Women, especially women who are trying to juggle families, often fantasize about indulging themselves. Most women fantasize about big things, things like taking a trip around the world, soaking in Iceland's hot springs, or winning a mystery date with a sexy celebrity.

Last week my husband and I celebrated Thanksgiving with another couple, who happen to be our best friends.  As it would be an adults only meal, we thought about straying from the tradition dinner of turkey and fixings.  We also decided to try some appetizers that were more creative than cheese and crackers.  With that thought in mind, I let my creative juices flow.

Split-pea soup for the soul: Diana Foote, food writer for the Treasure Coast Palm newspaper, says that anti-depressants are not what's needed during the recession. Instead, she writes, "I suppose the erratic Dow has something to do with it, but I don't feel safe anymore without a hambone in the freezer."

5 ways divorced and separated parents can keep the season sane

Christmas Cards are going out early this year. Here's yours:

It's interesting to think we should encourage an industry that is doing
badly to continue manufacturing cars they can't sell... This is the
ironic part. The wharfs are full of stock waiting to be sold. The
dealerships are loaded with unbrought product. It was announced on the
News that dealerships will only fiance people with a 700 plus credit
rating. They said only 40% of the population will be about to buy their
cars.

Are we supporting an industry for just a selective groups. That's not very AMERICAN.

I went to lunch with the Startup Maven today.  We talked about work,
eating too much turkey, the usual.  But the big issue was the guy one
(hers).

Her boy may soon be shipped 3000 miles away for career purposes, but
they're young-- at least by SF standards.  Too young to be engaged?  By
her standards, yes.  And I agree with her on that.  But what exactly do
you do when you've found someone you can grow with, overcome challenges
with, and also be completely silly in front of?*  What does 3000 miles
mean then?

This year we all are trying to find a way to get more and spend less. Sounds impossible, but if you check your favorite retailer's website often you can find some great bargains.

Nancy Mills took an unexpected road trip in her Ford Explorer with three women to Montana a few years ago and had no idea how much this road trip would change her life, in her words, "Go on a road trip expecting the unexpected." While staying at a woman's home near a Native American Indian burial site, she took a walk and came upon a large rock that was shaped like a woman.