I Love Christmas!

I do. I love Christmas. So what's so great about Christmas?
1. The reminder of Christ's beginning and what his life was all about.
2. The time to really connect with family and (real live lifelong) friends and hearing about what is most important and interesting to them at this moment of their lives.
3. Gaining inspiration from my (virtual) friends who do lovely things at this time of year.
4. The stronger desire and efforts to perform community service to those in need as well as for our favorite neighbors.
5. Trying new festive recipes and decorations specific to the season.
6. Too many more to mention.

As I type this,  "Happy Birthday to Jesus" has been sung, gifts have been opened and I have a Breakfast Casserole in the oven which smells delish. My sons have expressed disappointment that there were to be no "Christmas Pancakes." So, yes, I am about to prepare a pancake or two. After all, it's Christmas and they will need the extra energy for those "thank you" phone calls and notes.

Wishing you a happy and festive holiday

season filled with traditions old and new!

Late November - Early December

I love the holiday season. In the last few weeks, I have done much and will share highlights as time permits. In the meantime, bullets:

• I made a batch of home made Chicken Noodle soup. My family gave my soup great reviews. I used a recipe from http://www.allrecipes.com/. I will make again and post within the next few weeks. 
• I made a batch of mini-muffins using 3 Ingredients - a box of Yellow Cake Mix, a can of pumpkin puree, and a bag of Hershey's mini-chocolate chips. They were very well received, too.
• I found my pendind needlepoint project in the bottom of a tote bag in the back of my closet. It is about 2/3 complete and had been missing since August. I am delighted!
• I have completed a First Aid Course (Heartsavers by the American Heart Association). It was excellent. I received great reminders and some terrific new pieces of information. I think every household should have at least one person become certified. I feel so empowered.
• I tried a new salon and asked the colorist to go with a rich natural dark brown. Apparently, she thought that I asked her to make it jet black. Ugh! It is not very natural or attractive looking. I'll never go back there again (unless they offer a really good coupon or I get another gift card).
• I attended the National Christmas Tree Lighting in D.C. and saw the first family. It was my second time taking my sons to see President Obama in person. The first was while he was still senator and he came for a campaign rally in 2008. That time, my older son never truly laid eyes on him because of the crush of people and all the mania. But this time, the boys, my husband and I, all sat comfortably (in the super cold weather) and watched a lovely display of Patriotism and Christianity. After the official show, they served hot chocolate and we walked around and looked at the smaller trees that represented each state. Then we watched a singer (not sure who he was) have a do over of his songs on stage. I guess it didn't record well or something for PBS. (Check your local listings, as they say.) Then we watched the fantastic electric trains that were around the trees. Then we went to the historic Willard Hotel which was decorated absolutely beautifully for the holidays and listened to an amazing a capella choir sing a program of holiday tunes. It was an terrific night. May God Bless America! (Note-It took me a ridiculous amount of time to figure out what to wear.)
• I'm about 1/4 into my Christmas shopping and trying to keep it simple and sane.
• I've decorated with our family's existing Christmas stash but I am itching to do something crafty, too. My sister shared a good idea offered by Martha (Stewart) and if I have time to pull it off before December 24th, I'll be sure to share.

Does everyone want to try new things and feel crafty and cookish between Thanksgiving and Christmas or is it just me?

Veterans Day - 11/11/11



Second Lieutenant Henry Ossian Flipper
Image Courtesy of www.nps.gov.

While I am a person who genuinely gravitates toward peace and harmony, I have so much admiration for those who give of themselves in pursuit of service to all of us in this great nation. I would be happy to go so far as to say that I have the luxury of this peacenik perspective as a direct result of the efforts of those who have served as well as those who are continuing to serve. Today, I want to introduce to some and present to others a distinguished veteran from long ago - Henry Ossian Flipper.

Henry O. Flipper was the first american of african descent to graduate from West Point. He was literally and directly an African-American. (His parents were abducted from their homes in Africa to work in the United States as slaves; and, he was born in these Thomasville, Georgia in 1856.) His is an interesting story and I plan to learn more about him. To read more about this veteran of note, visit the National Park Service's website - here.

To Our Dear USA Veterans -

Thank you for your service to this great nation. Your efforts continue to be appreciated.

God Bless You!

Not Quite Soup - Crock-Pot Roast

We had snow - actual big authentic snowflakes - mixed in with our cold and rain over this past weekend. The children were delighted. Me, not so much. Again, with all this cold weather, my mind moved toward the idea of making homemade soup again.

