There is nothing that reminds me of fall like chocolate apples. My parents were very strict about candy. They would never let us eat it. They said that it caused tooth rot. During Halloween, I was only allowed to have three pieces of chocolate candy a day. Anymore, my parents said, and all my teeth would fall out.  Chocolate apples were the exception. We did not get to have them all the time, but nonetheless we would eat them every year. We would go to the fair where they would have caramel apples and chocolate apples. It was great. The air was crisp, there were rides and games and each kid got to have one treat. My sister would always have cotton candy, but I would not waste my treat on such trivialities. I would always get a chocolate apple. One time I got a caramel apple instead, but it just did not compare. Nothing tastes like chocolate apples taste!

We lived in that same town until I was an adult. I remember taking one of my girlfriends to get chocolate apples at the fair. She was from a bigger city. The county fair was something totally new to her. The only chocolate apples that she ever had growing up were bought from the store. They were prepackaged, cold and often stale. She had not known the joy of freshly dipped chocolate apples.

Chocolate apples, must be done in the right way or there is no point. Unlike normal chocolate candies, chocolate apples cannot just sit there on the shelf. You need to start with a big, juicy, gourmet apple. Then you dip it straight into the chocolate. You give it just enough time to start to cool and then you eat it. If I wait around for even a day, it is no good. The apple starts to get mealy and mushy, and the chocolate starts to get brittle. Only freshly dipped chocolate apples will do. If you can’t get them fresh at the fair, there is no point in getting them at all.  I have had many chocolate fruits my life, but the chocolate apple is my favorite. Chocolate covered strawberries can be good and chocolate cherries can be divine, but none of them can compare. It has to be chocolate covered apples or nothing, and you have to get them in a little town like the one I grew up in.

Recently one of my aunts passed away. At the funeral service were several arrangements of family photos to look through. The children had done a nice job of arranging the photographs for display. There were always several people around the display area talking about the pictures and pointing how people have changed through the years. It was apparent that people were enjoying looking at the photographs.

During my drive home from the funeral service I was reflecting about how family photos interest us so. I find that when I am in other people’s homes I like to study the family photos that are displayed. I may notice a painting or other wall hangings, but it is photographs of family that draw my attention and often involve conversations. I have a few family photos displayed in our living room, but the majority of my pictures are in photo albums and boxes that are tucked away. I decided that I need to make more of an effort to display the photographs and have the albums more accessible to look through.

I know this will be an on going project but I wanted to make some small step towards getting the project underway. I have the formal family photographs that were taken by photographers through the years, but I wanted to display pictures of family members having fun together. The formal pictures have few memories attached to them, but candid family photos are filled with memories of events and travels. To start my project I went to a department store and purchased a large wall hanging. The wall hanging is of eight photo frames that are attached to each other. Some are arranged lengthwise and others are arranged widthwise. It is a new version of the collage. The frames are made of wood and each has a separate opening on the back. This will allow me to easily exchange family photos if I choose to.

My husband liked the frame. He has been taking many pictures of fishing trips that we have taken with both his family and mine. He thought it would be fun to get several of the frames to place around the house and have each one center around a different theme. This first frame would feature family photos involving fishing. I thought this was a good idea. We have several family photos of different holiday celebrations so we could do frames around them.  I look forward to having family photos displayed in our home. I think it will be fun for guests to look at and will help us to recall fun times when we look at the pictures.

A lot of people have a hard time getting gifts for children.  What to kids want these days and how am I supposed to find out?  Knowing how openly finicky and hard to please some kids can be, having to buy gifts for children can seem a stressful task.  Buying gifts for children is really a piece of cake if you know the kids at all.  Most kids are more than happy to vocalize exactly what kind of gifts they’d like, so it isn’t hard to get some ideas directly from the source.  A brief examination of the kinds of toys and games they play with can also yield a lot of ideas.  For example, do they have a video game system?  If so, what kind of games do they seem to like?  Do they play any sports?  Do they like dolls or action figures?

If you don’t know the kids, buying gifts for children is a bit harder.  There are so many different kinds of toys out there, its hard to say what their into.  Of course, if you’re buying gifts for children chances are you at least know their parents.  Ask them!  Next to the kids themselves, parents are an invaluable source of information on gifts for children.  They’ll know exactly what kinds of toys and games their kids are into, or at least they should.

Finding good gifts for children can be kind of fun.  I’m starting to get sort of excited about it around Christmas time.  While I don’t have any kids of my own, my brother’s two boys are two and five years old, which are fun ages to shop for.  I almost feel like a kid again myself perusing through different toy aisles and trying out different products to see how they work.

