Product Review: Oral-B Professional Precision 5000

Brushing your teeth is one of those things that you just do. It’s like washing your face and taking a shower. You just do it. I have to admit, I never really thought too much about it. I brush my teeth like everyone else, go to the dentist twice a year, and get my new toothbrush every time I go. It’s pretty much a no brainer. I never gave my teeth the royal treatment with a special brush, that is until now.

I recently had the chance to try out the Oral-B Professional Precision 5000 rechargeable power toothbrush. When I first took it out of the box I was a little overwhelmed by all the bells and whistles. I mean when you buy a regular old toothbrush at the drugstore you just take it out of the box and go. This had a few more parts. But I quickly got over it and started reading the instructions and found myself actually excited to brush my teeth.

 

The set up instructions were easy to follow. As I read on, I found the wireless smart guide to be a very cool surprise. This little gadget keeps track of how long you have been brushing and can even let you know when you are done with each quadrant of your mouth so you get the ultimate professional treatment. This was one of my favorite parts of this toothbrush. It takes the guess work out of trying to figure out if you’ve been brushing long enough.

While using the Oral-B Professional Precision 5000 toothbrush, I could actually feel my teeth getting cleaner when compared to my old school toothbrush. The oscillating and pulsating movements do make a difference when trying to get your teeth clean. This is something you’re not going to get from manually brushing. The only downside I found was it could be a bit messy. I’m the type of person who tends to walk around the house when brushing my teeth, especially if the kids are running here and there. That is hard to do, neatly, when you have a rotating toothbrush in your hand. But, if I stayed over the sink like a normal person, this wouldn’t be a problem!

 

A friend of mine told me once you upgrade to a rechargeable toothbrush, you never go back. I have to say I agree. I actually threw out the one from the dentist so my new Oral-B Professional Precision 5000 now has a permanent home.

 

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Modern Mom on behalf of Oral-B and received a product sample to facilitate my review."

                     

 

 

The 12 Days of Christmas...2012 Style

   It's a holiday classic...the 12 days of Christmas. We all know what our true love gave to us according to that song. But really, what modern mom really wants any of those things on that dated list? Okay, maybe we'd still take the five gold rings. I surely don't need eleven lords a leaping or a partridge in a pear tree, especially if its Danny Bonaduce... talk about useless gifts. French hens, and geese...just more things to clean up after. Twelve drummers drumming? Nope, that just equals more noise.

   Seeing that the old list is completely useless and impractical, I came up with my own little version that my husband and children could give to me this year. Some of these things are probably on your list too. Hope you like it! Feel free to sing it or add in the background track.

On the first day of Christmas, my family gave to me, one day at the spa.

On the second day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the third day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the fourth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the sixth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the seventh day of Christmas, my family gave to me 7 movies to watch, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the eighth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 8 maids of cleaning, 7 movies to watch, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the ninth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 9 books to read,  8 maids of cleaning, 7 movies to watch, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the tenth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 10 empty hampers, 9 books to read,  8 maids of cleaning, 7 movies to watch, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the eleventh day of Christmas , my family gave to me, 11 Zumba classes, 10 empty hampers, 9 books to read,  8 maids of cleaning, 7 movies to watch, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

On the twelfth day of Christmas, my family gave to me, 12 gourmet meals, 11 Zumba classes, 10 empty hampers, 9 books to read,  8 maids of cleaning, 7 movies to watch, 6 long hot showers, 5 nights of sleep, 4 hours of silence, 3 glasses of Pinot, 2 mani pedis, and one day at the spa.

Merry Christmas!

A $24,000 Playhouse for Suri...What?

   I was driving the other day when I heard on the radio that Katie Holmes was buying her daughter, Suri Cruise, a $24,000 playhouse for Christmas. I thought I was hearing things, so I had to come home and google it. Well, not only did I hear correctly, but I found out this "Suri dreamhouse" is equipped with running water, electricity, a sun room and eat-in kitchen. Not only is she getting this ridiculous house, but she is also getting a kids' version of a Mercedes that is worth nearly 10 large, as well as an iPad mini and a Chloe fur coat.

   After my eyes went back into my head, I had a WTF moment. With all that is going on in the world today, this really irked me (so, of course, I had to write about it). There are still Hurricane Sandy victims waiting to get running water and electricity. Heck, there so many homeless who would love to live in Suri's new play gigs. There are twenty children in Newtown, CT, just around her age who will not have a Christmas because they went to school one day and never came home. Their classmates who survived the mass shooting are surely going to be scarred for life. I'm sure a $24,000 playhouse is so far off their radar right now. I'm sure some of them will just settle for a good night's sleep without any bad dreams.

   I know Suri is not the only celeb kid that will be spoiled this Christmas, but since this is the only one I've heard about, I'm picking on her. Sorry, Suri. Maybe it's me, but I don't think all this stuff is necessary for a six-year-old girl. Come on, does she really need this? No. Does she want all this? Who knows. But, when you lay out this spread for this Christmas, how do you follow up next year? A Barbie penthouse, complete with a life size robot Barbie? I just don't know.

