More Susan the Songbird Musings

I am still delighted by Susan Boyle and am eagerly anticipating following her via You Tube. Naturally, I clicked on the People.com's teaser about her new look ... because any Susan junkie worth her weight knows that Susan has said she really doesn't want to change her look at all. She, of course, represents all of us with talent who somehow or another have chores that keep us from our blazing singing career. (Side note: Susan cared for her elderly parents. Not that that's necessarily a "chore", it happens to be quite time consuming).

What took me most by surprise is that the British Daily Mail was shocked to see Susan wearing pumps. Hello, boys!!! She was wearing pumps when she auditioned. While they were beige (a totally bland shoe color, Poodle), they were heels. WAKE UP! I noticed. Score her some points for matching her dress (bland, bland beige, but matched). BUT I predict this Song Diva will shortly diva-up her wardrobe. She's a girl with spunk and guts, after all!

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20274069,00.html

To echo Diva Janet's comment to the earlier post, I do hope that Susan comes to realize that plucking eyebrows is just maintenance, not so much a "change".

Dreaming the Dream

If you haven't seen Susan Boyle's stunning weekend performance on Britain's Got Talent by now, stop everything and take a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnmbJzH93NU

This frizzy haired middle aged frumpy Scott is the most courageous person I have ever heard of. She had absolutely no reason to take this leap and audition in Glasgow for the show ... except she simply had nothing to lose. And look what she has gained!! Respect ... from all over the world.

Susan, you are a Diva!! I knew from the moment I saw your shoes as you walked on stage that you were a spunky girl! Your smile is radiant. I look forward to watching your transformation into the Gorgeous Creature you are destined to be. You are the celebrity that I want to watch!!! Eagerly tuning in ...
XOXO
The Main Dish

Delicious Diva Gift Giving

I am compelled to share with you that DivAnn gave me such a wonderful birthday treat several weeks ago. I have not been able to stop thinking about it. She gave this diva CHOCOLATE BON-BONs as a birthday token. I must tell you ... it is so much easier to swallow a birthday when you have a bon-bon chaser.

Any other fantastic gift ideas you have gotten/given lately? Please share with the group. XOXO

American Idol Auditions today and a diva pal is there

Just want to let you know that Diva pal, Katie Jones is in Jacksonville, FL at this very moment and will audition sometime today for American Idol. Katie is very talented!! Ruben Studdard's manager has heard her sing earlier this spring and was very encouraging about her pursuing a music career. The manager, though, doesn't know that Katie is auditioning for 'Idol' - not that it matters one whit, just thought it was an interesting side note :).

Wouldn't it be SO GREAT to have another Birmingham 'Idol' contestant??? And to have a DIVA on 'Idol'??? I have already promised Katie that if she goes to LA, I'm flying out to be in her posse.

I'm SO PROUD of her following her dream. Katie told me that she has wanted to audition for years, but always came up with an excuse not to. She's there today because she ran out of excuses. When are you going to run out of your excuses and go do something adventurous? You'll only regret not trying.

GO, KATIE!! SING YOUR HEART OUT, DIVA!!! And please dish with us here when you get back home. I for one can't wait for news!!!!!!! XOXO

Main Dish To Sing From Roof-Top

You know, there are some things on your List (of stuff to do before you buy the farm) and you're really not certain that you'll get to do them 'cause they're so outrageous. Silence, Petunia? What?!!! Tell me you have outrageous things that you want to do before your number's called. Oh. COME. ON. SURE YOU DO!!!!

Well, think on that while you read and then post your answer to the comment section, m'kay (keep it clean; I aim to keep my PG rating).

So, singing from the rooftop is one of those things that people talk about and I've often wondered, "Hey, does anybody really ever do that?" And thought, " if no one does, then perhaps I should look into doing it". But well, let's face it the ... sheer danger .... kept me from really pursuing it. The logistics were sort of a sticking point, too - like how do you get a sound system on a roof and mike up? In heels? Would people call the police?

