Table lamps are the "in" and "functionally cool" item this fall for home decor. Design Sponge, a favorite of other blogs I read, featured an amazing table lamp they call the "tube lamp." Since I never heard of it, it peaked my interest --the smooth acrylic base is joined by a modern mesh shade that makes for a simple, stylish lamp. Kudo’s to Design Sponge.

My husband and I have a special hide away, up the coast, right on the ocean. Last week I was at Home Depot, trying to get a quick buy on 2 cheap lamps for our beach house. I found NOTHING unusual, nothing beachy, nothing special. Basically, extremely boring and routine stuff.

I turned to the Internet, and discovered online exactly what I was looking for ... Cabana Joe's Malibu Surf Table Lamp. For just $99.00 per lamp ... it was the PERFECT bedside tables for our beach house (not to mention my husband is an avid windsurfer and is attempting to learn surfing).

I surprised my husband … and reaped the rewards in the bedroom.

Awesome find!

Posted by at 09:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Why didn't I ever think of doing this?????

Now I've heard it all, buy a bright red Ferrari Enzo sports car and get a little extra in the package -- a woman. She lives in Germany and decided to auction herself off too.
The 26-year-old has invited bids on Internet auction site ebay starting at 1.25 million euros (860 thousand pounds). She said she was rich herself, liked her car and was looking for a man who could foot the bill for such a luxury.

"Only a millionaire could afford such a car," said the woman, who gave her name as Leila and said she once worked as a singer in Syria. "I want a man who doesn't like me just for my money."

Posted by at 09:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Gentleman, wake up and take notice … a sexy, dark tight t-shirt over blue jeans is ALL that it takes to turn up the heat (well, maybe a well sculpted body and a strong, handsome face can help too).

Tom Cruise returns to the No. 1 position on the Forbes Power 100, due to his awesome earnings from "War of the Worlds" and the media onslaught following his pairing with actress Katie Holmes. He also generated tons of ink with his couch-jumping antics on "Oprah," his outspoken criticism of the pharmaceutical industry.

But from a purely fashion sense, does Cruise really deserve the #1 spot? I think NOT! Though I’m a sucker for casual, can’t he EVER wear something other than blue jeans?

I’d like to see him in a custom fitted tailored shirt, or perhaps wearing wool gabardine flat front trousers (I hate too many pleats in a mens pants, I’d rather have the pants fit snugly in front) with a sleek Bruno Magli Men's Malino Dress Oxford shoe.

Posted by at 09:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Only once was I able to ride in a private Lear 25 jet. Granted, it wasn’t under the most pleasant circumstances (I was on an air ambulance training flight); never-the-less, as soon as we dropped off the patient the pilot (very cute I might add) did some Arial stunts that made my stomach roll over a few times. And I’ve been inside several Gulfstream Jets while attending aviation shows.
But I hate flying commercially. According to Forbes, “Rare is the business big shot or celebrity bright light who would be caught in commercial first-class these days. Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich reportedly owns a private jet to go along with his trio of yachts. New papa Tom Cruise, who topped our Celebrity 100 list this year, served sushi to Katie Holmes aboard his private jet on their first date. Damage to the windshield of Oprah Winfrey's private jet forced the talk queen to re-land at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport late last year. And in April, hip hop maestro Snoop Dogg departed London in a private jet following detention after his entourage clashed with police at a Heathrow departure lounge.

OK, what am I doing wrong? How can I convince my husband to buy me a private jet? I work extremely hard, save money, take care of the kids, go back and forth in car pool lanes, lead a decent and good life but I’m still going from point A to point B in my elite, classy Honda mini-van.

Posted by at 08:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It’s ironic that my previous blog was about a homeless man, begging for a meal. And yet all over the news yesterday and today is about how generous Warren Buffett is in deciding to give his $34 BILLION to the Bill Gates Foundation.

