Holiday News on Huffington Posttag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2011:/tag/holiday-newsHuffington PostWednesday Martin: The Holidays: How Stepfamilies Can Be Happierhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wednesday-martin/the-holidays-how-stepfami_b_358572.htmlWednesday Martinhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wednesday-martin/
Stepfamilies often experience extraordinary stress as the holidays--with their pressure cooker of "family" expectations--get underway. While they now outnumber first families in the U.S., many stepfamily members report feeling second-best or somehow deficient when our thoughts turn to turkey, yultide, and latkahs. This is due in large part to so many of us unrealistically expecting stepfamilies to be just like first families--super close, ultra-cohesive, and happy, happy, happy. <br />
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Sure, plenty of stepfamilies are doing just fine. But knowing that even first family life isn't one Hallmark moment after another can take some of the pressure off, and allow stepfamilies to enjoy their holiday time together more. So can letting go of the Three Big Myths of Stepfamily Life that I explode in my book Stepmonster:<br />
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<em><strong>Myth #1:</strong> Stepfamilies should look, feel and act just like first families.</em> <br />
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Wrong! Stepfamilies are comprised of two linked households, usually have an ex in the picture, and bond best one-on-one versus as a large group. They also bring together different family traditions and histories. One family I interviewed put up two Christmas trees every year, because the kids from each previous marriage wanted to hew to their own ways. And that's okay. Respecting those differences can help everyone enjoy their relationships for what they are, and come together in their own way down the line. That can take plenty of time. So don't even listen to those who don't get it and say things like, "Why aren't his kids coming for the holidays?!"<br />
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<em><strong>Myth #2:</strong> If you're not blended, you've blown it.</em> <br />
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Let this one go--stat--to save your holiday spirit and your sanity. Stepfamilies come together in their own ways, and in their own time--stepfamily expert Patricia Papernow says it can take four to 12 years! Particularly at holiday time, stepkids of any age may feel their loyalty binds more acutely ("If I'm nice to stepdad, daddy will feel upset," or "Dad's remarried but mom's not so I should spend the whole holiday with just her"). And sometimes in spite of a stepparent's best efforts, a stepchild may keep his or her distance, particularly taking a "stand" at holiday time. If you don't expect your stepfamily to resemble an eggnog smoothie during the holidays, you'll spare yourself and your marriage a lot of aggravation.<br />
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<em><strong>Myth #3:</strong> Visiting kids should be treated like royalty when they show up. Make the holiday all about them.</em> <br />
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Skip the prince or princess routine with stepchildren of any age, experts and stepkids alike told me. Whether they're five or 50, what kids want post divorce and remarriage is a sense of belonging. And they don't get that if you turn your life upside down to accommodate and entertain them, as if your living room is Disney World or you are the owner of a five-star restaurant. Give the parents some time alone with their kids, and then do the things you do every day and every holiday, inviting the kids to join in. Let older and adult stepkids help out with holiday meal preparation, serving and clean-up (little ones can make placecards or holiday art for guests). Doing something constructive helps kids of any age feel useful, not awkward or like guests. And the stepparent won't feel as depleted or de-centered by their visit, either. If you need a little alone time--as a stepparent, or as a couple--let the guilt go, and have faith that this won't damage them forever. Far from it. It will actually rejuvenate both members of the couple for more family time, and give the kids a little respite from all the pressures of relating, too--something we could all use during the holidays!<br />
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<strong>Holiday tips for stepfamilies:</strong><br />
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<ul><li>Choose side by side activities. Puzzles, stringing popcorn, baking, and watching a holiday movie all let you spend time together without relating "head on."</li><br />
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<li>Know your limits. Don't do or give in a way that will increase your resentment. If your stepkids habitually forget to bring anything for you, or have a history of not writing thank you notes, don't go overboard with extravagant gifts and efforts. Let them be your guide to avoid martyr syndrome ("I do and I do for them!") during and after the holidays.</li><br />
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<li>Strategize ahead of time. Stepfamilies aren't first families. There may be tensions, and they're normal. That means spouses might have to plan out activities and time alone ahead of time. This is not a failure--just a constructive way of adapting.</li><br />
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<li>Remember stepfamily members bond best one-on-one. All-together-now activities can activate stepkids' anxieties about who's an insider and who's an insider. Give parent and stepparent plenty of one-on-one time with kids and stepkids--and with each other.</li></ul><br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/tension-in-stepfamilies">Tension in Stepfamilies</a>, <a href="/tag/wednesday-martin">Wednesday Martin</a>, <a href="/tag/stepfamily-advice">Stepfamily Advice</a>, <a href="/tag/divorce">Divorce</a>, <a href="/tag/tips-for-stepfamilies">Tips for Stepfamilies</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/tag/stepmonster">Stepmonster</a>, <a href="/tag/blended-family">Blended Family</a>, <a href="/tag/stepmother">Stepmother</a>, <a href="/tag/stepchildren">Stepchildren</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="/tag/stepfamily">Stepfamily</a>, <a href="/tag/stepfamily-dynamics">Stepfamily Dynamics</a>, <a href="/tag/step-children">Step Children</a>, <a href="/tag/stepfamily-support">Stepfamily Support</a>, <a href="/tag/remarriage">Remarriage</a>, <a href="/tag/step-mother">Step Mother</a>, <a href="/tag/stepfather">Stepfather</a>, <a href="/tag/step-father">Step Father</a>, <a href="/tag/family">Family</a>, <a href="/tag/remarriage-with-children">Remarriage With Children</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>
Leisa Naples: Say No to the Easter Dress: Pass Over Tradition!http://www.huffingtonpost.com/leisa-naples/say-no-to-the-easter-dres_b_518017.htmlLeisa Napleshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/leisa-naples/
<center><img alt="Easter Fashion from Leisa Naples" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2010-03-30-photo_for_leisav2.jpg" width="550" /></center><br />
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<center><strong>A FASHION GUIDE FOR LAST MINUTE EASTER SHOPPING</strong></center><br />
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As a mother of four little fashionistas, I fully understand the pressure of finding the perfect Easter dress. However, I think there is one thing parents overlook when shopping for that perfect outfit for holidays like Easter: Putting together an outfit for your daughter is no different than putting together an outfit for yourself. When we go on a quest for an extraordinary outfit for ourselves, we might look for a new top to go with a skirt we already have. We might look for a stunning piece of jewelry and an eye catching hair accessory to add some glamour. Accessories can make or break an outfit, whether you are five years old or 35. It's all about how you put it together. You can buy the most expensive dress for your little girl at an exclusive boutique, but it doesn't mean that she'll look like a million bucks. <br />
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You don't have to spend a fortune on a dress that she will wear one time. This Easter, think beyond the traditional Easter dress & hat. Think about creating a look for her that captures an invigorating vision of Spring by pairing flowing skirts with delicate tops. Shop smart by looking for fun twirly skirts that she can wear again and again to birthday parties or special outings. Be adventurous this Easter and have fun with your daughter creating her own look. For those who have waited until the final hour to shop for Easter, here are three looks that you can easily create for your little fashionista without spending a lot of time or money.<br />
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1. <em><strong>Pretty in Pink </strong></em>- Girls of all ages love skirts that swing back and forth when they walk and twirl when they turn. To duplicate the first look in the picture, try to find a skirt that has layers of chiffon and lots of movements. A dance leotard is paired with the skirt for a very feminine look. Tops can be problematic as they don't stay tucked in, so leotards are a great choice to give a neat, finished look. Fancy leotards can be found at any dancewear store or even select Target stores. Leotards are very versatile pieces for girls, as they most definitely can be worn outside of dance class. Try to look for a leotard that has a chiffon sleeve or sparkle to it. Your little girl may already have a fancy skirt in her closet that she loves. Add a fancy leotard and voila -- you have a new look! Add a dramatic flowered headband in place of the Easter hat. The headband featured in the picture is from Claire's and was very reasonably priced under $15. If it is a chilly Easter day, don't forget a fashionable shrug. The shrug in the picture is from Children's Place and would look darling over any Easter outfit. Adorned with bows along the sleeves, it can be worn dressy or casual. A must have for this Spring.<br />
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2. <em><strong>Rose Angel </strong></em>- This skirt is a favorite among all of my girls and can actually be found on my <a href="http://www.twinstwicetutus.com" target="_hplink">website</a>. This skirt is a a soft mesh material, very comfortable and light. It has a simple elegance and looks great with a dressy tank or cami. Dressy tanks can be challenging to find, but it is quite simple to design your own. Make sure the tank or cami is fitted, so it portrays a dressier look. You can find small flowers at any craft store and sew them around the neckline of any tank or cami. You can even find small flowers with rhinestones in the center for some added bling! If you find a plain tank that fits well, you can dress it up for Easter by adding a layered crystal necklace. When you are shopping for jewelry for young children under age five, look for lead free jewelry. It will usually indicate if it is lead free on the packaging. If it does not say, it most likely contains lead. More and more companies are making safer jewelry for children. The headband in the picture is the Glam Headband and can be found at Nordstrom in the women's section. Yes - the woman's section. Many adult headbands fit children. There is nothing wrong with buying a headband you like and sharing it with your daughter. After all, she will be raiding your closet for the next 15 years!<br />
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3. <em><strong>Pretty in Periwinkle</strong></em> - Some of the best skirts can actually be found at your local dance store as they carry costumes and fancier tutus. The third look in the picture is a tutu skirt. The key to avoiding a major fashion faux pas when wearing a tutu for a special occasion is to make sure you can't see through it. You want to shop for a tutu that has several layers and has a satin lining underneath, so it takes on the look of a fancy skirt. Also make sure to look for the longer tutus. The short practice tutus will have people thinking your daughter just stepped off the stage, which is what you don't want. Look for tulle skirts with soft shimmery tulle rather than the stiff tulle that looks like a net. Tulle skirts look fabulous with a simple lace trimmed tank. The tank featured in picture #3 is from Justice for Girls. It has a nice slim fit and looks great with any fancy skirt.<br />
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Of course we can't forget our four legged friends this Easter. Your puppy will stop traffic in pink satin bunny ears that can be found at any craft or fabric store. Bunny ears featured in this picture are from Target.<br />
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Reinvent a new Easter look this year with your children. You will be surprised how the spontaneous choices of your child during one shopping spree can inspire you to become more creative with your own wardrobe!<br />
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/easter">Easter</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-shopping">Holiday Shopping</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-fashion-season">Holiday Fashion Season</a>, <a href="/tag/children">Children</a>, <a href="/tag/easter-fashion">Easter Fashion</a>, <a href="/tag/tips-for-holiday-season">Tips for Holiday Season</a>, <a href="/tag/preparing-for-the-holiday-season">Preparing for the Holiday Season</a>, <a href="/tag/easter-sunday">Easter Sunday</a>, <a href="/tag/dresses">Dresses</a>, <a href="/tag/fashion">Fashion</a>, <a href="/tag/fashionapparel">Fashion/Apparel</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/fashion-trends">Fashion Trends</a>, <a href="/tag/leisa-naples">Leisa Naples</a>, <a href="/style">Style News</a></p>
Cyber Monday 2009: Online Retailers Prep For Christmas Shopping Clickshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/cyber-monday-2009-online-_n_367310.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
With Christmas approaching, online retailers are readying for what has become known as "cyber Monday", the busiest internet shopping day of the year that commonly falls on the first Monday of December. On cyber Monday last year, 8 December, Amazon claims that 1.4m items were ordered from its UK site, over 16-items per second and the most it has ever received in a single 24-hour period.
