Swiroset.com

If you’re on a tight budget, finding healthy foods at the grocery store can seem like a challenge, but there are healthy, inexpensive options in every aisle of the store. As tempting as all the junk food sounds, it really can be cheaper to eat food prepared at home. And with a little imagination and experimenting with herbs and spices in the kitchen, it will taste better too. The first key to healthier eating is to have more healthy foods available to eat at home. So stop going to the drive-thru and buy no more pre-packaged and over-processed foods that you probably have in your kitchen right now. Get organized by creating a meal plan and grocery list for the foods you need to prepare those meals. The next step is to go to your local grocery store and start shopping for whole foods that you can make at home with whatever cooking resources you have there.

Increasing your intake of whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, will actually make your overall food choices much simpler. If the foods you are choosing contain more than 5 ingredients and include many unfamiliar and unpronounceable items, you may want to reconsider your purchase. Counting calories, carbohydrates, or fat grams won’t be as necessary when you select foods that are more a product of nature than a product of industry. Finding healthy foods to eat at the grocery store is pretty simple. They are found in “fresh food” sections such as the fresh produce and refrigerated meat and fish departments. The frozen and dry aisles also contain good healthy foods, though there are plenty of unhealthy distractions as well.

Healthy foods to have available at home to cook with include whole foods (foods in their most natural state), fruits and vegetables, dairy (low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, and eggs), seafood, lean cuts of pork, beef, and chicken, naturally sweetened whole juices, and plenty of water.

The types of foods to avoid include refined grains (white flour or white rice), refined white sugar, any form of corn syrup, and anything from a box that contains more than 5 ingredients.

Making the switch to eating healthy foods requires a mindset shift, along with a little imagination and preparation. It will help to make a weekly meal plan and from there a nice organized shopping list to take to the store. This will help you stay focused and reduce the number of trips you make to the grocery store.

Borthwick Castle in Midlothian is reportedly haunted by a number of ghosts, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who must rank as one of the most ubiquitous specters in Britain. Supposedly, the castle is also haunted by the tragic spirit of a murdered servant girl, as well as an embezzling chancellor who met a horrible death.

The ancestral home of the Borthwick family, the castle is located on the edge of the Scottish borders, about 12 miles south of Edinburgh. It was built in 1430 for William de Borthwick, 1st Lord Borthwick, after being granted a charter to erect a castle by King James I of Scotland. The Scottish pair had helped secure the release of King James while the monarch was held captive in England. The castle remained in the hands of the Borthwick family until 1650, when the owners were finally driven out by the forces of Oliver Cromwell.

The well-preserved 15th-century fortress features two massive, towering towers. The walls around the base are 20 feet thick and the lofty Great Hall has a barrel-vaulted ceiling. In earlier times, the castle also sported a moat, drawbridge, and portcullis. Borthwick Castle was converted to a hotel in 1973, however since February 2013 it has reverted to a private residence.

With a history that stretches back to Scotland’s troubled past, it seems only natural that Borthwick Castle boasts a spooky legend or two. A tradition at the castle was known as the “Prisoner’s Leap”. Borthwick inmates were supposedly granted their freedom if they could jump from the roof of one tower to the other. Their hands would be tied behind their backs and if they cleared the 12-foot space, they were free to go. No one apparently achieved this seemingly impossible goal, instead falling to his death some 90 feet below.

Mary Queen of Scots took refuge in Borthwick Castle in 1567 with her third husband, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. James was the prime suspect in the suspicious death of Mary’s previous husband, Lord Darnley. The newly married couple were being hunted by enraged nobles who wanted to see Bothwell put on trial. When the castle was suddenly surrounded by an army of 1,000 men, the couple was forced to make a dramatic escape. To evade her pursuers, the Queen of Scots disguised herself as a page and left the castle through a window in the Great Hall. It is rumored that her ghost has been seen in the vicinity of the castle, reliving the events of that action-packed night.

