All Good Things Must Come To An End

When the 'Gilmore Girls' ended earlier this year, in its seventh season, you can literally hear the sobbing for miles around, with me being one of the sobbers. Who knows why 'Gilmore Girls' took on such a huge following and will probably always remain a cult television classic. Maybe its because Lorelei Gilmore is the mom we all wanted when we were young girls, or maybe its because as moms, we all want our daughters to be a little more like Rory Gilmore. Whatever the reason, that magic is so addicting, this show will probably be in reruns forever. It currently is airing on the ABC Family Network, but if you don't get that station, don't fret, the seventh season recently came out on DVD and you can also buy the whole series, including every season, in one neat gift box for the holidays. Having watched the whole seventh season, I can tell you that the writers (not the original) did the very best they could to tie up loose ends while staying true to the main characters. Yes, there are a few unanswered questions, but don't all great television series leave most if not all their viewers wondering, at least a little bit? There are groups that are dedicated to, at the very least, having a two hour movie dedicated to answering some of those questions, much like the very popular 'Sex in the City' series. For now though, that is a very doubtful possibility, since Lauren Graham (Lorelei) recently signed a two year contract with NBC to develop a series revolving around her and Scott Patterson (Luke) is currently co-starring in another CW series. Most importantly, Alexis Bledell (Rory) is not keen on recreating her character ever since she began making movies for the big screen. Yes, it's sad, but having the DVDs on hand is a way to always revisit Stars Hollow and all the town folk when ever the spirit so moves fans. Thank God for modern technology to bring us all back to small-town America.

The Best Things In Life Are Free

Some times the most rewarding things in life don't cost you anything, and here is something that is not only culturally rewarding, but it's something the whole family can enjoy regardless of age. At the First Friday Artwalk Weekends which take place in the oldest city in the United States, St. Augistine, the city comes alive with music and entertainment. St. Augustine Artwalk tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, located at 131 King Street. St. Augustine Sightseeing Trains and Old Town Trolleys offer those who attend, a complimentary shuttle service to most of the galleries. Shuttles run on a continuous loop every thirty minutes. Once at the Artwalk, you will be able to enjoy the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over twenty participating galleries. As you can see by the name of the event, it takes place the first Friday of each month and lasts through the weekend with the next one taking place on December 7th. This is a fun thing to do if you live in the area, but even better still is you are vacationing in Florida. The event takes place from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM with free shuttles starting at 6:00 PM. During the event, you will become introduced to some of the area's local artists. If you are a resident of St. Augustine, then you might want to own a piece of artwork, supporting local artists who live in your area. If you are on vacation, you may want to take home with you something that will continue to give you pleasure for years to come and something which will hold fond memories of your visit to St. Augustine. Either way, you will have a great time, and you don't have to spend any money at all if you don't want to because it's all free.

Slim In 6

I'm always very leary of infomercials because they never live up to their bold claims. Also, you need to know that a half hour of television time is costing lots of money and guess who pays the bill for that? As a result, when I recently watched the "Slim In 6" infomercial, I was very skeptical and, after doing some research, my feelings haven't changed. This system, which was developed by someone who needed to lose weight (isn't that always the case?)supposedly can get you to lose lots of weight in six weeks and the infomercial claims you can lose ten pounds in the first week or so. If that's the case, then know the first ten pounds is water weight any way so if you are dieting and doing any kind of exercise you would probably lose that same weight without spending the $60 that you will have to pay for this system. I also found out that there are no modifications for those who have any limitations so stay away from "Slim In 6" if you have bad knees. When you go to the Beach Body website dedicated to Slim In 6 you will see a claim that you get over $300 worth of products for the $60 you are spending, but that's doubtful. Nevertheless, you do get a six week money back guarantee so if you have the money, then go ahead and try this product, otherwise check Ebay for used systems that could only cost a fraction of that price.

