Happy 2012

Curly Girl Design available at JJ Jackson's

Take 15 minutes this week to create some goals that will push you to do, and be more this year.  I have learned that once I put pen to paper it is shocking how quickly my dreams can manifest into reality (I often say be careful what you ask for you just might get it)!   Try it...what do you have to lose, or better yet what do you have to gain?

I am personally working on 12 Audacious Goals focused on bringing more joy, excitement, and love into my marriage.  This idea has been brewing for the past several months as I have been obsessed with reading YA Fiction (that's young adult...can you say mid-life crisis) with plots full of first love experiences.  This has made me want to find some of the earlier magic I had with my husband when we first met.

I've been thinking about the concept of first loves...or more importantly the idea of the 'soul mate' (don't gag I just can't think of a better term) and have been wondering how to recapture some of those feelings again...spice things up a bit (no, not swinging...just...mostly...clean fun).

How do I do that?  Well...I'm not entirely sure, but I think it begins with intention, a little creativity, and an adventurous spirit!

The other night I was discussing this idea with my good friends Elsie, Ginger, and Chuck...who were helping me flush out this idea (they too have been in 20+ year relationships, so they understood and shared my interest in finding some special connection with their spouses)!  And I decided that every month I am going to take 24 hours away from my kids, home, and chaotic schedule to focus 100% on having a fun night out with my best friend, who also happens to be my husband!

My goal is do things we would have done when we were in our twenties (before kids) like concerts and dancing (maybe even checking out Burning Man ...this one is definitely a push)!  Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

"Your time is limited don't waste it living someone else's life."

Steve Jobs

 Thanks Kathy J.  for this great quote!

Inspired Harmony

Now this is what I call 'good news!'  If you have not seen this TED (I love this site) video about Eric Whitacre, a musical conductor, trust me... take the time to watch this video.  It brought me to tears... coupled with goosebumps from head to toe.  It is the perfect thing for a rainy day...like today.

 

Thank you Jenny for sharing this amazing video with me!

I will be back more regularly after I have detoxed from the holidays!

10 Things I Love About JJ Jackson's

There are not many stores I can think of (except 2 this one and My Favorite Things) where I have something from every department in the store because I love their selection of merchandise so much.  This month has been all about the things and stores I love and I wanted to end with JJ Jackson's for all those reasons.

So...I am going to get right to it and go department by department and tell you about the items I have bought and enjoyed over and over again...and I believe are great gift ideas:

1.  Hobo Lauren Wallet...hands down the best wallet I have ever owned (from Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith to Gucci I have literally tried them all and they don't hold a candle to this baby!) They have an amazing selection and all the colors...from hot pink, black to the perfect mocha brown...they are all beautiful and very soft, but totally durable.

Lauren Wallet I asked for this Christmas...hint, hint!

2.  Coleur Tablecloths:  These beautiful French designed, Indian wood blocked linens are a great gift because this is something people won't always buy for themselves, but will love year after year. (this has been a winner time and time again)

3.  Totally Bamboo Salad Hands:  Another great hostess gift that is sure to please.  I love these salad tongs because they work!  Totally affordable and durable.

4.  OXO Salad Spinner:  I know this sounds weird...but this puppy rocks and makes cleaning your lettuce fun!

Papaya Art

5.  Papaya Art:  Beautiful cards, artwork, journals and bags.  I love this product line for it's inspirational quotes and spectacular artwork.  Truly inspired products!

6.  Books:  From unique and colorful cookbooks to silly and obscure non-fiction books...their selection is just fun to browse.  Wonderful for stocking stuffers or that hard to buy for family member.

Shannon Martin Card

7.  Cards:   Teresa (the owner) and I stood in front of the card wall...laughing out loud for 20 minutes the other day.  I was in a terrible mood and I left almost euphoric from the joy I received from there amazing selection of cards.  (if you need a pick me up go in and walk the wall and laugh...then buy a few to send to some friends to brighten their day...I mean who doesn't love to receive a funny card!)

8.  Thymes Frasier Fur Candle:   I have a fake tree and this candle smells like the real deal.  I am not a big fan of scented candles so when I found this one...I was overjoyed.  They also have a room spray.  This brand has great products including a luscious lavender bubble bath (another great stocking stuffer)

9.  Game Table:  I think this might be my favorite thing in the store because it has kept my children peaceful while I can shop, visit with the wonderful people who work there and browse easily through each area taking in the beautiful displays.  My favorite item on the table are the fake mustaches...I have brought these to birthday parties and everyone has worn one all night...it is a blast. 

