3 Olives and a Twist, Author at Beth Daigle

September 26, 2016

Fall TV … Watcha Watchin’?

Last week was great. Yes, the crisp, cool weather had something to do with it, but really it was because fall TV kicked off and I was so happy to see the return of some of my favorite shows.

I’m pretty simple when it comes to what I watch. Sitcoms and light-weight dramas that don’t focus on crime, adultery and murder are my favs. Sorry, no “How to Get Away with Murder” for me.

Last week presented the return of some old favorites as well as one new show that I’d been anxiously awaiting. Now that I’m nearly 100 percent “Housewives” free, I have so much time to dedicate to new programming. Sorry “Housewives,” but as of this moment all franchises have been deleted from my DVR. Your manufactured fights, insincere meltdowns and fake friendships are just too much, even for me. I am done with all of you! Well, except for New York, because I just can’t shake Bethenny, Ramona and the Countess as much as they annoy me and they are on break until next year anyway.

So, what am I watching? Here’s my fall TV breakdown so far.

Fall TV – Oldies but Goodies

Modern Family, ABC – It makes me so sad to say that I’ve lost interest in this show. It’s been happening pretty steadily over the last few seasons, but I have to admit that I don’t even remember what last week’s episode was about. I think the folks at “Modern Family” should seriously consider their exit strategy. The plots are predictable and the acting is stilted. It’s as if they are performing a play where only one actor can speak at a time. The flow and comedic timing of this show is gone. Boohoo.

Black-ish, ABC – This show has only been around since 2014. I’ve liked the interplay of all of the family members, including grandparents (Laurence Fishburne plays Pops). However, this season opener seemed a little disjointed. Maybe it’s because they took the family out of the home and plopped them into Disney World or maybe it’s because they are trying to add to the family fun with a baby on the way –I don’t know, but it seemed forced and unfunny. I think I dozed off half way through – never a good sign.

The Goldbergs, ABC – I love “The Goldbergs” and while my sister said she didn’t enjoy this fall’s, ode to “The Breakfast Club,” premiere I must say I found myself giggling all the way through. I realize that my fondness for this show has to do with my own affinity for the 1980s. While many love to hate that era, I look back on it affectionately and appreciate the show’s talent at bringing it all back to life. Still a fan.

Grey’s Anatomy, ABC – I have watched this show religiously since it began and I cannot believe I still enjoy it in its 13^th season. But I do! The start of season 13 took off running with a major focus on Dr. Alex Karev. Thank you Shonda Rhimes! He’s always been one of my favorite characters and I don’t know about you, but I think he looks better than ever. It’s sad that he beat one of his fellow doctors to a pulp, but I’m still glad to see him back at center stage. The writers also threw in a few romance and relationship twists that I think should be just enough to make this a lucky season 13.

Fall TV – New

This Is Us, NBC – I finally broke away from ABC to give NBC’s, highly publicized drama, “This Is Us,” a look. I had a good feeling about this from the moment I saw the trailer. Maybe it was the great music or maybe it was the Mandy Moore, Milo Ventimiglia coupling that caught my interest. Either way, I like it. I will say that the plot twist at the end of the episode led me to believe that the opening scene was a bit deceiving in terms of setting and time period, but I won’t hold that against them. Did anyone else catch what I’m talking about?

Fall TV – Not Yet Watched

Kevin Can Wait, CBS – I love Kevin James and hope this is as good as he is, but I’m skeptical. It’ll be hard to outdo the “King of Queens” and his super successful movie career.

Speechless, ABC – I read that Minnie Driver gives a good performance in this matriarchal comedy; but I feel like she might be playing a similar role to the one in the short-lived “About a Boy.” I’ll give it a look, but don’t have high hopes.

Man with a Plan, CBS – Oh Joey, I hope this is good. Matt Leblanc returns in this American sitcom playing Mr. Mom of all things. I really have a bad feeling about this and I hate to see the guys from “Friends” trying so hard to make a come-back. I’m sorry, but Matthew Perry in “The Odd Couple” is painful to watch, yet it’s coming back for a third season.

I’m hoping for a few surprises in my fall TV “Not Yet Watched” category…fingers crossed.

