege of watching your children parent. And that is such a miraculous experience! It is an affirmation of the job we did in raising them. They are highly capable, smart, and ironically, often, exhibiting similarities in our parenting styles, And sometimes, they are not! But, however they choose to parent, they are truly GREAT at it! Thus, my reason for being a bit more relaxed about my grandchildren. My kids are crushing it...they have it all under control.
So Mr. Ross, I want to welcome you to a world where so many people already adore you! I know you will always be well taken care of, cherished, and loved. I wish for you a long, wonderful healthy life filled with lots of happiness, fun, curiosity, knowledge, and kindness. I, for one, will do my part to ensure that you will have awesome adventures with your Nonni. And, I promise Pops and I already LOVE YOU UP TO THE SKY AND BACK AGAIN AND AS WIDE AS THE OCEAN. You are a special blessing.
Nonni (AKA One B)
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Spring Eludes Us and Summer Is Around The Corner
For those of us who are insomniacs, Summer reruns can cause havoc. There's absolutely nothing on television Monday through Sunday, so I scramble to watch all the recommendations I get throughout the year. It's a perfect season to binge watch, especially if the rain in the Northeast continues at the rate it has been coming. Occasionally, you might want to turn off the t.v. and read, go out to eat, or catch a movie. I will include those recommendations too.
TELEVISION
Ramy-Hulu. Ramy is the son of an Egyptian immigrant , living in New Jersey and navigating his life in a Muslim Community after 911. I loved this series. Well done.
Shtisel-Netflix. Ultra Orthodox family in Jerusalem and the trials and tribulations of their daily life.
Subtitles. Quite good.
The Night Manager-Amazon Prime. Based on John Le Carre's novel. Crime, intrique, sex. All good. Especially Tom Hiddleston, who is extremely easy on the eyes. (shout out to Barbara and Evan for suggesting this!)
Animal Kingdom-TNT. Season 4 begins May 28. Story about a crime family led by the matriarch, Ellen Barkin. I am into it, but not for everyone. A bit like the Sopranos, but less charm.
The Act-Hulu. Season one was based on the true story of a mom and her daughter, who has a barrage of medical issues. Patricia Arquette is super creepy as the mom. Joey King is sensational as her daughter. Beware-not an easy series to watch. Not for the squeamish.
Best Room Wins-Bravo. For all of you that love interior design, this is a fun show. Two designers are selected each week to design a room for their clients. Each week the host, Genevieve Gorder, different famous designers, and Whitney Robinson, Editor of ELLE Décor, get to judge who designed the better room. It's interesting, educational, and provides a fresh, new twist on boring home shows.
Dead to Me-Netflix. Christina Applegate stars as a recent widow and the woman she befriends at a grief support meeting. Intriguing.
Perpetual Grace-Epix. premiers on June 2. Starring Ben Kingsley. This about a mysterious grifter and a shady Pastor and his wife.
BOOKS
When Breath Becomes Air-by Paul Kalanithi. Idealist young neurosurgeon faced with cancer answers what makes life worth living.
Normal People-by Sally Rooney. Book of the Year. Coming of Age Love Story.
There's A Word For That-by Sloane Tanen. Dysfunctional aging celebrity and her opioid addicted husband deal with familial and societal obligations.
Trust Exercise-by Susan Choi. Supposedly, beautifully written novel that follows three stories of a group of theater students that attended a magnet school in the 80's.
What I Told My Daughter by Nina Tassler. A Collection of stories from highly accomplished women.
A Ladder To The Sky by John Boyne. Story about an author's manipulative path to literary stardom.
(shout out to Laurie)
MOVIES
Wine Country-Netflix. Saturday Night Live famed cast go on a girl's trip. Cute, Light, and good for a rainy night at home.
Beach Bum-Matthew McConaughey stars as Moondog. A fun loving druggy trying to finish his great American novel. Horrible (unless you are able to see it on demand) and you may think it's funny if you are stoned.
Yesterday-in theaters on June 28. A much awaited film about the Beatles. Interesting Cast.
Amazing Grace-singer Aretha Franklin Performs gospel at a Baptist Church in L.A. She is beyond fabulous.
Us-Jordan Peele's. Another haunting and scary movie that has you grabbing the person next to you. You have to enjoy this genre! And have a bucket of popcorn...
RESTAURANTS
Mandara-40 Clinton Ave. West Caldwell. Southern Italian.