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/when-is-cyber-monday-2009">When Is Cyber Monday 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/cyber-monday">Cyber Monday</a>, <a href="/tag/cyber">Cyber</a>, <a href="/tag/cyber-monday-christmas">Cyber Monday Christmas</a>, <a href="/tag/what-is-cyber-monday">What Is Cyber Monday</a>, <a href="/tag/cybermonday">Cybermonday</a>, <a href="/tag/cyber-monday-2009">Cyber Monday 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/technology">Technology News</a></p>
Colorado Boy Scouts gather cards for military membershttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2009/11/22/colorado-boy-scouts-gathe_ws_366862.htmlGJ Free Presshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/gj-free-press/
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<div id='story'>PARKER, Colo. (AP) - A Colorado Boy Scout troop is sorting more than 5,000 holiday cards that will be delivered to active-duty military personnel and veterans around the world.<br><br />
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Sean Lafrance of Parker is spearheading the campaign as part of his Eagle Scout leadership project. He and other members</div><br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/parkercolorado">Parker-Colorado</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>
Inez Moore Tenenbaum: Keeping Our Children Safe this Holiday Seasonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/inez-moore-tenenbaum/keeping-our-children-safe_b_365516.htmlInez Moore Tenenbaumhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/inez-moore-tenenbaum/
It's that time of year again. The holidays are fast approaching, and families across America are starting their shopping. <br />
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As any parent or grandparent knows, there are few greater rewards than seeing the smile spread across a child's face as they open the perfect present. But we also know how quickly that great joy can devolve into our greatest fear if the appropriate attention isn't paid to safety. <br />
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Fortunately, this year, you can shop for your child or grandchild with more confidence than ever before. That's because there are new rules on your side and the side of America's children -- and because we here at the Consumer Product Safety Commission are working tirelessly to protect you. As a result, recalls are being reduced and toys are safer than ever. <br />
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We all remember the lead paint problems involving Thomas the Train and Fisher Price recalls. Well, this year, the legal limits for the amount of lead paint on toys dropped to some of lowest limits in the world. For the first time ever, new federal rules also put strict limits on how much total lead can be in toys and all children's products. And toys now have to be independently tested and certified that they meet the new lead paint limits. <br />
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The new safety rules also put limits on three phthalates -- chemicals that many parents have been concerned about - from being in toys with mouthable parts. And they turned voluntary United States toy standards to mandatory standards, because we know that stronger standards can save lives. <br />
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If you're reading this and wondering exactly what these new rules and regulations mean for you, here's the bottom line: This year, when you walk into a toy store anywhere in America, you can be assured that there are more protections in place for you and your children than ever before. <br />
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For proof, just look at the numbers and see that we're headed in the right direction. So far this year, there have been 38 toy recalls -- down from 162 in 2008 and 148 in 2007. There have been 15 recalls involving lead, down from 63 in 2007 and 85 in 2008. <br />
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Also, rather than recalling a product once it is in the stream of commerce, CPSC is stopping products at the ports. <br />
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Now, I know that even with these new protections, many parents still have concerns about Chinese made products. That's why, as your representative, I've already been to China and Southeast Asia twice in my first four months as Chairman. <br />
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I've spoken to government officials and manufacturers about building safety into children's products and about making products that meet the high standards in the United States. I've reminded them that safety and trade are interwoven. <br />
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Rest assured that the Chinese are taking toy safety seriously. In fact, the Chinese government closed down numerous toy factories after the wave of U.S. recalls, and both CPSC and the Chinese government are educating toy makers about our new rules. <br />
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But even with the extraordinary effort we are making to protect you and your children, it's important to also remember that government can't do it alone. Tragic deaths and injuries still occur each year with riding toys and balloons and batteries and small balls. That's why parents and grandparents need to remain vigilant about toy safety in the home. <br />
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Really make sure you purchase toys that are appropriate for the age of your child. You know your child: get them toys they can play with now. And always be sure to keep younger children away from the toys of older siblings. <br />
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The CPSC has a number of free services to help you stay vigilant and informed about toy recalls and hazards. So go to CPSC.gov to sign for our e-mail alerts, follow us on Twitter, and check out our new OnSafety blog. And remember: CPSC Stands For Safety, especially the safety of your children.
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/toy-recalls">Toy Recalls</a>, <a href="/tag/mattel-recalls">Mattel Recalls</a>, <a href="/tag/product-recalls">Product Recalls</a>, <a href="/tag/china-recalls">China Recalls</a>, <a href="/tag/consumer-protection">Consumer Protection</a>, <a href="/tag/lead-recalls">Lead Recalls</a>, <a href="/tag/china">China</a>, <a href="/tag/holidays">Holidays</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-shopping">Holiday Shopping</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-season">Holiday Season</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/business">Business News</a></p>
Julia Moulden: Top 10 New Radical Giftshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/julia-moulden/top-10-new-radical-gifts_b_365030.htmlJulia Mouldenhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/julia-moulden/
Are you like me -- suddenly realizing that the holidays are only weeks away? And are you totally and completely convinced that you don't want to give the same old, same old this year? Then my favourite New Radical gift ideas might just come in handy. Hopefully you'll find something for the hearts, minds, and souls of the ones you love. (New Radicals are people who are putting the skills they acquired in their careers to work on the world's greatest challenges. For more about the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/julia-moulden/">New Radicals, please see archived articles</a>.) <br />
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<strong>JOY</strong><br />
Let's begin with toys. But not just any toys. The cute and clever ones made by <a href="http://www.owirobots.com">Owi-Robots</a>. Especially the easy-to-assemble 6-in-1 Educational Solar Kit that turns into options like a car, windmill, or puppy. And here's the best part -- because it's solar powered, no batteries are required. Oh, joy!<br />
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<strong>LOVE</strong><br />
Glove Love, to be specific. The folks at <a href="http://www.dothegreenthing.com/shop">dothegreenthing.com</a> -- a UK-based non-profit that inspires people to live greener lives -- have come up with a way to save the world from single, unwanted gloves. You know, the ones that have been separated from their original partners and end up stuffed in the back of the closet. Glove Love pairs these singles up with new partners, and sells them for a fiver. The video -- with narration by <a href="http://www.dothegreenthing.com/content/glove_story">Emma Thompson</a> -- is very funny in a distinctly British way. <br />
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<strong>PEACE</strong><br />
The pundits are full of woe, because everyone's convinced that the Mid-East peace process is doomed to failure yet again. Show your support for peace by buying a CD from the <a href="http://www.peacemusic.dk/">Middle East Peace Orchestra</a>. It's a collaboration between musicians, all connected to the region, who are on tour playing concerts for peace. Their work is deeply moving, and a treasure trove of music from both Arab and Jewish traditions, created by musicians who are Christians, Jews, and Muslims. <br />
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<strong>LIGHT</strong><br />
Whoever said it first got it right, the best gifts are the ones that just keep on giving. <a href="http://www.bringlight.com/">BringLight.com</a> is my choice for an organization that makes donating money smart and simple. First, 100% of donations go directly to charities. Second, rather than giving to a pool, you choose where your money goes (they have an ever-changing list of options). And you can create a Giving Group to multiply the impact of your contributions. So, if your sister really loves horses, you can donate to an equine rescue effort on her behalf. Marriage equality, prenatal care, young musicians, reptile conservation -- there's a cause for everyone on your list.<br />
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<strong>WISDOM</strong><br />
Award-winning photographer Michael Forsberg believes that we can save the Great Plains -- the grasslands that stretch across western North America, second only to the Serengeti in size. His new book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Great-Plains-Americas-Lingering-Wild/dp/0226257258/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258568935&sr=1-2 <br />
