Recently in Roundup Category

It's a busy week in the iVillage community as many prepare to travel or entertain for the holidays. From goodies to gifting, here's a sampling of the holiday buzz:

-- So your gifts are wrapped and your halls are decked... but what about stockings? From who gets them to what you put in them, the ladies on the Joyful Home board are talking about it. Do you get your cat a stocking? What about adults? Plus, cl-twig04 has some suggestions that would be just perfect for my stocking, "[a] diamond bracelet, trip to Hawaii with a competent sitter watching the kids at home while you sun bathe, maid service for 6 months, personal chef for 6 months..."

-- iVillagers on our Jewish Family Life message board are sharing their Chanukah traditions and memories. cl-janetlh reminisces, "I remember my father's off-key singing of Ma Otzur after reading the blessings. (And my father always did the blessings and lighting.) My father can't sing, but I love that he does!"

-- They're talking about their favorite holiday movies and last-minute gift and treat ideas on the Christmas 2008 board.

-- Gingerbread anyone? GardenWeb member jojoco shares her family's recent gingerbread construction projects on the Cooking forum. Check out that Empire State Building complete with cookie King Kong!

-- For more cookie help, try the Sweet Life message board, where they're swapping their favorite dessert recipes and even sharing tips on making the perfect chocolate chip cookie. Although, in my opinion, any chocolate chip cookie is the perfect one.

-- On the Dieting Buddies board, they're wrapping up their Holidays Mega-Challenge and giving support for sticking to their diet and fitness plans during what might be the most tempting time of the year to indulge in not-so-healthy treats.

-- Oh sure, we're all about tidings of comfort and joy but what are those things that just get on your nerves at the holidays? Christmas letters? Monster gifts from the in-laws? Secret Santa anxiety? Whatever it might be, be sure to chime in on the conversation on our Current Debates board where iVillagers are sounding off on their holiday pet peeves.

-- The Pagan Paths community members are sharing Yuletide blessings as well as offering up some really great gift basket ideas.

-- In the Lipstick Lounge, apple376 laments about being given lavish gifts by co-workers when she can't reciprocate. Are baked goods always welcome? The ladies seem to give the stamp of approval.

-- Meanwhile, no_mamaboyz4me is "sick of crappy gifts" on the Dealing with In-Laws message board. My favorite piece of advice on this issue comes from auntanna02 who offers, "Next year buy them Chia Pets. There is nothing like a Chia Pet to get a message across."  Now isn't that the truth?

-- I don't need to tell you that money's tight for many this holiday season. This is even more pronounced in our Debt Support Group. One iVillager, sillycanadian, has come to realize that sometimes things are even more fun when you're not spending money -- simply by the virtue of focusing on the simple things. She writes, "when I am really trying not to spend money, I have more fun with my kids."

And that's just the tip of the iceberg, of course -- no matter how, what or where you celebrate *or* what your dilemma might be, we most likely have someone talking about it in our community. The prevailing theme, though, seems to be having a safe and happy holiday and looking forward to a great 2009. I think we can all get on board with that, right?    

Each year leading up to Thanksgiving, the iVillage message boards buzz with discussions of gratitude as our community takes time to share the things they appreciate in their lives. Most were grateful for their families, their health and homes. Several said they were also thankful for stable jobs and income in the rough economy. Many also cited their iVillage support network of friends as something to celebrate. From the serious to the sublime, here's a sampling of responses from across the iVillage community:

I am so very grateful for my husband. I am going to try harder to make sure he knows how much I love and appreciate him. I am thankful to be an American. We face tough times but I know we can muster our spirit to get us on the right track.  -- thebetty

I am thankful to my girlfriends (here and IRL) and my Mom and MIL for teaching me how to be a parent and then for knowing how to be a mommy. I am so thankful for Sara's smile. I am thankful for the Phillies winning the world series - goodness knows the rest of our teams stink!! -- cl-andibear

I'm thankful for: those ladies here who entertain me when I'm feeling like I'm completely lonely; our house, because it's something that we felt we couldn't reach at our age but it's our present now; the fact that we're financially ok and not in trouble -- cobixns

I'm thankful for my health, for the health of my loved ones, and for the many, many wonderful friends who have come into my life and have blessed me richly with such love.  -- mmshortcake

I am grateful that I didn't ring my child's neck when I saw thong underwear coming out of her backside when she bent over in a pair of jeans that were extremely low rise. And I am also grateful that neither of these items were something she owned and they will be immediately returned to whichever "loose" friend she borrowed them from. -- itsme_2005

I'm thankful for my daughter's teachers, for they have demonstrated their willingness to have shared success with Maddy this year -- goldilocks3m

