Three Good Things

2012-02-03T11:07:00.000-05:00

I'm not buying anything right now, but I still enjoy shopping and so have put together some great lists. Here are my favorites:

1. SoftSurroundings.com, especially the amethyst ring; and SoftSurroungingsOutlet.com, especially the sorrento sandal.

2. Lands End, especially the silk blouse and the wrap shirt; Talbots, especially the blue satin sheath and the crystal bow pump.

3. J. Jill, especially the studded ballet flats; Coldwater Creek, especially the tie neck shell.

2012-02-02T10:22:00.000-05:00

1. The cute song "Fireflies" by Owl City.

2. "Need You Now" by Lady Antebellum (and I really don't like country).

3. Listening to the top songs from just a year ago.

2012-01-30T16:19:00.000-05:00

1. Beets.

2. Color and cut at the salon.

3. The wonderful head massage that comes with the shampoo.

2012-01-23T16:39:00.000-05:00

1. My new black cowl neck sweater.

2. My crystal and enamel necklace.

3. My black leather and crystal cuff bracelet.

2012-01-11T10:45:00.000-05:00

1. I've been a fan of Kickstarter almost since its inception and have really gotten a kick (so to speak) out of its growth and popularity. So I was delighted to read the review of its success in 2011.

2. Of course Kickstarter's popularity has led to whole host of similar sites.

3. Part of the success stems from the fact that these quirky projects make a good story. Read coverage from The Daily Beast, Inc. and The New York Times. And then, just to keep from getting too giddy, read about the dark side of Kickstarter at Windy City Blogger.

2011-12-19T21:07:00.000-05:00

1. Getting and decorating our Christmas tree.

2. A glass of Christms cheer.

3. The feeling that the holidays are here!

2011-12-16T10:38:00.000-05:00

1. A long letter from an old friend in St. Louis.

2. Good phone conversations with my bro and the promise to see him at Christmas.

3. Nice conversations with my sisters -- how I adore them both!

2011-12-03T22:09:00.001-05:00

1. California omelets.

2. Plenty of coffee.

3. Saturday morning breakfast out with my honey.

2011-11-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

1. Joining a new book club.

2. A lively discussion.

3. Intellectual stimulation.

2011-11-22T17:32:00.001-05:00

Three good articles in the New York Times today:
1. A Serving of Gratitude May Save the Day about how being thankful not only makes us happier, but healthier, too.
2. Patients, Too, Turn to the Internet for Fund-Raising about how sites like IndieGoGo allow perfect strangers to donate money to help people struggling with medical bills.
3. It's Time to Say Goodbye to All That Stuff which gives tips on how to relieve yourself from the burden of being overwhelmed by possessions (so you can focus on the things that really matter).

