I took this picture before I took my tree down last year. I vowed that it would be the last year for a real tree in my house. The holidays have arrived and I'm not sure if I can follow through with my decision to purchase an artificial tree this year. The thought of not having a real tree is torturing me.

As I was decorating the tree last year I decided the pros of an artificial tree outweighed the pros of a real tree. I love the smell of a pine tree, but that was the only pro that I could come up with. I hate the mess when taking it down. Clean up is a little easier now that I have hardwood floors, but those needles stick and prick when the tree starts to dry out. I used to think that real trees looked better than the artificial trees, but they have great looking artificial trees on the market now. I have room to store an artificial tree and it would be easier pulling it out of storage than browsing tree farms in the freezing cold looking for a tree, tying it down and lugging it home only to find that a damn branch is keeping it from going into the tree stand or the trunk is too large for the stand that we have. Out the door we go with the tree to trim off the branch or the trunk while arguing like two crazy people on why we don't buy an artificial tree.

If the pros of an artificial tree outweigh a real tree, why don't I just switch you ask? After 30 years of having a real tree, I'm having difficulty parting with tradition. Here's what I will be missing:

• No more bundling up in layers so I won't freeze to death searching for a tree.
• No more arguing with my significant other over the size of the tree.
• No more 5 mile per hour drives for miles so we don't loose the tree from the trunk or it won't go flying off the back of the truck.
• No more arguing over tree trunks or tree stands.
• No more watching the tree fall to the floor after its been decorated because it has shifted in the stand or someone didn't turn the screws tight enough.
• No more tying the tree to the wall to support it and having to fill in the holes once we take it down.
• No more cutting off the tip because I can't get the star on the top.
• No more arguing over taking the tree to the dump because I missed the only day the garbage man will take it.
• No more arguing over whose turn it is to crawl underneath the tree so it can be watered.
• No more arguing over why I surrounded the damn tree with gifts and now nobody can get to the stand to pour water in it.
• No more streams running down the hardwood floor or soaked tree skirts because somebody poured too much water into the stand.
• No more pine needles in the fake snow under the tree.
• No more holes in the tree because the branches hadn't dropped in the cold so we could see the tree's true shape.
• No more turning the tree around and around to find the best side and deciding where you had it originally is where it should be.
• No more scratched up arms or hands from the needles.
• No more arguing over my significant other's left or my left.
• No more browsing 10 different lots/tree farms and than heading back to the first one for the first tree that I saw.

This has been tradition in my household with a real tree. Who in the hell am I going to argue with now? How much fun is it going to be dragging a cardboard box out of storage rather than dragging the tree across a parking lot or tree farm while praying that I don't turn into an icicle. I feel like a kid having to give up a security blanket or their favorite toy. I had no idea it would have this kind of affect on me.

10:00 AM
Categories: artifical trees, Christmas trees, holiday decorating, holiday traditions. Author: rmgales

8:15 AM
Categories: child dental care, children's tooth brushes, toddler's tooth care. Author: rmgales

Will you be planning a child's birthday party soon? If so, you should check out Kate Landers Events. We found the cutest children's party hats there, and we thought you would want to know about them. These hats are quite unique, they are made from felt and are designed to be an heirloom. They offer an adorable lion, which would be perfect for the birthday boy or birthday girl at a jungle, safari or circus themed party. Not into the jungle, they have other birthday party ideas such as farm animal, flowers, turtles and sailboats. If none of these will do, Kate Landers Events will custom design a hat that will meet your needs.

Kate Landers Events can coordinate your hat and table accessories too. They offer fabric hats as well as paper. The tablecloth, hat and napkins can be coordinated. If you want to go all out, check out the melamine plates and cups. They have fabulicious colors, green, yellow, pink, purple and many more, that will fit any child's party decor. If you're into one stop shopping, they can design your invitations too.

I love the cake and hat set shown. It's perfect for a little girl. The colors are soft and the design adorable. You won't find these hats at your everyday party or party store. If you want original for your next party, shop at Kate Landers Events. It's one stop shopping.

Thanks to Kate, we're giving a party hat to one of our readers. It could be you, but you must enter to win. Visit Kate Landers Events and browse her site. Leave us a comment and let us know what felt party hat you would like to win. A winner will be selected from the posts, so please leave a valid email address. This give away is open to US Resident 18+ only. It will end December 25 at mid-night. Your party hat will be shipped to winner directly from the sponsor.

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Good Luck!

