A Place In The Sun

Thanks for all your kind and encouraging words on my upcoming blog revamp. Eeee... Nail biting. I'm so grateful to my talented friend Jax for taking my long and confused call and giving me such great advice. Check out her new blog home here.

We'll see how it all works out. Please be patient with me.



In the meantime, Happy Friday to you. Jack and I hope you find a little patch of sun to sit and grab a little chill time.



Best,
Kwana

I'm Crushing Your Head

What's Jack up to? Being Jack and staying in the soup. It's door locking and trash cans up for me because Jack has been especially feisty lately. Fun, fun, fun. Not.

In the meantime... this week is crushed. Happy Friday!


Best,
Kwana

Like Old Times

What’s Jack up to? The Jackster is doing fine. He’s spent most of the weekend being his own demanding self and giving me this look which says can you get off your butt and get me a treat or something lady? This is usually following by an impolite nudge.

Here are a few pics from my weekend.

Cocktail meatballs simmering for Nana’s Birthday get together and Pokeno game. Can you say Shweaty Balls?

And deviled eggs. Does anybody make them anymore? I do!

Then the game at Nana’s so much fun. We haven’t played in ages. When I was a kid Nana and her friends would play cards until the wee hours of the morning. Now it was the next generation's turn and only one of Nana’s old friends (Mrs. G) got to come up to the apartment. We were all so glad to see her since she had not been well and was out of the hospital. She was so happy to play cards and party like the old days that she stayed up talking with Nana and closed the party at 2am!



I hope you have a lovely week.

Best,
Kwana

Happy Birthday Nana

What's Jack up to? Why he'll have extra pep in his step today because today is the birthday of his best girl...NANA!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Words cannot say how much we love you.

You are the best grandmother a person could ever ask for and the

best Nana in the world...to everyone!

Love,
Kwana, DH, DD,DS and
Jack

Help When You Need It

What’s Jack up to? Jack is doing good. The silly little dog is having a day with the dear twins since is been officially called a snow day so the weekend begins early at my house. Enough with the snow please. I'm done.

And yes, this was a huge honking storm. Trees down and all that. My DH got stuck and his car couldn’t make it up the hill coming home last night. Thankfully he was in front of the town’s fire house and a bunch of young guys came out and pushed his car up the hill.
It’s so good to have help when you need it.
These pics were taken at night.


Then later when walking Jack late in the evening he saw a huge tree had fallen around the corner. Of course I had to go out and see. Down right on the power lines.


On our walk suddenly the big guns were out, this huge tractor. The driver was so funny. He pulled up beside us and said, “Did you call a cab?” Yep, Good to have help when you need it.

Speaking of help when you need it... Laura from Shore(house) Chic blog is doing a Help for Haiti auction over at her blog. Because they still need so much help and will for a long time to come. Laura has some wonderful handmade pieces to go to the highest bidder. Go here to check it out.

Best,
Kwana

Winter in Paris

What’s Jack up to? Oh that Jack is trying my last nerve. Yesterday after a workout with my new Shape Up sneakers I decided to reward myself with a nice bath before continuing with my chores and getting ready for the Dear Twins to come home. Well, I ran my bubble bath, closed the door just about all the way, and went about doing some things when I looked and saw Jack acting squirrely. Tossing and flipping like he was trying to dry himself. Well… sigh… that little stinker had jumped into my bath before I could. Can you believe it? I fixed him and a chased him down and gave him a bath for real. Don’t know what’s more work. One little dog or 16 year old twins.

Yeah, I know, it’s the Teen Twins (but Jack is close). They returned home last night tired and happy to see us (Jack the most). Paris was a love, love, love even in the winter (they had a bit of snow). I'm so happy they are back safe and sound. What a joy for us to send them on this trip and to have them return to us.

I will report more soon. Enjoy your day.

Painting of Paris in the Winter by Antoine Blanchard

Best,
Kwana

Thank Heaven

What's Jack up to? Well he was way too happy in the snow yesterday. Rolling around and having a ball. I just could not muster up the same enthusiasm. Sorry Jack I'm just over it now.