Wonder no more, Poodle-Pop. This Saturday afternoon, The Main Dish takes to the rooftop to perform a musical set on 18th Street in Homewood, just down from the end of 280 (or is it the beginning?) near Dorothy McDaniel Flower Shop. On several little numbers, I'll be joined by the dashing, hunky, and totally talented Mark Rubino, who is the one who got me in this mess in the first place -- err, I mean: he's the one who is making my roof-top chanteuse dreams come true.

We rehearsed up there this morning and I learned a couple of things:
~ The pollen is definitely getting worse
~ I'm going to need a lot of hair spray
~ Subsequently, I need to bring chap stick for the luscious lips to stay hydrated about 3 stories in the air
~ I'm considering using a beauty queen technique - Vaseline the teeth so the perma-smile stays on; an added bonus is that the inner upper lip doesn't get dry while singing (in case you haven't noticed, it's kinda' windy up there)
~ There is a Mediterranean tree (tall, skinny, spruce variety) planted in Homewood (totally out of place) that's like 2 stories tall and 12 inches wide - it's really weird
~ The guy two doors down is working on his car
~ Scott Walton is indeed not just receding, but balding on the top (he's much taller than I and has lamented about it to me for about 2 years now, but I couldn't see it for myself until today - so sorry, Scott; commiserate with the Main Squeeze if necessary).
~ The crowd should be liquored up by late afternoon, right?

So, I encourage you, Poodle, to embrace an Outrageous Item on your List. It may be easier to accomplish than you think - I always envisioned a steep, pitched roof; this one is totally flat with a stair case leading to it and the always-handy pulley system to vertically transport items such as sound systems. SURPRISE! It's do-able.

So, what's your Outrageous Item???? (again, PG rating, please)

Color Report - Spring 2008

Poodle, about this time of the season, aren't you pretty much SICK of all your clothes? I walk in my custom boudoir and just about scream. Well, that's for several reasons - I'm in the midst of a Goodwill cleanse and the ever-present laundry is always an issue at the Diva Digs. But it doesn't help that I'm over my winter clothes at this point. Sound like the call of the shopping Sirens? In case you're in the same boat and want to know what's The Thing to add to your wardrobe repetoire, I'm at your service.

The big clothing color this spring is YELLOW. I heard that and my brain went straight to Psycho music and a visual of bumble-bee clothes complete with antennae as accessory. Brighten up! I remembered that yellow is a cheery color - it makes people happy. OK, now were' cookin'; this can be fun. Black and white with a splash of yellow in an outfit will be the Bee's Knees! Look for a great purse in yellow and you'll be all the rage (not in the man purse department, though, puh-leez). A couple of cute suggestions ranging drastically in price:

Manolo Blahnik stappy sandles. Aren't they adorable? Pair with a sundress or white pantsuit and you're a hot, hot diva. Sex in the City's Carrie would rip them right off of you, too, so watch out! They're not inexpensive at all, so be forewarned, my little fashion bee!

This great Alfani graphic jacket really pops with a yellow shirt underneath, n'est pas?! You can pick up the gem at Macy's. Here's the link should you need instant access to it http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/index.ognc?ID=293989&CategoryID=35196&LinkType=EverGreen

Now, if the above two numbers either don't do it for you or aren't remotely in your price range, you can always opt for a great jean jacket. I love them in colors 'cause you can wear them with jeans without it looking like you're not sure if it's a suit idea or not. Try this one also at Macy's priced at $49:

While I'm not remotely interested in the shirt they show under the jacket, you can still see the potential. One note about yellow next to the face: make certain the yellow is the right one for your skin tones and won't make your sweet face look sallow or jaundiced. That'd be a total shame, glamour puss! But there are those who say if you wear enough make up, then you can wear any color. Morsel? You decide.

Fending off the Call of the Mall .... XOXO!

Bag the Grocery Store Flowers

OK, I've been getting personal emails again (reminder: post to the blog for numbers, Precious) with questions from the Guy Set asking where to get flowers when I've just outlawed the grocery store variety.

