Yahoo! Holiday Guide 2005

Have a Happy 2006

• Category: Relationships
• Contributor: Sandy A.
• Wednesday, January 04, 2006, 5:04 pm PST

• This is the last post for "Yahoo! Holiday." Thanks to all of you for celebrating the 2005 holiday season with us. Have a very happy New Year!

  Special thanks to the following contributors: Jen Abellera, Kent Brewster, Erin Carlson, Sabrina Crider, Rad Dewey, Richard Greenhill, Rachel Friedlander, Erin G., Kate Inman, Helen Kim, David Markus, Antoine Mitchell, Santa, S. Moss, Tessa Robinson, Sam Silverstein, Ashli Smick, Katherine Tom, and Betty Wang.

• » Read Full Entry

Beat the Winter Blues

• Category: Entertainment
• Contributor: Kate Inman
• Saturday, December 31, 2005, 5:39 pm PST

• Sick of the cold weather and early days keeping you cooped up? Being in the throes of winter doesn’t mean that you have to hibernate. Fight cabin fever and keep yourself entertained. Here are some simple ideas that can make a big difference:

  Throw a cocktail party. After the holiday season is over we enter a much quieter period of the year. Take this opportunity to host a winter themed bash with good friends. Plus you’ll have an excuse to buy a new outfit and create an MP3 party playlist.

  Make a scrapbook. No doubt you snapped many photos between Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Why not get creative and put those memories in an attractive album or scrapbook? Friends and family can peruse your photos when they come over for your cocktail party.

  Take in a movie or play. Head to your local theater to get a change of scenery but still stay dry and warm. It will take you out of your element for at least a few hours, and your spirits will be notably lifted. A comedy would be a better choice than a tear-jerker. Remember, the goal is to put a smile on your face!

  Go swimming. I know you think this is a crazy idea. It’s not so insane if you have access to an indoor pool or heated outdoor pool. Any kind of aerobic exercise will generate endorphins and lift your mood. Plus you will feel good about yourself after eating all of that holiday fudge.

  Cook something exotic. The Internet provides easy access to thousands of recipes from different cultures. Try something with unusual spices or flavors, maybe something you’ve never eaten before. Indian food and Thai food both have strong seasoning and aromas. It will be like taking your palette on an exciting adventure, which is much less expensive than a trip overseas!

  Learn a new skill. Nothing distracts from gray skies like learning to speak Mandarin or how to knit a blanket. Local community programs usually offer language, dance, art and even computer classes. Learn how to build a web site or salsa dance. Spring will be here before you know it!

• » Read Full Entry

Five Great Cities With Off-season Deals

• Category: Travel
• Contributor: Katherine Tom
• Thursday, December 29, 2005, 6:53 pm PST

• Except for the prime week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve, winter is commonly considered the “low-season” for travel. Great deals are everywhere, if you know where (and when) to look. You’ll also avoid the huge crowds of the high season and get to experience your destination the way the locals do. In the con column, the weather could be chilly and some attractions could have limited hours, or may not be open at all.

  Keep in mind that seasonal lows have a lot to do with local weather, so sunny spots like the Caribbean and Mexico are in their high season right now. Here are some good choices for off-season deals:

  London, UK

  Flights to London are very reasonable around this time of year, and with the proliferation of low-cost air carriers in Europe, you can use London as a handy jumping-off point to Italy, France, Spain, and beyond. Check out the package deals on Virgin Vacations like their 3-night London fling which starts at $459—less than what a flight alone would cost you in the high season.

  New York City, NY

  After the ball drops in Times Square, the tourists leave New York, and hotels start cutting rates. Using Yahoo! FareChase, I was able to find a room at the Westin Times Square for $274/night in January (rates for the Westin start at $529/night on New Year’s Eve). That’s almost half off the holiday rate. Flights also are on sale, starting at $59 each way on Jet Blue.

  Rome, Italy

  Rome in August is sweltering, crowded, and overpriced--many of the local businesses close up shop, so you’re pretty much guaranteed to land in a tourist trap. In January, it’s a whole other story: no long lines, great off-season rates, and delicious soul-warming dishes like gnocchi and osso bucco. Save room for dessert--it’s winter, so you won’t be donning a swimsuit for another six months.

  Shanghai, China

  Traveling in Asia can be tricky during the off-season, because a number of holidays are celebrated during that time (the biggest of which is the Lunar New Year). Overall though, this is the cheapest time to travel to China, and you can find some great package deals through companies like Friendly Planet and Pacific Holidays. Winters can be chilly in Shanghai, but it rarely snows.

  Napa, California

  Though the grape harvest is over, most wineries continue to offer tastings during the winter. Plus, the famously mild California weather means you won’t get frostbite. Nearly all hotels in the area have cheaper rates or special offers in the winter months. You can find deals on napavalley.com or Yahoo! Travel.

• » Read Full Entry

Five Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

• Category: Health
• Contributor: Rachel Friedlander
• Monday, December 26, 2005, 1:25 pm PST

• Although many of us stress about it, most people don't gain weight over the holidays. See what Dr. Nick has to say about it on Yahoo! Health in his blog entry "Holiday Weight Gain--Don't Let It Happen to You."

  Even still, that's not a free pass to eat all you want this season--especially if you want to jump-start a lifetime of healthy eating in 2006. Instead of waiting until the end of the year, make a few small changes now to help avoid overindulging during the holidays:

  1. Don't arrive at holiday parties hungry; eat a sensible snack beforehand.
  2. Choose your splurges instead of going for everything in sight. Make sure to make the most of your indulgences and save them for your favorite holiday foods. If there is a table full of desserts, instead of sampling a little of everything, pick your favorite and really enjoy it, then stop.
  3. Make sure not to forget the veggies--they can be your secret weapon to balancing out the high-calorie, high-sugar foods. Eat an extra serving and use veggies to help fill you up.
  4. Avoid workplace overload. If you and a number of your colleagues are trying to watch what you eat, make a pact not to bring sweets to work or to bring healthy alternatives.
  5. Watch the alcohol. Did you know that a half cup of eggnog has around 200 calories and 10 grams of fat? Now if eggnog is your favorite thing about the holidays, then go for it and think of it as your dessert. But, if you're just drinking it because it's there, select a less "expensive" option and save the calories for your favorite foods.

  Find more tips from the experts on Yahoo! Health:

  • - Your Office Battle Plan for the Holidays
  • - Strategies to Beat the Holiday Weight Gain Game
  • - Portion Control Tips for the Holidays
• » Read Full Entry

Easy, Cheesy Potatoes

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Thursday, December 22, 2005, 1:33 am PST

• Cooking a holiday ham this December? Pair it with easy, cheesy potatoes. As a side dish, these potatoes are the perfect compliment to a plate of honey glazed ham, a green vegetable (such as broccoli or green beans), and a dinner roll. Yes, they are rich, but special occasions such as a holiday feast warrant the splurge!

  Ingredients:

  • 1 bag frozen cubed hash brown potatoes
  • 8 oz. sour cream
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 stick melted butter
  • 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 medium minced onion

  Directions:

  Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place frozen potatoes in 13" x 9" baking dish. Mix remaining ingredients in a separate bowl, and pour over potatoes. Use a spatula to even the mixture over the potatoes until level. Bake for 45 minutes, or until top layer of cheese is bubbly and brown on the edges. Allow to cool before serving.

  Variations:

  Add ½ cup diced ham and ¼ cup diced jalapenos.

• » Read Full Entry

Gifts That Give Back

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Sabrina Crider
• Sunday, December 18, 2005, 5:01 pm PST

• The holiday shopping season is in full swing, but gift-givers take note: There are a lot of very cool, very useful gifts out there that actually allow you to give twice! The “Gifts That Give Back” Pick Lists in the Yahoo! Shoposphere allow users to select from a wide range of gifts where suppliers donate all or a portion of the proceeds to a worthy cause. Why not make this a year of feel-good gift giving?

  Charities benefiting from the various items listed include the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Red Cross, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation and many, many more.

  • “Gifts That Give Back” Pick List (Gifts for Her)
  • “Gifts That Give Back” Pick List (Gifts for Him)
  • “Gifts That Give Back” Pick List (Gifts for Pets)
• » Read Full Entry

A Smorgasbord of International Snacks

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Santa
• Friday, December 16, 2005, 7:14 pm PST

• "What are your favorite snacks on Christmas Eve?" little Spencer of Biddeford, Maine, asks. "Which ones do you think are yucky? All my friends say they leave you cookies and milk. Are you tired of cookies and milk?"

  Ho-hoo, Spencer! I am thankful for all the snacks, because every one is a generous show of hospitality. But I admit, I get my fill of cookies … snickerdoodles springerle, pfeffernüsse, lebkuchen, Moravian brown sugar cookies. Ah!

  Some of my favorite snacks in America are the traditional holiday dishes that come from the many nationalities in your country – saffron buns from Minnesotan Swedes, buñuelos from Mexicans in the Southwest. Plum puddings and mincemeat pies are stellar English culinary traditions left for me everywhere in America.

  French New Yorkers leave slices of bûche de Noël (Christmas log); cake shaped and frosted to look like a log and decorated with meringue mushrooms. German families in Milwaukee give slices of stollen, a cross between a cake and a bread, studded with bits of candied fruit and raisins and similar to the traditional and towering Italian panettone.

  The Italian custom of serving multiple fish dishes on Christmas Eve means I get salt cod grilled with rosemary and lemon, stuffed calamari, shrimp cocktail, garlic-crumb-crusted mussels on the half shell, or spaghetti with clam sauce. Yuuumm.

