December 26, 2007
Don't throw out your old Christmas tree -- have it recycled.
Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation says "once you are done with your dried-up, needle-dropping, fragrance-free Christmas tree," you can give your Christmas tree will have a second life.
RIRRC will chip all trees it receives from municipal collections and use the material as mulch or in its composting operations. "If buried in the Central Landfill, the trees would waste valuable space better saved for non-organic material." says the landfill agency.
On average, 250,000 Rhode Islanders purchase cut Christmas trees each year to decorate their homes. Last year, RIRRC accepted 313 tons of Christmas trees. For the cities and towns, the diverted waste saved them thousands of dollars in disposal fees since the trees are tipped for free rather than at $32 per ton.
To prepare the tree for collection, remove all decorations, especially tinsel. Do not put the tree in a plastic bag.
Collection schedules vary depending on where you live. For more information about disposing Christmas trees, call your local department of public works or RIRRC at (401) 942-1430 x778.
Posted by Pam Cotter 
at 9:00 AM | Permalink
December 24, 2007
Ahh...
It's a sense of relief when all the holiday chores are done. Not that I am done, mind you. I'm going to have a house full of people tomorrow. I have tablecloths to iron, a table to set, food to cook, a house to clean and a year-old Boxer puppy at my heals the whole time.
But my sister and I did finish the cookies. She baked 6 kinds and I baked twelve. From the bottom left going clockwise, they are:
chocolate peanut butter chip
toffee bars
chocolate logs
cut-outs
almond crescents
cherry winks
cherry bars
prune cups
molasses bars
white chocolate cranberry bars
lime thumb print
butterballs
white chocolate chip bars
peanut butter blossoms
magic bars
raspberry chocolate chip bars
Brazilian coffee cookies
egg nog spritz.
Whew!
Merry Christmas!
Posted by Donna McGarry at 9:10 AM | Permalink
December 23, 2007
I know a lot of folks around here are very familiar with the Italian Christmas Eve tradition of the feast of the seven fishes.
But how many of you have taken part in the Slovak meatless Christmas Eve feast?
My husband's sister married a wonderful man of Slovak descent, and because of Rege and his family, we've been able to take part in many such special meals at their home in North Huntingdon, Pa., outside of Pittsburgh.
The Slovak words for Christmas Eve are “bountiful eve” and the bounty of this evening lies in the wide range of festive dishes. The traditional meal for Christmas Eve is meatless in the Slovak Republic.
The meal begins with the “oplatky” or unleavened wafers imprinted with scenes of the holy birth. Coming from the Latin, “oblata” (offering), these wafers are common to Slavs living in the Tatra Mountains. The “oplatky” are eaten with honey (to be good and healthy as the bees are) and reminded the family of the unleavened bread of the Passover supper of the Israelites. The Sabols, (Rege's family) also use maple syrup -- which is a little touch of New England in Pittsburgh!
Following the “oplatky”, a soup of tart quality, usually made of sauerkraut brine and dried mushrooms, continues the exodus theme of recalling the bitterness of slavery; life without Christ. The Sabols often serve mushroom soup with the more traditional brine.
Pieroghies are my favorite part of the Christmas Eve supper. They are dough pockets, pastry filled with fillings of sweet cabbage, sauerkraut, lekvar, (prune butter) or potatoes and cheese and boiled.
The family also serves haluski, which is twisted noodles of dough mixed in with sauerkraut.
For dessert, we always have lots of Christmas cookies, and wine is also served with the meal.
And I even learned how to say Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year by looking up these traditions on the Internet:
“Vesele Vianoce a Stastlivy Novy Rok.”
Posted by Pam Cotter at 7:29 PM | Permalink
December 22, 2007
In addition to the Cool Decade ornament I purchase each year, I'll get an ornament that will remind me of my dog. For Holly's and my first Christmas together, I picked up this ornament. Cute, huh? The gold heart tag attached to the dog's collar has the year engraved. Each year that I decorate my tree, I hang ornaments that remind my of my other three dogs from years past. Each ornament tells a story.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 8:00 AM | Permalink
December 21, 2007
I love collecting Hallmark ornaments. This ornament is obviously for this year's Cool Decade. I must have well over 120 Hallmark ornaments!
A friend of the family gave my Mom the first one back in 1974. It was a Betsey Clark ornament. I referred to Betsey Clark's artwork of little waifs as the "onionhead kids". I was mesmerized by this ornament. I never saw anything like it. I think because it was new and different, it caught my attention. Back in the 70's there were lots of tacky ornaments. I remember my mother buying the plastic balls that were covered with some kind of "string" that stuck to my fingers. Each year when we'd hang them on the tree, they got worse because the material would pull away from the form. I still have them and can't part with them. Another year, my Godmother gave our family a set of six gingerbread soldiers to hang from the tree. I was so little, I thought they were real cookies! I took a bite into one of them to quickly find out they were styrofoam. I still have that ornament, too. When I hang it up, I have to laugh. You can still see my teeth marks.
I actually have three sets of ornaments; one set is from my parents and when we kids were growing up. Along the way, I added several more ornaments from my travels around the world. The second set is all Hallmark ornaments that I started collecting when I was in my late teens. Actually, that also makes up set three. The third set of ornaments are the Hallmark ornaments that are too heavy to be hung on a real tree, so I put those on the fake tree. Yes. I put up two trees! I put up a fake tree right after Thanksgiving because I can't wait to get a real tree.
