Where Have I Been?

I love fall. It is hands down my favorite season. I love the changing leaves; that cool crisp feeling in the air, as I drink my morning coffee in the warmth of the sun; the first day of school, the start of the kids activities and just the genuine newness of what the season brings.

Unlike most who make their resolutions for the new year, I make mine in September. I vow to get more organized; maintain a better schedule; stay on the kids about their homework and projects; help them set their priorities; set and stick to stricter bedtimes rules; help out more with the PTO and Girl Scouts and the list goes on.

As much as I love summer and the lazy days that it brings, I also welcome autumn with all the gusto it brings. It's not that I haven't found time to blog this summer - I have, it's just that I haven't found time to do anything to actually blog about!

So, as I put the lazy days of summer behind me and focus on a new season, I thought I'd share with you some of what I have been doing instead of blogging.

Kids parasailing in Lake George, NY.

Pretty in Pink this summer at Saratoga.

Hannah swimming in our pool.

Hannah in her 1st performance of Oliver!

Now that summer is winding down, I am sure I will find more things to SpoutOut about, but right now, I have 5 more days to do "nothing."

Happy 15th Birthday Casey!

Here's a Shout Out to my little boy!

Happy 15th birthday Casey!

We love you!

Mom, Dad, Victoria and Hannah

Why do we pay auto insurance anyway?

I hate auto insurance! Late in December, I backed into a friend's car in my driveway causing $3000.00 of damage to the other vehicle. Not having $3000.00 in my bank account to pay out of pocket, we had to claim it on our insurance.

What I didn't know at the time was, that the other accident I had in 2007 (where I again, backed into a car) combined with the accident in 2009, took us out of the premium pool and moved us to a high risk pool. These two little 5mph fender benders caused my auto insurance to go from approx $1700.00 a year to over $7,000.00 a year! Let me say that again, over $7,000.00 a year! $7,000.00! You get it, right?

I know you are thinking I don't know what I am talking about, but I called 6 times for clarification, getting the same answer every time, therefore validating that we are officially ~ screwed! And I tell my kids not to talk like that.

Now, let's be fair to Geico. I did add my daughter as a new teen driver and a 10-year old car to the policy, but after hearing that figure, one of them had to go and since I can't get rid of the girl, it had to be the car. I asked the rep about dropping the car and asked how much that would save me. She said that if we removed the 3rd car from the policy that our insurance would go up $474.00. Yup. Up. I asked her to repeat herself and to explain. She said that the coverage on the 1st and 2nd car was higher than the 3rd car and putting the new driver on either the 1st or 2nd would cost more. Good Grief!

Sadly, this is not even related to my teenager. That was only going to be about another $700 for the year.

Needless to say, I have started shopping around. I did find one agency that is quoting around $3500.00 as long as they can write our homeowners policy. If they can come in at that price, they can write whatever they want.

I jokingly told the Geico representative that I was going to relinquish my license and get a bike. However, she quickly informed me that they would charge me for insurance anyway, because I was married and living in the same house as my husband. Isn't that where you are suppose to live when your married? Who the hell makes up these rules!?

Oh well. It's not the end of the world, just the end of the bank account, food, heat, new shoes for the kids and oil, but hey, you need insurance. After all, someone has to pay for those fender benders. Oh yeah, that's right....we do.

But, ya gotta love that Gecko.

The Blessings of Life Long Friends

It's been said that people remember the things they want to remember. I suppose to some extent it is quite true. For me that would be my high school years, which most people just want to forget.

Last week, I got together with two of my three best friends from high school. I hadn't see either one of them in over 10 years, but the minute we saw each other, it was like we were back in high school and had never left.

We went to this great little place in Manchester called Corey's Catsup and Mustard and talked for hours. Well, at least until the band came in around 11pm. Years ago we would have moved closer to the front to be sure we weren't missing any of the action. This time however, we moved further away. Further away, as in straight for the back and out the door...right to a 24-hour Dunkin Donuts. How time has changed us.

We again sat for hours talking about life ~ then and now, our families, friends and the death of all of our fathers. We reminisced about how high school was a time of "firsts," for us -first kisses, first loves, first cars, first jobs. It was a time when we reached many important milestone. I suppose this is why the thoughts of high school are still with me long after high school has ended.

We told story after story and laughed into the morning. Most stories were as I remembered, others were not. Some, I didn't remember at all, but apparently was there! We remembered back to a time when we had a bond so strong, that it could not be broken ~ a time of laughter, tears, broken dreams and broken hearts. We were inseparable back then.

As I drove home alone, I felt sad. Sad remembering a time when we were young and had our whole lives ahead of us, a time where we could dare to dream and take chances. A time where we could map out the rest of our lives and start over if it didn't work out.

Our dinner together reminded me of forgotten memories, great friends and a youth I can never get back. As I turned the radio dial, Trace Adkins sang, You're Gonna Miss This.

I already do.

Olay rebate

I got my rebate check yesterday, $7.99, so now my lotion is offically free! Not to mention, I love it. It is probably some of the best lotion I have used.

I confess

Okay, I was kidding that was not me in the lime green shirt, but wasn't she cute!

We're gonna Zum, Zum, Zumba Zum....

Am I showing my age? Okay, so it's not Zoom, but it is Zumba! I am thinking of signing up to take a Zumba class, you know, in my spare time. Apparently almost 1 million Americans have taken Zumba classes.

Zumba is a popular fitness program inspired by Latin dance. The word "Zumba" (pronounced ZOOM-buh) comes from a Colombian word that means to move fast and have fun, which is just how people describe the routine. Using upbeat Latin music together with cardiovascular exercise, Zumba is aerobic dancing that is lots of fun and easy to learn.

Zumba mixes cardio intervals with resistance training. It also gives you an interval/resistance combination that maximizes caloric output, fat burning, and total body toning. Zumba mixes effective body sculpting movements with easy-to-follow, fun dance steps. People seem to forget about working out during a Zumba session, allowing them to exercise longer, and burn even more calories.

A typical Zumba session lasts about an hour and incorporates several dance styles. The Latin music includes both fast and slow rhythms, allowing for a great cardio workout as well as body sculpting exercises.

Anything that gets you up and moving is a good thing. My friend in the black shirt taped this, but check me out. I am in the bright green shirt in the back. Pretty good, huh!?

Maybe I Shouldn't Put All My Eggs in One Basket

Hey there! I am writing to you because I want to WRITE. No, I don't want to write informative helpful articles about things nobody outside a 2-mile radius of my house is interested in. I just want to write. You know, stuff I hate or like, things I think about or hear about, things that make me happy or things that make me angry. You know, just Spoutin' Out kind of stuff.

I am not loving my other gig. It's not much fun and it's hard. My news has to be local, but I work full time, so don't have time to interview people at local events, which I love to do, but can't. I keep trying to make my articles locally based pulling from research I have completed, but they keep telling me it's not local enough, so I don't get paid. The reality is, local news is boring. Nothing happens in my town. Nothing anyone wants to hear about anyway.

