good news/ keeping Christmas simple/ Stella's Circle

Dec. 6 Good news: I was watching 20/20 and it mentioned about a NYPD police man Lawrence DePrimo who bought winter boots for a barefoot homeless man.  Now I found this article that says he's barefoot again.  The 54 yr old homeless man Jeffrey Hillman says: "Those shoes are hidden.  They are worth a lot of money—I could lose my life." Me: Well that's very nice of the police man.  I guess I would have asked the homeless guy what his shoe size is and bought him a cheaper pair of boots if it was to get stolen.  In the article, the boots cost $100.  It was a very touching picture. http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/nypd-homeless-man-boots-tillman-134758145.html Anti-smoking ad: I found this on Facebook and shared it with my friends on it.  I said: "I saw this ad, and I loved it.  It has kids approaching adults for a light.  The smokers really stopped and think." It was kind of funny because it was real.  The adults told the kids they're too young to smoke and it's bad for them, and the kids point out why are they smoking then?  The kids give them a piece of paper on a website to help quit smoking and the adults took it. http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/11/30/best-anti-smoking-video-ever-video/ Holiday movies: Meghan Welker emailed this through my blog.  It's called "Top 10 Holiday Movies to Watch with your Kids."  I have seen Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Polar Express, and Rudolph the Red- Nose Reindeer.  I think I've seen Frosty the Snowman, but not exactly when. http://www.babysitting.net/blog/top-10-holiday-movies-to-watch-with-your-kids/ Christmas breakfast: Molly Cunningham sent this article "5 Breakfast dishes worthy of Christmas Morning."  They are for cinnamon rolls, coffee cake, egg and sausage quiche, hash brown casserole, and chocolate chip scones.  http://www.liveinnanny.com/blog/5-breakfast-dishes-worthy-of-christmas-morning/ $10 gift ideas: I got this article from Jeralyn Nelson that I put up on my Facebook status update to share.  It's called "10 Gift Ideas for Work or Family Gift swaps."  Gift cards, chocolate, jewelry, travel mug (with candy in it) or something funny like a joke-a-day calender.  It's fun and practical. There's also a serving plate that you use once or twice a year.  Lots of people don't buy it because they don't want to spend their own money on it.  But they will like receiving it. http://www.housesittingjobs.com/blog/10-dollar-gift-ideas-for-work-or-family-gift-swaps/ Keeping Christmas simple: Sarah Dawkins sent me this article "30 Blogs with Tips for Keeping Christmas Simple."  It's 5 blogs per 6 topics: Budgeting, discouraging materialistic attitudes, managing menus, decorating on a smaller scale, plan ahead, the art of saying "no." Like learning to say no blog "Keep Holiday Stress to a minimum: Learn to say no." Gift giving:   Pool your money and invest in a professionally done family portrait, with prints for everyone.  Replace material things with a memorable holiday experience. Rent a house in a vacation spot or national park, or gather everyone to attend a special holiday play or performance. How to avoid unwanted guests staying at your house: "You're coming to town? Fantastic! A great new hotel just opened -- you'll love it!" "Sorry, the house is in no condition for guests right now." "I can't wait to see you. Do you need recommendations on a good place to stay?" http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/keep-holiday-stress-minimum-learn-say-no?page=2 Here is the "keeping Christmas simple" article: http://www.nannypro.com/blog/30-blogs-with-tips-for-keeping-christmas-simple/ Holiday traditions: Sandra McAubre emailed this article "7 Holiday Traditions to Start with Your Family."  It's looking at the neighbor's house lights, volunteer at the soup kitchen, go Christmas caroling, watch a tree lighting, go on a sleigh ride, invite friends over for a Christmas Eve dinner and movie, and bake cookies for the neighbors. http://www.hireananny.org/blog/7-holiday-traditions-to-start-with-your-family/ Christmas stories: Jacquie Barrie sent me this "Top 10 Christmas Stories Every Child Should Hear."  It mentions some classics like The Polar Bear Express, but some I haven't heard of like The Year without Santa Claus by Phyllis McGinley. http://www.aupairjobs.com/articles/top-10-christmas-stories-every-child-should-hear/ Dec. 9 Winter vacation: Jacquie Barrie also sent me this article "30 Blogs with tips on Winter Destination Vacations."  The topics are: Choosing a destination, planning your trip, escape the chill, cold weather hot spots, vacationing for the holidays, and international travel. I read the travel section of the newspapers, or at the very least look at these nice pictures.  It's expensive.  I will say I really like living in Edmonton.  You can be a tourist in your own city.  Edmonton is so big, there are so many malls, restaurants, schools, and a lot of people.  The transit system is good. In 2011, I would say I was a tourist in my own town.  I did so many job interviews in all these places, I traveled all around the city and met new people. http://www.aupairjobs.com/articles/30-blogs-with-tips-on-winter-destination-vacations-for-families/ Stella's Circle: I saw the tail end of a commercial for the charity Stella's Circle.  It had Allan Hawco (star of the CBC show Republic of Doyle in it.)  I researched the charity and it helps poor people train and find jobs, and gives them education.  You can learn more and donate to this St. John, Newfoundland charity. http://www.stellaburry.ca/ Hungry Heart Cafe: This  is their flagship restaurant and they train adults to work in the food industry.  Both websites are really good. http://hungryheartcafe.ca/ Dec. 10 Hand print- holiday crafts: Anne Laurie sent me this article "11 Hand print Holiday Crafts" that you can do with your kids, nieces, or nephews.  These pictures of the crafts are so cute like hand prints, thumbprints, foot prints to make ornaments and cards. http://www.gonannies.com/blog/2012/11-handprint-holiday-crafts/ Christmas joke: I got this from Daily Silly about two rappers: Snoop Dog gave 50 cent a sweater for Christmas. What did 50 cent say to Snoop Dog? Gee you knit? Me: Get it?  50 Cent has his brand called G-Unit.