Happy New Year 2015!!!

Instead of starting the new year off with resolutions that never stick I am going to share an email with you that I wrote to my friend, Terry, after she asked me to help her with something on social media…this is my way of being totally honest and authentic about who I am…I hope you get a good giggle out of it!

Terry--

If only I could turn my ineptitude into a tv series for us! Dawn could cast the rest of the parts, we could become rich and famous, be able to rent or even buy beach houses in Malibu and then, of course, live happily ever after knowing that we had fulfilled all of our dreams…

In reality though this is what you are dealing with…I hate to burst your bubble but feel as if I must be honest with you as we have known each other for so long...

FB: Have know idea what my password is or how to access anything other than the "home page"…couldn't switch my "status" if my life depended on it, let alone post a picture, share or link something, create an event invite or any of the other vitally important things FB is capable of doing…what I can do is "like" something and occasionally make a "comment"…

Twitter: A total bust…as I have no idea how to "tweet" a single letter…forget 140 characters…have no idea how to re-tweet or what that even means for God's sake...

Instagram: A total mystery to me…what is this about? A bunch of teenagers or overaged teenagers who have nothing better to do than post "selfies" as if it were some kind of fabulous accomplishment to let the world know you were just having oatmeal for breakfast in your super cool Star Wars pajamas. I'm an actress and I hate still photography of myself…if someone held a gun to my head I would not be inclined to post pictures of myself for any reason whatsoever…especially ones where I had no make-up on, looked like total shit or a total idiot…

Tumblr, Snapchat: No comment…absolutely no idea what these sites do and/or their purpose in the scheme of life's meaning…

My MacBook Pro: I can email, attach a document to an email and create a document from Word…that's about it. I know my computer is capable of doing a million other things but I am only capable of the aforementioned three things…

iPhone: Until recently I owned a Flip Phone. My son finally badgered me into buying an iPhone (I think it's a 4S though I can't be too sure). I can answer the phone, I can make a call and I can check my email…I can even look at my contact list knowing that I can add or delete someone at my whim…within the last month or so I have even begun to text…a talent that I was certain I didn't possess but apparently I do in limited form. I can not do anything else with that phone…don't know how to take a picture, make a video, send things from the phone to another device, download apps (what the hell are those things anyway?!), surf the web or anything else that the phone is capable of doing…really nothing else. Joshua however can do it all and does it as often as he can steal the phone from my purse since he doesn't yet have his own…I'm the last parent holdout I know…five extra years of therapy for him…

My new leased BMW: No clue as to how the navigation system works though I was shown at the dealership in much detail how it worked before driving off the lot. The gal who did the lease for me set up my radio stations…I am barely able to remember how to push the right button on the steering wheel so that I can then bark "RADIO", then bark "PRESET" for the list of stations that I will most likely be listening to for the duration of the three year lease as I couldn't tell you how to change or alter what I currently have. There are bells and whistles galore but all I can muster is to get the car started, drive it, occasionally put gas in it and then shut it off…oh, I can also work the wind shield wipers fairly well. Everything else is completely off the table and not possible unless Joshua does it or figures out how to do it.

Well, there you have it sweet Terry…the sad, pathetic truth of my technological failures/limitations…my future is bleak indeed…

xoxo Nanci

Me & Joshua wishing you a very Happy New Year filled with  abundance!

P.S. Thank goodness I can bake…now that's something I'm fairly good at!

The Sweetest Sugar & Stilettos News EVER!

So much EXCITING, AMAZING news in the world of Sugar & Stilettos!

1. We now have a fiscal sponsor…resting comfortably under the umbrella of Kent Seton's Edward Charles Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit, Federal ID#26-4245043. As a result we are now called the Sugar & Stilettos Charitable Foundation and are now allowed to reach out to corporations and family foundations for sponsorships/donations among many other privileges. Kent is an attorney and leader in the non-profit world so we are SO BLESSED to be in his universe of philanthropy activists.

