Atypical 60

Oh God. I Thought It Was Just a Pimple?? I’ll Never Bake Myself Again!

Posted on May 15, 2015 by Catherine

It’s that time of year! That time where we are stripped of those layers that kept us warm and cozy during the winter. No more shirts under sweaters under blazers under jackets or coats. No more wool hats, no more gloves. No more socks or boots.

It’s “Barefootin'” time everyone!

All those shoes and I still prefer bare feet!

But it is also time to be safe when you are in the sun. Take it from me. I am of the baby oil and iodine generation. I did very, very bad abusive things to my skin. I baked in the sun for hours and dealt with bad burns and blistering—all to get a great color for the summer.

Yup. I have been this red. Um. Many, many times!

When I broke out, I used a sunlamp to clear the very few pimples I had. I don’t even think sunlamps are sold anymore because they are a danger.

The old sun lamp burnt the zits off–and burned more than that off too!

Back then, though, the dangers of sun damage weren’t really known—except for making your skin look like a leather bag! Ewww!

It would be nice to be a bit tan, but not at the expense of looking like leather!

Growing up on Long Island—well, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Especially in the summer. We were extremely close to the water. Beaches and Fire Island were a stone’s throw away. We were a beach crowd. But, we didn’t know how to protect ourselves.

Growing up on Long Island paved the way for my only wanting to travel close to a beach. This is one of my favorite beaches in France. At least I can sit under the tree for shade!

Five years ago I noticed a “pimple” above my right eyebrow. It didn’t hurt, but the damn thing just would not go away. If I scrubbed my face too much it would bleed and it would never quite heal—remaining a bit on the crusty side.

I only wish that my ever crusty pimple was more like Krusty the Clown–make believe!

After about 6 months of this annoying pimple, I made an appointment with a dermatologist. I was just getting a bit nervous. I had my skin checked and he took a biopsy. He said not to worry. (WHAT ME worry?? The biggest hypochondriac on earth?)

Three days later he called back with the results. The “pimple” was squamous cell skin cancer. I freaked. I really freaked. He referred me to a plastic surgeon that would perform Mohs surgery on me. I swear I thought I would lose my face. I was such a lunatic that the good surgeon moved my appointment date up from later to sooner because I was crying and convulsing on the phone to his staff!

Little chart of Mohs. Trust me, this is the pretty version!

I was extremely lucky. The surgeon advised me that, depending how deep the squamous was growing under my skin, I could expect to be in his office anywhere from about an hour to all day. Mohs surgery is scraping the tissue by layer and “testing” it until the skin is rid of all the cancerous layers. My time in surgery was slightly under an hour. But I had a gaping hole in my forehead. I’m thinking the hole in my head made it easier for me to have my head examined.

Bonaparte was great—he changed my dressings until I was finally able to look at it without throwing up—or crying hysterically because of what I had done. Yes. I am the one who is completely responsible for ruining my skin in the sun.

But the damage is done so moving on, I no longer “bake”.

Hey Mr. Sunshine. I love ya, but I cannot take your hotness anymore!

I “fake”!

Wed and Wild Bronzer. I didn't even use this last year but I swear by it.

The Jergens Natural Glow, both the Instant Sun and their regular Natural Glow, Tan Towels, and the best bronzer for the face–Wet n’ Wild. All give me that *cough* “healthy” glow and help to keep me from looking too pale in the summer!

Dear friends—you know how much I love my fake tan! But I love the beach too. These days, I sit under an umbrella when we’re down the Jersey Shore and any beach I visit!

You will find me reading a book or doing crosswords under one of these!

I’m also slathered in sunscreen. And I’ll curse like a sailor when the sunscreen gets in my eyes—but it’s still better than more Mohs!

I’m also diligent about my annual purchase of Sephora’s Sun Safety Kit. The cost is $32.00 and $20.00 from each kit sold is donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. It is worth every cent!

Front View, all housed in a cute case that is great to use as a travel make up bag!

Back View. Look at all the goodies!

The 2015 Sun Safety Kit goes on sale next week at Sephora stores, but I was fortunate to purchase mine today! It is filled with great stuff. It’s got:

Amorepacific Sun Protector. At 5ml it is a very small tube. SPF 30, it is a great addition to that little makeup bag in the purse or a drawer in your office. It feels very light. I’m happy to try it because it could lead to a purchase of the larger size.

Clarins UV Plus Anti Pollution Broad SpectrumSPF 50. At 10 ml the tube has a bit more product. It goes on very, very lightly and feels silky. Although I think Clarins products are very expensive, this little tube can be good for the face and will last a weekend if need be.

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream. I tried a bit on my wrist. Very dark. It also felt somewhat dry, but then again, I’ve never had much luck with Clinique foundations, or their BB or CC creams. I’ll give this to Oona. She does well with Clinique and I want her to be sun safe (she is though—so much smarter than her helicopter mom).

St. Tropez “One Night Only” Wash Off Face & Body Lotion in Light Medium. It’s actually more of a gel consistency and looks super-dark as soon as you squeeze it out. But it goes on much, much lighter and isn’t greasy or filmy. It also smells very nice. This is going to be used a lot on my face. I’ll be sure to post a pic. Maybe I’ll use it tomorrow.

Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Moisture Defense Lotion. Hands down, this is one of the best facial moisturizers I’ve ever used in my life. I’ve already gone through two of the full sized ones and I have a couple of these “travel” sizes. A little goes a long, long way and I always make sure I have one of these babies stashed with my travel makeup. I cannot live without this! It’s SPF 30.

Dr. Jart+ BB Beauty Balm SPF 45. This is a super small travel size. 5 ml. In the past, I’ve purchased Dr. Jart’s BB and was happy, but it is pricey. A little goes a long way, and I think this is great to place in the purse in case you need a small touch up during the day. I would also use this on a weekend getaway as the tube would get you through three days easily.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47. SPF 47 strikes me as a rather odd number, but any sampling I’ve had of Josie Maran’s has been decent. 15ml of product in a nice little pump jar. This travel size is going to last a while. The product is thin and goes on nicely and it appears that just a bit will be needed. Methinks this will be a hit with me!

Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense SPF50 Sunscreen. 7ml. According to the site, reduces the appearance of those dark and pesky sun spots and evens out skin tone. We’ll see. All I care about is the SPF, I’m not looking for magic. My concealer will reduce the appearance of any spot I have.

Origins VitaZing SPF15. Ok. There isn’t a lot of SPF going on here, but I’m intrigued. This little 15ml tube seems to have a nice moisturizer with a bit of a “glow”. The product looks very light and is a sheer tint release. It may be good as a luminizer. I’ll play!

Korres Yoghurt Nourishing Fluid Veil Broad Spectum SPF 30 Face Sunscreen. Thankfully, it doesn’t smell like yoghurt or I would want to eat it. Can you imagine? If I was hungry enough at the beach and it smelled that good, I’d Ingest. The 10ml tube is cute, but I do find Korres products to be extremely expensive.

Supergoop! Anti-aging UV Damage Repair Complex City Sunscreen Serum. The name Supergoop kills me! It’s so cool. Their site says that it can be used as a primer for the regimen of your day. I’m going to try using this as a backup primer for travel. It can’t hurt. I like the fact this is also an extremely light product. The SPF is 30 so that’s a good thing! It’s a “Supergoop” thing!

Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30. A protecting primer. Again, you can never have enough of these little primers. I think they are perfect travel mates and allow you to leave the large size at home. I’m not familiar with Murad products, although I see them on the infomercials all the time. It’s probably decent enough.

Vita Liberata Passion Flower & Argan Dry Oil Broad Spectrum SPF 50. 10ml of product in a slender pump. I pumped some on my hand and it wasn’t dry. It was wet. But, it dried extremely quickly in a non-filmy way. I think this would be good on the face or body apres sun to give a nice luminescence. We’ll see. I checked Sephora’s site and the 100ml size is $45.00. I think that’s pricey—it may be too pricey for me.

Olehenriksen Total Truth Eye Cream SPF15. I like the idea of an eye cream being included in this kit. My issue with eye creams containing SPF is should it get in my eyes, it stings like a ………. (Fill in the blank). I’ll try it though!

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15. I’ve already gone through two tubes of this. I do like this. A tube is kept in my beach bag and I apply during the day, trying to keep it in a shady spot or it’ll get all melty and soft. This is a good product. I like the Fresh brand. If you ever see any of the Fresh Citron de Vigne fragrance or soap or body lotion, treat yourself. It smells so clean and….well, fresh!

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF50+ Wet Force Broad Spectrum Water Resistant (80 Minutes) Sunscreen. Wow! That was a mouthful! This is interesting because it is supposed to work even better after 15 minutes in the water. It’s $36.00 for 50ml or 2 oz. I’ll have to try this 15ml size.

I can’t wait to try the St. Tropez “One Night Only”. It’s a generous size too!

The Vita Liberata Dry Oil is very intriguing to me!

Everything in this pic is a winner. I LOVE the PTR Moisture Defense and am a regular user. The travel size is priceless!

Bottom left is the Murad primer. It looks pretty decent. All in all, this is a great way to try different sun protection items!

All in all, it’s a good bunch of stuff and part of the fun is trying out all the cute little trial/travel/sample sizes. The carry case is also great for using as a little toiletry or makeup case for travel!

Get your body ready for that fun in the sun! CAVEAT-I am not getting paid for shilling this. It’s just near and dear to me because I had that skin cancer and I really, REALLY protect myself now.

In fact, I was shitting bricks earlier this week because I had my six-month check up. My skin is fine and my dermatologist said my skin actually looks great! Thank you Jesus!

So stay safe this summer and protect your skin. I don’t want anyone running around with “Mohs Holes” on their faces or anywhere else on their bodies!

Enjoy one of the best summer songs of all time! Mongo Jerry’s “In The Summertime”

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Posted in Clarins, Josie Maran. St. Tropez One Night Only, Skin Cancer. Squamous Cell on Face. Mohs Surgery. Sephora Sun Safety Kit 2015. Peter Thomas Roth | Leave a comment

Move Over Josephine! Bonaparte is Mine!!! (The Story of how a New York Girl and Parisian Man Met)

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Catherine

A couple of readers are curious as to how Bonaparte and I came to be a couple and I thought it would make for a fun post so here goes! I hope you enjoy….

Joséphine de Beauharnais and Napoleon Bonaparte

Seriously Josephine. Get outta my way. The Frenchman is mine!

The story of little loud-mouthed girl from New York and baguette loving little French Parisian boy….

My divorce wreaked some havoc—especially havoc in the form of a horrific financial downfall. My oldest son was away in Austin at University of Texas. My middle son, my daughter and I were now housed in a small apartment. I may have lost our home, but at least there was a roof overhead.

It wasn’t easy. The water and electricity were constantly being shut off—so much so that the staff at Trenton Water Authority knew me by my first name. But—they were always pleasant and I always managed to scrape up enough cash to have the water put back on. Ditto the electricity.

I’ll skip some other bad stuff that I don’t want to get into. But—after a while, it was time to get back on the social train. I was signed up for a “trial” of 30 days on “Match.com”. I had two meetings over coffee, but just figured I was better off alone. Anyway, a couple of days before my “trial” ended, I figured I would peruse through the pickin’s.