So, my pal "Guy" emails me, "what's so bad about grocery store flowers anyway?"
A: First you'll notice that they have blackened tips around the edges of the flower. Many times there are brown spots or black holes on the exterior petals – sometimes penetrating beyond the outer layer petals. They're not fresh. They're not stored correctly. They haven't been taken care of properly. Why? It's a GROCERY store and this is an add-on item, i.e. a second thought - not the primary reason you're there. Or it's an emergency. Another reason that I hate grocery store roses is that they don't last long (see reasons above), so instead of having beautiful fragrant bouquet, it's dead in 24 hours and it reeks to high heaven. As yourself: is that really what you’re going for??? If you're planning for Valentine's or a birthday, you know, a milestone for the person who makes your ticker go pitter-pat, s/he deserves something that's not filled with fungus. Don't you agree????

You are in luck, Guy. I'm not leaving you hanging here. It wouldn't have flair if I did. So, I'm helping you out ... in a BIG way. You have options in the flowers-that-make-a-gigantic-impact-department. TRUST ME. And from your perspective, if you drop all that wonga, s/he should be beyond delighted about the flowers and give you a wonderful reaction of joy, surprise, excitement, etc. You know I'm right. Here's how to get it.

ONE WAY for a nice impact (especially if flowers aren't expected or you've been getting the Aisle 3 variety previously) is to call your florist and order today:
1. Dorothy McDaniel's Flower Market (Homewood) (205) 871-0092 or www.dorothymcdaniel.com .
2. Feel the Love, flowers arranged by the landscape architect, Mr. Love, owner of Mountain Brook Flower Shop 870-1666. Say hi to the dogs.
3. Who in town doesn't just adore Gus Pappas and Norton's Florist? 313-1983 I mean, they raised money for Natalee Holloway after she disappeared in Aruba and when they ran out of yellow roses, Gus miraculously got more. He’s a tasty treat with a big heart.

A freebie tip from The Main Dish: Spend more on the flowers, less on the vase. You hope that the recipient says, “what gorgeous flowers; how thoughtful.” NOT “what an interesting vase; oh, there are flowers in it.”

Here are some BEYOND WOW impact options. Send these to the office of your sweetheart and you’re instantly the perfect boyfriend/husband who all the other boyfriends/husbands now hate because you’ve made them look bad. See, I’ve got your back!!!!

~ Send your little minx resplendent orchids from Hawaii. They are simply exquisite and aromatic. I have received these as a thank you and it blew me away. The flowers lasted more than 2 weeks. This can be much less expensive than the traditional dozen roses and get the kind of reaction you’ll thank me for later. www.kaimuflowers.com

~ How about sending the most gigantic, eye-popping roses your heartthrob has ever encountered? Late comedian Rodney Dangerfield’s wife , a florist, founded Jungle Roses – roses grown in the Amazon jungle and rainforests in Latin America. They are picked and shipped same-day to your beloved. They arrive in a huge box. No one at the office will miss this one; the water cooler will be a-buzz, swear it. They have arrangements, 2 dozen roses, dozen roses, and the simply divine Petal Package (when I received it years ago it came with probably three hundred 3” rose petals for the bath, a scented candle, and some rosewater. Promise, Guy, you’ll score with this one!!!). www.jungleroses.com

You won’t be disappointed. Diva Endorsed. Order now. RIGHT now. Stop reading (until I post again). Get going on it. Shoo! (come back soon!)
XOXO

Valentine Ideas for your Special Treat

Wondering what you can do for your special squeeze that will bring out the tempting and delicious this Valentine’s Day? Once again, your Diva races to inspire you in your moment of need. On the up side, you still have about a week to do something fabulous. But that’s not an excuse to allow you to waste another precious minute. Hop to it, Sweetheart!

The first requirement is to procure a card of some type to present your loved one expressing your gratitude that you are not alone and s/he keeps putting up with you. Please sign it before being in the glowing presence of your significant other. You’re not off the hook with just a card, so keep paying attention!

