Candy Spelling's Blog, page 2

Scary October

I love horror movies.

The first one I remember was House of Wax, which came out when I was seven. I knew something was up when my brother, who was well on his way to teenage mischief by then, told my parents that movie was a love story. Even then I wondered why he wanted us to go see a love story when there were a lot of Westerns out. It was even stranger when they handed out 3D glasses, but I put mine on to see love up close.

It wasn’t a love story, but I fell in love that night with scary horror movies.

For those who don’t love horror (and that’s most of the people I know), House of Wax was one of those Vincent-Price-at-his-worst movies. Although I didn’t understand why someone would want to set fire to his own wax museum, I did realize someone had done something really bad, and the scene of people melting scenes of people melting like wax stayed with me for a long time.

Anyway, dead bodies started disappearing from the morgue (a word I think I first heard on Dragnet, but I wasn’t sure). There was a lot of darkness and scary music, and this crazy guy wanted to make some girl into a wax figure of Marie Antoinette. At the time I didn’t know who she was, but later I made some dolls which I dressed like her. It was also my first time hearing the word guillotine (I never learned how to spell it, though, or had an occasion to use one). Blood was everywhere, people screamed; my mother wouldn’t look.

My parents were horrified, my brother smirked, and I couldn’t wait until the next monster was ready to hit theaters to scare me.  Anyway, my life of horror films had begun. And it continued through the years.

Eventually, my attic, filled with Christmas decorations and patriotic Independence Day symbols, had a new section for Halloween. Over the years, I had fun collecting some of the worst examples of witches with scary laughs, bloody creatures who lunge toward unsuspecting visitors, along with several devil and skeleton costumes.

I couldn’t wait until the 99 Cents store, Costco, Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Target all stocked their Halloween decorations on the shelves. As soon as the calendar turned to October, severed hands; cookie jars in the shape of pumpkins; and Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and Vincent Prince lookalikes are strategically placed around my antiques and furniture. Dracula actually looked comfortable next to my fragile antique fans.

My favorite movie of all time is Scanners, the 1981 film known to most people as “the one where people’s heads explode.” In 1981, my kids were seven and two. I loved being their mother and Aaron’s wife. Every minute of the day was taken up with household and business chores. And yet I somehow found a way to see Scanners five or six times when it first opened.

I don’t know what the appeal was. I remember one review that said the special effects were “uproariously revolting.”

There have been lots more great horror movies since way back then, but when Halloween rolls around in October I often think about the fun I had sitting in the theater watching House of Wax.

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My Favorite Puppy Tips

My beloved Madison has been gone for a year and my friends convinced me that it was time to get a new friend.  Enter JJ, my adorable four-month old puppy.  And as many of you know, having an adorable baby brings lots of excitement into a home. It has been awhile since Madison was a puppy, so I did some research to find tips on raising a puppy to refresh my memory, and below is a puppy primer of my favorites!

Get a crate. Dogs love the intimacy of a small space to sleep in.  And it’s a good idea to keep the crate in your bedroom for the first few weeks so your puppy can be reassured and feel safe.
Baby gates are a great way to keep curious puppies from roaming into places you don’t want them in.
Make sure to provide lots of toys and chews, to keep your puppy busy and happy! And it is a good idea to give your puppy two or three toys at a time so the variety can keep him/her interested.
A daily routine is a good idea, so your puppy knows what to expect each day, from feeding to walks to playtime.
Consider enrolling in a puppy class. This can help your puppy learn some basic obedience and also let your puppy learn to socialize with other puppies and people.
Throw a “meet the puppy” party so friends and family can meet your adorable new friend.
A friend suggested to get your puppy used to handling, from their feet, nails, tail, ears mouth, teeth and belly. Not only will your puppy love the touching, your vet will be grateful when it’s time for her checkups.
The number of hours a puppy can “hold it” is his age in months plus one. For example, a two-month old puppy should be crated for a maximum of three hours at a time during the day, but they can hold it a longer when they sleep at night. I guess I am lucky because JJ goes to sleep at 9 PM and doesn’t wake up until 5 AM!
Don’t push the training too much. Your puppy is a baby so just focus on socialization and having fun in these early months.
Reward your puppy for doing the right thing. If he or she goes potty outside reward them with a treat or praise them for their work.
If you are ever concerned about something don’t be afraid to call the vet or talk to your other puppy parent friends about what is going on.
As the cold weather approaches, American Humane advises to leave your pets’ coats a little longer in the winter to provide more warmth. And when working on housebreaking your new puppy, remember that puppies are more susceptible to cold than are adult dogs. In cold conditions or bad weather, you may need to opt for paper training your new pet rather than taking the pup outside.
Please remember to get your puppy microchipped. It’s inexpensive and can be done by your vet or local shelter.  It’s the best way to being reunited with your puppy if he/she ever gets lost!
And finally, take lots of pictures! Puppies grow up so fast!

