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FUN SUMMER

                            FUN SUMMER


I can't imagine a better summer than when you don't have to set your alarm, fix school lunches, and constantly tell your kids to stay clean! Summers for my family are also a time to get together and cook, eat and catch up with friends. 
It's a perfect time to introduce kids to healthy cooking and discover new ways of preparing and presenting oldies but goodies. 
Summer is a wonderful time to get creative, and think about upcoming school projects as well as the kids' and your fall wardrobe.




ANOTHER WAY TO USE MARTINI GLASSES


I think martini glasses are very sexy and elegant. Unfortunately, I don't drink Martins, so I always look for new ways to use them. Obvious ways are of course ice cream and other drinks, like Champagne.
How about a seafood salad? That was a hit!

Steam shrimp, scallops and langoustines (king crab is especially yummy here). Chop into large chunks. Mix with some mayo, dry mustard, a bit of A-1 and a bit of worcestershire sauce and chopped shallots or finely chopped red onions. Add some chopped chives if you want. Use a garlic press to add about a teaspoon of garlic. Use a whisk to mix the mayo mixture, adding a bit of heavy whipping cream if trying to impress, or some low fat milk, if not. Cube several ripe (but not overripe) avocados and add to seafood. Fold the seafood into the mayo mix. Salt and pepper to taste (a touch of chipotle powder is wonderful, as is a bit of tabasco). For color and depth of flavor, some smoked paprika works, but not absolutely necessary. Serve with toasted crusty bread.


                    KIDS IN THE KITCHEN
THE best way to convince your children to eat is if they participate in cooking.

                            NATASHA IS MAKING PESTO

              ANAIS IS MAKING A VERY BERRY DESSERT




ATTENTION!!ATTENTION!!!!ATTENTION!!!
MY housewife is getting a new pretty home. Very soon my blog will be on my web site.       
                  mynameishousewife.com
IT WILL BE BETTER THAN EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RAY BRADBU!RY'S Advice

               RAY BRADBURY'S ADVICE


A few years ago we went to an evening in honor of Ray Bradbury, a famous American science fiction writer. It took place in the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. He was very excited about it because some of his stories are about dinosaurs. One of my favorite stories by him is "A Sound of Thunder". So the set up couldn't be more perfect for the both of us.
Bradbury's assistant wheeled him on stage in a wheel chair. He looked old and frail. Then he looked up and started speaking. Everyone was mesmerized by the transformation from this old man into an enthusiastic and funny young man.
When he was done everyone ran to the buffet and he was alone on stage waiting for his assistant. I came to him and we talked for a while. I told him that he is just brilliant, and I wanted to know what his parents did to achieve such brilliance in him. He said:"Absolutely nothing, except they took me to the library!"




LIBRARY - what a brilliant place! So affordable - it's free. Almost every town has one. Endless inspiration. Friendly people!


TWO BEAUTIFUL WOMEN THAT INSPIRED ME TODAY.

Arline and Corinne both have grand daughters in their twenties. What is the secret of a beauty that comes from inside out and translates into amazing energy?
Corinne said that she never got the pain (be that physical or emotional) to slow her down. She always looks ahead and marches forward! 
Good for you, Ladies!




  SECRET OF A PERFECT FRISSE SALAD


I love a good frisse salad. Unfortunately I get disappointed a lot when we order it out. Sometimes it's too sour, or the bacon is cold. Many places just can't get the poached egg right. Yesterday my husband and I composed a perfect FRISSE!

Bacon has to be warm and crunchy, fried slowly, and preferably cut in quarter-inch thick pieces from a slab of bacon for thickness. Poach the eggs for exactly 3 and a half minutes. Not a French thing, but pieces of watermelon gave this classic a fun summer twist, and some good and ripe avocado chunks brought this salad right back to L.A.! Enjoy!


  THIS AD FOR VANILLA LATTE REMINDS 


    ME OF MYSELF. I DON'T KNOW WHY!