Well, a gift is nice. Start with these suggestions (BTW not hints for the Main Squeeze):
~ Diamond earrings. They are a girl’s best friend. And they are forever. Can’t go wrong with those! This is not for the faint of heart or faint of wallet, either! For guys, heart-shaped cuff links or a watch can do the trick.
~ Sexy lingerie. I like to refer to it as the gift that keeps on giving. But that’s entirely up to you.
~ Chocolate. Traditional Valentine’s gift. UNLESS your precious peach is on a temporary diet, then steer clear. And DO NOT go for the no-sugar, no fat type of chocolate if that’s the case – just drop it and choose something else altogether. Trust me on this.
~ Flowers are always wonderful. If your recipient is frugal, know that now is the time to start planting roses, so buy a rosebush for your gardening enthusiast and enjoy more than one dozen roses for a lot longer than a bouquet. And I hope by now all you guys are NOT buying roses at the grocery store. Gag!
~ A bottle of wine for your wonderful wine enthusiast. What’s more appropriate to go with a romantic dinner than a personally picked, hand delivered bottle of wine? There may still be time to order a personal label for your wine with a sweet message ....
~ A new pair of shoes. And I’m not talkin’ Addidas here, either, sport -- UNLESS you think she wants you to catch her and she needs appropriate footwear.
~ Digital camera – so you can capture all your special memories together. Aaawww. Isn’t that sweet?
~ While nothing can compare to the gentle touch of your hands, consider one of those electric massagers – to ease the stress of your temporary separation, of course.
~ A new watch will ensure the one who puts that sparkle in your eye will never be late for that fabulous dinner you’re about to arrange. If you REALLY want to score points, arrange for the babysitter, too.

More later. And I will have guy gift ideas.
XOXO!

Spreading Cheer

Food for thought:

If you're feeling blue, worried about troubles, I highly recommend you volunteer at a battered women's shelter, soup kitchen, or homeless shelter - pronto, Pumpkin. The Gorgeous Creatures (aka Choral Group) and I sang this morning at such a place, and it was a spiritual treat. I can't tell you who felt better at the end. Tissues were passed around both for the guests and for the performers. One of the women there told us after the performance that she was crying not because she was sad about her situation, rather that she felt happy for the first time in a long time. I'll tell you, it certainly serves up instant perspective.

Be merry, Cupcake! You have many blessings. I for one adore you!
XOXO

Back from Carnegie Hall

Hey, Divas and Dudes. There were no postings after early last week because I went to NYC for Thanksgiving and to rehearse (MANY hours a day) for an appearance at Carnegie Hall yesterday at 2:00 p.m. with John Rutter conducting his masterpiece, Magnificat. It was thrilling, exciting, amazing, exhausting, wonderful, and much more. I can't talk about it without crying. We got a standing ovation at the end, so that was a thrill of a lifetime ... as was the look of immense joy on Rutter's face as he threw his arms up in the air and threw his head back at the completion of the performance. (Photo here features Main Squeeze and Main Dish outside Carnegie Hall marquee).

So, what does a Main Dish do after coming home from Carnegie Hall? Laundry. More postings soon after I recover from the trip, arriving home in the wee hours, and doing mine and the boys' laundry for the last week. In the meantime, enjoy the photos and remember: Nothing is impossible. EVER!

Outside Carnegie Hall with a bunch of Gorgeous Creatures! (That's what I address choral group members as ... they are ALL Divas and I love them all!!!!)

With Diva Sarah at The Brandy Library in Soho Friday night.

Tuesday before leaving - Dress Rehearsal at Canterbury UMC, Choral Group Musical-Heart-Throb Terre Johnson conducting, CBS 42 filming over his shoulder, and with a crowd of more than 250 onlookers in the sanctuary. A truly amazing send-off!!!!

Mane Concerns - A Hairy Topic

Now that we’ve got those kids heading back to school and out of our collective hair before the holiday season is upon us, we can untangle a few things. Like a fresh look for fall for you, Glamour Puss! Starting from the top, I’ve got tips so you’ll be razor sharp and haircut savvy! I went to my stylist of choice, Bobby Pierce (401-6696). While I'm thinking of it - he will work miracles to get you in. I ask you when was the last time someone did that for you???