I’ve had so many animal friends over the years and each one has brought me so much joy and love.  I’m excited to have JJ in my life and look forward to every new adventure with my beloved pet!

 

 

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Good Times With Girlfriends

We all get so busy sometimes that we can go days or weeks without staying in touch with our beloved girlfriends. It can be a herculean effort just to schedule lunch! But there is nothing more fun than getting together with a group of girlfriends to catch up and have some laughs. We all need to make time for that!

I love traveling with my girlfriends. Shared experiences can be so much fun and also creates a deeper bond with each other. Plus, it gives you lots of things to reminisce about months and years later! If you don’t have time to go out of town, you can schedule a few hours at a local day spa. Have a picnic at a park or lunch at your favorite restaurant. You could also go for a mani/pedi, play mahjong or go see the latest romantic comedy at the movies. And if all that is too much, just find some time to share a coffee or glass of wine at home for a quick chat.

I have shared on social media my annual trips with girlfriends to New York. I recently joined a group of friends on a weekend trip to Santa Barbara. The fun got started when we all boarded a party bus to make the scenic trip up the coast for the 1½ hour ride. We stayed in a hotel by the beach and even though it was only 80 miles north of Los Angeles, we felt like we were a million miles away. While there, the nine of us would meet by the pool or at the spa to unwind, catch up, share the latest news about our families, look at pictures of each other’s kids, grandkids, and even sometimes, our pets!

I’ve read that there are health benefits of spending time with your girlfriends. And time with your pals can increase serotonin and oxytocin, the bonding hormone. Being with our girlfriends is even more important as we grow older because it helps us feel nurtured and loved. I always feel rested and rejuvenated after a day out or a weekend with the girls. Let’s face it, your girlfriends are the next best thing to your family!

No matter if you’re married or have a significant other, taking time with close friends is a terrific way to get back in touch with yourself. Friends are loyal, they give good advice and let you get something off your chest without fear of reprimands. The deep bond that is shared amongst friends is a treasure to hold near and dear. I hope you agree and that you have ‘girlfriend-time’ coming up very soon!

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Reverse Bucket List

Have you heard of a reverse bucket list? I had not until very recently and think it’s a fantastic idea. A bucket list is a list of things you want to accomplish in your lifetime. For a reverse bucket list, all you have to do is write down all the things you’ve already accomplished in your life up to this point. Then take a step back and bask in the pride of your experiences. You’ll have a feeling of great accomplishment and will be so thankful and proud. In this fast-paced world, thinking of the next thing you want to do can be overwhelming. But looking back at what you’ve done is a wonderful exercise that can boost your self-esteem and even motivate you to do more!

When I look at my life, I can say without hesitation that my proudest moment was having my two kids, Tori and Randy. They brought me such joy, laughter, and wonder as they grew up. And now that they are adults, I am beyond proud of them. They both have satisfying careers, are parents to wonderful children – oh how I adore my seven grandkids – and live their lives to the fullest.

