Bye For Now....

I am going away for awhile. Thank you for your support and for logging on everyday. I have had fun blogging and I hope you have had fun reading.

I am not sure when I will be back, but I will be back . And, when I do come back, I hope you will too.

Have a safe summer!

Keeping to your budget - shop online

Shopping online offers lots of benefits that you won't find shopping in a store. The Internet is always open — seven days a week, 24 hours a day — and bargains can be numerous online. With just a click of a mouse, you can buy an airline ticket, book a hotel, send flowers to a friend, or purchase a favorite item. But purchasing your finds on the internet is a little different than checking out items at the store.

Know who you're dealing with. Anyone can set up shop online under any name. Confirm the online seller's physical address and phone number in case you have questions or problems.

Know exactly what you're buying. Read the seller's description of the product closely, especially the fine print. Words like "refurbished," "vintage," or "close-out" may mean that the product is in not such great condition.

Pay by credit or charge card. If you pay by credit or charge card online, your transaction will be protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment while the creditor is investigating them.

Check out the terms of the deal, like refund policies and delivery dates. Can you return the item for a full refund if you're not satisfied?

Keep a paper trail. Save records of your online transactions, including the product description and price and the online receipt.

Don't email financial information. Email is not a secure method of transmitting financial information like your credit card, checking account, or Social Security number. If you want to provide your financial information through a website, make sure the site is secure by looking for a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for "secure").

Check the privacy policy. It should let you know that all personal information being collected will only be used for their use. If you can't find a privacy policy — or if you can't understand it, consider taking your business to another site that's more consumer-friendly.

Know what it will cost. Check out websites that offer price comparisons and then, compare the items. Factor shipping and handling — along with your needs and budget — into the total cost of the order.

Almost anything you want to buy can be comparison-shopped at sites such as DealNews.com and Pricegrabber.com.

Shopping for electronics? Check out Gazaro.com and Pricespider.com.

Go to Shopittome.com for deals on clothing and bags, and shoes.

Check for manufacturer discounts at PromotionalCodes.come and hit Freeshipping.org for shipping offers and codes.

Patrick Swayze

Remember Patrick Swayze back in 1987 in 'Dirty Dancing'? "No one puts Baby in a corner." Nevermind, some of you might be too young to remember that line. Anyway, like most of us girls, I was in love with him. I think of him often as he fights his battle with pancreatic cancer.

The Dirty Dancing star, 56, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer early last year and in recent pics has appeared to have gained a little weight and grown some of his hair back. He had even added a goatee.

The latest picture is nice to see and is a huge contrast to photos taken in April, when he looked so bad. Early on, it was thought that he would not live long with the cancer spreading quickly, but with his advanced form of radiotherapy, there may be new hope for him.

He is undergoing The CyberKnife, a technique that shoots hundreds of beams of radiation at hard-to-reach tumours. It moves with the patient's breathing, meaning it can target tumours deemed inoperable due to their proximity to major blood vessels.

Cancer takes so many of those we love away from us, so it is nice to hear stories like Patrick's. I hope he continues to do well and can get back to work. I can't wait to see him on his first television series, “The Beast,” where he plays an F.B.I. agent with a checkered past.

Makeup tips that erase years

I was reading an article on the internet last night on different ways to make yourself look younger. After 40, skin loses elasticity and thins, which makes you look tired and allows blood vessels to show through, also showing more discoloration. Oh, so that is what is happening to me!

I am sure you all know a thing or two about applying lipstick, eyeliner and blush, but did you know that as you age and and your skin changes, that your makeup needs to change too? Fine lines, sagging, and increasing dryness mean your current makeup just isn't refreshing like it once did.

In the article, Bobbi Brown, a well-known makeup artist and author of three best sellers on beauty and the founder of her own multimillion-dollar cosmetics business shares her three favorite products to wake up tired skin, camouflage wrinkles, and make your whole face look more youthful.

Creamy Concealer:

Concealer lightens dark circles, gives lids the appearance of a lift, and provides an overall glow.

1. Choose the Right Hue ~ Pick a yellow-based formula that's at least two shades lighter than your skin tone.

2. Apply It ~ Using a small-headed concealer brush, apply a dab along the lower lashes to the innermost corner of eyes and the hollows of the nose. You can also use your ring finger, which has a naturally light touch and added warmth to tap and gently blend.

3. Set ~ A dusting of a sheer, loose yellow-toned powder locks the concealer in place.

Hydrating Foundation:

Foundation is key because it addresses three of the most common age-related issues--fine lines, sagging skin, and sun spots. Creamy formulas moisturize, plumping up droopy skin and evening out tone. Avoid anything powdery or matte, which makes wrinkles more pronounced.

1. Choose the Right Hue ~ Test several hues (a color that looks lighter than your skin tone, one just right, and a darker option) by making three stripes from your cheek to jawline. Check in natural light by a window or doorway; the base that disappears seamlessly into your skin is the correct one.

2. Apply It ~ Pat a small amount to areas that need evening out (red spots or blemishes) with a makeup wedge, foundation brush, or fingertip. Blend upward and diffuse out toward your hairline for the most natural effect. Don't go overboard--it will just cake.