Wearing my favorite cozy navy suede uppers, tan sherpa-lined slippers from Lands End, I headed into my kitchen to see if I had the ingredients for an impromptu soup supper. Firstly, I checked the freezer. I had a whole chicken, chicken drummettes, turkey burgers, ground turkey, chicken nuggets (What? I have kids!), and a stack of Lean Cuisines. Nextly, I checked the pantry. I had 33% less sodium Swanson's Chicken Broth, Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix, cans of garbanzo beans and black beans. (I had some great coupons and they happened to be on some amazing sales so I had about 10 cans of various soup. I continued to focus on my goal of MAKING HOMEMADE soup - NOT heating "store bought" soup.) Lastly, I checked the refrigerator. I had baby carrots, a half of a yellow onion, and a container of Olivia's Spinach Salad.

"I should be able to make something great," I thought smiling to myself. "Oh, I should pull out my crock-pot." Mind you, my crock-pot was purchased back in college about 20 years ago. It's really made of electrified crockery. I store it in it's original box and I still have all the original paperwork, just in case there is a problem and I need to have it repaired. One of the sweetest things about it is the country-style multicoloured-ivy painting on it which seems to evoke images of the hot, savory, delicious comfort foods sure to be simmering inside. Someday, I'll get one of those fancy digital steel slow cookers with the removable liner and all; but, for now, my little brown & tan crock-pot will suits this tradly family just fine -thank you very much. And I rather love this "old faithful" and enjoy bringing her out for a spin every now and again.

Rival Crock-Pot Circa 1988
Don't hate me because I'm beautiful.

I neglected to take pictures of the meal preparation process. I promise to do so next time.

In words, here's what I did -
Defrosted the chuck roast in the microwave almost fully.
Lightly salted and peppered the roast.
Heated a non-stick skillet and covered the bottom of the pan in a light Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Browned the roast in the pan.
Chopped half of a yellow onion.
Rinsed and patted dry about a cup of baby carrots.
Put the vegetables in the crock pot.
Put the hot browned roast on top of the vegetables.
Opened a pack of the dry onion soup mix.
Poured a cup of water over the top.
Gave it a quick stir.
Cooked it on high for about 3 hours. I know you're not supposed to do so; but, I"m my own woman and I actually stirred it a couple of times. Each time I lifted the lid, I lifted it straight up, just high enough to fit my little Pampered Chef stirrer in there for a quick stir and put the lid back on ASAP with a little twist of the lid to be sure that there were not air bubbles between the lid and the pot.
Cooked it on low for about 2 hours.

This is basically the recipe from the Lipton Dry Onion Soup Mix box without the potatoes. Still, the house smelled wonderful and the husband and I enjoyed it. There was little work and while it was a wee bit salty, the roast was flavorful and tender. With a small side of rice and a salad of baby spinach with chopped tomatoes with Ken's Lite Vidalia Onion Salad Dressing, we had a lovely hearty cold weather meal.

I ended up preparing beef franks for the lads.

What I need to do is to be proactive and actually have better soup items on hand as a stock item. Now, I need to find some good EASY homemade soup recipes that don't involve roast chuck and preferably no mix. I'm off to visit Allrecipes.com.

What I still haven't quite figured out is how one uses the crock pot on high without the need to stir and disturb the slow cooking process. There was definitely some sticking and had I not stirred, there would have been some unhappy faces on the parents as they joined the children and had to eat beef franks for dinner. Even after all these years, I'm still learning...life is good.

Halloween is for Chumps ... Truly.

Just googled "Halloween is for chumps" on a whim. Seems the phrase is madly overused (by pathetic miscreants at that). Now, I'm starting to think that everything I'm writing has already been writ.

Vintage look at the awesome music man Neil Young with the saddest punkin evah.
Image courtesy of desuko.tumblr.com.

Is Law School for Chumps?

One of the phrases I use in parenting my boys is "fill in the blank is for chumps." I have explained that a chump is someone who is easily convinced that something that's obnoxious or ridiculous is somehow cool, good, or right - I.e. "Face tattoos are for chumps." "Smoking is for chumps." "Cheating is for chumps." You get it. So do they. And they understand that mummy doesn't think they are chumps; so, she is dismayed when chump-like behavior is displayed. Although, I have to say that the other day, I overheard my 7 year old say that something was for "chums" and his older brother chuckled and corrected him.

I just read an interesting article at The New York Times called Are Law Schools and Bar Exams Necessary?  The piece brings into question whether actual schools accredited by the American Bar Association (which is basically a trade association for JDs) and the infamous Bar Exam (tool used to validate knowledge that should have been present when the JD was conferred by the law school) are really necessary to make sure that lawyers have the skills, talent and ability to serve US citizens. You can imagine the costs associated with schools, the exam and the profit-making enterprises (i.e., classes, books, training/review courses, tutoring services, etc.) surrounding both of these entities no matter what actual earning potential exists at any given time.

As you may recall from earlier posts/references, I am so the "wannabe law student." I want to be a lawyer. (It bears repeating - a lawyer NOT an attorney, mind you.) However at this time in my life (mid-40s, elementary-aged children, minimal cash flow), attending law school is simply not feasible. Which is really too bad - not just for me personally but for the greater good.

