That Time of Year

That Time of Year

The Christmas season is upon us, and while it is often disparaged as being too commercialized, I believe that is just a way for us to be less and less introspective about how even now in this day of commercialism we still find ways to bond with one another. We find ways to show we care throughout the year. We do. It’s simply more popular to put ourselves down and say we are a cold, unfeeling people who care only for ourselves. That simply is not true.

Underneath all our clothes lie our individual hearts. We feel the pressure of having to buy gifts for everyone on our list because after all, we do not want our loved ones to think we have forgotten them. We become so busy throughout the year that Christmas is simply the time we finally take to catch up on everything we missed. We’ve forgotten our grandmother in that nursing home and put off visiting her too long. We’ve neglected to call our parents and let them know we love them. Now is the time of year we find the time. We recognize our measure of peace in finally finding the time.

This is our culture. More and more we are finding the time throughout the year to give. The media has been playing a part in assisting us in lending a helping hand. More and more commercials are depicting little acts of kindness. We like to see people serving others.

All too much anymore we are seeing how short life can be and how every moment can be our last. Some of us have not become desensitized to the horrors of terrorism and war we see on our screens. I ask myself, how will I help those hungry and suffering, those frightened by forces of which they have no control?

Oh, Iraq, will there ever be peace for you? Will there ever be an end to the horrible conditions? My impulse is to pray and ask for peace. Will there be peace on earth?

I commit to letting that peace begin with me.

Some of us are having a tough time. Some of us are apart from our families and friends. Some of us are trapped in bitterness and cannot see a way out. Sometimes the hardest journey out is from within.

Sit down. Breathe. Take stock of your life and try to make an appreciation list. Maybe that bitter darkness can be penetrated by a little warmth.

And for those of you who need it, I am sending you warmth, hope and love.

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukkah! Happy Kwanzaa! Hare Krishna!

Written by Lisa Trimarchi

Books, Etc., of Note

(That Would Make Great Christmas Gifts)

*Let Your Goddess Grow!

7 Spiritual Lessons on Female Power and Positive Thinking

ISBN: 0-9766012-0-6; $19.95

*The Women’s Book of Empowerment

323 Affirmations That Change Everyday Problems into Moments of Potential

ISBN: 0-9766012-I-4; $19.95

Two personal growth/self help books by Charlene M. Proctor, PhD, help lead people to a more positive mind and heart set. “She believes in your potential to transform the world through higher levels of conscious awareness.” Both books are available in most bookstores and online.

*How Much Is Enough?

Balancing Today’s Needs with Tomorrow’s Retirement Goals

ISBN: 0-471-73871-9; $14.95

This book by Diane McCurdy, CFP, provides helpful information for anyone planning for financial independence. Having recently retired, I was interested to see which decisions I had made were right and which were wrong.

For the forty-eight percent of Americans who choose to be self-employed rather than work for someone else, the chapter entitled “The Entrepreneurial Option” should be of particular interest. “The Entrepreneur Quiz” at the beginning of this chapter tests whether or not your personality is suited for the risks an entrepreneur must take.

The book is divided into two parts: What Is Enough? and Getting Enough. Thirteen chapters on financial planning further divide the book.

*The Fitness Challenge is a game designed for “the wannabe exerciser.” It was created by Vicki Sorensen and her mother, Stephanie Rhodes, “life-long wannabe exercisers who continue to rely on The Fitness Challenge to jump start their workout regimens.” The object of the game “is for two people of any age or fitness level to challenge each other to participate in and complete an eight-week exercise program.”

To learn more, visit www.fitnesschallenge.com. The game costs $29.95 and can be purchased at any Borders bookstore, online at Amazon.com, drugstore.com, Target.com, and Walmart.com.

By Lee L. Peoples

“Size 12 is the New Two”

Talking Chic

“Size 12 is the New Two”

…That is what I remind myself when I stand nude in front of my full-length mirrors studying my hump: size 12 is the new two…size 12 is the new two… size 12 is the new two. O. K. Fine – it shouldbe the new two. Now even though a lady doesn’t reveal her true size (or some bull like that), I’ll admit it – I’m a six-slash-eight. But I will say that I floated in the double digits almost immediately as I turned 21; a time in a gal’s life when she has the ticket to buy alcohol herself before bar hoppin’ and clubbin’, all the while looking forward to a midnight drive-thru at Del Taco with her favorite friend.