3. Set ~ If your skin is on the oily side, finish with a light coat of loose, yellow-toned face powder on your forehead, nose, and chin (apply with a blush brush or velour puff) to lock foundation and smooth texture.

Rosy Lip Color :
Lips can lose color with age and become more prone to dryness. Ultrabright colors with heavy pigments are wrong at this stage; pick sheer lipsticks and glosses instead to hydrate and add sheen, which helps lips look fuller. Natural-but-better shades, like rose and pinky beige, also mitigate the appearance of fine lines by reflecting light.

1. Choose the Right Hue ~ The most flattering shade should be close to your natural lip color but complement your skin tone. Pinky brown, nude, beige pink, rosy brown, and blackberry are universally flattering.

2. Line ~ To prevent color from seeping into pesky vertical lines, use a lip pencil that matches your lipstick; line the natural border of your top lip (pay special attention to its V shape) and underneath your lower lip. For fullness, fill in the entire border of your lips.

3. Apply Color ~ Use a lip brush to apply; the synthetic fibers help lipstick or gloss adhere and fill in lines like putty. Blend from corner to corner, and press your lips together to seal in the shade.

4. Finish ~ For added sheen and fullness, dab your lipstick with clear gloss in the center of your mouth.

What's your Personality!?

Do you know your personality? No. Not your Myers-Briggs personality type, just your personality? I bet you do. You know how you like your things arranged, you know how you like to be treated, you know how you like to be communicated with. You know that you, for example, might prefer to look at the big picture before the details. Knowing your own personality style helps you understand why you react the way you do in certain situations, as well as helping to define what your needs are from others with whom you work or live.

There are many different free resources available on the internet that will help you identify your own personality type(s). While it’s good to remember that the online tests available are not run by a certified instructor; taking one or two of them can help you identify your own traits and the kinds of behaviors to which you are drawn.

Knowing your own likes and dislikes is helpful, but there is also a benefit from understanding personality types that are different from yours. When you participate in an assessment, whether its online or administered personally, you are given the opportunity to read about results that differ from your own - this is an opportunity for you to think about the people surrounding you, where their personality profile fits, and how you can adjust to meet their needs.

Taking advantage of resources available to learn about your personality style is a great way to ensure your needs are met, and to ensure that you are able to meet the needs of others. And, who knows, you may learn something about yourself that you never knew!

To learn more some free personality assessment tools, visit similarminds.com

Silent Sunday

Survived the Sweet Sixteen Party

A bitterSWEET SIXTEEN

It’s almost sudden the way our kids grow up. It’s similar to how the seasons change so quickly. How summer charges in with all its heat and force and you find yourself wishing for the crazy spring weather to return. The difference is, spring will be back while our kids just keep moving on.

I don’t know the exact moment when Victoria became a young woman, but it is certainly here. It may have been the first time she spent the day away from me and didn't call home to say hello or the time she went to camp for an entire week. I remember leaving her there and being so nervous for her and then not being able to get back fast enough at the end of the week, only to see that she was more interested in giving her friends a goodbye hug, than she was in giving her mother a hello hug. I remember the sadness of no longer feeling needed mixed with pride and a confirmation that as parents, we were doing something right.

I can remember standing outside her preschool trying to find an open window to peer into just to make sure she was okay. There is a fine line between allowing her to grow up and wanting her to. The only problem is that no matter how I feel – she will grow up. Not in spite of me; but despite me.

Today's teens have so many responsibilities - homework, expectations and peer pressure to burden their days and life is a series of events that make up a day. As I wake her up each morning I miss the little bouncy girl she once was. I miss our long walks, playdates with friends and just sitting on the couch reading her a book until she fell asleep. I miss the way she used to rush into my arms for a big hug and how she would carry that silly little blanket everywhere. Instead, I drop her off at school, parties, a friends and watch her her rush off barely looking back.

Her crazy schedule becomes my crazy schedule and when our times and dates conflict, for a few minutes I am irritated – distracted by the amount of things I now have on my plate and then I remember what little time I have left with her. Soon she will be driving, heading off to college and where ever else her path will take her and I wonder how it all happened so fast. I have no doubt I will miss this craziness. So, for now I will enjoy it, because the evolution of life is in constant motion and whether I like it or not, my baby is most definitely growing up.

Happy Birthday Victoria!

The "Skinny" on Diet Soda

I'm not a big soda fan, but I do drink diet soda. I spend so much time focusing on what I eat, that I often forget about what I am drinking.

A study done at the University of North Carolina claimed that if you watch what you're drinking, you could cut at least 450 calories a day from your diet. This same study found out that Americans drink 192 gallons of liquid a year - about two liters a day.

People who drink diet soda because it is less in calories (me), are missing the boat. According to studies, since diet soda still offers that sugary-taste (even if it is artificially sweetened), the more we drink of it, the more our bodies crave sweet food. Yikes, that doesn't seem like its been working.