AAMCO Goes Hollywood

AAMCO, best known for fixing transmissions, exhausts, brakes, struts, shocks, air-conditioning and more, is going Hollywood! If you don't already know it, you can always trust AAMCO to service your car, truck or van, no matter how hard your drive it. Their service is always quick, affordable and easily accessible since they have service centers conveniently located all over. I know, because I have one right near my house. Just to show their loyal customers how appreciative they are, you can now enter to win a trip to Hollywood. Once there, you will spend four fun-filled days and the trip includes meeting and spending time with "Live Free or Die Hard" stunt man. You can also win a copy of this action-packed movie on DVD as well as other prizes. Not only that, but you can access coupons for all the great services offered by AAMCO. If you love fast cars and action-packed movies, then you will surely love meeting the stuntman from "Live Free or Die Hard". How much fun would it be to learn the secrets of all those amazing stunts performed in the movie? Not only that, but you get to spend four days in Hollywood, visiting all the great sites made famous on television and in movies. It's very easy to enter AAMCO's Drive Hard/Die Hard Hollywood promotion. All you need to do is click the link in this blog and enter online to win. It will only take a few seconds and for all you know, you could be winging your way to Hollywood courtesy of the name you could always trust, AAMCO. Not only can you win, but you can also save yourself some money the next time you need to get your truck, car or van serviced. AAMCO is a full-service center for all your automotive needs and they've been around for many years so you know you can trust them. Go ahead and enter to win and see if you are the lucky person who gets to go to Hollywood!

Project Runway Contestant Is Bitten

Sarah Jessica Parker appeared on the last episode of "Project Runway" as a guest judge in order to find a winning design to add to her Fall/Winter Bitten line, sold only at 'Steve & Barry's'. The requested design had to consist of two pieces which would retail under $20 for each piece. The chosen design finalists for this challenge only had $15 to spend in order to "make it work". The winner would possibly have their design recreated for sale through SJP's line. Well, now you can purchase winner, Victorya Hong's two piece design. Her two pieces consisted of a simple, but fashion-forward dress which comes in two colors, black or burgundy and is on sale for $19.98. The second piece is a vest which can be worn with the dress or separately with other pieces and comes in either gray or black and sells for $14.98. Sarah Jessica loved the winning design immediately. However, the pieces won't last and will only be available at 'Steve & Barry's' flagship store located in Manhattan.

Remain Active In Comfort

Remain Active is a company that makes Safety Tubs. When you think of safety tubs you might think of the very elderly, but really these very unique bath tubs are great for anyone who wants to create optimum safety in their home. Anyone at any age can sustain injuries in a slippery bath or shower, but now you can have one of these beautiful tubs installed in your bathroom which allows you to walk into the tub safely and either take a soothing bath or take a shower, while safely seated in your safety tub. The Hydro-Elite series offers an added bonus of hydro-therapy which is great for someone who needs it, but also great for anyone who is looking for a relaxing soak. These tubs are so stylish, that if you are thinking of updating your bathroom, you might want to consider installing a safety tub. Anyone in your family can use it and it ensures that your loved ones will be able to bathe comfortably and safely. It's also an added bonus for someone like me who does have an older parent. It's the ultimate gift you can give your loved one. This post is sponsored by Pay Per Post.

The Idiot Bachelor

If there was ever a poster child for why a program should be finally cancelled, then Brad Womack would be that person. In the latest season of 'The Bachelor', this Austin native, who also has an identical twin brother, is in search of true romance as he evidently couldn't find it at the several bars and hang-outs he owns. Never did a bachelor look so incredibly dumb struck through out the show and never had anyone looked so juvenile as he oggled the scantily-clothed contestants. Just when I thought he couldn't nauseate me enough, when it came down to the two finalists, he wimped out and sent them both packing. I know those women were heart broken, but this jerk did them a huge favor. I hope ABC finally gets the message that this show is more trouble than its worth and cancels it altogether.

A New Twist To A Very Conventional Theme

The holidays are coming and if you are anything like me, you are always searching for new and different ideas to celebrate. Also, you may be thinking of throwing a few party or theme dinners for friends and family, or maybe you have a December baby who is in need of a birthday party. I have some great new ideas that you will absolutely love and also some great ideas for cool stocking stuffers. The first are gourmet scented pencils that not only smell delicous, but are made from one hundred percent recycled newspapers. The company called Smencils, has a cute slogan that says "saving trees one pencil at a time", but these larger than your run-of-the-mill pencils make a great stocking stuffer for anyone from your kids to your teenagers. I have the chocolate scented pencil and it really does smell like rich chocolate (may favorite thing in the whole world!). If you need a little bit of Christmas right about now, then you have to try the Insta Snow. All you need to do is add water and you have instant snow to decorate a table center piece or to add to your Christmas tree. Finally, there's Color flame party candles. Each candle is a different color and although you may not think that's anything special, when you light the candles, you will see that the flame matches the color of the candles. We used them for cupcakes and they really were a big hit. Each candle has a plastic holder so your candle won't drip directly onto the icing of your baked goods. This is a real fun treat for a birthday party. Well, there you have it; some great ideas to enchant your holiday guests! This post is sponsored by Pay Per Post.