My life is a series of strange dilemmas isn't it? They are never too stressful, thank God for that, they are just strange. I am not sure what I am going to do going forward. I suppose I will keep trying to please them, but I miss all of you and I miss my blog. My blog is a place where I can be Editor and Chief and nobody can tell me what they like or don't like. It's a place where I can write at the end of the day about whatever I want, and know that someone somewhere is reading it.

NHCTH Day

From one gorgeous gal to another......




Today is National 'HOLY CRAP, YOU'RE HOT' Day! Send this to someone gorgeous, but don't send it back to me, I've been getting this message all freakin' day.

Spoutin' Out Updates

1st - Remember I told you awhile back that I was going to go to a Gold Party? Well, I went last night and had a blast. I dragged my mother with me kickin' and screamin'..not really, but I did really have to push her to give up her old gold jewelry. She had stuff sitting in boxes that she hadn't touch in years!

The whole process was really interesting. We watched at the representative checked the gold with a magnet, tested it with these little things that looked like jumper cables, scratched it, weighed it, separated the gold from the non-gold and finally - wrote us a check! My mother got just over $91.00 and I got just over $167 and two really great glasses of wine! Not bad for a night out with the girls.

I signed up to have a party of my own in May. I am on the fence as to whether I will take the proceeds for myself or host it as a fundraiser for Casey's trip to North Dakota with his wrestling club. I suppose it depends on how well he is doing raising funds on his own by then. If it becomes a fundraiser for him, you can bet he will be there and serving the moms. Soda of course.

2nd update - It seems that the Examiner wants me to keep my blog going. Not only do they support it, but they encourage me to promote it on my/their website. Gee, where am I suppose to get all this time? Three kids doing 5 different sports, a full-time job, a house, bills to pay, a dog and....you get the picture, you've run the drill.

So, buckle up for a bumpy ride and be sure to keep visiting my blog. I can't promise you a smooth trip, but I can promise you an interesting journey. Hey, you've hung around this long.

Blogging vs. Writing

Sorry that I have been away for so long, but I have some really exciting news! I (my blog) have been recognized by the Examiner.com as a popular “teenblogger” and they have asked me to write for them.

As you know, I have been looking to grow and change my blog beyond its existing presence and am thrilled that it has finally been recognized by a "higher power." You may remember back on April 14th, I wrote to you about wanting to do something different with my blog and although I am not sure this is it, I have to take the chance.

I have spent the last week working with the Examiner.com to provide them with several writing samples that were not so "bloggy." I will miss writing about all the control chaos that goes on in my life, as my writing for the Examiner.com will have to be more informational and less, "according to Gwenn." I am excited about this opportunity and the challenge of a much more formal setting. I think it will be good for me to try something new, afterall, one has to take chances. Although, I will be back occasionally to post on my blog, I wont' be able to write every day.

My page for the Examiner.com has not been set up yet, because I still owe them a few things before I can get started, but I hope it will be by the end of next week and as soon as it is, I will post my link on Spoutin' Out and Facebook.

This is a huge step for me and I hope you will come along for the ride. Who knows?

Can Aesthetics Drive College Choice....

.....they can if you're Victoria.

Victoria's college search started officially yesterday with an informational and group tour, hosted about two hours from our home. During the first of the two campus visits, we checked out the bookstore and art building, dorms, cafes and athletic fields. We gathered brochures, and then headed to our second destination.

I thought the college was appropriate for her, educationally challenging; clean, secure, friendly campus; close enough to home. So, as we headed out of the main gate, we asked her how she liked it.

Her response: “It so pretty.” So, I learned something important just then: Aesthetics are important to Victoria's overall college experience. Trying to learn more about what she likes in an effort to narrow our search further I asked, “What look do you like?” She loved the quaintness of the campus, the multiple bodies of water scattered over the grounds, the fountains, bridges, the cleanliness of the entire school, the colors in the cafe and most of all the beach at the edge of campus in this great little beach town. And, of course, the easy access to Boston via the commuter rail.

Like most girls her age, familiar with the magazines and clothing catalogs advertising “collegiate style outfits” photographed on beautiful college campuses, Victoria had a “college image” in her mind and it was my job (and anyone else who wants to help) to help her see the bigger picture: the major she wants; affordability; value; accessibility; and yes, aesthetics, because looks and atmosphere are important to her.

As we arrived at our second destination, I could immediately see the disappointment in Victoria's eyes. It was off a major road, there was no quaintness, the buildings were ugly and far apart, the grass was barely green, there were no flowers, no ponds, no activity and barely any students.

During the tour we listened as the student guide say how wonderful the school was and how much she loved it there. I was proud of Victoria, as she announced that she was going to keep an open mind. However, as we toured the grounds and facilities, I could tell that Victoria was just going through the motions. If only they had a beach nearby.

College Bound

Off to a few colleges today. Heaven help me!

Wrestling Fundraiser

You'll remember that a few months ago, my son, Casey went undefeated in the regular wrestling season, placed first in his LL tournament, and was runner up at the State Open where he advanced to New England’s. Because of his success, in July, Casey will head to Fargo, North Dakota with the Connecticut National Team to wrestle in the Free Style Nationals.

Awesome! Right? Not so much. Don't get me wrong, this is a great opportunity for Casey, but it is going to cost us. Literally. The total trip will cost us over $1000.00. Some of you are probably thinking that we are crazy for even considering it, but its a great opportunity for him and if he want a scholarship in college, these are the things he has to do now. At least that is what I am told.

We however, can't afford to pay $1000.00 to send him there and will be holding a fundraiser. This is not uncommon for the kids taking this trip. However, I don't have any ideas and hope you can help. Has anyone ever conducted a fundraiser for an individual, not a group or organization? My husband wants him to go stand at the local grocery store, but he won't do that. I don't blame him. That just seems weird.

Casey would like to give something to get something, or sell something and keep the profits towards his trip, not just stand with a bucket at the entrance to a grocery store. I like the selling idea, but am not sure what he should sell, candy bars? He have to sell thousands to get enough money in time.

I also told him to reach out to local stores for sponsorship donations, since it would be a tax-deductible donation. I am sure they get asked by the local schools all the time, but its worth a try.

Does anyone have any other ideas? If so, Casey and I would love to hear them.

Distracted Drivers - No More!

Remember awhile back I posted about a new technology that was going to shut off cell phones in cars? At the time, I had only heard about it, but couldn't find anything concrete about it, until now.

It's call ZoomSafer and it was created to ensure safe and legal use of mobile phones while driving. As a mom of a teen driver, I am especially interested in ZoomSafer. It was designed to prevent the urge to text and use your phone while driving. It locks your keypad to help fight the urge to send that quick text back, and will also even send out an auto-reply for you saying your driving right now and can’t text/email back.

If you really need to check to see if you got a new text, ZoomSafer can read you your texts via computerized and even let you record replies to send back. The teens can still make and receive calls, but they will need to be over a Bluetooth or other hands free device. You are the one who turns ZoomSafer off once you reach your destination, and if you are a passenger in a car and want to use your friend’s phone, you can still exit the app and use the phone and text, IM, email whoever you want and yes, if you’re a driver and want to ignore ZoomSafer, by all means you can do that too.

ZoomSafer is the practical answer to the problem of distracted driving; it activates automatically when you start to drive and applies customizable safe driving policies to help protect you, your teens and everyone else on the road. Click here to check it out.