Personally, since I’m shopping for boys most of the time, I find that toys that make noise and have lots of flashing lights seem to go over well with my nephews.  The looks on their parents’ faces as they tear open a gift revealing some Japanese made talking, flashing remote control robot of destruction that also plays music at nearly deafening levels is almost as priceless as the excitement the kids show.  When I have kids of my own I’m sure my brother and sister-in-law are going to repay the favor tenfold, but I’m enjoying it while I can.

During the past decade, Harry Potter books have captured the hearts and imaginations of children and adults alike, around the world. The beautiful and whimsical cover art beckons the reader into the magical world of Harry Potter. The fantasy, fairytale look invites the bookstore browser to pick up the book and take a look inside. The seven book series is the consummate underdog drama. The author, J.K. Rowling, paints a tale that is easily forgotten. With films being made of every book, readers still prefer the Harry Potter book in printed form.

Unfortunately, the practice of reading is not promoted as vigorously as in earlier years. Putting a Harry Potter book in a child’s hand can open up previously unexplored doors of their imagination. All children have natural curiosity.  The Harry Potter book series is an adventure in creativity and exploration of the world of fantasy.  The Harry Potter books are the poster child of fantasy story fun. Most kids eagerly await the release of a new book, simply because the story is such enchanting fantasy.

Don’t be fooled because the Harry Potter books are marketed as children’s books. They’re almost as popular with adults, who find the plot lines both unique and unexpected.  Following the life of the young wizard boy Harry Potter, the books   are reminiscent of J.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, with  similarly complex plots. Harry Potter has become an icon of the underdog of the twenty first century.

The story goes like this. When only a baby, an evil wizard named Voldermort killed Harry’s parents and at the same time, left a lightning shaped mark on his forehead. At age 12, Harry is granted a temporary yearly escape from his Aunt and Uncle. A great giant tells Harry that he is a wizard, as were his parents. He needs to attend the magical school of Hogwarts in order to gain the knowledge necessary for full fledged wizardom.  When he arrives at Hogwarts, he soon makes friends with Hermonie Granger, a witch and Ron Weasly, a ginger haired wizard. In the school, he must contend with previously unknown dangers and trials, such as a magic wand which seems to have its own will. Hogwart teachers also participate in conspiracies.

The seemingly endless labyrinth of chambers and rooms at the Hogwarts school seem to symbolize all the many facets of our own minds. Every new encounter holds a secret or lesson, showing realities that we may not have wanted to know, but needed to see.  If you haven’t read a Harry Potter book, give one of them a look. You may just get hooked on this fascinating fantasy series.

As a parent, I’m well aware of how quickly new toys enter and subsequently exit the marketplace in any given year. Not all of the products catch on with children, and those that do usually enjoy popularity for just a short time before giving way to the next fad. Occasionally, a toy will have such an impact on both consumers and culture alike that it endures for many, many years. Barbie dolls have achieved this kind of rarefied status, as have Matchbox cars and Mr. Potato Head. I would also put Hello Kitty items on that list as well.

Hello Kitty items have been around for more over 30 years and have been a big hit with people of all ages during that time. The very first Hello Kitty item ever introduced by the Sanrio Company was a small plastic coin pouch. Since then, hundreds of different Hello Kitty items have found their way to the marketplace. Some of the most popular products include notebooks, pencils, purses, t-shirts, key chains, video games, plush figures and coffee mugs. Sanrio often offers limited edition Hello Kitty items to celebrate holidays or other special occasions. For example, a diamond encrusted platinum pin was created to celebrate the character’s 30th birthday. Only 100 of these were offered to the public, with a price tag of over $90,000.

Even though Sanrio is based in Japan, Hello Kitty items are available all over the world. You can usually find these products in any large toy store or department store. There are even Sanrio specialty shops in larger cities across the country that offer exclusive Hello Kitty items along with products featuring other popular characters from the same manufacturer. You can also find many websites that cater specifically to collectors of hard to find Hello Kitty items.

Although Hello Kitty items are generally on the cheaper end of the scale, it never hurts to get additional discounts. So if you are looking to purchase some of these products, I recommend checking Internet auction sites or shopping sites that routinely offer merchandise for less than the suggested retail price. Granted, you aren’t likely to score any rare Hello Kitty items from this method, but you will be able to save some money while building up your collection or buying toys for your children or grandchildren.

It can be tough trying to find toys and other products featuring characters that your kids will actually like. That’s why you should stick with a proven winner that has stood the ultimate test of time. Hello Kitty items have been popular with people for three decades already and show no sign of slowing down. So the next time you need to buy a small gift, consider giving Hello Kitty items. Your recipient is sure to love the cute little cat with that distinctive red bow on it’s head!

