Why Humilate Your Kids This Halloween?!

http://www.lifetimemomhttp://www.lifetimemoms.com/play/4-humiliating-halloween-costumes-your-kids-should-avoids.com/play/4-humiliating-halloween-costumes-your-kids-should-avoid

Shiva Can Be A *hit Show If You Forget The Real Reason You Are Sitting...

Not to be the Debbie downer of the mommy bloggers but last week I lost my last living Grandparent.  Grandma Betty (otherwise known as grandmaster B during a rap phase I was going through in high school, yo yo) was 96 years old and had a full life and an almost full set of teeth when she passed on. In typical Jewish form we gathered after the burial at my parents’ house for shiva.

For the people that aren’t Jewish or haven’t attended a shiva let me paint the picture for you.  A typical shiva requires a significant amount of gossiping and gorging on coffee cake, rugelach and other pastries while reminiscing here or there about the deceased. Family and friends clamor and chat about what THEY brought to the shiva, gossip about who is getting married and divorced amongst the community while grandparents whip out their iPhones attempting to pull up pictures of their grandchildren.  “Awwww look there’s my grandson he’s going to be a doctor one day did you hear?”  (Um yeah he’s 3 and can barely use the potty, but ok, doctor it is).

In all seriousness, and I am guilty of this as well, we get so wrapped up in the food, fun and socializing that we don’t  take the time to sit and reflect and remember why we are all really joining together.

Losing a grandparent is losing your biggest fan in the world. A grandparent thinks your worst days are your brightest. They are the confidant who simply wish you silver linings for your clouds.  Grandparents happily give you ice cream and french fries for lunch against mom and dads orders, ( history is clearly repeating itself with my parents and my child), they buy the most memorable gifts and tokens to cherish and they consider your meltdowns a highlight of their day.  You see, a grandchild can do no wrong through the eyes of their grandparent.   

My grandmother had very little when she passed on but she said something that will resonate within me.  She said “I can’t leave you with money or material things but I can leave you with memories”. There is no dollar amount on that. 

People tend to talk about the unconditional love that a parent has for a child, yet the love you feel from a grandparent runs deeper, is less tainted and is a rare connection.  Perhaps it is because grandparents can give their grandchildren back to the parents at the end of a holiday visit or have been down the road of raising children and simply know that at the age of 96 with 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, life doesn’t get much better than the gift of family.  So grandma for all of your Yiddish sayings, spectacular sassiness, (I inherited that, with pride) your love of the beauty parlor (yes that’s what she called it) and your insatiable appetite (which I, too, struggle with) I write this for you.  Hug and cherish the ones who matter to you the most because life is short even at 96.

L Shana Tova to the Jews and to everyone else, Happy Monday.

From Runway To Reality;Four Fashion Trends You Can Afford

The Look For Less? Stop, Really? YES! The must have trends for fall less the crazy cost! Check out the latest on lifetimemoms.com

http://www.lifetimemoms.com/how-to/from-runway-to-reality-4-fall-fashion-trends-you-can-afford

Why Im Afraid To Have A Second Child

"Just one!? You can't have JUST one, Aly!" Now, this is not a reference to having just one Tic Tac or just one Pringle or just one Oreo (excuse me as my mind drifts to emotional eating ). I'm talking about potentially ONLY having one kid. See what I had to say on lifetimemoms.com

http://www.lifetimemoms.com/family-parenting-tips/why-im-afraid-to-have-second-child

Just Say No! To Frizzy Hair And The Humidity!

http://www.lifetimemoms.com/how-to/just-say-noto-humidity-induced-frizzy-hair

To "Me" Or Not To "Me" That Is The Question

When we time needs a little me time.  Putting me before we?  Hmm not that simple, but satisfying. Check out the latest.....

http://www.lifetimemoms.com/play/to-me-or-not-to-me-question

An Open Door Bare Your Boobs Policy?

QUESTION! What is proper boob etiquette in a locker room? My initial gut feeling is save the boobies for the bedroom ladies! Check out my piece below, your man might even like this one...

http://www.lifetimemoms.com/how-to/put-em-away-i-dont-need-to-see-your-boobs-locker-room

Are You Feeling Easy Like Me?