So like it was just yesterday, I remember when my older sister finally dragged my then 22-year-old body to the gym, smack in the middle of my Sunday morning hangover (hint, hint). Fortunately, I joined the gym my first day there. After witnessing a horrific side profile of what looked to be me while trying to jog on the treadmill – yikes! There was no turning back.

However, forget about my poor choices in the past. It is common knowledge that if the fashion world and social standards were more lenient toward women with shape and a naturally fuller figure, I would feel a little more at peace. And, like millions of other women, I wouldn’t have those pesky voices in the back of my mind yelling at me. “Don’t give in to that ham croissant at the donut shop fatty!” or “C’mon, just a few more pounds to go. Then you’ll have something to show off to your friends for once!” and the worst one yet, “Just smoke for about a month longer and you will totally look skinnier.”

As I listen to those voices, half feeling like crap and half trying to rationalize my inner turmoil, I can’t help but think of the couture models of Fashion Week. Although most of their waist sizes look almost equivalent to the size of just one of my thighs and their shoulder bones ridiculously identical to those of hungry, third-world children, the clothes truly look gorgeous . But hearing that a model actually died from anorexia – the Brazilian beauty who weighed about 88 pounds and worked in the industry mainly to support her family – hit home. After many shows at L.A. Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, I’ve sat outside and model-watched. The skinny jean, the cigarette in one hand and cell phone in the other…deep down, I sometimes would wish I had the same consistent control in maintaining protruding hip bones (sans smoking to do so).

But when it comes down to it, I would rather not look like a starving boy. We live in the richest country in the world, and I’m so overpretending that food is my enemy. Yes, I have not yet reached my ideal weight, but you won’t see me crying over it anymore. In fact, I have a wonderful brownie and hot chocolate waiting for me when I’m finished writing this column.

In my early 20s, I went from loving the gym and enjoying a sweat to obsessively counting calories and spending more time inside a room full of workout machines than spending time talking to my father. Now happily at 26, I have found my balance.

After getting health tips off MSN, studying my vegetarian mother’s eating habits, substituting a Corona with a vodka and soda water, and joining an intense cycling course for the best workout ever, I have realized that to actually sculpt my body into a fit and more proportioned shape means leading a healthy lifestyle and wearing clothes that fit me now . This doesn’t mean buying clothes in hopes that one day I can squeeze into a size two. Guess what? I don’t want to be a size two. Just as I enjoy my flat stomach and strong calves, I am learning to enjoy my curves as well.

Despite recent discussion or controversy about how tiny models are becoming, the truth does remain: fashion looks best when it complements one’s shape . And you know what? If that means purchasing bigger sizes to get the flowing, luscious look you’ve always aspired to, then guess what, ladies. Leave your ego at the door and think health over ridiculous standards. Like seriously, that could save your life.

Written by Elana Pruitt

Visit the “Talking Chic” website at www.talkingchic.com.

Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes – A Holiday Recipe

Having family over for brunch does not have to be a stressful event. My family is from the South, and traditionally we have a big spread for breakfast around 10 a.m., which includes sausages, scrambled eggs, biscuits, and grits. Try the following menu to impress your loved ones Christmas morning.

Brunch:

Fried Catfish

Sausage Scramble

Biscuits

Cheese Grits

Fried Green Tomatoes

Ambrosia

Biscuits

(Serves 4)

2 cups self-rising flour

1/2 stick of butter

1 egg

1/2 cup of milk

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Cut butter into flour until it looks grainy. Set aside. Mix milk and egg together, and then mix into the flour mixture. Do not mix too much. Knead mixture for 30 seconds on floured surface. Let stand for 10 minutes. Shape into biscuits. Place on cookie sheet dusted with flour. Bake approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove promptly from oven. Set aside to cool. Makes approximately 10 biscuits.

Serve with jam and butter.

Fried Catfish

(Serves 4)

4 medium sized catfish filets

3/4-cup cornmeal

1/4-cup flour

Salt and pepper

Cooking Oil

Mix and Cut filets into quarters. Season with salt and pepper.

Mix flour and cornmeal.

