Here I am celebrating the launch of my new book with two gorgeous friends, ABC Shark Tank star Barbara Corcoran and Fox News’s Lis Wiehl. That’s right… Moving In: Tales of an Unlicensed Marriage is out, and if you haven’t ordered yourself a copy, PLEASE do. In honor of its release I’m hosting a fun photo contest on Facebook! Check it out! I’m also doing a giveaway of the book on Goodreads. It’s one of my favorite sites and is definitely a must for all of the book lovers out there! You can enter the giveaway here.
Oh, and kindly help me spread the word.
Pet Fun – Go Dog Go! Show
This Sunday I’ll be judging the 2nd Annual “Go Dog Go” Show at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center in Poughkeepsie. This event celebrates the underdog – regardless of pedigree or level of talent – and supports animal rescue and advocacy. Divisions include Bad Hair Day, Most Mysterious Heritage, Celebrity Look-a-Like and more. Last year’s Best in Show, Lincoln (at left with me) a local Pitbull pup who was available for adoption, was awarded the coveted title. His adorable looks and demeanor won over the judges and got him adopted immediately following his success. Created by the Pause Dog Boutique, this is fun for all ages. I’ll be judging with Adopt-a-Pet.com spokesperson Dr. Pia Salk, Catskill Animal Sanctuary founder Kathy Stevens, You Had Me at Woof author Julie Klam, and Miss New Jersey Galaxy Brielle LaCosta. I’ll post the winners next week!
Talented Friends – Zoey Byron
I went last week to the launch party of my friend Zoey’s new venture, Zoey Byron. She’s handcrafting (hand stitching!) gorgeous leather handbags, belts, jewelry, wallets, and cuffs. I LOVE my new bracelet, and more, I love Zoey’s vision of products that are proudly Made in America. (Ahem! Mother’s Day is right around the corner!) Part of her vision is to employ craftsmen who might be in need or have fallen on economic difficulty, and she makes a practice of giving back to the community. She’s the event chair for “Beautiful Promise,” which supports the PROMISE PROJECT, an amazing nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved children with learning disabilities get the support they need to learn. There’s nothing like making good… and doing good.
Life 101 – Happy Spring!
Ahhh, the first day of spring. The day the sun sits directly above the equator on its march northward. Have you ever heard that you can balance a raw egg on end on the first day of spring because somehow the pull of gravity is more equal? Well, it’s baloney. And I’ve got egg on my floor to prove it. Apparently, the egg legend started in 1945 when a Life Magazine reporter wrote a story about a Chinese ritual in which people stood eggs on end on the first day of spring. If you’re talented enough to stand an egg on end on the first day of spring, you can do it every other day of the year too. Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities!
Life 101 – Talented Friends
One of my Secrets to a Happy Life is “celebrating the talents of others.” And I love that I have some talented friends. Congrats to Paul S. Heath, the artist known as DumbWon, on his new show at Keegan Ales (home to delicious craft brewed beer including the famous “Mother’s Milk”) in Kingston, NY. I went to Paul’s opening this past weekend and it was a great crowd and some stellar art. I’ve been collecting Paul’s art for years and he illustrated The Bedtime Book for Dogs. He’s now doing commissioned work of pets and people… and like all his work, they are fun. Check it out!
Life 101 – Charity
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how to make the world better and the people I know who are making a concerted effort to do that. In Trench Town, Jamaica, my friend Roslyn Ellison recognized a need amidst the poverty and gang violence… the kids. In November 1993, sitting with friends in Bob Marley’s old yard, she decided she was going to do something for the young people of the area to help them find a path forward out of the cycle of violence, poverty and exclusion. Five weeks later, The TrenchTown Reading Centre opened its doors and for 10 years has served the kids of the ghetto as a lending library and a place where they can learn. The service is free. In addition to her own investment of time, money, and emotion, Roslyn raises funds in every way she can–from bake sales to concerts to the kindness of friends across the miles. Every dime is well spent. Like them on Facebook… And if you’re looking to do something good with a few bucks, consider helping young people have positive experiences. You can donate via Paypal at the bottom of the Centre’s website or email questions, inspirations & other giving options to reading_centre@hotmail.com.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Today is the day that it isn’t sappy to spread some love. I tied ribbons around heart-healthy dark chocolate bars and gave one to everyone in my yoga class this morning. The smiles I received far outweighed the few bucks I spent. Hey, which reminds me, don’t worry if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. It truly is the thought that counts. Get back to basics. A heartfelt note on a homemade card is the way to anyone’s heart. As poet Victor Hugo once said, “Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.” If you want my tutorial on writing a love letter, check out this on Howdini. And if you need help setting a romantic mood, I tell you how here. Love to you & yours!