10.  Service and Selection:  I love this store for more reasons then I can put in this blog...I haven't even scratched the surface of my purchases...but alas I can't end this without a big shout out to Teresa and Kristi for the focused and superb selection of merchandise...and the visually beautiful and clear statement you make in your display tables and windows.  Bravo! (and I am not easy to please)  And last to the wonderful service and well informed staff that make me always feel welcome and taken care of...JJ Jackson's has it all!

So,  this holiday in the spirit of being one of the 99% lets support our local and small businesses so they will be here next year. 

Honorable Mention:  Their travel section rocks,  great candles, glassware, throw blankets, aprons and scarves...I could go on and on, but just check it out for yourself...last thing their prices are well considered and not over the top!

The Playlist That Bonds

Like many of you, I have children who are on completely different schedules.  My oldest son starts school at 7:20, followed by my middle son at 8:40 and my youngest daughter at 9:00...it is enough to make me crazy.

The 'good news' about this varied schedule is that I get to spend one-on-one time with each child in the morning, starting with my freshman in high school. We usually get up around 6 am, eat breakfast, make lunches, and discuss life and our varied interests.

But when we hit the car it is music time.  For most adults it can be a challenge to find music that both parent and teenager can enjoy.  My son is obsessed with music so I challenged him to find some songs we could both enjoy after he complained about me playing Adele or Sara Bareilles for the hundredth time.

To my delight and surprise from that day forward he has really opened my mind to some amazing music and bands that I would otherwise never have considered.

Each morning I am excited to see what he has for me.  His music has made us closer and brought us hours of happiness.   Now that is what I call 'good news!'
 

The Roots a surprisingly great band!

Here is the Playlist of my top 10 favorite songs he has turned me onto:

1.   Broken Bells:  The High Road
2.   The Roots:  The Seed
3.   Foster the People:   Helena Beat
4.   Blackalicious:  Deception
5.   John Legend & The Roots:  Hard Times
6.   The Heavy (I heard this one in 2 movies this weekend):  How You Like Me Now
7.   Jurassic 5:  What's Golden
8.   Arctic Monkeys:  Mardy Bum
9.   Martin Solveig & Dragonette:  Hello
10. Miss Li:  Dancing The Whole Way Home   

Whether it is music, books, movies, or sports...if you have a teenager (or really any age) try to find a way to connect with them on their level.  It is fun, interesting, and frankly a key ingredient to having a long lasting relationship with your child.  Try it...you'll like it! 

*Please be warned this is not your typical top 40 stuff...except maybe Foster the People.  We will also burn this list onto a CD  for our Xmas basket, which will be his contribution to our favorite things.

The Perfect Cosmo

Sex and the City cast...look how young they were!

If you know me well...you know I love an ice cold cosmopolitan on Friday night.  I started drinking them long before Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha made them famous on Sex and The City (one of my all-time favorite T.V. shows).

When I was twelve-years-old my dad sat me and my older brother at the bar in his house to teach us how to make and order a proper drink...and how to drink responsibly (His number one rule was never to water down his liquor).  While this lesson served as great material for therapy later...I will say I do know how to make a mean drink (margarita's, cosmos, gin fizz...I could have been a bartender)...I think it is an art form of sorts.

About twelve years ago I was in Vegas at a mini storage convention (this is too long a story to share...needless to say I am not in that business anymore... yet another daddy issue!) with my father, step mom, and my business partner.  One evening the three girls (I say girls because my step mom was only 6 years older than me) went to Spago's and while waiting for our table we sat at the bar and enjoyed the best cosmopolitans I have ever had.

They were so good, we kept ordering them like candy (not good news, because two is really my limit and the next day we had wicked hangovers).  Four cosmos later...I was very tipsy, feeling no pain, but the 'good news' was I had the recipe in hand.  The bartender was so sweet he gave me lessons...long before the third drink.

So below is the recipe and my advice is to keep it to no more than two... most people prefer one because they can kick your ass.  And no cosmos and driving!

Materials Needed:  Shaker, Martini Glass, Ocean Spray Cranberry Cocktail, Kettle One Vodka, Cointreau, Fresh Lime and Ice

First, take your martini glass and fill with ice water to chill glass for about 5 minutes.

Second, fill shaker with ice and add the following ingredients (no substitutions!) below:

1.0 ounces Kettle One Vodka
1.0 ounce  Ocean Spray Cranberry Cocktail (do not substitute another brand!)
.50 ounces Cointreau (if you like it sweeter go for .75)
.25 ounces Fresh Squeezed Lime (freshness is the key ingredient)

The Perfect Color Cosmo!

Shake really hard so you have shards of ice in your drink...pour into chilled martini glass...sip slowly, and enjoy!

Thanks to Elsie for letting me experiment and take photos at her house...to ensure the recipe was correct!

My youngest has had the flu all week and I am running on vapors...is it five o'clock yet?

