Beyond Words

Let’s just say last night was one royal evening on TV.  What, with Miss Universe, the Screen Actors Guild awards, and Downton Abbey competing for viewers, it was the perfect evening to play favorites with who wore what.

At the SAG awards, Emma Stone killed it once again, this time in Dior.  The girl knows how to pick them and she knows how to work it.  Love this about her!

For the most part I thought the SAG gowns failed and that Jennifer Aniston’s breasts were again saggy (maybe it’s all those years of not wearing a bra on “Friends,” but something has taken its toll on her otherwise perfect bod.)  In addition to Stone, I died for only three other gowns:

Camila Alves looked dropped dead gorge again in a stunning eggplant Donna Karan Atelier mermaid with train.  Hash-tag she gets it every time.

I also think Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting looked beyond sweet in her tomato red Romona Keveza.

I loved, loved, loved the pale pink and oh so simple yet stunning Balenciaga column on Felicity Jones.  Perfect hair.  Perfect jewelry.  Perfect bag.  Perfection.

Meanwhile in Miami, the Miss Universe contestants were throwing down their best starlet imitations in gowns that put many a SAG star to shame.  My faves?

Miss Jamaica not only reminded me of a brunette Jennifer Lawrence but was also so poised and I am crazy about her super short hair.   The back of this red stunner was to…die…for.

Miss USA also looked radiant in red, as did Miss Russia…

Miss Korea and Miss Hungary blew me away in blue…

Miss St. Lucia and Miss Czech Republic went for the gold…and scored big in my book…

I’m all about glitter so I loved Miss Peru’s sparkler but I also found Miss South Africa’s classy white number a real winner…

I have a love-hate feeling about Miss Ukraine’s busy and bright pink friller but Miss Guyana’s emerald green gown was a gem.

I love watching these shows and I love picking my favorites.  I wonder if you do too?  Please share!

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

It seems like more and more people I know have kids who are either special needs or just needing some special medical or educational care.  I work with children, all of who have different needs, and I have a talented and beautiful daughter who has special needs uniquely her own.  It’s tough seeing your child struggle but God is there every step of the way.  God also thinks YOU are very special as He gave that child to you and only you.   I don’t know about you, but I consider that a huge honor.  He trusts you and supports you, as this poem someone gave me years ago attests.  It made me feel better way back then, and it still does to this day.  Here’s hoping it helps whoever else needs it.

Heaven’s Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from earth

It’s time again for another birth

Said the angels to the Lord above

This child will need much, much love

His progress may seem very slow

Accomplishments he may not show

And she’ll require extra care

From the folks she meets way down there

He may not run or laugh or play

His thoughts may seem quite far away

In many ways she won’t adapt

She might be known as handicapped

So let’s be careful where he’s sent

We want his life to be content

Lord find the parents who will do

A very special job for You

They may not realize right away

The special role they’re asked to play

But with this child sent from above

Comes stronger faith and richer love

And soon they’ll know the privilege given

In caring for this gift from heaven

Their precious charge, so meek and mild

Is heaven’s very special child.

I just read in the paper today that Expedia bought Travelocity from the Sabre Corp., which is the big system that companies work with to sell airline tickets, hotel rooms, and rental cars.   My family is a big fan of Expedia so I found this interesting and read on.  Did you know Expedia also owns Hotels.com and Hotwire?  News to me.  I was under the naïve assumption that all the sites competing for not only ad space but travel dollars are separate and competing entities.  Silly me.

And it’s not just Expedia.  Priceline, another big booking site, also owns Booking.com, Kayak, and Open Table.  I couldn’t find anything on Orbitz or new player Trivago, but I’m sure they’re next.  In fact, Orbitz is rumored to have a “for sale” sign on it.

I don’t know about you, but I use these sites to find competitive airfares and to book travel packages that include flight, hotel, and rental car.  I’m not sure how to feel that many of them are one big happy family.  Doesn’t seem like much competition to me, and competition makes prices drop, right?

Flying is not fun anymore and no one will tell you this more than my husband, who has travelled for years on business and wants nothing to do with it even for fun.  I get it.  Flying is a pain in the tail and I don’t care what exotic locations you “get” to travel to for your job, my lack of envy will be sitting with me right at home.

