How to Buy an Artificial Christmas Tree

Real Christmas Trees have gotten so expensive! Not to mention the fact that, in order to have a real Christmas tree, you have to cut down a living tree. Really!?

It’s way past time to consider buying an artificial Christmas tree, isn’t it! Think about this:
Artificial Christmas trees come in every size and shape imaginable. From tall and thin, to short and fat and everything in between. In our home, we have only one space for a slim Christmas tree (unless we want to move a bunch of furniture to the garage). Our space requires something thin, but I love a big tree. So I looked for a tall, thin Christmas tree with plenty of branches from which to hang my many ornaments.

Listed below are a few things for you to think about when buying an artificial Christmas tree. You probably already know all of this but these are reminders:

• First, decide on a budget for the tree. Add up the money you would spend on a real Christmas tree and multiply that times 5 – the average lifespan of a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree. Now you have your budget
• Next, think about the kind of Christmas tree you usually buy. Everyone has a favorite: cypress, spruce, grand fir, noble fir, balsam fir. My favorite type of tree is a Noble Fir, which isn’t all that easy to find a tall, think Douglas Fir tree. It took a while, but I found it online here
• Find a retailer that sells artificial trees. You can find them at many big box stores, but at most you’ll find 12 – 18 different kinds, and we knew we wanted a larger selection. That’s why we decided to carry them on our store. We knew we wanted one that looked real, so we found these “Feel Real” trees here.
• Think about the number of branches you like. Do you like a tree with room between branches so you can see each and every one of your ornaments, or one with branches that are fuller than normal? Some artificial trees that are “affordable” in big box stores actually have very sparse branches, so it’s important to know how many branches and tips your tree has when making the decision
• Check the quality of the needles. PE and PVC tips are the highest quality needles for artificial trees. Stay away from plastic. One great tree is made with "Feel Real" technology, which not only looks real, but feels real too. Click here to see a Tiffany Fir "Feel Real" Christmas tree that's amazing!
• Make sure the cord is UL listed for maximum safety
• The number of lights a tree has affects the price. Buy a tree with as many lights as you can afford to create a warm, homey feel. You’ll enjoy it so much more with tons of lights! Think also about whether you want clear or colored lights. Clear lights definitely give off a more traditional look while colored lights add festivity and a modern touch
• You have a few other options as well. You can purchase artificial Flocked Christmas Trees which have become very popular again in recent years, especially in those of us who enjoy a white Christmas but live in an area where little, if any, snow ever falls. Also available are Fiber Optic Christmas Trees which add fun to any room!
• Look for coordinating Wreathes, Swags, Decorations and Centerpieces. Buying on line allows you to find just the right Christmas decoration, as well as storage and accessories
• Finally, measure the space! This is the most important component you need to think about. If you have one, leave yourself enough room at the top of the tree for your favorite tree topper. Measure the width of the space you have and be sure the tree you buy will fit
• Check the return policy. Make sure that if you get the tree and you’re not happy with it you know ahead of time what the return policy will be
• Last, have fun decorating and feel free to send us a picture of your beautiful Christmas tree. We would love to post them!

If you have any further questions, feel free to call a Christmas Tree specialists at (888) 564-4744 to help you find just the right tree. Odyssey Homestore® offer “Legendary” products and services that you just won't find anywhere else. They also offer a low price guarantee, so if you find it anywhere else for less, call and they'll match the price, plus send you 15% of the difference in a gift certificate for future use.

Oak Park Hates Veggies

Someone took their own little plot of land and decided to grow veggies on it! That’s a brilliant idea! Someone should have thought of it before! Oh wait, they did! Our ancestors … (Yes, I know. I too use too many exclamation points but at least I use capitalization.)

In this day when money is tight for everyone, and we’re all trying to get back to our “roots” so to speak, there’s not a thing wrong with using whatever little bit of land we have. But I’m with a few others here, there’s a way to make it look aesthetically a little more pleasing to your neighbors. I myself have raised flower beds, but then again they’re made of stucco and brick, not 2 x 4s.

But that’s not the point here, is it? The point, as I see it, is that a government official (or three) have decided they have eminent domain over Julie’s lawn.So what we have now is a bunch of bureaucrats posturing because if they back down they’ll lose face. How about this… if they don’t back down they just might lose the next election! This is a political standoff in which the only clear winner can be Julie! If she loses her court case, a good percentage of the population will be sympathetic with her and the cameras will be rolling as she bulldozes her vegetable beds. If she wins … well then she gets to claim “winner!”