A bloody tale tells how Borthwick’s Red Room was once the scene of a terrible crime. It is said that he is haunted by the ghost of a servant named Ann Grant. She was impregnated by a Borthwick lord who subsequently murdered her. The story relates how she was kidnapped by two women and a guard. The women held her while her guard slashed across her abdomen with her sword, killing her and her unborn child. People who have slept in the Red Room have reported abrupt drops in temperature and the ominous sound of approaching footsteps on the nearby spiral staircase late at night. An unseen force has tried to force sleepers out of the majestic four-poster bed, while visitors and staff reportedly witnessed a ghostly re-enactment of the gruesome murder.

Another murder in Borthwick was that of a chancellor who had embezzled funds from the family coffers. When the Borthwicks found out, they reacted with extreme brutality, burning the man to death. The ghost of the unfortunate chancellor is said to haunt the castle and the niches where he kept his safes are still visible on the walls of the Red Room. A priest was once brought to exorcise Borthwick Castle, though apparently the hauntings still persist.

Having grown up and lived in the South all my life, I’ve eaten my share of country cooking. After I left home and went out on my own, I found that there were many comforts of the country kitchen that I had left behind. Over the years, I’ve collected recipes, especially my mom’s, and spent countless hours in the kitchen doing something I love, which is cooking.

I believe in eating healthy as often as possible. However, some of the foods mentioned in this article contain butter, bacon, bacon grease, salt, etc. So if you’re watching your salt and fat intake, some of these dishes may not be for you or may require modification. Alterations, however, will affect the flavor.

Here’s a rundown of some of my country kitchen favorites:

• Pinto Beans and Cornbread served with a Fresh Large Green Onion and Hot Chow Chow
• Turnip Greens topped with Bacon Crumbs, a Half Boiled Egg, and Texas Pete® Pepper Sauce
• Fried Green Tomatoes
• Smoked fried pork chops in white sauce and served with crackers
• ketchup
• Green beans cooked with small white potatoes
• Open biscuits with sausage patties covered in white sauce
• Day old cornbread served in a tall glass of chilled buttermilk
• Salted ham served on homemade biscuits
• Freshly cooked corn on the cob buttered, then salted and peppered
• Cabbage Pan-Seared in Bacon Grease
• Country fried steak served with white sauce, tomato slices and crackers
• Flavorful Beef and Pork Pie with Bacon, Ketchup and Brown Sugar Topping served with Mashed Potatoes topped with Brown Gravy and Warm Buttered Buns
• Homemade beef stew with slices of fresh white bread and cold iced tea

The secret is in the seasoning

Seasoning is an important part of peasant cooking, just like any other type of cooking. Not all country recipes have to include bacon and/or butter. For example, let’s take a closer look at the seasonings in my recipe for cooked field green beans that I was used to eating growing up.

You can use canned or fresh green beans. If I’m using canned beans, I opt for Green Giant® or another quality brand, preferably the canned variety with the white interior. I usually get the large can and two regular cans of whole white potatoes.

I place the beans in the pot, liquid and all, and add a cube or two of beef bouillon. You may need to add a bit of water depending on how much liquid the can holds; the beans should start out just covered or with the water level even with the tops of the beans.

I add a little cooking oil; I don’t normally measure things like this, but I would guess it would be a tablespoon or so. I simmer them until the liquid is halfway, then drain the potatoes and add them to the pot.

I shake the pot gently so the potatoes slide down into the remaining liquid. You don’t want to stir because it will break the potatoes. I cook until there is hardly any liquid left; then I turn off the heat and cover until dinner time. They are even better after sitting for a bit.

Southern cooks are frequently accused of cooking food until the nutrients are depleted. This may or may not be true, and if it is, it is probably more so with some dishes than others. It’s a matter of personal preference and I like my green beans cooked this way and so does my family.

I plan to cook green beans tonight, and they will be served alongside chilled deviled eggs, whole green onions, sliced ​​and salted fresh red tomatoes, homemade coleslaw, cornbread, and iced tea with fresh lemon wedges. My husband is already asking what time we are going to eat!

Spring is almost here and what better way to enjoy and cherish those beautiful spring days outside with your kids than by blowing bubbles!

