Why Purple?

Ever wonder why I use purple for my blog?  I only mention it because I was reading a comment about the dark colors for my blog so I thought I would explain.  I have two children with chronic medical conditions. One almost died when she was a little over a year from an unknown pulmonary condition in which she takes two medications twice a day.  The other one, who is eight, was diagnosed two weeks before my now four year old with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy or BRE as it's called.  Purple is the official color for epilepsy awareness and it's the reason I chose it for my blog.


At the very top of my blog is a woman with a purple ribbon again acknowledging epilepsy.  My daughter will most likely outgrow this type of epilepsy which I'm praying it is so.  We started a non-profit to help bring awareness to epilepsy as well as to deliver gift bags to children hospitalized at various times throughout the year.  Epilepsy is very important to me as through our journey with it over the last three years, I have met some pretty incredible people.  One of our volunteers, Stacey, is a prime example of inspiration.  Stacey has epilepsy and not too long ago, had brain surgery as a last resort to get her seizures under control.  She is an amazing young lady and continues to encourage my involvement with the epilepsy community.  There are so many others that it would take a long time to complete this post.






I just wanted to write a little about the inspiration between my blog colors and perhaps bring some awareness to epilepsy.  Epilepsy can be a devastating diagnosis and what many don't realize, there is no cure and epilepsy does kill.  Whatever your passion is, for 2012, make a difference even if it's just writing a post, sending out a tweet, voting on some social contest to raise funds or whatever.  Bring awareness as it can be easy and it can be free.  


Happy 2012!

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Few Hours to Win Camcorder, iTunes & More Prize Pack

Are you ready for the holiday season?  From family get togethers to office parties to neighbors and friends getting together for the yule tide celebrations, there will be a lot of eating and drinking.  This is where Pepto-Bismol comes in to play.  Turducken and shrimp and chocolate, oh my!  With more than 46 million holiday parties planned this season, discomfort related to overindulgence of food and drink can become the unwanted gift that just keeps on giving.  Pepto-Bismol is teaming up with a holiday Elf to encourage people to enjoy their favorite holiday treats knowing that Pepto has them covered. 


I have been fortunate and not had to endure any over indulgence or stomach issues in some time but I do vividly remember Pepto-Bismol coming to the rescue.  Pepto-Bismol, in addition to national TV commercials, will have the Elf featured in a series of funny web videos being released throughout the holiday season.  The first of the web videos, can be seen here: http://bit.ly/ytpb.   


As you will see, the straight talking Elf is not shy about sharing his wisdom on all your favorite holiday indulgences!  

 

As part of the celebrations, Pepto-Bismol is going to give one of my readers this really nice Pepto Party Pack that I have to admit, I'm slightly jealous ...okay, I'm very jealous!  It's a great party pack and I cannot wait to be able to award this to one of you!  Here is what you will get to not only help you through the holidays but all year round.

·        Preparing for the Celebration: Crate and Barrel Tripoli Server (value $49.95)
·        Enjoying the Celebration: iPod shuffle with iTunes gift card (value $75.00)
·        Recording the Celebration: Toshibo Pocket camcorder (value $119.99)
·        Saving the Celebration (if needed!): Pepto-Bismol*use as directed


Click here to enter!

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Have a Safe & Happy New Year

As today is the last day to an eventful year, I wish all my readers, friends and family a safe and happy celebration ringing in 2012!  I hope everyone is blessed with good fortune, health and an even better year than last.  If you suffered misfortune in 2011, January 1st starts the clock ticking for a brand new chapter in our wonderful book we have of life.


Happy New Year!

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What is Personal Branding Review by Jim Kukral and Murray Newlands

Are you interested in personal branding?  Do you know and understand how important a brand is let alone personal branding?  If not, this is the book for you.  It's an easy to read book based on two authors, Jim F. Kukral and Murray Newlands, that provides valuable insights into personal branding.  It not only tells you what it is but gives numerous examples on how to achieve it.  It's full of examples on how best to approach the idea as well as how to effectively get yourself out there. 


It's a great book for job seekers, small business owners and others that are interested in getting their product or themselves out in the public eye.  The authors cut to the core of how to do this and with examples to reinforce engaging your audience and solving problems, it's the perfect set up in creating success.  It discusses the social media craze that's sweeping the world as well as the offline relationships you have.  This would be a good book for anyone especially that has an online presence.  



*Disclosure:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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Alexa Blog Hop

EVERY WONDER WHY YOUR BLOG ISN"T RANKING LIKE OTHERS?

Make Your Rank Lower With our 4 day Alexa blog hop hosted by Mom Blog Society, Mom Does Reviews..

