I wrote the following on Facebook in 2014, before the pandemic, self-employed and working at home:
“It’s so true, when you look good you feel good. Working dressed up instead of pajamas or sweats today and accomplished so much in ONE hour, including getting people on the phone that I wasn’t able to reach since last October! So, no more working in jammies for me — ever again! đ”
I’m sure I did work in my jammies again at some point. But how fun is it to get dressed up and work in full make-up, even if you’re not going anywhere?
Dress up!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Autographing my book “I Don’t Want to Be Like You” for a child who was bullied.
Happy Mom and Pop Business Day!
I’ve been self-employed as a writer and editor since 2008.
I’m also an international author, with books in Barnes & Noble STORES.
I’m available to edit book manuscripts (completed manuscripts only at this time). Contact me to set up a free consult: maryannechristiano@gmail.com
I also help business owners write blogs and have MANY repeat clients!
I love my life!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
Happy National Respect Your Cat Day! â¤ď¸
These wondrous, mystical creatures are well deserving of respect. If you gain their trust, you have a friend for life.
This is our Happy, who we rescued during the pandemic after his mother and father abandoned him. We knew him since he was in his mother’s womb. He was the only survivor of the litter. We watched him as a playful kitten, growing in the shed next door. Finally, it was time to go on his own. He was left to himself, scared, and wanting love. My husband trapped him and took him in, Summer of 2020. This is the month he turns 2. He loves to cuddle. He is sweet, shy, and playful. He coos like a bird and his meows are soft and gentle.
We love you Happy!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Miley Cyrus Rolling Stone: Photographs by Brad Elterman for Rolling Stone
Last summer I came across this photo of Miley Cyrus and thought, “Gee, this looks familiar.”
I posed similarly about a decade before, with a similar vibe, in a hotel prior to a show when my husband was performing with his band, Pharaoh. What do you think? Crazy how the bed, nightstand are the same, along with my bell bottoms and black shoes. And check out the old phones too!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistreta
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
This crazy cat lady is bombarding you all with lots of Puppy love on this special day!
Happy National Puppy Day to all!
And, finally, for National Puppy Day Hereâs a cute little poem I wrote several years ago in honor of my Momâs Chihuahua, Fawn (RIP). Although the poem was for Fawn, I think it relates to many small dogs who think they are bigger than they really are, which is always so endearing. ENJOY!
Combat Chihuahuas Unite!
Sheâs such a little lady
Sheâs the perfect companion
But better watch your step because
She thinks sheâs a Doberman!
Combat Chihuahuas Unite!
Her bark protects her master
Sheâs a killer dog from Hell
Fighting crime, she has no time
But sheâll break for Taco Bell!
Combat Chihuahuas Unite!
So pretty in her doggy cape
She may be the catâs meow, but
âGet this damn thing off me!
I wanna get naked now!â
Combat Chihuahuas Unite!
And when the day is over
When itâs time to go to bed
Sheâs no longer known as âkillerâ
Sheâs just a weary sleepy head.
Little Combat Chihuahua âNight night!â
copyright: Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta
In loving memory of Fawn
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Yesterday I was honored to be a guest motivational speaker at Leading By Mission’s “Women Empowerment” event at The Neighborhood House Association, Plainfield, NJ.
Being a part of something so positive never gets old!
Most speakers rehearse, but I like to get up there and go with the flow. After meeting with many entrepreneurs, on the fly, I decided to speak on YOUR STORIES!
And, with speaking coach, Speaker Brand Strategist, Ciara Shanae
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Happy National Awkward Moments Day! Because part of the journey is laughing at yourself My kitty Sammy volunteered his awkward moments services to make you laugh, sitting like Buddha. Photo taken by my friend Jayne.Â
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll see the name Union County Performing Arts Center come up quite a bit. It’s a historic theatre from 1928 in Rahway, NJ. “School of Rock” filmed some scenes there.
Last night my husband and I went to see “The Last Picture Show” directed by the late Peter Bogdanovich. Filmed in 1971, and set in a small town in Texas during the early 1950s, it was a somewhat dark, coming of age movie the featured some pretty cool old country tunes.
I’ll leave the rest as a surprise for those who didn’t see it (you can Wiki the plot though), but I’d like to share a little more about the experience in itself.
Prior to entering the theatre, we were greeted by a really cool guy called Jung Wombats who played guitar for us.
Me, with Jung Wombats
When we got inside, the theatre was giving away free popcorn and coffee. There was also a bar.
Prior to the main feature, we were treated to a guy playing the Wurlitzer, which you can see on the far left in this photo:
Maryanne and Dennis
Then the lights dimmed and before “The Last Picture Show” there were no “coming attractions.” Instead there was a Popeye cartoon from 1944! It was truly a journey back in time.
We are great fans of The Union County Performing Arts Center, and hope to return real soon!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
This morning I turned on You Tube (which I watch while having my morning coffee, as I prefer my You Tube feed to the news) and found out there was a documentary made about the downfall of Sarma Melngailis, former owner of Pure Food & Wine. The four-part documentary will premiere on Netflix next week and tells the story of the beloved restaurant owner who became a fraud and fugitive.
I just want to say, that I am in full support of Sarma Melngailis. Yes, it was wrong that she embezzled from her staff and investors. However, I feel she was brainwashed and a victim of her then husband Anthony Strangis. You can decide for yourself when the documentary runs, or just Google the story. It’s all over the internet.
