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Channel: JoDee Kenney
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Clear

September 17, 2013, 3:22 am
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Are you a list person? I go through phases. Lately- I've been making a lot of lists. With the start of school, two major home improvement projects underway and the need to keep the Kenney family on schedule- I've been trying to keep track of it all.

I found a simple App called "Clear". It looks like it's available for both I-phone and Android for devices- but it might be free right now for the Android user. Looks like it might be 99-cents for Apple users. I lucked out and got it for free a month or so ago- so keep an eye out if you're a frugal friend- it may be offered for free again soon.

I love this app because it's very easy to just type in a quick note and then when you accomplish your task you get the satisfaction of swiping it off your list. You can also make multiple lists and categorize them.

I enjoy the freedom of not needing to keep a little piece of paper around. It's one more way to neatly store all of your information in one place. Check it out.
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Viral Video: Just Dance

September 18, 2013, 3:27 am
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Sometimes you just gotta DANCE!

That was the case of this British woman Ellie Cole. The 35-year-old woman was caught on camera dancing to the song "Knock Down" by Alesha Dixon. But a clever YouTube user put her moves to ABBA's Dancing Queen and the rest is viral video history.

She is quoted as saying "I'm just a normal everyday person who happens to like dancing at bus stops"

This could TOTALLY be me. I'm not gonna lie- I've busted a couple of moves thinking people aren't looking... and I'm sure you have too!
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Too Dark?

September 19, 2013, 12:00 am
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This article raises an interesting twist in the controversy surrounding our new Miss America Nina Davuluri. It says that Indian and Indian-Americans are now raising the point that in India she would never win a pageant... because she's too dark.

As if the racist and derogatory comments weren't enough in the wake of her crowning, now she deals with this. I have to admit I was shocked. I don't see her as "dark" and even if she is... she is STUNNING! Do you? Apparently skin color is a national obsession in India that leads many pageant contestants to take skin color altering medications and skin lightening treatments with lasers and acid.

I suspect all this controversy surrounding her will catapult her to international stardom or ridicule. It all depends on how she handles it. If her initial response to the criticism of her nationality is any indication- I suspect she will be a huge star.
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Viral Video: Sports Rap

September 20, 2013, 12:00 am
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I'm always impressed by creative reporters. Check out what WHAS Sports Anchor Adam Lefkoe from my former city of Louisville Kentucky did with his most recent sports cast. Instead of zoning out when watching this 5 minute segment- I was hanging on to every word. I admit it started just a little slow in the beginning but he really hit his stride toward the end. He had me laughing out loud!

Probably more impressive to me was his Pro Wrestler version of his sports cast seen here. These sports casts probably took him hours to put together! Bravo for finding a way to get people to tune in!
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Fall Fun

September 23, 2013, 3:20 am
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The sky opened up and the rain began to fall as we made our way to the orchard. "Oh guys! The forecast didn't say anything about rain. We'll keep going and hope it clears by the time we get there." It was all I could say to the little ones who really, really wanted to go apple picking this weekend.
 
As we got closer I saw a clearing in the sky. It almost looked like a hole in a blanket of dark grey- where sun was peeking through. As luck would have it- it was right over our destination.
We got our two bags and headed out to pick... with umbrella in hand just in case.
 
 The first field we hit we had to work real hard to reach the good ones. Turns out- umbrellas are great pickers. Just turn it upside down and use the handle to knock it off- right into the umbrella!
 
We got so many apples in that first bag we decided to head back to the car and drop it off. I also had to drop off my coat. Mama was working hard to get every apple they wanted.
 
The second field we went to- we feared we wouldn't find any. The trees looked pretty bare. Turns out- the best ones were hidden on the bottom! The kids picked away- finding some HUGE apples. They were even better looking than the first bags apples.
 
1/2 hour later we had 50lbs of apples! What to do!?!
 
Well, I said first up Apple Crisp.  We had a nice dinner and then I served up our delicious desert. IT. WAS. AMAZING!
 