2011-11-20T15:31:00.000-05:00

1. A youth football team with an undefeated season.

2. Winning a bowl game under the lights.

3. An all-mom chain gang.

2011-11-11T14:14:00.000-05:00

1. Finishing the NY Marathon.

2. Feeling ready to run again just 4 days later.

3. Only about 140 miles left to reach my 1000-mile goal this year.

2011-11-02T21:01:00.000-04:00

1. My final training run before the Marathon.

2. Seeing all the Marathon preparations in Central Park.

3. Planning to attend the Marathon Expo tomorrow.

2011-11-01T22:24:00.000-04:00

1. Coffee with a new friend... and then with an old friend.

2. Exploring the east side Fairway Market.

3. Wearing my new wedge boots.

2011-10-24T17:46:00.000-04:00

1. The NYC Marathon is almost here.

2. Wonderful cushioning in my new running shoes.

3. The songs I plan to add to my running list.

2011-10-20T15:19:00.000-04:00

1. Avril Lavigne's new song "Wish You Were Here."

2. Melanie Fiona's "4 AM."

3. Bad Meets Evil's "Living Proof."

2011-10-17T03:38:00.001-04:00

1. A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

2. DH's favorite Walking Dead on AMC.

3. A stack of unread fashion and home magazines.

2011-10-12T08:58:00.000-04:00

1. Meeting Carmindy from WNTW.

2. Birthday dinners at Peter Luger and Ed's Chowder House.

3. The Barber of Seville at the Met Opera.

2011-10-05T21:57:00.000-04:00

1. The great autumn soup I made with butternut squash, chicken, onions, garlic, chickpeas, orrechiette.

2. Pumpkin bread w/craisins and pecans.

3. A beautiful, sunny fall day.

2011-09-30T08:17:00.002-04:00

1. The sun, the sun, the sun (after all that rain).

2. A post-football game barbecue.

3. Fall is here.

2011-09-27T12:04:00.000-04:00

1. My smart kids.

2. Their fantastic, involved and enthusiastic teachers.

3. The excitement at the beginning of the new school year.

2011-09-20T17:33:00.000-04:00

1. Actifed for a good night's sleep when I'm fighting a cold.

2. Pseudophed to keep my going during the day when I'm fighting a cold.

3. Plenty of Puff's Plus tissues.

2011-09-13T17:14:00.000-04:00

1. Voting in today's special election (apparently so few people do, that the poll worker recognized my last name as being the same as my husband's - and I voted about 8 hours after he did!)

2. Lending out Rex Ryan's autobiography (someday I will finish reading it myself).

3. A good long talk with my sister (we never run out of things to day).

2011-09-10T16:42:00.002-04:00

1. Sunshine agai,n at last.

2. Finishing a long run.

3. White chocolate Toblerone.

2011-08-30T15:33:00.002-04:00

1. Elf money.

2. A walk outside on a beautiful day.

3. Carrot sticks with ranch dip.

2011-08-29T21:50:00.002-04:00

1. Fall trends I already own: sheer tops (I've got both white and black tops w/strategic appliques); pencils skirts; aubergine python clutch; cream sequin jacket; black sequin and paillette top; fur purse; black cashmere sweater with fur collar and cuffs; fur scarf; 2 black lace skirts; ruffled-hem black silk skirt; wedge booties; classic bag in red leather; teal and black peep toe pumps; teal leather clutch; teal blazer; teal and brown jacket.
2. Fall trends I might buy: snakeskin belt; tassle earrings; cuff bracelet; sheer black hose with dots; brightly colored coat; chunky-heeled loafers; snakeskin shoes; a choker or collar necklace; red lipstick; something mustard yellow.
3. Fall trends I know aren't for me: graphic prints, oversized sweaters, and long skirts (I'm too petite); anything '70s (no one should repeat a style they wore decades ago); white after Labor Day (I don't believe in it!); leather and metallic clothing (quality pieces are too expensive, the rest looks cheap); '40s dresses and peter pan collars (I'd look frumpy); blanket coat (been there, done that); handcuff bracelets (too fetishist); mod styles (boxy doesn't look all that great on my body-type).

2011-08-29T20:55:00.000-04:00

1. Real Beauty's Fall Fashion Trends: graphic prints; midi-skirts; disco-era styles; leather clothing; white for post-Labor Day wear; sheer tops.

2. Elle magazine's fall fashion feature: '70s-style silk printed blouses; pencil skirts; snakeskin; baroque touches; leather (especially patent leather) pants and tops; long skirts w/high slits; metallic fabric; sequins and paillettes; sharp, men's-inspired tailoring; peter pan collars; luxe fur embellishments; sheer sprinkled w/dots.

3.Elle magazine's shopping guide: graphic (color-blocked) knits; brightly colored coats; leather blouses; '70s scarf dresses; high python boots; snakeskin prints; '40s-style print dresses; high gloss black (patent leather; shiny black jewelry); shiny separates (metallic pants, patent skirts, paillette tops); blanket coats and capes; lace dresses and blouses; white collars on black dresses (especially peter pan collars); fluted, flippy-hem skirts; hand-cuff bracelets; chokers and collar necklaces; glittery heels; snakeskin stilettos; chunky heel loafers; fur purses (for day and evening); snakeskin and python bags.

