L.A. PREP

CANCER

2008-10-28T15:07:00.000-07:00

It's everywhere, all around me.....This is the devasting list of how cancer has sadly touched my life:

1 Friend - Ovarian Cancer
2 Moms at School - Breast Cancer
1 Friend on Tennis Team - Lung Cancer
1 Friend on Tennis Team - Breast Cancer
1 Friend of Friend - Pancreatic Cancer
1 Friend - Pancreatic Cancer
1 Mother - Skin Cancer
1 Mother-in-law - Skin Cancer
1 Friend - Skin Cancer
1 Father - Prostate Cancer
1 Son's Guitar Teacher - Prostate Cancer
3 Friend's Moms - Breast Cancer
2 Friend's of Friend - Breast Cancer
Our Dog - Bladder Cancer

Is there anyone out there who does NOT know someone with cancer? What is happening, what has happened, what did we do? As a child I didn't even know the word, "cancer" - my children think I have cancer every time I get sick. They are afraid to get cancer. Today it's not about "if I get it", it's more "when will I get it"? Is something really being done, or is it too late to undo the damage already done to our environment and our lifestyles? Microwaves, cell phones, computers, pesticides, nuclear power, plastics, etc. common sense tells us they can't be helping. Larger powers say "moderate use" is safe. Larger powers want us to buy their products. Am I the only one who's scared?

2 Posts in 1 Day- Fashion Week Follow-up

2008-10-21T12:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry I left you hanging. Here are some pix from my fun, fun, fun time in NYC!

The W Suite

Me Behind the Scenes

Zac Posen Emotional After the Show

The Show About to Begin & Katherine & I Sipping Veuve in The W Suite!

Celestino Drago & His Barking Dog

2008-10-21T12:37:00.000-07:00

Hi Blogging Friends:
I'm back to air a grievance that maybe some of you can relate to. Famous L.A. Chef, Celestino Drago, moved in across the street from us and brought his annoying barking dog with him! I work from home 4 days a week now and it is unbearable! I have filed a complaint with the City, 2 actually. And now have a hearing set for next week. Has anyone ever been through this, what can I do to stop it? My kids can't sleep, I can't work, my head is aching, we can't entertain outdoors, etc. I've gone over there 2 times but no one is ever home. Perhaps I will try when it is quiet, I think that is when the dog is inside & they are home. I have really wanted them to be home when the dog barks so they can't accuse me of hearing things. This is the worst thing I have ever been through in our neighborhood since we moved in 12+ years ago. I LOATH DRAGO!!!

Facebook & Fashion Week

2008-09-07T23:49:00.001-07:00

Hi Fellow Bloggers: I am so sorry to say that I have been swept away by Facebook! I promise to come back soon, miss you all! But for now I have to take a little blogging break - just not enough time in a day to blog and update Facebook too! I've also developed a very painful wrist, my guess is that I am spending way too much time on my computer, anyone have some wrist advice for me? Should I see a Dr. or just layoff the keyboard for a bit? Hope you are all well. My kids are back in school - YEAH! Must share a bit of very exciting news - I am off to New York next week for work & decided to stay the weekend for fun. Well, it is a long story, but I am going to the Zac Posen show! Turns out it is Fashion Week in New York! I am stressing out about to wear, it's an evening show so I think people will be dressed up. I plan to take a ton of pictures (if they let me) and will post about it for sure. I still can't believe I am really on the "list" to get in to this sold-out event - a dream come true, so Candace Bushnell isn't it?

1st TAG!

2008-08-02T19:53:00.000-07:00

Yikes, I've been tagged for the 1st time! I was tagged by View From The Beach to tell you my five most embarrassing songs that I love and to explain why!?

1) If I Could Turn Back Time, by Cher - Maybe because sometimes I wish I could turn back time. Something about this song just gets me.

2) Funk Cold Medina, by Tone Loc (I think) - Had the best time dancing to this song at the Landing in Newport, RI in my 20s after many Dark & Stormy's. Good Times.

3) Hold On, by Wilson Phillips - "If you hold on for one more day then things will go your way" Love that line!

