Paper Is Still In

Moleskine at Work

This year marked an important milestone for me: I finally gave up my paper organizer, which I LOVED, and went all digital with my iphone calendar. Scary! For the most part it has been fine, but I must admit I miss being able to write things in with little notes to myself, refer back to see when my last haircut was…it just seemed somehow easier. But I am still adjusting.

I realized that there was a second part to my datebook which went beyond the calendar — it really was the organization of my life! I kept business cards from places I frequented in there (everything from my doctor to my eyebrow waxer), prescriptions I needed to fill, fortune cookie fortunes…you know, everything that kind of makes your life tick. So while I’ve become adept at making my shopping list on the “notes” section of the iphone, I still needed something to carry along day to day.

Moleskine! It has rekindled my love of little leather Moleskine notebooks. Do I like that Picasso, Hemingway and van Gogh used to use them? Sure! But for me it’s more about the size and durability. They’re perfect to throw in a purse, and come in thinner sizes so it’s not too much to cart around every day. You can write notes, tape in biz cards or photos. The leather cover holds up, the plastic band keeps your place, and I’m partial to lined paper — it’s all very functional. It used to only come in black but now they’ve got colors too. I go for the pocket size and it runs about $12, lasts all year.

Because while we may be in the Digital Age, paper still feels mighty good!

Single of the Week

It has been a while but our old pal Ken is back with his music recommendations:

Science can explain a lot of things – the boiling point of water, black hole thermodynamics, the advantages of a waffle pattern on sleepwear and why Tom Wopat would make a poor attorney. But it can’t explain what happens when you stop everything, turn down the lights and play this song. It may change your day.

Etc.

My son lost another tooth this week and he is coming to terms with the fact that the Tooth Fairy is…me! He’s like, “I know it’s you mom.” I ask why, to try to throw him off. “Because you have money and have the same handwriting as the tooth fairy!” I guess the jig is up, but I will press on.

I saw Nick Jonas in the lobby at work this morning, with his big old entourage. Why are famous people all so shiny and short? It’s so funny.

Hope you’re all having a great week…the blessed weekend is almost here!

Warm and Snuggly

Flip-Side Quilt

Garnet Hill's Dream Quilt

I was just looking at a skin product online whose main active ingredient was Dragon’s Blood Complex…which really just proves that women will try anything if it promises to make them look younger. (P.S. I did not buy it!)

Well, the first real winter storm hit us in NYC. The kids were excited to wake up to snow covered rooftops. It was nice but COLD. The wind really whips up and goes through whatever layers you happen to be wearing. But I have to say that two pairs of socks really do keep your feet much warmer, no matter what kind of boot you have on.

And at night, another blanket certainly does the trick. Instead of a blanket or a duvet, I am liking the look of quilts lately. Not the older looking, woodsy/crafty ones (which some may find perfectly nice, just not my style) but some of the more modern ones, or even whimsical ones for kids. They add a layer of warmth without too much bulk. I really like Garnet Hill’s Dream Quilt, which has a more sophisticated look with its muted colors. Their Flip Quilt offers a different color on each side, so when your teen goes through their inevitable mood swings, they can flip their bed cover to warn you in the morning.

Garnet Hill is a great resource for bedding overall — I find their sheets to be good quality and the designs are modern and fresh. Their pajamas also hold up well. It can be a little pricey, but they do have sales. I find department stores have the same old, same old when it comes to bedding, but Garnet Hill still feels unique. (Garnethill.com)

No Reservations?

It’s almost upon us: Restaurant Week in NYC. They’ve extended it to a few weeks, January 16th to February 10th.With 3 courses priced at $24.07 for lunch and $35 for dinner, it’s a great way to try an expensive place. I made a reservation for dinner at Mesa Grill — it’s always a crowd pleaser and it’s nearby. But there are so many good ones. All of the participating restaurants do lunch but not all of them do dinner, so check before you make your reservation. You can see who’s in on the fun here. If you have an American Express card, they’re running a promotion if you eat at 3 participating restaurants, you get $20 back, making it all an even better deal. Enjoy!