  There is just one snack I could never eat, although I have seen it: reindeer sausage. Need I say more?

  Read more from Santa's blog on Yahoo! 360°

  Traditional Christmas recipes

• » Read Full Entry

Warm Weather Getaways

• Category: Travel
• Contributor: Katherine Tom
• Wednesday, December 14, 2005, 11:40 pm PST

• Heading south isn’t just for the birds…most travelers’ thoughts turn to warm weather getaways during the cold winter months. If you’re looking for the flip-side to winter wonderlands, head for these sunny spots. Of course, you’ll be paying a premium to enjoy these destinations during their high season. Deal-seekers should avoid popular places like Mexico and the Caribbean and set their sights on more offbeat locales like Asia and South America.

  • Playa del Carmen, Mexico

    Not as touristy as neighboring Cancun, but not in the middle of nowhere either, this charming beach town is at the heart of the Mayan Riviera. Pack your swimsuit--nearby Cozumel (to the north) is considered one of the world’s top diving spots, and the popular water/adventure park Xel-Ha is just 33 miles south.

  • St. Lucia, Caribbean

    Honeymooners have been coming to St. Lucia for years, but now travelers of all kinds are discovering its many charms: white-sand beaches, tropical rain forests, and the world’s only drive-in volcano. Book a jeep safari or just relax at one of the many lovely resorts around the island. Tip: The main town of Castries is booked solid through the high season; try one of the smaller towns to avoid crowds.

  • Palm Springs, California

    This desert oasis is the perfect getaway for golfers and spa-lovers, with dozens of resorts catering to both interests. Those seeking adventure should plan a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. Deal-seekers will love the nearby Desert Hills Outlets, with brands like Prada, Coach, and Gucci at bargain prices.

  • Key West, Florida

    With an average year-round temperature of more than 70 degrees F, it’s easy to see why the sub-tropical Florida Keys are a popular domestic winter destination year after year. Key West, the southernmost city in the chain, is a 3½ hour drive from Miami and a world away. Key sights include Ernest Hemingway’s home and Mallory Square at sunset.

  • Arenal, Costa Rica

    The draw at this tiny town in Costa Rica is the active volcano, specifically the hot springs it generates. The largest and most luxurious of the area resorts is the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort & Spa, with thermal mineral pools, warm waterfalls, and spa services. Nearby activities include sailing and fishing on Lake Arenal, canopy tours, and the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge.

  • Boracay Island, Philippines

    Paradise is the word most commonly used to describe Borocay Island, and its white sand beaches and pristine waters go a long way to support this claim. Though well-loved by travelers and touted by travel magazines, the island is still relatively unspoiled for now.

• » Read Full Entry

Captain Holiday

• Category: Health
• Contributor: David Markus
• Tuesday, December 13, 2005, 10:16 pm PST

• Every mom and dad knows how mercenary forces have hijacked the true spirit of Christmas, swamping us all--especially our children--in a rising tide of soulless consumption.

  Is the story true?

  Well, yes, more or less, depending on where you live, and what you think the "true" spirit of the holidays is.

  So what's a parent to do?

  For starters, remember, no one is going to be irreparably damaged by this annual rite of conspicuous consumption. Except, of course, your savings account, and possibly your waistline.

  The key to taking back the holidays is to make a plan. Appoint yourself and your spouse, Captains of Christmas--or Kwanzaa or Hanukah. Some suggestions:

  1. Take an hour alone with your spouse or any other adult who is celebrating the season with you and your kids, and discuss what you would like the holidays to mean for the family. What you would you like the kids' memories to be?

  Reflect on your own recollections of the season, when you were young. Put them down on paper or in the computer. Make it a simple action plan, the same kind of thing you do when you plan a party or a project at work.

  2. Stretch out the activities over a period of a few weeks. Even post your list as a calendar on the fridge so everyone can see what's coming up.
  3. Start with the stuff that enriches your soul, because it will do the same for your children. Religious services, stories from Scripture, folk tales, decorating the house, singing songs, preparing holiday meals.
  4. Be sure to include the activities that worked for you as a kid. Even if you don't get it all done, what you can manage will make a big impression. And keep a few empty slots on the list for the kids to fill in.
  5. Create your own rituals and traditions. Take walks under the stars, haul out special sweaters or pajamas you wear and pass down but only in the season. Rent a certain holiday DVD or two, older ("It's a Wonderful Life" with Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed) films that you can watch together every year. Play Christmas carols or popular holiday tunes on the stereo in the evening. Throw a wild card into the plan, something no one would expect you to do: Read holiday poems every three nights.
  6. Make time to talk, perhaps at dinner, when everyone is together, about the holiday themes that you hold dearest: peace, birth and babies, family unity, courage, strength, support, friendship, and, yes, gift giving. Every faith makes room for these virtues, and every family, whatever your religious and spiritual beliefs, can weave them in to the mix.
  7. And while you should throw on the brakes when your little cherubs start barking out the I Wants and the Buy Mes and the Gimme Gimmes, don't go totally Grinch on them either. Take them to the mall or downtown to see the lights and the decorated trees. Get them up on Santa's knee. Help them buy a gift for someone else--or make a present on their own. Drop a coin in the bucket of the Salvation Army guy or gal.

  Like the song says, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." If you make it that way.

• » Read Full Entry

I Heart Personalized Photo Stamps!

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Kate Inman
• Sunday, December 11, 2005, 10:42 am PST

• The stamp pictured here is my cat, which I will be using to mail all of my Christmas cards. How? By creating real U.S. postage stamps using personalized photos.

  Again, how?

  Earlier this year, Yahoo! Photos partnered with Zazzle.com to allow people to create their own stamps over the Internet. It’s an extremely user-friendly process. You just select your photo, customize it, and purchase. A sheet of twenty 39 cent stamps will run you $16.99, not including shipping. That works out to 85 cents per stamp, which is a small price to pay for postage featuring your cute new puppy.

  Check it out here: Yahoo! Photos Customized Photo Stamps

  Don’t you love technology? Not only can you use these stamps during the holidays, but they are great for wedding invitations, birthday parties, showers, etc. The possibilities are endless! Use them to send thank yous for all of the gifts you receive this month.

• » Read Full Entry

Holiday Fudge

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Friday, December 09, 2005, 9:03 pm PST

• Who doesn’t love fudge? Whether you bring it into the office, pack it in a tin and give it away as a gift, or simply enjoy it yourself, fudge is a holiday tradition that is sure to satisfy the sweet tooth.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ (10 ounce) packages semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1 pint marshmallow cream
  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 2 cups finely chopped pecans*
  • 1 (12 ounce) can of evaporated milk
  • 4 ½ cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

  *Pecans may be eliminated or substituted with walnuts or almonds.

  Directions:

  Mix chocolate chips, nuts, cream, and butter in a large bowl. In a pan combine sugar, vanilla, and milk and bring to a boil for nine minutes, stirring constantly. Pour boiling mixture over ingredients in the bowl and mix until creamy. Pour into a 9" x 13" buttered Pyrex dish, and allow to cool and firm. Cut into one-inch squares and serve.

• » Read Full Entry

The Sure Cure for Holiday Overload

• Category: Health
• Contributor: Erin Carlson
• Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 8:26 pm PST

• It started before Halloween. There, in my local grocery store, was a six-foot plastic snowball with faux flakes falling on a grinning Frosty. Kids jumped up and down at the sight, but my reaction was decidedly more cranky. I thought, ALREADY??? We’re not even through pumpkins and costumes, much less the Thanksgiving turkey.

  With the holiday shopping season stretching to more than two months, it’s no wonder some of us find it hard to sustain a warm, fuzzy feeling throughout the final months of the year. Holiday hubbub--starting with decorations in October--gnaw away at noble thoughts and the gracious, generous feelings that should be filling our hearts.

  This year, there’s another kind of fatigue compounding the Scrooge factor--over the past 12 months we’ve heard a lot of bad news, from the tsunami aftermath to hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, to the earthquake in East Asia. Many of us opened our hearts--and wallets--to help the victims of these crises. Now it’s the end of the year, a time when many charities make their fundraising appeals, and we may have the same feeling as when Frosty the Snowman debuts in October: Again? Already? Will the appeals ever end?

  A friend of mine who works for a charity said her nonprofit--and some others--have dubbed this phenomenon “compassion fatigue.” She reminded me that this sensibility leads to some seriously undesirable side effects: burnout for donors, poor bottom lines for nonprofits, and consequently, a tough holiday for people in need.

  She then shared with me her own sure cure for compassion fatigue. In the spirit of the season, I’m passing it on to you.

  1. Remember the good you’ve accomplished. Rather than focusing on all the need around you, think of all the nice things you’ve done for friends, family and people this year, and the good that has resulted. Pat yourself on the back, because someone’s life is better thanks to you. You made a difference.
  2. Add to the list with one small act of kindness. Adding to the good you’ve done has a way of supplementing, not draining, your reserve of goodwill and your sense of well-being. Force yourself to do one small thing for someone else. Yield the last parking space or pay for coffee for the stressed person behind you in line at the local Starbucks. The smile--or the pleased look of astonishment--is the most effective antidote on the market for Scroogitis.
  3. Ask others to do the same. Encourage the people around you to recapture the holiday spirit. One fun way to spread the joy is to create your own charitable "favorites list" and ask friends or family to support causes you care about.

  Grumpiness gone? Feel the love? Act on it today!