Safe driving!

Again, with the Tax Cuts?

Last night my two teenagers and I went to our town’s Board of Education meeting. Our town is yet again, threatening to cut school sports, music in our middle school and the gifted program.

Personally, I would rather be anywhere than a town meeting where they banter back and forth and get nothing done, but the entire town was planning to attend and I was not going to be the only one to miss it. So, the kids and I jumped in the car and drove to our middle school. Once there, we were herded like cattle passed the room where the meeting was taking place to a separate room down the hall where we would be able to sit and watch the meeting on a closed circuit T.V. Really? I could have stayed home and done that. Regardless, we were there now and turning to run at this point would be like running with the bulls at Pamplona, dangerous. There were 4 classrooms packed with anxious parents and students and limited seating in each…more people stood in the hallways.

We listened as countless parents and students begged the Town Council to support the Board of Education’s budget, as it was proposed to them and NOT to make the cuts that the Council claimed were necessary. Parents who stood at the podium announced the importance of sports, saying that they are such a big part of the kids' lives; that they are the reason some kids do well in school, and stay out of trouble; they are one of the reasons they stand out in the application process for colleges, that they teach life long skills and lastly, other than the obvious, education, they are the reason they moved to our town.

I know times are tough, particularly in our schools. We don't have the money, beleaguered education officials say, “For every student who wants to play games after class.” So, school sports have to go. And yet if you reflect for a moment, you may remember your own school days where you too saw this kind of financial austerity as shortsighted. It’s like cutting back on English classes because most kids already speak that language.

Many of us remember some competitive activity that became a vital force in our childhood. It gave us a self-awareness and self-confidence that changed us forever. And don't forget the story we heard from the lips of our very own Barack Obama and how had he not discovered basketball, he would not have become the leader he is today.

I have read research studies that show that although math had the biggest impact of any skill on adult earnings, playing sports and having a leadership role in high school also were significant factors. Maybe that has nothing to do with gutting it out on the wrestling mat or taking the ball down the field for the winning goal in lacrosse. Maybe athletic talent produces leadership skills even if you never go out for school sports. But research indicates otherwise.

If cutting out sports means jeordizing ours kids leadership, teamwork and discipline skills, aren't we creating a false economy? Helping teenagers discover that with grit, teamwork and determination they can be successful, is not an aspect of schooling that I want to sacrifice, even if it saves a few tax dollars.

SpoutinOut is not Spoutin anymore...

Everyday someone approaches me to tell me that they've read my blog and that they love it. I didn't realize it, but ~ A LOT of people read my blog. It is such a nice feeling to know that others enjoy it and that I may be making just a little bit of a difference in someone's life...at least entertaining them.

Of course I love to hear that people enjoy reading my blog, but yesterday was different. Yesterday, a friend of mind told me that he too loves to read my blog, but that sometimes, I am boring. Only a true friend, right? Right. Thanks, Jayce. He didn't say that to be mean or hurtful and I did not take it that way.

The truth is, that since my return, I have want to ratch it up a notch or two, but haven't had the guts. I have written post after post, but haven't published them [11 unpublished to date]. Why? Because I am afraid to insult or hurt someone or some group. I am afraid someone at work will read it and my employer will not like what I have posted. I have been reluctant to throw all of my family's dirty laundry on my blog or talk too much about my kids for fear that something I say will get back to them and hurt them.

Sure, I have a point of view and I’m sure sometimes it rankles. But up until now, even those have been safe. If I was to Spoutin' Out, I would be respectful, somewhat. Sitting on the fence all the time is pretty boring for you to read, and me to write. I am not a political or religious blog, so would stay far away from the stuff that I was taught not to talk about at cocktail parties. I struggle with my blog, its posts, its design and mainly, its name, because, Spoutin' Out is not Spoutin' Out about anything anymore.

So, help a girl out would ya? If I am not going to Spoutin' Out, then should I continue with the blog as is? Should I find a different name, theme or mission? I love blogging, because I love writing, but if my blogs are not worth the read, it may be time to find a new venture. Thoughts?

Going Green and Saving Money

Lower the temperature on your hot water heater from 145 degrees, which used to be standard, to 120 degrees. Cunningham swears you won't notice a difference at all, but you will see savings when you get your next bill, by as much as $36 to $61 each year.

Another easy money saver? Wash your clothes in cold water and you'll save about $40 in the fuel that it takes to heat up the water you'd typically wash with. You can save another $34 each year just by cleaning out your dryer's lint trap, which increases the efficiency.

I''ll Drink To That!

Spring Cleaning. According to Wikipedia, it is the period in the spring set aside for cleaning a house, normally applied in climates with a cold winter.

The most common usage of spring cleaning refers to the yearly act of cleaning a house from top to bottom which would take place in the first warm days of the year typically in spring, hence the name. However it has also come to be synonymous with any kind of heavy duty cleaning or organizing enterprise. A person who gets their affairs in order before an audit or inspection could be said to be doing some spring cleaning.

This is a bittersweet time for me. I love to have a clean and organized house, but in the Spring when I have been stuck in the house for months, all I really want to do is get outside. I really hate to stay inside cleaning. But, the cleaning must be done.

One spot in particular that really needs cleaning is the entry way into the kitchen from my garage. It is full of scuff marks from shoes, winter boots, sporting equipment and anything else that should have been left in the garage. I found this great tip for getting scuff marks off the wall on Walmart Daily Solutions. Check it out - watch this video and click on the video for wall scuffs. Be sure to check out their other great tips too.

What sucks!?

I normally do not like that word, but I really need to know....what sucks? I need a new vacuum cleaner. My current vacuum cleaner was purchased 15 years ago for $700. Yup, $700.00! Nuts, right? Right. I know, but I couldn't help it.

He was so young and good looking! Only kidding, I can't remember who it even was, never mind if he was young or good looking. What I do remember, however, is that he was convincing. He must have been, right? After all, he sold me a $700 vacuum!

Not only did he demonstrate how well the vacuum cleaned my carpets, but with a few adjustments, he also showed me how well it shampooed them. His final moment was when he asked me where my bedroom was. No, no, no. Not for that! Good grief! He wanted to suck up my bed mites. Admittedly, it was a little weird watching this stranger pull off my sheets, so he could get at my mattress, but I let him. He started vacuuming my mattress pad and yuck! I am not going to go there, I can't think about mites. Let me just say, Yuck and move on!

Anyway, 15 years later. I need a new one. We all know the importance of a good vacuum cleaner. Mine has moved with us three times and smells more like a dog than our dog does. You know it's bad when even your kids ask you to turn it off.

I can't decide on an upright or a canister. Is the upright better for carpeting, is the canister better for floors and hard to reach places? Some upright cleaners come with a bag to capture the trapped dirt, others are bagless. There is debate as to which is easier to use. Bags vs. bagless? A bagless vacuum would certainly eliminates the inevitable search for the extra bag or the hunt in the store for the right kind, but can sometimes be messy to clean out. Some upright vacuums are lightweight and easy to move around the home and up the stairs. Others, however, are heavy and cumbersome.