By drinking one can of diet soda a day, I am also replacing a 100 percent nutrition-free drink with a needed healthy beverage. Perhaps one can of diet soda a day won't do too much damage, but most people have more than one and upwards of five or more glasses a day. This large amount of diet soda takes the place of healthy drinks like water or tea which we need.

Diet soda contains aspartame, a chemical used to give diet sodas flavor. Aspartame is 180 times sweeter than sugar. Scientist have linked consumption of high amounts of the sweetening chemical to brain tumors and lymphoma in lab testing. Side effects among humans include dizziness, headaches, diarrhea, memory loss and mood changes.

A can of soda can also interfere with your body's intake of calories and studies have shown that artificial sweeteners in soda confuse your body's ability to estimate how many calories you've ingested. So you end up drinking more than you need. The University of Texas Health Science Center has concluded that a person's risk of becoming overweight from drinking diet soda can rise 37 percent.

Next time you get the urge for a carbonated drink, try some club soda or water with a twist of lime. For a caffeine fix, you can also try green tea.

The Best Bathing Suit for Your Body

I am heading to the beach in two weeks and as much as I love the Jersey Shore and its beaches, I hate putting this body into a swimsuit.

Trying to find a suit that looks good on me is like trying to find the Holy Grail. It's not happening. I do however, have to find something. What would my kids think of me sitting fully dressed at the beach?

As you know, I love to search the internet and I did find several great slimming options for as little as $24, but at this point, I can't really buy online in case I have to return it. It seems I always find something wrong with swimsuits. They are too big, too small, too bright, too boring, too young or too old, but mostly, they just don't hide all of my "problem" areas and after three kids........

Check out the slide show I found on Health.com. Maybe you can find something you like. At the very least the show will help you determine what swimsuit style is best for your body. Me? I found mine! Now, where did she get this suit?

Cosmetic tattooing

As a blond, I constantly struggle with my makeup, especially my eyebrows. You can barely see them. One brow is so blond that it blends in with my face and the other just stops half way across the top of my eye. For years I have had to color them in with powder. I don't use a pencil because I don't know how and it looks ridiculous.

Everyday brings a different brow shape. Sometimes, I look happy...too happy, sometimes I look sad or even mad.

This frustration has me considering eyebrow tattooing. Cosmetic Eyebrow Tattooing is done the same way as regular tattooing. A tattoo gun, which automatically dispenses inks to the area to be tattooed, is used for the procedure. The inks, which are delivered below the skin, are made of iron oxide or titanium dioxide pigments.

I wonder however, about the long term affects. As I get older and my brow drops a little, won't the tattoo separate from my nature brow? How weird would that be? I suppose that is a question I would have to ask the doctors. And, since cosmetic tattooing is considered to be somewhat artistic, I would have to find a specialist who is certified by the American Academy of Micropigmentation and oh yeah, I would have to pay them $400 and $600 an hour. So, moving on.

Yesterday I found a website called eyebrowz that offers stencils. Check out how it works below......

......and at $14.95 plus $2.99 for shipping this seems to make much more sense for me.

Unplugging your refrigerator?

What a great weekend here on the east coast. I got so much accomplished. I relaxed by the pool, hung out with friends, cleaned the house and finally got to make that dent in the carbon footprint I have been talking about.

The New York Times reported awhile back that a small, but growing, segment of the US population is choosing to ditch the fridge permanently. The carbon savings, not to mention the savings on the electricity bill are not necessarily huge, but some feel this is just the next thing on the long list of climate-saving actions like buying a Prius or changing to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

How Does it Work?

They are using small coolers, filled with plastic water bottles and keep a tiny fridge around for freezing the water bottles and for a few odds and ends. As the anti-fridge movement is growing, websites are being created to share tips on food prep and storage, as well as, ways to still keep your food cold.

Those already using a bean and grain diet, are able to get away without a fridge at all and have an easier time making the jump while others are trying the seasonal foods and more fresh food route.

How Much Energy Does a Fridge Use?

A standard Energy Star fridge uses about "380-kilowatts a year - less than a standard clothes dryer - and costs a homeowner $40 a year, or about 11 cents a day." Downgrading to a smaller, mini-fridge only saves about $6 a year.

Something like this sure takes a lot of preparation and if you ask me, a bit of a sacrifice while not reaping that much of a savings. I understand the need to reduce our carbon foot print. Really, I do and I totally agree that if we all took small steps, but I for one, can't commit to losing the fridge.

So, for now unplugging the second fridge in the basement is going to have to be good enough.

Remember, the difference is all in the baby steps.

Beach Book Swap

I was reading my Better Homes and Gardens magazine yesterday and came across this really cool idea.

The article started off talking about a "beach book." You know the ones you blow through while on vacation when you haven't read any other books all year, but suddenly have the time during vacations and holidays. I have those books. They are not normally books I want to hang on to nor will ever read again, but they were good and I hate to get rid of them.

BHG's fun solution is a beach-book swap. They recommend inviting friends over for cocktails and appetizers and asking them to bring their easy-to-read paperbacks. You then arrange these books on the table, so that everyone has a chance to browse through them and stock up on some new material. Sounds fun!