We also plan to make apple pie and apple sauce. What else can I do with these apples? I'd love to figure out a way to use all of these apples. Get out there friends- the crop is delicious this year!
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Good Blowout

September 25, 2013, 3:29 am
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Sometimes you just need a good blowout to make you feel good. My hair had been taking on a life of its own recently. Combine home renovations, house clutter from said renovation, the start of school, busy kid after school activities, needing to work out, creating a back-to-school friendly nightly meal plan, a birthday, an anniversary, a friends sad passing and a welcomed house guest... and you have a shell of a woman who has been just trying to breathe.
Some of the stress was good stress, some bad. I'm used to stress- so in my mind it was no problem! Bring it on! But, I wasn't handling all of the happenings very well. I thought I was- but now I know I wasn't. So, I took a deep breath and tried to prioritize. Once the list started getting shorter I realized- perhaps a trip to the salon could help lift my spirits... and get rid of the gray roots. Mind you- I do go to the salon each month as part of keeping myself up for my job- so all these activities happened in such rapid succession it felt like it had been ages since I made a trip to see "my girl". It hadn't been!
 
"My Girl" is Vivi from Jean Paul Salon in Stuyvesant Plaza in Albany New York. She's been my stylist for more than 8 years now. I love her. She's not only my stylist- she's my girlfriend, my councilor, my sister and my advisor. I sat down in her chair yesterday and said "LOOK!" pointing to my hair. She said "Don't worry girl! I'll hook you up!" She did! I love her. We hardly talked yesterday. Some times it's a gab fest, others it's a decompression session. Yesterday she let me sit back and relax. It was just what I needed. She gave me a killer blowout... even after I told her I was on my way to go work out! Nothing can ruin a good blowout like sweat!   
  
I walked away feeling great and ready to tackle the world. I got a good run in, didn't mess up my hair too bad and it saved me a good 20 minutes this morning when I was getting dressed. I feel good today. Sometimes you just need a good blowout!
 
What helps you de-stress? Do you like getting your hair done?

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The Perfect Boot

September 26, 2013, 3:36 am
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I'm sure many of you ladies can identify with this.... the search for the perfect boot! Around this time of year I noticed boots were a huge trend. They were everywhere in every store. I became obsessed with finding a fashionable pair to wear at work. Lets face it- at home I'm in my gym clothes- so this was strictly for indoor work attire. I found every style, every color- except the style and color I wanted. I wanted a snug, fabric, just under the knee black book with a small platform. I spent weeks looking for it. I finally came across a pair at Marshalls. Unfortunately they were Coach and $200. I refuse to spend that much on shoes. I just can't justify it. Oh yeah... and they didn't have my size.
 
I kept stalking the store to see if A-they went on sale and B-if they got in a second shipment with my size. Several more weeks went by... and there they were! Coach, my size, clearance price of $125. It was still over my spending threshold... but they were there.. and on clearance for goodness sakes. I tried them on... and guess what- I didn't like them. SIGH.
 
I realized the reason they were on clearance is because someone returned them. The material easily scuffed off and the elastic around the top of the calf had loosened. I put them back on the shelf only slightly sad the object of my obsession didn't live up to its hype. I was more happy I didn' bust my budget for a pair of boots that weren't that good after all.
 
So, imagine my surprise when I just popped into Burlington Coat Factory to check out the clearance dresses and decided to make a quick visit to the shoes the other day... yes 1 year later. There they were! But they weren't Coach and they were WELL within price range! I tried these bad babies on and... oh man... they had me at hello.
 
I finally found my boot! It's a year late... but I still love them. They were a whopping $40 and fit and look better than the $200 pair I was eyeing last year. It was meant to be! Are you a bargain shopper? Do you have a shoe obsession? Do you have to have the "perfect" boot? I'd love to hear from you!   
 
 
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10 Year Interview

October 3, 2013, 5:37 am
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Being interviewed by my colleague Bill Carey

YNN Syracuse is celebrating 10 years on the air this November. Myself and Rich Isome were the first faces to welcome upstate viewers to the world of 24 hour news- then called News 10 Now. It's hard to believe I've been on the air in one market for that long. It's an honor. Before coming to YNN I spent my years bouncing from station to station gaining the valuable skills to prepare myself for my dream job as Main Anchor of a station. When I got the call that they wanted me to be one for YNN- I was thrilled and knew it was an important job they were trusting me with. 10 years later we have told many important stories and been there with viewers through times of hardships (the American Civic Association mass shooting) and times of joy (The Great New York State Fair).

In preparation for our 10 year anniversary in November my Colleague Sr. Reporter Bill Carey is travelling the state collecting interviews from some of us "originals". It's nerve wrecking being an interviewee--- when you are used to being the interviewer. Yes- control freak alert... but I have to say Bill and I have a great rapport so I felt comfortable and in good hands. He is the definition of PRO.