• » Read Full Entry

Good Sports

• Category: Sports
• Contributor: Sam Silverstein
• Wednesday, December 07, 2005, 2:07 pm PST

• Baron Davis left the New Orleans Hornets last winter on bad terms, traded to the Golden State Warriors. His first game against his former team late last month was the perfect set-up for one of those revenge-fueled 36-point performances that beg the question, why do pro athletes seem to be motivated more by anger than joy?

  But that's not how it went down.

  Davis took the high road, and then some, using the moment to raise money -- and awareness -- for victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, where he still maintains a home. "As time elapses and things happen in the media, we can't forget about the hurricanes," Davis told the reporters at the game. "It's an ongoing thing. People are still struggling for their livelihood, still trying to locate family and homes. It's just not something that happens for two or three months and everything goes back to normal."

  It's a fact, bad behavior in the world of pro sports draws more interest than good. Check out Yahoo! Sports' most viewed news items at any given moment, and you're guaranteed to see Terrell Owens' foolishness atop the list more often than something constructive.

  But not here. In the spirit of the season, let's shine some attention on a small selection of the many pro athletes who turn their physical gifts into charity:

  Doug Flutie

  The New England Patriots backup quarterback has a magnetic quality -- and cause close to his heart. Flutie's son Dougie is autistic; the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism is a major fundraising force in aiding financially disadvantaged families affected by the developmental disorder, among other beneficiaries.

  In addition to the dollars, Flutie and his wife Laurie are admirably willing to open their home to reporters, humanizing the cause.

  Curt Schilling

  Another Boston-area athlete, Red Sox star Curt Schilling pitches in against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), more commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Schilling and his wife Shonda have personally bankrolled the battle against ALS to the tune of nearly $1 million, and helped raise an additional $6 million. They also help fight skin cancer via their SHADE Foundation.

  Schilling gets that the typical pro athlete's career is brief, and is in a hurry to make an impact while he has the platform. ''I will never have a chance to impact as many lives as I can while I'm wearing this uniform," Schilling said in the Red Sox dugout last season.

  Chris Dudley

  Former NBA player Chris Dudley, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a teenager, started The Dudley Foundation in 1994 and designed a basketball camp for youth with juvenile diabetes in Oregon. He recently held a celebrity poker tournament that raised $400,000 for the cause. Charles Barkley provided the entertainment.

  Baron Davis

  Davis donated more than $70,000 to hurricane relief in the immediate aftermath of the storm, and continues to wear a "Call for Help" bracelet during Warriors games this season. The bracelets are available for sale on the Warriors' official web site as well as the Baron Davis Foundation web site for $5, with proceeds going toward hurricane relief.

• » Read Full Entry

Santa’s Whiskers Cookies

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Monday, December 05, 2005, 9:50 am PST

• These cookies are always crowd-pleasers since they are so unique and tasty. The red and green candied cherries also are the key ingredient in fruitcakes; in cookies, they are delicious and lend a festive color scheme. You can find candied cherries in the produce section at the grocery store during the holiday season.

  Ingredients:

  • 1 cup softened butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ cup finely chopped red and green candied cherries
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ¾ cup flaked coconut

  Directions:

  Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Cream the butter, and gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add milk and vanilla, and combine until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients except coconut. Shape the dough into two cylinders, approximately eight inches long and two inches in diameter each, and roll in coconut flakes until each cylinder is evenly coated. Cover the cylinders with plastic wrap, and allow dough to chill four hours. Cut chilled dough into ½ inch slices, and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 12 minutes, remove from oven, and allow cookies to cool.

• » Read Full Entry

Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

• Category: Home
• Contributor: Kate Inman
• Sunday, December 04, 2005, 9:27 am PST

• I'm not a botanist, but I know a thing or two about Christmas trees. When I was a kid my family owned a "choose & cut" Christmas tree farm. We spent every weekend there in December and tended to the trees in the summer. My brother and I complained quite loudly about having to help out, and I contracted poison oak every year.

  On the other hand, we were permitted to get dirty, run around with big, sharp saws and eat candy canes all day. You can't beat that!

  People often ask me how to choose a nice Christmas tree. I always say it depends on what kind of tree you're looking for, as they vary in shape, color and density. Aesthetics are important, but so is the intended use of the cut tree. If you need the tree to stay green from Thanksgiving to January then you should choose a species that stays fresh longer in your climate. Some areas of the country will offer more variety than others.

  Some suggestions:

  Scotch Pine

  Grows in most of North America and Canada due to its hardiness. Keeps for three to four weeks after cut with regular watering. Will not drop its needles if it becomes dry.

  Noble Fir

  Grows at higher elevations, and is widely popular in the Pacific Northwest. Great for hanging ornaments on because its needles twist upward and branches are stiff. Often used for making wreaths and swags. Keeps for three to four weeks after cut with regular watering.

  Fraser Fir

  Grows naturally in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Cone-shaped, strong branches are upturned and display ornaments well. Has excellent needle retention and ships well. Often sold as pre-cut tree.

  Douglas Fir

  Grown mostly in tree plantations in California, Oregon and Washington, parts of the Rockies and Alaska. Has dark blue-green needles that are soft to the touch. Is able to withstand harsh conditions and has good needle retention.

  White Fir (or Concolor Fir)

  Grown commercially throughout North America, occurs naturally in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, New Mexico, California and Oregon. Has rich foliage color, pleasing natural shape and aroma. Retains its needles after drying out.

  Colorado Blue Spruce

  Grows primarily in Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona. Attractive bluish-gray foliage. Excellent needle retention. Often planted as an ornamental tree to be used as a living Christmas tree year after year. Watch out for the sharp needles.

  Norway Spruce

  Grown commercially at higher elevations in North America but is native to Europe. Has dark green foliage with drooping branches. Is generally odorless and has poor needle retention.

  Grand Fir

  Grows from British Columbia inland to Montana and parts of Northern California. Strengths include beautiful, thick foliage and strong piney fragrance.

  Balsam Fir

  Grows primarily in cooler climates of Canada, Pennsylvania and parts of Virginia. Retains a strong fragrance. Is dark green in color. Has a uniform shape and a spire-like tip.

  Eastern White Pine

  Grown primarily in the northeastern United States and Canada. Dense foliage with silver-green color. Once sheared, branches may be too dense to hang some ornaments on. Does not have a strong pine scent. Excellent needle retention.

  Happy tree hunting!

• » Read Full Entry

Let 'em play! Soothing Thoughts for Families of Addicted Video Gamers

• Category: Entertainment
• Contributor: Richard Greenhill
• Friday, December 02, 2005, 4:19 pm PST

• So I play video games for a living, but don't hate me -- contrary to what you might have read, video games aren't actually guaranteed to turn you into an axe-wielding maniac. Well, not the good ones, anyway.

  Bear with us. We're not talking about the raw hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness skills that are needed for almost any video game.

  A recent study in West Virginia found that 25 percent of fifth-graders are obese. A new grant project aims to use the high-energy Dance Dance Revolution game machines in school exercise classes. On a smaller scale, the PlayStation 2 title, Eyetoy: Kinetic will provide you with a punishing three-month workout schedule, and a video camera to show those disappearing love handles in full color.

  Engaging the mind rather than the body remains the focus of most modern games, however. Beyond the hordes of mindless, guns-blazing, kill-em-all shooters -- and, to be fair, there are a lot of those -- lurk a precious handful of games that challenge the player to explore deeper issues like politics, history, religion and, yes, morality.

  Shadow of the Colossus, a recent Japanese-developed Sony release, challenges players with an often-ignored question: Why exactly am I killing, and should I be doing it? Video gamers are still waiting for their "Citizen Kane," but it's coming.

  Meanwhile, gamers are honing more prosaic (and, arguably, useful) skills. Popular online role-playing game World of Warcraft makes a perfect example: Here's a lesson in teamwork, microeconomics, problem-solving, and balancing long- and short-term goals, all tied up in a pretty and absorbing world. If you're sufficiently motivated, and not opposed to bending the rules a little, you can even take that experience and convert it into real-world money, by selling in-demand items or well-developed characters to other players.

  So don't feel bad if the kids spend the whole holiday season glued to their PlayStations (or, if Santa's been putting in the overtime hours this year, their Xbox 360s). Today's video game-addicted teen could be tomorrow's boardroom mogul, and although the stare might be vacant, behind it the synapses are probably working harder than you think.

  Besides, it could be worse -- they could be watching TV.

• » Read Full Entry

Winter Wonderlands

• Category: Travel
• Contributor: Katherine Tom
• Thursday, December 01, 2005, 11:21 pm PST

• Most travelers dream of sandy beaches and sunny climes, but certain sights like snow sculptures and the northern lights can only be enjoyed in the wintertime. Here are a few travel destinations that come alive at this time of year.

  Copenhagen, Denmark

  This fairy-tale of a town is charming year-round, but things really heat up in December with its month-long Christmas celebration. Open-air ice skating rinks, caroling, and the Tivoli Christmas market (open November 11 through December 30) are just a few of the festive sights.

  Stowe, Vermont

  Experience a true New England winter. The holiday classic, “White Christmas,” was set in Vermont, and a trip to this snowy state makes it easy to see why. You can even cut your own Christmas tree at the Vermont Christmas Tree Park. Now that’s what we call a souvenir.

  Shiga Kogen, Japan

  Humans aren’t the only species to have discovered the pleasures of Shiga Kogen’s natural hot springs. This ritzy ski resort town (and co-host of the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics) boasts a monkey park, where snow monkeys pass most of the winter sitting and soaking in their very own natural spa.

