Wordless Wednesdays

So I thought I would start something new here on the blog.. Wordless Wednesdays... We would love to know what you think... Here is our first installment... enjoy! 

St. Patty's day 2011

Peace out kiddies..

M-

Given enough coffee, I could rule the world

I know, I know...

I know I know.. where have I been - I have no excuse, really.  My child had so many snow days, one would think I would have a few minutes to write some things down.. but no.. that so did not happen.  None the less, I am back - So without further a due.. here we go..

Ah March- time for spring, time for flowers, time for daylight savings - ok, I love all of this but why is there still snow on my front lawn?  I always get this way this time I year I think - after having sooo much snow this year, most of my friends are ready for the better weather - but this is what cracks me up -  It will start getting warmer, and the flowers will bloom, I can finally clean up my nasty looking yard - (seriously, it looks like crap) and tell my child to play outside for hours after school - and then I will talk to someone and they will complain that it is starting to get too hot. Seriously?  Come on - You complained about the winter and but now the spring weather - really?

So I am trying to figure out something good to say to nip that behavior in the bud.. get it.. bud, flower, spring.... I kill me. So... this is where I need a bit of help -

What is a good comeback when someone complains about the beautiful spring weather?

Here is one I just came up with.. "well at least you are not "bipolar" like the Malibu Messiah, Charlie Sheen -

This should be good-

Peace out kiddies...

M-
given enough coffee, I could rule the world

I know, I know...

I know I know.. where have I been - I have no excuse, really.  My child had so many snow days, one would think I would have a few minutes to write some things down.. but no.. that so did not happen.  None the less, I am back - So without further a due.. here we go..

Ah March- time for spring, time for flowers, time for daylight savings - ok, I love all of this but why is there still snow on my front lawn?  I always get this way this time I year I think - after having sooo much snow this year, most of my friends are ready for the better weather - but this is what cracks me up -  It will start getting warmer, and the flowers will bloom, I can finally clean up my nasty looking yard - (seriously, it looks like crap) and tell my child to play outside for hours after school - and then I will talk to someone and they will complain that it is starting to get too hot. Seriously?  Come on - You complained about the winter and but now the spring weather - really?

So I am trying to figure out something good to say to nip that behavior in the bud.. get it.. bud, flower, spring.... I kill me. So... this is where I need a bit of help -

What is a good comeback when someone complains about the beautiful spring weather?

Here is one I just came up with.. "well at least you are not "bipolar" like the Malibu Messiah, Charlie Sheen -

This should be good-

Peace out kiddies...

M-
given enough coffee, I could rule the world

Wow.. where did December go

OMG - first Hanukkah came out of nowhere and Christmas is Saturday. I blinked and the month is almost gone.  I did not have alot of time to decorate for Hanukkah - it was like Thanksgiving, then boom Hanukkah.. I felt so rushed.  I thought I had it together - Ha!  There are those people who have everything ready to go - and poof, there house is ready for the holidays.  I hate those people - even though I aspire to be them. So frankly Martha Stewart, I am in awe of your organization for the holidays - but I am a bit bitter. I don't have time to make individual napkin rings made from the twines of my rose bushes from the summer!  Seriously - (although I do admit that for Halloween, I really did enjoy making sparkly skull heads with my son.) who has time for this.. who has a calendar that reminds us to aerate the lawn so that it can breath, spray paint the summer furniture in the fall,  Organize our closets so that our seasonal clothes are in order...

I just can't do it.  Now if I had someone to do that for me.. that is a different story.. hmmmmm

Dear Santa.....





Peace out kiddies...

M-
Given enough coffee I could rule the world

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

Welcome December -  As I was getting my family moving and groovin this morning - we noticed the light flurries ourside - It was so pretty - kind of puts ya in the mood for the holidays - I know, I know, we are in the middle of Hanukkah, but still, in my world the holiday season , is just that, a season.  In the midst of it getting dark at 4pm - it is so nice to see the holiday lights on through out town - and a little snow flurry - well it just brightens my mood-

I also get that feeling when I am home and we are lighting the menorahs and we have the Hanukkah Star hanging in our window with the lights on (this was something that my husband built for me about 15 years ago - it was our compromise between Christmas and Hanukkah - It works for me!) The lights are so warming and inviting -

Anywho..speaking of festive holiday...

I went down to Jane's the other day and she has started to decorate and yes, the Santa pants are up!  I love those pants - they are awesome to use as a wine/gift bag - Lots of little trinkets and decorations and gifties to buy for loved ones.. (yes, Mom, I got your present..)  I am sure her lights are up..

Get a little light into your life this holiday season- and post pics here.. I would love to see them!

Peace out kiddies..

Meliss-

"given enough coffee, I could rule the world"

Bridalplasty - really?

