Its Finally Almost Christmas!!!

Christmas will be here in a few weeks. Have you gotten all of your shopping done? I think the best shopping is online shopping. When your in a crunch and you cannot make it to the Battlefield Mall, Walmart or Toys 'r' Us, Try online shopping. I have found that is one of my favorite things to do. Also Many sites have free shipping if you spend over a certain amount. Another good thing is you can find a lot of coupons online for local stores. I know when I signed up with Toys 'r' Us' and Old Navy's email club I got all kinds of great deals. The other good thing is that if you do not like what you ordered usually returns are free and you can either return them through mail or go to the actual store and do you returns instantly.

Also many of the stores you go to at the mall have their own website. Sometimes the website has more to offer rather than going to the actual department store. This year shop a lot but try to not to over spoil your children.

 One Tip this year I know my opinion piece says otherwise but if you have children you should definitely spoil them at Christmas time. That is one exception I am all for.

HED: Is too much love bad for kids?

DEK: My opinion on parents who do too much for their  

     kinds

BYLINE: Heather Lanning

WORD COUNT: 558

LIST SOURCE NAMES AND PHONE NUMBERS:

COPY:

I have noticed that many kids who have been what we like to call "babied" seem to be the ones with lots of problems in life. My question is too much love just as bad as no love at all?

 I have seen a lot of kids who were either spoiled or not given enough discipline turn out to make bad decisions in life, or seem to not excel as quickly as others in grade school. I think this has a lot to do with the parenting. I also feel this "spoiling your child" has gotten worse in today’s modern world. A Time/CNN poll finds that 80% of people think kids today are more spoiled than kids of 10 or 15 years ago, and two-thirds of parents admit that their kids are spoiled.

If a child is helped with everything all of the time, when it comes to being an independent learner in school I don’t believe they want to or can do it. I think this hurts a child. Parents think they are helping and just showing love but I don't feel they are. I know of a child who is the youngest of four. He is the baby of the family and his siblings are much older than him. He has been spoiled from day one of his life. Not only given everything but also given an abundant amount of love and help with everything. When he entered grade school he did not want to do anything or even try. He was uncooperative and disrespectful. His parents were astonished that their child would ever act this way because he has always been good and there has always been a lot of love in their home. He has also been far behind the other kids in school and the teachers were wondering if he should be held back.

     Hearing that your last child might need to be held back would be very upsetting to a parent. You might ask yourself "What did I do wrong?" My answer would have to be that this happens because this child was not pushed to be independent at a young age. He had never really been in trouble, and when he was it did not last very long. This type of parenting is what I believe hurts a child just as much as a parent who does not give their child any love at all. You need a happy medium.

     What is that old saying about hard love? Well it implies that the harder love you are given the better you turn out. Now, I am not saying be mean to your child but I believe that good lessons, discipline, and independence at a young age are the best ways to help a child grow up and excel in life. Sometimes there is a thing as too much love. In today’s society I feel fewer lessons are learned, and if you have money even fewer lessons are learned by children. I think we need to remember the lessons we were taught and remember to pass those onto our children so they make good decisions in life. Dr. Phil says, "Your child does not have to love you every minute of every day. He'll get over the disappointment of having been told "no." But he won't get over the effects of being spoiled".

 http://www.drphil.com/articles.article/943

http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101010806/cover.html

Fa La La La La

These two videos I thought you all might be entertained by. I thoroughly enjoyed them.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7QfAaPZpK4


This child has other videos he does to. They are all pretty funny. I like this one a lot


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMgyi57s-A4

This guy you would think be a better speech giver seeing that he has had so many degrees. This is really no joke either. It may seem like one but he serious!

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I love staying in this time of year and drinking yummy drinks like these: Plus you can make these for gifts as well.  just make this mix and put it in a jar with lid and a pretty ribbon around it.  These recipes found at Country living.com

Hot Cocoa

• 3/4 cup(s) quality unsweetened cocoa
• 6 ounce(s) quality semisweet choc., chopped
• 1/4 cup(s) sugar
• 2 tablespoon(s) sugar
• 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tablespoon(s) pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon(s) ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) ground clove

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Directions

1. Make the mix:
   Place all ingredients in a food  processor fitted with a metal blade and process just until mixture is powdery -- about 30 seconds. Be careful not to over process. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Include peppermint "stirring" sticks for added flavor and color. To make hot chocolate, combine 1 cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of this mix in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until chocolate is incorporated and mixture is warmed through. Serve immediately.

