Photo by: Brad

What’s wrong is what happens when real people try to act out this scene in their own homes with a real puppy. The concern is the future of those puppies that show up on Christmas morning. Christmas puppies are often impulse purchases, which frequently end up resulting in buyers remorse. People give them in the spirit of the season but don’t bother asking if they have the time and energy to give to the puppy.

Are you ready for the commitment?

When considering a Christmas puppy, ask yourself if the recipient has the time and energy to spend on a puppy. There are few basic points you should consider before purchasing any dog:

1. Does the recipient want a specific breed, or how big or small? Make sure the recipient wants a puppy. And, make sure you get the right type of dog.

2. Where is the best place to find a new puppy? If the recipient is open to any breed, try looking for a shelter or rescued dog. They may not be that “doggy in the window” but they make loving pets and are usually inexpensive.

3. Will the recipient be able to devote ample time to the puppy for the first few weeks when he arrives? Dogs demand a lot of time and attention, particularly as puppies. If the owner works long hours, a dog is probably not the right pet for them.

4. Can the recipient afford to own a dog? Owning a dog can be very expensive and this should be taken into account before buying a puppy. Costs to consider are dog food, vet bills, training classes, bedding, toys, grooming costs, etc

5. Is the owner’s Norfolk apartment accommodating for a pet? Is the home large enough and is there area outside for the puppy to exercise and play? Does their leasehold agreement allow pets?

In most cases, it’s smarter to get a new puppy at a less hectic time of the year. Don’t let your decision of buying a pet be influenced by seasonal giving and excitement. You don’t want the excitement of the puppy to fade after the tree comes down and the lights are packed away. Remember a puppy is a lifelong commitment.

Check out Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday allows consumers to return to work after the holiday weekend and make purchases online that they were not able to make in stores. So, don’t be surprised to find co-workers in their cubicles overly excited over a good bargain or free shipping. It’s an official excuse to spend your first day back at work surfing the Internet for holiday deals.

Tips and Tools for Cyber Monday

At the official Cyber Monday site, you can find Cyber Monday deals from more than 550 retailers. You can receive special offers including free shipping during the holidays and throughout the year. On the day of Cyber Monday there will be hourly specials and exclusives.

And, be sure to sign up for special savings and latest offers. Plus, there are sneak peeks of the hourly deals that will be sent via email. Proceeds from CyberMonday.com go to the Ray Greenly Scholarship Fund, supporting students studying ecommerce. So, no matter where you do your shopping, make sure you’re getting the best deal. Follow these simple tips when doing your online holiday shopping.

1. Be sure to comparison shop. Comparison shop according to price, user review, most popular or other criteria. To do this, use tools such as:

• CoolSavings.com
• Shopzilla.com
• PriceGrabber.com
• Shopping.com

2. Go to the source. For retailers that may not be included in comparison sites, type in the stores direct URL to see their latest sales and promotions.

3. Check the price. Are you getting a better deal online or in the traditional store? Compare online and offline prices, because they aren’t always identical.

4. Subscribe to your favorite store’s newsletter. This way you will receive coupons and specials via email.

5. When making an online purchase, don’t leave the “enter promotional code here” box blank. If you do not have a code, be sure to look for codes on sites such as Current Codes or Coupon Cabin.

You are sitting in your Norfolk apartment feeling a little chilly. The weather has cooled off and it’s time to enjoy your favorite hot beverage. There are so many choices… coffee, mocha, hot cider… but the healthiest choice may be a cup of green tea.

Sip Tea, Stay Thin?

Studies in laboratory mice have shown that green tea may help block fat and prevent weight gain. Specifically, the ingredients in green tea may block the absorption of dietary fat and increase your body’s ability to burn fat overall. The research is preliminary, but promising. You should drink several cups of green tea a day to see any benefit. You may also consider taking a green tea extract supplement daily.

What Else Can Green Tea Do For Me?

Blocking fat is a huge plus, but that is just the start. Tea is loaded with antioxidants- the amazing disease fighting compounds. Green and black teas are estimated to have 10 times the antioxidants found in fruit and veggies. These antioxidants work to protect cells from free radicals. Other benefits of green tea include:

1. Lowers Risk of Heart Disease – By helping the function of the endothelial cells lining the blood vessels and reducing cholesterol.

2. May Prevent Cancer – an antioxidant in green tea slowed breast cancer growth in female mice. Tea-drinking rats have less cancer overall. People in China and Japan, who drink more tea, have less cancer.