Ok, I think I have heard it all - seen the reality shows.. but really  - come on.. Bridalplasty?  I am sitting here in Jane's coffeehouse and we are talking about this reality show.. and we have decided that we really need to have a reality show at the coffeehouse.. If the Housewives, DWTS, Harry loves Lisa can have their own.. there is no reason why we can't.. we have an awesome cast of characters.. the lovely Jane, of course.. but there is Eugene, Joseph, Michael, and the every popular local cop and of course, the comedy stylings of Mac and Dino.

Now we need a title - I leave it up to you loyal readers - Let the titles fly!

Now for a Hot Chocolate...

Peace out kiddies...

M-

Given enough of coffee, I could rule the world.

Elections..

I had to get this off my chest - I am so sick of the political commercials I am seeing on TV now.. So over it.  Whatever to just state the facts leave the decision up to the country and we vote..But now it is a contest to see how much one party can embarass the other - it is such a joke, everyone has lost the focus of what these elections are for - Why don't they take a little "time-out" and think about why they are doing what they are doing - If they can list 10 decent things that can be done for the middle class that actually seem attainable, then I will listen.

Welcome Fall?

  It is almost October and we are deep into our Indian Summer - but I can't help feeling like I need to get out my Fall Decorations, go get my cornstalks for the front of my house - you know the drill - but it is so difficult to get in the "mood' for that when it is 85 degrees outside!  Don't get me wrong - I love the warm weather - but I think I am ready for the Fall -

I was able to really enjoy it this past weekend - I had to travel up north for a family function  - As I drove up towards Lake George - I noticed how gorgeous the trees are starting to look - There is so much "green" country up there - makes me wants to go for another drive up there in a few weeks - should be at peek then! 

What is it about the Fall that is so appealing?  I guess it is time for all the snuggly things that we all love - a good fire, or sitting in front of a friends fire pit, roasting marshmallows, having hot chocolate (at Jane's omg.. it is so good) I can't wait.. I am so with you cocoa.!  A nice hot cup of Jo.. no Joe, not you .. a good bowl of soup.. just the other day I had this great Mushroom Barley that Eugene recommended.. it was so good.. you can see where I am going with this.. basically all things comfortable and cosy.

So what to do to celebrate the Fall - Besides the apple picking, pumpkin picking - pumpkin carving.. there is that 'Blaze" thing in Westchester - but wait.. there is more.. oooh hot apple cider!!! (Jane has fresh apple cider at the coffeehouse.. she just got it in!) Cider donuts.. (yeah, she has those too!)  There are many things around to do - It is all good.. 

This weekend is Pearl River day - If you can come out to PR and check out the things we have to offer - I should be around.. ok.. I will probably be at Jane's.. who am I kidding.

So welcome Fall - I will try to find a sweater that won't make me look like woolly mammoth..

peace out kiddies...

m-

ps: the pic at the top is one of Jane's Root baskets with Freshly picked apples... great Fall gifty idea...

ORGANIC.......

As we sat at Jane's coffee bar one day, I heard two women talking about using only organic products. I realized that she was being rather holier-than-thou about it to her companion and I was feeling sheepish myself and then I checked out a few things.

Read some labels my friends, just because it says organic does not necessarily mean it is better. Check the fat content on some products one day. And frankly, I want my chickens to have antibiotics!

Technically - Water and Oxygen are not organic because they do not contain the element Carbon.

Here's a few things that are organic BUT are they really GOOD for us:

• Carbon Monoxide
• Heroin
• Snake venom
• A pack of angry, hungry wolves

Joking aside, do not let the organosnobs get you down; your best defense is knowledge, read some articles, read some labels and if all else fails, hit them with pepper spray - it's organic!

WHAT??

Jane's hot Cocoa season is coming soon - Hooray!! I know I will hear endless cracks from the backroom about Hot Cocoa and let me pre-empt them with this - Joe, keep your shirt on and your lips buttoned!! Thank you.

I am trying to get along in this multi-cultural world of ours but seriously - can we all get on the same page here!?!? I have enough trouble with the accents; let alone various languages.

There is one person I interact with almost daily and I RARELY understand a word she says. It is not her fault, she is from another country, has an accent and speaks softly. "Did you just ask me to buy a goat?" "Tie a boat?" "Fry a donut?" WHAT?!?!?

Even in Pearl River, at Jane's place, the lovely folks that come in with the enchanting Irish accents. I love an Irish accent, so much more fun and lively than most accents. It's rich and full of character with deep expression and passion. Have no clue what the hell any of them are talking about - EVER. WHAT?!?!?

Then there was the Polish cleaning woman and her crew, also from Pearl River, who spoke 100 mph and had a thick accent that actually resulted in me calling her by the wrong name for two years. She just gave up on me understanding and answered to the misnomer. To hear her speak you would think map and mop were the same word. Box and Backs - exactly the same. There was no differentiation between the letters a, o and u with this woman; you can imagine the chaos. Or is that Chaoooos.WHAT?!?!?!