Yes. We met on Match.com!

I stopped at a picture of a man in a light blue crew-neck sweater. I could tell it was wool and not polyester—that grabbed my shallow attention. Then I noticed this gentleman’s eyes were as blue as the color of the sweater. This gentleman appeared to be very distinguished. Something I was not. In fact I was sitting at the computer in granny pants and an old, holey T-Shirt.

I then went on to read his profile. He liked art (check); New York City (check, check, check); fine food (sorta check—I was cooking for teens but I love me a great and fancy meal!) and tennis (uncheck). OK –so three out of four wasn’t bad.

I love art..especially Renoir, so it was a good thing Bonaparte had a good appreciation–I mean, he’s French afterall…..

Given the fact he loved my home town, was also a plus!

Then I noticed where he was born and raised. Paris, France.

I had heard that Parisians were the rather “difficult” of all the Frenchmen–and women!

Oh.

Now, you need to understand something—I fed into that whole “Oh-the-French-hate-Americans” thing. Yes. After 9/11 I had a propensity to refer to “French Fries” as “Freedom” fries.

Yup! I don’t necessarily like fried potatoes, but I did refer to them as “freedom” fries. These days I just call them “Frites”!

I learned every single stereotypical image about the French from cartoons and TV shows.

Yes. My educational on French stereotypes were from “great” sources…

…although sometimes Pepe Le Pew is easier to understand.

However, something inside me, perhaps it was the contrarian or the curiosity, made me write a little blurb to him. It went something like this:

“So, you like art. Impressionism? It’s my fave. I love Renoir. You like NYC? I lived there for many years!” “You got an accent?” (THAT was a dopey question)

He wrote back. We spent a bit of time writing back and forth. I finally wrote to him that my “trial” was about to expire and I gave him my email address and told him to just shoot me an email.

We emailed back and forth and he asked me for my phone number. I gave it to him. He called. He had a very heavy accent that was somewhat hard to understand. But, we kept talking.

He asked me out—that last weekend of November 2004. Actually, Thanksgiving weekend. I explained to him that I could not make it because my daughter had a regional Irish Dance competition in Philadelphia and would be busy from Thanksgiving evening through that Sunday. (Yay! Party time at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Oireachtas!) Anyone involved in Irish Dance is fully-aware that you never make plans that conflict with those Thanksgiving weekend regionals!

Irish Dance competitions, especially the Oireachtas, takes top priority. Over EVERYTHING!!! (spoken like a true dance mom)!

He asked if I wanted to meet him the following Friday. Friday, December 3^rd, 2004. I nervously agreed. It was just easier talking on the phone and emailing than having to get all dressed up, and trying to look “pretty” and worrying how I looked, and did I look too fat…yada yada yada.

We both wanted to keep things casual so we met on somewhat safe and common ground. We met at The Marketplace in Princeton. The Marketplace was a smaller mall, and in that mall were many stores I frequented! (I spent many a rainy summer day there when the kids were young). In addition, I felt comfortable there. I figured if things turned sour, I could always use some retail therapy—and spend money I didn’t have.

I spent a lot of time, and money I didn’t have at this Princeton Mall. It was a safe place for our first meeting!

It was easy to spot Monsieur Bonaparte because, luckily, he looked just like his photo. In fact, he looked very nice. Until I noticed what he was wearing on his feet. A FRENCHMAN wearing TENNIS SHOES???? Yes! I was shocked. As much as I fed into the “anti-French” propaganda, the one thing I did have in common with the French was the disgust of white tennis shoes and/or sneakers. In my most humble opinion, tennis shoes belong on the tennis court and only on the tennis court. The sneaker thing—only a few types of sneakers get my stamp of approval. Chuck Taylors and old-school Keds. End of story.

Was Bonaparte REALLY French–or was he faux-French. What self-respecting Frenchman would wear these on a DATE????

I become physically upset when I see tourists wearing white tennis shoes/sneakers, heavy ankle sport socks and ill-fitting shorts with t-shirts—especially when I see this kind of attire in a large city. It was bad enough for me to be seen off the courts with someone wearing these hideous shoes!

Those tennis shoes had my red flag at half-mast.

My red flag was at half-mast. Uh Oh!

As Bonaparte was not familiar with the Princeton area, so we took my car and we drove down Route 1 just a bit to grab a bite to eat at The Princetonian Diner.

Best diner in the Princeton area! The burgers and “freedom” fries are delicious!

Bonaparte had his red flag at half-mast upon entering my car—which, by the way he later deemed as the messiest car he had ever been in. I don’t even it being a mess except for a few pieces of sports equipment that belonged to the kids. The car wasn’t that bad. I mean really; he actually thinks he saw papers strewn on the floor!

My oh my. Bonaparte had HIS red flag at half mast after seeing the inside of my little green Cavalier. Now we were even!

Wait. It gets better. After having a quick bite at the diner, Bonaparte asked me if I wanted to drive across the road to check out furniture at Ethan Allen and Domain. (I thought he was moving a bit fast!). It turned out his daughter was moving into a new place and he wanted to check out furniture for her.

Imagine that! This helicopter mom met her helicopter dad!

Get rid of those red flags. Helicopter Mom has met her true match..

The French version of the Helicopter Dad!!!!

We actually had a pretty good time checking out all that furniture—it seemed that we both had pretty much similar tastes!

Surprisingly, all the sofas and loveseats in our home are white and slipcovered! Who knew?

A stop at Starbucks ended our first “date” *giggle* *giggle*

A delightful end to our first date was a stop at Starbucks!

We have been together since that first date–but there’s more so read on…

Shortly thereafter, Bonaparte administered a “test”, unbeknownst to me. The test was disguised as a movie and dinner date. He was to cook dinner for me after seeing a “surprise” movie.

When I arrived at Bonaparte’s home, he was ready to leave. (*NOTE: Bonaparte is ALWAYS on time. Worse yet, he’s early. I am always late with the exception of doctor’s appointments, air and train travel. That’s it.) I think I may have been a couple of minutes late because he was not smiling. Oh wait. He’s French!

To lighten things up, I asked him “Why do you always wear those white tennis shoes? You’re supposed to be French! I thought the French had better taste in footwear?” “They really are not attractive!” (He didn’t realize I had a “thing” about footwear).

Embarrassed, he took the fugly tennis shoes off and changed into the classy, chic, European loafers, that he should have been wearing in the first place.

He also explained “Ah em so embarrahrrrazzz.” “Ah soughs zhat Americanzzz loved zuh tennis shuz.” “Ah em zoo ‘eppy ow don’ lek zhem.” “Ow ahr lek zuh Fra’shhh. Ow spek ur meen”.

(Translation: “I thought that Americans loved the tennis shoes. I am so happy you don’t like them. You are like the French. You speak your mind.”)

Score one for me!

While on the way to see the movie, he wouldn’t budge when I asked him whatmovie we were seeing. Instead, I hounded him about dinner. He was making roast chicken, French style. He then started talking about the various courses. He explained that we were having , in his words

“Pate and Cornish hen to start” He explained in his heavy accent.

I asked him why we were having Cornish hen before having chicken.

He knew I love a good meal, but Cornish Hen as a starter? Whoa–I’m not that much of a little piggy!

He was becoming frustrated “Cornish hen..wizz mutar!!!”

Sensing his frustration, I started to laugh and asked why he was getting so upset.

Bonaparte: “Ow no zouz gren zings zhewish pip-ul et?” From zuh bar’rel?”

(Translation: “You know those green things jewish people eat? From the barrel?”)

Me: “Yeah. You mean pickles??”

Bonaparte: “Oui.” Cornish hen ahr leedul peekuhls”.

Thus, I found out what “cornichon” were! Years later, I still cannot understand everything he says!

This is what the “Cornish hen” was! Oops!

The movie turned out to be “A Very Long Engagement”. A World War I epic of love and the search for a loved one. It starred Audrey Tatou and Gaspar Uliel as the doomed but engaged lovers, Mathilde and Manech. I loved this film. In fact, to this day it remains one of my faves!

I outsmarted Bonaparte! He had no idea I was a fan of French cinema!

This film turned out to be the “test”. Apparently, Bonaparte was unsure of a long-term relationship if I didn’t like French film. What he didn’t realize that I had been a fan of French cinema since my early twenties. Living in Manhattan gave me the opportunity to enjoy many French films. I was especially fond of Francois Truffaut, Louis Malle, Jean Renoir and Eric Rohmer. (Also..Bonaparte’s uncle, Yves Robert! Bonus!!!)

After expressing my disgust at this ridiculous test, I scored another one for me!

I guess the French are just more pragmatic in their relationship thinking! They judge compatibility by film and food!

We’ve had ups and downs, but mostly ups. We have fun and enjoy each other and balance each other very well. It’s nice!

I even introduced Bonaparte to selfies!

Bonaparte wasn’t used to divey bars in NYC until he met me! Here we are waiting for my son Roman’s band “Bad Man Yells” to begin playing. My oldest son Jake is with us. This is from 2010!

In Long Island. November 2011 at a family wedding (my side)!

So that’s it. Here’s a link to an article I wrote in “FrenchEntree” about my first attempt at making a nice French dinner for Bonaparte. It started out as a complete disaster but it really is a fun read:

My Dinner for Bonaparte

To keep you in the mood..Le Temps De L’Amour from Francois Hardy! Oh lala! XOXOXOXO

Posted in Uncategorized | 33 Comments

Musings on Cooking–The Books. The Shows. And Me!

Posted on May 11, 2015 by Catherine

It’s pretty common knowledge that I enjoy cooking and baking. Given the fact my better half, Bonaparte, is a Frenchman, he is the Gallic essence of the saying “The way to a man’s heart is to his stomach”. Caveat on that saying, the stuff that is going through his tummy into his heart had better be delicious and well-prepared.

I can turn these little crawlers into tasty and garlicky Escargots….

I can also turn these little hippity-hoppers into a sautéed delight!

And there’s the French Grand Marnier Souffle dessert! I’ve had to practice with all!

I believe that a lot of reaching your goals of perfection or near perfection with the art of cooking lies in both trial and error and a determination to “get it right”. That isn’t to say cooking should be not be a chore nor should it be daunting. It should be fun and relaxed.

In my own experience, I grew up not cooking anything at all. My mother got really scared whenever I expressed a desire to assist her. She would chase me out of “her” kitchen with one of her many, yet unbroken, wooden spoons! Her fright was validated when, one Thanksgiving, she actually allowed me to help. She told me to take the pumpkin pie out of the oven. In my glee of being able to finally get my hands on at least one kitchen duty, I forgot, it never occurred to me to use oven mitts to remove the freshly baked pie! My palms were burnt, the pie fell to the floor, and I got in major trouble for ruining part of the Thanksgiving dessert and was run out of the house. It was actually a pleasure to place my palms on the cold lawn, and when I was called back into our house; my mother had a bowl of ice at the ready for me. (Glory be to God—we did go through quite the amount of ice cubes—especially with my “gift” of unintentional self-mutilation!)

