HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!!

Well, I'm embarrassed to say that's it's taken me almost three weeks to come out from underneath the holiday madness fog I was in. Even though Joshua and I did not go crazy over his winter break we still did our fair share of making the party rounds, celebrating, going to the movies and theatre, out to dinner etc, etc...

So, here I am trying to figure out what 2013 is going to be like for me...what life I want to CREATE for myself...what life I want to LIVE...what life will bring me the most JOY and sense of PURPOSE (aside from being Joshua's mom!)...these are HUGE questions to ask oneself...and they are questions I have only just begun to delve into.

This is what I do know so far. I am not completely happy with where I am at, personally or professionally. I, at times, give away too much of myself leaving nothing (or little) left to nurture myself and my own dreams/aspirations. My creative/artist soul is in desperate need of a voice again.

I also know that I want to focus more on my new play, "SUGAR & STILETTOS - an obsessive baking odyssey" getting it ready for a table read, workshop production, possible submissions to various festivals and development programs with the ultimate goal of a full production, etc. I want to start working on the SUGAR & STILETTOS Baking book, and a proposal for a SUGAR & STILETTOS television baking show...both major elements in growing the S & S brand...I'd like the Third Annual S & S Bake Sale Extravaganza to be a PHENOMENAL success, really grow this year in amazing ways, financially and awareness wise, getting lots and lots of PRESS...and, oh yeah, I'd like to fall in love again...at least one more time before I leave this planet.

And lastly (for right now) I know that I am incredibly blessed and privileged...that I am completely capable of re-inventing myself...of beginning a new chapter of my life by deciding to create it and then doing just that.

OK, so that's what I know...what I don't know could fill volumes and volumes for sure, but I'm not going to focus on that...I am going to focus on figuring out what I do want and how to create that...knowing that as I work on myself I will become happier and more productive...which is not only better for me it's better for everyone around me...finding a way to be my best self is what the universe is begging me to do...begging you too, by the way...

So, mes belles et mes beaux...WHAT IS YOUR GOAL for 2013? Look inside and discover/re-kindle your dreams and best self...set the world on fire with your passion...and when you have a minute bake a little something...like Zoe Nathan's Whole Wheat Apple Butter Cake...it's a beauty and everyone you share it with will love you even more than they already do!


xoxo Nanci, Your S & S Baking Queen

The S & S Executive Committee is back in action!

Just a quick little blog to let you know that the Sugar & Stilettos Executive Committee had it's first meeting of the new season yesterday...OOH LA LA...watch out 2013...we are on our way!!!

We were so happy to see each other again and start planning the 2013 S & S Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity already slated for Saturday May 18, 2013...MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

So many good ideas were being bantered about to create an even more spectacular event. We all agreed that the MOST important improvement we can make is to get a lot of PR...meaning television coverage, print stories, radio interviews and internet posts...to do that we may have to pay BIG TIME for some professional help...hopefully if we do have to pay maybe some kind hearted PR maven will at least discount their fees (but not their passion for our mission!). If any of you have any ideas or know anyone that could help us in this area please, please let us know...it is key to growing the event and thus raising more money for the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry program.

Remember that EVERY dollar counts...the Westside Food Bank can turn a dollar in to four (4) meals and St. Joseph Center can fill a bag of groceries for less than $5.00 (retail value $40.00)...everyone can truly make a difference in a child/family's daily life.

Our beautiful meeting table

Besides all our planning we ate, drank, laughed and were quite merry. I even made my sinfully buttery NYC Style Crumb Cake to go along with all the other goodies and champagne. We also welcomed another Nancy (this one with a "y" not "i" like me) to our group. She is a long time friend of Jacklynn and Casey's and brings to the table a wealth of non-profit experience not to mention a passion for baking. Welcome Nancy to our crazy and sweet Sugar & Stilettos world!

As always I'll keep you updated with the latest S & S news...happy baking!

xoxo Nanci

Joshua and Louis ROCK THE HOUSE at the Operation Mend Presentation!!!

Me, Joshua, Louis and my Parents

Well, I know I just wrote a blog about Joshua's Bar Mitzvah...and I know, well, at least I think I know that I mentioned that Joshua would be donating a good portion of his Bar Mitzvah money to Operation Mend at UCLA and that that amount, $6,500.00, would be matched by my parents' friend, Christa Burke, through her foundation bringing the total to $13,000.00...not to mention a handful of donations that have been made directly to OM.

Joshua and Louis with Operation Mend founder, Ron Katz and his daughter-in-law, Dana

However, I also know that I didn't say anything at all about the television interviews or the article by AP that has gone viral nationally including making it on to The Huffington Post or all the radio coverage the story got this morning including NPR...well, because I couldn't, because it hadn't happened yet...and because it was all so unexpected and last minute. Oh, there was a plan for the presentation of the check with Joshua and Louis at the Operation Mend offices but all the press stuff began to happen just 24 hours before that event which was yesterday at 4pm...OOH LA LA and then some!

