You got red, whte and blue highlights to match your pedicure.

You named your two schnauzers George and Martha.

Your son’s kazoo rendition of “God Bless America” brings tears to your eyes.

You call your house rules the Bill of Rights.

Your breakfast of choice:  apple pie.

Happy Fourth of July!

Ciao!

You spent all that time putting up the Christmas decorations, now it’s time to put them away.  So here are a few ways to store those items, with things you have around the house.

*FOOD CONTAINERS:  Loop delicate or extra-large Christmas lights into a circle and store them in a small plastic food containers – they’re easy to stack and sturdy, so the bulbs won’t get broken.
*FABRIC SOFTENER SHEETS:  Dust each ornament with a used sheet.  Then flip the sheet over and wrap the ornament in it to keep dust away while it’s in storage and to prevent rubbing against another ornament.
*PANTY HOSE:  What’s that, I don’t have any of those in my house.  If you do, you can use them to keep your leftover rolls of wrapping paper from getting ripped and ragged.  Just cut a leg off the panty hose, slide it over the tube and secure with a rubber band.  Good use for those don’t you think.
*PILLOWCASES  Cover artificial wreaths and dried flower arrangements in bubble wrap, then store them in old pillowcases.
*SKIRT HANGERS:  Hang up Holiday tablecloths and napkins to keep then from getting wrinkled.  (Try not to clip them on the folded edge.)
*Here are few more tips for you.
-Take pictures of the way you decorated, so you can remember for next year.  Believe me this helps.
-Place an index card on the outside of the box you are packing up with all the items  inside.  Or pack by room.
-Make a list of the things you’ll need for next year, that you didn’t get in the after Xmas sales,  so when they put the Xmas decorations up in October you can pick them up and be ahead of the game.
THIS TAKES THE CAKE.  VALENTINE DAY DECORATIONS FOR SALE BEFORE XMAS WAS OVER, ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!

Ciao!

Well then, don’t forget to return your unwanted Christmas gifts now. Stores have different return policies, but many stop accepting items after January 31st. So get shopping for the best selection and the full refund.

Ciao!

Get’em while they’re hot!    I know I did!  The items you might need for next year that are a smok’in deals right now at 50% to 75% off are:  STORAGE CONTAINERS!  The more stuff you buy the more you’ll need.  Lights and more lights, inflatable’s for the front yard,  wrapping paper, tags for the presents, ribbons, bows, trees, ornaments, greenery and greetings cards.    Probably the best bargains are presents for next year.  Clothes are especially deep discounted due to poor sales this season, so take advantage of it.

Have fun shopping!

Sweet P

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

SWEET P

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there rose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of a new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With a sleight full of Toys and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound,

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled ! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
‘Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Happy Holidays to all!!

Boun Natale!
Sweet P

Christmas Eve:

Be very blessed.  On this Christmas eve, take a moment to write down all the people and things for which you are grateful.  You’ll feel restored in the meaning of life.

Ciao!

Day 23:

Wander, Wonder. Walk in your neighborhood to see the best-decorated homes when you can’t find time for a formal workout. You’ll reap the rewards of a closer look while squeezing in some exercise.

See you tomoroow.

Ciao!

Day 22:

Save Face. Did you forgte to mail a holiday card to a friend or relative who won’t forget you did ? Send an e-mail card that will arrive instantly by using one of many online greeting card services.  Here are a few.

http://www.bluemountain.com

http://www.americangreetings.com

http://www.123greetings.com

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Here are the five signs that you’ve gone overboard this holiday:

5.  Al Gore called:  Your twinkle lights are contributing to global warming.

4.  Your dog now barks out “Jingle Bells.”

3.  Santa blamed his post-holiday weight gain solely on your 200-cookie assortment.

2.  NASA said they could see your outdoor nativity scene from space.

And the number 1 sign that you’ve gone overboard for Christmas…

The kids look confused when someone says, “Christmas only comes once a year.”

Ciao!

Day 21:

Light the night.  December 21st is the shortest day of the year and the start of Hanukkah.  Even the cheeriest sorts may feel a little gloomy.  Take a walk at lunch when the sun is at its brightest and use holiday lights and candles to help make your home as bright inside as possible.

See you tommorow.

Ciao!

Day 20:

Curtail Sores: If a cold sore breaks out, use a Christmasy cure: a dab of myrrh oil found at a health food store. Do this at least three times a day and as much as 10 times a day until the sore is gone.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 19:

Dust off a lawn chair. Bundle up! It’s tempting to hide inside, but it’s important to remain connected to the outdoors all year round. Sit quietly and see what wildlife scampers in your backyard. If you sit out on Chrismas Eve you might just see Santa and his reindeer.

See you tomorrow!

Ciao!

Day 18:

Scent for company. To quickly make your house smell festive, add a tabespoon of each of these herbs to 2 cups of water; let simmer on low in an old pan or a Potpourri Pot, taking care not to boil dry: cinnamon, bay leaves, sage leaves, rosemary, and lavender. Smells so good.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao1

Day 17:

Celebrate the quirky. Simply laugh over the silly slipups that happen every hoilday. So buy a special holiday notebook or journal and every year date the pages and write down the funnies that happen over the hoilday. Because they often become your fondest memories of all.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 16:

Imitate Saint Nick. There’s nothing like a good belly laugh to feel the joy of the season, For help with holiday rib tickling, watch a A Christmas Story (only the best movie ever); Olive, the Other Reindeer; The Santa Clause; Home Alone and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. There are so many more out there but I would run out of room on the page. So dig out your favorites and have a chuckle tonight.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 15:

Sole stretch. Christmas shopping takes a toll on your wallet as well as your feet.  When you get home, put a towel around one foot, grasp both ends of the towel, and pull your toes toward you for 15 seconds for a good stretch.  Release and repeat until soreness slips away.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 14:

Light your fire.  Stare into the flickering flame of a white or blue candle and be mesmerized.  Slow your breathing and let stressful thoughts float away.  Ahh!!!!