Craft Kid-Friendly Recipe for Homemade Bubbles:

giant bubbles

3 cups of water

1 cup dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo

1/3 cup light corn syrup

Mix everything together in a large bowl. Instead of using dishwashing liquid, I use Baby Shampoo. This will not sting children’s eyes if bubbles splash into their eyes.

homemade bubble wands

1. Classic Hanger Wand: Bend a wire hanger into a circle and handle. Wrap the circle with string. Dip Container: Trash can lid upside down.

2. Giant Soap Bubble Wand: Use 2 drinking straws and a piece of string about 48 inches long. Thread the string through both straws and knot the ends. For the bubble solution in a square or rectangular shaped dish. Place the straws and string in the soap solution. Gently pick up the straws, one in each hand. Pull the straws apart as you lift them up and a giant bubble will form. Wave your arms in the air and the bubble will be free to float up and away.

paint shampoo

6 tablespoons of shampoo

water

Mix the shampoo with a small amount of water and beat with an electric mixer. The shampoo should become like a shaving cream. If it’s too thick, add more water. If it’s too runny, add more shampoo. This is great fun for kids to play in the tub.

For more spring activities and craft ideas for kids, visit http://www.create-kids-crafts.com.

This article provides a detailed review of the popular adjustable beds available to buy both online and offline. Major manufacturers of adjustable beds include Craftmatic, Sleep Comfort, Sealy, Tempur Pedic, and Spring Air.

Craftmatic Adjustable Beds

Craftmatic Adjustable Bed Company has been in the business of marketing adjustable beds for over 30 years and has sold over 800,000 adjustable beds worldwide. A Craftmatic adjustable bed with optional heat and massage can provide temporary relief from health problems such as lower back pain; sliding hiatal hernia; poor local blood circulation; water retention or leg swelling; arthritis; rheumatism; fatigue aches and pains; nocturnal heartburn; asthma; stress and tension; inflammation of joints and muscles; or neuralgia.

sleeping comfort

Sleep Comfort adjustable beds are available in two models: standard and wall. The company offers twin, full, queen, double queen, king, and double king adjustable beds and in various other sizes and shapes as well. The company also offers mattresses in Dual Firm Coil, Pillowtop Coil, Latex Foam, and Visco Memory Foam models. Based in San Diego, California, the company supplies adjustable beds to anywhere in the United States.

Marine

Sealy Corporation is one of the largest manufacturers of bedding in North America. The company, along with its subsidiaries, produces a wide range of mattresses and foundation products. The Sealy range includes the conventional bedding products (mattresses and foundations) in Sealy, Sealy Posturepedic and Sealy Posturepedic Luxury Collection. In addition, Sealy also produces the important components used in the mattress. Sealy Posturepedic, Sealy Posturepedic Luxury Collection, Sealy Backsaver and Posture Premier, and Reflexion Latex Foam Collection are some of Sealy’s brands. Sealy products are sold through more than 7,000 retailers in North America.

Temperpedic

Temper-Pedic, Inc. is the name of the company that founded the NASA mattress or memory foam mattress. The temper-pedic mattress is made with 100% viscoelastic memory foam. Temper-pedic foam has the unique specialty of responding to the body’s temperature and shape, making for a very comfortable sleep. The Temper-Pedic Company is also known as Tempurpedic, Temperapedic, Tempra Pedic, temprepedic, or tempurapedic and is the provider of temperpedic mattresses and beds, as well as temperpedic pillows and temprepedic mattress toppers. The tempurpedic mattress is available in more than 60 countries and is also sold through online retail websites.

spring air

Spring Air offers the Ovation(TM) adjustable base that has Comfort Reach(TM) action. The Ovation looks like a traditional bed but has the Comfort Reach Smooth Glide action. Its head and foot elevation improves blood circulation in the body and relieves pressure on the back. It also comes with a wireless remote that has a glow-in-the-dark Easy View programmable memory. The remote control has a massage recall memory to program the massage program each time it is turned on.

On Christmas Eve many years ago, my husband and I got engaged. He came to Long Island for the holidays, bringing gifts and my engagement ring. Receiving my ring was a magical and unforgettable experience. The ring represented more than our future, it represented the long hours she worked at Libby’s cannery to pay for it.