A Class Act

Julia Roberts will be appearing very soon in the movie 'Charlie Wilson's War' set to open on Christmas day. The movie, co-starring Tom Hanks is far from a romantic comedy, but rather based on the true story of how three people waged war on the Russians during their occupation of Afganistan during the 1980s. Julia has far surpassed all the tabloid fodder about her and left L.A. a long time ago to live a peaceful existence in New Mexico. There she now lives with her husband, Danny Moder, a camera man, as well as her three children. Beyond that, Julia is a staunch supporter of alternative fuels sources and has worked recently with Morgan Freeman in an effort to raise awareness about alternative fuel sources. No longer an aspiring actress, she has grown into a lovely woman who is dedicated to her craft, but more importantly, dedicated to her family and the world we live in.

Dentemp To The Rescue

There's nothing more precious than a beautiful, healthy smile, but who hasn't suffered from dental problems over the years that required any number of procedures? I, for one, have had many root canals, some of which required the tooth to be capped. Unfortunately, while undergoing a root canal, which can often take up to several visits to complete, a temporary cap must be worn so the dentist can easily access the affected tooth during dental visits. There was a time when I had a prominent front tooth being worked on. I was given a temporary cap to wear in between visits, which was temporarily cemented. However, anyone who has gone to a dentist knows that there are times when weeks go by in between visits. The cement is not made to last that long and as such, I would lose my temporary cap in the most embarrassing places like dining out or just in the middle of a conversation with someone. I would have to excuse myself so I could discreetly try to replace the cap, often with no success. Now there is a wonderful product that could have solved that problem easily called Dentemp OS. Dentemp OS is wonderful for any temporary dental repair. This safe and effective product can help relieve any pain or distress temporarily, is easy and ready to use right out of the vial and you can eat a meal only thirty minutes after apply Dentemp OS to the affected tooth. Most importantly, Dentemp OS complies with all FDA regulations pertaining oral care products. I only wished I could have had Dentemp OS when I lost my temporary cap. It would have saved me lots of embarrassment in social situations and I could have enjoyed a meal rather than worrying about losing my cap. This product couldn't be any easier to use. It comes in a resealable vial so that it always stays fresh and is ready to use whenever you have a dental emergency that can't be immediately met by a dentist. Make sure to keep it on hand just for such dental emergencies.

Lindsay's Blood Work

While one bad girl, Paris Hilton, is out promoting her brand new fragrance, 'Can Can', another, Lindsay Lohan, has begun the community portion of her sentence. She will be doing work for the American Red Cross in Pomona, California helping with clerical duties and assisting with blood donors. Some say she got off far too easy between her cushy rehab stay and now with this low-key mandatory community service assignment, but that's one of the many perks of being a celebrity. Of course, even doing her civic duty, Lindsay was trailed by a number of photographers; that being the downside of fame.

Family Heirlooms

When I bought my house from my mother eighteen years ago, she moved away to Florida to begin a new life and left behind some family heirlooms for me to use in my very first new home. I got her beautiful china and a few antique knick-knacks, but she left me one thing that is still in good-working order; her Hamilton Beach mixer. I'm not really sure when she first purchased the mixer, but I do remember her using it to make birthday cakes or home-made frosting. Believe it or not, the mixer still works fine and I use it to make my holiday favorites. I'm not much of a baker, but you don't have to be much of a baker to still need an electric mixer. In fact, using an electric mixer, will make you feel more like a baker and, will certainly impress your friends and family at holiday dinners because everything came out so smooth, creamy and/or fluffy. One of my favorite all-time recipes is really quite simple, but still makes a great impression. I use one box of chocolate jello mix and prepare as per the instructions on the box in a large mixing bowl. I then add one small container of Cool Whip and use my mixer to create a beautiful chocolate mousse. Now you can simply pour the mousse mixture into dessert cups and garnish with some whipped cream (which you can also use your mixer for), but I like to pour the mixture into a store-bought graham cracker crust pie plate. I then garnish with some whipped cream and some shaved chocolate. This lovely dessert never ceases to amaze my family who knows I don't bake and will satisfy even the most discriminating chocolate lover. Since I am in the process of re-decorating my kitchen, I just may treat myself this holiday season to a brand new Hamilton Beach stand mixer. These lovely mixers come in the most delicious colors! Sugar (white), Ultra Marine (deep blue), Pinapple (a lovely shade of yellow), Apple (a light green), Sterling (silver) and Licorice (black). I may just choose the Apple color which will look beautiful on my counter. This mixer is just as good as the other famous Eclectrics® Mixer at about half the cost and I already know that it will last me long enough to pass down to my own daughter when the time comes. Who knows, I might even become a good baker!