   I'm getting off my soapbox now, but I'm still fired up. When I hear things like this, my mind is boggled and I actually get kind of sad to think that kids need to be spoiled this way. This Christmas my kids are obviously not getting any houses they could actually rent to their friends, nor are they getting a better play car than my real car. I'm okay with that. They'll be happy with what they get. They'll be happy they have me. I'll be happy I have them. These days, that's all that matters.

How Do You Stay Slim?

   It seems to be a never ending battle. You gain weight, you lose weight, you gain weight…you know the drill. When you have kids, things expand easily, but the trouble is, they don’t shrink as easily. After having two kids, I can tell you that losing weight is one of the hardest things. I found after both pregnancies my secret weapon was breastfeeding. It shed the pounds quicker than anything else. The trouble is after you’re done breastfeeding, the weight starts to creep back.

   That’s when you hit the gym hardcore. I try to go as often as I can, but it’s hard when you have kids. They have those kids’ club babysitter things, but I don’t completely trust them to be honest with you! I know a lot of other moms who turn to Weight Watchers, while some try other means. Whatever you do, it’s always best to check in with your doctor too. Sometimes he or she can also get you on the path to becoming a slimmer momma. Here’s my advice, for what it’s worth…After having kids, I’ve come to realize that my body will never be the same again, and I’m okay with that. As long as I’m healthy for myself and my family, the size 4 jeans can stay on the rack.

--Kristina

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Flying with Kids

   Before having kids, planning a trip was as easy as having a plan, then making sure you had the money to pay for it. After kids, it became a bit more complicated. There are a lot more things to consider. Is the destination kid friendly? What kind of restaurants are there? And the big one…can we drive or do we have to take a flight?

   I know a lot of people who have taken flights with their little ones with no problems. In fact, they swear by it.  I have not yet been that adventurous. So far, we’ve only tried our luck with road trips and it hasn’t been so bad. I’m a little apprehensive to fly because of all the baggage and extra stuff that comes along with packing for kids. Car seats and strollers don’t exactly fit in the overhead storage bins! But, a lot of parents say they’re easy to check and retrieve. They also say the kids are so fascinated with flying that they actually behave pretty well. There’s also no stopping every five miles to go potty. That must be nice! One of these days we’ll take to the friendly skies with our kids. I’m sure they will be super excited!

--Kristina

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Finding the Best Diaper Bag

   It’s one of the most important things you will buy as a new mom. Is it a car seat? No. What about the crib? No.  Drum roll please….It is the almighty diaper bag! I never thought it was such an important part of the mommy experience, but it really is. Your life and your kids’ lives are pretty much in that bag 24/7. Diapers, bottles, formula, toys, clothes, wallet…you name it and its there.

   Some moms still carry a pocketbook along with their diaper bags. I ditch the pocketbook when I have the kids because it’s just one more thing to lug around. These days diaper bags are so trendy that you really don’t have to bring along the pocketbook. I’ve had some serious bag envy when I see other mommas with diaper bags nicer than any pocketbook that is collecting dust in my closet. Don’t get me wrong, some of these will put you back a few boxes of diapers. But, if you’re not going to carry a pocketbook, it may really be worth it. If you don’t want to shell out the cash, you could always put it on a registry or a little wish list too! You never know what people will buy for you if you just ask them!

--Kristina

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Finding the Right Fit

   As women, we have a lot more clothing options than men do. That’s part of the fun of being a woman. We have our skirts, our dresses, our different coats, and of course our underwear. Just because you have kids doesn’t mean you have to revert to buying “granny panties”. You know which ones I’m talking about…those ones you can buy in multi-packs in any old store. Can you say boring?

   I’m not saying we all need to or can afford to shop at Victoria’s Secret. But it’s ok to treat yourself a little bit too when it comes to bras and underwear. You don’t have to buy your underwear where you buy your shampoo. We all know how much our bodies change after having kids. Things start sagging and can get a little jiggly too. If they don’t, then you’re not human! Either that or you have extremely good genes and you should be eternally grateful! If you decide to breastfeed your kids, things may start sagging a little quicker too! That’s why it’s really important to find the right bra. Those suckers did some major combat, so it’s only right to reward them, right?

--Kristina

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Time to Play Dress Up

   New Year’s Eve is almost here. If you’re lucky enough, maybe you have plans to go to a party where crayons aren’t a staple. If you are, then you better take advantage and play dress up. If you have little girls you probably play dress up all the time. No matter how old you are, there’s something magical about slipping on a dress and some high heels, especially if you’re usually walking around in jeans and sneakers. It really makes you feel like a woman.

   If you’re not used to dressing up, you may actually find yourself at a loss for what to wear. I remember going shopping last year for post maternity clothes. I felt like I needed my own personal shopper. Sometimes you get so caught up with being a mom that you forget what’s hot and what’s not, all you know is that you are falling under the “not” column more often. I found the best bet is to check out some popular stores and see what you “should” be wearing and then modify it for what you can wear and afford. As long as you don’t get stopped by the fashion police, you should be alright!

