Let’s Talk Pregnancy Blog Top Ten – Ways to Break the News

I distinctly remember the ancient Full House episode in which Aunt Becky attempts to announce her pregnancy to Uncle Jesse during a family game of Pictionary. First she drew a wheel of cheese, then I think she mocked cutting it in half, then came a bottle of ink, and of course a picture of a baby. Cheese. Half. Ink. A baby? Sheeeeshalvingababy? She’s having a baby! And the Tanner family erupted with congratulatory whelping. There’s more than one way to break the news of your pregnancy to family, friends and significant others, so why not make it really fun – … Continue reading

Celebrity Blog Update–Two Beautiful Women, Two Ugly Break Ups

Here’s an update on a couple of the celebrities I have been blogged on in the past few weeks. Both are women I consider beyond stunning and both have been wronged by their significant others. The first is supermodel Christie Brinkley. By now I’m sure you know that her estranged husband, architect Peter Cook has publicly admitted that he had an ongoing affair with his teenage office assistant while the couple was married. When word got out that Cook not only bedded the teen, but also wooed her with extravagant gifts and money, Brinkley and her children fled their Hampton’s … Continue reading

Celebrity Blog Update–Two Beautiful Women, Two Ugly Break Ups

Here’s an update on a couple of the celebrities I have blogged on in the past few weeks. Both are women I consider beyond stunning and both have been wronged by their significant others. The first is supermodel Christie Brinkley. By now I’m sure you know that her estranged husband, architect Peter Cook, has publicly admitted that he had an ongoing affair with his teenage office assistant while the couple was married. When word got out that Cook not only bedded the teen, but also wooed her with extravagant gifts and money, Brinkley and her children fled their Hampton’s estate … Continue reading

Fifteen Minute Breaks Could Help Kids Stay Focused

When adults take a fifteen minute break at work, they tend to come back a bit less stressed and more able to focus on the tasks at hand. It turns out that kids at school can obtain the same benefits from a fifteen minute break. Schools in Finland have already implemented this strategy. They’ve been doing it since the 1960’s. A typical American public school could include one 30 minute recess per school day. The exact amount of time can vary. Some schools might have recess that lasts for 45 minutes, while others might only allow 20 minutes for recess. … Continue reading

Things to Know About the Measles Outbreak

If you’ve spent any time at all on Facebook or Twitter lately, you’ve undoubtedly come across a multitude of people talking about measles. Some people are more tactful about sharing their views about vaccinations than others. No matter what your personal viewpoint happens to be, there are some things you should know about the measles outbreak. There is a measles outbreak going on. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that there were at least 102 reported cases of measles in 14 states as of February 1, 2015. CDC Director Tom Frieden warns that the United States could see a … Continue reading

Breakfast Items that Freeze Well

One of the ways to save money is by avoiding the expensive cost of breakfast. You may be overspending on this important meal if you rely on convenience items, such as dry cereal, individual oatmeal packets, and store-bought frozen breakfast items, from sandwiches to pancakes. To reduce your spending in this area, consider preparing your own breakfast items and freezing them for later use. This way, you will always have a ready breakfast at hand, no matter how hectic the morning turns out to be. You can approach preparing freezer breakfast items in at least two different ways. You can … Continue reading

Free Breakfast on the Road

Free? Is there such a thing these days? If you are a Marriott Rewards Gold or Platinum Elite member, the answer is a hearty “yes.” Hearty as in the breakfast you will get for F-R-E-E beginning June 22nd. Marriott International is treating its loyal customers to a free continental breakfast seven days a week at participating hotels in the U.S. and Canada.  To sweeten the deal even more, Gold and Platinum Elite members will also be able to share the free meal pass with a guest of their choice.  For elite guests who prefer not to claim a muffin, bagel … Continue reading

The Desperate Mom’s Guide to Spring Break

Are the kids inside and bored and the weather just isn’t co-operating during spring break? I know what you mean. Although I’ve been trying to push the birdies out of the nest to play outside, it is just too cold here. Add to that the fact that our spring break is really short this year (only three days off), and you have the potential makings of disappointed kids. Sure, we could just throw money at the problem, but then again, that wouldn’t be very frugal. Despite these challenges, I am happy to report that the feedback I got from my … Continue reading

Surviving Your Kid’s Spring Break

Not your little guy’s break from school, your older one. You know, the one who begged you to let him head down to Cabo with a bunch of friends for spring break, and now you are sitting at home praying that the next call you get isn’t from a Mexican prison. Keeping children safe is the utmost priority for most parents, but you can’t expect your college-age kid to want to spend every school break at home so you can monitor his every move. Sure, viewing Facebook photos of your son at the bottom of a beer bong and your … Continue reading

Save on Spring Break Escapes

  Old Man Winter has been walloping the nation with blizzards, brutal cold and blistering winds.  Consequently, it’s no surprise that so many people are looking to escape to warmer climates.  If you are in search of sun-kissed shores and sizzling hot temperatures, but are worried a beach vacation will blow your budget, consider the following tips: Book early:  If you want to save money on spring break travel, don’t procrastinate.  Many of the best deals are available for a limited time only.  Waiting for deeply discounted last-minute deals may cost you.  Remember, as planes and hotels fill up super … Continue reading