Paris Does Macy's

That ultimate diva, Paris Hilton, will be making an appearance on Macy's tomorrow at their location in Roosevelt Field, Long Island. She will be there at 6 PM to promote her brand new fragrance, "Can Can". The first three hundred or so shoppers to purchase the fragrance which will sell for $45 to $55 depending on the product, will also receive an autographed photo and a launch gift-with-purchase, a sparkly silver evening bag adorned with crystals and lined in shocking pink satin. It will be interesting to see just how many of Paris' fans show up. It has been advertised now for the past month or so and I'm betting that the shopping mall will be packed with Paris wannabes.

Gifts That Really Do Keep Giving

During the shopping frenzy that most of us enter into right before the holidays, we often forget to shop with consideration, but giving gifts that give back are a wonderful way to celebrate the holiday with loved ones. This particular cause is near and dear to my heart. For many years my mother-in-law suffered from Alzheimer's Disease and for a long time we weren't sure what was wrong with her. As a result, she was often mistreated or looked upon as being "difficult" when in fact she was deteriorating from this dreadful disease, for which there is still no cure. Many of us have been touched by this disease, but are paralyzed because we are at a loss and many of us know caregivers that are often overworked and live with little support themselves. Now you can not only give a wonderful gift to someone you love, but you can purchase your gifts knowing that the money will go towards the Alzheimer's Foundation of America. At the Alzheimer's Foundation of American store, you can shop for a holiday gift for someone you know who is a caregiver. The beautifully-crafted silver jewelry is significant to caregivers and the money goes for a wonderful cause. You can also purchase a special quilt for families to share in memory of a loved one who is suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. If you yourself are a caregiver, then don't forget that there is a DVD made just for you on how to care for your loved one with love and dignity. Also, remember that you can always contribute to this wonderful organization in memory or in honor of a loved one and that is really the greatest gift of all and truly symbolizes the meaning of this holiday season. Afterall, gifts that signify unconditional love really do keep giving long after the holiday season is over.

Set The Mood

There's a chill in the air and slowly, but surely, the holiday decorations are going up in shopping malls around the country, but what can you do at home right now to set the mood for the holiday without dragging out all your holidays decorations? You can set the mood with scented candles, like this one from Best Scented Jar Candles. These are beautifully scented candles because they contain triple the amount of essential oils, but scented candles can be purchased just about anywhere including your local drugstore. In fact, some of my favorite scented candles were purchased from Walmart for just a few dollars and the scents were rich and aromatic. For the Thanksgiving holiday, try pumpkin spiced candles or, for the aroma of freshly baked goods, try apple cinnamon or pecan pie and for Christmas, you can try cranberry or fresh evergreen. Candles are an easy way to add ambiance and don't just save them for company; light one for yourself on a cold winter night.

In Search Of Quality

Did you know that as temperatures rise, the sale of refrigerators increase? Apparently, refrigerators are more likely to break down in the heat and rather than opt for an expensive repair, people are more likely to purchase a new refrigerator. Most people will use the internet to search for a specific product, but often times general searches won't pinpoint the specific needs of consumers. It's likely that people are in a hurry to replace a major appliance and they need the information quickly so they can make an informed decision when they finally make their purchase. One great search engine that targets the very specific needs of consumers is Krillion. Here you will find the information you need to buy the exact product you want for your home. Are you searching for Maytag Dryers? With Krillion, you will not only find a store right in your own neighborhood that carries the model you want, but you can be sure that it will be in stock so you won't waste your time or gasoline on a lost cause. Chances are that if there's a brand and model you want and need, Krillion will be able to find it for you, saving you time and money.