Ice was kept mostly for wound reasons than to keep drinks cold!

I wasn’t to cook again until I was on my own. I can actually thank my ex-husband for that. Mentioning that I was a lousy cook, he stated “If you can read, you can cook”. That one sentence had me reading studying voraciously, “The Joy of Cooking”. Irma Rombauer taught me the elementary basics.

I’ve gone through two copies. The third copy is still in an unpacked box!

Irma and Marion at a book signing. A long time ago!

From then on, I started to amass quite the cookbook collection.

A small portion of my collection.

St. Ignatius Loyola Cookbook. Early 90’s. My cheesecake recipe is on the top left-hand corner and it is a winner!

A binder full of recipes I found on the internet and from friends and family. It’s a sloppy mess and I had to “erase” random phone numbers from the cover! Oops!

Magret De Canard recipe I found years ago on the net. This is my go-to!

Hands down, this is the best and most frequently used French cookbook I use. I picked it up at Border’s bookstore many, many years ago for about six bucks. It’s even better than my Julia Child books!

This remains the one cookbook that eludes me. I coveted it. My mother-in-law had it and every time we visited, I locked myself in the attic and read it. The old-school charm just floored me. I really wish I had this book!

My travels also guided me in trying new cuisines and really making attempt sat cooking recipes that were so interesting to me!

I love USA regional cooking as well as foreign cooking. It’s all good. Oh. It’s ALL good!

Travels to New Orleans, along with Chef John Folse’s Louisiana style cooking show “Taste of Louisiana” led me on the path to expertise in Creole and Cajun cooking. In fact, John Folse proved to be a man of his word.

(c) 2007 Louisiana Educational Television Authority on behalf of Louisiana Public Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

To this day, I’m STILL crushin’ on my favorite TV chef!

Here’s a great story:

When my son Jake was in third grade, he had to do a report. Each student was given a State and had to research, write and present their report. My son had to report on Louisiana. As part of this report/project, he, helicopter mem, I suggested it would be fun to make New Orleans style pralines for his class. I had a recipe from one of John Folse’s books that looked great.

Ingredients at the ready, I started to make them. Two failed attempts had me perplexed as I followed the instruction perfectly.

I called his restaurant, “Lafitte’s Landing” and left a message. He actually called me back and realized there was a glitch in the recipe. The third time being a charm, I made those pralines and they were a hit with the kids! In addition, Chef Folse and I got to talking and I mentioned the “Steen’s Cane Syrup” being popular with his recipes. I told him it wasn’t available in New York City (this was during the early 1990’s). He asked me for my address. Two days later I received a case of the stuff. I’ve always had a special place for this man ever since!

Those sugary sweet pralines were quite the hit!

Would any celebrity chef these days send some one a case of this? Thank you Chef Folse!

My other prized possession–another gift from Chef Folse. Wait. It gets better…

Years later he still remembered the cane syrup he sent me!

I’ll admit it–I was a chef groupie long before “foodies” came to be!

Besides John Folse’s “Taste of Louisiana”, there were the other cooking shows. The ORIGINAL reality shows!

Does anyone remember the “Great Chefs” series on PBS? I didn’t know what relaxed me more—the laid back vibe of the show or the soothing voice of “Great Chefs'” narrator, Mary Lou Conroy. Mary Lou Conroy’s voice alone could take any stress out of one’s spirit and turn them into a state of complete Zen!

One of the PBS gems!

Trivia time! You may think that Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger got their start as “Two Hot Tomales” on the original TV Food Network. Nuh unh–they were featured on one of the “Great Chefs” episodes and they made a nice spicy turkey dish. I remember it well! Might I add, Susan Feniger has one of the coolest looks for a mature woman. She has a cool/hipster look that fits her so well!

I could so relate to Nathalie Dupree. Her show, also on PBS, taught me some great basics. At times, she could be slightly clumsy, which was incredibly endearing. But—she said something that forever stuck in my mind. While making a pie crust she said that it was better to make your own and further stated that if you mess it up, it’s just flour, water, and butter. Her words were my epiphany of if at first you don’t succeed try again.

Remember Nathalie Dupree? I loved her show and her genteel but sometimes clumsy ways. She was the real deal!

Her book “Matters of Taste” was a staple for me when I was a relatively new cook. Her planned menus were great and simple. She was kind of like a pre-“The Barefoot Contessa”, without the little subplots of life in The Hamptons!

This is a GREAT book filled with easy -to-follow menus.

She is also a gracious woman. I wrote a letter to her decades ago thanking her for her great book and shows and she wrote back! (Some people write fan letters to actors and celebrities. I wrote to chefs—and this was before the chef-as-celebrity days)

Julia Child, Justin Wilson, Jacques Pepin—all kept me well-informed and entertained during those cold winter afternoons and rainy summer days. The days when I didn’t venture outside. All gave me wonderful culinary advice and a free culinary education which proved to be priceless in so many ways!

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All informative TV chefs, they paved the way for the new genre of celebrity chefs!

I thank these old-school TV chefs. The chefs who gave true “instructional” hands-on shows.

Food Network, which was launched in 1993, was a great concept—and in the early days was informative and entertaining.

Original and simple logo. My how this network has changed!

These days, the Network is nothing more than cupcake and various other competitions. The few remaining “good” (“good” being pronounced in my Ina Garten voice) shows are relegated to odd times. Although Ima (pun intended) Ina”Barefoot Contessa”Garten fan, many of the “cheflebrities” have become caricatures of themselves.

I’m a fan. Never had a fail with her recipes. She’s a treasure.

Giada with her ever-growing smile and her instance on pronouncing every ingredient with an over-exaggerated Italian accent used to be somewhat shy during her early days. Now I find her a bit annoying.

giada She’s very pretty but her exaggerated pronounciations drive me “a-lo-co”

Paula Deen morphed from a sweet Southern woman that you would like to have tea and cake with, into an over-the-top, heavily “y’all”ed, over-exposed personality whose artery-clogging food would never make it to my table.

TODAY — Pictured: Paula Deen appears on NBC News’ “Today” show — (Photo by: Peter Kramer/NBC/NBC NewsWire via Getty Images)

Rachel Ray was more tolerant before she became “Rach”.

Ray was far more interesting and subdued in her earlier days.

I cannot even look at Bobby Flay without thinking of Alfred E. Newman.

It would be great if Food Network could return to its original roots.

I’ve jumped ship to The Cooking Channel instead. Only to watch Mo Rocca with the lovely grandmothers in “My Grandmother’s Ravioli”. This concept cooking show is great—maybe not much instruction on the recipes, but it’s just a nice testament to the women who cooked with love and by feel.

This show is so touching that I’ve actually cried. Yes. I’ve bawled like a baby watching this!

“Extra Virgin” is my other fave cooking show.

I never miss an episode! I love Gabriele and Debi!

Two words: Debi Mazur. She is my glamour icon.

attends the 18th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party at Pacific Design Center on March 7, 2010 in West Hollywood, California.

Debi also needs a beauty show. Please be my friend Debi! Please?

I love watching her cook with her adorable husband Gabriele because when I cook I need to take any clothing item of worth off and replace with old t-shirts and ratty old sport shorts. I am that sloppy!

If I wore a dress while cooking, it would have a similar print–but from stains and spills!

So yeah, I’m guilty of having a few “cheflebrities” on my list—especially Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milk Bar. Honestly, I fear I will be banned from the Milk Bar Facebook page for stalking, if I keep posting my corn cookie pictures and admiration!

My all-time favorite dessert cookbook. Soon I will need a new copy!

My latest Tosi addition. It sits on the coffee table in the sunroom–for easy reading and enjoyment!

All that aside, cooking and baking is truly a form of relaxation for me. I love the process of “gathering” the ingredients. I love watching the motion of the stand mixer, incorporating those ingredients into a soft and luscious batter. I love the process of watching how a raw onion or shallot goes from being opaque to transparent in a matter of minutes. It’s mesmerizing to me and puts me in a happy place! I’m just a woman who enjoys to cook and, naturally, eat!

Hmmmmm…it’s Monday—but I’ll soon have Friday night’s menu on my mind! But wait! That reminds me of a song that has nothing to do with food or cooking…..The Easybeats. Friday on My Mind! XOXOXOXO–enjoy!

Posted in Cooking Channel, Extra Virgin, Food Network, Great Chefs, Ina Garten, John Folse, Mo Rocca, My Grandmother's Ravoli, Nathalie Dupree, Taste of Louisiana | Tagged Food Network, Love for cooking, PBS Cooking shows. Old School Cooking Shows | 9 Comments

Momma Lama Ding-Dong! Mother’s Day Greetings to ALL Moms Out There!

Posted on May 9, 2015 by Catherine

Mother’s Day is tomorrow. It’s weird too, because I don’t necessarily think of me on Mother’s Day. (Which is pretty darn unusual since I’m extremely self-centered and the center of my universe!). I think of my mother instead.

My mother, Germaine Gorman Wynne, in better days when she remembered all the awful things we did–and the good things too!

She’s no longer with us. Alzheimer’s took her away—and took her away long before she departed her earthly existence. I really never thanked her enough—and trust me; I definitely gave her quite a few gray hairs on the frosted head of hers!

Here she is with some of the grandkids–isn’t she a young grandmother? I’ll tell ya–she looked great!

I was the challenging one. The one who, at 5 years old, threw her engagement ring in a pile of rocks in the alleyway next to our home in Ozone Park. And yes—I did find it shortly after throwing it, but it hurt to sit for a few days.

I was the “mouthy”—or in nicer terms, the “cheeky” child. The one who got in trouble twice –from any given nun at school and miraculously, again from my mother upon arriving back from school. It was usually for talking in class or questioning the actions from one particularly evil Sr. Mary Josephita.

That’s right–after getting in major trouble from these lovelies, I would get it again from my mom! But–she managed to keep me on the straight and narrow!

I was the one who got drunk at a family party at the young age of 18. Vomiting all over my bed room from too many Singapore Slings.

Ouch–I had many more than just one of these things…..

She never said anything while she cleaned the mess in the room. But when I woke up the next afternoon at 3:00 PM, her only words were “I hope you learned your lesson.” I did.

I didn’t even make it to the bathroom–but she cleaned the mess up and made sure I learned my lesson by being silent and not yelling. I learned my lesson well!

And…who could forget as she, ever-frustrated with me, held ice cubes to my “lady area” after my DIY failed bikini wax! ( In case your memory needs to be refreshed:

My DIY Wax Job that My Mother Had to Help Me With

I thank her for the values that she gave me—and for the work ethic. I also want to apologize for making her ruin so many wooden spoons!

My grandmother was another woman I miss terribly and wish she were here too! She lived her 98 years in full-circle. Departing on the day she came into this world.

My grandmother, Margaret Crowley Wynne, a very strong force in my life. She is still missed!

She was strong and had a quick mind and was always the voice of reason with her beautiful lilting brogue!

While we were at family parties drinking beer, wine, “Singapore slings”, my sweet grandmother was on the sidelines enjoying her tea–even on a hot summer day!

Enough of the sentimentality. I also want to take the time to celebrate all the moms out there!

