http://chicgalleria.com/ The go-to magazine for all personal care, beauty, and fashion-related must-haves! en Copyright 2009 Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Waldorf Salad

Makes 12 servings

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup honey
1-1/2 teaspoons grated lemon rind
1 tablespoon ground ginger
1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped
1 large Red Delicious apple, chopped
1 large Golden Delicious apple, chopped
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1/4 cup raisins, or dried cranberries
3/4 cups chopped walnuts, toasted

Preparation:

Whisk together first six ingredients in large bowl.  Stir in Granny Smith apples and next five ingredients.  Cover and chill 1 hour.

Guest recipe by Clara Anderson. 
]]> http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/salad/waldorf-salad.php#000634 http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/salad/waldorf-salad.php#000634 Salad apple grapes salad waldorf Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Jennifer Shon started making jewelry when her friend took her to a bead store and she became inspired to start creating pieces. After wearing the pieces she had made, her friends and strangers started complimenting her on them and requesting pieces. "I got my collection into a store and the pieces took off and I started to sell out right away, which then I started my website to reach out to more people," says Jennifer.

I draw inspiration from a lot of nature and the beauty of a bead. I create my jewelry to be worn everyday and every occasion. I don't want my customer to only be able to wear a piece once.

Some of my best selling items are the circle eternity necklace and bracelet. I wear mine everyday and it's even durable to shower and sleep in. Also the swarovski necklace which can be doubled or tripled around the neck. It's the perfect necklace for a cocktail dress or to add a little sparkle to a tee and jeans. My favorite experiences with my profession is seeing people on the street wearing my creations. It makes me happy to see someone enjoying my piece and looking great!

My plans for the future are more of the same!  I enjoy to be able to produce affordable pieces that everyone can buy and enjoy for years.

Visit www.jennifershon.com  Los Angeles, California

Special 20% discount for Chic Galleria.com readers.  Just enter coupon code chic2009
]]> http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/jeweler-creates-pieces-for-eve.php http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/jeweler-creates-pieces-for-eve.php Jewelry jewelry necklaces Swarovski Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Weight loss------ugh-----do those two words make you cringe like me?  Ok---New Year----New You---New Years resolutions---yep I now find myself taking on one of the oldest resolutions of all time-----LOSING WEIGHT!  Doesn't that sound so ick? Well to me, it does.  It brings up visions of suffering, torture, and just plain unhappiness to me.  Ok, I must admit, I am sick of myself physically. I am now heavier than I have ever been NON-pregnant----eeeeewwwwwww---oh well that is life right?  I still believe that I am a valuable person, which is important, but this weight...ugh!!

So how do we tackle these resolutions? BEATS ME? I don't make them. I take the easy way out and say "Oh well, they never last, so don't make them in the first place". Well as I take a sip of Merlot I think I have reached my max! Yep you guys are here to witness this---I have reached my max!

I am a Lifetime member of Weight Watchers.   What that means is that approximately 6 years ago I FINALLY worked the program, lost 50 lbs, and kept it off for 6 weeks after I met my goal weight.  Well, I have not kept it off over the past 4 years and I have gone up again so I find myself going back to Weight Watchers AGAIN.  Now don't get me wrong---In my opinion....WEIGHT WATCHER IS THE BEST PROGRAM OUT THERE-------IT WORKS WHEN YOU WORK IT------I did not work it for a LONG time! think I am ready to work it again.  Ya know----I hate being fat---I feel like I have always been, and watching "The Biggest Loser" I think maybe it is time for me to be more real in my weight loss.  Maybe it is time to get to the core reason of why I eat like a crazed fool and chug down a 12 pack of beer.  I am 37 (going on 38 years old) and crap---maybe it is time to grow up a bit and take care of myself.

You know, to type that stinks---for some reason in my brain, growing up has a stuffy aspect to it. Am I alone in that thinking??