There are several "recovering attorneys" in the blogosphere as well as in the real world whom I have encountered. Many seem to find the work (research, reading, analyzing and writing) boring. I think this may be because they may extroverts who would prefer to be engaged with people either in meetings or in court. Maybe they don't really have an passion for simply helping others for the sake of helping others. Maybe their parents insisted on the pursuit of the J.D. and they didn't know how to say no. Maybe it was the scholarship they received and figured that they couldn't waste the offer. Could be anything. In any case, they seemed to have completed the requirement for reasons other than a thirst for learning about law and how to use it to serve and protect citizens.  In my heart of hearts, that is what I have. It is something I would do for the rest of my life.

My grade point average when I graduated from college with my bachelors degree in English was not horrible (full disclosure - it wasn't off the charts stellar either). Still, I loved the reading, the analysis, the writing (no surprise there). As a hobby and lifestyle, I have long had an interest in helping those less fortunate or disenfranchised. How I wished I had married those two passions and pursued the Juris Doctorate back in my twenties. Honestly, I don't want to necessarily get rich litigating and arguing cases. That is so NOT for me. Well the getting rich part, I'd take. The litigating and arguing, not so much. I'd rather enjoy the comforts of an easy and elegant life whilst protecting myself and others from financial predators or mistakes.

Not that I believe the J.D. is the be all-end all. Sure anyone can study (read/learn about) the law; and, I don't want to reiterate what I've already said on the matter. May I just say -

Image courtesy of art.com.

"Lord, please put me out of this misery and longing.

Either take away the desire;

or, show me the solution/resources that would make this dream a reality."

Meanwhile, I'd better go out and buy a pumpkin so my second grader can decorate it tonight. He has chosen Harry the Dirty Dog for his entry into the Storybook Pumpkin Contest at school. I'm thinking with a little pumpkin, some white paper, clear tape, a black marker and an empty irish oatmeal can, he will be golden. Also, must finalize costumes.

By the way, don't tell the boys; but, Halloween is for chumps.

10/31/11 - Update: Here is my lad's entry.

I caught a glimpse of some of the entry's and several were incredible - literally - incredible. My son did the lion's share of work on his entry and I am proud of his effort whilst he is proud of the little ribbon he earned for participating.

As the pot called the kettle...

October is swooshing by and I can hardly stand it. I simple must get a few more bike rides in before the rain and snow begin to fall with greater regularity but it's getting harder to make the time to do that now that I am working.


I mentioned in an earlier post - here - that I might begin a new job working with children. At that time, I was unsure as to how to style a required tee for the uniform into an appropriate look for a lady of my stature (so to speak). I first tried it in a basic and pure form. Not cute at all. After several iterations, I figured out my that the best way for me to give the legible tee some dignity is to pair it with a khaki or denim knee length skirt or black slim legging/pant and a woven button front skirt underneath the tee. As Dionne said to Cher in Clueless - "Not a total Betty but a vast improvement."  I wear a belt and coordinating shoes with pearl studs and I think this is probably as good as it gets...until I splash bleach water or baby formula on one of my new "work skirts."

I have worked several shifts and I think things are going well. I have a few ideas for improving processes/environment; but, am reluctant to offer them until I'm asked or sometime in January - whichever comes first. Nobody likes the arrogance of some random "new kid on the block" who thinks she knows everything and tries to implement changes straight away.

So, I had an odd and unexpected experience the other day. As background, you should know that I am an american who's probably of african descent whose skin this time of year is about the color of an ordinary cup of cafe au lait.

Image courtesy of momandtinas.com

Imagine my surprise when an adorable little towheaded boy of about 3 years noticed my presence in the room. He began staring at me with wide hazel eyes and eyebrows raised with concern (read: horror). He finally approached me as I sat on the floor with a few children whom I was guiding through strategies on how to assemble more challenging puzzles. He sat on the perimeter of our group then moved in close and the following exchange took place:

Boy Toddler whispers at me: "Your bwack."

Me: "Oh. It's okay. I'm okay, Sweetie, my back doesn't hurt. I'm fine."

Boy Toddler whispers as little louder, touching his face with his own fingertips, not blinking and turned down corners on his mouth: "No. You're a bwack."

(I just now get that he is saying "You're Black." Hmmm, this is an interesting situation.)

Me (letting out a sigh with a smile): "Oh. Yes. Some people call this skin color "black." We can call it black but really it's more of a brown, don't you think?"

Me (continuing with a smile because he still looked a wee bit frightened/confused.): "Oh but I love it. It's just right for me. It's soft and pretty and it keeps my insides in. (I chuckle.) It really is quite wonderful!"

Boy relaxing a bit: "Why bwack?" 

Me: Well, both of my parents had skin color kind of like this. It's cool. My whole family has it.