Dredge filets in mixture.

Deep fry for 10 minutes or until golden brown, set aside to drain on paper towels.

Cheese Grits

Follow directions on box to serve four.

Remove from heat and set aside for 5 minutes.

Crack an egg into the mixture and mix thoroughly.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Follow with 2 tablespoons of butter.

Sprinkle cheese on top of mixture.

Sausage Scramble

1 dozen eggs

1/4-teaspoon of water

1 package of sausage

2 green onions minced

1/8-teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and Pepper

Red Pepper Sauce

1/4 cup of sharp cheddar cheese, shredded.

Crumble sausage and cook through in large skillet. Set aside.

Crack eggs and mix thoroughly; mix in water. Add onions, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper.

Cook in separate skillet on low heat. Be careful not to overcook. The eggs will have a curdled appearance when done.

Add to the sausage mixture.

Sprinkle red pepper sauce over mixture. Mix. Sprinkle cheese over top.

Fried Green Tomatoes

4 large green tomatoes sliced 1/4 inch in thickness

Cornmeal

Salt and Pepper

Hot oil

Sprinkle tomato slices with salt and pepper

Dredge in cornmeal

Fry until brown. Enjoy.

Ambrosia Punch

This punch will be sure to pack a punch!

1qt. of Orange Juice

1 liter of 7 up

1 pint of Rum

1 pint of Grenadine

1 orange, sliced, peel and all

Serve over ice and enjoy.

Enjoy your Christmas brunch, and don’t worry about the calories. Christmas comes only once a year! See the next issue for the after Christmas brunch workout, sure to burn calories.

Written by Lisa A. Trimarchi

The 12 Frogs of Christmas – Men to Avoid if You Want a Happy Holiday

THE 12 FROGS OF CHRISTMAS

Men to Avoid if You Want a Happy Holiday

Ahhhh, Christmas – the most glorious time of the year! And it can be the most romantic time of the year, too. Shopping through festively decorated stores, sharing eggnog in front of a crackling fire, sledding and playing in the snow, going to parties with friends and family – all of these can be wonderful if the man you’re dating is a prince. But what if he’s a frog – and kissing him won’t turn him into a prince?

The holidays can be a real bust if you’re with the wrong guy. Better to dump that frog now and spend your Christmas alone. You never know, maybe Santa will surprise you with a handsome Prince on your doorstep! In the meantime, if you want to keep the “merry” in Christmas and the “happy” in New Year’s – here are twelve “frogs” that you’ll want to leap away from during the holidays.

1) Frosty, the Frogman

Maybe he doesn’t actually have ice flowing through his veins – but in the “feelings” department, he’s “below zero.” Sure, the sex is great – but not intimate. You’ve been together for a year and he still hasn’t said “I love you.” There’s even a chill in his Christmas card. He signs it, “Seasons Greetings” or “Best Ribbits.” Don’t waste your holidays and nights trying to thaw him out. Give him the cold shoulder and tell him to skate back to the swamp. It’s Christmas – you deserve to be warm and cozy with someone who’s fired up about you.

2) Scrooge McFrog

He’s fine at Thanksgiving, but the next day when Christmas shopping starts, he turns all “Bah Humbug.” You love going to stores and finding the perfect gifts for family and friends; he thinks its crass commercialism and a waste of time and money. You can’t wait to pick out a tree and decorate it with popcorn and gingerbread men; he says he’d rather have a root canal. You suggest a holiday ski trip; he tells you he hates skiing at Xmas – the slopes are too crowded and the prices are inflated. Then, when a group of friends invites you caroling, he has to stay home and grout his tiles. Finally, on Christmas Eve, he mellows. He takes you on a shopping spree and tells you to pick out anything you want – from the clearance rack – at the 99 cent store. It doesn’t take Three Wise Men to figure out that you’d be One Foolish Girl to tie your hopes and dreams to this package.

3) Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Toad

Stringing tinsel in front of everyone, he’s sweet, caring and affectionate. But his act is phonier than a plastic Christmas tree. When you get home, he drops his holiday cheer and bully frogs you. Then with your folks on Christmas morning, he’s Mr.Wonderful again. He’s all candy canes and kisses as he surprises you with a fabulous Versace dress. Everyone “oohs” and “ahhs” at his loving and generous spirit. But when they leave, out pops Evil Santa again. He says, “It’s a gorgeous dress, but it’s for someone younger… and thinner. I’ll take it back and get you something else.” He takes it back – but the something else never arrives. Talk about an Indian Giver! He’s an Amphibian Giver! You should give him back and find someone else!