If you'd rather not have people over or don't want to admit you read trashy paperbacks, you can join an online book club like paperbackswap.com, where you earn credits by sending your used books to people who request them. You then redeem the credits to order whatever books you want to spend quality "sand time" with next.

Change of plans

I know I said I was going to blog about cellulite all week, but it's depressing me and honestly it's boring! So, I am pulling rank and changing the subject. Can you pull rank on yourself?

Yesterday was Hannah's 9th birthday (my baby). It's a tradition in our family to take the kids to dinner on their actual birthday, so they feel like they did something on their actual birth date. This usual hold them over until we can find a day when all family members converge on our house for a big celebration.

Hannah chose Friendly's for her birthday dinner. While we were there we met Ms. CT. She was there helping the Vietnam veterans raise money. I am not sure of the connection between the two, other than she probably has to do good things and since 10% of everything spent went to the vets, I would say that was a good thing.

Hannah had her picture taken with Ms. CT. That was pretty cool. The crown on Hannah's head is Ms. CT's Suffield crown (that is a town in CT where she lives) and the crown on her (Ms. CT's) head is her Connecticut crown.

She was really sweet, very pretty and older than we would have expected. While talking to her, I learned that she is 41-years old and has 3 teenagers! That is really cool! It seems that she beat out a whole bunch of girls in their 20's. I bet that didn't go over very well.

It just goes to show that even us old chicks, still got it! You go girl!

How to minimize cellulite's wrath

Diet and exercise can minimize the look of cellulite from the inside out. Exercise aids circulation and can minimally break up fat while certain foods improve circulation and strengthen skin.

Eat foods that help build collagen and elastin, like lean meats, eggs and whole grains. Raw fruits and veggies help with hydration and anti-oxidants, while good oils in black cod, almonds, flax seeds and walnuts help build skin cell walls. No time to cook? You can also take supplements to reap similar benefits.

Tomorrow I will tell you about a cream that actually works to help reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Cellulite 101

This week I plan to focus on cellulite and stretch marks. Two fun topics, right? I have both and have been researching various ways to get rid of both. Really diminish the look,not get rid of it because we know that is not possible, but researching a product that actually works to diminish it.

Cellulite, for the most part is genetically inherited. But cellulite starts with poor circulation. Circulation usually feeds the dermis (middle layer) of your skin to keep it strong -- but when circulation is poor (as in sedentary lifestyle, smoking, poor nutrition), the dermis becomes weak and it can't hold down the layer of fat below it. The fat layer then migrates into that middle layer of skin, creating that lumpy, cottage cheese look.


My research has shown that there is no cure for cellulite, but you can minimize the appearance of it. Stay tuned this week for more....

Fairy tale wedding...

I could start this post out by telling you a story about a bride, a groom and their fairy tale wedding, but I’d be lying.

Let me rewind. My family and I arrived at my nieces wedding on Saturday a little before the noon start. While waiting and mingling with the others, we heard that many of Lindsay and George’s guests were stranded by hurricane warnings on the East Coast and would be unable to make the wedding. My own brother and his family finally got a flight out of New York at 2am. Arriving to Florida somewhere around 5am and then after getting their luggage and car began their 1 ½ hour drive. They were exhausted, but they made it. How horrible for Lindsay and George to have so many people not with them on their special day. As it turns out, that would have been the good news. Keep reading...

The day was beautiful! Guests lined the two docks that lead to the gazebo where Lindsay and George would be married. The music began and in came the wedding party. First the parents of the groom, then the mother and brother of the bride followed by the beautiful bridesmaids and handsome groomsmen. Oh, to be young again. It was so romantic.

My eyes filled with tears as Dan (my brother-in-law) walked Lindsay down the isle. I couldn't help but think of my own children and how bittersweet this must be for parents. But, you couldn't have ask for a nicer day. The sun was shining, the sky was a perfect shade of blue with white puffy clouds and everyone looked so nice.

The ceremony moved quickly with Lindsay and George preparing to say their vows (my fave part). My throat began to choke up with excitement. This was it, the moment when our “little” Lindsay would become a wife and then….plunk. Yup. I said it, plunk. The wedding ring went right into the lake. I joined the other guests in a collective gasp. We all watched in disbelief as George hit the ground in a last ditch effort to grab the diamond wedding band. No one moved. As George slowly stood up with his head in his hands, I cried. We all just watched and waited. Without hesitating, Lindsay took George’s arm in her hands as if to say, it's okay, let’s just keep going. Just then her dad stepped forward and handed George his ring and the ceremony continued.

I was so proud of Lindsay and George. So many things could have happened at that point, but they went on, both with a smile on their face. Whether they were fake smiles or not, none of us will ever know, but if their strength together that day is a glimpse into their future, they are going to be just fine.

As my sister-in-law said afterwards, it was as if her dad had come to her rescue one last time. Not necessarily true however, her dad came to her rescue one more time when he had divers search the murky lake to find the ring and, that is just what they did.

Did I say this was NOT a fairy tale wedding? That is exactly what it was.

More pics of "our" fairly tale wedding.

Move 'em on, head 'em up. Head 'em up, move 'em on.....