">America's Lingering Wild</a>, the most gorgeous coffee table book to come along in years, spells out what's wrong and what we can do. Many of the stories in the book were written by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Buffalo-Broken-Heart-Restoring-Black/dp/037576139X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258719850&sr=8-1">Dan O'Brien</a>, author of a number of books about the region. Dan also raises buffalo in South Dakota, a sustainable (and healthier) alternative to beef, which he sells through his company, <a href="http://www.wildideabuffalo.com/">Wild Idea Buffalo</a>. You can even order a combo -- buffalo steaks and an autographed copy of the book. A feast for all the senses!<br />
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<strong>COMPASSION</strong><br />
It's the new media equivalent of a book you just can't put down. Katerina Cizek was <a href="http://filmmakerinresidence.nfb.ca/">filmmaker-in-residence</a> at an inner-city hospital and has created a powerful collection of multi-platform documentaries that use storytelling to help drive social change (winning every important international award in the process). Watch what happens when young, homeless mothers pick up the cameras. When film animation students and a suicide prevention group come together. What healthcare providers discover as they support community-based care in Africa. The National Film Board has created a box set of the filmmaker-in-residence project. Get one for your kid's school, for your local hospital, your boss, yourself. And then check out the next project Katerina and the NFB have up their sleeves: <a href="http://highrise.nfb.ca">HighRise</a>, a multi-platform, multi-year international project about the future of cities, as seen through the lens of the highrise tower.<br />
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<strong>KINDNESS</strong><br />
Nothing says holiday more than a meal together. I don't know about you, but I think more about my guests and what I'm serving than the table itself. Luckily, Mary Anne Davis of <a href="http://www.davistudio.com/ ">Davis Studio</a> has set me straight -- she sees setting the table as an under-appreciated art form. She talks about the beauty of the table and the relationship between the pieces we choose. Mary Anne is an artist, a potter, and an idealist -- in addition to making gorgeous things, she's made a full commitment to environmental stewardship. Her tableware is durable and timeless. Materials are sourced locally. It's all made in upstate New York. And with the lowest possible footprint. Long been known for her colourful works, Mary Anne has branched into... white! Her new line carries a cheeky name: Naked Dishes. (Oprah's a big fan.)<br />
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<strong>COMFORT</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.icebreaker.com/site/index.html">Icebreaker </a>garments are the Goldilocks of outdoor wear: not too hot, not too cold. I put a cami (the line is made from 100% pure New Zealand wool) through an urban challenge, wearing it under a wrap cotton shirt inside an over-heated office building and on my walk to and from. It performed beautifully, and felt soft and comfortable -- just right, in fact. Icebreaker does more than create great products -- check out their animal welfare policies, ethical manufacturing, design ethos, and corporate culture. And they're fun: every garment comes with a Baacode -- plug the number into Icebreaker's site, and you'll discover which sheep station the wool comes from, and meet the farmers, too. But here's the best part -- unlike synthetic outdoor wear, this stuff doesn't hold body odour. Maybe Saint Nick wears one of these under his suit on that long winter's night?<br />
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<strong>FAITH</strong><br />
Let's just say that I don't believe in sin. Pleasure, yes. Which is why this list has to include something deep, dark, and delicious from <a href="http://www.darksidechocolates.com/index.htm">Dark Side Chocolates</a>. These artisans, far from the madding crowd in British Columbia, offer a carefully selected range of tastes, like Lavender-Vanilla and Tequila-Lime. Should you desire, there are even some readings about why chocolate is good for us. But I ask you, does one even need to think about being chaste at this time of year?<br />
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<strong>HOPE</strong> <br />
Social entrepreneurs have given us lots of reasons for hope. How? By creating new models for business that can be picked up by others around the world. Patty Johnson of the<a href="http://northsouthproject.com/"> North South Project</a> has done this brilliantly. Her company fuses northern design sensibilities with the craftsmanship and traditions of the southern hemisphere (like Botswana, Guyana, India, and Mexico). These are investment pieces or, as I like to think of them, heritage. As in, things you have for a lifetime and pass along to others. Check out the playful (and award-winning) lamp made by the Wai Wai weavers of Guyana. I'm looking for a spot in my home for one... "And one for the shopper" is my motto.<br />
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OK, so these are Julia's top 10 picks for the season. But no reason to go all Kanye West on me -- if there's something you think should be on this list, please share your favourites by commenting below. And let the festivities begin!<br />
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<a href="http://speakers.ca/moulden_julia.aspx">Julia Moulden</a> is on tour, talking about the New Radicals. She'd be delighted to hear from you. JULIA (that familiar symbol) wearethenewradicals (dot) (COM).
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holidays">Holidays</a>, <a href="/tag/nfb">Nfb</a>, <a href="/tag/oprah">Oprah</a>, <a href="/tag/kanye-west">Kanye West</a>, <a href="/tag/emma-thompson">Emma Thompson</a>, <a href="/tag/careers">Careers</a>, <a href="/tag/north-south-project">North South Project</a>, <a href="/tag/giving">Giving</a>, <a href="/tag/gifts">Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/love">Love</a>, <a href="/tag/peace">Peace</a>, <a href="/tag/joy">Joy</a>, <a href="/tag/the-giving-life">The Giving Life</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>
Multitasking Gift Wrap Benefits Many This Holiday Seasonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/multitasking-gift-wrap-be_n_364127.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
There's nothing more annoying than watching someone open a holiday present really slowly to avoid ruining the paper its wrapped in. That's one reason to be all for <a href="http://earthpresents.com/">Earth Presents</a> wrapping paper, which is not only 100 percent recycled and recyclable, but also benefits children with special needs. <br />
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<a href="http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/gorgeous-ecofriendly-wrapping-paper.html">Planet Green reports</a> the super earth-friendly gift wrap and tags are designed by students at WVSA Arts Connection, <blockquote>"a nonprofit organization serving Washington, DC area children and youth with special needs, special skills, and special talents. Having their art featured on an actual product is a big boost. And Earth Presents contributes to School of Arts in Learning (SAIL) - part of WVSA - by donating paper to the school to sell and allowing it to keep all the profits, along with 5% of the proceeds from the sale of the products derived from the students' artwork."</blockquote><br />
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So many good things rolled into one sheet of paper that you can rip open your gifts in peace: All that wrapping is going to several good causes. <br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/gift-wrap">Gift Wrap</a>, <a href="/tag/eco-friendly">Eco Friendly</a>, <a href="/tag/green-wrapping-paper">Green Wrapping Paper</a>, <a href="/tag/wrapping-paper">Wrapping Paper</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-season">Holiday Season</a>, <a href="/tag/earth-presents">Earth Presents</a>, <a href="/tag/children-with-special-needs">Children With Special Needs</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/impact">Impact News</a></p>
Dan Brown, Mitch Albom, Bestselling Authors Pick Books To Givehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/15/dan-brown-mitch-albom-bes_n_392695.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
Bestselling authors recommend their favorite books: Dan Brown, Jeff Kinney, Mitch Albom and more tell us which books--non-fiction, novels, cookbooks, children's books--they're giving to loved ones for the holidays. <br />
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Are there any you would add? Let us know in the comments section below. </strong><br />
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Michael Bialas: No Grinch will ruin Carrie Underwood's Holiday http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-bialas/no-grinch-will-ruin-carri_b_360223.htmlMichael Bialashttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-bialas/
The <a href="http://www.fox.com/">Fox network</a> is wishing you -- the home television viewer -- a very Carrie Christmas. And they're gift-wrapping two hours of entertainment in a special package titled <i><a href="http://www.carrieunderwoodofficial.com/">Carrie Underwood</a>: An All-Star Holiday Special</i> that will air December 7 (8-10 p.m. ET/PT).<br />
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Of course, Fox, the network that brings you <i>American Idol</i>, has the gift that keeps on giving with Underwood. The country vixen from Checotah, Oklahoma, who broke through to national fame by winning the fourth season of <i>A.I.</i>, has reason to be in the holiday spirit. <br />
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<img style="float:left;margin:8px" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2703/4112046516_6d6ce64332_o.jpg" width="200" height="198" alt="playon" >Her third album, <i>Play On</i>, was released November 3 (19 Recordings/<a href="http://www.aristanashville.com/">Arista Nashville</a>) and debuted at No. 1 on the <a href="http://www.billboard.com/#/">Billboard</a> 200, and she's making all the talk show rounds this week, from <a href="http://www.tonightshowwithconanobrien.com/">Conan O'Brien</a> on Monday to <a href="http://ellen.warnerbros.com/">Ellen Degeneres</a> (Wednesday) and <a href="http://abc.go.com/shows/jimmy-kimmel-live">Jimmy Kimmel</a> (Thursday). <br />
