Friday, December 31, 2010

So Cool ->Black Eyed Peas - I got a feeling on Oprah Chicago Flashmob 24th season...

Gallery | World rings in New Year | accessatlanta.com

Happy New Year ->Gallery | World rings in New Year | accessatlanta.com

New Year's Eve 2010

So here we are on New Year's Eve and the weather did not disappoint in Atlanta, GA. It's going to be mild temps near 60 degrees and plenty of sunshine. All the right stuff to make this last day of the new year delightful.

I want to extend my deepest thanks to all the readers who have visited my blog this year. Since launching my blog in 2010, I have enjoyed a wonderful time posting my own writings along with stories I find around the web that I think would be of interest. I appreciate the comments received from many readers. I have met other bloggers and enjoy following their blogs too.

I look forward to good things happening in the coming year 2011. I plan to keep my blog postings fresh and interesting. I especially hope you will continue to stop by and read along.

Have a safe time ringing in the New Year and celebrate responsibly. Happy New Year!

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Gallery | My Style: Kate Boccia | accessatlanta.com

She's Got Style ->Gallery | My Style: Kate Boccia | accessatlanta.com

Healthy Tip ->Ring in the New Year

Many people will be attending New Year's Eve parties and having fun ringing in the new year. Keep in mind the cold and flu season is here. The kisses and hand shakes will be plentiful as people move about the party spreading new year cheer. I know it will be hard to wash your hands often, but some hand sanitizer in your purse or pocket will help. A quick hug instead of smooches is a safe bet too. Just a few things to keep in mind when the ball/peach drops!

Multi Purpose Furniture

Great uses for more space ->Multi Purpose Furniture, home-designing.com

Monday, December 27, 2010

Video: The Best of Joan Crawford

My Fave Actress ->Video: The Best of Joan Crawford, Newyorker.com

To Do ->Last Week of 2010

Hello Everyone, I hope the Christmas weekend was enjoyable. Now we look ahead to the last week of 2010. I often will start a list of some tasks to wrap up before the end of the year. The items on the list aren't anything that's going to be stressful (who needs that right), but just a few things that I really would like to finish up before the end of the year.

Some of you may do the same and I think it's a neat way to bring about positivity and a sense of accomplishment in life. Don't fret that it took until the last week of the year to accomplish them. Just know that you can place a DONE check mark by it for 2010. Have a great week!

Teena Marie, known as 'Ivory Queen of Soul,' dies

RIP for a Soulful Singer ->Teena Marie, known as 'Ivory Queen of Soul,' dies via accessAtlanta

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Oh What Fun ->Glee Cast - Jingle Bells

Lauren Hill to Stage Comeback with 2011 Tour

Wonderful News ->Lauryn Hill to Stage Comeback with 2011 Tour, Essence.com

Healthy Holiday Tip

This is the time of the year to enjoy the holidays with family and friends. Don't fret over the extra helpings or sweet desserts you will probably eat. One thing you can do is to use a salad size plate for the meals to help control portions. If you do use a dinner size plate, don't fill it with food. You can always go back for yummy seconds. If the weather permits, plan walks in the neighborhood with some of your house guests. Think of the lovely chats you will have during these walks. If you plan to do some after Christmas shopping at the mall, you will get plenty of exercise as you walk around shopping for bargains. Also, play some of the games on the Wii too.

We are days away from Christmas and I imagine the aroma of good food cooking and sweets baking has begun in many homes. Enjoy yourself and Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Gallery | Stars share Christmas memories | accessatlanta.com

Good Memories ->Gallery | Stars share Christmas memories | accessatlanta.com

Gift Cards Rock!

I used to hear that people who were given gift cards would let them expire or never use them. Go Figure! The key in gift card giving is to tailor the cards to their likes such as food, clothes, books, coffee, or pets just to name a few interests. The gift card business has grown over the years and you can find just about every major retailer or restaurant that has one. The cards are a happy reminder of the person who gave it to you when you are about to make a purchase. I think gift cards rock and are especially good for that person who is hard to buy for on your Christmas list. Shop On!