2011-08-26T10:34:00.001-04:00

1. Style.com's Top Ten Must-Haves for Fall: a posh parka; colored fur; skinny ski pants; something sixties; a novelty sweatshirt; a bright bag; furry heels, a choker; a pencil skirt; mixing patterns.

2. iVillage.com's Fall Fashion from A to Z: apple red; bright pants, chokers; dramatic lengths (long skirts); ethnic touches; faux fur vests; glamour via red lipstick; high slits on maxi skirts; intricate lace; jade green, kinda kinky (strappy sandals and more); leather skirts; mustard yellow; neckwear (e.g. bowties); optical illusion prints; polka dots; quintessentially mod; rubber soles (on wedge booties); sheer; two-in-one (scarf/shirt or cape/jacket); ultra luxe; vie boheme; wide legged pants; x-ercise (athletic-influences like the parka); ye olde Scotland (tartan plaid); zing (a metallic sheen).

3. Allure's list of Must-Haves: bold colors (especially for coats); mod styles (including boxy shapes, peter pan collars, knee-high boots, patent); relaxed, oversized sweaters; bold, mixed prints; liquid metallics; wild nature (shaggy fur, snakeskin).

2011-08-25T11:15:00.002-04:00

1. Fall must-haves from Cathy Horyn in the NYTimes: a sleek turtleneck; moody, textural corduroy pants; a classic pump with a bit of gold zing; a bright coat; and a 40s-style dress.

2. Harper's Bazaar favorites: shaggy fur; wedge booties; cozy turtlenecks; accessories w/an edge; high heeled loafers; printed pants; the perfect black pump (the same Givenchy metal strap Horyn adored); a classic bag in red; Cartier watch; YSL wedges; polka dots; bright red tassel earrings; black motorcycle jacket; tribal tees; Wang streamer skirt; a bright, belted sheath dress; Southwestern-patterned sweaters; a great coat; a glittering bootie; leopard print; matte black rococco jewelry