• Alexa ratings are based on how many people, with the Alexa Toolbar installed, (it takes less than 5 minutes to get it installed) visit your blog, how much time they spend there and how many pages they look at while there. The more the better.
• If you're looking for advertising sponsors on your blog, chances are they are going to look up your Alexa rating. The lower the better.
• One of the NUMBER 1 things to get your Alexa rank down is ALEXA REVIEWS.
• Follow Them either via GFC, FB, or Twitter.
• Leave them a COMMENT SO THEY CAN RETURN THE FAVOR TO YOU!

1. If you can't do all of the the linkup, do a few.
2. Let them know with a comment!
3. Spend a few minutes on the blog
4. View some pages on their blog
5. Click the stars or notepad in your Alexa toolbar and leave them a review.
6. They will return the favor.

NOTE: It typically takes members 2 weeks to finish this hop. It can't all be done in a day!

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After Christmas Cash Giveaway 1/8

I am so glad that Christmas is over but so sad to be so broke! Debbie Does Coupons and 23 fantastic bloggers got together and decided to offer up some cash to refill your pockets after Christmas. There will be (2) winners of this giveaway. (1) will win $180 cash, payable by Paypal and (1) will win $60 cash payable by Paypal.

You must be 18 years old or older to enter and have a valid Paypal account. Winners will be chosen within 48 hours of the end of this giveaway and contacted via email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond with their Paypal email address or a new winner will be picked if there is no response.

Enter to win by filling out the rafflecopter below. The more entries you do, the more chances you have to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Perfect Snack: Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches #CBias #TysonGoodness

My kids seem to be always hungry and being both girls, I'm surprised as I always heard that is how boys are.  They are regular eating machines and regularly snack.  My eight year old has epilepsy so eating and drinking are vital to help offset seizures.  For this reason, I like to be able to have something quick to make either through the afternoon or evening.  This is where I just found out about Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.  We are regular buyers of the various Tyson products as it's my favorite brand of chicken and in fact, it's the only brand I ever purchase due to the quality, variety and price.  

The girls like small sandwiches as they are easier to hold and probably easier to eat than an adult sized sandwich.  Since they both like chicken and sandwiches, it was ideal.  My youngest wanted to make her own.  She helped with getting them on the plate to microwave.  I'm a sometimes lazy parent and use paper plates so this was an easy task!  After popping in the microwave for 55 seconds, they were done.  She likes spreading the Miracle Whip on her sandwiches so this was something she enjoyed doing.  She very carefully spread a thin layer on her sandwich and then devoured it.  My oldest wasn't as big on the idea because for a change, she wasn't hungry but I could tell she was interested!


I had to venture out a little further than normal as not all Walmarts carry Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.   Here is a store locator to see if your local Walmart has them.

Here is a great Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwich offer available at Walmart when you purchase two Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.  You will get a $5 Walmart Gift Card! 


Check out my update on Google+ too!






*Disclosure:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias #TysonGoodness

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Getting in Shape with HOTPANTS Review

The new year is approaching and are you ready?  I started out my pre-New Year's Resolution back in October and to date, lost 16 pounds!  I did most of it via counting calories and exercising.  When I did exercise, I tried out the new HOTPANTS.  Straight across the ocean from London, the latest exercise wear sensation are comfortable designed sports shorts that contain bio-ceramic technology.  What does that mean?  They emit far infrared rays and reflects back the heat naturally generated by the body to deliver warming up of tissue deep below the skin's surface.

These bio-ceramics emit far-infrared rays that promote deeper warming of tissue and a breakdown of fat cells.  This leads to higher levels of perspiration which promotes a "flushing out" of toxins and edemas that contribute to the appearance of cellulite.  They are not restrictive like many other types of exercise gear and are very comfortable.  They can be worn over clothing or under clothing so they are perfect to wear all day especially if you are SAHM.  I can definitely vouch that they work and that after wearing them, my skin was wet from perspiration.  It's not a great feeling but losing those pounds certainly is!  I can't say that they did work conclusively as I did incorporate a regiment of calorie counting and exercising but I can say that it didn't hurt!  I felt better wearing them knowing that there was an increase in heat being generated.

Perspiration is good as it does in fact release toxins in the body so that was a big draw for me.  I recommend HOTPANTS if you want to start getting healthier!  


Follow HOTPANTS on Facebook and Twitter.




I was offered the chance to review Zaggora HotPants through Mom Bloggers Club and received the HotPants for my review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine and I do not guarantee the same results.

