Firstly, I must state that my ipod was a gift for my birthday from my father. So the expense was not on my radar. With that said it is the one device, besides a computer that I can't imagine life without. I love being able to have musical accompaniment at any time of the day...on a walk, sitting on the sofa while my DH studies, on the deck watching the weather and birds. I love my ipod very much...I know that I managed just fine with a stereo and radio, but I love that it makes everything your own music video!:)

I have made these several times...always delicious, easy, and they go fast here. Enjoy. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/granola-bars-recipe/index.html

I add eggs (1 yolk and 1 egg), fresh diced bread (preferably good bread, about 3 generous slices) and to be terribly honest I refrigerate the free-form meatloaf for a few hours. I also wrap it in bacon from time to time:001_huh:

I want to get a few board games for Christmas. What are your favorites for the whole family. 10+ in terms of age. Thanks in advance.:)

I have made these once. They were lovely. It is at least worth your consideration. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/parker-house-rolls-recipe2/index.html

Fantastic. It is nice when your curls work for you and not against you. :)

Firstly, I feel you! Every woman does! Take a deep breath and realize that it is all about a good fit and a few classic pieces. Get some nice black dress pants...mid-rise, no pleats, straight leg, and be sure that they work with your pair of work dress shoes (flats or kitten heels) I think everyone should have a couple of nice crisp white button down oxford style shirts. You also must have a nice suit (slacks or a nice skirt)...preferably black or navy...maybe dark brown. A few cardigans in some of your favorite colors for a pop would be nice too. All these pieces could be purchased for a reasonable price at places like Lands End, Eddie Bauer, Old Navy, Gap, Sears, JC Penny, even Target has some great pieces. I would also look into going to a few higher end consignment shops, they have great work wear. Lastly, keep in mind that very few items fit perfectly off the rack...for very little money you could go to your local dry cleaner and have some tailoring done...which could save you a LOT of tears! Keep your chin up Mommaduck!:)

I love quinoa. In fact I rarely use rice now, which I have never really loved. I prefer the red variety, although there is very little taste difference between the red and white/yellowish variety. I usually cook it in vegetable or chicken stock. Two to one just like rice. I agree it makes a great side, but add in some protein, some chopped veg and you have a great meal. I have also used it in place of rice for casserole like dishes. I think it just has an earthier, more complex flavor...especially if you cook it in stock. Enjoy!

Fantastic thanks!:)

My dad is a pharmacist. For the last 30 years he has suggested the same stuff for diaper rash, chaffing, or just discomfort of the skin variety. It is Resinol. Ask your pharmacist for it...it isn't a prescription, but it can be hard to find. The packaging looks ancient and hasn't changed since I was young enough to have diaper rash myself....probably longer, but it works like a charm. Good luck and I hope this gives your little one some relief!:)

The last few times I have made mac and cheese I have used Ina Garten's (the Barefoot Contessa from foodnetwork) recipe for "grown up mac and cheese" It is fantastic and she has added a few variations that I would imagine are also wonderful. Just go to www.foodnetwork.com.:)

He's a bit skinny for me...okay a lot skinny for me!!!...but that voice and that music is intoxicating!

No, I am sort of a foodie, but I am weird about dairy! Just toss it, even if it was organic it is still only $2 vs being slumped over the toilet!

Your dd will be the coolest girl in town! How fun! My sister wears all of my dad's old stuff. He took me along for the tour in 05...it was one of the greatest experiences ever!

You will love this...you will feel like you are there. I grew up with this record, but now on this recording, I can claim it as my own!:)

Isn't that just the luck for going for something remotely healthy in a Halloween bucket!!!:D

The only way to wear a ring of size and meaning would be with great confidence...it doesn't matter to me which finger you wear it on, just wear you are comfortable and confident. I am assuming these birthstones represent your children...wear it proud...you deserve it!:)

So, I was going to call this thread 'get yer ya ya's out'...but I didn't want to scare anyone away. If you are a fan of The Stones, you must buy the 40th Anniversary Box Set of Get Yer Ya Ya's Out!!! It is fantastic! It just came today. I am just reveling in it. There are three discs and a dvd of the concert and interviews! Well worth the amazon price! Enjoy ladies and gents.

Roasted veg..maybe red pepper, red onion, summer squash or zucchini. I also like the creamy cucumber sauce that I can't think of the name of. Combined this would be an excellent meal. I am hungry now!:glare:

Alan Rickman...Adrian still needs to prove himself in my opinion.:)

This was very funny...:D

I second the rec. for Cetaphil Facial Moisturizer! My Dh and I both use it twice daily. It is perfect for our skin and isn't too much of anything (not too greasy, dry, expensive, etc) . I love all the products by Cetaphil actually!:)

We use only cloth napkins for meals. I use a lot of kitchen towels. That is my only advice...there is very little that a clean cloth kitchen towel can't do. I still keep paper towels in the house...draining bacon, some cleaning, etc. I use newspaper for windows, mirrors...they do a better job, making the temptation less. Good luck with the transition. :)

Books are great of course, think about now...but also ones he will cherish in the future. Maybe kids songs or stories on CD? Blocks, soft toys, maybe a date night for his mom and dad? Like you babysit and include a giftcard to a restaurant (if they are in your area of course)

I second the rec for The Simple Living Network. I also like a lot of the self-sufficient/non electric products from http://www.lehmans.com.