I'm SWELL!

I finally got to meet one of my idols!  Miss Martha Stewart.  Yep.  It was amazing.  By association of my Gourmet Club, I was able to secure us tickets for our group to go to the show today.  The anticipation of going has been so fun because I have been a fan of Martha and all the equity she has brought back into the home and homemaking aspect of life since I was a teenager.  I've always been fascinated with executing a lovely dinner table and making it visually appealing, interesting and fun.  I love how expeditious she is and how's she's made her life into an art, just being Martha.  I find it a compliment when someone says, "You're so Martha,"  when I've done something creative.  ( I won't get into the dark side of Martha, we all have skeletons, eh?! LOL)

Anyway, going to the show was sincerely a fun experience and with so many of my gourmet girlfriends.  The show was very interesting in and of itself.  We all fell in love with Josh Bernstein.  He was HOT-HOT-HOT and had a darling, charming personality.  Then, another segment was about refinishing fine metal. Some may yawn, but not me! It reminded me of my days working at Tiffany almost a decade ago!  She had a lovely butler's tray re-worked and refinished by a company in Queens that came to the show.  I thought it was so fascinating to see the fine metalworking in progress!  The last part of the show was with Chef Tom Colicchio of Top Chef and proprietor of several restaurants.  He made some scrumptious fare that had our mouths watering.  Disappointing that there weren't tastes for the whole audience or at least US, but we survived, it just tempted our palates for lunch at his place 'wich craft.  Delicious!

So, after the show was done taping, our group was beckoned by the stage manager to come up to her cooking island while she was answering audience questions.  The in-house photographer positioned us just so leaving a spot in the middle for the Maven herself and took several test shots and then repositioned some of us with tweaks here and there.  We really weren't sure what to expect and were excited about all the extra treatment!  When she was done, she came over and greeted us, then snuck into position for a few shots, then turned and talked to us for a few moments.  She wanted to know a little about our group and Kirstin's cause and blog.  It was really great moment!

My impressions of the show was that it is an extremely large and organized production!  I can't believe how smoothly everything runs there and the multitude of people to make it so.  Before the show, there were several workers in the greenhouse area of the stage sweeping up and moving flora around.  Then they would go back and do more tasks, etc.  She never even went into the greenhouse or addressed it, yet they had been busy at work tinkering there.  There were at least 6 people in her prep kitchen busily working like Santa's elves.  Everyone seems VERY intent on doing their job and doing it WELL.  When the show was taping and in between segments, there were about 30 crew members scurrying about.  Now I know why I can't keep algae off my slate patio for more than a week at a time, fresh flowers changed daily in my house, my windows spotless, my curio cabinets filled with interesting and up to date items changed out often and to coordinate with my daily outfit, my kitchen kept clean and organized and all my recipes rehearsed before the performance (dinner!)!!!  Because I don't have a staff of 30 at my beck and call.  It was an a-ha moment, I finally figured out  why nobody can really be "Martha" like she does it!  Because Martha is the face of a well oiled machine!!!

Keep it up Martha, we can all dream!

Sophia's Party

Girlfriends

Why are Sophia's parties so fun for me and Evan?  I think we have just as much fun as the kids! This year, I pulled it together very last minute and I have to admit that Evan did most of the party and I just did the shopping & styling part.  We are a great team! Unlike most of my parties, there was no defined theme, but I decided to go with a pink and orange color scheme.  It all came together so beautifully.  

When the girls arrived, they made firecracker necklaces out of patterned paper triangles and rolled them on sticks until they formed a long bead.  Once they had completed 20 or so, they strung them on cording.  This was a really fun and darling craft for them!

Then the girls were each given a mini cake to frost and decorate.  We brought out bags of tinted buttercream frosting with different tips and taught the girls to make flowers, polka dots,  flourishes and to get creative and have fun with the tips!  They were all elated to find out that there were endless possibilities.

Evan lead a killer game of Queen Elephant where each person has assigned an animal and a sign to do and the object of the game is to knock the Queen Elephant out of the top position so you can keep moving up.  It was a wonderful way to tone down the exhuberance that a 7 year old party can generate after much sugar and excitement and redirect their energy into winning a game.  Brilliant!