TOYS TOYS TOYS

                      TOYS    TOYS   TOYS

When I was a kid I didn't know  anybody who had lots of toys. For some reason anybody I talk to now has a major problem with toy pollution. It's an international problem. It could be that toys were mostly European made, and therefore more expensive. Or maybe a perfect marriage of children's movies and production of characters hadn't happened yet. Most of my kid's toys correspond with one or another movie: Star Wars, Iron Man, Cars, Hulk, Tangled, Toy Story, Transformers etc. Well, not only children have more elaborate toys.

I see way more exotic cars on the road these days. How about shoes? My grandma wouldn't believe her eyes if she saw some of today's creations !

             CONTRIBUTION FROM ROBYN

IS THERE ANY WAY TO KEEP THOSE TOYS      

                       CONTAINED?!!

Every once in a while I pile all the toys in the middle of the room and give my kids a choice of their favorite ones to keep. The rest of the functioning toys are stored and put away to the garage. They are not allowed to go and get them without special permission. That day is usually at least 6 months away and comes on a very rainy day when the kids get cabin fever or are just plain restless. They are very happy to see them,  like they're brand new! 

                               My family room this morning

AFTER. Those boxes will move to the garage. Broken toys should be recycled in the no-see-through bag, so kids avoid the temptation to get hem out.

                  BOYS AND THEIR TOYS

My son is a big fan of cars. This beauty we saw at the used car parking lot in LA.

This golden Lamborghini Gallardo once belonged  to the bad boy Dennis Rodman.

GUILT TRAPS

ANNA IS IN WASHINGTON DC

    HOW NOT TO FALL INTO GUILT TRAPS


When the kids feel you are about to do something nice for yourself, and they are not included - they tend to set up little guilt traps, such as: " Mom, but you promised to take me to the movie." Or..."You are going out - my stomach hurts!" That also goes for our partners sometimes. "Hunny, you promised to run than errand for me!" There are two choices: You either give in or you go ahead with the  program, and then make it up later. How about when you, yourself set a guilt trap for your friends, when an opportunity arises? Our old friend sent us a picture from a Russian Vodka tasting at the restaurant he manages. Well, we were out of town anyway but I could not resist the temptation to take him on a little guilt trip by texting him:"How come we were not invited?!!". Followed by a long explanation on his part. So my point is  DO NOT LET YOURSELF FALL INTO A GUILT TRAP!! I.E. Having too much fun? Keep it to yourself!


                  AVOID THE DISASTER OF
                    "POINT OF NO RETURN"


I call a time when you have to leave your home, and there is no time for an emergency shower a "'point of no return".  That is the time you shouldn't experiment with new perfume or untested products.
Right before going for a romantic dinner with my husband last Saturday I stumbled over a sample of dry oil from Kiels that promised a lovely glow on my skin and healthy shine for my hair. That sounded perfect. I opened the package and followed instructions. My freshly washed and blow-dried hair immediately became greasy and wet looking. It was a "point of no return", so I had to go on my date smelling like a cheap candle with funky hair!






THINKING ABOUT YOUR NEXT TRIP?
        Washington DC is a MUST!! 


With a great amount of shame (as a world traveler) I have to admit that this was my first trip to Washington DC. If you are an American you must see THE FLAG. Your children should see the Apollo 11 capsule. 
How about the Wright brothers plane?!
Fabulous art and sculpture?! A week is not enough!

           Norman Rockwell's Returning Home






       WHY MOMS ARE AGAINST WARS?

Arlington National Cemetery. Most of those rocks are above someone who died VERY YOUNG!

EVEN A HOUSEWIFE NEEDS A R&R

          EVEN A HOUSEWIFE NEEDS R&R


If you want to be able to take care of others you have to take care of yourself first. That's why it's important to step aside from your lovely and adorable children, and regroup. Even a day away will do miracles. They will miss you, and you them. But here is the trick. If you go away - you are not allowed to think or talk about your treasures. Try to plan to do something you have never done before or haven't done in a long time. Even a nice walk, listening to music from your go-go days can put you in a more flamboyant mood. I like to buy myself something very impractical. Usually it's a big chunky ring, earrings, or some crazy colored lipstick. Forever 21 store is a fantastic source for silly and inexpensive finds.
Have reliable babysitting? Going away with your spouse is the best way to reconnect, and remind each other why you are together in the first place!
What do they say on the plane? If the oxygen masks drop down put one on yourself first before assisting others!