3. May Help Improve Memory and Learning Problems associated with sleep apnea, a sleep-related breathing disorder.

4. Protects Against Neurodegenerative Changes – green tea polyphenols can counteract oxidative stress in the brain, helping to prevent Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

5. Good for Healthy Skin – Antioxidants are able to absorb and heal the effects of free radicals on skin and slow down some of the visible signs of aging.

Give Your Tea a Boost

Adding a generous squeeze of lemon, lime or orange to tea gives the antioxidants extra staying power, allowing them to stay in your body longer.

Untraditional Green Tea Dessert Recipes

• Greeen tea cookies
• Green tea cupcakes
• Green tea cheesecake with raspberries
• Green tea ice cream

Squeeze – Any kind of soft filling, like deviled egg filling or decorative icing, can be put in a pastry bag or plastic baggie (with corner cut out). Kids can then squeeze it out for you.
Rinse – Get kids a step stool and let them rinse vegetables in the sink.
Stir – Kids love to stir anything. Let them help stir mashed potatoes or batter in the mixing bowl.
Dump – After you fill your measuring cup, let your child dump the ingredients from the cup into the bowl.
Snap – Let kids snap the ends off fresh green beans.
Shuck – Kids will enjoy shucking corn.
Assemble – Let kids build vegetable platters, relish trays or cheese and cracker plates. Give them the cut up ingredients and let them stack and sort.
Chop – Kids can bang away on this Pampered Chef food chopper.
Spread – Allow kids to use a butter knife or spoon to spread toppings on cakes, cupcakes or cookies.

Photo by: YellowHouse

For Kids Under 3

Give toddlers their own items to ‘help’ with. Sit them down with bowls and spoons to bang around. Fill a big bowl with sugar or flour and give them small measuring cups to play with. It will feel like sandbox play. Let them mold and shape dough – it’s just like play dough! Even a box of uncooked spaghetti noodles is enough to keep them entertained as they move noodles from place to place, stack them or break them. There will surely be some clean up but any of these activities will buy you time in the kitchen and allow little kids to explore, play and embrace their creativity.

When you are cooking with kids, make sure to keep the kitchen safe in your Norfolk apartment. Keep sharp knives out of reach, keep kids’ hands away from hot stoves and make sure youngsters don’t swallow items they could choke on.

Planning Ahead

When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, you and your guests are going to want a traditional turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potato pie, cranberry sauce, casseroles and pumpkin pie. With a single oven in your tiny apartment kitchen, getting all of these things prepared in a timely manner may be a real chore. Below are some ideas for planning your Thanksgiving meal ahead of time:

• Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to cook every dish ever known to be eaten on Thanksgiving day. Create a menu and stick to it.
• If someone coming to Thanksgiving dinner would like to bring a dish, let them. Just tell them to let you know what they’re bringing so you don’t have duplicate dishes.
• If you have to borrow any kitchen appliances like mixers, crockpots or baking pans, do so a few days ahead of time, so you have them ready.
• Prepare casseroles ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer so they can easily be reheated. You can also make pies and desserts the day before.
• Have all of your guests RSVP so you know how much to cook and how many seats you’re going to need.

Not Enough Oven Space

Everything on Thanksgiving day is made in the oven: casseroles, the turkey, pies and more. So, how do you overcome the issue of not having enough oven space for all of your dishes? If you have a small, single oven, simply use as many of the other appliances in your apartment kitchen as you can.

Photo by: Paul Goyette

The Toaster Oven – You can make a lot of dishes in your toaster oven like rolls, appetizers, casseroles and pies.

• Mini pumpkin pies in the toaster oven
• Sweet Apple Surprise
• Bruschetta

Crock Pot – Instead of crowding your stove with more pots, use your crock pot for ciders, soups, side dishes and gravies.

• Crock pot sweet potato stuffing
• Raisin cinnamon bread pudding
• Crock Pot Herb Roasted Potatoes

Microwave – It may not sound very Thanksgiving-ish to use the microwave, but this can be a lifesaver when you need to reheat a casserole or steam vegetables.

• Candied Yams: Microwave or Crock Pot
• Microwaved Corn Bread Stuffing
• Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Easy Appetizers

Don’t waste your resources and time in the kitchen on appetizers. These easy appetizer ideas will keep your guests preoccupied while you finish preparing Thanksgiving dinner. You can even pick some of these up pre-made at your grocery store.

Photo by: Zeetz

Get Cheesy – Set out a platter with a variety of cheeses, crackers, olives and cold deli meats. This will keep your guests stomachs from growling but won’t fill them up before the main event.

