Okay everyone, let’s take one step back, take a deep breath , and celebrate December! It’s the craziest time of the year, but we love to create our own fun and special moments here in Kelly’s Kitchen. So let’s start the month off with Five Fun Things for December! 

1. The official start of Holiday Mailing Week is this Monday, the 5^th! Get all those supplies together this weekend and get wrapping!
2. How about letting someone else do the gift wrapping and make a contribution to the Suncoast Hospice at the same time? As a member of the Board of Trustees, I’ve volunteered to do just that in the past at Westfield Countryside Mall, and they also have a booth set up at Tyrone Mall. Simply bring all those goodies you’ve bought in the mall to the Gift Wrapping Booth. You can also purchase a dove to honor a loved one who has passed away and add that to the Tree of Love. Details at www.thehospicefoundation.org.
3. Take note and write this one down in big red letters…National Free Shipping Day is December 16^th; if you suddenly realize you forgot someone on your list, and time is running out this is the day to check in with the over 1,500 retailers that are joining this party. You have guaranteed delivery in the US by Christmas Eve. Log on to www.freeshipping.com for all the details.
4. If one of those last minute gifts is an iPhone or an iPod touch…there’s a new app from www.recipe.com that is great for shopping lists. You won’t even need to check twice! Also cool for things like coupons and special deals.
5. Remember taking an orange and decorating with cloves for a wonderful and inexpensive way to scent the house for the holidays? Do it again, and keep in the holiday spirit and make the kitchen a part of the fun by using natural elements like citrus to add more color to the house, along with those lovely pine branches. Great to help chill out with as well.  

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

A bargain is something you can't use at a price you can't resist. ~ Franklin P. Jones