Upload a photo of your favorite ornament and share its history.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 9:57 AM | Permalink
December 20, 2007
While adding to projo's list of holiday giving options, I remembered something that's been bugging me this season. I could be wrong, but it seems I'm seeing fewer people dropping money into the traditional Salvation Army red kettles.
Maybe it's because these are the days of the debit card, or maybe folks are just a little too harried to pull out their cash, but lately, those bell ringers seem a little more lonely to me than usual.
But that little bit of change helps the organization serve nearly 5 million people at Christmas and 35 million people throughout the year.
Yesterday I walked by the one stationed in front of Providence City Hall. I made small talk with the bell-ringer, and promised to donate some change on my way back from my errands. He seemed very cold, and joked with me that he'd like to wear the scarf that was around my neck. Sorry, no scarf, but I did throw a buck in the kettle.
If you're feeling guilty about passing by these donation points, there's any easy, debit-ready way to still give. Go to the Salvation Army's Web site, and make a donation directly. They also have a way you "host" your own virtual red kettle. It's a fairly high tech way to do some old-fashioned good.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 4:23 PM | Permalink
Has the holiday spirit put you in a giving mood?
The Providence Journal continues to publish requests from local charities for holiday giving. In addition to the full list of charities on our Web site, we've added a few more you may want to help out this season, or throughout the year:
GENERAL
VIPS (Volunteers In Providence Schools)
The organization provides after-school tutoring and enrichment classes to hungry teenagers who attend Providence public schools. There are 25 or so high school students who come each day to theTechnology & Learning Center every afternoon for three hours after school to get homework help and tutoring. The organizationreally needs gift cards from area grocery stores or donations that will help us feed these hungry and eager-to-learn teenage students. For more information, call Theresa Seddon at VIPS, at (401) 274-3240.
ANIMALS
Animals Depend On People Too (A.D.O.P.T.)
The group that helps homeless pets at the Cranston Animal Shelter and throughout the state, is in need of monetary donations. A.D.O.P.T. also helps families throughout the state with financial help for sick or injured pets, spays and neuters and other problems. Call Linda Monahan at (401)-826-0320 .
The Hope For Animals Sanctuary
The cat shelter is in need of cash donations as well as litter, toys, cat food, cat toys, and soft blankets for beds. The sanctuary is also looking for foster homes for some of its special needs cats. Volunteers are always needed. For more information please contact Ann at (401) 966-4129. The web site is www.hopeforcatssanctuary.com
To be included in either the newspaper or online list, send your charity's information, including a name and contact number to pjnews@projo.com. Put Holiday Giving in the subject field.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 3:51 PM | Permalink
December 19, 2007
I received a Christmas card in the mail the other day. It was from my best friend from high school.
I was always quiet, shy and a loner. Wait. I still am. But there was something about Joan that clicked. We really got along! We had the same odd sense of humor. We understood each other without even having to talk. And we went through a lot together. I think we hit it off right away because we both lost our mothers at around the same time. I think we helped each other through it.
Anyway, after getting her note, it brought me back to old times. I remember one time when we traveled to down town Providence after school during Christmas. We stopped at the Outlet to visit Santa Claus. No, we weren't young children. I think we were about 17. We even had out picture taken!
Then I started thinking about the Outlet. Do you remember it? There are no department stores quite like it. My Mom used to take me into the basement to visit Santa Claus. Then after, she'd pay a quarter so I could get a grab bag. The grab bags were in two huge clown heads; one side was for boys and one side for girls. I remember being scared stiff to stick my hand in the clown's mouth for fear that someone would pull me through on the other side! But if I didn't, then no toy. One time, I stuck my whole head in to make sure nobody was on the other side. I even remember being a little rebellious one year and getting a toy from boy's side. I can't remember what it was but really, a toy is a toy.
It's funny how one little card can trigger so many memories. Take the time to send out cards and give someone a precious gift.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 9:00 AM | Permalink
December 18, 2007
I know I'm in trouble when I'm only in day three and I'm all ready sick of cookies! Usually this doesn't hit me until my final batch of cookies on the final day of baking.Santa wouldn't appreciate the words that come out of my mouth. Then again, I believe I redeem myself by leaving him a big plate of cookie and a tall glass of milk on Christmas Eve.
You have to understand, with each recipe, I have to try the dough AND the cookie to make sure it came out perfectly. It may not sound like such a tough job but when you make three to four different types of cookies a day, it gets sickening. And I get sugar rushes.
Sunday I started my cookie baking. I made chocolate logs dipped in white chocolate, cut-out cookies and peanut butter blossoms. Monday, I made magic bars, raspberry chocolate bars and pecan toffee bars.
Today, day three, I'm all cookied out. The sad part is, I have ANOTHER day of baking! I know I'll get through it once I get started. Besides, today I'm making MY favorite: my great-Aunt Josie's recipe for butter balls! Yummmmm! I'll also be making lime thumb prints and egg nog spritz. If I still have the energy, I'll add one more cookie recipe.
Oh! Did I mention I made 120 vanilla marshmallows and 120 chocolate marshmallows? Insane, aren't I?
Posted by Donna McGarry at 9:19 AM | Permalink
December 14, 2007
Just in case you couldn't tell, this is my Boxer, Holly. I've been waiting for a snow storm just so I could take her photo outside! Actually, my plan was to have just a dusting of snow and have Holly sit in the English ivy in my backyard. I was hoping to create a photo card that said "Holly in the ivy". I think this photo is prettier. It would have been perfect except all my cards have been sent already!
