Season's Eatings

Today is Cyber Monday, that totally tempting but also unnecessary holiday designed to make you online shop till your fingers drop. Or until you run out of money. (Whichever comes first.)

Of course, I love it.

Last year, I shared a bunch of small businesses I like, from clothing and shoes, to accessories and beauty. And all that stuff is still really cool.  But you know what?  

You can't eat it. 

I have it on good authority that sneakers taste terrible.

So this year, I thought I'd share some of my favorite foods that you can get delivered right to your doorstep, mostly thanks to the glorious Goldbelly, and also some shops that ship their stuff.

And don't get freaked out by ordering perishables online -- it usually comes overnight, packed in ice and whenever I've had an issue with shipping delays or spoilage, these companies always made it right.

Ok, so... merry, merry and mangia, mangia!

BEST CROISSANTS

Company Name: Williams Sonoma Galaxy Desserts

Founded: 1936 by Gabriel Pasquier in France, then 2012 in Richmond, CA

Eat This: Classic & Chocolate Croissants

Fun Fact: If you want to enjoy a taste of France in the morning, you'll need to plan ahead and let these croissants rise overnight so they will be fluffy and delicious. But right out of the oven, they're a real treat and waaay better than any other bake at home croissant I've ever had.  Bon appetit!

BEST CHEESECAKE

Company Name: Junior's 

Founded: 1950 by Harry Rosen in Brooklyn, NY

Eat This: Original NY Plain Cheesecake (but honestly they are all delicious) 

Fun Fact: This is my birthday cake every year -- I love NY-style cheesecake (not Italian, the ricotta makes it lumpy, but cream cheese makes this v creamy) and this one is the best. You can even find them in grocery stores, but it's not as good as getting it sent from NY.

BEST ITALIAN PASTRIES

Company Name: Ferrara's

Founded: 1892 by Enrico Scoppa and Antonio Ferrara in NYC

Eat This: Sfogliatella, Mini Cannolis & Rainbow Cookies

Fun Fact: My favorite stop whenever I went to the Feast of San Gennaro in Little Italy -- this is a taste of home that my fam has enjoyed for generations.

BEST PIES

Company Name: Southern Pie Company 

Founded: 2012 by Amanda Wilbanks in Gainesville, GA

Eat This: Mini Chicken Pot Pies, Pot Roast Pie & Taco Pie 

Fun Fact: Their sweet pies are good, but the savories are the best with a super flaky crust. They take a while to cook but are worth the wait and waaaay easier than making your own. 

BEST BAGELS

Company Name: Utopia Bagels

Founded: 1981 by Scott & Jesse Spellman in Queens, NY

Eat This: Sesame, Everything, Plain & Cinamon Raisin 

Fun Fact: The key to a great bagel is the water! There's nothing like what comes right out of a NYC tap. Crusty on the outside and fluffy on the inside, these are perfectly puffy, like a good bagel should be. (Note: whenever you see one with a hole in the middle that you can see through, throw it away -- it's a bagel not a donut!)

Honorable Mention: O'Bagel in Hoboken, NJ & Essa Bagel in NYC -- I've eaten their bagels warm from their shops and nothing is like that, but still their shipping is pretty good.

BEST PIZZA

Company Name: Umberto's

Founded: 1965 by Umberto Corteo in Long Island, NY

Eat This: Meatball & Pepperoni Grandma Pizza

Fun Fact: They invented the Grandma Pizza, a rectangular pie, like a Sicilian, but with a thin crust. NYC tapwater is key to great pizza too.  Pizza by mail is tough to do mostly bc the sauce gets dry, but this one was tasty.

Honorable Mention: Sally's Apizza in New Haven, CT and Lombardi's in NYC, where New Haven & NY-Style pizza were invented.

BEST CHEESESTEAK

Company Name: Pat's King of Steaks

Founded: 1930 by Pat and Harry Olivieri in Philadelphia, PA

Eat This: Pat's Original Philly Cheesesteak (literally the only thing they have)

Fun Fact: I've done the Pat's & Geno's taste test in Philly, they are right across the street from eachother, and Pat's is really the king. "Wit whiz" is the only way to go, and it holds up pretty well in shipping. You just have to eat it when it arrives, but that's pretty easy to do.