Fauborg-544 Bloomfield Ave. French, Wine Cellar, Private rooms. Daniel Boulud alums. Coming soon.
Luna Stella-5 Highland Place Maplewood. Supposedly opening soon. Family Italian and liquor license. Owned by the chef of Lorena's.
Osteria Giotta-Midland Ave. Montclair. Former owner reopening in same location. Delicious Italian. Hopefully, opening soon. BYO.
Allegro-58 Kossuth St. Newark. Seafood, Paella, Music, Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Casa Vasca-141 Elm St. Newark. Delicious Shrimp, and other seafood. Try the garlic shrimp.
Café Espresso Italia-Newark. All the cops come here for lunch. A local favorite. Get there before noon and order their subs. There's a line out the door. Nothing extraordinary, but fresh and prepared by 3 cute, little, old women.
With Pro Choice and Roe vs. Wade being challenged; tariffs about to make the prices of our food, appliances, etc. go through the roof; Boeing lying to the public; another threat of imminent war with Iran; and North Korea firing short range missiles: WE NEED DISTRACTIONS! So go read, watch television and go out to eat and drink!
To quote lyrics of one of my favorite songs by the New Radicals (who??!)
"But when the night is falling
You cannot find the light
You feel your dreams are dying
HOLD TIGHT
The world is GONNA pull through
Don't give up
You've got a reason to live
Can't forget...."
PEACE OUT-ONE B
TELEVISION
Ramy-Hulu. Ramy is the son of an Egyptian immigrant , living in New Jersey and navigating his life in a Muslim Community after 911. I loved this series. Well done.
Shtisel-Netflix. Ultra Orthodox family in Jerusalem and the trials and tribulations of their daily life.
Subtitles. Quite good.
The Night Manager-Amazon Prime. Based on John Le Carre's novel. Crime, intrique, sex. All good. Especially Tom Hiddleston, who is extremely easy on the eyes. (shout out to Barbara and Evan for suggesting this!)
Animal Kingdom-TNT. Season 4 begins May 28. Story about a crime family led by the matriarch, Ellen Barkin. I am into it, but not for everyone. A bit like the Sopranos, but less charm.
The Act-Hulu. Season one was based on the true story of a mom and her daughter, who has a barrage of medical issues. Patricia Arquette is super creepy as the mom. Joey King is sensational as her daughter. Beware-not an easy series to watch. Not for the squeamish.
Best Room Wins-Bravo. For all of you that love interior design, this is a fun show. Two designers are selected each week to design a room for their clients. Each week the host, Genevieve Gorder, different famous designers, and Whitney Robinson, Editor of ELLE Décor, get to judge who designed the better room. It's interesting, educational, and provides a fresh, new twist on boring home shows.
Dead to Me-Netflix. Christina Applegate stars as a recent widow and the woman she befriends at a grief support meeting. Intriguing.
Perpetual Grace-Epix. premiers on June 2. Starring Ben Kingsley. This about a mysterious grifter and a shady Pastor and his wife.
BOOKS
When Breath Becomes Air-by Paul Kalanithi. Idealist young neurosurgeon faced with cancer answers what makes life worth living.
Normal People-by Sally Rooney. Book of the Year. Coming of Age Love Story.
There's A Word For That-by Sloane Tanen. Dysfunctional aging celebrity and her opioid addicted husband deal with familial and societal obligations.
Trust Exercise-by Susan Choi. Supposedly, beautifully written novel that follows three stories of a group of theater students that attended a magnet school in the 80's.
What I Told My Daughter by Nina Tassler. A Collection of stories from highly accomplished women.
A Ladder To The Sky by John Boyne. Story about an author's manipulative path to literary stardom.
(shout out to Laurie)
MOVIES
Wine Country-Netflix. Saturday Night Live famed cast go on a girl's trip. Cute, Light, and good for a rainy night at home.
Beach Bum-Matthew McConaughey stars as Moondog. A fun loving druggy trying to finish his great American novel. Horrible (unless you are able to see it on demand) and you may think it's funny if you are stoned.
Yesterday-in theaters on June 28. A much awaited film about the Beatles. Interesting Cast.
Amazing Grace-singer Aretha Franklin Performs gospel at a Baptist Church in L.A. She is beyond fabulous.
Us-Jordan Peele's. Another haunting and scary movie that has you grabbing the person next to you. You have to enjoy this genre! And have a bucket of popcorn...