Well I know a ton of you are out there deciding to start a new year eating healthy, so you know what? Let's do it together-----don't be alone! You comment to me and I will respond. Let's go through this interesting life journey together!  I promise now to write weekly and you now promise to respond. In my opinion---ANYTHING GOES---just don't swear and we will make it through this life change together. It may suck, but let's do it together. Who knows what we will figure out?  Let's finally keep that resolution longer than a week.  We are in this together!

]]> http://chicgalleria.com/wellness/diet/lets-lose-the-weight-together.php http://chicgalleria.com/wellness/diet/lets-lose-the-weight-together.php Diet diet plan weight loss Weight Watchers Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Linde Balderas, owner of Tailored Tadpole is an adventurer who loves to move around, and have lived in many places. "I attended UNC-Chapel Hill and studied International Relations. Like so many, my actual profession ends up having nothing to do with my field of study. I founded Tailored Tadpole with the help of my business partners, Deanie Madison and Kristina Whitman, in 2005 after the birth of my first child, Marina. I guess the whole idea began brewing even before Marina was born." says Linde.

"Being new to the world of parenting, I had no idea where to look for cool products and couldn't find modern styles for my babe. I was not a fan of the pastel, ordinary designs I found everywhere. I couldn't even find nursery decor that was my style. So I made my own! Curtains, crib linens, blanket, changing pad cover. I was so thrilled, also so huge I could barely reach the sewing machine, but somehow I finished it before she was born. I made my first blanket with my newborn wrapped in the Moby wrap asleep on my chest at the sewing machine. It took me hours. I proudly listed it on ebay, thinking it was the coolest thing ever. Why not start at $.99 bid? Imagine my disappointment when it sold for a whopping five dollars! But I didn't give up, although I admit it has been a challenging experience growing this business. The thing that keeps me going is my true, deep love for what I do."

"My kids are my inspiration. I design what I want for them, as a mom. Soft, washable, stylish designs in wonderful colors with great detail and superb quality. Our entire line is handmade in the USA by women paid a living wage--no sweatshops or unfair labor practices. This is very important to me. I want Tailored Tadpole to be a win/win for everyone involved, not just myself, but the customers and the producers. I have a fantastic team beside me and could not do this without them."
 
"For me there are two great rewards. The first comes when I can dress Marina or Soren, my son, in one of my designs and see it come to life. This is so gratifying to me! Maina comes home from preschool every now and then and tells me she told someone that her mami made her dress. It always makes me smile. Second, to see someone else made happy by my clothing or blankets. I participate in a fundraiser every year for the Junior League of Raleigh in North Carolina. It is so amazing to see the pregnant women I met the year before come in with their babies dressed in Tailored Tadpole lounge sets or wrapped in our blankets. People rush up and grab the display pillow gushing to their friends how much they love the one they bought last year. I can't describe this feeling. I am so glad to be able to add a little more joy to the wonder of parenthood by providing parents with styles they are proud to carry."

As far as plans for the future, Tailored Tadpole's first full clothing line launched in October for the Spring/Summer season. It is for boys and girls ages newborn to size 6. They also debuted Tailored Tadpole ECO, using colorful organics and eco friendly fibers. Linde concludes, "I plan to expand this over the next few seasons. We are also expanding our wholesale reach to take Tailored Tadpole to local boutiques across the country. As my children grow, I want them to continue to wear my designs, so I plan to expand the line beyond size six eventually. But for now, I have my hands full and am loving every minute of it."

Visit www.tailoredtadpole.com  Suffolk, Virginia  View Spring catalog at www.tailoredtadpole.com/catalog2.htm.
]]> http://chicgalleria.com/parenting/apparel/linda-balderas-owner-of-tailor.php http://chicgalleria.com/parenting/apparel/linda-balderas-owner-of-tailor.php apparel Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Jenny Meilichove is a freelance illustrator and artist currently living in Jerusalem, Israel. "I was born in Russia and at the age of 11 I came to Israel with my family. Last summer I finished my studies In Bezalel academy of art and design. Finally! I studied design in Illustration Department, and finished it with excellence award," says Jenny. "Now I'm living with my boyfriend in Jerusalem, and we have a cat together! His name is Blueskii, and he's the most beautiful and beloved cat in the world. No, seriously. He loves to jump up and sleep on my work desk where I draw.  When I was a very little girl My father teach me to draw  (because my father really loves art). Today my father is a doctor and I am an artist."