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Last week, she completed her second straight stint co-hosting the <a href="http://www.cmaawards.com/">Country Music Association Awards</a> show with <a href="http://bradpaisley.musiccitynetworks.com/index.htm?id=14357">Brad Paisley</a>, performing "Cowboy Casanova" in hot pants (one of her 10 costume changes), cracking jokes, and taking a not-so-subtle shot at Taylor Swift nemesis Kanye West ("Brad's idea," Underwood said on <i>The Tonight Show</i>). <br />
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If only those Grinches disguised as tabloid gossips weren't around to spill the eggnog. Underwood, during a Monday conference call to promote her special, took time to set the record straight when asked about the ending of the very entertaining CMAs last week. <br />
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"I just want to say that was really hurtful," Underwood said of tabloid reports and Internet gossip that she was miffed with Swift's runaway success that night and interrupted Paisley's closing comments in order to turn the spotlight back on herself. "My brain would never operate that way at all. I have so much respect for every single person that is in that room. Whether they're, I mean 'cause most of the people there are in the music industry. They are part of it. I would never dream of doing anything like that." <br />
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<img style="float:right;margin:8px" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2506/4111279945_3c5881af1c.jpg" width="308" height="500" alt="92996330_10-x600" >Underwood, 26, only received two CMA nominations this year, but had the chance to win Female Vocalist of the Year for the fourth consecutive time. The streak ended as the 19-year-old Swift won en route to sweeping all four categories in which she was nominated, including Entertainer of the Year. She became the first woman since Shania Twain in 1999 to capture the CMA's most prestigious honor. Swift's all-male competition included Underwood's co-host, along with Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Keith Urban.<br />
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At the end of the show, Underwood is seen hugging Swift in the background as Paisley takes center stage to wrap it up. "How 'bout that? Nineteen years old ... Congratulations, Taylor. What a night. I can't even imagine a better ... night than this."<br />
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Still clapping, Underwood returns. When Paisley briefly pauses after the word "better," she jumps in, "And how were we? We were awesome," she says with glee, offering a hearty laugh while the crowd applauds. Paisley ends with "Thank you for coming everybody. God bless you," while Underwood, smiling broadly and waving, adds, "Good night, everybody. Thank you so much. Good night."<br />
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It's hard to believe someone would mistake Underwood for a sore loser after watching that. Yet she witnessed a similarly misguided stance at the CMAs three years ago, when Faith Hill was taken to task for expressing mock anger after losing to Underwood in the female vocalist category.<br />
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Hill even released a statement through her publicist in response to her suddenly harsh critics. "The idea that I would act disrespectful towards a fellow musician is unimaginable to me. For this to become a focus of attention given the talent gathered is utterly ridiculous. Carrie is a talented and deserving female vocalist of the year."<br />
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This time around, it was Underwood who had to defend herself. <br />
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<blockquote>"Like I said, my brain does not work that way ... And it was really, really hurtful to see such a great night and such a great moment be turned into trash ... And it made me sadder for ... I feel like stuff like that kind of takes away anybody's moment more than, I don't know, more than anything else. Because that's turning somebody's great moment into a tabloid headline. And it's sad."</blockquote><br />
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<img style="float:left;margin:4px" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4112046496_a46ab2b8d6_o.jpg" width="432" height="287" alt="Carrie-Underwood-Show-pink" >And it's a shame Underwood felt she needed to address it Monday while closing out an otherwise joyous occasion. After all, her variety special should be worth celebrating. The show will include performances from her new album, along with previous hits and holiday classics. Guest stars include Paisley, <a href="http://www.dollyparton.com/">Dolly Parton</a>, fellow <i>American Idol</i> champion <a href="http://www.davidcookofficial.com/us/home">David Cook</a> and -- for comedic relief -- Kristin Chenoweth and Christina Applegate. (Underwood, middle, performs with Chenoweth, left, and Applegate.)<br />
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Earlier in the call, Underwood was asked about her relationship with Paisley, who performs on his own and with his CMA co-host for the upcoming special, although he couldn't be in Los Angeles for the taping. <img style="float:right;margin:8px" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2665/4111279965_cf8a4c716e_m.jpg" width="240" height="162" alt="Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood" >"Brad and I have a bit of a history together; I got to co-headline a tour with him not too long ago; he's just a great guy ... The more we're around each other, the more we get comfortable with each other. Things just get better and better ... It was a lot of fun co-hosting the CMAs again. I felt like we did a good job. I was really proud of both of us for managing to, I don't know, not cause any major problems (laughing, perhaps not knowing what was yet to come). It was just a lot of fun.<br />
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"From a host standpoint, it makes three hours fly by." <br />
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Underwood said two of her favorite moments on the special were with Parton and Cook. <br />
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Underwood was also happy to say "Hello Dolly" for the first time. Expect what she calls "an impromptu, fun moment," with the fun-loving country legend. <img style="float:left;margin:8px" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2633/4111280051_4169054cca.jpg" width="287" height="432" alt="Carrie-Underwood-Show-Dolly" >"I never met her before this so I was so excited to get to talk to her and obviously get to sing with her. It was a dream come true," Underwood said "... [W]hen Dolly's there, you kind of step out of the spotlight, and let her do her thing because no matter how hard you try, she's going to steal the spotlight. She's great; that's the way it should be." (Parton, left, is shown with a well-endowed Underwood, right.)<br />
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Of Cook, 2008's <i>American Idol</i> winner, she said, "We sing together; the first time we sang together was last year -- was it last year? -- gosh, it seems like a long time ago. At the opening in <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/hollywood-studios/attractions/american-idol/experience/">Disney World</a> of the <i>American Idol</i> attraction. They asked us to sing together and we did and it was like, 'Hey this is really good; this feels really good.' So, we kinda rocked out for a minute. And got to sing together again. It was probably one of my favorite moments in the show because I just love him to death."<br />
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She also continues to hold a special place in her heart for the show, even though it has been more than four years since she defeated Bo Bice for the title. Asked if she still watches, Underwood exclaimed, "Of course. I will always have just the biggest love for <i>American Idol</i> as a participant and as a fan. And now, you know, it's so crazy for me to watch it and think, 'Oh my gosh, I was on that show.' I love the people on it, I love the people working on it, I love to go back and talk to the contestants; and, I mean, I feel ... I vote, too, just like everybody else I sit out there and I vote. So it's great to understand being a fan and being a participant, I get to see both sides."<br />
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Among other recent <i>American Idol</i> performers, Underwood said she enjoys Season eight winner Kris Allen, who's from Conway, Arkansas ("He seemed really genuine and he was kinda from my neck of the woods"), and Danny Gokey ("just the sweetest person"). <br />
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While her iPod includes everything from classic rock groups such as the Rolling Stones and Creedence Clearwater Revival to more eclectic choices, including Ne-Yo and Thousand Foot Krutch ("They're people that deserve more credit than they get"), Underwood also said it's filled with "a lot of other <i>Idols</i>."<br />
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Her <i>Idol</i> worship notwithstanding, Underwood offers firm words of advice to those alums still trying to make it in the music business. "Any contestant that comes off <i>Idol</i> that does well on <i>Idol</i> has to make sure they know what people voted for," said the blond singer who is the best-selling <i>American Idol</i> winner with more than 10 million albums purchased. "I've seen it happen a few times where people are one thing on the show and then they get off the show and try to do something else. And it's really strange because <i>Idol</i> is one of those things that ... they're telling you what they want. People are telling you, 'We love this person as is.' And it's the best testing forum that you can possibly have.<br />
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<blockquote>"So I think it's really important to remember why people voted for you. And, of course, cross your fingers and say a little prayer and hope that people dig what you're doing."</blockquote><br />
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It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas.<br />
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<b>Credits</b><br />
• Photos from <i>Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special</i> by Michael Becker/Fox.<br />
• CMA Awards photos by Rick Diamond/Getty Images.