RESTAURANTS
Mandara-40 Clinton Ave. West Caldwell. Southern Italian.
Fauborg-544 Bloomfield Ave. French, Wine Cellar, Private rooms. Daniel Boulud alums. Coming soon.
Luna Stella-5 Highland Place Maplewood. Supposedly opening soon. Family Italian and liquor license. Owned by the chef of Lorena's.
Osteria Giotta-Midland Ave. Montclair. Former owner reopening in same location. Delicious Italian. Hopefully, opening soon. BYO.
Allegro-58 Kossuth St. Newark. Seafood, Paella, Music, Outdoor seating when weather permits.
Casa Vasca-141 Elm St. Newark. Delicious Shrimp, and other seafood. Try the garlic shrimp.
Café Espresso Italia-Newark. All the cops come here for lunch. A local favorite. Get there before noon and order their subs. There's a line out the door. Nothing extraordinary, but fresh and prepared by 3 cute, little, old women.
With Pro Choice and Roe vs. Wade being challenged; tariffs about to make the prices of our food, appliances, etc. go through the roof; Boeing lying to the public; another threat of imminent war with Iran; and North Korea firing short range missiles: WE NEED DISTRACTIONS! So go read, watch television and go out to eat and drink!
To quote lyrics of one of my favorite songs by the New Radicals (who??!)
"But when the night is falling
You cannot find the light
You feel your dreams are dying
HOLD TIGHT
The world is GONNA pull through
Don't give up
You've got a reason to live
Can't forget...."
PEACE OUT-ONE B
Friday, May 10, 2019
LIVE WHILE YOU LIVE MY FRIENDS
Currently I am dealing with the inevitable misfortune of ailing elderly parents. When not in Florida visiting with them and tending to their immediate needs, I am in New Jersey fielding calls and texts. Each day, all day, it is a barrage of communication from hospice, doctors, aides, case managers, social workers, and my parents. Major issues need attention and mediating from a distance is difficult and ineffective. My mother (who is quite ill in her own right) is presently the healthier spouse. Her only concern is keeping my father alive - it is actually quite selfish, but understandable after almost 72 years of wedded bliss. She denies him sedating medication even though it often helps quiet some of his ailments. What I repeatedly witness day after day is their glimmer of hope that they will get better. She and he are in total denial most of the time and then occasionally there is a fleeting moment of reality that this may actually be the end. During my many visits there while they sleep 90% of their lives away, I have had too much time to reflect upon life and death. Much of what I am about to say are quotes from the book The Unwinding of A Miracle by Julie Yip-Williams and from an article in The Atlantic by Ezekiel Emanuel. These two people have given me a clearer idea of what the end of life is like for both the parents and their children who sadly witness their decline.
"We all are obsessed with living a healthy lifestyle all in a valiant effort to cheat death and prolong life." And my parents HAVE cheated death and lived almost all of their 92 and 95 years enjoying great health, knowing intense love, socializing with many friends, savoring family, travel, and their early retirement in a beautiful warm climate. They have experienced what all of us can only hope for.
But, sadly, the harsh reality is that death awaits us all. Yes, and "death deprives us of experiences and milestones." My parents are blessed to have achieved many milestones, and they are no longer having experiences. Observing their current behavior and actions, I have come to understand that it is human nature to put up the good fight; to be eternally hopeful that we will feel better tomorrow, and to never give up. But, for them, at this juncture, it is not realistic.
My parents are no longer " living a vibrant life. They are alive but incapacitated. They are hostages in their own home. Sometimes living too long is also a loss. It renders many of us, if not disabled, then faltering and declining." To me, this is a state that is possibly worse than death.
I believe my parents " have a fear of being small, of becoming irrelevant and worst of all, being forgotten. That is why they continue to resist death. I also believe that "true inner strength does lie in facing death with peace and serenity. The truth is that death isn't the enemy but simply an inevitable part of life. I know that truth is very difficult for all of us to accept. But living a life with no quality transforms people. It changes the way people experience us, relate to us, and most of all remember us. I want to look back on my parents with all the happy memories and admiration for their lives well lived. I don't want to resent the constant phone calls. I don't want to feel angry and anxious. I feel helpless and I must admit, I am having great difficulty navigating this trying and complicated time. We all will go through or have gone through this stage with our parents, It isn't easy to balance my emotions and at the same time keep my parents safe and calm. It is a horrendous time for all of us.