Either way Julie, I’ve put you on my blog and hope more people show some moral support. This is a silly waste of tax payers valuable money.

Click Here to View the Entire Blog

How to Store Wine

I remember as a young girl, my uncle had an underground wine cellar in his basement. He had the bottles stacked willy-nilly setting on home dug dirt shelves among gossamer spider webs. It was the creepiest place I’ve ever seen, yet my uncle was so proud of his wine collection, even though he had to crawl in on his hands and knees to find a vintage bottle to bring out for his guests!

Then, when I learned to appreciate fine wine, I saw my first real cellar at a local winery. I was so impressed, and decided then and there that if I ever have a house that has a room, or a portion of a room, which could be used as a wine cellar, mine would look just like this. Floor-to-ceiling wine racks of some type of rich, dark wood lined the walls in a large rectangular room. Against one wall was a huge, fire roaring in a fireplace tall enough to walk into. In the center of the room sat a large, regal-looking table surrounded by eight massive chairs that reminded me of thrones. It’s a room I could see myself entertaining guests on cold, winter evenings. I’ve dreamed of that room for years.
 
When I ran across this Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar, I knew it was exactly what I’ve been looking for! Plus it has a rich, tropical flair which is a look I just can't resist!

So if you’re looking for a home wine cellar or creative ways to display your wine, look no further. Even if you don’t have room for a full wine cellar like the one that’s in my dream you can turn any closet, empty room, or unused space into the wine cellar of your dreams. Whether your wine collection is 10 bottles or over 1000, you can mix or match the Padma’s Plantation Modulare Collection to create a wine cellar you’ll be proud of!

The Padma’s Plantation Wine Cellar blends beautifully with almost any décor, and can be used against a wall or even as a room divider. From one cube to dozens, you can create unique storage or display spaces to suit a variety of options. This just might be the ideal solution for your home, office, hotel or almost any location where wine is served!

We found the entire Padma's Plantation here. (Did you notice how many times we used the name "Padma's Plantation? We can't help it, we just love the name!)

I hope you love it as much as I do!

The Beauty of Dreams

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

 ---  by Eleanor Roosevelt. She was really amazing!

Scalding Water Burn

Since I never had a girl of my own,  I couldn't wait to start all the "girly" rituals when I found out I was having a granddaughter. You know .... pedicures, shopping for purses and shoes and of course tea parties! Chloe had her first pedicure on her second birthday and now perches her little self up there like she's been doing it all her life, which she has. In addition to pedicures, we've been mall buddies from the time I was given permission to take her shopping by mommy. She kicks back in her comfy stroller, daintily crossing her knees and sucking her thumb. Comically, one of the first things she said to me well before her second birthday was "Wanna go shopping?" Then, since I'm a tea drinker I taught Chloe to make tea with sugar and milk just the way I do. One thing you should know ... our little Chloe loves gum - it's the minty smell that she just can't resist. So naturally her favorite tea is Mint Plantation.

I allowed her to make tea when she was here with me. She knew to get a coffee mug and set the timer to "Two Zero Zero". Then we would transfer it into the tea pot and have ourselves a grand tea party! On occasion, she wanted to make it herself, but I supervised. Sadly our tea parties have come to an end since she moved to Tennessee. I probably shouldn't admit this, but I send her and Mason (our Grandson) a little box every week. They call it the "Candy Box" because I always put a little candy in it. In the last box I included a little reminder of our special times together ... her favorite coffee mug and a brand new box of her favorite tea. I feel so bad about it now!

Recently, she decided to make her own cup of tea at her new house. She pressed "Two Zero Zero" but it wasn't hot enough so she pressed "Two Zero Zero" again. When she was taking it out of the microwave, it tipped a little. When she tried to stop it, the cup completely tipped over. Boiling water hit the pad of her thumb, but even more spilled down her leg and soaked her jeans right at her knee.

Thankfully, she ripped the jeans off immediately. Also thankfully, a family friend who is also a medic was in the house at the time. He helped her put the burns in cool water and applied an antiseptic immediately. But sadly, she ended up with second degree burns. She was in so much pain! Apparently there was a lot of hysterical screaming going on in their house for quite a while. After she calmed down a bit she called me. (We have an agreement that she can call me anytime about anything that she wants to talk about, whether it's good or bad.) She was crying so hard I couldn't understand more than she had a burn.