BEST LOBSTER ROLLS

Company Name: Hancock Gourmet Lobster Co.

Founded: 1946 by Hazel “Nana” Ellis Hancock in Ogunquit, ME

Eat This: Maine Lobster Roll Kit

Fun Fact: Lobstah rolls taste like summer and these were fresh and meaty -- get the whoopie pies too, if they have them.  The lobster mac & cheese and pot pies look pretty tasty too!

BEST POPCORN

Company Name: Garrett's

Founded: 1949 by the Garrett family in Chicago, IL

Eat This: Chicago Mix

Fun Fact: Their signature half caramel corn, half cheesy popcorn, is all delicious and the way to go. But don't just trust me, it was even Oprah's favorite, so you know it's got to be good.

BEST CHOCOLATE

Company Name: Bromilow's

Founded: 1958 in Woodland Park, NJ

Eat This: Milk Chocolate Covered Potato Chips

Fun Fact: Man, I miss this place. We've had these homemade, hand-dipped chips every year at Christmas for as long as I can remember and now we ship them to FL. You can smell the chocolate before you walk in the door of their West Caldwell shop near my hometown in Pine Brook. You really can't go wrong with any of their chocolates, but the chips are salty-sweet perfection.

So those are some of my fave eats, I think you'll like them too.  But really, no matter what you cook, bake or order, the most important thing on your holiday table isn't the food, it's the people around it.  

Hope you enjoy all the holidays have to offer -- merry happy everything!

Small Business Saturday

Back when I lived in Jersey, one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday afternoon was to drive to Target in Edgewater and go shopping. 

Did I need anything? 

No, not really. 

But it was such fun to browse the aisles with my ridiculously large red cart and load up! Where else can you get throw pillows, fuzzy socks, light bulbs, a birthday card, Pop Tarts, Q-Tips and a Starbucks Venti Passion Fruit Shaken Iced Tea Lemonade in 5 minutes flat? 

Of course, we have a Target nearby in Florida too -- and another brand new one on the way -- but these days, I don't really have the time for freewheelin' with my giant cart. 

So I shop online. A lot. Like, a lot a lot. This isn't really new. I've been doing it for decades. Honestly, I'm like a silent online shopping ninja -- in and out before you even know I'm there.  

One time, I shopped on so many sites so fast, Amex called because they thought a THIEF had my  card.  

Hi, my name is Jen. I buy loads of silly things I don't need. Quickly.

I do try, though, to practice some conscious consumerism in my sprees. So I support small businesses. Or businesses that make their products in the US. Or brands run by women. Or brands that give back to their communities. Kinda like Target! (Kidding -- although they do do that.)

Now that the holiday season is upon us, I thought I'd spread some Christmas cheer to the many small businesses across the country that had the courage to start up.  After the past few years, they could probably use some extra revenue in their stockings.  

Over the past year or so, I've shopped on these sites -- 24 in all -- and I've loved the loot I got. So save Santa a trip and check off your nice list in your jingle jammies...

Or, buy a whole bunch of stuff for yourself. 

I won't judge.

Aviator Nation

- Founded: 2006 in CA by Paige Mycoskie 

- Style: 70s surfer

- What I Got: 5-Stripe Hoodie in Navy

- Fun Fact: I learned about this brand from my 14 year old niece

Draper James

- Founded: 2015 in TN by Reese Witherspoon 

- Style: Southern belle

- What I Got: Crewneck Sweater in Pink Colorblock, 2 Headbands & a Scrunchie (!!)