So in the end, I want my parents to realize they have loved and certainly, have been loved. They should rejoice in the knowledge that they raised successful, kind and happy children. These children have now raised their own amazing, fabulous children. And now, those children are in the midst of their own rich lives and raising their little ones. They should take pleasure and solace in the fact that they had a large part in creating this incredible extended family.
So all my friends out there-LIVE WHILE YOU LIVE because there won't be a u-haul behind your coffin.....
"We all are obsessed with living a healthy lifestyle all in a valiant effort to cheat death and prolong life." And my parents HAVE cheated death and lived almost all of their 92 and 95 years enjoying great health, knowing intense love, socializing with many friends, savoring family, travel, and their early retirement in a beautiful warm climate. They have experienced what all of us can only hope for.
But, sadly, the harsh reality is that death awaits us all. Yes, and "death deprives us of experiences and milestones." My parents are blessed to have achieved many milestones, and they are no longer having experiences. Observing their current behavior and actions, I have come to understand that it is human nature to put up the good fight; to be eternally hopeful that we will feel better tomorrow, and to never give up. But, for them, at this juncture, it is not realistic.
My parents are no longer " living a vibrant life. They are alive but incapacitated. They are hostages in their own home. Sometimes living too long is also a loss. It renders many of us, if not disabled, then faltering and declining." To me, this is a state that is possibly worse than death.
I believe my parents " have a fear of being small, of becoming irrelevant and worst of all, being forgotten. That is why they continue to resist death. I also believe that "true inner strength does lie in facing death with peace and serenity. The truth is that death isn't the enemy but simply an inevitable part of life. I know that truth is very difficult for all of us to accept. But living a life with no quality transforms people. It changes the way people experience us, relate to us, and most of all remember us. I want to look back on my parents with all the happy memories and admiration for their lives well lived. I don't want to resent the constant phone calls. I don't want to feel angry and anxious. I feel helpless and I must admit, I am having great difficulty navigating this trying and complicated time. We all will go through or have gone through this stage with our parents, It isn't easy to balance my emotions and at the same time keep my parents safe and calm. It is a horrendous time for all of us.
So in the end, I want my parents to realize they have loved and certainly, have been loved. They should rejoice in the knowledge that they raised successful, kind and happy children. These children have now raised their own amazing, fabulous children. And now, those children are in the midst of their own rich lives and raising their little ones. They should take pleasure and solace in the fact that they had a large part in creating this incredible extended family.
So all my friends out there-LIVE WHILE YOU LIVE because there won't be a u-haul behind your coffin.....
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
A Few of My Favorite Things....
Spring is finally here. We are all cleaning out our closets, putting away our coats and boots, and soaking in some of the warmer temperatures. Lighter clothes, fun jewelry, lots of sunscreen, softer fragrances -just a great time of year! Check out my favorites.
TRENDING PRODUCTS FOR SPRING:
Jo Malone two palette solid fragrances-Layer on your skin with the dab of your fingertip. Pick 2 from 6 fragrance options. Layer your scent. $76 but sold out everywhere!
Good Behavior Hair-a heat protection blow out spray that creates the keratin smooth result. Available on Amazon or Ulta. $32, which is a tenth of the cost of your keratin treatment!
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic-Vitamin C serum that improves signs of aging and brightens skin. $165. Available at skinceuticals.com or dermstore.com. Great for getting your skin into that summer glow.
Lip Magnet by Armani-18 shades of flawless matte finish. Lasts for 8 hours and smudge proof. With your sheer makeup, go ahead and pop on some intense lip color. $38 and available at all major department stores.
Drew Barrymore's Flower Beauty line-try her Supernova Celestial skin elixir. $15.99 at Ulta.
Ela Rae Jewelry-I like all their beaded necklaces for Spring and Summer. I am partial to the Lori necklace which is made with iolite beads and a moonstone drop. 14k gold plated over sterling. 14 inch length with 2 inch extender. Starting at $88. Available on their website, Bloomies, or Nordstrom.
Ballet Bracelet by Asher Hoffman-flexible one carat diamond bangle in rose, yellow, or white gold. If you have a wrist smaller than 7 inches, contact them directly so that they can custom size yours. Go to balletbracelet.com or Asherhoffman.com. $1195.00 Love these!