If you closely look at how the Gates Foundation funds the majority of charities, as reported today in the New York Times, you will notice that a vast majority goes to help health related research projects, care for people with disease, and to promote and fund education.

Now consider the proverb “Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today. Teach a man to fish; and you have fed him for a lifetime”

Here’s my question to you… and I would love to hear your feedback. What about the homeless, the elderly, and the children? The above proverb clearly leans towards education and the importance to care for yourself, once given the proper tools.

Should we, as a society, give LESS to those organizations that don’t follow this proverb? Do we continue to feed the poor and the homeless, provide social services to the mentally handicapped, to care for abandoned and abused children?

Next, ask yourself within your business and personal sphere if you do all you can to help others who are less fortunate? Do you give back to your community, both through dollars and voluntary time? How can you make a difference, within your social sphere, to change your habits and the habits of others so that we may all follow in the footsteps of Warren Buffets extreme generosity? How can you get involved and help others?

Warren Buffets heart is worth much more than his billions and billions of dollars, in my opinion. I feel each and every one of us has a responsibility to give back to our community. So go ahead, pick one or two charities or causes which you believe in and begin by opening your wallets, donating your time and begin caring about your community.

Posted by at 08:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just discovered the greatest hand-glazed ceramic bowls, plates, and serving dishes – and they all look like limbs and twigs (some even have birdies).

What an awesome gift. The two cup votive nest is truly my favorite!

Posted by at 10:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It’s a Saturday night, on the beach, and we’re eating at an outdoor Café with 6 children, all under the age of 12. A homeless drunk won’t leave us (or other guests) alone. To my horror, NONE of the waiters or owners of the cafe ask this man to stop bothering the patrons.

My children become a bit scared and start asking lot’s of questions, like “Why is he talking to himself” “Why does he smell so bad?” “Why doesn’t he just sit down at a table and eat something?”

How do I begin, as a parent, to explain how life can be so cruel, unjust, and how some people have to hit “rock bottom” before they pull themselves up. How do I explain that not everyone is fortunate enough to be educated, to have a job, to have a family that cares about them.

Then I begin to remind the kids about ALL the charity work we do to help people who are less fortunate. Parents … it’s the best lesson you can give your children. Teach them to help others and in turn, they will realize the importance of a solid education, values and ethics if explained in “kid friendly” terms.

I wonder what Waiter Rant would say in his blog? Waiter Rant, in my opionion, is one of the most "in-touch with reality" bloggers on the internet today.

Posted by at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I’m a believer, my 7th week after my 1st acupuncture experience and I’m still sinus infection free! For anyone who suffers from chronic sinusitis … mark my words … find yourself a really good acupuncturist, combine it with herbs to build your immune system, and you will say good-bye to antibiotics forever.

In a million years, I never thought I (queen of Z-Packs & Levaquin) would believe this would work.

Posted by at 05:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Today is Father’s Day, and after my previous fiasco with his birthday (refer to my blog on "Why are Relationships so Difficult" ) I was determined to make this Father's Day extra special.

We started with Egyptian Eggs for breakfast, which means you take 2 slices of bread, using a shot glass forcefully dig out a hole in the middle of each slice of bread, then butter both sides of the bread, stick it in a sauté pan and crack an egg so that it drops inside the hole of the bread. Flip it and it’s DELICIOUS! My husband’s favorite since college days.

Then we started having the kids shower “Daddy” with homemade cards. Everything from “You Rule Daddy” to “I love you, even when you’re acting mean.” Don’t you just love innocence?

Next came the “big gift”. Each kid chipped in $25.00 (I paid the rest) and we presented “Dad” with a desktop flowing fountain for his office. He loved it. All in all, it was a great day!