2. Joshua and his friend, Aili David, have begun a CrowdRise fundraiser called the Sugar & Stilettos Teen Holiday Challenge with a goal of raising $5,000.00 between Oct. 15th-Dec. 15th to raise awareness for the issue of hunger and food insecurity but more importantly to provide as  many holiday meals as possible for women and children in our community who are suffering. Donations can be for as little as $10.00 plus anyone who donates at least $50.00 will have the chance to win a $100.00 Starbuck's gift card in our Special Drawing at the end of the campaign.

Please, please, pretty please with sugar on top (and lots of it!) support Joshua and Aili in their campaign! If you have a teenager/college student/young adult in your life, engage them in the campaign so that they might realize the power they have, even at a young age, to make a difference in the world…

https://www.crowdrise.com/sugarstilettos/fundraiser/joshneidorf

https://www.crowdrise.com/sugarstilettos/fundraiser/ailidavid

3. We have just begun a partnership with FOOD Restaurant & Cafe in West LA. From now through the end of the year you can order my Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips and Miki's Salted Caramel Sauce for all your HOLIDAY celebrations…they also make wonderful HOSTESS gifts…just $15.00 and $10.00 respectively…

FOOD Restaurant & Cafe, West Los Angeles

Place your orders TODAY…Owner, Judy Ornstein, and her sweet staff will be happy to help you!

10571 Pico Blvd. (at Prosser)

Los Angeles, CA. 90064

T: 310-441-7770

F: 310-441-7790

Miki's Salted Caramel Sauce and Grandma Rose & Aunt Irene's Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips

4. Sugar for thought...consider making a donation in honor of some (or all!) of your holiday gift recipients…what better way to celebrate the joy of the holiday season that to share it with a mother and her children who have nothing…providing them with a wonderful holiday meal…OOH LA LA...and now it's as easy as pie to donate because we have a PayPal DONATE button right at the top of our website's Home Page... 

www.sugarandstilettos.com

Also. check out the new S & S 2014 Promo video on the website (above)…you will smile and stamp your feet with joy (it is set to Pharrell William's song "HAPPY")…Merci Mille Fois to the brilliant Gabby Greigo for ROCKING it out of the park once again!

5. Lastly, Mark Your Calendars for May 9, 2015 when The Fifth Annual Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza will take place. Our goal is to raise at least $40,000.00 so that we can say that we've raised over $100,000.00 in our first five (5) years…OOH LA LA again!

I hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful fall season…I so look forward to hearing from you…

Sweet Blessings,

Nanci

The Fourth Annual Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity FINALE 2014…Beyond Incredible!

Well, here is the extremely "Sweet Skinny' on the event...if you missed it…OOH LA LA…I feel sad for you because it was an INSANE BLAST! Swishes of pink, tiaras and stilettos everywhere, people laughing, dancing, having their faces painted, getting crazy balloon animals made, dancing and eating delicious treats, a overall sense of well being and unbridled joy…plus the sun was shining with a light breeze wafting through my garden and trees...absolute heaven!

Me with Mary Micucci of Along Came Mary

1. To date we have raised $30,000.00 with checks and online donations still being accepted (See #6). The total for the combined four years of bake sales is now over $60,000.00…amazing what a community can do together…OOH LA LA again!

2. That money ($15,000.00 each to the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry Program) translates into 60,000 meals at WFB and almost 2,000 bags of groceries at SJC…literally feeding thousands of women and children in need…makes me weep with joy and puff up with pride like a peacock…

3. The Mr. Sugar & Stilettos 2014 Crowning Ceremony was the BOMB…Richard Lewis and Paul DiMeo in hysterical video appearances plus Steven Weber passing the tiara, beauty queen sash and pink blinged out stilettos on to Mr. Sugar & Stilettos 2014 Bradley Whitford…hilarious video will be up very soon so keep checking the website…thank you Casey Neidorf and Gabrieal Griego for your inspiring work!

Bradley Whitford, Mr. S & S 2014 with Steven Weber, Mr. S & S 2012

4. Photos from the event will be on our FB, Twitter and Instagram accounts as soon as we can get them edited and up for your viewing pleasure…thank you Jonathan Bell, Michelle Metzger and Kori Stanton for making us all look so good!