What are you watching and what shouldn’t I miss? For more TV commentary from 3Olives & a Twist, follow me on Twitter @3OlivesnaTwist.

3 Comments Continue Reading

September 22, 2016

Life & Family

College Life Part 2 – A Student’s Perspective

College life-lecture hall — Huge lectures -intimidating much?

College Life: The Transition

I often wonder who’ll be more nervous going off to college – the parent or the child. When Julia goes, it will definitely be me. Sure, it depends on who you are dealing with, but I think Monday’s post offered a good look at a parent who didn’t expect to be as affected by their child’s new life and period of adjustment.

So what leads some kids to struggle with the transition to college life more than others? Some parents I’ve spoken to believe their child was so happy and content at home – who wouldn’t miss that? Another friend mentioned her daughter found the party scene to be intimidating because she was stressed ensuring her safety in this world of constant warnings – cover your drink, don’t walk alone, be careful on social media. And what about the kids whose lives have been so structured in sports, school and activities? They are on their own now.

Today, I bring you the student perspective of college…those first few weeks. Go back to Monday’s post if you haven’t had the chance to read the interview with this student’s parent.

The Interview

Before leaving for college, what did you expect? I envisioned it to be a mixture of carefree fun and also incredibly difficult academics that I would struggle with. I thought I would fit in right away, be independent, and not miss home at all.

How close has your college experience come to your expectation? So far, my actual experience has only partially met my expectations. Academically speaking, it’s as much work as I expected, but I did not realize how many resources the college has to help with a heavy coursework, how nice the majority of the professors would be, and how much time I would have to get everything done. All in all, I feel better about the academics than I did coming in. On the other hand, I did not realize how homesick I would be. Every day I realize how much I miss my friends, family, and neighbors, and simple things about life at home. I talk to my mom and dad much more than I was planning on. At first I felt a shock that I was all alone here, but in time I’ve met some great friends and they make the transition much easier. I also found out that college is a lot more fun than I expected, in a party/social sense.

Do you like college life? I definitely do like it here. I sort of feel like I was thrown into a new life where I need to figure everything out on my own, but I also realize that once I do figure out how to successfully live on my own, it will be for my own good. I like being in control of when I study, hang out with friends, eat, and do things for myself. I have already ventured off campus twice; both times I was blown away by how much I love where my school is.

What has the adjustment to college life been like? The adjustment at first was difficult, but over time it got better. Everyone I have met has been friendly for the most part, but it took some time to find good friends and people to hang out with. Once I did, it got a lot better.

What has been the biggest challenge/stress? My biggest stress right now is doing well in my classes and managing how much work I have to do. The classes have been manageable so far, except I have not had any tests or essays due, so I am very nervous for those deadlines to come up.

What has been the biggest surprise of college living? The biggest surprise is how good the food is. I expected college food to be gross, but it is far from it. I have also had fun trying places near my campus.

On a scale of 1 to 10, where do you rate your college experience so far? I would rate it a 7.

Not bad! I think a seven is a great start. These answers made me laugh and cry and made me realize that most kids, in time, will find their way and be stronger for it. Both the social and academic pressure of college life can be overwhelming – it’s no wonder it takes time to adjust.

I can’t thank the parent and student who took the time to share their experience on college living. It sheds light for those of us who will soon be going through it and, possibly, offer comfort for those already in it.

2 Comments Continue Reading

September 19, 2016

Life & Family

College Life Part 1 – A Parent’s Perspective

Yale University - college life — Yale University – photo from Pixabay

College Life – It’s Not Always Easy

If you google the word college, you’ll find images of beautiful buildings, lecture halls and happy coeds. It seems straightforward, but the transition to college life isn’t always easy.

Since August, I’ve been fascinated with the college talk of many friends whose kids left for their freshman year. I’m constantly asking questions: Do they like it? Are classes difficult? Are they partying? I hear that some are loving it, some are homesick and some aren’t quite sure how they feel.

Maybe I want to prepare myself for what’s to come (my oldest is a sophomore in high school) or maybe I just like living vicariously through my friends whose children are experiencing something new and exciting. Either way, I’m unabashedly curious.

For every question I’ve asked a parent, I’ve wondered what their child was thinking. So I asked.

Two willing participants graciously agreed to answer my questions about the first few weeks of college. I am happy to share their experiences and emotions with you.