Especially moms who try so hard but just miss being perfect—this is for you! Trust me, I will NEVER win a mother of the year award–ever! But–I try hard to be the best mom I can be. Many “Oops” moments, but the kids still love me–and that’s all that counts!

A real Mother’s Day card should read:

Mommy, Mommy, soft and pudgy

You changed my diapers—both wet and fudgy.

You kicked my ass when I was bad

And gave me hugs when I was sad

You cheered me on—even when I lost

You were my support—at any cost

We had our times during good and bad

You were the best damn mom that a kid could have!

My words in a poem!

To those of us who are moms, there were times, I’m sure, when we questioned our mothering ability. I was not a conventional mom. I breastfed my kids until they reached the age of three. Yes. I did! Apparently, unbeknownst to me, this is now called “attachment” parenting. (Everything has to have a label). For me, I was just too damn lazy to wean. I went through my share of public scrutiny from people who couldn’t mind their business. Unfortunately for them, they had no idea what they were up against when it came to me and my big mouth.

I was the one who allowed my children to stay up all hours of the night during the summer. After all, there was no school the next day and summertime is when the kids should enjoy those long evenings. Catching fireflies.

Kids need to spend long summer nights collecting fireflies or just…

Stargazing on the lawn! (pic from Lovethispic.com)

Lying on a soft, grassy backyard and stargazing on a clear night—kids need to see the beauty of the universe. Playing Manhunt and Capture the Flag with their neighborhood friends. (Which I might add the moms of Navesink Drive were most delightfully unconventional in this way as well! Nancy, Margaret, Sandy, Stacey, Dotty,Cathy, Ann and Mags (even though the last two lived on other streets—the most fun moms in Brandon Farms). Not “making” the kids march to bed at the magical hour of twilight—how awful would that be?

Here’s to my NYC bestie, Jeannie. Who raised three great boys! Together we were a great tag team by actually disciplining our children with louder, but firm voices and created exact boundaries of behavior. Trust me that was pretty unconventional mothering within the confines of the “Earth Mother” personalities that we hung with back in the day. I miss our days of loading all six kids in the minivan, heading out to Long Beach and staying there until after rush hour!

Me and Jeannie. Jeannie is one of the best moms I have ever known! Here we are in Inwood Hill Park. Halloween–late 1980’s. That’s fake blood coming out of my mouth–it was Halloween. Oh god, I’m so skinny in that pic.

Here’s to all my Irish Dance mom friends! The moms who gave up many evenings driving the kids to practices; spending weekends at competitions.

To the many moms who put those dance dresses first!

…and spent the time at all those competitions. There are thousands upon thousands of you! You are appreciated! (Take a look at Oona’s face after winning a first place trophy back in the day. She’s with Bernard Hynes, Dublin A.D.C.R.G. I was that embarrassing mom who took these pics when my daughter won!)

The moms who gave up that new pair of shoes and much more in order to spend the money on their competitor instead—between wigs, shoes, dresses, cummerbunds, vests, hotels, gas, entry fees, airfare, and other expenses, you are appreciated! That cost turned your child into a poised and confident adult!

Here’s to the baseball, basketball and soccer moms. Here’s to your fierce determination in getting your child to a practice or game and avoiding a traffic ticket! Here’s to the time spent driving to and from those same games and practices. Here’s to knowing that your children are not roaming around idly. Here’s to you sports mom!

Hey sports moms–you are honored!

We unconventional sports moms allowed our children that awful drink called “soda”. It didn’t kill them! (Jake at a little league game in NYC and he doesn’t drink soda anymore)

Here’s to the moms who allow their children a “well” day off from school. Yeah. That’s right. A “well” day! The moms who give a little sigh give their student child time at home for an extra day to finish a difficult school project. Or just take a day to spend some extra quality time with them when they are feeling a bit under the weather!

Rested and happy after a “well” day?? (actually it was his first day of kindergarten–but I needed to use a happy photo–sorry!)

Whether a “well” day off from school or a sick day, kids always want their mothers to be there! And we all know moms can be doing other things–but the child is always number one!

Here’s to the moms who forgot to purchase the much-needed peanut butter and had to run to the store in her PJ’s or hair rollers to make school lunch in record time.

Here’s to the moms who stand up for their kids. The moms who teach their children good manners and to be good citizens. The moms, who, when teaching their children to open doors for adults, and then don’t acknowledge the child’s actions, politely say to the rude adult “Excuse me, I’m teaching my child to be a good and polite citizen. Could you help by saying thank you”?

Here’s to the single moms, who have it difficult at times, juggling work and home and child-rearing with no help. You are honored!

Here’s to the moms who have lost children. You will always be a mother and your pain is heartbreaking, and you are greatly honored for your strength!

Here’s to the “two mommies”. You are much-applauded in my book for sure. You go through struggles that many of us just find horrific. The fact that people don’t allow you your freedom to be drives me nuts. Two mommies can be better than one! Your children are doubling their fun and you should have the support of all mommies!! I hope that one day you are accepted by everyone—even those so-called false “Christians”.

I’ve oftentimes heard that being a mother is a thankless job.

And motherhood is an unpaid job–but the rewards are many!

I disagree—being a mother is a job that is extremely thankful. I am thankful as a mother that I have three wonderful children who grew up to be strong and fiercely independent and successful adults. They haven’t had it easy and they have weathered some life issues that no child should have to endure—but thanks to love and care and firm discipline, they came out fine! I am so thankful!

So moms everywhere, these flowers are for all of you! I love you all and admire you all! We are a strong group of women—responsible for tomorrow’s leaders. Let’s support and cheer each other on!!

Flowers for all moms because you are deserving of them!

And here’s to the woman who gets my vote for 2015 Mother of the Year! Toya Graham! She is the true essense of a mother. A loving but strict mom. A mom who doesn’t care what others think of her disciplining ways. I love this mom!!! Despite the danger she could have put herself in, she still pushed through those crowds in Baltimore to discipline her son and get him out of harm’s way! You rock n’ roll!

My “Mother of the Year 2015” goes to Toya Graham! She is the best!

In honor of all moms, the mother of all “mom” songs by The Intruders! XOXOXOXOXO. Have a blessed and happy mother’s day all!

Posted in Mother's Day Tributes. Toya Graham | 6 Comments

The Agony And The Ecstasy Of The Swimsuit Purchase!

Posted on May 8, 2015 by Catherine

First of all—happy Friday! A nice pleasant end to the week it is! (Well, that’s if you have a job–unlike some of us. Good news though- I was called back for a second job interview!! I had the first one a couple of days ago!)

School’s out for me—I completed my advanced computer skills class and it was a blast.

Yes. I’m going to go all crazy creating pivot tables on Excel and will go all Power Point hungry with the presentations!

I really cannot give enough accolades to PA CareerLink or to Suzanne, our teacher. We students had a nice bonding and some of us will be seeing each other on Monday at a little seminar. It’s all good.

We had a little party. Marsha made the chewiest oatmeal cookies on earth. I made my usual Momofuku Milk Bar corn cookies. I put them in little bags–see them on the far right?

Well, mostly all good. I went shopping for a couple of bathing suits earlier this morning. And YES, I prepped myself. Gave my upper thighs a nice shave with a NON-mentholated shaving cream and was nice and smooth!

Ladies and gents. You all remember what happened when I used the menthol shaving cream. On a side note, I do use Barbasol. It’s far less expensive than those ridiculous “lady” shaving creams–and you get more to a can!

Anyway, last night I perused the internet looking at various department store sites for women’s swim wear. It was awful. Nordstrom, in particular, which has always had a great selection of women’s clothing, had nothing but skimpy junior bikinis or just super-fugly one-pieces.

All from Nordie’s. Um…the bottoms. They are way too low for someone with my..ahhhh. mudflap belly. Do these companies only make swimsuits for model figures? And speaking of the one piece–THAT suit would fit me like a thong. They all ride up!

Lord & Taylor’s website—I couldn’t even get onto it, it’s so slow and bad.

And the prices!!! Good God, don’t even get me started. NO WAY am I spending $100.00 or more on a bathing suit. By the end of the season, the fabric will be pilled and stretched and bleached out from chlorine. What a rip off.

Instead, I went on a mission to find a discounted bathing suit—or two.

First stop: Target. Um…there were NO larger swimsuits in that store. You are aware that I only wear two piece suits. The one piece, no matter what size, rides of my crotch and give me the worst wedgies on earth. I’m too long in the torso. I’m convinced that the buyer of the Target swim wear department is a 32AA cup because there is no way that the small bikini tops sold at Target would even cover the nipples of a larger breast area. I didn’t even try anything on.

Second Stop: Kohl’s. About 15 years ago, I purchased my favorite two-piece swimsuit of all time. It was an orange number with little flowers on it. The bottom was a modest bikini cut and the top was a full-coverage underwire padded little number. I loved it so much I wore it till it fell apart. I wish I could go back into the archives of Kohl’s and find that swimsuit. Alas, there was nothing like it at Kohl’s. I’m not too fond of Kohl’s to begin with, but I figured I could find a modest bikini bottom in the store. Nuh unh!

I have no idea how these bathing suits are sized but even the XL bikini bottoms were inching down where the sun don’t shine. Trust me, even Christian Clavier would have found these bottoms too small!

French actor Christian Clavier. He’s hysterically funny and in this film “Les Bronzes” from 1978, he ran around for 3/4 of the movie dressed like this. I had tears from laughing so hard. But it’s not funny when it comes to the reality of purchasing swimwear. I do NOT want to be the female equivalent of THIS!

Another disaster.

Third Stop: Marshall’s. I figured since Marshall’s was in the shopping center next to Kohl’s I would give it a shot. The swimsuit selection at this particular Marshall’s wasn’t large. But, it was a decent one. I ended up with a couple of Trina Turk two-pieces, a white skirted La Blanca Bikini, a one piece—just for the heck of it, and a couple of other suits to try on.

Will I be lucky? A white suit is kind of risky for fish-belly white old me, but it’s worth a shot!

The bottom of the Trina Turk, size 10, fit beautifully. The bandeau top did absolutely nothing for my girls except to smash them in and make ’em look saggy. The one piece bathing suite I tried on made me look like a pig and rode up to kingdom come. It surprises me how a one piece can add more pounds and make me look so frumpy! Ugh. I tried on another little number, the colors were turquoise and gray—a horrible color combo if you ask me. It took me five minutes to figure out how to put the top of the suit on. The top was very strappy and manipulating the straps took five pounds off me. The suit actually looked ok but I could not get past the colors.

Then I tried on the white La Blanca suit with the skirted bottom. The 10 fit beautifully! I had worn La Blanca suits in the past and was pleased with the quality and the cuts. Lo and behold, I had a winner! I was shocked. A white suit had me fearing that I would appear to be a great white shark but it was surprisingly flattering. The cut of the bottom comes up a bit higher and the skirt area is very short. Appearing more like a ruffle than an actual skirt. At $25.99, all I could say was “Come to Momma”! One suit down, hopefully another to go.

WHO KNEW???? Bonaparte was rather…um…surprised to see this suit, but he trusts my judgment and likes the suit a lot! When I get sprayed with some fake tanner I’ll try it on and take a pic for ya!