5. Congratulations to the lucky winners of this year's raffles and silent auctions…

XIV Karats LTD. Drop Mounted Diamond Earrings - John Perry
Kaley Cuoco's Autographed Stilettos - Jasmin Hultgren
Malin Akerman's Autographed Stilettos - Molly Lieske
Pure Bred Siberian Kitten - Kiki Harris
In Home BBQ for 12 from The Blue Dog Beer Tavern - Michael Neidorf
Kneady Bakery Dessert Party - Dana Katz
Justified Swag Bag - Murray Neidorf for grandson, Joshua Neidorf
Paul DiMeo Home Design Consultation - Nanci Christopher
W Hotel Westwood Staycation - Lenny Neidorf

J'adore (one of the cutest babies ever) with my niece, Casey Neidorf (one of best nieces ever)

6. As I said, online donations and checks are still being accepted, so if you've left it to the last minute and now beyond, it's not too late! 

For the Westside Food Bank click on the link and remember to mention S & S in the Comments Section (very important!) - www.wsfb.org

For St. Joseph Center click on the link, it is a special one set up just for us - www.stjosephctr.org

7. Lastly, Mark Your Calendar for next year's event - Our Fifth Anniversary - Saturday, May 9, 2015…you won't want to miss now sweet minute of it!

xo Nanci, Your Ever Devoted Sugar Goddess/Queen

Happy New Year 2014!!!

Well, first off I have to apologize…it has been WAY TOO LONG since I have written a blog…last June to be exact. I am really, so, so sorry but life just intervened and carried me away to other things…like traveling, family/friend's illnesses, writing/working on my new play and then sometimes just plain exhaustion or laziness. What's that saying…life happens while you are off making plans…or something like that.

Anyway, here we are back together again and let me be, while not the first at this late date, but at least not the last, to add my voice to the chorus of those wishing you a very Happy New Year…may it only be filled with an abundance of good health, joy, love, laughter and of course, A LOT of sweet, sugary treats!

Great news for those of you who don't know this yet…The Fourth Annual SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity once again benefitting the Westside Food Bank And St. Joseph Center;s Food Pantry program will be on Saturday, May 10, 2014/11am-3pm…the day before Mother's Day…so plan to do all your Mother's cake/cookie/candy shopping, no to mention gift shopping and having a blast, with us…all the while helping to feed other mothers and their children suffering from hunger and food insecurity…what a glorious win/win Mother's Day celebration for all!

www.sugarandstilettos.com

Also, get over to the front page of this website ASAP (see link above) to see the hilarious Mr. S & S Crowning Ceremony video…it will make your day so much brighter and lighter that you'll feel compelled to forward it on/tell all your friends and family immediately!  Later this week we will  post the brilliant PR video from 2013…so worth your time too... ENJOY…xoxo Nanci

Steven Weber, Paul DiMeo, Richard Lewis - May 18, 2013

The FINALE of the 2013 SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity!

Well, here is the sweet skinny on the event...if you missed it, you may just want to kick yourself...it was a complete and total BLAST! Swishes of pink, tiaras and stilettos everywhere, people laughing, dancing and eating delectable treats, a general sense of well being and unbridled joy...plus the sun was shining with a light breeze wafting through my garden and trees...absolute perfection!

1. To date we have raised a little bit over $13,000.00. Our goal was $13-$15,000.00 so we have met our beginning goal and are still hoping to hit at least our mid-level range...checks and online donations are still being accepted! (See #6) The total for the combined three years of bake sales is now over $30,000.00...amazing what a community can do together...OOH LA LA again!

2. That money ($6,500.00 each to the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry program) translates into 26,000 meals at WFB and 1,300 bags of groceries at SJC...literally feeding thousands of women and children in need...makes me weep with joy...

3. The Mr. Sugar & Stilettos 2013 Crowning Ceremony was hysterical...Richard Lewis, Steven Weber and Paul DiMeo outdid themselves...and Bob Picardo added a bit of fun with his fabulous humor and outstanding plaid jacket...video will be up very soon so keep checking the website - www.sugarandstilettos.com -

4. Photos from the event will be up on our FB, Twitter, Instagram, etc. accounts as soon as we can get them edited and up for your viewing pleasure...

