New Year's Eve seems to be all about excess for many people, and with good reason. With resolutions to turn over a new leaf the very next day, why not indulge that night? Our New Year's Eve will be an indulgence for sure. We decided this year that we would watch a series of movies to pass the time on New Year's Eve, and the decision was that we would watch the Lord of the Rings trilogy. We… Read More

When we first rented Ratatouille , it wasn't for the kids; and when my mother-in-law gave it to the kids yesterday for Christmas, I claimed it for myself. Don't worry, I'll let them watch it, but only after I've taken it from it's locked cabinet.

I adore this movie. Ratatouille is fresh, funny and full of irony. Who would ever think a rat, of all animals, would have a highly refined sense of taste? Chef Gusteau is a man… Read More

Beyond the very obvious wanting my family to remain healthy this coming year (especially this coming year), and although we don’t do resolutions here, there are five small "wishes" I have for the coming year.

1. Give more hugs. In all the rat race of life it’s very easy to simply blow a kiss or give a one-armed hug to friends and loved ones. With touch being such a vital part of a person’s well-being in more ways than one,… Read More

Imagine walking through a heavily wooded area thick with snow and your bedclothes as your only protection from the cold. Suddenly you're attacked by a vicious little man, and in the next moment are rescued by a stately queen offering you anything you desire. Would you ask for Turkish Delight? I know I wouldn't, but it seemed to be just the thing for Edmund Pevensie as he sat in a sleigh with the White Witch in, The Chronicles of … Read More

Two hundred sixty-six years ago this Christmas Eve, the city where I reside was named by Count Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, a Moravian leader, in the first house erected in this area. I can almost imagine the Count, said to have been watching the stable animals and listening to hymns being sung, suddenly standing tall and proclaiming the community, "Bethlehem", named after the birthplace of Jesus Christ. It may have been less dramatic than that, but… Read More

What to do when you have a food lover or cooking fan on your holiday list and your heart says, "Go!" , but your budget says, "No!"? I like these ideas for gifts that are well below $25 or just scraping under the limit, but all worth every penny.

• Barefoot Contessa Dessert Baking Mixes - Choose from yummy mixes like Outrageous Brownie Mix or Raspberry Shortbread Cookie Mix - none are priced above $15.
  

• For the chocoholic

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