America250

Who knew it would take a million FIFA fans to remind us all how Capital A - Awesome - America is?

From the delights of discovering creamy ranch dressing, to the sweet, sweet relief of air conditioning, to the purple mountain majesty of a Walmart Superstore, where you can pick up pork chops, underpants and a big screen TV all under one roof -- they are in AWE and having the time of their lives.

And so should we!  

If our country's 250th birthday isn't cause for a star-spangled celebration of unabashed patriotism, what is?  Bigger than any party or president, America is a pu pu platter of possibility.

Sky's the limit!

This is the greatest experiment the world has ever known. We are accomplished. Ambitious. Audacious. Admired. Accepting. Abundant. Altruistic. Awe-inspiring.

And humble. 

Sometimes.

Like me!

Are we perfect? No, nothing is. But as Bill Clinton once famously said, "There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."

Being born in the USA is like winning some kind of lottery. Visionaries founded this country 250 years ago and we carry that same pioneer spirit in each of us. We didn't invent the wheel (thanks, Mesopotamia!) but we invented just about everything else. Electricity, movies. railroads, automobiles, flight, space travel, TVs, rock & roll, the internet, smart phones, Spring Break, baseball, sliced bread, free refills and yes, air conditioning.

Plus about a billion other cool things.

From sea to shining sea, America is teeming with opportunity. Nobody lays their head on a pillow at night imagining the British Dream.  Or the Mexican Dream.  Or the Chinese Dream.  

NO.

It is the AMERICAN Dream.  And there's nothing like it in the world. Allow me to quote from the Declaration of Independence, the part we all know: 

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Who says that? Who is that bold?  Who dreams THAT big?

Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, Adams and Hamilton, that's who!

They're more than just words on a page. It is the soaring spirit of 1776. The beating heart of freedom.  

Reagan said we were founded by people who had a special love for freedom and a special kind of courage.  It's true.  We are not just a democracy. We are a meritocracy. With hard work, anything is possible.  Sure, sometimes you get your butt kicked but you get back up.

Rocky Balboa taught us that.

Even on the worst day, there's nothing better than livin' in America. Freedom is THAT good. So raise the stars and stripes, gather all of your favorite people and celebrate this beautiful country we call home.

HBD America, let's party like it's 1776. Cue the fireworks!

Countdown to Christmas

Once upon a time, Christmas movie marathons that start airing 24/7 in October would have really irritated New York City Jen. 

Jersey Jen would have secretly watched a few (on the phone with mom, of course) inbetween binging every housewife season on Bravo.

But Florida Jen? Oh, she eats them up with a SPOON.

So, it may be October 17th.  And sure, it isn't even Halloween yet but... 

Bring on allllll the Hallmark holiday romcoms set in a chocolate shop / ranch / castle where a prince / farmer / dance instructor falls for a waitress / kindergarten teacher / advertising executive who suddenly has car / money / man troubles -- and has a BIG misunderstanding -- at class reunion / corporate meeting / charity ball before finding true love and the spirit of the season. 

Sign. Me. Up!

Sure, the plots are predictable, but that's the point: You know they'll have a happy ending. 

Couldn't we all use more of those?

Plus, the wholesome towns, holiday gowns and over-the-top decorations are very pretty to look at -- and all the guys are easy on the eyes too.  There really is something for everyone. 

So heat up the cocoa with marshmallows, grab your coziest blanket (even if it isn't that cold out yet) and allow me to introduce you to... Hallmark's Can't Miss Christmas Classics:

(SPOILER ALERT: Everyone falls in love.)

Merry Christmas, Ted Cooper! (2025)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less:
Haven't seen it yet, but an adorable, accident-prone local weatherman falls in love with his highschool classmate/ER doctor while visiting home for a gingerbread festival.

Why It's on the Nice List: Robert Buckley

‘Twas the Date Before Christmas (2024)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less: 
A girl on a dating app meets a guy who agrees to pose as her boyfriend for a family Christmas Olympics weekend, and winds up falling in love.

Why It's on the Nice List: More Robert Buckley

The Santa Summit (2023)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less:
Fellow teachers have lost their mojo, dress up as Santas and attend a pub crawl that leads them to many bars to find love.

Why It's on the Nice List: It ends with a banger, It Must Be Christmas

A Biltmore Christmas (2023)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less: 
A screenwriter travels back in time to the set of a classic Christmas movie and alters the future when she falls in love with its leading man.  

Why It's on the Nice List: Kristoffer Polaha

A Merry Scottish Christmas (2023)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less:
Estranged siblings meet up in a Scottish castle only to find out their mom is actually royalty, they own the castle, and they each find love.

Why It's on the Nice List: A Party of Five Salinger reunion

Haul Out the Holly (2022)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less:
After a breakup, a girl comes home for Christmas, gets swept into her cul-de-sac's holiday hijinx, and falls in love with her childhood friend/HOA President.

Why It's on the Nice List: Wes Brown

Three Wise Men & a Baby (2022)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less: 
Three grown brothers live at home with mom, and aren’t close until a baby is abandoned at the local firehouse and teaches them to love Christmas and each other.

Why It's on the Nice List: Paul Campbell, Andrew Walker AND Tyler Hynes

We Wish You a Married Christmas (2022)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less: 
A married couple on the verge of divorce has car trouble, checks into a cozy inn and finds their way back to eachother.

Why It's on the Nice List: Kristoffer Polaha and a llama

An Unexpected Christmas (2021)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less: 
A guy and his ex-girlfriend, pretend they are still together for the sake of his family at Christmas, and while stuck in their home, fall back in love.

Why It's on the Nice List: Tyler Hynes

The Christmas House (2020)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less:
Two successful sons come home for the holidays to recreate childhood memories, save their parent’s marriage and fall in love with a high school sweetheart.

Why It's on the Nice List: Robert Buckley (he really never disappoints)

On the 12th Date of Christmas (2020)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less: 
Game creators, both vying for the same promotion, pair up to create a 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt around Chicago, and fall in love along the way.

Why It's on the Nice List: Tyler Hynes (even better with a beard)

Five Star Christmas (2020)

Plot Summary in 25 Words or Less:
A mysterious travel writer visits a B&B, so the owners pretend to be guests for a good review, until their daughter falls in love with him.

Why It's on the Nice List: Victor Webster

Now, I know what you're thinking...

These movies all sound the same!  But trust me, they are VERY different. Sort of.  Besides, these are just the ones I've loved since 2020.  If you want a real treat, watch my favorite Hallmark movie of all time from 2008, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, known in my home as Fonzie Christmas. 

And if you feel like playing my version of Hallmark holiday bingo, download your cards here.

(See, I told you Florida Jen was all in.)

Merry early Christmas, everybody!

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 at your holiday table isn't the food on it, 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.