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 13:

Rest your weary head. It’s halfway through the month and your feeling overwhelmed. Well then just take a nap. Just lying down in a dark quiet place can help. Then you’ll feel rested enough to finish what you started.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 12:

Tie one on. An apron that is. You’ll be festive and psyched up to bake for family and friends.  After baking for those family and friends, take off the apron and really tie one on.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 11:

Make a joyful noise.  Grab some friends and go caroling.  Or just pipe up in the privacy if your own home.  Forceful exhalations can help protect the upper respiratory system from infections.   Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 10:

Munch Candy. Indulge in a striped candy cane you pluck from off the tree. If there’s real peppermint oil in the cane, it acts as a calming tonic for stress relief. And if there is any time we need to relieve stress this is it.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 9:

Give unto others. Set aside materialism for a while by giving back to those less fortunate. Ring a bell for the Salvation Army, serve treats at a meal site, or volunteer for a nonprofit with special holiday needs. Don’t forget to leave some money in the red bucket. Or buy a gift for a child on the Salvation tree at the mall.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 8:

Drink in Merriment. Dark chocolate reduces blood pressure. Heat 3/4 cup milk until just before boiling, pour in a large mug, and stir in 1 ounce coarsely chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate pieces. Let stand for 30 seconds then stir to combine. Add a few mini marshmallows just for some added fun.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 7:

Reach out to others.  Leave your normal acquaintances behind for a day and connect with a long-lost friend, or join in the camaraderie of community activities, such as town square tree lightings and holiday plays.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 6:

Smell the Season. Bring in cut evergreen boughs or use a few drops of essential oil of evergreen on terra-cotta tree ornaments.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 5:

Dig out the Holiday CDs. Turn on the music when stress has you ready to knock the partridge out of the pear tree. The familiar carols will soothe and slow you down to help you enjoy the season. Put on some Jingle Bell Rock and pour yourself some egg nog.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 4:

Jot a note to you. Motivate yourself with upbeat words of encouragement, or even a promise of a massage when the shopping is done. We rarely focus on ourselves so provide your own mood lifter. Write it down on holiday note pads it will be even better.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 3:

Let Lips Linger. One kiss-and-tell survey showed that couples who smootched often are eight times less likely to feel streesed or depressed. Meet under the mistletoe as often as you can.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

Day 2:

Wrap Happily. Avoid wrapping packages on the floor, which strains the neck and lower back. Stand on a mat in front of a countertop and wear comfortable shoes. Or take a seat at the table.

Ciao!

Have you ever been sitting around the Christmas with a cup of eggnog and asking yourself just how much the total cost of each item in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song totals? Well, the grand total of the contents of the song for 2008 is $86,609, this represents a 10.9 percent increase from last year. I guess I won’t be getting my Ten Lords a-leaping this year! And they were so cute last year. Check out the meaning of the song below.

Click here for the Twelve Days of Christmas

Ciao!

Over the next 24 days of I will be suggesting tips in which you can use to stay happy and healthy this holiday season. So be sure to check in everyday for a new tip.

Day 1:
Start a new tradition. Traditions provide a sense of belonging to those involved. Create a holiday dish, paint a new ornament each year, host a neighborhood open house, put together a gingerbread house, or come up with another way to personalize the holiday.

See you tomorrow.

Ciao!

PUMPKIN SURPRISE
INGREDIENTS:
1 12 OZ. CAN EVAPORATED MILK
1-1/2 CUPS SUGAR
4 EGGS, BEATEN
2 TEASPOONS CINNAMON
1 TEASPOON GINGER
1/2 TEASPOON CLOVES
1 29 OZ. CAN OF SOLID PUMPKIN
************************
1 YELLOW CAKE MIX
1 CUP (2 STICKS) MELTED BUTTER

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Mix together the first 7 ingredients. Pour in an ungreased 9×13 pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix over the top, then drizzle with the melted butter. Top with pecans if desired. Bake for 1-1/2 hours or until set. Serve cold or at room temp. Top with cool whip.

Enjoy now, diet later!

CIAO!

With Thanksgiving day just a few days away, there are always those last minute questions that need answered. So I found a site with the answers to many of those questions that you may have.

http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/food/cooking/thanksgiving-turkey-faqs

Ciao!

Are you anxious about the upcoming holidays. If you are stressed out then try this remedy. Bend your right arm and find the point at the outer end of the arm’s crease, near the elbow. Press for 30 seconds, then release. Repeat on the other arm. According to the Eastern healing art shiatsu, stimulating this point called Crooked Pond, helps unblock and rebalance chi (energy) in your body, This eases the symptoms (sweaty palms, anyone?) of acute worry.
Ciao!

It’s that time of the year where the scents of sage, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves soon will float through holiday kitchens as cooks pull from the oven pumpkin pies, cookies, turkey, ham and prime rib.
Unless the spices are too old and flat. Spices past their prime rob holiday favorites of flavor and aroma.
That said, now’s a good time to take stock of your essential holiday spices and herbs. Are they relatively fresh, or should they be replaced?
The best way to check is by look, smell and taste. Toss spices with faded color and diminished smell or flavor. Rule of thumb is to keep spices no longer than one year. Always store them in an airtight container away from heat, moisture and sunlight.

From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, here are the spices most often needed for holiday treats and meals: Clove, Nutmeg, Sage, Allspice, Ginger, Cinnamonm Pepper and Poultry Seasoning.

Happy Eating!

CIao!