My favorite

If you know their favorite snack [2008-11-20]
You could buy a nice gift box, the sturdy ones that look like they have wrapping paper on them already...maybe something to match the office, and then fill it with their favorite candy, snack, or coffee/creamors...whatever you know they like. Then wrap it with a nice ribbon.

My daughter is 14, and her favorite gift [2008-11-19]
is a gift card. We have them here that are called All Mall Gift Certificates so they can be spent at any store in the whole mall.

Post Your Favorite Soup Recipe Please [2008-11-17]
Now that the weather is turning chilly in some areas (mine included) soup sounds wonderful! Would you all please post your favorite soup recipes -- thanks!!

My new favorite is Vidalia onion cornbread sm [2008-11-13]
Vidalia Onion Cornbread (from Paula Deen) 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix 1/2 stick butter 1 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, chopped 1 egg, beaten 1/3 cup whole milk 1 cup sour cream 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, divided 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp dill weed (which I leave out) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable oil cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and saute the onion until tender, but not browned, for about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the muffin mix, egg, milk, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the salt, and dill weed. Stir to combine. Pour into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, until set and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares. I double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 or even 11x15 pan and it comes out great. And to keep the cheese from getting too dark, I add it the last 10 minutes instead of at the beginning. So yummy! Second favorite is corn casserole, very similar to the onion cornbread. Corn Casserole 1 pkg Jiffy corn muffin mix 8 oz sour cream 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 egg 1 can whole kernel corn (do not drain) 1 can cream-style corn 1stick of butter Melt the butter in an 8x8 baking dish in a 400-degree oven. Meanwhile, mix the corn muffin mix, juice from whole kernel corn, egg, and sour cream until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients and pour into dish with butter. Stir slightly to mix in the butter. Bake 30-45 minutes or until set in the middle. Again, I have doubled this recipe and baked in a 9x13 pan; however, donot double the butter or it is too greasy.

What is your favorite potluck dish? [2008-11-11]
x

Do you have a favorite song/video? [2008-11-05]
My favorite song is, by far, Sweetest Goodbye - so romantic and emotional! I just love watching them live. The Friday the 13th concert I'm not crazy about - the camera's too busy, and Adam just doesn't seem much into it. The ones in Philadelphia he's really energetic and engaged. The ones in Amsterdam he's sooooo young, but sooooo sexy!

Favorite Maroon 5 Song [2008-11-05]
I first took notice of Adam in the This Love video. Very hot. I really like She Will Be Loved, and their newest video Goodnight is really good too.

Kind of in the same vein as favorite movies threat below SM [2008-10-27]
Name your favorite holiday songs. I absolutely love anything by Karen Carpenter, love her version of all the Christmas songs. I also love Carol of the Bells.

What are your favorite holiday movies [2008-10-25]
Now that the holidays are just around the corner we I What are some of your favorites. I like: 1. Home for the Holidays (starring Holly Hunter) - very funny. 2. Bed of Roses (with Christian Slater) - very Romantic. 3. All the cartoon/animation kids shows like Dr. SeusseRudolph the Rednose Rheindeer (DH loves to imitate the abdominal snow man - and we walk around singing we are Santa :-) 4. Homecoming - Christmas story with the Waltons.

My favorite holiday movies...sm [2008-10-25]
I love The Grinch with Jim Carey. I also have always loved The Christmas Story since I was a kid.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. [2008-10-23]
Reason being, no presents. Just family and an excuse to eat lots of yummy foods that you don't get to have any other time of year. I have loved it since I was a child. I like your idea though. Maybe I will do like you said. I can't please everyone and I am working both holidays so it will be hard for me to get time to go somewhere else. I can certainly use my breaks and some planning to make it at our house though. LOL at your story. Thanks for the tip and encouragement. It's a shame that some people are such sticklers when all it really comes down to spending time with family!

