What's Cooking With Amy?

Lusty Lady Limoncello

2008-10-06T22:36:00.004-04:00

Okay, girls, so I am FINALLY going to dish on my ultimate recipie: Limoncello.

You must know that this is my top-secret indulgence. It has made many lovers swoon and beg for more...oh, baby... and even my dearest girlfriends have bribed me for this recipie so that their honeys will come a lickin'...

As my mother (and grandmother! would say...bless you both)...BE A LADY!...

Lusty Lady Limoncello

10 very fresh lemons
1 quart grain alcohol (Everclear)
6 cups water
2.25 cups sugar

Peel the lemons with a swivel-blade peeler. BE CAREFUL - do NOT remove any of the white pith as this will yield an awful bitter taste

Put the lemon zests into a jar with the grain alcohol and let sit for three days. Be sure to shake the jar every few hours.

After three days, strain the lemon mixure and discard the lemon peels.

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Stir over medium heat until the syrup is clear. DO NOT BOIL!

Cool mixture to room temperature.

Add the sugar syup to the lemon mixture and stir. This concoction will be cloudy.

Pour into clean, glass bottles and use a wine stopper at the spout. Put in the freezer and the Limoncello's flavors will round out in about a week.

(Note: you can get very inexpensive bottles and/or wine stoppers at your local dollar store. Lusty Lady Limoncello makes a great gift!)

Enjoy...I hope this recipie gives you lots of pleasure...

xoxo

Fried 'Balls

2008-08-20T14:20:00.003-04:00

Another one of my friend's relationships bit the dust.

Alas, I am on my way over to her pad tonight to console her with my groovy tomato sauce and turkey 'balls (see previous post).

I picked up the best trick for frying 'balls from my friend, Dina's, mother. Usually, I'd bake the 'balls but Dina said her mother fries them in a nonstick pan with olive oil and an onion (cut in half and peeled). The trick is to turn the onion as you turn the 'balls so nothing burns. The onion flavors the 'balls so nicely that this is my new way of cooking them!

Since this is not the healthiest way to cook 'balls - what the heck - I went gangbusters and fattened up the 'balls themselves. Instead of adding water, I added milk instead. Liquids make the 'balls soft and, ladies, there's nothing worse than hard 'balls (I know, counter intuitive).

Here's my recipe:

Gangbuster Groovy 'Balls

1 package turkey meat (93% lean)
1 cup Progresso flavored breadcrumbs
1 cup grated cheese (I use a freshly grated combination of parmagiano reggiano and locatelli romano)
1 egg
salt
pepper
finely chopped parsley, optional
1 cup whole (yes, whole) milk

Mix all ingredients very well together. Form into 'balls and fry in a nonstick pan with a coating of olive oil and an onion which has been peeled and sliced in half.

Enjoy!

Really Groovy Salad Dressing

2008-08-14T12:46:00.002-04:00

I just love to make salad. Well, at least I try to love it. I have an absolutely fabulous wardrobe and had everything tailored at my ideal weight. Thus, there is literally no room for error: a couple of party nights and I have absolutely nothing to wear (Thanks Lisa, Dina and Cathy). To compensate, I eat a lot of salad. I am always trying different dressings. This is my latest favorite. It makes a nice amount so you'll have it for a while.

Amy's Really Groovy Salad Dressing

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dry mustard
2 shallots, finely minced
salt, pepper
3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk the vinegar, mustard, shallots, salt and pepper in a bowl. Gradually whisk in the oils SLOWLY until emulsified.

Keep covered in the fridge.

Ladies, Roast Your Nuts!

2008-08-08T21:00:00.002-04:00

Today Jillian and I had lunch with our groovy intern, Christine. It was her last day and we are going to totally miss her! Anyway, Jillian was telling me about her new favorite salad (check out her blog - Interview Mamazine for details) into which she puts almonds. I asked her if she roasted them and she said no.

Seriously, the best thing you can do for a nut is roast it. It literally enhances the flavor tenfold and gives them a nice crunch, too. My favorite nuts to roast are pine nuts and almonds. I add pine nuts to salads and almonds to my soy yogurt in the morning. I also make insanely awesome chocolate chip cookies and add roasted Macadamia nuts to them (I used to live in Hawaii, so it reminds me of my childhood).

It's very simple to roast nuts. Just heat them in a nonstick frying pan for a few minutes over medium heat. They are done when they are fragrant (bonus: the smell is heavenly!). If you're roasting a large quantity, just put them on a baking sheet at 350 degrees for a few minutes. IMPORTANT: Nuts burn easily so it is absolutely essential to stir them constantly (even in the oven). Do not even make a quick phone call or anwser the door when you are roasting nuts!