My future in-laws, still in Minnesota, sent two stockings with my husband, one for him and one for me. The felt stockings were made by my mother-in-law. She had cut out sleighs, snowmen, and stars and sewn them onto stockings. Our socks were lumpy and we were wondering what was in them. When I looked in mine, I found a large sterling silver spoon and other items I can’t remember now.

However, I remember thinking about how much love and care they put into my gifts. Today, 55 years later, I understand the effort that went into the media.

You can find better hiding places for small gifts. Our twin grandsons live with us and I have to be careful not to hide vacation packages. I hid them in the office closet, a poor place because that’s where we also keep the wrappers. Now I hide the presents in our bedroom closet, away from prying eyes.

Wrapping is easier with small gifts. You don’t need a whole roll of paper or fumbling with tape and yards of ribbon. Instead, you can use scraps of paper or bags from Christmases past. “Oh, I remember that bag from last year!” exclaims my granddaughter. (She also remembers what was in it.) I have wrapped gifts in Chinese takeout cartons and small and medium sizes are available.

Postage rates continue to rise. Small gifts generally weigh less, so they cost less to ship. Although postal employees try to handle packages with care, I have seen them drop packages into bins during the holiday season. To protect the gifts, you may want to place them in the book envelopes. There are several sizes available and you should be able to find the one you need.

Looking for little gifts is fun. I can imagine how much fun my mother-in-law had, finding something tiny to fill the tip of the stocking and something bigger to fill the top. One of the best things about small gifts is that they are intriguing. Your loved one can shake the gift before opening it and try to guess what’s inside. Is a check very necessary? Is it a diamond ring? Is it a family heirloom?

As you venture into this holiday season, you may want to look for small gifts with a big impact, things that say “I picked these especially for you.”

Copyright 2012 by Harriet Hodgson

Sometimes I hate mornings. You see, I have dogs. There is a right way to raise and train pets and a wrong way. Go the wrong way and trust me you will pay for it. I’ll give you a typical day in my life and help you find ways to avoid unnecessary puppy mess. Training your pets and spending time with them is extremely important to you and your pet.

TJ, my mean, fierce, spiteful miniature poodle (yes, a poodle can be ferocious, you’d be mad too if you were a boy and everyone thought you should wear pink sweaters and a bow) relieves himself on my leg and leaves mounds of his contempt for me on the floor. I call him the “Miracle Dumper” because he walks and becomes number two at the same time. There’s nothing like a smart pump to ruin your nice, clean shoes first thing in the morning.

But is that normal?

From time to time he has an “accident” in the house. Maybe I should call him on purpose because I think he’s doing it to annoy me. It’s not my fault it’s so cute that people want to stuff it into a pink fleece. I think he has some deficiency problems and miracle dumping is his therapy. But that can be fixed with due care. In my case, as soon as I see him start to duck, I run for a plastic bag, launching myself into a prostrate position trying to catch his nasty projectiles like I’m a catcher in a baseball glove hooking a wayward knuckleball. The problem is that it doesn’t sit still long enough to stop the process. Not a great way to start the day.

So there I sit, face down, lying on the floor at 4 am with an empty bag in my hand and my face only inches from the beautiful gift he left me. Maybe I’ll make her wear a pink sweater from now on.

Geez…it’s not dawn yet, let me have a cup of coffee at least. Why can’t you be like Buddy, my good dog? For God’s sake, it’s raining outside too, now what do I do? The designated dog walking area is across the street, that’s where everyone is supposed to go, but for today as there’s no one around and it’s raining, Fugheddaboudit!

The good thing is that my apartment is on the ground floor with a large grassy area in front. Hell, I’m not going out there in my nightgown, with an umbrella with a flashlight and a poop scoop in hand. You could be arrested, even in New York. It’s bad enough I have to follow the little bugger around the house with a bag like a deranged catcher chasing a bunt. He would be soaked while he waited, and my shoes would be soaked. Who’s to know, anyway? There’s my neighbor, Fred, who has a habit of crossing the lawn on his way to his car. But he’s a well-mannered guy. I’ll take my chances.