I told her over and over how sorry I was. Naturally, I feel responsible because I sent her the tea and mug. Chloe eventually calmed down. She's such a sweet and compassionate little girl; she wanted to comfort me because I felt like it was my fault. But in the end, she took complete responsibility and she understands that it was an accident. "Accidents Happen." She now understands how terribly painful burns are. I'm just thankful the burns weren't on her face or covering a larger area.

Chloe declared her tea drinking days are now behind her. She threw away the tea and will save the coffee mug for hot chocolate this fall. Anyway, now that you know the story, here's a few things you can do if you, or someone you know, suffers a burn:

Types of Burns

Burns are often categorized as first-, second-, or third-degree, depending on how badly the skin is damaged. Each of the injuries above can cause any of these three types of burns. But both the type of burn and its cause will determine how the burn is treated.

All burns should be treated quickly to reduce the temperature of the burned area and reduce damage to the skin and underlying tissue (if the burn is severe).

First-Degree Burns

First-degree burns, the mildest of the three, are limited to the top layer of skin:

• Signs and symptoms: These burns produce redness, pain, and minor swelling. The skin is dry without blisters.
• Healing time: Healing time is about 3 to 6 days; the superficial skin layer over the burn may peel off in 1 or 2 days.

Second-Degree Burns

Second-degree burns are more serious and involve the skin layers beneath the top layer:

• Signs and symptoms: These burns produce blisters, severe pain, and redness. The blisters sometimes break open and the area is wet looking with a bright pink to cherry red color.
• Healing time: Healing time varies depending on the severity of the burn. It can take up to 3 weeks or more.

Third-Degree Burns

Third-degree burns are the most serious type of burn and involve all the layers of the skin and underlying tissue:

• Signs and symptoms: The surface appears dry and can look waxy white, leathery, brown, or charred. There may be little or no pain or the area may feel numb at first because of nerve damage.
• Healing time: Healing time depends on the severity of the burn. Deep second- and third-degree burns (called full-thickness burns) will likely need to be treated with skin grafts, in which healthy skin is taken from another part of the body and surgically placed over the burn wound to help the area heal.

What to Do

Seek Medical Help Immediately When:

• You think your child has a second- or third-degree burn.
• The burned area is large (2-3 inches in diameter), even if it seems like a minor burn. For any burn that appears to cover more than 10% of the body, call for medical assistance. And don't use wet compresses or ice because they can cause the child's body temperature to drop. Instead, cover the area with a clean, soft cloth or towel.
• The burn comes from a fire, an electrical wire or socket, or chemicals.
• The burn is on the face, scalp, hands, joint surfaces, or genitals.
• The burn looks infected (with swelling, pus, increasing redness, or red streaking of the skin near the wound).

For First-Degree Burns:

• Remove the child from the heat source.
• Remove clothing from the burned area immediately.
• Run cool (not cold) water over the burned area (if water isn't available, any cold, drinkable fluid can be used) or hold a clean, cold compress on the burn for approximately 3-5 minutes (do not use ice, as it may cause more destruction to the injured skin).
• Do not apply butter, grease, powder, or any other remedies to the burn, as these increase the risk of infection.
• Apply aloe gel or cream to the affected area. This may be done a few times during the day.
• Give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain.
• If the area affected is small (the size of a quarter or smaller), keep it clean. You can protect it with a sterile gauze pad or bandage for the next 24 hours (but do not use bandages on very young kids, as these can be a choking hazard).

For Second- and Third-Degree Burns:

• Seek emergency medical care, then follow these steps until medical personnel arrive:
  • Keep your child lying down with the burned area elevated.
  • Follow the instructions for first-degree burns.
  • Remove all jewelry and clothing from around the burn (in case there's any swelling after the injury), except for clothing that's stuck to the skin. If you're having difficulty removing clothing, you may need to cut it off or wait until medical assistance arrives.
  • Do not break any blisters.
  • Apply cool water over the area for at least 3-5 minutes, then cover the area with a clean white cloth or sheet until help arrives.