Groovy Roasted Zucchini and Tomato Pasta

2008-07-22T10:35:00.003-04:00

I am soooo hungry. My super fabulous personal trainer, Lori, just left. I am always ravenous after I see her. It's only 10:45am here in New Jersey but I am going to make my famous Groovy Roasted Zucchini and Tomato Pasta.

In this recipe, I use Barilla Plus rotini - but, quite frankly, it tastes much better if you use long semolina fusili.

Groovy Roasted Zucchini and Tomato Pasta

3 medium zucchini, washed and cut into 1" chunks
5 plum tomatoes, chopped into 1" chunks or a pint of cherry/grape tomatoes cut in half (or use a combination of both)
2 cloves of garlic, sliced
4 tablespoons olive oil
salt
pepper

1/2 cup Grated cheese (I use a combination of equal parts freshly grated Parmaggiano and Romano)

Pasta

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a bowl, toss the chopped vegetables with the garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper. Put in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in oven for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain when done and add to a large bowl. Toss with tomato/zucchini mixture and 1/2 cup grated cheese. Toss and serve.

Shallot Vinaigrette

2008-07-17T22:54:00.003-04:00

Tonight I didn't know what to cook. The boys had breakfast for dinner (one night a week they get pancakes and eggs) and I had some left over salmon, an avocado, tomatoes and mixed greens. I threw it all together and tossed it with my famous shallot vinagrette. I ALWAYS keep vinagrette staples on hand; all of the ingredients listed below are in my house (and should be in yours!) at all times:

Shallot Vinagrette

1 minced shallot
1 dab good Dijon mustard (the kind from France)
salt
pepper
1 part good white wine vinegar to 3 parts good olive oil

In a bowl, add the minced shallot, Dijon, salt, pepper, white wine vinegar and give it a good whisk (I always think of the song Twist and Shout and shake my booty when I'm whisking). Gradually add the olive oil and keep whisking.

Tip: I usually make the dressing 20-30 minutes ahead of time. To my mind, it enhances the flavor. Just be sure to re-whisk before serving.

Groovy Guacamole

2008-07-12T12:17:00.005-04:00

My friend, Christine, just called me in an uproar.

"Where's your recipie for Groovy Guacamole?"

You see, I usually serve GG with my Hot Mama Tex-Mex Dip. Sometimes I add it in and other times I serve it seperately. Avocados have a lot of 'good fat' in them so I don't feel too guilty when I eat it. When I'm really on a health kick, I don't serve GG with chips but rather homeade whole wheat pita crisps. That recipe follows GG below.

Yesterday on Jillian's blog, she reminds us of a very important fact: 75% of weight loss has to do with nutrition. You are what you eat, sister.

Groovy Guacamole

2 ripe avocados
1/2 small purple onion, minced
1/4 - 1/2 small jalapeno pepper, minced (depends on how hot you like it, baby)Chopped cilantro to taste (everyone has a different opinion on this)
1 plum tomato, seeded and minced
Juice of 1/2 to 1 lime, depending on size
Salt to taste

In a glass bowl, mash the avocados and then add the rest of the ingredients. Mix all together (you can even use a potato masher). I like to refigerate my GG for at least an hour.

Homeade Whole Wheat Pita Chips

Whole wheat pitas (Ladies, LOOK at the ingredients on the package! I was recently dismayed to see a popular brand loaded with high fructose corn syrup)
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Split pita into quarters. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 350 degrees until cripsy, about 10 minutes. (If you are making a lot of these, you will have to bake them longer).

Hot Mama Tex-Mex Dip

2008-07-11T23:05:00.004-04:00

Yeah, yeah, I try to eat healthy...but this dip is soooo good. I had a craving for it so I made it for some friends who stopped by for cocktails tonight. One of my friends insisted that I post it on my 'Groovy Cooking Blog' so here it is:

Hot Mama Tex-Mex Dip

1 can refried beans
hot sauce, to taste
1 jar salsa, drained
1 8oz container sour cream
1 package taco seasoning mix
Shredded cheddar and monterrey jack cheese
green olives with pimentos, sliced

Mix the refired beans and the hot sauce (to taste) and spread in the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer the drained salsa on top. Mix together the sour cream and taco seasoning mix and layer on top of the salsa. Spread the cheese on top of that and decorate with olives.

This is best made 2 hours ahead of time and then refrigerated.

Serve with chips.

Variation: you can also add a layer of guacamole on top of the sour cream mixture.

Lemon Cleanse

2008-07-09T21:38:00.002-04:00

My dearest friend, Lisa, swears by hot water and lemon. She looks absolutely fabulous so I decided to try her secret. I totally gave up caffine in lieu of this new brew. Guess what? After a month, I feel a whole lot better.

Take a cup of hot water and nuke it for 60 seconds. Add 1/4 fresh lemon juice. Drink all day and espically at night.

Trust me, you'll feel a lot better.