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/county-music-association">County Music Association</a>, <a href="/tag/david-cook">David Cook</a>, <a href="/tag/kanye-west">Kanye West</a>, <a href="/tag/keith-urban">Keith Urban</a>, <a href="/tag/george-strait">George Strait</a>, <a href="/tag/fox">Fox</a>, <a href="/tag/carrie-underwood">Carrie Underwood</a>, <a href="/tag/dolly-parton">Dolly Parton</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-special">Christmas Special</a>, <a href="/tag/nashville">Nashville</a>, <a href="/tag/taylor-swift">Taylor Swift</a>, <a href="/tag/kenny-chesney">Kenny Chesney</a>, <a href="/tag/cma-awards">CMA Awards</a>, <a href="/tag/american-idol">American Idol</a>, <a href="/tag/rolling-stones">Rolling Stones</a>, <a href="/tag/country-music">Country Music</a>, <a href="/tag/brad-paisley">Brad Paisley</a>, <a href="/tag/conan-obrien">Conan O'Brien</a>, <a href="/tag/ellen-degeneres">Ellen Degeneres</a>, <a href="/tag/jimmy-kimmel">Jimmy Kimmel</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/entertainment">Entertainment News</a></p>
Black Friday Is This Week: Start Making Your Shopping Plans Todayhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/black-friday-deals-the-be_n_365430.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
Black Friday deals are coming early in 2009.<br />
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Partially due to the desperation of <a href= http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/28/business/28doorbusters.html?_r=1>struggling retailers</a>, the holiday shopping season kicked off a bit early this year, with a number of stores announcing major sales before the Black Friday discount frenzy that falls on November 27. <br />
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Major retailers, including Toys "R" Us, Walmart, Kmart and Sears are holding pre-Black Friday deals and promotions on their websites, so with the big day fast approaching, it may be time to start thinking about your shopping strategy for the holidays. <br />
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Here is a breakdown of what a few major retailers are offering. To do some research on your own, browse any number of the Black Friday specialty websites <a href= http://bfads.net/>here</a>, <a href= http://www.black-friday.net/>here</a> and <a href= http://www.theblackfriday.com/>here</a>. <br />
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<a href= http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aEfbyXYEsM1I>Bloomberg reports</a> that Kohl's will allow customers to start making Black Friday shopping lists at <a href= http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/homepage.jsp>Kohls.com</a> starting November 22. Keep an eye out for other retailers to follow suit. Toys "R" Us will open at midnight on the 27th, five hours earlier than in years past, <i>The Baltimore Sun</i> <a href= http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/consuminginterests/blog/2009/11/best_buy_toys_r_us_kohls_annou.html>reports</a>, and other retailers will open in the wee hours. <br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/walmart">Walmart</a>, <a href="/tag/sears">Sears</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-shopping">Holiday Shopping</a>, <a href="/tag/kohls-black-friday-2009">Kohls Black Friday 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/best-black-friday-deals">Best Black Friday Deals</a>, <a href="/tag/staples">Staples</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/tag/slidepoll">Slidepoll</a>, <a href="/tag/target">Target</a>, <a href="/tag/toys-r-us">Toys R Us</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-sales-2009">Black Friday Sales 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-specials-2009">Black Friday Specials 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-2009">Black Friday 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-deals-2009">Black Friday Deals 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/kmart">Kmart</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday">Black Friday</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-deals">Black Friday Deals</a>, <a href="/tag/best-black-friday-deals-2009">Best Black Friday Deals 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/slideshow">Slideshow</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-shopping">Christmas Shopping</a>, <a href="/business">Business News</a></p>
Snood: Will The Scarf Plus Hood Save Christmas?http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/09/snood-will-the-scarf-plus_n_350677.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
The trend emerged on the Fall 2009 runways of designers like Missoni (knit snoods) and Burberry (plaid snoods) and also made an appearance in the commercial collections of Donna Karan and Yves Saint Laurent. Now it's gone mainstream, with retailers ranging from American Apparel to Zara getting behind the loopy style with snoods of varying lengths and monikers. The British version of GQ magazine's Web site recently posted a "Guide to Snoods," suggesting wearers try it "over a chunky knit or tailored jacket."
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holiday">Holiday</a>, <a href="/tag/fashion">Fashion</a>, <a href="/tag/scarf-hood">Scarf Hood</a>, <a href="/tag/circle-scarf">Circle Scarf</a>, <a href="/tag/snood">Snood</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/style">Style News</a></p>
Teresa Rodriguez Williamson: Top 8 Items To Make Your Travels Easier, Safer & Healthierhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/teresa-rodriguez-williamson/top-8-items-to-make-your_b_364678.htmlTeresa Rodriguez Williamsonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/teresa-rodriguez-williamson/
I just got back from a grueling trip to Europe. After thousands of miles of travel, I have found some great items that have really helped me out. They have kept me safe, sane, healthy, and fresh. All of these items are super easy to use . Here is a list of my "Great Eight" from this adventure: <br />
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1. <a href="http://www.theracktrap.com">The Rack Trap:</a> This darling little pocket is the perfect little piece of equipment for women on the road. It acts like a smooth wallet that slips right up against your bosom. No way you are going to get pick pocketed wearing this number. <br />
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2. <a href="http://ChicBuds:">ChicBuds:</a> These cute ear phones are detailed with genuine Swarovski Crystals transforming, what was once simply functional, into ear candy. I am a big fan of the retractable cord and clip. <br />
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3. <a href="http://www.jurlique.com">Jurlique Soothing Mist:</a> A gentle soothing mist, infused with the living energy of rose to calm, tone and soothe. Ideal for rebalancing sensitivity, long plane rides, stinky cabin mates, refreshing hotel linens and stale air. <br />
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4. <a href="http://lafreshgroup.com">La Fresh Travel Towelettes: </a>These are single-use personal wipes that are convenient, lightweight, easy-to-use, and a great alternative to bottles and tubes that often "explode" in luggage/purses causing a great mess. No hassle through security. <br />
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5. <a href="http://www.brookstone.com/nap-travel-flight-kit_6741249_2.html?bkeid=compare|mercent|googlebase|search&mr:trackingCode=A1A45775-E985-DE11-9973-0019B9C2BEFD&mr:referralID=NA">n•a•p® Travel Flight Kit:</a> Brookstone's awesome travel u-pillow, cushioned eye mask are the best that I have found. They use a super cozy material and the inflatable u-pillow and eye mask surround your head, neck and face so you can disappear for the harsh glare of cabin lights. Get your own earplugs though, theirs suck. <br />
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6. <a href="http://www.theflip.com">The FIIP Video Camcorder:</a> This is a super easy camera to use and you can just plug it into your computer to download your videos and charge the camera off the USP port that flips out of the video camera (but, you need to take your computer when you travel though!) <br />
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7. <a href="http://www.emergenc.com">Emergen-C:</a> these small packs of vitamin-C are a great way to keep your immune system strong while traveling. Pop a pack into your bottled water for a whopping 1000 mg of vitamin-C. <br />
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8. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melatonin">Melatonin:</a> Yes, I pronounced circadian rhythm wrong in the video, I had jet lag, darling. One of the best ways I found to stop the treacherous symptoms of jet lag is to get your system back on track with a little bit of help from natural melatonin. It is a natural sleep aid. You don't wake up groggy the next day. I take it on planes. <br />
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/travel-items">Travel Items</a>, <a href="/tag/travel-expert">Travel Expert</a>, <a href="/tag/rack-trap">Rack Trap</a>, <a href="/tag/teresa-rodriguez-williamson">Teresa Rodriguez Williamson</a>, <a href="/tag/la-fresh-travel-towelettes">La Fresh Travel Towelettes</a>, <a href="/tag/chic-buds">Chic Buds</a>, <a href="/tag/jetset-extra">Jetset Extra</a>, <a href="/tag/flip-video">Flip Video</a>, <a href="/tag/travel-tips">Travel Tips</a>, <a href="/tag/air-travel">Air Travel</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-travel">Holiday Travel</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/style">Style News</a></p>
19 Ways To Really Relax This Seasonhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/19/19-ways-to-really-relax-t_n_362416.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
We understand how easy it is to feel not so wonderful at this most wonderful time of the year. That's why we've rounded up these 19 expert-endorsed ways to help you dodge the seasonal blues and stay happy, healthy, and energized.
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holidays">Holidays</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-season">Holiday Season</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/hannukah">Hannukah</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas">Christmas</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>
Lena Tabori: Christmas Gifts 2009: The Most Beautiful Books Of The Yearhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lena-tabori/christmas-gifts-2009-the_b_379412.htmlLena Taborihttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/lena-tabori/
<em>"Here is my secret...what is essential is invisible to the naked eye"</em><br />
--The Little Prince<br />
<br />
I grew up with a Swedish mother and a Hungarian stepfather both of whom had a powerful aesthetic. She was emotional, raw, and dramatic -- she was an actress, after all. He was still, like a stream of water, intellectual, political and funny. I was always in love with art and drama and it is no surprise I became a publisher of visual books. It is equally of no surprise that I am relentlessly interested in what is behind EVERYTHING.<br />
<br />
The idea that people cannot be put in little boxes was validated for me when I was Publicity Director at Abrams almost thirty years ago, touring John Walker (we were publishing The National Gallery book where he had been Director before Carter Brown). His favorite show was "Kojak". He had a passion for wine. He told great jokes. He was a whole person. Astonishing.<br />
And, yet I know categories help when we are trying to make good decisions for someone we love (even ourselves). So, although the books in this piece are never just one thing, I have listed some of the things they are. All are exquisitely made -- designed and produced with passion and creativity. None are boring, nothing to pick up and put down. Each will leave you different than you were before.<br />
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(Scroll down for captions to each choice)<br />
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<center><p style="font-size:large;"><em>Get HuffPost Books On <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Huffington-Post-Books/147444121815"> Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/huffbooks">Twitter!</a></em></p></center><br />
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holidays">Holidays</a>, <a href="/tag/georgia-okeefe">Georgia O'Keefe</a>, <a href="/tag/americans">Americans</a>, <a href="/tag/best-gift-books">Best Gift Books</a>, <a href="/tag/books">Books</a>, <a href="/tag/slidepoll">Slidepoll</a>, <a href="/tag/charles-schulz">Charles Schulz</a>, <a href="/tag/gift-books">Gift Books</a>, <a href="/tag/little-prince">Little Prince</a>, <a href="/tag/van-gogh">Van Gogh</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-gifts-2009">Christmas Gifts 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/jazz-loft-project">Jazz Loft Project</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-gifts">Holiday Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/peanuts">Peanuts</a>, <a href="/tag/inside-the-painters-studio">Inside the Painter's Studio</a>, <a href="/tag/ken-burns">Ken Burns</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-gifts">Christmas Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas">Christmas</a>, <a href="/tag/slow-life-in-a-tuscan-town">Slow Life in a Tuscan Town</a>, <a href="/tag/batman-vault">Batman Vault</a>, <a href="/tag/national-parks">National Parks</a>, <a href="/books">Books News</a></p>