--Kristina

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Ready, Set, Shop!

   I love to shop. I know a lot of women out there are with me on this one. I think there’s just something in our DNA. Whether its jeans, shirts, dresses, or jackets, there’s just something about buying a new item. If you’re lucky enough to do it without kids, it takes on a magic of its own. If you can’t swing that, online shopping really isn’t a bad way to go. I have to admit before kids I never really bought clothing online. But, once you have kids, you do a lot of things you never did before.

   To be honest, online shopping is really not bad and is so much easier when you have kids. You don’t have to lug around the stroller. You don’t have to stop at every potty in the mall, and you can browse for as long as you want without a salesperson bugging you or your child having the meltdown of the century. I’ve really come to like it, especially around the holidays when the stores are so crazy with super long lines. If you’re lucky enough to get free shipping, there’s really no reason not to try it. A warning though…once you do, you may get hooked.

--Kristina
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Holiday Shopping Ideas

   What do you get for the person on your holiday shopping list who has everything? Lord knows they don’t need another scarf or sweater or a pair of slippers. These are the people who you usually buy gift cards for so you don’t have to drive yourself nuts, right? Well, not necessarily. There are actually a lot of cool gifts out there if you just take the time to look. I know, I know, who has the time? But, if you actually take the time, you may make some new best friends! I’ve seen everything from cool gadgets, to dolls, to even some interesting candles just waiting to find a new home with that person who has everything.

   Once again, if that’s still not your thing, sometimes gift cards are the best route to go. I know I’m doing a lot of those this year. Not because I’m being lazy (really), but because I know people will really enjoy them. They will definitely be the right size, won’t need a gift receipt and won’t need to be returned. Sometimes it takes a little of the hustle and bustle out of the holidays, and we could all use a little of that every now and again, right?

--Kristina
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Getting on Board with Technology

   When it comes to phone technology, I think I was the last person on the planet to get a smart phone. I was walking around with a “dumb phone” for ages. I think Fred Flintstone had better technology than I did.  With that said, I have to admit I don’t know how I lived without my little iPhone! I have formed a special relationship with this little piece of technology. I take her everywhere I go, and she even goes to sleep with me to recharge her batteries!

   Besides the actual phone, there are also a lot of cool accessories. Let’s start with the case. There are some really cool ones out there when it comes to the iPhone or any other phone out there. You can pretty much get any design. There are even some you can personalize with pictures of your loved ones. Once again, all this smart phone stuff is really new to me. There is even technology that allows you to fly a helicopter. Now that’s cool! I don’t know if I can get on board with that, but that is definitely cool! I know a lot of people who would love that for a Christmas gift, or any other gift for that matter!

--Kristina
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Cooking with Spices

   I’ll be the first to admit, when it comes to food, I’m a pretty boring eater. I kinda like to stick with what I know. With that said I envy people who are adventurous when it comes to their food. You know who you are. You’re the kind of people who always order something different when you go out, even if it is at your favorite restaurant. You always like to try something new. Yeah, not me. I’m the type of person who usually has a favorite and sticks with it. I guess you can say I don’t fall under the category “variety is the spice of life.”

   When it comes to spices, there are a lot of people who really like to turn it up a notch. There is nothing too spicy for their palates. Again, I applaud you. There are also a lot of people who like to go the sweet route.  I’m more of a plain old salt and pepper girl myself when it comes to spices. I know, I know..boring. Maybe that’s why I’m not the best cook either! My husband always asks if we have certain spices in the house and I just look at him like he has three heads. Maybe it’s time to kick it up in the kitchen!

--Kristina
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Ready, Set, Print!

   Before my daughter learned where I keep the printer paper, it used to last me forever. One package could last for months and months. But now, that is not the case. Somehow, she is using more of it than I am. She seems to be turning into a Picasso who likes to create several pieces of daily artwork. God forbid she uses the same piece of paper more than once. Don’t get me wrong, I love her creativity and would much rather she does this than sit in front of the TV. But, coloring in a coloring book wouldn’t be so bad either.

   Of course, I’ve tried to tell her to only take one or two at a time. But, how well does a three-year-old really listen? I think you know the answer. So, naturally, when I’m ready to print some coupons, because like I’ve said before, I’ve never  met a coupon I didn’t like, I find myself searching for paper. There are plenty of scribbles. Excuse me, I meant to say masterpieces…but those won’t cut it. So, that usually means a trip to the store, to pick up some more paper. Just add it to the list! A mother’s work is never done!

--Kristina
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That's a Wrap!

   So the presents are bought (well almost), and now it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty and do some wrapping before the big day. If you’re lucky, you only have to wrap them once and stick a nice name tag on them all and decide whether to put on a green or red bow. But, for a lot of us, those packages have to go a lot further than just under the tree. That means a trip to the post office for some shipping.