Groovy Grains with Tomatoes in Balsamic Vinaigrette

2008-07-06T22:53:00.004-04:00

I didn't eat dinner until really late this evening (Jillian and I are working on something really exciting). Hence, I decided to turn to my old standby: Groovy Grains.

I made them Italian style, with pantry items I had on hand (I was too lazy to go to the store). This dish would be great with a side of chicken or fish.

Groovy Grains with Tomatoes in Balsamic Vinaigrette

1 cup Groovy Grains
2 cups water
2 tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar (the best you can find. Trust me, the quality of the ingredients you use makes a huge difference)
1/4 cup olive oil (again, very good quality)
1 clove garlic
salt
pepper
2 plum tomatoes, chopped
1/2 sweet onion, chopped
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

In a saucepan, bring the Groovy Grains and water to a boil. Simmer until done. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Mash the garlic and salt together. Add to a small bowl with the Balsamic vinegar. Add pepper to taste and then whisk in the oil to make the dressing. In a medium bowl, add the Groovy Grains and the chopped tomatoes, onion and parsley. Add vinaigrette (you may have to re-whisk). Season with more salt and pepper to taste and serve.

This was d-lish!

The Best Tomato Sauce on the Planet

2008-07-03T18:58:00.003-04:00

One of my friends (who shall remain nameless as I recently brought her my famous spaghetti sauce and turkey meatballs after getting dumped) requested that I give her the recipe for the sauce that goes with it. I learned to make this sauce from an Italian friend, Nicoletta, who lives in Rome.

2 jars Passata (Italian strained tomatoes - available in Italian specialty stores)
2 carrots
2 stalks celery
1/2 sweet onion
1 inch segment of a hot pepper
1/2 glass wine (red or white)
1/4 cup olive oil
salt
pepper
2 tablespoons butter (I use French butter - it's much better)

In a large pot, warm the olive oil and add the chopped carrot, celery, onion and hot pepper. Saute for five minutes. Add the wine. Cook until it's evaporated. Season vegetables with salt and pepper. Add Passata and 1 cup of water (this is important - the sauce simmers for 2-3 hours and will become too thick due to evaporation if you don't add the water).

Bring to a boil and simmer for 2-3 hours (the longer, the better). When it's done, blend the sauce in a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pot and blend. Add the butter.

If you're making my turkey meatballs (see previous post), you can add them now and warm them up in this wonderful sauce.

Seriously, this is such lovely sauce. There's no pungent garlic or spices. I get so many requests for it and you will, too!

Banana Groovy Grains

2008-07-01T10:46:00.002-04:00

I had an amazing workout this morning with my personal trainer, Lori. I always have to eat something afterwards, so I made myself a bowl of Groovy Grains and added a banana during the last five minutes of cooking and then some cinnamon. When it was done, I added a little soy milk. Try it!

Watch your teeth!

2008-06-29T22:39:00.004-04:00

I just had the most fabulous weekend in the Hamptons with my dear friend Lisa. I was a houseguest of the most gracious hostess on the planet, Senie. Her son and his four friends were there, too. They are college seniors, 21, and just adorable. On Saturday, we had a barbeque (and Senie made really delicious Crab Imperial - see recipie below) and then the boys invited Lisa and I out.

Jeez, I am 33 and Lisa is 42. Compared to them, we're fossils.

Since I can't resist a good time (and neither can Lisa), we indulged them and went out. We had a great time at an East Hampton hot spot. On the way home, we came accross a stray shopping cart and they gave us a ride! The only thing I can remember as we were cart racing was Lisa screaming 'watch your teeth!'

Thanks, guys, for showing us fossils a good time.

Here's the Crab Imperial recipie:

1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat (nothing else will do)
1 egg and 1 egg yolk
1 1/4 cup Saltine cracker crumbs, divided
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste
parsley, optional

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease a round pie plate with butter. In a bowl, pick through the crab meat to make sure there aren't any shells. In another bowl, beat the egg and the egg yolk. Add the mustard, Old Bay, salt, pepper and mayo and blend well. Add mayo mixture to the crab and then add 1 cup of the cracker crumbs. Mix well and pour into greased pie plate. Sprinkle with the additional 1/4 cup cracker crumbs and bake for 30.

Groovy Grains

2008-06-26T22:22:00.005-04:00

I just realized that I didn't eat much today. I was super busy with the launch of THE FAMILY GROOVE's July issue - it's so fabulous that my phone was literally ringing off the hook. Check it out at www.thefamilygroove.com.

Although it's almost 10:30 at night, I am going to make a big ol' bow of Groovy Grains. In my kitchen, there's a HUGE jar filled with organic brown rice, millet, barley and farro (an Italian whole grain). I buy it in bulk at the Whole Foods, equal quantities, and it is delicious, cheap, and very versatile.

