Memorial Day is upon us, people....

And with that, the promise of sunnier days, barbecues, long days at the pool, the NJ shore, and all of the magical splendor that summer has to offer.  But you know, there is always the other side of the coin....with that warm weather comes the last day of school, and 3 days later, the inevitable "I'm bored" 5867 times a day, the non-stop harassment for the snack bar and the latest (crack) sugar snack, the ice cream man, camps, activities, etc. Summer is a comin', better hold onto your patience AND your pockets.  We're going to need some back up here, luckily, I got you covered.

What's to drink.... 

The first time I tried this wine was over a boozy brunch at the Jockey Hollow Mansion, in Morristown, NJ.  I was convinced it was fancy-pants wine since I was surrounded by pillars and a shit load of marble. Note to self, and you, sometimes a $15 glass of wine comes from a $10.99 bottle.  Enter Hugel, this French wine from Alsace holds it's own whether you're drinking in a historical mansion or a cozy 3 bedroom split in New Providence.  And it's the only bottle of wine you'll be able to afford after budgeting out all your summer expenses. Check it out, your palate and bank account will thank me later. 

Gentil Hugel 2014- Alsace, France

What's to eat....

I haven't felt like cooking lately.  I get into these cooking slumps once in a while. You know, when the thought of preparing a whole meal makes you want to stick your (big) head in the oven. I don't want to traumatize my kids any more than I already have, so luckily I have a few fall-back, go-to recipes to keep me from ordering take out 3 nights a week.  Head, wallet, waist, and kids all saved. 

Chicken Pizza

Working on my fitness....

Memorial Day.  Bathing suits.  Lots of skin exposed.  Can we not have a fucking panic attack over this, guys (ladies). The whole swimsuit ready thing, what a crock of shit. Who's the asshole that came up with this idea? Do we really need ANOTHER thing to have to be ready for? I'll tell you what, at any given time I have to be prepared for a variety of looming crises. We ALL have shit going on, so can we not add this to the list? Here's what we're gonna do.... Slap some sunscreen on that ass (and your face, and all over your body, really), throw on a bathing suit, and sashay that ass into the pool, onto the beach, into the god damn grocery store, if you're feeling it (that may be against the law, actually). You get the idea, though. You're beautiful, baby.  Don't forget that.  

Wishing you ALL of the Good Stuff.

XO
Tara


P.S. Memorial Day, 15 years ago, was when I was first introduced to LBI. It was love at first sight. Thank you, TJK.