   I’ll admit, I don’t usually have to send out a lot of packages. So, I guess you could say I’m lucky. But, when I do, there are usually a lot of supplies to get…the boxes, the special paper and sometimes even some special tags and tape.  Once you have it all ready to go, it’s time to ship those packages off. Here’s a word to the wise mommas…don’t take your kids along if you can help it. Every time I go to the post office, I always have some type of kid drama. The lines are usually a little longer too this time of year, which doesn’t help the situation. So just remember, wrap, pack, and go it alone (if you can!).

 

--Kristina
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Different Gift Ideas for Kids

   I’m sure this Christmas plenty of Barbies, trucks, and board games will find new homes under plenty of people’s trees. But, sometimes, gifts like that can get boring. Sure, they’re an easy buy, but honestly, they’re boring. There are a lot of other cool gifts out there for kids; you just have to look a little further than just down the toy aisle that blinds you with different shades of pink. You know what I mean?

   I’ll admit I fall into the boring and easy trap just as easy as the next momma. I’m always jealous of one of my friends who always buys the most unique gifts whether it’s for me or for my kids. You will never find her picking up a toy at a big box store. I know she shops local a lot and sometimes finds some cool stuff online too. Gifts like that also have a more personal feel to them.  I honestly wish I had the patience and time to do that. While many things get lost in toy land, it’s very rare that one of those unique gifts will get a one way ticket to the bottom of your child’s toy chest.

Giving Back with Charity Christmas Cards

   ‘Tis the season for giving, we all know that. If you’re like me, you’ve probably gotten a lot of things in the mail from charities over the past month or so. Mailing labels and cards are always a biggie this time of year. I don’t know about you, but I always feel guilty about keeping those things without sending a little bit of money back. Cards and labels cost money to make and I feel like I’m taking from those who they are trying to help by not giving a little something back in return.

   Sometimes it’s nice to know that you are actually helping others by just sending a Christmas card their way. It’s especially nice because we all know where a lot of those cards end up at the end of the season…in the trash. So, if people are just going to throw them away, you might as well not waste money by just buying them at any old store. The way I look at is that if you’re going to spend money on cards and take the time to write them all out, you might as well help people in the process. After all, isn’t that what the holiday season is all about?

Let's Give a Hand for Special Gifts

   As a parent, I’m sure many of you out there will agree that homemade gifts from your kids are the best thing ever. As a child, I remember how excited my Mom and Dad were to get my one- of- a- kind goodies and now I know why. Anyone can take your little one to a store to buy you a gift, but it really means so much more when those gifts are from the heart and made from their little hands.

  Besides getting homemade gifts from your kids, it’s nice to get other special presents that someone made by hand, rather than something mass produced in some factory. We all know, it’s the thought that counts. That’s why when someone thinks about getting you something different, it really does count. There are places you can go to get gifts made by hand or there are other gifts you can do yourself. Before I had kids I had more time to be crafty, but now that is definitely not the case! So, I do admire you mommas out there who can still be Martha Stewart while wearing your Mom hat! For those of you who can’t (like myself), there are plenty of other hands out there that can make those homemade gifts this year and still give it a unique flair!

Give the Gift of Food

   If you’re like many people this time of year, you’re in the middle of the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. With that comes the daunting task of finding the “perfect” gift…if there is such a thing. Sometimes you search and search in hopes of tracking down the one thing that will put a smile on even the pickiest person. Even when you think you’ve found that “it” gift, you get an “oh, this is nice” as a response, when you know what they’re really thinking is, “where in the world did they come up with this gem?”

   Sometimes the best way to avoid all that awkwardness is to gift to give is food. I mean, really, who doesn’t like to snack? If you say no, then I really don’t think you’re human. After all, we all need to eat! If you don’t know what to choose, there are a lot of yummy snacks out there that are also good for you too. Not everything you put in your mouth automatically has to earn you an hour on the treadmill! There are a lot of places to choose from too, you just really have to decide which way to go. Think about it this way…the gift of food always fits and you never need a gift receipt!

I Am "Mommy Cow"

   "Hi, Mommy Cow. Bye, Daddy Dog." No, I'm not in a pet store. I'm home with my kids and this is now how my three-year-old greets us. For some odd reason she is now attaching animals to everyone's name. Sure it may be cute...at first. But, for people who are not up on her new lingo, it can be embarrassing at times. My absolute favorite is when she doesn't know people's first names and simply says, "Bye pig, or bye horse." Then, I have to explain the obsession to a new set of horse eyes or a new pig snout. Sometimes, I just want to hide in the barn.

   I'm trying to figure out where this animal obsession came from. We certainly don't live on a farm. Yes, she's been to a farm to see animals, but that was months ago. We don't have animals. Heck, I don't really even like animals all that much. She doesn't watch any "animal" based cartoons. So, how in the world did it happen? It just kinda did one day. At first, I thought it was a fluke. I was going to file it under, "kids say the darnedest things." But, I'm beginning to think this is going to stick around for awhile...kinda like Caillou, but perhaps not as annoying.