Me too. My favorite was Shaggy - he would sit beside [2008-10-16]
me when I was a kid and let me read to him. He was a kitten abandoned in a snow drift outside an animal shelter in Alaska. Lived with us 15 years!!

I coach softball and my favorite gift was a sweatshift with photo of the team and all the kids signe [2008-10-13]
They signed it in some kind of indelible ink which is great because I actually wear it all the time. I also got a plaque that looks just like the shirt, which is nice to have because I'm sure I'll wear out the sweatshirt. I love them and feel proud when I wear the shirt. We were champs of the league and the district and for a couple months after the season we were all kind of local celebrities! I played at a high level myself traveling all over Italy and Japan, but coaching this group was the best experience of my athletic career.

Sucks to not be mom's favorite....sm [2008-10-09]
/

favorite dog breed [2008-09-28]
The sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog)! I grew up with them and presently have a gorgeous blue merle male sheltie. They are so very loyal, energetic, and have very humanistic qualities to them. Simply gorgeous and a very talked-about breed. I love them!

What are your favorite breeds of dog? I will name some of mine SM [2008-09-26]
Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Greyhound, Ibizan Hound, Scottish Deerhound, Irish Wolfhound, Chihuahua, Schipperke,Dandie Dinmont. . . WOW. I gotta stop, but I could literally go on and on!

They are my favorite, too....nm [2008-09-18]

Pizza is every kids favorite! [2008-08-21]
I have used the pie irons before but never thought of anything other than the desserts or grilled cheese. Pizza sounds like an easy and healthy lunch for the kids that they will actually eat and can help make. Thanks so much!

What are your favorite childhood memories [2008-08-15]
Watching the kids in the neighborhood play takes me back to my childhood days. Lots of people say they would never go through childhood ever again but I would in a heartbeat. I Mine were 1. Playing all day and night on weekends and after school. My only concern was getting in the house before dark (or by supper time). 2. Grandma Grandpa lived up the road so spent lots of time with them (they taught us how to do the polka to Lawrence Welk). 3. Didn Everything was prepared for me. And, no laundry. Always had clean clothes hanging in the closet. 4. School. Learning, learning, learning and being with friends. 5. Being free enough to have imaginary friends and nobody would tell me I was losing my mind (or were they really imaginary????) 6. Girl Scouts (need I say any more). 7. The idea that I could be a ballerina, movie star, singer, or anything I wanted to be when I grew up and my parents entertained that as though it could become a real possibility for me. 8. Mom and dad tucking me into bed and kissing me good night. 9. Thanksgiving with the whole family over. 10. Best Christmas gifts were Lite Bright, Easy Bake Oven, Feely-meely, Incredible Edibles, Frisbee, Slinky, dolls, and anything that was not mechanical or electrical. 11. Ice skating,sledding parties, and slumbar parties. 12. Being innocent enough to not know about all the kooks and problems in the world while I had the protection of mom and dad always. Well I could think of a ton of things, but those were the best times of my life. What are yours?

