Thanksgiving, Ready, Set, Get To Cooking!

Over the years, I have accumulated several recipes that have become my staples when Thanksgiving arrives. There are many special holiday publications, websites, and cooking programs that have a million new suggestions for Thanksgiving recipes and how-tos each year. All that information can be a pain to sort through. Plus, as I have discovered, its best to stick with the less gimmicky and do what really works, year after year. There is no need to purchase all the equipment and ten gallons of peanut oil to deep fry a turkey in your backyard, just because Alton Brown does it on the Food Network. Unless you have several assistants, a food-stylist, a segment producer, and a fire fighting crew on hand, you might want to save it for a day when the pressure isn’t so high to produce an amazing meal for friends and family. What I have found, after trial and error, are specific recipes for much of the meal as well as stores or products that can make your life easier. A little advance planning can help ease the strain on your entertaining budget, and ensure a great meal from start to finish. I must warn you, you will sweat and it will be work, but well worth it in the end. When you finally kick up your heels, take over the remote, a slice of pumpkin pie in one hand, and a goblet of wine in the other, you can enjoy the moment and know that next year will be just as successful with your new arsenal of recipes. Turkey- This recipe for the Barefoot Contessa’s Perfect Roast Turkey is fantastically simple and delicious. Fresh herbs, butter, salt and pepper, result in one juicy turkey! http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/perfect-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html Another turkey recipe I have used as well is kind of old time-y and southern from Saveur Magazine. It includes a corn bread dressing recipe that is tasty as well. Both recipes are straightforward and quite simple to prepare which is saying a lot for Thanksgiving meals. http://www.saveur.com/article/Recipes/Roast-Turkey-with-Corn-Bread-Dressing Side Dishes- Side dishes are a matter of personal taste and family favorites. Of course, there is that green bean dish with the mushroom soup and crispy onion topping, but I have limited oven space. I recommend asking guests to bring one of their favorite side dishes. This can ease the strain of cooking for the host, allowing for more socializing with guests, which equals a happier host. I’ve included a few side dish suggestions that have proved me well over the years. Boil a large pot of water, add a good pinch of salt to the water, add one pound of fresh, green beans and blanch for two to three minutes and remove from water. When you are close to serving your meal, chop one shallot, melt a tablespoon of butter in a sauté pan, add chopped shallot to butter and let soften for about three minutes. Add quarter cup of slivered almonds and cook for a few minutes more, finally adding your green beans, and salt to taste. Sauté for another five minutes and you’re done. The trick is not to overcook your green beans, leaving them crisp and green! Chef Emeril Lagasse has a spicy andouille sausage variation on stuffing that went over well last year with my family. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/andouille-cornbread-stuffing-recipe/index.html Mashed potatoes are best done with a potato such as Yukon Gold. They always make for a creamier mashed potato. Add loads of butter, salt and pepper, and a bit of whole milk or cream. In my opinion, this is not the meal for dieting! Fat and liberal seasoning make everything taste richer and more flavorful. Just loosen the belt and go for it. Dessert- I have yet to find a pumpkin pie recipe that I love. The most reliable recipe is right on the back of a can of Libby’s pureed pumpkin pie mix. I’m not ashamed to admit that I buy a ready made pie crust because it saves time. Unless Martha Stewart will be dining with you, then who is going to know? Or care? And, if Martha is coming for dinner, ask her to bring the pumpkin pie. The one pie I do enjoy making is pecan. I found the hands down, best, damn pecan pie recipe ever! Trust! Mama Dips Pecan Pie is out of this world. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/saras-secrets/pecan-pie-recipe/index.html Decoration- I vote for keeping décor as simple as possible. There is enough to worry about when feeding a large group of people. A few small, strategically placed floral arrangements would be plenty, but if you would like to do more, I suggest the following: - A festive fall table runner or a fall inspired piece of fabric used as a table runner. - Votive candles on the main dining table. Larger decorative candles can be nice as well. - A vase filled with fall branches make a nice center piece. An artful bowl of pomegranates or any other colorful, fall fruit can be pretty as well. - Some great resources for more in-depth entertaining, décor, and recipe ideas can be found on www.RealSimple.com, www.SaveurMagazine.com, www.MarthaStewart.com, www.epicurious.com Wine- On a final note, wine is always an important addition to our meals at home. There are so many great wines to accompany a Thanksgiving meal. Of course, that is eighty percent of the reason I married my husband. I knew we would never be short on bottles, and my glass would never be half full! Here are Ryan’s suggestions for Thanksgiving wine pairings: 07’ Broadley Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley- Beautiful and true Oregon virtues. Clean, cherry and raspberry flavors layered within hints of evergreen and subtle brown spices. Ideal for the bird. Available at Vino’s four East Bay and SF locations. 05’ Swanson Merlot, Napa Valley- Napa Valley in a bottle. Lush, smooth, and easy to like for both connoisseurs and Two Buck Chuck devotees alike. Available at many fine wine stores and Safeway as well. 07’ Fiddlehead Happy Canyon, Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley – Gorgeous tropical and white fruit flavors with just a touch of oak for some mid-palette richness. Soft and elegant, a perfect white for everything on the Thanksgiving table. Also, at Vino and many other fine wine stores. Now can you see why I married Ryan? What beautiful, poetic, wine descriptions! That certainly completes the menu. I wish everyone a bountiful Thanksgiving, filled with love, family, friends, and a glass of wine to compliment it all.