Marrying the love of my life, Aaron, was the highlight of my life. In my book “Candy At Last,” I wrote, “forever Aaron, who is the heart and soul of who I am today.” It is so true. Being his wife was my greatest joy. He was a kind, loving and adoring husband and father. Aaron was a spectacular storyteller, entertaining millions of people around the world with his television shows and films. As his wife, I met some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, attended hundreds of parties and galas, and was so proud to be on the arm of Aaron.

Another item on my reverse bucket list was the work that Aaron and I did with Centro De Ninos, a daycare center for underprivileged families here in Los Angeles. Helping to raise funds and awareness for their good work was so gratifying and rewarding.

After Aaron passed, I decided to chronicle my life with him and wrote “Stories From Candyland,” about my experiences as his wife and fascinating times in Hollywood. My second book “Candy At Last” about my life as a single woman and trying my hand as a Broadway producer. Writing those two books was so cathartic and it was fun to share my stories.

Candy Spelling
at the book signing for her new title “Stories from Candyland”
held at Borders Books in the Time Warner Building
New York City, USA – 06.04.09
Mandatory Credit : WENN.com

In 2012, I starred and was an executive producer of the two-part series “Selling Spelling Manor” for HGTV, which was a lot of work but so much fun!

Last but not least, is my adventure into the Big White Way. Broadway! I have been so fortunate to have been a producer for several award-winning plays starting with “Promises, Promises” in 2010. Other plays have included “The Color Purple,” “The Iceman Cometh,” “Carousel,” “Three Tall Women” and “Tootsie,” which just garnered 11 Tony Award nominations!

I highly recommend that you do your own reverse bucket list. To see all your accomplishments, big or small, is a celebration of your life and a good way to motivate you to strive for more.

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Let’s Celebrate National Puppy Day!

If you know me, you know that I love dogs. Ever since I got my first dog, Sammy, at the age of eight, I have always had at least one dog as a companion – they bring a joy to my life that is indescribable, and they deserve to be treasured. When Tori and Randy were little, we always had a dog. They included Annie, Vic, Mimi, Shelley, Tiffany, Trola, Pepper and Angel, to name a few. As a Board Member for American Humane, I am proud that one of their missions is to make sure every dog (and every other animal) is safe, treated well, and those that need adopting can find a forever home. That’s why I am so pleased that March 23rd is National Puppy Day! Although for me, every day is a day that I celebrate dogs (I even have paintings and statues of dogs in my house), it’s great that there is a day for all of us to remember how truly special our four-legged friends are to our lives.

What is National Puppy Day? It is a day to put the spotlight on puppies that need adopting, to bring attention to the horrors happening in puppy mills, and mostly to celebrate our four-legged companions. Most of us who are fortunate enough to have dogs show our love and appreciation for them and puppies every day. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate National Puppy Day:

• Adopt a puppy from your local shelter or rescue organization and help more animals find a forever home.

• Donate money, food, toys to your local shelter, or animal welfare organizations like American Humane, which look out for the safety and well-being of all animals.

• If you can’t give money to a shelter or organization, volunteer your time. Offer to help walk puppies, play with them, clean cages, or anything else they need help with to keep the dogs safe and happy.

• Write your Congressman and ask that he/she support the ban of puppy mills in your state. At American Humane we strive to keep all animals safe and out of terrible places like Puppy Mills. One simple letter or phone call can help make a difference in the lives of so many precious pups.

• Have a puppy party and invite all your friends and their dogs! Get some cute treats for your dogs, and some cute treats for you and your friends – some bakeries even make cakes that both you and your dog can enjoy. What better reason than National Puppy Day to have a celebration with the humans and animals you love?

• Treat your pup! Buy your puppy a new toy or outfit, take cute photos of your dog, or even give your puppy a massage or spa treatment (and maybe you can get one as well).

• Make sure your dog is safe and healthy. Bring your dog to the vet for a checkup, or Microchip & I.D. Tag your puppy so you can locate them if they get lost.

• Spread the love! Take your puppy to an elderly community to bring some companionship and joy to others that may not have a dog.