Etc.

My kids went to the Cornell/Columbia basketball game tonight with my husband and it is so nice to be able to rest. I have a cold which I would really like to go away so it’s nice to be home in our warm apartment after being out in the snow/freezing rain all day. Although nights like this are great to go out to dinner — people from the suburbs get freaked by the snow and you can get a table just about anywhere. We used to always head to Nobu on snowy nights.

Hope you’re all keeping warm!

Can You Hear Me Now?

For the second time in the last year or so my Sony headphones bit the dust. I have never liked the ear buds that come with the iPod — maybe I have deformed ears. but they don’t stay in and it becomes particularly pronounced when I am on the treadmill. (Pre-busted knee, but that’s another story…) When you’re hitting your stride and the headphones pop out, that’s pretty darn annoying. So I have been partial to these Sony headphones that go across your head and stick in your ear. They are somewhat more stable. I had one pair for many years and then I stupidly jerked them while they were plugged in to the elliptical and it cut the cord. So I bought another pair, and in less than a year, they just snapped. I’m telling you they were much more cheaply made.

So I headed to Best Buy and I am happy to report that my choice seems to be a good one: Skullcandy Ink’d Ear Buds. They’re comfortable, they seem to stay in my ears and at $14.99, they’re easy on the wallet. There’s a slew of colors to choose from — I went with the red and black. Truth be told, I don’t love the skull on them, but I’ll sacrifice that for comfort and performance. (Although I should say my kids thought they were VERY cool.) Basically my motto is the less plastic the better, and after getting burned by my Sony headphones, I was definitely ready for something more streamlined.

By the way I know everyone is into those Beats by Dr. Dre headphones, but they are much more expensive and don’t seem to be conducive to sweating, so I am not suggesting the ear buds as an alternative to those or any headphones that are all about sound, just as a great option for the gym.

Off the Grid

We went to an interesting exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York, about how the city originally looked (think: lots of rocks and hills) and how they eventually set up the grid system of streets. It was pretty fascinating, all of the farm land which now is Chelsea! My kids were interested in seeing how places they hang out, like Union Square and Madison Square Park, looked way back when. It’s pretty fascinating to see when the Upper East Side was essentially a house on a hill. The Greatest Grid: The Master Plan of Manhattan 1811-2011 runs through April 15th. So go before you do your taxes!

Excuses, Excuses

I have been sick of my limitations at the gym since my injury, so on Thursday I was trying to psych myself up to go swimming the next morning. But my head was using every excuse in the book: “it takes too much time,” “it’s going to be crowded,” “I don’t know how the lanes work,” and on and on. But on Friday I pushed all negative thoughts away and went swimming, telling myself I’d do just 25 laps. And I am happy to report that it was good! Yes, it probably adds about 10 extra minutes onto my workout time with the changing before and after. And I have to remember to bring a plastic bag for all of my wet stuff. But the swimming was a good total body workout. I wasn’t sure which lane to head to but I quickly figured out “Medium” was for me. I ended up swimming 42 laps, and have decided to swim once a week, injury or not. It’s a nice change up to my routine. So my advice to all of you out there who are thinking of trying something new for the new year: you can do it! Just try it once, keep your expectations realistic and chances are you will like it. Really, what have you got to lose? Plus I think just the pure act of trying something new makes all of us feel great.

Etc.

I made brownies from scratch on Sunday — melted the chocolate and everything — and my family told me the Ghirardelli ones from a box are better. File that one under why bother. Guess I won’t be posting that recipe.

I have to give a shout out to all of you who reached out about my knee and plantar fasciitis! Special thanks to Beth from Boston and Carol from Philly, who both were incredibly helpful in offering up their professional opinions and tips for pain relief — a frozen small water bottle is good for rolling under your foot! I went to the doctor and am currently high doing Aleve for 10 days — after that we’ll evaluate next steps. The Aleve does help with the swelling, I’m happy to report.

