Hollywood Makes Good

Thanks to a generous grant from the Anne and Kirk Douglas Foundation, Emelita St. Elementary School officially opened its new playground on the main yard this morning. William and the 1st graders sang a song with hand choreography and there were lots of speeches. And yes, Kirk Douglas was there telling stories and jokes, singing songs and leading the kids onto the new equipment. He even went down the slide! This was the Foundation’s 396th playground dedication and he has been at every single one! In fact, this was the first one his wife had to miss. Their goal is to do 400 playgrounds and then they will be finished. Mr. Douglas will turn 91 on Sunday. Let’s all hope and pray that we can continue to contribute to society with so much energy and joy into our 90s!!

Antique-ing

I've heard that some antique dealers try to pass off phony items by aging them, or antique-ing them. They stain them, add dents and marks and even have special tools that simulate worm holes. To any antique dealers who might be reading this, please know that I'd be happy to rent out my antique-ing crew - two hungry sons with forks.

An Exercise in Futility

I'm really trying to make an effort to keep the house cleaner these days - and do more exercise. I spent yesterday morning aerobic-sweeping the floor, and the rest of the afternoon picking up all those straw broom bits - lots of deep-knee bends!

Irony

My neighbor told me she is on a new medication that makes you not want to spend money...but it's expensive. I guess that helps you tell it's working.

Spring Cleaning Your Cosmetics

This season of renewal is the perfect time to go through your makeup, cosmetics and skin care and purge what might be spoiled, turned or contaminated. Some products have an expiration date printed on them, but that is only a guideline. The way products are stored and handled may make them separate or become filled with bacteria way before that date, or even last longer than that date if you’re careful with them.

Eye products have the shortest open shelf life, and some experts suggest replacing mascara every three months. As you can see, some experts don’t wear mascara very often because if they did they would know most mascaras run out way before then. And it’s a big no-no to add water or any other solvent to extend your supply. That’s right – they’re watching you.

Here are some basic rules for storing and handling cosmetics:

Keep them in a cool, dry place – that doesn’t mean a chic spot that lost its liquor license.

Avoid extreme temperatures, like sweltering in the car in the summer.

Use clean hands and utensils when applying. Yes, you have to wash your makeup brushes regularly.

Don’t share. If your friend has just got to try that color, put some on a fresh cotton swab or tissue for her protection (and yours).

Use common sense. If it has changed color, scent or consistency since you opened it you’re better safe than sorry you caused a nasty eye infection.

It’s probably time to say goodbye to a product if it falls into any of these categories:

• It seemed like a good idea at the time you bought it

• The color might come back into style some day

• You wore it because you got a compliment on it once time….from your ex

• The lady at the return counter assured you it’s supposed to make your skin react that way

What's In A Name?

Dinner is always a challenge around here. Something happens around 4pm - suddenly everyone needs mommy, and only being attached like a barnacle will appease my three beloved offspring. This makes it difficult to get around the kitchen. Luckily my kitchen is extremely small. Tonight we are having Blackened Chicken. Somehow I didn't think it sounded appetizing to tell them it was burned.

News Flash

Waiting for half an hour to ride a tiny train in an overcrowded theme park with three beloved but overly stimulated offspring (including one toddler with an ear infection) and an impatient husband makes said park the most miserable place on Earth. Well, except for the store dressing rooms in the bathing suit section.