Top What NOT to do:

• Do NOT go in, tell the stylist you want a change but not change the cut or color (really, this happens all the time!). If you do want a change, be prepared to explain what kind of change you’re looking for such as length, style, color. For example, when I was driving a cute, red, 2-seater convertible, my specific request was to have a hair cut that could go topless … so to speak.
• Do Not expect your stylist to be a mind-reader. If you don’t know what you want, make an appointment for a consultation, not a cut. During this time, you can look through images, discuss your likes, and options.
• Don’t expect a cut to dramatically change your hair. An excellent cut will flatter your features and suit your lifestyle and personality.
• Don’t show up late for an appointment. If you’re 10 minutes late, the stylist has 10 fewer minutes to do an excellent job. Now, if your stylist runs late consistently, make a habit of calling the salon before you leave for the appointment to check to see how s/he’s running time-wise that day.
• Don’t bring your posse. Your friends disrupt your stylist’s concentration and often times get in the way. Instead, meet the girls for lunch or drinks afterwards so they can ooh and aah.
• Don’t necessarily change your hair when things aren’t working in your life. I love a style change, but think about it: What if you hated your life AND your hair?! Drastic measures may have to be taken.
• On the same token, Bobby advises that you should never let a stylist talk you into a radical change. Phase it in. Especially if you and your stylist are developing your relationship. I’ve been going to Bobby for nearly 6 years. I know his mother makes too many quilts and gives them away as presents. He has a weakness for kittens. I won’t tell you what he knows about me except to say, we almost have a mind-meld. If you are not this tight with your stylist, don’t let him/her call the shots.
• If you are changing your hair, tell the stylist to be conservative with the cut.
• Don’t get stuck in a rut. Bobby advises that after 2 years, you should change your cut. You don’t want to be one of those ladies in their late 60’s who has had the same cut for 40 years and everybody wonders who in the world is still making a living outside a nursing home doing pin curls!
• Don’t slide into the chair and say, “I love what you did to my hair 3 times ago.” Your stylist has performed about 500 hair cuts since then, two being on you, and has absolutely no recollection of the cut. If you want the cut from 3 times ago, bring a photo of your cut to help refresh memories.

Here are some hair style DO’s:

• Choose the right shampoo and conditioner. If you want lots of volume, which, by the way is going to be big for fall, choose products that say “Extra Volume” on the label.
• Find the right hairstylist. Ask people whose haircuts you like. Karen Lehane formerly of NBC-13 turned me on to Bobby. I think she has great style, plus she’s really smart. Always a great combo with great hair!
• Maintain your style. Know how long it takes your hair to grow out. For most non-ethnic people it’s somewhere between 4-8 weeks. In the warmer months, hair grows faster.
• After a certain age, short hair on women becomes more flattering. To the face, to the energy, and to the over-all look. Short lengths lifts the face and is generally more healthy, vibrant hair, therefore projecting a more healthy, vibrant person. You look ready for life with short hair. I have short hair, and it’s not because I’ve reached a “certain age”; it’s because I think short hair is sassy and I’m sorta’ sassy, ergo ….
• Ask your stylist to talk you through how to style your new haircut while s/he’s styling it. Many times, you can practice in the chair. Most people don’t know this.
• The same basic cuts never go out of style – it’s how they are styled. You can never go wrong with a classic bob or layers. Mullets, not so much. It’s the variation on styling the cuts that keep your cut looking up-to-date.

Looks for the Fall:

• Red is the new blond. Wa-hoo!
• Colors go “warm” instead of “brassy”
• Curls are back. We’re talking body waves, round brush, and maybe spirals. The flat look of the 1970’s is gone. And curly-headed women will be heard sighing the collective sigh of relief. Adieu, flat iron!
• Easy and quick to fix. Great news for those lucky divas driving convertibles!

I’m off to book another appointment with Bobby before you start hogging all his appointment slots. XOXOXO

Donde est La Diva?

I know, I know. No postings in 5 days. Bad Main Dish. It's the busy time of year with my PR biz, so of course, I scheduled 2 babies during this time of year (several years ago) just to make things more interesting - hence, I'm on the Kiddie Birthday Party Merry Go Round. New parents are so naive! Little did I know then, it's also relentless soccer season and fall ball for tykes (however, I really do love it all). Not to mention football and World Series.