8:56 AM
Categories: birthday parties, children's birthday party, children's parties, party hats. Author: rmgales

The holidays are here. I love the family feasts, decorating the house for Christmas, and watching great holiday movies. It kicks off my holiday spirit. I like to curl up on the sofa with a big bowl of popcorn and one of my favorite drinks and gear up for a good laugh or two. I've seen good and bad holiday movies. I just don't watch the bad, but here's my list of 10 Favorite Holiday Movies:

1. A Christmas Story
2. Deck The Halls
3. Smokey Mountain Christmas
4. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
5. Bad Santa
6. It's A Wonderful Life
7. Home Alone
8. Miracle on 34th Street
9. Christmas With The Kranks
10. Four Christmases

I would say that A Christmas Story is my favorite holiday movie. I would sit for hours wrapping gifts, sipping eggnog and rum, and LMAO. Oh that Red Rdyer BB Gun will live in my memory forever. I also loved Danny Devito in Deck The Halls. Who would want so many lights on their house you could see it from space? I must admit, I did enjoy the lights and music in the movie.

I enjoyed Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. He was so adorable in that movie. I could go on and on, but I'll leave it here. Let us know what your favorite holiday movie is and what you enjoyed about it.

We hope that your holidays will be safe, happy and blessed.

3:47 AM
Categories: Christmas movies, favorite movies, holiday movies. Author: rmgales

Look, Daddy's a Parking Lot!

6:57 PM
Categories: Wordless Wednesday. Author: rmgales

The holidays are approaching and delicious meals will grace tables around the country. There's nothing better than a yummy ham surrounded with all the trimmings. I was thrilled when a representative from Cook's offered Mother 2 Mother a tasty ham. I browsed their site and I found so many helpful tips on hams. They have information on How To Purchase A Ham, How to Cut The Ham, How To Garnish A Ham, and the list goes on.

7:01 AM
Categories: ham recipe, hams, holiday meals, spiral ham. Author: rmgales

Looking for an adorable pair of shoes for your little one? We have found the most adorable shoes at 5 Lil Monkeys. I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review a pair of their shoes. I choose these blue suede shoes by Kai for my grandson. I'm glad I did, he loves them. My grandson couldn't wait for me to get them out the box. He immediately take off the ones he was wearing, and put these on.

5 Lil Monkeys has a diverse selection of shoes to choose from. They carry Pediped, Rileyroos, Squeaker and Wee Squeaks. I'm quite pleased with their selection of shoes for little boys. The black and white shoes above would be so cute for Sundays or any occassion requiring formal wear. You can always find adorable shoes for girls, but boys are a different story. I'll be visiting the 5 Lil Monkeys often. They carry as many adorable shoes for boys as they do for girls. I have my eye on a pair of sandals for my little sweetie for the summer. This site has been Bookmarked!

Too bad I don't have a little girl. Look at these cupcake shoes. You can find then at 5 Lil Monkeys. Don't you love the colors. These would look great with jeans, skirts and tights or shorts. They are made by Squeaker Sneaker. In addition to the cupcake, you can find them with ladybugs, sunflowers, strawberries, apples and balloons. This is a fun shoe for any little girl to wear, and they are Pediatrician recommended.

Susana Castaneda, co-owner, of 5 Lil Monkeys wants one of our readers to enjoy a pair of shoes from their store. The winner chooses. You could be that lucky person. Just visit 5 Lil Monkeys and let us know what pair of shoes you would like to win and the size. (Please select from the inventory on their site). Leave us a comment with a valid email address and we will randomly select a winner from the posts.

If you would like extra entries do 1 or all of the following. Information can be found on the left sidebar:

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This give away will end at mid-night on December 19, 2009. It is open to US Residents 18+ only. Winner will have 3 days to respond to our notification. Failure to respond in that timeframe will result in disqualification. Good luck!

10:18 PM
Categories: blog give aways, infant shoes, Kai, Pediped, Rileyroo, toddler shoes, Wee Squeaks. Author: rmgales

Barbie is involved in another controversy, i.e. Burqa Barbie. It seems that Mattel has offended some Islamic women, and they're demanding that Mattel take note. Mattel has produced 500 Barbies in a Burqa for auction in Italy. The auction is part of Barbie's 50th anniversary. Proceeds will go to the Rewrite the Future, a charity, which helps millions of children around the world effected by conflict.

A representative from Mattel has stated, "I think this is really important for girls, wherever they are from they should have the opportunity to play with a Barbie that they feel represents them".

