Giving Back... Again

As I've done in the past, I'm holding another "Comments for Cans" here on my blog.

For every comment left on this post through Sunday (12/4), I'll donate one canned good item to my local food bank. As I've said before, this is just my little way of giving back. I have so much to be thankful for, least of which is a pantry full of food. Knowing there are moms out there who are struggling to get dinner on the table for their families breaks my heart.

I know I'm not going to end hunger with a few cans of peas and corn, but I do think every little bit helps.

So please leave a comment (or two) and help me give back this holiday season!

11 Movies to see in 2011

Continuing with my series of the top 11 movies I want to see in 2011

#2 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

scheduled release date: December 16, 2011

2011 seemed to be the year of prequels and sequels (and even threequels and fourquels!) The Hangover Part II, Kung Fu Panda 2, Pirates of the Caribbean 4, X-Men: First Class... just to name a few.

So it only makes sense the next movie on my list is a sequel, right?

When the first Sherlock Holmes movie came out, it wasn't one I really had any interest in seeing. In fact, it was quite awhile after the DVD was released that I actually got around to watching the movie... and I loved it. I can't say I'm much of a Robert Downey, Jr. fan, but I think he's fantastic as Holmes (I really like the way he plays the character). And the chemistry between RDJ and Jude Law is outstanding. Not to mention, both men are hot.

Who else is going to see Sherlock Holmes 2?

I guess it's time I embrace the 21st Century

Even with today's technology, I prefer doing some things the "old-fashioned" way.

I still write out my grocery list on a piece of paper (even though I downloaded an app on my phone that is specifically for grocery lists.) And it's not just for groceries... I embrace all sorts of lists: to-do lists, packing lists, wish lists, checklists... as long as they're written lists. There's just something oddly satisfying about writing a list and then marking those items off.

Rarely do I pay our bills on-line... I prefer to write checks and send the bills through the postal service.

And even with the calendar on my phone (which I actually do make a point of using), I still like having a yearly engagement calendar in which to write appointments and important reminders.

Is this just me? Or do you find yourself doing things the "old fashioned" way, too?

Money can't buy happiness. But it *can* buy stuff.

Being a one-income family means we've had to cut back on the non-essentials. One item Shane we decided I we could do without was our satellite radio subscription.

So I pretty much just listen to the "regular" radio when in my car, rather than CDs or plugging in my iPod. I've been listening to a syndicated morning show, and just about every day the show has a contest where they give away $1,000.

Not that I've ever tried calling in to win, but I've been thinking about what I'd do if I did win and I had $1,000 to spend.

During this time of year, an extra $1,000 would really come in handy for Christmas shopping. Or the wise thing to do would be to set the extra money aside in our savings.

But where's the fun in that?!

If I had to spend $1,000 on myself, I think I'd by a new camera. I've had a point-and-shoot camera for a few years now and feel the urge to update. I'm digging the new compact system cameras, like the Nikon 1... high performance without the bulkiness of a DSLR.

Pretty sweet, right?

What about you? If you had (or won) an extra $1,000 that you had to spend on yourself, on what would you splurge?

11 Movies to see in 2011

Continuing with my series of the top 11 movies I want to see in 2011:

#3 J. Edgar

scheduled release date: November 11, 2011

It's been a bit difficult narrowing down the films I most want to see in 2011... there have been (and look to be) a lot of great movies this year. This next movie on my list surprises me, as I am not a fan of Clint Eastwood (as a director or as an actor). And while I think Leonardo DiCaprio may be one of the best actors of my generation, I'm not really a fan of his, either.

{ducks and covers}

But... just watch the trailer for J. Edgar and tell me you're not intrigued.

In addition to Leo, the cast boasts Judi Dench, Armie Hammer, and Naomi Watts... all of whom I think are stellar. And the story looks so good.

What do you think? Will you go see J. Edgar?