The food was normal kid-pleasing fare of corner pizza and pink lemonade and then the cake that Evan so beautifully made and decorated.  It was delicious!

Sophia, thanks for letting us share your party with you!  Glad you had a great time! xoxo

Old-fashioned Beadmaking fun

Emily's cake decorating talent

Letting the creative juices flow

Everybody do the crab

Cakes all packaged up to take home

Unplanned twinners--and they fit the color scheme too!

Evan's MUSIC

Evan has finally put his music that he made a few decades ago online.  Go here if you want to check it out!  You can listen to it and buy it if you want to download it and make us rich-- .69 at a time! 

By the way, that's not a real guitar--it's from Guitar Hero!

Update:  I guess I should explain the picture!  This in NOT his normal garb.  We were at a RockBand party hosted by our friends and we like to get into character for the fun party. RockBand is a video game that has instruments that you get to play virtually.  My favorite is the DRUMS!  There is also a bass, guitar and vocals.  You should find a RockBand party to attend and don your favorite thick black eyeliner and Metallica concert t-shirt.  You'll be glad you did!

Happy Birthday, Thom!

It's the week of Birthdays in my family!  No kidding.  My mom, my brother, my father and now my daughter!  So, here's to a great year, Thom!

First Days

I'm so behind with where I wanted to be with this blog.  I skipped such an exciting and fulfilling summer!  Hopefully I can fill in more on that later, but first, let me present my school kids....da da ta daaaa....

I take this same picture of Sophia in front of the same sign every year on the first day!  She looks great for having walked off a plane literally 2 hours before!!!  She was so excited to start school and see all of her friends that the adrenaline kept her going all day!

She was so thrilled to be in the same class with some of her girlfriends from last year!  There is so much comfort in familiar faces.  The cutest thing was that she was really excited that Nickolas was in her class.  Now she isn't particularly close with him but they have been in the same class since nursery school when we first moved here and every year since then, so she was relieved that they are still together.

Wesley started in a special Magnet program at a school nearby.  He got into this by lottery and we feel so lucky!  His school is a beautiful castle-looking building. This will be his school for Pre-K through 2nd grade.  He likes to call it the Barnyard school!

His teacher is darling and on the first day they just had the boys come to ease them into the program. The day before it was just girls and then the 3rd day is combined.  He was so excited to start a new school and find some new friends!  He has a grin every day when I go to pick him up!
Here's to a wonderful year!  I can't believe I already have a 2nd grader!

Happy Birthday, MOM!

My little bike RIDERs!

All excuses aside.  This was the week my daughter would finally be taught how to ride a bike!  I knew she was ready and the process took about 20 minutes.  Interestingly enough, she did best when Evan and I weren't watching.  (or she didn't think we were, at least!) I knew she was ready and that she could do it, I just needed to find away to make her BELIEVE!  I was pleased with the results!  Wow, my little post September 11th baby has sure come a long way!  She's growing up fast!

Then my garage saleing talent this week yielded some wonderful finds:  the most important to Wesley being a brand new Trek bike trailer that attaches to Evan's bike.  He was giddy with excitement as we got it installed!  He was so thrilled to do our 3 road loop over and over again.  Daddy got quite a workout and Wesley had an eternal smile!  Pure joy!

Yay for bikes!  I can't wait until we find a way to get me and Luke in on the action!  The infant seat we have doesn't fit any of our bikes.  We'll figure something out.  Until then, Ride ON!

The men in my LIFE!

There's something about a man in a suit and when you get your top 3 in suits, well, it's exhilarating!  Last week on one of my shopping trips, I came across a suit that was perfect for Wesley.  He was even excited about it and the prospect of looking more like Daddy!  I passed the infant aisle and couldn't resist something similar for Luke.  

Wow, my boys are handsome!

I'm sorry, I've been gone, but I've been busy trying out new hairstyles!

What do you think?  I'm thinking #1, #11 & #12 are pretty HOT!

