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Daytime TV with David, Robert and Rocco

Rocco DiSpirito

My family moved to Austin, Texas more than a year ago. There were many changes big and small to endure: finding a new home, sending my child to Kindergarten, figuring out how to find the grocery store, and the biggie for me, learning how to work from home.

I have worked for the same company for nearly 11 years, so I know my colleagues like family. I have the inside jokes, the rants and raves, and the daily interactions. Working from my home-office can make me feel isolated and, quite honestly, lonely.

So, I turn to my beloved TV… and a whole new kind of Laptop TV was born. Laptop TV at night is easy because I sit on my couch with a glass of wine, fire up the laptop, and finish up my work for the day. Laptop TV during the day is a different beast. I am actually cranking on work, and the TV just provides background noise to break the silence and to keep me company.

Because I am in the business of news, I spend a lot of time watching CNBC and CNN during the day. But there are some days I simply need a break from the doom-and-gloom of a failing economy, the political pundits frothing at the mouth and the loss of innocent lives. So I found some new guilty pleasures for Daytime Laptop TV:

My Fair Wedding with David Tutera = This is my ultimate guilty pleasure. The premise of the show is easy: seemingly nice brides plan uber-tacky weddings, and celebrity wedding planner David Tutera saves the day by planning (and paying for) ultimate dream weddings. I have a massive crush on David, he is so sweet, thoughtful and creative. I’m already married, so maybe I’ll plan a tacky renewal ceremony and call David for help? Find this show on WeTV.

Restaurant Impossible = This is my new favorite show on Food Network. Celebrity chef Robert Irvine gives a failing restaurant a massive makeover. (Think Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, but for restaurants.) I tell you what, there are some disgusting restaurants out there… think grease, grime and dead rats. This delicious show is like a train wreck and I can’t look away.

Say Yes to the Dress = A show about brides with big budgets trying on glam gowns? Please! I have a daughter and I rushed through my wedding. This show is pure fantasy and pleasure… and on TLC.

Dr. Phil = Say what you want about Dr. Phil and his psychology-based advice show, but I love the dude. I appreciate his “Get Real” attitude and the fact he does not coddle his guests. I respect that he calls BS when he hears BS. Of course, the real reason I watch this show is because Dr. Phil’s guests make me feel somewhat normal.

Rocco’s Dinner Party = I’m so happy to see my boyfriend Rocco get his own show on Bravo. Sigh. This show is competition where three highly skilled chefs have the opportunity to create the perfect dinner party for Rocco and his celebrity guests, including A-listers like Kenneth Cole and Liza Minelli. My six-year-old daughter and I never miss an episode!

– LTV Mom

Photo credit: Bravo TV

Published

Stacy Libby

on September 8, 2011

in Food Network, Laptop Television and Working Mom

. 0 Comments

Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey

Creamy Peanut Butter Pie for Mikey and Jennifer Perillo

I am part of several blogging networks, and it’s a great way to meet people from around the country. One of the uber-smart women I have been fortunate enough to meet and write with is Jennifer Perillo, who is an A-list food blogger and the food editor at Working Mother magazine.

Last Sunday, Jennifer Perillo lost her husband to a sudden heart-attack. No warning, so signs, no signals. And now, she and her two young daughters are left with broken hearts. My eyes filled with tears when I read the news, just the idea of losing my husband is too much to think about. I was saddened for Jennifer and those precious girls.

Jennifer celebrated her husband’s life today in a private ceremony, and she asked her community of friends to honor her husband my making his favorite dessert: Creamy Peanut Butter Pie.

Today, I proudly made Mikey’s favorite Creamy Peanut Butter pie in his honor. I purchased the ingredients, heck I even had to buy a 9-inch springform pan to make it work. Yeah, I even emailed my friends at Bowl Licker and Dirt and Noise to see if a regular pie pan would work! (I decided to go tried and true.)

Jennifer’s story touched me deeply. So much I actually found a babysitter so I could have a dinner date with my husband for the first time in months and months and months. And the Creamy Peanut Butter Pie was our dessert.