Many of us remember the trusty humidifier from childhood, sitting humbly near the bedside during the cold and flu season. Dry and scratchy throats often benefited from a humidifier filled with water and vapor medication. Although they are commonly designed to regulate the air moisture content for medical reasons, humidifiers are also used for much more then yearly colds. Found in museums, greenhouse gardens and homes with dry conditions.  These devices, also known as evaporators and vaporizers, protect delicate objects from the damaging effects of heat.

Antique or expensive furniture may eventually suffer from splintering, cracking, warping and paint chipping if the air around it is too dry. When placed in an appropriate location, a humidifier can extend the life of your furniture for many years, preserving it to be passed down to the next generation.  While indoor home use is most common, gardeners also use humidifiers in their greenhouses to keep certain varieties of plants moist and healthy. Many types of foliage need some condensation on them in order to grow strong and a humidifier is the perfect tool to achieve beautiful robust plants.

With the diversity of uses for the humidifier, you may think that it’s a complicated and difficult machine to operate. Surprisingly, there are only three components to be taken into consideration - a reservoir, wick and fan. Each part plays a crucial role in successfully operating the humidifier and should therefore be completely understood.

Starting at the base of the machine, you will first find a reservoir. Either square or round, the reservoir is a large bowl made from a durable plastic. This piece of equipment holds the water intended to be converted to soothing water droplets. Sore throats or stuffed up noses can be nursed with the addition of a medicated vapor substance.  Water sitting in the reservoir is likely to have unhealthy bacteria living in it, so a filter is needed.  This is where the wick comes in. “Wick” simply means filter. It siphons out all the dirt and debris so that you don’t inhale them.  Standing water and a filter alone won’t do much, which is why you need a fan. Usually located at the top of the machine, the fan pushes the evaporating droplets through the air.

There are other parts to the humidifier, such as the heating unit.  You needn’t worry about that, since you’ll probably never find cause to go that deeply into the device.  To operate, simply unclip the fan wick component and fill with water to the designated “full” mark. Replace the top and turn the dial to the desired humidity level.  Convenient and easy to use, the humidifier has a variety of purposes, such as furniture preserver, greenhouse accessory and medical instrument.  You may even find that the humidifier you purchased for a cold will also come in handy for growing plants or keeping Grandma’s old rocking chair intact. Best of all, the three components are easily understood and make your use of the device easy.

Country music is certainly one of the most popular genres there is. Part of the appeal comes from the true to life lyrics that you often hear in a country song. Although the faces of country music have changed over the years, you can still hear the strong influence of some of the music pioneers within the lyrics. One of those who set the standard for what country music should be is Johnny Cash. One just needs to listen to Johnny Cash music to hear what a gifted and influential trailblazer he was.

In recent years the music of this American legend has once again taken certain stage. Although he has left this world, Johnny Cash music is going strong. Some of that can be attributed to an award winning movie which detailed his rise to fame. The movie is filled with Johnny Cash music, albeit sung by Joaquin Phoenix who takes on the daunting role of the man in the black.  The movie itself spurred a whole new generation to listen to and enjoy the music of this master.

Unlike when he first burst onto the scene, music isn’t sold on cassette or vinyl any longer. It’s now the age of the CD and that is even becoming a distant memory in favor of an MP3 player and an Internet connection. Johnny Cash music can be downloaded from many sites and it’s not uncommon to find a Johnny Cash song within the top ten downloads on any given site.  The songs all have a story to them. They touch so many people because they are incredibly genuine and raw. Johnny Cash faced some difficult times in his life and much of that was captured in his music. The songs are timeless and speak to generation after generation.

Of course you can listen to this music in other ways besides downloading it or running out to buy a CD. There are many DVD’s now available that also feature Johnny Cash music. Many of them come complete with footage of Johnny and his wife June Carter Cash performing. For any fan of their music it’s an extra special treat to watch them singing together. They had a rare chemistry that transcended into their music.  Musicians aren’t out of luck either when it comes to the music of Mr. Cash. Many songbooks have sheet music for the songs of Johnny Cash. Being able to play Johnny Cash music is an inspiration to those who hope to one day follow in his footsteps. Although anyone who was lucky enough to see Johnny Cash in person would tell you that he was definitely one of a kind.

If there is one thing my daughter loves to do it is to dress up. She doesn’t just do this for Halloween though. She does it for every day fun, she does it for Wiggle’s concerts, and she does it when she thinks something special is coming. The great thing about kids costumes is that they are so cheap and you can usually make just about anything your child can imagine with your own two hands. Even if you aren’t a crafty person you can probably make something to keep them happy.