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday [2008-08-13]
Actually, it Every year, starting the day before Thanksgiving, I begin the preparations: House cleaned, clothes packed, manicure, pedicure, extra lines worked. Then Thanksgiving day, the family comes to my house (my parents, 3 siblings and their families plus me and hubs and 3 kids). We have an early Thanksgiving dinner - 2 p.m. By 5 p.m., the guys are all watching football, the kids are playing video games, and we women begin staking out our big day. We have the sales papers all over the table, the Sharpie Usually around 6 or 7 p.m., my company packs it in and calls it a day. My hubs then heads to Wal-Mart (yes on Thanksgiving day) to buy his stock of groceries/snacks for the weekend. While he Then I call my girlfriend, with whom I I print out our agenda on the computer and then try to get myself to bed early, usually by 10 p.m. At 3:00 a.m. Black Friday, the alarm goes off. I By 4:00 a.m., I We throw her suitcases in the back and head off to our local Wal-Mart for the first finds of the day. We usually have our stuff checked out and back in the car by 6:15 a.m. Then we head off to our yearly shopping extravaganza. We spend the weekend in Lancaster, PA where there Our hotel has a hot tub and an indoor pool. We catch all the great buys at the dept stores in Lancaster and then spend the rest of Friday crafting. We have a nice dinner and then head back to the hot tub. Saturday We usually meet up with the rest of our crew -- about 10 of us, all ladies, no kids. We have dinner and go over all the best buys we got. Come Sunday, we sleep in a little late and then check out of the hotel. Not much opens early on Sunday, not even the mall, in Lancaster (home of the Amish). We finish up our day at the mall and then head over to the Olive Garden for a farewell dinner. We usually end up making it home by 8:00 or 9:00 p.m. Sunday night. Okay - now you I can hardly wait. As for my hubs and 3 kids, they usually buddy up and have sleepovers. Saturday is a definite movie day. They almost always have a must-see Christmas movie out Thanksgiving weekend. Sunday, they pretty much lay around and wait for me. My hubs usually gets the indoor Christmas decorations out for me to get started on. We usually put the outdoor ones up the weekend before Thanksgiving. I SOOOOOO CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!! It is absolutely My favorite holiday of the year, my second fav being Christmas Eve (I love the anticipation of what Thanksgiving is only 107 days away!!!!

Those are my very favorite books ever...!!! [2008-08-01]
I Can't wait for the 7th book, but I think that's the last one, which makes me sad.

Believe it or not, my favorite stress reliever is [2008-07-28]
SEX. Seriously.

What's your favorite TV show? [2008-07-25]
That I record and watch them at night when I get off work or when I happen to find a free moment. Its nice to record because then I don I like the Young and the Restless and have been watching for years. It I also like Old Christine but that has not been on lately. There Its about a husband and wife, girlfriend and boyfriend, and a single guy. I

Forgot to say that this is one of my very favorite breeds. So bright and beautiful. NM [2008-06-16]
xx

favorite movie ever [2008-05-08]
Queer Duck - the Movie

How exciting for you -- sm [2008-11-21]
I My mom always drug me out an hour before the stores opened. The ads usually come out in Thursday In the past, I Get the paper and makea game plan. Some stores open an hour or 2 later than others, so you may be able to get to both in time for the specials you Wal-Mart generally has a lot of specials, especially in the toys dept. Our Wal-Mart gives you a map when you enter to tell you where each BF special is located in the store. They put some stuff in strange places -- like TVs in the meat dept, computers in dairy, etc. It Ask the Wal-Mart greeter when you enter. Our Wal-Mart is also open 24 hours, as are most, which means no waiting outside. We usually arrive an hour before the sales start so we can be in position for the item. Obviously, the most-sought after items are electronics, so be there early if you Target is 1 of My favorite places because their specials run all weekend, not just until 11 a.m. (I hope it They usually open an hour after Wal-Mart. I usually head there second because even though the specials run all weekend, they do run out of stock. Kohl The cash can be redeemed usually starting the Sunday after Black Friday. Don If there General advise: Wear comfortable shoes. Be polite to others, but don If you got there first, it Make sure you and DH have cell phones so you can communicate if you get separated. Most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!! Let us know how you make out afterwards.

If you know their favorite snack [2008-11-20]
You could buy a nice gift box, the sturdy ones that look like they have wrapping paper on them already...maybe something to match the office, and then fill it with their favorite candy, snack, or coffee/creamors...whatever you know they like. Then wrap it with a nice ribbon.

Hamburger soup and sausage soup [2008-11-19]
Pretend youhamburger and beef broth in place of water. For the sausage soup,brown a pound of sliced SMOKED sausage, add some water and scrap the bottom of the pan. Add your veggiesand chicken or vegetable broth(the harder it I usually use frozen mixed veggies and just add a few potatoes if I feel like it or if Isimmer for 30 minutes. I make large batches and freeze all but enough for a meal. You can season with your favorite seasons. I usually use garlic and pepper and a bit of cumin to make them smokier.