I am grateful my Mom taught me to cook so well, I am able to feed my family on very little money, and they think it's good! I am grateful that I took a minute to stop and get my favorite ice cream last night. -- momofmegandkate

I'm thankful for my kids' sense of humor, they make me laugh every day when I don't expect it. -- cl-nykatyrose

I'm grateful for my job and the great families I have right now. I couldn't ask for any better. -- srmagoo

I'm grateful that Barack Obama won the US presidency! The volunteer work I did was not in vain! I made a difference. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for this historic event. -- hotcarmel12

I am grateful that I am starting to "re-emerge" after my move 18 months ago. I am finding my own way of living in the space I have and it is beginning to look like home. --ladybug987

I am thankful we are still here, still healthy and while not as financially secure as we used to be, not as bad off as others. --thatyank

I'm grateful that I have a home, and that it's not in jeopardy. I'm grateful that DH and I both have jobs we enjoy and they aren't in jeopardy. I'm grateful our kids and our parents are healthy and strong. -- ginger.cookie

A roof over my head and plenty to eat. (I help at our church's lunch program and see many who have neither!) -- nottoo

My dh and I celebrated 26 years of marriage this year *and* are experiencing a renewed love for each other!  -- brenbran

I am thankful for the challenges that I am facing, which are forcing me to awake dorment dreams, goals and objectives, re-think priorities, realize that anything is possible, realize that happiness cannot be not boxed. -- bebeabordo

My creativity, being able to write and imagine. -- suffy_78

I am thankful for French Silk pie. -- beepsmomx2

I am thankful that we are maintaining our jobs and our house in this crazy economy. I am thankful that gas is below $2. -- hlong842001

I am very thankful for my wonderful and caring family, their health. Very thankful that I am married to a good man and good provider and good father. -- ptbwbarb

I'm thankful for days off when I can sleep in and take my time in the morning, just puttering around and enjoying my coffee. -- cl-mom_to_travis

 

This year I'm thankful for my family and friends, my health and prosperity, the hilarity of The Office and 30 Rock, pomegranates, good music and the chance to work with such a great community each and every day. What are you thankful for? Share it with me here and check out the gratitude discussion on our Finding Your Best Life message board. 

Halloween is right around the corner and whether you're just a casual trick-or-treater or a ghoul gone wild, chances are you've got plans that just might involve dressing up as an otherworldly being and overload on candy. You're certainly not alone, and I took a spin around the boards to find out what our users are planning for All Hallows Eve.

-- The moms on the Halloween message board are discussing their trick-or-treat plans and last-minute costume preparations. If you have a Halloween emergency or need some quick tips, be sure to stop by.

Speaking of costumes...

-- iVillager pennygirl2006 shows off her two cuties in our Happy Halloween photo gallery, where you can view a ton of great Halloween photos of costumes, decor and more. While you're there, go ahead and upload a few pictures of your own. You know you want to.

-- On the Weight Watchers Followers board trick-or-treating is on the brain, but the ladies are looking for ways to avoid the tricks of the treats, so to speak. Some are just not buying candy this year to avoid temptation, while others are only buying the stuff they personally can't stand. This would totally not work for me, unless there is some sort of chocolate-covered mushroom candy that I'm not aware of.

-- On the California board, iVillager elc11 is on to us!  "... what really bugs me are the parents not in any costume holding out a bag 'for' an infant or toddler. Presumably they're not going to give all of that candy to that little one so they must be begging for candy for themselves."

-- While I'm not pilfering my own candy stash or stealing some from my daughter's haul, I am enjoying one of my favorite grains -- candy corn. (Yes, my name is Caryn and I have a problem.) I can't imagine who *doesn't* like candy corn, honestly, but apparently there are a few of you out there. Check out this poll from Holiday Decorating & Crafts:

-- While Halloween can be a fun event, for some it's just another opportunity to bring out the family drama. How do you reconcile your trick-or-treat plans with an active and maybe a bit overbearing family? The tough love comes out on this debate in our Parenting Issues Debate community.

-- For other families, though, Halloween is definitely a family celebration. iVillager j_o_brown on the Fantasies board is sharing details about his daughter's upcoming Halloween wedding.

No matter what your plans, I hope you have a fun and safe evening. Share your Halloween traditions and stories here with us -- and of course, your favorite fun-sized treat.

Holidays are here again. If you need to take a break from the shopping, decorating, partying, and Secret Santa-ing, check out what’s burning up the iVillage message boards. From censored Santas to tinsel tension, iVillagers are buzzing about the holidays’ hot topics.

