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I love storytelling and always want my readers to have options. You can find my blogs on my YouTube channel and listen to them on the go.
Christmas Gift Ideas For Kids
Christmas is almost here, and if you haven’t started shopping, it is time to get going. Kids are probably the easiest to shop for for Christmas presents. They are usually pretty decisive in what they want, and are not hard to please. And if all else fails, go for Play-Doh, Legos, slime, or Hot Wheels. Target, Wal-Mart, and of course Amazon are the best go to places for toys for kids.
Just like adults, I still recommend that you get a Christmas list from the children in your life. If they can talk and walk, they know what they want. Now, if you are not using a list, you need to take the child's age into consideration. But just know that a gift card can ultimately still be a great gift at any age, because they will get to go to the store, and pick out a toy, or game of their choosing. Score!
For young girls, baby dolls and Barbies are still top choices. But also don't forget about Lalaloopsies, American Girl dolls, and Shopkins. Shopkins are traded on the school yard, and can be very hard to come by. My daughter has over a hundred, and carrying cases for them.
For young boys I recommend Star Wars toys, action figures, Legos, Nerf guns, and Pokemon cards. The boys love to trade these cards at school as well. Is your little guy a gamer yet? If you are feeling very generous you can spring for an XBOX One X for around $500, or for half the cost go for a Playstation Pro.
Both boys and girls will likely want bikes, skateboards, scooters, and sports gear. I also recommend board and card games for those rainy days, and forced family fun. The classics such as Monopoly, Uno, Yahtzee, and cards are still a hit with my family on game nights.
Those are my suggestions for kids. I hope you found this helpful. Let me know if you have any additional ideas. Please share!
In Case You Missed It...Catching Up On Great Network Shows Via Netflix
I admit that I may have a small Netflix addiction. However, in my defense as a busy working mom, I do not get to indulge as much as I would like to. Over the years, I have tried to find some time for the important people in my life, while keeping up with my favorite hobbies of writing and reading.
During that time there has been, and continues to be, many televisions shows that look interesting to me. Unfortunately it is hard to find the time to watch everything I fancy. And the DVR will only hold so much.
Here's What You Are Missing
Being Mary Jane
Being Mary Jane follows the life of an Atlanta based TV news anchor, and trial and tribulations of her personal and professional life. I will share that Mary Jane has a very exciting and challenging love life, that's for sure. I am hoping that Mary Jane gets a happy ending.
Girlfriends' Guide To Divorce
GGTD follows the life of Abbey McCarthy, a very successful self-help author, whose seemingly perfect life is anything but. She is going through a nasty divorce, trying to raise her two kids, and keep her crap together. The show is very funny and relatable.
Bates Motel
Out of the three above mentioned shows, Bates Motel was the most satisfying to watch. I won't spoil it for you, but it had an ending suitable for Norman Bates. So pick one, pour a glass of wine, or a nice mug of coffee, curl up with a a soft throw blanket, and get to binging.
What am I missing right now? Please share your recommendation with me!
Season Finale Depression...It's A Real Thing
If you are like me you love your shows. Life can be stressful at times, but for a couple of hours a week you get a complete escape. Or even better, and worse, you get 10 solid hours of escapism by binge watching something on Netflix.
It's amazing, right? You plan your whole day around it. And when you can't watch it on time, you avoid any possible spoilers like the plague. Once watched you can hardly contain yourself, wanting to discuss theories and possible plot lines with your love, your bestie, and your coworkers.
Sometimes, even with random strangers who happens to mention the show in passing. You are so invested, and so excited, but also starting to get this other feeling as things progress. A twinge of finale depression is coming on.
Supposedly all good things must come to an end. Sadly, this seems to be the case with our favorite shows. As each episode passes, and more questions are answered, the end creeps closer and closer.
You are excited for what is to come in the finale, you truly are, but also sad because you know the season will soon be over. A void will be left. Yes, you will try to fill it, but it just will not the same.
Here are some shows that have created voids for me...
Sex and the City (permanent void)
Scandal (last season sadness)
The Walking Dead (getting closer)
Stranger Things (almost here!)
WestWorld (2018 ugh)
Game of Throne (I can't even, the wound is too fresh)
The worst thing about our favorite shows is the wait. It used to be a few months in between seasons. Now it can be a year or more for a new season. Even worse in the case of GoT, as it will be the final season, so the return will be long awaited and bittersweet. What show leaves you with a void? Maybe nothing new. Bring on the nostalgia.
A Return To Bon Temps...Is It My Blue Mood Elixir?
I am overly tired, thanks to a horrible night's sleep, and overly stressed, thanks to life. I am on my own most of the weekend so I guess I am feeling a little blue today. I would not say I am quite depressed, but definitely in a funk. But if I am nothing else, I am a fixer.
It is recommended to keep yourself busy when you are feeling down or stressed out. Staying busy and active is a great distraction. I have worked out twice today, and I know my body will make me regret it tomorrow after the punishment I gave it today.
My mood has improved somewhat, but I still need a distraction. Writing is always a distraction, but it also requires thinking. I so do not want to think right now. Reading is out of the question because my eyes feel too tired. So binge watching tv is on the menu today. I just needed to decide what to watch.