Bill asked me about my memories of the start of the station, some good times and bad times and the stories that left an impression on me. I look forward to seeing the end product and hope to be able to share it with you. We've all grown and changed so much in the 10 years we've been on the air and so has the station. Some aspects have remained the same- we still love to tell the stories important to you and we are honored each an every day to be welcomed into your home. So here's to many more years!

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Pinterest: Time Sucker, Pin Lover

October 7, 2013, 4:46 am
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Oh Pinterest... how I love you. It's funny. I can go months without looking at Pinterest and then I get bored and the next thing you know- I'm on it for hours. This was the case Sunday morning. My girlfriend and I were chatting on the phone and she was talking about needing to go shopping. I love it when we declare we "need" to go shopping... such a girl thing.

Next thing you know- there we were... virtually shopping on Pinterest. We were picking out clothing and accessories and then we were talking about the fact that we "HAVE" to go to the mall. Too funny!

On a serious note- last year about this time I had slimmed down a bit and found myself "needing" to go shop. I thought it would be a good idea to actually stop and put some thought into my new wardrobe. I had a closet full of suits that were frankly very uncomfortable. I really don't like lined suits- and yet I had a whole closet full of them. I wanted to change that and be like the women I see who always seem to look like they have their own signature style. I purged my closet of most suits and then headed to the internet.

I spent some time pinning outfits that I thought were pretty and the next thing you know- I noticed a trend. Comfortable basics accessorized with a pop of color or bling, casual, sassy, fun and yet appropriate. Now when I shop I tend to think- "does this fit into what I'm trying to go for?"  I think I found my groove in work attire.. but now I'm trying to figure out how to make my "casual mom" wardrobe like that. I'm either dressed for work- or bumming around in workout clothes. I'm afraid I may lose several hours in this quest... but a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do! So, if you follow me on Pinterest you may see me posting more casual clothes.. and heck, I'm pretty sure you'll see me shopping in a store sometime soon... I think I "HAVE" to make time for some shopping.

Do you use your Pinterest account for planning like I do?
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Can A Cup of Joe Lead to Compromise?

October 10, 2013, 12:00 am
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Starbuck CEO is hoping a cup of joe can lead to a compromise in Washington. Today and tomorrow if you go into a Starbucks and buy someone else their favorite drink they will give you a free tall brewed coffee.

Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is basically challenging lawmakers to ponder the question- Americans can get along, so why can't you!?!

He's not alone in offering Americans Relief. Boston Market is offering Federal workers a free chicken with the purchase of a meal until October 13th.

Do you think this will work? Will a display of good will by all of America inspire lawmakers to come to the table? Are you going to pay it forward? I hope so.
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Biggest Loser

October 15, 2013, 12:00 am
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The Biggest Loser season 15 is set to debut today (Oct 15th) and I always get excited for this show. It never gets old to me. Yes, I can definitely do without the throw up shots. Why do they feel it necessary to show people throwing up in their first workout?

What I love is the transformation... both physical and mental. Anybody who has ever lost a significant amount of weight will tell you... weight loss is more mental than physical. There's that little person in your brain who tells you -you can't do it... but when you overcome it you feel so empowered.

This year American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard is on the ranch. He's the heaviest person on the ranch- clocking in at 462 lbs. I look forward to learning more about him and the other contestants this year.

And this just in- a New Yorker is among the competitors! In fact she's from the capital region. Looks like we have someone to root for!

Do you like the Biggest Loser?
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Damien Center Fundraiser

October 15, 2013, 12:00 am
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One of the greatest benefits of my job is to be able to participate in some wonderful fundraisers that benefit important causes. I got to do just that this past weekend- hosting the first ever Rock Your Style For AIDS Sake Fashion Show and Art Auction for the Damien Center. Event Planner Takara Wiles made sure that everyone was there to have a great time.

There was an amazing red carpet arrival.
Red Carpet Arrival
Everyone dressed to impress and was greeted with a glass of champagne to toast the night.

The fashions were amazing. Men's clothing provided by Jos. A Bank and women's clothing provided by Saratoga Trunk.  Can I just say I fell in love with Saratoga Trunk Natalie Sillery!


This woman shined not only as the stylist for all the women but she also commentated the whole fashion show! I hope to wear her fashions one day! WOW.

While this was a night of celebration it was underscored by tragedy. The Damien Center in Albany provides support and services to people living with HIV/AIDS. It suffered a major fire back in August. The building and all of its contents are a total loss. Since then they have been working out of a temporary location at the First Lutheran Church.

The money raised will help the center get back on its feet. There is a long way to go- but the hope is the money raised through the raffle items and the art auction will help speed the process along.