5. The lucky winners of this year's raffles and silent auction are...

Diamond Stiletto Necklace from XIV Karats LTD. - Karl Miller
Sofia Vergara's Autographed GUCCI Stilettos - Julie Bardin
S & S Custom Made Quilt by Sharon's Cozy Quilts - Susan Grode
BBQ for 12 from The Blue Dog Beer Tavern's Paul Scrivano - Laurie Newbound
Jackie Doyle's Stunning Stiletto Illustration - Nanci Christopher

Congratulations to all and thank you to everyone who participated...we raised thousands of dollars from these items alone...

6. As I said, online donations and checks are still being accepted, so if you've left it to the last minute and now beyond, it's not too late!

For the Westside Food Bank click on the link and remember to mention S & S in the Comments section - www.wsfb.org
For St. Joseph Center click on the link, it is a special one set up just for us - http://www.stjosephctr.org/sandsbakesale.html

7. Mark your calendar for next year's bake sale - Saturday, May 17, 2014 - you won't want to miss it!

xo Nanci, Your Ever Devoted Sugar Queen

Boston...how do we comprehend the incomprehensible?

It's been a week and a day since the horror perpetrated upon the Boston Marathoners, their loved ones and the city of Boston itself happened. I know that I am not at all alone, but I simply can not wrap my brain around this tragedy...especially so soon after Sandy Hook and the devastation of that community. While not an excuse of any kind it does seem like the evidence points to the fact that Adam Lanza was severely mentally ill...but what is the explanation for these two young men...immigrants granted refuge in this country as boys, welcomed here to begin new lives full of hope and promise? What could possibly prompt them to think that killing and maiming innocent people in the very city that embraced them was a justifiable act, a reasonable act, a purposeful act? How could their young minds have become so hostile, so convoluted, so evil? I am afraid that we will never know the answer to that question because their actions and state of mind defy understanding, defy logic, defy basic human decency.

So, we are all left to feel bereft once again at the vast ocean of sadness and anger engulfing us every time something senseless like this happens. Where can we put our grief, our sorrow, our fear and our sense of hopelessness? Honestly, I have no answer other than to combat it all with kindness and love. I simply don't know what else to do other than double up my efforts to make a difference in the world...even if it's just my little corner of the world, even if it's just with one little comment or gesture of compassion or humor to someone in need, even if it's just a smile to a stranger while out taking a walk.

I am re-committing myself to raising my son to become a decent, loving, compassionate man with a kind heart and a profound sense of responsibility to his fellow citizens. I am re-committing myself to look in the mirror everyday and find ways to be my best self...and then to actually BE that best self out in the world. I am re-committing myself to look at my neighbor be they next door, cross town or cross country with new eyes and a more open heart. I am re-committing myself to being as authentic and honest as I can possibly be with myself and others. And finally, I am re-committing to holding myself to the highest standard of being a human being and all that that entails.

In doing so I hope that my light will shine brightly enough to block out and eradicate some of the darkness that lives in the world.I am also hoping that even if I am only able to give someone just "one minute of happiness" it will have immeasurable value. Maybe if we all re-committed ourselves to these principles we will be able to make the world a safer place to live...a place filled with more grace, a place filled with noble intent, a place filled with unconditional love...that is my dream...please join me and make it yours too.

xoxo Nanci

Everything's Coming Up...the play, the house, the bake sale!!!

Here's the latest update of my world since my last blog post...

My play is under major reconstruction and things are going beautifully. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE working with Mark Travis...we are absolutely mining my heart and soul to create this solo show...so very exciting! We even have a new title, which I think is going to make you laugh, smile and be enthusiastic to be an audience member one day..."SUGAR & STILETTOS - a tale of panties and pastries"...now who wouldn't want to be see THAT show?!

