This gadget gives me the warm fuzzies

It's that time of year...time when families get together and tons of pictures are taken -- video, too. But remember when your family didn't have that spanky digital camera or camcorder, and your family memories lived on slides? I remember, boy do I remember, and I have the boxes of my Dad's old slides to prove it. I just stumbled upon this new product, and though I have not yet gotten one for myself -- felt I should share it with you. Especially with the end-of-year holidays charging into full swing. This way if Aunt Eileen starts reminiscing about that Christmas dinner from years ago -- you might just be able to show it to her on your laptop, or better yet, knock her socks off when you present her with a framed print of that special day.

Check it out:





Ion's Slides 2 PC USB gadget attaches to your computer and allows you to quickly scan those old 35 mm slides. To learn more about it, click here.


...and all for under $100 dollars.

This one might just have to land on my personal Christmas list.

-reenie

Dressing for the Holidays

OK...I know this is where I am supposed to talk about the 'LBD,' right? Well, I happen to live in a cold climate, and find that the LBD ('little back dress' to the uninitiated) can be hard when the temps drop below freezing. I, for one, am all about tailored black slacks, perfect party shoes, and fun tops (OK, perfect party shoes sometimes have to be replaced by bulky boots - but only while in transport-to-the-event mode). I figure this way...if I have multiple events to attend, I can just have one or two go-to black slacks hanging in my closet and a variety of tops. I tend toward tunic tops and jacket type models. I think I look stylish, and I'm not feeling the need to purchase multiple LBDs -- typically more expensive than jewel-toned and sparkly tops (think beautiful evening sweaters, too). I also find that I can mix them up, even year-to-year, and I'm not having that dreaded "have I worn this in front of this group of people before?" question popping into my head.

If the LBD is your thing -- I urge you to find one that fits perfectly and that makes you feel like a million bucks. Though I did just read an article that red dresses tend to make you more "attractive" to members of the opposite sex -- so much more attractive that male dates may actually feel inclined to spend more money on you. So if more attention (and more generosity) is what you're after -- changing from LBD to LRD may be your best bet. Decisions, decisions...

-reenie

Food Safety Over Thanksgiving

I will never forget a large family gathering a number of years back. I was the only healthy person at the table, yet the hostess insisted on cooking the full-blown meal. Needless to say, I was a little concerned about what I might "catch" from eating the lovely meal. Thankfully - I remained healthy (and the rest of the group 'mended' quickly), but that memory got me thinking about my own upcoming holiday feast (I will be hosting my very small family for Thanksgiving), and how I should pay careful attention to all of those food safety tips we all hear about. Thanksgiving is all about the bird - and we all know there are some specific rules for dealing with uncooked poultry.

I found this great site from the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service. It highlights these important ideas for preparing the perfect Holiday Feast:

• Deciding on fresh or frozen turkey and how to keep them freash and ready to cook on Thursday, November 27


• What size turkey to buy


• How to safely thaw a frozen bird


• Cooking time and the proper completed (fully-cooked) temperature -- be sure you have a meat thermometer before the big day!

The biggest tip is probably to plan ahead. I don't know about you, but it definitely seems like this November holiday snuck up on me. I'm busy making lists and plotting my countdown to turkey day. Now is the time to start figuring out those details!!

Happy planning, and Happy EARLY Thanksgiving!

-reenie

Packing the right way

So, for a girl with an avowed passion for great suitcases (all bags, really, ask anyone in my family)... I pack like a true novice. I have friends who can pack a carry-on for a week in Europe. I need the same space for my toiletries and shoes. I've had to do more travel lately, and am facing holiday travel in the coming weeks. Thought I might pay better attention to both the better-packing-info I've been reading and the aforementioned friend who packs like a pro.

Things I'm learning:

Size does matter. Be sure your airline carry-on is the real deal. I have a bag that I thought was the right size, but found out the hard way that it's just a teense too big to qualify for carry-on status. If you are planning on bringing your cherished possessions onto the plane -- choose the 22" carry-on when shopping for your next suitcase. But I do recommend checking your carrier's Web site for their specific rules for carry-on luggage. Oh, and for the record, if it doesn't have wheels -- it's not coming with me.

Use all of the space. If you are bringing shoes...use the space in the shoes to tuck socks or any other small items.

The dreaded liquid diet. I have always had a hard time with packing toiletries. Now that we have the security limitations - I'm even worse. One big word of advice. It is very likely - OK, maybe not every time, but most times - that where you are heading will have shampoo, liquid soap, etc. Be sure you check current airline carry-on regulations when packing your security-area-baggie. Check this site for up-to-date information on what and how much can go into your carry-on.

Just like science class -- heavy falls to the bottom. Put your heavy items in first - whether they are things or clothing items. If you are traveling for work -- put the notebooks in first. BUT if you need the heavy stuff upon arrival - you may need to adjust this rule.

