This Girl Is Bossy

I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've ever gone without writing a blog post.  (Cough.)  I'm so sorry, I've just been working really long hours lately and honestly, I haven't felt all that creative. 

But then I remembered, I love to blog! 

So here I am.

One of the things I've been working on is a campaign inspired by Sheryl Sandberg of Harvard, Lean In and Facebook fame -- she also recently became a billionaire (underachiever). She teamed up with the Girl Scouts to encourage girls to lead by banning the word "bossy" because it's belittling and sends a message that they shouldn't speak up.

Maybe you've heard of this?

Well, nobody can argue with wanting to empower young girls to be their best, but I think banning any word gives it way more power than it deserves. Plus, you can't ban ALL the words, right?  First bossy, then bratty, then bitchy. 

It doesn't end.

What you CAN do is get girls (and boys!) talking.  Give them the support and tools to handle whatever comes their way.  So, we made this video:



Aren't they great?!

As you know, I absolutely love doing stuff with kids, and seeing these 8 and 9 year old girls speak their minds reminded me of myself.  So I dug up this old photo of me at their age.

(Note the Wonder Woman bathing suit.  It was 1981 and she was awesome.  Still is.)

Back then, I was labeled a "social butterfly" by my teachers.  My parents thought I was a bit of a ham.  And yes, my little brother probably thought I was kinda bossy.  But he loves me anyway.

I'm sure over the years I have been called lots of things -- some good, some not. As a matter of fact, when I was a senior in college, a grown man once said, "God help the man who marries YOU," because I refused to leave his travel agency until he refunded my money (and the money of my 5 other girlfriends) after he overbooked our Spring Break trip to South Padre Island.  He cut a check that day.

Come to think of it, the old goat may have put a curse on me...

Bygones.

Point is this: Bossy is in the eye of the beholder.  This label -- or any label -- sometimes says more about the person using it than it does about the person they are trying to stick it on.  The trick is to stay true to yourself.

And those bossy tendencies?  They can be used for good!  Like, to stand up for someone, or to take charge of a situation, or to right a wrong. 

To be the boss.  Just like Springsteen.

So, what do YOU think?

I mean, I'm not the boss of you, but if I were I'd tell you to ask your kids what bossy means to them and upload a video to the social network of your choice using #BossyIs.

Or you could just show me pics of yourself in a superhero suit.  I'd like that too!


tags: family, jersey, rants, work

Dear Cough,

Please go away.

I haven’t been sick since May 2010.  I had bronchitis.  Maybe you remember? I sure do because I got dumped that week.  Since then, healthy as a horse!

That is, until last month when YOU came around.  Jerk.

I flew into Del Boca Vista and my throat started feeling a little funny.  Before long, I had coughing fits.  Hack, hack, hack, hack, haaaaack. Gasp for breath. Hack, hack.

Then came the chills.  Then the aches.  Never the green boogers. Then everything went away.

But YOU stuck around.

That was 4 weeks ago!  Officially, my lungs are clear and I had a severe upper respiratory infection.  Unofficially, I’ve got a huge pain in the ass.

I’ve taken full rounds of Delsym, Mucinex, Alleve Cold & Sinus, vitamin C, prescription cough pills AND cough syrup with Codeine, Z-packs, and more mentholated Halls than I can count.  That last one actually helps, for a minute (more on that below). 

Now, I’m on the Zyrtec.

Yes, I can hear you laughing.  I know it’s too early for seasonal allergies, but I’m at my wit’s end. I cough so much I’ve given myself a headache, which, incidentally, I treat with Advil liqui-gels. It doesn’t help that I’ve been on 5 flying germ farms (aka planes) during this time. And I had to give not one, but TWO, presentations in front of 100 people! Nothing says classy like coughing into a microphone.

But you knew that.

Also, attention makers of Pine Bros. chewy cough drops: You stink.  I don’t know why Martha Stewart is shilling for you.  I bought you in a haze of nostalgia and sickness and you did nothing but turn my tongue red.  You immediately disintegrate as though my saliva were made of acid.  And somehow you manage to both be bland AND taste horrible.  A rare skill.

I want my $4 back.