Today, I give you the parent perspective. On Thursday, I will post the student perspective. Both were beautifully honest and articulate and demonstrate how college, today, can evoke a myriad of feelings.

The Interview

Before your child left for college, what did you expect it to be like? I expected her to have a very similar experience as I had. When it wasn’t, I was shocked. I had an easy transition to college. I went to a very small Catholic liberal arts college In New England. My daughter is in a big city. I didn’t think about what a different experience it would be for her.

How close has your child’s experience come to your expectation? It’s very different. When I was in college, our fun was right on campus and my college always had something for us to do. I was in a class of 500 kids and her class has over 2,000 students. Her social scene seems to require more planning with “new friend groups.”

Do you think she likes it? I do think she likes it. It was a rocky start because she was calling very late at night when she could talk privately – I heard concern in her voice. I think she thought she could quickly duplicate her tight, high school friend group. When that didn’t happen right away, I reminded her that she’d known her high school friends since elementary school; three or four days to know where you fit in wasn’t realistic. She is very confident academically, which I’m happy about. I want her to have that same confidence about her social circle – knowing it will work out just like it did in high school. Fortunately, after just a few weeks, her jitters are gone and she’s happy with her new friends.

How’s it felt having your child live away from home? Before she left I had her provide me with all of her passwords and accept the “Find My Friend” app. I spoke to her about the San Bernardino terrorist attack and how the FBI couldn’t get into the terrorist’s cell phone. God forbid anything happened, I wouldn’t want to delay finding her or accessing her accounts, so the app seemed like a good idea. The first few days I checked my new app constantly because I missed her and I was worried. It gave me comfort. I had never used this app before, so when it failed and mistakenly showed her between two buildings, three blocks from campus at 7am, I panicked. I texted and called her multiple times. Then realized I only had campus police as my next option. I didn’t know anybody else, not even her RA from her dorm. Finally, 45 minutes later she called me and calmly asked what the big emergency was. Come to find out, the app is not always perfect. I’m not a worrier and never have been- I was a little caught off guard by how concerned I was about everything. As for the app, I still have it on my phone, but don’t look at it anymore. An explosion happened in her area last night. I sent her a text right away to make sure she was safe. I’m proud to say I never thought to track her location. Her simple reply back, “Yes, I’m safe” was good enough for me. It’s definitely been an adjustment.

What has worried you the most? I want to make sure she has fun. My best memory of college is the fun. However, my daughter is more mature and a more serious student than I ever was, which makes me so proud of her. My hope is that she can find a good balance between her assignments and a social life.

What has been the biggest surprise? I would say how much she misses home and her friends. She mentioned wanting to come home for Columbus Day and I advised her to stay. I know those first long weekends are tough, but if she stays it might help the transition.

How is college different for kids today than when you were in college? Cell phones make it so easy to stay in touch – maybe too easy. When I went to school we shared two pay phones on each floor of 35 girls. If your parents called, you were at the mercy of the line being free, someone willing to answer it and track you down. And, of course, I worry about her safety. I’m not typically a worry wart, but initially I was. Now that several weeks have passed I’m more relaxed and so is she. I’m excited for her and I’m so very proud of her.

Have you sent a child off to college? What was it like for you? Stay tuned for the student perspective on Thursday.

2 Comments Continue Reading

September 15, 2016

Home & Design

Sunroom Makeover – Decorating with Color

Decorating with Color in a Sunroom, Photo by Linda Holt — Photo by Linda Holt

Calling in the Design Expert

I can’t believe I haven’t written about this sooner considering it has made me so happy. Over the summer, Linda Holt of Linda Holt Interiors redesigned my sunroom. I know Linda through our work together at Merrimack Valley Home magazine. Getting to know Linda has been a true pleasure. She’s a great person and designs thoughtfully with color, function and style. In fact, decorating with color is her signature.

I had never worked with a designer before, but asking Linda to take on my sunroom was a no-brainer because I fully trust her. That made all the difference to me.

My sunroom is a cozy space that I sit in every day. While I’ve always loved the room, I felt it looked drab and was a bit of a mishmash (scroll to bottom for before and after shots). I asked Linda to take a look and see what we could do.