Next, my house is still going through some dramatic changes...each one is actually quite small but the accumulation of all of them together
(and we are not even close to being finished!) is quite spectacular. The most important thing I see/feel is the opening up of space which is literally creating a sense of freedom, openness and light everywhere you turn. This new energy is infusing me and the house with a reinvigorated purpose...it is affecting my mind set, my body and the way I now am able to get through the day...simply stunning...every new curtain, appliance, piece of furniture, fabric, plant breathes with a vibrancy that was lacking before...it is all so lovely...embracing all this change can be challenging, especially for someone like me, but I am truly enjoying it and recommend that you do the same in your life...my next goal is to clean out all my clothes closets...create some space for a new look...a new "au courant" me!

Lastly, there is the planning for The Third Annual SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity on May 18, 2013/11am-3pm...things are coming along in such a magical way...new restaurants, bakeries and stores are joining in, our PR push has begun, we are close to naming
Mr. S & S 2013 and so much more...check out all the details (our raffle items are insane!) on our website...and make sure you sign up for our email list there so you don't miss out on any of our news! www.sugarandstilettos.com

That's it for now...I hope everyone has had a wonderful beginning of spring...here's to the joy of living in the moment, the joy of being your best self!

xoxo Nanci

Change is in the Air!

I am hellbent on making some changes in my life this year. I don't know where any of them will lead and I don't really care at this point. I just know that the way things have been in recent months is not making me happy or allowing me to feel fulfilled...I know, I know I mentioned this in the last blog...well, this is the follow-up so bear with me.

I am well aware that change only comes from action and that each one of us is responsible for taking the initiative to bring about change in our lives...NO ONE ELSE can do it for us...NO ONE ELSE will do it for us...so that's the first really big piece of information to digest. Alright, so it's up to you...in this case ME to begin creating some action that will take me out of the doldrums and propel me forward.

The basic overall emotion that I've been feeling is that my life feels stagnate, a bit old and tired....like it's gotten away from my essence, from what's important to me. I feel it in my home, I feel it in my body, I feel it in my thinking...so I decided to look deeply into what I could do to shake up that perspective.

First, I started with my work...specifically my next play, "SUGAR & STILETTOS - an obsessive baking odyssey" which has been put on the back burner for a long time as other things took precedence or as I allowed other things to take precedence. I wanted to get back to my creative/artistic self...I have been craving that big time so I began doing some re-writes towards the end of last year. Then I asked a few friends (writers and directors) for feedback. Their responses were more than I could have hoped for. Clearly, the play is not done...in fact, has a long way to go until it would be ready for a full production (the development process is pretty long...1-2 years)...but the feedback indicated that I was on the right track and that perhaps a lot farther along in the process than I believed. This delighted me to no end and was really encouraging.

Next, I began to look in to people who could develop the project with me and eventually direct it. After, just one conversation with someone that was recommended to me I knew what I had to do. I had to call Mark Travis and see if we couldn't work together again. It became crystal clear to me that I couldn't waste my time on someone else's learning curve. I needed someone who really knows this solo show world, someone who I already respected and trusted, someone who would know how to pull the rest of the story out of me and guide me through the process...I knew that person was Mark Travis...the person who got me to start writing over 15 years ago...the person who believed that I had a voice and stories that were worth telling...the person who got me back on the ice where I did another ten years of training and competing... the person who is smart, funny, warm and caring...so Mark and I talked for a long time on the phone yesterday and today I sent him a copy of the most recent draft of the play.

I'm not sure where this will lead. It's going to cost me money that I don't have...but I MUST do it. After my conversation with Mark I felt a calm come over me. I instinctively knew that having Mark back in my life and on this project (and at this particular time) was EXACTLY the right thing to do and EXACTLY what I needed to re-connect with my artist self. It feels like I am taking care of the most sacred part of myself. That alone makes me giddy imagining all the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead...every bit of it so perfect in its own way.

Second, I looked at my home environment. Now, although I have an adorable, cozy little house filled with emotional treasures, it has been feeling worn out and dated...like I've out grown it by a dress size or two. So, I made the leap...again money I don't have...and called Kathy Delgado of Vintageweave Interiors. I've known Kathy for several years...she is a doll, a fellow Francophile who designs and decorates in the French farmhouse style (often for big celebs). I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this rustic and refined look!

