Book Club Monday

This fall my son will be heading off to college.  This is so bittersweet.  I am so happy that he is about to experience some of the best years of his life but I am devastated that he is leaving the nest.  I recently listened to a interview with Julie Lythcott-Haims talk about her book  How To Raise An Adult: Break Free of the Over-parenting Trap and Prepare your Kid for Success.  Here is the synopsis of this must read book for parents:


In How to Raise an Adult, Julie Lythcott-Haims draws on research, on conversations with admissions officers, educators, and employers, and on her own insights as a mother and as a student dean to highlight the ways in which over-parenting harms children, their stressed-out parents, and society at large. While empathizing with the parental hopes and, especially, fears that lead to over-helping, Lythcott-Haims offers practical alternative strategies that underline the importance of allowing children to make their own mistakes and develop the resilience, resourcefulness, and inner determination necessary for success.

Relevant to parents of toddlers as well as of twentysomethings-and of special value to parents of teens-this book is a rallying cry for those who wish to ensure that the next generation can take charge of their own lives with competence and confidence.

To purchase this book click HERE 

 

Weekend Real Estate Stalking

Today’s Weekend Real Estate Stalking is again right here in Rye.  It is a stately Williamsburg Brick Georgian Colonial 10,000 foot (!!!!!) family home.  The reason why I picked it, is not because of all of its modern amenities, but because of its fabulous lower level for entertaining.  The custom bar and media and pool table area are perfect for welcoming family and friends all year long!!!  For more info on this beautiful property, contact Enid Pinto HERE

images realtor.com


Fashionable Friend Friday

Do you love seeing magazine photos or Pinterest posts of organized closets, drawers or garages?  Do you yearn for color-coordinated perfectly folded sweaters and all matching hangers? Well, today’s fashionable friend Marla Alt of 123 Organize is for you!!!  Marla is the guru of all things organized.  She has the best ideas and a true knack for getting things in order and helping to keep them there.  If you don’t believe me…see for yourself!!!!!

To hear my radio interview with Marla click HERE

Quick Creamy Tomato Soup

As we are all on storm watch here in the North East, I am planning what we will do while being shut in for the weekend.  I have lots of books and magazines piling up that I am going to tackle and we have few puzzles that we will work on, as a family, while making hot chocolate, cookies and warm soup.  I tried this one yesterday and it got rave reviews from my little food critics.  I think you will love it too!!!!

Quick Creamy Tomato Soup
adapted from Rachel Ray

image Food Network

Ingredients:

2 (15 oz) containers chicken stock
1  (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream (I used fat free 1/2 & 1/2)
coarse salt and black pepper
20 basil leaves cut chiffonaide, for garnish
soup toppers, for garnish: recipe follows

Soup Toppers:
4 slices crusty bread
2 cloves cracked fresh garlic optional
extra virgin olive oil
freshly ground pepper
1/2 pound shredded cheese to compliment your soup:provelone, Asiago, Cheddar, Greuyre, Swiss, etc.

Combine broth and tomatos in medium saucepan over moderate heat.  When soup bubbles, stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low.  Season with a little salt and pepper and simmer gently 15 minutes, stirring occassionally.  Serve bowls of soup with basil chiffonade and floating soup toppers.

Soup Toppers:
Toast bread slices in your toaster until golden.  Rub the toasted bread with crushed garlic, if using.  Arrange bread on baking sheet.  Drizzle each slice with oil and top with a grind of pepper and a layer of shredded cheese.  Place under the broiler to melt cheese until toppers are golden brown in color.   





.

Change Challenge

This post is dedicated to my good friend Katie!!  She taught me the beauty of saving your pennies, literally!!!!!  I lived with Katie in New York City for many years after college.   She was the best saver.  She loved to pay her credit cards by rounding up the payment!!!!!!!!   She always saved her pocket change.  A few years ago, I started putting all the change I find around the house in two banks, one upstairs and one downstairs.  When they get really full, we go over to TD Bank to their “penny arcade” and cash all our coins in for dollar bills and then start  all over again.  I encourage you to start this fun task.  It is really amazing to see how much accumulates in such a short amount of time.  Here are some cute banks to get you started.  As for Katie, she still has those same coin jars from New York City.  She never turns hers in…just loves to watch them grow!!!  I am sure by now she has enough for a trip around the world -TWICE!!!!  Happy Saving!!!!

image sunnysblog.com

Change Challenge

Table Top Fireplace



One of the best purchases I ever made was a small table top “fireplace’ for my family room.  It creates a zen-like feeling while providing warmth to a small area.  They run on an odor free fuel that can easily be purchased by the bottle.  AMAZON has many different styles starting at just $39!  I also love the fact that it can be moved from room to room!!!

Table Top Fireplace