In other cough drop news, Luden’s you look and taste like a Jolly Rancher, which does nothing for me and rots my teeth. Riccola, you taste like a cherry covered in grass and you did zilch for my tickly throat.

My best bet is your archenemy, Hall’s.  I love you in all your sugar-free glory.  Keep fighting the good fight.

NOT in health,
The Girl Who Can’t Stop Coughing


tags: health, rants

Rejected Candy Hearts

So I was in Walgreens practicing my most favorite post-holiday ritual: Buying cheap candy. 

This tradition was born in college when my roommate and I would get back after Easter and head straight to Brooks Pharmacy on Post Road in Fairfield, CT.  Half off Peeps and Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs? 

Don't mind if I do.

Needless to say, conversation hearts were top of my list today. Sure, you could just suck on a box of chalk but would chalk amuse you with cute short sayings or stain your tongue with pink ink?  No. 

I rummaged through the piles of Valentine's Day shrapnel and found the very last bag on the shelf, tucked under a plush insect that had "Bee Mine" printed on his red t-shirt.

Can't imagine why that gem was left behind.

I brought the bag home and dumped the hearts into a bowl so I could pick out all the oranges first. I like to pretend they're vitamins. Then, I noticed the sayings.  Not a single "Kiss Me," "True Love" or "Call Me."

The sayings inside my bag were...different.  I'm pretty sure they all got rejected at the candy factory.

Take a look at what was inside:

Find any funny Valentines in YOUR bag o'hearts?  Add them below, or make your own sweet nothings here.


tags: holidays

My 5 Favorite Beatles Songs

I just got back from a whirlwind tour for the last 3 weeks.

I hit Del Boca Vista, then Scottsdale, then back to Del Boca.  As I was walking through JFK yesterday on my way home, I saw a news bulletin about a few famous fellows who arrived at JFK exactly 50 years earlier.

The Beatles!

There was similar fanfare when I arrived. 

Beatlemania was before my time (I'm old but I'm not THAT old). From what I gather, they were bigger than Jesus.

Paul has always been my fave of the Fab Four. Ringo was too goofy, George was too serious, and John was too trippy for me. Paul seemed like a sensible choice.

What do you know? Most of the Beatles songs I like best were sung (sang? singed?) by Sir Paul. Here's my top 5:

Eleanor Rigby from Revolver (1966)
Why I like it: In 8th grade music class we learned to play this tragic song on a guitar.  Beatles, both alive and dead, rolled over in their graves that day but I bet Eleanor liked it.
Lead vocals: Paul McCartney
Fun fact: She was originally called Miss Daisy Hawkins.

All You Need Is Love from Magical Mystery Tour (1967)
Why I like it: It's used in one of the best scenes of one of my favorite movies of all time, Love Actually. Plus it came out on my mom's bday.
Lead vocals: John Lennon
Fun fact: The song starts with the French national anthem, La Marseillaise.

Yesterday from Help! (1965)
Why I like it: If this song doesn't choke you up, just a little bit, you are dead inside.
Lead vocals: Paul McCartney
Fun fact: McCartney composed the whole melody in a dream at his girlfriend's house, and it was called Scrambled Eggs before it had a title.

Helter Skelter from The White Album (1968)
Why I like it: This one makes the list because of U2's cover on Rattle & Hum -- they're MY fab 4.
Lead vocals: Paul McCartney
Fun fact: The Who was the inspiration for Paul writing this rowdy song, it was later adopted as an anthem by Charles Manson

Get Back from Let it Be (1970)
Why I like it: When I was a kid I thought Jojo was a man who thought he was a woman, not a loner. Still makes me laugh when I hear this song.
Lead vocals: Paul McCartney
Fun fact: Paul looked at Yoko Ono in the studio when he sang, "Get back to where you once belonged."

poll by twiigs.com

The Beatles released 217 songs -- list YOUR favorites below!


tags: music, polls, pop culture

The Loveseat Potato Returns

Well, well, look who got a spuddy buddy?  No wonder she's so late with this fall TV post!

This is a match made in buttery mashed potato heaven.  Right?