4) Jessie's Girl, by Rick Springfield - Again, brings me back to a great time in my life, when I was in high school, carefree and young with a wild crush on Rick!

5) It Takes Two, by Rob Base & DJ Easy Rock, anything by Romantics, B52s, Go-Gos, old Madonna - Because the 80s ROCKED!

Thank you for this little trip down memory lane! I tag Daisy Pink Cupcake & Grosgrain Lane!

Cell Phones, Texting & Concerts, Oh My!

2008-07-28T19:05:00.000-07:00

Am I just old? What is wrong with people at concerts these days? Why can't they just sit, watch & listen to a concert? We saw John Mayer at the Comcast Center in Manfield, MA - he was amazing! But the people sitting in front of us were so annoying! The "girlfriend" was texting during the entire concert and recording the concert in between texting (see photo)! I was ready to lose it with her as she held up her cell phone in front of my face! Her "meat-head" boyfriend was wearing the flag hat you see in the corner of the picture below - this was an evening concert & we were under a roof, dude you are so rude! My 11-year-old son behind you could barely see anything because of your big head & hat! I am restraining myself from certain words, but I was pissed! Then their buddy had to chat about every song to the "meat-head" guy! Don't people care that they spent $100+ on a concert ticket? Why don't they just stay home if they are going to text and talk during the entire show? Obviously they could care less about hearing John Mayer sing, play, and tell his cute stories. Holding on to my cell is the last thing on my mind. Is it just me, but I hope cell phones are banned from concerts soon? Would you do that during a performance of the Nutcracker, or during the Symphony?

New England Summer Fun

2008-07-27T18:03:00.000-07:00

Having A Great Summer!
Thought I'd Share a Few of the Good Times!

My Summer House Hydrangeas

2008-07-24T18:27:00.000-07:00

Wish I had taken a picture a few weeks ago, they were amazing! Almost past their prime. It was wonderful to fill my house with them! The variety we plant in L.A. have to be in the shade. These are the kind you see all over Nantucket & New England, they need to be in the sun!

Happy Birthday Hun!

2008-07-21T18:49:00.000-07:00

A little birthday celebration for hubby at our neighbor's 4th of July party! Also celebrated with burgers & Mt. Gay & Tonics at the Hotel Bel Air - just the 2 of us! Our favorite spot in L.A.

P.S. I love my madras dress, have been living in it! Got a very funny "white trash" cake! Wish I had a close up of it.

Jo Malone

2008-07-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

White Jasmine & Mint = Pure Heaven

Wood, Wind and Water

2008-07-13T19:32:00.000-07:00

Beautiful photography -
A must have for all sailing & photography lovers!

Happy 4th!!!

2008-07-06T21:35:00.000-07:00

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE!!!

Summer Fun Here We Come

2008-07-01T20:32:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in my first post we spend summers back east, and we are about to depart L.A. for the fun times you see above. Sailing, tennis, golf, lobsters, cocktail parties, kayaking, bike riding, friends & family - it couldn't get much better than that. Although we also get to enjoy jet lag, mosquitos, humidity, thunder storms, green heads, sunburns, mother-in-law, etc. But I'm not complaining - I feel very lucky to get to enjoy another part of the country with my children. A place where we never lock our doors, we leave bikes on the front lawn, walk or ride bikes everywhere, have an account at the General Store, friends stop by unannounced for coffee, we sip cocktails in rocking chairs on the porch, and so on....
Life as it used to be.......Life as it should be.........So NOT L.A.

Shop til you Drop

2008-06-27T16:46:00.000-07:00

I have done a lot of damage in the last few days! I have been in the biggest shopping mood, does that ever happen to you? I bought all 3 of these cute bags from J Crew - all were an additional 25% off in the store, i.e. tote was $15 - how could I resist? I have 4 summer bags now (including my Forever 21 sailboat tote) I think I am all set for a long time. Also bought a cute swimsuit, a plaid sundress, a seersucker blue&white halter top with red crabs embroidered on it - to die for, 2 pairs of Gap cargo shorts (Pink & Green, the 2 must have colors), 2 t-shirts from J Crew, and lots of fun clothes for the Mr. - whose birthday is July 2nd! Will post later about the incredible stuff at Marshall's, but my advice is run to your nearest store for the best Tommy Hilfiger finds ever. Have a great weekend everyone!
It's the 5 o'clock cocktail hour!

