Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. This could be Tom Hanks' next big screen role via Collider.

2. Why you should teach your children the correct terminology for private parts via Huffington Post.

3. The scientific reason you feel lazy over the winter via Bustle.

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What To Do With Unwanted Presents?

Ah, Christmas time. A time of food indulgence, sparkling decorations, and festive outfits and celebrations. But above all, Christmas is a time of gift giving and receiving. We take pride in choosing the perfect gift for everyone on our list. And they'll take pride in choosing the ideal gift for you. As you begin to unwrap, you might have to put on a brave face when you receive something that doesn't entirely suit you. It happens, and there's no reason to feel guilty about not liking a present you've been gifted. But rather than allow the unwanted gifts to accumulate in your home, there are ways to deal with the gifts.

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Weekend Dispatch

Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving and you are easing back into your regular routine. I love Thanksgiving and am always sad to see the weekend end. It's always such an easy and refreshing weekend spent with family and friends. But now it's back to biz as usual. It's a busy time of the year for bloggers who, generally, are overwhelmed with putting together gift guides this time of year. But I am managing to squeeze in plenty of "me" time to help me take a step back from all my work obligations that come this time of year.

Here are some recommendations for your week and what I'll be up to as well:

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3 Books That Aren't Just For Kids

photo via

Many people have read a number of books that have been deemed children's books in a variety of different genres. But, as adults get enjoyment out of them, why should they be marketed solely as books for kids? You know those ones that you loved but sometimes might feel a little embarrassed to admit it? I've read several series of books that would be considered children's books but are just as enjoyable and stimulating for adults.

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How To Give Back on #GivingTuesday

Today is #GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to giving back to make a positive impact in our communities and our world.

Since 2014, we have been supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in hope of a cure for our daughter Harper who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in February 2014.

Millions of people with T1D—and the families who love them—are hoping for a cure. Advances funded by JDRF, such as the artificial pancreas system and encapsulated cell replacement therapy, are bringing us closer to the day when we can defeat this terrible disease. You can learn more about advances being made in the quest for a cure for type 1 diabetes at JDRF.org.

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My 10 Favorite Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year with retailers competing to offer the biggest discounts around. It's one of the best days to purchase big ticket items, such as electronics, kitchen appliances, designer bags, and high end clothes and makeup.

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Gift Guide: For The Hostess

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 

Although your host and hostess may make entertaining look effortless, they are likely to have put a lot of time and effort into preparing and executing their party. Show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured:

off the shoulder top | booties | quilted vest | ruffle sleeve sweater | one shoulder dress

On a budget but still want to look great? Here are 5 fab finds under $50 that won't break the bank but will keep you (or your home) looking cute. J.Crew Factory is having an enormous Black Friday sale with up to 80% off clearance items. All of the above apply to that, and they only caveat is that these items are final sale. So, not returns.

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Best Online Reads

We're coming at you early this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy these 10 great stories from around the web that I am loving this week, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

1. How often you should wash your throw blankets via Apartment Therapy.

2. Twenty-five subscription boxes that make great gifts via Cosmopolitan.

3. The most popular diet the year you were born via Harper's Bazaar.

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Apple Cider Floats

Let's agree. Dessert is pretty much the best part of any meal, especially Thanksgiving. Pies, pies, pies! Yes, please. But if you are looking to switch things up a bit this year when it comes to Thanksgiving dessert, why not try an apple cider float? They are especially fun for the kids, are easy to make, and don't require a ton of ingredients or a long baking time.

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Friday Favorites: Stay Warm

We returned to New Jersey from a 9-day vacation in Florida today. As expected, we were greeted with temperatures in the mid-40s. Not exactly the welcome home hug I was looking for, but I can't expect much more from November in the northeast. Today, I'm surrounding myself with all things warm and cozy and sharing a few favorites with you in today's Friday Favorites.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Ten things you should do 10 days before Thanksgiving via Apartment Therapy.

2. At what age should your child have a cell phone via Huffington Post.

3. Stop believing these 5 money myths via MindBodyGreen.

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Cocktails for the Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching. One of my entertaining must-dos is to have a signature cocktail that I serve at our gatherings. It takes the pressure off of you to be mixing up all sorts of custom-made cocktails all night long and gives you more time to mingle with and enjoy your guests and your party. Here are two of my favorites.

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What We're Reading

We are currently enjoying a much needed vacation in Captiva, Florida. And when you're on vacation, lots of reading happens. Shortly after boarding the plane last Wednesday, I finished reading this book which was downloaded on my Kindle. At the last minute I threw a book in my carry on bag since I didn't have one downloaded. I started it on the plane, and finished it 2 days later. It was so good.

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!! I am starting this one off in sunny Fort Myers, Florida where I've been since Wednesday. Today we are heading out to Captiva Island for the next week. But first, before I go into complete vacation mode, let's talk the Nordstrom Fall Sale. As is the case with any Nordstrom sale, it's epic. Here are five of my favorite items from the sale.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Nine things to focus on when you're exercising via Bustle.

2. Secret Santa gifts under $25 that recipients will actually want to keep via Business Insider.

3. The worst color to wear in photos via PureWow.

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What's In My Carry-On Bag

On Wednesday we leave for a 9-day vacation in southwest Florida. I pay as much attention to packing my carry-on bag as I do my suitcase. Making sure I have everything that's essential to a comfortable flight is a must regardless of whether the flight is 6 hours or 60 minutes. I always carry a big bag that I can carry on my shoulder. These types of bags are more convenient and put less strain on my lower back.

These are the go-to items in my carry-on bag:

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Friday Favorites

Who remembers the Friday's Fresh Picks posts I used to do? It was a weekly series that I participated in with several other bloggers. It was a fun way for us to share the things we were currently loving or obsessing over with our readers in hopes that they'd love it too.

This week I was thinking about how much I miss writing those posts and participating in the link up. While I don't have any plans to get back into a link up, I am reinstating a similar type of post, Friday Favorites. Let's get to it!

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. How to eat like a local while traveling via The New York Times.

2. What it's like to take the longest flight in the world via Vogue.

3. Which money personality type are you via Camille Styles.

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