How easy are you feeling this summer? Dressing for summer can be a bitch, but throwing a dress on always takes the edge off, instantly! Check out my latest fashion post by clicking the link below from lifetimemoms.com . Happy dressing!
http://www.lifetimemoms.com/how-to/are-you-feeling-easy-me

Bunions, Bootie Shorts, BO, Oh My! The Worst Beauty Blunders Of The Summer?

http://www.lifetimemoms.com/how-to/bunions-bootie-shorts-bo-ohh-my-4-summer-beauty-blunders

Check out the beauty and the beasts in my article at lifetimemoms.com

XO

"The Post It Always Sticks Twice"

My cleaning lady broke up with me today on a post it note. A POST IT NOTE. No call, no text, no heads up. It was stuck to my kitchen table with my name at the top, ( spelled wrong), that reeked of Soft Scrub . The note went a little something like this: " This is my last week working for you. I don't like your vacuum. Thank you for all the years". ( Six plus years, thank you very much, we were closing in on the seven year itch). I sincerely understand how Carrie Bradshaw felt when Burger left her high and dry and ended it all on a " small square that could fit into one palm as you angrily crush it into a ball" post it note. My now "ex" told me a few weeks ago that she missed the family/our family ( cry me a river) when she was on vacation. And now we were yesterday's recyclables. With a last quick swifter sweep of our apartment and the last swipes of organic cleaner ( Eco friendly for the love of my child), our flame is out. I thought we had something special. We had our every other week stand in , I only supplied cash for her services and my god she had a key! She always had something to say and enjoyed commenting when I looked fat in spandex, when I looked skinny in jeans, or would throw me a dirty look when I was lurking around on her turf during clean up time.

Breaking up is hard to do but on a post it note? After so many years how can one convey what they feel on a post it note, you can't for Pete's sake fit more than 20 words on it! The post it is the "mini me" of the paper family, ( I have nothing against little people/"mini mes", let the record stand) . Not to mention,  this size note barely sticks to any surface and most of the time winds up on the floor or on the bottom of some stranger's shoe.  The post it note feels like a cop out, a stationary after thought that embodies some meaningless, unreadable scribble.  AND lets remember this breakup was over a vacuum! So the vacuum wasn't her dream model. Hell she picked this one out herself 2 years ago when she warned me things weren't "working" and we were disputing over the older model. But the vacuum wasn't cutting it anymore because in her head she had already moved on and was leaving my square footage behind.

On my recent LifetimeMoms.com biography ( link attached for those that have missed it), http://www.lifetimemoms.com/contributors/aly-organek when I was asked what the name would be of my own Lifetime Movie, I said I would call it  “The Never Ending Crazy Seinfeld Episode (You Can’t Make This Stuff Up).” What I meant was you can't make this shit up! Its ludicrous, its insanity, and is almost as bonkers as Carrie Bradshaw's sickness for shoes mixed with Kramer's mangled coif . I'm dealing with crazy peeps and situations more often that not these days. Maybe that's part of NYC living, but the post it note is forever tainted !

So farewell Victor/Victoria, its been swell, didn't we almost have it all? Looks like the sheets just weren't aligned for us.  Oh and for you matchmakers out there, I enjoy long walks on the beach, candle lit dinners for two and any Dyson vacuum model that will have me...

Too Much Drama For Your Mama...

Why are people so quick to talk smack on other people? Why does it make people feel better to make poor attempts to wreak havoc on others accomplishments and happiness? Listen, I'm guilty of some nay saying too, I’m no angel, however, every time I think about what I have said,  I need to check myself before I wreck oneself because I always regret being the Debbie downer of the bunch, always. Who has time for it really anymore? Kids? Work? Laundry? High school is long over and has been left in the dust between the awkward middle school years and the best college years of my lifeJ  

Something made me angry this week and it takes something very unnerving to make my blood boil.  Someone was talking ignorantly about me (and throughout the years has made talking about me a second language). Being the busy body that she is, she told another girl and hence, through ten games of telephone it got back to me. I can take criticism and welcome it to the fullest especially being a novice at this whole blog “ exposing my life and feelings” thing, but to say something one dimensional that is downright cruel simply to hear yourself talk reflects a strange, non fixable insecurity that I can’t even begin to touch.