Don’t get me wrong, I do still enjoy a trip or two, but my list of “gotta see” places continues to decrease mainly due to the hassles of flying.  If it’s a driving road trip you’re talking about, I’m in.  Boarding a plane that’s not non-stop?  Eh, lemme think about it.

A Flight Attendant Comes Clean

This all made me remember a book I read some years back titled “Cruising Altitude.”  It was written by Heather Poole, who was/is a long-time flight attendant for several major airlines.  I loved reading the dish on what flight attendants and only flight attendants know and thought I’d share some of it with you.  Fasten your seat belts, put your tray tables in the upright and lock positions, and enjoy the ride!

First and foremost Ms. Poole wants everyone to know that we are not receiving “bad service” these days but “limited service.”  (Tell that to the passenger who gets Ms. Grump-a-Lump serving her on her expensive and crowded flight!)  She vows flight attendants are doing the best they can with the limited and decreasing tools they are given.  She says that you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat a flight attendant, who, by the way, lives and works amid one of the most serious ranking seniority around.

In fact, you might say seniority is everything in the flight attendant world.  Those on domestic flights tend to get the least amount of respect and work the least wanted routes.  If the plane you board has two aisles, is an overseas flight, and/or is a long flight, you more than likely will be served by the most senior of flight attendants.

Those long flights are often the calmest of flights, as passengers are least likely to carry-on big bags.  Being away for a long period of time means more checked bags and a much calmer boarding time.  According to Poole early morning or “red eye” flights also tend to be quieter, as passengers sleep during the flight, and as she says “a quiet cabin is a happy cabin.”

I prefer booking morning flights for perhaps another reason:  in case of the dreaded (and more and more common) cancellation or delay of connecting flights, the odds of catching a later open flight are much greater than if your original flight was a 2:30 p.m. flight.

I have a very dear friend who is a flight attendant.  She flies only international and is as sweet and professional as can be so I hate to even include this fact, but if you ask me, flight attendants just aren’t very friendly anymore.  She, Poole, and probably any other FA will say that their job is not to make us happy but to keep us safe, but it seems like asking one for anything is like asking for a million dollars.  I get it, it’s a stressful job full of probably very rude passengers, but without us there would be no flight attendant jobs.

Want to make one of those snotty flight attendants unhappy?  According to Poole, order a Diet Coke from the bev cart.  What?  Yep, Poole says that for some mysterious reason the fizz in only Diet Coke doesn’t go down as quickly as other carbonated drinks so they are considered the most annoying beverage.   Note to self!

Both Poole and “Conde Nast Traveler” report that nothing is more annoying than the NYC-Miami flight.  Both say it’s “one of the most difficult routes in the system” and Poole added NY-Vail as well, claiming “every single person sitting in coach truly believes they should be in first class.”  Then buy a first class ticket princess!

As a whole, business class passengers are Poole’s least favorite, and probably those of most flight attendants.  Called “the most demanding passengers on an airplane,” they are usually given the most junior attendants.  It makes sense, as coach passengers don’t expect much of anything anymore and first class passengers get all they want.  It’s those middle business boogers who consider themselves better than coach but won’t or can’t ante up for first class.

The most challenging flyers are also those who feel entitled.  Everyone is all about being a “gold status gazillion mile frequent flying champion,” but who isn’t today?  The days of flashing your mileage reward card and impressing anyone are long gone.   You fly a lot on business?  Well unless it’s for your dream job, I feel sorry for you!

Everyone, me included, has always thought flight attendants live a charmed life and should smile from take-off to landing.  That is not necessarily the case though.  Their jobs are hard and they are a grind.  Yes, they have the perk of flying “non-rev,” but have to do so stand-by, usually in the middle of the week and rarely for holidays, and getting a seat with family members flying with them is almost unheard of.  Okay so the flight is free, but how would you like to fly everywhere stand-by?  Think about it.  You really can never check a bag and you will more than likely spend hour upon hour waiting at a gate.  This is the case for even the most senior of attendants.

Until you have reached that coveted senior status, your personal life is literally and figuratively “up in the air.”  As Poole wrote, single flight attendants find it difficult to have relationships as their schedules and availability are erratic and they are generally fairly independent people.  Saying “good-bye” is an everyday thing for a flight attendant!  Maybe that’s why today’s flight attendants last either only a few months or a lifetime.  Veteran flyers consider flying not their job, but a lifestyle.