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Spiced Warm Cider- This is another favorite of mine

 

• 1/2 gallon(s) apple cider
• 1/3 cup(s) dark brown sugar
• 2 stick(s) cinnamon
• 5  whole allspice berries
• 1  (1/2 inch by 1/2 inch) chunk fresh ginger, peeled
• 3  whole cloves
• 8 slice(s) orange

In a 3-quart saucepan, combine cider, sugar, cinnamon sticks, allspice berries, ginger, and cloves. Heat to a simmer and allow to cook 20 minutes.strain into a punch bowl and garnish with orange slices. Serve warm.

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White Spiced Coffee- I have not tried this one but it sounds delicious

• 3 cup(s) whole milk
• 1 cup(s) whole organic coffee beans, lightly cracked
• 1 1/2 stick(s) (3 inches long) cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole(s) green cardamom pods
• 1/4 cup(s) honey
• 2 tablespoon(s) dark rum, such as Mount Gay, optional

1. Place the milk and crushed coffee beans in a saucepan. Heat the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, about 7 minutes. Immediately remove from the heat and let the beans steep in the milk for 15 minutes.
2. Strain the coffee mixture and transfer to the jar of a blender. Discard the crushed coffee beans. Add the cinnamon sticks, cardamom, and honey to the steeped milk and blend on high speed until the spices are coarsely ground, about 30 seconds.
3. Strain the liquid back into the saucepan and discard the ground spices. Rewarm the spiced coffee over medium-high heat until the liquid is hot and steaming. Add rum, if desired. Pour into warmed coffee mugs, and serve hot.

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Time saver: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to crack coffee beans and spices. Place in a sealable plastic bag before crushing.

<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 Another great idea for a Christmas gift is a candle and what is even better is that I have  the steps on how to make your own candle.

Making Candles

What you need:

You'll need wax, wicks, putty, a pencil, and a candy thermometer, all of which can be found at a craft store such as Michaels. Wax is sold in blocks, sheets, and shavings, to be melted on a stove or in a microwave.

 






 
Pouring the Wax



Wrap one end of the wick around a pencil. Set pencil on egg cup, suspending the wick. With putty, secure wick's metal clip to bottom of cup. In a double boiler, melt wax according to package directions; use a candy thermometer to gauge temperature. Pour wax in cup; allow to fully cool. Trim wick to 1/4 inch. You can see a picture of this at http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/how-to-make-a-candle-1110




Hurricane Candles

:http://www.countryliving.com/crafts/projects/how-to-make-a-candle-1110


Place three hurricanes on newspaper in a well-ventilated area. With a grease pencil, mark where you'll be placing the doilies to ensure even spacing. Put the doilies face down on the newspaper, spray lightly with spray mount, and press to the glass, smoothing as you go. Once dry, set the hurricanes securely on the stairs or arrange on a table and insert the pillar candles. To decorate votives, trim the doilies to size, spray with spray mount, and adhere to glass. For variation, use doilies in different sizes. Tip: The number of hours a pillar candle burns before the wick is buried is usually equal to the pillar's diameter. (These four-inch-wide candles burned for four hours.) To resurface the wick, score the candle's circumference with a knife.

Candlelight can instantly transform any room into a cozy and inviting space. But as with any open flame, caution is necessary. For your safety, remember never to leave candles unattended, around playing children or pets, or near a draft.