Ladies and whatever gents are reading, this blog is about laughing out loud, honest mistakes, FEELING SOMETHING and most importantly connecting with other peoples trials and tribulations.  The blog is deeper than simply talking about the pair of jeans I bought yesterday on sale. If you can’t take the heat please step out of my kitchen or have the balls to speak up and dive in and start cooking. Raw criticism is welcomed, I love it, we can all grow from that, but snide side marks are just plain stupid. 

So I’m raising my half empty champagne glass to the people with a tainted sense of perspective, a rejection to feather ruffling and an impressive level of senselessness. This is my “Toast to the douchebags”, (thank you, Kanye). Didn't your mama ever tell you if you have nothing nice to say don't say anything at all at least not to people with big mouths? Or at the very least, fess up to the pettiness. Ladies, let’s be each other’s biggest fans! Step up to the plate and start playing fairly like the adults we all claim to be . BUT! I can take on a mean girl, been there, been that, done that, try me… 

Attack Of The Shellac, Hear Me Roar

GRRRRRRRRRRRR, that's right

Mes amies would say I have a rather addictive personality.  (I'm told my toddler does as well thanks to the preschool academic powers that be, yes, the "beauty" of MY genes) .  I'm routined and regimented and I like consistency in the sickest sense.  When I find a summer cocktail I like, it sticks,( Skinnygirl ). When something fits, flatters and zips, (while strategically squeezing in each love handle at a time), that "something" becomes a sure new favorite and works in as " my regular".  Incorporating a shellac mani into my beauty regimen has become just that.  The shellac manicure is right up there, becoming as addictive as a supportive sports bra ( god knows I need it), as essential as gel eyeliner when leaving the house ( top and bottom lid) and as necessary as the handful of baked cheetos I work into my daily lunch routine, undoubtedly . While it saddens me to part with Essie's marshmallow and to have to put OPI's strawberry fields on the shelf, these iconic nail polish brands have taken a quick back seat to the attack of the shellac, thanks to Creative Nail Design. 

The shellac is a mommies manicure miracle. It's a manicure that won't chip for weeks and safely allows you to scrub the crud off your dishes, hit the playground slide or pull your hair strands out one by one when your day can't get any worse,  all without any harm to the polish. You can still choose from a pleather of colors from neutrals to neon's and it dries like wildfire with the help of UV lights. While it can cause your nails to soften like the thinnest paper and slowly break your nails off one nail at a time, well,  eh so what? Beauty hurts, shellac is my crack and you do what you need to do to look your best for the sake of efficiency.  I'm not injecting botox and I haven't gone under the knive ( yet) , so for now this is my guility beauty pleasure, sad but true, this is it, take it or leave it but try it.... Zou Bisou Bisou...  

I want to be Megan, just for one round of Zou Bisou Bisou with a shellac mani and with Don Drapper, not Jon Hamm, Don Drapper thrown in...

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3774538/view-from-the-30ish-floor-the-trials?claim=4mn9wajuh8y">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

Welcome To The Jungle

Welcome To The Jungle

I had a light bulb moment today where the white picket fence in the suburbs with all it's cookie cutter glory and terrifying monotony sounded, well... appealing.  I was strolling my toddler through Union Square in NYC and within two minutes I was encountered by a shady nanny soliciting potential business from me like a dirty drug deal followed by a strange man wearing a neon skirt(OK, neon is on trend,  good for him!) who started talking to my kin about the "bubbles "( possible urination bubbles, I guess? We will never know). Nevertheless, they were "bubbles" he made in the fountain.  Hmmm,  NOT OK. Nope, I was completely shaded out and bolted sprinting with the Bugaboo and my baby down 14th Street.

Say hello to my little friend, NYC
fire hydrant at its scariest

For some reason when the weather gets warmer, the craziness is rampant here & NYC loses a bit of its' glory.  NYC is an official "concrete jungle" during the summertime and is often rather offensive. It's a full 15 degrees warmer than most of the surrounding suburbs and beach towns, dirty water parks and sprinklers that are simply a glorified upgrade to opening up fire hydrants to keep cool open and clueless tourists take over the city, flooding the streets with their international body odor , walking at snail speed pace taking pictures of random buildings no NYC resident ever stopped to notice! It's as if the heat not only frys and frizzes your hair for 3 months,  it sort of frys your brain bringing on crazy thoughts, like, well, a suburb move.  HOW DOES ONE ESCAPE from the insanity?