I always figured New York City would be considered the “end all” of flight attendant base cities, which are where their flights begin and end, but it’s actually considered a junior base and is home to many a newbie.  In fact, many NYC flight attendants permanently live elsewhere, which somewhat explains the line of motor homes and campers along the back fence at JFK.

If they do permanently live the New York City area, it’s probably in what’s called a “crash pad.”  These multi-level and multi-room houses are where flight attendants merely “crash” between flights and do so with several fellow attendants.  Queens is a popular location for them as it’s centrally located between LaGuardia and JFK.

All this seems much different than the old days, when flight attendants were called stewardesses and were considered glamorous, like on the recently cancelled TV show “Pan-Am,” which I loved.   They were also required to be childless and single and of certain height and weight.  Today there are some clothing regulations regarding how flight attendants wear their airline uniforms,  but other than that the only height and weight restrictions are that they must be able to sit in the jump seat without an extended seat belt and fit through and emergency window exit.  Oh yeah, they’re also officially only on the clock when the door closes and the plane backs away from the gate so delays are just as aggravating to them as they are to you!  Add to that having to deal with demanding passengers, standing on your feet all day, being one of very few people who say “thank you” when someone hands you trash, and you quickly realize that flying the friendly skies isn’t all that friendly for anyone anymore!

Pilots have it a little different but are under probably even more stress.  I cannot even imagine.  A few fun facts about pilots that Poole shares are the fact that they often keep a family photo under the brim of their hat to distinguish it from those of other pilots, captains have four stripes on their sleeves while first officers have three, the heavier and bigger a plane pilots fly the more money they are making, and pilots on one flight are never fed the same thing on board as a precaution against food poisoning.  Good to know, right?!

All of this may bore you (and if so, you probably have read this far anyway!), but it fascinates me.  Here are a few other random tips Poole gives:

• Because of lower oxygen levels on a plane, the same amount of alcohol goes a lot further so please drink wisely!

• Afraid of flying? Tell the flight attendants right away. They are there to help you. Also, the back of the plane is always bumpier so avoid sitting there if possible.

• Count the number of rows from your seat to the closest emergency exit. Keep in mind that if an emergency does occur, it will probably be dark so you will need to feel your way to the exit.

• Those seat blocking device that you can use to prevent the seat in front of you from reclining look like great carry-on ideas, but they will be confiscated by a flight attendant so don’t bother buying one.

Yes, airlines have taken the fun out of travel with smaller seats and carry-on bag charges, but in most cases don’t blame the flight attendant unless he or she is extremely rude or unfriendly.   Maybe they could all take a page from Southwest Airlines flight attendants who almost always are nice and happy.  Amazing too, being that the majority of their flights are short ones.  We’re all paying a lot of money to fly and withstanding a lot of irritations do so too so is it asking too much to ask for a simple smile and common courtesy?  Or maybe even a snack or a blanket?  I think not.

One last thing:  SkyMall magazine, that fun little “seat pocket in front of you” magazine that contains all those things you really don’t need but seem to want at 20,000 feet, has filed bankruptcy.  Seems on-board TVs, laptops, and notebooks have taken the place of the in-flight shopping catalog that has been a cabin mainstay since 1989.  Although I always have a book, my own magazines, and my tablet on board, I will miss browsing through SkyMall.  Will you?

My co-worker and I were talking about hair today.  She was looking forward to her hair appointment after work and we shared our joys and our woes about styling and coloring our hair.  I feel pretty confident in saying this is a typical conversation topic among women.  It’s no secret that a good hair day makes for a good all around day.

Our hair is our most prominent and permanent accessory and we stress over it a lot.  Those with curly hair want straight hair.  We go short only to grow it out or add extensions.   Our bathrooms border on beauty salons when it comes to hair styling tools.   Guys think we’re crazy but also admit they all wish their ladies had Julia Roberts-style locks.

We all know those girls:  the ones with perfect hair.  My friends Julie and Jeannie.   Jennifer Aniston and Kate Middleton.  We love them but boy do we hate the fact that their hair always looks great.

We also know those celebs whose hair has set the style world on fire at one time or another:  Farrah, Hamill, Rachel, even Halle.  Say “Lisa Rinna” and you not only think of ginormous lips but you probably also think of that same hair style she’s had for years.  Everyone loved Meg Ryan’s tasseled waves but does anyone else remember the TV havoc caused when Felicity chopped off her famous curls?