Click the interview below to learn more and find out how you can help.



If you are able to support this cause please click HERE or HERE for more information.

Follow me on Twitter and check out #DamienRockStyle for more pictures I took at the event.

Special thanks to DJ C-Dub for video and photography support.
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Facebook Spam Alert

October 16, 2013, 12:00 am
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It appears I have attracted some strangers who are "seeking long time relationships" and who have found my profile very interesting. I have received 3 of these messages over the last few weeks. It appears I am not alone- as I was going back to make a copy of a message and found this:

I guess someone got around to reporting this as spam before I did. The thing is- I use Facebook for networking so at first I wasn't sure if it could have been someone who is a viewer. That was at first- when I started reading it- but the big WARNING sign was the desire for that person to hear from me via email address. WARNING!! WARNING!!
 
I obviously- didn't send them a personal message- but that didn't stop my email from somehow getting hacked as well.
 
Delaying my response to these messages may have opened me up to getting spammed. Apparently experts say you should report being spammed immediately. Also- don't post your email address to public chat sites and if you're an online shopper- it may be smart to create an email address you only use for shopping. Lessons learned the hard way in my case. For more simple ways to avoid being the target of a scam or spam- click HERE.


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2014 Color Of The Year: Dazzling Blue

October 17, 2013, 12:00 am
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Pantone is out with the 2014 Color of the Year. This year's color isdazzling blue. You have likely been seeing it everywhere in the stores. I have too- and yet I still haven't found the perfect accessory or piece of clothing to add it into my wardrobe just yet. As a person who loves a good jewel tone this is exciting for me.

While blue has been known to be a good corporate/work place color- this shade of blue takes it up a notch and adds a little excitement!

This year Pantone has identified 9 other- more muted colors that it says you will be seeing in stores. To check them out click HERE.

What do you think? Do you like the new color selection?
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Foodie Friday: Don’t Let The Figs Bug Bite

October 17, 2013, 11:30 pm
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Donavan thought it would be fun to get a little playful with some salad and figs and in the theme of Halloween leading up to the holiday. He made a spooktacularly delicious treat!

1- package of Dried Figs (cut in half and seed removed from one of the halves, cut the deseeded side in half.)

1- 3oz package of Cream Cheese

2 oz of Crumbled Blue Cheese

2 Tbsp of Mayo

1/4 cup of Chopped Pecans

1/4 cup of Milk

Mixed Field Greens, or Butter Lettuce

1- Wedge of Blue Cheese

Fresh Tomatoes

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Disposable Pastry Bag

In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, blue cheese, seeds from figs and pecans. Mix until smooth, add milk to get a smooth texture

Fill pastry bag with cream cheese mixture.

Place a small amount of mixture on the fig that still has the seeds.

Place the 2 halves on top of the filling to resemble wings.

On a chilled plate, place the greens in the middle and the wedge of blue cheese in the middle of the greens.

Randomly place the Fig Bugs on and around the wedge of cheese and garnish with fresh tomatoes.

Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and serve cold.

*you could also use dates if you do not like figs*

Don't let the Fig Bugs Bite, you bite them. Enjoy!
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Meet My Hubby... The Chef

October 18, 2013, 12:00 am
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When I tell people I'm married to a Chef they always exclaim "Oh you must eat great all the time!" Well, I have to admit when Donavan cooks- it is pretty darn good!  During his18 years of experience in the culinary field, he has worked in a variety of restaurants...everything from 4 star dining to college dining halls...even a zoo!!

After earning a culinary degree from the University of Alaska at Anchorage, he worked under Chef John Franchetti, who was Emeril Lagasse's Executive Sous Chef at the Commanders Palace in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He also got a taste of the hotel and gaming business in Reno, Nevada where he worked as a Sous Chef.  He learned from some of the finest chefs: Chef Martin Yan (from TV's Yan Can Cook), Chef Paul Prudhomme (owner of K Paul's in New Orleans, a mobile 5 star restaurant), and Chef Berry Fisher (Executive Chef at Disney World's Treasure Island), just to name a few.  He even developed a talent for carving Ice Sculptures under the direction of Chef Allan Cook (winner of the Master Carvers award in Tokyo, Japan).  Over the years, he even catered events for the Former Prime Minster of Iran and Senator Hillary Clinton.  Donavan is currently working on launching Price Chopper's store of the decade in Latham New York.

