Family

This post is in partnership with Catholic Central, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.

Old Fashioned Christmas Fun

Growing up in the 80’s and 90’s we were the lucky ones in a lot of ways. We didn’t really think of it as lucky back then, but it was before technology was at our fingertips 24-7. Coming from a family with 3 siblings our house was always full of kids, neighbors, or even a few that might as well been adopted. We spent countless hours exploring the outdoors, riding horses, working hard alongside my Papa on the Christmas tree farm (year around). But one of the things that we did the most was play games. We had lots and lots of games as well as cards.

We grew up playing old classics like Monopoly, Life, Clue, Sorry, Checkers, Hungry Hungry Hippos, and Marbles (which is still a family favorite.) We played card games like Pitch, Uno, Skip-Bo, Go Fish, Rummy, and Hand & Foot. Other favorites included Mancala, Trouble, Chinese Checkers and let’s not forget Dominos. While some of them are games you can buy at the store, some only use a deck or several decks of cards, but no matter what game we played we had hours of fun.

The love of games continues today and has continued as all of the siblings have moved on, gotten married, and started families of their own. But on Thanksgiving and Christmas after the big meals have been eaten we spend the rest of the day playing a variety of games. There are literally games going in every room of the house because our family now consists of thirty people ranging from ages 2 months (Elijah the grandson!) to 67 years old and every age in between. The breakdown goes like this:

Infant-1, One 6-year-old, Three that are 8 years old, One 9-year-old, 3 that are 10 years old, 3 that are 13 years old, One 16-year-old, One 19-year-old, One 20-year-old, One 21-year-old all for the “kids” or kids that have now transitioned to young adults.

Then the siblings and their spouses are One at 43 years old, Two at 42 years old, One at 39 years old, One at 36, Two at 37, One at 32 years old, One at 31 years old. If you have been following the math you noticed we had an extra number and that is one of the cousins who might as well be a sibling along with the siblings/spouses.

And it all started with the ‘elders’ who started the gaming traditions and they are 62 years old, 67 years old, 60 years old, and 51 years old. WHEW! That was a brain work out, but I’m thrilled to say that this is my 42 year of the Classic Christmas Gaming Tradition.

But this year we are going to start a new tradition and get together with my nieces and nephews to play some “Classic” Games over the weekends as we head into the holiday season. There is nothing better than spending quality time with family and friends and we are going to make these game nights “technology” free and just live in our 80’s & 90’s flashbacks.

Some of the classic games we played during our technology free night included, Trouble, Apples to Apples, Pictionary, and Uno!

Looking for new Christmas Traditions?

If you are anything like me, adding new Christmas Traditions is always fun and this year we are going to try a few! Tune in on Instagram to see them unfold!

The above download contains super fun 5-minute activities you can do with your family and friends over the Holiday to laugh, bond and have a blast! It also includes some cool facts about the “whys” and history behind some of the most time-honored Christmas traditions!

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You have questions about the Catholic faith and what it means to be Catholic. We have answers. Using a team of witty writers, appealing hosts, and even some learned theologians, we’ve created shareable, snackable videos that teach the timeless truths and deep history of the Church with humor and heart. Produced in the Family Theater Productions studios on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, CATHOLIC CENTRAL entertains, enlightens and inspires.

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Perfect 2018 Christmas Gifts (4 Elegant Presents To Surprise Your Loved Ones)

It is that time of the year when Santa and the reindeer gang are about to take the center stage again. Classic varieties of Coca-Cola commercials are popping on the TV screens, Christmas street decorations are lighting up the evening sky, and malls and supermarkets are barely recovering from the Black Friday craze. But the shopping bonanzas are yet to come! Before families start gathering at the Christmas tree, you may need to run to the store for some proper holiday shopping. However, if you are not certain what to look out for, here are some suggestions to keep your ideas fresh.