Glitter Love

My Favorite Things

One of my favorite stores (and people) can be found in the heart of Nevada City at the top of Broad Street, and it is aptly named My Favorite Things.

Tina Haller (Basich for those who are snowboarding fans) is the owner of this unique shop that houses her spectacular and original merchandise, and she also has a full-blown art studio where anyone can come and create their own glitter masterpieces.

Every year I send my three children to Tina where they can create handmade gifts to give to their grandparents and add to our basket.

This tradition of making homemade gifts began when I was nine-years-old and my Momo (my grandmother) invited me to her home where she taught me the art of giving.  She explained that I was old enough to start giving to those I loved; and she made it a lot of fun, too.

For years, we baked in her kitchen where she instructed me on how to make cookies, fudge, and popcorn balls...she said the key was to follow the recipe exactly...do not waiver, and you can't go wrong (I still follow this advice today).  I included the baked goodies in beautiful baskets that I presented to everyone in my family. 

I have passed this tradition onto my children, and they haven't gone wrong, with the help of the Glitter Girl Studio...a place to create, inspire, and sparkle.

The studio can also be booked for private events: birthday parties, bridal showers, classes...

Glitter Girl Studio set-up for baby shower!

The studio is amazing, and so user friendly (the best part is the glitter mess is there and NOT at my house!).  My kids have created beautiful one-of-a-kind items from music boxes to holiday ornaments.  Everything they've made have become treasured keepsakes. 

Her store is magical too... full of amazing items from Vietri dishes (now 30% off) to a great selection of mercury glass, holiday decorations, candles, cards...and so much more!

Glitter Girl Studio Hours:  10:30-5:00 daily (closed on Tuesdays), $5 per person a day use fee plus materials.

*In fact I need to get my kids into the studio pronto...tick tock!

My Favorite Holiday Gifts

My favorite Bolga basket shape!

Each year when my family comes together for Christmas we enjoy a cool tradition of creating baskets of items filled with our favorite things from the past year.  The goal is to create a smattering of gifts which do not exceed $100-150 (It's like Oprah's favorite things on a budget). 

Examples of items range from books, mixed cd's, coffee beans, hand made crafts, water bottles, and kitchen gadgets...whatever new favorite we have discovered during the year.  The criteria is simple, anything that has made you say, "I love this...and I want to share it with everyone!"

Each family's basket rests under the tree.  After dinner we draw numbers and take turns picking baskets.  We trade and share...it is really fascinating to see how this promotes connection among everyone, as they share their stories behind each item.  I love the way we feel closer after sharing a part of ourselves with each other.

For the next several weeks I will be blogging about some of the items that will be in my family's holiday basket this year starting with my...basket of course!

Not just any basket, but a handmade African Bolga basket.  I love these so much I have given them to most of my friends.  This love affair began eight years ago when my friend Deb waltzed into my house with her well worn Bolga, filled to the brim with everything a person would need to compete on Let's Make A Deal.  (Remember when Monty Hall would offer cash to the person who had a random item like toothpaste, safety pins, or a stick of gum)

Bolga's come in many beautiful colors and styles!

It was love at first sight...and lucky for me we have a store in my little town with the best selection of Bolga baskets I have ever seen...and here is the kicker they have the best prices, too!!!  You can purchase them at this random store on the corner of Broad and Pine Streets called Asylum Down, which is a far cry from Heidi Says Shoes on Fillmore Street... but you will learn I am an eclectic person, whether in my personal style, or spiritual choices, who can't be pegged to one way of being.

These baskets are great as a purse, diaper bag, book bag (my library card is even attached to the handle by a string), grocery bag, farmers' market bag, and general catch-all bag.  They are sturdy, easy to hold, and really cute when worn with a pair of jeans.  I have been stopped so many times on the streets of San Francisco and asked about my Bolga bag (sounds fancy, too) it is laughable.  I mean at 29 bucks it is the best deal in town.

Over the next few weeks with each blog I will add more items to my basket, and my goal is that by Christmas there will be a gift for everyone on my list and maybe yours, too.

Happy shopping...and do your best this holiday to shop locally...it matters!

Team Edward

Team Edward vs. Team Jacob

Elsie and I have been discussing the premiere of Breaking Dawn since this past summer, when she finally surrendered and read the Twilight Series.  I had been babbling on and on for months about how much I loved these books, so she finally indulged me.  (I hated to do it to her, but I feel better now that I have a partner in this ridiculous obsession).

Tonight we will be donning our "Team Edward" t-shirts, venture to the theater with all the other teens and forty something moms, and thoroughly enjoy Breaking Dawn Part 1! (The reviews have been really 'bad news'... but  like the other films, they just don't make any sense unless you've read the books and can fill in the gaps).