Vegetable Trays – People feel guilty enough stuffing themselves on Thanksgiving day. A fresh vegetable tray will ease their conscience.

Dips – Search the internet for dip recipes or pick your favorite up at your deli. With pita chips or crackers, dips are always a hit at gatherings.

Quick Tips for the Big Day

• Prepare as many casseroles and desserts ahead of time as you can.
• Take assistance when it’s offered. Don’t feel like you have to cook the whole dinner alone.
• If your dining space is small, having people come through the kitchen to fill up their plates buffet-style will relieve you of having to find more space in your small apartment.
• For appetizers, use any flat surface in your apartment to set them up. Use coffee tables, bookshelves, and side tables so guests can graze as they move throughout the room.
• Buy or borrow folding tables and chairs for seating for dinner. Your small dining table or breakfast bar may not be enough to seat everyone.
• Ask a neighbor who may not be cooking dinner for Thanksgiving if you can use their oven or borrow appliances if you find you don’t have enough space. But, don’t forget to invite them for dinner!

If you’ve planned to have Thanksgiving day at your place but your Norfolk apartment or home kitchen seems too small, just use some of these tips and recipes to help create a tasty and traditional Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Northrop Grumman sits on a 550-acre yard, about a half hour away from Norfolk. The company produces nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S. Navy.

Photo By: MATEUS_27:24&25

Northrop Grumman is:

Interesting Facts About the Shipbuilding Company

• The sole supplier of U.S. Navy aircraft carriers, the world’s largest warships.
• The builder of many of the Navy attack submarines and aircraft carriers in use today.
• One of only two companies capable of designing and building nuclear-powered submarines.
• Home of the Western Hemisphere’s largest dry dock and crane.
• Exclusive provider of refueling services for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.
• The company that designed and developed every Navy aircraft carrier for more than 25 years.

Calling all Job Seekers

Northrop Grumman is the largest industrial employer in Virginia, employing more than 21,000 people. Thousands of engineers are on staff to develop new technologies for vessels. New residents of Norfolk can look into their Apprentice School or search their website for career opportunities.

Special Events

During the life of a ship, special events are held to commemorate construction milestones. You may be able to attend such events as:

• Keel laying ceremonies
• Ship christenings
• Commissioning ceremonies

Former president George H.W. Bush has visited the shipyard four times and has personally assisted with catapult testing.

Photo by: Ari Moore

There are two sets of wedding anniversary gifts – the modern and the traditional. Either are considered appropriate and our list includes both.

First Year

The traditional gift for the first year anniversary is paper. This can be given in any form from paintings to stationary to books. However, the modern gift is a clock – alarm clocks or decorative clocks – any clock will fit the bill.

Second Year

For the second year it’s traditional to give a gift of cotton. This can be anything made of cotton like sheets, linens, oven mitts, pillows or clothing. The modern gift is considered to be china. However, this gift could get expensive and your options are limited. Either way, both gifts work for a second year anniversary gift.

Third Year

Traditionally, a gift of leather is given for the third year anniversary. In modern times, crystal is considered the appropriate gift. For a leather gift, you can purchase accessories like gloves, handbags, belts or wallets. And, crystal can come in the form of candle holders, drinking glasses or decorative accents.

Photo by: Frank Da Silva

Fourth Year

It’s easy to find gifts for a fourth year anniversary whether you go for the traditional gift of fruit or the modern gift of appliances like toaster ovens, waffle makers, crock pots or microwaves.

Fifth Year

If you’re looking for the traditional wedding anniversary gift of wood to give your married friends for their fifth year anniversary, you could try wooden picture frames, art frames, potted trees or small furniture pieces. The modern gift is silverware which could include candle holders, kitchen utensils, flatware, or serving plates.

Sixth Year

The traditional gifts for the 6th year anniversary are candy or iron. Iron might be a little difficult to find, so you could bake them a batch of their favorite sweets. Or, you could go with the modern gift of wood.

Seventh Year

For the seventh year anniversary, desk sets are considered the modern gift. You can spruce it up a bit by personalizing it. Or you could go with the traditional gift of wool. You could buy linens, socks or hats of wool.

Photo by: Jessica Merz

Eighth Year

Traditionally pottery is given as a gift for the eighth year anniversary. You could easily find decorative pots, bowls or jars. However, if earthenware and pottery are not your thing, you could give them the modern gift of linens.