Italian Attorney Briefcases

Handmade Italian attorney briefcases are all about elegance and creating that poise of sophistication and professionalism. Surprise the man of your life with this classy accessory that will surely make him rock the office look. It features compartments to safely store his laptop and documents, plus it enhances his expert suit and tie appearance like a charm. Sure, vegetable tanned leather may seem costly but it is a sound long-run investment and safe for the environment, too. If you buy a quality-made piece, it will last a lifetime, age gracefully, and make your man feel like a king of his office.

Leather Totes or Handbags

No woman is ready to leave her apartment without a bag around her shoulder or arm. She carries her entire world inside it and with it, she is ready to tackle everything the world tosses at her. So why not surprise the woman of your life with an elegantly custom tailored leather handbag that complements her style and grace? And if you have the money to pair it a pair of heels, too, she will burst to tears of joy this Christmas, that is a guarantee!

Personalized gifts

Share your sentiments and affection with style! There are companies which trade in personalized gifts, which can make each present one-of-a-kind. They usually sell decorated preserved flowers, adorn certain gifts with unique messages or add names on quaint terrariums, mugs, glass domes, and other memorabilia. There isn’t a person in the world who wouldn’t like to see their name on a gift. The elderly will love this gift in particular so get cracking!

Tech for the kids

The tech-savvy generation is all about keeping it up with the current trends. This season’s Christmas episode of “The Simpsons” hilariously shown how Bart and Lisa are in cahoots to coerce Marge and Homer to buy them a smart TV. Considering that this animated family is a spot-on reflection of current societal and family values, you can only guess how many kids really want to be up to date with technology. It’s part of their identity. So if you got the money and they have been nice this year, why not make their digital Santa wish come true? Just be careful not to spoil them.

There you have it! Naturally, it is all up to your imagination to express your gift-giving proclivities but don’t be reluctant to ask for help if you are not satisfied with your ideas. If you know you loved ones by heart and are familiar with their tastes, then there won’t be a problem to surprise with a little special something under the Christmas tree. Enjoy your holiday people, and remember – it’s the thought that counts the most so make the most out of it!

Don’t Get Taken for a Ride: 5 Ways How Insurers May Take Advantage of Unrepresented Claimants

Whether you like it or not, insurance companies have no intention of paying every victim what they really are entitled to. After all, they have a business to preserve. Still, while many companies do not have a direct objective to swindle claimants, they will do what is in the best interest of their company rather than your own. There are different ways that insurers take advantage of unrepresented claimants. Here are five ways they do just that.

1. Unreasonable Delays

Many insurance companies’ own policies stipulate a 30-day response time for claims filed. If an insurance company fails to comply with their own policy, this could be deemed as unreasonable delay. Some insurance companies employ certain delay tactics, including taking several weeks to respond or failing to return telephone calls, making claims that their investigation is incomplete and request information gradually or give the claimant to a new adjuster. Whether or not you need a lawyer, it’s only fair that when the time comes to file a claim due to no fault of your own, you get the benefits that you paid for, is treated fairly and your claim is paid promptly.

2. Intimidation

There are some tough insurance adjusters around who would prefer not to pay your claim regardless of the severity of your injuries or damage to your vehicle. It can be a daunting experience to go up against an insurance company, and they may use certain intimidation methods against you. Intimidation is never condoned and it is beneficial to know some of the most common intimidation tactics used by insurance companies, such as implying a take it or leave it offer, coming up with a phony acceptance deadline and veiled threats that discourages attorney retention.

3. Non-disclosure of Coverage

As long as coverage exists, your insurance company has a contractual duty to defend and provide compensation for injury, loss or damage. Your insurance company should not intentionally or irresponsibly participate in non-disclosure, withholding information or misinterpreting policy provisions that would be in favor of a claimant. Failure to act in your best interest in this regard can involve your insurance company suggesting that you use private insurance, recommending that a friend drive you to work instead of offering a rental car, and even asking you to use sick leave days.

4. Deception

Willful deception by an insurance company is a clear indicator of it acting in “bad faith” against you. In order to deny a claim and reduce the potential value of a valid claim, an insurance can deceive claimants. The insurance company can take misleading accident photos and disregard hidden vehicle damages, seek claimant statement in an effort to minimize the damage and even fabricate the denial of coverage.