  Reykjavik, Iceland

  The northernmost capital in the world has a long history of hot-tubbing thanks to an abundance of geothermal pools and springs. Winter days are extremely short here—only four hours of daylight—providing all the more opportunity to explore their famous nightlife. Venture just a little further north and you may catch a glimpse of the northern lights (November through February is the best time to see them).

  Whistler, British Columbia

  The largest and perhaps best-known ski resort in North America, Whistler/Blackcomb has plenty of pleasures to offer the winter traveler. Snow sports including skiing, snowboarding, and even dog sledding fill the days. The town itself offers plenty of après ski activities as well.

  Harbin, China

  Home to an annual ice-sculpture contest that takes place from January to March, this city in Northern China is rapidly becoming a hot tourist destination. The fantastical sculptures—many as big as buildings—have to be seen to be believed.

• » Read Full Entry

Kate's Favorite Holiday Flicks

• Category: Entertainment
• Contributor: Kate Inman
• Wednesday, November 30, 2005, 10:49 pm PST

• The wind is blowing and it's way too cold outside. You’ve decked the halls and hung the stockings. The tree is trimmed and mistletoe hangs expectantly. It’s time to get cozy and enjoy some of the best holiday movies out there.

  ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’

  Released in 1964, this holiday classic is sure to spark nostalgia in adults. Who could forget Herbie the elf, the Abominable Snowman or the Land of Misfit Toys? Not to mention, kids raised in a high-tech world will find stop-motion animation unique. If you’ve never seen this movie please don’t miss it this year!

  ‘Bad Santa’

  This comedy is on Santa’s “naughty” list but it’s oh so funny. Billy Bob Thornton plays a foul-mouthed drunken criminal who poses as a department store Santa. He and a cohort try to pull off a Christmas heist and comedy ensues. Be warned (or enticed): This movie is rated R for pervasive foul language, strong sexual content and some violence.

  ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’

  Enjoy Tim Burton’s delightful scenes of snowy Christmastown and the ghoulishly fun Halloween land. It is a short but sweet tale of Jack the Pumpkin King, who grows bored with his life and tries to take over Christmas. Burton gives attention to the smallest of details, and if you watch it twice you’ll catch something new. This is a PG flick for kids of all ages.

  ‘A Christmas Story’

  This is the story of an imaginative boy named Ralphie who is fixated on getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Some excellent moments include: a kid getting his tongue stuck to a flag pole, a scary department-store Santa, and Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant. I think we can all relate to Ralphie on some level.

  ‘Elf’

  Will Farrell in yellow tights and pointy-toed shoes is not to be missed. He plays Buddy, a human raised as a Christmas elf through a strange twist of fate. The story unfolds as he journeys to Manhattan to find his real father. Sounds like your typical holiday movie, so what makes this one special? For one, Buddy subsists almost entirely on sugar, and second, he gets beat up by a midget with a black belt. You’re sure to get some laughs out of Will Farrell, who could carry any plot by himself. This film is directed by Jon Favreau and worth renting.

  ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’

  This is the third in the “National Lampoon” series, and the Griswolds do not disappoint. Clarke Griswold, the family patriarch played by Chevy Chase, has his heart set on the perfect family Christmas. Everything he does is over the top, which usually results in some kind of catastrophe. This movie will make you LOL if you’ve ever had to deal with annoying family members. Filled with zany and outrageous humor, it’s a Christmas comedy to love.

• » Read Full Entry

What's the Perfect Gift for the Person Who Has it All? A Goat!

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Erin Carlson
• Wednesday, November 30, 2005, 1:03 am PST

• I’m usually paralyzed by the predicament of finding presents for two kinds of folks: the person who has everything and the person I just don’t know that well. Every year, shopping for these types prompts general anxiety, then procrastination, followed by the last-minute purchase of a dull tie or the dreaded fruitcake.

  But this year, I’ve stumbled on the simplest--and most inspired--of solutions. I’m giving the gift of charity, and I’m making my donations quickly and painlessly online in honor of those hard-to-buy-for folks.

  I’m thinking way out of the gift box. How about a goat for Uncle Arnold? The charity, Heifer International allows you to contribute to the purchase of live animals for needy families around the globe. You can’t get more original--or generous--than donating a $120 goat that provides a steady supply of milk, cheese and butter, or a $60 trio of rabbits that will breed like, well… rabbits to support an impoverished family year-round.

  Livestock too far-out for you? Another great choice is a charity gift basket. You can choose a “basket” of charities by theme, like those that help families recover from the year’s horrible hurricanes or others that protect and care for pets and other animals. You can then send an electronic greeting card to the recipient of your gift letting them know you’ve honored them by helping others. Perfect for last-minute gift-giving!

  At www.networkforgood.org, you also can choose from more than one million charities and make donations in people’s names. A favorite cause of mine this time of year is Toys for Tots, which should warm the heart of even the most bah-humbug-spewing friend or relative. Donate to Toys for Tots--or several other charities providing presents to needy families.

  Another nonprofit with an out-of-the-gift box approach is World Vision, where goats are also on offer (apparently a popular item this holiday), as well as appealing options like sending a child to school for a year for $75.

  The thing I like best about giving the gift of charity is that it’s rewarding for so many people, in so many ways. Giving to a worthy cause feels good for the person making the donation, the person or company honored with the donation, and the person helped by the donation. I don’t know a better way to celebrate the true spirit of the holidays--and to save myself from some serious gifting stress.

• » Read Full Entry

A Procrastinator’s Guide to Preparing the House for Guests

• Category: Home
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Monday, November 28, 2005, 11:36 pm PST

• The countdown has begun. You have holiday guests arriving in a few hours, the appetizers are in the oven, you still need to freshen up, and the house is a wreck! What’s a person to do? You may have procrastinated the cleaning to the last minute, but luckily there are some shortcuts that can help. Below are my prioritized tips to presenting a clean house (even if it’s not spotless!) that will impress your guests and still allow you some time to enjoy your baked Brie.

  Bathrooms: Your priority here is the wash basin and the toilet. Spray cleaning solution into both, let it work its magic for a few minutes, and scrub like a madman! Next, wash the bathmat, or at least throw it in the dryer for a few minutes with a fabric softening sheet. It may sound silly, but a fresh-smelling, fluffed bathmat implies the entire bathroom has been sanitized.

  Bedrooms: Fresh sheets on the bed are a must if you are entertaining overnight guests. If you begin laundering them too late in the game, no problem, just cover the sheetless bed with the comforter until the sheets are out of the dryer. Then, sneak into the bedroom and make the bed while your guests are busy playing Scrabble or watching football in another room. Be sure to tidy the room up a bit and remember to take out the trash.

  Living room: Pick up kids’ toys, wrangle all the magazines into a drawer, scrape the pet fur off the couch with a rubber glove, and tackle those dust bunnies with a vacuum. Remember the hall closet is your friend! The likelihood a guest will open that door is slim, and therefore, the hall closet is a quick storage fix. Just remember that you put items in there after the guests leave, otherwise you won’t find your remote control until the next time you need a jacket.

  Kitchen: Keep in mind that most of the holiday activity will be taking place in this room, and the kitchen is likely to become messy again as soon as your guests arrive. For this reason, don’t stress out about the kitchen: a surface level cleaning will suffice. Just make sure there are no dishes in the sink, the counters are wiped down, and the morning’s bacon grease is not adhering to your range.

  Remember to delegate duties and enlist help from other family members. You will be amazed what can be accomplished when all pitch in under a tight deadline. Set the radio dial to some rock and roll, and dance while you vacuum! Or, offer a prize to the child who cleans their room the quickest and best.

  If all else fails and you are completely out of time, spray some lemon Pine-Sol into the air at a central location in your home. Your house may not look clean, but it will at least smell clean!

• » Read Full Entry

Get Fit During the Holidays

• Category: Health
• Contributor: Rachel Friedlander
• Sunday, November 27, 2005, 11:21 am PST

• Want to look and feel better in 2006? Will losing weight or getting in shape be your top New Year's resolution? If so, why wait for 2006 when you can start making small changes today?

  Consider how great it would feel to walk into a holiday party a few pounds lighter or with a little more muscle. Imagine how much easier it would be to get dressed if your clothes were a little looser. And, don't forget that giving yourself the gift of better health would outlast anything you could buy at the mall, and likely make you feel better too.

  If you've been down the weight-loss road before--only to lose 15-plus pounds, feel great, and then pile it back on--think about the holidays as a time to practice eating sensible and still enjoy yourself without going overboard. Take this time to adopt one or two good habits rather than focus on losing weight.

  Here are some ideas:

  • - Go for a short walk every day (even if it's only 10 minutes)
  • - Skip the bread basket when eating out
  • - Ask for sauces and dressings on the side
  • - Try healthier recipes that are still delicious but slightly less indulgent
  • - Make an extra veggie or two for your holiday feast

  Before the holidays swing into full gear, arm yourself with the basics of good nutrition and fitness. While you've undoubtedly read it all before, it's a good idea to brush up on the facts before heading into the season of indulgence. It'll help keep those friendly reminders top of mind when faced with opportunities for small changes, such as deciding to eat that second piece of pie, searching for a parking spot close to the mall entrance, baking with all the butter in your fridge, and so on.

  Here are some basic facts and tips from Yahoo! Health:

  • - "How Do I Start Eating Healthier?"
  • - "What Is a Healthy Weight?"
  • - "What Is Fitness?"
  • - "Establishing Fitness Routines"

  While this is all super basic, fad diets and fancy plans simply don't work for many (including myself) in the long term. To succeed during the holidays, I've determined that going back to the basics and making small changes is the only way to go. Will you join me?

