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Take the Guess Work out of Christmas Shopping with the Wish List

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There is nothing worse than giving or receiving a gift you didn’t need or didn’t want but accept it gracefully even though you are offered the option of exchanging it for something else.
I went through this way too many times and about four years ago created my own solution to easier and no-stress shopping.
On the Home-Front Right after Thanksgiving, I ask my family/friends to submit their Christmas Wish List which consists of 3 items; one large and two small and within a budget. For me, I allow $100 per person. Now, I might not spend the entire amount but what I do purchase is both practical and of quality.
The Wish List should contain the item, size, color options. These details make the shopping easier and actually more fun.
In the Office Kris Kringle's or Secret Santa is usually done by picking a name from the Santa Hat or Stocking. An amount is set for all; again, along with the co-worker’s name, 3 items are suggested; this gives the Secret Santa more shopping flexibility.
The Bo…
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My Pint-Sized Santa

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December 1979
It was another Christmas without Dad. We lost him five years ago, yet I could still feel his spiritual “nudge” reminding me that he was watching over us. He loved life. Family was the most important thing to him.
Christmas morning I was barely awake, but could hear the sound of small footsteps racing around the house.
I got up, walked into the hallway and saw my 5-year son darting in and out of his bedroom. I bent down, gave him a hug and kiss; wished him Merry Christmas. He said he had been playing with his new toys then stopped because he had to do something. I smiled, made light of it, hence, went into the kitchen to start breakfast.
Several minutes later, my son came into the kitchen and tugged at my robe. I looked down at his tired little face and tousled hair. In his little hand was a small box about two inches long at best. He put the box in my hand and said, "Mommy, I don't have any money and I don't have a job, so I want you to have this box. Merry Chr…
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Why Marrying Your Best Friend could be a Mistake

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Each of us has that one special someone we have known for most of our life and to whom we can bear our soul without being judged or betrayed. They are our support system 24/ in good times and in not so good times. They are that one positive, constant we depen -->d on to keep us honest and grounded.
Soulmate and best friend are entirely different. A soulmate is someone who encourages us and helps us grow on all three levels – personally, socially and professionally.
We share secrets with our best friend and other stuff we could never share with a family member, other friends or acquaintance; so why is it a huge mistake to fall in love with and marry our best friend?
A best friend means just “that” / someone we turn to for rescue or advice when life’s ocean creates too many ripples and we feel ourselves drowning.

When we marry our best friend, life changes but not always for the better. That person actually stops being our best friend since marriage takes on a different hue and role. M…
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What Puts Power in the Power Couple

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Grandma always said: Be beautiful at the window, be an angel in the kitchen and a devil in the bedroom. 

Love, trust, understanding and communication are the common denominators for a good relationship, whether you are companions or dating long-term and contemplating the big step.
The Power Couple is the highest level-relationship. They do have their ups and downs, but quickly resolved and never disclosed in public.
The power couple is admired and envied. They always seem to be in sync and display compatibly wherever they go. This is not a fairy tale relationship by any means but the ingredients are different.
How It begins Most people marry their high school or college sweetheart or, they go separate ways after school for whatever reason – they might marry – then either divorce or become widowed. Then it comes into play at the High School Class/College Reunion. They meet once again, catch up and discover they are both in the “same place” and ready to rekindle that old flame.
The power c…
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Portfolio of Good Health

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Sometimes a friend's affirmation
Is better than Medication

“Money makes the world go ‘round, but the one commodity which the almighty dollar cannot buy is good health
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure or, as I prefer to say – One perfect rose is better than a bruised bouquet. Good health is taken for granted until pain ensues and tests return unfavorable results.

Stress The biggest offender is stress. It comes in all forms and we allow it to control our lives, rather than we controlling ‘it’.
Reducing stress takes discipline and recognizing the cause. Procrastination is one. Putting off the unpleasant tasks or doctor appointments since we are not ready to pursue, yet it haunts us on a daily basis until one morning we awaken and say, “okay, this is! Today it gets done!”
Reducing stress, per se, requires staying calm which is virtually impossible in daily living.The power of positive thinking creates positive energy and helps recharge our mental and physical batteries…
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How to Roast a Succulent and Perfect Turkey

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I have been hosting Thanksgiving 13 years and would really enjoy taking a year off from the Tom Turkey Project; however, there would be a gap.  I have my own way of prepping and cooking the famous bird and feel the need to share with my readers.

In the past, I always ordered and cooked the frozen turkey. Then a few years ago curiosity and a change of pace had me purchase a fresh bird and a good choice it was. The only problem is that a fresh turkey does not come with a lifter; hence, I created my own. See the illustration at the end of this article.
Items needed

70 inches of twine for make-shift turkey lifter 4 Sticks Unsalted Butter Salt and Pepper
Carving Board with Moat (if possible). The moat is the recessed edges of the carving board that contains the juices while carving and makes for easy cleanup. 


Food Station
I always set up my kitchen table as the food station. This is where I place the leftovers in their respect servers after dinner. This allows everyone to chose their pickin'…
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The Cancun Destination Wedding

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The Cancun Destination Wedding has slowly replaced the traditional wedding for most couples.
The highly acclaimed and infamous 5-Star Le Blanc Spa Resort located in Cancun, Mexico is the new venue where couples now celebrate their special day and honeymoon.



Le Blanc Spa Resort provides top accommodations, amenities, plus a choice of “all inclusive” packages which include round-trip airfare, the hotel stay, all meals and the bar. Sorry, adults only, please.
http://leblancsparesort.com/en/weddings




The Destination Wedding, also referred to as the Wed-Cation, provides the bride, groom and guests with vacation-like accommodations while preparing for the big event; hence, given all the indoor/outdoor accommodations, the Le Blanc Spa Resort is considered a village within itself.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the main entrance with a refreshing coconut drink and a moistened hand cloth. Subsequently, the guests are checked in, given a wrist band and escorted to their deluxe rooms which inc…
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