I can’t help but love my dogs. Maybe that’s the problem, maybe I love them too much. The general rule is that you have to take responsibility for your pet and her mischievous behavior, even the stray piles she leaves behind. “Responsible dog ownership means more than just loving your dog. It’s a serious lifelong commitment that takes time and a lot of attention. Don’t forget: when Fido misbehaves, you’re the one who has to take the blame.”

The first step in properly training your dog or any pet is taking responsibility for him or her. Although we adore them, we must teach them and maintain discipline so that they do what they are supposed to do. It doesn’t mean they won’t love you. In fact, it means the exact opposite. A dog or pet that respects you and your discipline will probably love you. And he won’t leave you early birthday presents in stinky piles on the floor.

My pets aren’t that bad. I love them very much, but the life and behavior of any pet can be improved. Sometimes I call TJ Slippery Louie because he’s so fast. He is insecure, occasionally showing aggressive behavior to both me and Buddy, my beloved Cocker Spaniel, even though TJ has been neutered. It is important to spay and neuter animals if you are not going to breed them. Not only does it help control animal populations, it’s good for your pet. The last thing anyone needs is a super playful pet that assaults their visitors’ knees every chance they get.

TJ is usually very nice, he’ll lick the skin off your face, but he can be pretty unpredictable so I treat him with kid gloves. While Buddy is quiet and quiet, TJ is hyperactive. He is eight years old. Hyper is common for poodles, smooth is common for cocker spaniels. Although TJ Loves Buddy, he is also bullied by him. He is a bully. If Buddy comes near him while he’s eating, he bites him, so I always keep them apart at mealtimes. Again, it’s important to set boundaries with his animals. It is instinctive for a dog to protect food from him, so I take the precaution of keeping them apart at mealtimes. That’s another key part of raising animals, spending time with your pets. This is how you learn about them so you can train them properly. Ignoring your pet or not spending time with it is a bad habit. If you are always traveling or on the go, then you should not have a pet.

My dogs are inseparable. I call them my bookends. TJ sleeps on one side of the couch while Buddy sleeps on the other side. Buddy and TJ bring joy to my life. Dogs are intelligent and have their own personalities. If I tell TJ to take a bath, the little shrimp starts howling like he’s torturing it. Instead, Buddy does the St. Vitus dance, swaying like a break dancer with a bad case of Poison Ivy. For all of us who have pets, whether they are dogs, cats or any other type of pet, they are tremendously valuable to our lives. You are also valuable to their lives and you must remember this. Pets give us an internal feeling of joy and happiness. Pets make their owners laugh, which not only loosens facial muscles, but also helps lower blood pressure. This contributes to a longer and healthier existence for both of you. So I appreciate TJ’s annoying interruptions even when I’m writing.

Simply put, pets can help you live longer, so you need to take care of them. You have to give them exercise, but exercise is good for you too. Walking them, taking them swimming, even taking them for a walk is amazing exercise. Of course, proper training can fix surprises in the bathroom in a much more efficient way.

“Every time you take your pet out, say over and over again ‘go potty.’ Praise her when she does. You’ll soon find that when you say ‘go potty’, she’ll go to work. After she tells you to, take her out and ’empty’ her frequently so she can’t make a mess in the house.”

The most important way to train your pet and keep it happy and healthy is to spend time with it. Believe it or not, dogs suffer from separation anxiety. They may have panic attacks, and this leads to bad behavior, both when you are out and after you get home. Pets will act to make you pay for leaving them alone. They are smart that way. They will not only leave you with sports piles to clean up, but they will destroy your house, destroying books and papers, scratching doors and damaging furniture.

Ultimately, you’ll find that your beloved pets will reward you with more than you can imagine—not just a little pile of poop in the middle of your living room! You have to get to know their personalities, adjust to their needs, and convince them to conform to acceptable behavior as well. This process is not bad. It doesn’t mean you won’t be standing outside your house at 4am in the rain letting your dog relieve himself, it means you’ll be glad you don’t have to clean the floor later and you’ll have moments and memories that will last a lifetime. Moments a pet owner wouldn’t trade for anything. Even a little poodle can carve out a big place for itself in your heart. We should all give them the time and attention their love and care deserve.