Jennifer thoughtfully asked everyone to share Mikey’s Creamy Peanut Butter Pie with someone you love and then “hug them like there’s no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on.” Jennifer, in honor of your family, that’s exactly what I did…

– LTV Mom

Photo credit: Food For My Family (because my pie looked *absolutely nothing* like your beautiful creation)

Published

Stacy Libby

on August 13, 2011

in Food, Laptop Television and Yahoo! Mother Board

. 2 Comments

365 Days in Austin

My Southern Belle

One year ago today, the Libby family rolled into Austin. In the past 12 months, we have had highs and lows as we built our new life in Texas. It was hard to adjust to a new hometown with very few friends, a remote job and shallow roots in the community. As I look back at the evolution of our life, even since I wrote a post at the six-month mark, I can happily report my favorite parts of the past year:

Becoming a Tex-Mex and BBQ expert: The food in Austin is awesome, as evidenced by my impressive flabdomin and muffin top. I have found my favorite fried fish taco, ahi and avocado taco, fried egg sandwich, Sunday brunch, and Mexican martini. My mouth waters just typing this post…

Finding an amazing elementary school: One of the reasons for saying “yes” to a work transfer was the public school system in Austin. I am happy to report that our elementary school is excellent, and we are so happy with our daughter’s progress and thankful for her wonderful teachers.

Cheering for the Cyclones: I do have to admit, I love being back in Big 12 Country. We were lucky enough to witness an Iowa State football win at UT… and not-so-lucky to witness an Iowa State slaughter on the UT basketball court. Regardless, this loyal Iowa State grad loved watching my team with fellow alums.

Making some great friends: I’ve said it before, people in Austin are kind and nice and welcoming. We have made some very nice friends… and drank a lot of wine in the process.

Buying a house: We sold our house in California and bought a house in Austin. This helped with the “deepening the roots” process. We have nice neighbors, and even found babysitters and cat-sitters just a few doors down.

Enduring a Texas Summer: Dude. Summer in Austin is hot. H. O. T. We are talking 107 degrees for days on end. Thankfully, we have air conditioning and a neighborhood pool. I hope to forget about August in Austin when it’s March and we are enjoying the 75 degree-weather while we eat dinner outdoors.

Buying my first cowgirl hat: Now, this might be the highlight of my year. My husband organized a bash to celebrate my 40th birthday in February. Many friends (who happen to be some of my favorite people ever!) traveled to Austin to help me celebrate the Big Day. My friends decided I needed boots and a hat, so they took me to Cavendar’s to go shopping. I got a cowgirl hat. I love my hat… and just look at how cute my little girl looks in it!

While we miss our California friends terribly, I’d say life is good.

- LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on August 12, 2011

in Austin, Family, Food, Laptop Television and Life in Austin

. 5 Comments

Wordless Wednesday: Costa Rica

... and some of my very favorite people in the world!

... and some of my favorite people in the world!

Published

Stacy Libby

on August 10, 2011

in Family and Wordless Wednesday

. 1 Comment

Wordless Wednesday: Orange County Sunset

Orange County Sunset

Published

Stacy Libby

on June 15, 2011

in Wordless Wednesday

. 1 Comment

I am a Snackoholic.

My arch-nemesis? Late-night snacking.

It’s 10:08 p.m. on a Tuesday. I am working, watching The Voice, drinking red wine and noshing on Pop Chips. Argh, I know I need to stop eating this late at night, so I wrap-up the snacks and remind myself this is an ongoing issue for this mama. In fact, here’s a post I wrote for Silicon Valley Moms Blog more than three years ago:

At the start of the New Year, like many moms, I make a pledge to get healthy both physically and mentally. This means exercising, thinking positive thoughts, attending church, honoring my family, and (oh yes, the biggie) eating right.

It’s amazing. I have been so good at the first four goals. I hit the treadmill 2 times a week (not as often as pre-baby, but more often than in 2007); I try to keep a positive attitude, I attend my wonderful and loving church; I spend time with my husband and daughter; and I eat healthy, home-cooked meals.

And here’s where it gets complex. From 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. I eat like Dr. Sears himself: cottage cheese, fruit and sliced almonds for breakfast, salad with grilled chicken for lunch, and lean meats and roasted veggies for dinner. And lots and lots and lots of water. Oh yes, and vitamins and supplements. Then, around 9 p.m., I put the Kid to bed, toss a load of laundry in the washer, load up the dishwasher, and hit the couch with my laptop for work and television. And then it starts.