Jenny draws inspiration In everyday life. "I really like living in a world of happy little creatures.
I aim to create optimistic art, which reminds us that life is good," she says.  "And if it's not bright and shiny right now, there's always a hope for better. And in order to improve it, only you can change your life, in every way you choose. My intention is to make people smile when they see my work, this way they'll have at least one moment of bliss a day."

"I like that my work never repeats itself. That every day I do something different from yesterday, that I am free to use different ways to create something, like one day working with paints and other with scissors, or fimo and felt. That every day I can work on another area of interest, either love or other complex relationships and situations. I manage my workflow myself, and enjoy it  lot. And from my point of view, illustration artist is a very happy profession."

Jenny's artwork would be a wonderful addition to any child's decor.  Her work is whimsical and happy.  Jenny has a wide variety of work displayed on Flickr and features pieces for the playful side in all of us.  

Visit  www.behappynow.etsy.com  and http://www.flickr.com/photos/jen7/  Jerusalem, Israel

]]> http://chicgalleria.com/parenting/artist/art-to-make-people-smile.php http://chicgalleria.com/parenting/artist/art-to-make-people-smile.php Artist art artist characters children illustrations Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 "We help take the guesswork out of buying your next beauty products"

With a background is in advertising, where she worked at both Saatchi and Saatchi and Bates Worldwide advertising agencies, specializing in beauty, fashion and luxury goods accounts, Risi-Leanne Baranja began Palacinka Beauty Blog. (PAL-A-CHINK-UH)  I've always been a beauty junkie, so the Palacinka Beauty Blog is a great way to combine my passion with my background and experience!

With Pop culture, technology, fashion, makeup artistry and photography as her inspiration she shares weekend beauty steals, gift guides; and mascara, hair product and foundation reviews.

In the future, Risi-Leanne hopes to be partnering with more digital and traditional companies and continuing to find more fabulous beauty products all around the world for our readers!

Visit www.palacinka.com  New York, New York
]]> http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/palacinka-beauty-aids-the-beau.php http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/palacinka-beauty-aids-the-beau.php Cosmetics Makeup beauty blogs cosmetics makeup Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 "Small business marketing on a small budget? Yes, it is feasible! Derek Slocum has discovered a fabulous marketing tool that puts your business card in the hands of potential customers.

It is possible to boost your business returns immensely by simply sticking a Card Caddie business card holder to the exterior of your vehicles. Once you have attached the Business Card Holders to your vehicle, it can actually start to generate potential clients. Clients who take a card from the vehicle's Card Caddie business card holder. You will be able to generate additional sales even when you are working elsewhere and with little exertion or effort. This could be the most rewarding advertising strategy that you could have without spending a lot of money.

Can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

I worked a full time job as a production supervisor for 7 years on swing shift. It was a great job but my days were available to do more so I thought I would get into real estate notary services on the side. At the time I was driving a white mustang convertible and I did not want to advertise on my car. I thought I would just put a business card holder on the back and that would be all I would want to do. That is when it started. I was talking to my wife about how I could not find one and she made a comment "Why don't you make one?" That is when we both sat down and came up with the idea. We refinanced the house and the rest was history.

Where do you draw inspiration for your products/service?
         
That's easy, When I look around and see all the potential clients and how this product will help promote their business. I always get a response of "What a Great Idea! Do you have any with you now?"


All the Card Caddie's sell pretty well. My best experience was at the NAR Expo (Nationial Association of Realtors) in Vegas. One out of every Three Realtors that came by the booth bought 1-2-3-5-10 Card caddie's. There were so many people there it was crazy.

What are your plans for the future?

Our plans for the future is to hopefully get in all the large retail chain stores.

Card Caddie's are weather- resistant; they are heavy duty and have a smooth finish. It has an interlocking lid to secure your business cards from snow, wind, or rain. It is easily installed by using robust 3M VHB adhesives.