I think I found my answer on Amazon Video. All seven seasons of True Blood are on Amazon Video, the first six are free for Prime members. I read all of the books and watched the series on HBO with dedication. Based on the popular book series by Charlaine Harris, a return to Sookie Stackhouse and Bon Temps may be just what I need. Lots of sex, violence, some laughs (courtesy Lafayette), and absolute craziness sums up True Blood.
After watching the first few episodes I remembered why I loved this show so much. I also remembered how much sex there was too. Holy crap! I guess it's not called "good times'' for nothing. I am looking forward to reacquainting myself with the vampires, werewolves, shape shifters, and even fairies. May be silly to some, but a nice escape when reality bites.
You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens. - Mandy Hale
This Or That...Given Two Options, Which Would You Choose?
Some might say that having an option is often an illusion. The world seems to be full of choices, but are all of those options really available to you? There are a lot of car choices, but can afford to buy any car you choose?
There are thousands of potential colleges to attend, but will they accept you? With billions of people in the world, we still sometimes do not get the one we want. Choices have limitations. Even with the brains, money, looks, and charm, you cannot have it all.
Life might be simpler with fewer choices. Perhaps lead to less disappointment? If you only had two choices what would you pick? Trust me, I keep it real simple.
Food Options
Pizza or Burger
Fries or Chips
Tacos or Nachos
Salad or Sandwich
Pasta or Panini
Cookies or Brownies
Big Kid Toys
Home Movie Theatre or Infinity Pool
Playstation or Xbox
Jet Ski or Surf Board
Yacht or Private Jet
Villa or Log Cabin
Tesla or Nissan GT-R
Man/Woman
Beautiful/Handsome or Sexy (not really the same)
Smart or Funny
Kind or Reliable
Strong or Passionate
Loving or Generous
Introvert or Extrovert
Free/Fun Time
Reading or TV Watching
To Give or To Receive (hmm)
Gym or Hiking
Traveling or Chilling at Home
Volunteering or Home Projects
Dinner Parties or Sports Bar
The answers to most of the options are very clear to me. Others were honestly a toss-up. Even though I made the list, some are tougher to choose between than others. I want both. I want it all. I love a hot guy, with a kind heart, who is smart, funny, and makes me laugh. Don't we all deserve that? What would you choose?
Over-Sharing...Are You Putting Way Too Much On Social Media?
In the age of reality television, exhibitionism is at an all time high. There is Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snap Chat just to name a few. Yes, I have the aforementioned accounts, with the exception of Snap Chat, but I try to post with caution.
Social media is great in so many ways. It is fun to see what your friends and family are up to, especially if they live far away, and you never get to see them. But some seem to have no online filter. Posting sexy pictures of themselves, and revealing details about their personal lives that no one has any business knowing. Well I guess it is just confiding in your 500 closest followers, I mean "friends".
Here are some of the real life posts (paraphrased) I have seen on Facebook from "friends", acquaintances, and family members. Needless to say some of the these people were unfriended.
I cannot wait to get high!
Thanks, all of you "so called" friends for not telling me my a**hole husband was cheating. F*** you all!
Obama is the devil!
He hit it so good last night...
Can you believe he wants me to get an abortion?
Did the walk of shame this morning. Just woke up at some guys house. Yikes!
I am sorry but it is very hard not to judge people who say these things basically to the world. I once asked a friend of my sister's why she would want to post a particular thing online, and her response was, "because I can". Fair enough answer I suppose, but I guess one might also want to address the question of "should I?". Just because you can, does not mean you should.
I think sometimes people forget that their future bosses, future in-laws, and possibly their children will see these posts. Once it's online there are no takesies-backsies.
The Pastime...What Is Your Favorite Way To Spend Your Free Time?
Favorite pastime comes to mind because I was at the Padres game last night. Baseball was once considered the national pastime, and is still a good time out, but it has recently lost its crown to football. Football is more fast paced, and people enjoy having and attending football parties.
Personally I would choose football any day over baseball, but as far as my favorite pastime, it is a tie between reading and hiking. It's ironic right? One pastime keeps me inside, while the other allows me to be out and about, and explore. Both are equally satisfying in their own way.
A pastime can be anything. By definition it is what you enjoy doing, and how you choose to spend your free time. Today I am having guests over for a barbecue because I enjoy cooking all the time, and entertaining occasionally.
Based on my personal observations in my community, and my oh so scientific polls of friends and family, here are some of the most current favorite pastimes.
Video Gaming
Cycling
Cross Fit
Watch/Attending Sporting Events
Eating
Watching TV/Netflix
Going to Movies
Listening to Music
Camping
Traveling
Favorite pastimes change as we as individuals, and as a society change. Once upon a time a favorite pastime was watching men fight beasts in an arena. Oh wait there is still bull fighting, but you get my point. The point is you have something you love doing. It makes you happy. So I am going to enjoy grilling today in beautiful weather, with friends and family, and have a yummy cocktail, or two. Cheers!