Maxi from Marshall’s for $14.99. Couldn’t resist. These inexpensive Maxi dresses are perfect for lounging around during the summer evenings!

My last stop was at the outlets in Limerick. I had a J. Crew gift card and figured I would check out Jacrew’s Fact (family abreevspeak for J. Crew Factory) Store for sales. In the meantime, I stopped at the Aerie outlet. Oona picked up some cute bikini’s there and I noticed on their website they had higher cut bottoms. I hit the swimsuit bottom lottery! I ended up with a navy “sky high” bottom. This bottom is great because you can wear it extremely high, roll it down a bit for a more modest look and to cover belly fat, or roll it down even more. I found a larger sized top (Seriously, I’m not very well-endowed on top but a 36C bathing suit top does NOT fit me the way my bras do. I had to size up to a D cup, of which my cup does NOT runneth over in the bra of that same size!)

SCHWING!!! I LOVE this bottom. It does look decent this high, but I’ll roll it down a bit…

Aerie has the best choices for swimwear! The price is right and the top is heavily padded and wired so my girls will stick out more than my belly!

I have to add something: Older women–Aerie is a “young” store. Run by American Eagle, but don’t be put off by the age factor with this store. The selection of swimwear is great and they carry these higher bottoms. In addition, their bras and other undergarments are very nice!

So with two two-piece suits, I left the store with my mission accomplished. I just don’t understand it though. WHY is it so difficult for a normal to extra-pounds-until-I-lose-the-weight-I-gained-over-the-winter, woman to find a bathing suit? It doesn’t matter if it’s a one piece, two piece or a tankini either. It just seems that these companies just want to make small sizes for small ladies. The pricing on larger suits is just so unreasonable. Completely unfair!

Walking around the outlets made me feel very healthy. It was great to be out and about and walking. J. Crew Factory proved to be a bargain score! With my gift card I ended up getting a gray maxi skirt and an extremely light weight and flattering tunic. I still have $45.00 left on the card too!

Picked up this tunic for 50% plus an addition 20% off of $59.50. That is a substantial savings!

The maxi (and I’ve been looking for a gray maxi skirt) was 40% plus an additional 20% off of $69.50. A great day with my gift card–and money left over! Cha-ching!!

You are all aware of the fact I never travel with good jewelry. I found this cute necklace at Forever21 for $3.90. It’s not too bad and it isn’t real–which is a real plus!

Sorry for the flash, but you know that my photography talent leaves much to be desired!

Gotta go food shopping now. I shall return with some more unnecessary musings over the weekend!

XOXOXOXOXOXO!

Friday. Sly Stone. Hot Fun in The Summertime! Yay uh!

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

Wax On. Wax Off. But Please Bring a Bucket Of Ice Cubes for the Thighed Burns!

Posted on May 5, 2015 by Catherine

Sigh*. I have to go shopping for a couple of swimsuits. Now, I don’t know about you, but no matter what shape my body is in, I need a two piece. I’m not fond of the tankini because of the top’s “ride up” factor. Just like a bottom of a one-piece that insists on riding up my derriere like a proctologist at the ready to perform a colonoscopy, the Tankini top loves to ride up my chest like a nursing baby.

The Tankini just doesn’t work for me. Although I want to know where this model got her spray tan from!

Instead, I opt for a bikini with a high-cut, high-rise bottom. It’s not easy. And, I’ll be searching online as well as stepping into various shops specializing in over-priced swimwear.

I do have an Old Navy bottom like this, but I need a bigger size..or should I just get….

This one from Land’s End? OMG. Look at those thighs! Mine haven’t been that thin since infancy!

I DO love this bathing suit top though!

Stretch marks, cellulite, a flabby belly from childbirth—these issues don’t really bother me. You don’t like it, go look at the young woman at the next blanket. The sagging “girls”—hey, that’s what underwire and padding are for—right??

This is the kinda guy I attract at the beach! Note the bulging belly, but I don’t care. When I stand up, I just suck it in! Bonaparte snapped this shot of me in Cannes!

No .What I consider to be the most important factor in wearing a swimsuit is the bikini wax. Let’s face it—who needs the “thighed burns”? I want to be able to sit any way I want without having any little wires peeking out.

Benefit Cosmetic’s cute little bikini wax illustration. Very tasteful!

But as much as we need to look great and well-trimmed at the beach or pool, I’ll warn you to be careful and have a professional give you a wax job. It is worth the money. The DIY can turn out to have disastrous results! That is, if you are me. Read along as I “wax” sentimental about my very first attempt to perform a DIY bikini wax many years ago……..

It was an early summer’s day. Our house was pretty close to the bay, and with no air-conditioning, the inside of our house could be stifling if there was no breeze.

I purchased a huge cake of wax—the brand was “Zip” Wax. Now mind you, I was 17 years old at the time. We’re talking 43 years ago. Waxing wasn’t done much in salons, let alone attempting it by yourself.

You can tell this is an old-school ad. No mention at all of “bikini” waxing!

Since I was a very *cough* private young woman, I wanted to attempt this when everyone was out of the house. With four other siblings, it wasn’t easy. However, on this one morning, my mother had taken the younger kids out somewhere and the other two were probably playing ball or something.

Finally having the house to myself, I ran upstairs to my bedroom and opened the bottom drawer of my dresser. Underneath all the sweaters that were folded in that drawer, I had hidden a box of Zip Wax. This particular form of Zip Wax came in a rectangular box. In the box was a plastic tray which held an olive green cake of wax that was divided into equal parts.

And might I add, this cake of wax was incredibly dense and heavy!

Not bothering to even take a glance at the directions, I headed downstairs to the kitchen. Ever conscience of my mother’s kitchen utensils, I made sure to melt the wax in one of the Teflon-lined pots. I didn’t want my mom to have the slightest clue of what I was going to do to my body. I also took one of her wooden spoons. She had so many of them, most likely to use as disciplinary tools more so than to cook with, that she certainly wouldn’t miss one. I would use the long handled end to apply my wax. Since I figured I had a large area to wax, I threw the entire cake into the pot and proceeded to melt the heavy cake.

Wooden spoons. They aren’t just for disciplining and cooking. You can apply hot wax to your body with them too!

When the wax finally melted, I took the pot and my wooden spoon into the bathroom.

It truly was disgusting. The melted wax resembled thick pea soup–without the ham!

Even though the heat of the house was unbearable, I proceeded to apply the melted wax to my bikini line. Visions of me sitting with legs crossed and uncrossed ran through my head. I could imagine myself running from the sand and jumping into the Atlantic and not having to worry whether or not one false move of my bathing suit would produce a vision hairier than Frank Zappa’s head!

I would not this peeking out of my bikini bottom. I loved you Mr. Zappa, but with all due respect……. Although I DO love those words to live by!

I was delighted! But not for long. Since it never occurred to me to read the instructions, I just went ahead and slathered most of the melted waxy cake onto and into my upper thigh area. I waited for the wax to harden. I waited some more. And some more. Between my body heat, which was now increasing with anxiety, and the indoor temperature of our house, the wax wasn’t melting. At all.

Time may have been flying, but that darn wax was not hardening!

My anxiety turned into fear as I waited for my mother to return. The front door opened. I called out. My mother did not answer. It was one of my sisters. I asked her if she knew where our mom was. Luckily she did. My mom was up the street at a neighbor’s home. I commanded my sister to run and get my mom because I was sick.

Forty-five minutes later my mother returned. The wax still had not hardened.

My poor mother always seemed to be in a state of agitation whenever anything involved me. I was always up to something that never quite worked out well. She had this keen sixth sense. She knocked on the bathroom door and frustrated, asked me if I was, in fact, OK.

I opened the door about an inch and whispered for her to come in.

Before looking at me, she spotted her pot—her Teflon pot and her wax-covered wooden spoon handle.

“What.” “Did.” “You.” “Do?” she asked with that stern mom face. You know, the one where the lips are pursed so tightly that she could have aced a ventriloquist class.

I explained what I did. Worse, I had to show her what I did and where I did it.

After what seemed like a fifteen-minute pause (she was probably praying silently to St. Jude, the Patron Saint of Impossible Causes), she left and returned with a bowlful of ice cubes.

I, St. Jude, may feel that your daughter, Catherine just may be too much of an impossible cause for me to handle. But, hey, keep praying!

There simply are no words to describe the humiliation of what went on in that bathroom for the next hour.

Individual ice cubes placed to both my bikini line and “other” placed hardened the ice. The big issue was ripping the wax off of my skin which produced not only the hairless areas that I so desired, but also left me without a layer of skin.

“Ice, Ice Baby” was NOT written about me! There are no words…..my poor mother!

Since I just about ruined the “lady” area, my mother made an emergency appointment with the gynecologist rather than our family doctor. (Which would have been even worse since I went to school with our family doctor’s son.) Dr. Fogarty was so amazed at my stupidity, bodily mutilation, endeavor to be more beautiful at the beach, that he was left speechless. After a stern lecture from the good doctor on being more careful and treating my body like a “good friend”, we left with creams and word that I was NOT. Repeat—NOT do anything “THERE”, including shaving, until I was healed.

Two weeks later I still wasn’t “healed” completely. New skin started to come back, but was red and tender. However, it looked pretty good to me! In my opinion, I was healed. It was now time to go back to the razor and a clean bikini line! I went back into the bathroom and ran a bath. I realized, though, that the only available shaving cream was Barbasol “Menthol”. You don’t put anything “mentholated” by raw skin.

Do not, I repeat. Do NOT shave your “lady area” with menthol shaving cream–despite what the can says!

Back to the doctor. My mother, whom I thought would keep this episode a secret, had to blab this entire debacle to my dad. Now both parents were pretty pissed off at me.

For the remainder of that summer, I wore shorts and a bikini top to the beach.

To this day, I won’t do a bikini wax because it’s just too traumatizing. Instead, I opt for the new bikini razors! What a concept. Where were these 43 years ago? Huh? Where?

I coulda used these 43 years ago!

*I have to add. Some years back, “Allure” magazine ran a story about bikini waxes. I wrote a condensed version of my story as a letter to the editor. My oldest son was a college at the time. Oh yes. It gets better. He was at a party in his dorm. A couple of girls were hanging out doing the girly glancing at magazine things. One girl saw my letter. She showed the letter to Jake and made mention that this woman had his last name and was from the town that Jake was from. Jake told her he had no idea who I was. When he came home for a visit, he relayed the incident to me and begged me never to use my name in any future publications. Oops!

Well, since the subject is swim wear and we all love the beach, here’s some Beach Boys to put you in the mood! XOXOXOXOXO

Posted in Barbasol, Beachstuffshop.com, DIY bikini waxes, Frank Zappa Beach Boys. Venus Bikini razors., Wooden Spoons, Zip Wax. Zip Wax Cakes | 4 Comments

Scents And Scentsability! My Kinda Signature!

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Catherine

Happy Monday. I hope everyone enjoyed the much-needed warmth of the past weekend. It was spectacular and so much fun to finally have three days in a row where the sun shone on us! A busy weekend was spent getting more flowers for the deck; finally sewing pockets shut on a pair of Milly for Banana Republic shorts I purchased two years ago (and due to the stretch factor, miraculously still fit me–size 8), and relaxing with aperitifs and dinner al fresco on our deck!