  What to Do (continued)

  For Flame Burns:

• Extinguish the flames by having your child roll on the ground.
• Cover him or her with a blanket or jacket.
• Remove smoldering clothing and any jewelry around the burned area.
• Call for medical assistance, then follow instructions for second- and third-degree burns.

For Electrical and Chemical Burns:

• Make sure the child is not in contact with the electrical source before touching him or her or you may also get shocked.
• For chemical burns, flush the area with lots of running water for 5 minutes or more. If the burned area is large, use a tub, shower, buckets of water, or a garden hose.
• Do not remove any of your child's clothing before you've begun flushing the burn with water. As you continue flushing the burn, you can then remove clothing from the burned area.
• If the burned area from a chemical is small, flush for another 10-20 minutes, apply a sterile gauze pad or bandage, and call your doctor.
• Chemical burns to the mouth or eyes require immediate medical evaluation after thorough flushing with water.

Although both chemical and electrical burns might not always be visible, they can be serious because of potential damage to internal organs. Symptoms may vary, depending on the type and severity of the burn and what caused it and may include abdominal pain.

Thank you Kids Health for your article. It's a great reminder that we all need to be mindful when our children are nearby.

I hope you found this article helpful.

Shine on!

• 
  

Poly Lumber is the New "IT" in Home Furnishings

Poly lumber is the new "it" lumber in home accessories and furniture. What was once creating overflowing landfills is now durable and environmentally-friendly furniture! And it's made from plastic milk jugs and water bottles. Literally hundreds of thousands of petroleum-based HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) plastic bottles are removed each year from America’s waste stream.

Siesta is manufactured by an Eco-Friendly Company right here in the USA!

Siesta Recycled Poly Furniture is one such company that uses these products to make recycled and recyclable furniture. Any member of the Siesta family can be recycled when (and if) homeowners are finished using the product. But they won’t be done with it because of a product flaw or breakdown. Our products are built to last. Only the hardware needs to be removed from the recycling process.

Recycled plastic is safe and clean

Making safe and clean products using post-consumer waste begins with proper sorting. The material is then thoroughly washed and decontaminated. The base plastic material is processed at our Pennsylvania plant and converted into sturdy poly lumber. The plastic is decontaminated to a high purity level, thus ensuring it is safe for use. The purified recycled plastic is formulated with Ultra-Violet (UV) stabilizers and color pigments, creating colorful, eco-friendly, maintenance-free products.

Siesta Products doesn’t just make green products. They are a green company:

• They reuse scrap
• Color-Matched, Stainless Steel Hardware
• Most marketing materials are printed on recycled paper

Siesta is part of the environmental solution. Hundreds of products in twenty colors ... and every one is Green!

We found the entire line of Siesta Poly Furniture at Odyssey Homestore. We love shopping there! I hope you have a fantastic day!

Siesta Bistro 26" x 28" Dining Set

Best Patriotic Country Songs

Best Patriotic Songs in Country Music

• Posted by The Boot Staff
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Country music and patriotism have always gone hand-in-hand. Whether in time of war or peace, American anthems have been fan-favorites for decades. The Boot counts down our 10 favorite country music tributes to the U.S.A.

Bill Steber, Getty Images

10. 'Only in America,' Brooks & Dunn

Proudest Lines: "Only in America/Where we dream in red, white and blue/Only in America/Where we dream as big as we want to"

This song was released just before the 9/11 terrorist attacks and became a patriotic pick-me-up afterward. It resurfaced in 2004 as President George W. Bush's re-election campaign song.

Listen to 'Only In America' | Download it

Jeffrey Mayer, WireImage / Getty Images

9. 'Ragged Old Flag,' Johnny Cash

Proudest Lines: "So we raise her up every morning, take her down every night/We don't let her touch the ground, and we fold her up right/On second thought, I do like to brag/'Cause I'm mighty proud of the ragged old flag"

This flag has several badges of honor: A hole was from Washington crossing the Delaware; one rip was from the Battle of New Orleans and another from Vietnam.

Listen to 'Ragged Old Flag' | Download it

Ebet Roberts, Redferns / Getty Images

8.'Some Gave All,' Billy Ray Cyrus

Proudest Lines: "All gave some and some gave all/And some stood through for the red, white and blue/And some had to fall/And if you ever think of me/Think of all your liberties/And recall, some gave all "

Billy Ray sang this title track to his nine-times platinum debut album for troops on a battleship in Norfolk, Va., in a performance the singer calls one of the highlights of his career.

