Happy New Year

The big night is upon us! New Year's Eve, the start of a 2009, although we don't get a "do-over" we do get to put last year away somewhere and start fresh. I was trying to think of something profound to say today but no surprise here I cannot think of anything.

So whatever you do tonight, enjoy it and be safe!

If you have a bored child have them click on the sky above the city to the left, fireworks complete with sound, it has been amusing my daughter for hours...well, minutes anyway!

Happy New Year!!

New Year's Eve in New Smyrna

Here are some of the local happenings this New Year's Eve around town:

Chases on the Beach will have a party from 8pm-2am, make your reservations now.

Gilly's Pub 44 is also having a party, for 35.00 you can enjoy 2 bands, a full buffet from 8pm-10pm, balloon drop and chanpagne toast.

The Garlic and PJ's Sea Shack are also having parties and suggest reservations.

Flagler Ave is hosting 4 parties in one, Om Chill Bar, Traders, Flagler Tavern and Peanuts are all having parties sort of together.



Being the really exciting individual that I am I am sure I will be here at home and asleep by 10pm. Whatever you do ENJOY!

You Can Fix It!

My washer quit working today, would not spin in the middle of a large load of towels. This is a big fancy 3 year old LG frontloader that should not be breaking. I had a 5 year service plan on this washer that my oh so clever ex-husband cashed in for a $20.00 Best Buy gift card back in October. (I know, nice guy huh?)

Anyway, the old me would have called a repairman, the new me cannot afford a service call so....I did what any other single mother with 12 loads of waiting laundry would do. I hit the internet. I found FixYA.

Fixya provides technical support and repair advice on just about anything you can think of from cars to DVD players. You can even chat live with an expert.

I put in my washer model and the error code I was getting and there were several soutions on the message board. I got out my screwdriver and did what they said, admittedly it was a pretty simple fix, but I would NEVER have know what to do without the technician at FixYa.

Next time you need to fix something go check them out!

Soles 4 Souls

Soles4Souls has a simple mission:

To impact as many lives as possible with the gift of shoes.

Soles4Souls facilitates the donations of shoes, which are used to aid the hurting worldwide. Shoe companies, retailers, and individuals can donate footwear (both new and used). Soles4Souls is a 501(c)(3) recognized by the IRS, and donating parties are eligible for tax advantages.The idea behind gifts of shoes is nothing new to the Soles4Souls team, as they coordinated relief efforts for the Asian Tsunami and Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, netting over 1 Million pairs donated for these disasters. The team originally operated as www.katrinashoes.org with several churches partnering in the collection and distribution of footwear. If you take a look around their website you will see they not only work internationally but here at home in the US as well. This is a great cause to support and only $5.00 will buy two pairs of shoes!

Resolutions

This is the time of year that we all make New Year's resolutions. The most popular New Year's Resolution is to lose weight and get in shape. More people start a diet in January than any other month of the year. Of course most people also quit by February, I waited til April to start a diet and managed to lose 40 some pounds, so far it is not creeping back on and I have not gained in this foodfest from Thanksgiving til the end of the year.

If your resolution is to lose weight try eDiets, they offer not only online diet support but now they have meal delivery as well. All customers enjoy customized menus, recipes and convenience food options, a personalized fitness plan designed by trainers, Live phone support from registered dieticians, plus 24/7 online member support, a great online community and motivating member challenges.

They also offer the famous eDiets Weight Loss Guarantee - if a customer's weight loss goal isn't reached in 6 months or less, eDiets will give them the next 6 months FREE! That is good stuff!

Doorbells

So I am talking to a friend of mine today who says, "C (my son)and A (his friend) woke me at 1am this morning when they rang my doorbell." (are you kidding me)

He was spending the night with his Uncle R (as a favor to me) and one of his friends was there as well. Luckily this is a REALLY good friend of mine and she was more amused than upset, she just thought I should know he was out roaming the streets at 1:00am. (OH yea that little bit of info)

As you would expect I asked Uncle R what was up with the doorbell ringing, he said "what, who, what did they do?" He had no clue but assured me he would have a word with him....