This is your brain with too much NYC heat
any questions?

With a sudden mirage of my own yard on the brain ( yes, something other than a public park as my backyard) and visions of me driving carpool to Hebrew school ( I can't fully picture it either) I grabbed a Vitamin Zero, cooled off and reeled myself back in. The fact of the matter is the insanity is here all year long and that is what makes NYC so wonderful, so unique and so powerful.  It is the most insane melting pot of people, performances, pizza places and picturesque views. The feeling you get when you drive down the West Side highway and see the polluted Hudson is unparalleled, really.  It sucks you in and sucks your bank account dry yet millions make it work and can't make the move to leave so quickly. It may not be reality here to some, but it's mine right now.

I know the grass is greener, (perhaps), on the other side, but I for one don't think my love affair is quite over yet with New York City and all its' crazies and strange nannies looking for me to give them work. Sooooo...sorry white picket fence, you are just going to have to wait for me. 
Listen, if we are meant to be it's meant to be...

It's Perfect 2 Be Imperfect...In Python, Perhaps?

If sex was a shoe this would be it, yes, it's Christian Louboutin if you live in a pothole and didn't recognize the red sole

Someone once told me that if you put your problems into a circle you would still pull out your own problems . I'm still trying to find the truth in that statement. This week wasn't as epic of a mommy week as it could have been.  Aside from the abnormally gorgeous weather,  I had complete blogging brain freeze, experienced terrible 2s in an abundance, burnt the 1 batch of cookies I have baked in the last 2 years ( not a Martha Stewart type), had a 45 minute therapy session riddled with tears and tissues and none of my printed denim ( and you know I love my novelty denim) seemed to fit. Crappy numbers at Flywheel and an inability to sprint it out at Barry's Bootcamp was the cherry on top of simply feeling bummed.

I am not I repeat I am not and never will be a Martha Stewart
type, pray for my kids....

We all have weeks we would like to erase from our memory and pretend didn't happen. But, challenging times are OK. I'm declaring its normal to feel abnormal , its on to be "off" ,  and it's time to get comfortable with uncomfortable in our day to day lives.  The hard part is finding the strength to pick yourself up and keep yourself going and looking FORWARD. Positivity leads to creativity which leads to longevity. Not sure if that makes total sense but it sounds stellar reading it on paper.

And while what I'm about to say doesn't fix your imperfections or solve every problem spinning in that head of yours, a little bit of instant gratification never hurt anyone. So food for thought today let's talk about what makes us feel good and for me ( shocker) it's some good old fashion "fashion", some good old calorie free fun.

PYTHON!  Python is an awesome wardrobe staple. It never goes out of style. It looks good on you, your baby girl or on your mother, ( hmmm would be a cute three generations picture, no )?  It's seasonless, effortless and screams in the know, in the show! SO INVEST! Below are a few of my favorites. Python could be just a splash in your wardrobe but it's worth the spend while your on the mend from a week to forget.  Wohoo! Blogging is back on, a little python on the horizon, a few sips/slowly finshing  my husband's Amstel while the baby sleeps and I'm already feeling better. Python puts everything into perspective, people, duh.  Moving right along...



From top left clockwise: Equipment blouse, Textile Elizabeth & James jeans, Sam Edelman tote, Ted Rossi bangle

Oh NO She Didn't...She Did! She Stole My Babysitter!

Fight To The Death For A Saturday Night Out

Some quick food for thought....
There are always lines that should never be crossed: Never sleep with your friend's ex boyfriend ( all the single ladies please) ,  don't eat off the ground after the 3 second rule, ( unless your really needed that Swedish fish)  and don't steal your mommy friend's Saturday night babysitter.  "Borrowing" a babysitter is like borrowing your friend's new cover up from Scoop  : Borrow it once,  MAYBE have the balls to borrow and wear it twice, but there's noooooo chance in hell you should claim that cover up as your own. 

