Author Archives: Ilene

Church of The Diva

Posted on by

I am a recovering adult child of the religiously traumatized.  If you were force fed religion as a child for the sole purpose of performing in a rite of passage ceremony at a certain age, perhaps you know what I mean.  If the messengers of that said religion delivered its doctrines while instilling in you fear, guilt, and confusion, then maybe you too, once suffered from the condition I am talking about.   It didn't help that the God they presented to me was not the most loving and forgiving of all holy beings.   God was watching, and he was judging.  … Continue reading →

Green Smoothie Nation

Posted on by

If you're looking for the party, it's over here.  Oh, and I should warn you.  There's a lot of drinking going on…drinking of Green Smoothies,  that is.  A few weeks ago, I beckoned my friends, family, blog readers, Twitter followers, anyone in ear shot, to join me in the 30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge, organized by Amanda Brooks of Run to the Finish.  The only "rule," was to drink a smoothie a day that needed to include two cups of greens, such as spinach or kale.  Now, you all know what a green smoothie enthusiast I am.  Amanda didn't have … Continue reading →

Oh, How I Want To Be Clever!

Posted on by

"You need to get dressed!" I shriek.  Miss F lies on the living room couch with her head resting on the arm,  eyes half closed. "I don't know what to wear."  Not a day goes by with us not having this discussion.    "Mom, can I have more cereal," my Little Dude asks from the kitchen.  The Dude loves morning.  He's been dressed and ready to go since 6:55.       It's been raining on and off on this chilly New Jersey June morning, and the weather adds to my misfires.  I run to the fridge and forget why I'm there.   … Continue reading →

Lucky

Posted on by

Thirty eight dollar and ninety six cents? How can that be all that's left in my bank account? I stare at the screen of the ATM machine, and retrace my steps from the past few weeks.  I don't remember spending all that money!   Back at home, I lock myself in my office and go through my check records, but not without several knocks on my door. "Mommy, I thought we were going to the store to get ice cream," Miss F asks from the hallway. "We can't get ice cream today honey." "But you promised. " "I know baby, … Continue reading →

My Photo Scandal on Facebook

Posted on by

" WOAH!" "I don't believe you!" "Just checking to see if you are OK." "Rebel!" These were just a few of the comments that I received last weekend, when I posted this picture on my personal Facebook page along with the following caption: "Those of you who know me well will appreciate what I'm having for dinner…if not be shocked by it." People who knew me were surprised – if not amused  – that I was having a slice of pizza with fries for dinner.   As a matter of fact, it was one of the most commented-on posts I have … Continue reading →

I Steal Cars

Posted on by

"Why do you want to take my car?"  he asked. I could tell by his tone that he was uneasy with the request. "Mine does better on gas," I replied.  We were on a tight budget.  My econo-box got at least fifteen miles more per gallon than my husband's full sized SUV.  When my husband started commuting to school once a week last September, it made sense for him to take the car that was more economical on the road.   "All right, where are your keys," he responded.  He wasn't convinced this was a good idea. I remember that … Continue reading →

I Am A Runner

Posted on by

Early on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, I slip out of the house before my children awaken.  I head down to the quaint seaside town of Spring Lake, New Jersey, not for a beach day, but to participate in the  Spring Lake Five, a five mile road race, which, in the past 35 years, has transitioned from a small town happening to a nationally recognized event.  The race was founded in 1977, as the running craze was gaining momentum on the heels of Frank Shorter's Olympic marathon win in 1972. My father was part of that 1970's running explosion, … Continue reading →

Confessions of a Kale Smoothie Addict

Posted on by

On Friday, June 1st,  I begin a 30 day challenge hosted by Amanda Brooks, Creator of Run To The Finish, a website whose mission is to motivate healthy living.  Amanda is the adorable and captivating narrator of articles whose topics include running, nutrition, meditation, and yoga.  Obviously, she's a Diva after my own heart. The challenge will require me to drink a smoothie, consisting of kale, broccoli, carrots, banana, and protein powder every day during the month of June. Amanda, if you stumble upon this post, I have a confession to make.  This 30-day green smoothie challenge really isn't much … Continue reading →

Dogs Conquer All

Posted on by

When I told my husband that we needed "dog energy" in our house, he looked at me as if I had three heads.  I'm used to this look. As the poster girl for "Yoga-As-The-Answer," this is the same look I get from my husband when I mention to him that one of my chakras is out of alignment, or that I'm having trouble focusing with my third eye.  "Maybe your third eye needs glasses," my husband will say from across the dinner table, devouring his steak and mashed potatoes, as I sit opposite him with my plate of quinoa and … Continue reading →

How I Won the Heart of Justin Timberlake

Posted on by

I knew I was staring but couldn't stop myself.  He tapped his foot on the floor to the rhythm of the music as he silently mouthed the words to the song, with a slight exaggeration to his expression.  He was completely into what he was doing.  He was adorable.    Trixie was right.  The DJ did look like Justin Timberlake. Except the "real" JT was older by comparison.  This kid could not have been more than twenty-three?  Twenty-four?     He provided the entertainment at the First Holy Communion party for Trixie's daughter, held at a banquet hall tucked away in … Continue reading →