Mix all of your grains in the jar and when you're in the mood, grab a measuring cup and use 1 cup grains to every 2 cups liquid. Put it on the stove, bring it to a boil and then simmer until done.

For lunch or dinner I use chicken or vegetable broth and it yields a wonderful side dish to go with fish or chicken (I am sure it goes well with beef and pork, but I rarely eat either).

For breakfast, I use water and then add some chopped dried fruits like prunes, raisins and apricots with a little cinnamon. My little guy likes it with chopped apple and toasted almonds. YUM!

Eat Groovy Grains and you will have more energy than you know what to do with!

Meatballs

2008-06-25T21:18:00.005-04:00

Not to brag, but I make the best turkey meatballs on the planet. Whenever one of my friends is infirmed or got dumped, I show up with a cauldron of turkey meatballs and spaghetti sauce.

Here's the recipie:

1 package ground turkey (93% lean)
1 cup Italian-flavored breadcrumbs
1 cup grated cheese (IMPORTANT! It must be very good cheese - this makes all the difference. I use a combination of grated parmaggiano-reggiano and romano cheese that I get freshly grated at the Italian market. You can store it, in a bag, in the freezer and use as needed)
1 egg
salt and pepper to taste
Parsley (optional)
1/2 - 3/4 cup water (This is the secret! Don't you just hate hard meatballs?)

Mix all ingredients together very well. Heck, let the kids help (I do!) - just no bowl licking. Form into meatballs and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Add to cooked spaghetti sauce.

Variation: You can make turkey meatloaf - just put the mixture in a loaf pan (spray it with Pam) and bake at 350 degrees for an hour.

Responsibility

2008-06-22T09:40:00.003-04:00

Yesterday I finally caved into my boys: we got two pet birds.

They are the cutest baby parakeets. Joseph's is named Bumble Bee and Brendan's is named Sweet Bird. The birds are getting adjusted to their new home and it was the most delightful sound this morning (albeit it was at 5am) to hear them greet us with their melodic chirping.

I hope these two creatures will teach the boys to care for something other than themselves and that they'll learn some responsibility. It was wonderful this morning to show them how to change the birds' water and clean their cages. They eagerly wanted to help care for their new pets.

Ultimately, I think this is a new tier of responsibility for me as a parent: to give the boys the chance to be responsible themselves. My promise to them is not to let their enthusiasm fade away.

Magnum

2008-06-21T14:00:00.004-04:00

A few weeks ago I was out with my friends in Manhattan. After dinner at the Budda Bar, my friends and I went to the Hotel Gansevoort. The line to get in was huge. My friend, Lisa, went right up to the bouncer and said, "We don't wait in lines. What do we have to do to go right up?"

The bouncer told her that we had to buy a bottle so Cathy whipped out her AMEX and up we went.

Yes, it was crazy expensive, but the time I spent with my four great friends over a magnum of Veuve was one of the greatest nights of my life. Even though it was only last month, we have rehashed the experience over and over. Cathy came down last week and we had brunch together at the beach. We literally laughed for hours talking about that night.

What exactly happened?

It doesn't matter.

This is our 'back in the day' summer, girlfriends!

Love you!

Off I Go!

2008-04-08T23:16:00.002-04:00

I am soooooo excited...I'm off to Baby Celebration LA on Thursday. I'm all ready. We've planned this fabulous event for nine months now - right before Jillian told me she was expecting. I swear, she is going to go any minure now! She is so fabulous - as beautiful and energetic as ever. Every Saturday, we meet at 7am at the local coffee shop and talk business - for hours. I really enjoy our time together as partners and friends. I am so proud that we have built the most fabulous company together - a shared passion that has skyrocketed past our wildest expectations.

We're in it to win it, sister.

Bag Lady

2008-03-26T22:53:00.002-04:00

I am sooooooo excited...Baby Celebration LA is only 16 days away! THE FAMILY GROOVE is having the grooviest destination ever - the VIP Lounge. Check out the link http://www.seascapeproductions.com/familygroovelounge.php. We are giving out 1000 exclusive gift bags filled with awesome goodies. Stop by, say hi, and grab one!

Groovy Leftovers

2008-02-25T23:21:00.002-05:00

I have the best idea for leftover pasta. Seriously, this is so good that sometimes I make pasta just to make this leftover dish!

In a frying pan, saute an onion (no, not the leftover one from yesterday's recipe) until it's soft. While this is cooking, beat some eggs (3-4 depending on how much leftover pasta you have) in a bowl with some milk, salt, pepper and parmesean/romano cheese. Add the leftover pasta (make sure it's adequately sauced). When the onions are cooked, add to the bowl, mix it up, and add it back to the frying pan. Stir it around with a spatula until it's cooked. If you're feeling gourmet, sprinkle with parsley when you serve it.

Get bloggin, girl!

2008-02-24T21:49:00.002-05:00

Okay, okay, I'm bloggin!