3. Fall's fashion colors: teal; lots of brown; a saffron-y, mustard-y yellow; dark, jewel tones

2011-08-21T16:27:00.002-04:00

1. A long bike ride along the river.

2. Brunch with my honey.

3. Toblerone!

2011-08-20T19:14:00.000-04:00

1. Sleep-overs.

2. Practical jokes.

3. Time spent with good friends.

2011-08-17T19:52:00.000-04:00

1. Persistence - took my business to another store when the first failed me.

2. A nice walk on a sunny day.

3. Paying compliments when they are warranted (and receiving one in return).

2011-08-16T10:17:00.000-04:00

1. Turquoise and beige -- a sea and sand color scheme.

2. The fresh smell of Tide detergent on white, fluffy towels.

3. Cocktails on the beach.

2011-08-11T17:32:00.000-04:00

1. The advent of football season.

2. Summer sales.

3. A visit to Cape Cod.

2011-08-10T11:00:00.000-04:00

1. Seeing the sun after days of rain.

2. Sleeping late.

3. Snacks -- and lots of them.

2011-08-07T16:53:00.000-04:00

1. The breeze from a fan on a hot afternoon.

2. An occasional perusal of the supermarket tabloids

3. Fancy flavors of yoplait yogurt.

2011-07-29T17:10:00.000-04:00

1. Trying out the new music service Spotify.

2. Finding out that Vanessa Carlton has a new album, Rabbits on the Run (love that piano playing).

3. Drake and Sean Paul have new albums, too.

2011-07-28T10:07:00.000-04:00

1. How To Have Style by Isaac Mizrahi

2. A good list of fashion basics.

3. The sexy and outrageous clothes on Sex and the City.

2011-07-26T09:15:00.000-04:00

1. Catching my first fish ever, a fluke, in the ocean off Montauk and having it for dinner.

2. Running on the beach (it definitely feels different than running on the road!).

3. Coming back home to NYC.

2011-07-15T13:22:00.002-04:00

1. An early morning run.

2. Blueberry pancakes (make them using dried blueberries -- which you can always have on hand).

3. A sparkling clean bathroom.

2011-07-13T17:15:00.000-04:00

1. Pecans from the NYC Smith Club.

2. Almonds.

3. Sunflower seeds.

2011-07-11T18:38:00.002-04:00

1. Beautifully and decadently decorated mini-cupcakes.

2. Lots and lots of juicy watermelon.

3. Summer dresses -- the coolest thing to wear on a hot day.

2011-07-07T11:41:00.000-04:00

1. Fireworks on the 4th of July.

2. The music of brass ensembles.

3. Outdoor concerts.

2011-06-29T15:23:00.000-04:00

1. Schools out for the summer.

2. Running with Wii Fit.

3. Our new fridge.

2011-06-26T08:45:00.002-04:00

1. The productive feeling of getting up early.

2. Finishing a nine-mile run.

3. Beating the heat.

2011-06-24T21:48:00.000-04:00

1. Roasted tomatoes with herbs Provencal.

2. Roasted asparagus with a sprinkling of Parmesan.

3. Roasted potatoes with plenty of sea salt and ground pepper.

2011-06-23T12:15:00.000-04:00

NYC art by:

1. Harold Altman

2. Yvonne Jacquette

3. Ken Keeley

2011-06-22T11:31:00.000-04:00

1. My new computer.

2. Blogging.

3. Working at home.

2011-06-21T15:35:00.005-04:00

1. Blue hydrangeas.

2. Deep purple iris.

3. Lilacs -- all colors (I love their scent!).

2011-06-14T20:40:00.000-04:00

1. The annual Museum Mile Festival in NYC.

2. Pearl jewelry - faux or real, it's all fun.

3. Street vendors.

2011-06-10T13:53:00.000-04:00

1. A lemoncello/prosecco cocktail.

2. A talk with Nora Ephron.

3. Being inside when it's rainy outside.

2011-06-06T09:05:00.001-04:00

1. Finishing reading "Julie & Julia" (I liked the movie better; Meryl Streep is awesome).

2. Working on reading "The King's Speech" (so different from the movie; it's like comparing apples and oranges).

3. Getting into reading "The Sheltering Sky" (I haven't yet seen the 1990 movie with Debra Winger).

2011-06-05T15:38:00.000-04:00

1. Peanut butter and marshmallow fluff sandwiches.

2. Double-stuff oreos.

3. Bugle snacks.

2011-06-01T22:16:00.000-04:00

1. Air conditioning!!

2. A big oaky chardonnay.

3. The taste and smell of cilantro.

2011-05-31T12:39:00.000-04:00

1. Finally deciding to get rid of uncomfortable shoes and sandals.

2. A new bathing suit.

3. Reaching the 200-mile mark in my running log.

2011-05-24T17:44:00.002-04:00

1. A good spring cleaning.

2. Stacks of clean laundry.

3. Sleeping in a bed with freshly laundered sheets.

2011-05-17T14:55:00.000-04:00

1. Going to my college reunion.

2. Spending time with T.F.

3. A cappella singing groups.

2011-04-29T16:41:00.000-04:00

1. Blossoming trees in Central Park.

2. Klondike bars.

3. Wearing summer linens instead of winter woolens.

2011-04-21T10:09:00.000-04:00

1. Tulips.

2. The Easter-like smell of lilies and hyacinths.

3. Signs that spring is here.

2011-04-20T21:32:00.000-04:00

1. Cheesecake (so delicious, so easy to make!).

2. A 5-mile run.

3. Letters.

2011-04-15T12:57:00.000-04:00

1. Pushing myself to go for a run.

2. Raisinettes as a reward.

3. Sex and the City reruns.

2011-04-07T13:28:00.001-04:00

Memories of...