The minute (no, the second) my butt hits the couch, the need to eat overwhelms my brain and I raid the pantry. I crave chips and salsa, pretzels, popcorn, edamame, rice crackers, “puffy peas,” or string cheese. And, depending on the time of the month, I’ll toss in a little chocolate to go with that salt. And let’s not forget the constant craving: red wine.

It is so frustrating that I am a dietary rock-star for 21 out of 24 hours a day. But when I reach the magic hours of Laptop Television — from 9 p.m. to midnight where I sit on the couch trying to be a good employee and decent homemaker — I feel the need to eat junk food. Why is that? Am I bored? Stressed? Confused? Overwhelmed?

I think I reached my low point last week when I was butt-on-couch, eating an entire bag of Almond M&Ms, and watching The Biggest Loser on TV. At that point, I decided that I am, in fact, the Biggest Loser.

I not-so-secretly want to talk to Biggest Loser hottie Trainer Bob for answers. In the meantime, can my fellow [Mom-bloggers] offer some cyber-therapy and talk me out of raiding the pantry, and loading up on unnecessary and empty calories, at 10 p.m. each night?

– LTV Mom

This post was written by LTV Mom and published on Silicon Valley Moms Blog in 2008. Sadly, three years later, I still partake in late-night snacking.

Published

Stacy Libby

on June 15, 2011

in Food, Laptop Television and Silicon Valley Moms Group

. 3 Comments

WINOS Pick of the Week: Elk Cove Pinot Noir

Elk Cove Pinot Noir

I don’t consider myself a wine-snob, but I do consider myself a Pinot Noir snob. I think it’s the hardest wine to select on the menu, and I never go “cheap” when ordering a bottle. In my humble opinion, Pinot Noir is an unforgiving wine, and a cheap Pinot usually disappoints. My rule of thumb for selecting the right bottle: look for a Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley in Oregon and order it without hesitation.

Last weekend, my husband and I had guests over for dinner and received a bottle of Elk Cove Vineyards 2008 Pinot Noir as a hostess gift. I hadn’t heard of this winery before, but was so excited when I saw Willamette Valley on the label. I was hoping the wine would be tastey, and this bottle of red did not disappoint.

Tasting notes say the wine has flavors of blackcurrent, cherry pit and rose petals. This novice (but frequent) wine-drinker says it was delicious. It didn’t have the bitter or “overly earthy” taste of some Pinots, rather it was smooth and flavorful and certainly had that distinct Pinot flavors that I really enjoy.

My first glass of Elk Cove was sans food, and I instantly enjoyed the taste, even without much breathing time. My second glass was accompanied by a grilled filet mignon, and I really liked the combined flavors of the wine and the meat. A wine that can stand alone, and stand up to my medium-rare steak, is a true find.

About Elk Cove: According to the winery Web site, Elk Cove Estate vineyards covers more than 220 acres on four separate sites in the Northern Willamette Valley. Elk Cove Vineyards proudly remains a family owned and operated winery.

Tasting and buying the wine: If you are interested in exploring the wines and visiting the tasting room, information can be found HERE. If you want to simply order some delicious Elk Cove wine, you can click HERE.

Cheers!

– LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on May 31, 2011

in Laptop Television and WINOS Pick of the Week

. 0 Comments

“Like Mother, Like Daughter”

I was fortunate to attend the Mom 2.0 Summit in April, where I spent time with the wonderful people from the “Milk Mustache” campaign. I’ve always liked the campaign, I think it’s a clever way to engage celebrities to promote a healthy lifestyle that includes vitamin-rich milk.

At the conference in April, I learned of a new initiative from the Why Milk Foundation where they examined role modeling and influencing the next generation of women. The campaign — beautifully called “Like Mother, Like Daughter” — is anchored by a commisioned-study that suggests that mothers have a unique opportunity, and a powerful responsibility, to influence the next generation of women. Research shows a mother’s lifestyle and eating habits have a profound effect on her daughter’s health, weight and self-image. Read the report HERE.