My Boyfriends Back

Being a married woman, I never thought I’d own a boyfriend anything ever again. However, one of the biggest trends this fall, is the boyfriend look. Imagine borrowing your boyfriend’s slouchy blazer, a white undershirt, and a loose pair of cuffed Levi’s, accessorized by a simple gold necklace, leather ankle boots, and a chic bag. Over the years, I have managed to tame my multiple fashion personalities. I no longer change from one crazy look to the next. Nowadays, style, comfort, and longevity are most important for additions to my wardrobe. I tend to buy pieces that have a worn quality which probably stems from my years working at a vintage clothing boutique. I loved the beautiful biased-cut gowns from the 1930’s, tailored wool-gabardine jackets from the 1940’s, and shiny crocodile purses from the 1950’s, all had a story of their own. We even had a dusty rose, silk formal with beading, rumored to have been designed for Grace Kelly! A designer in Vogue recently stated, “the clothing has to feel like it’s had a previous life”. Undoubtedly, the boyfriend look has that very appeal. As a helpful guide, I have included a list of some of my favorite fall trends. Some I’ve already incorporated into my wardrobe, at remarkably little expense, I might add. Not all my choices are financially within reach, but whenever I have a high end designer piece in mind, I still add it to my wish list. Often, I find a less expensive version in the stores. Plus, when I hit the million dollar jackpot, I want my shopping list ready! Fall Trends I'm Already Rockin': 1. Animal print-Animal prints are good in small doses. I'm wearing silver zebra, ballet flats from Target, and a pair of leopard print, enamel hoop earrings. 2. Boyfriend jeans- Loose, cuffed, and a little worn. I already own a pair of Seven jeans, but since I heart the style so much, I got a less expensive pair at H and M. 3. Studs-I'm not talking about male models here. I found a black, off the shoulder, 80's style, t-shirt embellished with studs at H and M. I also went to Loehmanns and found a pair of faux-snakeskin, pointed toe flats adorned with silver, diamond shaped studs. Instant bling! 4. Full length cardigan sweaters- I have a full length, grey, sailor style sweater and speaking of comfort, its like wearing my own cozy blankie. Except more stylish a Snuggie! 5. A great haircut- If you can only make one investment for a season, this is a good one. Nothing drastic, just an updated version of you. I recently visited my friend Tokyo at Cowboys and Angels, in San Francisco, for a haircut. Its been several weeks and still, I love it, I love it, I love it, alot! He did wonders without taking too much off the length. You can also check out the photo of Amber's new 'Tokyo' do. Phone for an appointment Cowboys and Angels 415-362-8516. 6. Green nail polish- Admittedly, this is not for everybody. However, this season there seems to be a shade of green for all skin tones. I recently found a light green metallic by Sally Hansen, that is very fun. My Fall Wish List: 1. Camel Coat- This is a classic and I should never have let go of the lovely vintage coat that needed a few repairs and cleaning. Once you invest, keep it in the closet forever! 2. Black leather booties- That clever not quite a boot, not just a plain old shoe design. You can wear with a skirt and show off your ankles or let the bootie toes peep out from the leg of your pants. 3. Gucci silk dress with hematite crystals- I can scratch that itch by finding a sequin top or dress, in a metallic or black sequin. 4. Full boot-Like up to there! I would love to get a black knee length pair in leather. 5. Suede Balenciaga carryall bag in green. This bag is similar in style to my all-time favorite Hermes Birkin bag. 6. Black boyfriend blazer. Hey I couldn't forget my boyfriend, right? Seriously, the list could go on and on which is why I make a list. It helps me focus on the items I really like. Of course, there is always next season to look forward to.