5. Lowballing

Low-balling is a tactic by insurance adjusters to save the insurance company money, and typically, a low offer is presented initially. However, keep in mind that the initial offer is the first step in the negotiating process, and it’s up to you to accept it, reject it, or try to negotiate a higher settlement amount. An adjuster may use software manipulation techniques in low-balling like, failing to enter the accurate amount for lost wages and/or medical expenses and applying a low liability assessment. 

Know that you deserve to be treated fairly by your insurance company. This simply isn’t always the case and some will try to take unrepresented claimants for a ride. An insurance company can take advantage of unrepresented claimants through deception, intimidation, unreasonable delays, lowballing and withholding information. 

I partnered with Little Book of You to bring you this post, however, as always opinions are 100% my own.

Little Book Of You The Perfect Newborn Christmas Gift

As many of you know I recently became a Grandma for the first time and let me tell you there is nothing better. The baby snuggles have been amazing, and he is already growing like a weed. While he is just over a month old, he is still in the newborn phase and I for one can’t get enough of his cuteness. (Maybe I’m a little partial, but that’s a Grandma’s prerogative, right?) While a newborn won’t really “remember” his first Christmas, I’ve made it my mission to find some perfect gifts for him. When Christmas time rolls around he will be a little over two months old and let me tell you they sleep, eat, and poop more than anything.

But that hasn’t stopped me from spoiling Elijah and one of the first things he has gotten will be his Little Book of You. The Little Book of You is a highly personalized and beautifully illustrated baby book that is affordable as well as the perfect keepsake for all babies.

Creating your personalized Little Book of You is so easy! There is a 15 question online survey that you take, answering questions about your baby. It took me about 10 minutes to fill out, and you can even save your progress for proofreading la Once all the answers are submitted, you will receive a hardcover book about your baby within the week. But don’t worry, they email you so you know where they are in the process.

After getting it, I checked it out and was amazed at all of the details that were put into the book. It includes:

• Unique details from the day your child was born including the place of birth, time, weight and length of your precious little one
• Pages of what makes their birthday special: what happened in history on their birthday, famous people who were born on the same date and more
• Two pages dedicated to a customized family tree to help your child learn all the important people in their life
• A personalized letter from you to your child *they even have a sample that you can use!

Each book is proudly made in the USA and is priced at $49.95

His mom literally cried when she read it and was amazed at all of the little details that tell a big story. I’m positive that Elijah will enjoy this Little Book Of You just as much as his Mom and Grandma do. But don’t take my word for it, order one for your kids today or even the grandkids. I promise you will all cherish The Little Book of You just as much as we are!

Four Ways to Develop Your Child’s Musical Talents

Many great musicians started at a young age. If your child is interested in a musical instrument, it is important for them to start developing their talents as soon as possible. 

There are many ways to give your child the tools that they will need to start their musical adventure, like starting out with used instruments to see if it is something they really want. 

Here are four highly recommended ways to develop your child’s musical talents.

1. Support Their Interest

The first and most important step in giving your child the tools he or she needs to be a better musician is to support their decision to pursue music. 

A lot of parents will dismiss dreams of being a musician and tell their child to find something more practical, but there is nothing worse than making your child think that they are not good enough to make it as a musician. Supporting their dream alone is enough to allow your child to grow artistically. 

2. Clubs or School Bands

It can be difficult to teach your children how to play instruments if you do not even know how to play the instrument yourself. Luckily, you do not have to. 

Most schools, starting usually around fifth grade, will offer some classes that will teach students to play an instrument of their choice. These will usually be available through high school as well, so it is never too late for your child to try their hand at the trumpet. 

Utilizing these free opportunities to learn will allow you to save money on classes in the long run and will allow your child to decide if music is something that he or she is really interested in. 

3. Invest in Private Lessons (If You’re Able) 

While it is not necessary for your child’s development that they receive private lessons, it also can’t hurt. It can be a great way for them to feel as though they are being taken more seriously, as many of these private lessons offer more of a one-on-one experience. 