Boy fully relaxed: "Why?"

Me: "Because that's what happens in families. They sometimes look alike."

Boy no longer interested in conversation. Resumes playing.

I wonder if I handled that in the best possible way. I wonder if I made a difference in that kid's life. I think maybe I did. I wonder if the parents would approve. I hope so.

Also, is it weird that I really want a cup of cafe au lait, now?

Dress + Color = Fun

I love dresses! I mean it. I. Love. Dresses. Specifically, ones with defined waists and full bottoms. Perhaps because that's my preferred silhouette. Actually, this is also my personal physical silhouette. (Work with what you have, right?) So, I received an advertisement via email and Lilly Pulitzer today. And now - without further ado, I give you - The Eryn:  

The Eryn
PC's Unscientific Color Psychology Analysis
White - Purity & Openness
Pink  - Kindness & Hope
Blue - Calmness & Loyalty

Oh, Eryn, sweetie, you're almost too cute! You're super adorable. You totally make me smile. And isn't that what Lilly is all about? Happy dressing?

What wonderful memories we could make together!

I am a big believer in the psychology of color. While I have no true evidence of the affects of what I wear on how I behave and how people respond to me, I have a strong suspicion that it is real! I have things in my wardrobe that absolutely affects people's moods. I am usually very intentional in my dressing. This goes back to my corporate days. I used color and structure to project both my mood and how I wished to be engaged on any given day (IE., tailored dark suit jacket with heels for serious business meetings or a soft or bright sweater/knit with loafers for team building pizza and/or putting.)

During my stay-at-home-mother of preschoolers phase, I always wore color when with the children deferring to black, greys and taupe for "mom's night out" events.


As I've transitioned into being a mother with elementary school-aged children, I continue to use color and structure to support me as in whatever activity I have planned for the day - be it professional meetings with an accountants (all business), political leaders or educators (all business), volunteering at the school's book fair or substitute teaching (comfortable yet business),  going to church (lovely and business), playing tennis with my sons (sporty whites), playing bridge with my friends (cute top and accessories), date night with the Husband (it is imperative to look ladylike, cute and fresh on date night - one of the ways to keep husband).

I can't justify the cost of the pretty Eryn for the date night dress. (Boo, pout.) So for now, I will commit Eryn's color combination to memory (knowing that the pattern is half the fun) and will put something together that mimics the feeling of the dress.

Thank you, Lilly Pulitzer, for inspiring a fun new ensemble for me and those in my circle.

Legible Tees - How to Wear with Style

A fantastic opportunity has come my way. I may soon begin working a part-time job at a really wonderful place - particularly for this mom who has been carrying too much weight in the middle (and the bottom) to be considered healthy or pleasing to my eye.

There is a fitness center in my town. This center has a babysitting service (in the way that IKEA has Småland) for children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years. Members of the center are allowed to drop their children for up to two hours while they exercise. Employees are also allowed to drop their children there (rarely more than 4 hours). There is also a pre-school attached for which I was asked to be a "substitute."


I interviewed earlier this week and (fingers crossed) I will begin working there very soon. In addition to earning some pocket money, the major perks are 1.) if I work more than 8 hours a week, I get FREE membership as do my children (my darling husband would pay about $30 per month and, 2.) I can bring my children to work with me any time and every time if I want or need to which is uh-mazing since I still don't have a proper regular babysitter nor have I family members in the area.


Great opportunity for a mother of two right? But here's the rub, there is a uniform which involves a t-shirt with writing on it. I immediately thought of Paul Fussell's Class - which I first read about 20 years ago - and his dissertation which mirrors my opinion on clothes that have writing on them. If you've never read this classic tome, I totally recommend it. Tres funny. It rather reminds me of Lisa Birnbach, et al's The Original Preppy Handbook in the way it is written. And they were published around the same time, too.


So, here I am a shortish, rubenesque lady being offered the chance of free gym membership. I'm going to have to take it. But, how can I walk in with my head held high if I feel all slovenly. I am trying to figure out how to pull off this look without looking ridiculous or like I'm trying to hard. I just want to look neat and appropriate and nice and not feel like a slob (if you'll pardon the expression).

I would feel like the female version of the guy on the far right. Ugh!

Image courtesy of Three Quarks Daily

I think it takes a certain type of woman in her forties to be able to look right in tee shirt that has writing across the chest. That type of woman would be slim and a bit less endowed bustwise. As stated, at present, I am neither. I can't wear accessories (babies, you know) nor should I wear layers (too bulky).


By the way, on the bottom, I can't make myself wear the obligatory jeans, khakis or yoga pants. My bum is just too dang big. I'm a skirt and dress wearer unless an activity (skiing, riding horses, trips to the farm, camping, etc.) demands it.