I once worked with a man from the Ukraine that told me he had an AUDI TT. I was appalled and told him that he had given me entirely too much information. I had heard of an Outy Belly Button but never an Outy Titty and frankly that just sounded painful. Why I had to sit through "Sensitivity Training" and not him was completely a mystery to me. WHAT?!!?!

I did not grow up here and some people think I have an accent.
I was once in charge of orienting a new co-worker. She was young and perky, very sweet. I took her to lunch in the cafeteria to show her around the edible sections and noticed a young girl dressed in thigh high black boots and a mini-skirt. Immediately I thought, Oh boy! Let's just get this over with in case my new young co-worker gets any ideas that wearing this type of apparel is ok.

So I said to my young protege, "Would you get a look at her boots?" and then raised an eyebrow as if to say - definite no-no. She looked back at me with the oddest look I have ever seen. We sat down and at this point I realize she looks scared; I am guessing this is her entire wardrobe - hoochie mama/dance club outfits. So I ask her, "You don't have a pair of those same boots do you?" Relief washed across her face and she laughed,"Oh thank God, I misunderstood you the first time - you said `BOOTS' not BOOBS!"
She is now one of my dearest friends!

Auf wiedersehen

The first day of school.....(yahooooo)

I will start off by saying that I love my child. I really do - but by the end of August, it is time for the kiddies to go... get on that big yellow bus for the first time or the 8th... It is always exciting to go and get the school supplies,and the questions that go with it - "Mommy, look at this cool book cover, it smells like orange - smell it! Don't you think we need that?" Or, "Mommy, I think I need a new backpack this year AND a new lunch box! Soooo, can we get them.. huh can we?" And the questions and comments continue - and we as parents, sometimes have to count to 10. And sometimes... we count again. Our kids are so excited - new experiences, new friends, a new bus! We parents just want to get the shopping done - as we fly through the stores getting the back to school supplies, we don't take the time to realize (or we just forget) what an exciting time this is for them. So we try to listen to them, try to feel their excitement - but when someone is grabbing pens and yelling at their kids to be quiet and keep their hands to themselves, it is so hard.

So today as the kids get on the bus, remember how excited and nervous they are, take pictures and listen to what they say...and then go get yourself a cup of jo at Jane's... and breathe.


Peace out kiddies

Melissa

Given enough coffee, I could rule the world!

Holy September Batman....

What an awesome start for September - I decided to take my son down to Jane's for a waffle for breakfast - it was great - not very busy.. we walk in.. and then.. there was a meeting of a lot of.... toddlers. It was so cute.. so Eugene was hopping at the waffle maker - making waffles faster than he ever has.. there were blueberries and strawberries flying.. lots of little people giggles and the people kept coming.... Remember that movie "Field of Dreams"? The one mantra that was said through out the movie - "if you build it, they will come".. that is kind of how it was at Jane's today - It was great to see the store hopping, the ice coffee flowing, flowers being sold, kids happy eating delicious waffles.. and .. well there are the juice boxes for the kids.. don't forget the juice boxes...and the lemonade...I don't know, it was just a great morning ...

The Dog Days of Summer

It is the time of year again.. the dog days of summer - where we are all walking a bit slower.. taking the kids for ice cream, ok, taking ourselves. Kids are starting to get excited about going back to school and we are getting excited for them to go.. oh wait.. did I say that.. I really need to stop saying stuff like that-

I can't help but think about when I was a bit younger- we did not have fancy camps - we had soccer or softball- where we road our bikes, played soccer, then we would ride to 7 11 got a Slurpee and then went home.. and it was still light out - so we would hang out and possibly listen to our Saturday Night Fever album, ACDC , REO, Oh yeah.. of course I was way younger then.. (of course) and if we did watch any TV.. we had to change the channel the old fashion way...

1. get up

2. walk to the TV

3. change the channel

4. go sit down

very simple.. 3 channels... plus PBS.

And if it was Saturday night - I Loved the TV line up..

The Love Boat - 9pm

Fantasy Island - 10pm

SNL - 11:30

You could not beat it.. I mean who did not want to be "Julie, the cruise director" - and who did not love Ted, the bartender.. oh please.. then Fantasy Island.. who did not want to have a fantasy on that show.. really!

It was a great time for being a kid - we were alot freer, you could go and play outside all day and come home for dinner and no one would think twice about it - Now we have to monitor everything, where our children go, when, how long they will be there.. and now we call it a play date.. what happened to " I am going over to Amy's house" - those days are gone.. maybe they will come back.. it would be nice .. but I doubt it.

Today I went to the zoo with my kid today - we had a great time.. it was great to go and look at the animals, birds.. etc.. and to my son's face light up when he saw the various animals.. totally cool.. so on the way home he said.. Can we go get a slushy something.. and my husband and I said yes.. and we went to 7 11 and ....

got a Slurpee..