Who Are You Listening To? Here's My Go To Playlist...Depending On Mood and Activity
Music has always been a part of my life. I listen to it when I am happy, and especially when I am sad. I listen to it when I am madly in love, or crazy angry. It gets me through a distance hike, and difficult workouts. I turn to it for long drives, and boring workdays.
Music has an amazing ability to transform my mood, and affirm my feelings.
I grew up listening to Al Green, Mahalia Jackson, and Donna Summer. I have fond memories of skating down Hollywood Blvd. as a youngster with my mom and aunt, boogieing along to Donna Summer on my Walkman.
It was early evening, the sun had recently set, and I felt so free. I felt incredible. It was over 30 years, and that feeling always returns whenever a Donna Summer's song comes on.
I really love all kinds of music, and manage to surprise my kids occasionally when we are jamming out, and singing along to the same song. I love electronic dance music (EDM), and went to lots of raves in high school. Don't judge me. I was really into Depeche Mode, and to this day cannot stop listening to Massive Attack. Massive Attack truly works for any mood, especially Angel and Unfinished Sympathy, which are often on repeat.
Here's Who's Likely Playing Based On Mood...
Happy Mood - Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, Nelly Furtado, Blondie, Black Eye Peas
Sad Mood - Sia (Colour the Small One), Depeche Mode, Massive Attack, Hooverphonic, Lauren Hill
Workout Mode - Deadmau5, Araabmuzik, Calvin Harris, Bassnectar, Daft Punk
Wild Mood - Marilyn Manson, Nine Inch Nails, Chemical Brothers, Jes, Outkast
Cooking/Dancing Around the House - Rihanna, Kaskade, The Rolling Stones, Britney Spears
So that is a small sample of what's on my playlist, and what I enjoy. There is definitely some overlap between mood music. What's on your playlist? Do you change it up based on mood or activity? Please share!
April Fool's Day...What's So Funny About It?
I was born on April 1st over two scores ago, and as far back as I can remember someone has tried to play an April Fool's joke on me. They felt that it being my birthday and all that I was especially deserving of some sort of prank or trick. I never found the jokes funny, and I never found any sort of appreciation for pranking people in general.
Annoyance aside, the whole tradition brought about a lot of questions. Why this day? Where did this "April Fool's Day" originate?
I started my research and found that the day itself seems almost to be some sort of prank. There are theories of its origin, but no definitive answers about where this day for making someone feel like a fool got its start.
To be fair, the pranks are supposed to be harmless and in good fun, but someone always takes it too far. There are many theories, and one is bound to be close to truth, I suppose.
One theory that stood out to me was the Roman holiday "Halaria". Hilaria was usually celebrated at the end of March and people dressed up in disguise. Even more interesting than all of the origin theories is that April Fool's Day, also called All Fool's Day, is celebrated all over the world, which I think is actually pretty cool.
Now, no one has attempted an April Fool's Day joke on me in years. I think that perhaps they realized they were more likely to face my wrath, than they were to hear a laugh.
Do not get me wrong, I enjoy a great joke and good natured teasing amongst friends and loved ones, but there has always been something about pranks that seem innately nasty, and overall mean spirited.
Honestly, I have to admit there is one great benefit to having your birthday on April Fool's Day. No one ever forgets your birthday. My birthday is a day my friends and family always remember. My birthday was wonderful today, with lots of well wishes coming from all over the country, and the world. I hope your April Fool's Day was wonderful as well.
How Do You Netflix And Not "Chill"?
So I grudgingly admit I am a huge nerd, and perhaps a little naive. I was woefully unaware what was truly meant by the saying "Netflix and Chill". I thought you hang out with friends or your boo, and watch Netflix. I was so wrong.
My husband heard me say to my teen daughter that we were going Netflix and Chill, and he told to me to look in Urban dictionary, because I was completely using that phrase incorrectly. Okay, so a more accurate account would be that I was referred to Urban dictionary and Google after I said, "no way does it mean that" about five time.
Urban dictionary defines Netflix and Chill as "going to your partners house to bang with Netflix on in the background". Isn't that just lovely. Well when I say Netflix and Chill (NAC), I mean vegge out and watch some Netflix.
So on to how you can have a great night enjoying Netflix, that may or may not end with some "chill" time. I really enjoy Netflix as a stay at home date, with the family for movie night, and even by myself. I prefer to have a theme for the snacks and to set the mood.
On some occasions I will buy movie theatre size candy, Coca Cola in bottles, and pop lots of popcorn. There will be lots of blanket, lights turned out, and the surround sound blasting. For a date night theme, I like to do cocktails, finger foods, and candle light.
Now what to watch? There are so many choices from series, movies, stand up comedy, and great documentaries. I recommend Santa Clarita Diet, which is funny and quirky, for maybe a girl's night in. The Princess Bride is perfect for a family movie night.
For date night, maybe go for something scary or creepy, but please no romantic comedies. Perhaps Penny Dreadful, because although it's not a romantic series, Penny Dreadful can be very sexy and sexual, and then maybe you will chill after all.
So now you know how I Netflix and Chill. Did you all know what NAC meant? Hopefully I am educating someone tonight, because otherwise this is so embarrassing.