The Empowered Lifestyle

So, did you see Donny on 'Dancing' last night? First I was waaaay put off by Marie's antics in the audience sitting next to Mary Hart and practically passing out after jumping up and down every time he came on stage. I thought it wasn't fair to the other contestants to have Entertainment Tonight clearly on the side of their sometimes correspondent. Plus, I thought Kelly was so cute in her aching way of wanting to belong to some sort of group..to feel connected.

I remember that feeling. I was in some plays in high school, but I especially remember the camaraderie that developed during our amateur rendition of 'West Side Story' (I was Velma, head of the Jet girls....and still a Jet fan to this day...go figure), but, I could def cotton to how Kelly is feeling about this being a part of this group and how great it makes her feel to have this 'family.'

That said, when Donny came out for his second dance, the free style, he was so completely entertaining that I actually laughed out loud. Even my son was appalled at my laughing at a television show that didn't have Kathy Griffin in it. But he was terrific and as much as it pains me to say it, I think he stole the lead away from Mya last night. Oh well. Tonight should be interesting.

And, yes, before you wonder, I did get sucked into watching the schmaltzy adoption reunion show. ONLY because I was working on some research for a client consult I have in about a half hour and I needed to finish her notes up. So I left the television on that channel not knowing that I was about to get manipulated and maneauvered into tearjerk land. Enough said. A roller coaster of fake emotions happening here last night.

Saving that real ride for Thanksgiving day.

Just in case you are too:

Use yellow mums as your choice of decor or floral decoration and be sure to try and strategically place them around the house. These specific plants, along with fresh cut stems are known to usher in tranquility and peace while brining a healthy dose of recognition for your efforts. If you are visiting, bring a fresh yellow mum to the host or hostess. If they are into Feng Shui AT ALL, tell them to place it in their FAME area. That way your gift brings, two...two...two gifts in one! And a whole ton more after that!

Use side lighting (lamps) instead of overheads. Harsh overheads can create shadows, which will, in turn, on a very subtle level cause depressed energies to be invited to the festivities as well. And we can't have that! See, studies show that using a lot of overhead lighting is also believed to contribute to an air of anxiety..now, really, do we need that at ANY family gathering? Right. Turn on the lamps. And candles too.

Cover your table with a CLOTH cover (as opposed to paper or a runner that doesn't cover the entire table) as this is thought to absorb any negative vibes floating around the atmosphere.

Place a flat mirror (any size) under the centerpiece on the diningroom table in order to ground the energy in the room and reflect back wishes for harmony, happiness, peace and health.

Those last four things are the most important ingredients that should be mixed up on this day and are also, of course, what I wish most for all of you. Well, that, and some down time with a cocktail in one hand and a credit card in the other......a la yesterday's post..those Black Friday deals have started early on the internet.

Oh, Amazon......and, hey, while you're there...MAKE THIS YOUR LUCKY DAY...a guide to get you through the holidays with ease and grace and change to spare....

Speaking of change...tomorrow we'll talk about a very different kind of stuffing that holds MAGIC as one of it's main ingredients!

YUM.