Jesse Kornbluth: Holidays '09: Ten Books I'll Bet No One Else Will Suggesthttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/jesse-kornbluth/holidays-09-ten-books-ill_b_373047.htmlJesse Kornbluthhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/jesse-kornbluth/
Come now the holidays, and -- if we can stop thinking about the bad news that surrounds us -- maybe we can make these few weeks an island of caring and kindness. In another universe, we might express those tender feelings directly, but that feels so icky to most of us that we'd rather limit emotion to the small card scotch-taped to a gift. In that case, let's buy gifts that matter.<br />
<br />
Books matter. Not most of the books on the bestseller list -- they're <em>product</em>, carefully calculated to build franchises for writers capable of cranking out a new book every year. Those books are just fine. Okay, they're fine for <em>someone</em>. But not for <em>you</em>. And not for the people you care about.<br />
<br />
The whole and entire point of <a href="http://www.HeadButler.com">HeadButler.com</a> is to identify books you won't hear about in every Conde Nast magazine and online gift guide. Then it's to explain those books so you can buy them with some confidence they're what you want. And, finally, it's to hope that my recommendations hit the target, and that the recipients are delighted with their gift and with you, that you are pleased as punch with yourself, and that, somewhere in that process, the name of HeadButler.com is mentioned and that I get the gift not only of gratitude but a growing readership. (Hey, a boy can dream, can't he?)<br />
<br />
One great advantage to this list: I don't have to limit myself to 2009. Why? Because almost everything ever published is available on Amazon. Or, if you prefer, at an independent bookstore. <br />
<strong><br />
<a href=" http://www.headbutler.com/books/biography/fabulous-sylvester">The Fabulous Sylvester</a></strong><br />
If you know disco at all, Sylvester James was the singer with the church-bred voice that ranged from a rich baritone to the stratosphere. "(You Make Me Feel) Mighty Real" -- for me, that was the big hit. Talk about propulsion! Anticipation! Heat! It's not the silly lyrics ("And the music's in me/And I feel real hot/Then you kiss me there/And it feels real good") that burn into you, it's Sylvester's gospel refrain -- "Woooh, I feel real, I feel real, I feel real, I feel real." And he was. He was a man and he was a woman, but most of all, he was a lover of an idea: that the world could be a place "where race and gender no longer divide us and we love whom, when and how we want". This biography is complete and compassionate, inspiring and haunting, and it's as good a gift for bigots as it is for those whose ideals of brotherhood include freaks, drag queens, football players and MBAs. <br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/oG2ixYJ79iE&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/oG2ixYJ79iE&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/food-and-wine/canal-house-cooking-volume-1">Canal House Cooking Volume No. 1 </a><br />
<a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/food-and-wine/canal-house-cooking-volume-no-2-0">Canal House Cooking Volume No. 2</a></strong><br />
In a brick studio in Lambertville, New Jersey, two distinguished foodies have launched a self-published series of seasonal cookbooks. Their mantra: "home cooking by home cooks for the home cook." Those words cut through the frou-frou of modern cookery like a spoonful of quince sherbet between courses at dinner. No. 1 is for summer, No. 2 is holiday cooking (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's) and more. Both are simple and straightforward; both are in heavy rotation in our kitchen. <br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/fiction/shining-city">Shining City</a></strong><br />
Seth Greenland's novel was published in 2008, and nothing funnier has crossed my desk since. Consider: A pimp dies -- heart attack, hot tub -- in Los Angeles. He has one asset: a dry cleaning store called Shining City. His brother -- heavily in dent, wife's business failing, his company moving to China -- inherits it. And only then learns it's a front for a prostitution service. Will he and his wife take over the business? Or rather: How much do they think they need to make before they quit? <br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/g0zv1dHSb0c&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/g0zv1dHSb0c&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<strong><br />
<a href=" http://www.headbutler.com/books/fiction/extraordinary-adventures-arsene-lupi">The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsene Lupin</a></strong><br />
Think James Bond, only he's a master thief. Or Cary Grant, stealing jewels on the Riviera, never breaking a sweat or soiling a shirt. That is Arsene Lupin. In the most famous of the Arsene Lupin stories, he breaks into a Baron's residence, takes nothing, but leaves a card for his unwitting host: "Arsene Lupin, gentleman burglar, will return when the furniture is genuine." Have friends and family who are gaga for France? Or who like superheroes - okay: super villains --- who use their smarts for wicked sport? Or who are just plain snobs? This is so for them. <br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/spirituality/pema-chodron">Pema Chodron</a></strong><br />
Deirdre Blomfield-Brown went to the posh Miss Porter's School and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley. She married, moved to New Mexico, became a teacher, had two children. Nothing spectacular occurred to her -- until the day in 1972 when her husband announced that he was having an affair and wanted a divorce. As so often happens in that moment, her life "fell apart...I couldn't feel any ground under my feet. "It was devastating." Pema Chodron may be a Buddhist scholar, but she doesn't talk or write like one. she rarely uses technical terms. She comes across like your smart, no bullshit next-door neighbor.And she pierces all your armor. s there a commercial for Buddhism in these pages? Only a small one --- she doesn't preach. There is a larger one for meditation. It is not, however, the most urgent commercial. That message? Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.<br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/biography/churchill">Churchill </a></strong><br />
Long before Paul Johnson fell in love with Ronald Reagan and Margaret Thatcher, he revered Winston Churchill. Now the distinguished British historian has produced a slim (166-page_ biography of Churchill that casts him as the greatest hero of the 20th century. Your recipient may not agree, but this is undeniable -- this is a great portrait of a real leader. Mere politicians shrink by comparison,<br />
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<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LsKDGM5KTBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LsKDGM5KTBY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
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<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/fiction/queen8217s-gambit">The Queen's Gambit</a></strong><br />
An eight-year-old orphan named Beth Harmon. Who turns out to be the Mozart of chess. Which brings her joy (she wins! people notice her!) and misery (she's alone and unloved and incapable of asking for help). So she gets addicted to pills. She drinks. She loses. And then, as 17-year-old Beth starts pulling herself together, she must face the biggest challenge of all -- a match with the world champion, a Russian of scary brilliance. You think: This is thrilling? You think: chess? You think: Must be an "arty" novel, full of interior scenes. Wrong. All wrong. "The Queen's Gambit" is "Rocky" -- and you don't have to know anything about chess to love this book. And love Beth Harmon.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/non-fiction/really-short-history-nearly-everything">A Really Short History of Nearly Everything</a> </strong><br />
Bill Bryson, a writer who makes reading the most fun you can think of with your clothes on, has done me -- and you, and every curious kid burdened by a dull textbook or a brain-dead science teacher -- a huge favor. He's taken the greatest hits of his Big Book on the history of the world, trimmed the history so the text is mostly stories, and added illustrations that are variously helpful and amusing. The result: a book that a curious 9-year-old can get something out of, a 12-year-old can read like a novel, and an adult can devour, blessing Bryson all the while for explaining the history of life on earth in such reader-friendly prose.<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/memoir/and-there-was-light">And There Was Light</a></strong><br />
Jacques Lusseyran was eight years old. He was totally blind. And he was completely happy. Then the Germans rolled over France. At 17, he decided to organize his friends into a resistance unit. Wisely, they appointed him head of recruiting -- his hearing made him a great judge of character. Later he and his friends started an underground newspaper; it would become France-Soir, the most important daily newspaper in Paris. And that's just the start of an amazing story of courage and grace. <br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.headbutler.com/books/poetry/sharon-olds">Sharon Olds</a></strong><br />
Parents, lovers/husbands, children. Sharon Olds deals mostly -- I could almost say: deals only -- with the big topics. At least, the big topics if you have parents, husbands/lovers and kids. And she deals with them so directly, so bluntly, that it may come as a surprise to those who do not know her writing that she is a poet, and, for my money, the best we have. Like this:<br />
<br />
I could not tell I had jumped off that bus,<br />
that bus in motion, with my child in my arms,<br />
because I did not know it. I believed my own story:<br />
I had fallen, or the bus had started up<br />
when I had one foot in the air.<br />
I would not remember the tightening of my jaw,<br />
the irk that I'd missed my stop, the step out<br />
into the air, the clear child<br />
gazing about her in the air as I plunged<br />
to one knee on the street, scraped it, twisted it,<br />
the bus skidding to a stop, the driver<br />
jumping out, my daughter laughing<br />
Do it again.<br />
I have never done it<br />
again, I have been very careful.<br />
I have kept an eye on that nice young mother<br />
who lightly leapt<br />
off the moving vehicle<br />
onto the stopped street, her life<br />
in her hands, her life's life in her hands.<br />
<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3NwMFmGTtQ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3NwMFmGTtQ4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
For my list of 10 MUSIC CDs that others aren't likely to suggest, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jesse-kornbluth/holidays-09-ten-music-cds_b_373533.html">click here. </a><br />
<br />
For my list of ten THINGS that others aren't likely to suggest, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jesse-kornbluth/holidays-09-ten-things-to_b_374130.html">click here. </a><br />
<br />
[Cross-posted from <a href="http://www.HeadButler.com">HeadButler.com</a>]<br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/bill-bryson">Bill Bryson</a>, <a href="/tag/pema-chodron">Pema Chodron</a>, <a href="/tag/arsene-lupin">Arsene Lupin</a>, <a href="/tag/winston-churchill">Winston Churchill</a>, <a href="/tag/walter-tevis">Walter Tevis</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-books">Holiday Books</a>, <a href="/tag/jacques-lusseyran">Jacques Lusseyran</a>, <a href="/tag/sharon-olds">Sharon Olds</a>, <a href="/tag/sylvester">Sylvester</a>, <a href="/tag/bestsellers">Bestsellers</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/books">Books News</a></p>
Megan Berry: Top 5 iPhone Apps for Travelinghttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/megan-berry/top-5-iphone-apps-for-tra_b_331293.htmlMegan Berryhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/megan-berry/
Getting ready for holiday travel? Don't forget these apps! Here at <a href="http://www.mobclix.com">Mobclix</a> we tried every travel app out there to put this top list together, but if you think we forgot a great one, nominate it in the comments. <br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/iphone">Iphone</a>, <a href="/tag/slidepoll">Slidepoll</a>, <a href="/tag/travel-apps">Travel Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/iphone-apps">iPhone Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/topiphoneapps">Top-Iphone-Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/hot-iphone-apps">Hot iPhone Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/iphone-app-maps-track">Iphone App Maps Track</a>, <a href="/tag/best-apps-for-travelling">Best Apps for Travelling</a>, <a href="/tag/top-rated-iphone-apps">Top Rated Iphone Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/best-iphone-apps">Best Iphone Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/best-iphone-app">Best Iphone App</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/technology">Technology News</a></p>
TV Retailer QVC Joins 'Black Friday' Frenzyhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/22/qvc-black-friday-deals-fu_n_366941.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
NEW YORK — Television retailer QVC has made aggressive plans to keep shoppers watching – instead of mall-hopping – on Black Friday, an event it has traditionally ignored.<br />
<br />
The leading network for TV shoppers promises special deals and a healthy dose of new items for sale starting on Thanksgiving night. Program host Dave James plans to stay awake for 28 hours of telethon-like coverage.