This past September I lost my beloved dog, Madison after 11 wonderful years together. Now more than ever I am reminded of how precious dogs are to me and how lucky I am to have spent so many years with such wonderful pals. I hope to get a new puppy soon – though it may not be in time for National Puppy Day. Still, I will take that day to remember my dogs and spread a little extra love to all the other puppies in the world that bring so much light to our lives. I hope you will all do the same.

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My Favorite Romantic Movies

It’s February already – can you believe it? This month, I am focusing on love – the things I love, the people I love and how love makes me feel. Whether it’s the love of your family, your best friends, or if you are lucky to have found your special person, love is a wonderful thing. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, I started thinking about all the wonderful romantic movies I love to watch. Whether they are romantic comedies, or beautiful romantic tragedies, movies – just like love – come in all shapes and sizes.

Here’s a list of some of my favorite romantic movies to help us all get in the spirit of Valentine’s Day and make the month full of love in every form.

Casablanca

Said to be “the most romantic movie of all time,” Casablanca really does live up to that title. A classic film set in WWII about unrequited love, it features amazing chemistry from stars Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. And the song it features, “As Time Goes By,” is enough to make you want to dance close to the one you love.

Bringing Up Baby

This crowd-pleasing screwball comedy will have you howling with laughter while also rooting for the two main characters to fall in love. Starring Cary Grant – who Aaron and I were so fortunate to have known – and the incomparable Katharine Hepburn, this classic reminds you that love should be fun and exciting – stumbles and all!

When Harry Met Sally

Another classic rom-com, this one is a hilarious and heartfelt example of falling in love with your best friend. It’s a perfect movie to watch with your girlfriends and always leaves me with a big smile on my face.

The Way We Were

The song in this movie gets me every time! This movie is about how sometimes the person you love is not always the person you end up with. Starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, this movie will make you reflect on all your past loves, and the powerful lessons you learned from each.

Say Anything

Yes, some may see this as just a “teen movie,” but the love between Diane Court and Lloyd Dobler, who are so different yet love each other in spite of that, is a story that transcends age. Plus, that boombox scene might just make you wish you were a teenager all over again!

West Side Story

Even though this was a Broadway musical first, I’m including the film adaptation for its enduring charm and beauty. The story is based on Romeo and Juliet, so you know that you will swoon and cry along with the beautiful music in this tragic yet incredibly romantic classic.

Moulin Rouge

Sometimes love can feel like a dream and that’s what this movie makes it feel like, too. As a producer of the Broadway show opening in June, there are many things I love about the movie, but the “Elephant Love Medley” song and the gorgeous storytelling tugs at my heartstrings every time I see it!

I hope you all enjoy these movies as much as I do, and that the year ahead is full of joy and love for each and every one of you.

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Living In The Present

Last year, I had a health scare. I am grateful to be doing okay today, but it made me stop and take stock of my life. I realized that I spent so much time worrying about little things – things that in the long run are not important. I decided that this year I would try to stay in the present and to appreciate every moment we have. How you spend each day, how you feel, and who you spend your time with should be a priority, because once the clock strikes midnight, you can’t take it back. I’m sure many of you sweat the small stuff – it’s hard not to. But if we could all just live in the present and make every moment count, wouldn’t that be time better spent?

I’ve seen a lot of people on social media talking about the same thing, so I hope this means I am on the right path  I was inspired by what Joanna Gaines shared on Instagram. She said: “I’m challenging myself in this new year to live for now. The present. Taking in every breath, every sight, and sound and holding it dearly.” I also loved what Gisele Bündchen wrote: “Time is our most precious gift, let’s not take it for granted. I want to work on being the best version of myself, to keep learning, growing, sharing and helping as much as I can.” And finally, I loved Oprah’s thoughts on living mindfully every day: “I have a real appreciation for every day that I wake up with a healthy mind and body.”

That’s the idea I am trying to keep with me this year. So, I thought I would share some tips I found to help me (and you) be more present in the new year.

1. Focus on what’s in front of you. Pay attention to what you’re doing instead of distracting yourself with your phone. Waiting in line? Look around. Eating dinner? Focus on how delicious your food tastes.

