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...

Dear 1800-FLOWERS

Sunday is Mother's Day. But, you already knew that.

 

It's probably a pretty huge holiday for you, right?

After all, not everybody celebrates Christmas.  And birthdays come just once a year.  But everybody has, or had, a mom. And all us kids, no matter how big or small, like to show our love with cards and gifts and brunches and flowers and... berries.

Like millions of others, I went online the other day to order something special for my mom. And I stumbled upon your company, Shari's Berries. 

"Send a smile," they said!

That sounds nice, right? So I ordered a dozen chocolate covered strawberries and 9 strawberry cheesecake bites, pictured here.

Plump, juicy strawberries with creamy cheesecake bites, both covered in chocolate, all for the bargain price of $114.46.  I know you're not taking advantage of this holiday at all.  Besides, mom's worth it.  And it looks so yummy, she's absolutely going to love it, right? 

Wrong.

My gift was scheduled to arrive today.  At 6:30pm I received an email from you that a delivery attempt was made but no one was home.  Huh.  We were, in fact, home and nobody ever knocked on the door.  So I called customer service and spoke to a women who told me to ignore this message, that the driver was in my area and would be here soon.

Hooray!  I was relieved.  But I bet YOU can guess what happened next...

No one ever arrived. 

So, I called you again at about 7:45pm and spoke to another representative.  She told me that my order was now scheduled for delivery tomorrow, and I told her that was an issue.  

I specifically chose delivery TODAY because we were not going to be home tomorrow.  And since this was a perishable order that sat on a delivery van all day, I wasn't sure if it would even be good when it finally was redelivered.  She apologized and told me she would credit my card for the full order and I would receive an email after our call confirming this. 

I never received an email.  Shocker.

Instead, what we got was someone ringing our doorbell at 11:30pm to deliver a warm, crushed box of strawberries and cheesecake.  

Let me repeat that: SOMEONE RINGING OUR DOORBELL AT 11:30PM.

Talk about a shocker!  When I answered the door and told the delivery man that it was REALLY inappropriate to make deliveries at this hour, he told me they were very busy with Mother's Day.  Then he wanted to take a picture! 

I slammed the door in his face.

To say a delivery at this hour, with a beat up box, is unacceptable is an understatement. Who do you hire to deliver these gifts?  It is frightening to have someone standing outside your front door in the dark at almost MIDNIGHT!

And what the hell happened to these puny, melted, smashed up berries on the way to our house?

I don't even care anymore.  Thanks for nothing, except a mild heart attack that almost wiped out my whole family. I will NEVER shop at Shari's Berries -- or any of your brands -- ever again.  

And that's too bad for you, because I don't think twice about buying your grossly overpriced yet totally mediocre flowers and gifts. 

I'll be contacting you at a decent hour for a full and immediate refund and to report this shop for their poor judgement and terrible service.

Please see the photos below and change your name to 1800-FAILURE.
Jen

New Years Wishes

I've spent every Christmas for over a decade in the Sunshine State visiting my parents. Mele Kalikimaka and all that.  

It was always nice to be on vacation for the holidays (especially when it was freezing at home).  But I've never really gotten used to a tropical yule, as evidenced by the fact that I'm wearing a sweater and it is 72 degrees...

This year hit a bit different, as I'm a Florida resident now!

Obviously there are many things I miss from home, but I have to say, I'm enjoying this new chapter too. And honestly, I wouldn't trade anything for this time with my mom.

As I type this, we're hours away from 2022 so I have a few wishes for my family and yours...

🌞 May the sun shine on you every day.

🥂 May your glass always be half full.

🧡 May you be surrounded by people you love.

Here's to a picture-perfect new year! 

Never Forget

Today marks 20 years since 9/11.  A grim anniversary if ever there was one.

It's a day I carry with me, burned in my brain. It changed me. And I have a sick pit in my stomach each year as I am triggered by the tributes.

They say "never forget." 

If you lived it, you know that's not remotely possible.

To mark the 10th anniversary, I wrote this.  Here's how I feel today...

I remember how much I loved my commute to lower Manhattan each day through the World Trade Center, feeling like I'd "made it" at age 28.

I remember riding the long escalator up from the PATH trains that connected NY & NJ, emerging in a sea of energy and hustle, like this was the epicenter of the universe.

I remember working on a sponsorship for Risk Magazine's financial conference at Windows on the World on the top floor of the Trade Center, scheduled for September 11, 2001.

I remember our speaker canceling his appearance days before, so mercifully, we wouldn't need to attend that conference after all.

I remember how beautiful it was that Tuesday morning with a clear blue sky.

