Spotlight on: Thanksgiving

Rexanne's Web Review
Web Sites & Insights

Issue #76 - February 1, 2004 

Brought to You By: Rexanne.com

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Welcome All Newcomers! 

Coffee is once again being recognized as a health benefit, this time in curbing diabetic tendencies. Gotta love research. It will eventually make you happy. ;-) 

Did anyone see the news story about the mom who was arrested after a high speed chase through the streets of San Diego? Seems she was "once again" late getting her son to school and was in no mood to cooperate 
when the police pulled her over for speeding. I related to her momentary insanity far too well ... so sad what parenthood can reduce us to, huh? ;-) 

This is the month for love and romance. For absolutely everything Valentine's Day online, enjoy the pages of my VDAY site, filled with loving site links, recipes to inspire even the pickiest love bug and a Valentine flowers, gifts and candy page where you'll find special ideas and treats to surprise your sweeties: Rexanne's Valentine - "Spreading a Little Love on the Toast of Life!"

And a very happy birthday to my younger daughter, Liberty, who turns ten years-old today. I love you, Lib!

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Reader's Comments:

Will the spanking controversy never end? Read on:
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Liz wrote in response to Terri's response to Liz's original response to the article on hitting children (which I did not write) from our newsletter of November, 2003: (Did you keep track of all that?!)

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"My original response to the spanking article [you wrote] was written to hopefully give other's a perspective so that they were not so inclined to judge others because of another person's incorrect use of a parenting style. Apparently criticizing other's choices of parenting styles is something you allow. This is a very touchy subject with a lot of different arguments. 

I have enjoyed your newsletter in the past, but it's apparent what your views are on the matter and therefore your newsletter will no longer service my time."

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Rexanne's note:

While my views on spanking have always been clear and I will continue to campaign against what I feel is an inappropriate form of punishment, I did not publish Terri's response as a criticism of Liz's parenting style. I gave Liz a voice and I also gave Terri a voice in the matter. I'm sorry Liz took offense to our open "reader's comments" style. 

As always, my readers are welcome to share their opinions and feelings on all parenting matters here. Please DO continue to send in your comments and email. The feedback gives us all a forum of ideas from which we can make our own judgments and hopefully, learn a little more about this business of parenting.

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OK, here's the scoop:

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Quote of the Month:  What a child doesn't receive he can seldom later give. - P.D. James 

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Parenting & Family Topic of the Month:  Loving Our Children


I have always believed that the most important aspect of parenting is love. It seems U.S. President Bush and the first lady, Laura, feel the same. They have recently spoken out on the importance of unconditional love for children. They maintain the philosophy that no matter what their daughters accomplish, or don't in life, they are still very much valued and adored and always will be. 

While we all love our children, showing and expressing that love is what allows children to thrive. Teaching our kids through actions and words that they are lovable and deserving of love is an invaluable tool that will carry them through life's ups and downs with a solid sense of self and the security of personal pride. 

While some children, some of the time, are anything but lovable, we need to recognize their limitations and continue to show that we love them, especially when they are acting out their anger and frustrations at life's wicked twists. These are the moments when our babies need us to maintain control, to try teaching them life lessons of coping with, managing and controlling strong emotions. It is the perfect time to express our love for them through our eyes and allow them to feel it in our embrace. This is a powerful affirmation of their importance in the world and shows our children that, no matter how dumb their behavior, they are still lovable and valued. 

Children who are loved unconditionally, whose feelings and moods are respected and accepted, are children who grow up with self-respect, tolerance and love in their hearts for humanity. Sometimes, this is the very best we can do as parents ... simply love them. 

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Know of a good parenting or family site your fellow readers might enjoy? Please send it for possible publication in an upcoming issue. Click here: Parenting Site

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Food & Cooking Site of the Month: 123 Easy As Pie Valentine's Page

There are so many mouthwatering Valentine dessert ideas on this page, you'll have a hard time deciding which one to create for the special day. You will also find Valentine beverage ideas scattered throughout this alphabetized list of recipes and a few food ideas thrown in, but we all know Valentine's Day is about the sugar. :-) 

Bon Appetit!

