Category: General

Today is the PSAT day in our neck of the woods.  This time of year always generates a lot of questions and texts from my readers.  I just went through this process with my son, TJ,  and still have two more rounds to go with my girls.  When the Fall of my son’s junior year rolled around I was so clueless.  I knew it was an important year but really did not know what to do or how to begin.  I asked around to other parents of college students,  everyone had “The GUY”.  The guy who was the best in Westchester.  The guy who was the best in Greenwich.  The Guy that got students into Harvard and Yale.  The Guy the private school students use.  The Guy who was the math SAT guru.  My head was spinning and how did I know that these Guys were going to be Our Guy.  And, when I started calling some of these “GUYS” they told me that fall of junior year was wayyyyyyyy to late in the game…some of my son’s classmates were well into SAT/ACT studying and he (we!!!) would have to catch up!!!!!!!!!!   WAIT!!!!  WHAT!!!!!  I knew that starting to study for the SAT prior to the fall of junior year would be a huge mistake for my son.  I could not and would not put that pressure on him.  I called every single one of the college preparatory places mentioned to me.  By some miracle of God, I met Samantha at Private Prep.  She just seemed to get it and most importantly get US.  She spoke of seeing results, and of watching his scores increase with hard work.  And I have to honestly tell you, they really did.  The program was amazing.  TJ’s tutor, a Harvard grad, who went onto Medical school, after she finished with him, was a true God send.  She would text and skype him all week long after the session, following up with information.  She would send us updates, the good, the bad and the ugly.  But, all the while the scores were climbing.  On a couple of occasions, if TJ had an extremely stressful assignment or test that week, she would always take time out to help him, at the end of the session, with his school work, even though it was not related to his SAT tutoring.  She revised and revised his admissions essay with him.  She answered questions about the interview process and gave him tips.  Samantha checked in often, mostly reminding us it was time to take yet another practice test.  This was so much more than tutoring…it was a mentor-ship, it was a friendship and it was working.  I know 3 other students who followed the same Private Prep program with stellar results, as well, and in turn received acceptances to their top choices.  The college process does not have to be stressful.  Once you have your team in place, it can be a breeze.  We were so lucky for our Private Prep team!!!!

Have you tried Woops Macarons?  If not, you are in for a treat.  Woops began as a little pop up shop at the Holiday Shops atBryant Park and now are available all around the US, but most recently started a mail order website.  If you are looking for an edible gift for a friend or a college care package or even just a pick me up for yourself, look for further than https://bywoops.com/.  The flavors are out of this world, in addition to the traditional macaron flavors, Woops offers cookies and cream, butterscotch, strawberry milkshake, nutella, and mint chocolate.  There are over 30 carefully curated pastries.  You have to try, you will not be disappointed.  

Sunday I took my oldest daughter and a friend to see the show Frankenstein.  I thought I knew Mary’s Shelley’s story and was not expecting much from the show but tis the season.  After all, Halloween is just around the corner and this year no one was into our annual trek to Silverman’s Farm for apples, cider, donuts and pumpkins!!!!!!  I still really wanted to do something fun and when I saw this play advertised, I thought it sounded perfect.  So with low expectations, off we went (everyone else in our household opted to stay behind).  Well, how wrong we all were!  Frankenstein was incredible.  All three of us just loved every bit of the play.  The songs were great, and the actors were fabulous.  It was at the Player’s Theater on MacDougal St, so we were able to go early and sample some of the delicious food stops right around the theater (more on this later).  I recommend this outing so much.  Especially if, your kids, like my daughter have to read Ms. Shelley’s book for English class this year.   If you are looking for something to do with your family (kids over 9 recommended though), Frankenstein is a MUST.  The tickets are so well priced.  HERE is a link for discount tickets.

My daughters and I celebrated a very special day yesterday, The Mother Daughter Liturgy.   This is a fall tradition at their school, which also was my school and their grandmother’s school.  Needless to say, this day has been a very important afternoon for many members of our family for years, even generations.  I thought I would share some of the photos from the event.  All of the girls and their moms looked beautiful and every year the liturgy becomes more memorable.  In such a fast-paced world, we are lucky to have these types of days to just pause, reflect, and create memories with our family and friends. 

Today’s Fashionable Friend Friday is Liz Joy.  I recently stumbled upon the blog Pure Joy Home.  Liz  is a young mom lifestyle blogger who is local.  She lives in Stamford Ct.   She is adorable and I love her style and posts.  She posted The Real Deal Chicken Soup recipe and I had to share it with you.  Everyone should be making this.  It is a good old fashion easy chicken soup recipe perfect for the cold days ahead.  Bon Weekend!

Ingredients


1 whole chicken
1 quart low sodium low chicken broth
carrots (not baby carrots)
onion
celery
parsley
bay leaves
thyme


Rinse chicken under cold water (remove and discard all of the giblets inside the cavity)
Place the chicken breast down in a large pot (Le Creuset type)
Cover the chicken with cold water
Add chopped onion, carrots and celery
Add spices and salt (approx. 2-3 tablespoons) and peppercorns
Bring to a boil
Reduce  to a simmer and let the chicken cook for 45 minutes with the lid not fully covering the pot, so the steam can release
Remove chicken and shred the meat
Strain the broth taking out all the vegetables
Add vegetables back (whichever ones you like) and the chicken and let simmer
Add the chicken broth
Serve with pre-made noodles or rice