You should try it too at YearbookYourself.com.  Enjoy the laughter!

A weekend without CRYING...

...yep, Evan and I experienced a whole weekend without crying!!!  That's because we were delighted to get AWAY....alone!

We escaped to a place neither of us had ever been....PRINCETON, NJ.

Our impressions of Princeton were very favorable.  The town was quaint, the food was delicious, the lodging was great, the company was excellent and the drive was short.

We were smitten with the campus of the University.  We really felt like we had stepped into England as we walked around the dorms and various buildings.  It even made us miss college life a little.

This is one of the dorm buildings.  Lovely, just lovely!

There is an ad on tv for one of the nearby destination casinos (Foxwoods) where there is a couple that walks in the door for a weekend there and immediately unzips their exhausted, spent, frumpy selves and hands their molted layers to the bellboy and immediately takes off to experience all the fun, excitement and relaxation the place has to offer and then when they go to leave to go home, the bellboy asks, "do you want these back?" and of course their reply is "no way!"  That is how we felt this weekend...REJUVENATED!

**ps...anyone who can find that ad online for me, I'll send them a treat.  I couldn't locate it. ;-)

We had a great time at the pool, reading, watching the Olympics and getting relaxing massages at the Koi Spa.

This pretty much sums up the trip:

So we did a self-portrait with the camera and missed our whole faces, but....you get the idea!

Thanks for a great weekend, Evan!  xoxo

A little emergency Fairy Tale...

Once upon a time, there was a kingdom.  In this kingdom there was a king and queen and 2 princes and a beautiful princess!  On a balmy Sunday afternoon the king and queen and their court were invited to a kingdom in Rye.  It was a lovely afternoon of BBQ, friends, frolicking and merrymaking.  Now part of the majesty of the other kingdom's backyard was a perfect golf driving range that spanned back as far as the eye could see and a very intelligent mutt that loved  to retrieve golf balls so obviously it was so much entertainment to drive the balls and have a real "fetcher!"  The queen loved to do this over and over and then the prince and princess decided to jump in on the action and acquaint themselves with driving balls with a long driver.  After several successful attempts the game was in full swing! Now, the king and queen of both kingdoms had reminded the princes and princesses to step back when they weren't the ones driving and for the ones that were driving the balls to make sure to look before they swung.  This went on for a long period of time and much fun was had, when suddenly, we all heard a loud scream and the middle prince was running around the enormous yard yelling BAD Sophia, Bad Sophia!!!  It was obvious what must have happened but the princess just kept on perfecting her game and the prince kept running around in his tantrum until the king and queen decided to investigate possible damage.  When they finally approached, they noticed blood all over the young prince's hands and when he turned around the blood was gushing from the back of his head!  Action was immediately taken to find the source of the blood and a small gash about 1 1/2 centimeters was located.  After a few moments, the blood stopped and the prince was settled down enough to get some good drugs in him--Motrin--and his pupils and breathing were checked--all was ok.  However, the injury yielded a trip to the Pediatric Urgent Care Center.  Glue was promptly administered to the site of the opening and after several run throughs of  the theme song of "Speed Racer" for distraction during the procedure, Prince Wesley was once again "put back together again!"

And they all lived happily ever after!!!

The Cheesiest Birthday EVER!

Evan jumped into twin double digits today!  Yay! (figure that one out...it's not 33! LOL)

The kids were so excited about Evan's birthday all day that they were scheming and planning and cutting and taping and hard at work in spurts! (picture to come...)

The morning started off with surprise lemon curd and cream crepes in bed coupled with a very vivacious rendition of the happy birthday song!  Yummy!

Then a day full of work from bed on his back with his laptop on his knees! (Evan's still suffering from his 3 slipped disks in his neck!  We need a cure, fast!)