I have never hired anyone to help me with my house, which I've owned for almost fifteen years but I just KNEW deep in my heart and soul that Kathy was the answer, was the home angel that I needed. Well, she came sweeping in and in our first two hour meeting had me purging books, knick knacks and picture frames as if I were in a frenzy. She immediately started re-purposing items and envisioning new looks for the house...especially the living room, kitchen and my bedroom. I was entranced...the spaces (literally and figuratively) that she opened up that day felt intoxicating in their openness, in their vibrancy, in their simplicity...OOH LA LA...I was so happy! Kathy came back for another visit last week...three hours this time...when she left I was even happier than before! On Saturday my new bed arrived and VOILA a whole new era has begun. The rest of the changes Kathy has in mind will unfold over time but all is in motion and no longer standing still...a wonder to behold...

Lastly, I am working at cleaning out the cobwebs in my mind and body. This, of course, is a bit trickier than the other stuff, so all I've really accomplished thus far is to be aware of my thought process and pay more attention to taking care of my body...be kinder to it and get it moving/exercising on a more regular basis. I feel the shifting of attitudes going on already...giving me a calmer, gentler perspective. I'll keep you posted as to how this process reveals itself to me over time...

So, my lovelies, what are you going to change this year in your life to make yourself more joyful, more fulfilled? I can't wait to hear all the details of your awakening...

xoxo Nanci, Your Adoring Sugar Queen

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

Sugary Sweets & Stunning Stilettos = FABULOUS FUN!!!

I am going to be quick and to the point...for me to do this it is an absolute miracle of self-restraint...so, here's the skinny...

Sinful Vegan Red Velvet Cake from Jamaica's Cakes

The Second Annual SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity slated for May 19, 2012/11am-3pm once again benefiting the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry is less than five weeks away...OOH LA LA!!!

Mr. Sugar & Stilettos 2011, comedian Richard Lewis, with me and my son, Joshua

Just take a look at these three pictures from last year...

Sweet Butter Kitchen & Cafe's Sexy Stiletto Cupcakes

And you'll know that you can't miss a minute of the FUN this year...I mean, really, need I say more?! I don't think so...

See you on May 19th!

xoxo Nanci aka Your Sugar Queen

GET READY because The Second Annual SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity is almost here!!!

OMG, OMG, OMG...May 19th is just around the corner...I am practically hyperventilating from all the excitement! If you haven't already done so MARK YOUR CALENDARS...get your "you know what" moving and WRITE IT DOWN....The Second Annual SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity will take place on May 19, 2012/11am-3pm once again benefiting the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry. I guarantee you that this year's event is going to be even bigger, better and, of course, sweeter!

How do I know this? Because I've been planning like a crazy woman and these are just a few of the new things happening...

1. Look at this stunning $2,000.00 diamond tiara necklace up for raffle, donated by Cheryl Alpert of XIV Karats Jewelers in Beverly Hills...tickets are $25.00 each...for details on how to enter go the the website home page - www.sugarandstilettos.com

2. JESSICA ALBA...yes, you heard me right...has autographed a pair of her "kitten heels" stilettos from her very own closet and donated them for us to raffle...tickets are $10.00 each...details are also on the website's home page.

3. ANA ORTIZ from "Ugly Betty" and Marc Cherry's new show, "Devious Maids" is also autographing a pair of her Prada "kitten heel" stilettos for us to raffle...tickets are $10.00 each...details will be posted soon.

4. In addition to all our professional bakeries from last year we have already added (to name just a few) the beyond fabulous Huckleberry Bakery & Cafe, the amazing Milo & Olive, Susan the Baker's delectable toffee barks plus Mike's All American Softy Truck will be there selling ice cream sundaes, all sorts of coffee drinks and hot dogs...I mean really, does it get any better than that!