When my children were in elementary school, I was a helper until they were in high school. So it wasn’t right. When we moved to Maryland they said, “Mom, can you please not get a job at our school?” for a full time job.

I enjoyed my career in another field until my daughter graduated from college. We moved to Texas while she was in the military and then we moved to California so I could be a grandmother and take care of my grandchildren for a few years. They moved and we moved.

After leaving California, I enjoyed substitute teaching for a few years and had the opportunity to teach first grade at a charter school for one school year. Then Covid hit and I was a substitute teacher again for a semester with 7th graders and I enjoyed it.

I loved having my membership to a teacher’s store and I don’t want to give it up. Even though I changed to another job, I still have the heart of a teacher and I plan to return to substitute teaching once I retire. I helped a friend start a non-profit and am focused on fundraising and looking forward to seeing the direction life takes. I want to see my friend’s dream of building a school come true.

I have a baby Sudanese granddaughter and I want to have something to show her when she is older than what we were able to do in her mother’s homeland. I want my friend to have something to show the boys about him.

When I started my new job, I still had my entire closet and bedroom full of teaching materials that I had accumulated the year before covid hit. I donated a lot but kept a few items just in case. Once school starts this fall, I’ll donate the rest so I can walk around my room and into the closet.

I still plan to collect backpacks and school supplies and keep my membership in the teacher’s store. I will continue to go there on Saturdays. I am inspired every time.

I still have the heart of a teacher. I pray that God will provide the funds to make my friend’s dream come true. I pray there is more to the story and we have photos to show of happy schoolchildren in a new school, filled with all the necessary supplies and smiling teachers who can focus on learning instead of surviving.

We are so hurt in America. I want my grandchildren to love school and learning. I want them to have teachers who love being with them. As long as I can, I’ll continue to participate in some way. Here is the future.

Whenever one hears about a birthday party, so many things come to mind such as balloons, chocolates, candles… The idea of ​​organizing a birthday party generates a lot of anxiety in parents, since there are many things to consider. Proper party planning helps make it a success. Here we are going to discuss the essential elements of a birthday function.

1) Set your budget: The first and most important step is to decide how much you are willing to spend on the party. Usually first birthdays are celebrated lavishly compared to other birthdays.

2) Guest List: Based on the first step, decide who will be present at the celebration. Collect the phone numbers or addresses of the guests. Don’t forget your children’s friends for the party as they are the ones that make your child happy. Plan the necessary arrangements if the guests are from far away places.

3) Decide on the Venue: Select a birthday party venue that is within your budget and convenient for all of your guests. It is also preferable that it be close to your house since you can be aware of the arrangements on the day of the party.

4) Invitations: Select the invitation cards. They can be prepared with cute photos of the birthday boy as well as good material. These days you can also make electronic invitations. You can also limit yourself to calling guests on the phone or visiting their home to reduce the budget and add a personal touch to the invitation.

5) Select the cake: The cake is the most essential part of the birthday party. If your child is old enough, give him a chance to select it from the cake album at the bakery. Later you can decide the weight of the cake needed depending on the number of guests.

6) Food: Finalize the items for the food to be served at the party. Don’t forget to include the birthday boy’s favorite dish. After all, it’s her big day. Select the resources to serve the food. Arrange paper plates, cups, disposable cups, napkins, tissues, etc.,

7) Entertainment show: Organize a program to entertain the children. A professional can be called in to perform a magic or ventriloquism show. To reduce the budget, a pre-informed simple costume contest can be organized that creates a lot of curiosity among the children for the day of the party.

8) Party Games: Birthday party games are the heart of the party. Different games can be organized depending on the age of the children invited and the time available.

9) Give away gifts: These are the items that are distributed to the children during the party. They include birthday caps, chocolates, masks, and bubble makers. They bring the party atmosphere and make the party colorful.

10) Return Gifts and Prizes for Game Winners: These gifts make kids remember their party for a long time.