4) The Frog of Christmas Past, Present, and Future

This is the guy who’s always there – he’s just never there to say, “I DO.” If it’s your 5th Christmas together, and when you open your gifts, there’s no ring to decorate your finger – it’s time to re-decorate your love life. This man isn’t commitment-phobic – he’s commitment- frogic! Don’t get caught in Christmas Past if you want a Christmas Future. With this frog, Jingle Bells will never turn into Wedding Bells. Tell him to hop on his sleigh and sled back to his lily pad.

5) The Green-Eyed Frogster

Before you even get to the Christmas party, this frog shows his true colors – green and greener. During the holidays, most people experience joy; he only experiences jealousy. You greet him at your door ready to head to a friend’s gathering. Instead of telling you how yummy you look, he rages: “That dress is too tight, too sexy and too revealing.” And you’re wearing a tailored suit! He makes you change three times, then chooses your outfit himself. You feel perfectly ravishing in an ankle-length muu-muu and a fur-covered parka with a hood! Once at the party, he freaks out every time a man passes by. This isn’t flattery; it’s madness. He even sneaks around removing all the mistletoe. And in the powder room when you look in the mirror, guess who’s behind you? He’s not a boyfriend; he’s a bodyguard! Don’t let his hang-ups hang you up at the holidays. Tell him to hail a reindeer and take off for the North Pole.

6) The Really-Nice-Guy-but-Really-Bad Kisser Frog

You’ve been flirting with your water cooler buddy all year. Now, at the office Christmas party, you’re both looking hot and feeling frisky. A little eggnog, a little dancing, a little mistletoe! Together, you go for the big moment and lock lips. Yucch! He slimes you with a huge, slobbery, wet one. You feel like taking a shower and gargling with Drano. It seems like this man’s a better “bud” than beau. Lucky for you – office romances are way too tricky, so consider it a gift from Old St. Nicky!

7) The Eggnog Frog

Rudolph isn’t the only one with a red nose. Beware if your date leaps head first into the eggnog and never comes up. Or if when he surfaces, he stumbles over the nativity scene, crushes the presents and knocks over the tree. Another sign of seasonal sloshing is if he sticks his hand in the Christmas turkey and does a puppet show. Then when you suggest some fresh air, he staggers outside and tinkles his name in the snow. Once back in the house for dessert, he scarfs down the pumpkin pie and tosses his Christmas cookies! All over your boss – so much for this year’s Christmas bonus! Watch out for this overly festive frog – he’ll have eggnog on your dress and egg on your face!

8) Mistletoe or MistleToad!

Wow! This guy is hot and sexy. You’ve been eyeing each other in the elevator for months. Then, at the building’s Christmas party, you meet under the mistletoe. The moment your lips touch, you light up like the tree at Rockefeller Center. Ooh, it’s going to be a very Merry Christmas! And maybe a Happy New Year, too! Hey, Christmas only comes once a year, so why not go back to his place? The only problem? The stockings hung by the mantle aren’t Christmas stockings – they’re his wife’s stockings. Their wedding photo is on the mantle, too. He tells you not to worry; she went to Latvia to visit her folks. She’ll never know if he’s been naughty or nice. Don’t wait for New Year’s to make your resolution – no more sitting under the Christmas tree with anyone who’s a frog!

9) The Uncouth Frog

Okay, so he’s handsome, funny, and smart. But at Christmas with your family, he’s also rude, vulgar and crude. The first sign is when he casually suggests to your sister that she come over to his place for a naked tree-trimming party. And from there it goes downhill. He thinks flossing with tinsel at the dinner table is funny. And your 86-year-old nana doesn’t appreciate his off-color jokes about Mrs. Claus and the elves. Then, when you’re all sharing holiday stories, he tells the one about his uncle who choked and croaked on a fatal fruitcake. Swear to yourself that next year you will not spend Christmas with someone who loudly burps out “Jingle Bells.” Make it a “Silent Night” without him.