Bangles And Sticks For Wrists

Finally, there are some accessory resources for us girls cursed with skinny wrists. At times, it seems unfair that a certain part of me is more then filled out. Thereby, making it impossible to pull off skinny jeans the way they were meant to look. Yet, my wrists are so skinny they would snap like twigs in a strong wind. More then any accessory, I find myself attracted to bracelets and bangles. Unfortunately, most bangles are one size fits all. At least in the jean world, there are many styles and brands, which means there is a cut to fit every one's figure. Recently, I have discovered some shops and online retailers where I can purchase bangles that don't fly off my wrists and hands with every gesture. Accessory designers have figured out that wrists, like rings, should be offered in a few different sizes. H&M is one store that carries sizes ranging from extra small to large. Celebrity jewelry designer, Amrita Singh of Bangle Bangle. She designs so many styles from ethnic inspired stacks of Indian bangles, sleek cuffs, to trendy and chunky versions. Most importantly, Amrita's bangles are offered in two to three sizes. Finding these places has not been easy. When you Google skinny wrists, you get a lot of information on how to build up your wrists thru special exercises and weight training. Not exactly what I am looking to do. For our fourth wedding anniversary, my husband took me to Macys to shop for a pair of earrings. The sales lady was so rude to my husband. She sniffed haughtily when he confused cubic zirconium for real diamonds. She then tried to up sell us from $150 cz to $2000 diamonds. We marched right out of there, across the street, to Nordstrom and settled on watches. The salesman behind the watch counter was incredibly nice to us considering we were mainly focused on the sale watches. I ended up with a very smart, men's style, silver watch. The best part, our sales clerk sized it down upon purchase by removing several of the links. Do you know how many watch bands I have had to poke holes in? Forget about men's watches too! I could never find a watch face that didn't overwhelm my wrist, let alone stay on. My hope is that I can share this info with the rest of my skinny wristed sisters. If you have small hands, and bony, scrawny arms, do not lose hope. You too can embellish with beautiful bangles. Check out www.hm.com and www.amritasingh.com

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Kitchen Revelations

Will I ever cook my way through an entire cookbook like other obsessive foodies? Or write a food blog, which spawns a best-selling book, that leads to selling the rights for a major motion picture starring Meryl Streep? Probably not anytime soon. However, as I make my way through the wonderful new cookbook, "A Platter Of Figs And Other Recipes" by Chef David Tanis, I realize anything is possible. David Tanis is the Chef six months a year at the iconic Alice Water's restaurant, Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, California. The other six months, he lives in Paris, France. I have dined at Chez Panisse once, in the cafe upstairs, which was a wonderful family style meal with fresh, seasonal, and locally produced ingredients. I have not yet had the pleasure of dining downstairs in the restaurant where David's menu is prepared and served all under his watchful eye.The closest I may ever come to tasting his food is by preparing and eating the recipes I make from his cookbook. I do know that David is fast becoming one of my culinary heroes. My first introduction to the man and his recipes was in an issue of Saveur, the culinary magazine. They featured a story about him living in Paris, shopping in the open markets, selecting foie gras, pork loins, tender greens and herbs for a salad, all for a dinner back at his Paris apartment. I immediately gravitated to his food sensibilities and tastes. With his clear descriptions on various techniques and simple recipe instructions, accompanied by step-by-step photos, I was inspired to run to the grocery store, to purchase my own pork loin roasts, garlic, and rosemary. Dinner turned out beautifully that night! I even tried my hand at making a proper vinaigrette for hand-washed greens, all by David's instruction. I ended up with the simplest, tastiest, well-seasoned mix of salad greens I have ever put together at home. Who knew you are supposed to salt your greens before dressing them? In "A Platter Of Figs" David has thoughtfully prepared several menus for each season and removed the guesswork about what to buy and what to avoid depending on the time of year. As shoppers, we often assume that because the ingredient is on sale year round in the grocery store, it must be good at anytime. Not according to David. For instance, garlic is at its best in summertime, especially for raw preparations. As a home cook, when I follow David's recipes, I never have the sensation that I am in way over my head. My daughter and I recently decided to use some blueberries from our local Farmer's Market for his blueberry and blackberry cobbler recipe. My husband even ran out late at night to purchase brown sugar for the crust. Let me say, it was totally worth the grocery run and the hour long bake time. All the flavor of the berries was intensified when paired together. The crust or topping was heavenly as well. I must mention the beautiful photography, included in A Platter Of Figs. The food does not look fussed over and styled beyond anything I could ever do. As I flip through the pages, I think, "I could make those crusty toasts, topped with ricotta cheese and cherry tomatoes", and then I do. The results always surpass my expectations, with layers of flavors bursting forth, and ingredients that compliment each other. "A Platter of Figs and Other Recipes" is worth buying and adding to your cookbook collection. I have not cooked my way from beginning to end as David may have intended. However, I do stick with the seasonal approach because I understand the value in that. I don't believe he would be offended by me randomly choosing recipes, as long as I utilize what's in season at my local market. I imagine, he is similarly inspired when he strolls through the Paris markets smelling, tasting, and sizing up potential ingredients for the evening's meal.

Product Junkies "R" Us!