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/qvc-black-friday">Qvc Black Friday</a>, <a href="/tag/qvc">Qvc</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-qvc">Black Friday Qvc</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-gifts">Holiday Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday-deals">Black Friday Deals</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-shopping">Holiday Shopping</a>, <a href="/tag/black-friday">Black Friday</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/business">Business News</a></p>
Christmas Gifts 2009: The Best Children's Picture Books Of The Yearhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/17/christmas-gifts-2009-the_n_394903.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
2009 has been a fantastic year for kids' picture books, and parents, you'll love them as much as your children do. There's something for everyone: from the science lover to the princess-obsessed.<br />
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<em>Thanks to the <a href="http://abookstoreinbrooklyn.blogspot.com/" target="_hplink">Greenlight Bookstore</a> in Brooklyn for offering some suggestions.</em><br />
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<center><p style="font-size:large;"><em>Get HuffPost Books On <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Huffington-Post-Books/147444121815"> Facebook</a> and <a href="http://twitter.com/huffbooks">Twitter!</a></em></p></center>
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/bill-bryson">Bill Bryson</a>, <a href="/tag/moon-theater">Moon Theater</a>, <a href="/tag/yummy-eight-favorite-fairy-tales">Yummy Eight Favorite Fairy Tales</a>, <a href="/tag/books">Books</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-books">Christmas Books</a>, <a href="/tag/lucy-cousins">Lucy Cousins</a>, <a href="/tag/slidepoll">Slidepoll</a>, <a href="/tag/princess-hyacinth">Princess Hyacinth</a>, <a href="/tag/harry-and-horsie">Harry and Horsie</a>, <a href="/tag/the-snow-day">The Snow Day</a>, <a href="/tag/never-smile-at-a-monkey">Never Smile at a Monkey</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-presents">Christmas Presents</a>, <a href="/tag/a-really-short-history-of-nearly-everything">A Really Short History of Nearly Everything</a>, <a href="/tag/childrens-books">Children's Books</a>, <a href="/tag/christmas-gifts">Christmas Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/the-odd-egg">The Odd Egg</a>, <a href="/tag/kids-books">Kids' Books</a>, <a href="/tag/a-penguin-story">A Penguin Story</a>, <a href="/tag/the-curious-garden">The Curious Garden</a>, <a href="/tag/picture-books">Picture Books</a>, <a href="/tag/history-of-everything">History of Everything</a>, <a href="/tag/best-books">Best Books</a>, <a href="/tag/best">Best</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/best-childrens-books">Best Children's Books</a>, <a href="/tag/best-childrens-books-2009">Best Children's Books 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/best-picture-books-2009">Best Picture Books 2009</a>, <a href="/books">Books News</a></p>
7 Books To Give For Hanukkahhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/12/01/7-books-to-give-for-hanuk_n_374537.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
<strong>Jonathan Kirsch</strong><br />
Author and book editor of <a href="www.jewishjournal.com/twelvetwelve"><em>The Jewish Journal </em></a><br />
<br><br />
<br />
It's no accident that November is Jewish Book Month, because the "People of the Book" (as we are dubbed in the Koran) always tend to think of books when Hanukkah arrives in December. As far as I know, nothing in Jewish law or tradition requires that a book given as a Hanukkah gift must be by a Jewish author or on a Jewish topic -- we love a good beach read as much as any earnest member of the Oprah Book Club. My own list is an interfaith effort, and I am giving a few of these books as Christmas presents. All of them, however, embody at least some of the loftier values that Jews and Christians attach to their gift-giving holidays even as we are gorging on latkes or swigging another cup of eggnog, as the case may be.<br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/slidepoll">Slidepoll</a>, <a href="/tag/francine-prose-anne-frank">Francine Prose Anne Frank</a>, <a href="/tag/case-for-god">Case for God</a>, <a href="/tag/holidays">Holidays</a>, <a href="/tag/gift-books">Gift Books</a>, <a href="/tag/literary-bible">Literary Bible</a>, <a href="/tag/r-crumb">R. Crumb</a>, <a href="/tag/drawing-in-the-dust">Drawing in the Dust</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-gifts">Holiday Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/hanukkah-gifts">Hanukkah Gifts</a>, <a href="/tag/elie-wiesel">Elie Wiesel</a>, <a href="/tag/hanukkah">Hanukkah</a>, <a href="/tag/books">Books</a>, <a href="/tag/francine-prose">Francine Prose</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-gift-guide">Holiday Gift Guide</a>, <a href="/tag/anne-frank">Anne Frank</a>, <a href="/tag/judaism">Judaism</a>, <a href="/tag/jewish-books">Jewish Books</a>, <a href="/tag/chanukkah">Chanukkah</a>, <a href="/tag/chanukah">Chanukah</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/karen-armstrong">Karen Armstrong</a>, <a href="/tag/hanukkah-2009">Hanukkah 2009</a>, <a href="/books">Books News</a></p>
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Gets New Routehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/macys-thanksgiving-day-pa_0_n_368072.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
NEW YORK — It won't be just the balloons, marching bands and floats on display in the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. The laws of physics will also be on parade.<br />
<br />
For the first time in its more than 80-year history, the parade route is bypassing Broadway, which cuts a diagonal slice through Manhattan, as it makes its way south from the Upper West Side to the finish at Macy's flagship store in Herald Square.