I guess some things don't change.

peace out kiddies.

meliss-

given enough coffee, I could rule the world

It is sunday at 6:46am.. why am I up...

I think I have writers block.. but how is that possible when I have so much useless information in my head.. like - Eugene went to jury duty this week - I always thought Jury Duty was an interesting study in human beings.. seriously - so people I know love jury duty.. me, not so much.. so I decided to make a list of things and situations that might get you thrown off Jury Duty.

1. Keep correcting your name when they pronounce it incorrectly - unless your name is Smith, Jones, or Kim...

2. You could say "I save lives" - it would be horrible if my terminal patients could not get a hold of me.

3. I'm a cop

4. I'm a fireman

5. I work for the District Attorney

6. I'm getting married!

7. Ah.. the overeager Juror who will change their vacation plans with his entire family

8. "You know, I am currently involved in another lawsuit"

9. In the event of a personal injury case - tell them you work for an insurance company

10.... My favorite.. "Hi there.. my name is Eugene"

Peace out my fellow coffee ants.

Melissa

Given enough coffee I could rule the world

House Guests and House Pests

Iced tea - Green. Eugene, PLEASE make it a double! I need caffeine in large quantities and keep it coming until I am stuttering. I love Jane's green tea, unsweetened, served with a smile from Jane or Gene or the fabulous Betty who does not like to be tipped unless bourbon is involved.

I have one really obnoxious house guest that I have escaped from under the pretense of getting cheese, in Wisconsin; see you all next Tuesday.

I was brought up that if you are invited to someone's home, be it family or friends, you bring something with you, you help the hostess/host, and you pick up after yourself. When my family comes to visit, they do these things. I can be assured that after each meal, which they have helped me prepare, they will not leave the kitchen until it is spotless as well as the dining area. My father, God rest his beautiful soul, would be the first one rolling up his sleeves to wash dishes.

My father-in-law is here with us this weekend. I am surprised he can successfully tie his own shoes without someone doing it for him. We make everything for him, serve him, clean up after him and quietly listen to his rants about what we serve, what we do and how we do it. He leaves dirty dishes around for me to pick up, dirty towels, dirty socks, shoes. His wife, my husband's step-mother, did not come with him to visit and now I know why; she needed a vacation from this nightmare of a 6'1" toddler. This fool cannot even make his own toast; he sits on his caboose and barks orders to everyone including my five year old child. THAT was where I drew the line. We had words, outside earshot of my children, to the effect that I was going to be major influence on the type of elderly care he receives and he had best not cross me. Now be a good boy, eat your Gerber lunchable and be SILENT! Did I mention I was holding a butcher knife?

Eugene - Perhaps some decaf Please - kiss kiss!

OK, so tonite starts the new season of “The Jersey Shore” and I am sitting here watching LX New York (don’t know why.. it was on)– and what are they talking about.. “Jersey Shore” Fashion .. Yes I said it, Fashion. As I am watching this I am thinking, wait, didn’t I go through this fashion in the 80’s? And the answer is....Yes, yes I did - so do I have to go through it again? No, no I don't.

Now, I do have a few friends who have never left the 80’s. (can’t really say anything… you know how that goes) They are mostly women, but a few months ago, I was at Jane’s, and then….

…he walked in…. Black T-shirt, Black Jeans, Black Cowboy boots, gold necklaces, bracelet, rings, and his key ring hooked on his jeans belt loop( of course) All that was missing was his slicked back black hair.. oh wait.. he had that. Never mind. Moving on…

I know what you are thinking.. “Who is this fine specimen of a man?” Well, his name is Gino.. yes, Gino.. (I cannot make this up people.) Now, I am not judging him by the way he looks (you know – like the people in Arizo-.. oh did I say that – outside voice again.. I really need to stop that.. ) but I was trying to give him the benefit of the doubt – I mean really, you only hear about this kind of guy in sitcoms.. So I was introduced to Gino, and then he opened his mouth . Did I hear a low melodious resonating voice? Uh.. no.. it sounded like… Joe Pesce. No, I am serious, I swear, if you close your eyes, you would think you were listening to a scene from My cousin Vinnie–

I think my favorite part of being there that day, was listening to the bromance between Gino and another guy talking about “the good ol’days” The way they were talking about music and bands, you know, who was dead and what great music they made – well it sounded like they were reliving the 50’s and 60’s.

I hope I get the chance to see Gino again – because you know there will be a story –

Time for a decaf...

later kids...

Melissa, from the coffeehouse...

Given enough coffee, I could rule the world.

Weekend in the Country?

When the weather forecast is bleak for the entire region and your husband suggests leaving the city to go to your summer home/getaway/relatives wherever in the country, just smile and say "No thanks dear, I'd rather walk on my lips."