Visit www.cardcaddie.com  Upland, California

Derek is offering a 33% discount to all Chic Galleria readers!  Use this link http://www.cardcaddie.com/995ad.html ]]> http://chicgalleria.com/men/marketing/car-card-caddies-boost-busines.php http://chicgalleria.com/men/marketing/car-card-caddies-boost-busines.php Marketing business cards cars marketing vehicles Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 When we are stuck or in a state of uncertainty, it is difficult to move forward on our dreams and intentions. We are inclined to stay in that state of uncertainty instead of moving forward to a place of unknown. Yet, when we think about it, every move forward is a move into the unknown. We take the risk when we are certain that it will benefit us, or if it is a life and death situation; for example, staying in a passionless job because you are afraid of not being able to pay the bills. We resign ourselves to a life of drudgery instead of trusting the process and ourselves and taking a leap of faith.  
 
Let's visit those things that hold us back. The most common reason is fear. I believe fear is a catch all phrase for us not knowing and trusting ourselves and the process. If we can truly trust in ourselves, knowing who we are, it is less difficult to take that leap. I still ask the ladies, "Who are you?"

Many of us cannot fully answer the question. Why is this? Because it is easier to stay stuck, not taking full responsibility for one's life, than to make decisions that might get you what you want, or might get you evicted. I am by no means saying to make these decisions without proper planning. This planning is all part of the process called life. It pains me that so many women are not in touch with whom they really are and what they truly want out of life. Oh yes, we know what we don't want, but what do we want? Can we name it? Can we allow it once it shows up?
 
How many of us women can resonate to this: I have taken care of everyone else's needs all my life...I not sure "what I want"?

 
Stopping is a spiritual action 
 
This can be a sticking point for some people, because stopping may seem like resigning or being lazy. This is far from the truth. There is stopping actions all throughout our lives, for a reason. We stop at red lights in order to allow someone else to move. Yet, when we are stopped at a red light, we tap our feet anxiously wanting the light to hurry up and change so we can move on. Move on to what? Just move! Stopping allows us to read the signs of the times, within our own lives and intentions. How can we know what we truly want if we do not take a moment to stop and ask ourselves? Then, if we keep moving like the hamster on the treadmill, and the thing we want shows up, will we stop long enough to allow and receive it? I say we do not and we miss the opportunity. 
 
Once we take the time to stop, we ask ourselves what do we want and when do we want it? Do not worry about how we get it, that part is the power of intention. Our part is to just show up in a state of allowing and receiving. We ask for what we want, then promptly negate the request. For example, we may want a new home. Yet, we say but I cannot afford it, the market is bad for buyers, how will I make the payments, on and on and on. Just state the intention, and then allow it to come. You cannot state an intention when you don't know what the intention is. Stop and ask the questions. Some questions to consider: 
 
Where am I in my life right now? 
Where do I want to be right now? 
What is the gap between the two?
What do I need to do to bridge that gap?
 
Also, remain in a state of gratitude. When we are grateful, we are not in a negative place. Remember, love and fear cannot co-exist. When we are in one state, we cannot be in the other. Which state are you choosing? And remember, it is your choice. 
 
Live your life on purpose!

]]> http://chicgalleria.com/wellness/self-awareness/personal-inventory.php http://chicgalleria.com/wellness/self-awareness/personal-inventory.php Personal Growth Self-awareness fear gratitude intentions love purpose responsibilities Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Bring any dessert lover to their knees with this sinfully delicious twist to créme brulée. French for "burnt cream," this rich custard is topped with a layer of caramelized sugar. The experience is all about breaking through the crackly sugar crust and having the first taste of creamy custard. The flavor of this créme brulée has been enhanced by infusing the vanilla custard with a delicious chai tea, ONO Aphrodisiac Chai.

