Most people tend to gain extra weight around the holidays and although understandable, we hate ourselves for it in the morning. The holidays come only once a year. We go out of our way to prepare for it and invite family and friends to celebrate with. There is no reason why you cannot enjoy some holiday cooking without sabotaging your diet.

Here are some simple steps to follow to avoid gaining weight over the holiday season:

*Eat anything that you want. Just be sure to eat small portions. You can safely sample a little bit of everything, but do not overdo it.

*Be sure to exercise faithfully over the holiday months. This is not a time to be slacking in the exercise department. You may get away with it at other times of the year, but the holiday temptations will catch up to you and it will show on the scale.

*Get in some extra fitness time if at all possible. Schedule it into your plans and make it a priority. Instead of exercising 3 times a week, plan to exercise 5 times a week.

*Take it easy the week before Thanksgiving and Christmas. Try to cut out any snacking.

By following the simple steps above you should be able to avoid gaining weight over the holidays. Just remember that if you are tempted to overeat your clothes will not fit right and the numbers will show up on the scale. We all know how awful that feels.

Technology may change over the years but one thing will never change, children love video games! Boy or girl, young or young at heart all get a kick out of the latest video games.

The Atari that you may be familiar with has evolved into complex systems and games. Some even allow you to feel like you are in the midst of the game play. Thankfully, the most popular console brands have decided to lower their prices for Christmas this year, but do not wait too long.

Wii

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Retail Price: $199.99

Amazon Price: $199.99

Soft and cuddly toy animals are still a hit in 2009 and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Of course, this is the technological age and these toys actually have a virtual world for kids to explore. No longer are you simply buying a stuffed animal.

There is a stuffed pet known as Zhu-Zhu, and he is a pet hamster. This is a gift that kids never get tired of playing with because they can alter the online world these pets live in. This is one you definitely want to jump on quickly; they do not last long on store shelves. Children can have hours of fun providing shelter, food and clothing for their new pet in his virtual world, and if he gets ill there is even a virtual vet!

If you have a teenager on your to buy list then the cell phone is the way to go. There are hot new cell phones on the market that will play videos, log onto the web and play music. All the kids want the latest in cell phone technology. Teenagers love their technology!

Women in the family tend to like to record all of life’s tender moments, and as such are generally the picture takers. Birthdays, holidays and just because days are all Kodak moments waiting to happen.

Digital cameras are the answer for today’s picture taking woman. No longer do you have to take a picture then run to the drug store to have it processed, just snap and go to your printer for copies.

Whoever the picture taker in your family is a digital camera will be the greatest thing since sliced bread. Choose a simple camera for the beginner or one with tons of features and accessories for the more advanced photographer.

It has been said that men are a bit more difficult to shop for and in some ways this is true, however if you know what his hobbies are you will not have a problem. Does he play golf, video games or love all things technical? There are all kinds of gadgets to choose from including personal digital assistants, GPS for the truck or boat or even virtual golf games.

It does not hurt to keep the top Christmas gifts for 2009 in mind while you are shopping, but keep in mind the personal likes and dislikes of the loved one you are shopping for. Digital cameras may be all the rage and many women would love one, however if the woman in your life has little interest in photography move on to something that will make her happier.

So many people are hungry in our world. Some people never had much in terms of materialistic items and food to begin with. Other people lived the “American Dream” and had it all, so they thought, and then they lost their jobs. Slowly they lost other things as well in their lives.

Feeding America is a non-profit organization that helps to feed millions of people each year. Help someone else that is less fortunate than you are this holiday season. Give to others who do not have. Bless someone’s life and share with them what you have been blessed to have. Do unto others, especially now during our holiday season.

For more information visit http://feedingamerica.org/.

This Thanksgiving, let’s not just teach our children to be thankful, let’s teach them Who to thank.

1. Crown of Thanks. Cut different shapes and colors of leaves out of colored paper. Write on the leaves what you want to thank God for. Tape on the wall, up around the ceiling. Circle the room with a crown of thanks to the Lord this.

2. Be Thankful Finger Play.

Lord, I have two hands, 10 fingers that can I wiggle
Lord, I’m thankful for jello, yellow jello that I can jiggle

(hold up your hands, wiggle your little finger on your left hand first.
wiggle wiggle – First, I’m thank for_________
Keep your hands up high, wiggle your ring finger next on your left hand
wiggle wiggle – Second I’m thankful for ________
(Keep going with all ten fingers, until you are all the way to your little finger on your right hand.)

Lord, I’m thankful for 10 things, but there’s so many more.
But most of all I’m thankful for Jesus, It’s Him that I adore

3. Thank You Reflection. Keep Post-its in the shape of a turkey or leaf near the bathroom mirror, family members and visitors can write down what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving week and post-it on the bathroom mirror.