1. ... building sand castles in Australia...

2. ... kangaroos on the golf course...

3. ...and a view of the opera house from our hotel room.

2011-04-06T22:26:00.001-04:00

1. Lying in the sun on the beach.

2. Collecting pretty shells and smooth stones.
3. Hiding a heavy stone in DH's backpack as a prank.

2011-03-30T08:39:00.002-04:00

1. Riding my bike to Plum Island as a teenager.

2. Spending the day at the beach.

3. Finding a sand dollar in the surf.

2011-03-29T08:22:00.001-04:00

1. Walking along a balance beam (or a curb, or any similar stand-in).

2. Swinging on the parallel bars when I was in middle school.

3. My success at basketball as an eighth grader - and the feeling that it gave me.

2011-03-28T08:35:00.002-04:00

1. Long talks with my twin.

2. Cross country skiing.

3. Sitting in the sun.

2011-03-27T20:08:00.000-04:00

1. Anna Quindlen's A Short Guide to a Happy Life

2. Her NY Times column "Life in the 30's"

3. Seeing her speak at the 92nd Street Y

2011-03-25T16:25:00.001-04:00

1. A wonderful bright blue assortment of goods.

2. Some Notes on a Napkin's electric blue accessories report.

3. A bold batch of blue shoes.

Update: here's a bonus collection of beautiful blue fashions.

2011-03-22T16:39:00.000-04:00

Sometimes it's fun to hate. And I hate Journey, always have. Here are the songs I love to hate the most:

1. Don't Stop Believin'

2. Faithfully

3. Any Way You Want It

2011-03-20T17:23:00.000-04:00

1. The King's Speech

2. The Queen

3. The Uncommon Reader

2011-03-17T04:55:00.001-04:00

1. "Irish Celebration" by Macklemore

2. "The Green Fields of France" by Dropkick Murphys

3. "Who Wants to Live Forever" by Dune

2011-03-16T05:02:00.001-04:00

1. Irish coffee.

2. Cupcakes with shamrock green icing.

3. Irish soda bread.

2011-03-15T17:21:00.000-04:00

1. Looking forward to receiving my new online purchases.

2. Two recent reads: Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil and Snow Falling on Cedars.

3. Watching my younger son and his two friends play in the garden.

2011-02-14T15:45:00.000-05:00

1. Watching the Grammy's last night.

2. Listening to my playlist of nominees today.

3. Just loving music all the time.

2011-02-11T16:35:00.001-05:00

1. Valentine's Day chocolates.

2. Searching for the perfect Valentine's Day gift for my special somone.

3. Having him home from his travels.

2011-02-10T14:10:00.000-05:00

1. Cobalt blue.

2. A sun-filled room.

3. A hot shower after a cold run.

2011-02-09T22:12:00.000-05:00

1. The graffiti art of De La Vega, which I see chalked in on sidewalks, sharpied on discarded cardboard boxes, and even framed in art stores.