Bleak weather in the city is fine. You can still run, drive whatever to the nearest civilized shopping area or entertainment source. When trapped in the bowels of Far Upstate (or as I call it F.U.), this is just a fantasy in your little city girl head.

Here is a gleaming example of what happens in F.U. country:

I needed a few things from the grocery store, Peppers, Eggs, Hamburger Rolls, and Bread. Now I was keeping my expectations low about finding low-fat, whole grain, cage free, organic etc... I was just hoping to find the actual items together in one store.

No such luck folks.

Four Items = Five Stores ("store" is a stretch for these places)

Store Number 1 - The first place we went to had none of the items even though it had a sign designating it as a grocery store. It did however have large quantities of the following items:

1. Customers who looked like they were desperately out of cigarettes or heroin with misspelled tats covering things I did NOT want to see.
2. Beer
3. Styrofoam coolers (yes they still exist)
4. Ice
5. Bait, in the same cooling unit as tomatoes
6. AND as announced in all Caps by the sign on the cash register

PREGNANCY TEST KITS

I fled with a child in each hand saying under my breath; do not touch your faces or anything else until we get you some hand sanitizer so you can bathe in it.

Store Number 2 - We proceeded to a grocer claiming to have organic items. I was able to secure the peppers, a red onion and a few plums for about $300.00 give or take. The prices were so high I thought I'd bought magic produce and debated changing my name to Jack then planting them in hopes of finding a golden goose. Not a stitch of bread in the place though. Not one crumb; as if the grinch had been there before me and took the last morsel of the Whoo feast. As for eggs, there was not even a dairy section; enough said.

Store Number 3 - Closed by order of blah blah blah ... health code violations!!!! Oh for the love of God! I am now frightened and I just want to go home and I mean my real home in Rockland County. I am about to have a panic attack when I become acutely aware that my children are with me and they are staring at the dead animal in the vehicle next to me. Now I did not know this prior to the dead animal incident but my SUV will "burn rubber" when needed.

Focus! Rolls and bread and eggs! Oh My! Rolls and bread and eggs! Oh My!

Store Number 4 - a small Italian bakery. Praise the Lord! The bakery was great but the clientele....I was in fear for my life. I have always had a theory about rednecks; Rednecks do not kill you, they keep you. Bread and rolls - Secured! Heart Attack - Survived!

Store Number 5 - - I finally stoop to stopping at a gas station convenience store for eggs. The aisles are small and the patrons are smelly but I persevere and get my dozen.

NOW RUN!

So my friends, stay home, go to Jane's have a latte or one of the famous iced teas at Jane on Main and avoid the F.U. experience.


---- ---- Cocoa from the flowerhouse

The Jersey Shore at the NYSE - really?

So I am reading and what do I see - The Jersey Shore cast ringing the NYSE bell - really? Are you kidding me? The end must be near...I mean, that is sad - really and truly sad... I mean, I can understand Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Bono - and even Madonna.. but "the situation and Snooki?" really, is that what it has come too?

I really thought that the reality show explosion was on the down swing.. but I was wrong.. now don't get me wrong - I love a good "housewives" ANYTIME.. who doesn't.. hell, maybe it is the demographic - But Big Brother, whale wars, cupcake wars..those stupid nanny shows, the list goes on and on - and I am so over who is getting booted off the island. oh did I say that.. oops.. I thought that was my inside voice-sorry.


Oh and then there are the dance shows.. because it wasn't enough to have American Idol, America's got talent.. The dancers must have felt slighted.. so bring on Dancing with the stars... So you think you can dance.. and my favorite.. Dance your *(& off..

So0 then I was thinking maybe we should have our own reality show... yeah, that is it.. and I am up for any titles you may have... Coffee with Jane... or.. Really, Eugene, Really? Or my favorite.. Ask Joe.

yeah, I need a latte..

ok kids... peace out...

Melissa from the coffee house

"Given enough coffee, I could rule the world."

Mommy Needs Coffee Not Chickens

Thank the Lord the Jane on Main has good strong eye opening coffee. Without it I suspect I would be making the noon news cast with artificially somber reporters announcing things like "Before turning the gun on herself.............." & "Eyewitnesses claim to have heard the assailant whimpering about the inability to have a decent night's sleep in 8 years and chickens"!

Chickens?

I often tell my closest friends this:
When my children are talking at me simultaneously with rising volume and speed accompanied by pokes, pulls and punches, I called this daily ritual:

being pecked to death by chickens.

I find it a perfect analogy for this behavior. Now when my children begin pecking me to death I simple start making chicken noises for their amusement and to distract them ("distract" in mommy language means shut them the hell up). Not sure if they think the chicken noise is funny or if they are laughing at some crazed look on my face which was most likely their initial goal.