Ocean Hue Jewelry

2008-06-25T21:45:00.000-07:00

www.OceanHue.etsy.com

Check out this beautiful jewelry!
Lot of Pink & Green!
Fabulous one of a kind designs!
Fantastic prices - special gifts!
For the preppy girl-by-the-sea in all of us!

WALL-E Premier

2008-06-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

Why are my pictures laid out like this? The top ones are 1) My daughter with stars of Disney show Zack & Cody - the nicest boys 2) Me (very sweaty & tired) with American Idol Runner-Up David Archuleta - he was the greatest, I wished him luck & told him we were huge fans 3) The Red/Orange Carpet, everyone was commenting on the color 4) The Spread at the after-party held at the Griffith Park Observatory 5) A very happy girl with EEEVA & WALL-E

Movie has a great message, a little slow at times, but overall we loved it. Other celebs at the premier: Blair Underwood, Sigourney Weaver, Kristi Yamaguchi, Marlee Matlin, Brad Garrett, Cloris Leachman, and a slew of Disney Stars. It was shown outdoors at the Greek Theater, which was very cool, except it was over 100 degrees & we were all sweating! In proper Disney style it was a blow out with all sorts of entertainment pre-movie and great decorations, exhibits, snacks, etc.
Livin' the L.A. Life!

WALL-E

2008-06-20T23:23:00.001-07:00

Going to the Wall-e premier tomorrow night, should be fun, will post after, hopefully with pictures and a review of the movie for all my Blog Moms. This is my daughter about a year ago at another premier (I think it was "Meet the Robinsons") with the Jonas Brothers. No one knew who they were at the time, a few months later Jonas Fever hit! The Disney machine had worked its' magic at high gear. Just livin' the crazy L.A. life.

Super Mom (just for today!)

2008-06-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

I don't usually pat myself on the back, but it is 10:30pm & I've had 7 kids over our house since 11 this morning. My son had 3 friends over and my daughter had 2. All are wonderful, perfectly behaved kids, which made my day pretty easy. I took them all out to lunch, then we stopped for frozen yogurt, can home and swam & swam again & again. We ordered pizza for dinner, watched Disney's Premier of Camp Rock, (of course, who could miss that). We went for a night swim, played soccer for over an hour, and had multiple glasses of water (it was about 110 degrees in L.A. today). The last 2 kids just got picked up by their parents - whew! My kids instantly crashed and are sound asleep. I sent my husband over to our neighbors for a drink & I am putting my feet up. I love it when my kids have days like today, it really feels like summer has begun. We completely enjoyed everything our home has to offer and I can feel like a "super mom" for a little while. It's a nice feeling to give your children a day like this - when they can stay up late, night swim, play, eat their favorite foods, be kids and just hang out relishing an L.A. summer day. Life is good, life is VERY good! Tomorrow, can it be all about me?

Boston!

2008-06-17T20:26:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?
My wedding, birth of my children, 2008 NBA Finals!

Strange Monday

2008-06-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

Felt a range of emotions today, not all good. Kinda bored and lonely right now. My husband often works long hours and I feel like I am in a rut with the kids. I picked them up from camp, headed home, they watched a little tv, had dinner, showered and went to bed. I just feel unmotivated today and it is happening more and more. I have a lot I could be doing, but nothing I want to do. Does that make sense? Here are some of the things I could be doing:
1. Getting tax info for hubby
2. Cleaning up kitchen after dinner
3. Laundry
4. Making play dates for the rest of the week
5. Reading my book club book
6. Scrapbooking
7. Watering flowers outside
8. Finishing summer travel plans
9. Making kids lunches for camp tomorrow
10. Making a new to-do list
So NOT fun!

Happy Father's Day!

2008-06-15T21:41:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to a Dad who is giving, fun, easy-going, smart, creative, loving, caring, athletic, artistic, musical, hard-working, positive, patient, and just plain wonderful to his wife & kids!
We love you so much!