Muslim women are offended because the Burqa is not a true representation of Islamic dress, so where is Mattel coming from? Islamic women are fighting to not have to wear a Burqa. The Burqa is believed by Muslim women to be a garment forced on them during the Taliban, it is not mentioned in the Quran; therefore, it should not be seen as a part of their traditional dress. The Quran is our Bible. They see the Burqa as a means to oppress women. Muslim women are required to wear Hijabs, a scarf, to cover their heads and to dress modestly only. The Burqa is worn over a woman's normal dress when she is outside the home in some Islamic countries. It is made to cover them from head to toe. Because of political instability, it was seen as a way of protecting women so they were forced to wear them.

I normally don't post on religious or cultural issues, but I believe this concern was important enough to bring to light. Especially since it involved a toy maker. I am somewhat knowledgeable of Islam and I am aware that Islamic women are fighting for rights as women. Rights that we take for granted in this country. Muslim women believe that Mattel should have taken the time to understand the Islamic culture and what it represents before they produced a doll that supposedly represents traditional Islamic dress. Especially, a Barbie doll that little girls will be playing with. Burqas are currently the center of a big controversy in Western Europe. They are being banned because they are not a part of the traditional Islamic dress.

I posted on the Burqa Barbie because so many problems are created simply because statements and opinions are formed without having all the facts. What's funny is Mattel's Barbie has been banned in most Islamic countries. They see her as being too westernized for their little girls. She has been replaced with the Fulla doll (shown above). This doll is more culturally correct as far as Islamic dress than the Burqa Barbie produced by Mattel.

I patronize Mattel and I will continue; however, a little research will go a long way when it comes to cultural and religious issues. Do you think Mattel should have done their homework before they produced a culturally incorrect Barbie? Do you think the focus was on money rather than the fight of Islamic women for their rights? Would love to hear your thoughts on the Burqa Barbie.

5:44 PM
Categories: Barbie, Burka, Islam, Mattel, Muslims. Author: rmgales

Going through a divorce or separation? Call the girls or guys and celebrate your new freedom with a slice of Divorce Cake. It's the thing to do, really it is. No more crying on your pillow or wondering what you're going to do with your life. Get your party on. Hell call the cater who made your wedding cake and flip the switch. Tell them you have a new reason to celebrate, and you would like a custom cake for the occasion.

Don't like the cake shown, they'll make one with you sticking a knife in his or her back or heart or pushing your spouse over the edge. Anyway you want it, they can give it to you. When I first saw the cakes, I was like WTH. After I thought about it, I concluded that maybe it was a good idea. If it's over, it's over. I spent months crying, feeling lonely, and wondering what my next move would be. I spent hours on the phone with my girlfriends shedding tears and wondering how I ended up heading for divorce court. When I look back on it, I wish I had used my energy in other ways. A party was the last thing on my mind, but it probably would have been a good idea. Having a party sure sounds better than crying on your pillow.





For those who are in the party/celebration mode here's another idea for you. Just shoot each other, lol. The baker of the cakes, Kay Millar, owns Pink Rose Cakes. She's located in the United Kingdom, but Kay stated that the cakes were popular in the United States first. The cakes are intended to lighten the mood associated with divorce. They are a nice way to announce that you're available again.

There has been complaints that the cakes are too violent or promoting violence. My response to that, don't buy one. I believe that a bakery should be able to to make them if a customer chooses to order one. I also believe that a person should be able to celebrate or grieve over their divorce too. I think the idea is pretty entertaining and good for a laugh or two. What's your thoughts? We would love to know what you think about the Divorce Cakes.

4:44 PM
Categories: divorce, Divorce Cakes, ex-spouses, ideas to celebrate divorce, parties, party planning. Author: rmgales

The holiday season is approaching. It's the time of year when families gather and thanks are given. Homes will be filled with children, laughter, conversations of days gone by and the Sports channel will be envied by every other station on TV. An abundance of food and drink will be consumed, which will be followed by a much needed nap. After nap 1, slices of pumpkin or sweet potato pie filled with scoops of homemade vanilla ice cream will push the turkey and stuffing down and another nap will follow. Lastly, arguments over who ate the last homemade roll or who drank the last of the sweet tea will surface, and that argument will be followed by an argument over who will be cleaning up the kitchen and putting away the leftovers. I love the holiday season.