• » Read Full Entry

Gifts That Keep on Giving

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Betty Wang
• Friday, November 25, 2005, 9:00 pm PST

• Are you having a hard time thinking of good Christmas gifts that will last longer than the holiday season? If so, you may want to look into things that don’t necessarily come in a nicely wrapped box. Not all good things come in small packages, some things don’t come in a box at all. Gifts that will last longer than a pack of socks:

  1. A new car, especially a hybrid or electric car. It’ll benefit the environment as well.
  2. Internet service. A year’s subscription keeps giving throughout the year and can help long distance loved ones stay connected. Sharing holiday photos will be easier as well!
  3. A magazine subscription. This gift in particular is one of my personal favorites. With every new issue, the recipient will be reminded of giving—for six months, a year, or more!
  4. TiVo or DVR. This can be wrapped and comes in a box, but not the subscription. It’s the kind of thing that most people may not think of buying for themselves. But just imagine their delight when they can watch their favorite shows (and skip the commercials) for the coming years.
  5. Music downloads subscription. Once someone has an mp3 player they’ll need a download subscription. iTunes offers gift certificates that you can even send through email! Yahoo! Music Unlimited offers a subscription-based service that you can give to someone, and they can download all the music they want for the duration of their subscription. For such an incredibly low price, you can give them a year’s worth or even more!
  6. Gym membership. With the holiday gluttony that we all subject ourselves to, how about gifting a gym membership? C’mon, we all know that every year one of our New Year’s resolutions is to get in shape. What better way of promoting good health amongst your loved ones?
• » Read Full Entry

Giving the Gift of Travel

• Category: Travel
• Contributor: Katherine Tom
• Thursday, November 24, 2005, 9:02 pm PST

• Running out of ideas for presents this year? Think outside the (gift) box and treat your friends and family to a travel experience. No matter your budget, the memories they’ll have are priceless. Consider these options:

  1. Vacation packages. This is also known as letting someone else do all the work. You can get travel packages from tour operators like Globus or Contiki. Many tour operators even specialize in themed trips like adventure vacations and wine country tours. You can save even more money by booking a last-minute getaway (we’ve got hundreds to choose from on Yahoo! Travel). Just enter your point of origin and get great ideas starting at under $250* (flight + hotel).
  2. Plane tickets. Most airlines offer gift certificates or travel vouchers; go directly to the airline’s site for this option. You enter the traveler’s name and basic information, your giftee chooses the route and applies the certificate towards the total cost of the ticket. Be aware that many airline vouchers expire (usually after one year), so read the fine print before you purchase. If you’re feeling truly extravagant, some airlines offer round-the-world tickets or all-region passes which are good for unlimited air travel within a certain time period. Popular regional passes include Cathay’s all-Asia pass and Qantas’ Aussie AirPass.
  3. Try the train. Although it’s a bit old-fashioned, there’s still something exciting about taking the train. Amtrak offers gift certificates in multiple denominations, and is an incredible way to explore the United States. Or get a group discount when booking two or more tickets and treat yourself to a trip too!
  4. Weekend getaway. For those with more time to plan than money to spend, this is a great gift idea. You control the budget, from a rustic camping trip to a luxurious spa getaway. Plan the details (including maps, hotels, and things to do) with Yahoo! Travel Trip Planner. Then provide the link to their custom trip in a card. Include a check or American Express gift card to cover at least some of the expenses.
  5. At-home vacation. Create the sense of vacation at home. Whether it’s surprising your significant other with breakfast in bed, treating your friends to a Middle Eastern feast, or taking a day off to explore your hometown with your kids, you can create the out-of-the-ordinary thrill of travel pretty much anywhere.
• » Read Full Entry

Deviled Eggs

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Thursday, November 24, 2005, 8:23 am PST

• 2 dozen eggs
  1/2 cup mayonnaise
  2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  1 teaspoon of vinegar
  1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
  1 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoning Salt
  1 pinch garlic salt
  1 pinch cumin
  1 pinch dill
  Sprinkle of paprika for garnish
  

  Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Individually spoon each egg into the boiling pot, being mindful not to crack any of the shells. Boil the eggs for 13 minutes, and then shock them in an ice bath. Gently roll each egg on a hard surface until the shell is fractured, and then peel the shell away from the yolk. Halve lengthwise and pop the yolk into a bowl by squeezing each side.

  After all of the yolks have been extracted, refrigerate the cooked whites while you create the yolk filling. Mash the yolks with a fork until the consistency is like powder. Add the mustard, mayo, and seasonings (except for the paprika) and stir into a paste. If you have a pastry bag, choose a decorative tip and fill the bag with the yolk paste. Pipe the paste into the chilled egg-white halves so that the paste heaps over the original yolk indention. If you do not have a pastry bag, you can spoon the paste into the yolks. Finally, garnish with paprika and serve in a decorative dish. Enjoy!

• » Read Full Entry

How to Shop for a Geek

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Kent Brewster
• Wednesday, November 23, 2005, 2:42 pm PST

• Kringle's Law: The harder a person is to shop for, the less likely it is that he will be able to actually tell you what he wants. If you're like me, you've got at least one person on your shopping list who either already has everything she enjoys, or seems to enjoy the things that you just plain don't understand.

  Yes, that's right: I'm talking about the yearly heartache of Shopping for the Geek in Your Life.

  Before talking about great gifts for geeks, I want to swerve briefly into the territory of What Not To Buy. Please note that these are guidelines only; your geek will vary.

  • Clothes. With the single exception of black T-shirts with cryptic messages like "w00t!" on them, clothes are out. Your geek will mumble something appreciative-sounding about that nice new sweater or pair of chinos, and it will quietly disappear to the bottom of his Not On Your Life pile.
  • Big-ticket hardware and software. Unless your geek has personally taken you to the Apple store and specifically pointed out the exact 30-inch cinema display she wants, don't bother. This goes double for computers, video and sound equipment, and other electronic items that have more than one configuration option. Part of the thrill of buying goodies like these is making the dozens of anxious little decisions on the way; your geek will never forgive you for cutting her out of the loop.
  • Items pertaining to, um, personal hygeine. Geeks aspire to a digital nature. Either something is, or it isn't. Either he stinks, or he doesn't. If he does, please don't disguise the bad news as a present!
  • Jewelry. Unless you're married to your geek, receiving jewelry is intensely scary. It can't disappear to the bottom of the pile with those chinos, either; she either has to wear it or explain why she's not wearing it.

  What's left? Plenty. Here we go:

  • Books! Lovely, marvelous books! Your geek is a reader first and foremost; skulk around and see what he's into. Look for authors like Neal Stephenson, John Barnes, Bruce Sterling, and William Gibson; if there are holes in your geek's collection, fill 'em in! Paperbacks work fine; when it comes to data, geeks like content, not packaging. And don't jam up if you think he might have read it before; chances are exellent he'll welcome a refresher course.
  • While we're on the subject of data, there's music. Caution: This is one of those fraught-with-peril items ... geeks have peculiar tastes, so you're better off with a gift subscription to the online music store that works best. (The Yahoo! Music Engine is an excellent choice for subscriptions; if your geek wears an iPod, you can also find iTunes gift certificates.)
  • Contradictory note on music hardware: It should be fairly simple to find out what your geek thinks of the spiffy new iPods. If there's interest, you're excused from the big-ticket-hardware prohibition, just this once.
  • Video games. Geeks are gamers to the core. Gentle inquiries like the ones you made about the iPod should quickly reveal any interest in computer games. Careful, though: Unless you're planning on joining her in-game to squish a few orcs, subscriptions to online gaming services might not serve to increase her net available time to be with you.
  • Toys! T-shirts, squirt guns, action figures, noisemakers, handheld twiddly things of every possible description, and just about anything that's got a magnet or a light-emitting diode in it may be found at thinkgeek.com, my personal favorite online toy store.

  The Old Standby. If you run out of time or options, or just want that little something extra, you can always give the Gift that Keeps On Giving: a gift certificate from a large bookstore or online retailer. Geeks especially dig those 3-D gift cards from Barnes & Noble.
  

  One final word: Check those wish lists! Thinkgeek, Amazon, and Yahoo! Shopping all have wish lists, as do many geeks who keep online journals. Keep sleuthing; the reward--the undying admiration of the geek in your life, plus that palpable sense of relief when you're all done shopping--is worth the trip, believe me!

• » Read Full Entry

Alone for the Holidays--Hogwash!

• Category: Relationships
• Contributor: Rad Dewey
• Monday, November 21, 2005, 7:26 pm PST

• Just because you're single is no reason to be alone. Here's one way to beat the blues courtesy of dating coach Liz Kelly: Right now, before you finish reading this, make a list of everyone you know in your area who is single. Then, pick a date and host a holiday singles dinner.

  Ask your single friends to bring one available catch and balance the sexes. Add spice to the party with a wine tasting theme. The conversation will flow, and you just never know who might show up.

  Here’s another tactic. If your family lives out of the area, see if you can find a substitute family to attach yourself to for a holiday meal. Many families look for "orphans" to invite to their holiday tables. Feel out your married friends and co-workers, and pick the family you feel most comfortable with. Chances are, if they happen to invite any other any available singles attending, the feast will be just like having dinner with your family at home (absent, of course, the questions about when you're getting married, settling down, having grandkids, getting a real job, etc.).

  If you are seeing someone new--lucky you--how do you know if it's right to bring them along to a holiday gathering? We polled singles on the front lines of dating for their thoughts. See if you agree with what they say.

  So, what's the takeaway? Unless you're really trying hard to be alone there's no reason why you should be.

