Cheese and More Cheese Please

Don't you hate it when you go to a restaurant and order, mostly Italian food, and when asked if they can sprinkle Parmesan cheese, they always end the sentence with "tell me when" and all you can think is, leave the block of cheese with me and I will gladly return it when I am done with it. But instead, you just wave your hand a minute after the waiter shaves some cheese unto your plate, feeling embarrassed to ask for more.

Well the point of this story is, of course, to tell you how much I love cheese. I think if I were asked to list my 5 top favorite foods, cheese would be number 1. Seriously. Yes I understand eating too much cheese has repercussions but if eaten moderately and carefully then it shouldn't be a problem.


Check out some of my favorite cheesy blogs and hang outs
PaniniHappy.com - a place to get your cheesy panini fix
Whole Foods Market - organic cheeses with great pairing suggestions
Napa Cheese Stores - Artisan Cheese Festival and Store Locator for Napa
San Francisco Cheeses - A List of Good Cheese Purveyors In San Francisco

Love to hear from anyone and everyone with a list of their favorite cheese stores and more

J. Crew, My Love Love Relationship

I frequent a mall near my house probably every day. This is not to say that I love shopping, it's just a good and safe way for me to get my walk on without freezing my a** off with the San Francisco weather.

Anyway, I walked into J. Crew, only because I noticed a beautiful display right near the doorway and of course it worked because I just couldn't resist it. Stupid me, had I known I could take a basic t-shirt and turn it into a sexy, versatile and useful top for evening and sometimes formal wear, I would have bought stock in fruit of the loom a long time ago.

But seriously, they are very pretty and elegant and of course overpriced, but to touch them and imagine wearing one to some fun and crazy night out is in itself a cool feeling. I smiled as I actually felt like a 20year old for a minute there and believe me if I were crazy enough to buy one, I would frame it for the fear of the sequences falling off with every turn I made as I walked down any street or attempted to dance at a club.

Anyway, the point is go to J. Crew and see them for yourself. The top in the picture is Sequin Drizzle Tank at $148.00. It comes in aluminum and pearl beachwood colors. They are truly a beautiful piece of work and will look amazing for the right figured woman, but when wearing one, do carry another top in your bag just in case, you find yourself sequenceless throughout the night.

Kettle Chips and Smartwater

I am always on the go, even if I am at home (if you know what I mean). I am also one of those people who needs to eat or munch on something every two hours just to function. So, between the healthy breakfast, a big lunch and a very very light dinner I sometimes get my salt fix with Kettle and Potato Chips and a bottle of Smartwater.

Laugh, I don't care, it works for me. If you haven't tried the chips,
please do. Finally, some adult chips (in my opinion) worth bragging about. My favorite is Honey Dijon in a Tuscany bright orange bag and to wash it down, I reach for my 33.8 oz bottle of Smartwater and call it a day.

So next time, I know, I sound like a commercial, you feel like munching, trace down a bag and get a load of the best spuds around any town.

Rambling On

I do try (mostly) to keep a positive outlook on life just because, as I get older, I want to make sure I do my part in keeping myself fine tuned. I laugh when I say that because just yesterday I went to the doctor for a check up and again I laugh because now a days going to the doctor is just a means to getting legal drugs and that is it, but I had to go (it's a woman thing).

I know they mean to have your best interest in their hearts but somehow, thanks to the Internet and "our" ability to get most information we need about what is ailing us online, they have nothing to offer otherwise, but a mere piece of paper with some presciption (meds) that may or may not make us feel better.

It was cute, to have a much younger doctor than you, try to understand what you feel and what is going on in your body and mind as a woman. She asked what was bothering me since my blood pressure was up. I looked at her and wondered if I bothered to answer that question, what can she do really to make it all better. She suggested I seek therapy and I laughed sarcastically in order to refrain from saying something that may offend her.

Is the answer to all our problems resolved through therapy or meds? Talking about your spouse or kids or work or finance to someone is really not that useful in my opinion because they have nothing "personal" to offer. Most of the time its a place to vent and the responses are generic and because of it, you actually feel alot worse going for help and not getting it.

Thank heaven for blogging, it gives me the therapy I need and its all for free. As for the blood pressure issue, well I will stay off the coffee and embrace green tea and then see where that gets me. Stay tuned.

Anyway, I walked out of the room, not at all surprised about how I would feel with the appointment, it was as exactly as I had expected it to be. It's funny the older you get, the less you are surprised by events which take place in your life and as a result of it drink champagne, eat chocolate and laugh as much as you can.

Breakfast Of Over 40 Champions

You know we read here and there and listen to news about what "we" need to eat in order to stay healthy and maintain our weight. Whatever that means. I mean this topic annoys me to no end. I want to understand how it is that people can maintain a healthy lifestyle while coping with life's pressures, breathing in the pollution day in and day out and consuming processed foods?

No, but seriously, aside from the b.s., it is difficult to do our part and as a result we sometimes tend to eat a quick muffin for breakfast, or chomp on frozen waffles while we drive the kids to school, maybe even just settle on a cup of coffee if we are watching our weight just to pretend we got something in our stomachs before tackling the day.