Hope your week is going well!

Start it Out (Somewhat) Healthy

Happy New Year!! I hope all of you got what you wanted for the holidays, whatever that might be. My gift that keeps on giving is that my plantar fasciitis returned in my right foot…ouch! This is the lasting trauma from my 2 pregnancies (besides my two kids, but that’s another story!! ha ha)…But foot pain aside, let’s start the year off with a recipe, shall we?

My kids love mac and cheese — and let’s face it, I do too — but the one from a box can get tired. I like this recipe which I found on Epicurious (a great app for your iPad, fyi) because it tastes rich and delicious, but the copious amount of carrots gives it a hearty splash of vitamin A. Serve it on its own or as a side dish with some chicken. My kids loved it, my nephew loved it, and my husband and I loved it too…Bake it til it gets crispy on top — that’s what I’m talkin’ about:

Carroty Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups whole wheat macaroni (I had trouble finding whole wheat — so I just used regular)
• 2 1/2 cups coarsely grated carrot (about 8 small)
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 3/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup whole milk (I used skim and it tasted fine)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup finely grated parmesan cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and grease an 8-inch square baking pan. Arrange a rack in the top third of the oven.

2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water; add carrot 3 minutes before pasta is finished cooking; drain well.

3. While pasta is hot, stir in all but 1/2 cup of the cheddar and the butter. In a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, milk, eggs, salt, mustard powder, and pepper. Fold mixture into the pasta.

4. Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and the parmesan over the top. Bake until the casserole is firm to the touch and golden brown, about 30 minutes.

Man Candy

File this one under sheer beefcake, but I figure for the guys it will give you some inspiration for getting your 2012 off to a fit start, and for the ladies, well, thank me later…

Click here for David Beckham’s new ad campaign…

Etc.

Well the east coast plummeted about 40 degrees in one day — global warming, anyone? But it was good while it lasted. My knee and now foot injury has definitely got me bummed out that I haven’t been able to work out as much as I am used to, but I am going to make a concerted effort to get back to full form. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Also, I have to give a shout out as it is our SECOND ANNIVERSARY!! Yay Family Favs! For 2012, there will be at least one brand spankin’ new post a week…and more when the inspiration hits me. The best thing may be to subscribe if you haven’t already, and that way a new post will be delivered straight to your in-box…no need to keep checking back.

Thanks for your support!

Naughty or Nice???

Tom Cruise was on Letterman the other night and I am still weirded out by how strangely youthful he looked — he just might be Dorian Gray. And whatever potions or lotions he’s into, I want some!!

The holidays truly are magical: George Michael has been released from the hospital in Germany, and will be spending the holidays at home in London. The final items from my Missoni for Target order have arrived, albeit 3 months late, and we’ll finally be able to drink our libations out of some fine looking plastic tumblers. And the after xmas sales are coming, where you can get a beautiful sweater at Banana for $8. Really.

I want to give a shout out to some companies that really seem to stand behind their products…and if at this late date you’re still shopping for some last minute gifts, you might want to check out one of these:

Bed, Bath and Beyond: Yes, not the most relaxing of shopping experiences, but their return policy is generous and I always feel like they actually want to help, a rarity in the day and age.

West Elm: I bought some lamps there and one was missing a few parts. I went back with just the receipt and they got me everything I needed, no questions asked.

Coach: I had a nice big bag from their Poppy line that I loved and always got a lot of compliments on…until one weekend when a button came off and I noticed the plastic which made it patent leather was starting to crack. I brought it back for repair — for $20 (for shipping) they’ll send it out for repair and mail it back to you. But the other night I got a call that they can’t in fact fix it. Bummer. But they will be sending me a $466 credit to pick out another bag. A little less of a bummer!