Afterwords, it's Cosmos...obsessing over every detail of the film...comparing it to the book...and dinner with my dear friend. 

The perfect evening!

Did I Say Edward's Name Out Loud?

Robert Pattinson plays Edward Cullen

What can I say?...these books have been 'great news' for my sex life!  Go figure, since there is no premarital sex, or really anything beyond hand holding and careful kissing, in these books (Edward has to restrain himself, or his super-vampire strength and passion might kill Bella).

These books are about first love and tap into the excitement of those feelings.  I jokingly told my husband if I call Edward's name out during sex, not to be offended.  He flippantly replied...who cares...I love these books!  

Enough said!

Unlikely Twilight Bonding

Several months ago as I was visiting with my old home school friends I found myself in a surprising conversation.

Two of the young men (to protect the innocent or blackmail potential later I am using only initials, but you know who you are: J and L)  and I were discussing books we were currently reading and L mentioned he had just finished New Moon.

Like anyone who is infected with Twilight fever, my eyes lit up...I was a giggling teenage girl again and L and I were grokking on all things Twilight.  There really isn't a lot I enjoy more than sharing and discussing a book or a movie that I love.  L jumped right in with me and we did not stop talking until his mom finally said it was time to leave.

From that day forward an unlikely friendship developed between us that I did not see coming.  He has reached out to me a number of times to help him edit his own novel, and discuss other books we both love (can you say Hunger Games). 

Recently, L and his family were traveling across the country and his parents were cool enough to take him to Forks, Washington (the setting of the Twilight series).  To my complete surprise and delight L sent me a Twilight mug and a map of Forks! (I am drinking coffee from the mug as I write this blog...I love it!)  

What I discovered through reading these books is that they bond me to the most unlikely people.  For instance...the lady I connected with in line at the movies the other day (she had at least 6 piercings in her face, tattoos, and pink hair... that is the "unlikely" I am talking about).  She was buying her tickets to the premiere of Breaking Dawn and while she was a little embarrassed to tell me what she was doing...it quickly faded when I said, "Oh, I get it...I will be there, too!"  We then went on to discuss other books we loved, and our excitement over the upcoming event. 

It is so much fun to share and connect over a common interest.  I just can't believe how many teens to forty-year-old women I have bonded with over these books...Stephenie Meyer's truly tapped into something here. 

More Twilight revelations on Thursday!

Twilight Fever

If you had told me a couple of years ago that I would be obsessed with a book series about werewolves and vampires, my response would have been..."Are you f***ing kidding me?"

What can I say?  Stephenie Meyer's had me by page 5 (and it all started so innocently).

It was August 2010 and my kids asked to rent the movie New Moon, based on the second novel in the 4 book series.

"Sure...but are YOU sure?" I asked.  "They look kind of cheesy," I added to emphasize my disdain over the proposition.

After watching this movie I was more convinced than ever that the fans had lost their minds.  The movies were so weird and campy...I just didn't get it.

I was explaining my review of the movie to a friend when the strangest thing happened...her eyes lit up, her postured changed, and her mood shifted to that of a giggling teenager.  She exclaimed, "Those books are amazing!  I couldn't put them down...you have to read the books to get the movies...and then they are really fun."

"REALLY?"  I asked incredulously.

"REALLY!!!  Trust me on this one...you will love them," she responded with unbridled passion.

I was confident she was wrong. To prove my point I felt it was my duty to read the first book to back up my belief that she and millions of others were delusional.  Well...the joke was on me because not only was I hooked, but I couldn't get enough!

(Now this next part is a little embarrassing... but since I've discussed my weight with you publicly, why hold back now?)


From August 2010 through March 2011 I read each book a minimum of 5 times, and logged 7 reads of Breaking Dawn (excluding the Jacob part...which I often skipped over).  Can you say obsessed?  I was close to needing a 12 step program...but finally I burned out and stopped reading them and now I am just a typical fan.

In honor of the Breaking Dawn (Part 1) premiere on November 18, 2011... for the next week I will be sharing all the 'good news' I have received from this odd series of books and movies.  Get ready... some of my revelations might shock you.

The Icon of Hair

I just watched a fabulous documentary film about the creator of the asymmetrical bob, Vidal Sassoon.  He gets my iconoclast recognition for his ability to not only excel in his work, but also in his body, mind, and spirit.  He is truly an inspirational and revolutionary man. (but, I don't think I would want to work for him...you'll get my drift if you watch the film)

Ever since I heard Terri Gross interview him on Fresh Air, I have been waiting for this movie to hit Netflix.  I have had it in my queue for months and a few Saturdays ago, as I was trolling instant play (you know how I love instant play), I was shocked to find it in my inbox.  Immediately I sat down with a cup of coffee and settled in for the film. (10 pauses later... I was done...kids!)