- Fun Fact: Named in honor of her grandparents, Dorothea Draper & William James Witherspoon

Faherty

- Founded: 2013 in NY by Alex & Mike Faherty

- Style: Beachy good vibes

- What I Got: Throwback Sweater Hoodie in Varsity Blues

- Fun Fact: They partner with Native American artists to make authentic designs that benefit their communities

Firstport

- Founded: 2020 in CT by Dillon Milardo

- Style: College-inspired vintage

- What I Got: Nantucket Rugby Crewneck in Dark Denim

- Fun Fact: This looks so authentic that people will ask you about the team when you wear it -- be ready with a good story

Homage

- Founded: 2007 in OH by Ryan Vesler

- Style: Vintage varsity

- What I Got: Retro Yankees & Giants Tees

- Fun Fact: Their "Chief T-shirt Officer" started this company in his parents' basement

Kiel James Patrick

- Founded: 2008 in RI by Kiel and Sarah Patrick (though I hear that's not their real last name)

- Style: New England Ivy League prep

- What I Got: Lakeside Crewneck in Navy & Newport Tennis Club Tee

- Fun Fact: They'e been together since they were teenagers and taught themselves to sew

Saint + Sofia

- Founded: 2020 in London by Malcolm and Dessi Bell

- Style: Brit chic

- What I Got: Cotton Biker Jacket in Navy Stripe

- Fun Fact: All their clothes are made from natural or recycled fabrics

Summersalt

- Founded: 2017 in MO by Lori Coulter and Reshma Chattaram Chamberlin

- Style: Classic athleisure

- What I Got: The Softest French Terry Quarter Zip Pullover in Santorini & Midnight and Pullover in Midnight & Slate

- Fun Fact: They got Insta-famous over a one-shoulder one-piece swimsuit sensation

Vineyard Vines

- Founded: 1998 in MA by Shep & Ian Murray

- Style: Beach casual

- What I Got: Flag Whale & Beach Fireworks Tees

- Fun Fact: The brothers' smiling whale logo is meant to inspire customers to live the good life

Vuori

- Founded: 2015 in CA by Joe Kudla

- Style: Coastal Cali

- What I Got: Performance Joggers in Blue Quartz & Charcoal Heather (I have Navy too)

- Fun Fact: These might be the most comfortable pants I've ever owned

Wooden Ships

- Founded: 1992 in Bali by Paola Buendía

- Style: Instagrammable sweaters

- What I Got: Customizable Jersey Sweater in Loden and Pure Snow

- Fun Fact: Each sweater is made to order

AllBirds

- Founded: 2014 in CA by Tim Brown

- Style: Eco-friendly flats

- What I Got: Tree Breezers in Hazy Cocoa and Thrive Yellow (I have about 6 pairs total)

- Fun Fact: These shoes hug your foot like a sock

Rothy's

- Founded: 2016 in CA by Stephen Hawthornthwaite and Roth Martin

- Style: Classic comfort

- What I Got: The Flat in Indigo Zebra and Orchid (I have at least a dozen pairs)

- Fun Fact: These shoes are washable, made from recycled water bottles and are super comfy

SeaVees

- Founded: 2008 in CA by Steven Tiller

- Style: Retro casual

- What I Got: Balboa Court Shoe in Kelly Green (This is my 3rd pair)

- Fun Fact: Originally owned by Converse, this brand was shelved for 40 years then brought back to life

Superga

- Founded: 1911 in Italy by Walter Martiny

- Style: Euro sport

- What I Got: Platform Sneaker in White

- Fun Fact: This footwear brand has been around for over a century

BaubleBar

- Founded: 2011 in NY by Amy Jain and Daniella Yacobovsky

- Style: Trendy bling

- What I Got: Snowflake Studs, Twinkle Trees and Blanche Earrings

- Fun Fact: This company started as a class project when they were at Harvard Business School

Charm It

- Founded: 2000 in NY by Renee Levy Klarreich

- Style: Girly nostalgia

- What I Got: "Gold" Chain Bracelet and a whole bunch of Charms

- Fun Fact: Another business that began in her parents' garage

Claire V.