Yeah... anyway, It's taken SO long to write this post that fall TV shows have been cancelled and their mid-season replacements have too.  And now, somehow it's 2014?!? 

Where does the time go?

While I'm waiting for a few new shows to start (Rake on FOX, and Late Night with Seth Meyers and About a Boy on NBC, I'm talking to YOU), let's feast our eyes on 50+ shows that have been clogging up my DVR.  In all cases, I've seen at least 2 episodes, but probably many (many) more.  Like, whole seasons.  Even of the ones I didn't like.

I blame the potato.


BEST NEW COMEDY

SPUD: The Millers (CBS)

WHY IT'S A SMASH:
Let's face it, sitcoms aren't as funny as they used to be.  But there's nothing not to like about this show.  Will Arnett?  Great. Greg Garcia, who created My Name Is Earl, created this show too? I'm in. It also makes me laugh?  Pass the chips (just don't tell you know who!).

Honorable mention goes to: Hello Ladies (HBO), The Michael J. Fox Show (NBC), Super Fun Night (ABC), Ground Floor (TBS), Orange Is the New Black (Netflix), Brooklyn Nine-Nine (FOX)

DUDS: Sean Saves the World (NBC), Trophy Wife except the little guy named Bert, he's awesome (ABC), Dads (FOX), The Goldbergs (ABC), Mom (CBS), Welcome to the Family (NBC - cancelled), We Are Men (CBS - cancelled), Back in the Game (ABC - cancelled)







BEST NEW DRAMA

SPUD: The Blacklist (NBC)

WHY IT'S A SMASH:
This show has a Silence of the Lambs vibe, minus the cannibalism. So far. James Spader lost some hair and gained some pounds, but is still creepy like we like him.  He plays Red Reddington, a fugitive who turns himself in to help a new FBI agent track down a bunch of other criminals who are so shady they aren't even on the Most Wanted List. Sounds dumb, but it's good.

Honorable mention goes to: Betrayal (ABC), Mob City (TNT)

DUDS: Hostages (CBS), Killer Women (ABC), The Carrie Diaries (CW), Almost Human (FOX), Lucky 7 (ABC - cancelled), Ironside (NBC - cancelled)










BEST NEW REALITY

SPUD: Friday Night Tykes (Esquire)

WHY IT'S A SMASH:
This show is hard to watch. And that's what has me hooked.  It follows a handful of pee-wee football teams in Texas. The boys, who are only 8 or 9 years old, are amazing. It's the coaches that are disgusting. If I had a kid on one of these teams, I'd punch the coach in the chicken nuggets.

Honorable mention goes to: Courtney Loves Dallas (Bravo), Vanilla Ice Goes Amish (DIY), Real World Ex-plosion (MTV), Below Deck (Bravo)

DUDS: 100 Days of Summer (Bravo), Thicker Than Water (Bravo), Toned Up (Bravo), Styled to Rock (Bravo), Come Dine with Me (Lifetime), The New Atlanta (Bravo), Alaskan Women Looking for Love (TLC)



BEST NEW FANTASY

SPUD: Reign (CW)

WHY IT'S A SMASH:
Ever wonder what Mary Queen of Scots was like when she was 15? Me neither. And even if I did, I'm 99% sure this show is wildly historically inaccurate. But hey, that's why they invented historical fiction. Just give me fancy dresses and cute boys, I'm there.

Honorable mention goes to: The Originals (CW), Sleepy Hollow (FOX)

DUDS: Once Upon a Time in Wonderland (ABC), Dracula (NBC), The Tomorrow People (CW), Witches of the East End (Lifetime)











BEST NEW COOKING

SPUD: Cutthroat Kitchen (Food Network)

WHY IT'S A SMASH:
Imagine you needed to roast a chicken using only a crème brûlée torch with spatulas duct-taped to your hands? A bunch of sociopaths cook up crazy sabotages like this every week, and chefs battle it out to cook a good dish despite them. I wish I could be a fly on the wall for the pitch meetings. It would be more funny to see what doesn't make the cut.