ONO Aphrodisiac Creme Brulee

INGREDIENTS


• 1 Tahitian or French vanilla bean
• 1 quart heavy cream
• 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 4 tablespoons ONO Aphrodisiac Chai
• 15 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup milk
• Spray bottle with Vanilla Grey Goose Vodka

PREPARATION: Set the oven at 350 degrees. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise. In a saucepan, combine the split vanilla bean, heavy cream, and sugar. Scald the mixture to about 190 degrees. Add the ONO Aphrodisiac Chai and take the mixture off the flame. Let sit for 5 minutes, then strain the tea through a chinoise, a conical sieve with a fine mesh.

In a stainless steel mixing bowl, combine the yolks and milk and whisk until smooth.

Temper some of the tea mixture into the cold mixture of yolk and milk. Add this tempered mixture back into the hot cream. Whisk as you're adding. Scrape out the vanilla bean and remove the foam. Pour into the ramekins.

Place the 10 or 12 ramekins into a large cake pan or roasting pan. Pour enough hot water into the pan to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Cover with foil and bake for 45 to 55 minutes until set but still jiggles in the center. Remove and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

After it's chilled, sugar the top generously. Spray with the vanilla vodka. Using a torch, melt the sugar and form a crispy top. Let sit for 3 minutes. Garnish with fresh berries.

Makes 10-12 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 512 calories, 6 grams protein, 42 grams fat, 28 grams carbohydrate, 0 fiber, 446 milligrams cholesterol, 53 milligrams sodium 

]]> http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/dessert/ono-aphrodisiac-creme-brulee.php#000574 http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/dessert/ono-aphrodisiac-creme-brulee.php#000574 Dessert Teas aphrodisiac chai creme brulee dessert Ono sugar Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 With its comprehensive collection of affordable and results-driven teeth whitening systems, Whiter Image has quickly emerged as one of the leaders in the $14 billion dollar teeth whitening industry. Founded in November 2007, the Whiter Image product line has already been selected by over 160 distinguished resorts, salons, spas, and retailers including: Wynn & Encore Las Vegas, Trump Towers Las Vegas, Starwood VO, Treasure Island Las Vegas, The Greenbrier, Boca West Country Club, Planet Beach, and many others. Offering both a chair-side Premium Whitening System for salons and spas along with a Home Edition Kit and a unique TOGO Whitening Pen, Whiter Image's ongoing customer support, advanced formulations, affordability, and safety protocols have allowed the company to exceed all sales expectations and expand internationally.  Founding partner, Christi Wigle shared with me her background and inspiration around Whiter Image.

Christi, can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

My passion for life is to make a difference and share a smile!  I love making people smile and feeling better about themselves.  As a previous Day Spa Owner and Teeth Whitening Center Owner, I was able to provide that every day and I loved it!  I took that passion and expanded my vision to develop new products that can create smiles all over the world.  Learning from my good and bad experiences, I am able to help others reach their goals through their own journey in life.   Along with my two business partners, we focused on our individual expertise to help make Whiter Image what it is today, a leader in this industry.

Where do you draw inspiration for your products and service?

My inspiration is drawn from my desire to create more smiles.  My philosophy is to make unique products that bring a smile from the moment they see our products on the shelf to when  they share the excitement of their results with their friends and family.  I believe we can all make a difference if we raise our level of excellence in all that we do.  For me, creating only the best products helps me achieve part of my destiny in life.  Especially for women, I want every woman to know she is beautiful, whether she is rich or poor.  Feeling beautiful is a state of mind and really doesn't take much.  It's a fact that everyone cannot afford diamonds or high end products that are used by celebrities and other wealthy individuals, as a result, I created Chic-Flic to allow every women to feel like she is worth a million dollars for all her unfailing efforts to keep everything going.  Women wear many hats every day, so this is a way of tipping my hat to her for her faithfulness and diligence in all she does!

Describe your best selling items and favorite experience with your profession?

Our best selling items so far are the TOGO Whitening Pen, but stay tuned for new products that will be introduced in early 2009.  I anticipate our new Chic-Flic TOGO Teeth Whitening Pen to be one of the hottest trendsetters for 2009.  Its unique appeal for avid teeth whiteners is coupled with the love of lip products for ladies everywhere!  I've layered this hot product with all the extras including sparkling crystals, L.E.D. lights, and a mirror to ensure a flawless application.  On the corporate or industry side, we are introducing the most advanced chair-side whitening formulation for the Spa and Salon market.  I believe you will see whiter smiles shining all over because of our new pre-filled mouthpieces.  I'm excited about this new product as it increases the number of smiles that Whiter Image creates!

