Is 36 the new 16?

Life in NYC resembles Clueless, but on speed. Most days, you are privy to a high school-esque display of youth, fashion risks, and "in crowd" commentaries. More often than not, it comes from the over 30 crowd. Are we as women led to believe that we should behave at least 10 years younger or are we naturally just more and more youthful these days? In my own life, I seem to strike an acute dichotomy between a serious attitude of a grown, professional working Mom and a complete teenager who is still hunting for the latest funky clothes, buys 100 types of the same lipstick shade, and thinks of arguments with her husband as "boy trouble". It's difficult on occasions to keep that seesaw still maybe that's just the reality of modern motherhood and womanhood? More importantly, is there really a need to tip in either extreme? As part of my seesaw, I have lately noticed an utter fascination with "youth preservation". So, to steer away from creams and injections and rather focus on real youth - that of great health and happiness, I wanted to share with you the Blue Zone advise list for a long and happy..... girly.... life: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/fashion/dinner-with-blue-zones-solution-dan-buettner.html?ref=fashion&_r=0&module=CloseSlideshow®ion=SlideShowTopBar&version=EndSlate&action=click&contentCollection=Fashion%20%26%20Style&pgtype=imageslideshow

Alright Alright Alright...

Yes, I have been away for a few years, bought a house, joined a new firm, moved to a new neighborhood and, as a Mom of two slowly tipping into her late 30s (yiiiiikkkkkeeess), obsessed over many a wrinkle late at night. Am I still desirable as a woman? Is my femininity gone? More importantly, how is my self-identity shaped these days without focus on appearance and utter failure of a litmus test of hipness? I am not sure that I will ever have any of these answers but I can assure you that life in the burbs (yes, we left the happening all night long folk musician/artisan ice cream makers' mecca) is not so bad and that sometimes the persona you fear you will become is maybe a happier version of the "cool" mom/wife/friend you thought you were before. Maybe? Yes? No? In the meantime, stay tuned since I haven't lost that edge yet...and know that in the end, it will all be alright alright alright.....

No Means No?

I know that I am essentially centuries behind in this find, but I have recently picked up The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz and have been truly affected by its premise. The book asks to be impeccable with one's word, not to take anything personally, to not make assumptions, and to always try one's best. Doesn't that make sense on every level? I have certainly been extremely loose with my word and, on a daily basis, say things that are not only little "white" lies, but which also bind me to actions, promises, or feelings which I don't want to express or conduct.

How does one learn how to say no? I remember a few years ago Queen Oprah had a show in which she proclaimed that her greatest accomplishment was the ability to say no. I haven't mastered this attribute yet and, to be honest, I'm not even sure if I have truly tried to ever attain it. I say yes when people ask me to join them somewhere, I say yes to others' comments with which I don't agree, and say yes by being silent when one is insulting me (see post below, uhhhgggg). Why can't I just say no?

I have not been raised in a family and culture where it is perfectly acceptable to say what one thinks while being respectful but also confident and stable in one's opinions and beliefs. Yet, somewhere along the way I yearned to please and to be liked and to have friends who love me, and to have companions who adored me... and what about me liking myself?

With the recent developments at work, I have decided that there is no way out for me but through "No". No will liberate me from boring events, obnoxious conversations, and a spiral to insecurities.

Let's say it all together now : "No"!!!

Shu Shu Away Mean Girl!

Ok lovelies, I think I have come to the conclusion that I am being bullied at work. How does one outspoken lady who doesn't take crap from anyone find herself in this situation? Well, for once, it's the fear of being just "another fish in the pond" in thid muddy, swamppy, economy. Also, I suppose it's my own naive nature and innate belief that everyone's actions are sincere and pure. Boy, have I learned my lesson this week!

First, "blondie" spun me in a verbal-abuse centrifuge yesterday in the morning for her lack of understanding of my morning routine. Yes, you heard me right. She wasn't clear at what time I wake up or go to bed, and essentially ridiculued me publically for "not being clear". Then, today "brunettie" laughed out loud when I speculated that one unnamed cellular carrier has spotty service with regard to iPhones but not other phones. She proudly proclaimed that service is uniform for all phones. Then, she followed it up with a sarcastic laugh and had to wipe the venom off her face when my techie colleague informed her that she was wrong.

So, I ask you ladies (and one man reading this): why do women fall into the trap of hurting each other? Is it just a stereotype which we use to categorize other types of anger or frustration or is it a serious and real phenomenon?

Shakira, Shakira!

Today is the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What does it mean to me? Well, for once, I welcome a sporting event which truly embodies the global community (hello baseball - world series with 2 or 3 countries only, really?). Also, I love the fact that it's an event held in an African country (for once!). I love the excitement of the fans with colorful outfits representative of their national flags, I love that tense foreign relations are resolved in the bleachers, and that fans are literally forced to learn about each other's cultures.

Do you have plans to watch any of the games? If not, I hope that you will at least catch the opening ceremony with the stunning Shakira, Alicia Keys, and others performing.

Until then....

Hello, good morning.

Have you seen Gaga's Alejandro video? I am intrigued by her minimalist makeup and toned palette of colors in both wardrobe and set design. I suppose minimalism is a mode of operation for me due to both lack of time and lack of confidence in my body after childbirth. Yes my sweetie pies, I have a bebe who is not quite an infant and yet not quite a toddler. Similarly, my body post her birth is not quite a model-waif and yet not quite a whale. On most days, I must force myself to get dressed and think really hard about an outfit.

Today, I am craving a Penelope Cruz look in Sahara - a sexy archeologist brainiac with a passion for luxury. What do you think of this ensemble?

1. Banana Republic - Safari shirt

2. MET Store - Egyptian Snake Bracelet

3. Mud Cargo Capris similar to those worn by Kourtney Kardashian

4. Cordanie Calzature Wedge Sandals

Just had to share

Who is not obsessed with Giada De Laurentiis? Seriously, I don't know many women who don't envy her beauty, cooking expertise, and Ita-bulous life. In line with her fresh California spin on most simple recipes, I wanted to share her Italian Guacamole. Oh how I wish that I could prepare it by the poolside, and enjoy it in the Mediterranean sunset, with basil and fig scents lingering around the house, and purple wild flowers blooming near the roadside. Well, we can dream. In the meantime, I will definitely try to quickly whip it out in my tiny apartment's kitchen.

Giada De Laurentiis - Italian Guacamole
-Lemon Juice, 1 lemon yields
-Garlic, 1 clove
-Avocados, California (Haas), 3 fruit without skin and seeds
-Basil, 1 cup chopped
-Scallions, raw, 0.25 cup, chopped

Directions
1. In a medium bowl, stir together lemon juice, salt and garlic. Halve avocados lengthwise and discard pits and peels. Add flesh to bowl and mash coarsely with a fork.
2. Reserve some basil for garnishing, and add remainder to bowl. Add scallions and mix gently with a fork.
Serves 4