The Dear Twins will be home tonight! I've missed them a lot but it's been a good miss and gone by so fast. Quickly we'll all be back to the grind.
In honor of the twins coming home I leave you with this trailer and clip from Gigi with Leslie Caron one of my all time favorite movies that pays homage to gay Paris!







Best,
Kwana

Happy President's Day

What's Jack up to? Jack is doing well. Missing the Dear Twins but happy to have all the attention of the house to himself. It's all about Jack right now... but really when is it not?

I hope you had a nice Valentine's day. Mine was lovely spent with the DH and seeing him sing in the male choir for Men's day. Here's a pic of my pretty roses that he gave me. What a sweetheart.

In honor of the Dear Twins I'm keeping up with the French theme this week with this pic of our President and First lady on their past visit to France for President's day today.




So far I hear the twins are having a wonderful time, visiting Versailles yesterday one of the most beautiful places on earth in my opinion. They even got to go into more private rooms like the opera house which is not for pubic view and sit. Lucky kids. I'm so glad they are having this experience. Their teachers blog for the parents every night and send us pics to tell about the trip. It looks like a blast. Yesterday there was even a sweet Valentine message video from Versailles.








Happy Presidents day to you. Enjoy!




Best,
Kwana

Paris Has My Heart

What's Jack up to? He's wondering where the Dear Twins have gotten to right about now. Spent lots of time on top of the couch and watching the window yesterday. I'm sure right now he's like what the heck is up and where are they? Sorry Jack.

Bonjour! The Dear Twins got off to Paris yesterday evening and I'm trying hard not to worry too much while waiting for scattered calls. I'm hoping all goes well when they meet their generous host families and they find their ways around ok.

Hey, maybe they'll be like these kids here, rocking it along the Seine.

You'll be glad to hear I fought hard and won the battle of the tears when the bus was pulling away from the school (I didn't want to embarrass them too much).

But I did get in an extra hug or two. I just had to.

Best,

Kwana

photo from Art.com

Smart Snow Dog

So what about all that snow the east coast got socked with huh? Just what we didn’t need and the dear twins are supposed to head for Paris today with their French group. I sure hope all goes off on time and well. Please send good bloggy vibes their way.

Yesterday the family headed out to brave the snow and do some shoveling and cleaning of the cars.




Jack wasn’t all that thrilled with the idea and had to seriously consider stepping off the porch.






Once he did he got into the swing of things for a bit, that is until the DH opened the car door for a moment and like a shot Jack was gone.




Into the sanctuary of the warm car. Leaving us outside to clean up on our own. Smart dog.

Best,
Kwana

P.S. There is still time to enter the Cara Elliot Sin with a Scoundrel giveaway from yesterday's post below.

Super Romance

What’s Jack up to? Jack is full and content though a bit sad after a lovely weekend visit from Nana where he was spoiled silly. He really does love her like crazy and she is just nuts for him. It’s too cute.

How was your weekend? Did you watch the Superbowl on Sunday? I watched quite a bit, that is until the last installment of Emma came on PBS at 9 then I was off. Though I know the story it was much more exciting than the Superbowl for me.
Did you watch? If you didn’t you can watch it online here.

Or at least take the: Bachelors of Highbury Quiz. I scored with Mr. Knightley. My Mr. Knightly!

Best,

Kwana

P.S.

Congrats Saints! I wonder will Kim get her ring now?

Everything's Better With Bacon

What's Jack up to? Jack's doing good, hanging, doing his usual Jack thing full of vim and vigor that is until about 9:00 when his sleepy kicks in. Then all bets are off and nobody better mess with him when he's trying to get his sleep on. Zzzzzzzz.....



So, I'm sure many of you have heard the saying, "everything taste better with bacon." Well, one of my knitting buddies, T went and proved it yesterday when she brought this for the group to sample. that's right bacon flavored chocolate. To it's credit she didn't tell us the secret ingredient and the bacon wasn't overpowering so we were all guessing for quite a while. I got very close when I said something smoked. It combined sweet and salty perfectly. Have you ever?