Posted by Donna McGarry at 6:37 PM | Permalink
December 12, 2007
When my family and I moved here nearly eight years ago, we were surprised to learn that the big holiday entertainment tradition in Providence was Trinity Rep's "A Christmas Carol."
In Pittsburgh, "the" fast-selling holiday ticket was the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's annual performance of "The Nutcracker." Like Trinity Rep's annual show, the tickets sold out fast, and many families went year after year because they loved the show so much.
Photo by Thomas Nola-Rion
Festival Ballet: The classic shot with the Snow King and Queen in the center of the snowflakes.
So early on in our tenure as Rhode Islanders, we started going to see "The Nutcracker" by the Festival Ballet in Providence. This year's show runs through Sunday at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The 23 dancers in the troupe will be joined by 80 children, a live orchestra and a chorus. Performances are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. For tickets, $18 to $60, call (401) 421-2787 or visit www.ppacri.org. The theater is at 220 Weybosset St., Providence.
In addition to Tchaikovsky's beautiful music and the stirring dance performances, the show always features a great little gift shop in the lobby, where you can pick up your very own nutcracker -- I happen to collect them, and I can never get enough. They also have lots of other gift ideas, too. Be sure to wear your holiday finest if you go.
Posted by Pam Cotter at 3:09 PM | Permalink
December 11, 2007
Journal photo / Bill Murphy
Lori Bergeron (left) and Tom Gadoury, both of Jamestown, find plenty of room to shop at 234 Water, during the Christmas Shopping Stroll on Block Island, on Nov. 23.The Stroll is a quiet alternative to the frenzy of Black Friday at the malls.
I am one of those people who shop all year for Christmas presents. Whether I'm vacationing in a foreign country or browsing in Wickford, my eyes are always peeled for holiday gifts. It could be as early as January or as late as December. It could be the big gift or a stocking stuffer. Doesn't matter. I need to cross names off the Santa list.
Before you say you hate me, let me explain.
All of my husband's and my siblings (including us!) -- as well as three of our best friends, a godson and a niece -- all have December birthdays. And we all still exchange gifts so ignoring someone's birthday is NOT an option.
You see the dilemma.
Two years ago, I decided to get smarter about Christmas/birthday shopping. While I still shopped for all the birthday presents during the year, I decided that one fell swoop for Christmas presents would save a lot of time and energy.
So, because the family is full of Red Sox fans, I decided to get tickets for everyone. Since I couldn't get the actual tickets until February, I employed my younger technically savvy daughter, Caroline, to design fake tickets, which she did with flair. Then we gave them to 22 relatives on Christmas Day and later, in February, I bought the real tickets. We all went to the game together in August -- long after the Christmas toys had been broken and the cookies eaten -- and had a great family day.
This year I plan to attack my Santa list in a similar way.
Other options include a show at PPAC, which we have done on occasion for the adults in the family; or tickets to a play at Trinity Rep; or an event at the Dunk; or a basketball game or a hockey game or a PawSox game. Making plans to attend an event together accomplishes several things: it takes stress off the gift giver at Christmas; it allows families to spend quality time together without the holiday hassle; and it makes good lasting memories for kids and adults.
And isn't that the point of Christmas anyway?
Have a merry one!
Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 11:15 AM | Permalink
December 10, 2007
MyGoals.com today announced its annual predictions on resolutions people are expected to make during the 2008 New Year's season.
MyGoals.com, a Web site for setting and reaching personal and professional goals, bases its predictions on the current year's third-quarter goal-setting activity. According to an anonymous, random sample of goals people have set at the site, this year's New Year's resolutions are expected to break down as follows:
Health & Fitness (at 28 percent) is the number-one category for people's resolutions. Of that percentage, weight loss is the number-one most common resolution, with most people wanting to lose 10 pounds and a lot of people wanting to "fit into my favorite jeans." Five percent of Health & Fitness goals were related to getting more sleep, which is an increase over previous years.
At 21 percent, the category of career goals comes in second. Actual goals people have recently set in this category include creating an independent successful private practice, becoming an architect, starting a jewelry business and finding a satisfying career.
This year, entrepreneurship jumped from 20 percent to 30 percent of career-related goals, surpassing those related to new jobs and promotions.
At 15 percent, personal growth and interest goals are tied for third with personal finance goals.
Actual goals people have recently set in the personal growth category include reading one book a week, learning more about wine, mentoring a child, keeping a journal, and updating a wardrobe.
Actual goals people have recently set in the finance category include establishing a stock portfolio, creating passive income, hiring an accountant, brown-bagging lunch 3 days a week, and paying off debt.
Other resolutions for 2008 are predicted to be better management of time, improving family relationships, making home improvements, increasing education and training levels, and taking a vacation.
According to myGoals.com, there is a right way and a wrong way to make a New Year's resolution. Here are a few tips from the experts to make sure your resolution makes a difference:
1. Create a plan -- Setting a goal without formulating a plan is merely wishful thinking. In order for your resolution to have resolve, it must translate into clear steps that can be put into action. A good plan will tell you a) What to do next and b) What are all of the steps required to complete the goal.
2. Create your plan now -- If you're like most people, then you'll have a limited window of opportunity during the first few days of January to harness your motivation. After that, most people forget their resolutions completely. It is imperative that you begin creating your plan immediately.