Every "Foodie Friday" we are going to open up our kitchen and share some recipes and offer tips on how to cook, serve, present and decorate food with a splash of style. From spicing up simple items you can find in a box or can- all the way to scratch recipes- we will show you how we try to serve up delicious meals for our very busy family.

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Jean Shopping

October 21, 2013, 12:00 am
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Everyone tells me jeans are comfortable. Until this past weekend I had one pair... and hated them. It would be a rare blue moon when you would see me in a pair because I just never could find the right pair. Being a curvy girl with long legs- the perfect pair had always been illusive.

My girlfriend Janeen wears them all the time. She always looks cute and comfortable! So- I went to her with my problem. She was confident we would find the right pair.

We started at Macey's searching the Levi bold and curvy line in the junior section. My curvy hairstylist had been wearing a pair that looked amazing and I thought- maybe they were the ones.

I immediately freaked out because there were numbers and words like 32, 21, inseam, regular. O.M.G! What is this all about!?! I started to freak out and called for a sales associate. She tried her best to find a single pair of tall curvy jeans in my size- but couldn't. She gave me a size smaller and size bigger. I couldn't get them past my hips or I did and it created the dreaded "muffin top"! AND I DON'T HAVE A MUFFIN TOP! It's a small baby pooch... thank you very much!

I left disappointed. Then we went to Express. Janeen said we would find the pair there. I asked the associate for curvy, tall and in my size. They only had tall in low rise. WHAT THE HECK! Do you not make jeans for girls with hips? I tried all of the talls she had- and they fell too low below the hips. I'm not about sticking out. Then just as I was about to give up- she said- "Well, we do have high waist jeans."

What could it hurt. Let's try them. My girlfriend freaked. NO MOM JEANS! But I put them on- and.... FELL IN LOVE! They were comfortable, stretchy, skinny jeans that made me feel like I looked good in them. I don't think Janeen was as sold on them as I was... but she knew I needed to feel good in them or they would stay on the shelf.

I loved them. They were buy 1 get 1 50% off... ANNNND I had a $30 coupon. Two pairs of jeans for $100. Pricey- but worth how I feel in them. So now- I actually own 2 pairs of jeans! It took years but finally I had them thanks to my friend helping me out!

Do you like jeans? Have you had a hard time finding the right ones? Tell me about your experiences in jean shopping.
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Viral Video: NYC Like You've Never Seen It

October 22, 2013, 12:00 am
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They don't call it the city that never sleeps for nothing. I time lapsed video shot with four cameras over a six month period of time simply beautiful.

Apparently it was no easy feat. The Director Drew Geraci admits they were chased off by cops and the cold.

Click HERE for more on this video.
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Foodie Friday: Candy Corn Pudding Parfait

October 25, 2013, 12:00 am
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Here's a quick and fun little recipe that kids of all ages will enjoy!

1- 6 oz box of Instant Vanilla Pudding
2- 3 oz box of Instant White Chocolate Pudding
4 - Clear Plastic Cups
Orange Food Coloring
Yellow Food Cooling

Mix Pudding as directed on box and set in cooler and allow to set up.

Keep flavors separated.

Once set up remove vanilla pudding and divide into 2 equal parts.

Use the orange food color to turn half of the vanilla pudding orange. (you decide how bright to make it)

Use the yellow food color to turn the half of the vanilla pudding yellow. (again you decide how bright to make it)

Layer the orange pudding into the cup first. lightly tap on counter to level it out and remove air bubbles.

Wipe the side so that the next layer is its own color.

Layer the orange into the cup next and tap on counter to level and remove air bubbles. Do not worry the two colors will not mix if they are set up properly.

Top with the white chocolate pudding.

Chill for at least 1 hour and serve.

* If you want you can use White Chocolate Mouse mix made by Jello and follow the same instructions.

Have fun and I hope you enjoy! Chef Donavan.
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Long Lazy Day

November 4, 2013, 2:30 am
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Did you enjoy yesterday as much as I did? I think it just might be a Morning Anchors favorite day. Its so wonderful to have an extra hour in our day. I spent mine with my children. After getting some laundry folded I still seemed to have the whole day to hang out with the kiddos. We played some Yahtzee and really just had a lazy day. My son kept mentioning that it seemed like the day was so long. I loved it.

The whole idea of Daylight Saving time was first proposed in 1895 but the US didn't adopt it until the 1950s or 6os- depending on where you lived. It really took off in the 70s when the energy crisis hit.

I'm sure I will quickly burn through the energy gained from that extra hour of sleep- but for now... I'm feeling pretty good!
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