              WHAT'S ON MY I POD


Lady GaGa's   Alessandro (daaa)
                        Dance in the dark
                             Monster
That music will make you feel like a spring chicken again!!




SOMETHING FUNNY. Gosh... Did my grandma do that!?

GRANDMA'S BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
A DR THAT HAD BEEN SEEING AN 80 - YEAR OLD LADY FOR MOST OF HER LIFE FINALLY RETIRED.

AT HER NEXT APPOINTMENT THE NEW DOCTOR TOLD HER TO BRING A LIST OF ALL MEDICINES
THAT HAD BEEN PRESCRIBED FOR HER.

AS THE YOUNG DOCTOR WAS LOOKING THROUGH THESE, HIS EYES GREW WIDE AS HE REALISED
SHE HAD A PRESCRIPTION FOR BIRTH CONTROL PILLS.

"MRS SMITH, DO YOU REALISE THESE ARE BIRTH CONTROL PILLS?

"YES, THEY HELP ME SLEEP AT NIGHT."

"MRS SMITH, I ASSURE YOU THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING IN THESE THAT COULD POSSIBLY HELP
YOU SLEEP!"

SHE REACHED OUT AND PATTED THE YOUNG DOCTOR's KNEE.

"YES DEAR, I KNOW THAT. BUT EVERY MORNING I GRIND UP ONE AND MIX IT IN A GLASS OF ORANGE
JUICE THAT MY 16 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER DRINKS.  AND BELIEVE ME, IT HELPS ME SLEEP AT
NIGHT.



                                                       YOU GOTTA LOVE GRANDMAS!

                  NO GRILL - NO PROBLEM!!

This fantastic cheeseburger was cooked without a grill. 
Sprinkle angus beef patties with Porterhouse Roast seasoning, Montreal seasoning, Lawry's or similar. Place them on a hot skillet and fry, turning them over once the patties start sweating. Once there almost done, place slices of cheese on the patties and briefly cover. Do not overcook! Place them on a paper towel for a few seconds to soak up fat. Broil buns for less then a minute. Spread Thousand Islands dressing on them. Arrange all the goodies, being sure to use red onions, if using any, and don't forget the pickles! ENJOY!  


MY NEXT BLOG - GOING AWAY WITHOUT THE KIDS. HOW TO HANDLE THE GUILT AND ANXIETY. 

KINDNESS IS STILL HERE!

                  KINDNESS IS STILL HERE


My tire exploded today in the middle of the freeway. It was 101 degrees outside. As I was waiting in my car for AAA, someone pulled over and asked if I needed help. It made me feel all fuzzy inside that in this big and fast world (believe me, on the side of a freeway you really feel how fast this world is) someone took a few minutes to check on you.  
The other day I was chatting with a woman at the flower market. I paid and left. Apparently I gave her an  extra $20. She found me on the street and gave it back.
It's nice to know that in this greedy world there is still honesty. People like that make me hope!


           CONTRIBUTION FROM JIM


Speaking of nice people. We were sitting in "our" coffee shop, and out of blue one of the regulars came by and said:"I went to the dentist today, and he gave me these. They feel good." And they ARE!! I am hooked!

                    After you use one your teeth will feel really clean!




         CONTRIBUTION FROM NATASHA

Baked Kale strips- Boulder kids' favorite snack!!!

Peel off of stem; wash & cut into bite size strips (keep in mind they will shrink) 
sprinkle olive oil and massage into kale with hands; lay flat single file on baking 
sheet and sprinkle garlic salt or your favorite seasoing) and bake in preheted oven 
at 300 for about 15 minutes (or until crisp)! 




Brilliant! Kale is very good for you, but one of those "mystery" vegetables. How to cook it best? Now we know!!