3. Write down your resolution and plan -- myGoals.com exists to help you formulate a plan, which we then help you stick to. But even if you don't use myGoals.com, commit your resolution and plan to writing someplace, such as a notebook or journal.
4. Think "year round," not just New Year's -- Nothing big gets accomplished in one day. Resolutions are set in one day, but accomplished with a hundred tiny steps that happen throughout the year. New Year's resolutions should be nothing more than a starting point. You must develop a ritual or habit for revisiting your plan. myGoals.com helps you stick to your plan by providing email reminders that arrive when it's time to work on a given task.
5. Remain Flexible -- Expect that your plan can and will change. Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things at us, and flexibility is required to complete anything but the simplest goal. Sometimes the goal itself will even change. Most of all, recognize partial successes at every step along the way. Just as a resolution isn't accomplished the day it's stated, neither is it accomplished the day you reach your goal. Rather, it's accomplished in many small increments along the way. Acknowledge these incremental successes as they come.
Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 12:38 PM | Permalink
Just a small reminder (not really a push) to send out your Christmas cards early. With two brothers working for the United States Postal Service, I sort of have that ingrained into me.
Most of my cards have been sent. I'm sure there will be a couple along the way that I forgot to put into my address book, therefore forgot to send out. I usually send out about 40 cards. What can I say? I have a very large family.
I'm very picky about the cards I choose. Don't ask me why, but I feel I have to stick with Hallmark. Maybe it's because "I care enough to send the very best". Over the past few years, prices for boxed cards became a bit much for me. I'd rather invest the money in a gift. Not only that but also because I wasn't happy with the design AND the sentiment. I liked either one or the other.
Being a scrapbooker, I opted to create my own cards since I already have tons of cardstock, patterned papers and cutting tools.
I used to subscribe to Paper Crafts magazine. I found it to be helpful in creating and designing my own cards. I don't use exactly their patterns but something may trigger off a composition in my mind. It takes several weeks of browsing through different magazines (I also use Creating Keepsakes message board). Once I come up with an idea, it's like piecework.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 12:38 PM | Permalink
December 6, 2007
Do you remember those commercials that had the line "don't hate me because I'm beautiful"? Well, don't hate me because I'm done with my Christmas shopping! Okay. Nearly done. I have one present left to get. I would have gotten it by now except for the fact that my cousin Patty was just too busy yesterday to give me any ideas! No offense, Patty.
Now comes the part I love to do. I love to wrap presents! I don't do anything fancy; no bows or ribbons. I make my own tags, though. Not so much because I'm creative. More so because I'm trying to match the wrapping paper and because I'm frugal.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 3:55 PM | Permalink
December 5, 2007
Here's the big question most of us have during the holidays: How much do you tip service providers?
According to a nationwide Angie’s List poll, a third of respondents don’t tip their service providers during the holidays. Of those that skip out on tips, 24 percent say it’s because they don’t know how much to give.
To help sort through the confusion, Angie’s List consulted with several etiquette experts and service companies. “Tips are meant to be rewards for good service as well as supplement a person’s income,” says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List. “So don’t let your uncertainty stop you from tipping. In fact, most experts say 'when in doubt, tip big.' "
The tipping experts say that it’s important to consider whether the contractor is someone you rely on regularly throughout the year, or someone you use occasionally, or only once.
“If it’s someone you use throughout the year, like a house cleaner or a babysitter, instead of a tip of cash, a gift at the holidays might be more appropriate,” Hicks says. “And for those one-time services, the tip can be determined by the size of the job and how well they did it."
With help from the experts, Angie’s List offers the following advice to help consumers get through the holiday season:
* Personal shoppers/concierge/errand services – tip of 15 to 20 percent is recommended, possibly more, depending on the complexity or amount of work you have them do for you.
* Hair stylists -- According to Angie's List, you don't have to give as much of a tip if you regularly tip your hair stylist every time you get a haircut. But, according to an Angie's List poll, 70 percent of respondents do tip their hair stylist during the holidays. The average tip: 15-20 percent of the total hair cut bill.
* Contractors who help hang your decorations, lights, etc. – A tip of $20 to $50 for the crew may be in order, again based on the complexity of the task.
* Event entertainment, such as Santa impersonators, carolers or musicians – a tip of 15 to 20 percent is appropriate.
* Bag boys or others who help carry your packages to your car – a tip of $1 per package/bag may be in order, though probably no more than $5.
* Chefs or caterers -- If you use this service throughout the year, a tip of $25 to $50 may be appropriate or a gift of equal value. If you hire the chef for a holiday party or family gathering, tip 15 to 20 percent based on the final cost. However, many advise you shouldn’t include the cost of alcohol in determining the tip amount. That decision, however, is up to you.
* House cleaners -- Many suggest $25 to $50, a day’s pay or a gift of equal value. If you use a service that sends a different house cleaner each time, this may not be necessary, unless you ask them to do some one-time tasks to help you prepare for the holidays – such as helping unpack and put up decorations; a deep cleaning before a party, etc.
* Babysitters, nannies and childcare providers -- For babysitters, the recommendation is a gift at the holidays from your kids, plus one or two nights pay. For a full-time nanny, one to four weeks’ pay plus a small gift from your kids is appropriate. For standard childcare providers, a gift at the holidays and $25 to $75 each. This may not be appropriate for some pre-kindergarten child care/education providers. Check with the manager of the facility to see what’s appropriate, which may be a small gift from your kids.