And I do understand and agree that parents, co-workers and children must be able to immediately recognize the employees of the center. I completely get that this is a uniform for work and not an article of "fashion" clothing with some random (or not so random)saying, logo or advertisement. I just need to work out how I am going to be able to do it with flair.

I'd ask Muffy at The Daily Prep; but, I'm pretty sure even she wouldn't have the answer for a fluffy gal such as I.

What about sewing on a lace peter pan (round) collar and adding small shoulder pads? What about taking it to a seamstress to change the ribbed crewneck into a ballet neckline and belting it with a Vera Bradley belt? Too much? But seriously, is it even possible for one to do this in a dignified way?

Edited on 10/21/11 to remove some details about the workplace (sorry about that -   confidentiality matters).

Happy Aniversary, Micha and Barry!

Michelle and Barack Obama celebrated their 19th wedding anniversary this past weekend. After seeing a Nightly News tease about their romantic dinner at a restaurant in Old Town Alexandria, my older son said, "Hey, 19 years! Just like you!" I agreed and added, "It looks like 1992 was a great year for people to get married." We watched the story and saw the President and First Lady smiling as they went from the car into the restaurant, then from the restaurant to the car. What a super example for my sons. Thank you, First Couple!


Later that night, as we were dressing for bed, I asked my husband if he saw the story of Micha and Barry. He had.

Me: That Michelle is living the dream, isn't she?

He: What do you mean?

Me: First, she has the smarts then put in the time, money and effort to earn a law degree (from Harvard!) and then puts forth the same effort to build a career in a sweet side of law (similar to the kind of law that I hope to practice someday) where the lawyer lends advice and uses skills and education to help folks acquire and protect their families and their assets. Then, whilst living her life, doing "the right thing" she is pursued by the interesting, intellectual, (dare I say, geeky), attractive fellow-Harvard grad (recently hired by her firm so she knows that he has passed a background check). He's a bit of a romantic and makes her smile. Her family likes and appreciates him. She marries him. They have two adorable daughters. She continues working. She moves into executive Public Relations career at big time operations and sits on the Board of Directors at a major company. All while maintaining stong familial bonds. He continues his public service pursuits. She becomes a senator's wife. Then, the president's wife. (Complete with date nights no less!)

Even now, 19 years into it, he looks her in the eye while she speaks and sometimes watches her mouth. He smiles at her when she isn't looking. His body language indicates that he is proud of her and delighted by her. He seems to genuinely enjoy her company - with the girls and without. He appears to love her and appreciate her contributions to his family and to the country. Moreover, she now spends most of her days doing work about which she feels passionate - Being Mom, Healthy Living Advocate and Supporting Military Families with Jill Biden (shout out to Dr. Biden - fellow English Major!) Her husband works out of their home office essentially and joins the family for dinner by 6:00 every night (unless he is travelling). Her mother can be in her presence within 45 minutes and is a rich supportive presence for her little girls. Her daughters attend a well appointed Friends school and they have trained secret service agents to guard them everywhere they go. They are free to have a happy safe childhood. Not too mention, all the other resources (willing friends and co-workers) who would be thrilled at the opportunity to assist her in ANY way. Plus, so much available time to pray, study, plan, meditate, write and look your best. Moreover, she has a law degree so she always has a profession that she can resume whenever she chooses. The real beauty part of it all is that she is quite aware that her position is fully a temporary situation so she can embrace it and relish it all the more. That right there is "the dream."

He: "Oh. I don't know if I'd call that "the dream."

Me: "I would."

Vive La France

I don't know what it is about the European culture that has intrigued me for most of my life. It may stem from the stories of my parents who travelled as an Air Force family, or it may stem for the wonderful old movies that I watched as a girl where most everyone from "foreign lands" seemed exotic and interesting, or maybe the fact that, as with many youngsters, anything other that what we are may be, for the moment anyway, desirable.


For me England, France and Tunisia have been the countries to which I have been most drawn. Growning up as citizen of the Unites States of America, the introduction to England and all her glory begins nearly in utero. Follow that with an ongoing diet of British-Comedies from As You Like It to Monty Python to Keeping Up Appearances to Chef! and Coupling and sprinkle in the real life dramas and celebrations associated with the monarchies and anything associated with Jane Austen, Maggie Smith, and Dame Judi Dench (is it weird that I love the decor of the "flat" inhabited by Jean and Lionel; or, that I would wear anyone of her outfits to volunteer at the children's school?), along with the fact that language is no barrier, how could I not have developed a great affection for jolly old England. Did I mention that my bachelors degree is in English?

Frame from I Love Lucy - Lucy Meets Charles Boyer

(Image courtesy of www.cbs.com)

Then, I hear french being spoken and it sounds so lovely to the ear. Having seen the I Love Lucy in France reruns and having artful experiences with french artists, and taking semesters of french in college, and learning about the lifestyle where simplicity, authenticity and balance seem suitable for my personality, well that was all it took. I dub me - francophile. I've decorated most common areas of my house in rather a French Country motif. It is mixed with the sort of early american/colonial, too. (How could it not be? I live in a suburb in Northern Virginia so the colonial influence cannot be escaped.)