Which brings me to the confession: I have been watching MUCH more TV than normal just to follow my beloved Boston College whip up in the last 2 minutes on VA Tech (who otherwise was handing it to us on a big platter) and the Bo Sox in the World Series - yea! I about withered last night due to it being a travel day, so the Main Squeeze and I planned a Christmas party that will happen about 2 weeks after I return from my Carnegie Hall debut.

Last weekend, the Main Squeeze and I visited Camp Mac and the McBride family - la-la-love them a lot. Allen took the photo of us in the Talladega National Forest (also pictured are Shot Gun and Jake- above and left).

Sorry for the delay. Here's your Diva Lifestyle Reminder for the week: Sometimes, especially when things are beyond hectic, get out of your routine and do something unexpected and get a breath of fresh air. A horseback ride followed by a hike to a gorgeous vista does just the trick!

Flirt Alert

Oooh! One of my favorite topics! Many divas are the cat's meow at flirting and I'm thrilled one of my friends emailed me (again, please post to the blog; numbers, people, numbers!) and asked for a quick lesson. I don't know if that is possible, since it is an art form that needs cultivation and will evolve. Yet, I'll give it a stab just for sport (insert eyelash flutter here, Kitten).

1. Run and get a copy of What Southern Women Know about Flirting by Ronda Rich (I just have to meet her one of these days). This is a primer in flirting. No! It's the Bible of Flirting, frankly. Every time I waft Channel Chance, I give Ronda a little karmic wink. I love her book because she is absolutely right when she suggests that you can flirt with ANYBODY and most of the time (unless the person is dead or a grouch or a female police officer), you're going to get what you're asking for. Really. Promise. http://www.whatsouthernwomenknow.com/ You have to love her; she's a former female sportswriter who now has her own column and she's soooooo cute (sorry, I temporarily channeled a sorority girl. Poof.)

2. Smile all the time. Relax. Look approachable. Look like you're a fun, fun creature - 'cause you know you are, Poodle!

3. Make eye contact. Don't stare; that'd be rude. Look out of the corner of your eye. Tilt head. Blink lightly 6 times rapidly. Giggle. Look straight on. Widen eyes slightly. Smile. (It's a formula.) Apply and repeat. Results guaranteed.

4. Talk. You simply must talk about something, chitty-chatty-like ... unless you have the brain function of Lauren Caitlin Upton (Miss Teen South Carolina- my Temporary Obsession #3, see Edge of Coolness post), then keep your beautifully glossed yapper shut and look pretty and people will talk to you automatically and you can get what you want just by looking really pretty such as.

5. Give the flirtee your FULL ATTENTION. Laugh at their jokes. Nod your head. Smile. See item #3 for a refresher on the formula.

6. Remember flirting is fun. You're not getting a marriage proposal out of this; it's just fun.

7. Wear cute clothes that make you feel good. Not cutsie clothes, puh-leeze. You are a diva, after all. You have self respect. High heels help (adore alliteration?!). If you're a dude needing guidance, I refer you to the fall fashion post.

8. Diva Martha's Life Lesson Flirt Tip: Always, always, always wear lipstick to the grocery store. That's where she ran into my dad - in the check out line - appropriately!!!!! They've been married for 20 years. I was there. She smiled and looked adorable. It works. It didn't hurt that my dad had been trying to date her for 6 months. Please keep Item 6 in mind, but this is the big cha-ching that could be a possible outcome.

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please, please, please don't forget to flirt with your spouse, significant other, or whatever you want to call that special someone in your life who keeps going out with you in public and knows stuff like when you need to do laundry. It's really important.

Clobbering Clutter

School's been in for what, 3 weeks now? Are the papers driving you crazy yet? Is your New And Improved School Organization System at the brink of failure? OR are you saying to yourself, now that we're in the swing of the school year, I guess it's time for me to get around to all that organizational stuff I kept putting off until school starts. Welcome to it, my little minx!

How can we Clobber Clutter? I have a few overall tips. But of course, dahling!

Aim Low
Realize that your goal should not be “Get Totally Organized”. Impossible. Overwhelming. Never gonna’ happen. Sorta’ like me saying, “Hey, I should drop 15 lbs., so I’m going off to climb Mt. Everest.” Not a chance of that ever coming to fruition. Completely wrong scale, here.

