We've seen some high profile relationships involving a 70 or 80 year old man with a 20-something year old woman. Funny enough this seems fodder for reality television with E!s Girls Next Door which starred the 80 something Hugh Hefner, 85, with his 20 something girlfriends. Then there was Anna Nicole Smith who married an 89 year old billionaire, she also had a reality TV show on E!.
If you've read this blog before, you'll know that I'm a fan of Bravo and the Real Housewives. I just learned that Sonja from the New York season was married to an 80 year old man and was shocked that there was such a drastic difference in their age. Hearing her speak of her husband I never expected him to be a man that could have been her grandfather and I think I lost a little of my love and respect for her.
I don't get it. I feel within 10 years difference is the best since it would seem people from the same decade would have the most in common and could relate to each other's lifestyle, pop culture, music, etc. I get why many girls go for guys that are 20 years their senior because they are looking for security and being taken care of. It's the father syndrome, I think particularly for girls who grew up without a father figure and are desperately looking to fill that void.
But when the gap starts reaching 30 years or more, I find it hard to understand how there is any mutual ground. How there is anything in common to talk about and how there could possibly be any physical attraction. It seems the two big reasons that are the glue for these relationships are money and fame for the woman and the trophy wife for the man.
There's a recent Hollywood marriage between a 51 year old actor and a 16 year old wanna-be-actress. I find it disturbing that her parents would allow this to take place. The groom is older then the bride's father and this man could be her grandfather. She seems to come from a dysfunctional family because any parent that would allow their 16 year to get married is bad enough but allowing their 16 year old to marry a 51 year old man is unfathomable to me. How they could sign papers to give their blessing to a marriage rather then going straight to the police station to file a restraining order and file charges against him. I believe she is too young and naive to really get it and fully understand her feelings. For him, however, I can only think pedophile.
As they say, most famously the Beatles, live and let live. So who am I to judge as long as the parties involved are happy. But at the same time, really? Really I don't get it.
Jan
Moms. Friends. Girl Power All the Way!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Family Fun Vacation--Bar Harbor, ME
My family and I have never been to Maine, it is our first visit and we love it! We are well traveled and have been to lots of places for vacations but we really enjoy Maine. There is alot to see and do. We went first to Kenebunkport and then headed to Bar Harbor. Kenebunkport is a cute little town and reminds you of Nantucket Island with cute little shops. It is also where our former President George Bush lives. You might spot him and the former First Lady around town, like we did!
Then another 4 hours down the coast of Maine we made our way to Bar Harbor. It is where one of our National parks is located, Arcadia National Park, what a breathtaking place, with mountain views and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Frenchman's Bay on the other! There is also tons of activities to keep the family active like hiking trails, biking trails, whale watching, and boating. Not to even mention shopping!
A great store to stop into is "Cool is a Moose", they have great stuff. It is in the center of downtown Bar Harbor but it is a chain and you can find them throughout Maine. If you have a chance don't forget to stop into L.L. Bean! There is the biggest shop in Freeport, Maine.
If you are able to go whale watching make sure you are prepared for rough seas. Alot of people got really sick, luckily my husband and I anticipated rough seas and took dramamine. The rough seas didn't bother our kids but suprisingly there were other kids that did get sick, usually the younger ones are not as affected by motion sickness. We were able to see at least 6 whales though, which was a beautiful sight to see. It was fun and exciting for the whole family.
There is also camping which the kids love! I would take a five star hotel over camping myself, but I love to see my kids having fun, it was worth the stiff neck and backache from sleeping on an air mattress on the ground! We camped right on the water. There are alot of local campsites in the area with lots of fun activites for the kids. There is nothing like building a campfire and toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and meeting other campers. We met a nice family from Quebec, Canada.
We also did alot of hiking even my almost 4 year old enjoyed it! It was adventurous hiking through the trails with scenic views! There is also biking through Arcadia National Park and don't forget swimming in the lakes and ocean. What a great place for family vacations! If you have never been, it would definately be worth the trip. While you are there you must order the maine lobster! The best lobster I have ever tasted! Besides their lobster, Maine is well known for their great tasting blueberries! They are smalller than most blueberries but taste great!
We loved it so much we plan on taking another long weekend to Portland, ME. I will let you know how it is. If you are able to make a trip down to Maine or have already been, let me know which part of Maine you visited and how you liked it!
Steph
Then another 4 hours down the coast of Maine we made our way to Bar Harbor. It is where one of our National parks is located, Arcadia National Park, what a breathtaking place, with mountain views and the Atlantic Ocean on one side and Frenchman's Bay on the other! There is also tons of activities to keep the family active like hiking trails, biking trails, whale watching, and boating. Not to even mention shopping!
A great store to stop into is "Cool is a Moose", they have great stuff. It is in the center of downtown Bar Harbor but it is a chain and you can find them throughout Maine. If you have a chance don't forget to stop into L.L. Bean! There is the biggest shop in Freeport, Maine.