There was so much I did not know about this man...that he was married three times... to his gut wrenching childhood.  I knew he was a perfectionist, but to what level, I had no idea.

The above picture is of Vidal and Mary Quant (she invented the mini-skirt) as he is giving her his iconic Five Point hair style.

Shout out to Craig Teper, the film's director, who shot a beautiful, moving, and inspirational documentary...well done!

Vidal's life inspired me to do more, be more and keep following my heart.  Love that!  Now that is what I call 'good news.'

Bucket List Item:  I would love to have Vidal cut my hair- just one time.

Good News...Not So Good News...Good News

You can purchase a great selection of Shannon Martin's hilarious cards at JJ Jackson's!

Well, it seems the body frame calculator I referred to in my last blog was not accurate.  It measured the wrist in feet, not inches, giving everyone a large frame reading.

So...I did more trolling on the internet and found a better, more reliable site called:  Health Status.  Health Check Systems is still the right site for determining your accurate body weight. (Teresa...your read is still correct- I doubled check it for you)

'Good news' I figured it out quickly and let you know.

Not so 'good news'...I am a medium framed person, which makes my goal weight 139-153 (meaning I have a lot of work to do on my end...pun intended)

'Good news'...better to find out now and not be in "La La Land" any longer.  (also, before I was in my husband's target weight zone, which felt kind of weird)

Sorry for the confusion and thanks for all the support.  I also updated the original blog with the accurate links.

Happy Monday!

To Weigh or Not To Weigh?

For years I have ridden the roller coaster of dieting and trying to find the ability to maintain a clothing size that makes me feel good.  My closet is a Greek tragedy of sizes spanning a range from 6 to 14...very disappointing and expensive.  One thing I know for sure is that four of my closest friends, who have not ridden the crazy diet train...all have one thing in common...they weigh daily.

I have avoided the scale like the plague, convincing myself that if I wasn't 130 lbs I wasn't there yet (please note I am 5'9" and the last time I weighed 130 lbs I was in junior high school)  I wasn't even that skinny on my wedding day (I was 137 lbs and someone asked me if I was anorexic).  So, that is the crazy I am talking about.  The rational side of me knows this number is both ridiculous and unrealistic, but that ideal kept me from weighing for years.

Here is the kicker...while doing some research last week I realized that not only is 130 lbs crazy, but it is not even in my target zone.  I spent some time trolling the internet to find some resources that could help me identify my ideal weight and found Health Check Systems, and what I discovered was very surprising, if not a little depressing.  Apparently I have spent most of my life in my ideal weight zone without even knowing it.

In order to get your ideal number you must first determine whether your are a small, medium or large framed person.  You do this by measuring your wrist and height, then enter those numbers at Health Status, which will determine your body frame size.  Once you have that you can find your optimal weight range at Health Check Systems.

Thanks Gary for this one!

Now I am convinced that the scale could be my best friend...if I let it.  Liberated with new information I am willing to face my body image issues head-on, which means rethinking the dreaded numbers that I see when stepping on the scale.  A variance of a pound or two a day is a lot easier to manage than letting it sneak into the crisis range of 15 - 20 lbs.  Daily maintenance may be a lasting means to getting off the roller coaster of disappointment and self-loathing.

So here it is...I'm scared to start the process and see my current number...worried that it will make me feel upset, angry, and defeated.  My inner voice encourages me to try.  Hmmm... I find myself facing a familiar choice: FEAR or FAITH?  Knowing this has worked effectively for four women I really respect, I choose faith, and will try it for one month.

The 'good news' here is it might be the thing I have been praying for all these years.  Worst case, I cry a little or a lot.  Anyone who wants to join me can email me at c@cjblake.net and we can support each other through this experiment.

Thank you Lo for all your loving support (through my up's and down's...literally) and for encouraging me to try... and most importantly for convincing me 130 lbs is not my number which led me to my real number somewhere between 149-170 lbs...wow have I been off!

I will weigh in on my findings in a month.

In another act of faith (and by popular demand) I have added the comment section to my blog... in an effort to open up the conversation among my amazing followers.

Botox or Bangs?

Zooey Deschanel...my bang guru!!!

I choose bangs, but not for the reasons you might think:

1.   Cost

2.   I don't like the way botox feels

3.   It gave me a headache (go figure since it is used for migraines)

4.   I look cute with bangs and younger, too (or at least I think so)

5.   Most of my wrinkles are on my forehead (this is probably the number one reason)

Below are some other great hairstyles to hide your wrinkles.  Bangs are 'good news' for your pocket book and probably healthier, too (I mean who are we kidding people... botox is made from botulism).