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Zarbees: Treating Colds and Coughs Naturally

If you are like me, you don't know really where to turn when your child gets a cough or a cold due to the all the information from the FDA and the recalls.  It's scary business and when it comes to children, you don't want to take a chance.  Every year, hundreds of children are either poisoned or die due to over the counter cough and cold medications.  Due to changes with labeling, most if not all medications have a warning not to give to a child under the age of four.  This makes it difficult if you are the parent of one of those children under the age of four.

My now four year old was one of those coupled with the fact that she has an unknown pulmonary issue that almost led to her death when she was a little over one, it's hard finding something to treat her that is safe for her.  This is why I like all natural medications such as Zarbees.  It contains no Dextromethorphan or other drugs and only has all-natural, gluten-free remedies.  No alcohol or dyes which I also prefer.  Since I just learned of Zarbees, I will have to give them a try the next time one of my children comes down with a cough or cold.

About Zarbee’s:

The fastest-growing children's cough and cold brand in the country, Zarbee’s is proven safe and effective for children 12 months of age and older. Developed by Dr. Zak Zarbock, one of the country’s top pediatricians, Zarbee’s products—a children’s cough syrup with a special blend of honeys fortified with immune-boosting vitamins that is also safe for women who are pregnant or nursing and a nighttime drink that soothes coughs and promotes healthy sleep—are recommended by more than 40,000 pediatricians nationwide. Zarbee’s products are all natural and gluten free, contain no drugs, alcohol and dyes, have no side effects and carry no risk of overdose.  Zarbee’s All-Natural Children’s Cough Syrup and Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough & Sleep Drink each retail for a suggested $8.99 and may be purchased at Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Kmart, Kroger, Winn Dixie, Albertsons and Meijer stores nationwide as well as on www.zarbees.com. For more information, visit www.zarbees.com.

*Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post.

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Crane USA Facebook NAME THAT TOON Contest

Want to have some fun?  How about having your likeness next to a Crane Humidifier in an Adorable Land cartoon short that will be posted on the Crane USA Facebook page and website in 2012?  sounds like fun doesn't it?  You can enter the Crave USA Facebook Name That Toon contest!  Check it out on Crane USA Facebook here.

You can see all the details in this YouTube video here.

The winner will receive:

• Animated likeness of the winner next to their Humidifier, along with all the winners, in the final Adorable Land cartoon short which will be posted on Crane USA Facebook and website in 2012.
• A complimentary humidifier
• A custom made tee-shirt with the animated humidifier along with the winner’s first name.
• The winning humidifier name will be included in Crane’s 2012 packaging.

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Posted in: contest,crane humidifiers

Perricone MD Giveaway ($150 Item or Less) 1/11 (US Only)

Are you fighting aging as much as I am?  I do not like it and I try to take care of my skin.  I wished I had known how important it was to pamper my skin when I was younger and I express that to my oldest who is 23.  She shrugs me off probably as I would have my own mother but nonetheless, I can always quip, "I told you so!"  Well, I might not say it so mean rather more sympathetic.  One of the places I have turned to in the past and still do is Perricone MD.  I have purchased products in the past but I was able to try out a complimentary product recently and love it.  There is another product that I want to try to reduce the appearances of creases in my forehead and neck area.  

Acyl Glutathione cream has over 100 wonderful reviews.  You can even watch actual customer reviews.  It reports that it dramatically reduces the appearance of creases, improves papery-thin skin texture and restores the natural radiance of youthful skin.  If you are a bit older like I am, you might remember those mornings waking up with glowing skin in your younger days and I long for that.  This sounds like the perfect product!  I have not tried it but based on the reviews I have read, it is something I would try.  


Perricone MD has a variety of products to help gain a healthy life to include skin care products and supplements.  What I also like about Perricone MD is how Dr. Perricone reaches out to his customers and provides useful information in achieving what we may want in our health and skin care. I love the interactions and for that, I was originally drawn to the Perricone MD line of products.  This is why I'm excited to share another giveaway to my readers of one product $150 or less!


To enter, please use the rafflecopter form below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway




*Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary product in exchange for this giveaway but I have been a long time Perricone MD customer.

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Guilty Pleasures of Re-watching Movies

Do you have those movies that you watch over and over again?  Are they movies you watch a certain time of the year like It's a Wonderful Life?   I have a set for different times and I've become a huge fan of movies adapted from Jane Austen novels.  One of my favorites is not an adaptation rather an compilation of what could have happened when Jane met Tom Lefroy called Becoming Jane.  Perhaps it's because I think James McAvoy is not too bad looking helps to enhance the story but Anne Hathaway does a great job playing Jane.  I also have been taken with the Kiera Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice, Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion.  I also enjoy Young Victoria and think that Emily Blunt did an amazing job playing Queen Victoria and Rupert Friend plays Albert.  It's a great love story.