How about ideas for siblings and their families? Here's one [2008-11-19]
I have three siblings, with spouses and children. Not only is it expensive to buy for all of them, but it Last year I went to a craft store and bought cheap baskets on sale. I bought each of them a 2-month subscription to the movies that you get through the mail,NetFlix (can do Blockbuster if you want). I put the gift certificate in the basket along with the big boxes of candy that they sell at the show (.99 cents apiece at Walgreens), a few packets of microwave popcorn, and a 6-pack of their favorite soda. They loved it and everybody enjoyed the movies over the next couple of cold winter months. You can purchase the movie gift certificates on line at their website.

Any Black Friday shoppers out there? [2008-11-19]
Tell me your plans for Black Friday. I subscribe to a website that posts the Black Friday ads earlier than they are actually sent out. It helps me map out my day. I get up at 3:00 a.m. and wear my Black Friday shirt -- I have a couple and just ordered 2 more. One reads: If you Another reads: It I ordered 2 new ones. One reads: It and the other one: I train year-round for Black Friday; you don After shopping all day, my BFF and I head to the Roadhouse for dinner and drinks and then we hit the hot tub. In case you didn The closer it gets, the more psyched I get. What are your plans?

Wow! sm [2008-11-19]
INo men or children allowed on Black Friday. :) Black Friday is also My favorite holiday. Good luck fellow shopper!

I can't imagine affording all those meals out, but I have some suggestions sm [2008-11-18]
I usually cook from scratch. My idea of fast food is a can of lentil soup, and I have that about once a month, occasionally twice. I make crockpot soups a lot because I am busy. I will tell you, there is a place that is sort of between a restaurant meal and home cooking. I used to have kids at home, lots of them, and I would get too tired to cook. My answer was to hybrid the dinner, so to speak. You can get Stouffer's lasagne which is good. You can pickup some ready-made stuff in your grocery store deli or freezer case. We liked the frozen Banquet chicken back in the day. I might get that, a box of flavored instant potatoes, potato salad or ready-made mashed to go with it. We might get a bag of salad too. Fresh fruit cups were nice if they were on special. You know, make a nice meal you don't have to 100% cook, but isn't going out. These days, I see that you can get beef tips in gravy, or sliced beef in gravy and other prepared stuff at the store. It just takes looking. It is more expensive than doing it all yourself, but it is much cheaper than going out. You can try another thing that is NOT everyone's cup of tea, and that is OAMC or Once A Month Cooking. This is My favorite website: http://snider.mardox.com/plans.htm I donmini plans using what is on special in a given week. They have breakfast plans, muffin plans, potato plans, chicken, beef, pork plans, ground meat plans, even some dessert plans. With planning, you can do this in bits and pieces. From people who have done far more of this than I have, they tell me that with soup already made, no chopping or messing, they are more likely to make fresh rolls, salad and even a quick dessert...round out any meal because the work is done. Obviously, it saves money.

Post Your Favorite Soup Recipe Please [2008-11-17]
Now that the weather is turning chilly in some areas (mine included) soup sounds wonderful! Would you all please post your favorite soup recipes -- thanks!!