The campaign also powerfully reminds us that the first female role model most of us have in our lives is our mother. I was inspired to reflect on the values, morality and kindness my mother has role-modeled for me. I also acknowledge that it’s now my turn to be that role model for my young daughter.

To promote the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” campaign, a collection of moms attending the Mom 2.0 Summit participated in a video called “Thank you, Mom” to offer thanks and gratitude to the moms who have been inspirational role models in our lives. I was honored to participate in this video. Link can be found HERE.

Find more information on the “Like Mother, Like Daughter” campaign by following @MilkMustache on Twitter or find them on Facebook.

– LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on May 19, 2011

in Family, Food, Laptop Television and Working Mom

. 1 Comment

Mother’s Day 2011

My daughter's portrait of her mom

It’s hard to believe I just celebrated my seventh Mother’s Day as a mommy! Not only do I absolutely adore hearing my child tell me she loves me, but I also use this day to sit my child down and tell her how much I love being her mom!

Here are highlights from Mother’s Day 2011:

Best Card: I was lucky enough to receive several cards this year. I opened many cards from my daughter, as well as from my husband. My favorite card was a fill-in-the-blank card from my daughter’s school.

Here are the highlights:

My mother is the most wonderful mom in the world. She is a pretty as a “dafdil.” She weighs about “200 pounds” and is about “20 feet tall.” Her favorite food is “strawbarry.” I like it when she makes “my hart fele good.” I think my mom is funny when she “shos me piohrs of wen she has glasis.” (shows me pictures of when she had glasses) I know my mom is really angry when she “tells me to go to my room.” I love her because she “is the best.”

Favorite Tradition: I also am blessed to receive a card from my mom every year, and this tradition started long before I was a mom. My maternal grandmother died when my mom was only five years old, so since she did not have a mother to send cards, she sends Mother’s Day cards to her children every year. The message was simple: I love being your mom.

Best Surprise: My daughter and husband teamed up to decorate the kitchen with streamers, balloons and flowers. It was my daughter’s idea, and my wonderful husband did all the work!

Best Moments: I like the simple moments of being together, and I think my favorites were reading Harry Potter and playing Angry Birds with my daughter. I also loved taking a walk with my child, husband and dog. Happy!

Wishing all my fellow moms out there a very happy Mother’s Day all year long!

– LTV Mom

Published

Stacy Libby

on May 10, 2011

in Family, Laptop Television and The Kid

. 1 Comment

American Idol Season 10: Top 5

Season 10

It’s been a while since I posted one of Dixie’s famous American Idol recaps. BUT, we are down to the wire, and these updates are too good to miss! A lot has happened since I last posted a Dixie-recap. For example, Casey was voted off, Casey was saved, and Casey was voted off again!

Enjoy Dixie’s recap (and commentary) from last night’s show. Whether you agree with Dixie or not, take a read and talk amongst yourselves!

AI TOP 5, DIXIE SAYS:

What a screech fest tonight!! Some truly cringe-worthy performances, and unfortunately, they were from my favorites. And what was up with the Wardrobe Department? JLo was dressed for a remake of “Somewhere in Time” audition and Lauren was resurrecting Tammy Wynette on her second number. So much for “Now and Then” night. Here are my reviews:

James Durbin

James “Closer to the Edge” and “Without You”

Dang, James! What was that? I have been a solid James fan all season, and every week, he has made smart song choices which rendered great, creative performances. Tonight, however, was majorly disappointing. His first vocal was an ear-splitting, out of tune, awful mess! How the judges found anything positive to say about it is beyond me. He sounded so much better in rehearsal singing it with Sheryl Crow (whom I thought was an excellent mentor for everyone). And while I appreciate the emotion he put into “Without You“, I am no fan of this song. If you’ve been reading my reviews in years’ past, you know I’ve coined it “The Co-Dependent’s Theme Song”. Regardless of my feelings for the song, it was obvious from the rehearsal footage that James wasn’t going to be able to hold it together for the performance. I suspect he was pushed into it for the “entertainment” factor. So, we get an awful vocal, but American Idol gets the emotional story package. I know that James is a sensitive guy, and I feel for his situation, but really… its not like he’s going off to war in Iraq where his wife and son can’t visit him. He’s in Hollyweird! Even though neither performance was passable, I’m going to give him a pass just this one time and hopefully he will get enough sympathy votes to stay in the game.