Awhile ago, I asked some of you to share your beauty secrets with me. Many of you were more then generous to divulge your personal tips for looking great. One thing is for sure, and I'm sure you will agree, most of us probably don't need much for basic maintenance. However, I'm a sucker for pretty packaging and the promise of wrinkle-less, ageless, pore-less, fabulous skin. I am equally enamored with hair, nail, and body products, and all that they claim to offer. It was a relief to know some of you were as crazed (or more so) then me about using countless products. There were others that stick to a specific regime and use only a few products. The lesson for me is to keep doing whatever makes me feel my best. It seems all of you are doing the same. Read on to see what everyone had to say about their must-haves and what they absolutely cannot live without. Mom, Wife, Blog-Queen, Super Agent L'Oreal Pro Manicure Nail Polish-The color Satin Sheets is my favorite because it adds a natural shine that looks like a freshly buffed nail. Juice Beauty Products, including soothing serum, cleanser w/ jojoba beads, and cleansing milk- These are natural products without unnecessary chemical additives for when I'm feeling a bit granola. Lorac Red Carpet Ready Bronzer/Blush Duo and Trio of Eye Color- because I attend so many red carpet events, NOT! Oil of Olay Quench Body Lotion - This adds a bit of sparkle to your skin, feels rich and buttery, yet sinks into skin with a non-greasy feel. Body Time Anti-Oxidant Mask and Cleanser - You can leave this on while you shower, remember when a mask becomes dry, it is no longer working, only preventing you from smiling. Body Time Firming Renewal Cream - Is my face firmer after using this? I'm not sure, but I do on occasion, get asked for my ID when purchasing alcohol. Weather Works by John Frieda Smoothing Cream - Tames my frizzy hair, is lightweight in texture, and has a nice fresh scent. Lipgloss- How can I choose a favorite? I have more then one go-to brand. I would have to write a whole separate entry for my lip-gloss preferences. At the moment, I'm favoring a Sweet Pink gloss by Burt's Bees. Biore Enliven Cooling Eye Gel- Store this in the fridge for added cooling sensation. Its the closest thing to putting cucumber slices on your eyes without using salad fixins' on your face. Cultured Gentlemen So, as a man I am proud to say that I use very few everyday products. However, the ones I use and could not do without are: Kiehl's Multi Purpose Facial Formula for men- it comes in a four ounce bottle and sells for $25.00 ( which to my way of thinking is expensive- all the women I know have assured me that compared to many women's moisturizers this is actually reasonably priced). It's made with clays which absorb excess oil and contains several powerful antioxidants. Since I started using it I rarely have breakouts. Though it comes in a small bottle, like most Kiehl's products a little goes a long way. Been using it for about 4 years now and don't see myself messing with anything else. Kiehl's Leave-in conditioner and grooming aid- nice smelling stuff that can be applied after showering. Doesn't make your hair all crunchy. Once again a little goes a long way. Though a sixteen ounce bottle is $28.00 it lasts me between 4-6 months. Burt's Beeswax lip balm- very natural stuff. Gives the nice tingly feeling. Usually goes on sale at places like Walgreen's and you can just stock up rather than paying like 4 bones for a tube. The Thymes- This is a great overall brand for things like hand and body lotions, great scented candles, soaps and other products. They are a womyn owned and operated company out of Minneapolis. If you check out their website it's very Female-empowered. Some of their great scents include their: Fig Leaf and Cassis, Frasier Fir ( which is awesome around the holidays), and Mandarin Coriander. That's it for this gentleman. Hollwood Producer, Poet, and a Crazy Cool Chick Boots Matifyiing Make Up Base It's thick like paste but it really cuts the shine off! Especially good when you are down South or back East when the humidity is a killer and you don't want to look like you've been washing your face with Fried Chicken Grease. Best used under a tinted moisturizor or light foundation, unless of course you are the actual color white. Lush-Angels on Bare Skin Facial Wash It's organic. It's divine, which is probably why they named it after Angels. It's sea kelp green and a light exfoliant that's great for keeping your skin healthy especially during those break out prone times of the month. Vaseline Coco Butter Oil It's like Lip Glass for the skin. Need I say more? Need to beat Summer dryness, this thick Coco Butteresque Oil will keep your skin from getting ashy all day long. It's cheap, it's Vaseline which we know is the miracle for dry skin and it smells great. But make sure you give yourself a minute before you put on silks because like I said...it's Vaseline! Film Director, Model Hottie Your articles are chic and authentic- what fashion and beauty is really about, right? I hope this isn't too late, but my fav products are...Water, girl! Be it san francisco tap or bottled designer, no skin product can get the glow like the daily 8 cups of water. I love the peppermint body balm by Warm Spirit. It makes my skin so smooth and rivals a baby's booty. And let's not forget beauty bag staple Dior Show Mascara. The Parisians know sexy starts with the eye, so of course they make the best mascara in the universe. Skincare Fanatic and Expert Waxer Here is that list of products that help me beautify my bod. Shampoo-twice a week I use Kerastase: Bain Miroir and Crome Reflect the other days Rusk:Full Shampoo with Rusk:Calm Condish Body Wash-The Body Shop: Cream Shea Johnson's: Soft Wash Melt Away Stress Aveda: Smoothing Body Polish L'Occitane: Cherry Blossom shower gel Shave Cream- Skintimate Baby Soft Face Wash- my mom is an esthetician as well and has our whole family on her products. She has a mini lab set up in my brothers old bedroom, everything is custom blended. Its actually very pretty and peaceful, quite different from when my brother occupied the