Sailboats Lobsters Crabs & Whales OH MY!

2008-06-12T19:19:00.000-07:00

http://hamptonschild.com/
Another Preppy Fabulous Find!!!
The Cutest Children's Clothes!!!

Happy Birthday to Me!

2008-06-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Patty's House - St. Remy, Provence

Patty & Trish Visit Les Baux, France
(Patricia Deux, as the locals called us)

Me in the Poppy Field

As I put a load of laundry in the machine & pop a pizza in the oven for the kids on this unexciting Mundane Monday I must transport myself for a brief moment to April 30, 2008. On my birthday this year I flew to St. Remy, Provence, France for 10 glorious days. I had not been to Europe in 9 years! What made me go? My good friend Patty, (middle picture w/me in Les Baux). She has owned a house there for 7 years (top picture) and has invited us several times. We always had an excuse - work, kids, no one to watch the kids etc. Well, she decided to sell her house! So I HAD to go, this was my last chance. My wonderful husband stayed home with the kids. It was the trip of a lifetime. We ate the most incredible meals, some 3 hours long. We drank fabulous wines, sometimes a few bottles with lunch. We visited the most charming villages, shopped, took pictures, went for a grueling hike behind the asylum where Van Gogh lived & painted, walked into town for croissants and coffee in the morning, read by the pool, aaahhhhhhh! Thank you for letting me go there for a few fabulous minutes with you today!
Au Revoir France, until tomorrow!

Eyes Lips Face (aka E.L.F)

2008-06-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

I've been doing way too much internet shopping these days! Want to share another fabulous find. Check out http://www.eyeslipsface.com, I just received my order from them & I am thrilled with the products. The scoop is that they are changing their packaging, so almost everything on-line is on sale for $1.oo!!! I bought tons of stuff - mascara, lip gloss, make-up brushes, eye shadow, etc. and my grand total was $18.00. For these prices you just can not go wrong. Have fun stimulating our economy, all for a good cause, right?

Sail Away Update

2008-06-09T13:01:00.001-07:00

Just received my Forever 21 order & the Tote is even cuter that I thought! It is a fantastic size, sturdy well-made canvas, darker red than the picture I posted, but get this - the interior is lined in GINGHAM (tan & white) that matches the tan sail boat. I am loving this bag - it is the best!

Sail Away

2008-06-05T12:00:00.001-07:00

Fabulous Find at Forever 21!
Also Available with a Whale or Seahorse - $19.90!

An Ode to Jasper

2008-06-02T21:07:00.001-07:00

Sweet, Sweet Dog You Will Never Be Forgotten
May 5, 1995 - March 7, 2008

You flew all alone from Seattle to Boston
I fell in love with you and your spirit the minute I saw you
You brought us so much happiness, laughter, and wonder
I brought you to work with me, you hung in my office
You loved to go to the beach and play in the surf
We took you boating, you weren't so sure, your sea legs were shaky
I held you inside my fleece jacket all cozy and warm
You could never get enough love, that is for sure
Needy, so needy, a people dog for sure
You were a bit of a snob when it came to other canines
Almost "cat-like" you'd sit on our feet and always come close
You even had fun in the snow, prancing about when you were a puppy, like a reindeer
You were our Christmas Card when we were just married
You posed with a giant bone wrapped with a plaid bow in your mouth
Our baby, Our first born, we took you everywhere
Back on a plane, to L.A. you came -
You adapted and liked exploring our new hillside home.
You were gentle, you'd bark & growl but never hurt a fly
Not even the UPS Guy!
You welcomed your human bro & sis
But things changed & we didn't have as much time for you
Daily walks became weekly walks, which later became monthly walks
But we loved you just the same
You had different sounds to talk to me - one when you were hungry
Like clock-work about 6 pm
One when you were thirsty & One when we you needed to go out
Loyal beyond words - you were the picture of English Springer dignity
All the way to the end
Even on our last walk when you could barely make it down the street you wagged your tail and never cried -
The years went by and you still tried to play with us, you still loved being part of our family, you still jumped up to race us in the front door, the kids loved that.
You started slowing way down, you slept all day, you had trouble even getting up
The time came.
I couldn't see you suffering, not enjoying life like you knew it.
I could see it in your eyes - you looked at me and told me. It was time for me to let go.
I haven't experienced much loss in this life
But when we said goodbye to you a piece of my heart was lost forever.