10) Gift of the Frogi

Does he actually think you’ve been waiting all year for a set of Ginzu carving knives from the Home Shopping Network? This frog isn’t cheap, he’s just clueless. But no, another year, another vacuum! Next time he gives you a Hoover, there’d better be a diamond bracelet around the handle. But it’s not just in the gift department that he’s romantically challenged. His plans for Christmas Eve are to visit a junkyard to find a carburetor for his ’68 Chevy. He’s sure it’ll be fun for you, too, since he gave you a gift subscription to Car and Driver. If you’re “wrapped up” with a frog like this, for Christmas, you should give him a special gift – a fond farewell.

11) The Frog Who’s a Wolf

The holiday’s here and he’s on the prowl. Whether you’re Christmas shopping or partying, his eyes always stray. As soon as your back is turned, he shamelessly flirts with other women. He even hands out candy canes with his phone number on the wrapper. And what was his Christmas present to his secretary? A thong! Then, at your family’s holiday dinner, he plays Santa and invites your female cousins to sit on his lap – for a lap dance. Don’t be snowed by this horny toad. Check him “off” your Christmas list.

12) Merry EXmas & a Froggy New Year

He’s been divorced for years, but his ex is with you every Christmas – if not in person, in spirit. Her photos are all around the house. He puts their old Christmas cards on the mantle and hangs three stockings – yours, his and hers! Then, he wants you to bake holiday cookies “her” way. And that beautiful engraved bracelet he gave you… has her initials on it! You’re even invited to her parents’ house for Christmas dinner – except he conveniently frogets to tell them that he’s bringing you! Give yourself a present. Get out of this Ménage a Toad. If your Xmas becomes an EXmas – instead of “Ho, ho, ho,” say “No, no, no!”

Final Frognote: If you’re playing leapfrog with any of these men, wake up and smell the swamp water! Remember, whether it’s a holiday or any day, you deserve a prince! Now go out and have yourself a simply marvelous Merry Christmas and a Hoppy, oops, Happy New Year!

* * *

Written by Marilyn Anderson, a television & film writer, and author of NEVER KISS A FROG: A Girl’s Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp. Her website is www.neverkissafrog.com.

The Christmas Workout – Give Your Diet the Month Off

It’s the Holiday Season. The air is filled with the aromatic smells of the fresh pine needles and burning fireplaces. We are treated to the festive sights and sounds of the season: the brilliant Christmas lights, the holiday songs playing on the P.A. system in the supermarket, the cheerful decorations even in not so cheerful places, like the DMV.

There are also some rather unpleasant sights and sounds, like increased traffic, no available parking spaces, and whining spoiled brats in the toy stores. But one of the most distressing of the Holiday Season is the sight of our own expanding waistline. You look down at your belt and realize you have to back off one notch, at least if you’re considering exhaling at all that day.

The Health Clubs do some of their best business right after the Holiday Season as guilt- filled resolution makers repent in droves: “Forgive me, Personal Trainer, for I have sinned. It’s been two months since my last workout.” The trainer would reply, “Give me ten Hail Marys, twenty push-ups, and fifty crunches. Now go, and sin no more.”

This is an annual cycle we seem to find ourselves in. When I say we, I mean regular working folk, non-professional athletes, with at least some responsibilities. And while I have written a few health and fitness articles for Agenda Bride , I am not your typical fitness guru. I’m right there in the fight with you. Consequently, I have a perspective that I find lacking in many of the fitness-related articles I read in many magazines. I tailor my articles to people that have an open mind, and some sense of balance. The tips I give can be followed for a lifetime, not just for a six-week crash diet.

Most of the fitness articles I read are written by certified personal trainers with backgrounds in nutrition. That’s admirable because it’s hard to take health tips from a 300-pound smoker with a chili dog in one hand and a beer in the other. But trying to live like a 22-year-old personal trainer, unless you are one, is pretty unrealistic as well. I don’t live in lycra. And working out takes time, not just the activity and travel, but the warm up, cool down, and clean up. For me, time is my most precious commodity.