Look at those Geraniums! I just cannot stop collecting them!

The pockets on these shorts had to be sewn shut because they stuck out in the hip area–adding yet more poundage to my ample hips! I love the elephant print!

The best way to wind up a weekend–Aperitifs before dinner on the deck!

Today the sky is clear, the sun is shining, but the pollen count is high. That means puffy and swollen eyes for me.

Honestly, mascara and a bit of liner won’t help to make my puffy, pollen-swollen eyes look better. I need my allergy medicine!

I went downstairs to the kitchen to retrieve my generic Claritin which works wonders. My medicine is kept in a drawer with extra cutlery. I know. I know! It may not bet the most logical place to store my allergy medicine, but it works for me since I’m always in the kitchen. Unfortunately, Monsieur Bonaparte must have thought my logical thinking was poor judgment and he stole moved my allergy medication somewhere else. He is with clients now and I do not know where that somewhere else is.

Are they in the master bath? Nooooooo….

Are they in the guest bathroom which is deemed “my” bathroom due to all my girly stuff? Noooooo….

After a wild search that would shame a crack addict, I found the sacred little box in the powder room. WTF? They are going back to the kitchen!

Why would Bonaparte move my little helpers into the powder room?

I need to be cured of a nose that teeters between stuffed and running like a tap. My eyes need to be back to normal. But most of all, I need my sense of smell back. If that important sense does not return, I will end up overdoing my daily spritz(es) of scent.

Scent is important to me. It has been since I was a child.

Two scents—actually three scents remind me of my mother. Arpege. Midnight in Paris. For summer—Muget de Bois by Coty. While I still love the scent of Lilly of the Valley, Muget de Bois is just too sweet for me.

I found this photo online. Vintage Eau de Lavin’s Arpege. My mother practically bathed in this, as well as……

Evening in Paris–in it’s glorious iconic bottle. Thanks to Aunt Judy’s Attic, I was able to find this vintage pic!

My mom’s signature “summer” scent. I would steal a spritz every now and then–and hope the bee’s wouldn’t find and sting me!

I can remember the very first scent that I received. Christmas 1966. ” Pretty Peach” by Avon. My mother was a believer in giving us girls a certain amount of toiletries. In all honesty, I think I loved that bottle more than the contents! The scent itself was “fizzy” like soda.

I felt so grown up with this “mature” looking cologne mist dispenser! Seriously–this is one iconic item!

I wore “Pretty Peach” until I discovered….

Love’s Baby Soft. THIS was the scent to wear while in my high school days. Soft and powdery with a light and not overly sweet aroma. It probably was the most popular scent among the 13 to 17 year old crowd. I may not have been completely innocent, but I certainly was NOT sexy! What an ad–huh?

As I entered into my older teens—and displayed a bit of a hippie edge, my go to scents were both Musk Oil and Patchouli Oil. In fact, in a nostalgic state of mind, I recently purchased a small vial of Patchouli. Bonaparte almost became ill when he smelled it. I guess his French nose is more refined!

Musk Oil and Patchoulli Oil. Right up there with bell bottom jeans, granny glasses and peasant tops! I still love the smell of both!

During my working-girl days on Wall Street, my “sophisticated” scent was “Rive Gauche”. I LOVED that scent! Unfortunately almost every other working woman in NYC did too. And the scent wasn’t “mine”.

I really thought I was so chic and sophisticated wearing this scent. So did every other secretary on Wall Street–and Midtown as well!

As I entered motherhood, any perfumes or scents were put on the back burner. My scent of choice was whatever deodorant I could find on sale. That and a mix of baby lotion were basically the only scents I wore for many years.

My scents during the motherhood years! The Baby Lotion is a great scent–nice and soft and clean!

In fact, over the years, many scents were prone to give me awful headaches so I just went without. You know how sales assistants were prone to randomly spray customers with perfume in department stores a few years back? I had to put my arm with a firm “NO” to getting spritzed. That’s how bad my head would ache from many of the colognes and perfumes!

Two scents that I love are Cabotine by Madame Gres and Byblos, but both give me the most excruciating headaches. I had to get rid of them.

Cabotine is a great winter scent and Byblos a great summer scent. Unfortunately both give me awful headaches. Too bad!

Then something happened. It was after my divorce and I had my job at Hopewell Valley Community Bank. A co-worker was wearing a scent that literally drove me crazy with desire. I needed, wanted, and COVETED the scent she was wearing. It was a pure Orange Blossom scent. By Le Couvent des Minimes. I’m telling you, the scent was clean, soapy, and just drove me nuts. I may have scared her because she actually gave me a small bottle. I later had to resort to purchasing it on eBay because it was discontinued.

A co-worker got me hooked on the Le Couvent des Minimes “Fleur de Oranger” scent, but the original cologne ended up to be discontinued. Had I known about this body wash, I would have snagged it as well!

However, I still carried on the search for the perfect orange blossom scent. I cannot begin to tell you how many companies offer their version of “orange blossom”, but most of them don’t come close to the real thing. Its false advertising.

I would actually ration out the spritzes of my Fleur d’ Oranger knowing that the small amount I had would end.

Enter Monsieur Bonaparte. We started going out. And when we were “close” enough—i.e. “exclusive”, he asked me why I didn’t have a signature scent. He noticed my lack of perfume. I explained my Fleur d’ Oranger conundrum and how I was so confused as to why I couldn’t find the real deal. We happened to have this discussion before he left for Paris to visit family. This was before I started accompanying him to the land of “Ohlala” , baguettes, cheese and real perfume!

Upon his return, he presented me with a beautifully wrapped box. It was too small to be candy, and we weren’t at that jewelry gifting point in our relationship. What could this be? As I unwrapped, it was a “new” Guerlain scent—L’Instant. He said it was a beautifully warm scent and I would be one of the few to carry this lovely scent as it wasn’t sold in the States at the time. My major concern was what if I hated the scent. Worse—what if it gave me a headache?

Bonaparte has a great “nose”. He picked this out for me 11 years ago and I’ve been wearing it during the cold weather ever since. I’ve gone through countless bottles–I’ve even managed to go through the pure perfume!

Well, L’Instant did have a warm scent and did not give me a headache. Eleven years later it is my signature “Winter” scent. It’s a bit heavy for me to wear in the summer, but I love the way it’s not too sweet and it’s just a bit spicy without being overwhelming. I’ve had many compliments on this parfum. (I even had the perfume too, but I used it all up). In fact, I had a gentleman follow me out of a store to ask me what scent I was wearing because he wanted to purchase it for his wife. Imagine that!

Still on my Fleur d’ Oranger scent search, I read that the Fragonard perfumerie in Grasse carried a version of the aptly named scent. During our first trip to the Cote d’Azur, I begged Bonaparte to drive to Fragonard so we could make the tour. (Interesting piece of the puzzle. Fragonard has a boutique on Blvd. St. Germain. WHY didn’t I just go there in the first place?).

At the Fragonard boutique in the factory after the tour! Ready to get my favorite scent!

Anyway, we did the tour; I went into the Fragonard tourist trap store and made my purchase. The Fleur d’ Oranger is the real deal. I purchased the soap too. Needless to say, I now have a huge refill bottle, soaps to bathe in and the eau de toilette.

A steady supply keeps me happy and smelling fine!

In addition, I hoard Le Petit Marseillais Fleur d’ Oranger body wash and body cream when I’m in Paris. Monoprix and City Pharma sell it at a discounted price. Unlike Amazon.

A discounted brand–but the scent is spot on!

Can you guess that Fleur d’ Oranger is my signature warm weather scent? As with L’Instant, I get lots of compliments on this scent as well. The only person who despises it is my daughter Oona. It gives her horrific headaches.

Oona’s signature scent is Chanel’s” Madamoiselle”—a scent that is young and pretty, but stinks to high hell in the worst way on me! On her it’s magnificent!

Oona’s signature scent. Funny how a scent can smell great on one person and lousy on another!

I have to admit. I did acquire an additional summer/warm weather scent. It happened three years ago at Orly airport.

Bonaparte and I had some time before a flight to Nice. I was browsing in a duty-free shop and checking out the Guerlain area. I spotted a bottle that was unfamiliar. There was a cute little black dress on the bottle. Curious, I spritzed some on my wrist. I was mesmerized! OK. I’m no “nose”, but this scent was driving me to a level of scent euphoria. I could detect the faint smell of cherries! In a perfume??? This was unlike any scent I’ve ever experienced. I ran over to Bonaparte and almost broke his nose with my scented wrist. In his usual French demeanor, his reaction was a typical shrug of the shoulders.

I love browsing all things beauty at Duty Free shops!

Screw it. I made the purchase and Guerlain’s “La Petite Robe Noire” now alternates with Fragonard’s “Fleur d’ Oranger” as my signature scent for summer!

The summer scent that reminds me of cherries!

These are the only three scents I wear. I don’t need nor do I want anything else. They are “Me”! My “Trinity” of scents….

In the name of L’Instant, Fleur d’ Oranger, and La Petite Robe Noire. Amen!

It’s funny how a scent can define or bring memories of a person in your life. Bonaparte’s aunt, Danièle Delorme, whom I consider to be my second mother, wears only one scent. Guerlain’s “L’Heure Bleue”.

Totally Daniele’s scent–and more so with the waft of cigarette smoke thrown in!

The first time I met her, she opened the door to her Paris apartment. Not only was a greeted by this tiny spitfire of a woman with a larger-than-life personality, but the scent she was wearing was permanently imbedded in my mind! “L’Heure Bleue and the scent of her cigarettes is a combination of the happiest scent I know. Every now and then I’ll catch the scent of L’Heure Bleue on someone and I’ll be transported back to Danièle and her apartment. And as much as I love that scent, I would never make an attempt to wear it. It’s Danièle’s scent and her signature. Not mine.

Daniele is still in the public eye. She wrote a memoir a couple of years ago…..AND..

Daniele, not Leslie Caron, was the original Gigi.l Movie poster from the original and French version of the film “Gigi”

Last summer, Danièle took me on a little shopping spree to the Guerlain Boutique on the Champs Elysees in Paris. My one regret was not having a camera. I’ve never, ever been in a shop so feminine and ..well, girly. I was in heaven. We were greeted like royalty and led up a stairway to a huge room. Its ceiling decorated in thousands of flowers. In the center of the room was a huge lazy Susan sort of shelving unit.

Guerlain–or as I have renamed it “Girl land” most feminine place on earth!

On this unit were various Guerlain scents. Danièle took me by the hand and told me to pick out whatever I wanted. I almost died right there. I was also touched and greatly moved by her generosity! When I picked out a small bottle of “La Petit Robe Noir” she shook her head “no” and told me to get the largest bottle.

I had to pinch myself! Not only did I come back with the eau de parfum, but was also treated to Guerlain make-up! It was, hands down, the best shopping experience I’ve ever had in my life!

So as I end today’s post, I am reminded not only of Danièle’s generosity, but her scent. The scent of a wonderful woman! And I cannot wait to see her next month. We can share Porto and fun times together!