Honorable mention goes to: Knife Fight (Esquire Network), My Grandmother's Ravioli with Mo Rocca (Cooking Channel), Guy's Grocery Games (Food Network)

DUDS: Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off (Food Network), Junior Masterchef (FOX), The Kitchen (Food Network)






Lastly, it's time to roast a show I wanted to love (really, I did!), but I didn't:

WORST FAMOUS PERSON IN A SITCOM

DUD: The Crazy Ones (CBS, Thursdays at 9pm)

WHY IT'S A ROTTEN POTATO:
Robin Williams!  This had all the makings of my new favorite show -- Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Bob from Mad Men in a modern-day advertising industry sitcom by David E. Kelley?  Genius.  Then came Robin freaking Williams.  That guy can't shut it off.  He grates my nerves down to a pile of hashbrowns, which incidentally, would be infinitely more enjoyable than his tired old schtick.  Boo.
















Disagree?  See something I missed?  Put the DVR on pause and comment below...


tags: entertainment

Santa Brought Me Lots (and Lots) of Nail Polish

Would you believe me if I told you Santa brought me 194 bottles of nail polish this Christmas?

No?  Hmm...

Well, what's more unbelievable about that statement: that I have one-hundred-ninety-four new bottles of nail polish, or that a fat man in a big red suit slid down my chimney to deposit them under my tree?

(Or that I don't own a salon?  Or that my teeny tiny 550 sqft apt can house a nail polish collection of this size?)

Ok, you're right, it wasn't Santa.  It was ME! 

It all started out innocent enough.  A present for you, a present for me.  But nail polish gift sets are like Lay's potato chips -- no one can buy just one! 

The next thing I knew, one became two, two became four, and four became... fifteen. 

Crazy.  I blame the fumes.

Good thing I have that silly nail polish blog to justify the expense.  I do it -- in the name of Science.

I knew I would be down in Del Boca Vista for Christmas, so I opened my presents (to myself) early.  In just 2 nights, I tried at least one shade from every single one of the sets.  And if you think your fingers get raw and raggedy from painting, and removing, and painting, and removing -- you're right. 

Good thing I don't take close-up shots of my hands.  Oh, wait...

If you're curious what these kits really look like, you can read the post here.  My faves were from Butter London, Ciate, Julep, OPI and Zoya.

I hope you too found lots of bright, sparkly things under your Christmas tree, Hanukkah bush, or Festivus aluminum pole!
xo


tags: beauty, holidays, shopping

Jingle All the Way

Last Friday, I finally awoke from a triptophan coma (gobble, gobble) to attend Jingle Ball, a 4-hour Christmas concert sponsored by I Heart Radio and Z-100.

If you ever want to feel old, go to a radio station concert meant for tweens.  If you ever want to feel young, buy a beer at MSG -- they still card, even at my advanced age.

Bless their hearts.

I was there with one of my best buds, we can have fun anyplace.  The evening was a smorgasbord of celebrities (Katie Holmes, Anna Kendrick, Ryan Seacrest), random rockstars (Enrique Iglesias, Fall Out Boy, Selena Gomez, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis), and desperate attention seekers (Lindsay Lohan).

Plus, the tix were free.  What's not to love?

Here are the highlights:

Happiest to Be Alive: Pitbull

This guy loves life.  And why shouldn't he?  Looking all dapper in a black suit and dress shirt that didn't show any of the sweat that was beading up on his bald head, he hosted a hottie hoedown with dancing girls in denim cutoffs and cowboy boots.  His set was a total party -- def my fave act of the night.
Best Song: Timber

Biggest Realization: Robin Thicke

I was psyched to hear Blurred Lines.  And it was good!  Then I realized I don't care about any of his other songs (except When I Get You Alone).  It was nice that he played the piano.  And he actually sang.  And I appreciated that he dressed up in a leopard jacket.  But one fact remained: I don't care about any of his other songs.
Best Song: what do you think?

Worst Lip Syncher: Austin Mahone

I knew I was out of my element when Jordin Sparks called all the "Mahomeys in the house."  I'm sorry... the WHO?  A man-child bounced out with an iridescent silver suit and Bieber's hairdo.  Then he began to sing.  And by sing, I mean forget to move his mouth because he was too busy looking like a dancing teenage Tin Man.  And so, we started taking selfies to pass the time until the next act came on.
Best Song: Nothing.  Nada.  Zip.  Stinky poo-poo.