- Founded: 2008 in CA by Clare Vivier

- Style: French chic

- What I Got: Flat Leather Stripe Clutch & Foldover Clutch

- Fun Fact: They have a resale marketplace for their own clothing & handbags

Ink + Alloy

- Founded: 2016 in GA by Gretchen Hollingsworth

- Style: Modern bohemian

- What I Got: 10 Strand Stretch Beaded Bracelets in Rainbow, Hot Pink, Red + Blue & Colorblock

- Fun Fact: Their founder designed for Whole Foods, Urban Outfitters, West Elm, Crate and Barrel and Target

Love Is Project

- Founded: 2012 in Kenya by Chrissie Lam and her mom, Gladys

- Style: Lovingly handmade

- What I Got: The Original Love Bracelet in Red as a gift, the red beads represent bravery, strength, and unity

- Fun Fact: Women in the Maasai tribe make these beaded bracelets

Marleylilly

- Founded: 2010 in SC by Kelly Owens

- Style: Personalized sorority

- What I Got: Monogrammed Nantucket Bracelet Set in Navy & Mixed Bead Bracelet Set in Multi

- Fun Fact: This company was started by a crafty college grad on a monogram machine she bought off Ebay

Tuckernuck

- Founded: 2012 in by sisters Jocelyn and Maddie with their college friend, September

- Style: Curated classics

- What I Got: Momogrammed Green Embroidered Tennis Racquet Boat Tote

- Fun Fact: The company is named for a small island off the coast of Nantucket

Beautyhabit

- Founded: 1996 in CA by Teresa Mitchell

- Style: Luxe beauty

- What I Got: Child Perfume Roll On

- Fun Fact: I discovered this scent on a business trip to LA and always get complements on how it smells

Thrive Causemetics

- Founded: 2014 in CA by Karissa Bodnar

- Style: Beauty with a conscience

- What I Got: Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara in Brynn (Black)

- Fun Fact: All their products are vegan and cruelty-free and this makes your lashes look amazing

Just for fun, here's few new shops that have caught my eye, and might show up under my tree...

Frank & Eileen

The Last Line

Mrs. Alice

Rowing Blazers

Happy shopping and happy ho-ho-holidays to you!

The One Where Jen Turns 50

Today marks half a century in the rearview mirror. 

Wow.

For months, I've tried really hard to embrace this new decade. But like "fetch," it just isn't happening. 

Presents would make it better, right? So, I toyed with buying myself something fancy, like another designer handbag or a diamond tennis bracelet or a new car. 

Would these things bring me joy? Maybe for a little while.

Then, I got a crazy idea. 

I made a time capsule, overflowing with things I've adored through the decades. Each piece unlocked a merry memory -- Muppets and Barbies, Mad Libs and Legos, Puzzles and Pez, Gilmores and Friends. 

And I topped it all off with a DIY 5-tier "cake" full of my favorite candies. Pop Rocks, Nerds AND Whatchamacallits? 

I'm in heaven!

Now THESE things brought me joy. But what really warmed my heart was the flurry of flowers, balloons, chocolates, jewelry and sweet notes that my friends and family sent.

This birthday has been full of blessings. I'm one lucky girl.

I have to say, 50 doesn't really feel like I thought it would. In my mind, I'm 27. In my body, I'm 72! And on this big day, I feel like I should share the little lessons I've learned along the way... 

Here are 5 things I know:

The Golden Rule is as important today as it ever was. 
Treat others as you want to be treated. Move through this world with kindness and grace. It's really as simple as that.

Be generous with your time, money and attention.
I love pretty stuff, but what feeds my soul is time spent with my loved ones. There's never ever enough of that. Helping someone who needs it feels pretty great too. Or really being present in the moment, focused on what I'm doing or who I'm with -- unplugged and plugged in -- feels like a luxury I need to do more. 

Friends are about quality over quantity.
They say we have friends for a reason, for a season or for a lifetime. And nothing beats lifelong friends who knew you back when and love you no matter what.  I met my 5 best friends between the ages of 7 and 18, and we can not talk, text or see eachother for months, even years, and then pick right back up as if no time has passed at all, laughing at old memories and making new ones. That is a gift. 

Get comfortable in your own skin.
It's not about giving zero efs for what others think. It's about a confident belief in who YOU are. Owning your values, your likes, your quirks, your strengths and weaknesses. You can't force that process, you have to ease into it like a La-z-boy.

Everything happens for a reason.
We all know life is uncertain. Call it faith or karma or intuition, but I believe the universe sends you signs when you're on the right path, or the wrong one. So listen up.

And just like the birthday candles on my cheesecake, here's one more to grown on...

