EBAY SCORES!

Well, one of my favorite pass times is finding items I like in stores and then searching for them on ebay. Being in a ski town full of ski clothing, we saw this great Dale of Norway sweater on a man and I tried on these ski boots. Even with the exchange, the cost of items in Canada is still higher (taxes business increases the prices and it is passed on to the consumer).

I found both of these items on ebay-- new w/tags and purchased them for 25% of the retail value! Both are returnable. Finally my husband has a Dale of Norway sweater and me, some new, comfortable ski boots.

Greetings From Mont Tremblant--Home of the Beaver Tails

We are at Mont Tremblant in Quebec for a week of skiing and having a great time. My son is mastering the snow board and riding on the rails. Snowboarding and skiing is such a great activity for boys--they love the outdoors and will keep trying (4000+ times) to master a thrill seeking task. He skied all day, then worked on snow board skills all night.

One of the best treats in Mont Tremblant is Beaver Tails. Served warm and we actually get the version call the "Trip"-which includes Nutella, Maple Syrup and Reese's Pieces-extremely fattening, but delicious.

FACEBOOK ETIQUETTE

I am so glad I am not a teenager today.

One of the benefits of being an adult and not being in High School or Middle School is you have the ability to make your own friends and can avoid those horrible feelings of exclusion, cliques, etc. Middle School and High School makes (forces) our children deal with other children on daily basis, whom they would never choose as friends in the future.

As a parent of middle and high school girls, FACEBOOK just intensifies those feelings of exclusion and cliquieness. Kids not only hear about all the parties they were excluded from, now they get to seeing all the fun people were having without them.

It is so hard being a kids now days and the Internet really brings it home. I think our darling teens could use a little etiquette these days. DO NOT TALK ABOUT PARTIES AND DO NOT PUBLISH PICTURES OF YOUR PARTIES-SEND AN EMAIL OF THE PICTURES INSTEAD.

An Invasion of Ants and Frogs

Well, for the longest time, we were a home for girls. We had numerous American Girl Dolls, kitchens, pots, pans, make-up, and we have had hamsters, fish,etc. Even though we have about 10,000 pieces of Lego, we have now finally achieved boy household status.

Last week, we received our shipment in the mail of Red Ants (thank you Aunt Laurie&Uncle Jim) and our darling, slimy little tadpoles. Thank goodness the ants will eventually die since it says on the package that they do bite (great). The tadpoles, if they survive, will be set them free in a few months.

DO THE KIDS KNOW IT'S PRESIDENT's DAY?

When I use to volunteer in my son's 2nd class room, I would discuss the weekly "Time For Kids", published by Time Magazine. In Feb., before I handed out the weekly magazine that had Abraham Lincoln's picture on the front, I asked the kids:

ME: "In Feb., two great men were born and we celebrate their birthdays. Do you know who their names?"

KIDS: "Martin Luther King?"

ME: "No, we celebrate his birthday in Jan. not Feb."

KIDS: "Rosa Parks?"

ME: "No, she is a woman and I said man."

KIDS: ......Silence........ and more ....silence

ME: "Have you ever heard of Abraham Lincoln or George Washington"

(98% of our kids pass the MEAP test--some of the smartest kids around)

ONE CHILD: "I think I may have heard of them before but I am not sure."--

AND THAT WAS IT--ONE CHILD OUT OF 24

ME: " I think they are missing teaching you something here and let's discuss these great men"

I am glad our children learn about Mr. King and Rosa Parks, but it is a little overboard. We do need a Martin Luther King celebration every year. Teachers, Washington and Lincoln were more instrumental in ours and Dr. King's success. Where would we be without them?

FORMAL DRESSES FOR TEENS

Well, we have gone to Nordstom, Saks, Macy's VonMaur, JCrew, Forever21, Juicy Couture, Betsy Johnson, and probably several more stores that I have blanked out.

What is up with dresses for teenagers?

They are all so flammable and shiny!

My daughter does not like rhinestones, glitter, netting and polyester glossy material. Guess what.... there is nothing else out there.

My daughter did reluctantly purchased and return and then purchased another BCBG Max Azria dress for her winter formal. A little expensive for a teenage dress, but we were desperate. I have to give her credit because when you put this the BCBG section next to the teen section, it is such a contrast in quality and she would not even go in the teen section--thank you retail merchandisers.

This is one that she purchased and she is going to wear the tie as a caveman strap (Can you say Wilma Flintstone?)--thank you Michelle Obama (Vogue Cover Girl)--symmetry in shoulder cover is now gone. It actually looks cute on her because she is only 5'4 (unlike this model) so it is not so short.

When we were in Chicago, she actually tried on a Juicy Couture dress that looked cute on her.We should have purchased it but, now she doesn't like it. Two more days until the formal--no more time to look at the same 3 dresses.