Posted by at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Do you remember “Hello Mother, Hello Father”? That was way back when, but now it’s been changed to a commercial for flea protection with an adorable singing dog wearing a bandana! I’m not worried about my kids getting fleas (should I?}, but I am in the frenzied process of getting them all the supplies and clothes they will need for summer camp. I found some wonderful cargo and denim shorts for girls and cute tee shirts. Every girl needs at least 3 bathing suits.
For boys, there’s a wonderful boys tee shirt bargain for only $6.95 and cotton canvas pants, too.

And, of course, we need new name labels -sew on or iron on.

The usual stuff we have—flashlights, insect repellents and sun screen.

Last, but certainly not the least is a supply of stationery. I remember when I went to camp and my mom sent me off with sheets of letter size paper and stamped envelopes printed with her name and address. I
She still teases me about putting more of a message on the outside of the envelope than I did in the actual “letter from camp”! The mailman usually told her what was new before she even opened the envelope.

Posted by at 08:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I’m in the Indianapolis airport wondering aimlessly with boredom, popping into shops, and I spot a bookstore with an enormous display of SUDOKU books and puzzles. I’ve heard of it, but never really paid any attention. As I’m leafing through a book, a pleasant and bubbly salesperson approaches and begins to describe the game to me.

I’m hooked … I buy several books and plan on giving them to my kids as presents.

When I give the present to my oldest daughter she replies “everyone in class already knows how to play” and she grabs the book and begins to literally amaze me with her logic and skill. Parents … take heed … this is 10 thousand times better for your kids to get hooked on than Game boys and iPods.

Shopping gone mad … Japanese magazines consisting entirely of Sudoku puzzles are said to sell six hundred thousand copies a month. Nearly every daily newspaper in London is publishing one or more Sudoku puzzles, and as recently as yesterday, USA Today Newspaper announced that they will be featuring daily Sudoku puzzles.

I also bought a newer game called Kakuro. Like Sudoku, Kakuro is a grid puzzle using numbers. Unlike Sudoku, solving requires actually adding and subtracting. Kakuro is a logic puzzle in which the object is to narrow down the possibilities for each square until you find the one that is correct. It was introduced in Japan more than twenty years ago, but only in 2005 it was introduced in Britain, which is now featured in several best-selling books.

Summertime boredom for kids – the trick it to keep their math skills sharp. Every kid should be attempting Kakuro (what better way to practice logic, adding and subtracting – all in a game!)

There are several Sudoku Board Games, and many many puzzle books –easy to carry in the car, a bus or to take with you on the go.

Posted by at 07:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Nothing makes a woman feel sexier than being perched high on a pair of exquisite sandles by Stuart Weitzman. Harpers Bazaar features really high heels – 4” tall. Podiatrists stay in business because of these sandles while men oohh and aahh.

Me, I’m tall so I can get away with medium to low heels. They’re usually comfortable, look great and are cool for the summer’s heat and humidity.

Fashion tip: invest in a good pedicure at least every 4 weeks during the summer! Nothing looks more disgusting than wearing opened toe sandles with ugly toenails and ragged cuticles. My philosophy is that you should have at least four or five pairs of sandals in your closet so that you’ll always have the perfect sandal for that perfect outfit.

Stuart Weitzman has an awesome Nappa thong with bronze stones and Swarovski crystals for only $298 – it’s my favorite pair which I’ve bought (to date).

For just $84.95, a more casual sandle featuring pearl discs offer a unique look that’s pretty with dress or casual outfits. Foam cushioned insole. Smooth lining. Leather outsole with 1-1/4" heel.

Posted by at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My husband rarely notices anything. I even have to nudge him at the beach to notice topless woman basking in the sun. But the other night, we’re rushing frantically to get out to meet another couple for dinner and he turns to me and says, “What horrific lipstick are you wearing?”

It made me stop and realize it’s time for me to update my look for the summer. According to Oprah Winfrey, “Coral is in this spring for women of all ages. 'O' magazine trumps it as the perfect shade when pink feels cliche & red is just too vampy. The deal with coral is to stay away from mattes & opt instead for glosses & lipsticks that you apply with your finger (the stick itself can make the color too heavy). You want it to look as if you just ate a piece of fruit, according to 'O'. Okay then! P.S. Coral looks especially great with a tan. And try it on your toes. All soft tones seem to be the “in” shades today, but it’s fun to change colors and wear what you like.