4. Thank you List. What we are thankful list, instead of what we want. Do you usually have a ongoing grocery list on your refrigerator, where family members can write down a grocery item that is missing from the cupboards or refrigerator? How about keeping a list of what you are thankful for, this Thanksgiving? Keep a running list of what you are thankful for, that you do have this Thanksgiving.

5. Thankful Cake. On the dessert table this year at Thanksgiving consider including a Thankful Cake. Write on the top of the Thankful Cake in the middle “We are thankful for,,,” Then, write different things that people are thankful for on top of the Thankful Cake, before serving.

6. Thank the Lord Around the World. Thank the Lord in different languages. Write or record thank you in many different languages around the world. Before the Thanksgiving family prayer at the table, you could play the recording, as you thank God for loving the whole world and giving his only begotten son for the world, that whosoever believes in Him, might not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

7. Hymn Sing. Why not continue or start a Thanksgiving tradition of singing together? Sing several hymns or praise songs together before or after your Thanksgiving meal.

8. Thank You Video. You can make a video throughout the morning of Thanksgiving Day, interviewing family members with the question, “What are you most thankful to the Lord for this Thanksgiving?” Show the video before or after Thanksgiving Dinner. Most point and shoot digital cameras come with a video camera function which can serve this purpose well. That the family might know that we are not only thankful this Thanksgiving, but that we know who to thank – To God be the Glory.

The solution to good looking hair is taking good care of the scalp too. For many people who are in a rush, hair care involves a rushed shampoo in the shower, then using damaging products or tools to style the hair. But taking the time to pamper the foundation of your crowing glory will help make your hair look and feel better. Here’s how to achieve balanced hair down to the scalp in your routine.

Start with Massage

You don’t have to go to a spa or spend money on a masseuse when it comes to caring for your hair and scalp. Giving your scalp a good massage while you shampoo only takes a few minutes, but it provides long lasting benefits for your hair. Once you lather up with some warm water and a quality organic shampoo, take your forefingers and starting at your temples, start making small circles around your scalp moving up towards the crown of your head. Then move your fingers down the center of your head and massage well into the front of your hairline. Massaging your scalp improves circulation and blood flow in your scalp which can help with any thinning or hair loss. It also stimulates the hair follicles so that your hair will grow in healthier and stronger.

Scalp Treatments

If you are one of millions of people who suffer from annoying scalp conditions that cause itchy, dry, scaly, and bumpy skin or dandruff scalp, then you want to focus on treating these conditions as soon as possible for the best results. While some over the counter products like medicated shampoos and ant-dandruff products can provide some relief, nothing beats seeing a doctor for these ailments. A skilled dermatologist or natural doctor should be able to diagnose and provide hair treatment methods to get your scalp cleared up fast so your hair has a chance to show its true beauty.

Natural Products

An inexpensive and very effective solution for a damaged scalp or hair is choosing natural products. There are many wonderful products available in retail and health stores that are beneficial to the hair and scalp. Since so many regular hair products contain harmful ingredients including phosphates and artificial colors, natural products can be a safer choice in hair care products. Look for organic hair care products in a wide range of uses, from shampoos and conditioners in lovely scents to moisture enhancing serums and balms to bring back that bounce and shine in your tresses, from the roots to the tips. With natural products, less is more so you actually save money and end up with more manageable hair. Your scalp will feel better and your hair will look better than ever when you use natural products.

Taking care of hair is made easier by starting at the scalp. Think of the scalp as the foundation for a great head of hair. Treat it with care; avoid scratching or burning the scalp with styling tools. Keeping the scalp moisturized will actually reduce the chances of developing dandruff and flaking. Use quality products and use them properly for the best results in achieving balance on your hair right from the scalp.

Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Frolicking Frog Pull Toy

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Retail Price: $19.99

Amazon Price: $15.90

Wooden Toys
Look for wooden toys made in the U.S.—or European countries, since many have strict safety standards—out of natural, sustainable wood and non-toxic paints. (Check to make sure natural paints were used.) Wooden toys eliminate waste since they’re fully recyclable and are more durable than chemical-laden plastic.

NUBY BPA FREE 2 Handle 8oz. Cup / Flip-It Straw Top, Boy Colors

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Retail Price: Varies based on product options

Amazon Price: $6.99

BPA-Free Bottles and Sippy Cups
Bisphenol A (BPA) has been getting a lot of heat. Claimed to increase the risk of certain cancers, the chemical BPA is found in some bottles, sippy cups and pacifiers. The good news is that BPA-free alternatives are now easy to find and clearly labeled. Why take a chance with a controversial chemical when you can easily buy a BPA-free alternative? These can be found in big name retail stores or online.