If you are able to go whale watching make sure you are prepared for rough seas. Alot of people got really sick, luckily my husband and I anticipated rough seas and took dramamine. The rough seas didn't bother our kids but suprisingly there were other kids that did get sick, usually the younger ones are not as affected by motion sickness. We were able to see at least 6 whales though, which was a beautiful sight to see. It was fun and exciting for the whole family.
There is also camping which the kids love! I would take a five star hotel over camping myself, but I love to see my kids having fun, it was worth the stiff neck and backache from sleeping on an air mattress on the ground! We camped right on the water. There are alot of local campsites in the area with lots of fun activites for the kids. There is nothing like building a campfire and toasting marshmallows, sharing stories and meeting other campers. We met a nice family from Quebec, Canada.
We also did alot of hiking even my almost 4 year old enjoyed it! It was adventurous hiking through the trails with scenic views! There is also biking through Arcadia National Park and don't forget swimming in the lakes and ocean. What a great place for family vacations! If you have never been, it would definately be worth the trip. While you are there you must order the maine lobster! The best lobster I have ever tasted! Besides their lobster, Maine is well known for their great tasting blueberries! They are smalller than most blueberries but taste great!
We loved it so much we plan on taking another long weekend to Portland, ME. I will let you know how it is. If you are able to make a trip down to Maine or have already been, let me know which part of Maine you visited and how you liked it!
Steph
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Book Bag - Bossypants by Tina Fey
I am not the kind of reader that reads a book in 3 days but I read Tina Fey's Bossypants in 3 days. The book is more like having a conversation then reading a book. It's like getting really good emails from your friend about what's going on in their lives. It's written in a playful way and reads quickly and easily.
It's interesting to read about Tina Fey's humble beginnings. It shared some great quirky childhood experiences and it was great to remember simpler times and those awkward childhood memories that only now we can look back at and laugh about.
It also shows how far women have come over the past 20 years as she references her former boss from Second City who believed that no one wanted to see two women on stage and to see that she would then go on to become one of the biggest sensations on Saturday Night Live and shared the stage with Amy Poehler doing Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin achieving one of the best ratings for SNL and was global hit.
Tina Fey is a great writer and this is truly a fun book. It's a great summer read and I highly recommend adding this to your summer book list.
Jan
It's interesting to read about Tina Fey's humble beginnings. It shared some great quirky childhood experiences and it was great to remember simpler times and those awkward childhood memories that only now we can look back at and laugh about.
It also shows how far women have come over the past 20 years as she references her former boss from Second City who believed that no one wanted to see two women on stage and to see that she would then go on to become one of the biggest sensations on Saturday Night Live and shared the stage with Amy Poehler doing Hilary Clinton and Sarah Palin achieving one of the best ratings for SNL and was global hit.
Tina Fey is a great writer and this is truly a fun book. It's a great summer read and I highly recommend adding this to your summer book list.
Jan
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Schools is out---engaging young minds
School is out for the summer! I am excited to have more time with my kids but at the same time I know it can be quite a disaster if they don't continue to have a structured schedule. It is important that even in the summer kids contnue to learn and have some structure. Many studies have documented that kids experience a "summer slide" in which kids do not engage their minds enough during summer break.
There are some activities that can keeps kids engaged. I like to take my kids on lots of mini vacations just for a day, or a long weekend. I take them to historical sites, learning centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, nature parks. This is a great way to have fun while still learning.
Cooking and baking with kids is a great way to keep minds engaged while having fun trying new recipes. Rice crispie treats are easy, fun to make, and tasty. It is easy to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nerds, gummie bears or any favorite topping.
Today we went to the craft store and bought clay. We came home and spent almost 2 hours making clay objects and baking them in the oven. We made a small bowl and cute little ceramic animals.
In the summer, I make sure the kids have alot of outdoor time, swimming, playing games, and staying active. I also make sure we spend at least 30 minutes a day reading.
These are just a few ideas to keep your children engaged throughout the summer. Good Luck and have fun!
Steph
There are some activities that can keeps kids engaged. I like to take my kids on lots of mini vacations just for a day, or a long weekend. I take them to historical sites, learning centers, museums, zoos, aquariums, nature parks. This is a great way to have fun while still learning.
Cooking and baking with kids is a great way to keep minds engaged while having fun trying new recipes. Rice crispie treats are easy, fun to make, and tasty. It is easy to add sprinkles, chocolate chips, nerds, gummie bears or any favorite topping.
Today we went to the craft store and bought clay. We came home and spent almost 2 hours making clay objects and baking them in the oven. We made a small bowl and cute little ceramic animals.
In the summer, I make sure the kids have alot of outdoor time, swimming, playing games, and staying active. I also make sure we spend at least 30 minutes a day reading.
These are just a few ideas to keep your children engaged throughout the summer. Good Luck and have fun!
Steph
Monday, July 18, 2011
Casey Anthony's Free but 28 States are Considering Caylee's Law
Casey Anthony has been released from jail and is now free.
The good news from this horrible tragedy is that 28 states are considering enacting Caylee's Law which would make not reporting a missing child within 24 hours or not reporting the death of a child and the whereabouts of the corpse within 2 hours. In addition to these 28 states, George Anthony has reportedly also expressed support of this law, according to the Washington Post.