2. Be positive. It’s so easy to let little bumps in the road ruin the rest of your day when something doesn’t go as planned. But think to yourself, “Will this matter in a year?” If not, deal with the problem and keep moving forward.

3. Appreciate the little things. Stop and take stock of the in-betweens that we so often brush aside. Brushing your teeth, walking your dog, cooking your dinner – make them count and think about how important they are.

4. Create an un-plugged morning routine. I find that looking at my phone or checking the news first thing in the morning makes me stressed out before I’ve even had my coffee! Instead, take time in the morning to visualize the day ahead, sit and drink coffee or eat breakfast, and you’ll be ready to face the day head-on.

5. BREATHE! Sometimes it’s hard to find the time to meditate or create a morning routine or carve out some “me-time.” Just taking the time to stop and take a deep breath during the day will help you stay calm, present, and appreciate what you have and where you are.

I am very lucky. I have wonderful friends and family, and I cherish every moment with them. I am thankful to be able to lend a hand to American Humane and help those in need. I am grateful to spend my time doing something I love – producing Broadway shows for people to enjoy.

Here are some of my adorable grandchildren.
I love my friends!
An American Humane event.
After Midnight on Broadway with Patti LaBelle, Dule Hill and friends.

Even with all these blessings, I will remind myself this year to be even more grateful for the time I have on this earth. To enjoy my time more and be stressed less. Like Oprah said, each day I wake up with a healthy mind and body is precious. I hope these tips can help you and me find joy and peace in every moment this year.

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It’s Never Too Late To Try Something New

As you may know from my social media, I’ve always loved making crafts and working with my hands! From decorating to gift-wrapping and arranging flowers, I love being creative.

On my recent trip to Paris a friend recommended that we take an embroidery and beading class and I immediately responded with ‘sign me up!’ On a beautiful Paris day we headed down Rue de la Paix, past the Opera, and soon arrived at the world-famous Maison Lesage.

The historic building has been the home of artisans used by the most famous Parisian designers to craft beading, lace and flowers for their designs beginning in 1893! Since the artists at Maison Lesage work for so many designers – Christian Dior, Givenchy, YSL and of course Chanel – they are very careful to protect their work so that competing designers cannot see what others are doing for the next fashion season! Back in the day, Coco Chanel was so afraid that her designs would be stolen, she refused to use Lesage. (In fact, Chanel bought the Lesage in 2002). The Lesage family continues to oversee the business and their archives now contain over 70,000 samples of embroidery art!



I was in awe as I watched the detailed techniques each artist was using to apply beads and sequins to fabric. In addition to training beginners like me, the team at the Ecole Lesage train artisans who travel from around the world to spend weeks developing their craft in order to work with top fashion designers.



We took a two-hour introductory class where we were taught the beginning stitches and how to decorate what is called a ‘square.’ I embarked on my creation of a ‘Camellia flower pin’ using small pieces of a delicate fabric for the petals and adorned it with beautiful tiny beads and crystals. The finishing touch was adding wispy feathers for a tail.



One of the instructors showed me how sew beading on a piece of fabric that was attached to a loom. I learned how to push the thread from underneath the fabric and attach the beading at the top. It was intricate work and needed my full concentration!



It was a wonderful and rewarding time at Maison Lesage. I enjoyed it so much and am grateful for the opportunity to learn something new. Whether you want to take a pottery class or learn how to ride a horse, I highly recommend getting out of your comfort zone and try something new! Nate Berkus says, “You will enrich your life immeasurably if you approach it with a sense of wonder and discovery, and always challenge yourself to try new things.” I say amen to that!

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Multitasking: Yes Or No?

Is anyone else like me and think you can do two things at once and then realize you totally forgot what you set out to do? As I’m sure some of you can relate, multi-tasking is supposed to save time but it doesn’t always work out that way!