It's a tradition in my family for everyone to give thanks to someone or something during the blessing of our meal each Thanksgiving. What will you be thankful for?Here's the top 10 things that I'm thankful for in no particular order:

1. Thank you God for allowing me to live another year
2. Thanks to my significant other for loving me unconditionally. I know some days it's difficult
3. Thanks to my grandson for making me the proudest grandmother in the world
4. Thank you God for giving me the insight that I need to continue being a great mother and grandmother
5. Thanks to my employer for a regular paycheck
6. Thanks to my family for always being here when I need them
7. Thanks for the ability to keep a roof over my head, heat in my home, and food in the frig
8. Thanks to God for the fresh air that I take in everyday and the beauty that surrounds me
9. Thanks to all my friends who put up with me even when I act a fool and get on their last nerve
10. Thanks to my mother and father for giving me life, butt whippings, education and sending me out into the world so I can stand on my own two feet.

6:01 PM
Categories: being thankful, blessings, family dining, family meals, holidays, Thanksgiving. Author: rmgales

4:05 PM
Categories: clotheslines, dryers, housing convenants, laundry, neighborhoods, Project Laundry List, washers. Author: rmgales

Chocolate, you're the bestest Mama!

4:39 PM
Categories: Captain Georges, virginia beach, Wordless Wednesday. Author: rmgales

Meet Army Spc. Alexis Hutchinson, 21. Spc. Hutchinson refused deployment to Afghanistan because she didn't have anyone to care for her child. Here's her story, she initially thought her mother would be able to care for her 10 month old son during her year deployment; however, her mother changed her mind at the last minute. You see her mother is currently caring for her elderly mother, her sister and a special needs daughter. In addition to caring for 3 family members, she runs a daycare with 14 children during the day. Her mother stated that the baby would need more care than she would be able to provide with her current responsibilities, so she reneged.

5:09 PM
Categories: Afghanistan, Army, child welfare, foster homes, military deployment, military moms, military mothers. Author: rmgales

The result of our poll is in. The question - Do you agree with airlines, Disruptive Children Should Be Removed From Planes? Here's the results: 52% yes, 47% no and 1% unsure.

As a regular traveler, I voted yes. It was a tough call for me as a mother, but I am grateful that the airline will be placing my safety first, especially at 32,000 feet.

5:55 AM
Categories: blog polls, polls, survey. Author: rmgales

The story lines in the books are simple. She's used beautiful photos of baby animals expressing their fears and loving pictures of baby animals with their mommy assuring them they are safe at night and during the day to engage the child's attention. The books are useful in building the child's faith in God as well.

Ms. Cantrell conducted research and with data to support the design of the books, and a gut instinct that families would enjoy reading the book again and again, she decided to move forward with publishing. The books are receiving positive feed back from parents and children.

Ms. Cantrell wanted our readers to experience these beautiful book too, so we're offering a set to one of our readers. They will help guide your child through their fears and let them know they are not alone and they will be protected and loved. Here's how you could win: Leave us a comment on one of your child's fears or visit Ms. Cantrell's blog and read her tips on how to help your child with their fears. Leave a comment on how you think Ms. Cantrell's tips could help you.

You can also find activities to go along with the books on Ms. Cantrell's blog, Julie's Journal.

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This give away will end December 14 at mid-night. Give away is open to US Resident 18+ only.



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2:29 PM
Categories: blog give aways, childhood fears, children's books, faith, God, religion. Author: rmgales

Looking for a few give aways to enter? Gather, has the following give aways going on. Stop by and enter:

Is there someone special you wish you could see over the holidays this year? Gather is currently hosting a Home for the Holidays program where you can win either a trip home for yourself or bring someone you care about come home to see you!

Enter Now to Win a Trip Home for the Holidays for You or Someone You Love!
Deadline: 12/4/09
NEW!

Other Gather Giveways:

Jet with JET. Win a free signed copy of their new album!
Deadline: 11/22/09
NEW!

Win a copy of Bill Engvall's "Aged and Confused" DVD & CD!
Deadline: 11/23/09
NEW!

Hey Twilight Moms: Gather’s giving away New Moon tickets!
(Launches 11/12/09)
NEW!

4:23 PM
Categories: blog give aways, holiday give aways. Author: rmgales

The results of our poll are in. The question - What color do you wear under white? The results - 16% said they wear black, 42% said they wear white and 42% said they wear flesh. Fashion etiquette says, wear flesh colored garments under your whites.

11:34 AM
Categories: blog polls, polls. Author: rmgales

There are some people in life who I've met and wish I hadn't, and some people who I've never met, but wish that I could. I've never met the lady pictured, but I admire her. Why? Because she truly understands the saying Never Give Up. This south Korean lady, age 68, knows persistence, failure, perseverance, and now a sense of accomplishment.

