He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree. ~Roy L. Smith

tttttthat's all folks!  My eyes are red and will need the clear eyes I reviewed, everything stacked on my desk and all my notes for at least three months of reviews have been cleaned out and my fingers are cramping . . .  but the contest is finally over . . . a grand total of 77 reviews in three days.  Good luck to all my competition and hope that all of our hard work paid off! 

If you are already shopping for Christmas then you are a much better organized person than "I AM!"  Consider these stocking stuffer ideas that my children age 21-3 love, health and beauty products like Lip Smackers gloss; Travel games like those made by Milton Bradley and Hasbro (Trouble, Connect Four); hand held games and mini dolls like Polly Pocket. 

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather
And autumn's best of cheer."
- Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

August is a month of birthdays for this family .... so let's party!

A birthday is just the first day of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the trip. ~Author Unknown

Don't miss out on these easy to do 4th of July Recipes from me and Viewpoint's own Cyndi A's site Yes! You Can Grill. 

Family friendly 4th of July recipes from appetizers to dessert

http://tinyurl.com/kloruk

Letter to My Dad on Father's Day
For all the lesson learned, overtime worked, and beautiful memories made, thank you. Now I truly understand why and how you did what you did, as I try to raise daughters of my own. With age does come wisdom, and understanding.
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/731465/letter_to_my_dad_on_fathers_day_.html?cat=25

"We never know the love of our parents for us till we have become parents."

~ Henry Ward Beecher 

Are you like many other's thinking about money? Maybe you and the spouse or partner find it hard to talk about? Read these 10 tips for talking to your spouse about money - stop arguing start talking! http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1769884/stop_arguing_talk_to_your_spouse_or.html?cat=7

Happy Mother's Day to my friends, fans and family! 

For Earth Day activities to do with your children consider these www.associatedcontent.com/article/1628241/three_earth_day_activities_for_the.html?cat=57 using 

To find out how much water your leaky facuet is losing each month visit - and find out how you can fix it. 

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1646077/dont_let_your_money_go_down_the_drain.html?cat=6

To save some green consider these free activities 

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1666021/aprils_free_events_ben_and_jerrys_dunkin.html?cat=46

Are you looking for something besides CANDY to put in your Easter Eggs or Basket -- and maybe even something FREE? Read Fast, Fun and Even Free Last Minute Easter Basket Ideas 

www.associatedcontent.com/article/1625306/fast_fun_and_even_free_last_minute.html?cat=74

Dear friend's Happy Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I am OOT and there is NO internet access here and gosh, it's San Antonio you would think a resort would have wireless. Anyway after spending several hours fighting with dial up I throw in the towel and send y'all the greenest of greetings but if this is DIAL UP I don't have the patience for it and will be back to add some reviews either when I am more patient or home whichever comes first.  Since I usually pray for patience and end the pray with "and give it to me right now!" it may be some time before I log back on again.  Did I mention the hour it took to set up dial up? Or the adventure finding a Walmart to buy the cord? Or the fact that the password that was assigned didn't work?  My ability to concentrate is truly gone . . .

 Have a great day! Mine can only get better.

Lent brings about a time to reflect and share with friends, family and strangers.  Read 15 Family Activities to Enrich Your Faith During Lent

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1525811/15_family_activities_to_enrich_your.html?cat=2

I may not find the time or just the right rhyme, but what is in my heart is true and just for you.~Lisa Carey

For some great quotes on Love to use this Valentine's Day see my article, "Become a Poet This Valentines Day with These Inspirational, Romantic, & Humorous Quotes on Love"  use them to create your own greeting cards, love coupons, or gifts. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1433951/become_a_poet_this_valentines_day_with.html?cat=74

For Bible verses to express love and romance read, "Timeless Quotes of Love from the Bible"

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1436941/timeless_quotes_of_love_from_the_bible.html?cat=41

How did it happen that their lips came together?  How does it happen that birds sing, that snow melts, that the rose unfolds, that the dawn whitens behind the stark shapes of trees on the quivering summit of the hill?  A kiss, and all was said.  ~Victor Hugo

What more could be said of a kiss?

With the holidays it's time to catch some great pictures with friends and family.  Find out what one professional photographer shared with me in Top Ten Photography Lessons You Should Know this Holiday Season -- to find out how you can make the most of your photos!

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/454070/top_ten_photography_lessons_you_should.html?cat=24

The holidays are quickly approaching and the jing jing jing of money in the cash register (or should I say the swipe swipe swiping of credit cards) moves at an every faster rate -- and the deals keep on getting better.

Just got back from NOLA, pretty cold (50's and 60's) but the oldest had a wonderful time.  My favorite place?  Cresent City Brew Pub on Decauter.  Great food, live music and the girls danced to the jazz!  Sorry for missing so many reviews from my friends, it was a computer free weekend.  

It's the most wonderful time of the year
With the kids jingle belling and everyone telling you. . . Get out of my way, be here, do that, that's miiiiinnnnnneeeee . . . Be of good cheer . . .it's the most wonderful time of the year!

Beat the Holiday Stress with Recipe for Stress Management During the Holiday's " located at http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/99513/lisa_carey.html

The quote above is by one of my favorite authors, Ralph Waldo Emerson.  

Want to learn how to create amazing gift tags with items you probably have around the house?  Read Tag Your It -- You've Got a Gift! for easy to follow instructions for 10 types of gift tags from stylish to sassy.  Enjoy!

Article Located at: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1219482/homemade_christmas_gift_tags_tag_youre.html?cat=46

Would you like to save money, have fun with your family and friends and decorate your table for Thanksgiving?  Check out these ideas and instructions for a Thanksgiving Crafts for the Family including a Thankgsiving Tree, Thanksgiving Table Cloth (several different variations), and Cornicopia Place Settings visit: www. associatedcontent.com/article/1176481/friends_family_adults_and_children.html?cat=74

Have fun, be creative.

I am a shadow person today -- due to technical difficulties !

 Hope everyone had a Happy Halloween!

Well we are back from Miami, and it was an exciting trip!  The girls were so very good on the airplane -- except that moment when my daughter realized we weren't going to grandma's house and she was really looking forward to it. 

The Hard Rock Casino, Hotel and Cafe in Miami is pretty interesting.  The food is higher priced than in Houston ... it's the same food! Trump International if very interesting, I actually expected more, but I have to say the water (VOSS) is the BOMB!  I actually enjoyed drinking plain old water.

However, the girls did not appreciate the fancy meal -- ended up with pizza and chicken tenders and were dying to play in the fountain in the outside garden where we dined!  Not to mention visiting other tables whenever my back was turned!

Halloween Approaches, remember trick or treat give me something good to read!  

I'll bet living in a nudist colony takes all the fun out of Halloween. ~Author Unknown

Eat, drink and be scary. ~Author Unknown

Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story. ~Mason Cooley

Here I am on VP's when I should be doing the last of the packing for 4 people for the weekend!  We are off to Miami and may even have a chance to meet a few of you there == we hope!  Will write more when we get back.  Enjoy your weekend!