If you are financially able, private lessons can be done weekly, bi-weekly, or as often as you would like. Your local music store may even offer some classes at an introductory price, so it can never hurt to stop by and see what they have to offer.

4. Give Your Child the Tools

Practicing at school can only go so far, as they are only in the class for up to an hour every weekday. If your child is serious about music, it is a great idea to get them their own instruments.

You are probably thinking: Aren’t instruments expensive to own? The answer is yes, they can be, that is if you plan on buying a brand new one. However, used instruments can be purchased at your local music store and even online for pretty cheap. There are many options to buy affordable instruments sold at sold on websites such as www.drumcenternh.com. Music retailers are experts in all things music and will help you get your child on the road towards being a musician.

Almost as important as the instrument itself are music books, which can be helpful in starting out. Many of them include lessons, notes, songs, and even DVDs of the proper way that songs should be played and ways to get better. 

These books can be found for less than ten dollars and are sure to pay off in the long run as your child’s personal teacher. 

Bottom Line

Supporting your kid through his or her process of learning music is the most important thing that you can do for them. Whether you opt to invest in private lessons for your little drummer or decide that they have everything that they need in their school band, your support is what will bring them from amateur to master. 

Once they have all of the tools at their fingertips, however, your next issue is to try to drown out the loud trumpet playing in your basement. 

The Perfect Meals to Accompany Any Movie Night

No home-movie-watching experience is complete without a few delightful dishes or scrumptious snacks to subdue the hunger bug. Throw in a drink of choice and you’re on your way to a fun-filled night of films. But, choosing the food and films is never an easy task. So to make matters a little simpler, we have compiled a list of food and drink pairings to accompany any movie night. 

Keep in mind the fact that movie snacks are not always the healthiest options available. In saying so, we recommend stocking up on quality supplements to keep your health in check. For example, carb blockers will prevent the pounds from packing on while you tuck into a pleasant pasta. That way you won’t have to watch what you eat when you’re being swept away by the story. Check out Analyze That for more information on the best supplements on the market. Their quality reviews will guide your purchase, helping you save time and money.

Now grab some popcorn, sit back, relax, and scroll through our list of perfect meals for your next movie night.

Action: Beer and Pizza

Say hasta la vista to cleaning up with the perfect pizza party movie night. This choice is the ultimate bang for your buck and will save you from the day-after-dishes. With a variety of toppings to choose from and veggie options, for the non-meat-eaters, you’ll easily cater to everyone at your gathering.

Grab a couple of six packs for your buddies and you will be ready for an action-packed evening. Beer is the preferred beverage for bonding so grab a variety of brews to cater to your friend’s not-so-sophisticated palates. If there are a few alcohol snobs amongst your midst, then why not choose a selection of craft beers. There is an abundance of US brewers producing top quality products. Click here to see a few options.

Consider a few timeless classics to have an authentic action movie night. Terminator, Die Hard, and Mad Max are a few film franchises that will keep you entertained throughout the evening. If you’re searching for something fresh, then Sicario or Deadpool might be more your tempo.

Romcom: Wine and Pasta

Snuggle up on the sofa with some vino and a creamy pasta while you enjoy a few romcoms with your partner. Out with the Netflix and Chill, in with the Italian-inspired romantic meal combo. Whether you are treating your man or impressing your woman, test your culinary skills and try to produce the perfect pasta dish.

If you want to spice things up then add a few aphrodisiac foods to your meal. Throw on Endless Love by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie while you prepare the food before swiftly making your way to the couch.

Make sure you’ve already selected your film and loaded it up so you can get straight to business. Golden oldies like 10 Things I Hate About You or When Harry Met Sally will surely do the trick. If you’ve seen them one-two-many times then get your hands on Crazy Rich Asians or The Big Sick.

Horror: Soft Drinks and Popcorn

This is one of those genres where you simply don’t mess with the classic soft drinks and popcorn. For one, you don’t want anything too messy to spill as the jump scares frighten you out of your seat. And, anything heavier than this might be tough to keep down if you’ve chosen a gruesome flick.