Tis The Season

Keeping Warm this Holiday Season::
 Found at http://www.chiff.com/a/cut-heat-bills.htm

1. Try solar panels
2. Have a wood burning stove installed
3. Install an automatic thermostat to keep your house at 68 degrees whiles your not home and 55 degrees while you are sleeping
4. Fill all cracks
5. Put up clear plastic insulatiion around each window
6. Use door insulartors
 Go the website above for more great tips

Staying Healthy This Year:
Found at http://personaltrainerz.com/5-ways-to-stay-healthy-during-the-winter-holidays-2/1376

1. Keep fruit and veggies around the house so your not just snacking on christmas cookies
2. We all know holiday food is amazing but dont over eat
3. Make sure that you get enough sleep
4. I know it is cold outside but stay exercising during this time of year
5. Also, Finals are coming up and try to find ways to stay stress free. Take some time for yourself if you feel stressed. Breathe in deeply and out and few times. Also have a cup of coffee and relax during study breaks

Some fun trends:
 found at Style.com

1. I know they look a little funny and they are way old school but fur vests are really popular. Found at http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072610_Trend_Reports/FurReal/
2. Velvet dress pants. I saw a picture of Angelina Jolie wearing them. She pulled them off well.
3. The boyfiend jean. You can find these compfy jeans at Express.com
4. Also wearing the same color but a different shade. For example if you chose green, where all green but different shades that go together.  You can see some pics of this at http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/trendreport/072610_Trend_Reports/HueNew/

The Holidays Are Here

I always like to stay busy and try new things. This website is great for letting your know what is going on in the local area. http://www.springfieldmo.org/calendar_page.asp

Here are a few things going on this November:

1.

Greek Night at Galloway Station

Start Date:  11/20/2010    End Date:  11/20/2010

Event Time:   all day, belly dancers in the evening Web site:  facebook.com/gallowaystation Contact Information:  4178819730  galloway4211@gmail.com Location: US - 4211 S. Lone Pine, 65804 - SpringfieldAdmission:  $5 in the evening

Description: Delicious authentic Greek food Moussaka, Pastitsio, Souvlaki, Gyro, Athenian Pizza and more. Mythos, Mythos Red and Aris Beers, Retsina and Cambas Red wine, dont forget the Ouzo!! OPA! Greek music and dancing, Belly Dancers! RSVP recommended.

2.

Ozarks Beerfest 2010

Start Date:  11/21/2010    End Date:  11/21/2010

Event Time:   2pm-5pm Web site:  http://www.bigbro.com Contact Information:  Mallory Nolen, 3372 W. Battlefield, Springfield, MO 65807/(417) 889-9136  mnolen@bigbro.com Location: Shrine Mosque - 601 St. Louis St. - SpringfieldAdmission:  $25 in advance/$30 at door/$50 VIP ticket

Description: All you can sample beer and food, live entertainment by band, Members Only. Patron’s Party-Sat. 11/20 at Springfield Brewing Company-VIP ticket needed (includes early admission for Main Event) Visit www.bigbro.com for more information.

3.

16th Annual Turkey Trot

Start Date:  11/25/2010    End Date:  11/25/2010

Event Time:   8:00 a.m. Web site:  http://www.parkboard.org Contact Information:  417-837-5817 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              417-837-5817      end_of_the_skype_highlighting    Location: Expo Center - 635 E. St. Louis Street, Downtown - SpringfieldAdmission:  call for details

Description: The Thanksgiving Turkey Trot is one of the largest 5K races in the state of Missouri, and is the largest annual race in the Springfield metro area. Awards are presented to the overall winners, with the top three racers in each age group receiving prizes.

I also like to try new recipies and allrecipies.com is a great site for popular recipies. The site shows pictures and gives opinions and rates the recipie.

 

 

Brown Family's Favorite Pumpkin Pie

By: Cindy B. 

"This pumpkin pie has a walnut streusel topping that is optional. Serve with whipped topping or ice cream."

 

Prep time:

30 Min

Cook Time:
1 Hr

Ready In:
1 Hr 30 Min

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 egg whites
• 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell
•  
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons butter, chilled
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the pumpkin, sweetened condensed milk, and egg yolks. Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. In a large glass or metal bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gently fold into pumpkin mixture. Pour filling into pie shell.
3. Bake for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. While the pie is baking, prepare the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Blend in the cold butter with a fork or pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Mix in the chopped nuts. Sprinkle the topping over the pie.
4. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake an additional 40 minutes, or until set.