A New Norm for Hair

That’s why I was so pleased to recently learn that “normcore” hair is in and in a big way.  What the heck is “normcore” hair?  Well, it’s the hair style sister of last year’s normcore fashion, essentially studied yet decidedly dressed down style.  Boyfriend jeans paired with  (gasp!) Birkenstocks, men’s ware at formal affairs.  Over polished became so over and even make-up was less done.  Bare faces were all the rage last summer and the trend is expected to continue this year.

When it comes to hair in 2015, less is more.  Less styling.  Less blow outs.  Less extensions.  Less color.  Less everything.  According to hair stylist to the stars, Marie Robinson, it’s simple hair with natural color.  Your natural color.  Ombre is out, extensions have extended their welcome, highlights are has beens, and platinum is past tense.

Robinson credits one particular celebrity, Jennifer Lawrence, for triggering this back to basics trend.  “Even though she’s had different variations of cuts, her color always stays believable,” Robinson says.   I Googled the fashionable and friendly JLaw, and found this to be spot on.  Judge for yourself:

This toning down of hair color opens the door for more options and possibilities with haircuts.  The thought being women will take bigger risks with their hair cuts if their hair color is toned down. “Don’t over accessorize” applies also to hair so if you have a “look at me” shade you probably want to keep your style simple, or vice versa.

“We’ve been stuck on this middle-long safe length for such a long time and I’m hoping people are going to get more daring,” says Robinson when it comes to choosing a hair style.

Most hair stylists would agree, and many admit, that trimming long hair can get pretty boring, but a fun shorter “do” is way more fun to do.

About the time I learned about this normcore hair trend, I came across Instyle.com’s site where you upload a photo of yourself and “try on” a variety of hairstyles, even those of celebrities.  I had so much fun with it and found the site not only highly entertaining but highly addictive too!

Do we like a bob…

Short and sassy…

Long and flowing…

Mid-length moxie

Or…Kate, Katy Perry, blonde Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, the “Rachel” or Whitney Houston?!

So.  Much.  Fun!

Try it out yourself at instyle.com/hairmakeover.  I’m guessing you’ll have as much fun as I did and you may just find that perfect hair style you’ve been looking for!

Choose Wisely

When choosing a hair style, there are many things to consider.  Nothing can change your look more than a new ‘do but just because your favorite celebrity can pull off the style of the moment doesn’t mean you can.  Study the shape of your face and the texture of your hair.  Both are paramount in deciding what hair cut you decide on.  Also think about how much time and effort you like to spend doing your hair.  I have a lot of hair that grows fast and I could easily have long, flowing locks but I just am not good at or enjoy spending lots of time styling my hair each day.  I also have an oval face, which styling experts say is the most versatile face shape, but as the photos above prove, bangs don’t work on me because my forehead is narrow.

If you also have an oval face (think Julia Roberts or Beyonce), many different cuts will work for you but regardless of length, ask for cheekbone, lip line, or chin-length layers and avoid short layers on top.  Skip blunt cuts all together if you have thick or curly hair.

Long faces (think Sarah Jessica Parker or Liv Tyler) work best with chin-length cuts or bobs.  Bangs can also work on this face shape, as does either straight styles or curls.

Heart-shaped faces like Reese Witherspoon and Michelle Pfeiffer should focus on long layers if the cut is short and side-swept bangs for both long and short styles.  Stay away from blunt-cut bobs.  Subtle layers and playful pieces work best.

Square-faced beauties like Keira Knightley and Julianne Moore should avoid blunt-cut bangs at all costs and opt instead for cuts that soften their prominent jawlines.  Focus on face-framing layers, spiky crops, or sleek long looks.

Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams both boast round faces, and if you do too you’ll want longer, geometric cuts with angled layers.  Pick cuts with more volume on the crown than on the sides and stay away from blunt styles that end above your chin.

It’s not true that blondes have more fun so most importantly, have fun with your hair whether it’s brown, black, red or even pink.   Just think:  it will always grow back!

Always.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

Speak Lord, your servant is listening.

That line is in one of today’s mass readings and it’s also in a song we sing right before the gospel.  I’ve always loved it.