* Contractors you use year-round (such as yard workers, handymen, etc.) -- A tip of $20 to $50 may be in order.
* Mail carriers and daily paperboy -- Though the U.S. Postal Service frowns on gratuities and gifts for mail carriers, authorities request that the gift or gratuity be $20 or less. For daily newspaper delivery, a holiday tip of $15 to $25 is appropriate.
Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 11:58 AM | Permalink
December 2, 2007
Great blog post at the official Google blog.
The hard news:
NORAD has partnered with Google to use technology including Google Maps, Google Earth, iGoogle and YouTube to track Santa...
The countdown begins December 1st on NORAD's website (Norad Tracks Santa), where families can find a new kid-friendly game or activity every day until December 24th.
But the cool part is the blogger -- Carrie Farrell is the granddaughter of Col. Harry Shoup, who, as commander-in-chief of NORAD in 1955, took a call to Santa from a wrong number printed in a Sears ad, and gamely asked his staff to check the radar for a sleigh.
The photo is of Harry and Carrie now.
Read it all :Tracking Santa, then and now.
Posted by Sheila Lennon at 5:44 AM | Permalink
December 1, 2007
I know I'm not en expert in A Christmas Carol but I've done my share of reading the book (several times), seeing the play at Trinity Rep (it can't get much better than our own Trinity) and watching theatrical and television movies.
In my opinion, the best A Christmas Carol is the one done by George C. Scott in 1984. Believe me, I've seen many versions of this movie and Scott was the best Ebenezer Scrooge by far. I saw it on AMC last week which means they'll show it again and again. Try and tune in if you can. If not, I recommend investing in the DVD. You won't be sorry.
Now my runners up, and don't laugh, The Muppet Christmas Carol. While it's intended to be funny, it sticks to Charles Dickens' book as close as a comedy can. Michael Cain played the next-best Scrooge. Also, on an even lighter side, you can't beat Mister Magoo's Christmas Carol. It's a cartoon and musical rolled into one. It offers up a few chuckles while still getting the message of Christmas across. It has a touching song, All Alone in the World that, to this day, fills me up.
Bill Murray's (whom I adore) Scrooged was okay. It was a little different; different enough that I didn't think of it as actually being a rendition of A Christmas Carol at all.
Then there were so many twisted and turned television-versions of Dickens' book along the way. Some were so bad, I have to mention them. I'll admit, I'm not a Patrick Stewart fan but I sat down to watch his portrayal of Scrooge. I'm embarrassed to say I didn't get beyond 20 minutes. It was just awful! Then there was Henry Winkler's An American Christmas Carol. I did watch all of that, but give me a break! I was a teen! A few years back, there was Lifetime's Ebbie with Susan Lucci as Elizabeth 'Ebbie' Scrooge. Need I say more? I don't think I even made it 20 minutes into this movie.
Is A Christmas Carol part of your Christmas memories?
Posted by Donna McGarry at 10:11 AM | Permalink
November 30, 2007
Years ago, my sister strated a tradition in our family of baking cookies and making trays and giving them to family, friends and co-workers. As time when on, and her family grew, I tried to pitch in and do my share of baking. Little did I know how much I'd enjoy it! Yeah, I'm nuts. I know. I actually plan vacation time so I'll have the time to bake.
Don't ask me how, but my sister Debbie only needs one weekend to bake anywhere from 5 to 9 different types of cookies. Note, I said types, not dozens. I love the cookies she makes. They're the traditional ones that my Mom would bake. Cookies I dare not tackle like prune filled, cherry bars and an old family favorite, Cherry Winks (my brothers fight over those).
Amanda, my niece, a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, usually pitches in and makes three to four kinds of cookies herself. She always manages to come up with something very different. In the past. she's made rugallah, cardamom cookies and penuche fudge!
I take at least three days to bake anywhere in the vicinity of 10 to 15 kinds of cookies. On the last baking day, Amanda and/or my nephews Dan and Devin come over to help create the trays. If we're done early enough, I deliver most of the trays that night.
So far, I've only written a partial list of the cookies I'm planing to bake starting the week of Dec. 16. The the must-haves: butterballs (a recipe from my great-Aunt Josie), peanut butter blossoms, lime-filled shortbread, 7-layer bars, decorated sugar cookies, chocolate logs, spritz cookies and chocolate raspberry bars.
Last year, Amanda's job at Dessert Works in Masschusetts kept her busy so she wasn't able to join in all the fun. But I just HAD to show you the cookie spread Debbie and I baked!
Posted by Donna McGarry at 3:33 PM | Permalink
A few years back, I took my dog Mac, to visit with Santa. At the time, a pet chain store would allow you to bring your pet in and sit with Santa while Santa's elf snapped their photo. The store would even put it in an ornament frame or a decorated cardboard frame. Proceeds would go to animal charities.
I took Mac to see Santa the first two years I had him. The following two years, something always came up to keep us from making our yearly visit. It wasn't easy having an 85-pound drooler hanging his head over my shoulder and whining the whole 20-minute ride up and 20-minute ride back. He was truly excited about the whole adventure. He loved sitting next to someone who would pay the least amount of attention to him. Santa and his elves sure did that. They always remarked on how handsome he looked. I would put some sort of Christmas collar finery on him. He was SO handsome despite the drool of excitement.
Last year, I swore nothing was going to come between Mac and me and Santa. But my boy got sick late in the summer and he never made it. I still miss him.