Listen to 'Some Gave All' | Download it

WireImage / Getty Images

7. 'Bumper of My S.U.V.,' Chely Wright

Proudest Lines: "Yes, I do have questions/I get to ask them because I'm free/That's why I've got a sticker for the U.S. Marines/On the bumper of my S.U.V."

Chely was inspired to write this song after a woman flipped her off in traffic, cursing the singer for her U.S. Marines bumper sticker.

Listen to 'Bumper of My S.U.V.' | Download it

AP

6. 'America,' Waylon Jennings

Proudest Lines: "It don't matter where I may roam/Tell you people that it's home sweet home/America, America "

In this song, written by Sammy Johns, the late country legend praises the unity of his fellow countrymen and asks them to respect the Native Americans who occupied the land first.

Listen to 'America' | Download it

Paul Hawthorne, Getty Images

5. 'Arlington,' Trace Adkins

Proudest Lines: "I'm proud to be on this peaceful piece of property/I'm on sacred ground, and I'm in the best of company/I'm thankful for those thankful for the things I've done/I can rest in peace, I'm one of the chosen ones/I made it to Arlington."

Trace sings this poignant tune from the perspective of a fallen American soldier, now buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Listen to 'Arlington' | Download it

Redferns / Getty Images

4. 'In America,' Charlie Daniels

Proudest Lines: "We'll all stick together, and you can take that to the bank/That's the cowboys and the hippies, Rebels and the Yanks"

Charlie wrote this song in reaction to the 1979 Iran hostage crisis. Ever the proud American, the famed fiddler also wrote a song called 'This Ain't No Rag, It's a Flag,' in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Listen to 'In America' | Download it

Rick Diamond, Getty Images

3. 'Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly,' Aaron Tippin

Proudest Lines: "I pledge allegiance to this flag/And if that bothers you, well, that's too bad/But if you got pride and you're proud you do/Hey, we could use some more like me and you"

Aaron wrote this post-9/11 anthem a decade after writing what was the unofficial theme of the Persian Gulf War: 'You've Got to Stand for Something.'

Listen to 'Where The Stars and Stripes and Eagles Fly' | Download it

Kevin Mazur, WireImage / Getty Images

2. 'American Soldier,' Toby Keith

Proudest Lines: "I will always do my duty, no matter what the price/I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice/Oh and I don't wanna die for you, but if dyin's asked of me/I'll bear that cross with honor, 'cause freedom don't come free"

An outspoken and dedicated supporter of U.S. troops, Toby could fill this entire countdown. In another of his classic patriotic songs, 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,' he tells terrorists, "We'll put a boot up your ass/It's the American way."

Listen to 'American Soldier' | Download it

Hope Powell, Getty Images

1. 'God Bless the USA,' Lee Greenwood

Proudest Lines: "I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today/'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land/God bless the USA"

Though Greenwood wrote this song in 1983, it didn't become a big hit until Desert Storm in 1991, when radio stations embraced it to help boost patriotism. The song re-entered the country charts in 2001 after 9/11.

Listen to 'God Bless the USA' | Download it

Wicker or Resin Wicker? Is that the Question?

Wicker Furniture Review
I love the look of wicker furniture, but I remember as a little kid, my aunt – who lived on Coronado Island, had these white wicker chairs. I don’t know how old they were, but the paint was all faded and the wicker poked me when I sat down. It must be those chairs that make me want to curl up on my front porch with a good book and a cup of hot tea. But I just can’t make myself buy real wicker. Not to mention, it’s expensive. So I started looking around and found something called resin wicker. It looks just like wicker, only it won’t poke you and it’s much more affordable.

So I started looking at different brands on line and found a line of gorgeous resin wicker furniture by Tortuga Outdoors. It’s classic and elegantly designed wicker furniture. Perfect for entertaining a special guest or three or just casually relaxing with the family and friends around the fire pit. Other companies manufacturer wicker and other lines, but Tortuga Outdoors does … Resin Wicker. It’s their specialty.



We love this set especially: It’s the Lexington 6 Pc Deep Seating Loveseat Set. It has plenty of room for four with an ottoman, side table and coffee table. They also have the South Beach 6 Pc Set – and both look like a great place to curl up and take a nap!