Louis in front of the camera

Once Amy Albin of UCLA's Media Office called me (she is a real cracker jack!) with the news of some of this press attention, life became a whirlwind of activity. There were television interviews with KCBS/KCAL, KABC and Fox News plus a phone interview with AP...the excitement for everyone was electric...and there was celebrating all around....lots of smiling, happy people.

Joshua and me happy as can be

Afterwards, Joshua and I went out to dinner with Louis, my parents and sister-in-law, Jacklynn Evans, who is simply the BEST aunt in the world, not to mention extraordinary cheerleader! We had such fun... and our hearts were lifted with the privilege of being able to be fully engaged, caring human beings...simply magical.

Needless to say...even though I am very tired today I am beyond proud of my son, my family, our beloved Louis and the entire crew at Operation Mend. Please feel free to make a donation if you are so inclined...

xoxo Nanci

Stella 

P.S. Here is a picture of Stella Dahlman (22 months), Louis and Laura's adorable daughter...another reason to smile.

P.S.S. If you have a minute or two here are two of the links to check out the television reports...

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/video?id=8879447

cbsla.com

Joshua's Big Bar Mitzvah Day!

OMG...I cannot believe that it has been so long since I last wrote a blog...please forgive me! My only excuse is that I've been a little bit busy. I had barely recovered from the 2012 Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity when I had to head full speed ahead with the final planning for Joshua's Bar Mitzvah...OY VEY and OOH LA LA is all I can say. I swear I am still in a stupor from this year of uber organizing!

Me, My Parents, Cantor Kent, Joshua, Rabbi Joel on the Bimah

Anyway, I am thrilled to report that the Bar Mitzvah was an absolutely incredible experience for one and all. Joshua did a brilliant job with his Torah portion, his Haftorah, his D'Var Torah...well, just all things Torah! I was so proud of him...plus seeing both of my parents so happy was an extra special bonus.

The night before my parents hosted a dinner for all the out-of-town guests plus a few in town folks. There was Josh wine (yes, there is a vineyard in northern California that produces Josh wines!), Josh photo cookies and a lot of eating, drinking, laughing and loving.

The Bar Mitzvah Boy/Man

The next morning began by getting to the temple a bit early to start the picture taking with our nearest and dearest. I hobbled around because, of course, I had to get a stress fracture on my right foot two weeks before this momentous event...however, I will tell you that there was nothing that was going to keep me from enjoying this day to the fullest. In fact, a few days in advance I told all the people that I had hired that I was no longer available...that they had "to talk amongst themselves" and solve any last minute problems because I was now in pure enjoyment mode. Gratefully, they all listened to me, and if there were any snafus, to this day I still don't know about them.

The Cousins

Our guests were streaming in the entire time. With a bunch of pictures already taken, everyone headed into the sanctuary where the service was to take place. Our wonderful Rabbi Joel and Cantor Kent lead the service with our Senior Rabbi Zoe making a special blessing at the end. Throughout, Joshua held his composure, a remarkable feat considering all the pressure and preparation leading up to this...it was me and my parents, not to mention many of our friends and family members, who lost it at various times. Particularly touching was the presentation of the Tallit (prayer shawl) by my parents, the aliyahs said by our closest family and friends and the passing of the Torah from one generation to another. So amazing to think that we were now a part of this four thousand year old tradition.

Confetti Blast during Traditional Chair Dance

Greatly relieved and ready to party everyone went out into the lobby to have a nosh and a drink before going in to the Social Hall for the party and luncheon. There was rock and rollin' dancing galore, great food, the candle lighting ceremony, the Joshua montage, my thank you/welcoming speech and Joshua's presentation of a Medal of Honor for our Operation Mend soldier, Louis Dahlman...a standing ovation for Louis spontaneously happened and I assure there was not a dry eye in the house, including Louis himself...a priceless, breathtaking moment.

Grandpa & JB with their matching rings

Joshua's Mitzvah project was to raise awareness for the Operation Mend program at UCLA whose mission it is to heal the wounds of war by helping to heal our wounded warriors. We have been a buddy family for Louis and his family for over three years...for us, they are now a part of our family forever...we adore them. It was a privilege to be able to include Louis, Laura and their toddler daughter, Stella, in this celebration...all of it Joshua's idea. Joshua also decided to donate $6,500.00 of his Bar Mitzvah money to Operation Mend which was matched by my parents' friend, Christa Burke, through her foundation bringing the total to $13,000.00 plus a few other donations that were made directly to the organization. I simply couldn't have prouder of my son than I was.

I could go on and on but I won't...I know you get the idea...suffice it to say, it was a glorious day filled with profound meaning and gravitas, but also humor and fun...and much, much love. A perfect day in every way...

xoxo Nanci

2 Jewish Girls and a Gun - A Modern Day Horror Story

My first week of vacation in Sun Valley was spent with my best friend, Penny, who came from Chicago to join me. This was our first vacation together EVER...it only took us 30 years to accomplish this! Living in different cities for most of our friendship (her Chicago, me LA, NYC and Paris), husbands (hers, not mine) and children (both of ours) seemed to always get in the way...but we finally figured it out and oh boy, what a blast we had...we simply could not stop laughing...