Tiny Prints: They screwed up, and they owned up, without any drama. How refreshing!

And under the naughty category:

Pier One: I never go into this store. Which explains why I had a gift card from 2005 that I had never used. So I tried to use it. Let’s just say the merchandise isn’t exactly my taste…but I did manage to find some coasters. But when I went to pay, they said the card had no balance because it had been de-activated. What? No where on the card did it say it would ever expire. So after some arguing, they miraculously located how much was on the card, and honored it. Really Pier One, it doesn’t have to be that hard.

And here’s what I am looking forward to next year on TV:

Mad Men! I — and everyone else who watches — have been waiting for it to come back on for a year and half. Come to mama!

The Newsroom: HBO is the place for Aaron Sorkin’s next show. I keep hoping for another West Wing…let’s see.

Etc.

It is hard to believe that 2011 is coming to a close…and it was 60 degrees today. I had some gelato from Eataly and sat outside in the park to eat it! Bizarre.

I got some incredibly thoughtful gifts this year, which proved to me once again that if you put some true thought into giving, no matter how much you spend, it will mean that much more for the recipient.

I’ve got so much to be thankful for this year, and I’m sure you do too. So in the middle of all of the holiday melee next week, stop and take stock of your friends, your family, a favorite pair of shoes — whatever makes you happy! Because that’s what it’s all about.

Happy happy and merry merry — I wish you all the best. Happy new year and Family Favs will see in 2012!

All Holidays, All the Time

Fro Yo at Forty Carrots

As we go into the last full weekend of shopping before Hannukah and the big Xmas, here are a few thoughts:

GO EARLY — Seriously, this will save you hours. Nobody seems to get it together that early in the morning, so if you can get there when the stores open — which is probably around 9am this weekend — you’ll have no one jostling you for counter space and minimal lines at the checkout. In fact, miracle of miracles, you might even get some sales help to help you out. I did it in the last couple of weeks at both Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale’s, pre-11am, and it was sweet emptiness on every floor.

GO LATE — People seem to get hungry around dinnertime, so if you can eat early and then head out to the stores, you will miss the rush. And since most stores stay open late to maximize every last shopping moment, you will have an easier time getting in the door at 9pm. I have been in Macy’s in Herald Square post 9pm the week before Christmas, and the sales people were falling over themselves to help me. That is truly a Christmas miracle.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF EVERY LAST COUPON — Before you head out, check online to make sure there isn’t a discount you’re missing. Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy are all giving cardholders an extra 10% off, just make sure you have the code. Bloomingdale’s is giving another 15% off this weekend to anyone who uses their Bloomie’s card. Origins is giving a percentage off, depending on how much you spend. So the few minutes you spend on the computer, the few more bucks you’ll have in your pocket. And then you can buy yourself a present!

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF A GIFT CARD…OR COOKIES — I am one of those people that always wants to find exactly the perfect gift for someone. But the truth is, in these times of economic turmoil, people seem just as excited to get a gift card from a store they truly love, and pick out something they might not have spent money on. And if money is tight on your end, a delicious baked good, wrapped nicely, is a great gift — especially if you get invited over to someone’s house. Most hostesses love something tasty they can put out for hungry guests. The point is, don’t make yourself crazy. While “it’s the thought that counts” may be over-simplifying it, there probably isn’t a need to spend hours upon hours on gift shopping.

SCOPE OUT SOME TREATS FOR YOURSELF…AND A NICE PLACE TO USE THE LOO — If you are spending a lot of time in stores, I am all for using the time to find some items for oneself. Treat yourself to lunch in a department store restaurant (the frozen yogurt at 40 Carrots in Bloomingdale’s in the bomb — I’m partial to the coffee with carob chips). And check out this list from Racked on the 16 best restrooms in NYC!

Good luck. Stay sane. And I hope you get everything you’re wishing for!

Etc.