Remember the theme song 'rawhide,' lyrics by Blues Brothers?
That is what I am going to feel like at about 4am tomorrow morning. We are finally heading to Florida for my niece's wedding and this will be my last post for a couple of weeks.

Ironic really, we are leaving one, "it's about time" sunny state for another sunny state, when the sunny state we are leaving hasn't been sunny in weeks. Now, it's finally going to be sunny, and we are leaving. Not to mention the sunny state we are heading to is recording temps in the 100s. OMG!

Anyway, I can't wait to see both of my sisters and their families and I am really looking forward to seeing my niece tie the knot. I am so happy for her. Like her mom and dad, Lindsay and George are also high school sweethearts! How cute!

We are planning to drive most of the way, only stopping once to sleep, so I probably won't have much of an opportunity to take many pics of my trip. If I see something that I think you will enjoy however, I will be sure to capture the moment.

While planning our trip, I stumbled upon this great AAA gas calculator. If you have any trips planned, you need to check it out. All you have to do is enter your start city and destination then the make, model and year of your car and it calculates the gas price for you. According to this calculator, we will spend $347.60 on gas. It sounds like a lot of money, but it sure beats the price of flying times five! I'll be curious to see how accurate it is upon our return. If I remember to keep the receipts that is.

Stay safe and come back to see me in July!

e.l.f. Deals

e.l.f. is 5 years old and to celebrate they're offering 5 weeks of special anniversary deals.

This week get mineral makeup for 50% off mineral makeup with coupon 5FOR5WOW.


Week of June 29: Free flip flops with $5 order
Week of July 6: 50% off Studio makeup

Check it out!

Should teenagers have credit cards?

This is a question that every parent faces at one time or another. As with any teen issue there are two very relevant sides and both sides have some pretty good arguments.

The Pros - A teen having a credit card would teach them early on how to budget money and make sound financial decisions. They would learn that if they want something and are responsible enough to work to get it, that they can get it now and pay for it later. Credit cards are nice to have in an emergency, like a car repair or a taxi ride home.

The Cons - The peer pressure while hanging out at the mall with friends is stronger when the credit card allows them to give in to the pressure of buying those cute designer shoes to wear to the "party tonight"...that they didn't really need to begin with. Or to pay for the pizza delivery because they are the only one with any "money."

Without that credit card they would have to wait and earn the money first. With the credit card, it can be purchased with no immediate consequences, but possibly forgotten the next month....hurting their credit scores.

So, what is a parent to do with this dilemma? You could hope that you have educated them well enough that they won’t go crazy. But that’s not very re-assuring.

A better option might well be the pre loaded debit card. You can buy them almost anywhere nowadays and load on what you would allow them to spend, or even their allowance or part of their paycheck. But, if they are working then only do that for them for the first month and let THEM figure out how to handle the card going forward. Ofcourse assuming that up until this point you have supplied them with an educational value that goes far beyond its monetary value.

When purchasing these cards, be sure to read the fine print for usage fees and activiation fees! Some are really high.

If they go crazy with it, the card will stop them when it’s empty, you can explain to them that if the card should reach zero the person swiping the card for them will inform them that the card was declined and they will have to figure out how to explain that to the friends.

Personally, I think credit cards can easily ruin a teens credit before they even have a chance to establish it. I plan to set my kids up with a checking account and debit card. That way when they run out of money, they run out and no financial damages are incurred and they learn to live by a budget.

Something to be proud of?

Now, I am a huge fan of texting, but wow!

Samantha Gross from the Associated Press wrote an article today about 15-year old Kate Moore from Des Moines, Iowa winning $50,000 as the finalist for the LG US National Texting Championship. Huh?

Samantha says in the article to, "Let your kid text during dinner! Let your kid text during school! After all, she said, "Your kid could win money and publicity and a phone." During dinner? What about family time? And, I could be wrong, but aren't they suppose to be paying attention in school?

It appears Kate's 14,000 texts-per-month habit paid off....literally. Kate took home the $50,000 reward just eight months after she got her first cell phone. Did they say 14,000 per month?

Her speedy and accurate performance, beat out 20 other finalists from around the country over two days of challenges such as texting blindfolded and texting while maneuvering through a moving obstacle course. Maybe next we'll see her on Britain's Got Talent!

According to Samantha, she outtexted 14-year-old Morgan Dynda, of Savannah, GA in the final showdown. Both girls had to text three lengthy phrases without making any mistakes on the required abbreviations, capitalization or punctuation. At least they are learning grammar and punctuation, that's good.

The winner pays no attention to the claims that she is too focused on virtual communications, saying that while she has sometimes had her phone taken away from her in school, she keeps good grades, performs in school plays and socializes with friends — in person — on the weekends. Wow, and I can't even find time to work and raise a family.

And, in addition to all of that, she finds time to send about 400 to 470 texts a day. Did she say, a day? I am up to 20 on some days, but clearly, she's got me beat.

Among her uses of the text messages? Studying for exams with friends, which she says is better done by text because she can look back at the messages to review. Or cheat, whatever need be.

Anywho, there were over 250,000 people who tried to get a spot in the competition, all 22 or younger with some winning their spots by being the fastest people to text responses to the televised ads. Guess that leaves me out.