Tunisia (sometimes Morocco) beckons me. My father took home movies of his visit to Morocco back in the early 1960s. The images of the souks and markets were so exotic and exciting a little girl (moi) watching and wondering if she would ever be able to visit such a place as this. As an American of African descent, I feel a draw to visit the continent of Africa. As one hears the stories of great unrest in the largely islamic countries in North Africa, I am less likely to visit there any time soon. Still I so, enjoy visiting vicariously through others. When the Real Housewives of New York visited, I couldn't wait to record and watch it. It still looks like an amazing place to visit. Oh, and did you know that - after arabic - french is an official language.

I taught my sons a few french phrases in the interest of good manners and etiquette (okay - and to amuse myself). Call me crazy; but, I would rather my son say "I would like something to eat please" or "I would like the bathroom please" in french rather than English when we are in the company of other adults.

Resources for learning and practicing French are many. I shared in a previous posts how Madames Dariaux and Guiliano have influenced my lifestyle. Here are a few more:

Earworms Rapid French - The best method of learning useful phrases in a fun way.

Professor Toto's Watch & Learn French has been a useful tool in introducing the language to my sons.

Image courtesy of Lifestyle-Vogue.com

Belle Du Jour is my all time favorite movie to hear the language spoken and see an amazing sense of style. Catherine Deneuve is magnificently dressed from top to toe. Sadly, the subject matter is a bit offensive and disturbing so I rarely recommend it IRL. Also, may I just add, although I've seen it several times, I must confess, I still don't really get it - someday someone will have to explain it to me. I just fast forward through the less than tasteful scenes to get to the next outfit.

Priceless is one of my more recent french finds. Audrey Tautou (who also played the lead in the movie Coco Before Chanel) and Gad Elmaleh are so adorable is this fresh flick with beautiful backdrops. The music and rhythm of the movie is just right. What I didn't realize until this typing is that the story lines are comparable. Hmmm.

My Life in France is a fantastic book which has brought me the most joy in fantasizing what life in France might be like for any USAmerican. Julia's story is so remarkable in so many ways. I have said that I wish I would have read this book the day it hit bookstores as it contains some truths and wisdom that I could have really used when I made my big move from the West Coast to the East Coast. I really love Julia Child's wit and joie de vivre.

It no longer surprises me that our nation's founding fathers enjoyed time in France, or that France is that official language of the United Nations in New York, NY (USA). The fact that my husband grew up in a part of the southern US where French Huegenots settled and that he has a rather french-sounding last name is a happy coincidence. Also, it turned out that of all the languages offered, he, too, took french courses during his undergraduate studies. Another coincidence, is that when we first visited Washington DC as a family, we were invited to a party at the French Embassy where the people were lovely, the food was excellent and the artwork breathtaking. While I know I'm totally not french, I promise you the french connections do not stop there.

I have ocassionally experimented with my french language skills by trying to use it with the french canadian kids who have come into my life - the mothers always end up correcting me; and, I don't mind at all. I always apologize (for brutalizing their language) and thank them (from keeping me from looking like a buffoon).

I will continue to explore bits about France for as long as it interests me and dream of the day that I will visit.

Au revoir!

 

I am a Couponer

Before a month ago, the only coupons I ever used were the occasional Lord & Taylor 25% off coupons that come in the Washington Post at the end of seasons or coupons for deals at food places that my children would get as reward through the summer reading programs at the Public Library. But, after watching several episodes of TLC's Extreme Couponing, talking with couponing moms whilst volunteering at the school IRL, talking with my sisters and reading thekrazycouponlady, I took the plunge and have been couponing for the last few weeks. And, oh what a feeling!

This book with the sassy (maybe they are just southern) title was written by Joanie Demer and Heather Wheeler of thekrazycouponlady. These ladies are so cute and enthusiastic about the process. Disclosure - I have not read this book so I can't say it's a "must have" for your Homemaker's Library. (Although, I must say, it does have great reviews at Amazon.) I am hopeful that we might be able to obtain a copy at our public library someday soon. 

As a homemaker (who is hunting for a part-time gig to support my list of wants), I believe that I am contributing to our family's bottom line and quality of life as I obtain regular and needed items at a fraction of the usual cost. When one saves moneyover here, she has funds for over there.

Children learn about needs vs. wants in lower elementary school in our county's public school system. As I see it, "needs" are those things that are required for survival whereas "wants" are things that are strongly desired for emotional reasons. (OK. I just made up those definitions. Still, I think that's pretty good.) My "wants" more often than not fall in to the "services" or "experiences" category more than goods. For me, my quality of life increases with a bit of pampering and doing things that are out of my ordinary. Here's a good worksheet for beginners - and newlyweds:) - Need vs. Wants Worksheet @ SmartAboutMoney.org.