Daniele, Antoine Bourseiller and me, hanging out on Pont Neuf back in 2011–or 2012? RIP Antoine–he was such a sweet man and great actor!

Here’s the infamous Tango scene from “Scent of a Woman’ XOXOXOXO! Booyaa!

Posted in Avon's Pretty Peach, Chanel Madamoiselle perfume; Guerlain Boutique, Daniel Delorme, France, France. Fleur d' Oranger, Gras, Guerlain; L'Instant; La Petite Robe Noire; Fragonard; Fragonard, L'Heure Bleue, Orange Blossom. Love's Baby Soft, Paris, Scents. Perfume | 2 Comments

The Lioness (Me), the Bitch (My Thighs) and the Wardrobe (My “Transition” Clothing)

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Catherine

“May” I tell you about my busy week? (Yes. Happy May!! Can you believe it’s May already?) The computer skills class I’m taking is amazing. I thought I almost knew it all (with the exception of Pivot Tables). I’m inching closer and closer to becoming an expert, rather than just a user, at Excel. The logical aspect of the program is sinking in—thanks to Suzanne our teacher! I’ve been practicing and practicing.

I’m a wiz with a keyboard…and would be the best Executive Assistant on earth. But I don’t think Bonaparte would appreciate my getting this close to a boss!

I’ll tell ya, the (ever-elusive) company that hires me will be getting a stellar employee! I’ll be a corporate Lioness—jumping at the chance to get my hands on a workbook that nobody else can figure out. I’ll be creating tables and just eating those old programs up. Clawing and scratching!

OK…back to more fun stuff. I finally had my hair colored yesterday. I was really beginning to look washed out and complete with thick “skunk” stripe of white, my hair was looking pretty nasty. Adam did a great job–don’t you think?

Not only has Adam done a stellar color job, but he’s allowed me to embrace my naturally wavy hair. I love Bleu Mousse salon so much!

I took my “summer” wardrobe out of hibernation. It’s not good. At all. Where I had ample space with shorts, I now have camel-toe and can barely get any bottom past my thighs. In fact, the cellulite on my thighs is a major concern. The backs resemble cottage and farmers cheeses.

Hey, I know, it’s gross, but I put myself out there! My thighs are looking like cottage cheese these days–and not the low fat kind either!

Each night I have the same recurring dream. “Un vendeur de fromage” is running after me with a bucket because he wants to turn my upper leg area into a new cheese. An “AGED” cheese if you will.

Let’s hope my cheesy thighs will be placed next to my all-time favorite cheese–Abbaye Citeaux. I’m more “aged” than this cheese, but it’s the best unpasteurized cheese I’ve ever had! I love it so much I actually took this picture of it! How sick is that???

I know—it took me five months to slowly add the weight on and I realize that it’ll take just as long to take it off. In the meantime….I need to “adjust” some of my wardrobe. I also need to fix it so that I don’t feel like a fat slob when I’m in the homeland of skinny French women.

Audrey Tatou–our little “Amelie” moves on to “Priceless” and gives away her secret to her lean body. Smoking. Blech. No thanks Audrey!

And then there’s the iconic and ever-thin Jane Birkin.

Still as beautiful and lean as ever. I love Jane Birkin! She proves you can be stylish at any age. Love the Converse sneaks!

The frugal and budget-minded me went through clothing that I can still manage to fit into. These are great articles of clothing because there is some stretch and are great for transitioning during a weight loss.

This chambray dress from Banana Republic is from last year. I was afraid to try it on but it still fits nicely. Unfortunately, it’s wrinkled as all get-out from being packed away. Here’s how it looks in a BR ad from last year.

I loved this dress the moment I saw it last year……

From being packed away, it’s a wrinkled mess right now. But it still fits like a charm!

Another dress I absolutely love is this Tiana B dress from years ago. It doesn’t look like much, but it is so flattering. I’ve worn it during my “skinny” seasons and my “beefy” seasons. Throw it on, add a strand of pearls and you’re good to go.

Probably, the most versatile dress I own. I can be ready for dinner in a flash. Throw the dress on, add pearls, a little heel or even flat and I’m ready to go! I’ve had this for years!

My “uniform”while traveling in Paris will be this. The Lilly Pulitzer Travel Pants are stretchy; with a white tee it’s going to be simple and chic. I can wear it with the J. Crew Dulci Kitten Heels or dress the look down with Repettos. It can be dressed up with a blazer or dressed down with a light denim jacket. It’s a multi-purpose outfit. I also love the pants because they are a true “ankle” pant. It’s a look I love.

This “uniform” will allow me to pack light. I can wear a black tee and a large funky belt and have a completely different look. Add a scarf…..or a sweater……it’s a good basic and chic look!

I did make a couple of new purchases—I purchased a ton of Old Navy Fitted T Shirts. I realize it’s a weird twisted thing, but the “Small” fitted shirts are a perfect fit for me. I dislike boxy tees, in my opinion, they add pounds. These fitted tee’s “hug”—they don’t “squeeze” your body. They are extremely flattering and yesterday they were on sale for $4.00 each! I actually have a gray one in medium and it doesn’t blend well for a polished look.

I’m reposting this pic because I cannot rave enough about these Old Navy Fitted Tees!

So anyway, while at Old Navy, I saw a light gray and white chevron skirt, on the dressing-room rack. I asked the S/A where I could find this particular skirt and she said it was maternity. Since I have no shame, I sauntered over to the Maternity department, grabbed a “Medium” and tried it on. So I haven’t been pregnant in 25 years—but it fit nicely and I made the 50% off purchase. 14.99. Since I’m a giver, when that “special” time comes around for my Oona, I can hand the skirt down to her! How’s that for a repurpose!

Ladies. I wanted to show you that I still have that flabby belly some 25 years later–but this maternity skirt fits beautifully! Hey, ya never know–right?

I also picked up this skirt from Gap. I call it a “Mixi”. It’s a cross between a midi skirt and a maxi, and it looks great on. It is slimming; the unique length lends itself well to both sandals and shoes. (I’m weird with Maxi skirts. I’ll only wear flip-flops or sandals with them. Never a closed-toe shoe.)

This is a great skirt for the money. On sale at $19.99, it’s definitely worth more! Go online and check it out!

I think this shirt will also look good with the navy skirt!

In my efforts to update my “mature” wardrobe, I revisited a little jacket that I purchased a few years ago. She was a sale item at the Bass Outlet in Limerick, PA. All of $39.99. She was calling to me to try her on. She told me we could be great friends. She could give my classic clothing a bit of an edge—especially for casual wear. And…She did. But the wear time was limited because she was just a bit heavy for the late Spring-early Summer wear.

I especially love the side pockets in this jacket. I’ve been wearing it in place of a blazer!

Enter my daughter, Oona. She was wearing a beautifully fitting denim jacket. The jacket was a lighter wash but was much fitted with a bit more stretch. The fabric was also much lighter than my Bass jacket.

She couldn’t say enough about this “Kut from the Kloth” jacket. Unfortunately it was so popular that it sold out in many stores. She did tell me that Bloomingdales may have some left. I hit pay dirt. Not only did Bloomies have the jacket, but it was on sale for $53.50 (plus shipping). Because I love to layer, I purchased the Large. It runs a bit snug. The “Amelia” jacket may be difficult to track down, but wasn’t too difficult finding the Large.

Kut From the Kloth “Amelia” jacket. I LOVE this jacket. It’s lighter weight makes it a year-round staple!

The greatest thing is the denim jacket knows no age limit. It is a versatile wardrobe basic. She looks fantastic on kids—adorable, in fact. She looks great on teens and young women. Lest we forget how wonderful her mate looks on men! In all honesty, I think a fitted denim jacket can be the new blazer. Plus, it adds a bit of an edge to a classic wardrobe. Don’t you think?

Wearing the Kut From the Kloth “Amelia” jacket, J. Crew Factory GiGi pants, J. Crew Artiste Boat-neck Tee (which I’m not fond of because it stretches out beyond reason). Longchamp bag and Repetto ballet flats. Dollar Store hoop earrings.

My finger is still hurting me and it’s not easy to type today. I was stabbed by an artichoke yesterday. Yeah. Artichokes are great to eat. Steam them in some water with lemon and garlic till the leaves get nice and soft. They take a bit of time to eat because of the amount of leaves you need to consume by “scratching” the inside off with your teeth, but at 68 calories per artichoke—it’s my kind of meal!

I love artichokes, but they are dangerous! I couldn’t wait to cut the leaf tips off! OUCH!

I’m leaving you with a cute song by Jacques Dutronc. “Mini, Mini, Mini”. Just because!

XOOXOXOXOXO. Enjoy the weekend!

Posted in Abbaye Citeaux Cheese, Denim Jackets. Kut From the Kloth "Amelia" denim jacket. Bass Denim Jacket. Stylish and modern dressing for older women. Jane Birkin. Audrey Tatou, GAP Navy Maxi Skirt, Lilly Pulitzer Travel Pant, Old Navy Fitted T Shirts, Old Navy Maternity Maxi Skirt, Repettos. Longchamp. J. Crew Gigi pants. Jacques Dutronc. Stemed Artichokes. Tiana B black dress. Banana Republic Chambray shift. | 12 Comments

The Shoes of Summer Are Out–And About That Suitcase I’m Packing!

Posted on April 27, 2015 by Catherine

Happy Monday—or should I say Shoesday! Hope everyone had a great weekend! The sun is shining but it’s still cool and April is almost at her end! I’m waiting for that heat!

My OCD is in high gear today. I’ve started Phase 1 of packing for our trip to France. The trip may be 6 weeks away, but I’ve started the pack list and actually started to place various toiletries and some clothing into the suitcase.

Razors, “moist” towelettes, toothpaste, toothbrush among the toiletries packed and ready–and of course my “Tan Towels” are just waiting to be used. Can’t forget those babies!

Bonaparte is convinced I’m not “well”. Every year he scratches his head in wonder at how I can start packing 6 weeks in advance. It’s a “Start” dear Bonaparte! A “Start”!

I’ve some t-shirts. Listen. I have to tell you, those Old Navy Fitted T shirts are a must-have fashion basic for the summer. They are always on sale. I purchased some for $5.00 and the rest for $6.00. Three white, two black and one gray are now nested neatly into the suitcase.

The white t-shirts worn under a denim jacket with black skinnies and my metallic Ivanka Trump shoes will look great! These shirts are the greatest bargain ever!

OH–These $1.00 earrings are also packed. I’m not thrilled with the bevels in the hoops, but I don’t take good earrings with me on any trip. If I leave these behind or lose one it’s not going to make a difference. Hoops are my all-time favorite every-day earring. For a buck–you cannot go wrong!

I picked up this maxi at Loft for 40% off. It’ll be perfect for dinner at the clubhouse we go to in Theoule!

I love this dress. Now–I wouldn’t style it the way it is in this pic, but I would just wear a nice flat pair of sandals–or maybe a little heeled sandal and big hoop earrings. It’s simple and flattering! And..40 percent off!

