One of my sisters was getting a new tree this year and so it made me start to think about getting a new, bigger tree too. We were out one day shopping at Sam’s Club and saw a big Christmas tree. I had heard they sell out quickly, so I asked the clerk how many were left and he told me that was the last one. I said to my husband, “Honey, we gotta get it and can return it if we decide we don’t want it”. So we got it, because my husband does what ever I tell him to (haha) and I decide to set it up to see if it would be something we would want to keep. Well, not realizing how big 15 feet was, we put piece upon piece till it reached well over our 2nd story balcony. I was overwhelmed. Then I began to fluff. The kids were anxiously waiting to decorate. Soon my hands and arms were all torn up and my back ached. I noticed I was only on the first attachment of the tree, I only had like 12 feet more to go. The kids still begging to decorate, I found myself in the tree for 2 hours that night. So we had to post-pone the decorating till the next day. We had to drag the tree next to the stairs and put a ladder on the stairs so I could keep fluffing away. Another full hour and torn up arms passed me by. Hallelujah we were ready to decorate. As I stepped off the ladder I said, “This tree is obnoxious and huge”. I really wanted to return it and go for a 12 foot tree, but after all that work, forget it. We now proudly (?) own a HUGE tree. So the lesson learned, bigger is not always better. The fun part will be storing it…

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Thanksgiving is almost here. Which means there’s a lot of planning and preparing that needs to be done. With all that work, it helps to have some good kitchen tools. So I chose six of my favorite must haves to help prepare with the Thanksgiving feast. I found my items at Williams-Sonoma. Most of the following items are Williams-Sonoma exclusives, and can be purchased at their store or online. You can also shop around and find similar items at places, such as Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, or Macy’s.

Turkey Roaster

The top of my List would have to be the All-Clad Stainless Steel Roaster with Rack. What I love about this Roaster is that it is Stainless Steel for easy cleaning. It has very large sides, it’s deep so that reduces splattering. Then the handles which help for easy lifting. Wonderful!

Retails for: $159.95 - $199.95

more…

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CHOOSE YOUR CHARITY, THESE ARE SOME OF MY FAVE AND WHY.

With Thanksgiving and holidays approaching, this is the time of year where people reach out in a spirit of good will to each other. I have been reflecting on some charities that I have been involved in that not only do change the world but have changed me for the better in one way or another. I share these with you in case you may wish to try some of them and see if they might enrich your life as much as they have mine. There are millions of charities in the world but I am recommending the following right now. The criteria is I that have had to have some personal involvement with them and I have seen personally how much they can help and change people’s lives. I hope that if you get involved with any of these fine organizations that you will be uplifted also as you see how much they enrich both yours and others lives.

Special Olympics This was probably one of my most favorite organizations. It made me believe in a better world, in the best of people and in a brighter future. I have never worked with people who were so warm, positive and inspiring. I worked both as a coach (power lifting) and later as a Director for the Winter Games. I was always in awe at the childlike innocence, purity and joy of the athletes. I remember after an athlete would do a few sets of weights, he’d put them down and excitedly go”Did you see me? Didn’t I do well? I did a super job, teacher! Hey, did the rest of you guys see-I did perfect!” Everyone would start high- fiving each other. Usually the same enthusiasm was shown irregardless of how good or bad they had been-they were so proud of their effort. Then their friends would try. The whole time they would yell encouragements to each other and whenever someone completed an effort everyone would start cheering and jumping up and bragging to each other about how good they were. I can’t ever remember any mean-spiritedness or negative outbursts ever to anyone. I was so happy to see people celebrate for everything that they or their friend did-even an opposing team. They genuinely loved themselves and each other and were proud of the attempts made by anyone. I only wish everyone could display that sportsmanship and goodwill to others-it certainly is heartwarming. If I can find the video of Special Olympic race and post it here, I will. That is their whole spirit and it always made it a joy and honor to work with them. I aspire to take such pride in my efforts-even when I fail. If I can ever emulate the genuine love and joy that they have for the success of their fellowmen, I would consider myself blessed. more…

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