I have the best recipe for tomato sauce to share with you:

1 can whole, peeled tomatoes
1 onion
1 stick of butter

Put the tomatoes through a food mill so as to strain the seeds. Put in a pot (I use cast-iron) and add the butter and a peeled onion sliced in half. Add salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 40 minutes and discard the onion.

Toss with 12 oz of pasta.

I am telling you, this is the best sauce and it is so easy!

Enjoy!

Lazy

2007-12-12T21:32:00.000-05:00

So we just got a fabulous high school intern (from Red Bank Catholic, my alma mater). She is wonderful and assisted me yesterday with some research tasks. I am not kidding when I tell you that I almost asked her to blog for me! Gosh! It must have been unconscious guilt that I haven't blogged in ages...

Alas, I am back.

Handsome and Prince Charming (my sons) are doing well. Last night was a bit of a travesty, however, as my older boy got up to go to the bathroom around 2ish and fell and hit his head on the marble bathroom floor! He was violently sick from and I took him to the emergency room and he had to have a CT scan on his head. My love is okay, thank God.

Have you finished Christmas shopping yet?

This year I am doing my customary three gifts (after all, that's what Baby Jesus got) for my boys with a twist: Mommy's Coupons. I am making them a little coupon book with coupons like Get Out of School Free, Cookies for Dinner, and Creme Brulee Bath in Mommy's Tub (I am absolutely addicted to Laura Mercier's Creme Brulee Bubble Bath...and so are my boys! They love to indulge in my jacuzzi bathtub which seats six). The latter is rather indulgent as the bubble bath is around $45 and they can easily go through half of it in a single bath.

Note: There is only one of each coupon (I am trying to think of two others - any ideas?) so the truant officer won't be pounding at my door.

I am still carrying on my Blackberry relationships with my friends...I really gotta stop. My thumbs hurt.

My new fave

2007-10-14T20:38:00.000-04:00

Almost two weeks ago, I modeled fashions of famed India designer Meera Madahevia at the Newark Museum. Seriously, it was such fun. I donned an elaborate gold sari and some other amazing fashions and accessories. In order to create effect, a fabulous MAC makeup artist was hired. Her name is Sena and she got me hooked on...fake eyelashes. Really, they made me look so oh-la-la. I was hooked!

The other day, my grandmother was babysitting my son. Grammie is a wonderful lady - she brings over a great big bag of candy and leaves when she runs out. Anyway, I was wearing my fabulous Brigitte Bardot lashes and she loved them. "I'm going to get a pair" she said.

The next time I saw her, Grammie was wearing fake eyelashes! Now I have to get her into Brazillian bikini waxing...

Viva!

2007-09-17T14:43:00.000-04:00

Viva Las Vegas!

I went to Vegas ten days ago (sorry it took me so long to report this). I attended the ABC Expo (serioulsy, I was there on business). There was so much going on: the VMAs, some kind of Wisconsin sporting event (there were so many people in Wisconsin sweat shirts) and, of course, the Expo.

For so many people, it is the ultimate party destination. I took the 7am flight from Newark, NJ and these crazy guys were drinking on the plane. I mean, so early? You're that desperate? They were almost passed out by the time we arrived. Where do you go from there?

Ok, Ok, I'm not a goody two shoes. I just thought it was interesting that they were so desperate to escape life.

On the plane, I was sitting next to this lovely English guy, Will, who was showing me what is now my new favorite book: Banksy, War and Piece. Bansky is this rogue British grafitti artist and no one knows who he is. His witty, antiestablishment art and rebellious perspective are truly genuis. I particually like his use of the Rat (note the capital R) as sort of a mockery against authority. He is, I guess, a reversed Pied Piper, bringing 'em back...

I love that book so much that I ordered 10 copies and gave them out to my friends and friends of friends that have a little rogue and rebellion in them. Enjoy the read, guys.

The Joker

2007-08-29T14:45:00.000-04:00

I'm on the phone and have been placed on hold.

Joseph and Brendan are playing with their oh-so-groovy sitter, Jackie.

She is awesome.

Anyway, Joseph just reached the highest level on his Batman video game. The Joker is now in jail!

That's great, honey.

Cup O' Joe

2007-07-30T21:02:00.000-04:00

Over the summer, I try very hard to keep my boys busy. That means one thing: sports.

My 6-year son, Joseph, just loved lacrosse camp this summer.

Each camper needed full, protective gear in order to play. I took him to the local athletic store, which was my first time there, too (Ya know that kid that no one wants on their team? That was me).

Anywhoo, we got the helmet, shoulder, knee and chest pads and special gloves. Just when I thought we were done, the guy handed me a funny looking white object with holes in it.

"What's that?" I asked.

"It's a cup" said the guy. "Trust me, he'll need it."

"But he's only SIX" I said.