This year, Holly, my female Boxer, and I will definitely find a way to Santa's "lap". After all, it is her first Christmas with me.
This year, Petco is offering Santa photos for one day, Dec. 11 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. They'll even give you a commemorative photo for $6.95, of which $5 from every photo will benefit homeless pets. How can you go wrong?
Find your local Petco.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 2:51 PM | Permalink
When I read Donna McGarry's earlier post about her favorite Christmas as a child, it reminded me of one of my favorite dolls: the circa-1970 "Baby Go Bye-Bye."
The little blond, pig-tailed doll (which I named Cindy, after the littlest Brady Bunch sister), drove a battery-operated "Bumpety Buggy" that I thought was really cool, because it went around and as it turned, the doll's head moved along.
I guess that was foreshadowing for my own adult tastes, as I now drive yellow-gold 2002 Mazda Miata convertible -- and just like Cindy, my little head often bobs along as I drive, too.
Turns out there are a few of these dolls on eBay these days -- which is where the above photo comes from. I'd love to hear about your favorites from childhood. Check out our survey: What was your best Christmas present ever?
Posted by Pam Cotter at 12:48 PM | Permalink
I just walked into work a few minutes ago. Two of my co-workers were talking about watching a couple of their relatives being dancing elves on the Web. Though it was noon, it's still morning in my head. None of this made sense to me. They both assured me I'd get it once I went through my e-mail. I have to say, it made my morning. Now I'll pass the dancing elf link along to you.
So here's MY personal link to check out. Mind you, this isn't me. It's my little "dogter", Holly.
Enjoy!
Posted by Donna McGarry at 12:11 PM | Permalink
November 29, 2007
Updated Saturday: With a new month, all restaurants are again available, and there's a new coupon code to get 50 percent off; enter the word "NEW" in the coupon code field on your shopping cart to see the discount reflected.
Dealnews reported Thursday morning (Restaurant.com coupon: 60% off gift certificates):
Ending tomorrow, Restaurant.com slashes 60% off any gift certificate via coupon code "THANKS". This coupon cuts $25 dining certificates to $4 and $10 gift certificates to $1.20. Restaurant.com's gift certificates are redeemable at local restaurants across the United States. Some gift certificates have restrictions, like dinner-only or a $15 or higher minimum. (Each restaurant lists its individual restrictions.)
Been there. Done that -- three times tonight. These look to me like 84 and 88 percent off face value, respectively.
There are only a few available for Rhode Island restaurants -- just 16 -- and six have sold out of however many coupons they chose to offer this month. (If you're elsewhere, you may see more restaurants, or none..)
You can select how many restaurants to view on one page, something I think every results page needs..
Some do restrict the coupons to lunch or dinner, others have minimums. Terms are clearly stated. Wickford Gourmet, for instance, offers a $10 coupon, "Valid with a minimum purchase of $25 for Catering, Gift Baskets, Cheese's. All services valid."
There are participating restaurants I've never been to -- Feast or Famine 'Wood Grilled Cuisine in Cranston and Warren, for instance, and Uncle Ronnie's Red Tavern in Harrisville -- and there's ($10, lunch only) Rasoi, the Indian restaurant just after Hope Street becomes East Avenue in Pawtucket, where we ate last night. It's in the plaza where Barney's bakery/deli used to be, and the food is distinctly different from that of the two India restaurants, for which gift certificates are also available here.
(Specifics: Crisp pappadums and three dipping sauces/relishes to everyone. We loved the mutton in savory brown sauce, bones and all and the surprisingly sweet-crusted and flavorful cauliflower. Leftovers were just as delicious tonight. Nan, too.)
The restaurant.com interface offers info about each restaurant and its cuisine, with a photo and links to the menu and a map. Use a search engine to find out more, if you're unsure.
The shopping cart is smart. Changes in quantity are reflected immediately. Typing the magic word "THANKS" in the coupon code field immediately applies the additional 60 percent discount to the already discounted price of the gift certificate, and tells you so.
Even after doing that, using Firefox, I was able to use my back button to go back to the search results page for Rhode Island and continue shopping, with the cart remembering it all. Good thing, since the link back to the site from the cart leads back to the front door.
Checkout offers an easy way to opt out of promotional emails , if you like (uncheck the box).
After you pay -- PayPal is an option -- you get coupon links to print now or later in b&w or color. An email reinforces the certificate links, and they remain available in your account. Privacy policy says they don't share your personal info, but you'll probably be an anonymous blip on a demographic profile that includes your zip code.
So far so good. This is as far as I've gotten. Some will be gifts.
If you don't have much money, this could take you -- or people you wrap these for -- to some potentially funky eateries for not much. Me, too.
Posted by Sheila Lennon at 10:21 PM | Permalink
I look forward to listening to Christmas music during this season. I love the fact that WSNE and WWLI have been playing nothing but Christmas music. Now, you can even play it over your computer while you're at work!
I must own at least 70 Christmas CDs. That's not counting the ones I've recorded for myself. Some are the "oldies" that remind me of my childhood. Some are a little more modern. But over the years, I keep going back to the same tradition of playing The Carpenter's Christmas Portrait. That one is my all-time favorites. I've actually worn through one album (remember those round, black, vinyl thingies?), out grown another album and over-played one CD so it skips constantly during "Little Altar Boy." Last year I broke down and bought another CD.
I can't just play the CD any old time. I have to wait until I put up my REAL Christmas tree. That's my tradition.