It's the third year for the texting competition, sponsored by LG Electronics Inc.'s mobile-phones division. But it's the first time that it was held at a flashy sound stage with an illuminated platform and surrounded by TV cameras. LG, based in Seoul, South Korea, is considering using the footage in a televised special of some kind. Sounds like a Hannah Montana concert, sweet!

Seriously though, good for Kate. If I thought my two teens could have won 50 Gs, I would have pulled them out of school for the year to practice. Wink, wink.

Keep texting!

What are Toe Socks?

My son asked me the other day what toe socks were. For some reason that struck me as funny. How could he not know what toe socks are? Am I that old?

Have you ever owned a pair of toesocks? If you haven't, or if you're like many people that I've talked to and assume they are uncomfortable, let me tell you - they're not.

I actually find socks with toes to be pretty comfortable. When socks have compartments for your individual toes, your toes can move more freely - the feeling is much like being barefoot, but with the softness.

Plus, during colder weather toe socks keep your feet warmer than traditional socks - although they do take up more room in the toe of your shoe. Not to mention, they are a lot of fun when you go somewhere that you have to take your shoes off.

Check out the site below. They have a lot of fun styles to choose from.

Sock Dreams - Sockdreams.com is the ultimate site for all varieties of sock-lovers, featuring luxurious materials, and fabulous styles.

Foot Traffic - Includes novelty prints like hearts, clouds and cheetah, as well as striped, fuzzy, and ankle versions.

Sock Grams - With so many socks to choose from, you can craft the perfect Sock Gram starting at $9.95!

Bubble socks

Cow Utter socks

Urinetown

Last week, my daughter was cast in Urinetown. Yup. I said it....Urinetown.

Urinetown is said to be, one of the most uproariously funny musicals in recent years. It's a hilarious tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is nearly non-existant.

In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, controled by a single company that profits by charging admission to pee.

One of those charged to pee decides he's had enough, and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom! The privilege to pee is expensive and dangerous. Anyone who refuses to pay to pee is immediately and without question hauled off to Urinetown.

What is Urinetown? Nobody knows, because those who are sent there never return to say. No worries however, it's really a love story and the revolution takes place all before the end of Act I.

Will the revolution succeed? Can true love be found in Urinetown? You've gotta come see the show to find out. If you're local, check it out. It runs from August 7th - August 15th. Stay tuned for more details.

Vichy skin consultations at CVS

For months my teenage daughter has been asking me to take her to the mall for one of those beauty consultations, but with the cost of make up at the mall, that is not happening. Today however, I found out that Vichy Laboratories has consultants at CVS.

Vichy Laboratoires is the No. 1 skincare brand in European pharmacies. They offer a diverse range of allergy-tested products. These products combine soothing Vichy Thermal Spa Water with the latest ingredient innovations stemming from dermatological research.

Despite being frequently associated with teenagers and oily skin, imperfections can appear at any age and on any skin type, due to skin imbalances, stress, environment, hormonal changes or use of inadequate skincare products.

Visit your local CVS and get a personalized skin analysis by a trained Vichy expert who will be able to recommend products that best suit your skin type, offer personalized skincare recommendation and complimentary samples adapted to your skin's needs.

I took home their Lift Activ CxP Day Biolifting Daily Care - Anti-Wrinkle And Firming. Skin is visibly re-tightened, wrinkles are smoothed out from within. Breakthrough Technology continuously releases pure Vitamin C' into the skin for 24 hours and the Aqualia Thermal Cream Fortifying & Soothing 24Hr Hydrating Care.

Aqualia Thermal Cream offers 24 hours of continuous hydration via a patented "sprinkler-like" delivery system that infuses the skin with anti-oxidant, mineral-rich Vichy Thermal Spa Water to fortify the skin.This refreshing, lightweight cream is formulated with unique "ceramide-like" polymer mimics the shape of skin’s natural ceramides, allowing for instant penetration. Skin feels soft, supple and comfortable.

Silent Sunday

I found this picture on a site for unusual churhes. I'd say. Is this a church or Disneyland in India? No, there is no Disneyland in India, but this church is gorgeous, isn't it. I'd love to know where it is, but don't think I ever will.

Surviving long car rides

I am counting the days until I arrive in Florida to see my niece Lindsay get married! I am so excited for her and can’t wait to see her, but I am not counting the days that will begin our trek of terror.

All families face the day in which they must take that long car trip. I know some families that think nothing of hopping in the car for cross country trip, but we are not one of them. Although I love to travel and I love my kids, not necessarily in that order, I do not love long car rides.

My husbands says that he will drive most of the trip, but being a passenger in a car requires a certain amount of skill and experience and I am not sure I am up for the challenge. Riding shotgun for me is like being stabbed with thousands of tiny needles. Can you picture it now? Me, sitting at the right hand of the king, armed with an overwhelming amount of responsibility:

1. Keeper of the Map. Responsible for the vehicles navigation by assisting in reading road signs, mile markers, exit signs and detours. Oh wait, we have a GPS, so never mind that.