Well, we bought it. What had I signed him up for?

"Ma, I can't run with this thing." said Joe.

I just didn't know what to say.

Guilty

2007-06-26T13:18:00.000-04:00

I am guilty.

I didn't text message detox.

I still have Blackberry friendships. In fact, my good friend Jeanne, whom I used to speak to almost every day, called me out on this one. She lives in California now (how I miss meeting her in New York for lunch!) and I frequently send her a text just to say hi (I guess I blame it on the time change).

So I picked up the phone and called her. It was so good to hear her voice.

I guess I can't completely detox at this juncture. As the mother of two small boys - Joseph, 6 and Brendan, 4 and as the Publisher of www.thefamilygroove.com, the fastest-growing website in its niche, I have become the ultimate multi-tasker. Texting is just so easy. I can do three other things whilst typing on my Blackberry.

Oh! A new text just came through.

"I had sex for lunch today."

I better call the sender...

Text Messasge Detox

2007-05-18T21:49:00.000-04:00

I was a text message junkie.

I carried on entire relationships within the confines of my Blackberry.

Why?

I think it was just easier than hearing the melodrama of life. Texting 'It'll be okay, sweetie...' to them was just so much less painful...

I think I cheated them. I need to hear them. And they need to hear me (you know who you are).

I loved thinking about every word. I loved the luxury of time to make my verbage count. My communication was so effective - or was it? The human touch was missing. My cadence, my energy, my tone...and theirs...

Now I'm over it.

No more Cyrano de Bergerac-esque antics. No more Liasons Dangereuse messages.

Amy's back. I'm ready to listen.

I'm sorry.

Call me.

The Best Week Ever

2007-05-03T21:55:00.000-04:00

What a week. I had the pleasure of jetting off to Los Angeles last weekend (and, as you can imagine, it was some weekend considering it's Thursday and I'm just telling you about it). I attended the Baby Celebration LA - which is by far the best trade show I have ever been to. Each of the vendors had a lovely area and I felt as if they were little botiques. There was tremendous energy, fabulous finds and a beautiful crowd. I will definately be back next year (here I come, Erika!).

I got to hang with the oh-so-groovy publisher of Belly Magazine, Benell Grant. Seriously, girlfriend, thanks for the ride. I hadn't had that much fun in years...dinner at Spago and then off to...I'll never tell...In fact, Benell called me on Tuesday to return my text message of "call me when you get up". Love ya, Benell.

Saturday I got to see my cousin, Steve, his fabulous wife, Cindy, and their adorable son, Jack at their beautiful home in LA. I've declared you guys The Best Parents on the Planet. Thanks so much for the enlightenment and conversation (and the wine and the great time). I am so lucky you guys are on my side. I wish you lived closer.

Had to fly back early Sunday morning.

Tuesday was The Family Groove's Spring Fling debut event. It was just the best party ever. My partner, Jillian, and I brought the pages of our magazine to life. Thanks to our wonderful publicist, Stacey, and our super groovy team, we pulled it off. I was touched that so many of my friends came great distances to attend (so glad you found it, Janice). Sponsors are already reaching out to us to participate in the next one!

Back to reality on Wednesday.

Tonight is Thursday. Had so much work to do today.

My next big thing this week is the Gala for the Newark Museum. I am honored to be on the Benefit Committee this year. I think I am going to wear a vintage Yves Saint Laurent dress - one of the most fabulous pieces in my closet. It is just lovely: very Parisian and belle-epoque. The dress is knee length with 15 layers of black tulle. The bottom is has red roses all over, the top is a corset and adorning the back is a big black satin bow. Oh-la-la. I was going to wear a cognac Dolce dress but, since I am going solo, I decided that it was a little too much Liasons Dangereuse. Besides, Dolce dresses have to be worn perfectly (read: eat nothing but brown rice and vegetables the week before) or they look terrible. I'm glad I got to enjoy my week. Hopefully, I will wear it next year...

Baby Celebration LA Here I Come!

2007-04-25T13:18:00.000-04:00

I haven't been this excited in a very long time: I am off to Los Angeles this weekend to attend the oh-so-hip Baby Celebration at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Mind you - this is the busiest week of my life as The Family Groove's debut event is next Tuesday, May 1. Alas, Baby Celebration is not to be missed.

There are going to be tons of exhibitors and totally awesome giveaways for moms and moms-to-be. In addition, there will be informative speakers, fashion shows, seminars and performances.

I hope all of my blog fans will join me there!

For more information, kindly visit www.seascapeproductions.com

Soccer Camp

2007-04-03T21:58:00.000-04:00

My boys are on spring break this week. Joseph just loves to play soccer. Camp is three hours long in the morning. I just love watching him running so free and playing the game he loves. It's great to be six.

I thought about how I as a 32 year old could run free. I guess I do that by just being a mom.