Pick your Poison
No one I know rubs his or her hands gleefully and says, “I can’t wait to get organized”. It’s more of a defeat-est thing. Like, “I can’t take it another minute. I can’t get anything done. Guess I should break down and do something about this clutter problem.” Whatever the impetus, break the problem down into small, do-able goals:

• Tackle the paper on every flat surface in the house
• Pick a room to organize
• Choose to start with your desk/ kitchen cabinets/ kids toys

Assign a Happy Home for the wayward items

• Get a wire basket for the mail and put it on the counter where you “land” when you come in the door
• Get a hook for each person in the family. Each person has a hook to hang their raincoat / jacket /backpack – preferably in a closet
• Tools belong in a toolbox. Tool boxes belong in places like a garage or basement or work room.
• Library books. Hang a tote bag on a door knob and keep the library books in it.
• CDs. Keep a small CD box (I have one with a lid that closes) near the CD player and put the ones you play the most in that.
• Toys. Well, that’s a stand-alone category. You may want to decide where toy zones are and organize from there. That is, unless you have particularly neat kids, and then, I probably can’t relate to you at all.

Well, there's more wisdom I can impart, but it's a holiday still and I have a little more cocktailing to do, so if you'll excuse me, I'll hit this weighty issue tomorrow, Scarlet!

Cheers!

The Edge of Coolness

Waiting in carpool pick up line the other day, it hit me: Am I in danger of losing my edge? When did eye cream start regularly appearing on my grocery list? I didn’t feel compelled to check how much I had left a few years ago before jetting off to the store. Eye cream today, support hose tomorrow. Shriek!

Highlights of the Main Dish's action plan to actively keep the edge alive and kicking:

1. Update the vocab. This is important to retaining the edge if for no other reason than if you have kids, you truly need to understand what they’re saying – it could become a safety issue. This suggestion sports a warning label: Know how to use the new and improved vocab correctly or your cover will be blown to bits. I highly recommend regularly checking http://slang.otheday.com/ who’s mission in life is to keep me sleeping with the boss (TRANSLATION: on top of my game). Get your mind out of the gutter; I don’t have a boss!

2. Keep current on current topics. This is pretty easy to do once you figure out what entertains you. If you want to know more about politics, by all means, read several newspapers and magazines dedicated to that field. This diva doesn’t like all that arguing (Mental Bubble Gum Chewer that I am), so I keep up with Brittany Spears, Amy Winehouse, and the lovely Miss Teen South Carolina. They really put my life into perspective like nothing else. Compared to them, I’m not only really together and a competent adult, I’m a MENTAL GIANT. This is especially rewarding after a day of demands from kids and coworkers wanting outrageous results ranging from producing supper that they’ll actually eat to turning in reports in a timely fashion.

2 (a) Personal Temporary Obsession #3 Lauren Caitlin Upton (a.k.a Miss Teen South Carolina). For sport, I’m embracing a temporary quest to end a majority of sentences in “such as”. What better way to keep people listening to you when you have nothing further to say much less the inability to talk suscintly and make sense simultaneously?! This is Verbal Bubble Gum and I simply must try it. I’m seriously considering writing a post using this format such as. Lemme know what you think, m’K.

3. Seek adventure. Start small: Try a different restaurant, a new ethnic food, call a friend you haven't seen in years and go to lunch. None of these takes much time or planning, so get off your JLo-inspired butt and go have some fun. Now, if you really want to spice up your life, get out. Travel. Intimidated? Go to a state or national park – I highly recommend the Caribbean National Forest in Puerto Rico, the only rainforest in the US Park system.

When does a diva have time to work on her edge? Carpool line! How else are you going to fill up those 21 minutes of your day?

It’s not so much that a diva loses her cool edge, she just may not realize it slips away bit by bit. The work, school, soccer schedules organize our lives, but the danger to our edges comes when we slip into becoming schedule drones. Fight it. Kick your game up a notch, Pumpkin. Embrace your inner fabulousness. Reclaim your cool edge such as.