• » Read Full Entry

TV Turkey With the Trimmings

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Helen Kim
• Monday, November 21, 2005, 1:28 am PST

• Thanksgiving is just around the corner. If you’ve got two left feet in the kitchen, but still want a satisfying turkey dinner with the trimmings, consider the 10-minute alternative: TV turkey dinners.

  It couldn’t be easier. Think of it as a meal-in-a-box. It’s all covered--appetizer, entrée, sometimes even dessert.

  If you’re home alone for the holiday, pop a dinner in the microwave, set it to cook on HIGH from 7-10 minutes (ovens vary, so cooking time may need to be adjusted), turn on the football game, and by fourth down, dinner’s ready!

  If you’ve got guests joining, pop in two dinners at a time, but remember to build in extra time for plating, setting out the nice silverware, hiding the boxes and cooking trays, and adding a sprig of fresh parsley as garnish.

  Cooking’s the easiest part—what’s hard is deciding which turkey TV dinner to go with. Well, gobble-gobble, it’s your lucky day. Here are five turkey TV dinner reviews to help you with your decision:

  • Brand: Marie Callender’s (Complete Dinner)
  • Meal: Turkey breast with stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans & cranberries.
  • Rating: 4.5 out of 5 forks.
  • Review: This is as close as it gets to ‘how mom used to thaw.’ All that’s missing is the pumpkin pie, but you can request that from Marie C’s next door neighbor, Mrs. Smith. If you’ve got guests coming over, this is the one to impress ‘em with.

  Overall, the dinner was a looker--tantalizing to the eyes, tastebuds, and stomach. The turkey medallions were not only meaty, but they were real white breast meat with grill marks (didn’t impact the taste, but looked good). The gravy tasted like homemade—more than enough to go around for the turkey, stuffing (which was quite good), and mashed potatoes. The green beans with cranberry halves were perfectly cooked—flavorful and fresh. Only the mashed potatoes were the slightest bit disappointing—pureed a tad bit too long.

  • Brand: Stouffer’s Dinners
  • Meal: Roast turkey breast medallions served over a traditional dressing in a homestyle gravy with mashed potatoes and a green bean & cranberry medley.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 forks.
  • Review: All in all, a solid meal. Gravy, mashed potatoes, and the green bean/cranberry/onion medley were flavorful. A dash of paprika on the potatoes is a nice visual touch. The turkey was juicy, but strangely enough, it was hard to discern the turkey flavor. Also some disappointment with the stuffing—the portion was small, as was the flavor. But overall, a solid dinner selection for you or your guests.
  • Brand: Boston Market, Home Style Meals
  • Meal: Turkey breast medallions with mashed potatoes & gravy.
  • Rating: 3.5 out of 5 forks.
  • Review: This is the dinner you’d have for lunch. The portion is a bit small, but then again, it is called a “meal,” not a dinner. The turkey was a bit dry, but the flavorful and generous portion of gravy helped it along. The mashed potatoes were a mystery—bubbly and dense, yet they still tasted like potatoes.
  • Brand: Healthy Choice
  • Meal: Traditional turkey breast with gravy and dressing, vegetables, and pumpkin raisin dessert.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 forks.
  • Review: Who says healthy can’t be tasty. For a meal low on fat (five grams total), the gravy looked rich and was flavorful. The turkey medallions were slightly dry, but still had a good turkey flavor. The vegetable medley of corn, carrots, and peas was the highlight—very fresh, perfectly cooked, and very tasty. (Didn’t even miss the mashed potatoes.) The stuffing and the pumpkin/raisin dessert were disappointing—there was little taste to the stuffing, and the dessert had an overpowering fragrance of nutmeg and cinnamon, and a mushy texture.
  • Brand: Hungry-Man
  • Meal: Roasted Carved Turkey (mostly white meat), gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, & a brownie.
  • Rating: 2.5 out of 5 forks.
  • Review: At more than “1 lb. of food”, the assortment was impressive: turkey, stuffing, two vegetables, and dessert. But in the end, it wasn’t the size that mattered, but the taste. The stuffing was tasty and well-seasoned, but the turkey slices appeared processed. The mashed potatoes had a pleasant, fluffy, light consistency, but lacked a defined potato flavor. The corn—well it was chewy. The brownie was a sweet cake treat, which cooked up well, though it did require an extra step to prepare.
• » Read Full Entry

Discover the Outdoors

• Category: Health
• Contributor: S. Moss
• Saturday, November 19, 2005, 11:48 am PST

• Food is a key component of the holidays. Regret, too. Eat a few huge meals, next thing you know you've put on the weight you were hoping to take off before seeing your family.

  The weight won't come off overnight, but you can make yourself feel better emotionally right now--by exercising.

  No, I'm not talking about training for an Ironman triathlon or heading to the local track for a half hour of wind sprints. Even if it’s only for 20 minutes, you really just need to get yourself outside and enjoy some fresh winter air! Your heart, and mind, will feel instantly better.

  Suggestions:
  - Go on a hike or neighborhood walk with friends and family. Pick up pine cones and fresh greenery along the way to decorate your table.
  - Take a stroll with your loyal dog.
  - Take a walk through the city streets to enjoy the holiday window displays.
  - Dust off your mountain bike and hit a recreational or rugged dirt trail.
  - Go out to a park and play some Frisbee, or kick a ball around with your kids.
  - Sign up for a local 5k and walk or run it all the way through the finish.
  - If it’s a nice day, rediscover that tennis racket in your garage and play a few sets with a friend.
  - For the rainy days, go on a trail hike. Try and get extra muddy like you loved to do when you were little.
  - For the snowy days, romp through the snow and build snowmen that look like some of your relatives.
  

  No matter the activity, just make the point of getting outside! If anything, it creates more memories than you get from just watching TV. And if you have had enough of Uncle Billy and Cousin John, it will serve as a great way to have some quality time by yourself.

  Unlike all those big meals, just remember that getting outside never results in any regrets!

• » Read Full Entry

Surviving Family During the Holidays

• Category: Relationships
• Contributor: Kate Inman
• Saturday, November 19, 2005, 11:17 am PST

• Uncle Steve wants to know why you’re not married yet. Aunt Rita can’t resist commenting on your love handles. Cousin Frankie is harassing you to join his pyramid scheme. You may only see them once a year but once can be enough!  Don’t let those zany relatives take away your holiday cheer. Here are some tips to help you stay sane and sassy this season:

  Seek safety in numbers. The repeat offenders often strike when you are alone. Take a seat next to the people you enjoy and forget about the rest. Everyone has at least one ally in their family, even if it means sitting at the kids' table.

  Tell a joke. It will keep the conversation light and off the topic of your ex boyfriend/girlfriend. Tell enough jokes and they will be laughing too hard to criticize your job. Uncle Bob will probably share a few of his own, creating a domino effect. Sit back, relax and enjoy the show, or duck out unscathed for some pecan pie.

  Answer a question with a question. When someone asks you how you did at school this semester you can turn the tables. Ask them if they plan to reward you for your grades. If your brother-in-law asks how much you weigh ask him to go first. Putting people on the spot deters them from asking uncomfortable questions. If they are bold enough to continue then pretend you don’t speak English.

  Spike the eggnog. This is a maneuver that can go either way. If you feel confident that a cup of good cheer would improve grandma’s disposition then go for it. Just make sure she is aware of what she is consuming – we wouldn’t want it to conflict with her medication. And if Aunt Sue gets punchy after a few rum balls then stick to sparkling cider.

  Use the direct approach. If some of your kin can’t take a hint you may just want to be blunt. Inform rude Cousin Roy that they he is on the naughty list this year. Be tactful but make sure they understand that they’ve crossed the line. Chances are, they hadn’t a clue and will clean up their act.  If their behavior continues then take them off your Christmas card list and move on. There are plenty of other people worth kissing under the mistletoe.

• » Read Full Entry

Setting Your Thanksgiving Table

• Category: Home
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Friday, November 18, 2005, 7:02 pm PST

• If ever an occasion warranted a fancy dinner table, Thanksgiving is it. Presentation is key, and you want to feature your lovingly prepared food in the best manner possible.

  When choosing a tablecloth, red is a great option because of its utility. It can be paired with gold for Thanksgiving, and then paired with white or green for Christmas. White or beige dishes pop against a bold color like red and you will have set a festive tone for your meal.

  If you have china, budget time for unpacking and hand rinsing it (you would not want to subject your guests to dust!) prior to setting the table. If you are using your everyday dishes, consider dressing them up with a charger, or by layering different patterns and sizes. Now is the time to bring the crystal out of the display case, and appreciate its beauty! Also, consider curious parties. If you set the table the evening before Thanksgiving, do you have inquisitive pets or toddlers who are likely to "re-set" the table before the big event?

  Linens, place card holders, and napkin rings add the finishing touches to the Thanksgiving table. Harvest colors are appropriate for linens, and they can be tied or folded in creative ways. Try this: fold a square napkin into a triangle with the point side up. Lay your silver inside so it directly aligns with the point. Fold the edges of the triangle inward, and then tie the bundle with a bow of raffia. Insert small stalks of wheat inside, and you have a pretty yet inexpensive silverware presentation. With a little creativity, mini-pumpkins, fall leaves, or acorns can become autumnal place-card holders.

  Finally, a few tips post dinner. Do not stack china en route from the dinner table to the kitchen sink as this encourages chipping. If you have eager table-clearing guests, gently ask them to bring the dishes to the sink one at a time. If you intend to do the washing later, soak the pots, pans, and dishes to make clean-up a cinch.