   My daughter not only assigns animals to people, but changes them on a daily basis. Yesterday her cousin was a squirrel. Today, she's a cat. Yesterday her Grandmother was a duck. Today, she's a dog. While everyone else gets to play musical animals, her father and I are destined to be dogs and cows. For some reason, I have the joy of being called a "cow." Just what every woman dreams of!
Why can't I be a cat, or perhaps even a squirrel? I would even settle for a duck every now and again. But no, I am "Mommy Cow". I'll let you know if things change. But for now, moo to you:)

   

Searching for the Big "O"

   If you're like me, you're always looking for it. No matter how hard you try, you just can't seem to achieve it. Sometimes you think you've got it, but you don't. You used to be able to do it all the time. But, then the kids came, and well, you just don't have the time because it just dropped down on the priority list. I'm talking about the big "O". For those of you who have been reading the "Fifty Shades" trilogy like me, I'm not talking about that "O". I'm talking about organization. Sorry to burst all your bubbles if you thought this was going to be a sex post. Maybe you should go back and spend some quality time with Christian Grey!

  Anyway, do any of you other mommas out there always feel like you are in a constant state of disorganization? It seems like no matter what I do, I just can't seem to get things in order. For those of you who know me, you know that I used to be sooo organized pre-kids. Some may say I was even borderline OCD, but I prefer to say I was just E-O, that's extremely organized for those of you who don't know. Now I'm just S.O.L. If you don't know what that means, look it up. 

   Let's start with the housework. When did the house become such a mess? Oh yeah, that's right, I have kids. It feels like there are just not enough hours in the day and not enough of me to go around. There are days I feel like I need a clone just to do all the grunt work. Wouldn't that be a dream? That might even be better than a date with Christian Grey. Okay, maybe not! But, you get my drift. It seems like I am constantly loading and unloading the dishwasher. There are constant piles of laundry that need to be put away. Don't get me started on the house cleaning! Dust bunnies have seemed to take refuge in every corner of my house. They used to just vacation here, but now they've moved in and they've brought their cousins. I don't like it one bit. Then there's just the stuff that's lying around everywhere. Crayons, books, magazines, random toys, catalogues...I could on and on. Where did all this stuff come from? Sigh.

   Now I know a playroom is just that, a playroom, but why do I have to feel like I'm going to step on a land mine at any second? Sometimes you need protective gear to enter. Blocks are usually scattered everywhere along with crayons, teapots, tea cups, and lots of stuffed animals.I know it's their room, but it would be nice to be able to walk without almost breaking your neck. Sigh.

  My DVR is even in need of organization. I am currently 16 episodes, make that 17 episodes, behind my favorite soap opera. I need to lock myself in my room with some major snacks in order to organize this bad boy. I'll put that on the list of things that are not going to happen any time soon. Sigh.

   What happened to free time to just get things in order like pictures or, God forbid, time to finish my "Fifty Shades" trilogy? For the love of Pete, I've been reading this third book forever! Oh yeah, I have kids.

   Since it seems like true organization is not in my future anytime soon, I might as well suck it up. I know there are plenty of you out there who are in the same boat. For those of you who have kids and are still completely organized with a spotless house, no laundry to put away, and dinner on the table with a different "Food Network" recipe every night...I hate you. Just kidding...okay, not really. But, please share your secrets to success, unless you're some kind of robot, because that would be the only explanation. Ciao Ciao for now...I'm off now to continue my quest for the big "O". Sigh.

These Boots Were Made for Walking

   Okay, so winter is almost here and that means spending more time indoors…or does it? If you’re like me, you love to go for walks when the sun is shining with a nice warm breeze blowing through your hair. When the mercury starts to drop sometimes my initiative to get up and go is more like a no go. But, there are plenty of people out there who don’t let old man winter change their walking plans.

   If you’re one of those people, I really envy you. I know you bundle yourselves up and walk even faster to keep away the winter chill. That’s actually one plus for walking in the winter. At least you move a little faster!  Just like the song goes, there are plenty of boots that are made for walking too. You just have to find the right ones. There are plenty of cute ones for women and some real nice rugged looking ones for guys too. Maybe that’s what I need to get me moving in the right direction this winter. Lord knows it beats racking up the miles on the treadmill! Talk about boring with a capital “B”. We’ll see what happens!

It’s Time to Face Winter

   Like it or not, winter will be here before you know it. If you haven’t already, that means finally having to say goodbye to our tank tops and flip flops (tear drop), and saying hello to our jackets and boots. The only good thing about the weather getting colder is that it gives me a good excuse to go shopping.  Not like I really need an excuse, but everyone has to get some new clothes for the new season, right? Exactly, that’s what I thought.

   So, what kind of things do you look for when shopping for the next few months of winter that lie ahead of us? Well, besides picking up some new sweaters and boots, a staple of any winter wardrobe is a good jacket. You have to stay warm when the chill hits. There’s nothing worse than walking around in the cold and being cold. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that. If you’re not one to actually go out and buy yourself some new stuff, then why not put it on your Christmas list? Who knows, maybe you’ll find it under your tree. You can ask Santa; just make sure you’ve been nice over the past year and not naughty!