I have a friend in Australia and her little boy also loves the Wiggles. He has store bought Wiggle’s kids costumes and he rarely wears real clothes. In fact, she says that he wears one for so long she has to trick him into taking it off so she can wash it before it has the ability to walk away on its own. He has kids costumes of three of the Wiggles, and he wears them for as long as he possibly can. Your child may be like this or you may know of one who is.

If you don’t want to drop a lot of cash on kids costumes, you can easily make them on your own, especially when it comes to Wiggles.  You can find the right color shirt, iron on a logo, and buy black pants to go along with them. I have made my daughter both Greg and Murray Wiggle kids costumes and she loves them. She not only wears them to concerts, she wears them around the house and even some times as pajamas. She has worn a tutu to the grocery store and I have had Spongebob with me on trips to the mall more times than I can count. If it makes her happy, I go with it.

The best time, as you may have imagined, to stock up on kids costumes is to look for clearance sales directly after Halloween. Don’t just buy the ones you think your child will like, buy kids costumes that may have parts they may like so you can mix and match when a new interest pops up. You may also want to buy kids costumes in larger sizes so that you have a nice selection in different sizes for children that may visit and want to play dress up. You may also want to look on e-Bay for people trying to get rid of the ones they have, and also online for instructions on how to make them at home. This can be the best way to go, as you can make whatever you want, and it won’t cost you as much as a pre-made costume.

As a child, I often dreamt of becoming a film maker. I know, I know, many people have the same dream. Individuals like Steven Spielberg actually go out and buy a movie camera, so that they can start making that dream a reality. This is a wise choice. I heard he even took it as far as hanging out on movie sets, uninvited. Man, that guy was born to be a director. Just look at where he is today. Is there any director bigger? I doubt it! It’s funny where an idea or dream can take you. For those who are completely determined, it can be all the way to the top. Maybe you want to make movies when you grow up.

These days there are plenty of wanna be directors and movie producers out there. Many of them are taking advantage of a simple movie camera and the Internet. This is a great idea. Make a short film or full length picture. It takes less funding than many expect. Just picture things on a small scale. Kevin Smith is the paradigm in this regard. He maxed out his credit cards to make a “cult classic” film called “Clerks.” Hey, we all love this flick. No one cares if the actors are were his buddies or that the film was shot in black and white with a low grade movie camera. It’s the finishing piece that matters. It’s hilarious! Now he makes bigger budget films, because he now has some clout. This is a typical process in Hollywood. You slowly climb to the top.

A perfect example of an idea and a cheap movie camera is “The Blair Witch Project.” Was this film great? Well, not in my opinion. I thought it was infinite shots of the dark ground and people screaming.  It’s the simplicity and concept that drew audiences in. These guys didn’t need an expensive movie camera or big celebrities. As a matter of fact, I think they used a hand held. Anyway, they built the Blair Witch legend up so much on the Internet that everyone started believing it was a true story. Therefore everyone went to see it and it brought in a fortune. That’s pretty sweet since it cost practically nothing to make. Hey, maybe you’ve got an idea and a movie camera. Well, what are you waiting for?

Who wouldn’t want to name a star?  We’ve been looking up at the stars with wonder every night ever since we evolved eyes, and we’ve been naming them different things ever since we evolved the ability and desire to name things.  Now you can actually pay money and ‘officially’ name a star anything you want so long as its within a 39 letter limit.  The idea to charge money to name a star is pretty brilliant you have to admit.  The right to name a star is a product that costs the seller absolutely nothing, and is actually not there’s to sell in the first place.  Anyone can look up at the sky and name a star for free, it’s pretty much a God given right.  A company that is making a decent living selling people something they already have is a pretty smart company.

Though they make it sound very official and widely recognized, when you name a star through one of these star naming companies.  It isn’t in anyway official at all and is a purely symbolic gesture that no one will ever know about.  While it’s a romantic idea to name a star after the one you love, its going to pretty much be only you and the person you love that knows about it.  What you are really paying for when you pay to name a star is a piece of paper that acts as a kind of certificate, proving that you paid money to name a star.

You can even pay more money to have this trophy to your own stupidity framed so you can mount it on a wall for everyone to see.  You have to love this deal.  Paying anywhere from 30 to 70 dollars and you get a piece of paper saying that you paid somewhere between 30 and 70 dollars.  If I ever get the urge to name a star, I think I’ll just point up at the sky and do it myself.  It’ll save me some money and will be a small step in preserving paper for a more important use somewhere else.  Having said all that, one of these days I’m going to pay the fee and name a star ‘I Hate Microsoft’ just for the heck of it.  It’s well within the 39 letter limit and might just go a long way in helping me express my pent up rage toward the software giant.  Which could in turn save me the expense of much needed therapy down the road.