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Dan's Chocolates uses only the finest American and European ingredients in creating their outstanding assortment of seriously delicious chocolates. Their handmade gourmet truffles feature fresh cream, fruits, and nuts for the most discerning chocolate connoisseur. Dan's Chocolates also donates a portion of every sale to charity. Gotta love these guys AND their chocolates. 

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Kid's Site of the Month: Valentine's Day for Kids

Let the children find Valentine's Day activities, crafts and fun things to create, do and explore on this page. They can color hearts, cupids, flower bouquets; play a VDAY word game to challenge their thinking skills; create their own on or off line Valentine cards and generally have a good kid-pleasing time on this page dedicated to kids and Valentine's Day. 

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Freebie of the Month: Valentine Cards & Tax Tips

These mini Valentine cards are sweet as can be, with many various designs. Kids can print and cut them out for classmates, friends and family: Mini Valentines

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Here's a gift from the National Audit Defense Network that we could all use right about now ... 101 free tax tips. Did you know that 65 percent of Americans overpay their taxes? Yikes! Don't get caught overpaying again this April 15th. All you have to do is fill out a quick and simple form on this site for immediate access to your 101 free tips: 101 Free Tax Tips

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Tip or Trick of the Month:  Valentine Decorations 


Here are some good ways to Valentine up your home. Add a touch of romance and love to the place and watch the hugs and kisses fly. ;-)

1) Scatter those cute candy hearts with words down the middle of the dining room table or on the end and coffee tables or all three. Mix in some little confetti hearts. Leave them there all month. 

2) Fill a candy bowl with Valentine-decorated candies or chocolates. Place it on an end table or on the coffee table. 

3) Make the mashed potatoes pink by adding a few drops of red food coloring. 

4) Tape Valentine's Day pictures, colored by your child, to the front door, the bedroom doors, the bathroom doors, the fridge, etc. 

5) Buy roses or red and pink flowers to place in vases around your home the entire week before Valentine's Day. 

6) Have a romantic movie night. Rent every sappy love story in the video store and make sure to have a box of tissues handy. The guys'll resist, naturally. Feed them something macho like buffalo wings to keep them there! ;-)

7) Light pretty pink and red candles in the bathrooms, on the dining room table, in the master bedroom. You can do this in the kids rooms, too, but only if they're old enough to be fire-safe.

8) Have a fire burning in the fireplace. Roast marshmallows!

9) String red and white mini lights around the house and throughout the indoor plants. You can do this outside, too. 

10) Red heart helium-filled balloons floating around the living room are fun and will make everyone smile for at least 12 hours. :-)


Have a tip or trick your fellow readers would enjoy or could use? Please send it here for possible publication in one of the next issues: Tips

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Time Waster of the Month:  One Word
Because life is supposed to be fun!

I found this site in Boogie Jack's 'Almost A Newsletter.' Boogie Jack always finds the best goodies on the net. :-)

One Word gives you just that: one word. You have 60 seconds to write whatever pops into your bean about that one word. You will then have the option of posting your inspiration online. An interesting concept and actually insightful. You'll probably discover things about yourself you hadn't realized or remembered. You'll also read what that one word inspired in other people's minds. This is a good time waster! :-)

Feed the kids first ...

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Featured Site of the Month:  Human Heart 

Wow ... Oh WOW. This is serious heart business. Anyone who has loved or still loves, even though that person is no longer by your side, will relate to this beautiful poem, written by Jacqueline. The page is  gorgeous and the song by Collin Raye is awesome. If you're in love or longing for that special someone, the song'll get ya big time, too. Enjoy this tribute to love and the human heart with all its drama. ;-)

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