room. The line is called Only Your Rx. There are several steps, in the AM: in the shower I have a hydrating mask followed by a chamomile scrub, spray toner, hydrating gel, SPF 30 then I mix some moisturizer in that, all the custom blend line. PM: hydrating yummy face wash, toner again, gel again and moisturizer, all custom blend line. The one thing I use that's not from my mom is an eye cream that I can't live with out. The line is called Eminence Organic Skin Care: herbal eye contour cream. I'm addicted to this stuff. For the break outs- Mario Badescu Skin Care: Drying Lotion Maintenance- Sonia Dakar: Omega 3 repair complex (this is the best smelling stuff ever)! I use it to battle my eczema and dry spots. Masques-Aveda: Intensive Hydrating Masque & Eminence Organic Skin Care Stone Crop Masque Hair Spray-Garnier Fructis Style: Full Control Act: Restoring mouthwash, cool splash vanilla mint Bumble and Bumble: thickening spray And now the makeup~ Mom custom blends makeup as well: Photo Cover Custom Blend Foundation and Concealer Eyeshadow- Stila Cosmetics: Della Way Mac: Sweet Lust The Body Shop: # 32 Stila: Double Duty Day-Night Grey Palette (I have a container full of colors, but these are the ones I use for work, day time) I used to be a makeup artist, it would take too long listing them all. Blush- Stila: Tutu and Cameo cheek color Lips-L'Occitane:Cherry Blossom lip gloss Burts Bees: beeswax lip balm The Body Shop: #04 Mascara- Maybelline: Volume Express Eyeliner- Avon: Liquid eye liner Sephora: pencil in grey, black and brown "Mouscar" Winning Actress, Professional Ebay Shopper Extraordinaire Benefit HighBeam- gives extra stage presence, no scent, sheer, dab w/ brush and rub in Nars Stick in Orgasm - a cream blush that goes on so sheer and gives a pinch of color. Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara -Thickens and spreads lashes w/out clumps Cover girl Wetslicks Pencils - a great eye pencil for a touch of color on the lid Burts Bees Lip Balm - under lipstick throughout the day. The Brit of the Bunch, Killer Fashionista Cristian Dior "Show" Mascara Clean And Clear Astringent using since 15 years old Tend Skin for after waxing or shaving Touche Eclat pen from YSL for highlighting brow bone and anywhere else you need it. Jan Marini Transformation Cream for day and night moisturizer anti-inflammatory, repairs and assists skin in stimulating circulation, plumper skin. Super Cuts, Gorgeous, Modern Mama Murad Day Cream w/sunscreen and Night Cream helps to banish dark circles under eye area Dr. Brandt Sunscreen Juicy Tube lip gloss Dior Black Out Mascara Bare Essentials Powder Foundation Med Tan Mineral Make-up Dior Highlighter Pen OPI Nail Polish in the color Bubble bath (great for models nice color for shoes/shoots) Pores No More-Face Cleanser - a toner for night & day moisturizer for oily, acne prone skin Dr. Kang(Serendipity Med Spa) The Giggler, Modern, Single "Sex In The City" Sister PANTENE PRO V SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER This is one of the only drugstore brands that is affordable yet still feels close to salon quality. I especially like the Full & Thick shampoo with the Daily Moisture Renewal conditioner. I've got colored flat fine Asian hair, so the shampoo gives it the body it needs and the conditioner provides the moisture my hair so badly wants from all the coloring. MABELLINE GREAT LASH MASCARA I know this is an old standby, but I still swear by it. It's affordable and does the trick. The wand is easy to use and the mascara gives my lashes just the right coat to pop. What more can you ask for? Hippie Chick At Heart, With A Hint of Urban Chic Vitamin E/Rose oil mixture - nightly routine for fab glow by morning. Weleda Rose Eye Cream and Day Cream - just yummy for that skin of a certain age. Jane Carter Hair Butter - use it for Ella's locks and my own - takes out the frizz and revives shine I Need: Organic foundation/powders in colors for those of us with darker skin tones! Everything has pink undertones - gimme a break already! I need a 'clean' concealer; just love Bobbie Brown, but the chemicals gotta go. Super Model, Super Cool i am def a prod junkie!!! lol!!! i have to have my la praire silver skin care kit(eye cream,serum,daily moisturizer w/ spf,and night cream). its about a G for the whole kit. i could go on forever about products!!! lol!!! Yoga Master And The Smartest I Know Okay, lets see... I love Avalon Organic Botanical Lavender Lotion from Trader Joe's. It smells soooooooo good. Its hypo allergenic and it goes on like butter without being oily like butter. Rose Hydrosol from Body Time- I actually made Pay stop on our way to the hospital to have Maceo after being in labor at home for like 15 hours. I really felt like I needed it to have my baby. Marie-Veronique Affirmative Facial Firming Spray and the Ultra Renaissance Skin Renewal Formula. This shit is the real deal. The woman who developed this line of products is a local Berkeley woman. She's like 100 years old and she has zero wrinkles. No joke. I get it at Elephant Pharmacy.Those are my current pleasures. Nana Banana Rossi Spumonti OPI is the ONLY nail polish I use. After trying many different nail polishes from the cheapest to the hi end, it is the only one that does not chip or peel within a couple of days. Of course Maybelline mascara, it is affordable AND it is the one that most make-up artists use and I think has been on InStyles top list for years. Hawaiian Punkie Beauty Tangerine Sugar Scrub from TRADER JOE'S (I keep this in my shower and use it on my feet, legs, elbows and arms.”There’s nothing uglier than a beautiful woman with chapped up elbows” My Grandma Marge told me that) Make up remover wipes from Trader Joe's (Unscented and they are soft) CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP Banana Boat SPF 80, with Aloe Vera …. It has a nice fresh scent and keeps the wrinkles away. I'm pleased to see that you all have such varied products that you swear by. It looks like I have a little experimenting to do and perhaps a few more products to add to my crowded bathroom, counter-top. Please feel free to add more to the Comments Page.

