The general idea of a cookie exchange is a group of friends each bake a batch of cookies to be shared amongst group. Each member concentrates on and only has to purchase ingredients for one recipe but still gets a variety of goodies to offer at their own home. You need ground rules and everyone has different ideas so it is a good idea to discuss details in advance so everyone knows their role.

For some parties there is a strict rule about cookies being homemade. At others gathering is more important so if a member feels a time crunch at last minute they can choose to buy something from bakery. Store bought bagged cookies would be taboo but bakery, homemade-like would be okay.

First, agree on a timeline. Make sure each member can make commitment and ask that they each set aside baking time at least a few days before scheduled exchange (that way they have time to bake and time to fix it if something goes wrong). Another reason you might want to bake cookies early is they "cure" a bit. Fresh cookies don't really transport well and tend to crumble badly during exchange.

Do You Make These 7 Poker Mistakes?

By Rory Monahan

Here are seven mistakes to avoid:

1. Getting Too Emotional

Don't let your emotions come out at card table!

It's easy to get "into" game, but you've got to practice self-control!

By staying cool, calm, and disciplined, you'll be able to concentrate on your strategy and winning hand.

2. Focusing Too Much On The Cards

Remember, poker is about PLAYERS rather than HANDS. Sure, what cards you have is definitely important, but only way to consistently WIN Texas Hold 'EM poker is if you are able to "read" other players at table.

Study their habits, watch their faces, observe their peculiarities... and THEN focus on your own hand.

Don't fold if you can check! Unless it's part of some "bigger strategy" you've got going (like ones I talk about in my book), then it's silly to fold a hand when you can just check instead.

4. Trying Too Hard To "Fool" The Opponent

Many beginners try to deliberately "fool" other players by "acting" a certain way.

Most people are good at reading body language, and your pretending will only give you away.

A better strategy is to let your ACTIONS fool other players. Keep your poker face straight and calm and let them fall for bait by making bets or placing action in ways that will confuse them.

The easiest way to win easy money at poker table is to just study a person's habits for awhile, and then take advantage of them hand-by-hand because they're so predictable.

Don't be this kind of sucker!

If you make same moves and same bets at table every time you play, other players will pick up on it so fast that you'll be out of chips in no time.

Be "spontaneous" in a calculated way, and be unpredictable. It will frustrate other players... and you'll win all their chips.

Everyone knows that some of poker's greats are most frequently beat by BEGINNING players at card table.

A lot of professionals refuse to play with "newbies" because they know there's such a high risk of losing and being embarrassed.

So how exactly can these beginners beat these PROS?