When I spoke to C about this it went something like this....

ME: "C, did you ring someones doorbell at 1am?"

C: "what? me? with who?" (Are you seeing a pattern here?)

I refer to this as male inability to answer a question without asking a question syndrome.

You know the one, no matter what the question, it is always answered with a question, I assumed this was outgrown by most males by the age of 13, but then I got married(and divorced), then my brothers moved to the same town as me so I got to converse with them daily as well. It is a sickness. All men have it.

Anyway, back to the wayward children roaming the streets, this evening my son is home under strict supervision with no ability to even glance out a window, let alone ring a doorbell. Rest assured New Smyrna is safe from doorbell ringing tonight!

On To The New Year

Christmas is over and on we go to the week before the New Year! What do you do this week? I searched high and low for some local activities but they are few and far between, lots of club and bar activity but not much for kids. The weather today made the beach the obvious choice and should be the same tomorrow with any luck.

This is the week for New Year's resolutions and looking forward. What are you looking forward to?

Merry Christmas

For the past several weeks we have been attending & greatly enjoying Edgewater Alliance Church, during one of our first visits we had the pleasure of hearing this wonderful singer perform "Let There Be Light". His name is Voltaire Andrews and he is incredible. Tonight at the Christmas Eve Service he performed again. So thru the magical power of Google, when I got home this evening I found him and some of his music. Have a listen and Merry Christmas!




Voltaire Music On YouTube

Voltaire Music Website

Christmas Stuff For Kids

Here are a few fun things to occupy the happy children on Christmas Eve!

Track Santa Here

Is your Child Naughty or Nice?

Match the Dogs

Christmas Stuff For Little Kids

The Claus Chronicles - Great blog by Santa!

Merry Christmas!

White Christmas

We won't have one here, but many of our friends in the north are. This is one of my favorites!

Schools Out ~ Now What?

The first official day of break is today, and mine are already fighting. Anyone out there have any leads on some free or nearly free things for them to do while they are off for two weeks. Once it warms back up tomorrow we will hit the beach. That will get old quick...let me know what you are doing in an email or comment.

Last Minute Gifts?

The Spa at Riverview has a $10.00 of Coupon for use with any services Monday thru Thursday. You get print it below or go on the NSB Chamber of Commerce website and print it there as well.

Sunday Stumble

This week's stumble is

Denver Post Photo Blog - this is great!

Savvy Daddy

Despair - this is just funny

Movie Trailers - this is interesting to see what is coming up

Enjoy!

Beach & Caylee

How much better can this weather be here in Florida. Our friends in the north are freezing to death and we are hanging at the beach.

On a very sad note. The news about Caylee Anthony is very sad. I don't think anyone local wonders who is responsible for this child's death. Here are some interesting sites that are not widely broadcast:

Spoiled Mom

Kreuzers Corner

Investigation Discovery

The Lie Guy

Official Statement

Very sad day for everyone interested in this case, her grandparents and uncle. I believe her mother is one of the most evil people on the planet and should be treated as such. I am a parent and I have my bad days, but at the end of every bad day I am thankful that I was given that one more day with my children. I am sure if she did not want her someone else would have been happy to have her in their life.

Crossroads Christian Church Correction

Here is the information on the Crossroad Christian Church Service, I had the address wrong in the earlier post. I also got some more information from the Youth Pastor.

Christmas Under the Stars
Crossroads Christian Church – Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday, December 24th – 6pm
3838 State Road 44
New Smyrna Beach, FL. 32168
Phone - 386.427.3312
Email
Web Page

Hot Chocolate and Coffee to be served.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Services

Here is a list of the Christmas Eve services we have gathered if your church is not on here and you wish to be added please email me or leave a comment:

First Presbyterian Church~509 Magnolia St, NSB-7pm

Crossroads Christian Church~248 N. Samsula Dr, NSB-6pm

Trinity Lutheran~485 Turnbull Bay Rd, NSB-4pm & 7PM

Edgewater Alliance~310 N Ridgewood, Edgewater, FL-5pm & 7pm

Edgewater United Methodist~211 N. Ridgewood, Edgewater, FL-5pm & 7pm & 11pm

Coronado United Methodist Church~Peninsula Dr, NSB-11pm

I know there are many more great Christmas services in our area, these are the ones I have been asked to post or ones I am personally familiar with. If you are new to the area I am sure one of these will work for you. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