Sadly, I have. You should have seen the faces when I fessed up to having potato chips with my chocolate ice cream. Yum.



Tell me what odd treats do you like to have on the sly?



If you'd like to try the bacon flavored chocolate you can get it from Vosges here.



Best,
Kwana

A Dog's Life-Wordless Wednesday

Let's all take a lesson from Jack today shall we and schedule a little chill time today. It does a mind and body good.
Happy Wednesday! For more Wordless Wednesday posts go to 5 Minutes for Mom.



Best,
Kwana

Going Gaga for Fashion

What’s Jack up to? Jack has been sneaky lately with getting into the trash on the DL and stealing my laundry, annoying things like that to let me know Jack’s in the house and be on the lookout.

Ms. That’s Not My Age (you can check out her cool blog here) asked me to talk about Lady Gaga's costumes a bit and I’m more than happy to. Her costumes were super fab. As you can imagine they were over the top and in pure Gaga style. Some swallowed her tiny body whole others barely covered her up and I’m speaking about a fiery red bikini that she danced like mad around on the stage in. A particular fave of mine was a gold number that took me back to a movie a loved Flash Gordon, but once again I’m dating myself. I really need to stop doing that.

All the wild fashions were not on the stage either. I wish I had taken pics of the crowd. There was a guy with a jacket made of lights that I was so glad I wasn’t seated behind. Also quite a few women my age (and size) in unitards (not pretty at all) and the coolest and coldest duo were two guys in loincloths and boots and that was it all except the blue body paint ala Avatar. Very fun.

Best,

Kwana

most photos thanks to Socilaite Life

Playing My Position

What's Jack up to? Jack's doing just fine. Getting into bits of trouble here and there but that's just Jack so what's more to say? Happy Monday!



I made it through the Gaga weekend. Though by DD and her friends did lots of fretting over what they were going to wear I decided to play my position and go as, well, me The 40 Year Old Mother in jeans, an olive draped sweater, and my comfy Uggs. Yes, I said it Uggs. Ga-Ga indeed. But my feet didn't hurt. Lordy I am getting old.

But, I've had my days of dress-up and fun way back in the day. Saturday night I was just there to fade in the background and keep and eye on things, make sure the girls weren't snatched up or anything.


Of course I enjoyed the show while I was trying to fade. I did my share of head bobbing and danced a bit when I could sneaked it in without a dirty look sent my way. I particularly liked the opening act, a glam rock band called Semi Precious Weapons that my DD told me I was too old to like as much as I did. Sigh. Whatever. (insert eye roll here)

Here was my tweet on the subject. I was having fun but am afraid the girls were corrupted:

Lead singer just stripped and changed on stage I'm afraid girls are changed forever same as me with Prince the first time. 6:47 PM Jan 23rd from web

Lady Gaga put in a great show. I have to say I liked her before but really like her even more now. She has so much talent and energy and knows how to use it to her advantage. Am I a little monster? Maybe.




All in all a good time, though I could have done without the drinks being thrown down from me from overhead. I'm wayyyy to old for that crap.




Here is a little Semi Precious Weapons for you if you can deal. ***Warning explicit lyrics.*** Not for the faint of heart. Have fun.





Best,
Kwana

Before and After

What's Jack up to? He's looking like a new dog after his much needed haircut this weekend and I'd swear he has some extra pep in his step. It must be from lugging all that shaggy hair weight.


It was totally my own fault

And seeing how good he looks now I'm just ashamed (Kwana hangs head...until next time).



Sorry Jackster.
Have you ever just let things (like your poor pet or gasp, your own hair) go?



Best,
Kwana

Framed

What's Jack up to? Jack is feeling quite spry since he's sporting a new and very badly needed haircut which he got for the Dear Twins birthday celebration. Of course he was the main greeter and the life of the party, trying his best to get at snacks and cake. I'll have a pic to show you soon.

So I had to get new glasses. Mine just up a broke on me while I was doing nothing but chopping onions. Must have been chopping too hard, who knows because suddenly the handle was just off and could not be repaired so I had to up and get a new pair. Ugh and I loved those glasses.