Don't sweat the small stuff.
Easier said than done, so I'll be working on it as I enter this new decade. I hope I'm off to a good start because I do find myself caring less about trivial things.  Like if you want to leave your Xmas decorations up all year long, knock yourself out! Or if you don't return your shopping cart to the store, so be it! (Just don't park near me.) Or if you put the toilet paper on the roll the wrong way... 

Nope, no. Actually, that still really bugs the crap out of me.

I guess some things don't change.

Okay, so maybe I'm making peace with this new decade. Now, the new problem with turning 50 is that 60 comes next!

Yikes. Good thing I have candy.

Celebs Turning 50

What do the Google co-founders, a vampire romance novelist, an intern with an infamous blue dress, a teen supercouple from 90210, a supermodel who coined the word "smize" and ME all have in common?

We were all born in 1973!

In my quest to embrace a new decade, I've decided to round up the celebrity cool cats who are in the same boat as me. In this case, Larry Page & Sergey Brin, Stephenie Meyer, Monica Lewinsky, Tori Spelling & Brian Austin Green and Tyra Banks -- and about 100 others.

Is that a spoonful of sugar to help this medicine go down? Yes.  

Is it working? No, no, not really. 

But I'll give it a try! So, here's a partial list of the legends, luminaries, top bananas, MVPs and wannabes who turn 50 this year...

Actresses

• January 31: Portia de Rossi, Ally McBeal
• February 15: Alex Borstein, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
• April 2: Roselyn Sanchez, Devious Maids
• April 8: Emma Caulfield, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
• April 11: Jennifer Esposito, Mistresses
• May 16: Tori Spelling, Beverly Hills 90210
• May 17: Sasha Alexander, Dawson's Creek
• June 21: Juliette Lewis, Cape Fear
• July 21: Ali Landry, Doritos Commercials
• July 23: Kathryn Hahn, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
• July 26: Kate Beckinsale, Serendipity
• August 6: Vera Farmiga, Bates Motel
• August 22: Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids
• September 7: Shannon Elizabeth, American Pie
• September 25: Bridget Wilson Sampras, Billy Madison
• October 3: Neve Campbell, Party of Five (& Scream)
• October 3: Keiko Agena, Gilmore Girls
• November 2: Marisol Nichols, Riverdale
• November 7: Yunjin Kim, Lost
• December 3: Holly Marie Combs

Actors

• February 25: Anson Mount, Crossroads
• March 24: Jim Parsons, The Big Bang Theory
• March 26: TR Knight, Gray's Anatomy
• April 3: Adam Scott, Parks & Rec (& Party Down)
• April 14: Adrien Brody, The Grand Budapest Hotel
• April 28: Jorge Garcia, Lost
• May 27: Jack McBrayer, 30 Rock
• June 1: Adam Garcia, Coyote Ugly
• June 15: Neil Patrick Harris, How I Met Your Mother
• June 16: Eddie Cibrian, Sunset Beach
• July 3: Patrick Wilson, Hard Candy
• July 15: Brian Austin Green, Beverly Hills 90210
• July 23: Omar Epps, Love & Basketball
• July 29: Stephen Dorff, Deuces Wild
• Sept 18: James Marsden, 27 Dresses (& Enchanted)
• November 26: Peter Facinelli, Twilight

Child Stars

• May 5: Tina Yothers, Family Ties
• August 1: Tempest Bledsoe, The Cosby Show
• October 9: Steve Burns, Blues Clues
• October 10: Mario Lopez, Saved by the Bell

Soap Stars

• February 7: Victor Webster, Days of Our Lives
• February 9: Colin Egglesfield, All My Children
• March 17: Amelia Heinle, Young & the Restless
• June 15: Greg Vaughan, General Hospital
• June 26: Rebecca Budig, All My Children

