Jo's Editorial
Jo's Tips For Being Penny-Wise This Holiday Season

We can save more money over Christmas, yet the reality is we always spend that little bit more because we give ourselves the permission to do so because it only comes once a year. But, hey, I'm a realist in that you do what you can. To help you out, however, here are a few pointers on how to cut corners this holiday season and when to splurge... (Click through to read more)... Read Full Article

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On The Aisle
The Muppets rated PG

While on vacation in Los Angeles, Walter, the world’s biggest Muppet fan, his brother Gary (Jason Segel) and Gary’s girlfriend, Mary (Amy Adams) from Smalltown, USA, discover the nefarious plan of oilman Tex Richman (Chris Cooper) to raze the Muppet Theater and drill for the oil recently discovered beneath the Muppets’ former stomping grounds. To stage The Greatest Mupets Telethon Ever and raise the $10 million needed to save the theater... (Click through to read more)... Read Full Article

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The Reading Room
Marcel the Shell With Shoes On by Jenny Slate and Dean Fleischer-Camp

Millions of people have fallen in love with Marcel. Now the tiny shell with shoes and a big heart is transitioning from online sensation to classic picture book character, and readers can learn more about this adorable creature and his wonderfully peculiar world... (Click through to read more)... Read Full Article

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The Chin-Wag
Santa, Online

'Tis the season for Santa Brain, that time of year where kids write their letters to Santa, visit him at the local mall, obsess and ask a billion questions about the man in red. To help make the Santa experience more interactive, check out these sites and activities... (Click through to read more)... Read Full Article

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Ten Questions With...
Ten Questions with ... Sally Sampson/ChopChop

Sally Sampson is the founder and president of ChopChop Magazine, a quarterly food magazine and website for kids aged 5-12 and their families. Sally is also a James Beard Award-nominated author/co-author of 21 cookbooks and a frequent magazine contributor... (Click through to read the interview)... Read Full Article

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Quick Tips
Make Your Own Advent Calendar

Create your own advent calendar this year. For each day, come up with fun and holiday-centric surprises, like drive around the neighborhood to look at Christmas lights... (Click through to read more)... Read Full Article

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Monthly Giveaway
This giveaway has ended --> December: Subscription to ChopChop Magazine

Thanks to Sally Sampson, this month's "Ten Question with ..." participant, we're giving away a year's subscription to ChopChop Magazine, a fun cooking magazine for parents and kids ages 5-12... (Click through to enter the giveaway)... Read Full Article

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Nanny Time
Nanny Time

 

Last month, Jo attended the National Adoption Day celebrations Monterey Park, CA, Edmund Eldelman Chidren's Court. More from Jo:
 
"I had the privilege of witnessing the final part of an adoption process. Mrs. Gloria Chavez adopted a spritely young lad by the name of Logan. This wonderful mother, with the assistance of the Alliance for Children's Rights, had previously adopted a set of siblings. Mrs. Chavez's own parents were foster parents for over 30 years, and this had served as an inspiration to her. This was truly a very emotional, yet celebratory day. I'm including a photo of myself and Logan, who will remember this day forever. If you too have been considering fostering or adopting please log on to www.nationaladoptionday.org.
 
I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and remember, the most important gift we can give anyone is the gift of love." xJo
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