By: Chelse Melina
Posted In: Entertainment
* The Born Outdoor Skating Rink, located at the Newport Yachting Center on America’s Cup Avenue, offers an “Adult Skate” on Friday and Saturday nights, from 9:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. For approximately $10, which includes admission and a rental pair of ice skates, you and your friends or you and that special someone can test your balance and your sense of humor if you just to happen to fall. Regardless, bundle up in your winter gear, hold hands and hum a Christmas tune as you skate off the worries of finals. On the third day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate and go to Starbucks for a latte as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* A venti Gingerbread Latte with whipped cream on top. Enough said. On the fourth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte and take a stroll down Bellevue as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* Newport shines all year round. Yet at Christmas time, Newport glistens with beauty and splendor. Not only are the world-renowned Bellevue Mansions decorated in Christmas magnificence, little boutiques are bejeweled as little winter wonderlands. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is festive with classic white lights, whereas Angela Moore is funky with a bright pink Christmas tree. Stroll down the road that we all take for granted. On the fifth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue and make a difference in someone else’s life as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* Although worries tend to consume our lives and we might not have enough money to treat ourselves to a cruise to the Bahamas over Christmas break, take a moment to put life into perspective. Help someone less fortunate this season. Spread the joy and love of Christmas. Spend a couple of hours at a soup kitchen. Donate toys to a less fortunate family. Or, read to a young child, giving the most valuable gift of all: the gift of knowledge. On the sixth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life and snuggle up with a good book as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* Jane Green’s “Babyville” has been calling your name for the past three months. But with all the educational reading assigned in classes, leisure reading has taken the back seat. So, indulge yourself and dip into a good novel – don’t worry about the underlying themes and undertones of the plot. Don’t give a second thought to the foreshadowing of the story line. And by no means compare and contrast the novel and its characters to Nora in “A Doll’s House.” Escape for a bit and laugh at other peoples inabilities to juggle a relationship, work, school and sanity.
* For customized help in picking out a new book, visit www.amazon.com. Amazon offers personalized lists of books you might enjoy, based on pasts books you have read and loved. Amazon’s “Listomania” allows a reader to view a list of compiled books that they have enjoyed before as recommendations to certain audiences, such as college students. On the seventh day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life, snuggle up with a good book and bake Christmas cookies as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* There is no greater way to ring in the Christmas spirit than with freshly baked Christmas cookies. Pull out one of Mom’s tried and true cookie recipes and go crazy. While you’re at it, bake some cookies for your neighbors and for the senior citizen down the street. Who can resist freshly baked cookies? On the eighth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life, snuggle up with a good book, bake Christmas cookies and rent a Christmas classic as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* You don’t have to be eight years old to enjoy Macaulay Culkin in “Home Alone.” Some Christmas movies are just staples that you need to reacquaint yourself with every year. Head down to Blockbuster and pamper yourself with a classic. Don’t forget: * “The Santa Clause” * “Miracle on 34th Street” * “Christmas with the Simpsons” * “A Christmas Wish” On the ninth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life, snuggle up with a good book, bake Christmas cookies, rent a Christmas classic and go swimming as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* Swimming? In December? Oh yes. Why should you have to go on vacation to enjoy the luxury of a swim when you could splurge in a dip at the YMCA? Grab your swimsuit, towel and some friends and go on down to the YMCA for a swim in December. Granted it might be snowing when you go in, but once you are relaxing in the warm water, all your trouble will float away. Close your eyes – envision blue water, sandy beaches and 90 degree weather. On the tenth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life, snuggle up with a good book, bake Christmas cookies, rent a Christmas classic, go swimming and get a jump on Christmas shopping as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* Crowded malls and pushy shoppers is enough to drive a sane woman (or man, for that matter) mad. So, before you face the headache, rethink your shopping plan. Could it be possible to shop from the comfort of your own dorm room or apartment? On-line stores are offering enticing deals:
* www.eluxuary.com is offering free shipping and handling through December 15, 2003.
* www.target.com is also offering free shipping and handling when you purchase select gifts.
* Although no one actually admits it, we all are fascinated with home shopping television shows, such as QVC and HSN. Instead of just sitting there in front of the television, enthralled with the Panini Maker and Grill, put your curiosity at ease and give home shopping networks a try. With the ease of a telephone call, your Christmas shopping could be done. On the eleventh day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life, snuggle up with a good book, bake Christmas cookies, rent a Christmas classic, go swimming, get a jump on Christmas shopping and play Christmas music as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* Christmas music has a way of making even the grouchiest person smile. Although the timeless songs are always welcome, here are some updated and revamped Christmas CD’s to consider: * Jim Brickman’s “The Gift” * ‘N Sync’s “Home for Christmas” * Kenny Chesney’s “All I Want For Christmas is a Really Good Tan” * Garth Brook’s “The Magic of Christmas” On the twelfth day of Christmas, Mosaic reminds me to take some time out to ice skate, go to Starbucks for a latte, take a stroll down Bellevue, make a difference in someone else’s life, snuggle up with a good book, bake Christmas cookies, rent a Christmas classic, go swimming, get a jump on Christmas shopping, play Christmas music and remember the reason for the season as a marvelous way to be STRESS FREE.
* It is easy to get caught up in the gifts and material benefits of Christmas time. However, take this time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Remember the proclamation of the angels in the Gospel of Luke – “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.”