Pitbull Hero [2008-11-17]
Stray Pit Bull Saves Woman, Child from AttackerPet Pulse Staff Reports Browse NewsFront Page BY CATEGORY:Alerts Notices Animal Attacks Care Safety Crime Law Cruelty Abuse Deaths Accidents Entertainment Health Science Heroes International Lost Found New Trends Petlanthropy Strange But True Survival BY PET:Dogs Cats Fish Birds Horses Reptiles Small Pets Other Pets November 5, 2008 A dog came out of nowhere and stopped a knife-wielding robber from accosting a mother and her young son on Monday afternoon. (Pet Pulse Illustration by Tim Mattson) PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- The wandering 65-pound Pit Bull mix might have seemed menacing to some passerby, but one woman will always remember him as her guardian angel. The dog, which authorities think is lost and not a stray, successfully thwarted a robbery attack on a mother and her 2-year-old son, who were held at knifepoint Monday afternoon. The Florida woman, who has been identified by authorities simply as Angela, was leaving a playground with her toddler son in Port Charlotte when a man approached her in the parking lot with a knife and told her not to make any noise or sudden movements. Angela didn't have to do either to protect herself and her child -- a dog mysteriously ran to the scene and charged the man, who quickly fled. I don Animal Control Lt. Brian Jones told Pet Pulse. I don The exceptional part of the story, Jones said, is that the dog had never met or even seen the people it quickly jumped to defend. You hear about family dogs protecting their owners, but this dog had nothing to do with this woman or her kid, Jones said. He was like her guardian angel. After the alleged thief ran away, Angela quickly placed her son, Jordan, in the car and tried to drive off. Before she could, though, the dog jumped into her backseat, waiting with her for the police and animal control officers to arrive at the scene. The dog was transported to a local shelter and if his owners donAngel. Animal control officers and shelter workers believe Angel is lost, and not a stray, because of his good health, sturdy weight and mild temperament. It Jones said of Angel's possible owners. For Angela, it doesn't matter where the dog came from, just that he was there when she needed him most. I don Angela told NBC2 News. For a small town with a population of 46,452, animal control officers were kept busy Monday afternoon. Jones says they department also responded to a report about a boa constrictor in a church parking lot. The snake found its way into a car engine and was able to be removed without being harmed. It took three people to move the massive, seemingly random placed snake. It he said of the Gulf Coast town. And we can go for four or five months without the media contacting us about a story. It Officers from the responding county sheriff's office canvased the area and were unable to locate the suspect described as being in his 20s, tall and dark haired. Tell us what you think about Stray Dog Saves Woman, Child Held at Knifepoint below. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. Send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204. Pet Pulse reporter Amy Lieberman and NBC-2.com contributed to this article.

Eeew - even after all these responses sm [2008-11-15]
It still tempts me, but then again, so does corned beef hash! Oh well, we all have to go from something! I think Imodified stuff tastes so good! Modified what?? Who knows - there are only so many body parts, after all! Keep laughing, we need some fun in our lives - gosh all mighty, we need a laugh on here!!!

Eeew - even after all these responses sm [2008-11-15]
It still tempts me, but then again, so does corned beef hash! Oh well, we all have to go from something! I think Imodified stuff tastes so good! Modified what?? Who knows - there are only so many body parts, after all! Keep laughing, we need some fun in our lives - gosh all mighty, we need a laugh on here!!!

My new favorite is Vidalia onion cornbread sm [2008-11-13]
Vidalia Onion Cornbread (from Paula Deen) 1 box Jiffy corn muffin mix 1/2 stick butter 1 large Vidalia or other sweet onion, chopped 1 egg, beaten 1/3 cup whole milk 1 cup sour cream 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, divided 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp dill weed (which I leave out) Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Spray an 8-inch square baking pan with vegetable oil cooking spray. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and saute the onion until tender, but not browned, for about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and add the muffin mix, egg, milk, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the salt, and dill weed. Stir to combine. Pour into the prepared pan and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake for 30 minutes, until set and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cornbread comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly before cutting into squares. I double the recipe and bake it in a 9x13 or even 11x15 pan and it comes out great. And to keep the cheese from getting too dark, I add it the last 10 minutes instead of at the beginning. So yummy! Second favorite is corn casserole, very similar to the onion cornbread. Corn Casserole 1 pkg Jiffy corn muffin mix 8 oz sour cream 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 1 egg 1 can whole kernel corn (do not drain) 1 can cream-style corn 1stick of butter Melt the butter in an 8x8 baking dish in a 400-degree oven. Meanwhile, mix the corn muffin mix, juice from whole kernel corn, egg, and sour cream until well mixed. Add remaining ingredients and pour into dish with butter. Stir slightly to mix in the butter. Bake 30-45 minutes or until set in the middle. Again, I have doubled this recipe and baked in a 9x13 pan; however, donot double the butter or it is too greasy.