All moms have experienced this at one time or another and probably have their own special name for it; some repeatable, some not so much. I do not dispense advice or claim to know anything about children. Frankly, every day I find myself wondering if I will ever learn that these punks, I mean dear sweet loves of my life, are always calculating their next move and lie in wait for the moment that I am most exhausted, say noon, and then pounce, "Mom can I set the shed on fire now?" "Sure Sweetie, just make sure you're wearing sunscreen".

I do know that these things are true of my children and am thrilled to discover that other moms have the same issues. This is one of the reasons I like to go to Jane's, grab a coffee, and laugh with the other people who are dealing with the same farm animals in their own homes.

Eggs Anyone?

Meet Jane's New Blogger Cocoa

Hello Everyone. Let me introduce myself to you all.....
I will be using the name Cocoa to honor my long love affair with chocolate and to protect my long suffering husband from further public humiliation.

I am a regular patron of the fabulous Coffeehouse, Jane on Main, where the coffee is fresh and Joe in the back room is not (P.U.). Jane found some of my anecdotes humorous and asked me if I'd like to blog on her website. I took a giant swig of her famous red iced tea and replied, "What's a blog? Am I required to be naked because I am really not up for that? Do I have to be pleasant because frankly I think I am early pre-menopausal and there are days when I am just hostile towards stupid people? Will that be a problem?"

Jane is from the Bronx; enough said!

So soon I will try to see if anyone else finds the same things funny, annoying, or plain ridiculous.

Speaking of Mel Gibson aka Ridiculous, I have one word for that man - - tantrum! That was clearly a man entirely too old for this type of behavior having a two-year-old-like tantrum over a lost opportunity for oral. HELLLLLLOOOOOO! Anyone else think Mr. Gibson needs a pacifier shaped like a giant nipple.

Bye Bye Lindsey....Hello Housewives of DC...............

Good Early Evening From Jane On Main....

I just love a train wreck..don't know if I am just fascinated by human nature and what makes people tick or if these train wrecks make me feel like I am the most sane, grounded & level headed girl around (adjectives not normally used to describe me)!!!! I am way to chicken to go to jail, although in Lindsey's case, I may consider a trip to the "big" house".  She won't be mixing it up with the other prisoner's so she gets to stay in her cell where she can sleep, read a few scripts, exercise, think. She doesn't have to worry about what she looks like so if she skips a day or two in the showers, not a big deal. Her meals will all be made for her, maybe not gourmet but for the rest of us this would be a great opportunity to lose a few pounds before emerging into the spotlight upon a release. I even hear there is a million dollars on the table for her to write about her "horrifying" experiences in the big house. If she is feeling lonely she can fake a suicide or depression attack and make her way over to the jail hospital, like her pal Paris before her, where she can then lay around in a more comfy bed and watch TV.  Hey, not a bad way to check out for a while and get some rest.

Poor, poor, poor Lindsey, my heart bleeds but we keep this girl in the spotlight. We keep her thinking she is way more relevant then the war in the middle east, more newsworthy then the Gulf disaster, more controversial then extending unemployment benefits for over a million of our neighbors but hey.....maybe not as talked about as our Mel..... It's like the housewives of where ever, NY, DC, OC, CC, where ever I am watching! It will never seize to amaze me what some people will do for 15 minutes of fame....ie; balloon boy, hello wackadoo's!!!!!! You could just look at that father and see him salavating for the camera!! Train Wreck, ballon boy, celebrity rehab, bad girls club.....I'm Watching!!!!! I need some mindless entertainment!

OK, can't even go to the Mel thing, way too much material there and someone needs to run the coffeehouse here in Pearl River. Speaking of, we have our book club this Friday night 7:30pm so if you are in the neighborhood pop by. We usually have a very interesting group with interesting conversation after the book. 

Stay tuned for more.....Jane

bye bye linsdey...see you in the Fall

Good morning everyone...

As I sit here drinking my coffee watching the news, I can't believe how much press Lindsey Lohan is getting this morning! Well, wait, yes I can....remember Martha and her drama? I guess it does not matter if the cap in the Gulf is or is not working! Or what is going on in Afghanistan, the important thing is that Lindsey is going to prison! Ah.. the press... Well, I truly believe that if you don't follow the rules on parole, there are consequences...duh. Well I do hope that she does get along with the other 2,000 women there. I know she will find a new BFF and I am sure we will get updates on how she is doing.. really... Do we care that much.... really?

anywho....FYI - Mel Gibson and Oksana are going back to yet another custody hearing today..really Mel, really? - have you not heard your own voice on all the phone calls/message tapes you left your ex girlfriend? .. uh yeah, mel go home where you can be hateful to every human.. and you can do that.. alone. Mel, Mel, Mel... give it up you are going to lose. Have you not heard tape 6? This just makes me sad for baby Lucia.


I am away from the coffeehouse this week- a family situation has called me away. But you can't keep me away from blogging - I am sure that I will have plenty to say later... it is just early and I have not had the proper amount of coffee to function.. I know you understand.