I Am Scrooge

This will be my one and only "Bah Humbug" post of the season. I have read these posts about doing more with less. I totally agree, my problem is doing more or less with nothing. It has been a tough year in recruiting and working at home in general. I am thankful I do not have to spend money on gas and clothes and after school care but it is nice to have a job with a consistent salary. My children have had to worry about too many adult things this year, 9 & 11 year olds should not be worrying about how Mom is going to pay the electric bill, but they do. Now it is Christmas time and I am sitting here trying to figure out how to get them something that they want. My son has talked about an iPod Touch since September, not happening, my daughter is more worried about if I can take her shopping to get something for Grandma, Grandpa and her Uncles. She has not asked for one single thing, I did hear her tell her brother she would like a game for her Wii. This is the very first year we have not done Christmas Cards, goodies, teacher presents all that stuff. I think there are alot of people in the same boat we are and I know this year especially we have plenty to be thankful for. I just had to take a break from all the Holiday Cheer to feel sorry for myself and my kids for a minute. I am done now.

Spread Some Cheer

Toys for Tots continues to collect toys in various locations. You can bring your toys to the locations below:

Fantastic Signs - 111. N. Ridgewood Ave, Edgewater

Pioneer Trail Self Storage - 1375 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach

Lott Financial - 316 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach

South Daytona Fire House - 1672 S Ridgewood Ave, Daytona

UPS Store - 1648 Taylor Rd, Port Orange

Do you throw your change in the kettle?

The Salvation Army kettle that is. I wandered around the Salvation Army's website today, they have some wonderful programs. If you are interested in how the Red Kettle got started in 1891 you can read about it here. If you frequent the Beachside Publix you have seen the bell ringer there, she is a volunteer like all the bell ringers. Her name is Trish and she has given countless hours to ring that bell. She is the only one I have seen there and she has been ringing that bell day and night. When you walk by throw in your change and say hi, even if you don't throw in your change, say hi..... she is a real nice gal.

Art Walk on Flager

This weekend will be the last Art Walk of the year sponsored by The Gallery Group.


This Christmas themed event will feature area artists and vendors, food and entertainment. It will run from 10am-5pm. Jazz It Up Flagler will be held from 5pm-7pm and Bike Night from 5pm-9pm. That should cover just about everyone!

Search for Good

Here's a new easy way to raise money for your favorite cause. Start using GoodSearch as your search engine and they'll donate a penny to your favorite cause every time you do a search!

Goodsearch has been featured in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, ABC News and the Wall Street Journal.

We added the GoodSearch Toolbar and give to the ASPCA, my daughter's favorite charity.

Have a great Sunday!

What??

This is the temps for Orlando today, it is 59 right now here at the beach, I think we have a wind chill of about -10 degrees. Ok so this may seem like a heat wave to some of my readers in the frozen tundra of Tennessee or North Carolina but I am wearing socks...it is cold here.

Check out our deserted beach. At least you can listen to the ocean even if it is too cold to go near it.

Running of the Santas

Santas Wanted for "Running of the Santas" on Flagler Avenue

The Flagler Avenue Hospitality Group presents the first Annual Running of the Santas on Saturday, December 13th at 7 pm.

The running of the Santas started in Philadelphia with a small group of Santas running two blocks and raising money for children. Now each year over 25 cities around the country join in for the running of the Santas on the same day. This year the Flagler Hospitality Group is joining in the run and doing a toy drive for Toys for Tots. Anyone can participate in the run by simply meeting at the Flagler Avenue Beach ramp around 7 pm.Come dressed as a Santa ( or related attire such as an elf, reindeer, Mrs. Claus, red shirt and a Santa hat, etc.) plus most importantly, bring an unwrapped toy. There will be a group photo at the start of the run then proceed down Flagler Avenue to the finish line at Cooper Street.

