InvitingSmiles Blog

It is almost time to bring in the New Year! That means parties are being planned, black eyed peas and cabbage greens are being bought, and resolutions are about to be made.
The tradition of eating black eyed peas and turnip greens for the New Year has been handed down for many generations. The peas are supposed to bring good luck and the greens represent cash and prosperity.
New Year parties may be the easiest to plan. The decorations are plentiful, most people are available, and the entertainment is carefree.  Our friends have a party every year. All guests bring a dish and a drink. (more…)

You may be considering starting a prenatal exercise program to keep in shape during your pregnancy. Check with your OBGYN before starting any exercise program. You may have some restrictions that your doctor feels are necessary to protect your baby during pregnancy. There are many benefits that you and your baby will receive from an exercise program, including staying fit during the Holidays!

*Relieves back pain                        *Prepares muscles for labor and delivery
*Improves circulation and flexibility
*Increases your energy level
*Increases endurance

Finding an exercise class in your area should be easy. First, check with your doctor for information on any prenatal fitness programs. Also, check your local recreation center. They will often have programs for expectant mothers. Here are some things to be considered when you join a program: (more…)

One special item my husband and I received as a wedding gift is a Holiday Anniversary Candle. While all our gifts were very appreciated, this is a gift that we still have and enjoy to this day. So, if you are searching for a special, personal wedding gift, I will suggest an anniversary candle being a part of that gift.

Ours candle is white with red and green accents and is marked for 1 to 25 years. We have lit this candle each Christmas that we have been married, and this year will be our 23rd Christmas together.

This candle became a family tradition for us, when our children started making sure we didn’t forget to light our candle. We usually celebrate this moment when it is just the four of us early Christmas morning. They enjoyed watching us light it, and as the candle burns, it usually sparks conversations about the past. Once the candle melted to the next year, one of us would blow it out (usually one of kids) and life would go on. (more…)

If you are planning parties or events over the holidays be sure you are making a list and checking it twice. My husband’s hobby is woodworking and he is probably the most organized person I have ever met. He is always saying, “Measure twice and cut once.” This makes sense for most things we do if you think about it. Cut your “already” busy day in half by staying organized and making lists.

Lists for parties are always a necessity. The last thing you want to do is have a party and realize that you have forgotten something very important. Also you can delegate help from others. When giving someone a job to help you, it will go much smoother if you give them your list so they can check things off as they go. (more…)

Are you worried that you have so many parties to attend and do not have the appropriate holiday party attire?  What do you do if you only have one nice cocktail dress, but have three parties to attend? Some parties may have the same guests as the one before, so you don’t want to be seen in the same dress. Here are some simple solutions to help with your dilemma.

Try some second hand clothing stores or vintage stores in your area. You will often find dresses that have only been worn one time and being second hand, they will be sold at a reduced price. You can find really great deals. (more…)

There are a few things you can do to help your child of divorce through the holidays. With the holiday season rapidly approaching this is something for newly divorced parents to think about. If this is the first holiday with your family split up, your children may have many questions and concerns. Will it be the same kind of Thanksgiving that they are use to? Will the food be different?  Will anyone new be joining the festivities?

This can be an extremely stressful time for your child and you can be the one to alleviate the stress. You and your ex can agree to make this transition smooth for everyone. Put animosities aside and make a holiday of new traditions. Fighting will only make your children dread this otherwise festive and joyful time. (more…)

Is it time for your toddler to go from a bottle to a cup? Every child is different, so what may work for one, may not work for another. If this time of year is busy and stressful for your family, wait until after the Holidays to approach this milestone.

Start early while the child is an infant and associate the bottle with feeding time, not comfort time. Feed the baby and put the bottle away. You can provide the comfort your little one needs with extra attention such as hugs, kisses, walking, or a book. (more…)

A unity candle ceremony has become a popular part of many weddings. If you have never heard of this ceremony, I will explain the basics.

The Unity Candle is a large pillar candle centered between two taper candles. Usually the father and mother of the bride light one taper candle, and the father and mother of the groom light the other taper candle. During the ceremony the bride and groom will then take their respective taper candle and light the unity candle together.  This signifies the union of families.  (more…)