OK coffeekids... See you all soon...

Melissa from the coffeehouse..

Given enough coffee I could rule the world

Welcome back from the silence... Thank God!

Well here I am.. Melissa from the coffee house.. get used to it.. because there is alot that goes on here that you will need to know. Seriously, there is alot that goes on here - so many people in and out of here.. ah.. where to begin...

I guess it would be a good idea to share how I met Jane and her fun bunch. She had just opened her funky cool coffee house and was still choosing what exactly to have on the menu.. I was walking by the shop and was drawn in... I walk in and Jane said hi and the next thing she said was " try this pastry and tell me what you think." Well that was it.. our relationship began..

The shop in our town was a great addition - we did not have anything like this here and me being newer to the area - I was looking for a place to hang out and call my own!!
I started coming in on a regular basis, getting my non fat latte - delicious, usually made by Jane's mom, Betty - The woman knows how to make a latte.. but she has since retired - at that point I had a choice.. make it myself or have Eugene make it..who is Eugene you ask? Stay tuned, I will let you know...Getting back to the lattes... well for awhile Jane made them for me.. (but there was that hot chocolate phase I went through - so good..really she makes the best HC) Then I finally let Eugene make me a latte.. he did a good job.. (actually I am drinking one right now.. delish... )

In the back room of the coffeehouse is a well kept secret.. Joe. He is the order guru - and full of humor.. I love Joe's humor..he is very dry and very quick.. he cracks me up.. He always has something funny to say - always.

So many characters that come into the shop.. just stop by the blog, and if you are in the area.. the shop.. seriously, she just got fresh pastries in .. you should get in your car, on your bike and come ... now. Hurry she closes at 6.


And Jane..

Welcome back from the blog silence - we are all glad.


Peace out kiddies-

Melissa from the coffeehouse

*given enough coffee, I could rule the world*

I'm back from the silence!

I'm back!!! It has been a rough couple of years. House fire, heart attack and the worse recession to hit this country since the great depression! WOW......still hanging in there and decided to open up a funky and cool coffeehouse within my flower shop to keep my head above water. So if you are 18 miles north of manhattan come hang out, have a cappuccino fresh sandwich or salad and the best cupcakes your ever going to taste. I feel like a bartender at times and am really enjoying the chance to interact with so many interesting people. just dropping a quick note to blow the dust off my writing fingers. better posts to come. Thank you to all who have continued to support my company, it means more then you'll ever know! Jane 

those annoying emails!!

I had to show you this annoying email that I receive on a consistent basis and is clearly a scheme but they keep sending stuff like this anyway! Take A look:


Re: MATTER OF URGENCY; NEED YOUR URGENT RESPONSE

From: "JAMES BARRY"
Reply-To:
Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2009 17:17:02 -0000

>Dear Friend,
>
>I am James Barry, am an army contractor attached to the army force in Iraq.
>
>On the 27th day of August 2008, I and my men discovered some metal boxes (5
in number) piled on top one another, each with a sign written on them. One filled
with hard drugs (heroine), two filled with bullets and the other two to my
amazement contained US Dollars, which is total with a figure mark $8.2 Million.
We believe the boxes is owned and linked to Saddam Hussein.
>
>We hide the boxes containing the money in untraceable location. I am now in
desperate need of a reliable and Trustworthy person who would receive and secure
these boxes containing the US Dollars. We cannot afford to leave the boxes here in
Iraq for any reason since Iraq is getting unsafe and dangerous every day. We have
no idea what could happen next as everything remains inconclusive at this point.
>
>I am fully aware of what your thoughts would be next, but on receiver of your
response, I will send my picture as well as my Identity, for you to know whom you
are dealing with.
>
>I assure and promise to give you 15% of this fund, please assure me of your
keeping this topmost secret within you so that my job would not be jeopardized.
>
>My Sincere Regards,
>James Barry
>

OK and this is what I sent back to him:

and my name is marcia brady and I live in sherman oaks california with my 2
sisters and 3 stepbrothers and a maid called alice!!!


Jane E Carroll
Jane Carroll Inc.
50 N Harrison Ave
Suite 15 & 16
Congers, NY 10920
845-268-7202
www.jane-carroll.com
800-203-1527

The Holidays

Oh my god I cannot believe it is 2009 already. It seems as though we rush through the holidays so much these days that we don't have the chance to enjoy them. Running a small business in this economy has been challenging and so time consuming that I truly rushed through Christmas and feel a bit guilty about it! Here are a few photos of some of our funky Christmas designs for 2008! Our boot is made of fiberglass and is lighted from within, you just plug it in! Will last for years to come. My holiday shoe I make of all fresh evergreens and add a battery operated light to it and place them going up my steps to my front door instead of the traditional wreath! My table centerpiece were my evergreen spheres on an aged tin tray with square candles. Again, a very easy and inexpensive way to decorate your table. Take styrofoam balls and spray it with spray glue. The cut up cedar evergreen and start layering in the ball. once you have the ball covered completely you then wrap the entire ball in very thin copper wire to hold the greens tight. Mist them once a day to keep fresh. You can also hang them outside on the porch!!! Hope your holidays were bright and cherry and let's all think positive thoughts going into 2009!!!!

