The Little White Box

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The Little White Box By Laraine Newman I’m sorry to say that my husband is much more romantic and sentimental than I am. He’s a better gift giver and a better surprise planner. That’s why I was completely unsuspecting when our family went to one of my favorite restaurants for Valentine’s Day several years ago.  … [Read more…]

The Smart Car

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The Smart Car By Laraine Newman Around 6 years ago, our family took a trip to France. Our friends have a house in Ramtuelle, a Medieval city built in a circle overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean. Honest, it does sparkle. We frolicked on Pamelonne Beach, made famous by the production company filming And God Created Woman … [Read more…]

Letters From Heaven

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Letters From Heaven By:  Laraine Newman You want to know just how wonderful my husband is? Well, in 2004 my dad died and my grief was crushing. I gained 40 lbs. and cried at the drop of a hat for about 2 years.  Chad got a .mac account in my dad’s name and starting emailing … [Read more…]

Mache Is the New Romaine

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Mache Is the New Romaine By Laraine Newman Have you seen that commercial that uses the Hall and Oats song “Baby Come Back”? The mop has been replaced by the sexy and efficient Swiffer and it’s  kinda stalking its erstwhile owner?  I think Romaine is going to be doing the same thing.  I’ve noticed that … [Read more…]

The Joy of Cooking

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The Joy of Cooking By Laraine Newman I have a 1932 copy of The Joy of Cooking that’s being held together at the spine with duct tape. The book, like so many things my mother gave me or tried to impart to me, has become a cherished item only years after her death. I wasn’t that … [Read more…]

What A Crock

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What A Crock By Laraine Newman There are so many conveniences the Jetsons had that I could really use today.   Jane Jetson had this thing that came down from the ceiling, encased her head and presto! New hairdo! I hate doing my hair. My bathroom has all kinds of gizmos with one purpose; to make … [Read more…]

The Circle of Life

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The Circle of Life By Laraine Newman When I was little, I had absolutely no idea what Easter represented.  All I knew was it had something to do with Jesus and you got chocolate bunnies for it.  My neighbor, Rory McManus told me Jesus was always by your side.  I loved that idea. Here was … [Read more…]

My Dumb Luck

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My Dumb Luck By Laraine Newman I go to Pasadena often because my younger daughter’s cheer team practices there. Yes, I spawned a cheerleader because my parents don’t have enough to laugh about in heaven. It’s given me a chance to explore Old Pasadena and I’ve been loving it.  But the fact that “Of all … [Read more…]

Blue Cotton Candy

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Blue Cotton Candy By Laraine Newman My idea of a good time is dragging my sorry ass up the stairs after a long day, plopping down on the bed, snuggling with my husband and watching re-runs of Law and Order or, if God REALLY loves me, a NEW episode of Real Time With Bill Maher. … [Read more…]

Back to School

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Back to School By:  Laraine Newman Jane Curtin, my former colleague on Saturday Night Live, characterized school cafeteria food in a way I’d never thought of. One day, on the set, I was waxing poetic about the fact that I loved the stuff. I think Spaghetti Day was my favorite. “I don’t know what it … [Read more…]