The buttery popcorn and cold drinks will perfectly satisfy your taste buds as you clutch onto the nearest person out of desperation. Add a few M&Ms to your popcorn for an extra rush of sweetness as you munch your way through the nightmare.

There are plenty of horror movies to choose from but try to choose a quality flick. The Witch, It Follows, and Train to Busan are relatively new movies that will certainly give you the creeps.

Detective/Cop: Whiskey/Coffee and Doughnuts

Full of suspense or plot-twistingly tricky, the ‘whodunnit’ films are always nail-biters. In saying so, you’ll likely need something to take the edge off. Whiskey is a perfect choice for an occasional sip as you eagerly await the climax. Whiskey is also, surprisingly, healthy. If you’re not a drinker, then coffee is your best bet. It will keep you alert and help you find the killer first.

When it comes to food, doughnuts are the clear and obvious choice.

Successful detective/cop films are made every year. It’s a classic genre of film. Some of the most riveting ones include The Silence of the Lambs and Se7en. Other timeless ones include The Usual Suspects and Zodiac.

How to Throw a Birthday Bash Your Husband Will Love

It’s no secret that women find men extremely hard to shop for and even harder to entertain if you don’t know or share their interests. But with a few helpful tips, you’ll be able to throw the man in your life a party he’ll be thrilled to attend.

Make a list of his interests

Don’t stop at “likes to watch football.” Put some serious thought into it. Does he do a lot of grilling or like shoot hoops with the guys? Or maybe he prefers his socks in a particular order. Sure, some of his interests won’t lend to a great party theme, but they could help you buy him the perfect gift, which is equally important. A guy who loves coffee for example, would probably enjoy a coffee subscription as a gift.

Once you’ve got a good list, you’ll probably be able to pick out his main interests. This could give you a good idea of what to buy him, whom to invite and where to have the party.
Decide on a budget

You don’t have to have a huge budget for a birthday party, but some people do make exceptions for big ones like the 40th or 50th. The main thing is to set aside some money as far in advance as possible so that you know how much you can spend. Don’t forget to factor in every detail, including food, drinks, venue, paper goods, etc. Your budget will likely determine where you’ll have the party and how many guests you’ll have. But it doesn’t have to change your plans completely. If you feel you’re running a little short, but still want to have the party at your hubby’s favorite expensive restaurant, just make sure to let your guests know dinner is dutch treat, but you’ll provide the cake. Or if it’s a big bash the whole family is involved in, you might even consider asking his family whether they’d like to pitch in.

Decide on a venue

The list of interests you made will go a long way toward deciding on a party venue. Make it all about him. If his favorite pastime is playing baseball with his co-workers, why not have an informal surprise party at the field where they play? You instantly have a theme and guest list for something you know he’ll have fun doing.

Another great place to have the party is your backyard. A lot of people feel most comfortable in their own element. This could be especially true if you’re having the party after a long work day. Look into some local table and chair rentals so you’ll have room for the guests and put his best friend in charge of grilling the steaks.

If you think your man would enjoy a night out for his party, be sure to check out local venues and book them in advance. You’ll need to know how many people will be there and any special accommodations you might need for your group. Whenever possible, it’s easiest to reserve a private room so that you can bring cake and gifts without getting in the way.

Plan ahead

Most importantly, try not to throw everything together at the last minute. He may not care that it was rushed, but the lack of planning will show. You may end up forgetting to invite some important guests, not be able to book a venue, end up going way over budget with last-minute details, or end up feeling stressed and in a bad mood during the party. Be prepared before the event so everyone can relax and have a good time.