I am holding onto a vacuum for a friend, so thought I'd give it a whirl the other day. The canister on it was so heavy, I could barely finish two rooms without having to stop to rest my arm. Who designs these things? If it isn't a guy, it was WonderWoman! I also found that the rotating brush on her upright makes it very efficient for cleaning the dirt out of carpeting, but this same brush scatters the dirt all over the floors.

I know vacuum cleaners have progressed in many ways since my purchase 15 years ago, and the choices are endless, but that is what I hate, endless choices. If any of you have a vacuum that you love and want to recommend to me, please leave a comment here.

I have done a little research and have tried to arm myself with as much information as I can, but in the end, it really is all about how it works in your house. It's not so much about the wattage, airflow or centrifugal force, etc. Its about how it feels and your hands, how well it cleans and if you can move it.

I just can't give anymore time to this "dirty" job.

To leave a comment, just click on the word comment below, type your message in the box and enter your name in the name field and publish your comment. It's that easy!

It's Like Pulling Teeth!

Now, I know where that saying comes from! Today's post is going to be about my visit yesterday to the Oral Surgeon to get a tooth pulled.

10:00am - Arrived at the Oral Surgeon's office early to fill out paperwork. I was so nervous, I messed every line up and without exaggeration, had to cross off and redo 90% of it.

10:30am - Went into my 10:20 appt. Not bad. By the time I finished messing up the paperwork, I only waited 5 mins or so. (That purple tooth above is the one pulled).

10:35am - A blood pressure sleeve was applied. I was notified that would stay on the entire procedure. That freaked me out some. Why again did the assistant say he liked to keep that on? What were they going to do in the middle of the procedure if it starting dropping fast? Hum, I don't want to think about that now.

10:40am - The surgeon came in. He was a very nice man. He told me what he was going to do and proceeded to give me Novocaine. He left for a few giving it time to work. When he came back and said he was going to test it. He poked some instrument in my mouth on one side of my tooth and asked me if I could feel pinching. I told him no. Then he poked the other side of that same tooth and asked if I could feel the pain. I didn't, but told him yes. Is that bad? Hey, what's a little more Novocaine going to hurt? He gave me more and left again.

His assistance was really sweet and kept talking to me. She knew how nervous I was. I am kind of a baby about this stuff. Okay, I am really a baby about this stuff. Where is my mother when I need her?! Oh yeah in Florida, STILL!

10:50am or so - He came back in. He stuck some rubber thing on the other side of my mouth that I was suppose to bite down on to offset the pressure as he janked my tooth out. He told me it might take awhile if the tooth kept chipping. He stuck an instrument in my mouth to push the gum away from the tooth and then grabbed some black thing that looked like pliers and told me that I would feel A LOT of pressure. You should have seen the way he gripped those "pliers" and started twisting my tooth out. It was like he was working a 4-inch nail out of a 2x4 that had been in there for years! Oh wait, that is exactly what it was like. I closed my eyes and waited for that pressure......

Not 5 seconds later he told me my tooth was out! It was so easy! I felt no pressure, no pain, nothing! I had myself so worked up by the time I got there, that you would have thought I was having a limb removed. It was easier than a 6-month cleaning.

It's 11:30 now and I have to get to work. Working from home today (remember, this is yesterday), so will keep posted on my progress. The way they were talking when I left, I should be in some pretty decent pain when this Novocaine wears off. They gave me some vicodin, but I don't plan to take that if I don't have to.

11:40am - I am starving now. My advice to you if you have teeth pulled. Eat a big meal first. The banana I had at 8am is just not cutting it anymore.

2:30, 4:30 - No pain still. Thank God for Novocaine!

6:00 - Sat in three Spring sports meetings at school for the kids. The pain is raging now and I am still swallowing blood.

8:00 - Stopped at McDonald's, picked up a milkshake and went home to bed.

Next day - 6am. Pain is mostly gone. Just a dull throbbing pain in the hole that you can fit a nickle in. I know this is going to annoy me the entire day, but at least it will remind me to eat on the opposite side. Boy, am I hungry!

Overall, not a bad experience. I am not sure how I am suppose to handle this huge space where the tooth is now missing for 3 months! That, I am told is when I will be able to get a post and crown. That ought to be exciting. Maybe I just won't smile......NOT!

Go Army!

Today at 4:30am, my nephew Chris, left for Army boot camp. I imagine it's a heart-sinking moment when your child announces a desire to join the military. On one hand, I'd be so proud that he wanted to protect our great country, but on the other, I would say, let someone else's child do it.

I can not begin to imagine the sea of emotion that my sister and brother-in-law must be going through. (This makes my stress from my daughter's prom look ridiculous). I suppose it is normal to think the worse when you talk about any branch of the military, but joining the Army doesn't mean an automatic trip to Iraq or Afghanistan.

The Army is the largest of all the branches of the military; every year about 180,000 enlist and another 20,000 become commissioned. There are many different jobs with personnel stationed in places all over the world. Sure, there are certain MOS (jobs) which carry a higher probability of deployment, such as infantry, special ops (special operations) and field artillery, but not all are like this.

The benefits alone are fantastic ranging from medical and dental to a full college tuition. Check them out! When I spoke with Chris on Easter, he seemed excited to go. He told me about all the opportunities that he would have and his interest in many of them. Chris loves skydiving, so the whole paratroopers thing is something that I'm sure he will be looking into.

As Dr. Seuss says, "Oh! The Places You'll Go!" Chris will have the opportunity to travel the U.S and abroad! He will see places that I have never seen, nor ever will. The Army will teach him teamwork, loyalty and respect for others. It will present him with new challenges, give him a sense of pride and the courage to try new things.

If my father, a Marine, were alive today, he would be so proud of Chris. I am proud of Christopher for having chose a career in the military. It is a honorable profession and no matter what you think about the war, it is important to always support our troops.

I will pray everyday for God to look out for him and bring him home safely to us.

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!

by Dr. Seuss

Congratulations!

Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away!

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You’re on your own. And you know what you know.

And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go (readmore)

Dogs and Chocolate Just Don't Mix

We came home last night from a very nice day/dinner with my in-laws to a living room covered with plastic Easter eggs.

I am not sure what I was more angry with, the fact that the dog ate my 9 year old's entire Easter basket or the fact that dope may have just put his life in danger.

I wasn't sure of the reason, but knew that dogs were not suppose to eat chocolate, so I rushed to the computer to find out why....after dealing with my daughter's tears first of course.

I found that, there is a substance in chocolate called theobromine which poisons dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and other abdominal issues. Dogs take longer to digest chocolate, so that most likely, I wasn't going to see the symptoms right away. Great, this meant I was going to have to worry all night.

Over consumption of theobromine can lead to seizures,, shock and possibly death.With this in mind, however, it's important to note that different chocolates contain different levels of theobromine, with white chocolate being the least and dark chocolate (think Belgian chocolates) containing the most. The article said if your dog is a 100lb Labrador who ate a Milky Way - you're probably OK, and that it is the smaller dogs you will have to watch - depending on the concentration of theobromine in a small chocolate. My dog is 110 pound Weimaramer, but I am still going to worry.