As far as my favorite experience in this profession, I would have to say seeing countless women in tears as they look at their whiter smile.  Everyday we see customers that have never experienced the freedom of smiling without restraint because they were always embarrassed by their smile.  NOTHING gives you a better feeling than seeing that freedom through their tears of appreciation.  My Mom is one of them.  She was always ashamed of her smile, stained with remnants of tetracycline medication as a child.  After using our chair-side products, my Mom is so proud to show off her new smile.  Her teeth are no longer the dark, unbecoming color.  Her teeth may not be as white as any of her daughters', but that's not apparent by looking at her.  Her name is Joy and there is nothing holding her back from sharing the joy in her heart and appreciation to Whiter Image for giving back her smile.  As co-owner of the company and the daughter of one of my clients, it just doesn't get any more rewarding than this.

What are your plans for the future?

My desire for Whiter Image is to continue to be a prominent leader in the Industry and strive to introduce only the most innovative, advanced products in the teeth whitening industry.  If we create even one smile a day, it will be worth it.  I know we create more than just one new smile a day, and that feeling is indescribable, knowing you are making a difference in the lives of people everywhere.  I absolutely love what I do and will continue my passion for making a difference wherever I go and in whatever I do.

Visit www.whiterimage.com
]]> http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/whiter-image-products-easy-and.php http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/whiter-image-products-easy-and.php Beauty beauty home salons spa teeth whitening Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 French 75 cocktail

Two parts gin

1 1/2 Ounces of Simple syrup

Juice of half a lemon

Champagne

Simple syrup is equal parts of sugar and water heated until sugar is dissolved.  Place gin, simple syrup and lemon juice in an iced shaker.  Shake.  Pour mixture in a champagne flute garnished with a thin slice of lemon or orange.  Top off mix with champagne.  Enjoy! ]]> http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/beverages/french-75-cocktail.php#000613 http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/beverages/french-75-cocktail.php#000613 Beverages beverages champagne cocktail drinks gin Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 My favorite fictional character is coming to life February 13th - Rebecca Bloomwood.

Written by Sophie Kinsella, "Confessions of a Shopaholic" is the first book of a hilariously insightful series ("Shopaholic Takes Manhattan," "Shopaholic Gets Married," "Shopaholic and Baby," etc.) featuring the addiction that nearly all women face...times 20. Rebecca is a little Lucille Ball-quirky and Carrie Bradshaw-fabulous, who is terribly financially irresponsible. My favorite detail and realism of the books are that several chapters begin with a letter to Rebecca, from a financial institution that is demanding payments. From credit cards to loans, the debt that this stylista accrues goes far above what any person should loom over his or her head. In turn , you get to learn of her responses to these companies; the greatest excuses I've ever heard from a shopaholic. Played by the cute redhead actress Isla Fisher ("Wedding Crashers"), Rebecca Bloomwood may illustrate just how I imagined her to be. Or, like many books that go big screen, her character will lack the depth that the novel character has.

I'm curious to know if the whole series will wrap up in one movie, or will this be a series too...? I just hope that Kinsella is proud of the final product, and that everyone gains a new perspective on what it means to be a smart shopper. Oh, and did I mention that Rebecca is a financial journalist in New York City? Yes, I love the irony too.

If you need some tips on being a smart shopaholic, please contact Elana Pruitt at elana@talkingchic.com or visit her Good Girl Gone Shopping blog, where you can read additional articles revolved around budgeting thy fashion finances.