My heart goes out to Sarma, and to her staff. I am in great hopes that they can all have amazing comebacks and regain their losses. However, Anthony Strangis should rot in hell. And that’s all I’m saying on this.
But in happier times, Pure Food & Wine was the hottest raw food restaurant in NYC. Celebrities like Woody Harrelson and Demi Moore dined there. Middle class reporters also dined there–me!
From 2004 to around 2013 or so, I was eating a high raw (and sometimes all raw) diet. I ate at all the raw food restaurants in NYC on a regular basis – Caravan of Dreams, Quintessence, Bonobos… But Pure Food & Wine beat them all, hands down.
And, NO, it’s not about salads you can make at home. It was gourmet raw food at it’s finest! Food was dehydrated at 110 degrees to keep enzymes in tact. Raw chefs created splendid, savory delights to tantalize the palate. Pure Food & Wine had a $10,000 Japanese water filter that produced water that tasted like heaven. I’ve never had water that tasted so good in my life. There were also organic raw food alcoholic beverages. And the waitstaff treated you like royalty.
The tab came out to hundreds of dollars, even for just a couple, but it was well worth it. I went there so many times with my husband Dennis, and friends, that I lost count. It was the only raw restaurant I never went to solo because it was an experience to be shared. It was a small restaurant, with a lovely garden in the back end that you could enjoy when weather was appropriate. I’ve only eaten in the garden twice during the many times I was there.
One time, I saw Sarma herself there. I didn’t say “hello” because I’m a shy person. She was a stunning woman. I was close enough to see her “Lucky Duck” tattoo on her upper arm. She looked intense and intimidating, but she really was a sweetheart. There was the time I was assigned to write an article about the place. I went with my friend Andrew. Pure Food & Wine was always so magical, it was easy to get caught up in the moment. Andrew and I had finished our meal and then realized we hadn’t taken any photos of the food! I shamefully submitted my article with just a photo of Andrew and I at the restaurant. It was accepted, and the editor said, “Next time you review a restaurant, take photos of the food.”
Nevertheless, Sarma came across my article and thanked me personally in an email! I was ecstatic. That was class, and so unheard of in this day and age, especially from restaurant owners. (As a reporter, honestly, covering restaurants is the last thing I want to do. Restaurant owners are the hardest people to nail down for an interview. Celebrities and musicians are the easiest–and most professional).
I give Sarma a lot of credit for participating in this upcoming documentary. Stay strong, Sarma. I am rooting for you!
2006, Maryanne and husband Dennis at Pure Food & Wine (Maryanne’s 43rd birthday)
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Most women over 50 realize that your metabolism does slow down. I’m sure there are plenty of women who could eat whatever they want and not gain weight. I’m not one of them. Even though I lead an active lifestyle and exercise between 5 to 7 days a week (yoga, kickboxing, low impact cardio, light weights, Pilates, swimming, stretching, etc.), sometimes my metabolism is great, other times not so great.
During my older years, I discovered a “trick” to be able to stay in shape without starving yourself, without counting calories (which is dumb anyway because not all calories are created equal), or being obsessed with exercise (doing too much that you don’t have much of a life).
The trick is intermittent fasting. Intermittent fasting is giving yourself a window of time to eat and staying in that window. I’ve done this many times over the years and it works better than any diet. (I’m not a fan of dieting or counting calories – I never did either.)
My time window is from noon until 6 p.m. For the past two weeks I’ve been waiting until noon to eat my first meal. And once 6 p.m. hits, I do not eat anymore until the next day — at noon. In two weeks I lost four pounds of winter weight gain, and am at my happy weight of 129. (I am a petite 5’2″ and a size 6).
I am a vegan, and let’s be honest, vegan food is fantastic! I try to eat as clean as possible, salads, whole foods, vegetables, and healthy protein. But when the weekend comes, I do like to have my vegan “treats” like whole wheat bread, fakin’ bacon, vegan “cheeze” or whatever. Not as healthy as I eat during the week, but I’m enjoying this food and no animal suffers for it. But after the weekend, I used to gain a pound or two and it would take two to three days to get back to my normal weight. With intermittent fasting, it’s easier to bounce back!
Intermittent fasting is healthy. It gives your body a break from food. I did it, on and off, as far back as the 1980s. In addition to not having to worry about your weight, you also feel more energized–and happier in general. The body is able to handle stress easier.
I highly recommend intermittent fasting. But before you begin, do your research and consult with a physician if you have a health condition.
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta can be reached at: maryannechristiano@gmail.com.
She is the author of the following books:
âBe (Extra)Ordinary: 10 Ways to Become Your Own Heroâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback or Kindle version, visit:Be (Extra)Ordinary
âI Donât Want to Be Like Youâ is available on Amazon. To get your paperback, Kindle or audio copy, go here: I Donât Want To Be Like You
Her fiction book âLove Catsâ second printing is now available, under the pen name Krystianna Mercury, from Pink Flamingo. You can purchase it here: https://eroticbooknetwork.com/product/love-cats/
Maryanne is also available for book editing and coaching. Rates are competitive.
Hereâs a cute little poem I wrote several years ago in honor of my Momâs Chihuahua, Fawn (RIP). Although the poem was for Fawn, I think it relates to many small dogs who think they are bigger than they really are, which is always so endearing. ENJOY!
Maryanne Christiano-Mistretta 