Kiera Knightly

Reese Witherspoon

J Lo

Let me know if you have any cheap tricks up your sleeve to help with the aging process at: c@cjblake.net.   I'd love to know! 

I hope you enjoyed another edition of Frilly Friday, and may you all be blessed with 'good news' this weekend.  

In an effort to sustain and maintain high quality blogs it has been recommended to me to only blog 1 to 2 times per week.  I really appreciate everyone who missed my daily work but, I agree that if I want this to last, I need to pace myself (which has not been my strong suit in the past).

Family Soul Night

While my family followed all the Christian holidays I can honestly say I don't know what they really believed spiritually.  As a child the only religion I was exposed to was going to the synagogue with my best friend who was Jewish.  While she slept through every Friday night service, I was totally enthralled with the Hebrew being spoken and the Jewish culture.  I also loved spending time with her family for high holidays like: Hanukkah, Passover and Rosh Hashanah.   Her family had something I did not get at home: spirituality.   I am eternally grateful for that experience and their loving inclusion of this Shiksa.

While I never became a Jew...even though I tried... I was desperate to have a bat mitzvah (I mean the party and presents), but you should have seen my southern grandma's face when I announced I intended to have one at Easter brunch...needless to say that was the end of that idea.  They may not have gone to church, but there was no way in hell their granddaughter was becoming a Jew.

I will say... my mom was really cool about it, and she told me I could follow any religion I wanted.  That is one of the great things about my mom she always allowed me the space to be a free thinker, even if it differed from the rest of the family.

Through my years of searching I find myself consistently drawn to the teachings of Jesus.  (Go figure...and it turns out that he was a Jew) I'm not fond of labels, so when I am asked about my religious pursuasion, I claim to be independent, just like my political affiliation.  It really doesn't matter though... because what I know for sure is that I believe in God, and I know God loves me no matter what I call myself.  That being said, this blog is not about religion, but finding ways to connect more as a family.

For several years we home schooled our two boys and during that time I was introduced to this amazing program by a close friend.  I was looking for a way to nourish my family's soul when we were going through some very hard times.   

I believe one of my jobs as a parent is to nourish their spirits.  The Family Virtues Guide is a tool to help me do just that.  Here are just a few of the virtues included in the book:

    LOVE, COMPASSION, HONESTY, AND FORGIVENESS

This nugget of a book is filled with 52 virtues that are shared by all the major religions...I love when we can find what is similar versus what is different.  While the goal is to do one virtue a week... it has not always worked out that well for us.  Lately, though we have been trying to do one every Sunday night before bedtime.  We sit in our comfy living room, dim the lights, place candles around the room and my husband facilitates the discussion.  We end with reciting The Voice (see earlier blog for more on this amazing poem).

It usually lasts about 30 minutes and it has never been a disappointment.  How many things can you say that about?  (Even though we have had some heated discussions...can you say teenage testosterone) The discussion points in the book have helped my kids to open up and talk about things they would normally keep inside.  We are so much closer as a family because of this guide.

We have even created a piece of artwork to commemorate each virtue by adding a leaf to our tree with the virtue of the week written on it (you can see we have a ways to go).  Below is a picture of our unfinished tree.  Our goal is to keep rotating through the book each year and make one tree for every child as a gift when they leave for college, or where ever life leads them...so long as they don't live at home forever. (See Failure to Launch  or better yet Step Brothers and you will get my drift)

Our Virtue Tree (inspired by Jen Garrido...inspired being the operative word)

                                                                                                       

Whether you use this guide or another I just wanted to share something that has brought our family closer and encouraged many soulful conversations.  In a world full of distractions:  IPod's, video games, TV and texting... it is a lovely part of my week and whether my kids want to admit it or not they love it too.

Many blessings to you all.  I also want to thank my good friend Karin who turned me onto this amazing book, and to my mom who always allowed me the space to explore my spirituality without judgment.

 

"The Family Virtues Guide is....about virtues, which are universally valued by all faiths and cultures in the world.  Virtues are the silver thread running through all of humanity's sacred literature as well as the oral traditions of the world's indigenous peoples.  Virtues are described as the qualities of the soul and the attributes of God.  They are the means by which we can reflect the image and likeness of the Creator.  They are also considered a very high order of angels."  page xxi The Family Virtues Guide

Fridays 'Good News' Of The Day

Thanks to quotable cards for all the beautiful cards and 'good news' this week.  I also want to thank everyone who are following my blog by email and for all the supportive comments you have sent me these past few weeks.

I hope you all had a wonderful week.  See you all on Monday with fresh ideas and inspirations.  Have a great weekend and may you be blessed with lots of 'good news.' C

If you have any ideas or suggestions for future blogs please email me at: c@cjblake.net.

