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!

Sixteen Candles

This lil blog here just turned Sweet Sixteen!

Sidenote: Do people even blog anymore? Maybe not. But I think if I keep doing it, eventually it will be popular again. 

Like scrunchies. 

And Sixteen Candles! Can you believe it's been FOURTY YEARS since we met Samantha Baker, Jake Ryan & Farmer Ted? 

It's only a matter of time before it shows up on TCM sandwiched between Gone with the Wind and DIal M for Murder.

This John Hughes classic may not exactly stand the test of time when seen through modern eyes (hello, Long Duck Dong), but whenever I watch it, I feel like a teenager again. Even though I was only 11 when it came out. It's full of first loves and heartbreaks, best friends and cool kids, triumphs and mess ups, all wrapped in a fluffy pink bow. 

Kinda like this blog.

So, as we've done in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 - 2022 and 2023, let's take a look back at the past year...

Total Posts I've Written (including this one):
354

Average Number of Posts I Write Per Month:
0.4 (DOWN from 0.7 last time -- poop)

Average Number of Unique Visitors Per Month:
466 (UP from 410 last time)

Average Pageviews Per Month:
2,059 (DOWN from 2,247 last year)

Most Traffic Comes From:
Still a tie between Google and Pinterest

Most-Read Blog Posts in the Past Year:

2024: Goodbye Friend

Most-Read Blog Posts Ever (in order of popularity):
It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Pinterest (December 2012)
Which Christmas Cookie Are You? (December 2015)
A Gluten-Free Holiday Feast (December 2014)
Farewell, Crawleys (March 2016)

Grease Is the Word (January 2016)
Dear Stores that Close on Thanksgiving (November 2015)
Election Eve (November 2016)
Freedom (July 2016)

20 Apps I Adore (January 2012)

To Date or Not to Date (October 2008)

Post Nobody Gave a Crap About:

2024: #TeamUSA

Most Comments:
Ummm, nobody comments anymore... better luck next year!

Most Popular Poll:
2024: I didn't do any this year.
All-Time: Up in the Air 

Most Frequently-Used Tag for the Posts I Write:
Pop Culture

Most Popular Search by Visitors:
Dating

Lastly, My Favorite Posts I've Written in the Past Year:

2024: Jessie's Girls

So, there you have it.  A look back to remind myself -- and hopefully you -- that I really do love this blog.  I am still writing about TV shows when the mood strikes, but this one has a special place in my heart.

Thanks (as always) for reading!

#TeamUSA

I sometimes forget that I'm French.

From food to fashion to films, I identify most with my Italian side. 

But from my last name, to the 7 years I studied en Français, to that one time I visited Paris, to my beloved Louis V Neverfull large tote, to the fact that I can literally eat my weight in fluffy croissants, I remember... 

I am half French too!

And oh la la, France sure put on a show last night. 

You know, I don't usually get swept up in Olympics Fever.  The last time I remember really following the games was when Michael Phelps was sweeping up gold medals in Beijing in 2008. 

But this year just hits different.

The stunning venue absolutely plays a part. I don't think there ever was a more beautiful sight (or site). For the first time, the opening ceremony didn't take place in a stadium but in a whole city. 

Magnifique! 

And I am looking forward to seeing how Simone Biles, Katie Ledecky and Sha'Carri Richardson fare.  But maybe more than all that, I think as a country we really need something to unite us. 

Right now.

A reason to cheer!

We live in a time where we are reminded daily of the things that divide us -- especially in an election year. But the Olympics gives us a chance to celebrate being the UNITED States of America.

Remember that? It's in the name!

So, I'm all in with the Red, White & Blue. I've even got my official Ralph Lauren-designed tee, sweatshirt & tote so I can have all of the style and none of the skill of #TeamUSA. 

At least I'll look good...

This spectacular show kicked off with the flurry of a thousand can-can girls, even if she was a little soggy from the rain. Since the Olympics symbol has 5 rings, here are my 5 mesmerizing moments from the truly dazzling opening ceremonies:

That Beautiful Boat Parade
How cool was it to see 200 countries float down the River Seine smiling ear to ear with colorful flags waving? I even learned about few new ones! Each team was full of hope and hard work on their way to the torch lighting ceremony. And the rain was no match for our flag bearers Lebron James and Coco Gauff who led nearly 600 emotional athletes in a “USA! USA!” chant as they cruised to the Eiffel Tower. Bonne chance, mes amis!