The following list is in decreasing order of quantities of theobromine:

Cocoa Beans
Cocoa Powder
Plain (Dark) Chocolate
Milk Chocolate
Drinking Chocolate (Powder)
White Chocolate

So, be careful where you keep that Easter candy, and remember, once your pup smells that chocolate, they may go places to get it, that they've never gone before and sometimes "high up," isn't high enough.

Welcome Spring and its Critters

The other day while researching reason why my front lawn has huge brown spots of dead grass, I stumble on this picture and article written by Marie Hofer, Gardening editor, HGTV.com

Do you know what this is? Read below to check your answer.

Encountering this 10-inch-long flatworm in the garden or on the sidewalk after a rain can be a little unnerving to the gardener. True, for most of its extra-long body, it looks and feels like a worm, but, oh, that head!

The land planarian is an import that's slowly and successfully spreading around the world. Originally from southeast Asia, it usually arrives in the landscape via potted foliage plants. It's not harmful to the gardener — except for the shock of finding one — and it comes with a bag of tricks. It can hang from branches via a line of mucus, it can reproduce by dividing (in addition to laying egg capsules), and with a finely honed sense of chemical smell, it can find its prey. And therein lies the problem. Among its favorite prey are earthworms, and it's been known to decimate earthworm populations. Some land planarians are relatively small — only about 2-1/2 inches long — but they nevertheless can take on and kill an earthworm much larger than themselves. Worm growers have reported losing significant numbers of their populations to these predators.

What's a gardener to do? If you find one in the garden, remove it. You might also consider calling your local extension agent to report that you've spotted one.

The land planarian needs a humid environment — or microclimate — in order to live. So far it's been spotted in various states throughout the East, Southeast, South, Pacific Northwest and California.

Free Bath & Body Works Shower Gel

Get a FREE Signature Collection Shower Gel from Bath & Body Works with any $10 purchase using this coupon.

This offer is valid until 4/18/10 and is also available online, up to $10.50 in value.

It's not too late to add this great little item to mom’s Easter basket.

Adult Acne - Some things just never change

Everynight for the past month, I have tried to get rid of my adult acne. Its not bad, just a spot or two or three or four on my chin or temple. I know I am not alone, as 54 percent of women over 25 have some acne, and it's most common in women in their 30s. Hum. Still wondering what my excuse is.

So, I look into the cause of all this adult acne. And, what I found in a word, is stress. Research has shown that our society is more stressed out than ever before, and all that stress causes our adrenal glands to increase production of androgen hormones, which increase oil production, which causes acne. And when we're under long-term stress (which is common in our busy lives), our hormone levels are constantly raised and acne becomes a near-constant problem.

In my case, you know, being a little over 40 and all, my cell-turnover and ability to heal is slower, which means acne can stick around longer than it did when I was a teen. I have been using my teenagers acne products, but nothing seems to be working. I read recently that teens and adults shouldn't share the same acne products. That would have been useful information a few months ago.

Because of the differences in the types of acne, treatment for adult acne needs to be different than teen acne. Also, adults need to be careful not to dry out their skin, since this can cause wrinkles, not something many teens are worried about. Adults with acne should look for products specifically designed for them and look for products with anti-inflammatories and anti-oxidants to protect their skin.

I am going to try PERSA-GEL 10 by Clean & Clear to try and get this acne under control, because let's face it, dealing with acne in your teens is one thing, but no one should have to suffer from acne in their 40s, right?

Undercover Boss - Fact or Fiction

Has anyone watched Undercover Boss? It's a television reality series on CBS that airs Sunday night at 9pm est. Each episode of the show features a senior executive at a major corporation, working incognito as a new entry-level hire in his or her company for one week, to find out how the company really works, including the impact of "corporate policy" and identify some of the unsung heroes among the employees.

I watched this video 6 times last night and all 6 times, I cried. OMG! What a great show with a great concept. In a time where we are forced to watch reality shows like the Jersey Shore and The Anna Nicole Show, this is a Godsend.

Undercover Boss has been accused of being emotionally manipulative, because it's a prime time entertainment show. But it's also a show about CEOs humbling themselves to perform lower level jobs, at a time when people are suspicious of their powerful. The boss works along side of low level employees to better understand the company and what it takes on the front line to make it run.

I don't think that Undercover Boss is going to do anything widespread to make these featured companies great for their employees, but if they can make things better for only a few people, I for one, would consider this show worthy.

Have you filled out your Census form yet?

By now, most Americans have received a copy of their census form, and the government is currently stressing the importance of filling out this document.

It asks a lot of questions and putting that information in the mail makes me a little nervous and although I am sure I have done this at some point in my life, I couldn't really remember what it was for, so I did some research. Here is what I found out ~

That we can't move forward until we mail it back. That's why it's so important that we fill in the form and promptly mail it back. Census information affects the numbers of seats our states occupy in the U.S. House of Representatives. And all types of people use census data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, locate pools of skilled workers and more.

In doing the math, it was easy for me to see what an accurate count of residents can do for my community. Better infrastructure. More services. In fact, the information the census collects helps to determine how billions of dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services like, hospitals, job training centers, schools, senior centers, emergency services, bridges, tunnels and other-public works projects.

So, be sure to help out your community and send it back!

The Success of Saving!

Have you sent in your Olay rebate yet?

I purchased my Olay Quench Lotion yesterday. It killed me to add $7.99 to my already too large grocery order, but I had to do it because it the end it was going to be free, right? Normally, I wouldn't have purchase lotion for $7.99, because I would buy the cheap stuff, but like I said in yesterday's post, we have to use the coupons to save the money and in the end, this lotion will be free and free is the goal.

So, today I printed out my rebate form, attached my receipt with the item circled and sent it off to Olay. Now, I just wait for my refund. Ahhh. The success of my first FREE item! Oh yeah, I also saved $12.78 for my Price Chopper Advantage Savings and another $7.00 in manufacturers coupons for a total of $19.78. Not too shabby for my first week of "couponing!"

Cutting Coupons is a great way to save money

We’ve all read stories about the coupon-savvy woman who can feed a family of five on $100 a month. Right? What is her secret? She cuts coupons.

While I am new to the whole coupon thing, I can't give you many ideas or promise you that you'll be able to do quite that well, but I did find some helpful tips online and thought I'd share them with you, so that maybe we can learn ways to slash dollars from our monthly grocery bill together.

Know when NOT to use coupons. When is a coupon not a good deal? Knowing this can be as helpful to you as the coupon itself. In most cases, the generic version of what you're buying is cheaper than the more expensive counterpart even WITH a coupon. You may be asking yourself, "So why even bother? Why not just purchase generics?" You will need to become coupon-savvy in order to recognize when coupons are a good deal and when they're not.

Coupons work best when they're combined with another deal or are doubled. Some coupon experts say you should carry a small calculator in your purse to help you calculate the price per unit when you're shopping. I don't think I will be doing that, but it does sound like a smart idea.

Combine coupons with in store-sales and two-for-ones. Today I bought two boxes of cereal on sale for 2 for $3. I also used two $1 off coupons I had, saving an additional $2. My cost per box: only 50 cents.