2. DJ. Responsible for swapping the media, changing the station, fiddling with the volume and performing other necessary entertainment tweaks. Oh wait; all three kids have iPods, so never mind that.

3. Secretary of the Treasury. Responsible for tolls and for digging for just the right amount of change that is listed on that very tiny toll ticket that I can not read without my glasses, which I can never seem to find. Actually, now that I think of it, we have a Fast Pass, so never mind that one too.

4. Referee. Sending the fighters, I mean kids, back to their respective corners when they have had so much family quality time that they are ready to beat one another. Oh, now finally a job that technology can't take from me!

With some planning and the knowledge that it is the journey, not the destination that makes a trip, I know we will have a fantastic time and make memories that will last a lifetime. Buckle up! "Are we there yet?"

Rejuvenate your skin

I love Garnier products. Normally I just use their hair products, but
recently broke off into a new line.

The Garnier Nutritioniste Regenerating Micro-Polish kit includes a 2 oz. polishing exfoliator and a 1.7 oz. post-treatment SPF 15 regenerating moisturizer.

It contains professional grade aluminum oxide crystals to remove dead skin cells for softer, smoother and vibrant skin. Post-treatment SPF 15 regenerating moisturizer is a protective moisturizer with vitamin C to stimulate cell regeneration, magnesium to energize and hydrate surface cells, and lycopene to nourish skin and protect against environmental aggressors. Did you get all that?

My skin was instantly smoother and more radiant. Imagine that, me radiant! They claim that the results improve with regular use, but I haven't been using it that long.

It is used 2-3 times per week. You just squeeze the cream into your hand and apply to your skin. Then gently massage your face for a 1-2 minutes and rinse.

Apply the Post Treatment Regenerating Moisturizer SPF 15 to entire face, prior to sun exposure, to soothe and protect skin. Return to your regular moisturizing routine when not using kit.

Burn more calories...lose more weight.

Over the last several months, I have tried several diets to lose weight, but have had little to no success. Even if I am able to lose some weight, I gain it back with my first "real" meal.

Today I found out that I am only about 8 lbs over my average body weight. I was actually pleasantly surprised because at my height I thought it would be much higher. Since I can't shake the 8 lbs or any other amount of lbs with with MUFAs and Special K, I am going to try another route....exercise. Since, I don't tend to overeat, I thought this might work.

My work and "life" schedule don't allow me a lot of time to excersise, so whatever I do is going to have to be quick. This morning I started with a 15 min walk. According to the 10 ways to burn more calories below from Shape, that is a good start.

If you aren't already walking, join me. We can post our progress and be "walking buddies." God knows I will need the support.

Here are 10 great ways to burn more calories from Shape Magazine.

1. Add 10 minutes in the morning. While you may be religious about going to the gym after work, waking up 10 minutes earlier in the morning and taking a walk around the block (or, alternatively, simply dancing to your morning radio show for 10 minutes) will let you start off your day with a faster-burning metabolism and, most likely, head off to work in a better mood than usual. Calorie-burning boost: 275 calories per week.

2. Do intervals. When you alternate high-intensity cardio work with moderate-intensity recovery periods, you boost your calorie burning and increase your fitness level. This will help you break through plateaus.

Here's how: Warm up for 5 minutes, then increase speed or resistance on the machine for 2-5 minutes. Return to your usual pace for 5 minutes, then continue with short bursts interspersed with a moderate pace for the rest of your workout. Cool down for 5 minutes at a slower pace.
When you're ready to progress, make the work part of the interval longer and decrease the recovery time (but never to less than 30 seconds). For example, you could do 6 minutes at a higher speed and rest for 3 minutes.Calorie-burning boost: 300-450 calories per 45 minutes

3. Work out with a faster partner. Whether it's in the gym or on the neighborhood track, a fit buddy will challenge you to keep up and exercise at a higher intensity. It's the friendliest way to kick your own butt! Plus, workouts go faster accompanied by good conversation.Calorie-burning boost: Simply increasing your walk from 3 mph to 4 mph will burn almost 100 extra calories in 60 minutes.

4. Jump rope on your coffee breaks. Sound silly? It won't after you read the numbers. Slip off your pumps and put on your sneakers, then head off to a corner with a jump-rope. This quick heart-pumping activity is also weight-bearing, so your muscles and bones will benefit. And you'll probably feel completely energized, too.Calorie-burning boost: You can burn 208 calories on two 10-minute breaks each day (that's 1,000 calories a week)!

5. Go longer. If your typical workout is 30 minutes -- no shorter, no longer -- here's an easy way to challenge yourself. Twice a week, try adding 10 or 15 minutes to your cardio. You'll burn more calories and increase your cardiovascular endurance level, making your weekend hikes and bike rides easier. To adapt your workout to your higher fitness level, every two weeks up your intensity level by increasing resistance or incline on the machine or road.Calorie-burning boost: Running 30 extra minutes on the treadmill each week can burn 400 calories.