For them, health and fitness is quite literally their life. They are up on all the latest information because, make no mistake, health and fitness is a science. New studies come out daily stating which vitamins and nutrients are best for muscle building, weight loss, and energy production. They plan their daily routine around their exercise requirements, and food intake. If you have a heavy school load, a full-time job, or a family, fitness can be a high priority, but maybe not your top priority all the time. That’s the difference.

Besides, these are the Holidays. Some of the best food sensations of the year are to be enjoyed during this time. If you try to follow some super strict program now, you’ll deprive yourself of some of what makes this season so eagerly anticipated, and so much fun. I know that sounds very unguru-like. But I’m not encouraging gluttony either. I’m simply saying enjoy the foods of the season in moderation. And maintain or increase your level of physical activity to at least maintain your fitness levels during these times. When January rolls around, you’ll have some good habits established, and you can get more specific with your diet without all the Holiday Season distractions.

If you remember this season’s Dancing with the Stars television show, the winner was former Dallas Cowboy running back Emmitt Smith. He is 5′ 9″ and about 210. Picture him with smaller arms, and a smaller bank account, and that’s me. I train in Mixed Martial Arts twice a week and try to get to the gym another three times a week. I will sometimes play basketball at the park with twenty-somethings, and hold my own. And I used to race bicycles, so it’s not uncommon for me to hop on the road bike and put in 30 to 40 miles on a Sunday morning.

I’m highly competitive now, which makes it impossible to eat a planned meal every three hours, as studies have shown is optimal for speeding up one’s metabolism. That’s crucial for weight loss, and fat burning, so I’m at a disadvantage there. I have a wife and kid that command a certain amount of my spare time, especially during my son’s various sports seasons. And there are days, particularly high stress days, when calculating calories is just another stressor I’d prefer to ignore. Besides, I really love food.

Am I in good shape? Yes, especially for my age group. My health is important to me. Am I in the best possible shape? Nope. I’m not willing to make the sacrifices necessary to attain such a goal. I’d have to be a lot more selfish. Could I afford to lose a few pounds? Yes–ten to be exact. And I will do it the same way I suggest in my articles. Not with some complicated 40-30-30 plan, not with some fad diet like the South Beach, the North Shore, Eastern Seaboard, or whatever. I’m not going to call Roto-Rooter for my colon, either. I’ll simply chart my caloric intake, maintain balanced nutrition, cut down on empty calories (sweets, and snack foods), and get some discipline into my workouts.

My mantra is burn more calories than you take in. It is really an oversimplification of a plan that involves aerobic activity in the morning before eating (enhanced metabolism), eating five to six small meals a day, with fruits and vegetables in most of them. A low calorie protein shake would qualify as a meal. Staying hydrated by drinking around 64 ounces of water during the day. And generally being more active in my everyday life, like taking the stairs every once in a while. Or maybe it’s walking to the grocery store instead of driving. It can be as simple as playing catch with my son, or taking the dog out for some playtime.

If for some reason it is necessary for you to lose weight right now, may the force be with you. It won’t be easy with all this temptation around you. Activity and hydration are going to be your keys to success. And try to steer clear of all the desserts. If you have a slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream, be prepared to extend your aerobic workout an extra 30 minutes to compensate. If you are strength training, increase your intensity because muscle burns more calories than fat at rest. Adding muscle to your physique doesn’t just make you look better; it supports your skeletal structure and makes you a more efficient fat burner.

But it’s the Holiday Season, and I’m not going to be deprived of all that good Holiday Season food. I wouldn’t ask myself to lose weight during this time. I thoroughly enjoy these culinary delights that come once a year. I will try not to overindulge. And I’ll maintain a high level of physical activity, and stay hydrated. Consequently, I won’t gain extra weight. There will be no gym confessional for me come January. How about you?

Written by Kevin Foster

Digital Picture Frames – The Answer to All Your Digital Picture Problems!

I was at a friend’s house yesterday (Dec. 5, 2006) and noticed a very stylish picture frame with the images changing every few seconds. I was amazed that I had never heard of this before—I simply had to have one! They are not only the perfect gift solution, but I just might throw out my old photo albums and replace them with these new digital ones instead.

There is a growing number and increasing significance of digital pictures in households around the world, more affordable prices for hardware and flash memory, and better product design and features, which create a more enjoyable user experience.

—A recently published report from Parks Associates—

They conclude that this industry is still working out the bugs and that consumers are not likely to change their habits overnight, but eventually the digital photo frame will become mainstream.