• The Nicole Kidman-starrer and fantasy epic “The Golden Compass” is one of the most anticipated movies of the holiday season, but it’s already being panned by critics and religious groups for allegedly promoting atheism. Members are debating the criticism at the always-buzzing In The News board. Some think this is just another case of groups reacting with an “unsubstantiated fear of a different belief,” while some are criticizing the film for “undermining Christian beliefs.” Are you taking the kids to see this movie?
• Some Santas in Sydney won’t be in such a jolly mood this year. Apparently, they have been warned to not to use the traditional “ho ho ho” greeting because it may be offensive to women and may frighten children. Many iVillagers, such as member kasiemay, think this is outright ridiculous. “People are now looking for ways to offended,” she says. “[They] need to get a grip and just let some things remain innocent.” What do you think?
• Who else is feeling stressed from all the hectic holiday preparations? On the Heart Health board, member lulaluva78 recently posted about her stressed out mom, and members offered their support. How do you keep sane and relaxed during the holidays?
• Release your inner Grinch and post about the holiday decorations you’re absolutely sick of. Some iVillagers have had enough of icicle lights and “PVC reindeer that look frighteningly skeletal by day and spring to life with the enough twinkle lights to pinpoint the yard on Google maps.” What are your holiday décor pet peeves?
• The Holiday Recipes & Entertaining board is chock-full of yummy ideas for a traditional Christmas breakfast—everything from puffy French toast to scrumptious cinnamon rolls. Get inspired and share your own Christmas morning traditions.
• Holiday shopping getting to you? How much thought and effort do you really put into your holiday gifts? Check out iVillagers’ stress-free gift ideas, and share your own!
• If you think that ugly sweater you got from your aunt last Chrsitmas was a cringe-worthy gift, check out these hilarious stories of “mis-givings” from fellow iVillagers. Teeth mold? Sod for the backyard? What was the worst gift you’ve ever gotten? Share them here.
• ‘Tis the season for toys, and some moms have had enough of them! Over at the Military Families board, the list of most annoying toys ever is growing. What is the most annoying toy your child has ever received?

Whether you're feeling the tidings of joy this season or needing some holiday help, sign up for our Holiday Countdown. You'll get daily holiday tips that'll help you make the most of the season.

Happy Halloween, iVillage! Whether you're a fanatic for this holiday or are just trying to get through without eating too many fun-sized Snickers, you can find a lot of Halloween fun right here in the iVillage community. I went on a little trick-or-treating mission around the boards and here's what's brewing:

• On the Poets Workshop message board they've conjured up a Halloween poem challenge. It sounds like a lot of fun and there's still time to join in -- I don't even think you have to be in costume, but it's a bit trickier than it looks, so beware and mind your iambic pentameter.
• Need a last-minute treat that's safe for everyone to enjoy? The ladies on the Four-and-Five-Year Olds board are sharing peanut-free Halloween snack ideas. Even if you're already overloaded on treats, these are some good suggestions to bookmark for your next class party or club function.
• The moms of 8-and-9-Year-Olds are asking the question: Do you ration out (your child's) trick or treat candy a little bit at a time, or do you let them eat as much as they want? I'll add in my own question -- do you always take a certain percentage of your kids' candy as your "cut" or is that just me? Ahem.
• Dress Up Pets: Just because they can't eat candy doesn't mean that the family pet can't get into the Halloween festivities. Don't miss these cute and furry friends in costume.
• They're scaring up more fun on the Cooking with the Seasons message board. Stop by and join in (and snag a few recipes while you're there). Find more ghoulish goodies here.
• Of course they're in the spirit of the season on the Halloween board ... stop by to see what everyone's planning and check out the Halloween scavenger hunt .
• The GardenWeb community is showing off their creative talents for the fall season. These glass pumpkins are amazing and many members are showing off their fall decorations.
• Although they're often discussing real-life scary stuff on the In the News board, this week they're trading Halloween Movie Recommendations and asking, Is your house haunted? My house isn't haunted, but there sure seem to be a lot of cobwebs hanging around. Hmmm ...
• Maybe now is not the time to think of swimsuit season, but if you need some inspiration for getting in shape, don't miss this amazing Halloween before and after from carol-jtd40 on the LA Weight Loss message board. Way to go!
• iVillagers have been showing off their fall and Halloween signature lines in the Fall Frenzy and Halloween Spooktacular challenge. Yes, "spooktacular" is a word, why do you ask? Stop by and see all of the creative images members are using to dress up their messages and post your own!

No matter what you have planned for this spooky day, have fun and stay safe out there! And if you're not expecting trick-or-treaters to show up on your doorstep tonight, you can still enjoy cute kids in costume from the comfort of your keyboard. Speaking of which, why not upload your own photos? We want to see 'em!