Fun Preppy Things

2008-05-29T22:20:00.000-07:00

Starfish Candle Stick Holders
Special Gift from Nantucket

My Dash & Albert Rug

My Summer House Nautical Light Fixture

Perfect Summer Wicker Clutches
(I sell these)

Fabulous Shell Light, Bahamas

Daughter's Lily Easter Dress

Getting a Pedi with Nicole Kidman

2008-05-28T21:54:00.001-07:00

O.K. I said I would only post about once a week but I can't help it. I was telling my Mom about seeing Nicole Kidman in the 818 a few weeks ago & I got the thrill back about the sighting. So I must reveal. I was sitting in my usual small, Asian-run nail salon on Ventura Blvd. (which shall remain nameless - you are welcome Nicole), feet soaking in hot water, InStyle magazine on my lap, and in walks (I should say strolls) Nicole Kidman. My jaw dropped & my mag did as well. The owner was so excited, she came right over to me and whispered, "Did you see who just walked in? That is Nicole Kidman." "Yes, yes, I know, I can't believe it," I whispered back. "She come in 2 time, this her second time," confided the beaming owner.

Nicole was the epitomy of grace - not looking pregnant at all I must add. She had on a darling sheath dress in beige, a matching bag (I think it was Channel), and peep-toe flats in beige with small, red, leather lines outlining the front & back. Her whole outfit probably costs more than my car (and I drive a Mercedes). I am guessing she loves the lack of attention, the ability to walk in, and they do give a great mani/pedi at a reasonable price. I am also guessing she must live off Coldwater Cyn somewhere, as I saw her & Keith at the Polo Lounge a couple of years back.

Yes, it can be fun living in L.A.! And living in the 818 is cool - don't try to argue that, even Nicole hangs on Ventura Blvd. on a hot, Saturday morning.

Here we go....

2008-05-26T21:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog. Please be patient with me as I get this blogging thing down. I plan to post once a week at first and see how it goes. Some background on me:

Obsessed with the Preppy Handbook when it came out. I am the only person I know that really read it from cover to cover and highlighted key facts that I wanted to remember.
Known for being part of the group that wore plaid Pappagallo rain slickers in High School
License plate on my convertible '78 VW bug said, "LA PREP"
Went to college in Boston - obsession with all things preppy got worse
Worked at Pappagallo - I was in heaven
Dated boy from Fairfield, CT who played Lacrosse & rowed on the Crew team - true love
Boyfriend & I wore matching LL Bean Norweign Sweaters & RayBan Wayfarers to the Head of the Charles
Ended up marrying man from one of the Preppiest Town in Massachusetts - per the Preppy Handbook. Alas, he used to cut the alligator out of his Lacoste shirts. A rebel!
Moved to L.A. in 1996, but continue to summer in MA on Buzzards Bay

Tonight I am coming down off a busy, but fun, Memorial Day weekend. Angelenos were depressed as we had an unusually cold, rainy, gloomy long weekend. But that did not stop us from bar-b-ques and swimming. Although plans to meet friends at our beach club were put on hold, so keeping P (my 11-year-old son) & K (my 7-year-old daughter) busy for 3 days was a challenge. Last minute play dates were made and "Indiana Jones" tickets were bought! SAVED!

I also had my mother-in-law visiting from Massachusetts for last week's grandparents day. She enjoyed her experience at our kid's prestigious private elementary school. It is quite a nice day - valet parking, catered lunch, the spring performance. She was having such a nice visit with us that she extended her stay for an extra day - yipee!!! (note the sarcasm in my voice). Would love to hear how you get along with your mother-in-law and advice for making their visits pleasant for everyone.

Back to school tomorrow & I have a tennis clinic first thing - good night!