Gallery | Shaq conducts Boston Pops' holiday concert | accessatlanta.com

See the Pics ->Gallery | Shaq conducts Boston Pops' holiday concert | accessatlanta.com

Monday, December 20, 2010

Gallery | Rachael Ray book signing in Buckhead | accessatlanta.com

A Cooking Dynamo ->Gallery | Rachael Ray book signing in Buckhead | accessatlanta.com

Coke Commercial Gets 'Inception' Makeover

Holiday To-Do List

Hello to the start of a busy holiday week for many of you. Have your out-of-town guests arrived yet? I am sure the to-do list this week will be filled with lots of things including shopping for gifts, cooking and baking, cleaning the house, and more. Try to keep your daily to-do list manageable by listing the top five items you would like to get done. If you have to move items to the next day, don't worry about it. Also, delegate some to-do items to your family especially the kids since they are probably out of school and home from college for the long holiday break. You might think that keeping them 'out of your hair' by not giving them tasks to-do is good, but it's better to include them. It could be something simple as bringing in firewood to have on hand by the fireplace. I think everyone will feel they played a role in getting the home ready for the holidays.

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Gallery | Obama reads to 2nd graders | ajc.com

I bet the kids were surprised ->Gallery | Obama reads to 2nd graders | ajc.com

Weekend Shopping Tip

Before you head out and about on the last weekend of holiday shopping before Christmas, remember to make a list and check it twice for gifts you have already purchased. In the hustle and bustle of it all, stick to your holiday budget and don't overspend. Keep in mind that there will be plenty of deals after Christmas where lots of stuff will be 50% off. So, save some cash for more good bargains later. Frugal, that's You!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Gallery | Gifts for 'Tween' girls | accessatlanta.com

Good Gift Ideas ->Gallery | Gifts for 'Tween' girls | accessatlanta.com

Digital Pick: Juke Joint

Something New ->Digital Pick: Juke Joint, Newyorker.com

Stay on Track with Exercise during the Holidays

The holiday season is in full swing and all things that go along with preparing for it. It's very easy for your exercise routine to take a backseat with all that you have to do. Here are some ways to stay on track with exercise during the holidays:

1. Use your lunch hour at work to take a walk. There may be school plays to attend, cookies to bake, or potluck meals to prepare for events. You may not have time for your normal evening walk once you get home, but at least you made time for a good walk earlier in the day.
2. There are lots of ways to sneak in a few exercises while you cook or bake. While waiting for the oven to warm, do 2-3 sets of squats, lunges, arm & ab twists or any exercise that you can perform in a standing position. Just before you open the canned foods, use them as weights and do a few arm curls with them.
3. If your wrapping items are spread out on the living room floor for ease, take a break in between gift wrapping and do a few sets of push ups and abdominal exercises.

Keep the stress away and don't fret the small stuff. Be Merry!

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Magical Starlightz from Artecnica

These are Stunning ->The Magical Starlightz from Artecnica, fokal.com

Saving on Holiday Cards

'Tis the season for sending and receiving holiday cards. Save a little money on cards and stamps by sending e-cards. There are plenty of websites across the internet to choose an e-card. I get a kick out of sending them for any occasion and especially like the one's that play music. I know family and friends will receive a card through the mail, but e-cards are just as merry. Put a smile on someone's face this holiday season when they check their email and open your e-card. I bet they replay the e-card again and again!

Gallery | Reindog Parade at Botanical Garden | accessatlanta.com

Pooch Fun ->Gallery | Reindog Parade at Botanical Garden | accessatlanta.com

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Amazing ->Metrodome Roof Collapse Video From the Inside Metrodome

Helping Others this Holiday Season

As we check our to-do lists for the holiday season, keep in mind those families, friends, or neighbors who may be struggling financially this holiday season. They may not speak out that times are hard and simply buying food for the holidays will be tough let alone gifts.