This weekend, I'm looking forward to picking out my real tree and listening to Richard and the late Karen Carpenter sing "The Christmas Waltz", "Merry Christmas Darling" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas" while decorating the tree.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 3:05 PM | Permalink
My childhood happened long before environmental consciousness took hold, so I know there wasn't any guilt associated with chopping down a live tree. I know that because I remember hearing stories ending in a "Shhh", about people cutting trees wherever they found them, like near the Scituate Reservoir with uncle so-and-so helping out. But suddenly we headed into a period that was anything but natural. We soon discovered the aluminum tree -- ours was white -- and each year we used decorations of one color only, and of course, the colored light wheel. So one year, all decorations were red, the next blue, and so on. (Gold was a particularly spectacular year.) But then we decided to go natural.
One memorable winter in my early teens, during one of my family's first "real-tree" years, we netted a big one, but I don't remember seeing any Tree Farm signs -- and I recall it was a really long ride to and from the place. The tree was a lot bigger in the car than it seemed while still standing, needless to say. We didn't even bale the thing, shoving it trunk first into the back of our Ford LTD Station Wagon, the top end hanging out of the back quite a ways. I do remember an air of secrecy as we were all just anxious to get home with it. The car was unbearably cold on the way home with the back hatch open and hence the windows open to let the fumes out. And the sap was unreal -- and lasting! The cut end was nearly touching the dashboard, so with the breadth of the tree and six people, the car was packed. We literally dragged it upstairs to the cathedral-ceilinged attic we'd just done over as a family room and it reached the ceiling (and wrecked a few door moldings along the way). My dad estimated it to be 14 feet tall, but I think that was a stretch.
Nowadays, my husband and daughters and I head to Connecticut to get a real tree about 2 weeks prior to Christmas. Then we decorate it right before Christmas Day. The scent of a fresh cut Fraser Fir in the house is just plain beautiful and at night, with only the tree lights on, it's absolutely magical. On top, we place a huge cardboard painted and glittered star that the girls made when they were only three years old. In my mind when I look at it, always the same thought -- imagine, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 years ago they made this. I'm preserving it for them.
This is the painted cardboard star I made with my daughters when they were just 3.
They'll probably hide it away when they get it, just the way I did with the one my parents gave me when I moved away, because then they'll have their own special family star. I'll bet my parents even forgot they gave it to me!
This is the star my parents gave me. It needs wiring, but I still love it.
Here's a close up of the angel!
But I keep it packed away and look at it every year when I haul out the decorations, to remind me of the massive tree that made it look so insigificant way up there, 14 feet off the floor -- and the happiness that always filled our home at Christmas time.
Posted by Beth Heaney at 2:45 PM | Permalink
Ticket to Ride
Tops: "It's familiar (much of the play is based on rummy), appealing (who doesn't love trains?), easy to learn (figure five minutes for explaining the rules, tops) and competitive without being confrontational. Read my full review here" -- defective yeti Matthew Baldwin
The defective yeti's all-time favorite Good Gift Games. These are board games, not computer games. He offers links to other roundups of best games as well, so if you're looking for a new way to bring the family together for fun, this is the place to start.
The yeti -- Seattle programmer and board-game fan Matthew Baldwin -- also points to his annual roundup of good gift games for 2007, now up at The Morning News (2007 Good Gift Games Guide), and to those of earlier years.
Posted by Sheila Lennon at 2:02 PM | Permalink
I was never a girly-girl. I was the last of five kids; three older brothers and an older sister. The majority of my family was males; so I took their side.
But one Christmas, I asked Santa for a doll. Not just any doll. I asked for a Drowsy Doll. She had the cutest expression and could ttalk! My favorite was "I want another drink of water!" So demanding. Just like a real kid.
That Christmas Eve, I must have awakened very early in the morning. Hey, for a kid on Christmas Eve, there is no time. I sneaked past my parents' bedroom. The lamp over their bed was lit and my Dad was sitting up reading. I froze in my tracks. I was afraid he'd hear me and send me back to bed. I figured I got "this far", why not keep going? And so I continued on into the livingroom.
The house we lived in was an old Victorian-style home. The windows in the livingroom were nearly 100 inches long. No exaggeration. At Christmas, my Mom would open the drapes for all to see our poor-thing silver tree sitting on top of an ottoman draped under a plastic tablecloth. How kitch! To me, it still was beautiful.
I made it into the livingroom undetected. Everything was SO bright even though it had to have been about 2 a.m., I'm assuming. It took a few seconds to realize where Santa left my stash. There she was. Drowsy in her box. The street lamp was reflecting off the plastic wrapping around the box. I fell to my knees in front of her. I rememeber not knowing what to do. I just stared at her sleepy eyes. When I came out of my shock, I picked up the box. Big mistake. I guess my Dad heard the rustle of the wrapping. From the entryway to the livingroom, he startled me with a "GET TO BED!" Needless to say, I left Drowsy until later that morning.
Years later, when I was in my early twenties, my first Boxer, Butkus, found Drowsy in our attic. He tore her apart. There was stuffing everywhere. It really wasn't a pretty sight. Tears welled in my eyes remembering that wonderful Christmas. But I loved Butkus and tried to let go what he did. Obviously, I still hold that grudge. Since Butkus is no longer with us, I forgave him.
