I knock their socks off »

When I unzip my suitcase, I feel thankful my boys don’t surround me chanting, “What did you bring me?! What did you bring me?!” Instead, they have started asking, “Did you get me some socks? Did you find me any cool socks?!” This may seem like a strange question, but they ask it for a good reason.

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A girl can dream, can’t she? »

The pajama-clad husband escorts his apprehensive wife out to the drive-way, all the while covering her eyes. “No peeking!” he says. She can barely stand the anticipation of what could be waiting for her as he whips his hand away to reveal the gorgeous, brand-new, bow-adorned car sitting in the driveway. She squeals with delight as he drops the set of keys into her outstretched hand. “Merry Christmas!”

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Perfection in Lake Placid at the Mirror Lake Inn Resort (and a special offer for Mom Central readers!) »

As we anticipate a new arrival to our family in about a month, we were looking for a family getaway for three – my husband, my toddler son and me. What better way to celebrate the holiday season then to spend time in a winter wonderland in Lake Placid?

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Go old school! Challenge your kids to navigating without electronics »

Having recently moved to New York and I’ve learned not only my new neighborhood, but the entire transportation system. I know where I am when I up out of the subway. But don’t get me started on navigating certain parts of the city below 14th St. with no grid.

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Intergenerational travel: celebrating family life and Thanksgiving on the high seas »

Earlier this year, my mother called with an intriguing idea – why not plan a family vacation to celebrate her recovery from breast cancer? Dubbed the “Celebration of Life” trip, expected attendees included my parents, as well as my husband and daughter, with the express goal of savoring all that life had to offer.

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New Martha Stewart Crafts Studio at Beaches »

I recently traveled down to Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa to experience their brand new Martha Stewart Craft Studio and came away after a couple of nights stay not only impressed, but in a surprise twist for myself with a passion for crafting. Who knew?!

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Winter driving safety tips »

Ah, winter driving. For those of us who need to deal with this issue annually, I think it has to be after sitting in traffic for 45 minutes or fishtailing out in the middle of a busy street when we first ask ourselves, “Why again do we not live in Florida?” For those of us living in the northern half of the United States, learning to drive in wintery conditions is as necessary as learning that yellow snow does not taste like “lemon.” I’d like to share a few ways drivers everywhere should prepare and handle their automobiles this winter.

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The road annually traveled: advice for your Thanksgiving road trip »

For my family, Thanksgiving means the three Ts: turkey, togetherness, and travel. Fortunately for me, I have only experienced preparing the first T (turkey) once. All other years since I became a parent, I prepared for the last T (travel). I've done a lot of holiday driving as we traveled between 200 to 500 miles to visit family each Thanksgiving.

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San Francisco in 36 hours »

Last week, my colleague, Matt and I, headed to San Francisco for a client luncheon event. We needed to be there the day before the event to scope out the area and prepare, but wanted to be back home as soon after the event as possible. We opted for an early morning flight to minimize jet lag on the way there and a red eye on the way back to save time, leaving us with 36 some-odd hours to do our work and explore some of the city.

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Thanksgiving eve: the long journey home »

To all you road warriors dreading your holiday travel this month: fear not. Although traveling a great distance the day before Thanksgiving ranks just above “insert bamboo shoots in fingernails” and just behind “sitting through an entire off-Broadway rendition of ‘Phantom of the Opera’ starring Steve Urkel” on anyone’s list of desires, here are some surefire ways to reduce the airport stress.

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Residence Inn expands their breakfast offerings »

When traveling with kids, the same “out-the-door” routine applies, just without everything from the comfort of your house at your fingertips. Get dressed, brush your teeth, comb your hair.

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