Plan ahead for those items you pick up on the other side. Do you have an easy-to-stow smaller bag to tuck into your suitcase in case you need another bag for the return flight? If not - I suggest checking them out now -- while you have time. Nothing worse than having to buy a bag you don't really want or need just because you're in a jam. Shop for the one you really want and like.

Plastic surgery doesn't help these wrinkles. If you want to reduce wrinkles while traveling, place old dry cleaner bags between layers of your clothes. It doesn't completely prevent the wrinkles, but it helps. Plus, I like having them on the return trip to keep dirty clothes separated from the clean pieces.

Roll and fold. Best to roll soft items like jersey knit or flannel (picture your PJs); but fold pants and more substantial shirts.

I know my community has a great travel shop with super ideas/items for helping you pack. There are great online retailers, too. If air travel is in your immediate future... I recommend checking these out. Local department/discount stores also offer great options. A little planning now will help your packing process go far more smoothly. And we all need one less hassle during the holiday season. Right?

-reenie

Make Your Home Safe

OK…it’s that time of year when I start realizing that safety at home is a big deal. Why is that? It gets cooler, the time changes and I start using my fireplace. I’m reminded, too, that I’ll have more people in and out of my home during the holidays and I want all of them to be safe.

Here are a few of my thoughts:



When I change my clocks – I change the batteries in my smoke detectors. Sure, the battery would probably last more than six months, but changing the clock is a great reminder, and I can spare a battery or two for this peace of mind.

If you have a fireplace – make sure you have your chimney cleaned. I’ve driven by far too many homes with chimney fires to feel any other way about this.

Make sure you have your furnace cleaned and serviced on a prescribed schedule. I think it’s usually based on gallons of oil burned, but I make it an annual event. It’s a recurring task in my PDA. It’s a quick way to make sure everything is working OK, and it helps with fuel efficiency.

I don’t use a space heater, but I have family members who do, and I always get nervous because I know I’m not disciplined enough to use one. Yes, I know other people are – I just know myself. Please, please, if you use a space heater in your home – be careful and use only as directed.

Candles. I love them and I especially love having holiday-scented ones around this time of year, but, again, back to the discipline thing. I’m also concerned when I use them because I have inquisitive pets. Keep everyone in your house in mind when you light candles.

Finally – do you have a fire extinguisher in your home? Please, if you don’t, get one now.
I’m sure this will be an ongoing list, but these are the ones that are top of mind for me right now. As always – please add your thoughts in the comments section.

-reenie

My November horoscope said to start my holiday shopping early

I have started. I actually stood in line at a local store this past weekend to buy a Wii Fit for my college-aged daughter. I was FIRST in line, and expect Mother-of-the-year status to be bestowed upon me on December 26. I think they only had six or seven of the games, so I feel sorry for all of those other Moms behind me in line.

I only have the one child and have known that the Wii Fit was her big desire for the last few months, but it got me thinking about those Christmas shopping trips of years ago – when I’d need to know the top toys.
I recently found the Toys”R”Us Fabulous 15 list of hot toys for 2008. I’m ashamed to say I’ve never heard of some of these items, but then again, my 19 year old has outgrown most of them (but her Wii Fit did make the list).

Here it is:
-50's Diner from Step2
-Bakubelt Action Kit from Spin Master
-Circus Ring from Playmobil
-Classic Lights and Sounds Trike from Radio Flyer
-Girl Gourmet Cupcake Maker from JAKKS Pacific
-EyeClops Night Vision Infrared Stealth Goggles from JAKKS Pacific
-FURREAL FRIENDS BISCUIT, MY LOVIN' PUP from Hasbro
-Imaginext Spike the Ultra Dinosaur from Fisher-Price
-Laugh & Learn Shop & Learn Walker from Fisher-Price
-Little Mommy Sweet As Me Baby Knows Dolls from Mattel
-Pink 8GB iPod nano from Apple
-Pink Tag Reading System from LeapFrog
-Sesame Street Elmo Live! from Fisher-Price
-Star Wars: The Clone Wars The Twilight from LEGO Systems, Inc.
-Wii Fit from Nintendo

I also read an online article noting that Webkinz topped Internet searches in August. Though after playing on the Webkinz site with a 7-year old pal – figure that might have been a summer-vacation kind of thing. Keeps the little tykes occupied.

I’ll share more toy ideas as time passes and we get closer to the holidays! Let me know if you have any great ideas to share.

-reenie

VOTE TODAY!

Vote today, please! Some things in life are precious. This right is one of those things. Now before you ask me to get off my soapbox, I’ll calm down. Just promise me you will vote!

I’d like to add some levity here.

Have you seen these cutie pies from the Vermont Teddy Bear Company? No matter who wins the election – these Veep candidates would make VIP additions to your collection.

Have you seen these guys at the online America-store?
I need one - I know I do.

So, if you haven’t voted yet – stop computing and do it now. Please. This is probably the only time I’ll ask you to leave your seat. Ever. Promise.

-reenie