11) Decoration: After deciding the place, plan the decoration. This includes balloons, candles, cartoon characters, colored paper, and many more. You can leave the decorating work to a professional. If there are a lot of helpers around you, use your creativity and buy all the necessary items in advance.

12) Photo and video arrangements: Let your child remember your effort for a long time. Make the birthday party memorable by storing it in an album and a record.

13) Musical arrangement: Music is the soul of any party. Don’t forget the happy birthday song. Play the birthday boy’s favorite music.

The “Top 10 Toys for Christmas” lists are a highly anticipated annual event. For toy manufacturers, it means more sales for their new offerings, for toy sellers, it helps them decide which toys to spend their inventory dollars on, and for consumers, the people who buy these better toys, it gives them a idea of ​​what the children are. your Christmas list may want more for Christmas.

But it never seems fair one list. Toys r’Us puts one out, as do Walmart and Macy’s. So, comparing these lists, here are the top 10 toys common to all the lists.

*Toys listed are selected by category, ie. Boys, girls, toddlers, older kids, etc., one of each. And they are listed in alphabetical order, not by position in the list.

angry Birds

What started as a smartphone gaming app quickly morphed into a hot trend that quickly jumped onto the PC screen in Google’s Chrome browser and even spawned popular boxed, board and card games. If you have a young adult with a smartphone on your Christmas list, this is a gift to consider.

Barbie Doll Girl Video

Barbie went digital with the introduction of the Barbie Video Girl doll. She has a video camera lens on her necklace and a display screen on her back. Little girls and Barbie fans will love taking short videos (up to 25 minutes) from the doll’s perspective and then viewing them face-up or transferring them to a computer.

Disney Cars 2 movie toys

Ol’ Mater and Lightning McQueen lead the charge of exciting new toys in this Disney offering. Lights & Sounds vehicles are best for younger kids, while their die-cast collectibles and track sets are best for older kids and collectors.

Fisher-Price iXL 6-in-1 Learning System

The iXL uses touch technology to provide 6 ways to play: digital reader, game player, notepad, art studio, MP3 player, and photo viewer, all in one durable, child-safe package. Another great learning toy from Fisher-Price.

Fushigi Magic Gravity Ball

The Fushigi Gravity Ball appears to defy gravity by appearing to float in midair. No gimmicks or strings attached – just combine manual manipulation with its reflective spherical design and wow your friends. You can feel like you are defying the laws of gravity with your bare hands.

LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Board Game

LEGO has combined its traditional building block sets with a movie-themed set (Harry Potter, of course), to present a top-choice Christmas gift that kids build first, then play. This superior toy appeals to both LEGO and Harry Potter fans.

Nerf Guns – The New Vortex Series

Nerf has changed the game by changing their ammunition. The new Vortex Nerf guns fire round foam and rubber discs instead of traditional foam darts. Adding to that major change, Nerf has also incorporated a new design that gives these Vortex Blasters greater range than any Nerf gun before it.

ReCon 6.0 Programmable Mobile Robot

The ReCon 6.0 Programmable Mobile is a robot, a toy, and most importantly, a learning tool! Kids can program the Rover to cruise on specific courses to; Surprise a family member with a personalized message, bring a refreshment, or give a pet a treat. A sure hit for the techno and robotics kids on your list.

Singamajigs Singing Dolls

These wacky dolls, the Sing-a-ma-jigs, made it to the top of must-have toys for kids in 2010, and with all the new additions introduced for 2011, including new 2-doll duos, it looks like they’ll top the list. “Top Toys For Girls” lists for Christmas 2011 too.

Tonka Ricochet 4X4 RC Vehicle

Radio controlled toys are always a hit, and this new Ricochet 4 X 4 is the latest and greatest on the RC market. They zoom, flip and roll backwards to follow your command. Backed by Tonka’s reputation for quality construction, this is one RC toy that will outlast Christmas Day.

These are just a few of the “Top Toys for Christmas 2011” options, there are many more options available for different age groups and interests. To see more and make your gift selection easier—and save money, too—check out these top-rated must-have new toys, complete with images, details, customer reviews, and direct links to some of the lowest prices available online at : The best toys for Christmas 2011