Where do you purchase cute dresses for teenage girls--they will not shop at Lilly Pulitzer or J Crew--sorry, that would be too easy.

THANK YOU FELLOW BLOGGERS-VALENTINE UPDATE

You all have such wonderful thoughts and comment. One blogger (MomX2)-a blog that I love to read, asked me "how are we (the commenters) doing?" on my Socialist Valentine post. I thought I would follow-up because I received such wonderful thoughts.

1. Socialist Valentine's Day Project-Academically-Good: Actually, my son really enjoyed doing it and did not seem to miss the candy, selecting his own cards, etc. So, I agree with many of you that this was not all bad. From an academic standpoint, I am concerned that this is the most writing that my son has done all year. The card to his teacher said" Mr. Wright, thank you for TETCHING ME". I should have left this spelling error, but I figured that is more important that he learn to spell teacher that "teaching" his teacher a lesson. So, I guess any practice is good.

2.Socialist Valentine's Day Project-Creative Element-Poor. I have never been a fan of coloring in the lines and product oriented art projects in school (e.g., make a Lady Bug and I give you the eyes, dots, a cutout red piece of paper, etc.) These projects seem more for the parent than the kids. We are always so worried about the product or outcome and loose focus of the creative process. So, I agree with many of you that it is nice to have some choice and add some personal touches to our work, select your own cards, etc. This Valentine's project made the kids color in the lines and made the children all the same-which is the teacher's agenda.

3. Socialist Valentine's Day Project-Candy Element Good Most parents, and all bloggers agree, when you attend school, your child will be given so much unhealthy food. There are pizza parties, candy rewards, cupcakes, etc. You wonder why our children are over weight? So removing one day of sweets is not horrible.

3. No, the bat did not have rabies!

4. In the fall I had a party that the number could have been from 0-400 and I estimated 10-40 people. I believe I had 20 people and most only came because they offered to bring dessert.

So in summary, I laughed about Socialist Valentine's Day but it is just one day and will not make or break my child. I am just amused by this teacher's effort and thought it would be fun to share the unique twist that the Ann Arbor Community seems to offer.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY

Socialist Valentine's Day

We can all agree that Valentine's Day is a little over done these days. Overachieving parents (which includes me) spend a fair amount of money on Valentines and CANDY for each child in the class!! I even ordered darling little stickers that said "Happy Valentine's Day, Love Trip".

Our teacher decided to do away with this effort. All the children in the class were given white sheets of paper with black lined hearts( featured below if you would like to copy) and have to say something nice about each child in the class. They are allowed to decorate the hearts with crayons, colored pencils, etc. Anyway, there no is capitalism involved in this transaction (no economic stimulus activity here). No independent, unique, creativity in design, card selection, candy choices, etc. Also, thinking of something kind to say about the class bully, is really a lesson in "putting on a false smile and digging deep for a kind thought".

Anyway, my older daughter said---that teacher took all the fun out of Valentine's Day!

What do you think? Is this China Cultural Valentine Revolution or Valentine's Day Evolution?

Second Weddings Etiquette?--HELP WANTED

Even though I have my own thoughts on this, a friend of mine (Mary) wanted me to solicit my blogging friend's thoughts on this one.

Mary's brother is getting married (for a second time) to a woman that has never been married -so, the bride's first wedding.

Because my friend Mary had been to her brother's first wedding that was a weekend in Palm Beach, Florida (10 yrs. ago, without children, paid for expense hotels, airfare, etc.), she is a little angry about participating in the second wedding to Mary's former babysitter-long story. Here are her questions to you:

1) Is $140 too much to send on a junior bride's maid dress for Mary's daughter and her sister's daughter for a second wedding? Mary is not in the wedding but her husband and son have to rent black tie too. Mary can afford the dress but it will never be worn again.

2) Mary's daughter (who is 12) is suppose to play in a junior national field hockey tournament--only once a year, the same weekend as the wedding. This tournament was planned a year in advance and her daughter could play in it next year. Mary's daughter tried out for the team Olympic Future's program (which is a big deal) and is practicing all spring for this once a year tournament. Do you think Mary's daughter could miss the wedding? It is a two day tournament in PA (8 hours away).

I have my own thoughts on this but wanted a reality check. Anyway, please let me know what you think.

CALLING ALL SKI BUNNIES! Dale of Norway

Ok, I am a little obsessed with Dale of Norway sweaters. This company always makes the official Winter Olympic Sweater. I am waiting to see what the sweater looks like for the 2010 games. Nothing keeps you warmer on the slopes under your ski jacket. I am gearing up for going skiing either out west (maybe Aspen or Park City) or to Mont Tremblant over winter break in Feb. I am just a little cold this winter. Are any of you skiers out there?

Valentine's Day Cakes

Because my birthday is the day before Valentine's Day, I always had a heart shaped cake. I saw these beautiful cakes and had to share them. The bottom cake is from Dean & Deluca.