The packing strategy for this year is challenging. I’m cutting down on the amount of clothing I bring. Since time is spent in both Paris and the Cote d’Azur, way too much is packed and only half of what I usually pack is worn. This year I’m being smart. Two pairs of skinny jeans–black and white..or indigo and white. I dunno yet. Some maxi dresses, sun dresses, bathing suits….denim jacket, which blazer?

See what I mean. THIS is why I start my packing early. I’ll be changing up my mind for the next six weeks!

However, the most difficult decisions to be made are the shoes.

Yes. The shoes! The shoes of summer have been reviewed and I’m just trying to narrow down which pairs will be packed.

For starters: I have to pack my Rondini Tropéziennes. Chippy got at them and chewed one of the straps. See the pic below. I don’t know if they can be fixed but it’s worth a try. Actually, I think I’ll just send an email and a pic of the damage! I love Rondini sandals.

Rondini Website

They wear so well and get more comfy and softer with age.

Rondini Tropeziennes. Chippy snacked on them!

On the left: Rondini Sahariennnes. Comfy leather flip-plops. On the right: Rondini Tropeziennes. Look at the strap on the bottom left of my right sandal. Chippy got to it. These conform to the fit of your foot –getting more comfortable and broken in with age!

This visit will bring me a new pair, but I’m not sure which ones I want! The fun thing about Rondini is that they make the shoes to custom fit. Your sole is measured, which is standard, but they add the leather straps in the small shop. It only takes a few minutes, but the shop gets incredibly crowded. Lines form out to the street later in the day—but, the sandals are definitely worth waiting on the line!

Some want their “LV” logo. This is the only label I care to wear!

These Cole-Haan Air Nike Ballet Flats will also be joining me. Geez, I’ve had these for five years now and they simple do NOT wear out! Hands down, these are the best sightseeing and tourist shoes of all time. They look great with anything from a simple dress to jeans and a T-shirt. I am not lying when I say that you can walk around any terrain, whether it’s the concrete sidewalks of a city or the rough, stony dirt of the countryside, and at the end of the day, your feet will not hurt! I purchased these at the Cole-Haan outlet in Limerick, PA for about $60 or $70.00 and they are worth their weight in gold!

At five years old, these shoes have done major sightseeing and touristy stuff and are still going strong!

These Cole Haan Air Nike Ballet Flats may lack toe cleavage, but they make up for it in comfort and wearability!

These Ivanka Trump metallic pumps will be packed as well. These are a beautiful pair of shoes in that the metallic is very versatile. They can be used to dress up a pair of white skinny jeans to make the switch from daytime to dinner. They are also comfortable as all get out. The heel isn’t too high either. I don’t know how Parisian women can walk around all day in sky-high heels—especially on the older cobblestone side streets. I’d be in an ER trying to explain to the French McDreamy how my clumsiness caused me to break a foot! This shoe is the highest I can go. In addition, there’s lots of toe cleavage in these shoes and I love me some serious toe cleavage!

My favorite heels. I LOVE dressing jeans up with these. The toe cleavage from these shoes is epic. Epic! I love them so much that I stuff tissue paper in them when I’m not wearing them!

The rest are up for grabs. Come along with me as I show you the shoes and perhaps you can give me a suggestion or two of what to pack!

Black Repettos–prettier on the foot than the Cole-Haans, but definitely not the shoe to wear all day. They do look pretty though!

Orange-yellow Repettos remind me of the Crayola crayon of the same color! I love these–and am glad I’ll be in Paris during the summer sales! Navy Repettos would be a nice addition!

They may be suede but this is also a great summer heel. It may be too high a heel for vacation though!

This ten-year old strappy pair is a possibility. Look–the price sticker is still on the sole. I don’t wear these much but I love them!

These Calvin Klein’s were a find. It’s very difficult to find Navy sandals. These are extremely flattering and comfortable! I got these about three years ago at Marshall’s!

Even though they are wedges, they are still kind of high for me. I think these will stay home!

This pair of wedges from Crown Vintage is a favorite! The wedge isn’t that high–and they always look good. I got these four years ago at DSW.

These Jacks won’t be anywhere near my suitcase! They are not comfortable and they stretch out like nobody’s business! Oona now has all my stretched out Jacks. They DO look cute with Lilly Pulitzer dresses though.

These Sperry Top-Sider Slippers are so plush inside. I wear them as errand shoes and they look good with shorts!

My first-ever Birkenstocks! They are the rubber ones that cost $29.99–and they are pretty fugly–but comfortable! Mommy is an old-lady hippie! Pass the granola and the brownies please.

One can never have too many Old Navy Flip Flops, now, can one?

My “Three Musketeers” of summer shoe wear. These are worn endlessly and will be in the suitcase!

When push comes to shove, and despite how many pairs of shoes I have, I still love barefootin’ the best

My old feet like being nekid the best!

XOXOXOXO! Enjoy the evening!

Since shoes are on my mind, here’s an old one by “Nu Shooz” –remember this song?

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Calvin Klein Navy Sandals., Old Navy Flip Flops. Ivanka Trump Metallic Pumps, Travel Wardrobes | Leave a comment

The Jennderosity of Bruce

Posted on April 25, 2015 by Catherine

Eavesdrop on almost anyone’s conversation today and Diane Sawyer’s interview of Bruce Jenner will surely be one popular topic.

I’m sure this interview drew an incredible rating! I, for one, learned quite a bit about “transgender”!

I watched it last night. Well, I watched three quarters of it. I ended up falling asleep. I had wine with dinner. The wine was a great table wine, Michel Lynch. It’s relatively inexpensive and delivers on taste. Except with me it delivers on putting me into a deep slumber after one glass.

We now interrupt this post with an ad about how Michel Lynch wine, tastes great, but may put you to sleep if you aren’t very wine-tolerant!

OK—where were we? Ahhhh. Bruce Jenner. For me, watching the interview gave me a better understanding of the spectrum of “Transgender”. Me, who despises labels, am going to use some “classifications” right now.

I’m classifying for now. I still despise labels!!

It’s always been confusing to me because my train of thought has been “Are transgender people heterosexual?” “Are transgender people gay?” “Are transgender people straight?” “Are transgender people bisexual?” In my efforts to figure it out, I couldn’t. Simply because I don’t know or at least I’m not aware of anyone with my circle who is transgender. So basically, this interview was a wealth of needed education for me.

I didn’t focus on Bruce, the patriarch, of the Kardashian family. Nor did I focus on Bruce the asshole for causing that car accident a while ago. I didn’t focus on Bruce the father of children from three marriages. I tried to focus solely on Bruce “The PERSON”!

While I didn’t exclusively focus on Bruce Jenner “The Person”, I’ll admit, I kept thinking about the greatest American athlete of all time. I couldn’t help thinking about the guy on the Wheaties box. That’s the Bruce Jenner I remember the best. I remember those 1976 Olympic Games and his amazing athletic abilities to win the Gold!! I also thought how sad it must have been for him to NOT be able to relish in his victorious Olympic achievements as the person he is–not the person he is pretending to be!

Quite possibly, the best athlete of all time and he struggled with his gender his entire life. I wish I could just give him a hug!

What did I think of the interview? I’m not a Diane Sawyer fan. Her nuances and her tone annoy me. She comes off as condescending and patronizing and has that “I’m-so-much-better-than-you” air about her. I would have loved to see my favorite media personality, Robin Roberts, interview him. (I’m referring to Jenner as “him” for now because that is how he presently wishes). Roberts has more empathy and heart. She never talks down to anyone. George Stephanopoulos would have also made for a good interview as well.

More so, I realize that Jenner is in a far better situation than many others who struggle over their gender identity. He’s a public figure. He has the money to afford the best therapists and doctors. Many others don’t. Granted, I feel for Jenner. It must have been awful to grow up questioning, and then realizing you were born the wrong gender. I get that. But he is one of the lucky ones. There are those who have taken their own lives because they simply could not live with the struggle. That is incredibly sad and should not happen.

What about those who are bullied, beaten, and even murdered because they are different? THOSE are the people my heart truly goes out to. Nobody should be treated cruelly because of their gender, or sexuality, or whatever they want to be. Nobody.

Ya know, earlier this morning my daughter Oona and I were talking about the interview. She said something that made me realize I think I did a pretty good job raising my kids. She said “I remember what you told us when we were younger. You said that everyone should be treated kindly and with respect. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they do behind closed doors. It’s their business”.

It’s true. I raised my children to also treat others the way you want to be treated.

I do have some advice though for Bruce. As he transforms into womanhood, he needs to be a little more concerned about this looks. Yes. This is the deeply shallow side of me speaking right now. But, hey, I’m a giver and I’m giving Bruce some great advice!

The Hair: Change your hair. Although it is one length, and the ends look very healthy, you need to change it up. Get rid of the middle part. It’s unattractive on us women over 60. OK? You need a side part with some long bangs swept to the side. Your face is angular; the side swept bangs will soften your look. Also, a bit of volume in the hair will do wonders. Trust me, I have to work with thinning hair and I STILL manage to make what I have nice and big! Make the hair bigger. Some layers but LONG layers. No “old lady” do for you.

Get rid of the middle part. You need to soften your look a bit. I’m not being mean, but you MAY want to get a scarf, I see the beginning of a turkey neck there sweety!

Your Eyes: Honest to God, your eyes were killing me last night. You need lashes. Get lash extensions. You cannot walk around without makeup. You need the lashes and you need eyeliner. A cat’s eye would look very attractive and flattering on you. You have nice high cheekbones and it’ll make you look exotic.

The Lips: I don’t think a bold lip would look good on you. As I stated, you are a “handsome” woman, a bold lip will make you look harsh. Talk to Kim about the lips. She always has a good neutral lip going on.

Your skin looked good but I’m so jealous that you have no wrinkles. You aren’t being fair to the rest of us women. Don’t overdo the Botox. Stop where you are now. Overall, you look fine!

The Clothes: Yeezus, Mary and Joseph! Can you please wear clothes that are a bit more fitted instead of that unforgiving “sack” of a shirt you wore during last night’s interview? You looked like a friggin’ cat lady! Yes. You did! The pants were baggy and WTF was that on your feet? Man oh man—you’re becoming a woman!! For the love of Pete, please dress like one? Haven’t you learned anything about dressing like a woman from the Kardashian’s???

That blouse/shirt. You’re kidding me. Right? Boxy, baggy, ill-fitting! Your complete ensemble was a Glamour “Don’t”! Please, PLEASE do something with that hair!

Do it right and make us proud!!!

One last thing—to those who speak negatively about the transformation or anyone who is different than you—remember: “Ashes to ashes.” “Dust to dust”

When it’s all over and our hearts stop beating, we will be the same. Some of us will be cremated and end up to be dust sooner than those who decompose six feet under. Ultimately, it won’t matter now will it?

XOXOXOXOXO! Whether you admire Jenner, whether you don’t, as long as you are nice about it. I give you hugs!

Today’s song is by my favorite, favorite group of all time: “The Kinks”. We both share a similar sense of humor. Here’s “Lola”!

Posted in Bruce Jenner Interview with Diane Sawyer. Bruce Jenner Transgender. The Kinks. Lola. Bruce Jenner Athlete. | 2 Comments

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