Aura Bracelet-as seen on the Stephanie Gottleib website. The bracelet is made my Robert Demeglio, so you can see them on his website as well. Ceramic beads with 18k gold overlay in rose or yellow gold. Two bead sizes $348 OR $408 and three wrist sizes (S,M,L). Fabulous for summer!
Necklet- Gadget designed to let you layer and wear three necklaces at one time. This magnetic clasp comes in plated tarnish resistant white, rose, or yellow gold. Brilliant invention for those of us who love to wear several necklaces at different lengths and not have them tangle. $39.99 at Shopnecklet.com.
Exuviance Ha100 Microfiller-2 step serum and pads to target wrinkles while you sleep. $88 at Dermstore.com or Ulta.
TELEVISION-WHAT TO WATCH:
CBS at 7a.m.-My favorite way to start the morning is to watch CBS This Morning Eye Opener: Your
World in 90 Seconds. It gives me a great fast recap of the news. It's fabulous.
Black Monday-Sunday nights on Showtime. About the stock market crash. Don Cheadle, Andrew Rannells, and Regina Hall make this an absolute joy to watch. Finale is next week, but you can watch it on demand.
Smilf-Also Sunday nights on Showtime. Frankie Shaw and Rosie O'Donnell are superb in this show about a struggling single mother in South Boston. Shaw is brilliant-she writes, directs, and stars in this series. I have to admit that last season was a bit better than this season.
Better Things- On FX Thursdays@10 p.m. Pamela Adlon stars as Sam Fox, a single mom raising 3 daughters. She has no filter, is a working actor, and her crazy mom lives across the street. Enough said-it's hilarious. Just watch.
Shitt's Creek-On POP Wednesdays@10p.m.- A wealthy couple suddenly finds themselves broke and move to a small town where they own a motel. Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy, and Sarah Levy star along with Catherine O'Hara and Annie Murphy. Every scene is a delight and each cast member shines. Pure fun.
Spin-On Netflix. Full disclosure-I haven't watched yet. Plot is about a French President who is assassinated. Two spin doctors that were friends are now pitted against each other in a snap election. Highly recommended to me.
Billions-Sunday nights on Showtime. Loving this season. Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis finally co-conspire to conquer their enemies and succeed in their careers. Very interesting season so far.
You're the Worst-FXX Wednesdays@10pm. Two cranky people fall in love and show us marriage, fear, sex, and sometimes heartbreak. Sometimes Aya Cash who stars as Gretchen can be a bit annoying. Still I keep watching.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOKS I JUST FINISHED:
The Tournament- by Matthew Reilly. Historical fiction, a mystery, and a chess match during the 1500's. Not usually a fan of historical fiction, but I really liked this! Fast paced.
The Last Romantics-by Tara Conklin. The first book recommended by Jenna Bush for her new book club. Follows the Skinner family over the span of a century. It looks at family and sibling relationships and how they ebb and flow. Very good.
Speak No Evil-by Uzodinma Iweala. Well written book tells two stories 1)of a Harvard bound gay man dealing with coming out, and 2)his best friend, Meredith, dealing with her post college adjustment. Captivating and sad.
Next Book On Jenna Bush Hager's Book List; The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie Yip-Williams. I am going to get that tomorrow! Jenna is the new Oprah!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I just returned from Florida where my family was fortunate enough to celebrate my Dad's 95th Birthday. And I heard a quote that I will end with today:
"Aging is a luxury. If we are lucky we are all going to age!"
And Finally, a big shout out to my hubby who after 5 months is able to see just ONE of everything again. So thrilled for you! Two of me was too much to take...
PEACE OUT-ONE B
TRENDING PRODUCTS FOR SPRING:
Jo Malone two palette solid fragrances-Layer on your skin with the dab of your fingertip. Pick 2 from 6 fragrance options. Layer your scent. $76 but sold out everywhere!
Good Behavior Hair-a heat protection blow out spray that creates the keratin smooth result. Available on Amazon or Ulta. $32, which is a tenth of the cost of your keratin treatment!
Skinceuticals CE Ferulic-Vitamin C serum that improves signs of aging and brightens skin. $165. Available at skinceuticals.com or dermstore.com. Great for getting your skin into that summer glow.
Lip Magnet by Armani-18 shades of flawless matte finish. Lasts for 8 hours and smudge proof. With your sheer makeup, go ahead and pop on some intense lip color. $38 and available at all major department stores.