The digital picture frame’s merits include convenience, ease of use, and stunning visual effects. And what I like most about these frames is they solve the problem of having to print out your digital photos. No longer will my recently taken pictures stay locked inside my digital camera. I won’t have to listen to my husband asking me repeatedly to to print out our pictures from our vacation, or to see his nephew’s soccer game. I don’t know about you, but as I am writing this, I am staring at four printers, and I still have no idea how to successfully print out one 4X5 image—not to mention the price of ink these days. It seems like manufacturers are practically giving printers away just so they can sell you the ink! But I digress.

The Smartparts Digital Picture Frame

The Smartparts Digital Picture Frame displays digital photos on its built-in screen, your television, or your computer!

It reads from CompactFlash, SecureDigital and MMC Memory Cards; it has a Built-in Memory Card Reader; it connects to PCs; and is easy to use—no installation required. The TV Viewer allows you to view pictures on any television.

Now run out and buy this great new holiday gadget for yourself, a few family members, and friends!

Digital picture frames can be purchased at most camera stores, including Samy’s Camera, or at several websites online, includingwww.buy.com, www.amazon.com, www.BizRate.com, special holiday deals from www.RitzCamera.com, and so many more!

Written by Kaylene Peoples

Hoppy Holidays and a Froggy New Year!

Hoppy Holidays and a Froggy New Year !

For great little gifts and stocking stuffers – we recommend a visit toFrog Mart … shop ’til you hop! Whether you love frogs or people, you’ll toadally love the fun and adorable FrogStuff!

The whimsical apparel, home and office items make unique and inexpensive gifts for your friends, your family, and even the FROGS in your life! All items feature illustrations inspired by Marilyn Anderson’s witty and wise relationship book, NEVER KISS A FROG: A Girl’s Guide to Creatures from the Dating Swamp.

Visit www.FrogMart.us to see the selection.

ToadBag is a unique tote bag that your friends will love with five funny frogs.

With the FrogClock it’s always hoppy time with this on the wall.

Be sure to wear this adorable FrogApron, and “Don’t kiss the frog or you’ll be in the soup.”

Peruse through the selection of FrogT-shirts, Sweatshirts, and Apparel.

Godfrogger -If he’s a wiseguy, be a wise girl – FROGGEDABOUDIT!

Count Frogula – Any guy who drains the life out of you … SUCKS!

Gamblers Frognonymous – If your joker plays too much poker – deal him out!

Croak & Dagger – Mystery men can be exciting, but if he’s mysterious for too long…. you should be the one to disappear!

And for your boyfriend—how about the Baseball Jersey with “The Horny Toad” saying “Rub-it, rub-it!”

For your computer—why get a MousePad … when you can have aFrogPad!

And of course – don’t froget to give your friends “NEVER KISS A FROG” – found at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com. For an autographed copy, visit www.neverkissafrog.com.

Pretty City – A Variety of Gifts to Make any Woman Feel Beautiful Inside and Out

Pretty City – A Variety of Gifts to Make any Woman Feel Beautiful Inside and Out.

Iredale Mineral Cosmetics: The Holiday Gift on Everyone’s Lips

Jane Iredale’s new Multi-Gloss for Lips 2 includes five luscious shades of lip plumping PureGloss packaged in an exquisite navy blue compact. This ultimate lip gloss collection flatters all skin tones. Available as a gift with purchase of each Multi-Gloss for Lips 2 is a full-size tube of the new PureGloss, Mimosa; a bronze colored gloss with the perfect amount of shimmer to compliment any holiday look.

For information on Jane Iredale products, please visitwww.janeiredale.com.

To shop the holiday collection online please visitwww.janeiredaledirect.com/PrettyCity/holiday/

Mundoproducts.com: The Best Holiday Gifts, Naturally

We’ve fallen hard for Mundo‘s collection of natural pampering products including handmade soaps, lip balms, soy candles, cremes, body balms and more. Give the mama to be Mundo’s Baby Gift Set; a Mundo baby oil with calendula and a Mundo Calendula Chamomile Baby Balm ($33). We also adore the Woodsprite Organic Soap Gift Set; a selection of four gourmet soaps includingOats & Almonds, Rosemary-Mint, Lemongrass & Sage & Calendula Cream. The lip Balm set (pictured) is also a must have; two luscious balms are wrapped and ready for seasonal soothing ($15).