AVOID THE DISASTER - DON'T LEAVE YOUR LIPSTICK IN THE CUP HOLDER of YOUR CAR!! 
As I was driving the other day I picked up my lipstick, and half of it simply melted on my lips. Well, it was 100 degrees in my car when I got in - I don't know what I was thinking! The funniest thing - I didn't have anything to wipe it off with. When I got out of the car I looked like a vampire, with smeared red lips and bloody hands. HILARIOUS!


DON'T HAVE A GRILL - NO PROBLEM! FANTASTIC CHEESEBURGERS in your KITCHEN! see my next blog!

EASY SUMMER!

                         EASY SUMMER!!


After a hectic school/work year it's hard to ease into summer and relax. Lots of us find ourselves now, in the middle of the summer still trying to simplify our lives, relax, and plan a trip. Well, the time for simplifying is now! They're already selling back-to-school stuff and fall clothing!




                   NYC WITH THE KIDS


CONTRIBUTION FROM KIM, world's best looking super mom!
NYC is a very expensive destination. It is fantastic though!! My husband, two girls (7 and 12) and myself had a blast there in July. WICKED is the show that the whole family enjoyed!
SONY EXPERIENCE is a three story interactive computer store where you can lose yourself for a few hours. There is even a section where they teach you how to build a robot. The best part - it's FREE!


MAX BRENNER was a fun and unique lunch experience. It's a MUST with the kids in NYC


You have to be a serious chocolate lover to enjoy Max Brenner. They have everything from fondue to cakes to chocolate pizza, and pure shots of liquid chocolate (they come in plastic syringes). You can also get some pretty creative drinks. One thing's for sure, you will certainly have a serious sugar high after this meal. If you want a bite first so that you do not over indulge on sweets they have pretty decent fare - stick with the salads and pizzas. be prepared for a wait, this popular tourist attraction bring in the crowds. At least you can wait in the chocolate filled gift shop or grab a quick waffle from the to-go counter. If yo do not LOVE chocolate, go somewhere else for dessert. 






          FANTASTIC LIGHT PRODUCTS


I am addicted to Amore Pacific Moisture Bound. Pure bamboo 


sap. I spray it on my face several times a day. It has a light,   


 expensive-smelling scent.

      Their Night Cream is perfect for summer. It's not heavy.






   NO WARDROBE MALFUNCTIONING!!!

If you have a new outfit that can be a bit risque, make sure 


you secure those special places with Hollywood Tape. That 


product saved the day for me many times! Can anyone enjoy 


dinner when your boobs say: "pica-boo!"






SEE MY NEXT BLOG ON FANTASTIC AND EASY SUMMER 


DINNERS THAT EVERYONE LOVES!

DEEPAC CHOPRA'S ADVICE

                DEEPAC CHOPRA'S WISDOM


As I was driving back home in complete bliss after a "date" with my little daughter, I was flipping through the radio channels. I caught the end of a spiritual program with Deepac Chopra. The closing statement was:" Keep your feet on the ground, and reach for the stars!". I thought that was excellent advise from someone who is very much in touch with human spirituality on one hand, and very successful on the other.
I was at the same boutique  with Paula Abdul today. She shook hands with a shopgirl and said: "My name is Paula". It was nice to see that she had her feet on the ground - not assuming that the whole world should know who she is.


   WANT TO TRY SOMETHING EXOTIC?


Every once in a while we see some strange looking fruit or a vegetable. My husband and I always try it. Sometimes it's disappointing, but sometimes it's impressive.

JACK FRUIT. Has a sweet and delicate taste with a hint of pineapple. Has to be just ripe. When over ripe, it starts smelling like garbage. When removing the tasty "doles", make sure you are wearing disposable gloves and have oiled the knife, as the VERY gluey sap is hard to remove (use oil).

DURIAN. To me it tastes and smells like garbage.

Price tag says: "no returns!"

CONTRIBUTION FROM NATASHA

If your children keep asking you for a cat or a dog, and the timing is wrong or you travel a lot, the best way is to call your local animal shelter. They need volunteers to play with animals, and even take dogs for a walk. That can be a perfect way to find out if your child is ready for a serious commitment.

PICTURE I TOOK ON MY HIKE

Send me a picture from your hike!