6. Change equipment or activities. If you always head right for the treadmill, take a step class or get on the elliptical trainer and step up the intensity. This may increase the calorie burn of your workout because our bodies work less efficiently doing new exercises than those we're used to. Periodically shifting activities will also decrease the chance of an overuse injury and keep your workouts fresh and fun.Calorie-burning boost: Step-aerobics vs. walking at 3.5 mph burns 237 vs. 177 calories in 30 minutes.

7. Add another day. Ho-hum ... does week after week only encompass Monday-Wednesday-Friday on the treadmill? Add a Saturday bike ride or Sunday morning indoor cycling class to your week, and your fitness level -- and body shape -- will show it. Make your workout activity-focused and you'll also invigorate your mind and spirit. Calorie-burning boost: A two-hour hilly hike can burn up to 800 calories.

8. Hire a trainer. Nothing gets you out of a fitness rut faster than refining your routine based on the experience of someone who knows exactly how to get results. A good trainer (make sure she's certified) will look at your current program to make sure it's safe and effective. Does this sound too extravagant? Make an appointment with a trainer once a month or once every three months to update your program and get feedback on your form. Calorie-burning boost: If your trainer has you change from a fast walk to a slow jog, you'll burn an extra 100 calories in 30 minutes.

9. Try a mini-triathlon. Instead of trying to force yourself to stay on the recumbent bicycle for 45 minutes each time you work out, here's your new plan: 15 minutes power walking on a steep incline on the treadmill, 15 minutes on a stationary cycle (ideally at a high resistance level), then 15 minutes in the pool (or use the racing program on your gym's rowing machine). Be sure to warm up, cool down and stretch, and don't forget to write down your speeds to keep track of your progress. Reward yourself when you reach the finish line!

For an added bonus, combine this activity with cardio boost #3 -- working out with a partner -- to make this activity even more fun.Calorie-burning boost: One workout = 600 calories

10. End with an invigorating stretch. Stretching is as important after running or walking as it is after weight lifting. A study found that regular stretching can increase your strength by up to 19 percent when interspersed between weight-training exercises. With additional muscle you'll burn more calories throughout the day. To keep your heart rate up while still stretching your whole body, try doing a series of 10-12 Sun Salutations, yoga's most aerobic move (it incorporates poses that flow from one to the next).

Find the cheapest gas near you!

With gas prices creeping back up again, we're all feeling a little bit more pain at the pump. And, since my family and I are leaving soon to drive to Florida, I have been looking for ways to save a buck, or two!

I've done a little digging and found some great ideas for reducing gas consumption from some transporation sites and want to share them with you , so hopefully we can all leave a little bit more in our wallets and tanks this summer.

Avoid Excessive Idling ~ Idling gets 0 miles per gallon. Cars with larger engines typically waste more gas at idle than do cars with smaller engines.

Use Cruise Control ~ Using cruise control on the highway helps you maintain a constant speed and, in most cases, will save gas.

Drive Sensibly ~ Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money.

Observe the Speed Limit ~ While each vehicle reaches its optimal fuel economy at a different speed (or range of speeds), gas mileage usually decreases rapidly at speeds above 60 mph.
You can assume that each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an additional $0.24 per gallon for gas. Observing the speed limit is also safer.

Remove Excess Weight ~ Avoid keeping unnecessary items in your vehicle, especially heavy ones. An extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could reduce your MPG by up to 2 percent. The reduction is based on the percentage of extra weight relative to the vehicle's weight and affects smaller vehicles more than larger ones.

Lastly, check out Gas Buddy. Gas Buddy can help you find cheap gas prices in your city. They have over 185 websites to help you find low gasoline prices in your area. You don't need to enroll or sign up for anything, just enter your zipcode so they can serach for you.

OMG!

Oh my God! I forgot to post today. Sorry about that. I am working on a project at work arriving at 8am and leaving at 8pm and just forgot. No excuses.

Silent Sunday

Read a good book today.

Free Stuff

If you don't belong, you should. Do any of you belong to CoolSavings?

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They've made it really easy to find all the money-saving offers and information you want. They call it " Savings Made Simple," and they have been around since 1997.

Visit CoolSavings to take advantage of money-saving coupons and offers from your favorite name brands. They also offer helpful tips and articles, newsletters, free recipes, sweepstakes, free trials, free samples and more!

I get emails sent directly to my inbox with printable coupons and offers for free stuff! SWEET!

Check them out!

A fantastic site for moms and teens!

I have another wedding to attend in three weeks and once again I have nothing to wear. My niece, Lindsay is getting married in FL where she lives. I am so excited to see her!

Since every diva wants to look her best on her big day (not Lindsay, me!), I don't want to wear the same dress I just wore to my brother's wedding and while searching for that perfect casual, but elegant dress, I stumbled upon this site....Gojane.com. GoJane has really reasonable prices for gals like us who don't want to wear the same thing twice, but want to look nice and offer loads of shoe choices for under $20! Check it out! And if you enter coupon codeGJSHIP50 you will get free shipping on orders over $50! Love that!

Here are a couple of the many outfits I am considering for the wedding. The first option is much more casual than the second.

This dress is only $24.80

These sandals are only $12.50!

This dress is only $32.20!

These shoes are only $11.20

See you in a few weeks Lindsay!