A lot of grocery stores also offer "in store" coupons. Use your own coupons in addition to these to save even more.

Find a store that will double your coupons. If your town doesn't have one, it may be worth a short drive to another town to a store that does. Click here for a state-by-state list of stores that will double your coupons. If making a special trip, be sure to call in advance to see if the store has restrictions on doubling coupons. Some stores will only double coupons under $.50, while others let you go up to $.99. and some only double coupons on certain days of the week.

Buy the smallest size. Most people are under the impression that you will save more by buying in bulk. When using a coupon, this usually isn't true. What you will need to consider is the price per ounce. Guess this is where that calculator that I won't be using, would come in handy.

Trade coupons with friends and online. Start a coupon group with women in your area. Let them know which items you need coupons for; and offer to trade with them. To get started, e-mail 5-10 of your "thrifty" friends to see if they're interested. Have each friend list 10-20 items that she always uses, and print out the lists. Keep the lists handy when you're clipping coupons, and then pass on the coupons to your friends.

Some grocery stores have coupon bins within their store. Look for them near the customer service counter, or in the front of the store. Some libraries also have a coupon swapping bin. If your local library or grocer doesn't, it doesn't hurt to suggest it. Coupons are also now available in-store right next to the products themselves from machines.

Find coupons online. When you think of coupons, chances are you think ~ Sunday paper. With internet all sorts of other kinds of coupons are now available. You can download coupons from your computer and print them out. Click here for a listing on online coupon services. You can even find coupons being sold on eBay.

Organize. Make coupons easy to file and easy to use. Until last week, I had my coupons clumped together in an envelope in my purse. I could never find the coupons when I got up to the counter, or they would ended up expiring. I now try to be more organized by using a coupon holder with tabs. I have it divided by categories such as: canned goods, cleaning products, cereal, baking, dairy, etc. This will be trial and error for awhile until I figure out a system that works best.

Once you’ve mastered the art of cutting and using coupons, you’ll never shop without them. I'm addicted now and even my husband asks about them before heading out. Ah! The smell of success!

FREE bottle of Olay Quench Body Lotion after rebate

Maybe I'll make this week a freebie week, or at least a discount and coupon week.

Olay is offering a FULL rebate on Olay Quench Lotion. They came up with this cute little titled called, Quench for Clunkers – or your own personal stimulus check!

Click here and download your rebate form. You will get a full rebate on your lotion purchase from March 19 – April 16, 2010 (excluding trial size). Just mail the original form, original receipt with item circled on it and jot down the UPC on the form. Your rebate form must be postmarked by April 30, 2010.

The Olay body quench body lotion is non-greasy and absorbs quickly. It is able to prevent and soothe dryness without leaving my skin feeling the need for more coverage or repeated coverage. It continues moisturizing your skin for 24 hours. I like that as well, since I do not have to take it along with me, or stop every so often to apply more. I simply put it on after my shower and it keeps working all day long. This product smells fresh and clean and it is not overpowering.

Thanks Tracie!

Freebie Day Today!

It's Free Pastry Day today at Starbucks! Stop in before 10:30am with this coupon and receive a free pastry with any brewed or iced beverage purchase. It also mentions that you can just show the coupon on your mobile device if you prefer!

Get more information and print your coupon here.

And the free treats keep coming! Stop by your local Ben & Jerry’s today between 12-8pm and receive a FREE cone. Yum!

Get more info and find a store near you here.

Finding Your Child's Athletic Potential

I read this story on one of my favorite radio station's website. It's their story, but I found it pretty interesting and wanted to share it with you.

Would you pay to find out your child's athletic potential?

Ava Anderson can’t run — not yet anyway. Or jump over hurdles. Then again, she’s only 13 months old. Ava was born with a genetic blend that’ll turn her into a star marathoner, and she may even blossom into a multisport, cross-training double threat! No - that’s not just her parents’ opinion. That’s her DNA profile. Like more than 200 other moms and dads, Ava’s parents, Hilary and Aaron Anderson, paid $149 to a company called Atlas Sports Genetics for a sneak peek at their kid’s athletic horizons. They simply brushed the inside of Ava’s cheek with two cotton swabs, sealed them in a baggie, and mailed the samples off to be tested. Five weeks later, the Andersons heard the verdict. Little Ava has all the makings to be a good strength AND endurance athlete.

There are 20,000 strands of human DNA, but the Atlas lab hunts for variations of just one: ACTN3. Why? Because some experts believe that this gene predicts certain athletic skills. The question is - how ethical is this sort of testing? According to MSNBC, it’s drawing criticism from coaches, therapists and genetic experts. Many worry that some parents will misuse the data, and pressure their kids to get into specific sports. Atlas president and co-owner Kevin Reilly says the test can’t, say, predict a future NFL star. It merely reveals if a child has the genetic markers common to people who succeed in either power or endurance sports. In short, he’s selling the product as a parental “tool” - a DNA roadmap to help expose kids to the sports they were born to play.

Although I might consider this if my kids were babies, it would be weird to do it now. What if I found out that they were not good at the sport that we already knew they were good at? That would be weird. Imagine the conflict that would occur? It might however, prove that this is not a perfect science. It takes more than DNA to be good at something. Doesn't it?

Spring has Sprung!

Happy Spring!

Dealing with Rejection....again.

Why does raising children have to be so damn hard? Victoria had another tough audition last night and was pretty upset when she came home. It broke my heart because when she left the house in the morning, she was excited and confident, not nervous like she had been the last five unsuccessful auditions.

When my kids are upset or sad, I am too. I feel helpless and frustrated because, sometimes, I just don't know what to say. I did all the text book things. I validated her feelings, telling her it was okay to feel sad; I allowed her to express her emotions, by encouraging her to talk about it; I kept open the lines of communication, engaging her in a conversation to illicit some of the emotions she was going through, so why then, was it only getting worse?

I knew the cause of her sadness went much deeper than this one audition. It was scars from so many other failed attempts, the knowledge that this was her last shot at making this singing and dancing group as a Senior next year, the image of all of the fun opportunities that she will miss and what would have been a wonderful experience for her to take with her to college next year. How do you fix all that?

There won't be any brainstorming to help her come up with a strategy for next year, to empower her and take away some of her helplessness away, because there won't be a next year.

So, I try to be supportive, although I am not very good at it right now, because I am mad. I am mad that she may not be picked AGAIN, I am mad that she is good enough to be one of the lead acts in her high school play where she sang and danced solos, but not good enough to be in "his" group, I am mad that he is not compassionate with the teenagers who he knows have talent, but freak out during auditions, I am mad that he year after year encourages her to try out, only to not pick her. And, I am mad because, she is my baby and she is hurt and when she hurts, I hurt.

In the last few years, I have learned, painstaking, that most of my teenager's problems can't easily be changed or solved, so I continue to let them know that I am here for them, and that I love and support them, while recognizing that sometimes, children just have to feel sad and cope with their own emotions before they can move on.....as long as it doesn't take too long.

Stop Whining about Wine

Have you ever found yourself in a restaurant saying, "How the heck do you pronounce that and what do I drink it with?”

