Wednesday, July 28, 2010

INTRODUCING BOOKS AND COOKIES

Sorry for the delay in posts. Lots of exciting things have been going on with the business that I have been working diligently on. Introducing BOOKS AND COOKIES!


BOOKS AND COOKIES is a new Children’s Bookstore / Bakery due to begin operations in October 2010 in Santa Monica, California.


BOOKS AND COOKIES is an enchanting blend of literature, learning activities and sweet treats. We will sell a wonderful selection of books for children of all ages as well as a delicious array of freshly baked cookies, snacks, milk, juices and water. For grownups, we will also serve organic coffees and teas.


BOOKS AND COOKIES is a safe and relaxing environment for kids and families with the desire to bring the wonder and excitement back to reading and away from television and video games. The space is completely kid friendly with plenty of comfortable areas to sprawl out and get lost in the pages of a book. Story-time and other reading, musical and baking activities will foster learning and family interaction.


BOOKS AND COOKIES will offer a great space for children’s birthday parties. From baking and storytelling to music and ballet parties, BOOKS AND COOKIES will offer full service party planning.


Gift baskets and specialty products, such as branded t-shirts, mugs, aprons and bookmarks will sold at the retail location as well as online at www.booksandcookiesLA.com.


There is currently no other retail space such as BOOKS AND COOKIES that is dedicated to creating a safe environment for children while promoting literacy and family interaction. Our goal is to fill that void starting in Santa Monica, CA and in the future, nationwide.


By teaming up with charities such as Children Mending Hearts and Ready to Learn, BOOKS AND COOKIES pledges to be a positive force in giving back to the community.


For more information, check us out online.

www.BooksandCookiesLA.com

On Twitter @BooksandCookies and on Facebook

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A QUOTE FOR TODAY

“Every morning in Africa, a Gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning a Lion wakes up. It knows it must outrun the slowest Gazelle or it will starve to death. It doesn’t matter whether you are the Lion or the Gazelle… when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”

- Unknown

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

MORE QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Question from Dick Ketler:

Who are some of the people that have inspired you and for what reasons?

Your Mom does not count on this one.

I’m inspired by people who are passionate… People who work hard and follow their dreams. Yes, my mom falls into this category, but lots of people do. I am inspired by Martin Luther King, John F Kennedy and President Obama for fighting for change even when it seemed (seems) impossible. I am inspired by the empire Oprah has created. I am inspired by my friend and business partner Mary Giuliani who has created a thriving company from just a good idea and some passion. I inspired by my brothers’ and sisters’ talent and perseverance. I am inspired by my nephew who is amazing and the smartest baby I have ever met. Every day, I am inspired by people who work hard and follow their dreams be them big or small and that is what keeps me going even when I’m feeling defeated or down.

Question from Ruth:

You spent most of your growing up years on the East Coast. You've spent the last several years living on the West Coast. Where do you consider home to be? What do you miss when you're away from New York? And (funnily) what do you miss when you spend time away from LA?

Growing up we lived in New York City, Connecticut and all over Europe, but I’ve always considered myself a California Girl at heart. I was actually born here in Los Angeles. My mom moved us to NYC while shooting the Wiz (I was about 2), but we would spend every summer here and I fell in love with the beach and the weather. As an adult, I also appreciate how you can go from glitzy Hollywood diva to laid-back beach girl all in one day. But, that being said… I still consider both home. The West Coast is my grown up home and when I’m away I miss my beautiful house, the weather and my dogs (who I rarely travel with). The East Coast is my childhood home and when I’m away I miss my childhood friends, the safety and comfort of sleeping in the bedroom I grew up in and the change of seasons. I love both LA and NYC and I am lucky to be able to be able to spend time in both amazing cities.

Question from Ellen in Chicago:

I never see you mention your father. Just wondering how he's doing & how often you see him? I know I've always taken a special interest in your dad, being Jewish myself & of course your dad being Jewish as well. Has Judaism had much influence in your life?

I was raised mostly by my mother, but I have always had a close relationship with my father as well. My dad is a kind, funny, charismatic man and I think I definitely got my humor from him… oh and I also got bad eyes and weird toes from him, too. He and my mother have always kept a close friendship and so it was easy to spend time together. Growing up, we would spend weekends at his house and he always shared holidays and even vacations with the family. He lives on the East Coast now, so as an adult I don’t see him as often, but we stay in touch by phone and email. Both Tracee and I have done some research into Judaism to try to embrace that side of our heritage, but my father doesn’t really practice anymore and so it was never a large part of our lives. I have participated in a Passover Seder, more than one Barmitsfa and I know the Hanukah prayer and how to spin a dreidel.

More questions from JACE CARTER:

What are some of things you would like to accomplish while you are still here on earth, besides the publication of your books?

My writing is just one very small part of who I am. I’m in the process of starting a business called Books and Cookies (more information coming soon), which I am very excited about. I look forward to running a successful business hopefully on both coasts (locations in NYC and LA). I also definitely want to have a family with multiple children, both my own and adopted. I truly think I was put on this planet to make babies. Of course, I also want to continue my charity work and leave a positive legacy when I leave this earth.

Are you spiritual?

Yes, I’m very spiritual and I truly believe in a higher power. I am not religious though. My family never practiced organized religion, but in college (I went to Georgetown, which is a Jesuit institution) it was mandatory to take a class called, The Problem of God. This class helped me to explore many different ways of thinking, which opened my eyes to the beauty of spirituality. Even though I don’t subscribe to one religion, I definitely have found my own way to embrace spirituality and prayer.

What is your favorite Diana Ross song? Why?

I don’t think I have one favorite. I know and love all of my mom’s songs, but some that stick out are Ease on Down (which always lifts me up), Muscles (because the lyrics and video are hysterical), Love Hangover (because I have fond memories of mom on The Muppet Show), Family Tree (which I remember my mom singing in Central Park), Last Time I saw Him (my go to Karaoke song) and Amazing Grace (always seems to make me cry).

What is your favorite color? Why?

I don’t think I really have a favorite color, but I love pink and green and black. I think I look good in green. It’s a cool bright color without being too loud or too much. I like Pink because I’m a girly girl, but I rarely wear anything pink. I always just wear black. It is flattering and I feel comfortable accessorizing when I’m in black. Today, I am wearing all black with florescent pink nails!

I am so happy to have received some more reader profiles and questions so…

THANKS FOR READING IN AND STAY TUNED!

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

A QUOTE FOR TODAY

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest, if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow--
You may succeed with another blow.

Often the goal is nearer than,
It seems to a faint and faltering man,
Often the struggler has given up,
When he might have captured the victor's cup,
And he learned too late when the night slipped down,
How close he was to the golden crown.

Success is failure turned inside out--
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far,
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit--
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

- Author unknown