Now I'm a huge glasses wearer. I have contacts, but never really feel comfortable with them since I've worn classes since about 3rd grade so I feel they are a part of me.

I drag the DH shopping with me and quickly settle on 3 pair although I'm not quite certain and wish I had maybe 100 more to choose from. My glasses are ready in about an hour and I go home. That evening it's another family celebration out and folks say my new glasses look nice but I'm not convinced. I feel like Henry Kissinger in them. They were lovely D&G frames, black, but I think too masculine for me. I felt I needed to be solving a serious missile crises in those glasses and not hanging on my blog talking to you all. I know, weirdo!

So after bugging my DH till about 2am (he growls) I was back at the eyeglass store the next day to exchange them. Thank goodness for 30 day returns. I got a pair that was very similar but tortoise, Ralph Lauren. The only problem is the orange horse on the side, but I'll get over it I'm sure (I love orange). At least that's what my husband hopes so he can get some sleep.

Best,

Kwana

pics thanks to Daily Candy- glasses from NYC's Fabulous Fanny's

What Cha Reading? January edition...

What's Jack up to? Jack us up to his old tricks. He got into the DS's gym bag yesterday and had his way with a granola bar leaving only the wrapping on the couch as evidence.



So What Cha Reading? We are having the hardest time with a book club selection for our mom's night out/ book/ drinks group. We did choose The Lucuna by Barbara Kingsolver but it didn't stick so then a few choices were handed out as to another pic, one being Elizabeth Gilbert's newest Committed which I still want to read since I loved Eat, Pray, Love. Now I know this may not live up to the original but still I'm going in. It also didn't stick with the all members so I'm afriad the Book/drinking/mom's night out group might lose the book part because I am not ready to lose the other parts.

Mom needs a night out!



Either way, right now I'm reading Countess of Scandal by Laurel McKee. I just got a change to get into it during the DD's dance class but so far it's a win!



Here is the blurb:

Eliza Blacknall and Will Denton were childhood sweethearts, growing up on neighboring estates in beautiful County Kildare. But adulthood finds them on opposite sides of the monumental and violent struggle of 1798, as Eliza supports the United Irish in their quest for independence, and Will is a major in the British Army, sworn to uphold the Crown. The passion for each other burns hotter than ever—but can it survive as their world crumbles around them?

Check out Laurel's site here.




So what are you reading?



Best,
Kwana

My Space- Check It Out

What's Jack up to? Mr. Jack has been just feeling hot lately. Being snippy and peppy. His most fun this week? Driving me crazy by getting into the trash whenever he can. We have one of those step-on cans that has a slow close lid that doesn't just slam shut so it won't take off a finger or make a ton of noise. Well, Jack is very aware of this and and just lays in wait for a person to throw away some food and then walk away while the lid is still closing so he can make his move. Yeah, Life with Jack is never dull.

So what's up with me? Well, my exciting news is I was featured over at one of my absolute favorite blogs yesterday The Musings of Ondo Lady! I've been a fan of Ronke and her cool British style since I first learned of the blog world and was honored when she interviewed me for one of her My Space pieces. Please stop by here and check it out. Thanks.

Best,

Kwana

Harlem Holidays

What’s Jack up to? Jack is doing great and recuperating from the excitement of Christmas. He had so much fun with family dropping in and by being totally spoiled by having Nana over with him for a few days so he was sad to see her go back home. I know, Jack me too.

Thanks to all of you for your 2 year blogiversary well wishes. Who knew I could blab so much? Thanks again for sticking with me.

A few of you were sweet enough to ask about Nana and she sends her holiday best wishes to you! I made sure to head to her place and take a few pictures to share this year’s Harlem Holiday Hallways with you. Here are Nana and my Aunt Cynthia saying Merry Christmas.

Cynthia along with other neighbors are the masters behind the WOW hallways. Can you believe they actually had lights this year? And the wrapping paper on each door is too funny, but I love it. A present in each apartment.

And they say neighbors don’t get together anymore. I think they do. All it takes is a little community care and friendly cooperation. Hmm…I wonder if the government is listening?

Best,
Kwana