Reality Stars

• January 2: Will Kirby, Big Brother
• January 3: Jenni Pulos, Flipping Out
• January 23: Julie Oliver, The Real World NY
• June 22: Carson Daly, TRL & The Voice Host
• July 17: Tony Dovolani, Dancing with the Stars
• August 5: Reza Farahan, Shahs of Sunset
• August 17: David Bromstad, My Lottery Dream Home
• October 1: Alex McCord, Real Housewives of NY
• October 4: Jen Shah, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City
• October 26: Phaedra Parks, Real Housewives of Atlanta
• November 9: Nick Lachey, Love Is Blind Host
• November 12: Ethan Zohn, Survivor
• November 27: Samantha Harris, Dancing with the Stars Host

Broadway Stars

• February 2: Marissa Jaret Winokur, Hairspray
• November 19: Savion Glover, Bring in da Noise

Musicians

• March 30: DJ AM
• April 5: Pharrell Williams
• May 23: Maxwell
• June 10: Faith Evans
• June 26: Gretchen Wilson
• August 8: Scott Stapp, Creed
• August 22: Howie D, Backstreet Boys
• December 11: Mos Def

Magicians

• April 4: David Blaine

Supermodels

• March 12: Eva Herzigova
• May 25: Molly Simms
• June 1: Heidi Klum
• December 4: Tyra Banks
• December 5: Shalom Harlow

Comedians

• February 20: Andrea Savage
• June 30: Sebastian Maniscalco
• August 24: Dave Chapelle
• October 26: Seth MacFarlane
• December 28: Seth Myers

Athletes

• February 4: Oscar de la Hoya, Boxer
• February 28: Eric Lindros, NHL
• March 23: Jason Kidd, NBA
• July 23: Nomar Garciaparra, MLB
• October 6: Rebecca Lobo, WNBA
• November 5: Johnny Damon, MLB
• December 2: Monica Seles, Tennis
• December 7: Terrell Owens, NFL

Authors

• October 9: Simon Sinek, Start with Why
• December 24: Stephenie Meyer, Twilight

Newscasters

• February 6: Amy Robach, GMA
• April 1: Rachel Maddow, MSNBC
• August 30: Lisa Ling, CNN
• November 8: David Muir, World News Tonight

Newsmakers

• January 22: Larry Birkhead, Mr. Anna Nicole Smith
• July 23: Monica Lewinsky, Bill Clinton Intern
• September 5: Rose McGowan, Harvey Weinstein Whistleblower
• September 12: Tarana Burke, #MeToo Movement

Politicians

• March 20: Ronna McDaniel, RNC Chair
• July 16: Tim Ryan, OH Congress
• August 3: Chris Murphy, CT Congress
• October 1: Devin Nunes, CA Congress
• December 9: Stacey Abrams, GA Congress

Entrepreneurs

• February 10: Charlotte Tilbury, Cosmetics Founder
• March 26: Larry Page, Google Co-Founder
• July 28: Anne Wojcicki, 23 & Me Founder
• August 21: Sergey Brin, Google Co-Founder

So, I've got about 5 months left before I join this club. 

That's enough time to win an Oscar, Emmy, Tony & Grammy, play pro ball, publish a novel, learn magic, run for Congress, become a child actor AND a Real Housewife and invent something as great as Google, right?

Sure. But first, I'll take a nap and dream of a time when I was half as old and twice as cute!

See ya later...zzzzz.

Made in 73

Welp, it's finally here.  

The year I turn ffff..., fiiiii..., fiffffff...

Ugh just I can't say it.  

So I'll say this instead: The year I turn 25x2.

I've actually got 8 more months to come to terms with this cold, hard fact. To embrace it, even!

(Hold my hair: BARF.)

Suffice it to say, I've got a long way to go.

My journey to jumpstart this golden jubilee starts with a look back.  An appreciation post, if you will. Turns out, some pretty cool stuff happened in 1973! 

So, let's disco down to the time machine and check 'em out...

