First let me start by saying that I know absolutely nothing about sewing machines (sadly) but I’m hoping to learn. Now onto my question… Many years ago, my mom had a sewing machine that she used for basic things (nothing fancy). It broke several years ago and she just never got around to replacing it, although there were many times when she would tell me she wished she had one. My dad mentioned that a sewing machine may be a nice Christmas gift for her so I need help knowing what to buy. I know she doesn’t need too many bells and whistles, and nothing computerized. She is 75 years old and prefers to keep things simple. What am I looking for in a sewing machine for her? If you have a specific link, that would be great. Other than a sewing machine, what else do I need to buy that doesn’t come with it? I’m hoping that my after my mom gets the hang of using a sewing machine again, maybe she can show me. It seems like something fun for the two of us to do together.

My family has an Apple Music subscription and I like it fine. We do have to pay for it (maybe $15 a month?). Before the subscription was a thing, dh and dd were spending tons of money buying songs, so paying monthly is fine for us. It’s pretty easy to use.

Good point! I guess I’m so used to shopping for teenagers who do care…a lot!!! Thanks for the reminder!

Thank you all so much!!! And thanks for including links. It is so amazing how toys change in just a few years…I was clueless about the lol dolls. I am so excited to shop for this little one ☺️

This is a pretty doll. Thank you!! And I love her name ☺️

Yes…of course a book. Thank you!!!

I am participating in my city’s Christmas Blessings program and this year I will be shopping for a 4 year old little girl. On her “wants” list, she asked for a baby doll, but no specific brand. Is there a certain type of doll you would recommend for this age? My dd is 15, so it’s been a while for us. The little girl also asked for LOL Surprise and Paw Patrol, so if you have any specific suggestions there, I would appreciate it. I also plan to get her at least one outfit, pajamas, socks, undies, and a coat. If there is anything else that you think a 4 year old little girl would love, please let me know!!

My family (dh, ds18, dd15, and me) are headed to Punta Cana in less than a month!!! I am so excited!!! We have never gone anywhere outside of the US and we haven’t even taken a family vacation for just the four of us in years. I am really hoping this trip provides some time for us to enjoy one another and have fun together, because it’s honestly been way too long since we’ve done that. Anyone been to Punta Cana and have recommendations for any excursions that we need to look into??

We got them! My dd (15) and her friend really wanted to go so both of the moms (me) got verified presale codes. My day turned upside down (had to pick sick ds up from college, frustrating situation with client), so I didn’t even get to try my code. Friend’s mom did and got us all tickets. Both girls will turn 16 next summer, so we are calling this their bday presents. While I enjoy Taylor Swift’s music, I’m not a huge fan or anything. I’ve also ever gone to such trouble or spent so much money on concert tickets before! Yikes! I hope the show lives up to all the hype.

Not for everyone. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. Lots of yummy food and family, without the pressure to buy just the right gifts. I love it!!

Beautiful jewelry!! My budget is closer to $100, so most of the jewelry here is a little out of my price range. Any other websites for jewelry in my budget??

That’s so cool!! Long term friendships are just so special. Enjoy your time with your bff!!

These are great suggestions!! Maybe I could do something like a spa day or mani/pedi for her. I would love to plan something special for us to do together, but honestly, December is such a busy month, I know we wouldn’t do it now. And if we put it off, it might now happen. These are fabulous gift ideas to get me thinking.

Yes she does! I would love to find a special necklace or bracelet for her. Good idea!!

My very best friend is graduating with her bachelors degree in education in December and I want to get her a nice gift…something sentimental. Any ideas? For background, she and I grew up next door to each other and have been best friends for over 40 years. Honestly, I feel more like she is my sister than friend (my kids call her “Aunt” and her daughter calls me “Aunt” too). She has had a very difficult few years - her mom was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimers about 10 years ago and she and her dad just recently had to make the decision to move her to a care facility. Her dad was diagnosed with cancer and my best friend was caring for both of her parents at the same time (physically and emotionally). To top it off, she is an only child, so this has all been on her. She works full-time and of course has been taking classes. I am so amazed by her and I am sure I would have fallen apart by now if I were her (stress overload!). I want to get her something special, but I’m really terrible at thinking of gifts. Any ideas to help me think? Links/pics would be appreciated.

Same! I’ve worn glasses (or contacts) since 3rd grade and I have to have them to function, so I wear them all the time. Only exception, lately I have to take my glasses of to read (darn getting older!). So I take my glasses off to read, but then I can’t always find them because I’m practically blind without them. It’s become a game in my house to help mom find her glasses 🤦‍♀️

My dd (15) is a bit curvier, so finding a homecoming dress was a bit challenging this year. She loves to dress up though and honestly, feeling like she is “in-style” is very important to her. I remember being 15, so I get it. We went with this dress and it was super cute on her! Short, but not tight, which fit her body nicely. She wore nude heels and looked great. I’ve found that like with most things in parenting, I’m handling this situation a little differently than I thought I would. When my kiddos were tiny, I’m sure I spent time wondering what parent would let their daughters out of the house dressed like that!? Now that I have a teenage daughter (along with an 18 yo son in college), I realize that it is just way more complicated than that. Obviously there are dresses that I would put my foot down and refuse to purchase, but my daughter’s taste, what others are wearing, etc. matters too. It’s just not as simple as I once thought it would be.

Just saw this on Facebook and thought it may get a good laugh here.

Yeah, one of my very first jobs was at Claire’s. Granted, it was about a million years ago (mid 90s), but you would be shocked to know how little training I received on piercings before I was let loose with a piercing gun. I think I took a written test and then was given a piece of paper to practice on. My first piercing was a 3 year old little girl who didn’t want her ears pierced. It wasn’t a great situation, but luckily I improved. But I really had no idea what I was doing. We have a local piercing place that does a much better job.

II think a nice piece of jewelry would be sweet. My daughter (15yo) sounds very similar to yours and I had been thinking of jewelry as a surprise gift for her sweet 16.

I’ve seen the scrub daddy recommended for glass ovens. Would it be too harsh?

I just got new kitchen appliances! This has been a long time coming, both our refrigerator and electric range were on their last legs. The appliances are fingerprint resistant stainless steel. We don’t have the option for gas, so the range is glass top. How to I keep my appliances looking nice and new? My old appliances were stainless (though not fingerprint resistant) and I found it difficult to keep streak free. The oven was also glass top, and I was horrible with it. I need tried and true tips!!

Oh I’m so sorry.

This is exactly how I feel! I think I’ve decided to give them a try though. I will update!

I am almost 47 and starting to notice changes in my period. I haven’t taken any birth control pills since before becoming pregnant with my oldest about 19 years ago. My gyn doctor suggested starting a low-dose birth control pill now. Thoughts? Does it help with erratic periods and getting through this stage of life? Of course I’m worried about negative side effects too.