Though I love and cherish what Oprah says, I personally HATE the color coral on me, for me bronze is the way to go. A sexy white French manicure and pedicure will look great with ANY color, but if you choose to have color on your toes and nails, try to finding really gorgeous lipsticks that have matching nail polish.

Posted by at 11:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

My mother hates shopping! She’s an amputee and dislikes (intensely) having to use a wheelchair to traverse the cavernous hall of one of our major shopping malls. It’s just too much to traverse with her crutches. Of course, she even hated shopping when she had two legs. When she was a business executive, she used to go shopping once (maybe twice) a year to buy suits, accessories and whatever else she needed. That was it.

However, being the loving daughter that I am, I coerced her into a day of shopping & lunch. I was determined to get her new clothes for her birthday. She grudgingly consented because, as she said, “Well, it’s one way to spend time with you!” Talk about a guilt trip!

We arrived at the mall - just as the heavens opened and down came the rain. There was NO COVERING so we both got drenched as I dropped her and her wheelchair off at the curb, then I parked the car.

As we wandered through the myriad of stores, we searched for blazers, slacks, shoes and belts. Only SOME of the stores had spacious handicapped accessible dressing rooms so she could wheel in and easily change clothes. They had grab bars and bench seating. While at other stores, they had no special dressing rooms but we attempted to squeeze the wheelchair into the fitting room, anyway. What a nightmare. My Mom got so fed-up, she threw the clothes on the floor and said, “Let’s just get the ____ out of here.”

When we finally found 2 items (only) to buy, we approached the cashier to find about 15 people waiting in line to pay. The whole time my Mom was grumbling about waiting in line and how she hated shopping.

One good deed came from the day. When we stopped for lunch we met a gentleman, also in a wheelchair and also an amputee. He approached Mom and asked her about how she managed in a wheelchair and crutches. He was so unhappy, didn’t want to go on and just generally seemed to be really at a low point. He didn’t know any other amputees. How was he going to live, etc. My mother, very gently explained to him that he had to get all the information he could and should definitely join a support group for amputees. She strongly urged him to contact the Amputee Coalition of America , which is a fabulous national organization supporting amputees, offering advice, peer counseling, and loads of information . Mom has been a member for over thirteen years and has attended several of their national conventions. She was also on their board. I do think she helped this man to become pro active about his situation and to realize that his life need not be so bleak. My mother is a great example of that—she’s active, does her own gardening and home repair projects. As she says, for an old one legged broad (she’s 75) that’s not all bad!

P.S. We did have a great time together after all.

Posted by Melody at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I have a friend who is in her 40’s and her birthday is approaching (which one I don’t know and she’s not telling). Getting an appropriate gift is daunting because she has everything – and I do mean everything. So I ask myself “What does she like to do?”

Swimming – loves it and blew me away when she told me she swam 70 lentghts (35 laps) equaling 1 mile. I’d be dead if I attempted that. She basically lives in the pool, so I might get her a relaxing Hawaiian Club Lounge chair, complete with places to hold frozen daquiries and a great deal -- $32.95 and FREE shipping.

Tennis -- she ALSO beats me, relentlessly. Her forearm is a killer (but my backhand is on target 99.99%). We always laugh and wonder why we couldn’t just miraculaously become one. Anyway, I could buy her a short sleeve polo shirt for tennis for $29.50..

Biking – call her Lance Armstrong … she bikes miles and miles, and between us, I can’t stand her ugly helmet (it’s black and BORING). I think I’ve decided, I’m going to buy her a stylish new wedgewood blue HELMET

It's better to give an "unusual" gift that will be remembered.

Posted by Melody at 01:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)