So for the first time in my 33 years on earth, I went out shopping on Black Friday. I don't know what possessed me but I made plans with a friend for us to go together. I picked her up at 7 am and off we went.

Which brings me to lesson #1: 7 am isn't early enough. Some of the stores opened by 4 am, and the crowds were already in full force when we got out. … Read More

Thanksgiving Week is traditionally a time to give thanks and appreciate the good things in our lives. Like many families, we have a tradition of going around the table and sharing with everyone what we're thankful for in our lives. I always get a little teary-eyed (Mommy hormones!) when I talk about how thankful I am for things like my husband, my kids, good friends, our health and happiness.

So along those lines, and being that I run a shopping blog,… Read More

Dear Santa,

I'm so excited this year. I've been asking about Christmas since last summer. My favorite thing to do these days is go through the catalog my Mom gets and point to all the toys I want - there are a lot! Here's a list of some cool picks that are hot for boys my age this season. (Hint, hint!)

LeapFrog ClickStart My First Computer - The ClickStart My First Computer from LeapFrog is made… Read More

Dear Santa,

Last Christmas, I was only a little infant. So the whole present thing went over my head. This year's a different story! I love crinkly paper and toys. And I just love the idea that I may actually get some toys of my own that my brother won't try and steal from me. (A baby can dream, right?)

So Santa, please bring me the following toys. I promise I'm a good boy:

The … Read More

I always try and pick a DVD or two to stick into the stockings each year. This year, there's a great selection of new movies recently released to pick from.

For the Kids:
Ratatouille , which came out this week (November 6th) - Disney's latest about a rat from the country who finds himself in Paris restaurant helping a human chef cook. It's cute and fun - appropriate for all ages.

Pixar's Short Films Collection - … Read More

So I'll be the first to admit that I'm not yet carrying the reusable grocery bag. It's one of those things where every time I'm at the grocery store checking out, I have the same guilty thought. Especially since lately it seems to be a great movement to use reusable grocery bags. I see plenty of folks in the grocery store now carrying around their recyclable bags and I think, "good for them."

I sometimes find it's hard enough… Read More