Jacob Lusk

Jacob “No Air” and “Love Hurts”

What JLo? What Steven Tyler? That “No Air” performance was easily one of the worst things I’ve heard all season, and of course, only faint criticism. Randy was the only judge giving Jacob good advice, but did he have to throw Jordin Sparks under the bus to do it? And as most of you know, I am no fan of Jordin Barks. Jacob sang about five out of tune words the entire song and thankfully, let the back up singers do the rest. Horrible performance and one of the worst song choices to date on this show. “Love Hurts” was much better and I love that he took a rock song and did his Lusky, gospel thing with it. Still, I think Jacob is in grave danger of going home tomorrow night, but I would have to agree that it might be his time.

Lauren Alaina

Lauren “Flat On The Floor” and ”Unchained Melody”

Thank you Sheryl Crow for bringing up Lauren’s breathing issues. Note to Lauren: Not a bright idea to invite comparisons to Carrie Underwood, especially when you are not even close vocally and sound so out-of-breath. And this particular Carrie Underwood song was especially a bad song choice because its not very well known and its too wordy and fast-paced for Lauren. She was skipping about every fourth word and swallowing great gulps of air just to get through it. While it started out okay, she just doesn’t have the big voice or the big range to finish it off. Lauren’s second performance went horribly awry and it sounded as though she was making up the lyrics as she went along. Besides going badly off-key, delivering a dull performance, and forgetting the lyrics, JLo and Steven Tyler took the “nothing to judge” approach. Nothing to judge? You’ve just declared yourselves officially useless. Lauren, looking more orange than ever, is incapable of delivering a dynamic performance and/or vocal. As usual, I put her in the middle of the pack.

Scotty McCreery

Scotty “Gone” and “You Were Always On My Mind”

LOVED Scotty singing “Gone”! Best Performance of the Night by a million miles!! That song happens to be one of my favorite country songs of all time, and believe it or not, I even find it worthy of a Zumba routine! I’ve kicked around the idea several times, so you never know. Okay- back to Scotty… I thought he had absolutely incredible vocals on both songs tonight. “Gone” was energetic and exciting and “You Were Always On My Mind” had all the tenderness of a typical smooth Scotty ballad. On a night of ear bleeding performances, Scotty took over the stage and blew the first three contestants away. If he keeps this up, I just may become a fan. I always knew he would be in at the finale with James, but after tonight, he may just win this thing.

Haley Reinhart

Haley “You and I” and “House Of The Rising Sun”

What is going on in the universe that I disliked James’ performances and liked Haley’s? Don’t get me wrong- she still bugs me as much as ever, but vocally, I thought she was pretty darn good. So, Jimmy Iovine ‘offers up’ some unreleased Lady Gaga number that no one has ever heard of, Haley sings it perfectly, and then the judges rip her up and down for taking a risk? Is it just me, or was that Gaga critique infuriating? Not a single criticism for James or Jacob or Lauren, yet Haley gets an entire panel of downers? My husband, who is also not a Haley fan, thinks that the judges’ critiques on the first song was a set up so that she could have the big redemption moment at the end in the pimp spot, which she also had last week. As it would be, I also disagree with the judges on the second song. While I think Haley sang it fairly well, it was definitely not Standing Ovation worthy. Siobhan slayed this song last year, and Haley did not. She tried too hard to do all those vocal tricks (growling, runs, etc) and then didn’t nail the basics of singing the song. I’m a little confused about how TPTB feel about Haley; they go from straight up bussing her out to crowing her the winner. For the first time ever this season, I am declaring Haley as safe.

Going home: Jacob… unfortunately, our preacher man’s time has come. Stay tuned!

Top 11 review HERE.

Top 12 review HERE.

Dixie is a contributor to Laptop TV Mom. The words and opinions are hers and are unedited by me.

Photo credits: American Idol official Web site

Published

Stacy Libby

on May 5, 2011

in American Idol, Dixie and Laptop Television

. 1 Comment