Now, I am watching what store is doubling or even tripling coupons. I've learned that coupons and "rewards" are available to help me to conserve my funds for more of the needs and occasional splurges for those wants. I'm learning to organize my little envelope of coupons and to actually watch the cashiers ring to make sure I get my best and accurate price. Scanning errors happen frequently and seemingly always in the store's favor. It's crazy. While I don't expect to be one of the lady's with the big binder who's pushing two carts filled with pasta and toothpaste (because there is no way to do that elegantly), I do expect to a few more "services" and "experiences" to come my way. Meanwhile, my next goal is to have a receipt that shows that I saved more than I paid at a grocery, pharmacy or discount store.

So today, I proudly proclaim - channeling President John F. Kennedy's Boston Accent and passion during his Ich bin ein Berliner "I am a Berliner" speech from June 26, 1963 when JFK spoke in Germany but a little more quietly - I am a Couponer.

Feeling Soupy (or Fall is Here)

I. Love. Summer. I always have. I grew up in Southern then Northern California where I experienced 2.5 of the 4 seasons of the year (which explains some of my disconnect to life here in in the Mid-Atlantic/Northern South Region of the great United States). Still, summer seems to be the happiest time of the year for me. I always need a bit of a nudge to change my mindset to things autumnal.

As we transition into Fall, I am re-reading French Women for All Seasons by Mireille Guiliano. She gives a wonderful perspective on that to which we have to look forward in the coming weeks. As I read yesterday, Madame Guiliano imparted wisdom on the beauty and bounty of autumn - particularly the seasonal foods that abound, the importance of continuing to partake in outdoor activities as weather allows and the use of scarves for pulling together a simple and elegant fall look. I have a few scarves which I enjoy. I'm just not very creative with them, Still, I'm looking forward to pulling them out - long with some woolen plaids, tweeds, and corduroy. Fall can be fun. Next week the boys and I will visit a local farm with friends and season will be in full swing.

I have to tell you. 1.) I am a bit of a Foodie. I enjoy eating well-prepared whole foods. I like preparing dishes (that take fewer than 8 ingredients including salt and pepper) and I collect cookbooks - the most prized of which are those with amazing pictures. Don't tell anyone but I bookmark a few cooking-related blogs just to read the recipes and look at the pretty pictures. The best blog hands down of this genre is Ree Drummond's The Pioneer Woman. I dare you to visit over there, click around and not be inspired to cook...or at least eat. Ree reminds me of Elsie Masterson of Blueberry Hill Cookbook fame. I picked up a terrific first edition at a book sale at our local library a couple of years ago. (I so appreciate the public library. Thank you, Benjamin Franklin.) This cookbook is wonderful to read although I must confess that I've not attempted to create any of the recipes yet. Regardless, in a literary sense, I love the way it's written as though she is simply jotting down cooking instructions for a friend.

I quite admire each of these women for their efforts and success in transitioning in the manner of dear Martha (Stewart, of course) from Big City Successful Professional Single Lady to Rural Domesticated Wife/Mother Who Has Carved Out a Successful Business in Homemaking. This season I have a goal to make something good involving squash, some kind of oatmeal-apple sweet, and a savory hearty soup for which the lads will beg me to make on the chilly days ahead. I imagine my future (aproned) self ladling snack-sized portions into bowls for them. I'm thinking of some kind of chicken soup and a vegetable chowder or cream soup of sorts. Note to self - Must acquire Soup Tureen. If I master it, I might even have friends over for soup and crusty bread. OK, getting carried away.

Meanwhile, the reality of the new season continues to come into focus. It was Back to School Night this past week at the children's school. Tuesday evening for the younger lad; Thursday evening for the elder. My husband and I continue to be pleased with the school to which we transferred them last year with hope for a smaller more academic and nurturing environment for learning. School clubs are underway and Our sons are excited about them. Our older son was feeling rather chuffed as he's been elected by his classmates (along with one other student) to represent his class in Student Council. 14 of the 27 students in his class asked to be on the ballot and applied for the "job." I'm proud of him just for trying something new and continuing to blossom and not seeing himself as "the new kid" anymore. 

I accept that it's time to pack away most of the shorts and tee shirts until next spring. (Of course, I'll leave out a few for warmer days and because my lads are just happier when they are wearing shorts for some reason.)

It's not terribly cold this morning and we have a break between rain showers, I may just take my bike out for a quick ride before the male people in my house rise. Happy Fall!

Long Live Rowenta - Promaster 2011 Rules!