I’ve had a slew of holiday parties this week, all fun but just a little too much festivity for one week. Last night was all about pink champagne, and tonight I went for the tequila sunrise. I hadn’t had tequila outside of a margarita in a good long while, and let’s just say it took me back…ha ha. At tonight’s party we had to wear our favorite concert t-shirt…so I went back to 1987 and wore my George Michael Faith Tour tee. Good times, people!

Toilet Tales

We need to file tonight’s post under “Truly Helpful Household Hints.” As in, genius. And I must say that the internet is really amazing when it comes to these types of things. A year or so ago I shared my experience with getting a water ring out of wood using mayonnaise (it really works!!), and now I will share a method for unclogging toilets.

Your plunger's new best friend

We recently re-did our bathrooms and put in Toto low flush toilets. I really like them (we had Kohler low flush before and they were not very effective, shall we say). The Toto works well, and I like the 2 flush system — very European. The problem with low flush is that if they do get clogged, there isn’t much water to use for the plunger, to create the suction. And the last thing anyone wants to be spending money on is a plumber with a snake. (And those snakes can scratch — and who wants to scratch up your nice new porcelain bowl?) So the next time you need to unclog, try this at home.

First, put in 1/4 cup of dishwashing liquid. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Then, pour in a huge pot full of hot water. (Online, many people say to use boiling water. The risk is that it can crack your pipes. We decided not to take that risk, and went with hot water, not boiling.) Weirdly, the toilet will suck up the water. Let it sit for another 10 minutes or so. Then flush. You may want to try plunging again at this point.

It may take a few rounds to get back to normal, but it will work. If it saves your plumber a house call, I say give it a try.

ETC.

Is this time of year insane or what? I am feeling like if I make it through to next Wednesday, which will most likely be my last day in the office, it will be a miracle!

My suggestion is to make lots of lists. And cross off as you go. It will make you feel like you’re accomplishing things.

Good luck!

Peppadew For Your Thoughts

We haven’t had a recipe in a while, and now that the East coast weather has finally turned to what it should be in mid-December (i.e. COLD), something hearty and tasty is in order. Luckily guest blogger Michelle is here with a good one:

I found this great recipe for Chicken Scarpariello in Food & Wine Magazine.  I’d never heard of or tried Chicken Scarparello before, but the picture looked delicious and the recipe seemed simple.  The recipe uses jarred Peppadews, sweet-spicy picked peppers from South Africa rather than the traditional bell pepper.  I found my jarred  Peppadews in Whole Foods.  Here is the recipe:

8 small skinless, boneless chicken thighs (2 lbs)

All-purpose flour, for dusting

½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

8 garlic cloves, halved lengthwise and lightly smashed

4 rosemary sprigs (I used 1 ½ teaspoons of dried cracked rosemary)

2 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup Peppadew peppers

1. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and dust with flour.  In a large skillet, heat the oil until shimmering.  Add the chicken and cook over high heat, turning once, until browned and crusty on both sides, about 10 minutes.  Add the garlic and rosemary and cook for 3 minutes, until the garlic is lightly browned.  Transfer the chicken to a platter, leaving the rosemary and garlic in the skillet.

2.  Add the stock to the skillet and cook over high heat, scraping up any browned bits, until reduced by half, about 5 minutes.  Add the lemon juice and butter and swirl until emulsified. Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet.  Add the peppers and cook, turning the chicken until coated in the sauce, about 3 minutes.  Transfer the chicken and sauce to the platter and serve.

Serve with crusty bread to sop up the juices.  It goes well with a hearty red wine.

I love finding something that’s so easy, unique and delicious.  Hope you try it and agree.

Enjoy!

Gift It Together, People

Yes, I’m a day late with the post, but come on: my Pilates teacher of ten years told me she’s leaving (ah!), George Michael is in the hospital with pneumonia (no!), and Barney Frank won’t be running for re-election (say it ain’t so!)…so better late than never!