It’s altogether possible we love the Tortuga Outdoor furniture line because of their name … there’s nothing that says “Bahama Vacation” like the word Tortuga!

Of course, there’s many other brands out there to be sure. And they’re all good. We found a great selection on the Odyssey Homestore website. We go back to that site constantly and there’s always something new for your home.

If you have any photos of your wicker furniture, feel free to post them or send them to me. I’d love to see what you like!

Since today is the 4th of July, I’m going to play hookie for the rest of the day and enjoy spending time with my family. I hope you do the same!

Remember, freedom isn’t free!

Fourth of July Crafts Countdown

Get out your sparklers and strike up the marching band music...it's time for our Fourth of July crafts countdown! (My Favorite Holiday)

Want a Fourth of July craft that you can do with kids? This festive bunting idea, designed by Jessica Wilson of Craft Magazine, nicely fits the bill. What's even better about it is that it's made from common household and crafty materials: Cupcake materials, party streamers, paper and acrylic paint. Here's what the finished product looks like....

The flags are made by painting stripes on pieces of poster board, card stock, or any other stiff paper. To get perfect stripes, Jessica recommends aligning painter's tape on top of the paper, then painting. The tape is low-tack, so it won't peel away paper when you take it off. To see the complete tutorial, visit Craft Magazine.

(photos by Jessica Wilson)

She's making me hungry. What's on your menu?

Don't forget the sunscreen! There's plenty of sun in almost every part of the world on this Independence Day. If you need a patio umbrella, we recommend going here. They ship quick and have plenty in stock.

No Way! A Prince or Princess Potty Chair! What's Next?

Potty Training can be messy business, in more ways than one. But if you're little prince or princess is "Ready to Go" ... Get them a potty they'll want to spend time on! How about the His Majesty's Throne for your little Prince or Princess Potty Chair by Levels of Discovery. They are so adorable! I wish they had these when my little princes were ready to go by themselves. These little potty chairs even have a photo place to put their own photo!


Here's a few tips to know when your little one is ready to go on his or her own:

1. Is he showing an interest in what you're doing when you're going?
2. Is she taking her diaper off as if she doesn't like it?
3. Is he holding himself right before he goes - as if he knows he has to go but doesn't know what to do?
4. Is her diaper staying dry during naptime?
5. Are his bowel movements at regular intervals?

These are some signs your little one is ready to go on his or her own. But don't rush it. It's usually not before the age of two and often times well past their third birthday. Sometimes they act like they're ready then they backtrack and that's perfectly normal. Just be sure to start potty training when you are BOTH ready for it. Try not to begin at the same time as other life challenges such as a major move or impending birth. Just be sure you're ready when they're ready and it'll be so much easier on everyone!


We found these adorable Potty Chairs at Odyssey Homestore® - we love to shop with them. 


Enjoy the journey!


Dori

How Do You Celebrate the 4th of July?

You might think my favorite holiday is Christmas or Thanksgiving. But really, it's the 4th of July. It's not that I go anywhere or do anything. Actually, we stay home and usually BBQ with the neighbors, mix up a batch of Margaritas and watch the fireworks going off in neighboring cities. And I spend a moment remembering why this day is so important in our country's history. We must all remember that our soldiers fought and died for our country's independence and continue to do so to this day. If there is one day of the year to show that you have a Patriotic Pulse running through your veins, this is it. To be quite trite, Freedom isn't Free.

Walking down memory lane a bit, it seems like the first warm day in Southern California is always the 4th of July. The silky cool air is scented with night-blooming jasmines and forbidden fireworks. When I was a kid, they weren't forbidden at all, and I have a scar to prove it. Oh, the memories of my father lighting off a cannon and blowing out many of our neighbors windows, including our own, as well as the hubcaps off of a bunch of cars. If cars had alarms back then they would have all been screaming. Later, all the kids piled into the back of someone's pickup and headed over to Alondra Park to watch the fireworks show. Those are some of the memories I treasure as a child and tried to instill in my children as they were growing up. Of course, we buckled them securely into their 5 point harness car seat instead of piling them in the back of a pickup and they weren't allowed to even touch fire crackers, just sparklers. But the memories .... ahhh the memories.