I am His servant and I am listening.

Sometimes it’s hard to hear what He is saying though; really hear.  We often hear what we want to hear and shy away from what He might be telling us.

People in general just aren’t good listeners.  We would rather be talking, texting, reading, or doing something else.  Listening is an art.  It’s a skill and something we have to work on being good at.  We all know the empty feeling of talking to someone we know isn’t really listening and yet we are guilty of doing the very same thing.

Even during sermons in church.  We fidget, we look around, we let our minds wander.  But, we should be listening to the Word of God with open hearts and open ears.  It is a true blessing to listen to God.  It is how we obtain His blessings and improve our relationship with Him.  Yes, we also pray to Him, but praying to God is not the same as listening to Him.  Prayer is how we speak to God but it’s not how He speaks to us.  He speaks to us through His word and in many little ways throughout our days.  It’s up to us to hear those words.

Throughout the bible there are examples of those who did not listen to God from the outset.  Eli.  Nathanael, and even Samuel until God called to him, saying “Samuel!  Samuel!”  Then, Samuel finally replied, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”  After that, God spoke to Samuel regularly and Samuel listened.  He eventually became a prophet and is a shining example for us all.

Every morning the first thing I do is read my “Jesus Calling” devotional.  Today’s reading was so timely as I grapple with listening to God and wondering what His plans are for my life even as I always repeat “the will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you.”  God also said “Follow me” (John 21:19), so it was with an open heart and open ears that I read:

Jesus Calling: January 18

I am leading you along the high road, but there are descents as well as ascents. In the distance you see snow-covered peaks glistening in brilliant sunlight.  Your longing to reach those peaks is good, but you must not take shortcuts.   Your assignment is to follow Me, allowing Me to direct your path.  Let the heights beckon you onward, but stay close to Me.

Learn to trust Me when things go wrong.  Disruptions to your routine highlight your dependence on Me. Trusting acceptance of trials brings blessings that far outweigh them all. Walk hand in hand with Me through the day.  I have lovingly planned every inch of the way. Trust does not falter when the path becomes rocky and steep.  Breathe deep draughts of My presence, and hold tightly to My hand. Together we can make it.

Concluding Prayer Father, thank you for your great love and care for me. Thank you for the promise of directing my paths. Lord, help me to be open to new heights. I want to serve You with all my heart and I pray that You would direct me to the best place for me to serve You.  Lord, I don’t know if I’m the best place right now.  It’s providing for me and yet it is very empty.  Do you want me to change?  Is there another path you want to direct me towards?   Things won’t always go the way I want them to and when this happens keep me connected to You Lord. I feel my road is steep right now and I admit, I think the answer often is for me to run out and solve a problem in a way I only think it can be solved.   Do I think that you really can do something beyond my understanding?  Lord, I want to trust you. I want to believe You.  More than I know myself.

“Don’t be anxious about tomorrow.  God will take care of your tomorrow.  Live one day at a time.” 

Matt 6:34

Reading all of that as I woke up from a restless night gave me both chills and peace of mind.  It literally and figuratively woke me up.  What an amazing God we have who asks us only to listen.  Let’s all try to make “Speak Lord, your servant is listening” our goal and our motto today and every day.

Happy Friday!

Have you seen those television commercials that say something along the lines of “you may think you’re masking your cat’s odor but when guests come over they smell this” and then the small cat on a sofa becomes a giant cat-shaped couch?    Eeewww!   Pee-you!

It’s all about that smell.  That powerful function of our nose is one of five ways we connect with the world around us and it influences our lives in ways we may not even be aware of.

Thankfully I don’t have any friends whose houses smell like giant cats, but if blindfolded and taken to several of their homes and asked where I was, I could probably figure out whose just by the unique smells their homes have.   Don’t get me wrong.  I don’t mean this in a bad way.  In fact, I often wonder if my house has “a smell,” and if so, I hope it’s a good one!

I love candles, (particularly lemon-verbena, vanilla, or red currant) and I almost always have one burning in my house.  You may also love candles but unless I know what scents you like, I really shouldn’t buy one for you, even as a gift.  Why?  It’s all about that smell.  Like perfume, scented candles are very personal.  Buy a scent that someone doesn’t like and you might as well buy them a trip to the dentist.  They won’t like it.  Buy them a scent they do like however, and you will come out smelling like one rose of a gift giver.