When eBay became popular it dawned on me to search for Drowsy to see what I could find. I really never expected to see anything even remotely similar. I was surprised! There she was! And no, not the later version that came out briefly in the late '70s / early '80s. The early 1960's version! The auction battle was brief and $40+ later, I owned another Drowsy. She was a tiny bit dirty and her voice box doesn't work (I plan to have it fixed some day) but she's still huggable.
With today's technology, you may be able to get back that child-like Christmas spirit by searching for a long lost toy. Maybe one that Santa forgot to leave? Or one that was destroyed by a lovable pet? Or even one that was destroyed by you! You can either use a search engine like Google or go straight to the source on eBay.
Don't forget to share your story with us: What was your best Christmas present?
Posted by Donna McGarry at 11:59 AM | Permalink
November 28, 2007
I'm one of those people you hate.
I start Christmas shopping in the summer. I have most of my presents wrapped by Veterans Day (sick I know, but I don't think I can wrap, send Christmas cards and bake at the same time). I usually have my "early" holiday decorations up right after Thanksgiving and the tree is up the first Sunday in December.
But this year is different. I started a new job, scheduled an away vacation right before Thanksgiving (who does that?) and I just lost track of time.
So when you're under the proverbial holiday scheduling gun, how do you get to all this stuff and still maintain sanity? Or is that not an option? Do any of you normal people -- who are just starting to tackle your holiday list now-- have any advice?
Thanks.
Posted by Karen Bordeleau at 5:51 PM | Permalink
The Humane Society of the United States urges everyone not to forget to give presents to our feathered and furried friends.
Laura Simon, field director of urban wildlife for The HSUS, “Although wild animals are able to adapt to survive cold winter temperatures and food limitations, there are small things that people can do to help them this time of year. We suggest several ‘gifts of the season’ that can give our backyard neighbors a warm boost during the holidays.”
Keep bird feeders full in the winter since food availability is very limited for non-migratory birds.
Fill large pinecones with peanut butter and roll them in sunflower seeds. Attach a string to the top and hang from trees for birds.
Invest in a heated birdbath and keep it filled all winter long. Birds need the water at this time of year when most natural sources may be frozen.
Put decorative snowflakes 4" apart on any windows where birds might hit, or have hit in the past.
Put a cover over any window wells around your house to prevent animals from becoming stuck. Animals, such as skunks, who have poor climbing abilities commonly fall into window wells.
Use only environmentally-friendly sidewalk salt for melting ice such as Safe Paws Ice Melter. Regular sidewalk salts pollute the environment and can irritate cats’ and dogs’ paws.
Get to know your backyard wild neighbors by going on an adventure around your own yard in the snow. Try to identify different species by looking at tracks and other signs they leave behind, such as partial remains of food like cracked nuts or twigs. Buy a good wildlife tracking guide - - or give one as a gift - - to learn more and to better appreciate these animals.
Don't think of birds, squirrels, racoons or skunks as pests. They are living being ans deserve a break.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 1:33 PM | Permalink
Journal photo / Andrew Dickerman
Nancy Archambault, of Foster, decorates Tuesday for the Festival of Trees at the Rhode Island Convention Center. Dozens of trees will be on display.
Starting Friday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 2, the Rhode Island Convention Center is hosting the RI Festival of Trees. Hours are 10 am to 9 pm Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to get into the sneak preview. It was just minutes before the center closed. I wish I had more time. I felt like I was in heaven! Trees of all colors and styles with decorations I would never have imagined I'd ever use. One of my favorites had a Grinch theme. I believe that was my favorite tree that year. Well, except for my own.
If you get a chance, stop by. Tickets are $9 for aduts and $7 for seniors and children.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 1:12 PM | Permalink
Yes. I'm one of those people who starts the Christmas season as soon as Halloween is over. That's if I can hold back. After all, it is my favorite time of year. So, I pull out all my Christmas CDs and movies and start with that.
This year, my outside Christmas lights went up on Thanksgiving Day. I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Rhode Island had sixty-something degree weather. Perfect timing if you ask me. The following day, I put up just a few of my family-room decorations and one artificial tree. Next week, the rest of my decorations will go up.
I have such a difficult time understanding why people get so grumpy this time of year. I know some people complain about the commercialism of Christmas. I think Christmas can be exploited if you allow it to be. Look beyond the ads, the sales and pressure. Even if you aren't religious, it is a beautiful time of year. It doesn't have to require money. You need to look within yourself and give from your heart. It could be a favor, an errand or just some time set aside. I realize I have an idealistic view of Christmas but that took years to get here. I, too, had to get over the commercialism when I was in my twenties. I eventually blinded myself to all of it.
I was one of five children. My parents obviously didn't have much money. Somehow, they always, and I mean always, gave us a perfect Christmas and that started within the home. We had one of those poor thing silver pom-pom trees that stood four feet tall. We didn't have lights for it; we had one of those spotlights with the four-color rotating wheel. I still remember the burn mark the light left on the carpet. My Mom, who was of Italian descent, cooked up TWO feasts; one on Christmas Eve and one on Christmas Day. I don't know how she did it but they were always wonderful even though I hated bacala!
My three brothers and sister keep those memories and make sure their children have the same kind of Christmases we had as children. All of us (nearly thirty of us now) still have that spark this time of year. We all love Christmas.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 9:24 AM | Permalink
November 27, 2007
Here's my Christmas tree from a few years back with most of my family's old ornaments from when we were all kids.
Upload a picture and story of YOUR favorite ornament.
Posted by Donna McGarry at 4:47 PM | Permalink