For the 4th of July this year, don't get all caught up in the preparations and forget about making memories for your kids! Let them help make cupcakes or party hats! I found a website that has some great printable crafts, recipes and games for kids and so much more! You can Click Here if you'd like to see all the fun things you can do this year. It's a Disney Website of all things called Disney Family Fun! I found something called "Revolutionary Berries" that look good enough to eat.

For some reason, holidays always seem to be all about food, but if you can make it fun and healthy, why not I say!

Journey Inspired

I'm inspired. Inspired by my friends who are blogging. Inspired by people who are doing amazing things for others despite their own hardships. Inspired by the twists and turns life takes as we, all of us, journey towards an unknown future. I've come to realize we can embrace the journey or fear it. It's true, some days are harder than others to embrace everything life offers up, but I strive, or I should say I strive to strive, to accept what I can't change and change what I can't accept.

I've wanted to write a blog for a while but, truthfully, I didn't know what to blog about. Well the irony is, I still don't know exactly what I will write about. I suppose that's a good metaphor for life. We don't know what each day holds for us, but if we look, we can find the moments that fulfill our need to have purpose and value, ergo I will write about what about what fulfills me and hope others may find inspiration.

It's hard to believe, but I'll be celebrating my 31st Anniversary in a few months! I'm married to an unbelievably handsome man whom I've known since I was 15. Rick and I started dating when I was 16 and have been together ever since. He shows me every day, in little ways, how much he loves me. He fills my car up with gas so I don't have to. He cooks for me. Well, actually we have a deal. He cooks --- I clean so it's all fair and square. And if he forgets once in a while to pick up his socks or close the lid, I have found tolerance. After all these years, the little things just aren't worth fighting over.

We have two grown-up boys: Jason, who will turn 29 later this year, is an entrepreneur like his mom and dad and is handsome, wise, intelligent and sweet (but don't tell him I said that). He married a beautiful woman, Deanna, who is gorgeous both inside and out. She treats my son like a prince and for this and so many more reasons I love her like the daughter I never had. Jason and Deanna have given me two adorable grandchildren: Chloe who will turn 8 this August, and Mason who turned four in March. They moved to Tennessee just recently which fills me with an almost unbearable sadness.  I love them more than words can express and hold fast to the memory of their calls and letters, storing them in my mind and heart and bringing them out when I start to forget their smell or the sound of their laughter. It's true you know, Grandchildren are our heavenly reward right here on earth.

Casey, my youngest son, moved back home after living in Los Angeles. He's a rock star in every way - he's talented musically and artistically and has the California look going on! He's tall, thin, blond and gorgeous so naturally girls love him! He works hard and plays harder, and is a quiet, respectful roomy. Sometimes too quiet, but that is his artistic nature. C'est la vie.

Obviously, my first passion is my family! I also love wine tasting, reading classics, writing, crocheting and travel. Especially travel. Despite the fact that my travels haven't been North of Anchorage, South of the Tropic of Cancer, East of Miami Florida or West of Kauai Hawaii, I consider myself a World Traveler. My dream board (yes I have one) includes exotic and foreign locations such as Bali, Bora Bora and Ireland plus the 7 Wonders of the Modern World. And this is just to start. Journey I have and journey I will. 

Because I'm a Pisces I'm inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of nature, and seek peace and zen in the small, inconsequential moments of daily life. The sounds of pounding waves and seagulls feeds my soul, and the feel of sand between my toes takes me back to days spent frolicking (yes my sisters and I frolicked) on the shore looking for tiny crabs who burrrow as the tide rolls out, trying to escape small hands and plastic shovels that could only occasionally dig fast enough to imprison them in red plastic buckets. Soon, starving and thirsty, we would nestle in the shade behind my mother's beach chair eating egg-salad sandwiches and drinking Kool-aid from a thermos. To this day I still enjoy egg-salad sandwiches (sans bits of gritty sand) made with nothing more than a few crushed up hardboiled eggs mixed with mayonaisse overflowing between two pieces of Wonder bread. The Kool-aid I can live without. But ... but ...  give me an ice-cold Cadillac Margarita and an ocean breeze and if I close my eyes, I'm on a ship headed to a foreign port, listening to the sights, sounds and smells of a new journey.

So that's me. I hope to blog frequently about things that you might want to read. I hope I can harness the power of the written word to help you see what I envision, hear what I listen to and smell the sweet scents life has to offer. See you soon and I hope you find a journey inspired by life, each and every day.

Dori