Just this week I was visiting with a co-worker and she mentioned that when she sprayed her perfume on that morning she thought of me because I always compliment her on how she smells.  I could probably smell that cologne 10 years from now in a far-away place and I will think of her.  I also have a friend of nearly 20 years who has used the same fragrance for the two decades we have called each other friend.  In my mind, and my daughter’s for that matter, her perfume is hers alone regardless of its global marketing reach.  That’s how smell works and it’s amazing.

Still not convinced?  Okay, Exhibit B:  recently I placed a small tube of lotion next to my bed to use at night because my hands have been so wintery dry.  The first night I used it, the smell reminded me of something so vivid it made me crazy trying to figure out who or what.  Then, it hit me.  The small tube was the “travel lotion” I took to Rome last summer.  To this day I can close my eyes, smell that smell, and literally visualize me and Kristen in our little hotel room near the Vatican.  Such enormously happy memories coming from a small drug- store bought tube of hand cream, albeit a tube I will probably never throw away now!

I am not alone.  The smell of something brings back memories for nearly all of us and can even influence our moods, work place productivity, and personal lives.  It is all about that smell, but it’s also all about how intricately our noses and brains are intertwined.   Quick anatomy lesson:  the brain’s olfactory bulb transmits smell information from the nose to the brain.  The olfactory bulb is part of the brain’s limbic system, which is closely associated with memory, and it has direct access to the amygdala, which processes emotion.  It’s also closely related to the hippocampus, which is responsible for associative learning.  End of lesson.  Crib notes would state that your nose smells something, the brain tells you that smell reminds you of something, and you go “uh-huh!”  It’s not brain surgery.  It’s all about that smell.

Mind blown.  Literally bind blown.

Not everyone likes or dislikes the same smells and some don’t like scented things at all.  A very good friend of mine detests it when someone wears perfume.  Me being the lover of perfume that I am, I always need to keep this in mind when getting together with her.

Perfume is something that, even if I’m dirt poor, I would hope to be able to afford.  And for good reason.  Growing up my mom always had lovely bottles of perfume perched like little trophies on a bathroom counter mirror and would wear some when she and my dad went out.  Childhood visions of her all dressed up and looking glam rubbed off on me in that I relate perfume to happiness and joy.  Ironically, Jean Patou’s “Joy” was always her favorite perfume.

I Smell a Rat

It’s a two-sided atomizer though, and we’ve all been there and hated that.  The plane ride next to a fellow passenger drenched in a scent that nauseates you.  The whisper or hug from someone with bad breath.  The packed movie theatre and sitting adjacent to someone with the dreaded B.O.  That, however, is pretty much disliked by all, as is smoke, sour milk, and Limburger cheese.

Still, researchers have found that perception plays almost as big a role in smell as reality.  Say what?  Well, apparently an English psychologist labeled a Brie-like scent as both “cheddar cheese” and “body odor.”   He had participants smell the scent and then say if they liked it or not.  Test subjects rated the odor higher and more pleasant when it was identified as cheese.  Shocker!

The sense of smell is probably more closely linked to memory than any of our other senses and because we encounter most new scents when we’re young, smells often conjure up childhood memories.  That explains it!

Chlorine from a swimming pool?  I immediately think of the Municipal Swimming Pool in my hometown of Santa Fe, NM.

A new can of tennis balls?  I’m right back where I learned to play tennis as a child:  the black-top courts near downtown in Santa Fe.

Ralph Lauren’s original red-bottled cologne?  College.

Smell is highly emotive and extremely important when it comes to the attraction of two people and the hiring of employees.  Come reeking of body odor and you probably won’t get the date or the job, but enter free of offensive smells and your odds of getting a call back and the girl increase maybe not sharply but perhaps slightly.  You could say “by a nose.”

“I love the smell of napalm in the morning” is one of film’s most famous quotes.   I certainly don’t agree with the “Apocalypse Now” line, but I do love the smell of rain and freshly mowed grass, rubbing alcohol and gasoline, Play-Do and Easter lilies.  I’m not a big fan of anything lavender scented and I can’t stand the smell (or taste) of cilantro.  I enjoy “new car smell” as much as the next guy but I don’t really fancy car air fresheners.