"If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it:

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

- William Morris

Continuing my search for a new iron was an interesting undertaking as I tend to want to become a subject matter expert when in acquisition mode. Suffice it to say, that based on my fantastic experience with my first Rowenta, I decided to just go to the Rowenta Website or perhaps return to QVC and pick up the latest version. This is when I discovered that over the last decade and a half, Rowenta has produced loads of ironing and/or steaming products at many price points with numerous variations. Some irons, some steaming units. Some made in Germany, some made in China. Some with a larger sole plate, some with a smaller one. Some with larger water tanks, some with smaller. There were so many variations and configurations regarding the steam holes. The list goes on and on. Still, I must replace my original iron toute suite as my sons wear uniforms to school and I will not have them receiving the award for "The Most Unkempt Student." Seriously,timely removal from the dryer can do only so much for pleated khaki shorts and 100% cotton OCBDs and polos with the embroidered school logo. A really good iron is a necessity. I have finally decided to stop beating up on my old iron and let it go. Thank you for your guidance, William Morris.

My Original Rowenta Professional Powerglider

R.I.P.

After (too) much research and evaluation, I decided to go back to my original source - QVC. At QVC, I could read reviews, maybe see a demonstration video and even do some price/feature comparisons. I am fully willing to pay a little extra for some of the peace of mind I have when shopping with "The Q." So after some clicking and viewing, I ordered this lovely new lavender (not my color choice; but, c'est la vie) iron; and in a few days, she was beginning her new life in my ironing room (a.k.a., our guest room). 

Rowenta Acti-Steam 1700w Steam Iron with Variable Steam Option

The Replacement

I immediately put the new girl to work. She put out good bursts of steam (although the bursts didn't feel as powerful as that of her predecessor. The sprayer worked well (that function hasn't worked on my other iron for at least two years). She got the job done. BUT, the buttons that engage the bursts of steam and the sprayer are narrow and awkwardly placed on top with some weird controller gauge between them. The gauge was so very petit that I operated it with my thumbnail. Then I realized that I was working harder. More passes over the fabric (we are big on natural fibers and that means wrinkles). More thumbpresses and more time being spent. I compared the sole plates and found that the new iron's was considerably smaller. Then I began to question my decision. So here's what - I love seeing pretty things. I enjoy using products that are beautiful and efficient. And, I LOATHE shopping. I like to just get the best that I can, that is the most right for me, in the most efficient way possible.

What I know for sure is that 1.) I shall be using this iron in earnest for at least 10 years on a nearly daily basis; and, 2.) this Rowenta Acti-Steam isn't quite cutting it. I feel like I need to fire her. But (and this takes me back to my days as a corporate manager), is it her or is it me? Do I have unreasonable expectations? Do I just need to get used to her and the fact that her ways are not what I'm used to? Will that sickly lavender/mauve coloring become irrelevant after a while?

As I'm pondering my next step, the craziest thing happened. I flip on the telly and what item is being highlighted on QVC as the Today's Special Value - cue the music - It's The Rowenta Fall 2011 Fashion Week Promaster Steam Iron. Oh, the presentation was awe-inspiring! This iron looks AMAZING! It has everything I would want in an iron (except the printing on the side that says " Mercedes Benz Fashion Week" on the side with that MB symbol since I'm no Fashionista nor am I a Germanophile or super label-conscious). But, no matter, this iron even has a feature that I never thought of - a precision tip! I couldn't order it fast enough. A couple of days later, I unpacked this little beauty.

Rowenta Fall 2011 Fashion Week Promaster Steam Iron

The Newest Member of My Team

I packed up that lavender replacement (turns out she was just a "temp") and off she went back to the Q. She might be fine and good for some families. But, we need an iron with a little bit more, well, just more. I've used my Promaster on probably 20 items in the last day or so and can see us making beautiful music together for the next decade. Enjoying the bursts of steam sending fragrant puffs of warmth through our clothes and into the air.

This afternoon, I think I'll watch my recording of an old Martha Stewart Show with a segment called Ironing 101. Ooooo, I can't wait to tackle the bed linens. C'est Bon! 

The End.

P.S. I know I shouldn't get this excited about ironing; but, I do!

Edited to note that The Martha Stewart Shows that I have recorded the ones from YEARS ago when it was shown on Sunday mornings. Those shows were soooooo much better than the current shows with the live audience. I find all the applause and gasps and ooooo's and aaahhhhh's from the audience - not to mention the stream of "celebrity" guests - completely distracting and wrong. Call me a purist. I miss the neat and articulate Martha who embraced keeping and enhancing things at home. Those wonderfully simple shows began with a single strumming guitar followed by Martha's soothing voice and the ocassional sound of paper or board being cut and tools being lain down on a worksurface. She treated her subjects/topics with the care of a college professor and invited us to take these tasks seriously, too. And, I love that about the old Martha. I am hopeful that she will see the error of her ways and return to why we all adored her in the first place.