Thanksgiving Tablescape

I was asked to set a tablescape for a fall/thanksgiving dinner table for a magazine. I used a lucite table that I designed where the top comes off and you can fill the table with whatever relates to the season or theme of your dinner party. I filled the table with maple leaves. I then lined the table in my rooster wreaths and candles as well as my flower pods in between the wreaths, all available on my website http://www.jane-carroll.com/. For the pre-set salad course I hollowed out small pumpkins and filled each one with fresh organic greens with a balsamic dressing and chopped pumpkin seeds. The results are lots of texture, color, punch and creativity! When you think about setting a table with a harvest theme use the harvest as much as possible for your decor it is not only readily available but very cost effective. Check out my site for the gourd tea lites also used on this table. Enjoy falling into the season

Designing With Fall Leaves

This has to be one of the prettiest times of the year, especially if you live in a part of the country that has the changing of the leaves in autumn! The leaves at this time are as beautiful as flowers with their brilliant shades of gold, orange and flaming red. I try to wrap everything and anything in fresh fall foliage for my home this time of year. Above is a photo of our fresh fall foliage table runner which is so easy for anyone to make. You just need an old runner or make a runner out of any old sheet or fabric you have hanging around the house. Cut it to fit you table, if you have a rectangular table cut the fabric so it is in the center and hangs over the edge. If a round table is what you have just cut a piece of fabric in a circle. Then go collecting fall leaves, cut the stem off the leaf and lay the leaf right side down on a piece of cardboard (so that the glue is on the backside of the leaf). Spray the leaves with tac2000 spray glue (I found this to be the only spray glue that actually works!). Spray about a dozen leaves at once, they are best when tacky, not dry but not completely wet. Once the 12 are sprayed start applying them to your runner or cloth until it is completely covered. If you are not using your runner right away you can store it in a cool place like the basement or even outside as long as it is cool and not in the sun. It is best to store your runner flat with paper on top (newspaper works great too) and then add books to weigh it down and keep the foliage flat. This design will liven up any dinner or brunch and will be a huge hit at thanksgiving. It is one of the easiest creations to make with the largest impact visually! If you have any questions please let me know and I will gladly answer. You can email me directly at jane@jane-carroll.com or call my studio at 845-268-7202. Happy Fall!!!

Saturday Night Live Biden Palin Debate

I had to post this video from SNL, I thought it was hysterical!! I can watch it over and over again. Let me know your thoughts! Oh God, when your down and feeling blue crack open a bottle of wine, eat bread & cheese and watch this video.

http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/clips/vp-debate-open-palin-biden/727421/

Jane

Veggie Centerpieces

OK, I am finally back. Summer is gone and I am looking forward to having a massively busy fall into winter season!! I have re-designed our site a bit to make it easier to navigate as well as more informative.

I wanted to start off this fall season with a little how to blog. I use to teach in my studio years ago to make some extra money in slow season. I had a morning class and an evening class. We actually had a waiting list of people wanting in!!! The ladies love it, as did I. We ate, we drank (wine at the night class), smoked cig's (pre-heart attack) and laughed. My students loved the idea of also having a centerpiece to take home and enjoy.

I want to start how to's on my blog for people who don't or can't spend a lot of money or have cdd (creative deficit disorder).

Since it is the fall season I thought I would share with you the art of making a fresh vegetable centerpiece. It is one of the easiest designs I know how to make and again, not your typical glass ginger jar with stuff! You first take a glass or plastic cylinder. If you have neither one of these get a 2 litre bottle of soda and cut it down so it is 4 inches shorter then your fresh asparagus. Take a heavy duty rubber band and place it around your cylinder container. Cut your asparagus so that they are all the same height. Start placing your asparagus between the rubber band and the container until it is completely covered. Then take a handful of your favorite flowers and cut them so the flower heads sit right on top of the asparagus. When you are done tie raffia around the rubber band to hide it. Place the arrangement on the dinner table and you are good to go for a perfect fall feast or your thanksgiving table. One note...make sure your arrangement is never over 11 1/2 inches tall so that your guests can all converse.

The ball in the photo is another unique idea for a table centerpiece. We just covered tennis balls with fresh flowers using a low temp glue gun. Try to use flowers that last a while such as santini mums or use flowers that dry well like roses, ranunculus or hydrangea florets. We then mound up five balls and place in a bowl.

Try for something unique and creative at your next dinner party!

Jane