The Birthday Bird

2007-03-12T21:44:00.000-04:00

Today my little one, Brendan, turned four. I just can't believe it. I never believed it when people told me that my boys wouldn't be little for long. Brendan just loves birds. He reads about them (well, I read about them to him) and has many stuffed birds. He told me he wasn't the birthday boy but the birthday bird. As a mother, it is so beautiful to see my children get wings of their own.

Snow Day

2007-02-14T22:15:00.000-05:00

Today was a tough one: there was an ice storm here in the Garden State and my boys and I were stranded indoors. Life just came to a halt. It felt so good to slow down and breathe. When I think of what a normal Wednesday is like between school, activities and, of course, running my business (today Jillian and I were supposed to attend the toy fair at the Javitz Center, NYC), I was grateful that we had 'off'. And today is Valentine's Day.

The best thing we did all day was bake a gooey chocolate cake. It was just fabulous: luscious and rich (and so was the batter). It was so lovely to share an indulgent moment with my two favorite sweethearts. A chocolate cake Valentine's dinner is now a tradition in my house. Good memories were made today.

Galloping Sausage

2007-01-14T20:59:00.000-05:00

Forget the proverbial 'rotten egg'. The term du jour is now 'galloping sausage'.

My silly sons and I were racing to the front door after checking for mail yesterday. I yelled "last one to the door is a..."

"Galloping sausage," interjected Joseph.

I am always amused by the creative expressions that emerge from their blonde-and-blue-eyed lovlieness.

Alas! Because I was sporting my fabulous three-inch Choos, I was the last one to the door. Lucky me.

I need a rematch.

Joseph Spit at the Bus!

2007-01-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

Omigosh...today when my almost-6-year-old son, Joseph, got off the bus, he spat at it as it drove off! The driver stopped and gave me a dirty look. I was so dumbfounded. I turned to Joseph and he just grinned and said, "Hi, mom, what do we have for snack today?"

Good Things Come To Those Who Wait

2006-12-28T16:58:00.000-05:00

Good things come to those who wait.

Someone said that to me last week.

Everything is so instantaneous these days and I think we forget sometimes how rewarding delayed gratification is. This is an important lesson that I try to teach my children. My almost-six-year-old recently purchased a new train with the money he had saved. It took him two months and he is so proud of himself. I am proud of him, too.

The Gift of Time

2006-12-18T21:03:00.000-05:00

I really think the best gift you can give is the gift of time. That is precisely what my groovy partner, Jillian, and I are giving each other this year. We spend so much time and energy running our company, www.thefamilygroove.com (and loving every minute of it!), that we really don't spend time as friends. Instead of exchanging gifts, we are going out to dinner. As we grow into adults, time is precious and limited and time well spent makes happy memories. I hope one day when I am a groovy grandma I will have many happy ones.

Mommy Juice

2006-12-06T21:40:00.000-05:00

Is it 4 o'clock yet?

Happy hour!

Every day I look forward to this magical time. Most days my 'hour' lasts from 4:00 to 4:05 but, quite frankly, that's enough. Just enough time for a few ounces of vino. I use my lovliest crystal and truly enjoy the moment.

I find it absolutely refreshing to take a moment for myself in the middle of a hectic day balancing conference calls and packing lunches. I espically enjoy my moment when a friend drops in and we savor a moment together whilst our kids are engaged in a rousing game of monster tag.

So, tomorrow, take a moment for yourself and sip your mommy juice.

Cheers!

Three Gifts. That's It.

2006-11-26T20:43:00.000-05:00

I've done something radical: I only get my kids three gifts each for Christmas.

No masses of gifts at my house. No outdoing the Joneses. Just three each. And a stocking full of books.

"Why?" my friend (who shall remain nameless) asked me last year (mind you, she got her four-year-old daughter 30 gifts one year!). Well, because three gifts is what Christ got.

In an age where it is almost inappropriate to wish others a 'Merry Christmas', I feel it is very important as a parent to attach significance and tradition to the holidays. Christmas is simply not about my boys getting stuff. I don't want them to grow up thinking that the holiday revolves around them. Charity, peace and love is what I want to teach my boys about Christmas. After all, those are the three greatest gifts of all.

Am I Uncool?

2006-11-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while...I have been stricken with uncool-itis.

I always thought of myself as a hip and groovin' mamma - balancing two fabulous boys and being the publisher of www.thefamilygroove.com whilst prancing around in a Huminska dress (go to the website www.huminska.com - I am modeling them!) and teetering around in Manolos. But something happend on Halloween, the scariest night of the year, that really scared me...

I set of with my boys to go trick-or-treating and before we could get to the first house, Joseph said, "Mom, wait here."

What?

"What do you mean?" I asked, dumbfounded.

"Wait here, Mom. Brendan and I are going to do this ourselves." And off they ran to get their loot.