ADORE Poupette
Scoopnyc.com

LOVE Poupette
Scoopnyc.com

I don't care if the person you borrow from has a stash of sitters ( or pareos), you don't make it your "regular".  At least not without a conversation about it over some champage. Why?  Well, finding a reliable babysitter on the weekends is priceless, hard to come by and frankly requires you to put a ring on it ASAP.

Your *ss is grass, she's mine  bi*tch!

During one of my playground sessions last week, I ran into a fellow mommy lets call her "Supermom". Supermom was in a tizzy about a friend of hers, lets call her friend  "Quietmom". Super mom "lends" quiet mom her sitter for a night,  as quiet mom is in a pinch.  When super mom calls the sitter a week later, quiet mom has booked the sitter for the NEXT MONTH.  WAIT REWIND! Supermom lent her the sitter for one occasion then all of the sudden quiet mom claims the sitter like she would claim a lottery ticket, like lightning speed!!!  Yes, these sitters sound like cattle, but well, they kinda are so I guess the lesson learned would be to brand those baby mamas as quickly as you can as your own. Guarantee great goodies in your fridge and throw in a movie or two on demand cause it could mean the difference of a night out at the new Blue Ribbon or a night sitting on your couch sittting in between a baby monitor and some play dough that was smushed into your couch earlier that day.  Friends don't let friends steal sitters, period.

Cross Your Heart And Hope To Buy? .

Home is where the heart is and this heart belongs IN your home IN your jewelry box, ASAP.   A whole lotta lovin in the air for Nashelle's over sized brass heart that hangs from a 20" chain.  Love this piece on its' own as I was wearing it blogging away, below ,or layered back to your already favorite charms and chains.  

A few drinks in hence the smirk

Nashelle's gems are made of recycled, precious metals and natural gemstones that are produced locally in lovely Bend, Oregon.  And get this? It's only $35 ( yes my heart almost skipped a beat too) which means you can buy one for you AND your bestie AND your Mama for Mother's Day.  Celeb fans of Nashelle include some of my favorites including Kourtney Kardashian, Jessica Simpson and Brooke Burke ( boobies not included with this golden heart, you are on your own for those). AND NEWSFLASH Nashelle and I are pairing up to offer you a chance to win A FREE brass heart necklace this week only. 3 readers who like the post on facebook AND who already follow or START to follow me on twitter today will be randomly selected by Nashelle to win this piece. The Groove is in the heart, so start liking and start WINNING. And if you snooze and lose that's OK , check out Nashelle's site below to start collecting on your own.

XOXOXOXOX

Heres's the link to my facebook and my twitter site so start following!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/aorganek
https://twitter.com/#!/VFT30ishfloor

https://nashelle.com/

The Granny Panty Dropper, Once and For All!

What's behind every great man is a great woman and what's behind every great woman NEEDS to be fashionable undergarments. I know what you are thinking, "I didn't have time to "match" today "
or " I need to do laundry and have slim pickings to put on" or "My man and I have been together for so long he doesn't care what my bra and undies look like". Newsflash ladies, DING DING-He DOES care and you should TOO! We take so much time to worry about what we look like on the outside but what about some lacey loving for the love handles on the inside?

I'm confident that half of you are walking around with the same bra bought 3 years ago that doesn't properly fit you and/or underwear ( or panties if you prefer, I know I cringe saying it also) which will most definitely rip upon your next wear.  So as Mother's Day approaches and you are honing in for the latest handbag from your man, what about grabbing the bull by the horns and picking yourself up something that makes you feel good from the inside out.  A bra, a sexy piece of shape wear and some new undies. Buy 1 buy them all I don't care really,  just please no more Grandma panties past this entry point. Drop em.