Thursdays 'Good News' Of The Day

What can I say...Gandhi nailed it 

Happy Thursday!

Quotable Cards

Wednesdays 'Good News' Blast Of The Day!

This one is to get you over HUMP DAY.

Happy Wednesday!

 Quotable Cards

Tuesdays 'Good News' Of The Day

 I think these go nicely together

Happy Tuesday!

Quotable Cards

Mondays 'Good News' Of The Day

Love this one!  While I am away on October break with my kids...I at least wanted to send some love your way via quotable cards.  This is my favorite card company...because they say it all.  ENJOY!

Why Big Is Not Always Better

For the past three years I have been on the hunt for a great pair of brown leather riding boots.  I wanted a boot that would endure through all the trends.  You know the type, that look good no matter what is happening in fashion at the time.  The 30-year-boot is what I like to call it, so I can dollar cost average the expense and justify spending more because over time they will only cost pennies a day...nice rationalizing HUH?

In April, I was thumbing through a Marie Claire magazine and BAM!...there they were.  Mamie Gummer (She is Meryl Streep's daughter and she is a great actress, too) was modeling the boots of my dreams.  For the next five months I kept (obsessively) checking various places for the fall boots to arrive.  I wear a size 11 (yes...I know flippers) and most retailers either don't carry this larger size or they only buy one or two. (size 11 people must be diligent shoppers)

  Mamie Gummer

While visiting my Aunt in San Francisco, this past August, we went shopping on Fillmore Street.  One of my favorite stores is called Heidi Says (they have 3 locations on the street divided by: Shoes, Casual and Collection) they have a beautiful selection and there staff are really friendly and helpful. 

My favorite of the three is the shoe store... their shoes are like one of a kind jewelry, very unique, and they carry size 11!  I was chatting it up with the staff about the boot I was on the hunt for, and this nice woman who worked there, Katie Conway (I discovered later that she was the buyer for the store), said, "I know the boot you are talking about...we aren't carrying it, but I can special order it for you.  The only catch is it would have to be a final sale."  Unsure it would fit correctly I passed on her nice offer...worried if it was not right, I would be stuck with a very expensive boot and be totally bummed.  She said,  "No worries, I just wanted to help."

So nice.

Two weeks later I saw the boot at Piperlime in size 11!  Click, order and done...until of course it arrived a week later in the wrong finish.  I immediately called customer service and they assured me they would look into it and get back to me in 3 days, tops.

7 days later they emailed me and promised me that it had been a fluke.  They instructed me to send the pair I had back and just reorder... and bonus they were giving me 15% off for my inconvenience.  Awesome...but, no wait...when I went to reorder the boot they were sold out in size 11.  SHIT!!!

Needless to say I was not happy and to keep in the vein of 'good news' vs. bad news reporting I will not tell you all the gory details.

The 'good news' was that I emailed, Katie at Heidi Says Shoes and asked for her help because even though Piperlime had sent me the wrong finish I now knew they fit perfectly. (now that's what I call the silver lining of a bad experience)  She said no problem...she was on it.

Two days later she emailed me and told me there was one pair left in the company and they were mine!!! Yahoo!

 Jamar Boot Vera Wang Lavender Collection

They arrived last week and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE them...they are perfect and thanks to Katie they are mine.  What this experience reminded me was that the small guy sees me as a person worth going the extra mile for, versus the big guy who just sees me as a number.

Thank you Katie (Claire and Danielle, too) for all your help and for going above and beyond to make this Mama happy.  Give that girl a raise!   

(Spoiler Alert: Heidi Says is very expensive or what I like to call investment pieces because... I will say that every item I have ever purchased from them are still hanging in my closet and worn lovingly year after year.)

***Next week my kids are home from school so... I am taking time off, but I still have something planned for my absence.  I hope you enjoy them and I will be back live Monday, October 24th.

Edge God Out or EGO for short

This might be the best explanation of the EGO that I have ever heard.  The concept of Edging God Out is brilliant.  I heard this explanation for the first time in the docudrama THE SHIFT by the inspirational and philosophical speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer.  If you have not heard of him...you should definitely check him out.  This is a guy I would love to sit next to at a dinner party.

The film can be a little hokey, but the concepts about the EGO are not and worth pushing past some of the bad acting.  I just wish the film had focused on Wayne, as the back stories were melodramatic and distracting...but sometimes we need a 2x4 across the head to get a point.

If your EGO needs a little retooling...like mine does from time to time, check it out and let me know what you think at: c@cjblake.net.

I am sorry to say this film...while another great recommendation by Netflix is not in Instant Play.

Could You Be Arranged?