I think thanksgiving would be the [2008-11-12]
perfect time to make it clear you are NOT joining in the free for all giftgiving. Maybe you could make their favorite desserts or breads instead or think of some other inexpensive hand made gifts. My sister makes jelly or tamales for the sibs and my brother buys a bottle of wine each (mine is piling up and getting well aged). This is exactly why I tell my 3 boys to buy for their wives and kids. I myself don't (can't) spend much on the kids, but I figure their parents need to have that fun, I've had my turn with my own. And I don't want anything at all, in fact, I wish when someone came over, they would have to take something when they leave! But, like I told one of mine, you are making memories, it will depend on your attitude and not what you spent that the kid remembers later. One might forget that expensive day at an amusement park, but remember years later a plain simple picnic because of the feeling of family fun and closeness. Good luck with your pregnancy, I am sure you are unusually tired already.

I think thanksgiving would be the [2008-11-12]
perfect time to make it clear you are NOT joining in the free for all giftgiving. Maybe you could make their favorite desserts or breads instead or think of some other inexpensive hand made gifts. My sister makes jelly or tamales for the sibs and my brother buys a bottle of wine each (mine is piling up and getting well aged). This is exactly why I tell my 3 boys to buy for their wives and kids. I myself don't (can't) spend much on the kids, but I figure their parents need to have that fun, I've had my turn with my own. And I don't want anything at all, in fact, I wish when someone came over, they would have to take something when they leave! But, like I told one of mine, you are making memories, it will depend on your attitude and not what you spent that the kid remembers later. One might forget that expensive day at an amusement park, but remember years later a plain simple picnic because of the feeling of family fun and closeness. Good luck with your pregnancy, I am sure you are unusually tired already.

Let's flip the coin on the holiday talk [2008-11-12]
Share one of your favorite memories, a food that you look forward to on the holidays, someone you look forward to seeing or something you look forward to doing...traditional, unconventional, doesn Share something positive about the holidays. My favorite foodswould be sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie with real whip cream for Thanksgiving and christmas cookies. My favorite memory is for Thanksgiving because that was our side of the families holiday as a child and no one brought presents. It was truely all about family, friends,and happy times. We never had a large family but everyone we knew was invited for Thanksgiving. I also remember looking for something to do after Christmas morning. It usually ended up being that we would go to the movies or K-Mart. Pretty much everything else was closed but I think we went through the entire phonebook every year looking for something to do the rest of the day. I don A few days later I gave her a bath. She never talked again. lol

My favs [2008-11-12]
My favorite food is pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving and Buche DE Noel on Christmas -- had to be desserts, right? I absolutely love Black Friday. I generally don Last year, a lady (about 50s) was standing inside the cart to reach the electronic items that were on special. She was handing them to her hubs (?) and got yelled at by one of the clerks for standing in the cart. It was hilarious. They made her give back the thing she was buying and go to the back of the line. I don After the early-morning Walmart drop, my best friend and I head off to Lancaster, PA for a weekend shopping trip. Just girls, shopping, food and a hot tub. Favorite holiday memories -- 1. My first boyfriend coming over to spend Christmas with my family. I was so embarrassed by everything then. 2. My (now) husband coming over to spend Christmas with my family. I was so NOT embarrassed by anything. For me, it It It always seems so magical to me. I hope my kids remember it that way some day.

I love the dressing and I love lemon pie..sm [2008-11-12]
My mom's lemon pie that is. I also love this dessert called Texas Delight or some people call it different things but is is layers of chocolate pudding and cream cheese and whipped cream. The food is My favorite part besides the watching my son open presents on x-mas.