We ate, we drank, we walked, we talked, we slept in, we shopped, we did a bit of Bar Mitzvah planning and then we did the unthinkable...we took a trap/skeet shooting class at the Sun Valley Gun Club...yep, you read that right! I had jokingly showed Penny a brochure for the class to which her response was, "Let's do this!" My reaction was, "Are you kidding?! I've never even touched a gun let alone shot one...they terrify me...you've lost your mind!" Two minutes later I was on the phone arranging our lesson...what a wimpy pushover I am!

Sally Starr and Annie Oakley

We arrived at the Gun Club ready to play with the "big boys" so to speak. The only problem was that every time a shot rang out I jumped ten feet in the air which sent Penny into gales of laughter. We managed to get ourselves under control before we met our coach, Dick...I swear this man will never be the same! He immediately taught us how to hold the rifle...good thinking on his part...we then put our protective vests on and off we went to set the world (or at least Sun Valley) on fire with our gunning talents.

Dick continued to give us a basic tutorial on gun safety and how to hold and aim. I told him I wanted to bet him $50.00 that I wouldn't hit one target the entire hour. He refused saying that he was sure that I would...oh, what a dreamer that Dick was because the target was not a stationery bullseye but a little pink disk that would be flying in the air after we screamed out "PULL"...imagine trying to hit a flying disk...too crazy to contemplate.

Annie Oakley (ME!) and Dick, our brave coach...just look at my stellar form!

Dick took turns with Penny and I and it was clear from the git go that Penny was the more gifted student...in terms of concentration, shooting and actually hitting the target. But, the old competitor in me must have kicked in at some point because I too began to hit that little pink disk...for a total of 4 times during the hour...it's a good thing that Dick did not take my bet...I guess this guy really knows a thing or two about this whole process!

Anyway, by the end of it all Penny and I were quite proud of ourselves...high fiving all over the place like two drunk sorority girls. We had such fun...who knew?!

Say a prayer for Dick!

So now all I can say to all of you reading this is...be afraid, be very afraid when you next see Penny or me...we are now pistol (really rifle) packing' mamas...and one last thing...STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE whenever you can...it's quite exhilarating...Penny and I are already thinking of what we'll do on our next trip together...stayed tuned for more adventures from Sugar, Stilettos and Shotguns!

xoxo Nanci

Stilettos, Tiaras, Sashes and $10,000.00...OH MY!!!

Well, it's official...we reached our goal of raising $10,000.00 this year at the Second Annual Sugar and Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity on May 19, 2012 once again benefiting the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry. The $5,000.00 that each organization is receiving will translate into 20,000 meals at the WFB and 1,000 bags of groceries at SJC. This will literally feed hundreds, if not thousands, of women and their children in our community who are suffering from hunger and food instability.

All I can say is OOH LA LA and how incredibly grateful I am to everyone who donated their time, talent, money and goods to make this event the tremendous success that it was. To see the three (3) photo albums that my stunning niece, Casey Neidorf, put together just click on the link below...I guarantee that you will start smiling and laughing immediately!

https://www.facebook.com/sugarNstilettos

To have have even more fun click on the link below to see a six minute video clip of the Mr. Sugar & Stilettos crowning ceremony...priceless!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DofdK8dnfD4&feature=g-upl

Really, need I say more?! I don't think so...ENJOY!

xoxo Nanci

P.S. A PR video of the entire event will be posted shortly so keep checking back for the latest update...

Richard Lewis & Steven Weber ROCKED the House at the Bake Sale!!!

All I can say is that if you missed The Second Annual Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity on May 19th benefiting the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's food pantry you missed a hilarious, fun-filled, sugar-feuled afternoon full of laughter, joy and magical merriment...it was SPECTACULAR and AMAZING beyond belief...our wildest dreams couldn't have predicted the success we experienced...with everything from the new upscaled look of the event...to the incredible treats and donated gifts we had to sell and raffle off...to the Mr. Sugar & Stilettos 2012 "crowing ceremony" with Richard Lewis and Steven Weber (so hysterical that I am still smiling just thinking about it)...

Me, Steven Weber, Richard Lewis & my son, Joshua...what a group!

To top everything off, we are so very close to meeting our goal of raising $10,000.00! Checks are still coming in so I am completely confident that, not only will we meet that goal, we may even exceed it a bit...OOH LA LA...that makes me ECSTATICALLY happy!

I certainly am exhausted and continuing to recover, but I must admit to being in a state of bliss as well. I can not thank everyone enough for all your loving support and help in pulling this event off...my heart is bursting with gratitude...

As soon as all the professional photos and video are in and edited I will share them with you...in the meantime feast your eyes on the photo above that my sister-in-law, Jacklynn, took...isn't it making you giddy and happy simply looking at it?!

May sweetness surround you every day bringing joy into your life as it does mine...

xoxo Your ever devoted Sugar Queen, Nanci