I really love Netflix.  They provide excellent recommendations based on my ratings of previously viewed films and television.  For months, when I have looked to them for suggestions, ARRANGED has been at the top of the list.  For whatever reason, probably the poster, I was not inclined to watch it.  Plus, it looked like it might have subtitles...and God knows I am rarely in the mood for subtitles.

Then a few weeks ago while on the phone with my friend Amber, I asked if she had seen any good movies lately.  I was in the process of updating my Netflix queue, and we often compare notes about films and television we like.  She immediately suggested ARRANGED, convinced I would love it.

"Are you sure?"  I asked skeptically.

"Yes, it is really sweet," she insisted.

"Are there any subtitles?" I asked sure that there were.

"No subtitles and the best part is... it's on Netflix instant play!" She giggled.  

She had me at instant play...I just love this feature.  And aside from a few bad recommendations in the past (like Nurse Jackie and Dexter...way to dark for me) she has rarely steered me wrong.   

A couple of days later, bored and needing some inspiration I plunked down on my couch, hit play (in the middle of the day I might add...pure decadence... I strongly recommend it) and I loved it!  I still can't get this film out of my mind.  It was sweet, funny, and uplifting.  Sometimes it is the simplest film that moves me the most.

I even found the concept of an arranged marriage to be more rational than I had previously considered.  It opened my mind to a cultural institution against which I had previously had an extreme bias.

The premise of this film is about two twenty something woman:  one a strict Muslim and the other an orthodox Jew, and the very unlikely friendship that forms around their impending arranged marriages.

Enough said...trust me it is great for the whole family...but probably leans towards a chick flick.

Enjoy!

If you have any good movie recommendations send them my way to: c@cjblake.net.

The Zen of Cleaning

I wish mine was pink...isn't she pretty.

I am not one to meditate...but I do find when I clean, especially vacuum, I hit a sort of zen state of being.  Ever since I purchased my Dyson vacuum four years ago I find myself drawn to it on a daily basis.  I jokingly call it my crack pipe of choice.

First, I love seeing all the dirt and dog hair I pick-up in the tank...it's just so satisfying.

Second,  there is something about the process of vacuuming that puts me in a trance of sorts,  and delivers some of my best ideas.  Like, when I have writers block or don't know how to solve a problem with my kids, I find if I just vacuum for a while the answers come to me effortlessly.

Third, after I am finished not only are my floors clean, but my mind is too.

If you don't have your own process for clearing your mind, I recommend you try it and let me know what you think...or not (since your mind is empty and you can't remember to respond).

Oh, and if you ever get the chance to purchase a Dyson...I highly recommend it!

Happy Cleaning,
C

If Jesus Were A Rocker In 2011?

Hands down I'd choose Michael Franti...I even think he looks like my image of Jesus.  And you know the dreadlocks are a real possibility... because let's be honest hair care has come a long way since 27 A.D..

I'm not sure I have hit groupie status, but for me to see any live band more that once might justify the title.  Last, Saturday night I saw Michael Franti and Spearhead for the fourth time, at the Greek Theater in Berkeley.  It was amazing...to say the least.  We bounced for two hours straight in a mosh pit of love.

Elsie and her husband joined us for a much needed couples weekend...no kids! (which I highly recommend if you can swing it).  Elsie might actually be classified as a true groupie.  She knows the words to all his songs, his birthday, how many kids he has and their names, his marital/dating status and his complete concert schedule.

Bonus!  His music is great for the whole family, from my four year old to my teen...he hits every note.

Here are the top ten songs (Elsie had 20 and the list was growing) that we feel best represent the heart of Jesus' message. (that is if he was a 21st century rocker)  I think Micheal's lyrics prove my point perfectly.  Thanks Elsie for the help!

1.    Never Too Late
2.    East to the West
3.    Bomb the World
4.    Yes I Will (Songs from the Front Porch) version
5.    Have a Little Faith
6.    Nobody Right, Nobody Wrong
7.    Hey World (Don't Give Up) version
8.    Is Love Enough?
9.    See You In The Light
10.  Everyone Deserves Music

Check out these songs and let me know what you think.  If you don't own any Michael Franti get Everyone Deserves Music first because they have a lot of my favorite songs and a very close second is Yell Fire.

"POWER TO THE PEACEFUL"

This is the man's motto...need I say more?

I feel like some of our best preachers are singer/songwriters spreading the love through their music.  If you were to choose a musical artist who best expresses your spiritual bend...who would you choose?  I'd love to know.  Email me at c@cjblake.net and share your thoughts.

Thanks to everyone who shared their secret movie-star-best-friends with me.  From Ellen DeGeneres, Demi Moore (even George Harrison who is a singer, but it still counts) to Lady Gaga...they were all excellent choices and made me feel a little less silly.

Ellen loves Michael Franti, too!