What Having A Dog Can Do For Your Kids

Having a pet is much more than just having something to play with now and then in your home. It’s much more than simply playing fetch, or having an excuse to go for a walk. A pet should be considered an addition to the family, someone you should make real adjustments for, and someone who can complete your family unit top to bottom. If you have kids, bringing in a pet to the home can be a wonderful idea, in different ways. In this article, we’re going to mainly focus on dogs and cats, but some of the considerations explored here can also be applied to smaller, more hutch-friendly animals.
Bringing a pet into your household is more than a mere indulgence. It should be considered an event, something you’re in for the long haul. We would consider the following:

Safety
Of course, we need to get the obvious out of the way first. Purchasing a dog can help keep your kids and household safe. Why? Well, often a bark is good enough to prevent any trespasser from gaining the courage to enter onto your premises. Even a ‘beware of the dog’ sign backed up by the presence of an animal can prevent any ne’er do wells from deciding to take advantage of your household, even when you’re on vacation. Dogs have an intrinsic intuition for foul play, especially when fiercely territorial. Dogs also have sensitive hearing, and so noises that you might miss can potentially be caught by a pet. Just be sure to give them enough free reign around the house at night that they can detect these issues, but only if they’re potty trained.
Good training is a must if purchasing a dog for this reason. They must know the difference between playing and real fighting, and also know the difference between those with bad intentions on your property, or the postman and milkman.

Comfort

Children can feel comfortable around pets, but only if you bring them around the household to begin with. A fear of dogs is not that uncommon, and it’s usually spawned in those who didn’t have the good fortunate to interact with a pet like this during their childhood. Unfortunately, it’s not hard to see why this might be upsetting for someone. Dogs can be wild bundles of energy.

If you hope for your children to not only feel comfortable around these pets, but to also potentially raise their own one day, it might be worth introducing one into the household now. You needn’t purchase the largest and most high-maintenance of dogs, but it can certainly be worth it to ensure your children know how to interact with them, and are able to form a bond.

Bonding

Bonding with a dog is quite unlike anything else. You know when you’ve done it. You know when an animal loves you, and when you share that mutual sense of comfort with one another. If nothing else, this is tremendously healthy for both pet and child to form this bond. Your child will likely cherish the memories of this pet for some time, perhaps even picking up the same breed later on in life. There might not be any grand design in having your child bond with a pet other than the comforting and rewarding enjoyment they get from this. To us, that’s more than reason enough to consider a pet, provided your household is supported to do so.

Understanding

While we haven’t any research to prove this, it’s almost blinding common sense to think that those who abuse animals likely didn’t grow up in a healthy relationship with them during childhood. Of course, this might not be true, nor does it mean that in a household without any pets does a child become a psychopath unfit to take care of their own pets some day.

However, having a pet around the house can surely embed an understanding in your child of how they are to be treated, and what differentiates a good pet owner from a bad one. For example, following this pet safety guide is sure to curate a household conducive to holding pets, and your child is sure to replicate that, contribute to your current household, or generally become responsible through caring for your current pet.

Friendship

Anyone who decries the fact that a friendship can be formed with a dog simply hasn’t become close to one. That’s it. Dog’s are known as man’s best friend for a reason, and they should be regarded as such. That is to say that a pet is often as good as their owner, so if you ensure that your pet is well groomed, well trained and well loved, you and your children will have a friend and family member for the rest of his or her lifetime. This, in itself, is extremely nurturing for all around. You might have mini-familial fallouts with certain siblings, or your children might do the same, but you can be sure that everyone in that family unit will have nothing but unconditional love for that dog. To us, that’s a special thing.

Organization

Pets require maintenance. They require care. One pet might require more or less than another, and it might be that you’re not the most organized person in the world, but you can be certain that your pets can help you become one. This is the perfect vehicle to teach discipline, reliability and care as values in your children. For example, asking your children to help walk the dog, or to pick up the messes in the garden, or to clean their bed, or to feed them regularly and keep the water levels topped up can ensure that the pets are well looked after and catered for, and that your child learns the vital responsibility of caring for something beyond themselves. This can be a much more evocative means of discipline for them, because household chores are important, but aren’t perhaps as easy to do with passion as looking after the household dog. This might not be the main reason you purchase a dog for your children, but it could be one of them.

With these tips, you’ll likely have your priorities calibrated when introducing your dog to the household.