Coolest Band: Paramore

Lead singer, Hayley Williams, just seems awesome.  But during Misery Business, she plucked a fan from the audience (Brian), brought him up onstage, and handed him the mic to sing the chorus.  She totally made his life -- and a great moment in the show.
Best Song: Still Into You

Most Criminal Remake: Ariana Grande

Apparently this doe-eyed Disney princess has been dubbed "Little Mariah."  But the Supreme Queen of All Christmas Songs must be weeping over the aggravated assault committed against Wham!  Ariana gave Last Christmas a whiny beat-down.  Geez, what did George Michael ever do to YOU?
Best Song: I have no clue what any of her songs are called.

Hardest Act to Follow: Miley Cyrus

The star of the show was Miley "Hanna Montana Is Dead" Cyrus.  Good thing she went last.  Let's start with the outfit: I'm pretty sure Mrs Claus bedazzled Jane Fonda's aerobics suit from 1982 and Miley bought it in a yard sale.  Then she spent her time onstage grinding on a drunk hobo Santa, a sexy little person, and a drag queen dressed like a Christmas tree.  She's a mess.  But boy, can that girl sing!
Best Song: Wrecking Ball



What songs put YOU in the holiday spirit?  Serenade me below...


tags: holidays, music, pop culture

Gobble Gobble

For some people, Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without that gloopy green bean casserole (it's kinda a vegetable).  For others, it's cranberry sauce fresh from a can (the ridges lock in the flavor!). 

For me, it's Stove Top Stuffing.  Classic chicken style.  Nothing else comes close. 

Well, just when I thought nobody could love a box of croutons and secret spices as much as I do, this little gem comes along:





Gobble, gobble, friends.

Serve up a dish YOU can't live without in the comments below.  And Happy Thanksgiving!


tags: holidays, food, commercials

My Day With Bethenny

Last week for work, I was asked to attend a taping of Bethenny Frankel's new talkshow, along with a meet & greet to learn about her new Skinny Girl wines.

My job is so hard.

Anyway, I like the Bethenny I've come to know on Bravo (home of my beloved Andy Cohen).  She comes across as a straight-shooter, no-nonsense, full of hustle, witty, smart business lady.  I didn't want to ruin the illusion!

I'm happy to report what you see is what you get. 

I've seen shows tape before.  My talkshow experience began waaaay back in college when my communications professor took us on an ultra-academic field trip to see Montel Williams.  It's not as sad as it seems, he was pretty popular then.  I also worked on Wedding Week at Who Wants to Be a Millionaire for 2 years, so I saw lots of that show too. (PS: Meredith Viera is lovely, inside and out.)

There was a great energy on the Bethenny set.  First, it's beautiful.  Second, they've got a DJ and the speakers are under your seats, so you can't help but shake your groove thing.  Third, they make you clap.  A lot.

Bethenny came out looking just like the girl on the bottle -- pretty and skinny (fitting!).  Two of the day's guests stood out most to me: Melissa Gorga and James Blunt.

I wouldn't think I have much in common with RHONJ Melissa except for the fact that we both lived in the same town (go Montville/Pine Brook, NJ!).  But in her segment, they were talking about disciplining kids and she mentioned when she was young, her mom would threaten them with a wooden spoon when they were acting up.  So did mine!  And my grandma!  They called it a cucchiata.  Must be an Italian thing.  Now, I feel we've bonded.

When James Blunt came on, my first thought was that he's short.  God, I'm superficial.  Next thought was, I wonder what that little fella's been up to since he sang You're Beautiful?  Truth is, I have no idea what he was saying because I was mesmerized by this pale British guy!  He was unbelievably charming.  And funny!  Later, Bethenny would tell us he "came to play," and those were her favorite kinds of guests.  He was game for everything, including an impromptu serenade.  Well, maybe not totally impromptu... his guitar was on set.

Anyway, the show was a blast, then we were ushered into the control room, and lined up one by one to take pics in her photo booth.  No music and no booze, but they wanted us to dance.  When in Rome...

