Finding the Best Running Shoes.

Where do you buy shoes? Maybe at the mall or online better yet a discount shoe store? I really like the convenience of online shopping. I have found that you can see a bigger variety of the product you are looking for just by shopping online.

If you are a runner then Zappos.com is the place to go for running shoes. They have a huge variety and just about every brand you can think of. I found these Sketcher running shoes. I like the simplicity of the style. They will look great on the trail or with a pair of jeans if you so desire.

Another feature I like is free shipping! I also like the way they categorize the running shoes. You can look for the running shoes that fit your needs, like stability, motion control or trail running. There is also a section for track and field.

If you are in need of running shoe then check out Zappos.com.Oh, and while you are there check out the apparel, handbags, housewares and beauty section. Because all girls want more than just the perfect running shoes.

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Tips for Keeping Your Kids Busy Before Christmas

When my children were young, they typically would become excited over the prospect of the coming holiday. With that came a renewed sense of energy that I needed to find a way to deal with, otherwise I would quickly find myself wanting to pull my hair out. After giving it some thought I decided to use the holiday as a new learning experience and a chance to embark on new projects. Here are my tips for engaging the kids with new and exciting things to do on those days leading up to the holidays.

Making cookies is pretty standard and straightforward holiday activity. That being said, kids usually love makeing and decorating cookies. In addition, the types of cookies to make are endless. The cookies can be made from scratch or buy a cookie log and simply cut the cookies or roll out and use cookie cutters. This was a personal favorite with my kids. After baking, I would let the kids decorate with frosting and all kinds of sprinkles and afterward we had quite an assortment of cookies. You can take it a step further and package the cookies in colorful tins for gift giving.

One year I decided to make ornaments. Some of the best ornaments I own are either handmade by my kids and me or received from my kids as school projects. I looked forward each year to see what ornaments they would bring home from school. One year after collecting pine cones from a mountain trip, we spray painted the cones and tied on ribbons. The ribbons served as hangers. They were simple, but quite beautiful. They still hang on my tree every year!

Try making a video. Kids naturally like to perform and with a little coaching and some practice, you can make a great video of your family singing songs or telling stories or even a small play. We made a video one year and the kids gave it to their grandparents as a gift. The kids had a great time and the grandparents loved it.

Find a small tree and let the kids make all the decorations such as paper ring garland, popsicle stick ornaments, pretzel wreaths or pipe cleaner ornaments. When I was a child, I loved having my “own” tree in my room. Let the kids come up with there own ideas for decorations. You will be surprised how creative they really are.

The possibilities are endless. These are just a few of the activities my kids and I did together. Please feel free to leave a comment about what you and you kids do or have done. I would love to hear them!

Oh, my daughter continues the cookie tradition. Sometimes we still get together and make cookies or if it is not possible, she makes them with her daughter. I am quite sure my granddaughter will continue someday with her own children.

Wordless Wednesday – My Best Friend’s Wedding

Tweet and Get Paid For It!

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New Blog Post on Life is Like a Box of Chocolates

I have a new post on Life is Like a Box Of Chocolates:

5 Ways to Support the Troops During the Holidays

Please visit and tell me how you support the troops during the holidays.

How do You Survive Deployment?

Review: Why Mineral Makeup is my Choice

Years ago, when mineral makeup first came on the market it was only sold in high-end boutiques and TV shopping channels. It was also priced on the expensive side with a .06 ounce tub going for about $30.00. I did not mind then because I really liked how it evened out my skin and stayed fresh looking all day.
Another reason I liked mineral makeup is that it provided sunscreen protection. With an SPF of 15, it was not necessary to apply a liquid sunscreen. Since I have been using some form of sunscreen for many years, mineral makeup became even more appealing to me.

I was not surprised how popular the mineral powders became. Soon women everywhere were trying them and loving them. They seemed to work on almost all skin types and tones. Even if the shades available did not match someone’s skin, exactly women could mix colors to get the right shade for their skin tone.

Mineral makeup has revolutionized the way women apply foundation. Applying mineral makeup is also easier than and not as messy as liquid foundations. Most come in a kit with a brush and women could just tap a little bit of the powder in the lid of the tub and swirl the brush in the minerals then apply to their face in circular motion. Just a few swirls on your face and that was all there was to it. Using a smaller brush women could even use a small amount as a concealer.

Another advantage is mineral makeup looks good on women of all ages. My mother tried mineral makeup when she was in her seventies and she loves it. Now in her eighties she continues to use mineral makeup. Mineral makeup would be the perfect choice for teenagers who are just starting to wear makeup, as it always looks natural. Young girls will not look too overly made up with this type of makeup.

I remember wondering how long it would be for less expensive makeup brands would come out with their own version of mineral makeup. Well it took a few years but now you can walk into any discount department store or pharmacy store and find mineral makeup in almost all of the popular less expensive makeup brands.

Now more than ever is a great time to try mineral makeup. Affordability is no longer an issue. All women can now enjoy these powders. The choice of brands is almost limitless. Most are talc free and women can choose between a matte look and a more luminous look. Also quite a few companies are more than willing to give out free samples so women can try several brands before making a choice. If you need more information on mineral makeup this website, Mineral Makeup Reviews, provides reviews, links to some mineral makeup companies, and even has a section on bargain mineral makeup.
I have enjoyed mineral makeup since first discovering it. If you decide to try it, you probably will too.

How About a Winter Vacation?

New blog post on Life is Like a Box of Chocolates – Do you Know About #MilitaryMon? Read to find out.

8 Easy Steps to a Stress Free Thanksgiving Dinner

Anybody who has prepared a Thanksgiving meal knows it can be quite time consuming. Some families assign certain dishes to each family member making it easier to prepare the overall meal. Years ago when we moved out of state I was faced with preparing the complete meal by myself for the first time. I soon found out that good planning was essential in order to pull off the entire meal by myself. I have come up with an organized system designed to make the process easier with minimal work.

1. Start by shopping for all items needed to prepare the dishes to be served. It is best to shop a week ahead of time. Doing this insures that you miss the holiday rush on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. I used to work for a grocery store and trust me when I say that Wednesday is the single busiest grocery shopping day of the year. The turkey also needs about a week to thaw in the refrigerator so do shop ahead.
2. Make sure you have a list of all items needed. This will prevent any forgotten items and another trip to the grocery store.
3. On the Tuesday before the holiday make any pies that you plan to serve. They will be fine in the refrigerator.
4. On the Wednesday before the holiday prepare your side dishes. Mix the stuffing and place in a plastic container. Boil the potatoes, cook the yams and if you plan on making deviled eggs then boil the eggs too. Then finish any other side dish you plan to serve.
5. On Wednesday night set the table and put out your floral arrangement.
6. Now it is Thanksgiving morning and time to pop the turkey in the oven. If you stuff your turkey the stuffing is already to go in the bird. If you bake it in the oven or crock pot you can do that after the turkey is in the oven.
7. They only thing left to do is prepare any appetizers you might be serving. Right before dinner is served put the dinner rolls in the oven.
8. Serve dinner!

The key is to plan and prepare ahead of time. Following these steps will make the preparation for your Thanksgiving dinner painless and easy.