At Christmas, I enjoy The Family Stone which is a good comedy with Sarah Jessica Parker and her bad experiences one Christmas at the man who is about to propose.  I also like watching the Winona Ryder version of Little Women.  There are a couple of others but I cannot remember.  I was disappointed as Time Warner didn't show It's a Wonderful Life unless I missed it somehow.  Why I don't have the movie is beyond me!  Luckily, I have all those old Christmas cartoon classics that my oldest despises compliments of Warner Brothers.


What's your guilty pleasures when it comes to movies that you watch over and over again?

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Posted in: jane austen

Warm Up Cold Nights with EdenFantasys

Need to warm it up on those cold nights?  Look no further than one of the leading adult shops online for sex toys.  Although EdenFantasys does carry adult toys, they also carry other products that will just spice up a relationship.  Whether it's candles, music, bath products or lingerie, there are a hosts of items that can liven up your relationship if it's become too cold outside.  I think anytime is a good time to find something to bring back the spark or keep the flame burning.  

  

Some of my favorite products is the Amorous Massage Candle which melts into a massage oil for either your partner or your own skin.  It also comes in three fragrances: orchid, aphrodisiac and vanilla. 

   

Another favorite of mine is the Venus Aromatic Bath Salts.  Only a few tablespoons are needed to help you soak and remove impurities and toxins from the skin.  There are 12 different fragrances to choose from ranging from unscented to "man" for the man in your life, green tea and many others that are sure to please.


Whatever your preferences are, EdenFantasys has a product for you!  It's the perfect way to bring the spark back in, keep the fire burning or just warm up a cold night!










*Disclaimer:  I wrote this post in exchange for a gift card.

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Posted in: adult toys,lingerie,sex toys

Uncommon Life by Tony Dungy Review & Giveaway 1/14

I received a complimentary copy of the book The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge co-written by one of my all time favorite coaches, Tony Dungy.  It was also written by Nathan Whitaker.  The jest of the book is a daily challenge to be read no matter when you start to read the book.  Tony has been part of a Bible study for the last fourteen years along with another group of coaches.  They read The One Year Bible and no matter where they were, they were only a quick e-mail, voice mail or phone call away.

The way the book reads, you focus on seven themes that repeat each week:

1. Core
2. Family
3. Friends
4. Potential
5. Mission
6. Influence
7. Faith

Each devotional includes a scripture and an uncommon key which is an action to implement based on what you just read.  It's really a good way to start each day or even end each day pending the time you have to devote.  They also preach to not to worry if you miss a day as you just pick up where you left off.

Here is a video from Tony:

I just started reading The One Year Uncommon Life Daily Challenge and love it already.  I'm grateful to Tyndale House Publishers for the chance to review this book.  I jumped to December 25th to start my Uncommon Challenge as I didn't receive the book until December 24th.  The devotional was spot on and stated that kids watch us and mimic our actions more than our words often times so the way I interpreted it was, ensure your actions are just as Godly as your words in order to raise good, polite children.  I can't wait to read each devotional and learn and improve myself.

 Tony Dungy was the very successful coach of my favorite team the Indianapolis Colts.  His brother is married to a former colleague of mine and she expressed what a wonderful person he is in person as he appears on television.  I've always heard that he never yelled at his players and always commanded the utmost respect from all.  I've never heard an ill word mentioned about him nor from his words.  When offered the opportunity, I jumped.

Now you can win a copy too!   Just complete the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Tough Jewelry: Black Titanium Rings

I was just looking at my rings that are made of white gold and am disappointed in their appearance.  They are already scratched and have a worn appearance.  It's the one thing I dislike about gold.  I should have switched to titanium when I first heard of it.  It's a metal that doesn't tarnish and doesn't interact with a person's unique body chemistry such as allergies, irritations and discolorations.  I bought a titanium ring years ago but never thought about purchasing another one until I saw these black titanium rings.  If my father wore rings, I would pick this Titanium Squared Top Ring with Two Thin Grooves but with the brushed center.

Finding gifts can be difficult but finding one that can last a long time and can be passed on to the next generation can be next to impossible.  That's why I like the idea of the titanium bracelets and rings.  There are different grades of titanium as well:

1. Aircraft Grade
2. Extra-hard 
3. Commercially Pure

The nice thing with titanium, you can change the look you want by selecting black rubber inlays, stones, hammered appearance, inlaid or classic. They are versatile and can appease almost any taste.  I also like that there are wedding bands available.

*Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.