5. As far as gift certificates and items to sell we are adding...Porta Via Restaurant in Beverly Hills, Stan's Donuts - a UCLA/Westwood institution - my dad has been going since he was in grad school in 1949, The Organizing Architect (4 hours of professional Annette pulling your chaotic life into order), Tiffany Moore Dancing (have your cake and then have a blast working it off), cut and blow-dry by Maxime himself of The Salon by Maxime in Beverly Hills, Kids on Stage, The Paper Source, S & S custom notepad & pen from rep Debbie Goldberg of Halo Branded Solutions, S & S custom plastic cake knife from LoTech Sales in Colorado...these are just some of the new things we have...and all of this is in addition to everyone who has signed on again from last year's event...contributors will be updated on the website's Bake Sale Extravaganza page frequently so you can always check it out for up to the minute news.

6. We are working on securing the Mr. S & S 2012...it will be hard to top Richard Lewis, Mr. S & S 2011, but we will at least get very close...stay tuned for that exciting announcement...

Well, if that doesn't have you all revved up and ready to ROCK 'n ROLL on May 19th my beauties I don't know what will...so put your dancing shoes on - preferably stiletto types, come hungry for treats of all kinds and bring a wallet full of money to spend. I promise that you will have the time of your life...not to mention getting to feel good about helping feed women and children in your own community suffering from hunger and food instability.

If for some reason you can't come or live out of town please do not hesitate to participate by buying raffle tickets or just writing a donation check to either the Westside Food Bank or St. Joseph Center and sending it to:

Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza
ATT: Nanci Christopher/Charity
11400 Olympic Blvd. - Suite 590
Los Angeles, CA. 90064

MERCI MILLE FOIS for joining me on this incredible journey of love, nurturing and passion for making a difference in the world...

xoxo Nanci

P.S. The first 50 people to show up will get a FREE S & S GIFT...see you on May 19th!

A couple of sweet Valentine's Day ideas...

Well, yes, here it is again that sweetest of days...Valentine's Day...whether you have a sweetheart or not doesn't make a wit of difference...it is still a day to celebrate love, chocolate and everything else of the sweet, sugary variety. I am going to offer up just a couple of ideas for you to ponder...each one delectable and sure to delight anyone you decide to share them with!

I simply LOVE these Buttery Shortbread Cookies of Sarabeth Levine's (Sarabeth's Bakery/NYC). They are light and melt in your mouth buttery down to their last crumb...the dough is so silky smooth that handling it is a wonder in of itself. Just yesterday I made these treasures for Valentine's gifts for my nieces and nephews. Instead of the fluted cookie cutters I normally use I used heart shaped ones and then covered  them with bright red heart decorations. I then wrapped each one individually in a little cello bag and tied a red stain ribbon around the top...adorable is not even the word!

Buttery Shortbread Cookies

If I were technologically savvy and you all know by now that I am NOT, I would have taken a picture of my little creation with my digital camera, uploaded it (or is it downloaded...I can never keep those two things straight) and then posted it on this very blog so you could see what I'm talking about and be inspired. Unfortunately, I can't quiet manage that with my new computer and all, plus my technologically brilliant niece, Casey, is not here to help me so you will just have to imagine it on your own...so sorry about that! You can see, however, see what they look like in their fluted form above. In either case, these cookies are extremely easy to make and just IMAGINE how happy your cherished ones will be when they receive this bundle of love from you...trust me, they will be very happy...

The Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (Magnolia Bakery/NYC), while not difficult, is more time consuming than the cookies but well worth it if you want to really impress someone. It is a gorgeous, huge (3 layer) hunk of a beauty queen cake...a sure fire dazzler if ever there was one....all it needs is a tiara!

Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting...so pretty!

However, to give full disclosure, be prepared for your kitchen to look a bit like the set of Sweeney Todd or one of those CSI shows...the red dye used to essentially make a chocolate cake look red, can get messy. I always try to be as careful as possible when making this cake but I still end up with a bloody looking mess...it's quite comical actually so I suggest giving in to your inner child who adores messes and you'll be fine. The end result will be a magnificent masterpiece...and you will be Queen for a Day in the eyes of whoever you make it for.

If you don't have time for baking of any kind...well, then simply go out and buy some red or chocolate candies (heart shaped marshmallows are nice too), wrap them up real pretty and give them to anyone who is dear to your heart...in addition to making that person feel loved and appreciated you will feel the same about yourself...a gift for everyone...