Photo Credit: http://www.sophiekinsella.com ]]> http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/confessions-of-a-shopaholic--.php http://chicgalleria.com/women/2009/01/confessions-of-a-shopaholic--.php Authors authors movie novel shopaholic Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 Though a joyful time of year on many levels, the few days preceding Christmas inevitably prove to be harried and exhausting times for many parents.  True to form, I personally spent the three days leading up to Christmas Eve doing last minute shopping until the mall closed at midnight only to return home wired; then baking and wrapping gifts until 2 or 3 in the morning.  Christmas Eve was spent cooking and serving dinner with a mad rush afterward to an annual Holiday party.  Santa made his appearance to the delight of all, and we rolled back down the driveway somewhere in the vicinity of 11 p.m.  With the kids finally asleep and my husband sent off to bed after several attempts to "help" me, I proceeded to "clean" for Santa and take care of last minute preparations until about 2 a.m.

Following a full day of opening presents, assembling toys and cooking, when Christmas night had finally arrived and the children had been put to bed, I was more than ready for some sleep.  Finally, snuggled deliciously in my bed, I shut my eyes only to feel them spring open again at the sound of my daughter's panic stricken voice bellowing from the end of the hallway.  With a mad dash to her room, I arrived just in time to see her toss her cookies.  Clearly, she had not seen the sign I carry inside my head:
She didn't even need to be able to read to get this one.  And so, the evening continued with me cleaning up, settling her little self back down, settling my son back down after he woke to see what all the excitement was about and finally settling myself back down as well.  Not back to my own bed, mind you, but curled up like a pill bug at the bottom of my daughter's twin bed.  It just seemed easier to grab a few winks that way and be handy in case she forgot to remember the sign again.

The next morning, I awoke to the distinctive, nostril piercing smell of burned toast.  And weak coffee.  And something else familiar that I couldn't put my finger on.  I willed my eyes open again as I also identified the distinctive snore of my husband from down the hall.  Husband in bed, mother in bed, food cooking; it all registered.  Breakfast in bed.  I do not like breakfast in bed.

My children have tried to give me breakfast in bed several times before.  In the past, my husband has been able to direct them to simple fare most unlikely to cause any problems such as custard style yogurt, grapes, coffee in a travel mug and juice in a sippy cup.  All are technically fine, but I still passionately dislike the idea of food in my bedroom.  I distain the thought of the kids using appliances, using knives, spilling whatever on the carpet up the stairs and the inevitable item that has rolled off the tray to remain undiscovered for weeks.  I know my misgivings should be overshadowed by the spirit of the gesture, but I really do struggle with the entire idea.  

When I asked others about their feelings on the subject, I had mixed results.  I sifted guiltily through many e-mails from disgruntled mommies who felt slighted because their kids had never made them breakfast in bed.  Those lucky mommies don't know how good they have it, I lamented.   In several cases I was not-so-subtly told to lighten up.

One mother wrote to me and shared a story about how her daughter had prepared a healthy bowl of cereal in milk, clearly at least a half hour before it was eaten.  Although the milk had started to sour, this mother embraced the gesture in the spirit in which it was intended, and recognized that her daughter enjoyed doing something nice for her mom and clearly felt very grown up for doing so.  I must point out, however that no appliances or cutlery were used in the making of that breakfast!

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that the genuine gift of a loving gesture toward a parent should be dismissed so easily.  However, in the case of breakfast in bed, I am not sure that the motivation behind the gesture is always so pure.  I suspect that at least sometimes, the children involved in these meals may have been bored, tired of waiting for their own food, or worse privy to what was going on behind closed doors.  In any case, the meal preparation and delivery may very well have been an act of passive aggressive rebellion by unsupervised children.  Hungry, unsupervised children.

To my delight, I received more than one story about parents who had received meals in bed after they had foolishly attempted to steal a few private moments together.  There was one couple, parents to four children and a Labrador retriever, who were forced to enjoy their breakfast in bed without letting their generous darlings know that they were wearing only their birthday suits under the covers.  An adult child rang in with a story about how she and her brother made their parents "dinner in bed" after their parents locked themselves in their bedroom for a "private meeting".  That meal was served, outside the door, with martinis included.  Perhaps I could overlook my compulsions if a martini were included, although I am not convinced.