Finally, we ended the day with a great trip to the fab NYC restaurant Artisanal.  It's a French Bistro who specializes in over 250 cheeses!  We were in heaven!  When Evan and I lived in Italy 6 years ago, we used to make it a point to always come home from our weekly shopping trip to Carrefour with a unique and unusual cheese.  We loved the variety that was offered in the stores in Italy and it really helped culture our taste in cheese!  Tonight we had a delicous 3 cheese french onion soup, a charcutterie and cheese platter--the creamy California Truffle cheese was our favorite, and a Skate wing!  It was an utterly delicious culinary dining adventure!  The maitre'd was on top of things and ended the meal with a surprise "Happy Birthday" confection personalized for Evan!  Thanks Artisanal, can't wait to come back--afterall we only have 243 cheeses left to try!

This had to be your cheesiest birthday yet!  Am  I right?  Congratulations and may this year be a better year!  We love you!  xoxo,  Liz, Sophia, Wesley & baby Luke

Happy 4th Birthday, WESLEY!

Dear Wesley,

Four amazing years have passed by, it's hard to believe!  You are such a fun loving charming boy.  I'm loving your personality and how you get so attached to your toys!  I've heard of kids sleeping with their stuffed animals, but I find it so endearing to see you tucked in bed with your Speed Racer cars held tightly--one in each hand as you're sound asleep!  Your smile is so genuine.  Thank you for caring about me and wanting to always be close.  It was so cute today when you were ahead of me on the trail and you turned around to ask, "Mom, are you ok?!"  I hope you always maintain that great quality to look after your MOM!

You have an amazing memory.  I love how you know all about Sharks and which ones are the most dangerous.  Who knew there was one called a "Wobbegong" or a "Basking?"  You certainly do.  It's so fun to listen to you talk about all the insects you know all about.

I love how you play with Sophia & Luke!  When you all get the giggles together, it's heaven on earth!  May you always be friends like you are now.

Here's to many many more Happy Birthdays, Wesley!  Now that you're 4, I think you should  be able to sleep in your own bed all night, though! ;-)

xoxo, 

Mommy

Fourth Birthday Party at Opening Day of WALL E

At the Interactive Bob Dylan Exhibit at the Skirball Museum, Los Angeles 2008

Fall 2007

Oakland Beach, 2007

Credit: Smith Chick Photography 

My prima BALLERINA!

It's that time of year--the culmination of the year's efforts!  Sophia had her ballet recital this weekend and it was so fun to watch her improvement through the last year's blood, sweat and tears! The recital was nearly 2 hours long, but she loved watching every minute of it.  Thankfully, the boys were at home peacefully playing with the babysitter!

Good job, Sophia! Daddy and I are so proud of you! xoxo

Here are the highlight photos:

Chocolate & the CITY!

Whenever my friend Anne has an idea for a party, there is always a level of fabulous to it!  I think this is one of the reasons that we hit it off so well from the 7 years that we have known each other!  We both have the motto: MAKE IT MEMORABLE. This week was our friend Chrysula's 40th birthday and Anne had the wonderful idea to surprise her with a chocolate tour of the City in a limo!  I was so excited after I got the invitation that the anticipation was almost as fun as the actual event!

10 of Chysula's friends arrived in their NY summer flirty attire and we embarked on a fun-filled 2 hour voyage in style!  Anne mapped out and researched 20 of the City's top chocolate boutiques hoping to hit them all, but the NYC traffic didn't allow it.  It didn't faze us though, we just enjoyed the traveling party with stops at 6 major chocolatiers plus Anne catered a gourmet picnic we toted along and ate in between stops complete with diet coke and sparkling water served in champagne flutes--pure class!  And who could forget that deliciously zesty pad thai served in darling colorful chinese take out containers and chopsticks?!

Highlights of the tour were the champagne truffles at Teuscher, the mini Rochers from La Maison du Chocolat and the wicked frozen chocolate with ancho and chipotle chili peppers at Jacques Torres--interesting and intense!

Chrysula, thanks for turning 40 in style!  You are the epitome of class and loveliness!  xoxo

Sophia's been published!

Sophia's had the great fortune of having two teachers in a row that are part of a writer's workshop program from Columbia University.  This year they each wrote and illustrated an essay and Mrs. Lee had them bound into a professional book for each of the students!  The parents were invited to the author's party yesterday for the unveiling of the book entitled, "Best Friends!"  Each student wrote about their best friends both animate and inanimate.  It was so darling to hear them each read their page and to see the hard work that they put into their story!  