• » Read Full Entry

Giving Thanks the World Over

• Category: Travel
• Contributor: Erin G.
• Friday, November 18, 2005, 6:56 pm PST

• Each year at this time I can’t help but wonder where else, and how else, I might give thanks on this coveted holiday. While the Thanksgiving festivities of the United States are most notably 'Hallmark-ed', similar values and traditions are shared and practiced worldwide.

  In fact, festivals giving thanks for the harvest can be traced back to the times of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to name a few--and still take place to this day in far-flung locations throughout the world. If you have an appetite for travel more than turkey, options abound.

  Still today, cultural groups in Asia celebrate some variance of a Harvest Moon Festival. In South America, Pago a la Tierra festivals give thanks and offerings to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for her continued bounty. In India it’s Pongal; in Jewish communities, Sukkot. By whatever name, the harvest always reaps respect.

  There are six nations besides the United States that officially recognize a day of thanksgiving. Potential escapes for your consideration:

  • - South Korea celebrates a day of thanks on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month
  • - Switzerland celebrates the third Sunday in September
  • - Canada celebrates the second Monday in October
  • - Liberia celebrates the first Thursday in November
  • - Brazil celebrates the fourth Thursday of November, along with the U.S.
  • - Japan celebrates November 23

  While the premise is similar, each culture's expression in food, dress, and tenor make the holiday unique. In South Korea, you could partake in the traditional kneading of song pyun (rice cakes filled with chestnuts, pine needles, toasted sesame seeds, and sweetened peas), or join a family pilgrimage to ancestral gravesites to express gratitude to family members both living and deceased. Or perhaps you'd prefer to head south of the equator to Brazil to share your gratitude while also getting that golden tan, feasting on churrascaria barbeque, feijoida stew, and lounging on the beaches of Ipanema with caipirinha in hand.

  Wherever you go, thanksgiving is yours for the inventing. All I ask is that you take note of the bounty with which you’ve been blessed and remember to say a word of thanks for both the similarities and differences that make this world so beautiful.

• » Read Full Entry

The Entertainment Connoisseur: November Sweeps

• Category: Entertainment
• Contributor: Antoine Mitchell
• Friday, November 18, 2005, 12:30 pm PST

• For most people the start of the holidays is a magical time: days filled with falling snow, warm nights by the fireplace, hot cider, hats, scarves, dinners with family, blah, blah, blah.

  Not for me, though. Never. I don't have time for warm fuzzies; that's for the masses. I consume entertainment, and for me, November isn't about the holidays. It's all about the November sweeps on television.

  I should state upfront for those of you in the cheap seats, that I am The Entertainment Connoisseur. I live, breathe, eat, sleep, and drink entertainment in all its forms. It's that simple. I am vaguely aware of other things like the news, the need for world peace, that "nature" thing people go on and on about. But all that doesn't matter to me. Movies, TV, music, books, theatre--these are my passions, my loves.

  So--like an errant Blues Brother on a Mission from God--when November 1st rolls around, I make the necessary preparations. I clear the couch, line up the remote controls, put my favorite take-out places on speed dial and retainer, and get down to watching my 32" WEGA.

  Fifteen days into November sweeps, I have this to say: I'm pleased. Very pleased indeed.

  The networks have produced some good television thus far this season, both new and old--lots of stuff to make you laugh, cry, ponder the world or just go "That was da bomb!" While this hasn't been the best November sweeps I've seen--nothing's ever beaten November 1998--this year has provided a few choice television moments. Here are five shows that I happen to think are top dawg:

  ‘Lost’

  Finally we got to see what happened to the folks who were on the back half of the plane! Anyone who saw "Resident Evil" or "S.W.A.T." knows new cast member and castaway Michelle Rodriguez is a mean sister, but she has really been showing her stuff these last few weeks. It makes up for the massive letdown that we call the "Hatch." RIP., Shannon--you didn't have to go out like that, but it sure made for some good TV!

  ‘My Name is Earl’

  Pure, comic genius. Jason Lee has always been awesome in the 12,000 movies ("Chasing Amy," "Almost Famous") he's appeared in as the snarky, supporting guy. As Earl he finally gets to shine as the lead guy. Karma, as explained by Carson, dictates that Earl atone for all his past bad behavior by performing good deeds. So far in sweeps month he's participated in a twisted beauty pageant and planned a wedding with Hostess snack food and hair-metal music. All this and a Daytime Hooker--freakin' lovely stuff, people! If you aren't watching or TiVoing, you are missing out. Come Emmy time and "Earl" sweeps up the awards, you will be mad at yourselves and I will taunt you with "I told ya so."

  ‘Smallville’

  Tom Welling and the rest of the cast are coming into their own and the producers deserve an "A" for raising the bar on the plots/stories this season. For us hardcore Superman fans, the introduction of the Fortress of Solitude, Aquaman, and James Marsden as soon-to-be-really-bad Brainiac is just too much for words. The faux-Dukes of Hazzard reunion between John Schneider, who plays Pa Kent, and Tom Wopat as a special guest star was great in a sad but cool way--it warmed my heart to see those good ole boys around the Dodge Charger/General Lee stand-in. But did they look old or what? Someone close to the young Man of Steel may or may not die in the next two weeks, and I think the producers may actually follow through--with stakes this high, who needs "Survivor?"

  ‘Desperate Housewives’

  Though currently designated the media darling of the year, and thus open for constant and immediate ridicule for its popularity, "Housewives" is still a great, campy, inappropriate slice of suburban heaven. What other show can give you: pregnant women in Dolce and Gabbana, amateur porn, murder, violent playdates, sex between exs, and Hydrangea gardening tips--all in a single episode! I applaud all the ladies of Wysteria Lane for their hard work, but Teri Hatcher gets the gold star for crying in the middle of the street in that beautiful wedding dress. The woman just looked pathetic and torn down and we, the audience, couldn't help feeling her pain while also thinking "that's what you get for lying to your man."

  ‘Commander-in-Chief’

  I have to confess--I was not feeling this show when it first came out. It seemed like we had been there and done that with "The West Wing." What could Geena Davis do that Martin Sheen hadn't done for us back in the day? Luckily, a friend convinced me to check it out and I'm glad I did. Geena is mighty cool as the Prez--she manages the free world with integrity, compassion, and intelligence. Overall, good cast and great stories make for solid television. Donald Sutherland is not to be missed as Geena's vicious rival Speaker of the House. Poison drips from the end of each of the man's perfect Southern-accented sentences.

  There you have 'em: my favorites. I don't apologize for my love of entertainment; I'm old enough to realize that some people might think that I am shallow and that my interests are frivolous. But they don't matter. When it comes to all things entertainment, I freely acknowledge that I may indeed play in the shallow end of the pool of life.

  But I have to say--the water is fine right where I am.

• » Read Full Entry

Have a Healthier, Happy Holiday

• Category: Health
• Contributor: Tessa Robinson
• Thursday, November 17, 2005, 8:44 pm PST

• Do you wake up the Monday after Thanksgiving wondering why your roomy pajamas are suddenly not so roomy? Do you count on having to lose “the weight” in January that you put on the last five weeks of the year? Make some very simple changes and you too can enjoy your celebration without having to pay for it on the scale.

  Step One: Renovate your holiday meal

  Thanksgiving isn’t Thanksgiving without creamy mashed potatoes, but you can cut the calories without cutting the flavor. Try this combo:

  • - 5 lbs. potatoes
  • - 1 cup nonfat milk, hot (tip: heat this in the microwave just before adding)
  • - 4 oz. fat-free cream cheese, softened
  • - 2 packages Butter Buds (tip: find in the spice section; comes in boxes w/ packages inside)

  Give thanks to winter gardens and use fresh vegetables:

  • - Instead of a high-fat casserole, try steaming fresh vegetables. Steamed green beans are especially tasty with a little fresh lemon juice!
  • - Forgo the high-fat bread stuffing by stuffing your turkey with celery, onions, carrots, and apples. You will love how moist your bird turns out!

  You just can’t live without Mom’s pumpkin pie? Try baking the filling in individual-sized ramekins. If you count on having that crispy crust, make mini pastry leaves to garnish the filling.

  Step Two: Start a new active family tradition

  Make walking a must:

  • - Reward your active family – walk around the neighborhood before dessert.
  • - Give the gift of time together – before the first present is opened, take a leisurely stroll together.

  Bundle up and go outside!

  • - Start a neighborhood touch football game.
  • - Hunt for a Christmas tree in the mountains.
  • - Join city events like outdoor ice skating or benefit races like The Turkey Trot.

  Step Three: Remember that your holiday is just one day

  If you go big one day, go small the next.

  • - Thanksgiving is Thursday, not Thursday through Monday.
  • - Holiday parties don’t have to follow you home – leave the leftovers for someone else.

  Don’t get discouraged! Don’t let guilt get you down! If you consume the entire Thanksgiving feast, commit to making a fresh start on Friday. Just because you ate like a linebacker today doesn’t mean you can’t eat like a cheerleader tomorrow.

• » Read Full Entry

Doggone Envy

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Jen Abellera
• Thursday, November 17, 2005, 8:27 pm PST

• Is your dog envious of Tinkerbell and Paris? Indulge your pet this holiday season and quash their envy.

  In this modern dog era, it’s no longer just about kibbles ‘n bits ‘n bits ‘n bits™. A flurry of gourmet organic dog food and treats, such as Wellness for dogs and Peanut Carob Kisses by Bloom and Bark, promote well-being in addition to tasting great. With all-natural ingredients as peanut butter, milk and carob chips in those kisses, you may even tussle with Tuffy for them.