The Big Mouth

There will be no talk show for big-mouth Rosie O'Donnell, whose big mouth put the kabash on a deal in the making with MSNBC which allegedly would have been in competition with The Larry King Show, or, as Rosie would refer to him, "that guy with the long face and the suspenders". Although, the story she is peddling on her blog Rosie that she was the cause of the death of the deal by letting it slip in an interview recently, rumour has it that MSNBC may have gotten some negative feedback about the Queen of Mean having that much time to herself, but that's just a rumour. Frankly, I'm looking forward to a Rosie-free TV in the near and distant future.

My Philosophy

This is a beauty blog of sorts and although I write about many things that are topical, I still like to post about some of my favorite beauty things. One of my all-time favorite skin care and cosmetic companies is Philosophy. Philosophy products are easily accessible through stores like Sephora and Ulta, but did you also know that you can purchase Philosophy products through QVC. In fact, QVC is the best place to not only purchase these high-quality products and discount prices, but you will often find products on QVC that aren't available elsewhere. Don't forget that Philosophy offers great bath and body shampoos in yummy scents that make perfect gifts for everyone on your holiday list!

A Movie Not To Be Mist

Stephen King has always been one of my favorite authors. His writing style and imagination have taken me to deep, dark places in the most ordinary of settings. I guess that's why I like his books so much. However, Stephen's stories have also been translated into film for both the large and small screen over the years. In fact, his miniseries which have aired on several channels over the years, have garnered extremely high ratings and several of his stories have been very successful movies which opened to rave reviews and have been recognized by the highest awards, the Oscars. Who could ever forget Kathy Bate's role of Annie Wilkes as the sociopathic nurse in 'Misery'. This is still one of my all-time favorite Stephen King movies which now is shown from time to time on some of the old movie channels and I have never gotten tired of watching it. It still fills me with anxiety every time James Caan gets stranded in a snow drift, knowing full well what lies ahead for him. Even though I know how the story turns out in the end, I still find myself sitting on the edge of my seat each time he tries to escape. Like so many of Stephen's stories, the horror he creates often happens to people just like you and me and that, by far, is the scariest of stories. Now Stephen is lucky enough to have an equally frightening story translated to the big screen with the release of "The Mist". In fact, you can watch the ingtriguing trailer for this upcoming movie at The Mist by Stephen King which proves that this movie will be this season's holiday thriller not to be missed. This movie comes out just in time for the holidays and while other movies will take you to the North Pole, this movie will take you to another place and time that is far from elves and Santa Clause. What I really love about Stephen King's movies is that although they are scary, they are far from gorey. They casting is always great and the dialogue is smart and savvy. I am very much looking forward to the release of Stephen King's "The Mist" this holiday season and I am hoping that this one is at least as good as all the other stories by Stephen. So far, he hasn't let me down once.

Marathon Katie

Katie Holmes, secretly slipped into yesterday's New York marathon, under an alias and finished the race in 5 1/2 hours. She was greeted at the finish line by her loving husband, Tom Cruise and their beautiful daughter, Suri. I wonder how this busy, mother, wife and actress found the time to train for this grueling marathon which takes runners through all the boroughs of New York before reaching the finish line, but however she did it, bravo to her for taking the New York challenge.

The Worst Kept Secret Is A Secret No More

Christina Aguilera has finally admitted in a recent interview that she is indeed pregnant and expecting her first child early next year. She has been sporting a "baby bump" for quite some time and although she confirmed her pregnancy to only close friends and family, the public was kept at bay until now. In her interview with the BBC, Christina showed genuine concern for how she will balance motherhood with her worldwind career, but she credits her husband, Jordan Bratman, for being extremely supportive, even traveling with her on her most recent tour. Of course, after Britney's escapades with her own children, it will be interesting to see how these young girls will be able to handle the responsibilities of motherhood, while maintaining their careers.

She's More Than Country

Years ago, when Marie Osmond began her career as an entertainer, she had a hit song with brother, Donnie Osmond called "I'm A Little Bit Country". In fact, country music was a favorite of Marie's and she has recorded more than a few country songs in her time. As one of the contestants though on Dancing With The Stars she has proven that she is way more than a little bit country as she moves from one dance to the next, week to week, even overcoming exhaustion after one dance, only to return in triumph. No, she is not the best dancer among the contestants, but she has proven that women of a certain age can do anything they put their mind to and still succeed and compete with women half their age. If you are a fan of the show or of Marie's, please check out her website. She keeps a blog of her experiences on the show and you can catch up with all the things she is involved with in her life.