Here are some ways you can help others during the holiday season:
--->Buy extra non-perishable foods while your shopping
--->Purchase a gift card in any monetary amount you can afford
--->Give cash in a holiday card
--->Fill up the gas tank in their car
--->Purchase a book of stamps
--->Bake some homemade treats and put in decorative tin
--->Buy a rotiserrie chicken that will make a variety of meals. My favorite!

These next few weeks leading up to Christmas will get even busier. Any help you can provide for someone else will be appreciated more than you can ever imagine.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Classic Clip ->John Lennon on Monday Night Football 1974

Hump Day Tip

Keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your desk, bag, car, or anywhere you can easily get to it in order to cleanse your hands until you are able to wash them thoroughly. Our hands touch a lot of things throughout the day especially when shaking someone's hand during an introduction. I'm not a big fan of shaking hands and try to avoid it. The cold and flu season is here, be ready!

Not Your Typical Holiday Movie Guide

Good Picks Here ->Not Your Typical Holiday Movie Guide, Goodhousekeeping.com

Monday, December 6, 2010

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

An arctic blast has hit Atlanta with temps in the 20's and blustery winds. Of course, it feels like it's in the teens when you factor in the wind chill. I'm glad that my home has a garage for my car. It's always a good idea to allow your car plenty of time to warm up before driving off. Just in case your car stalls or there is a traffic backup due to weather, be prepared with these tips in mind:
  • Gas tank ->keep full or at least half a tank, never on "E"
  • Flashlight ->make sure the batteries work
  • Ice/Snow Scraper ->keep in car to remove from windows
  • Blanket ->stay warm while you wait
  • Gloves ->keep an extra pair in the glove box
  • Water ->good idea to have some bottles of water in the car
  • Food ->keep some peanut butter crackers or granola bars for snacking

Gallery | HGTV's holiday decorating tips | accessatlanta.com

These tips are great ->Gallery | HGTV's holiday decorating tips | accessatlanta.com

3D Interior Design Inspiration

Awesome & Hip ->3D Interior Design Inspiration, Home-designing.com

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Gallery | Children's Healthcare of Atlanta parade | ajc.com

Fun for Kids ->Gallery | Children's Healthcare of Atlanta parade | ajc.com

Eco-Friendly Tip

If you will be hosting a small dinner party this holiday season, try to cut down on using so many paper products. Instead, use real dinnerware, glasses, and silverware. I realize everyone wants cleanup to be snap after the party is over and paper products are an easy toss in the trash. But using the dishwasher is better and more energy-efficient when fully loaded.

The less paper products in the landfills is so much better. Let's all continue to do our part for the environment by becoming more Green!

Gallery | New at the zoo? Animal babies! | ajc.com

Real Cuties ->Gallery | New at the zoo? Animal babies! | ajc.com

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Gallery | 'Simple Gifts' fill White House at Christmas | accessatlanta.com

I Like this Theme ->Gallery | 'Simple Gifts' fill White House at Christmas | accessatlanta.com

Photo: Taking a stand by sitting down | Need to Know

Courageous Woman, Rosa Parks ->Photo: Taking a stand by sitting down | Need to Know, PBS.org

Gift Ideas for Holiday Host

It's the first day of December and the holiday season is truly in gear. As the holiday party invites begin to come in, keep in mind that a gift for the host/hostess of the party is always a lovely way of saying thanks for their hospitality. Here are a few ideas:

--->Holiday fragrance candle
--->Bottle of wine in holiday wine bag
--->Small box of chocolates like Godiva or Russell Stover
--->Homemade treats in a holiday container
--->Can of Planters Cocktail peanuts
--->Holiday music CD
--->Poinsettia plant for added pop of color around the house
--->Ornament for the Christmas tree

When you arrive at the party, the host will probably say "Oh, you didn't have to bring anything." But the gesture will truly be appreciated.