Make Your Dad So Happy With A Tungsten Ring

For my dad's birthday my family and I wanted to get him something really special. We found him this really beautiful tungsten ring. My dad didn't really wear jewelry until now. He wears it 24-7 and he tells us how much he loves it just about every day. It makes me so happy so see him this happy.

Black Friday

Thanksgiving is tomorrow! Which means, of course, Black Friday 2011 is just two days away! YAY! Are you going out in the mad rush that is Black Friday and fending against the crazies getting their Christmas shopping done? The ads for the stores will be out in papers tomorrow, so make sure you snag your paper early for the busiest retail day of the year. If you just can't wait until tomorrow I found a website that has the ads scanned in for a sneak peak. Check it out here.

Where to shop for plus-size clothing

I am plus-size, but I am not frumpy. I'd sooner leave my house in garbage bags than wear some of the frumpy, old-lady style clothing that stores like K-Mart and Walmart carry. Since I have been plus-size for so long, I have definitely shopped around, and I know where to find fashionable and stylish clothing that fits well and looks good (well, as good as it'll look on a plus-size woman!).

For "junior" style jeans and tops, and the latest in coats and jewelry, look no further than Fashion Bug. They have a great selection of sportswear, casual, semi-casual and business casual clothing and accessories in sizes 14-32. You can expect to pay $30-$40 for fashion jeans and pants, and $25-$30 for fashion tops.

Looking for intimates? I recommend Fashion Bug for underwear -- boy shorts, hipsters, low-rise, bikini and thong. But use Lane Bryant for bras. They fit and look better, and last longer.

For slightly cheaper plus-size clothing that is casual and comfortable, Old Navy is the way to go. They often clearance a lot of their seasonal clothing, so you'll be able to find tops and pants for 50% off or more!

Baby clothes: what I look for

The best part of having a daughter is being able to dress her up in all of the great little girls clothing! I have a son as well, and I must admit that the selection of boys outfits is never as nice as what I can find for girls! Don't get me wrong, I can find nice childrens clothes for both of my kids, but the good boy stuff is few and far between. My biggest complaint with boys clothing is that everything is dark and dreary, camouflage or sports themed, or plastered with tacky illustrations and television and movie characters. Is it so wrong to want to dress your little boy is nice, sweet little boy apparel?

Now girls clothes on the other hand... a walk in the park! Last week alone I was able to find my daughter a pair of metallic silver jeans, dark blue denim jeans with silver sparkles all over them, and some great tights in the baby clothes section at Babies 'r Us.

Where do you shop for clothing for your children? I know that Gymboree and The Children's Place are often recommended, but there have to be some other nice stores as well! I love Carters clothing, but sadly their sizes don't go beyond babies!

He's almost two!

My son turns two on Saturday. I would be lying if I said that these past two years haven't gone by fast. I know a lot of moms often lament that the baby and toddler days seem to drag and drag, but for me they really flew. Of course, having a busy life and another child assisted with that. My son has a sister who is going to be four in October. I also work from home. And since my son's birth, we have moved twice, dealt with a lot of family drama and changes, and have kept busy doing family things. For instance, in the last seven weeks we have gone swimming at least a dozen times, gone mini-golfing four times, have seen three movies (Hancock, Wall-E and Dark Knight), celebrated three birthdays, went to an amusement park, and went on vacation to the NJ shore.

So, two. What do two year old little boys want for their birthday? That's the question I have been getting from family and friends, and I'm having a heck of a time figuring out the answer. I mentioned clothes and/or gift certificates to a few people, simply because my son is going to need fall and winter clothing. His age really hit me then: two. Two means no more baby clothes. Two means shopping in the little boys section, graduating from 4T and 5T to x-small and 4/5.

Moms, let me tell you: the baby and toddler years go by very quickly. Make sure to stop and enjoy the little moments of them!