I remember being stopped on my way to work by a local schoolteacher who had car trouble, which put me behind schedule.

I remember parking my car in Hoboken like every normal day, then hearing a horrible boom behind me.

I remember seeing the parking attendant's face lose all color, then being afraid to turn around to look across the Hudson River.

I remember seeing smoke surround one of the Twin Towers

I remember instantly calling my dad who worked in the building to see if he was alright.

I remember he said they felt a big jolt but were ok and were told to stay put.

I remember getting cut off mid-conversation as the cell towers jammed.

I remember walking over to the entrance of the PATH to stand next to a police officer so I could hear his radio.

I remember a stranger who grabbed my hand as we watched a second plane fly into the upper floors on the right side of South Tower, and not come out.

I remember the high-pitched screams and horrified gasps of the commuters standing around me as we all saw the unthinkable with our own eyes.

I remember desperately trying to get across the river to see if I could help my dad.

I remember a kind officer who turned me away.

I remember calling my mom who told me to come right home.

I remember driving on Route 3 past Giants Stadium, with tears streaming down my face, seeing the burning buildings in the distance.

I remember Peter Jenning's voice on the radio announce that the South Tower had collapsed, then almost driving head-first into a highway divider. 

I remember pulling up our driveway, having no idea if my father was alive.

I remember being afraid to walk into our house, seeing my mother rock back and forth on the couch while saying they just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary.

I remember my brother coming home, eyes red from crying.

I remember the three of us standing together in the middle of the living room as we watched the North Tower collapse on live TV.

I remember my 6'5" brother drop into a ball on the floor, as I ran to the kitchen sink to throw up.

I remember the hours dragging by, wavering between sheer panic and utter numbness.

I remember hearing the phone finally ring out but feeling terrified to pick it up.

I remember hearing an operator ask if we would accept a collect call from John.

I remember us screaming YES into the phone receiver, hearing my dad's voice on the other end.

I remember my mom telling him to keep walking to safety at my aunt's apartment, more than 80 blocks away on the Upper East Side.

I remember the city being on instant lockdown with no one getting in or out.

I remember leaving a shaky voicemail for a good friend, who worked at Aon on the upper floors of the Trade Center, fearing the worst had happened to her.

I remember calling another good friend, who's father was a chief in the FDNY, praying he would make it home.

I remember our relief hours later when my father called again, safe at my aunt's apartment.

I remember my aunt telling us he arrived dazed and covered in soot.

I remember being totally exhausted but staying up all night, wide-eyed and watching cable news, my mind racing yet completely unable to process the day's unthinkable events.

I remember my dad coming home the following day in my uncle's clothes.

I remember my whole family hugging on our front lawn.

I remember going to an Italian restaurant a few days later with my mom and dad, brother, aunt and uncles to celebrate my dad's life.

I remember thinking how many families were not as lucky as we were.

I remember him telling us that he helped direct traffic as people evacuated the building, amidst the carnage of bodies, and left shortly before it all came crashing down, all because he was looking for me.

I remember extraordinary acts of courage.

I remember bone-deep and profound sorrow, fear and anger.

I remember the massive surge of patriotism that united us all as Americans.

I remember struggling to return to work the following Tuesday.

I remember all the makeshift missing person posters stapled to every pole in Hoboken.

I remember riding a ferry boat to cross the Hudson River because an entire PATH train station no longer existed.

I remember this massive boat being jam-packed but completely silent, as tears flowed down my face.

I remember stepping onto Pier 11 in NYC surrounded by crowds feeling totally alone and seeing armed guards and a giant military tank.

I remember my relief at seeing the face of my sweet boss through the crowd because my mom called and asked him to meet me at the boat to walk me to work on Water Street.

I remember the sick, awful smell of death that still hung in the air and stung my nose.

I remember the gray soot that still coated every surface like a blanket.

I remember feeling like an absolute zombie.

I remember slowly hearing familiar names trickle in, people I knew who's lives were tragically lost...

Brett Bailey, Billy Micciulli, Chris Dunne, Christopher Slattery, Ian Schneider, Jonathan Capello, Michele Du Berry, Paul Bristow, and Marc Murolo. 

I remember sitting in the office with my boss, Greg, and my colleague, Roger, and crying together.

I remember doing this same somber commute, across the river, week after week after week.

I remember having a panic attack one day in Battery Park on my way to work as I walked past The Sphere, a bronze statue recovered in the rubble of Ground Zero.

I remember two years after the attack when the PATH trains reopened in Lower Manhattan.