Gearing Up for Winter

   I’ll admit it; I’m not a big fan of winter. I’ll take a day on the beach over a snowball fight any day. But, I know plenty of people who love to hit the slopes as soon as there’s enough snow coating the ground. Kudos to you! I know you guys have to wrap yourselves up in a lot of layers and take a lot of time bundling up and keeping warm.  As with any other activity or outing, you have to put a lot of thought into what kind of outdoor gear you’ll be sporting. There are the hats, the gloves, the scarves, the snow pants, the footwear…the list goes on and on. It’s not like the summer when you can throw on a pair of shorts and flip flops and run out the door!

    From what I hear from a lot of you winter outdoor lovers, waterproof clothing is a staple of your wardrobe. To my summer loving surprise, a lot of those warm and waterproof jackets and other gear are actually stylish. Who knew? Maybe I haven’t been giving winter a fair shake all these years! Maybe one way to warm up to winter is through a shopping trip. What do you think?

Keeping Out the Winter Chill

   Depending on where you live, you may have already shoveled through your first significant snowfall of the year. That’s definitely the case where I live. I have to keep reminding myself that winter is not even here yet. Sigh. When it does arrive, it doesn’t leave very quickly. Double sigh. In fact it seems as though it loves to linger much longer than the summer months. That means more snow and more chilly temperatures. Triple sigh!

  Since I can’t do anything to avoid the impending chill, I might as well just suck it up. If that’s the case, I might as well go along with it and do it in style.  You know the saying…”if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”  That’s definitely the case here. As much as I may not want to admit it, there are a lot of cute winter clothes out there. From coats to scarves to jackets…there’s plenty to work with out there. With Christmas looming, there are also a lot of deals out there too on winter coats and other gear to keep you warm and get you through the season. Perhaps that’s the silver lining here? Who knows! Everyone loves a bargain, myself included!

How Much is Your Furniture Worth?

   It’s kind of hard to believe that the holidays are here and the end of the year is approaching. It seems like only yesterday I was watching Ryan Seacrest in Times Square. But anyway, for a lot of us the promise of a new year brings a new resolution. For some that means cleaning up our houses and finally getting organized. If you’re getting organized, it may be time to part with some items that you have been clinging to, just like that pair of size two jeans you know you’re never going to fit into again no matter how many miles you run!

  For some people that “clingy” item may be an old piece of furniture that was either handed down or was bought as a “real steal” at a yard sale. You may be surprised, but a lot of old furniture could bring you some new cash. We’re not just talking coffee money either. Some furniture could be worth tens of thousands of dollars. It’s crazy to think but it’s true. Something that’s just taking up space in your house or collecting dust could help you collect some cash. What a better way to ring in the new year than with some new green!

Antiques Could = Cash

   It’s that time of year when we could all use a little extra cash to complete our holiday shopping list. For some people that means picking up an extra shift at work or maybe even a seasonal job. For others it means looking at your own stuff to see what can be traded in for extra cash. What you may think is junk just lying around the house may actually be antiques that are worth money. We all have those knick knacks that have been collecting dust or that vase we toyed with selling at a tag sale, but kept for some odd reason. Come on, admit it, you know what I’m talking about here!

   It’s really interesting to see how people determine if you have a real gem on your hands or if you really have a piece of junk. While you can play a guessing game, the only true way to find out is to have someone experienced take a look for you. I know we’re all busy this time of year, but taking a little time out to see what you have may actually make you money. Even if you don’t use the money to buy something for someone else, why not buy something for yourself?

The Art of Appraising

   We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”  But, I’ve also heard a lot of people say their paintings are worth a thousand bucks or sometimes even ten times more. Has that ever happened to you? I can honestly say it hasn’t happened to me, but I wish it would someday! I know a lot of people who are going to have antiques and art appraised to see if they can be that lucky too. Sometimes you really don’t know what you have until someone dusts off the cobwebs and takes a good hard look!

  You can call it a sign of the times, but I think a lot of people are raiding their attics and basements because of the rising popularity of television shows that show just how much stuff you find in storage may actually be worth. My husband is totally into those shows and I get sucked into watching them too. Sometimes they can be annoying, but other times it really is amazing to see how much value something that appears to be worthless can actually hold. It actually makes you want to look at your own stuff to hunt for hidden treasures.

Open Up a Roll of Bubbly

  Some people call it a stress reliever, others say it’s just fun, and of course, plenty of others use it for what it was made to be used for. I’m talking about bubble wrap. It may sound silly, but I used to love (heck, I still do!) to pop bubble wrap. Of course my mom used to tell me how annoying the sound was, but who cares? There are plenty of other things that are far worse! Bubble wrap is one of those little things in life that can really put a smile on your face. In fact, there’s even something called bubble wrap appreciation day or BWAD, as the cool kids like to call it! There are even fun games you can play with bubble wrap too. Who knew?

   Although bubble wrap appreciation day is still a few months away, bubble wrap is getting plenty of love this time of year. It’s that time of year to wrap and ship those Christmas gifts. No one wants to ship some expensive vase or ornament only to have it arrive in hundreds of pieces of broken glass. ‘Tis the season to open up a roll of bubbly. The person opening that special package will appreciate it!