Happy Place Number One: The Grocery Store

I was about thirteen when I was busted for shoplifting with my friend Diane Mackie. It was a horrible, embarrassing experience for me. All of the clerks who knew me, came up to the office where we were detained, sharing their own shoplifting stories with us, and expressing disappointment: one telling a story about getting caught long ago for stealing cigars from a liqour store; another reminiscing over the gum she stole, so embarrassed that she took it back and confessed, never to steal again. None of these stories impressed my friend Diane. Diane was a badass, at least that’s what my Mom called her. She never liked Diane, but I thought Diane could do no wrong. She had an awesome room, wore all the cool jeans I wished my Mom would buy me, and seemed to have it all. However, apparently she did not, because I soon found out she liked to steal make-up, and anything else her heart desired, down at the grocery store. Pretty soon, she got me in on the action. I was learning the ropes and getting damn good at stashing things in my own bag. We would hit our neighborhood Safeway, wave to Sandra, one of the checkers, chat with Merle the cute produce guy, and then duck in and out of aisles grabbing candy for friends at school, and cigarettes to smoke in my backyard. Eventually the jig was up, we were snatched by the scruff, and dragged upstairs to the manager's musty office, where we waited for our parents to come and claim us. While I shed tears of shame and pondered what juvenile hall would be like, Diane exhibited a bolder side, hissing at the manager that it was no big deal and he should just let us go. I was shocked and wished she would keep her mouth shut. She had already dragged me far enough into her badass ways. I didn't need her making my situation any worse. Finally, Diane's Mom came to get her, leaving me behind to await my fate. These were the days before stores were open twenty-four hours a day. It was my Mom's boyfriend who insisted the staff stay until he could get there. I never liked him much, but boy was I relieved to see his face that day. After that, I shunned Diane and silently vowed to never set foot into our Safeway again. I would shrink in my seat whenever we would pull into the parking lot. My Mom would ask me, every time, if I'd like to go in with her to shop, but I would respond that I needed to start homework or that I was tired. As soon as she would leave the car, I would tilt the seat all the way back so as not to be spotted by any familiar Safeway employees. I was sure they all hated me. The guilt and shame weighed me down like all those stolen items I had shoved into my purse. It took a long time for me to recover from the embarrassment of that day. About a year later, my Mom received a modest inheritance from a distant relative. She asked me if I'd like to go to the store and fill my own shopping cart with anything I wanted. My mind immediately drifted to the still familiar aisles of Safeway, with pop-tarts, cocoa-puffs, and all the other junk I could cram into a cart. I still recalled where to find everything. I suppose that was the incentive I needed to brave setting foot into the store again. I filled my cart just as Mom told me I could, and proudly marched to the check-out with her, secretly relieved that we were more than able to pay for all our bounty. That experience completely turned things around for me. I no longer feared the grocery store. I liked the people who worked there, the limitless food options, and the familiarity of it all. To this day, the grocery store is my mecca, my place of comfort. Some people visit a spa, take a hike, or go to the gym to unwind. I, on the other hand, hit the grocery store. I have favorites too. Right now, I do most of my shopping at Piedmont Grocery in Oakland. It’s a gourmet and specialty store, with friendly staff, who have all witnessed my life unfold over the years: first me and my daughter shopping alone; then me with a boyfriend here or there,;then pregnant and married to my husband; and now all my family shopping together. My husband gives me grief because all the butchers know me by name and a few are even flirtatious with me. The check-out clerks know my son and daughter, and go out of their way to do a funny magic trick or give a high five. Besides Piedmont Grocery, my current favorite places to shop are Trader Joe's on College Avenue, the Orinda Safeway, Jack London Square Farmer's Market, and our new pride and joy in Oakland, Whole Foods on 27th and Broadway. The Whole Foods in Oakland is magnificant, although I feel like I'm cheating on my friends at Piedmont when I shop there. It is gloriously huge, with their signature perfect mounds of fruits and veggies piled high, and every exotic produce imaginable. They have purple carrots. Now, I'm betting I won't need purple carrots anytime soon, but at least I know where I can get them. Then of course, there is the product and vitamin department, with every natural product imaginable. I have finally realized that I can't take my kids anymore because they get restless when I'm browsing each aisle looking through all the new products. Even when I go on vacation, I make a point to visit the local grocery store. There are so many locally made goodies you can find. For instance, when my husband and I visit Ashland, Oregon, we stop by the co-op to pick up local honey, cheeses, Oregon peaches, and marionberry jam. By now, my husband knows that I love a good grocery store. For our second anniversary, we spent the weekend in Napa. Once we settled into our hotel, the first thing he did was take me to Oakville Grocery Company, where they have countless gourmet foods to choose from. You can find truffle oils, imported pastas and sauces, or Napa mustard. For me, it’s better then going to a souvenir shop. Somehow, when I'm traveling, visiting a grocery store makes me feel more at home. It’s funny, for the year that I banished myself from Safeway, I couldn't imagine getting over the shame of my crime. Nowadays, I realize that grocery shopping has become a form of therapyfor me. It allows me to focus on the mundane task of following my grocery list rather then hashing over the days events. I just grab my cart, wheel through the doors, and begin my usual loop. Starting with the produce and frozen section, and ending with my friends at the butcher counter. What else does a girl need? I'm in my ultimate happy place.