This wonderful recipie is found at: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Brown-Familys-Favorite-Pumpkin-Pie/Detail.aspx

Time to be in Disquise and Update your Home Decorating Ideas!

I know this doesnt have to do with new trends but I guess it could be a new trend if you want a really good disguise. Did anyone hear about this? This asian man was fleeing his country and put this old man mask on as a disguise. Wow, what a good mask. Later in the flight he "stupidly" decided he would take it off and then got caught.  I just felt I had to share this hularious story.

Now back to new trends and styles:

Here are some good ideas on styling your house:

1. Go big in a small space. This lady put up a large picture in small area and it looks great.



2. Figuritive art can also be creative looking. Not always creepy. This is hard to see but she is blurred a little bit and it looks really neat. I think pictures of old hollywood stars like Audrey Hepburn in black and white pictures look great on walls.

3. Another great idea is to have intimacy. Apparrently hanging pictures at eye level and unframed creates intimacy and makes it less formal and more comfortable. I love this look. I also think having flowers around liket his make it more intimate aswell.

4. You shold also put art where it can be seen.

5.Adding special touches to a room can make decorating more personal. Apparetnly this lady put up an oil painting of the cake she bought her daughter for her first birthday. This is very sentimental and makes her room more hers with memories like that.

6. This particular spot was a very small space. This would be a good place to put alot of small detailed things for a great look. Make sure it is balance though.

7. Having a mixture of different textures is also good for a balanced differnt look. This picture they have a textured chest of drawers, lots of different colors, a picture of a dog, plant and a lamp.It all looks like it goes even though each thing is so very different. This idea is good if you dont really want to have a certain focus for your decorating but just great stuff that makes the room like creative.

http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/8-ways-to-add-art-to-your-home/a/31245/2

It is That Time of Year Again

    Its starting to get really cold out. I have been wearing my favorite black leather jacket with a big scarf. Not quite cold enough for gloves and a hat but it is getting there. Some great things to start shopping for are great scarfs. You can get them everywhere. I have boughten many for super cheap at Platos closet. If you havent heard of Platos Closet. It is a resale shop that used to be in the Primrose shopping center next to Rue 21. They have just recently moved over on Battlefiled Road. Much bigger store, with more to choose from.  Other great places to shop are Forever 21. I have seen several cozy coats and jackets in there. Express is also another good place. They are a little mor expensive but there stuff lasts along time.
   Another thing I have been doing is the hair mask. This time of year is really rought on your hair. So make sure to do do that once a week atleast. Also stay moisturized.


Sephora: Some Popular moisturizers

SEPHORA COLLECTION BODY Super Supreme Body Butter, $25 What it is: A richly textured, hydrating body balm for all skin types, especially very dry. What it is formulated to do: The rich, yet non-oily texture literally melts into the skin for a one-of-a-kind... read on > Dylan's Candy Bar Birthday Cake Batter Candy Butter Cream, $5.50 What it is: A super-rich body moisturizer. What it does: It's time to indulge with Dylan's Candy Bar's Birthday Cake Batter Candy Butter Cream, the perfect yummy-smelling remedy for very thirsty skin.<... read on > Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Self Heating Body Souffle, $65 What it is: A self-heating, antioxidant-packed moisturizer for the entire body. What it is formulated to do: The warming powers of this luxurious cream stimulate circulation and relax muscle tissue. H... read on > online only Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream, $15 What it is: A concentrated glycerin moisturizing cream. What it is formulated to do: Yu-Be Moisturizing Skin Cream soothes and moisturizes dry skin. This glycerin-based cream is enriched with vitamin E... Thing to Check out: 1. First Friday Art Walk this friday downtown 2. Sugar Rush- $10 and you get to enjoy all the desserts you want and it is all for a good cause. http://www.veridianevents.com/sugar-rush-0 3. Darius Rucker will performing at Drury University's Family Event Center tomorrow 7 p.m. 4. Orange Leaf- new frozen yogurt place on Republic R. and Fremont 5. Big whiskeys on South side. Republic R. and Kansas Expressway. Great Specials and great food.

Its That time of Year!