Oral family history at its best. While searching for November events for the Work & Family site at BellaOnline, I came across an event that is new to me but very much worthwhile. I am always careful about the events I list because some are simply self-serving.  National Day of Listening is not one of those events, instead I found it to be an important day for each of us.  National Day of Listening is the day after Thanksgiving, a time when family and friends get together to celebrate and give thanks. What better way to save and share precious memories than through oral history? What a gift to your family and yourself.

This is what the Story Corps says about themselves, “Our mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening. Since 2003, over 50,000 people have shared life stories with family and friends through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to share, and is preserved at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind, and millions listen to our broadcasts on public radio and the web.”  National Day of Listening was organized by and is an arm of Story Corp.  Visit both sites National Day of Listening and StoryCorps

I was so moved by this idea that I signed up for the newsletters. While you are here, visit me at Work & Family send me a shout out if you enjoy like the sites or plan to participate.

I saw “5dollardinners” in the October issue of Woman’s Day magazine. The URL intrigued me so I looked at the site and happy that I did. There is much to be gained from making 5dollardinners.com a favorite destination. There are “how-to-do’s”, meal planning, recipes, heads up information, coupons, and more. Plus a $5 dinner challenge. Erin, The $5 Dinner Mom asks are you willing to accept the $5 dinner challenge?

For more information from site visit 5dollardinners also stop by Woman’s Day magazine.

Of course, you are always welcome and invited to  visit my A Better Cook site for recipes, magazines online, coupon sites and sales on Watkins herbs and spices.

In it’s September, 2009 issue, Entrepreneur magazine declares Etsy as a website to watch. I agree. Etsy online stores have wonderful handmade or hand crafted items for sale. Online shopping at Etsy is like visiting an upscale straw market or bazaar-fun and cool. Many of the sellers are masters at their crafts.

I discovered Etsy about 3 years ago through a social site and have been buying from them since that time. Early on, I loved the artsy, craftsy look of the site, that has changed somewhat, but you can still find lovely, unusual items at Etsy.  If you are looking for an unusual gift item, check them out. Also, anyone who is a craft’s person should definately take a look at Etsy and think about becoming a shop owner.

For information see  Etsy

I have “lived” with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since I was in my 20’s. No, I do not suffer from it, but one of my best friends does. At this point she is in remission, but I have seen her at low points. But not the lowest, because she would not allow anyone to see her. Her strength and resolve amazed me when we were twenty-somethings, it still does decades later. I do not know her pain first hand, but I do remember that she sometimes let her guard down and the pain that showed in her face almost undid me. And yet, she did not complain, nor did she want sympathy.

A couple of years ago I met someone online who has become a very dear friend, she too has RA. Once more I am amazed by the fortitude and resilience she seems to have found as she battles RA.

Just recently my dear friend has become a champion and advocate for positive thinking about RA, and how not to let it control your life. She has a Blog that has changed mid-stream and has become a symbol and testament to her struggle and her courage with RA. I continue to be proud to call this lovely lady a friend. If anyone here has RA or knows of someone who has it, take a look at her Blog Arthritis Is a Journey and pass it on. Be inspired by her open and honest observations as she shares her trials and tribulations of living with RA.

 If your teen is heading for college this year be sure to check out a college book rental site called Chegg. These people rent books to students. They rent your books online, they can track your books as well.

The site promises quick purchase turn around. They return the books to Chegg for free. They can even sell books to them.  So what is the down side? Well… your kid cannot use highlight markers in these books.

As always read the fine print should be read before signing up for or agreeing to the policy, etc. However, this seems to be a win-win situation. I can remember the high cost of my books many years ago, no one let me in on the “buy used books” secret, so I paid full price. This is an inexpensive way to get the books your child needs. Bank the allocated book money.  

When your son or daughter gets the college/university book list, check out Chegg first.  Oh yes, they even plant a tree for ‘each’ book you rent.

I first saw these disposable plates in the September issue of Fast Company magazine. I was so intrigued that I went to Whole Foods to buy a package of eight for $6.50. As a single person living alone and a new greenie, these plates would be a God-send for me if I did not like eating off of the china dishes I found at a flea market years ago. However, I have a friend whose dishes are those eco-unfriendly Styrofoam plates. These dishes were made for people like her. And anyone else who uses disposable plates but wants to do their ‘green’ share. They are definately eco-friendly and good for parties as well as “limited” daily use.

VerTerra plates are beautiful, stylish and have a good weight to them; and they are supposed to last through about 20 uses and washings. Plus you can put them in the micro-wave and the fridge. I have not washed one of these plates 20 times, nor I have micro-waved one, but I will continue using and testing them.

Believe it or not this dinnerware is made from sanitized, steamed and shaped fallen leaves. How is that for eco-friendly? Once you see the plates you will get past the picture that may be dancing in your head. Visit the VerTerra site at VerTerra. 

   Gift Elephant is a free gift service and organizer. It is almost like having your own assistant to nudge and remind you that it is Aunt Sally’s birthday, etc. 

Here are some of the things you can do to organize your gift-giving:

__Keep track of the gifts you’ve given.

__Receive reminders for any occasion.

__Know who gave you what for your birthday, holidays, wedding, etc.

__The Gift Elephhant will also create & mail real postcards we’ll print, stamp and mail them for you. Plus, manage your thank you notes.

Did I say like having having your own assistant to nudge and remind you of occassions? It’s better, cuz it won’t say, I don’t why you can’t remember this, it happens every year at the same time, or I reminded you of this last week. See, no back-talk or eye-rolling.

There is an extra benefit if you regift–you will never make a mistake and return the gift to the person who it to you. (groan)

As always read the fine print before you sign up for the free service. People often do not read the privacy or terms of use information, but it is there for your protection as well as the company’s protection. You can check them out here http://www.giftelephant.com/

 If you are familiar with the name Oriental Trading, but never bought anything from them because they have cheap stuff, well that’s the whole idea. This company has really fun stuff for cookouts and beach parties. How about pretty paper laterns for your backyard? Or fun hats for everyone to wear if it is a theme party.

These items are inexpensive enough to buy in quanity and not to regret if they die in the rain. Check out Oriental Trading for novelty items and such.

I have also cruised the pages of Century Novelty but never made a purchase. Here is the URL to their site: Century Novelty

Well, I will celebrate my first week in the state of Twitter this Friday. I came across a background site called My Tweet Space. You can visit it here and snag a background you like. My Tweet Space

So, why do I like Twitter? There are not many places that you can talk about any and everything, a lot. This morning I remembered that my ex once gave me a doll called Chatty Cathy*, and no, that is not the reason for our divorce.  I thought the gift was sweet and very much appropriate. If I had that doll now I would definately be waiting for the Antiques Roadshow people.

Please follow me on Twitter, if you‘ve a mind to. I’m here Vannie_Ryanes

*You can find info on Chatty Cathy at Chatty Cathy Talks

Dress for Success is an awesome organization. When I worked my 9 to 5, I was able to bring things to work and meet with one of the representatives on my lunch hour. For those unfamiliar with the support group, these people accept good used clothing that can be used for business. Thousands of low-income, no-income often take courses to prepare for a job and find they have nothing suitable to wear for the job interview. That’s where Dress for Sucess comes in–they offer donated professional attire, including shoes to those in need.

So clean out of those great suits and dresses that no longer fit and pass them on to someone who can use them. Find more information at http://www.dressforsuccess.org