 

Put a Label on It

   One of my most favorite things to do over the holidays is wrap Christmas presents. I like to wait for the kids to go to bed (really how much wrapping will you get accomplished otherwise?), get a cup of cocoa or glass of wine (usually number two), put on some holiday tunes, and get wrapping. Like I’ve said before sometimes you need to pack up those gifts and ship them off to grandma’s house. If you want to make sure they get over the meadow and through the woods, you better make sure you put a label on it. 

   Those labels are also good if you have to organize stuff. Honestly, what momma out there doesn’t have some organizing to do? Unless your name is Martha Stewart, I’m sure a little labeling wouldn’t hurt  any of us in the organization department! Labels are great when it comes to organizing your kids old clothes or toys, especially if you’re planning on handing them down to a family member or friend. At least this way you find those size 3 shirts without going through all of those storage bins in the basement! Just think of all the time you can save. Time to go label some more stuff and get organized!

Running Low on Ink is Annoying

    It’s one of life’s little annoyances. You’ve either spent the better part of your day writing up some important stuff or downloading some pictures when you go to hit the print button and the finished product comes out blank. If you’re like me, you’ve ignored the “low ink” messages for the last twenty or so prints and now that you really need it, you’re out of ink. If you’re also like me, you always forget to write down the kind of ink you need so that once you get to the store you have no idea what to get. Epic fail…how annoying!

   So here are some simple tips. First of all, don’t ignore those ink warnings. It would just save a lot of time and aggravation to replace the cartridge when you’re supposed to. It’s like filling your gas tank before you hit “E”. Contrary to what you might believe, “E” does not stand for excellent, at least not in this case. Number two, write down what you’re supposed to get before you head out to the store. Think of it as if you’re going out to the grocery store. I know it sounds easy, but sometimes the easiest things are the hardest!

Holiday in the Box

   Holiday shopping…you can either love it or hate it. Either way you look at it, it has to be done. It's kind of like cleaning your toilet. Hopefully you can enjoy shopping a little bit more (if you don’t, you may have some serious issues!). Anyway, while many of us can wrap up those gifts and put them under the tree to await the big day, others have to ship them out to family and friends.

   Of course before you send them out to the post office, you have to play Santa and box up those bargains to get them to that special someone. Honestly, sometimes it can be a pain. What’s the sense of spending all that time and money picking out a gift only to be careless and ship it in a hurry for it to get ruined? I’m sure the person getting the gift wouldn’t be too happy either. Who wants to be unhappy on Christmas? We all know the answer to that one.  If you really want to play the role of one of Santa’s elves, you know those packages need a little TLC before they get to that special someone. So don’t act in haste because it would be a really waste this holiday season!

Buying a Luxury Tree Without Going Broke

   We all know the holiday season can get hectic and definitely expensive. There’s the shopping and of course the decorating. While we may love our house to look like it came out of some style magazine, achieving that swanky goal could make you go broke, especially if you like a luxury tree. But, just with anything, it doesn’t have to be that way, if you know how to shop around for a good deal.  I’m sure even Santa looks for a good bargain every now and again!

  Whether you buy a real or artificial tree, I think a lot of people get caught up with having the perfect one. But, perfection doesn’t have to come with a price tag that would make Rudoplh’s nose turn a brighter shade of red. I think any tree you pick out and decorate with your family is the perfect one, even if it wouldn’t get the Martha Stewart seal of approval. I know a lot of people who spend a lot of money to get that luxury look, when in all reality it looks anything but because they've tried too hard. When it comes to decorating for the holidays, you want to make it something unque and memorable, not something that made you go break the bank!

Why I Love a Real Christmas Tree

   It’s the age old debate when it comes to picking out a Christmas tree. Real or fake? Growing up, we always had a fake one because my Mom said the pine needles the real tree left behind were a real pain to clean up when all was said and done. But, you can’t beat the smell of a real tree. In my opinion, nothing says, or in this case, smells like Christmas , than a real tree.

   Don’t get me wrong, those real trees do leave a mess behind. Mama was right there! Although I end up cleaning pine needles until the Fourth of July, it’s all worth it to me. I love going to the garden center or farm to find the “perfect tree.”  I love trying to tie it to the roof or jam it in the truck to bring it home. I love dragging it in and arguing with my husband about whether it’s straight in the stand. No matter how hard we try, it is honestly never straight no matter what he says! I even love watching the needles fall as we countdown to Christmas Day. To me, it wouldn’t be the holiday season without it!

Would You Buy a Pre-Lit Tree?

    I have to say one of the most annoying parts of decorating the Christmas tree is stringing the lights. It seems like no matter how many times you test the lights before hanging them, a bulb always seems to go out and sometimes that means the whole strand has lost its Christmas cheer. It’s like the Grinch is playing some kind of trick or something. Then there’s always the job of untangling them because someone was careless putting them away the year before. Do these things ever happen to you or is it just me?