It was a great exercise in public speaking as well as showcasing their work. 

Sophia wrote about her BFF Halle Kate who moved to Texas when we moved to Westchester.

Sophia & Halle Kate age 3 1/2 Central Park

Here is the video of her reading.  Great content if you're a grandparent!  LOL

Great job, Sophia!

(And yes, that IS a tank top she is wearing at school.  I'm much more comfortable with it when it's not snowing outside!)

A Night in Tuscany

Evan and I offered a dinner hosted in our home for a Service Auction a few months ago. We finally found a date that worked for everyone and made it happen last week. I thought I'd post the yummy dinner we prepared.  The lucky bidders were the Gibbs, the Jensons, and superstar Erin Thorn!  (check out this link, she really is amazing!)

We started off with two kinds of bruschetta, portobello with parsley and cannellini sage. (sorry, no photo, but just imagine toasted goodness packed with lots of flavor!)

The first course was an asparagus red pepper risotto, an Evan original based on techniques he learned in Tuscany.


Then I did a insalata mista in prosciutto cups. (mixed salad in prosciutto cups)


The main course was a pork roast with prunes in a honey glaze with roasted apples and new potatoes.


The grand finale was our favorite Crostata di Frutta (fruit tart with pastry creme)


Evan and I are a great team.  We love cooking together!  Buon Appettito!

Great Weekend!

We had a great Father's Day Weekend away on the shores of CT.  Here is a cute video I captured of Luke on the beach.

The ward where we spent Father's Day morning in Madison had the cutest idea to honor the fathers of the ward.  They baked 13 homemade pies and had them all cut and set out on plates in the cultural hall after church. The chairs were arranged in a few curved rows facing the middle of the hall and the partition accordion doors were closed.  After each father picked out his pie and sat, the doors were opened up to several rows of their primary children singing the sweetest Father's Day Songs both original and standard.  It was such a darling effect.  The pie was only for them and they all loved it!

Wesley made Evan a cake and a cute card that told him what he loved about him and what he loves to do with Evan and Sophia made Evan a tie that was decorated including his AGE and an essay about what she loves about Evan. And Luke just whined and giggled a lot on Sunday! We love you, Daddy Evan!

Almost FAMOUS...

After much anticipation, my big debut is finally ready!  You can see another 3:12 minutes of my "fame."(I think we're over the 4 minute mark by now, aren't we?!)  Only I'm not convinced it's really me.  I think they used a very realistic body double, and they put a fat suit on her!  Just kidding.  Great incentive to get fit when you see yourself on TV!  I have to say, I think I miss the days of rolling around in the pork mobile last Winter!  Wesley asked me today why we got rid of our "sthicker car!" It was fun to relive it in this spot.  Enjoy!

And before you think my days in the limelight are over, beware!!! Westchester 12 wants to do an interivew on me...I just need to get on the radio and then I'll be the Queen of all Media! LOL

Happy Happy Birthday Luke!

Yay!  Luke is ONE!  He can even show you with his finger when you ask him!

Luke is pure entertainment to the family.  We love watching his milestones.  And it's fun to have him join in the family tickle monster wrestles.

He is on the road to be a politician or pageant queen someday, I'm sure.  He loves to wave at anyone and everyone who he can engage!  It's quite the spectacle at Costco.

He has mastered the social laugh.  Whenever he hears someone laughing even in the other room, he cackles along. 

 

He is a gentle giant. 

I'm going to miss his waddle crawl now that he's starting to walk.  As he goes across the floor his toes turn up and his hips swing side to side!

I'm not going to miss the social biting phase, however!  He got both me AND Wesley yesterday really badly!  Let's hope he outgrows this phase by Preschool!

I love that he cries when the cleaning lady, Estela leaves.  He certainly has a crush on her!

I love that he eats most anything that is placed before him. Vegetables, Meats, Fruits, Grains, Cheeses! He is an adventurous eater, so he fits right in with the family.

Here's to many more years to come!  We love you, Lukey!