Ah! First thing, don’t ever run away from something you can’t pronounce. You'll be missing out on a delightful experience. If you something you'd like to try on the wine list, just point to it and show the waiter, saying, “I’ll try this.” He or she will probably be happy he doesn’t have to pronounce it, too! If he’s a sommelier (wine server in upscale restaurants), he’ll say, “Certainly, the VEE OWN YAY, excellent choice, sir!” Don’t be put off by the language or the pretensions of some people in the wine world. You’ll miss fine experiences if you do!

So, no more whining about not knowing your wine. If you decide you like something - find out more about it. A great place to start is at wineloverspage.com . Not only do they tell you about the wine, but they also tell you how to pronounce it. Love it!

Just Another Prom Dilemma!

I am starting to stress out and there are still two more months before Victoria's prom. She found a prom dress already, or should I say, she fell in love with a prom dress already. You're thinking I should be thrilled, right? Wrong. Well, I would normally be thrilled, as it was in the first shop we stopped in. Did I mention, to get to our "first" shop, we drove through three other towns on a cold, rainy night only to find three dark store fronts - ending up at a bridal shop 5 mins from our house. Oh. Sorry. I digress.

Well, she found this very pretty dress rather quickly. "Done, already?" I thought. "Wow! The first night?" I should have been thrilled, right? After all, it was a record breaking decision for a kid that can't decide on Crunch Berries or Peanut Butter Captain Crunch in the morning. The only problem was, that they didn't have her size, so it would have to be ordered and the dress was checking out at a whapping $269 before alterations and taxes! Gulp!

Having just survived a very difficult financial two year stint, I was not about to go back into hock for a prom dress. So we, well I, decided that would could find the same dress online, cheaper. I mean no disrespect towards our teen's big day. As I said in an earlier post, it's a rite of passage, a ritual that prefigures the selection of the wedding dress, but my own wedding dress didn't cost this much! Granted that was a "few" years ago.

Anyway, my dilemma. We found the dress online, but the ONLY place we were able to find it was on a foreign wholesale website. I am not even really sure what country it is from. Anyway, on the site, the dress sells at wholesale for $136. The catch is that they make the dress after you order it and guarantee that it will be at least a 90% look-a-like.

The site appears to be a lot like our Amazon site here in the US. It has the same look, sells similar items, but at wholesale prices. It has many positive reviews and comments. I am however, concerned about the risk. Mainly the risk that the dress will not be a 90% look-a-like and she will not wear it.

Has anyone ever heard of or shopped on DHGate.com? If so, please let me know your thoughts, and fast. The dress takes 20-days to make and 7-10 days to ship, so we really need to get going.

Would you take the risk or spend the money at the local shop? At this point, there are no other options. Well, there are options for me, but not for you. You only get to vote on the risk or the local shop.

I'd post the picture of the dress, but Victoria would kill me, so you'll have to wait.

Purging this Spring

How often do you purge your closet? I go through my closet twice a year and always manage to find items that I do not wear, have not worn, and will never wear again. It is amazing since I feel like I never purchase anything new.

If you have a dysfunctional closet and can't ever find anything to wear, you are not alone. On the average people wear only 20% of the clothes they own. Follow a few tips and be on your way to your first step in your Spring cleaning.

Start by pulling everything out. Yes, everything. This is one of the most important step when reorganizing anything. Then separate everything into three different piles:

Keep: You wear it nearly everyday. It fits. It's timeless. (If you're being honest with yourself, this will be roughly only 20% of your closet's contents.

Dump: Anything that is stained, smelly, ripped or stretched-out. You won't clean it. You won't repair it. You will never wear it, and neither will anyone else. Toss it.

Donate: Anything that you haven't worn in a year, is a tired trend or doesn't fit. If you're not sure if it fits or not, try it on. Be honest with yourself. If you're a size 10 and it's a size 6, it's gone.
When you're done sorting, go through your "keep" pile again. Does any of this need to go in the "dump" or "donate" piles? Remember that it's just stuff. You don't need it if you don't use it.
Throw out your "dump" pile, and consider doing one of the following with your "donate" pile:

Sell it: Why not try and make some extra money with those clothes you no longer want, but are still in good condition and in style? Sell your items on eBay or at your local consignment shop.

Donate to Charity: Drop them off at Goodwill, Salvation Army or a local thrift shop.

Host a Clothes Swap: Get new clothes that you'll actually wear for free. Invite your other purge-happy friends over for a clothes swap. Everyone who brings a pile of clothes gets to take from everyone else's stash.

For those items that don't fit into the above categories and will be going back into your closet. Remember, the 20%? Here are a few more tips to keep your closet organized until your next purge:

Place items used most frequently at eye level.

Break alike items down into baskets.

Hang all like clothes together, i.e., skirts in one area, blouses in another.

Put shoes in boxes that are labeled or a rack where they can be easily viewed. Plastic clear bins work best because they allow you to see through.

Feeling empowered? Let's Spring into the spirit with a closet purge.

It's Prom Season

In the life of every high school girl are a few big moments, and one of those biggest moments is the prom. As prom season approaches, picking out the perfect dress for the most important school dance of the year is the high school equivalent of preparing to walk the red carpet at the Oscars. It's a rite of passage, a ritual that prefigures the selection of the wedding dress.

The Prom started in the 1920’s in the US and is the classic American rite of passage for students from all walks of life. One of the functions of the prom, planned from almost the very start, was to bring together people from all financial standings and heritage.

The word “prom” comes from the French word promenade, which means walk or stroll. In the South, early in the twentieth century, it was considered inappropriate to dance with men that you were not married to, so the girls would take short, chaperoned promenades around the block with their dates.

We all know today's Proms are different. There are so many logistics ~ limos need to be booked, tuxes rented, and plans finalized. All of these things have to go through one source I told my daughter - me. Oh yeah and your Dad.

It’s a magical time of year. Magical for teens, perhaps, but mystifying for Prom moms. My heart goes out to all of you who, like me, who will struggle with their teens about this important rites-of-passage when, in their minds, all rules are up for debate and renegotiation. Remember Moms...Hold your ground!

So many decisions to make. Makeup, shoes, hairstyle, nails, what clutch, the right bra, the date's boutonniere, dinner beforehand, where to hang out afterwards? It all had to be perfect, this is my only prom she told me.

The whole prom season thing makes me a little reflective. I remember my junior and senior proms like they were yesterday, or maybe last week.... My boyfriend and I had an amazing time and it was a great way to end those last years of my high school experience and I wanted to her to have the same.

But, gosh, have things changed since I was a teen getting ready for prom season. For one thing, prom night begins a lot earlier, because you have to get your one of a kind dress early before all the good ones are gone! I think I got mine the week before. And unlike my prom night when the only audience around to witness my big night were my parents and a bunch of neighborhood kids, now there are pre-adult parties with cocktails and hors d'œuvre - for the adults that is.

And what’s this I hear about renting two limos? I don't care if others are renting buses, condos and hotel rooms for after prom partying and sleepovers for their prom night teens and their friends? WHAT!? Certainly, my generation of prom goers tried staying out all night, or tried to stay out as late as possible without being grounded when you arrived home. But parents renting a place for an after party where those who want can crash and sleep over? Wow!