C. Wonder

I am not much of a Black Friday shopper, and can you blame me, with people getting all pepper sprayed for a video game? I’d rather stay in my pajamas in my tryptophanic haze the day after Thanksgiving. Cyber Monday, on the other hand, I will say has turned into a nice tradition. (Lord and Taylor has extended their 25% off site wide til Wednesday if you still need something.)

But what about if you need a great gift from an actual store? Well, some new ones have opened up in the city, and I’m here to give you the low-down.

If you’ve got some fashionable prepsters in your life and Tory Burch is out of your price range, C. Wonder has what you need. (Apparently the store was created by Tory Burch’s ex-husband…odd.) From faux leather clutches to solid merino wool v-necks to charm bracelets to bikes, this new Spring Street find has clothing, jewelery, housewares and other items to please those on your list who would crave a small leopard print cross body satchel and a coral resin frame. Nothing feels incredibly original, but packable ballet flats are always in style. I actually saw Bethenny Frankel (was she a desperate housewife?) there with her daughter, picking up a few things. If you’re not in the NYC area, check it out online at cwonder.com.

When you want to spend money but want to assuage your guilt by having it all go to local children’s charities, Treasure & Bond is for you. It’s a concept store on West Broadway from Nordstrom. The merchandise is high end (almost annoyingly so — the stuff is v. cool but I’m not sure I touched anything under $300. I actually told the saleswoman this when she asked what I thought of the store.) and all of the profits made go into local children’s charities. They’ve got brands you know (like Vince sweaters) and many you don’t , including one of a kind jewelry. They have books, housewares, shoes, accessories, even stuff for kids. And they post on the wall what two charities will get the proceeds that month. Worth checking out.

Tired of Hunter boots? Then check out Tretorn for their colorful assortment of rainboots and casual shoes. They’ve even still got the old school kicks with the color of your choice in the logo. I love them for little girls, and they have them in kids sizes…They have a funny display of Tretorn shoes’ history, too.

So much shopping to do…stay tuned!

That’s Entertainment!

Well I am still recovering from Regis’ last show, but somehow  I will pull myself together to write a post for you all on this march to Thanksgiving. I have to say that as much as I think they drew the whole thing out, I will miss Regis! I started watching the show when I moved to NYC a little over 20 years ago, and it was the perfect thing to have on while I finished getting ready for work. Regis would always talk about the weather, which was helpful my first two years here, when I lived in an interior apartment which made it tough to tell just what the sky was doing. (Our living room windows butted up against another building’s windows, and we were too lazy to shut the curtains so my roommate and I convinced ourselves that the guys living there were priests and couldn’t care less if we were clothed or not. Ah, youth.) Anyway, I liked how Reege would always discuss what he had done in our fair city the night before, sometimes going to the same events I went to, which somehow made everything a little bigger than life. I hope he finds his next audience, wherever it may be. I don’t want to be a naysayer, but Kelly alone has never had the same appeal.

So the tourists have descended, and a lot of them are headed to Broadway. We went to see The Book of Mormon last week, and I must say it is a fun night (although not for the feint of heart…or easily offended). In fact I realized after seeing that show that very little offends me, which I’m not sure is a good thing, but it just is. The guys from South Park, and the guy from Avenue Q, who I feel like never gets mentioned in the mix, have taken their perceptive and humorous powers to skewer organized religion in general (through Mormonism) and everything from Disney to celebrities to Orlando and everything in between. The songs are catchy, and, let’s be honest, these guys get away with all of this because deep down, no matter how outrageous, what they say is true! It was a packed house, and it’s probably sold out for a while, but get yourself some tix. It will give you something to look forward to!

Etc.

Well, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with lots of tasty side dishes. (Because it’s really not about the bird, right?) I’ll be bringing banana pudding from Magnolia Bakery, because sometimes pumpkin pie just doesn’t cut it.

Have a good one!