I remember seeing daylight from an underground train as we traced the perimeter of a building that no longer stood above it.

I remember the resilience of New York.

I remember three jobs later when my company announced we would be moving to the new One World Trade Center.

I remember knowing I would have to leave that job because I didn't have the heart or stomach to work on the spot where 2,753 beautiful souls were lost.

Every year at this time -- and often at times in between -- I'm reminded of this. All of it flashes through my mind like a horror movie that I can't unsee.

And the worst part of it is, despite the heroic efforts and sacrifices of our troops for the past TWO decades, I fear we're less safe today than we were on September 10th 2001.  

I pray for anyone who is suffering today and more than anything, I pray for peace.

Two Truths and a Lie

Can you spot the lie?

I moved to a retirement community in Florida.

I play golf now.

I turned 48 today.

If you read this blog as irregularly as I write it, you may not know that I moved to FL, but I did.  

I moved in with my 76-year-old parents to help them with some health stuff. So not only do I live in a retirement community now, I work in one too!  And while my life did a total 180, I've got to say, I like it. 

So, that one is true.

And there are nearly 700 holes of golf in this massive town, so you might think I took up the sport.  Is it a sport?  Or game?  Or match?  Whatever.  

But I haven't done this.  Yet.  I'm not very sporty.  Though I reserve my right to play -- especially if I suddenly develop an overwhelming attraction to octogenarians in plaid pants.

So that's the lie.

Which means the other truth is that I'm 48.  WHAT??  Yes.  Forty.  Eight. 

Barf.

That means I'm just TWO YEARS away from 50.  FIFTY!  Good Lord.  How can this BE? 

I look so youthful (thank God for filters). And my hair is so long and fluffy and brown (don't zoom in, you'll see my grays). And I don't have many wrinkles (plump is the new Botox).

Well, I guess if Madonna's about to be 63, we've officially entered an alternate universe where age has ceased to have any meaning at all.

Here's what I do know: Life is short. If the past year taught us anything, it's that simple truth.  

As we get older, we tend to look backwards more than forward. Remember the time when...?  But I think a key to staying young (at heart) is trying new things and making new memories.  So go for that promotion, ask him out, cut bangs, buy the handbag, try to speak Italian, eat the cannoli, let the kids stay up late, learn to swim, go back to school, get the sportscar, or... move to a new city!

Just live your best life and next year, we can play three truths.

PS: If you ever want to feel instantly younger, move to a retirement community.  I'm easily the youngest person on our block by 20 years, and I'm constantly inspired by the energetic Seniors in this town.  If a fountain of youth exists, no doubt it's in Central Florida!

Packing Light

So I turned 46 yesterday...

Yeah, I'm going to need that Benjamin Button secret, because I'm reallllly not ok with being closer to 50 than I am to 40.

Barf.

Anyway, I'm in total denial that I'm middle-aged. So one of my best friends and I hopped on a jet plane to Nashville.  I'd never been before, but Tennessee sounded like a fun place to kick up our heels!

In my travels and in my life, I like to pack light.  I think small amounts of baggage are key to navigating any place, situation or relationship. Enough to be prepared, not so much that it weighs you down.

When I pack for a trip, I follow 4 rules:

RULE 1: PICK A COLOR

I always choose a main color -- usually either black or navy -- for all my clothes
and use that as the anchor for everything else I pack so I can mix and match. 
For Nash, in honor of Johnny Cash, I chose black.

RULE 2: ONLY BRING WHAT YOU'LL WEAR

As you see above, I lay out all my clothes so I don't bring more than I can wear.
For this long weekend getaway, I had 2 outfits per day, 1 pair of pjs,
2 pairs of shoes, sneakers, a few accessories and a jacket.
And everything fit in my favorite suitcase of all time from Away.

RULE 3: NEVER CHECK BAGS

I don't think I've checked a bag in 20 years. 
It's risky, a waste of time, and now with all these fees, a waste of money too!
That's another benefit to packing light, if you can't carry it, it can't come.

RULE 4: REPACK AS YOU GO

We woke up about 15 minutes before I took this pic. 
We're not scrambling around a messy room right here because I repack as I go. 
I unpack everything when I arrive and hang all my outfits together in the closet,
then as I wear them, they go right back back in my bag. 
My best friend does that too (nevermind all her clothes fit in a lunchbox).

So, there you have it.  My "wisdom" as I enter a new year: Make big memories and travel light.

Oh, and don't buy a cowboy hat in Nashville, no matter how tempting it may be...

2 old friends. 2 big hats. 1 late night, 0 filters.

Have any packing (or aging) tips? Drop them in the comments below!