I HART (Heart) HARTMANN!

Well, luggage styles and brands come and go. I just love my Hartmann luggage. It is a little on the heavy side, but with the wheels, etc., it is nice quality and looks great. When you are in high school or college, or for weekend trips to friends homes, cloth or trendy styles are great (my girls have lime green and bright blue shinny hard roller cases and matching cloth Vera Bradley bags). When traveling on a business trip or after college, high quality luggage makes a nice statement and will last you many years.

My all time favorite Hartmann item is my cosmetic case. I love it because I can put it on the bathroom sink in a hotel and work out of it. When I am finished, I simply close it up and put it away.

I had my first case for 10+ years and it was lost at the airport. Because I forgot the combination for the lock on a trip to LA, the second case (purchased on ebay) had to be opened with a crowbar. Instead of sending in it to get it repaired (which is expensive because of the postage), I am simply looking for another case on Ebay.

EMILY POST BIOGRAPHY

On my list. Think this would be a fascinating read.

Domino's Fabulous Blue Room

OH, THE THINGS PEOPLE LEAVE BEHIND--SCORE FOR US!

While training for the Olympics, a family friend rented Michael Phelps his apartment in Ann Arbor. Our friend had to clean it out after Michael P. moved out and left town. Look what was left and he gave this to my son.

MARTHA STEWART INSIDE SCOOP & SCANDAL FROM KMART DAYS

Well, friends....I have been a pretty sick with the flu--yes the real flu that happened to be the strand that was not covered by our lovely flu shots. Every year my children seem to be traumatized by getting this little shot, so since they and I contracted the flu, next year I am sure will be an easy sell for the shot again! I have really missed you all and keeping up on your lives.

While watching non stop television for the past week, I happened to watch Martha Stewart and her Inaugural Luncheon edition and it reminded me of my husband's many experiences working with her while he was a executive at Kmart. Even though I do not care for her personally, I am a stil a huge fan of the Martha Stewart machine

1. Anytime she was hired and was put up at a hotel (paid for by Kmart), she would empty the mini bar! Yes, this multi-millionaire would empty the mini bar and bill Kmart for it. This was even before her prison days.

2. While in the receiving line to meet Bill Clinton which she was a guest of Kmart, she was appalled that she had to wait in line with everyone else. You heard it right. When Clinton met her, he just said hello like he would to anyone else and she was unbelievably bothered by this and would not calm down for about an hour.

Her Inaugural show focused on the Congressional Luncheon meal served after the actual Inauguration. She managed to give indirect little digs about how she would have done things including having a table setting. Guess what Martha, they did not consult you or hire you!

While preparing the meal, I saw Martha slyly wiping her nose with a tissue and then went on cooking without washing her hands--perfection and great catering lessons--I think not!

Not to be hard on Martha, but she not a very nice person. I know she is talented but her Inauguration ticketed looked the same as mine or yours which is probably hard for her to believe. You are just one of the people some days girlfriend.

IS IT SUMMER YET?

Well, I am sitting here FREEZING! Why do we live in Michigan? We do like to ski though, but it is way too cold for me to ski. Anyway, I could use a little summer. I saw these little treasures at Swoozie and think they would be great for the pool!

MIKIMOTO--Make an Investment in Pearls

My first set of pearls were from Mikimoto. During a returned from a trip from Jordan, I presumed my driver would put my cosmetic case it in the trunk. My pearls survived a trip to the Middle East which include a flash flood in Petra, the war in Iraq (which I did not attend but was close), the Dead Sea, and my stay with some of the elite families of Jordan who live within fenced in compounds since they are worried about being overthown or robbed), as you probably guessed, my darling pearls were gone! My quest for replacement pearls has lasted about 3 years.

You think shopping for diamonds is confusing, wait until you shop for a nice set of pearls. Several jewelry stores carry a low end brand by Mikimoto, but unless they have the clasp featured above, they are not rated and are not worth the investment.

Well, a little about pearls. This is from the Mikimoto Website:

There are five physical factors that determine the quality of pearls and that are important to understand when buying pearls:

Luster: Only the highest quality pearls with the best luster carry the MIKIMOTO name.

Surface Perfection: A pearl is considered more valuable when the surface imperfections are minimal.

Color: Color is based on preference, but it is always important to find a color that is rich and evenly distributed on the pearl.

Shape: Perfectly round pearls are the rarest and most valuable.

Size: Generally, the size of the pearl affects the price.

Mikimoto pearls are rated on the scale above and once you see the AAA pearls, nothing else will really do. My old set was a AA with a slightly pink tint and I loved them. One more thing for my birthday!

Texas Society Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball

One of the best and most sought after parties at the 1998, 2000 & 2004 Inauguration was the Texas Society Black Tie & Boots Ball-and yes, the men are wearing boots and cowboy hats. To purchase tickets, you had to be a member of the Texas State Society or be willing to pay a pretty penny to purchase tickets from a reseller.