What about you?  What smells do you love?  Which ones do you abhor?

So last night I watched as much of the Golden Globes as my stomach could take before settling said stomach with the night’s dose of “Downton Abby.”  (Can I just quickly say I was thrilled to see Joanne Froggatt win a Globe for her brilliant portrayal of Anna Bates?)

I’m not even going to get into who won what or who said what.  Nope, I’m heading straight to what everyone really cares about:  the evening’s fashion highs and lows!

I thought both Reese Witherspoon’s and Jennifer Aniston’s choices were pretty yet somewhat boring but how good does Jane Fonda look?  I didn’t love her dress but the woman killed it and doesn’t look overly nipped and tucked.  And, I loved her glitter sparkle pumps!  One last random thought:  will somebody please give Giuliana Rancic a hamburger?  Talented and funny, Rancic is scary skinny and no amount of designer dresses can hide it…especially when she chooses strapless gowns.

Here then, are my picks for best dressed and best had maybe stayed home.

I’m obsessed with Amal Clooney’s elegant Dior Haute Couture dramatic black gown with opera gloves.  I also loved how she seemed slightly bored sitting through a Hollywood “high school reunion.”  This girl just knows how to do fashion and Hollywood should take note.  Not only did she steal away their most eligible bachelor, she’s also teaching them a thing or two about class and style.  Does anyone look better than Amal and George?  Really?

Okay, maybe Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan who looked insanely beautiful in her pale yellow Carolina Herrera masterpiece.  I’m not surprised as Carolina is my favorite designer.  Everything she does is simple yet stunning.  It doesn’t hurt to have Channing on your arm either!

Okay, and now for the rest of the bunch in no particular order:

“Best Dressed”

Julia Louis Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriquez.  Elaine is definitely all growed up and this sexy little Narciso Rodriquez white magic was indeed sexy yet still classy.

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors.  Call me crazy but I like this icey white “cross-cross” Michael Kors dress.

Camila Alves in Monique Lhuillier.  In a word:  stunning.  Austin’s own Mrs. McConaughey was breathtaking in a simple blush column gown with black piping.  Normally I would include the couple up top with the Clooneys and the Tatums, but I didn’t much care for the scruffy look and “interesting” tux Camila’s hubby wore.  This time, it was her turn and she more than showed up.

Naomi Watts in Gucci.  A little ray of sunshine in her bright yellow, the Aussie stunner added her trademark edge with a blinding Bulgari serpenti necklace.  I also liked the touch of a belt.  Nice.

Emma Stone in Lanvin.  Many have given Stone’s “pant suit with bling and a train” choice a thumbs down, but I’m crazy about it.   It reminded me of another Emma’s pant choice at last year’s Golden Globes:  Emma Watson’s stunning red and black Dior Couture look.  I loved them both.

Christine Baranski in Zac Posen.  Not your normal “top of mind” fashion plate, but I think Baranski rocked it in this Zac Posen fitted gown.  Plus, is that color Marsala?!

Diana Kruger in Emilia Wickstead.  Hello silver!  Hello shimmery!  Hello perfection!  A constant “best dressed” list member, Kruger is sure to stay on those lists thanks to this little number.

Kate Beckinsale in Elie Saab Couture.  Another “best dressed” list favorite, Beckinsale’s choices often bore me, but this Elie Saab Couture draped delight stole my heart.  Maybe it’s the glitter.  Maybe it’s the softness combined with the glitter.  Maybe it’s both.

Catherine Zeta Jones in Angel Sanchez.  Okay, don’t laugh but everything I’ve read is comparing this strapless red stunner with the similarly dressed dancing Emoji.  Funny yes, but I still love it.  I’m always a sucker for red and I just think Jones looked fabulous.

“Worst Dressed”

Tina Fey in Antonio Berardi.  Our favorite funny lady, but jokes on her in this mess of a dress.  I don’t get it.  It’s not flattering AT ALL at the waistline (and who would ever want that?!), it’s awkwardly poofy, and the length is all wrong.  Still, the George and Amal joke was hilarious.

Jessica Chastain in Versace.  The ’80s called and they want their bronze lame dress back.  What?  So disappointed in Jessica who is normally spot on.  I do kinda like the hair though.  Kinda.