   I know a lot of people who don’t have these problems because they invest in those handy dandy pre-lit trees. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about hanging the lights because it’s already done for you. Score one! If one light goes out, chances are the whole string won’t go out too. Score two! Some may say it’s the lazy man or woman’s tree. But, in all honesty, it may be the smarter tree. What’s better than just putting the tree together, plugging it in, and then decorating it? While I’ve never gone this route, it kinda has me thinking this could be the way to go to deck the halls without the aggravation (or arguments with the hubby!).

Is it Time to Deck the Halls Already?

   I can’t believe it’s almost that time of year again to deck the halls. It’s seems like just yesterday I was packing up all the ornaments and lights and shipping them down the basement. Now, here we go again! It’s amazing how fast time really does fly, ya know?

   Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without a tree. It really is the centerpiece of all the holiday decorating. After all, Santa does need a good place to leave all the presents! So, it’s only fitting that one of the most exciting parts about decorating for Christmas is picking out a tree. But, if you think all trees are created equal, think again. Whether you choose an artificial or real tree, they really do come in all shapes and sizes and with all different kinds of price tags too! 

    If you take the artificial route, the main thing to consider is the size. You don’t want to run the risk of looking cramped or tacky. While your eyes may want the seven footer, your ceiling may only be able to handle five feet of Christmas cheer! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, so happy shopping and decorating!

No Power=No Caillou

   Obviously when you lose the power, you lose your lights, television and all the other great things we have learned to be very cranky without. But, try explaining that to a three-year-old. Yeah, not so easy, and really not so much fun. Like millions of people along the East coast, we lost our power during Hurricane Sandy. It was one of those things we knew was going to happen, it was just a matter of time. Luckily, I was able to cook dinner so we didn't have to resort to peanut butter or brownies for food, because that would have just been so horrible. Anyway, we were sitting at the table when the lights flickered a couple of times. What a tease. Let's just get this over with Sandy. Anyway, within minutes, we were sitting in the dark. My youngest daughter could care less, but my oldest first stated the obvious, "It's dark." That's my girl. Then we told her that the storm knocked out the power and turned the lights off. She preceded to tell us she didn't like the storm and that it was bad. I had to laugh at that one.

   So, I lit a few candles and we had our flashlights as we moved to the couch. My little one was waddling around in the dark like it was no one's business. Meanwhile, my oldest asked if she could watch "Caillou". That's her favorite cartoon show. For those of you who have never made the bald little annoying Canadian..."He's just a boy who's four and each day he grows some more...Caillou, Caillou,Caillou...that's me." Yeah, the theme song is the equivalent to "Call Me Maybe" to a tween. Anyhow, I told her that having no power meant no television, which meant no Caillou. So, she said "later Mommy." Yeah, still not getting it. My husband and I knew we would be in the dark well past the morning. Not to get her hopes it, I told her I doubted it because it would take awhile for the power to come back on.

   Ladies and gentlemen, we have lift off.
   "I have no power."
   "No honey, no power."
   "I don't have Caillou."
   "No honey, no power, no Caillou."
    She then remembered an episode where little Caillou lost his power in a storm. Then, she asked me, "just like Caillou?"
   Yep, I answered, just like him. From that point on, she seemed to have grasped the concept of not having power. Who knew Caillou would come in handy!

  

It's in the Bag!

   I’ll admit it. I love bags and pocketbooks. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever met one that I don’t like. As a woman, we have so many to choose from. Thank God! There are the hobo bags, the totes, the clutches, the travel bags…I could go on and on. There’s no doubt there are plenty of women out there who share my affection for a good bag. But, these days, guys are also getting into the bag bonanza. In fact, some bags out there for them to choose from are just as nice as the ones we have. Score one for equality!

   While we tend to throw just about everything into our bags, I’ve noticed the guys bags are a little more disciplined, if you know what I mean. They tend to have specific purposes when it comes to their bags. There are document bags, briefcases, work bags, and totes. The list really does go on and on for them too. In case you’re keeping track, that’s score two for equality!

   I really hope guys get on the “bag bandwagon” because they really don’t know what they’re missing! Women have been doing it for so long, now it’s time for guys to find that “perfect bag”.

Time to “Tie” One On!

   As a woman, we have so many accessories to choose from when we get dressed. Of course we have our necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Don’t forget the scarves, hats, and pins, just to name a few. But, what do guys have? Honestly, not much. They put on a pair of pants, a shirt, socks and shoes, and are usually out the door. They don’t have a lot of stuff to help them accessorize. There’s not much there to show your creative side or style. That’s one of the many reasons I’m glad I’m a woman! 

    If you think about it, the tie  is really the only thing they can pick out to help spice up a special outfit. I actually like to go tie shopping with my husband because sometimes there really are a lot of different ones to choose from. Of course you have your standards solids and stripes, but there are also some really fun ones  out there too. There are even ones to go with the holidays or that special occasion. 

   You’ve probably heard the saying “clothes make the man.” I think the same can be said for a tie. So, maybe it’s one to “tie” one on with your man!