Christmas with a rocket scientist

My boyfriend is a rocket scientist and I can relate to this.  I have to admit with him around life is never dull.  Merry Christmas everybody!

Dreaming of Paris at Christmas

Paris is a beautiful city anytime of the year, but it is especially magical at Christmas time.  Here is collection of pictures to dream about. 

Christmas in Paris

Printemps is a gorgeous department store in Paris' shopping district. 

Kicken' for Kids at Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is about seeing the sparkle and wonderment reflected in a child's eyes.  

The Krewe of Alegria exemplifies this spirit of giving through their Kicken' for Kids organization.  The mission of Kicken' for Kids is to provide new shoes to children in the Tampa Bay Area.

Kicken' for Kids partners with Amy Mandell owner of Feet First (3401 W. Bay to Bay Blvd. 33629 813-835-1339)  in South Tampa to purchase new Nike athletic shoes at a special rate in order to to distribute to the children.  

On Thursday, December 19, 2013, the ladies from The Krewe of Alegria distributed shoes to Cleveland Elementary and Cornerstone Kids.

Shoes were also dropped off at Salesian Boys and Girls Club, and will be taken to Safety Harbor Center.

Through out the year The Krewe of Alegria raises funds for this endeavor by hosting several fundraisers.  The most recent was Latin Nights in November, and the Cutest Pirate Dog Contest is coming up January 4, 2014.

For more information about the Krewe of Alegria, or to make a donation to Kicken' for Kids visit:  http://www.kreweofalegria.com/

For more information about The Krewe of Alegria's 3rd Annual Cutest Pirate Dog Contesthttps://www.facebook.com/events/635696193148072/ 

Doors of Georgetown

Georgetown was founded and 1751, and remains a remarkably preserved area of Washington DC.  

I took these pictures of doors that are decorated for Christmas while strolling through Georgetown.  

According to trulia.com, the average sale price is this area is $1.3 million, so I may have to remain content with visiting Georgetown and admiring the houses from the sidewalk for now.

'Tis the Season to have some fun!

Take a break from Christmas shopping and have some fun!

'Tis the Season!  

Follow this link to find Holiday events in Tampa Bay this weekend. 

There is something to do for everybody!

When Black Friday Comes

I will be the first to admit I am not a fan of Black Friday shopping. I would rather spend the day after Thanksgiving blissfully eating leftovers and going in and out of a turkey coma. I may even rally at some point and attempt some sort of work out to wash away the guilt that almost always follows a holiday wholly devoted to overeating. 

My children are adults, so I don't have wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat wondering if I will ever to be able to find that one elusive toy or gadget that was on their Santa wish list. Thankfully, my children were not demanding spoiled little brats. I would not tolerate that type of attitude from my descendants. 

Ready or not, the Christmas season, or the time we celebrate Christ's birthday, which has been hijacked by rampant materialism is upon us. If you do insist on driving yourself mad and participating in the Black Friday mess, follow the link below for my Black Friday Survivlal Guide.

http://www.examiner.com/article/black-friday-survival-guide

I wrote this article a few years ago, but the advise is still good. Besides, I get about a penny for every hit on that blog, and well, it is Christmas and mama needs some new boots!

Happy Thanksgiving!  Make the most of the holiday. Enjoy time with your family and those who mean the most to you.

If you do insist on engaging in the Black Friday madness, remember your manners, and do try to be civilized. A little kindness goes a long way. 

Overwhelmed by the Christmas Spirit of Giving

It seems like all too often the true spirit of Christmas gets lost in all the commercialism.  I set out on a quest to find the spirit of giving.  

I found two groups of individuals in my local community of Tampa Bay who embody the spirit of giving, the staff of St. Joseph's Hospital and the Rough Riders.  

If you need a dose of the real meaning of Christmas, and yes I said Christmas, please follow these two links to the articles I wrote for Examiner.com.  I promise, the spirit of giving will amaze you, where you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah  Winter Solstice, or any other holiday.

http://www.examiner.com/charity-in-tampa-bay/the-spirit-of-giving-displayed-at-st-joseph-s-hospital

http://www.examiner.com/charity-in-tampa-bay/spreading-joy-one-teddy-bear-at-a-time

New Trend in Christmas Gifting?

The economy has been a little unpredictable for the past few years, and everybody has been more budget conscious.  I have noticed a new trend in gift-giving this year... making your own gifts.  I am not talking about some cheesey, lopsided, knick-knack that only a mother could love.  I am talking about useful, thoughtful, indulgent items. 


For instance, I like to make candles, especially in the winter when I can get warm standing by the stove.  I wrap the candles up and give them away as gifts to friends at Christmas.  My Bff loves the store "Lush", and she decided to try her had at making soap this year.  A lady I work makes handmade Christmas ornaments.  


What are your thoughts?  Do you plan to make any Christmas presents this year?