The petition for Caylee's Law has been signed by 1.2 million supporters. If you have not, this is a way you can have a voice to prevent a case like this from happening again. You can also write to your State representatives. The petition has a sample letter you can copy and paste into an email to your State rep.
Jan
The good news from this horrible tragedy is that 28 states are considering enacting Caylee's Law which would make not reporting a missing child within 24 hours or not reporting the death of a child and the whereabouts of the corpse within 2 hours. In addition to these 28 states, George Anthony has reportedly also expressed support of this law, according to the Washington Post.
The petition for Caylee's Law has been signed by 1.2 million supporters. If you have not, this is a way you can have a voice to prevent a case like this from happening again. You can also write to your State representatives. The petition has a sample letter you can copy and paste into an email to your State rep.
Jan
Friday, July 15, 2011
Have You Been Touched Today?--Get Touched!
It is a fact that the human touch is healing. It has been proven that hugging, holding hands, caressing, massaging and intimacy with your partner can lower your heart rate and blood pressure. It can also increase immune function and relieve pain. It can help relieve stress, make you less anxious and give you an overall feeling of well being. It can make you healthier.
"The act of embracing floods our bodies with oxytocin a "bonding hormone" that makes people feel secure and trusting towards each other, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces stress. Women who get more hugs from their partners have higher levels of oxytocin and lower blood pressure and heart rates, according to research done at the University of North Carolina."
Holding hands with your hubby can be calming. "James Coan, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, discovered this when he admistered functional MRI's to 16 married women while telling them they might experience a mild shock. The resulting anxiety caused the images of their brain activity to light up like a Christmas trees. But when the women held hands with their husbands the stress response subsided.
It has been proven that babies that were born "preemies who get "kangaroo care" (snuggling skin to skin against their parent's bare chest) spend fewer days in the hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
Even getting a massage proved to be beneficial to your overall health. "Adults who recieved a massage had substatially more white blood cells which help the body fight off viruses."
The question is did you get touched today? If you want to live a healthier, happier and maybe even longer life, you need the human touch! So stop reading and go get touched!
Steph
quotes from Health Magazine
"The act of embracing floods our bodies with oxytocin a "bonding hormone" that makes people feel secure and trusting towards each other, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces stress. Women who get more hugs from their partners have higher levels of oxytocin and lower blood pressure and heart rates, according to research done at the University of North Carolina."
Holding hands with your hubby can be calming. "James Coan, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, discovered this when he admistered functional MRI's to 16 married women while telling them they might experience a mild shock. The resulting anxiety caused the images of their brain activity to light up like a Christmas trees. But when the women held hands with their husbands the stress response subsided.
It has been proven that babies that were born "preemies who get "kangaroo care" (snuggling skin to skin against their parent's bare chest) spend fewer days in the hospital neonatal intensive care unit.
Even getting a massage proved to be beneficial to your overall health. "Adults who recieved a massage had substatially more white blood cells which help the body fight off viruses."
The question is did you get touched today? If you want to live a healthier, happier and maybe even longer life, you need the human touch! So stop reading and go get touched!
Steph
quotes from Health Magazine
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Congratulations!-- Derek Jeter
The other day Derek Jeter hit his 3,000th hit, a home run! My daughter was so excited! She loves the Yankees and has gone to a dozen games already. When she was only about 4 years old she said she wanted to marry Derek Jeter when she grew up, but now she is 11 years old and says he is way to old for her! She has joined the "I hate boys club".
My daughter loves baseball and softball. She knows all the Yankee players and all about each player. One of her favorite players is Derek Jeter. She currently joined a co-ed baseball team, she is currently the only girl. She hit a grand slam and a home run her first day!
I am so proud of her that she is not afraid to play baseball with boys. I am so happy that I have raised my girls to believe that they can do anything that a boy can do. Neither one of them are limited to girls only and boys only stereotypes. I encouraged them to play with girls and boys equally.
We love Derek Jeter because he wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. He dreamed of playing for the Yankees when he was a boy and even admits he wasn't the best player on his little league team. But, he never stopped practicing and trying harder and believing he would some day play for the Yankees! Congratulations Derek Jeter! We love you!
Steph
My daughter loves baseball and softball. She knows all the Yankee players and all about each player. One of her favorite players is Derek Jeter. She currently joined a co-ed baseball team, she is currently the only girl. She hit a grand slam and a home run her first day!
I am so proud of her that she is not afraid to play baseball with boys. I am so happy that I have raised my girls to believe that they can do anything that a boy can do. Neither one of them are limited to girls only and boys only stereotypes. I encouraged them to play with girls and boys equally.
We love Derek Jeter because he wasn't afraid to follow his dreams. He dreamed of playing for the Yankees when he was a boy and even admits he wasn't the best player on his little league team. But, he never stopped practicing and trying harder and believing he would some day play for the Yankees! Congratulations Derek Jeter! We love you!
Steph
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