Drew Barrymore's Flower Beauty line-try her Supernova Celestial skin elixir. $15.99 at Ulta.
Ela Rae Jewelry-I like all their beaded necklaces for Spring and Summer. I am partial to the Lori necklace which is made with iolite beads and a moonstone drop. 14k gold plated over sterling. 14 inch length with 2 inch extender. Starting at $88. Available on their website, Bloomies, or Nordstrom.
Ballet Bracelet by Asher Hoffman-flexible one carat diamond bangle in rose, yellow, or white gold. If you have a wrist smaller than 7 inches, contact them directly so that they can custom size yours. Go to balletbracelet.com or Asherhoffman.com. $1195.00 Love these!
Aura Bracelet-as seen on the Stephanie Gottleib website. The bracelet is made my Robert Demeglio, so you can see them on his website as well. Ceramic beads with 18k gold overlay in rose or yellow gold. Two bead sizes $348 OR $408 and three wrist sizes (S,M,L). Fabulous for summer!
Necklet- Gadget designed to let you layer and wear three necklaces at one time. This magnetic clasp comes in plated tarnish resistant white, rose, or yellow gold. Brilliant invention for those of us who love to wear several necklaces at different lengths and not have them tangle. $39.99 at Shopnecklet.com.
Exuviance Ha100 Microfiller-2 step serum and pads to target wrinkles while you sleep. $88 at Dermstore.com or Ulta.
TELEVISION-WHAT TO WATCH:
CBS at 7a.m.-My favorite way to start the morning is to watch CBS This Morning Eye Opener: Your
World in 90 Seconds. It gives me a great fast recap of the news. It's fabulous.
Black Monday-Sunday nights on Showtime. About the stock market crash. Don Cheadle, Andrew Rannells, and Regina Hall make this an absolute joy to watch. Finale is next week, but you can watch it on demand.
Smilf-Also Sunday nights on Showtime. Frankie Shaw and Rosie O'Donnell are superb in this show about a struggling single mother in South Boston. Shaw is brilliant-she writes, directs, and stars in this series. I have to admit that last season was a bit better than this season.
Better Things- On FX Thursdays@10 p.m. Pamela Adlon stars as Sam Fox, a single mom raising 3 daughters. She has no filter, is a working actor, and her crazy mom lives across the street. Enough said-it's hilarious. Just watch.
Shitt's Creek-On POP Wednesdays@10p.m.- A wealthy couple suddenly finds themselves broke and move to a small town where they own a motel. Eugene Levy, Daniel Levy, and Sarah Levy star along with Catherine O'Hara and Annie Murphy. Every scene is a delight and each cast member shines. Pure fun.
Spin-On Netflix. Full disclosure-I haven't watched yet. Plot is about a French President who is assassinated. Two spin doctors that were friends are now pitted against each other in a snap election. Highly recommended to me.
Billions-Sunday nights on Showtime. Loving this season. Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis finally co-conspire to conquer their enemies and succeed in their careers. Very interesting season so far.
You're the Worst-FXX Wednesdays@10pm. Two cranky people fall in love and show us marriage, fear, sex, and sometimes heartbreak. Sometimes Aya Cash who stars as Gretchen can be a bit annoying. Still I keep watching.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOOKS I JUST FINISHED:
The Tournament- by Matthew Reilly. Historical fiction, a mystery, and a chess match during the 1500's. Not usually a fan of historical fiction, but I really liked this! Fast paced.
The Last Romantics-by Tara Conklin. The first book recommended by Jenna Bush for her new book club. Follows the Skinner family over the span of a century. It looks at family and sibling relationships and how they ebb and flow. Very good.
Speak No Evil-by Uzodinma Iweala. Well written book tells two stories 1)of a Harvard bound gay man dealing with coming out, and 2)his best friend, Meredith, dealing with her post college adjustment. Captivating and sad.
Next Book On Jenna Bush Hager's Book List; The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie Yip-Williams. I am going to get that tomorrow! Jenna is the new Oprah!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
So I just returned from Florida where my family was fortunate enough to celebrate my Dad's 95th Birthday. And I heard a quote that I will end with today:
"Aging is a luxury. If we are lucky we are all going to age!"
And Finally, a big shout out to my hubby who after 5 months is able to see just ONE of everything again. So thrilled for you! Two of me was too much to take...
PEACE OUT-ONE B
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)