Well, here is my take on this. I am a firm believer of eating a good breakfast and taking the time to do so in order to have the most positive day possible. I understand most women are busy in the mornings to get their children off to school or their husbands to work. But believe me when I say this, time for yourself is really and completely necessary for breakfast, no matter how hectic the morning is.

The way I suggest you do this is: If you are a working mother or wife, take the time to make everyone wake up half an hour earlier so that the family could eat a healthy breakfast together. Cut fresh fruits the night before and set it in the fridge so not to waste time in the morning. Of course use a timer for the coffee maker. The quickest, easiest and healthiest breakfast is two slices of Oroweat Oatnut(my favorite) bread toasted with Nutella spread or Almond Spread (this is for everyone, minus those with nut allergies, then go with the bread without nuts and switch to spreadable cheese and cherry jam instead), a bowl of fresh fruits on the side and a glass of milk or juice for the kiddies and a cup of coffee for yourself.

Switch it up, another morning boil two eggs and Oroweat Raisin/Cinnamon swirl toast, again have fresh fruits ready (sliced melons and FRESH bananas is suggested) and the milk or the juice for the kids, plus your coffee.

Another option is Greek Yogurt (any flavor) with fresh homemade granola, sliced bananas with Nutella or Almond butter on the side and of course repeat the juice, milk or coffee.

On the weekend, consider making crepes instead of pancakes and fill them up with fresh strawberries, bananas, blueberries and drizzle them with Nutella or creme frache (found in gourmet grocery stores or Trader Joes).

The combinations and possibilities are endless, the menu exciting for the family and great to eat. Fun and colorful foods tend to entice appetite and give you a piece of mind knowing you did your part in giving your family a healthy start.

Mother's Day Suggestions

Although I don't believe in Mother's Day, because I feel Mothers need to be celebrated often throughout the year, but since it is what it is let me make a few suggestions for a super chic mother's day.

First of, since the celebration is a super special one, in my opinion, I suggest picking up a card from Papyrus Stationary and Greeting Card Stores, if you happen to be in California, or Target and Macy and some bookstores across the nation carry them as well. The cards are a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. They are as close to handmade (by you but not really) and sincerely unique. The wording isn't much but it gives you the opportunity to be creative. A very important part of a mother's day celebration, thoughts that you live by, not what someone else has written for you.

Second, be sure to wrap her gift unless it is a place or an event. Never, I mean never, give your mother a gift card. Remember the gift doesn't have to be much but it has to be meaningful. It doesn't have to cost alot, but has to be memorable. Mothers often feel bad about the $$$ their family spends on them for mother's day, but they do appreciate the thought, no matter how much they pretend they don't.

Make breakfast or dinner for her instead of going out to a restaurant. It is more personal rather than typical/commercial. If you cannot cook or bake, consider take out and set the table with fine china, candles and flowers and have everyone in the family dress up. Film the occasion or take pictures for her sentimental family albums.

Chocolates are overrated, but if that is the route you feel comfortable with, go for her favorites pieces, hand selected instead of the pre-packaged chocolate boxes from Costco. As for giving her flowers, consider tulips rather than the red roses (those are boring). Go to a flower mart or a farmer's market and create a unique bouquet if you are unable to get your hands on tulips. Trust me on this, mom's will appreciate your creativity more than the feeling that you just don't care when you go with the basics. Buy satin ribbon and tie the bouquet with it before delivering or handing her the flowers.

Surprise her with a visit if you live far away and $$$ can. If you live near wine region, take her there for the day (if she is into that sort of thing). Have a family picnic if the weather permits and be sure to include champagne in the plans.

The point is, make the day unique and special and stay away from the norms. Make it from the heart, something you spend a good amount of time putting together. I still believe Mothers should be celebrated all throughout the year, but if you want to just acknowledge her for one day in May, then make it special.

Have fun.

Getting Ready For Two Weddings

Maggy London Illusion Back Pleated Matte Jersey Dress (Nordstrom)$148.00 - This is my best black dress choice for an evening wedding in Sausalito, California this June. I prefer wearing black for most evening occasions, it is the fall back dress for me when I feel self conscious about anything physically or just plain self conscious. Be careful however, with a dress like this one, you want to make sure your curves and bulges are in the right location of your body otherwise your attempt will be disastrous.

Alex Evenings Portrait Collar Mesh Dress (Nordstrom)For a more full figured and bustier than myself woman, I suggested going with the following choices.

Eliza J Ruffle Print Wrap Dress (Nordstrom) $158.00 - This is the dress I decided on for a daytime outdoor wedding in Santa Barbara July 2010. Again this style works for my body type but may not do justice for the full figured woman over 40.

Instead, for daytime or outdoor events, I suggest sticking to neutrals and whites with some sort of sheer wrap to cover the arms, the ideal skirt should cover the knees and have flares in order to give the illusion of height and in my opinion the confidence you may be looking for to minimize feeling self conscious.

I hope I am not offending anyone, but merely sharing my thoughts and suggestions. In my opinion every woman, no matter what shape or size can be sexy and sensual when taking the time to wear clothes that will compliment their physique. Settling on the love of a designer or a favorite color sometimes may not be the best thing. Also remember an outfit does not need to be expensive to look good. Shop wisely and take pictures of yourself in the outfit you chose to make sure you actually look good in them.