The first 250 Santas who cross the Finish Line will get a ticket to be redeemed for a Secret Santa Goodie Bag filled with free goodies and discount coupons from merchants along the Avenue and New Smyrna as a thank you.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a run not a race. Participants are welcome to run or walk the 1.5 blocks from the ramp to Cooper Street. FLAGLER AVENUE WILL BE CLOSED FROM THE BEACH RAMP TO PINE STREET FROM 6:45 PM TO 7:30 PM during the event for a rolling street closure. Cars do not have to be moved, but will not be allowed to drive on the street for a maximum of 45 minutes ( probably less). If you have any questions, please contact Robert Byers at Flagler Tavern, 414 Flagler ( 386.847.0548) or Elaine Stathakis at the Om Bar and Chill Lounge, 392 Flagler Ave.

Yes, I know my Santa is water skiing and not running, but I thought he was cute. Come on out and support a good cause.

Beach Recycling

I took my bike over to the beach this morning, it was empty, not another soul out there, beautiful morning!. I was happy to see the bright yellow recycling cans are now at every trash station along the beach. Volusia County has expanded the program all the way up through Daytona as well. Good news!

Coronado Elementary Christmas

The Coronado Christmas concert was tonight, it was standing room only. The chorus which my daughter participates in did several songs, the first and second grade also performed, the Kindergarten classes dressed up as angels and sang. They even had little wings and halos on...adorable. Anita Wright, who is the music teacher and also happens to be teacher of the year did a great job with the children. I was amazed. She made a comment at the end.....she asked all the parents to stop and take a moment and look and appreciate their children, they will never be this age again and basically said you better enjoy them while you can.

Fantastic job Coronado teachers and students!

Menu Plan Monday

Do you plan meals for the week? My favorite way to plan has always been to figure out which nights we will eat out. The financial state of my business has changed all that and I am going to be forced to be organized, plan meals and spend less, a lot less. So... in that effort we are joining our friends over at Org Junkie in planning meals for the week. I looked at her past participation and was shocked to see how many (well over 300) participants there were.

My challenge is my daughter is a terribly picky eater and many nights eats cereal if I don't make her a separate meal, she won't eat vegetables except corn and potatoes and is a real pain in the you know what at dinner time. So if you have any ideas for her let me know....

Here goes:

Monday - Spaghetti, Garlic Bread & Salad

Tuesday - Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Corn & More Salad

Wednesday -Baked Fish, Brown Rice & a vegetable that is yet to be determined

Thursday - Chicken Strips (recipe is below), Baked potato, more salad.

Friday - I am hoping Grandma will feed us!

I quit buying fried chicken strips and make my own, my kids love them and have no idea they are good for them.

Chicken Strips

3 boneless/skinless chicken breasts pounded fairly thin and cut into strips, all fat trimmed

ground flaxseed - I grind this in my coffee grinder

flour

Garlic salt

ground black pepper

pinch of paprika

beaten egg

Mix flaxseed & flour together (breadcrumbs works in place of flour) shake in some garlic salt, pepper and paprika. Dredge Chicken strips through the egg, and coat with flour mixture. You can also put it all in a ziploc bag and shake, if I do this I skip the egg.

You can bake these in the oven at 350 until crispy, turning once, or put a tablespoon of the oil of your choice in a frying pan and fry them til golden brown.

No matter which way you do it it is healthier than the kind you buy in a fast food restaurant, and if you are brave take a look at the nutritional info on a bag of Tyson Chicken Strips. It is scary.

You an find more menu planning tools and help at Menu Planning Central.

More Christmas Stuff

This site is pretty cute, you can get some really neat personalized gifts from Santa for your younger children. You can also be like me and refuse to admit to your children that there is no Santa, No Elf on the Shelf, No Reindeer and No Elves. Either way, it is a fun site.

Sunday Stumble

There is no rhyme nor reason to this week's Sunday Stumble, just things I ran across and liked. The photo above comes from Missouri Skies. Some of the most gorgeous photos I have seen anywhere.