I know some will say that it makes sense because it keeps drunk teens from getting behind steering wheels. But hotels? Really? Whatever happened to "just girl" sleepovers?

So, I kept my comments to myself, because for everything there is a season. A time to listen, a time to teach and a time to pray that what you’ve taught her for the last 16 years will be heard.

Inhaling Chocolate - very sweet!

Are you a chocoholic? Do you "live and breathe" chocolate? Well, now it is possible to literally inhale chocolate.

I’ll admit it upfront. I’m a straight up, hard core chocoholic. I can't resist the possiblity of chocolate around 3pm, while sitting at my desk. Although my many attempted and failed diets don't allow this afternoon treat, I may have just found that needle in the haystack.

David Edwards, a Harvard professor and Illinois Institute of Technology graduate, is known in the medical field for his work on inhalable insulin and a potential inhalable TB vaccination.
Now, he's applied that same science to chocolate. He has created a mini-inhaler, called Le Whif, that coats the user's mouth with chocolate particles that are 80 to 300 microns—small enough to shoot out the inhaler, but too big to enter the lungs (and cause choking).

The small gadget carries about (I have read 4 - 8 puffs) for around $2.-$3, and leaves the customer with the taste of chocolate, but hardly any of the calories. Each puff has less than one calorie!

The inhaler can be carries in your pocket and is convenient enough, so that you get the taste of chocolate anytime you want. Not to mention, your hands never get dirty. Edwards said that he has no intentions of stopping at chocolate. He is considering other flavors, like spices, soups, and maybe even vegetables or meats.

For me, its not about enjoying the chocolate bar. I don't. It's gone in less than a minute after it is unleashed. It's about the taste and this seems like the long awaited solution. I most likely will not be a fan of, nor try the veggies and meat spray, I mean, what would be the point if it doesn't deliver the nutritional value. But, the chocolate? Well, that has no nutritional value either way.

I will be on the look out for my tiny little inhaler this weekend!

Going Bananas is an understatement

I was just reading about (2 years too late) a fad weight loss scheme called the Morning Banana Diet (MBD), which started in Japan and swept across the country like a tsunami. It was so popular there that bananas were on back order.

Japan is known for its fad diets and like all other fad diets this one will likely lead to some weight loss in the short run but will fail in the long run, which is why they are always replaced by the next crazy idea. Of course they have rules. The weirder and more outrageous, the better. Throw in a little "scientific theory" for motivation and you have yourself a fad diet.

Every diet has rules. If a diet works for you, it’s most likely because the rules have made you eat less food. Diet usually do this by making eating a little harder or less convenient, through restricting when and what you eat.

The Morning Banana Diet regimen was designed to boost your metabolism allowing you to eat as many bananas at room temperature as you want, water for breakfast, anything you'd like for lunch, a 3 p.m. snack and dinner. There are however, no nightly desserts and dinner has to be eaten by 8 p.m. and oh yes, in bed before midnight.

The Morning Banana Diet is the brainchild of Sumiko Watanabe who designed it to increase her husbands metabolism, allowing him to lose 37 pounds. You have got to check out their web site! It's a riot.

Does it work? Japanese opera singer Kumiko Mori says it does. She was the one who made the announcement on a TV show claiming that she'd lost 15 pounds using the Morning Banana Diet, also contributing to the banana shortage. I am not sure those two instances count as proof of its effectiveness, but this diet certainly gets points for craziness.

This time you can - Judge a book by its cover

Everyone has read, or at least heard of Twilight, right? But, have you ever wondered what the book cover means and who is holding the apple?

Kimbra Hickey has the answers. How? She's the hand model. "I think that because the story is being told from Bella's perspective they should be her hands. So I think they are Bella's hands and Edward is the "forbidden fruit," Kimbra tells The Twilight Lexicon.

Kimbra says that when she went in for the audition, the photographer looked at her portfolio, filled with pics of hands and feet and then put her in front of the camera and snapped a few shots of her palms and the back of her hands.

Kimbra said that when she was chosen for the job, they asked if she'd be okay with trimming her nails shorter. They told her that the story was a vampire teenage romance and that her hands had to look young. "He wanted my hands to look soft, sweet, and death-like all at the same time!" And just in case you missed it, her arms are folded in that precise position - with the part of my arms forming the perfect V, for vampire. Of course!

What a Night at the Oscars!

Did anyone watch the Oscars the other night? I didn't but, we talked a lot about it yesterday at work.

I was sadden to hear that poor Farrah Fawcett was dissed again, first by the media when Michael Jackson died, overshadowing her death, and now the Oscars! I was happy however, to hear that Sandra Bullock, won two awards this weekend.

Sandra Bullock won best actress for her role in "The Blind Side" at the Oscars. In the same weekend, she won an award for worst actress. That award came at the Razzies, which celebrate awful movies, including Bullock's "All About Steve." She accepted her Razzie in person, the first worst actress to do that in years. She gave everybody at the ceremony free DVDs of "All About Steve," and she asked them to re-watch and reconsider.

After the ceremonies were over, she announced she had plans to put both statues on display in her home for the world to see. She said:

"They're going to sit side by side, as they should. You know we're in the entertainment business. That's what we're supposed to do. You take the good with the not so good…I had the best time at the Razzies… It is what it is and, you know, it probably means more that both of them (awards) happened at the same time because it's the great equalizer. Nothing ever lets me get too full of myself. It quickly chops me off at the knees, and I like it that way because it keeps things stable…They'll sit side by side in a nice little shelf somewhere; the Razzie maybe on a different shelf, lower."

Now that's a girl who keeps things in perspective!

Credit Card companies are automatically reducing your line of credit

If your credit card limit has suddenly plummeted for no apparent reason, don’t be surprised. Lately, credit card companies have started to review customers’ account history, looking for reasons to cut off or reduce their lines of credit – even if you pay your bills on time! Here are the details, courtesy of Real Simple magazine.

Credit card issuers are monitoring what we buy. Robert Manning is the founder of the Responsible Debt Relief Institute – a nonprofit organization in New York. He says that creditors are looking for changes in how and where we use our cards. For example, if you’ve never been to a dollar store, but stop by to pick up a pack of gum, the credit card companies will see that you have made a charge at this type of discount store and may assume you’re having financial trouble. Or, if you never put restaurant meals on your card, and you suddenly charge a chicken sandwich at McDonalds, they might think you’re low on cash.

What come after the credit card company gets concerned about your purchases? Manning says you might receive a letter saying that your credit’s been cut off, or reduced by as much as 80%. Once it’s cut, you could end up with a limit that’s too close to your balance – which will reduce your credit score and raise a red flag to other creditors.

How can you protect yourself? Manning says don’t use your card to pay for items you don’t normally charge, and avoid charging anything that could indicate personal issues, such as marriage counseling – which could indicate a potential costly divorce or a large number of drinks at a bar – they might assume you have a drinking problem that could lead to employment issues. If your credit line has been reduced, keep your spending behavior consistent, and in six months, call your credit card company and ask for your old limit to be restored.

There is no need to panic, just be careful when using your card for items you would not normally charge and ofcourse, always be sure to pay those charges off each month if you can. Hum. Why didn't I think of that....