Cost of Living:

• The year I was born, the average family income was $12,900 and the minimum wage was $1.60 per hour
• A new house cost around $32,500 and the average monthly rent was $175
• Average college tuition at a public four-year school was $358 and $1,561 at a private school
• A gallon of gas averaged 39 cents
• A first-class stamp cost 8 cents
• In the grocery store, eggs were 69 cents a dozen, Oreos were 59 cents per package, peanut butter was 99 cents per jar and two rolls of toilet paper cost 14 cents

In the News:

• The US population was 211,908,788
• Nixon started his second term and the Watergate scandal dominated the front pages
• The landmark Roe v. Wade case on abortion rights was decided
• Paris Peace Accords were signed, effectively ending the Vietnam War
• The twin towers of the World Trade Center opened in NYC, becoming the tallest buildings in the world
• Skylab launched to become the world’s first successful space station
• The Endangered Species Act was passed
• For the first time in U.S. history, women were allowed to serve on juries in all 50 states
• A 6-day hostage drama inside a Swedish bank began the psychological phenomenon known as "Stockholm Syndrome"

Top Entertainment:

• The Godfather won Best Picture at the Academy Awards and Marlon Brando declined the award for Best Actor 
• Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut and Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach were bestselling books
• The Exorcist, American Graffiti & Charlotte's Web all opened in movie theaters
• All in the Family, The Waltons, Sanford and Son, M*A*S*H, Hawaii Five-O, Maude, Kojak, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour and The Mary Tyler Moore Show were the most popular shows on TV
• The Young & The Restless premiered as a new daytime soap opera
• Schoolhouse Rock! was born during Saturday morning cartoons
• Bette Midler won a Grammy for Best New Artist and Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly with His Song  swept Best Pop Female Vocal, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year
• Crocodile Rock by Elton John, You're So Vain by Carly Simon, You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder, Bad, Bad Leroy Brown by Jim Croce and We're An American Band by Grand Funk Railroad topped the music charts
• Hip hop was born at a birthday party in the Bronx

Top Sports:

• George Steinbrenner bought the New York Yankees
• The Dolphins beat the Redskins in Super Bowl VII, and are still the only team in NFL history to achieve a perfect season
• The cost of a Super Bowl ad was $88,000
• The NY Knicks won the NBA championships
• The Oakland As won the World Series
• Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup
• Secretariat won the Triple Crown
• Jack Nicklaus won the PGA championship
• Billie Jean King & Bobby Riggs played tennis in the famous Battle of The Sexes (she won)

New Inventions:

• Garlic knots were were first baked in the ovens of Ozone Park, Queens
• Stove Top Stuffing first appeared on grocery store shelves
• Carl Sontheimer created the Cuisinart
• Betty Morris of Brookfield, Wisconsin whipped up Shrinky Dinks
• The first mobile phone call was made by Motorola in NYC
• Air bags were first used the Oldsmobile Tornado
• MRI technology was developed to surpass traditional Xrays for diagnosing medical issues
• Michaels first opened their doors to the delight of crafters everywhere
• Federal Express began operations in Memphis, Tennessee, on their first night 14 planes delivered 186 packages to 25 U.S. cities

And the #1 baby's name was... Jennifer!

No surprise there, it was the most popular girl's name for 15 years running.  Seriously.

I'll be processing this new decade over my next few posts, so come along for the ride.  I'd love the company! But let's take it slow, nobody's got time to break a hip.

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

So, I've become that girl who watches holiday movies on Hallmark starting in October.  They're cute and quaint and comfortably predictable, like putting on that cozy Christmas sweater and sipping on a hot cocoa with extra marshmallows.

(I still do both those things, btw, even though I live in FL now and it's 70 degrees outside.)

And while I do love these cookie-cutter festive films that run 24/7 on cable, no December is complete without the true classics.  

I'm talking, of course, about my Top 12 Christmas Movies of All Time.

It was tough to narrow it down, but I've made my list and checked it twice.  I promise these are full of sugar, spice and everything nice...

Curl up on the couch and let the streaming begin!

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Why it sleighs: A lovely tale that puts Kris Kringle on trial to prove Santa is real, winning the hearts of the court, Macy's customers, and a very skeptical six year old. 

The Bishop's Wife (1947)

Why it sleighs: Cary Grant is a suave angel named Dudley, performing much-needed miracles for a bishop and his new church, but the biggest miracle of all has to be that his wife doesn't fall in love instantly and fly off with him.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)

Why it sleighs: A feel-good stop-motion masterpiece featuring Hermie the Misfit Elf who longs to be a dentist and Rudolf who can't play in any reindeer games because of his big red honker. This sweet story is all about embracing what makes each of us special.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Why it sleighs: In the only acceptable version of this yuletide yarn, a small-hearted Christmas crank and his rein-dog Max learn the true meaning of the holiday from the Whos down in Whoville and Cindy Lou Who (who was no more than two).