Happy Valentine's Day...hope it is filled with love, laughter and light...

xoxo Nanci

P.S. A special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Dad, Murray Neidorf, who will be 85 tomorrow...we call him our Sweetheart Baby...how lucky and blessed we are to have him in our lives...

HAPPY NEW YEAR/BONNE ANNEE 2012...avec chocolat bien sur!

Bonjour tout le monde et Bonne Annee 2012!

I sure am glad to turn the page on 2011 - oh, not that it didn't have some high points (i.e. Joshua moving up to Middle School and the 6th grade, the First Annual Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity) but there were other less wonderful events (i.e. my dad's health scare, my mom's back surgery) that I am happy to put behind me and my family...so here's to a new beginning, a new year filled with good health, an abundance of joy, overflowing love and of course...chocolate...lots and lots of chocolate...because really is there any better way to celebrate life that to eat or drink something of the chocolate persuasion...no, I think not!

Jacques Torres' Chocolate Chip Cookies with Valhrona Feves

So, to get your 2012 off to the best start possible I am proposing the following three recipes for you to make ASAP...each and every one of them is tried and true, top of the line and sure to delight anyone you choose to share them with...

The first is my all time favorite Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe by Jacques Torres/NYC. People the world over say that THEY have the best recipe but I guarantee you THIS ONE is THE ONE! I mean, really...look at those beauties...I dare you to tell me that these cookies are not DIVINE...and I made them in my very own little French country kitchen with my 1940's O'Keefe & Merrit oven...un vrai paradis...

Nutella Scones - OOH LA LA!

The second is for Nutella Scones...alright, let's get this straight...Chocolate Scones, with tons of chocolate in them...and then Nutella drizzled all over the tops of them and toasted hazelnuts to boot...did I just hear you sigh and swoon in a slightly wozzy way? Yes, I thought so.

Patricia Helding's Classic Fat Witch Brownies

The third (and certainly not last for any reason whatsoever) is Patricia Helding's Classic Fat Witch Brownies. I have tried a million brownie recipes (well, maybe not a million but a lot!) and this recipe is truly a classic. Patricia said it took her forever to be able to share it with the world (it's one of many of her treasures in her inspiring and fabulous book, Fat Witch Brownies)...and am I ever glad that she did. It is definitely my go to brownie recipe...crackly, moist and cakey all at the same time.

So there you have it mes belles...go forth and bake...go forth and make everyone (including yourself) incredibly happy with all these delectable chocolate delights...

xoxo Nanci

It's Almost Thanksgiving and Have I got a Recipe for You!

OOH LA LA!!!

A pictured is worth a thousand words, n'est pas?! So, take a long minute and feast your eyes on the stunning beauty above that I created for Thanksgiving just for you...well, alright, not just for you, but with you (and me!) in mind. Forgive me for being redundant, but isn't she gorgeous?

Her name is Pumpkin Cheesecake with Marshmallow-Sour Cream Topping and Biscoff Cookie Crust. While the name may not fall trippingly off the tongue I guarantee you 100% that this creation of mine will make your taste buds sing with delight, shout from the mountaintops and say Hallelujah, Amen!

I dreamed this baby of mine up after looking at all the recipes for pumpkin cheesecake that I had recently accumulated in the whirlwind of Thanksgiving treats that was flooding my favorite magazines and blogs. I simply took the best of three recipes (one for the crust, one for the cheesecake, one for the topping), tweaked them a bit, added pecans as a decorative touch and put them together...et VOILA a masterpiece!

I have nothing left to say...this posting is short and sweet (very, very sweet!)...except to say, go forth and bake this creation of mine...you will absolutely be the STAR BAKING DIVA of your Thanksgiving feast...family and friends will will applaud your brilliance and love you forever more...ENJOY, ENJOY, ENJOY!

Happy Thanksgiving each and every one of you...may your day be filled with love, laughter, joy and everything deliciously sweet that life has to offer...

xoxo Nanci

P.S. This recipe is not difficult at all but it does take time due to the overnight chilling...so just start a day early, take one step at a time and savor the fun...