Ninth Year

It is traditional to give willow to a couple on their ninth wedding anniversary. You could buy them a willow tree, but buying them a beautiful plant or decorative willow items will suffice. You could go with the modern gift of linens and lace if you’d rather not purchase a tree.

Tenth Year

Traditionally Tin or Aluminum is given as a gift for the tenth year anniversary. Any kind of kitchenware would work for this gift. Or, you can give the modern gift of diamond jewelry which might not be the most affordable idea. Maybe you should leave that up to the husband to get his wife some jewelry and stick to the kitchenware.

The beach allows each member of the family to be as active or as lazy as they want to be. Have a great time playing with your kids or sitting back and watching them have the time of their lives. Here are ten things kids love to do on beach vacations.

1. Fly a Kite

Photo by: David Goshorn

2. Build a Sand Castle with a Moat

Photo by: ClintJCL

3. Dig a Deep Hole and Stand in it

Photo by: kim55555

4. Ride a Skim Board

Photo by: Frank DiBona

5. Look for Shells

Photo by: tomeppy

6. Write in the Sand

Photo by: Ms Anthea

7. Bury Mom or Dad in the Sand

Photo by: halfstring

8. Chase Sea Gulls

9. Go for a Swim, Jump the Waves

Photo by: arielmatzuk

10. Just Chill

Whatever beach activities you choose on your family vacation, keep beach safety in mind. Also make sure to wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water.

Sea Legends & Ghosts: A Downtown Walk-Around

Photo By: Kierkier

This is a 60 minute trek down the cobblestone streets of the historic Freemason Distric and Downtown Norfolk. Learn about Norfolk’s sea legends, tales and ghosts. Highlights include Freemason Abbey and the Wells Theater – believed to be one of the most haunted places in Virginia. The walk-around runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, starting on October 10th and running through November 2nd.

Kids Safe Halloween Spook-Tacular

Come and see ghosts and goblins on the Wards Corner section of Norfolk. This 2nd Annual Wards Corner event will feature a costume contest, juggling, the tooth fairy, hot dogs, candy, games and other activities. It is happening on Halloween evening from 5:30 P.M – 8:00 P.M. and is for kids age 12 and under and accompanying adults.

Wards Corner Spooky Haunted House

Photo By: Vandys

“Trickin And Treatn To Benefit Special Kids”- Visit the spookiest Haunted House in Hampton Roads. Students from local schools will transform a vacant building into this scary attraction. It’s located at 135 E. Little Creek Road and will be open Wednesday October 31st from 5:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Admission is $6 and proceeds will go to charity.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Come and see a stage adaption of this 1975 film that became a worldwide phenomenon. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is known for its audience participation. These performances feature a live cast from Norfolk’s own Fishnet Inc. and will happen October 31st at 7:15 P.M. & 9:30 P.M. at Naro Expanded Cinema, 1507 Colley Ave.

Halloween Events for Children at Norfolk Public Libraries

Photo By: {Just Jennifer}

The Norfolk Public Library will be hosting several Halloween events for children including a costume party, storytime and a parade. Activities will happen October 28th-31st. Visit the library’s website to find exact times and branch locations.

Check online for more information on any of Norfolk’s Halloween Events.

Photo By: Valerie Everett

Apple – This fruit is symbolic of fall…apple trees, apple cider, baking an apple pie, giving an apple to your teacher. The AIR WICK® Scented Oil Refill: Apple Cinnamon Medley™ will bring that crisp, sour aroma to your apartment.

Fireplace – The smell of a fireplace is one of the coziest scents imaginable. You can’t beat a warm fireplace on a cold night, and snuggling up with your sweetie. The Natures Garden Fireplace Fragrance Oil brings that woodsy, earthly aroma home to you. The oil can be used in candles, potpourri and incense.

Photo By: 427

Peppermint – This scent is so often found in foot care products because peppermint invigorates feet and leaves them tingling. Try this Candy Cane Peppermint Scented Foot Care for sheer autumn delight.

Pine Forest – As the winter approaches and the air gets chillier, the smell of pine brings thoughts of the upcoming holidays. Just Scent Candle & Soap Supplies has a wonderful pine scent, reminding you of a walk through the woods or a freshly cut Christmas tree.

Eggnog – As the fall months roll around, you’ll find eggnog in everything from flavored coffee to scented candles and lotions. The eggnog scent captures the smell of rum and nutmeg, and makes us feel warm all over. Buy a Yankee Candle Wax Tart to bring this fragrance to your apartment.

With these cozy scents at home, you won’t ever want to leave!