Claire Danes in Valentino.  This happened to Claire Danes last night and I don’t even know where to begin.  An ill-fitting choice is all I will say.

Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad.  We get it JLo; you’re beautiful and your body rocks.  Enough already.  That Tracy Anderson-toned bod is uh-mazing but I’ve seen enough of it.  I’m the first person to admit that as Jennifer Lopez has aged, she has actually gotten prettier but she’s beginning to prove you can take the girl out of the Bronx but you can’t take the Bronx out of the girl.  I did like her hair and make-up but did anyone else notice a weird underwire jobby poking out?

Kate Hudson in Versace.  See above regarding Jennifer Lopez.  Again, yes we know you’re gorgeous Kate but maybe you should spend a little more time upping the class factor and a little less time sleeping with half of Hollywood.  Just saying.

Keira Knightly in Chanel.  I love me some Chanel but Coco must be rolling in her tweed and pearl encrusted grave.   Okay, Knightly is pregnant, but did she not take note of Olivia Wilde’s or Blake Lively’s recent red carpet “bump” looks?

Kerry Washington in Mary Katrantzou.  Oh dear.  Olivia Pope should investigate hiring a new stylist after sporting this couture crime.  A regular head turner, this one just made us want to turn away.  What a scandal.

Lupito Nyongo in Giambattista Valli.  Last year’s red carpet darling, Nyongo missed the mark in this overpowering and aging gown.  We want the old Lupito back.  Please!

That’s a fashion wrap!  It’s time now for my other favorite “f” word:  football!  National Championship tonight.  Go Ducks?  Go Bucks?  Go shopping!

Today I’m taking a break from my normal “Sunday Scripture” to talk about that other religion I follow:  football!  I’ve prayed many, many times for my teams to win but as I’ve come to discover, God doesn’t really care who wins the annual Red River Rivalry or AFC East!  And yes, my Catholic guilt is killing me but THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IS TOMORROW!!!

Sadly my Oklahoma Sooners aren’t playing in college football’s title game in Dallas tomorrow evening but I’m excited nonetheless.   And even though Smitty’s Buffalo Bills didn’t make the NFL play-offs, let’s not forget pro football’s Super Bowl on February 1.  So today I’m focusing on how to celebrate the best in football in the best way.

If one of your teams is playing, choose a color scheme based on the team’s official colors.  If your team isn’t playing, go with a green and brown football field scheme, black and white referee style, or really anything you want.

I loved the above idea I saw in “Better Homes & Gardens” magazine that features a trophy-like vase for buffet or tabletop flowers along with a chalkboard.  How ‘bout including pom-poms in with the flowers and adding some football-themed snacks to go with them?  There are so many recipes that are simple and yet sure to be crowd favorites, including:

I’m a tried and true team player but I’m also the hostess who likes to sit down and actually watch the game and I don’t like to have to worry about refilling bowls or restocking plates, so in addition to those adorable novelty edibles, I like the idea of providing items that guests can easily eat.  No running back and forth to the kitchen or balancing a big plate with these single-serve temptations, including desserts:  (I’m obsessed with the ravioli and marinara sauce served in the appetizer spoons and the “caramel apples” are to die for!)

To help matters even more, set up your drink station as a “serve yourself” spot and place snacks throughout the house.

No football party is complete without traditional Buffalo chicken wings, complete with the requisite celery, carrots and blue cheese dressing, and eating them with football-themed manicures are oh so spicy!

If you’re like me, you’re always wondering how much food to buy or make for your gathering.  When in doubt, always overestimate and go by these tried-and-true guides:

As for cakes, a baker I am not but I have used this stadium-shaped cake pan my mom gave me years ago.  The finished product was nothing like a custom one you can purchase (like this one) but it works!

Finally, add some festivity to your party with football-themed serving pieces.  How fun are the turf-topped coasters I bought earlier this fall?  And the “penalty flag” yellow napkins and goodie bags?  Insanely adorable!

Other fun ideas include having a signature cocktail as part of the menu (“Packer Punch?”  “Buckeye  Beer?”), keep the vibe casual (it is football after all), and provide nametags if the group will be large.  On them write how each guest knows you, which will serve as great conversation starters and ice-breakers.

Yes, many of these ideas are silly and corny but they are also fun and festive!  The crowd will be cheering as they toast the winning team and you will walk away a true winner!