"Issues"

Recently, a magazine shop opened up in my neighborhood. The shop's name is "Issues." Seriously, I cannot think of anything more appropriate to describe my own magazine obsession. Ever since I was a kid, I have been into magazines. At the grocery store, I would beg my Mom for the latest issue of Mad Magazine or Archie and The Gang. Of course, those magazines are more like comic books, but still, that's where my fascination began. When I was about nine or ten years old, my grandparents were kind enough to get me my first subscription to a junior National Geographic magazine. I really looked forward to getting my own magazine each month in the mail. Unfortunately, I wasn't as captivated by the subject matter of that particular periodical. How could my grandparents have known that, at age eleven, I'd already grown tired of kids’ magazines and moved onto reading my Mom's Vogue? She always kept them piled next to her bed for night-time reading. I'd leaf through them, trying not to lose my Mom's place. At that time, I was mostly fascinated by the photography and fashion. I already had a habit of changing my outfit three or four times a day, dependent on my mood and the activity I was into. In other words, I had discovered fashion and Vogue only validated this new-found love for costuming myself in ridiculous outfits. Whether I paired a tutu with knee socks to dance around my room, or plaid pants, and a cowboy vest to roller skate in our apartment complex, Vogue made it all seem normal. Didn't everyone change clothes to suit their moods? My Mom was less enthused about this new development, since it meant my laundry basket was overflowing with my wardrobe cast-offs. In my early teens, the rest of my family realized that I was into fashion as well. My grandparents eventually upgraded my magazine subscription to Seventeen magazine—perhaps a bit more age appropriate then Vogue, I admit. I wasn't at all into the Tiger Beat and Teen Beat like all my girlfriends. I could care less about heartthrobs like Scott Baio, Corey Haims, and Corey Feldman. Maybe Johnny Depp, but otherwise I couldn't be bothered by those teen rags. I wanted to see beauty shots by Francesco Scavullo or an artful shot by Irving Penn. I even memorized all my favorite models in the editorials, including Rachel Williams, Linda Evangelista, Kate Moss, and Naomi Campbell. Eventually, I even outgrew Seventeen mag and asked my grandparents for an upgrade to Elle. Each month I would eagerly anticipate receiving my shiny new issue of Elle. First, I would browse the magazine from cover to cover, reading articles, and making mental notes of all the cool shots. The fashion shoots would often inspire a collage that I would plaster around my room like photographic wallpaper. I had a small area dedicated to Marilyn Monroe or Michael Jackson, but for the most part, I preferred to surround myself with the ever-changing trends Elle produced in its glossy pages. Remember day-glo anyone? The bright lips and bright eye shadow of the 80s? Or famous upper-lip moles? I loved these magazines so much, and fancied myself a writer (go figure), I finally decided I should create a magazine of my own. My Mom was a real wiz on the Macintosh. She was able to design a layout using a make-your-own newsletter template. It wouldn't be glossy or have gorgeous full color editorials, but it would suffice. I could use it as a forum to deliver my own fashion and beauty expertise. After all, I was fourteen and had so much information to share. Inspired by a French magazine called L'Officiel, I decided to name the publication, Premier. Once we had a name, we reached out to friends and family to subscribe to Premier magazine. We ended up with roughly twenty subscribers willing to support our new endeavor. All in all, we were able to crank out about six issues with articles ranging from the latest beauty secrets to horoscopes and advice. Did you know that you could use lemon juice to create summer highlights in your hair? Or use mayonnaise to condition it? We even had a recipe contest for all our readers to participate in. We published the winning recipe in the following month's edition. If I recall, my grandfather's brownie recipe was crowned the winner. Unfortunately, the