Springpadit - this is a new site that I am trying to use and see if it does anything to help in my never ending quest to be organized. I have tried online systems before but have not found one that worked for me. I have had to stick to my momAgenda Planner.

Christian Women Online - Love this Site, always have.

New Smyrna Books - this is our new little Amazon Bookstore, the world of recruiting is very slow these days and we need to generate some extra income. We will add more books later, this is just a start. Watch for some collectibles coming soon!

Enjoy and Happy Sunday!

Christmas Parade

We went to the Christmas Parade today on Flagler. It was fun and there was so much to see. Here you go:



Then we had the red hat ladies:


Our favorite trash guys:


Probably the most important:


But where else but here would you see this:


We also hit the boat parade this evening, it was really too dark to get many good pictures, but here is some so you can get the idea.

Both events were very nice and managed to get me cheery enough to put up the tree when we got home!

Green Gifts

If you are looking for some green gifts that don't cost alot of green check out Ideal Bite. They have some great gift ideas on their site and they break them down for you by price range. You an also sign up for daily "green tips" and they will send them to you in your inbox Monday thru Friday. We love them!

The annual Christmas Parade will begin at the Flagler Ave. parking lot at 4pm on Saturday the 6th and will travel west along Flagler Avenue and the North Causeway, south on Riverside Drive and will turn west on Canal Street and will end at Orange Street. As soon as the Flagler parade is over the Boat Parade will begin!

I was having a REALLY bad day today. Then I talked to a good friend of mine at one of my kids activities, she wandered over and said I had some bad news this week. By the look on her face I knew it was not good. She said "I have breast cancer"

Those words none of us EVER want to hear, for ourselves, our friends, our family, for anyone.

She is very positive and is sure this won't kill her, it is just a nuisance. That is the attitude I would hope to have. But of course I pray I never have to.

Please support breast cancer research, and have your mammograms. Here are some great resources:

Pink Ribbon Girls

Florida Breast Cancer Coalition

These are local there are so many more out there. Do your research and get a second opinion!!!

Boat Parade

The 21st Annual Holiday Boat Parade is this Saturday. The parade of brilliantly decorated boats begins at approximately 6:00 p.m. Boats will line up at Marker 53 in Edgewater at 5:45 and travel north to the North Causeway in New Smyrna Beach.

Volusia County Community Flyers

Volusia County Schools is in the process of discontinuing sending home flyers with students. This includes Parks & Rec Flyers, PAL Sports Flyers, Community Events etc. You can find this page here at Community Flyers and also in the sidebar under News & Stuff.

Light Up Flagler

The Merchants of Flagler Avenue will once again host Light Up Flagler this Friday, many of the Flagler Avenue merchants will be holding an open house at their place of business, serving refreshments, and many will be decorated for the season. There will be live entertainment on the avenue, including Coronado Methodist Chancel Choir Singers, Indian River Chorus, Read-Pattillo Chorus, Chisholm Chorus, Alaia & Company, NSB High School Jazz Ensemble, Marine Discovery Center Carolers and strollers from the Little Theatre of NSB. There will also be demonstrations by Yvette Harley Dancers, American Martial Arts, Terri's Twirling Tornadoes, the Black Belt Academy and Cheer Team and flameworkers at Galleria di Vetro.The Dream-A-Wish Foundation, with Santa and his sleigh, will be at the corner of Flagler and Cooper. Santa will be giving rides up and down the avenue for a donation.Flagler Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic from Peninsula Avenue to Atlantic Avenue (just west of the Beacon Restaurant) from 5-8 p.m.

We went last year and it is a very nice event! If you don't get enough lights on Flagler go to Christmas Lights City and check out their lights.

Crossroads Christian Church Puppet Fun

Start the Christmas season with some great Christian fun for the kids at Crossroads Christian Church - "His Hands" Puppet Team Christmas Show - featuring all the kids favorite Veggie-Tale Christmas Songs, Professor Puppet and much more Christmas fun. Hot Chocolate and cookies will be served. The best part is it is free!!!