  If your pup is more Carrie Bradshaw than Rachael Ray, then consider spa grooming as a holiday gift option. The Happy Tails Spa product line uses herbal extracts like comfrey and calendula to soothe and pamper a dog’s skin during these winter months.

  The gifts, however, shouldn’t just be reserved for the dogs.

  Foster a dog enthusiast’s interest with a subscription to The Bark magazine. Touted as the “New Yorker of pet magazines” by Time, The Bark has amassed a loyal following with articles on dog travel destinations, holistic trends in veterinary medicine, commentaries on dog culture and book reviews.

  For the truly devoted, explore pet portraiture. Recently featured in The New York Times Magazine, Amanda Jones has established herself as a leading photographer in this burgeoning field. Although the $850 price tag may be a deterrent, nothing will rival the sheer elation of your loved one for capturing that quintessential Rowlf smile.

  Well, with the exception of Rowlf himself, that is.

• » Read Full Entry

Turkey Brine Recipe

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Thursday, November 17, 2005, 6:16 pm PST

• Have you tried brining your Thanksgiving turkey? This method is similar to marination in that it infuses flavor, and moisture, into your meat. The below recipe is for a 12-15lb. turkey, but can be doubled or cut depending on the size of the bird.

  Turkey Brine Recipe

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup kosher salt
  • 1 gallon vegetable stock
  • 1 quart apple juice
  • 1/4 cup peeled garlic
  • 1/4 cup diced shallots
  • 3 sliced white onions
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 bunch thyme
  • 5 crushed allspice berries
  • 1 tablespoon whole peppercorn
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 gallons of water

  Mix the salt, sugar, vegetable stock, and apple juice in a large bowl until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Double bag a trash bag (made of non-recycled materials) and add the turkey to bag along with the brine mixture and water. Seal and place entire bag in a cooler making sure the turkey is on its side submerged in the brine. Cover with ice, and allow the turkey to soak for 24 hours. Finally, cook turkey with preferred method.

• » Read Full Entry

All in the Family

• Category: Sports
• Contributor: Sam Silverstein
• Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 7:50 pm PST

• Our lone TV is in our bedroom--a concession to my wife, who doesn't want to see it in the common areas of our house--but we keep it on wheels. That's for me.

  Holiday season is when the TV makes its annual rolling migration to the living room, or wherever in the house my family has gathered. Sports was the common language of the house I grew up in, and when my brother or father are visiting from Massachusetts, it comes back to me as naturally as a drawl to a Southerner. Even my mom will camp in front of the NBA game du jour; if it's the Celtics, she'll have a comment or two that betrays the fact she's been following closely since training camp convened.

  The thing about this time of year is, the games don't matter that much. Nothing will be won per se over the next six weeks. There's some college football of consequence. And the NFL playoff push culminates this year on New Year's Day.

  But the games we watch over the holiday season are about the company we keep, not what's at stake. The Lions' lone national television appearance each year on Thanksgiving day is when my brother and I, laid out on opposing couches, catch up on the year gone by in grunted fragments of conversation. A meaningless early season college hoops game is appointment television for my father and I, from whom I inherited loyalty to sport.

  Tradition is the name of the game. Each year at this time, Yahoo! Sports' Dan Wetzel christens' the college basketball season with a 'Trippin' Tour' of a dozen or so notable programs throughout the country. Wheelman Bret Bearup is AWOL this year for some reason, but Weztel's access, and insights, are world-class as usual.

  This year's tour concludes in Manhattan for the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament that, for all intents and purposes, kicks off the 2005-06 college hoops season. Our TV is loosened up and ready to roll.

• » Read Full Entry

Thanksgiving Travel Tips

• Category: Travel
• Contributor: Katherine Tom
• Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 6:40 pm PST

• It's well-known that Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest flying times of the year, which means longer lines and more delays. Here are a few tips that you can use to make your travels smoother.

  1. Arrive early. You already know it's going to be busy, so bring that book you've been meaning to read (and snacks and toys if you're traveling with kids) and plan on arriving at the airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure.
  2. Don't check baggage. If it's at all possible, pack a single carry-on item per traveler for the weekend. Many airlines now let you check in and print your boarding pass online, which means you can go straight to the security line with carry-on luggage. This can cut your wait time in half.
  3. Dress smart. Check the weather for your destination. It may be drastically different from your point of origin. Yahoo! Travel has weather conditions and seasonal forecasts for more than 40,000 destinations. Also remember to wear comfortable slip-off shoes and minimal jewelry to get through the security checkpoint faster.
  4. Shop online. If you're giving gifts, buy them online and have them shipped to your destination. It will cut down on your baggage significantly. Remember to factor in plenty of time for the items to get delivered (keeping in mind that mail can be slower during the busy holiday season). If you do bring gifts with you, make sure they're not wrapped; items that require additional screening may have to be unwrapped by security screeners.
  5. Book now for 2006. It may sound crazy, but if you have airline miles to spend, you should be thinking about booking your 2006 Thanksgiving tickets soon. Rewards seats become available 330 days in advance, so set an appointment in your calendar now. For non-rewards flights, set a reminder for 6-8 weeks in advance of your planned travel date. When you're booking, choose an early flight to ensure fewer delays (delays stack up as the day continues, making it much more likely that an evening flight will be delayed). Save yourself time by comparing fares from multiple sites in a single search with Yahoo! FareChase.

  Have a great Thanksgiving!

• » Read Full Entry

Making Your Own Holiday Wreath

• Category: Home
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 6:17 pm PST

• If you opt to have a real Christmas tree instead of a synthetic one, most likely you will need to cut the lower branches so the trunk will fit into the stand. Instead of tossing these branches, make them into a wreath instead!

  Steps:

  1. Gather four similarly sized branches from the pile of discards.
  2. Place them into a rough square so that the nicer side of the branch is face down.
  3. Using craft twine, discretely bind the branches at the corners.
  4. Flip the square, and fill in any gaps with smaller branches and bind them with twine so that the shape forms into more of a circle.
  5. From this basic structure, add holiday embellishments such as ribbon, ornaments, or holiday picks (which can be purchased at your local craft store).

  Hang, step back, and enjoy!

• » Read Full Entry

Rules of Re-Gifting

• Category: Shopping
• Contributor: Betty Wang
• Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 6:00 pm PST

• I don't think it's a big deal to re-gift a present given to you, which you think someone else would appreciate. It's like the old adage, "One person's trash is another person's treasure." But, there are some simple rules to re-gifting:

  1. Make sure you remember who gave you the gift. You don't want to end up re-gifting something back to the person who previously gave it to you. Even worse, with the same wrapping paper!
  2. Make sure you do not re-gift something to someone who will open the gift in the presence of the original gifter. That could cause some embarrassment later on if you get busted.
  3. Do not re-gift something that you have been using for the past year. (No further explanation needed.)
  4. If you're re-gifting food, make sure it hasn't developed mold. With food such as candy, I would recommend not re-gifting after a week. I've gotten chocolates that were encased in crusty white film. It just screams "RE-GIFT!!" I don't mind getting a re-gift, but it should not be obvious that it's been re-gifted.

  I remember a friend's great suggestion that may help those that receive some items worth re-gifting: Whenever she receives a gift she considers re-gift-worthy, she puts a Post-it on the gift with the name of who gave it to her along with the date it was received. That way, she decreases her chances of a potentially embarrassing situation and avoids giving away crusty white chocolates.

• » Read Full Entry

Get Your Hands Dirty for the Sake of Romance

• Category: Relationships
• Contributor: Rad Dewey
• Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 5:43 pm PST

• If you're unattached and invited to a Thanksgiving feast, arrive ready to help. "Everyone knows the party is in the kitchen," says Dating Coach Liz H. Kelly." If you are willing to help with the prep work or clean-up duty, you might find your catch with sleeves rolled up around the sink."

  Besides, unless you'll be dining with the J. Billington Bucksups at their amply staffed country home, your harried hostess will be delighted to have your help. Your rep as a delightful guest will spread quickly and beget additional dinner party invitations--more opportunities to meet someone special.

  Also for the holiday season, Liz suggests doubling your opportunities for good fortune.

  "By volunteering to deliver presents to children, you might get a double holiday victory. Not only are you helping the less fortunate, you might just meet that cute catch--or someone who knows your match."

  Liz offers more holiday-themed suggestions in an article at Yahoo! Personals.

• » Read Full Entry

Ashli's Crock Pot Stew

• Category: Food
• Contributor: Ashli Smick
• Wednesday, November 16, 2005, 5:05 pm PST

• Looking for an easy, homemade meal during the holiday season? Try some stew. Whether you are entertaining guests, or would like a no-fuss warm meal after a day of shopping, the below recipe requires minimal prep, yields a hearty bowl of meat and vegetables, and cleans up easily.

  Serves: 6
  Prep time: 30 minutes
  Cook time: 10 hours
  Requires: 4 quart crock pot

  Ingredients:

  • 2 cans of beef broth
  • 1 can of Campbell’s Golden Mushroom soup
  • 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 package of beef crock pot seasonings
  • 2 lbs. of stew meat
  • 1 cup of baby carrots
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 cup of snapped green beans
  • 1 sliced white onion
  • 4 stalks of sliced celery
  • 2 lbs. of cubed red potatoes

  Mix the seasonings and wet ingredients in the base of the crock pot, and whisk until combined. Stir in the meat and vegetables, cover, and cook on low for 10 hours.

  After the stew is cooked, you may wish to thicken the sauce. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of water and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch in a small bowl until the clumps have disappeared. Stir the mixture into the stew until completely combined.

  Serve immediately! Enjoy!

• » Read Full Entry

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