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!

WHAT IS A SECRET OF STAYING SANE

IF YOU DON'T HAVE CONTROL OVER THE     
                             SITUATION


There are days in every adult's life when we feel we don't have control over a situation. Someone else does. Your mother, an ER doctor, or an attorney. Most of us feel helpless, and even stupid at times. Then we do things that are comforting to us. Some people get their favorite take out, others go for a run. When my husband has a tough day at work he cooks a fabulous meal. If I had a frustrating day I bathe my children. I trim their nails and clean their ears. Because that's what I have control over.  I knew someone who played piano after a brutal day. It is important to know what it is that calms you down. It is the secret of staying sane!






   ARE YOUR CHILDREN PICKY EATERS?

THE BEST WAY TO MAKE YOUR KIDS TRY NEW FOOD IS TO    
                          INVOLVE THEM IN THE COOKING!


Anais, Christian, and Sergei make figs stuffed with Gorgonzola,     

walnuts, and some honey

                                 ANDREI sauteing zucchini






See my blog tomorrow on fabulous beauty products I can't live without! Also contributions about traveling to NYC with kids.

SUMMER BEAUTY

                    


                      SUMMER BEAUTY
I adore summer! It's always been a carefree time for me and my family. We try to keep a minimum schedule and have unlimited amounts of fun, if possible. Being beautiful also includes glowing from the inside. Keep fried and processed foods to a minimum and try to eat a lot of raw fruits and veggies, organic, if possible. Substitute sodas with water, since sodas can contribute to acne.
Check you products. Summer moisturisers should be heavier on SPF and lighter in texture.
Dessert? Melons are a fantastic substitute, and good for your waist line!

SUMMER HAIR CAIR BY A DESIGNER FROM 

                                NYC

Summer hair care should be also more simple and inexpensive.  Save big bucks for the fall, when you are back to school, office and the theatre season is back on.
Celebrity hairstylist Frederic Feccai recommends adjusting your hair to your summer lifestyle. Let the sun work for you. If you are going to the beach, smother your hair with hair conditioner and pull it into a pony tail or a bun. Together with the sun you'll get a free deep hair conditioning. Remember, that hair is your strongest accessory!!

    WEIGHT LOSS ADVISE FROM OUR     

                     FITNESS EXPERT

Christian recommends integrating Cayenne paper into your diet? It's thermogenic, and will help in increasing your metabolism. THANKS CHRISTIAN!!

                CELLULITE? ANYONE?

The best cure for cellulite is diet and exercise. You can help however, by smoothing your skin with some products. I've tested two for a couple of months.

Nivea. I didn' really see any results and it's very runny in texture and takes forever to dry.

Dior. Has a strange color but goes in immediately and has an instant tightening sensation. Thumbs up!

         DID YOU CLEAN YOUR MAKEUP    

                     BRUSHES LATELY?

Your foundation brush should be cleaned after each use. Your powder and blush - twice a week. Your eye shadow - every other day. Who does that? I don't know, but everyone should! The best and very inexpensive solution is the Sephora brand! it's even more important to stay on top of it during the summer to avoid clogging your pores and causing pimples.

LIGHT SUMMER DINNER

Zucchini are very popular and affordable, not to mention being extremely low in calories. They are also a good addition to your organic garden, since they are not fussy and very proliffic. We made this delicious zucchini lasagna/pizza yesterday. Saute your zuicchinis on both sides with extra virgin olive oil steeped in some crushed garlic and optional red pepper flakes. Then assemble while still hot just as you would a sandwich. First layer with a thin coating of pizza sauce (you can use pre-made, or make your own, or for a quickie, take tomato paste and mix with a bit of olive oil) and some ham. Second layer with goat or burrata cheese.  Get creative - throw some chopped basil in there, and whatever else you can find in the fridge! Do this for as many layers as you want, then top with grated Parmesan. You can even quickly broil it just to brown the top before serving. It was a hit!

I am continuing hiking before dinner. Effordlessly pounds lost in 3 weeks - 6! I snap a picture of something cute or beautifulevery time. It makes it more like a hobby!