Ok, so I was thinking….  If you had only a certain amount of space and a limited budget, and therefore you had to choose between one or the other, which would it be – a mud room or a pantry?  I am hand’s down on this one….  Mud room 100%.  And this shows you what I value most – space to put and organize all of the kids’ gear, including their mittens, hats, coats, boots, shoes, backpacks, sports equipment – the list is endless.  And a mud room complete with cubbies, hooks, drawers, shelves and cabinets is a dream come true, at least it is for me.

But what about when it comes to re-sale?  Hmmm….  When I think about it that way, my answer changes - Pantry.  And this is because a pantry will appeal to a larger number of buyers.  A mud room is most valuable to those buyers who have kids – and young kids especially since they tend to throw their things down on the floor and have a hard time picking up after themselves.  It might not necessarily appeal as much to empty nesters and those without children.  A pantry, on the other hand, appeals to almost every kind of buyer.  Even for those buyers who don’t cook much – they can still use the space to store small appliances, cleaning supplies, tools, recyclables, tupperware, light bulbs, paper towels, soda and on and on.

What are your thoughts? Would you choose a mud room or pantry if you had a limited budget, tight space and could choose only one?  I can’t wait to hear….

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families. To those near and far, I hope you have a day filled with peace, love, happiness, blessings and thankfulness.  As I write this, I think – wouldn’t it be nice if we all wished these positive and loving thoughts to one another each and every day?  The world would certainly be an incredible place if so…..

Anyway, before I go back to tending the turkey and cleaning like crazy, I wanted to share a little of the creative talent that my children have bestowed upon me this Thanksgiving.  The card above is something my daughter made for me, and the turkey here is what my son made…..  Gobble, gobble….   xoxo Lisa

As many of you know, the finale of Dancing with the Stars airs tonight at 9 p.m. (eastern time) on ABC.  We’re down to three couples – Ricki Lake and professional Derek Hough, J.R. Martinez and professional Karina Smirnoff and Rob Kardashian and professional Cheryl Burke.  And after last night’s performances, Rob and Cheryl are the leaders with a score of 57 points out of 60.  Meanwhile Ricki and Derek as well as J.R. and Karina both have 54 points out of 60.  But tonight, the peoples’ votes are added in….

And so the question is, “Who Will Win?” And this is different from, “Who Do You Want to Win?”  My answer to the first question is J.R.  From my informal polling and what I’ve read on the social media outlets and heard on tv today, I think JR will win the popular vote, therefore earning him the title of Mirror Ball Champion.  The answer to the latter question, however, is Rob – at least for me (and for my kids too). I know he is a Kardashian, and the Kardashians aren’t too popular these days – they aren’t with me either.  But Rob is definitely, hand’s down the most improved dancer.  And his dancing style is so masculine, traditional and fun.  Watching Rob and Cheryl dance is a pleasure….

And so, as always, I’m curious about your thoughts?!  Who do you think will win Dancing with the Stars?  And who do you want to win?  I can’t wait to hear….

The first Thanksgiving Day Tradition in Weston, MA is the annual Pancake Breakfast.  Hosted by the Class of 2012, the Pancake Breakfast will take place from 7-9 a.m. at the Weston High School, 444 Wellesley Street.  All are welcome to attend, and the price of admission is $5 for students and seniors; $10 for adults, and $30 for families of 5 or more.  I even hear rumors about a raffle during the breakfast so this promises to be good fun and food that’s not to be missed….

The next Thanksgiving Day tradition starts at 10 a.m., and it’s a perfect event to attend if your tummy is still full from the flapjack ingesting you just did at the Pancake breakfast.  What better way to burn off those calories than with some energetic cheering at the Weston Wildcats vs. Wayland Warriors Football game, which will be played at the Wayland High School, 264 Old Connecticut Path.  Tickets are for sale in the Weston High School Athletic Office or at Ye Olde Cottage through Wednesday, November 23. Pre-sale tickets are $6, and those bought on game day are $8.

These two traditions make for a great start to your Thanksgiving Day, and promise fun for all….  Do you have similar Thanksgiving Day traditions that you enjoy?  Gobble, gobble….