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-broadway">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Broadway</a>, <a href="/tag/macys">Macy's</a>, <a href="/tag/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2009">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2009</a>, <a href="/tag/holidays">Holidays</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/tag/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-route">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Route</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</a>, <a href="/new-york">New York News</a></p>
Robyn Griggs Lawrence: 8 Ways to Green Your Thanksgiving Celebrationhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/robyn-griggs-lawrence/8-ways-to-green-your-than_b_367518.htmlRobyn Griggs Lawrencehttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/robyn-griggs-lawrence/
<div><br />
<p>The holidays are a time of family, warmth, joy -- and waste. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, <a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspiration/2003-11-01/Stuff--Nonsense.aspx" target="_blank">5 million extra tons of trash</a> are<br />
created each week. It’s easy to reduce your contribution to all that<br />
waste -- and greening your Thanksgiving is a great place to start. Here<br />
are eight ideas to get you on your way.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>1. Buy organic, local produce.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>Support<br />
the local economy and the environment by purchasing organic produce for<br />
your Thanksgiving feast from a local farmers’ market. Better yet,<br />
participate in the <a href="http://www.treehugger.com/files/2006/10/treehugger_100.php" target="_blank">100-mile Thanksgiving Challenge</a>. Make a <a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Health/2006-11-01/Diet-Recipes.aspx" target="_blank">meal</a> for your family and friends using only ingredients sourced within 100 miles of your home.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>2. Eat natural turkey.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>Although <a href="http://www.sustainabletable.org/features/articles/thanksgiving/" target="_blank">turkeys</a> are<br />
native to North America, today’s turkeys have little in common with<br />
their ancestors. More than 99 percent of turkeys raised in the United<br />
States today are broad-breasted white turkeys. This version is renowned<br />
for its large, meaty breast, which has become so big that these turkeys<br />
can’t reproduce on their own and must rely on human intervention to<br />
keep their species alive.</p><br />
<p>Buy a natural turkey this year.<br />
Order your family a certified organic heritage turkey, which is raised<br />
outdoors, eats a varied diet and has a more succulent flavor than<br />
turkeys raised on factory farms. Find a heritage turkey near you using <a href="http://www.localharvest.org/features/heritage-turkeys.jsp" target="_blank">Local Harvest</a>.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>3. Make just enough food.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>Although<br />
Thanksgiving is a holiday renowned for its leftovers, you should still<br />
take extra care not to prepare more food than your family can eat. To<br />
help you plan your Thanksgiving feast, <a href="http://use-less-stuff.com/ULSDAY/42ways.html" target="_blank">Use Less Stuff</a> came up with this list of the amount of food you should make for each person:</p><br />
<p>Turkey – 1 pound<br /><br />
Stuffing, green beans, sweet potatoes – 1/4 pound<br /><br />
Cranberry salad – 3 tablespoons<br /><br />
Pie – 1/8 of a 9-inch pie</p><br />
<p>After<br />
the meal, look at the number of guests versus the amount of leftover<br />
food and evaluate how much food was consumed. Keep track of your<br />
calculations for next year!</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>4. Manage leftovers.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>Divide<br />
up the leftovers between your guests and send them home in reusable<br />
containers. If you have more leftovers than your family can manage,<br />
donate them to a local food bank or homeless shelter.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>5. Clean house with nontoxic, green cleaners.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>If<br />
you’re hosting the Thanksgiving celebration (and therefore must clean<br />
your house beforehand), be sure to use green cleaning products. Natural<br />
homemade cleaners will also get the job done, and most use <a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Green-Cleaners/Eight-Natural-Homemade-Cleaners.aspx" target="_blank">basic ingredients</a> already in your cupboard.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>6. Use reusable dishes and napkins.</strong> <br />
<br />
</p><br />
A<br />
horde of guests and a kitchen full of dirty pots and pans can make it<br />
tempting to set your Thanksgiving table with disposable dishes. Don’t<br />
give in! If you don’t have enough dishes or china for a crowd, pick up<br />
inexpensive used plates, which can be found in thrift stores for $1 or<br />
less. You can set a pretty -- and interesting -- table by selecting<br />
mismatched dishes with similar color themes.<br />
<p>If you must<br />
use disposable dishes, buy biodegradable and compostable dishes and<br />
utensils. Along the same lines, use cloth napkins instead of disposable<br />
ones.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>7. Make your own centerpiece.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>If<br />
there’s still room at your table after all the food and dishes have<br />
been set, create a homemade centerpiece. Avoid store-bought bouquets<br />
and gather items from nature. In most areas of the country, not much is<br />
in bloom, but cutting bare branches or branches with seasonal berries<br />
adds sculptural interest and connects your table to the season. You can<br />
put your hand-picked bouquet in this <a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/2008-03/try-this-all-wrapped-up.aspx" target="_blank">60-second vase</a> or this <a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/homemade-home-decor/vivified-vase.aspx" target="_blank">wood chip vase</a>.</p><br />
<p><br />
<strong>8. Drink organic wine.</strong><br />
</p><br />
<p>If wine is part of your Thanksgiving feast, buy organic. Check out <em>Natural Home</em>’s <a href="http://www.naturalhomemagazine.com/Inspiration/2005-09-01/Understanding-Organic-Wine-Labels.aspx" target="_blank">guide to organic wine</a> to get started.</p><br />
</div>
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-commentary">Thanksgiving Commentary</a>, <a href="/tag/local-harvest">Local Harvest</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-leftovers">Thanksgiving Leftovers</a>, <a href="/tag/100mile-thanksgiving-challenge">100-Mile Thanksgiving Challenge</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-traditions">Thanksgiving Traditions</a>, <a href="/tag/organic-wine">Organic Wine</a>, <a href="/tag/natural-turkey">Natural Turkey</a>, <a href="/tag/green-your-thanksgiving">Green Your Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/tag/local-produce">Local Produce</a>, <a href="/tag/farmers-market">Farmer's Market</a>, <a href="/tag/reusable-containers">Reusable Containers</a>, <a href="/tag/recycle">Recycle</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-turkey">Thanksgiving Turkey</a>, <a href="/tag/reusable-napkins">Reusable Napkins</a>, <a href="/tag/use-less-stuff">Use Less Stuff</a>, <a href="/tag/trash">Trash</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-tips">Thanksgiving Tips</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-preparations">Holiday Preparations</a>, <a href="/tag/reusable-dishes">Reusable Dishes</a>, <a href="/tag/green-cleaners">Green Cleaners</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-recipes">Thanksgiving Recipes</a>, <a href="/tag/local-farmers-market">Local Farmer's Market</a>, <a href="/tag/landfill">Landfill</a>, <a href="/tag/organic-turkey">Organic Turkey</a>, <a href="/tag/nontoxic-cleaning-products">Nontoxic Cleaning Products</a>, <a href="/tag/compostable-dishes">Compostable Dishes</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-holiday">Thanksgiving Holiday</a>, <a href="/tag/biodegradable-dishes">Biodegradable Dishes</a>, <a href="/tag/heritage-turkey">Heritage Turkey</a>, <a href="/tag/green-cleaning-products">Green Cleaning Products</a>, <a href="/tag/nontoxic-cleaners">Nontoxic Cleaners</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-dinner">Thanksgiving Dinner</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/green">Green News</a></p>
The Dirty Dancing Marathon: A New Christmas Traditionhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2009/11/22/the-dirty-dancing-maratho_ws_366915.htmlNYMaghttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/nymag/
<p>This is a wise decision.</p>
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>
Thanksgiving Apps: Best iPhone Apps For The Holiday (PHOTOS)http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/22/thanksgiving-activities-a_n_366032.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
Thanksgiving may be all about tradition, but that doesn't mean the holiday can't get a little update now and then, especially when it comes to new tech tools that can make the day more fun, less stressful, and even more delicious.<br />
<br />
Looking for Thanksgiving recipes? Desperate for ways to entertain relatives? Eager to embrace the holiday spirit? <br />
<br />
This lineup of the best Thanksgiving iPhone apps has it all, from instant e-cards, to a personal Thanksgiving day shopper, and even an organizer for Black Friday Sales.<br />
<br />
Check out these Thanksgiving apps in the slideshow below!<br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-turkey">Thanksgiving Turkey</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-iphone-apps">Thanksgiving Iphone Apps</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-activities">THanksgiving Activities</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-cooking">Thanksgiving Cooking</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-games">Thanksgiving Games</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-recipes">Thanksgiving Recipes</a>, <a href="/tag/slidepoll">Slidepoll</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/technology">Technology News</a></p>
Thanksgiving Quotes: 15 Best, Most Famous Thanksgiving Day Sayingshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/23/thanksgiving-quotes-15-be_n_367559.htmlThe Huffington Post News Teamhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-news/
Thanksgiving Day is an American tradition. Like any holiday in the United States, it has been commemorated and remembered in a number of ways through the years.<br />
<br />
Here's a compilation of some of the best, most famous quotes related to Thanksgiving, from some of America's most well-known citizens as well as lesser-known citizens who had a way with words:<br />
<br />
"The unthankful heart... discovers no mercies; but let the thankful heart sweep through the day and, as the magnet finds the iron, so it will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessings!" -Henry Ward Beecher<br />
<br />
"Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence." -Erma Bombeck<br />
<br />
"Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action." - W.J. Cameron<br />
<br />
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice." -Meister Eckhart<br />
<br />
"For flowers that bloom about our feet;<br />
For tender grass, so fresh, so sweet;<br />
For song of bird, and hum of bee;<br />
For all things fair we hear or see,<br />
Father in heaven, we thank Thee!" -Ralph Waldo Emerson<br />
<br />
"If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily." -Gerald Good<br />
<br />
"So once in every year we throng<br />
Upon a day apart,<br />
To praise the Lord with feast and song<br />
In thankfulness of heart." -Arthur Guiterman<br />
<br />
"Praise God even when you don't understand what He is doing." -Henry Jacobsen<br />
<br />
"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy<br />
<br />
"An optimist is a person who starts a new diet on Thanksgiving Day." -Irv Kupcinet<br />
<br />
"Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day." -Robert Caspar Lintner<br />
<br />
"Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow." -Edward Sandford Martin<br />
<br />
"Our rural ancestors, with little blest,<br />
Patient of labour when the end was rest,<br />
Indulged the day that housed their annual grain,<br />
With feasts, and off'rings, and a thankful strain." -Alexander Pope<br />
<br />
"Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude." -E.P. Powell<br />
<br />
"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving." -H.U. Westermayer
<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-sayings">Thanksgiving Sayings</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-day-quotes">Thanksgiving Day Quotes</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-prayers">Thanksgiving Prayers</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-holiday-quotes">Thanksgiving Holiday Quotes</a>, <a href="/tag/most-famous-thanksgiving-quotes">Most Famous Thanksgiving Quotes</a>, <a href="/tag/best-thanksgiving-quotes">Best Thanksgiving Quotes</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-quotes">Thanksgiving Quotes</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-quote">Thanksgiving Quote</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-day-history">Thanksgiving Day History</a>, <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/thanksgiving-quotables">Thanksgiving Quotables</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>
Crafts come to Eagle for the holidayshttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/wires/2009/11/19/crafts-come-to-eagle-for-_ws_364667.htmlVail Dailyhttp://www.huffingtonpost.com/vail-daily/
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<div id='mainNewsTitle'>Crafts come to Eagle for the holidays</div><br />
<div id='mainUpdate'>Pam Boyd pboyd@eaglevalleyenterprise.com Eagle, CO Colorado</div><br />
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<div id='story'>EAGLE, Colorado - It's still a week before Thanksgiving, but as the song says, its beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Eagle and Gypsum.<br><br />
Holiday lights are getting strung downtown and Christmas goodies</div><br />
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<p>Read more: <a href="/tag/holiday-news">Holiday News</a>, <a href="/tag/eaglecolorado">Eagle-Colorado</a>, <a href="/home">Home News</a></p>