Complimentary shipping on orders over $45 atwww.mundoproducts.com.

New Cedro Fragrance From Alora Ambiance

The newest fragrance from Alora Ambiance, cedro, is a clean, woodsy mix of cedar, thyme and lime that is great for the kitchen, cabin and everywhere in between. While you may have heard that Courtney Cox Arquette and Lindsey Lohan stock their homes with sweet scents from the luxurious Alora Ambiance collection, you’ll be the trend starter when you snap up this sensational new fragrance.

Now through December 15, Alora Ambiance wants to treat you; enjoy a complimentary cedro soy candle with the purchase of any 16 oz. cedro diffuser.

Visit www.aloraambiance.com and enter promotional code CEDRO at checkout.

Give the Gift of Healthy Skin

This holiday season treat your best friends to Fusion of Color mineral cosmetics. These custom blended powders come in a stunning kaleidoscope of color selections that are lightweight, crease resistant and long lasting with a natural feel. Find the perfect gift or treat yourself.

20% off your total purchase on online orders using offer code PrettyCity at check out. Offer expires 12/31/06. Visitwww.fusionofcolor.net.

A Juicy Holiday with ShopBop.com

Juicy Couture’s current collection including the sherpa lined wool Bomber Jacket ($398) is available in a rich pattern of oh-so-now browns (called hirst) and a steamy steel gray (frosted). Pair the jacket with Juicy’s just right denim or their sude-trimmed knickers, available in grey and camel ($210). All available online atwww.shopbop.com.

Enjoy complimentary ground shipping at www.shopbop.com every day.

Diamond Girl

For that one friend who literally has it all, diamond infused spa products from Body Systems take decadence to a whole new level. In fact, this scrub and lotion each contain real ground diamonds (to exfoliate, dolls).

$78 for the Diamond Sparkle Set at www.body-systems.net.

Calling all Goddesses

Author and celebrity makeup artist Shalini Vadhera has penned the must have beauty bible for woman of all ethnicities with Passport to Beauty: Secrets and Tips from Around the World for Becoming a Global Goddess. Chock full of beauty tips and tricks from Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia and the States, this light and breezy read is a must have for beauty aficionados. Available at select bookstores. Visit www.amazon.com.

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Out of this World’s Astronaut Autograph Club: Authentic Limited-edition Gifts to Help Provide Scholarships.

Astronaut Autograph Club

John Glenn and Eileen Collins headline club!

Create a memory for someone you love by signing them up for the ultimate ‘of the month’ club – The Astronaut Autograph Club (AAC). Imagine their delight when they rush to the mailbox each month to claim their autographed photo and personalized letter from some of America’s most famous astronauts!

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is offering just 350 memberships to its Astronaut Autograph Club, as a way of raising money for its scholarship program.

Now in its fourth year, the club features such legendary astronauts as Mercury and Shuttle Astronaut John Glenn; first woman commander Eileen Collins, Space Walkers Tom Jones and Kathryn Thornton; and eight other American heroes! All of the astronauts will share their heroic story of traveling to outer space in a personalized letter that will accompany the hand-signed photo every month of 2007.

AAC members will also receive a handsome photo box to store and display their growingcollection of autographs, as well as two complimentary tickets to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Florida ($80 value).

Subscriptions are available for a recurring charge of $34.95 per month or a one-time charge of $350. Orders can be placed online athttp://www.astronautscholarship.org/2007_aac.html or by calling 321-269-6119.

John Glenn squeezes into his “Friendship 7” Mercury capsule during the countdown for his historic flight as the first American to orbit the Earth of February 20, 1962.

About the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation:

Established by the original Mercury Astronauts in 1984, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping the United States retain its world leadership in science and technology by providing scholarships to college students who exhibit motivation, imagination, and exceptional performance in the fields of science and engineering. Through the years, the Foundation has awarded more than $2.3 million in scholarship funds. ASF currently awards 18 $10,000 scholarships annually. For more information, call 321-269-6119 or log on to www.astronautscholarship.org.

—astronautscholarship.org—