I've been in a funk all day and suspect that [2008-11-11]
it will follow my normal pattern of lasting all winter. I love the tree and the lights and watching those once a year movies but I agree about the finances and the very non-hallmark family. Halloween is My favorite but I was a bah humbug for that and didn't even put out a pumpkin this year. Ho hum...

All right, all right,.......now I am going [2008-11-11]
to watch 'Dancing with the Stars', the result show to see who was voted out yesterday. I really would like that Edyta, who is My favorite professional dancer, would win once the finals. Last time she made it to the semifinals. See ya!

Holidays - Bah humbug! [2008-11-11]
I have nice holiday memories. My mom was not the Martha Stewart type but they were filled with lots of food, friends, and family. Very happy times. This will be the first year that I cannot go home for the holidays. We will still spend it with my husband's family but it is not the same for me. I am also stressing about the holidays because his family is all about the presents and I grew up differently. His family says they are cutting back this year but I wonder what that means. To them, it is probably only $500 per person. I know its the thought that counts and you should only do what you can but I still feel bad and guilty if we cannot do for everyone else. I have suggested putting a limit or drawing names or making gifts to exchange but they look at me like I speak a foreign language. This is the first year my husband and I will not exchange gifts for each other and our son won't get much either. To top off the financial crisis facing the entire nation, we are also expecting a child in the very early spring so that has added to our expenses and dipping into our savings. For me this winter came very quickly as well which does not help. I haven't had time to ease into my least favorite season. It's been so gloomy the last few weeks I am glad that I don't have to leave the house to work but know I should leave the house occasionally to feel better. I just want to be a scrooge right now. Soon enough I'll have to put on the happy thanksgiving face to spend the afternoon with my in-laws while missing my family.

lol I think I found my twin! [2008-11-08]
Same philosophy in my household. Donepisodes to prove the point. My husband and son like to play those games every once in a while but I toss them right back and now it is to the point where we don't even have to discuss it. They get the message through actions loud and clear. My favorite is when hubs does laundry and leaves all my clothes on the corner of the bed. Hahaha! First, folding is the hardest part...second, I have no problem doing only my laundry and no one else's. What's funny is it takes him a bit to catch on, usually when he runs out of underwear! lol What's good for the goose is good for the gander! Not to mention the kids too. At the age of 9 my son started doing his own laundry. Didnbut it :)

Do you have a favorite song/video? [2008-11-05]
My favorite song is, by far, Sweetest Goodbye - so romantic and emotional! I just love watching them live. The Friday the 13th concert I'm not crazy about - the camera's too busy, and Adam just doesn't seem much into it. The ones in Philadelphia he's really energetic and engaged. The ones in Amsterdam he's sooooo young, but sooooo sexy!

Walking 'round in Women's Underwear lol [2008-10-28]
Not really My favorite but the funniest...lol

Phil Spector did an album many moons ago with SM [2008-10-28]
the Ronettes, Shirelles and others, in that great Phil Spector way, which is My favorite. All good songs, Frosty the Snowman, Winter Wonderland. Makes me feel happy. Yes, I know Phil is nuts, but the album (cd) is great.

My thoughts sm [2008-10-27]
I have seen corsages made of baby ruffled baby socks, which is not practical for a baby boy. I have seen where people make a christening bonnet out of a lovely antique handkerchief without cutting it at all so it stays a handkerchief that is later carried on her wedding day. Again, not practical for a baby boy really. I like your ideas. I'll share mom's favorite baby shower party favor: Pacifiers made of a mint lifesaver, a Necco candy and a jelly bean. She held them together with stiff frosting and they took a couple of days to make with drying time. These were part of other favors she didn't make, like triangles of flannel made into a diaper shape, pinned and dipped in wax so they held their shape for nut cups and baby bottles without the nipples, but with a straw for drinks. It is a very 50s and 60s thing, but then that is when my mom and her friends were having babies. I'll be remembering the blanket wrapping idea. Thought of a gift certificate to like JCPenney's Pixie Pinups photography? That is different at least.