Natural Remedies
No one enjoys teething. When pearly whites start poking through baby’s mouth, parents scramble for a remedy—any remedy. Instead of buying conventional teething gel, which often contains artificial food coloring and other artificial ingredients, go natural. Consider buying (or putting on your wish list) a baby necklace made from Baltic amber, a natural anesthetic. When your child sweats, Baltic amber releases healing oils that are absorbed into the skin and provide natural teething relief. Take note that the necklaces are meant to be worn, not put in the mouth. You can also find homeopathic remedies for colic, teething, gas and earaches in some specialty and big name stores.

Your dinner consists of leftovers taken off everyone else’s plates.

You can change a toddler’s diaper while he is doing cartwheels.

You add baby formula to the mashed potatoes to avoid going to the store for another gallon of milk.

You spend your birthday money on a kit to remove your own ear wax.

You have to get up at 3:00 Am to take a hot bath and actually enjoy talking to the floating plastic penguins your daughter left.

You celebrate finding the last clean diaper like most people celebrate finding a winning lottery ticket.

You aren’t happy when your husband cleans out the car because you’ve now lost everything you own.

You do get a night out at a fine restaurant you still try and order spaghettios with meatballs.

You are happy if someone makes a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, for you.

You once lived on your couch for 24 hours without getting up.

You call your husband, dad, because, well, everyone else in the house does…

Your kids bounce, off the ceilings, instead of off the walls.

Your flip flops are both lefties and you can still chase your child down the driveway in less than 3.5 seconds.

You hear your daughter say, “When I grow up, I want to be a mother, only I’ll think I’ll still comb my hair.”

I am more consciously aware of my body and fighting back. I am a rebel at times and will not be defeated (at least not without a struggle). I am eating healthier and exercising more often.

Vegetables are great and filling. You cannot go wrong there, so eat away vegetable lovers!  Fruit is excellent for you as well. For those of you with a sweet tooth you can even pretend that fruit is like candy. (Okay, maybe not like candy, but sweeter than vegetables.)

I was never a huge fan of yogurt, but could eat it happily for a few days out of the week. About two months ago, at the urging of my niece, I decided to try a popular fast food restaurants yogurt parfait and let me tell you, it was delicious and only 160 calories. I am sold on this and whenever I need something sweet I grab one of these healthy, but sweet treats!

photo credit: Siege N. Gin

Shopping with Children

When it is time to go shopping the best scenario is to have the day to yourself by hiring a sitter. However, this is not always possible and you need to have a plan for shopping with little ones. Preparation is key when shopping with small children, make sure they have had a good nap and take plenty of snacks along with you. To cut down on boredom in the store you can allow the kids to pick out one cheap toy or snack.

Kid Swap

One handy way to organize Christmas shopping is to swap children with a friend or family member. You agree to watch their children while they shop for a few hours and they agree to return the favor. This way everyone has the opportunity to leisurely shop.

Shopping Time

Waiting until the last minute to do your Christmas shopping is not conducive to a stress free trip. Try to wrap up all your shopping a few weeks ahead of time to avoid all the madness.

Online Shopping

Perhaps one of the best ways to Christmas shop for toddlers is to do the bulk of it online. Today you can order directly from many retailers, for instance Wal-Mart has the option of ordering online and having your product delivered to the store. Other great sites for Christmas shopping include Amazon and eBay, just be sure you order in plenty of time to beat the Christmas rush.

Keep it Simple

While it is tempting to want to buy your toddler the hottest toys for Christmas, you have to remember that the toy will likely be forgotten in a few days time. Spending several hundred dollars for a motorized car they will outgrow by summer is probably not the best course of action. Stick with simple gift ideas that will not break the budget.

Boy Gift Ideas

Toddler boys love things they can push around the house. Oversized plastic trucks and cars are a toddler’s best friend and they are generally a fairly cheap gift idea. They also enjoy simple crayons, coloring books, large puzzles and blocks. Kids at this age are pretty easy to please.

Girl Gift Ideas

A very popular gift idea for girls of all ages is the timeless dollhouse. For toddlers companies like Playskool have created dollhouses with rounded edges and heavy construction to stand up to the rigors of toddler play. Of course, girls of this age also love bouncy balls, moveable toys like cars or trucks and baby dolls.

Caution

When shopping for the best toddler toys be mindful of the recommended age on the package. Many toys will have small moving parts or pieces that can easily become a choking hazard. Safety is the number one consideration when purchasing toddler Christmas gifts.

Conclusion

Have a cup of hot chocolate and relax, the Christmas season is meant to be a joyous time of year. Do not let stress and money woes get you down, plan a simple but enjoyable dinner with simple gifts and everything will be just fine.

photo credit: Zach™