She took her written exam for her driver's license 950 times. That's right, 950 times. I'm a strong woman and quite confident, but I truly don't think that I would have that kind of determination. This lady has taken her written test almost daily since 2005. She's determined to get her driver's license so she can become self-sufficient. She owns a vegetable selling-business.

For everyone who is struggling in any area of their life and is finding themselves on the Whoa Me Trip and thinking about giving up, please allow this lady to be an example for you. Never give up.

9:00 AM
Categories: driver's license, driving examinations, self-owned businesses, South Korea, women drivers. Author: rmgales

Ready To Trick or Treat

Worn Out Spider Man

Xavier choose a Spider Man costume for Halloween. My daughter initially choose an adorable little lion outfit, but he would have none of it. He claimed he was scared of the outfit, lol. In the top picture he was preparing to go out for a few treats. He was so excited. He remembered to say Trick or Treat and Thank You.

I may be a little biased, but isn't he the cutest Spider Man that you've ever seen.

11:27 AM
Categories: children's dress up, customes, Halloween, treat or trick, Wordless Wednesday. Author: rmgales

Can you take my order please? It's an order Rapped by two teens at a McDonald's. Listen carefully, and test your Rap skills by translating the order. Leave your interpretation of the order on the post. We would love to see what you come up with.

3:20 PM
Categories: fast food, mcdonalds, music, rap, teens. Author: rmgales

Fall and winter are harsh on my skin, so I have to step up my moisturizer in my body lotion. I turn to Curel in the fall and winter. I love their products, I've been using them for years. When my skin immediately drinks up my body lotion, it's a sign that my skin is extra dry. Curel has always provided the moisture that I needed. It's light and creamy and is easily worked into the skin. Within days, I notice a difference in the feel of my skin. It's smooth and the moisture is restored. I receive compliments on my skin and how healthy it looks. I spend as much time moisurizing my body as I do my face.

I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review several of Curel products. I already knew the quality and I also knew that I wouldn't be disappointed. I wasn't. I tested the 13 ounce bottle of Lavender, Chamomile and Oatmeal body lotion. Love It! It has a light scent, not perfumy, and it's not greasy. I also like the fact that I can find Curel products at the local CVS or Walgreens at a reasonable price. I'm all for quality that doesn't break the bank.

I tested the foot cream as well. I am a high heel and boot wearing diva who's feet has paid a price as a result of my attempts to be stylish. I have regular pedicures, so I decided to use the The Curel foot lotion as a part of my daily foot care instead of the regular body lotion. It's recommended that the lotion be used at night. I applied it before bed, and it didn't take long before my feet felt silky smooth. I've started wearing socks since the weather has turned cooler, and there were no snags when I put them on. The lotion contains Shea Butter, Coconut Milk and Vitamin E. This was the first time I used the Curel Foot Lotion, but it won't be the last.

Curel would like our readers to experience their products too. We will be giving a set of Intense Moisture Lotion for extra dry skin and a tube of hand and cuticle cream (shown above) to one lucky reader. You could be a winner! Visit the Curel website and let us know what other product you would like to try. This give away will end December 1, 2009 at midnight. The give away is open to US Residents 18+.only.

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4:00 PM
Categories: blog give aways, body lotion, Curel Lotion, dry skin, foot care, hand cream, moisturizer. Author: rmgales

Today is Quotable Sunday thanks to Toni at A Daily Dose of Toni. We list our favorite quotes. Aumtumn is my favorite time of the year, so I'm listing Autumn quotes today. I hope you enjoy them.

"A few days ago I walked along the edge of the lake and was treated to the crunch and rustle of leaves with each step I made. the acoustics of this season is different and all sounds, no matter how hushed, are as crisp as autumn air." Eric Sloane

"Winter is an etching, spring is a watercolor, summer an oil painting, and Autumn a mosaic of them all." Stanley Horowitz

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." Albert Camus

"Autumn is a season followed immediately by looking forward to spring." Anonymous

"October's poplars are flaming torches lighting the way to winter." Nova Blair

"Everyone must take the time to sit and watch the leaves turn." Elizabeth Lawrence

I hope you enjoyed my quotes. My favorite is the one by Stanley Horowitz. Leave us a comment telling us your favorite. If you're interested in participating in Quotable Sunday, head over to a Daily Dose of Toni and add your blog to the link. We'll stop by and visit you.

1:55 AM
Categories: autumn quotes, fall quotes, Quotable Sunday. Author: rmgales