pressure got to me and I threw in the towel. At fourteen, I had other pressing social issues to deal with and pumping out a newsletter turned out to be a bigger responsibility then I ever imagined. Anyway, it turned out to be good practice for my high school years when I joined the school newspaper. I brought my magazine ideas to the paper, convincing our journalism class to let me write and produce a two-page feature about the latest spring fashions. Years later, a national magazine called Premiere came on the market. Of course, the subject matter was different then my own Premier, but how cool? Even at fourteen, I knew that Premier was a perfect name for a magazine. I'd like to think I was ahead of my time. Since those early days, my magazine obsession has only grown stronger. I'm still a sucker for a new cover at the grocery store checkout. I'm the person reading a magazine in line, in front of you, instead of loading my groceries onto the conveyor belt. At home, I have stacks of magazines throughout the house, which probably drives my husband crazy. I save them because I love the cover shot, or I think I might want to refer back to an informative article. All my food-related magazines are shoved into the same cabinet as my cookbooks. I've even got two full boxes in my storage of back issues from Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Interview, and Elle. I can't seem to get rid of them because I've already kept them this long, so what’s another twenty years? However this appears to some, it all seems perfectly sane to me. My Mom has kept all her issues of Vogue from the 70s. If she didn't save them, she never could have gifted my daughter her original, collectable copy with the first black cover girl Beverley Johnson on the cover. Of course, I will always love my fashion magazines, but as my life has evolved, I have become interested in magazines that reflect my other interests. Currently, I have several favorite food-related magazines as well as a few that are focused on mind, body, and soul. Of course, there are the parenting magazines I buy on occasion, magazines for the intellect such as the New Yorker, and even shallow gossip rags. Finally, what would I do without my craft and DIY magazines? I would have nothing to aspire to when it comes to home decor. This is why I can appreciate a store like Issues. I'm always looking for the next cool magazine. I'm like a kid in a candy store there. Wall-to-wall magazines? It’s almost too much for me to take. I have to limit my trips to the shop or else I'd be broke. I think there are probably others out there like me, but are they willing to come forward? A few in my office have openly shared their love of a good magazine. We even swap issues to save pennies and keep it green. So let’s see who else is out there, with stacks of magazines up to their eyeballs. I know I'm not alone!

First Post Ever

Okay, so I am new to the world of blogging. However, I have been thinking for some time about doing something new in my life. I am a full time parent, with a full time job. There are times I can't imagine having a moment to do something for myself. Its not like I'm busy on the PTA or going to the gym (although I should be). I just need aproject of my own. I don't expect this blog will be a literary masterpiece, a venue for my highschool poetry, or a forum for my political views. I wouldn't subject anyone to that kind of thing. What I hope, is that butterflyanddog will be a place I can share bits and pieces of my world with the people I love, and anyone else who is interested. Something I should confess right off the bat, I have an addiction to the following things: magazines, music, cookbooks, old movies, reality TV, shopping, beauty products, fashion, good fiction, mani's and pedi's, grocery stores, and too many other ridiculous interests to mention. I hope to share some of my favorite's as well as dish on the not-so-favorites. I pledge to share these mini-rants and findings with all of my devoted readers. Someday, if I'm lucky, my readers will expand from my Mom, my Grandma, and my Husband, to millions of others, that are excited to discover the next cool thing I unearth. Until next time, goodnight Mom. butterflyanddog