My favorite response to my inquiry was from Jerry, father to three and grandfather to nine.  Jerry wrote, "Jayne, the thought is wonderful, but the results are often disastrous, ranging from crumbs in the bed to a nightmare in the kitchen.  I believe it should not be attempted by anyone under the age of 13 for girls . . . and 15 for boys."   

I then asked Jerry about how to convey his sentiments to children without seeming ungracious.  Ever-wise, Jerry responded, "Jayne, I would explain that there are other (and better) ways of expressing this affection."  While recognizing that when children "help" the "help" actually given often causes more work for the parent, Jerry suggested guiding the children toward other tasks, such as helping dad with the car, helping mom set the dinner table, working in the yard, etc.  

I wish I had Jerry's advice tucked in my head as I sloughed through my daughter's blankets, tripped over the overturned (yet thankfully still clean) vomit receptacle that had landed on the floor and proceeded down the stairs.  I entered the kitchen with a forced calm I did not know I could possess knowing that breakfast was being prepared while my husband and I both slept.  And there, on the kitchen counter, sat the dreaded tray, fully loaded.  One, unfortunate orange had clearly been hacked in half with a butter knife.

"We are not allowed to use the other knives so we are sorry about the funny shapes," I was told. I found this amusing given that the rule about not using the toaster oven seemed to have slipped their mind as I looked at the charred, buttered bread on the plate.  Believing it unnecessary, I had never actually given my children a rule about not using the coffee maker or coffee bean grinder, so it just let that go.  And then, there was the matter of that familiar yet unidentifiable smell.

"What is all this?" I asked my excited, jumping little friends.  

"Mom, you weren't supposed to come downstairs yet.  This is supposed to be breakfast in bed.  You need to get back upstairs right now," they yelped.  

After convincing them that I would much prefer to sit at the table with one of them on each side of me while I enjoyed their meal, we all settled in.  They waited expectantly as I raised the coffee cup to my lips and took the first sip.  Apparently my surprise did not register on my face as I swallowed.

"Can you make out the secret ingredient?" my son asked me with pride.  "It's cinnamon!" he exclaimed. 

"Oh really," I thought, "I don't think so."  "MMMMMMMMMMMMM," I said to him through my forced, blissful smile.  It was when I averted my eyes from his that I noticed the spice drawer had been pulled out, just enough to reveal where the confusion had occurred.   The cinnamon and the Old Bay Seasoning sat innocently side by side in the drawer, in similar containers.

"We know you have been working really hard and staying up really late to make everything special, so we wanted to do something special for you," they blurted earnestly, hugging me.  "Do you love it?" they asked me from their little upturned faces.  

With a change of enthusiasm to rival those of George Bailey, the Grinch and Ebenezer Scrooge I replied, "Every bite," and I even meant it. 

]]> http://chicgalleria.com/parenting/childrens-humor/breakfast-in-bed.php http://chicgalleria.com/parenting/childrens-humor/breakfast-in-bed.php Children's Humor breakfast children cooking holiday humor Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500
Cosmopolitan Cocktail

1 oz. vodka

½ oz triple sec

½ oz. lime juice

½ oz. cranberry juice

Place all ingredients in shaker and pour over ice in cocktail glass. ]]> http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/beverages/cosmopolitan-cocktail.php#000612 http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/beverages/cosmopolitan-cocktail.php#000612 Beverages beverages cocktail cosmopolitan drinks Thu, 01 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0500 New Year's Eve Pink Champagne Punch

Mix together in punch bowl:

1 fifth of pink champagne

1 bottle of rose' wine

1 pint of vodka

1-2 liter bottle of ginger ale

Mix  all ingredients together in punch bowl and serve in punch glasses.  Extra ginger ale may be frozen in ice trays or other containers and added to keep punch chilled. ]]> http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/beverages/new-years-eve-pink-champagne-p.php#000611 http://chicgalleria.com/gourmet/beverages/new-years-eve-pink-champagne-p.php#000611 Beverages beverages champagne cocktail drinks New Year vodka wine Wed, 31 Dec 2008 00:01:00 -0500