The Inspiration

Linda and I had once done a photo shoot in a house that had a bold, blue settee in the breakfast nook. I wanted something like that for my sunroom – that was my inspiration. Linda asked questions and explored my thoughts on other areas of the house that flow into the sunroom. One of my favorite things I mentioned was the pottery wall in my dining room. Each piece has been collected from places like Greece, Italy, Nantucket, Puerto Rico or wherever my travels have taken me. I never realized this would be Linda’s inspiration nor did I realize that decorating with color should extend beyond the one room you are updating.

A Personalized Approach to Interior Design

When Linda laid out the plan, I loved everything she showed me. She explained that she had used the colors in my pottery wall to inspire the tones in the sunroom. Having listened closely to all I had shared in our first meeting, Linda also took all of my requests into account. In particular, I wanted to repurpose the two big rocking chairs that were once in my girls’ baby rooms.

Colorful Pottery Wall in Dining Room — The pottery wall in my dining room

She suggested a change of artwork in the kitchen to allow everything from the dining room pottery to “relate” to the colorful choices we were making in the sunroom. I had never considered this, which is why I was so thrilled to have Linda’s expertise. I began to understand that decorating with color from room to room should work together.

Now, all three spaces are connected visually and personally.

Art from One King's Lane — Art from One King’s Lane

Linda’s personal approach has made such a difference in how my family enjoys this space. My girls’ rockers are so special to me; the dog-friendly fabrics on the couch and chairs are perfect choices with Oscar ruling the roost, and the unmistakable flow from one room to the next has taken my sunroom from ordinary to unique. I love it – this room is my happy place and I am so grateful to Linda for helping me bring it to life.

Redecorated sunroom with pops of color — Photo by Linda Holt

A Few Colorful Details

Couch by Duralee, Fabric by Crypton (Oscar thanks you)
Dragonfly art by Hayley Mitchell available at Etsy
Summer Stones art by Rob Delamater available at Serena and Lily.
Painting of the little green chest, BCheeky; Blue Lucite Handles – Exxel Company
Lamps by Shades of Light (These lamps were not my first choice, but I deferred the decision to Linda – they get more positive comments than anything else in the room!)

Sunroom before decorating with color update — Before

complete sunroom decorated with color — After

6 Comments Continue Reading

September 12, 2016

Life & Family

Book Club – The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain

The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain for book club

As a writer, I find I read so much of my own work that I no longer make time for leisure reading. Yet, whenever I find the time, I always wish I’d read more. I finally decided to do something about it and organized my first book club. Accountability is everything, so knowing there’d be an expectation to actually read the book; I knew this would the best way to buckle down and read away.

Following a “host’s choice” format, I selected the first book and held the first gathering. As I hear many book club’s go, we sipped on wine and chatted less about the book and more about typical GNO (girl’s night out) topics. However, when the wine glass clinked, it was time to get down to business.

The club concurred that our first pick, “The Silent Sister,” by Diane Chamberlain, was a good read.

Synopsis from Good Reads

In The Silent Sister, Riley MacPherson has spent her entire life believing that her older sister Lisa committed suicide as a teenager. Now, over twenty years later, her father has passed away and she’s in New Bern, North Carolina cleaning out his house when she finds evidence to the contrary. Lisa is alive. Alive and living under a new identity. But why exactly was she on the run all those years ago, and what secrets are being kept now? As Riley works to uncover the truth, her discoveries will put into question everything she thought she knew about her family. Riley must decide what the past means for her present, and what she will do with her newfound reality.

The Review

Let me begin by saying that I couldn’t put The Silent Sister down. That’s always a good sign because I get bored pretty quickly. But the writing here was very compelling and moved the story along at a good pace and with adequate detail. The twists and turns were captivating, if not a little contrived at times.

There were at least a few times when some drama was revealed that I thought, oh really, they’re going there? And then there were other times when I felt the outcome was a bit predictable. In great part because the foreshadowing at certain points was so blatant that I felt the end was given away a touch early.

To this point, everyone in the club agreed that many of the book’s loose ends were wrapped up too soon. With still a good bit of the book to read, we felt we had all of our answers.

That said; it didn’t prevent any of us from getting to the end and declaring The Silent Sister by Diane Chamberlain a club-worthy book.