So, for the 2009 election, my husband and I were not going to be left behind. We joined the Texas State Society and purchased 4 tickets. Even though we did attend the Clinton Inauguration in 1998 as well as the Bush 2000 Inauguration, we have no interest in being part of the craziness that will surely descend on DC next week.

So, like most others who were optimistic on the election outcome and were not going to miss this party again, we are trying to sell our tickets via ebay. We sold the first set, and for the second set, let's say, we can barely give them away.

If you are interested, please let me know. We have two left at a very reasonable price.

WHAT I LOVE TODAY: JANET HILL

Janet Hill creates paintings that are just beautiful interpretations of elegant homes, special restaurants and hotels. What more can one say--my birthday is in February. Her portraits are equally as beautiful. See her blog and Etsy store for more details.

And, Finally, Wearing It! --Ice Cream Charms

My memories of our summer in Venice are walking around the streets with my children and eating a scoop of gelato at least three times a day (this was our snack). What a refreshing treat! It is easy to understand what such an effort was made (before there was electricity) to serve this beloved dessert.

ICE CREAM CHARMS: My daughters each have three charm bracelets, C has: a 14 or 18k Gold and a Tiffany Silver. B has silver one, a Tiffany silver and a Juicy Couture. B is getting a gold charm bracelet for her birthday. I guess you can say we love charms. . I am thinking I may invest in a gold bracelet too (my silver is from my childhood).

Even the jewelers know what this means to us. My other ice cream cosmetic products will be posted at another time due to blogger having problems today.

To view what Links of London has on offer please click HERE

Are you a Charm Bracelet person?

THE GIFT CLOSET

My dream closet (Flickr)

Well, I had a 8am PTO (GPO at our school-Greenhills Parent Organization) meeting and then had to race to a coffee to celebrate a girls friend's birthday. Of course I usually have an array of gifts there including books, candles, etc. I went there an it only had next year's Christmas gifts (sale items).

I am constantly collecting gifts all year just for today and am behind in the girlfriend area. Do you have a gift closet? I need some good stocking ideas--Pier 1 has some pink, green, red, etc. leather covered tape measures for $2.00. I always find some cute little cookbooks at Micheal's. I just need some thoughts for hostess gifts, birthdays, etc. It is good to stock up.

Off to Target for an ornament box, my cleaning lady did not come, my kid's have several friends coming over tonight, etc. After target, of to my son's belated New Year's party (Christmas party was cancelled because of snow). Let me know your thoughts.

Ice Cream week post later today or tomorrow.

THE GOOP

The Goop

My dear Kappa sister in California just called and gave me lots updates on some of our friends as well as a new blog/website by Gwyneth Paltrow named Goop. Usually I am less inclined to follow advice of celebrities but this website is fairly impressive, very elegant and simple. Everyone I know is doing a 7 day cleanse and Gwyneth's cleanse advice is unique and has some wonderul menu options. Check it out

BLOG ICE CREAM WEEK: SERVING IT

IN RESTAURANTS:

One of my favorite dining experiences was at this incredible restaurant (why don't I write these things down) in London. Ice cream was wheeled in on a cart and hand dipped from silver containers like these featured below. It was truly an fun experience with something so simple.

For effect purposes only

FOR FORMAL DINNER PARTIES

When I am entertaining and really do not feel like cooking (which is always), I can always rely on serving three scoops of Zingerman's Gelato for dessert. I usually serve pumpkin, burnt sugar and pistachio. I serve it in my little Waterford Powerscourt Footed Dessert dishes on a plate with an ice cream fork. It looks nice and tastes great.

Powerscourt by Waterford Footed Dessert

For example purposes only

FOR BIRTHDAYS OR BUFFETS

Whenever we had a birthday party, my mother always made ice cream balls and put them in a large crystal bowl that as passed. It as such an elegant way of serving ice cream for a birthday. For my son's Buzz Light Year birthday party, I rolled lime green sorbet and put purple sprinkles on it. I have also paid Baskin Robins to make ice cream balls for me (see below for a way to do this at home).

Ice Cream Balls

Way to make ice cream balls ahead of time

I made a version of this for my son's 1st birthday. He was born on July 6th.

This makes scooping a little easier. New gadget received for Christmas for my sis.

OUT OF THE CONTAINER

If you are serving gelato or really do not have the time for ice cream scoops, there are some wonderful options for chilling and hiding your ice cream tubs.

FOR THE MONOGRAM LOVER:

Monogram Marketplace -can be monogrammed

FOR THE PINK LOVER:

FOR THOSE WITH KEYS TO MUSEUMS:

1878 Ice Cream Server

FOR THE BEACH LOVERS

Tomorrow is wearing it!