For example, I was recently looking at my smartphone in the elevator on my way to a doctor’s appointment, and instead of turning right when I got to my floor, which I’ve done dozens of times, I turned left. Speaking for myself, I think it’s just a product of our faster-paced world that eventually turned into a habit. Lots of us do it – watching television and leafing through a magazine at the same time or cooking dinner while having a chat with your daughter. What’s the worse that can happen when you are talking on the phone while picking out tile for my bathroom!?

There have been numerous stories written about multitasking, and daytime talk shows that touch on the subject, and we’ve all heard that it’s not good to do it. But am I going to stop? Well, I thought it was worth looking in to online.

First I found that some experts say that multitasking can cause you to overeat. Hmm…maybe that’s why I don’t remember eating a full plate of chocolate chip cookies when I was watching my favorite TV show! Clearly that is not a good habit for someone who is always trying to eat healthy.

I read that interrupting one task to suddenly focus on another can be enough to disrupt short-term memory. In 2011 when University of California San Francisco researchers asked participants to study one scene then switch to another, people aged 60 to 80 had a harder time disengaging from the second picture and remembering details about the first. As the brain ages, researchers say, it has a harder time getting back on track after even a brief detour. That’s a statistic that I cannot ignore!

Another story I read says that 98% of the population does not multitask well. That certainly is something to think about for safety reasons – particularly for people who want to text while driving.

The only (sort of) good news I could find about multitasking was that in one study, women were determined to be generally better at multitasking than men.

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SPELLING FAMILY CHRISTMAS — Holiday Memories

As you can see from all these wonderful pictures, the holidays were a special time of the year for our family, filled with fun for us all.  Each year we would make sure that Tori and Randy had a wonderful Christmas that included memories, gifts and surrounded by family and friends.  There was so much love and joy in the Spelling house during this magical time of year.

Of course, the presents brought smiles to Tori and Randy, but surprising Aaron could be just as fun! We made sure that Santa brought the toys that were on the kids’ Christmas lists, plus Aaron and I loved to give each other special gifts too. There was such love and surprise between Aaron and myself. Look at that smile!

If you read my book, Stories from Candyland, you know how much I love Christmas. For years I’ve been collecting toy soldiers (130 at last count, including 4 seven-footers), wreaths, dogs in Santa suits, tree ornaments, festive dishes and glasses, Mrs. Claus dresses for dolls, cones, tree stands, lights, sheet music, fake snowflakes, elves, and sleighs. There were bears who sat on my front steps every Christmas, those who sat on the entry stairs, and bears who sat on coffee tables. I have pastry chef bears who adorn the kitchen during the holidays, and one who has a little cast on his front leg.  I made up a story that he went skiing during the holidays, so I kept him in my office, where I could keep an eye on him. I counted on him to make sure the garland for the left side of the staircase didn’t end up on the ride side. He has a good eye.  You name it and I have it. I always enjoyed dressing up the Manor for Christmas.   Here is a photo of our home during Christmas.

In this blog, I’d like to share a bit more personal recollections and pictures.

Here’s a precious photo of Tori at Christmas time with Randy when he was just two months old.  Doesn’t this bring a smile to your face?

And then, of course, the kids loved getting toys! One year we surprised Randy with a toy car.  Look at the joy in Randy’s face!   And Aaron too.

One memorable Christmas, Aaron and I thought the kids would love to see snow, so we arranged to make some in our back yard.   Aaron and Tori had a blast making this snowman and the snow made for a glorious day  for the family before it melted.

Christmas wasn’t just about the kids.  Aaron and I loved the wonder and joy of the holidays.  Doesn’t Aaron look so happy and relaxed in this photo?  I cherish this memory of him under the tree surrounded by gifts.

Christmas to me is so special to me as I recall these memories of family and friends.  And I look forward to many more with Tori, Randy, their families and my precious grandchildren. Spending time with family is the most rewarding part of the holidays. Presents and fake snow made things surprising, but it was the love and the family moments between the four of us that meant everything to me.

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Happy Holidays and much happiness and joy during this season to everyone.

Candy Spelling

 

 

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