Then, we went down a corridor and up an elevator to her Red Room.  This is much like a Green Room, except, well... it's red.  I remember really rich crimson wallpaper, white lacquer furniture, and a Skinny Girl surfboard on the wall, but mostly the scent in there sticks with me.  It smelled amazing -- like gardenias.

She came in after the show, looking lovely.  I noticed she switched her black spikey Louboutins for her everyday footwear (snakeskin pumps... duh).  There were about a dozen or so bloggers in the room, so she sat on the edge of a white club chair and answered a bunch of questions on her show, her businesses, the media, and her life.  She was totally candid and delightful.

Did I mention I'm Team Bethenny?

Eventually she told us about her new wines, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon (though I steered clear of that last one -- damn tannin allergy), and my personal fave, Prosecco.  In a blogger melee, that bottle was the first to go so if that's any indication, I'm sure it will fly off shelves too.

Our episode airs on Monday, the 18th.  I'm sitting in the audience on the left section, second row, third seat in from the aisle. 

If the pic below doesn't give you a seizure, tune in!

tags: entertainment, work

I Heart Rodolphe Lindt

(Note: This is a sponsored post for SheKnows Experts Among Us, but the taste test is all my own)

As you know, I've been enjoying Lindt LINDOR Caramel milk chocolate truffles at work each day (hard life, I know). 

Truth is, I have a total soft spot in my heart for these sweet treats because they make me think of my mom.

Each Christmas when I was growing up, we would head to Willowbrook Mall in scenic Wayne, NJ.  We'd take the escalator up to the 2nd floor, then make a beeline to the shops outside Lord&Taylor to pick up our favorite stocking stuffer. 

Any guess what that was?

Liver & onions! 

Kidding.  It was a big gold bag of Lindt LINDOR chocolate truffles from the Lindt store.  To this day, no holiday is complete without them.  Occasionally, we'd have a few left by the time Christmas Day rolled around.  Always a good idea to leave one for Santa... the man cannot live on cookies alone.

Anyway, at the time we took this photo (17 years ago!), I was a size 8, mauve curtains were all the rage, and that yummy chocolate goodness cost just $10.  But even today, it's an amazing value.

I suppose the same can be said for my pants.

Anyway, you might recall the first taste test I ever did was with a chocolate that melts in your mouth, not in your hands.  Well, THIS is the original that makes every day feel like a special occasion.

My parents live down in Del Boca Vista now, so they can't do this taste test with me, but I'm guessing they'll be pretty happy when I bring them the leftovers next month. 

(If they last that long.)

Join me on a sweet escape...

Recipe: LINDOR Caramel

Shell: milk chocolate infused with caramel
Center: caramel milk chocolate

Escape: major me time

Recipe: LINDOR Dark Chocolate

Shell: dark chocolate
Center: dark chocolate

Escape: medium me time

Recipe: LINDOR Extra Dark Chocolate

Shell: 60% cocoa extra dark chocolate
Center: dark chocolate

Escape: minor me time

Recipe: LINDOR Hazelnut

Shell: milk chocolate with hazelnut pieces
Center: hazelnut milk chocolate

Escape: major me time

Recipe: LINDOR Milk Chocolate

Shell: milk chocolate
Center: milk chocolate

Escape: major me time

Recipe: LINDOR Peanut Butter

Shell: milk chocolate
Center: peanut butter milk chocolate

Escape: massive me time
(yes, there are only 2 here -- I ate 1 during the photo shoot -- I am only human)

Recipe: LINDOR Stracciatella

Shell: white chocolate with cocoa pieces
Center: white chocolate

Escape: major me time

Recipe: LINDOR White Chocolate

Shell: white chocolate
Center: white chocolate

Escape: medium me time





Looks like I gravitate towards the salty-sweet combos -- the ultimate taste combination.  Like, anything and bacon (Lindt, are you listening?). 

What's YOUR chocolate personality?  Vote below! 

poll by twiigs.com

Wow, I got through this whole post without once saying, "life is like a box of chocolates!"

Oh. 

Oops...


tags: family, food, polls, taste tests