A little Spanky with Your Hanky Pankies Neons are all the rage this season and are in full force from Hanky Pankys Spring collection. I love when the pant and panty play matchy matchy so try them back to all that colored denim I have been talking about! Better yet prance around your apartment in a white tank and these neons sweeping up the Cheerios and Gerber's puffs off the floor. 

thelittleflirt.com

Skinnygirl Shapewear and Smoothers
Because she needs more money, Bethenny Frankel has designed an edited line of lingerie/shapewear products for all shapes and sizes, well endowed included. While I was unsure about the orginal skinny girl's ability to design and deliver, this top is actually sexy and looks great on smoothing out all of your roly polys. No bra necessary so layer under the black cardigan in your closet if you dare and sip your Skinny girl margarita...

barenecesseties.com

Well Hello Mellow Yellow by Wacoal
I'm all about the bra straps hanging out of your tank top for the summer. Exposed straps act as an accessory especially when they are colored. I'm feeling yellow, and good news for me, the bras below come in size "big boobs too" .  Here are two styles to choose from but I love the yellow:

                                                            www.wacoal-america.com

There you have it, new solutions for your foundation solutions. I see your true colors shining through your clothes in the near future, I really do! Get boudoir ready already and put yourself together for the love of God....

If Your Crazy and You Know It Clap Your Hands!

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/06/fashion/new-yorkers-who-fit-in-2-or-3-workouts-a-day.html?_r=1&ref=fashion

I'm so happy to be part of the workout freak of the month club. It's nice to know other people are spending their kids nursery school tuition to stay fit. I warned you I was a gym rat from day one didn't I? Check out the article above it's a great little write up by Courtney Rubin a fellow Flywheel friend. I recommend you try this at least once for a well deserved hamburger and some sweet potato fries from Bareburger!

PS check out the slide show for the insanity..

Are You A Fashionista OR A Maxxinista?!

Well that title really has little to no relevance but ever since I saw that god awful commercial I have wanted to reference it!

I will, however, be blogging on some fashion morsels of the week. ( sorry serious cookie dough on the brain hence the morsels)....OK, FOCUSING!

 I will keep my favs short and sweet in honor of my height  ( barely breaking 5'4  without shoes ).  So, some FFYIs- Fashion For Your Information!



Earlier this week I hit up the Rapparound fashion press preview event at the Paramount Hotel,  pulled together by the genius of Melissa Rappaport and her team.  Each year her press event gets stronger with some real fabulosity!

http://www.rapparound.com/

My favorite finds?  Butterscotch Blankees. These adorable monogrammed blankets and sweaters for the tots are the PERFECT baby gift, ( BTW don't you feel like you are buying a baby gift EVERY DAY)? Made in bright color combinations and feel good patterns, these items are novel, fun and won't break the bank! Obsession with the sweater below and the blanket sampling at the event.
 www.butterscotchblankees.com














Charlotte Lu- GORGEOUS statement pieces with colors as edible as the candy at Dylan's Candy Bar. Colored earrings are the easiest way to inject color into your wardrobe . And yes ladies color looks GREAT ON and near the face.  I ALSO have a total crush on Lu's tiny single charm pave necklaces pictured down below, as well. The necklaces are delicate, yet sexy and VERSATILE , from the office to the playground to mom's night out. Love them layered back to what's already in your jewelry box , perhaps last years Mothers Day gift? for an eclectic mix.  I heart U Charlotte Lu!
www.charlottelu.com

If your daughter is living in a material world and is a material girl check out Sydney Summer, an adorable children's jewelry line . Designed by Danielle Steven's , Danielle has infused some fresh and fun accessories into the children's market. Watch out Crewcuts, there is some serious competition knocking on your doll house door! Adorable necklaces, bracelets and even some rings for your little fashionista.  It's a must have to add to your little girls dress up trunk!

http://www.shopsydneysummer.com/










Finally, the Saks Friends and Family event is in full swing,( last day today), which means the animals are out in full force looking for a deal, 20 percent off to be exact . ( What people will do for a deal these days). While I could have done some major damage and risked being kicked out of the house by the hubby, I decided mi Casa was more important than mi Christians so I took it easy this time. I invested in a new pair of shades by Oliver Peoples. Plastic is practical for me and I went tortoise, as well instead of a bold color or a black dark shade like I always do. Sometimes less is more especially with all that colored denim this summer so keep the shades simple...
Love the shape of these peoples,  it's more of a modern day oval shape. Not too big, not too small. just right. With 20 percent off the price tag, it's a no brainer. Oliver has done it again, peoples....

www.saksfifthavenue.com

OK, over and out for today. Blogging hat off, Mommy hat on. Happy shopping ladies and gentleman, till next time XOXO