Heavy Metal Marie Antoinette
Who needs medals when you have metal? The French Revolution was in full swing with Do You Hear the People Sing from Les Mis. As bright red ribbons spilled over the sides of the Conceirgerie down to the cobblestone streets, dozens of Marie Antoinettes held their own decapitated heads as headbangers rocked the river. A spectacle to behold.

Hold Me Closer Flying Dancers
Gravity-defying acrobats were swinging and swaying on stilts twenty feet in the air making for a wild ride over the Pont Neuf bridge, which was as wet as the water below. It was so graceful and yet so nerve-wracking. I still don't understand how they did it!

Her Heart Will Go On
There were many great muscial moments, but it was Celine Dion who brought down la maison with her stunning performance of L'Hymne À L'Amour (her first time singing in public since a sad medical diagnosis). Perched with her pianist on a balcony of the shimmering Eiffel Tower, high above the City of Lights, she was a showstopper. I saw her once at Caesar's Palace in Vegas with Cirque du Soleil and back then she put on a helluva show. It was so moving to see her in this gorgeous finale.

Up, Up and Away
What began with a masked man leaping across rooftops to a steel horse gliding down the river to a steady stream of A-list athletes, the torch was passed from person to person until it lit a flaming hot cauldrom, turned hot air balloon, in the Tuileries Garden. It was a glowing send-off to a fabulous four-hour fête.

After all THAT, I say, bonjour et bonne chance aux États-Unis! 

Let the games begin...

(And because I really couldn't choose just 5 moments, here's a whole bunch more pretty stuff.)

Jessie's Girls

Rick Springfield was my very first concert. 

It was July 26, 1985 and I was just about to turn 12.  We went as a family, which also made it my 7 year old brother's first concert too.  

You're welcome.

I don't really remember what I wore, but I know my mom dressed him in a button down, khakis and loafers like he was going to an insurance convention.  

We piled into our gray Chrysler LeBarron on a sweaty summer day, and cruised on down Route 3 toward Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ. This venue changed names a few times over the years, to Continental Airlines to Izod to Meadowlands, and now I think is closed, but it used to be a pretty happening place.  It was also the spot where I saw my first concert with my friends at age 15 (on a school night!).

It was Bon Jovi. Yes, I am the quintessential 80s Jersey Girl and had the hair to prove it.

Anyway, back to my first love, Rick, aka dreamy Dr. Noah Drake on GH. 

As a pre-bday treat, we had floor seats a few rows from the stage. I don't think I understood how special that was at the time, but I know now. I do remember the excitement in the air when the lights dimmed as 'Til Tuesday opened and sang their one-hit-wonder, Voices Carry. 

Hush, hush! You might say ol' Richard's a one-hit-wonder too, but you'd be wrong. Sure, Jessie's Girl was #1 on the charts and in my heart in August 1981 (which, incicentally, is also when MTV was born), but no doubt if you were alive and had ears in the 80s, you've heard most of these catchy ditties:

• Jessie's Girl
• Love Somebody
• Love Is Alright Tonite
• I've Done Everything for You
• Don't Talk to Strangers
• Don't Walk Away
• Bop 'Til You Drop
• I Get Excited

So, imagine MY excitement when I heard he was coming to Florida's Friendliest Hometown. Nearly 40 years later, my mom and I were able to come full circle and relive an awesome memory from a lifetime ago.

As a treat this go round, I came thisclose to buying an autographed guitar for a cool $1K just to get to go backstage and meet him. But alas, cooler heads prevailed (aka my mom) and I settled for a t-shirt and an autographed Working Class Dog CD (which I can't actually play bc I don't have a CD player anymore, but is still befitting this trip down memory lane).

And at 74 years old (whaaaat?), Rick put on a helluva show. 

Singing and strumming and dancing and prancing across the arm rests in the audience to the tune of Human Touch. Iconic. He belted out all the songs above (which he also wrote), plus a few more including a surprise rendition of 867-5309/Jenny -- which is NOT his song, but it is MY theme song.

It's like he knew I was there...

So here's to you, Rick Springfield, for letting us feel like teenagers again, making us all wish we were Jessie's Girl and teaching millions the meaning of the word "moot."

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!