The Year Without Santa Claus (1974)

Why it sleighs: Sure Santa's under the weather and may not make his annual toy trip around the globe, but the breakout stars of this Rankin-Bass classic are the Brothers Miser -- Heat and Snow -- with one of the greatest song and dance numbers of the season. 

Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas (1977)

Why it sleighs: The Riverbottom Nightmare Band rocks in this hidden gem from Jim Henson. And Emmet and Ma Otter will steal your heart quicker than they'll put a hole in your washtub.

A Christmas Story (1983)

Why it sleighs: All Ralphie wants for Christmas is a Red Ryder air rifle, and all he gets is agita. You'll shoot your eye out if you don't see it at least once this season.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989)

Why it sleighs: Every attempt to have the perfect family Christmas is foiled as befuddled Clark Griswold is visited by his outlaw inlaws, he can't get his over-the-top decorations to light and he gets enrolled in the Jelly of the Month Club in lieu of a luxurious swimming pool. Most of this is as crass as Cousin Eddie but the warmth is pure John Hughes.

The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)

Why it sleighs: A Muppetty twist on the Dickens holiday tale, every scene and song is a delight, and Michael Caine makes the best Scrooge ever (fight me if you disagree -- bah humbug!).

Elf (2003)

Why it sleighs: A narwal bids Buddy the Elf farewell as he walks from his home in The North Pole to New York City via the Lincoln Tunnel in search of his dad and the four food groups: candy, candy canes, candy corns and syrup.

Love, Actually (2003)

Why it sleighs: To me, you are perfect. Nine holiday stories intertwine with one thing in common: Love. 

The Holiday (2006)

Why it sleighs: Two words: Jude. Law. Mr. Napkinhead is pretty dreamy in this cross-continental house-swapping rom com. 

Finally, Ho Ho Honorable mention goes to this newbie:

Spirited (2022)

Why it sleighs: Good afternoon! This modern musical spin on A Christmas Carol is jam-packed with jokes and campy, catchy songs. They just look like they had fun making it, which makes it just as fun to watch.

Am I missing your faves? List them below.... unless it is It's a Wonderful Life.  That one stinks, stank, stunk!

Happy Birthday, George Jetson

The Internet was all abuzz that futuristic cartoon father, George Jetson, was born today. Here's how the math works:

    1962 (the year The Jetsons first aired)
    + 100 (the number of years in the future) 
    = 2062 (the year show was set) 

    - 40 (the age George is when the show starts)
    = 2022 (the year George was born)

I'm not sure how the day came to be July 31st, but the Internet says it's true so it must be, right? 

Of course, 90% of TikTok doesn't know who he is, but I loved this show as a kid. Meet George Jetson, his boy Elroy, daughter Judy and Jane his wife! All swirling in a shiny world full of talking robots and cars flying high above the clouds.  

It was a trip, and I was along for the intergalactic ride.

There were only 24 cosmic episodes in the original run, and it was ABC's first show in color.  But looking back, those crazy kids at Hanna-Barbera were really on to something with this fantasy. In fact, they predicted a whole bunch of genius things that we all use today -- and can't live without.

The future is now, my friends!

Check this out -- 13 times The Jetsons were right...

House Cleaning Robots

Flat Screen TVs

Digital Newspapers

Video Conferences

Smart Watches

Talking Alarm Clocks

Electric Toothbrushes

Telehealth Visits

Drones

Electric Scooters

Self-Driving Cars

Doggie Treadmills

Space Tourism

Now, if they would just invent the Food-a-Rac-a-Cycle that cooks all your meals to order. Or better yet, that button you press that folds up the dinner table -- food, dirty dishes and all -- so you don't have to clean up, I'd be in heaven!

Hey, Elon Musk, once you're done with electric cars and space ships, please get on this...