2. This great list of Valentine's Day ideas.

3. Running three miles today after a long hiatus.

2011-02-08T20:42:00.000-05:00

1. Cherry tomatoes and ranch dip.

2. Cinnamon red hots.

3. All things red.

2011-02-07T10:02:00.000-05:00

1. Superbowl parties!!

2. FreshDirect football cupcakes.

3. Having my son say, about my efforts in planning his party, "Mom, you rock!"

2011-02-03T09:15:00.000-05:00

1. Seeing the sun shine today after so many days of wintry weather.

2. My comfy fleece pants.

3. Reading "Wide Saragasso Sea" again.

2011-01-31T11:30:00.000-05:00

1. Psuedofed and Actifed - cold essentials!

2. Snuggling under a down comforter for a good night's sleep.

3. Knowing that this cold won't last forever.

2011-01-28T13:29:00.000-05:00

1. Snowmen and snow forts in Central Park.

2. Explorer Day at my son's school.

3. Bangle bracelets.

2011-01-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

1. A mid-day concert by Artek (the art of the early keyboard).

2. Collectible art deco jewelry.

3. Today's snow day!

2011-01-26T07:15:00.001-05:00

1. Getting my closet organized.

2. Taking care of my houseplants.

3. A beautiful bouquet of flowers.

2011-01-25T19:15:00.000-05:00

1. My Jose Reyes bobble-head.

2. Looking forward to baseball season.

3. Despite today's snow, spring will be here soon.

2011-01-19T10:33:00.000-05:00

1. An evening stroll through the mist in Central Park.

2. Parents' only weekends.

3. Jason Gay's sports column in the Wall Street Journal.

2011-01-15T05:09:00.000-05:00

1. Cozy cashmere sweaters.

2. The color blue, from the lightest frosty hue to the deepest navy.

3. 50% off sales.

2011-01-14T11:53:00.000-05:00

1. The snow has melted enough so I can go for a run.

2. A steaming mug of hot chocolate!!

3. How wonderful my kids' football coaches are.

2011-01-12T21:30:00.002-05:00

1. Walking along the beach in winter.

2. Our friend the seal, who followed along.

3. Special time with my special someone.

2011-01-05T09:10:00.000-05:00

1. My sister's rosemary-flavored Christmas cookies.

2. Sushi and bento boxes at Maki.

3. A movie at the Cabot Street Cinema followed by a relaxing family dinner at Chianti.

2010-12-20T17:26:00.002-05:00

1. Pecans sold by Smith College alums - especially the chocolate-covered ones.

2. Hearing Christmas music at the bandshell in Central Park.

3. The magical lights on Park Avenue.

2010-12-04T18:12:00.000-05:00

1. Dinner out.

2. Wearing my Nanette Lepore top - I've had it for a while, but never had the right time to wear it.

3. Staying toasty on a cold day.

2010-11-23T12:11:00.001-05:00

1. The Wall Street Journal had a nice piece today about the myriad benefits of being grateful for the good things in your life.

2. Similarly, the paper published a piece yesterday about how gratitude improves our mental and physical health.

3. Don't know how to get started? Start by seeing how grateful you already are.

2010-11-22T14:19:00.000-05:00

1. Continued warmth - it is still in the 50's today (and I am in no hurry for winter weather).

2. Starting my holiday shopping (online, of course).

3. Planning my Thanksgiving menu (a combination of seasonal treats and healthy recipes).

2010-11-19T17:12:00.000-05:00

1. My soft, shearling-lined slippers.

2. My son's brownies.

3. Can't wait to see the new Harry Potter movie!

2010-11-18T21:49:00.000-05:00

1. Sending in HS applications in advance of the deadlines.

2. Good news from a potential HS coach.

3. My kids' bright futures.

2010-11-15T15:00:00.000-05:00

1. Five tips to dress 10 pounds thinner

2. What Not to Wear tips for looking leaner

3. Top 5 ways to hide 5 extra pounds

2010-11-12T10:25:00.000-05:00

1. The singer Pink's softer and more vulnerable side...

2. ...exemplified by "I Don't Believe You"...

3. ... and "Glitter in the Air."

2010-11-08T13:48:00.000-05:00

Lots of folks are jumping on the gratitude bandwagon lately. For example, the most recent issue of Women's Day features a number of pieces devoted to the importance of being thankful for what you have, and recommends these three web sites:

1. Thanksometer.com

2. GraceInSmallThings.com

3. Facebook.com/aogp.org

2010-11-05T10:30:00.000-04:00

1. Scooping The NY Times: I posted a piece about viewing autumn leaves from NYC-area parks the day before the "grey lady" printed a similar story.

2. Staying inside on a grey day.

3. Pulling out all of my warm and woolly sweaters from seasonal storage.