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Renovating Idea with Vessel Sinks

My sister has been renovating a home they bought and are working on the bathroom.  I renovated a bathroom awhile ago but it was only for the faucet and handle components.  I was trying to find some unique designs for her and found these vessel sinks that would be perfect!  I'm always drawn to fashion and functionality or in the case of a vessel sink, unique and functional.  A house's decor shows a lot about the owner's style and attention to detail.  Whereas some prefer standard equipment, I opt for something that gives a wow effect.  From the sink to the faucets, we have so much more variety today.

Vessel sink faucets are unique in that they are available in bamboo, classic, modern and vintage.  There is something for everyone.  I personally like the brushed nickel appearances for the sake of repelling water spots and the ease of cleaning.  Another style I like are waterfall type faucets.  I was traveling years ago and experienced one of those faucets and fell in love with it!  I look forward to the day when I can renovate or even build my own custom home.

Have you renovated a bathroom before?  How did it go?

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Toshiba Portégé R835-P56X – Core i5 2.3 GHz – 4 GB Ram-GIVEAWAY 12-26-1-26-12

The Portégé R830 is a fast, powerful, and secure business machine that offers all the power you need. A smart and fast processor provides powerful performance, and Airflow Cooling technology keeps the laptop cool while advanced internal honeycomb structure keeps your laptop protected from the knocks of mobile use. A tough magnesium body includes a durable honeycomb structure under the palm rests, protecting internal components from the wear and tear of everyday use. A 3D HDD impact sensor protects your data from the knocks and bumps of mobile working. Toshiba's PC Health Monitor alerts you to issues before they become problems, constantly gauging your machine's temperature and power usage, while checking the hard drive to help protect against shocks. A 33.8 cm (13.3") non-reflective display with LED backlighting is the perfect platform to view and amend documents and presentations when on the move. Built-in webcam and microphone let you chat face-to-face, collaborate with classmates, videoconference, and generally improve the way you interact with the world around you
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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The Girls Had a GREAT Christmas

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas as I know my children did!

"Picnik Show"

Create a free slideshow with Picnik!

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Trop50 True Resolutions: What Will You Do?

Every year, many of us decide we will make a change for the good at the start of the new year.  Sometimes they are easy and usually they are challenging but then it wouldn't be a resolution if it were easy and we all love a challenge, right?  Tropicana's Trop50 True Resolutions celebrates the real reasons behind New Year’s resolutions.  My motivation in getting healthier is for my children and now my grandchild.  If I am healthier, I have a better chance of living longer.  If you are a Tropicana fan, you will love this!

Share your secret motivation and you’ll earn a coupon for $1 off Trop50 for yourself and $.50¢ off coupons for up to 50 of your friends. You can even submit incognito with a fierce disguise if you don't want to reveal your resolution!  What is also nice, whether you submit a resolution or not, you can also enter a sweepstakes to win a $1,000 gift. 

To enter, click here and to learn more about Trop50 True Resolutions.

Link will go live on Dec. 26: http://www.facebook.com/trop50

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Christmas Letdown Giveaway Blog Hop 12/26 - 12/31

The day after Christmas sometimes feels like a letdown. 

All that preparation, then BAM it's over. 

You're left with a hundred boxes and three garbage bags of torn paper. 

Didn't get what you wanted? You're not alone. 

This will cheer you up! 

The Christmas Letdown Giveaway Hop, 

hosted by Planet Weidknecht and co-hosted by Going Crazy! Wanna Go? 

runs from December 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EST to December 31 @ 11:59 p.m. EST. 

Each blog on the linky list below has a giveaway worth at least $20.00. 

You can hop from blog to blog and enter to win prizes on every single one!

Good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!


Don't forget to check out my other giveaways!
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogs Participating in The Christmas Letdown Giveaway Hop:

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Posted in: amazon gift card giveaway,blog hop,contest,giveaway,giveaways,paypal giveaway,sweepstakes

Prepping for Santa

After two days of surprise snow, the girls had a blast.  Danielle didn't get to stay out long nor for day two due to a little crouping.  With her pulmonary status, I don't wish to tempt fate so decided to be more cautious to their dismay.  They did have fun though!

Tonight, they prepared for Santa's arrival and I finished it off by making it look like the cookies and carrots were ate by the one and only and Rudolph and gang.  Then I wrote them a letter in Santa font on the computer reminding them to be good and that Santa would be watching next year.  It makes Santa look like a stalker!  I wonder what the impact will be when they learn who Santa really is?  I never thought about it because it was likely my older sisters told me early on the truth but Jamie, at age 8, still believes.

Merry Christmas!

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