I couldn't believe it...my kids didn't want me to go with them to the house for candy! Sure, I expected they'd say that someday...but not so soon. They didn' t want to be seen with me...does this make me uncool?

Really, that bothered me a lot.

The cool thing that did happen, however, was watching my boys from the curb holding hands and saying 'thank you' without my telling them to do so. They handled their 'independence' beautifully.

Oh, and I got some great pictures, too.

The Fun Bus

2006-09-21T22:58:00.000-04:00

My oldest son, Joseph, just started kindergarten. It is all day and he takes the bus to and from school. Every morning, a big yellow bus pulls up and a cheerful woman named Mary Lou greets him as he boards. Each afternoon, she brings him back, still smiling. I often wonder what happens in between the bus rides. Does he share? Eat his banana? Sit still?

Virgil - One Groovy Greek

2006-08-25T22:29:00.000-04:00

My life verse: "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" - Virgil.

I would like to take the time to acknowledge the people who have been kind to me in business:

Jillian, my great partner, friend and inspriation
Deidre, thank you for your wisdom
Lou, yes - you are a 10...but what am I?
Lori Ann, for being 'there'
Lisa, for making me look beautiful
Shawn, for giving me perspective on the mean elephants
Stacey, my wonderful publicist
Jacqui, for your insight
Jeanne, for your friendship

Thank you for your positive energy. I hope we will all enjoy success together.

And thank you, Virgil, for giving me such an inspirational quote.

Prince Charming

2006-08-02T22:59:00.000-04:00

My sons have the same nickname: Prince Charming. When I was a little girl, like so many others, I wanted to be a princess when I grew up. Alas, in my 31 years as a princess wannabee, I haven't encountered many Prince Charmings. "But, mom" Joseph, my eldest son protests, "I want to be a policeman when I grow up". "Of course" I reply "But you can be Prince Charming too, no matter what you end up doing with your life."

We, as a society, have become so casual. I have had playdates at my house when I am addressed "Hey, Amy, got any juice?" These kids are FIVE! How are they going to act when they are thirty five? Whatever happened to good old fashioned manners? My children are not on a first name basis with grown-ups and use words like ma'am and sir to less familiar adults. Hats off indoors, no exceptions. Khakis are pressed and socks and belts coordinate. Ok, ok, I even put them in pink oxford shirts and roll the sleeves. "It takes a real man to wear pink" says Joseph proudly.

I hope most of all to raise sons who feel good about themselves and take pride in who they are and how they look. Manners and graciousness never go out of style.

"When I grow up, mom, I am going to arrest people for not saying please and thank you (see previous post)". Atta boy, Prince Charming.

Hey! That Man Didn't Say Thank You!

2006-07-27T21:39:00.000-04:00

Groovy: My five-year son, Joseph, is the unofficial polite police. We were in the ice cream store the other day and a very well-dressed gentleman came in by himself and ordered an ice cream cone. He was rather abrupt, paid, and proceeded to walk out the door. "Hey, that man didn't say thank you! Hey, mister, come back and say thank you!" commanded Joseph, pointing at the man. Startled, the man turned to me and said "Your boy is quite rude". I don't think so, pal. In fact, you are officially gauche (see below).

Gauche: The man in the ice cream store...touche!

The World Is Our Oyster

2006-07-10T14:52:00.000-04:00

"What is the opposite of groovy, mom?" asked my five year-old son, Joseph. I thought a moment. "Gauche" was my reply. Hence my new classification for just about everything was born. Forget hip and unhip, cool and uncool. Life is now groovy or gauche.

My bi-weekly post will include the grooviest and gauchest things I can think of that happen to me in my gig as a mom/CEO. Let's share, shall we? Tell me your groovy and gauche and we'll shindig-it together. The world is our oyster, baby.

GROOVY: The Family Groove, of course! My partner, Jillian, and I have created the hippest parenting mag on the planet! I used to spend $4 on parenting magazines, breeze through them (because who has time to read magazines from cover to cover?) and then throw them away. We created The Family Groove online because it's free and, as a busy mom, I would often consult the internet for baby advice or to find some great deals on ebay. Why not check out a groovy magazine while you're surfin' in cyberspace?

GAUCHE: The mean elephants in the movie Dumbo. Over the weekend, my mom brought over this Disney classic for my two boys (Joseph 5 and Brendan 3). I didn't remember how cruel those adult pachyderms were to little Dumbo! "Pretend you don't see him" said one of the elephants after Mrs. Jumbo was taken away. Dumbo was just wandering around with tears in his eyes looking for companionship. Alas, Dumbo triumphs in the end but, as a mother, any meanness to little ones is hard to watch.

'Til next time, stay groovy!

2006-07-04T20:41:00.000-04:00

The Groovy and the Gauche Adventures of a CEO/Mom Blog begins tomorrow...