Alicia Silverstone Wrote a Controversial Parenting Book

Babies (and children) do not come with an instruction manual. Sometimes, parents wish their children did come with one that would provide inspiration and the answers that parents need. This is likely why so many parents seek out books on parenting. As such, there are plenty of them to choose from. Alicia Silverstone (the actress from the movie “Clueless”) has written a parenting book that many people consider to be controversial. The book is titled “The Kind Mama: A Simple Guide to Supercharged Fertility, a Radiant Pregnancy, a Sweeter Birth, and a Healthier, More Beautiful, Beginning”. It was published on … Continue reading

Are You Really Giving Your Kids Everything?

The other day, I brought my three kids to a birthday party that took place at one of those family fun centers. There were all sorts of adventures, such as a huge climbing/ball pit, a small laser maze, a rock climbing wall and plenty of games that the kids could play for tickets. In order to play the ticket games, kids had to swipe a card on which money was added. As part of the party, each guest got a card that was worth $3. Each game cost anywhere from $.50 to $2.00 to play. This meant less than the … Continue reading

Make Money Selling Baby Clothes

Many people do a thriving business and make money selling baby clothes. There is a high demand for quality baby clothes out there, and people are willing to pay good money for second hand items. By selling baby clothing, you may be able to make some extra money to contribute to your household, pay down debt or save toward something you really want. When I say make money selling baby clothes, I really mean baby and children’s clothing, although anything 12 months to 3T tends to be the most in demand. Most people are looking for brand name clothing that … Continue reading

Saving Money on Beauty Products

You might think that you have to spend a lot of money to look beautiful, keep away the zits or the wrinkles, get the latest trends in makeup or just looked polished and professional. The truth is that the more you know, the less you have to spend, so you can save a lot on beauty products. Beauty Specialty Stores Beauty speciality stores, such as Ulta, Sephora and Bath and Body Works tend to be very generous with samples. Sometimes you’ll find baskets of freebies there on the counter, other times you may have to ask. Either way, a visit … Continue reading

Separated But Not Really

Sometimes it takes the insights of someone else to come to the realization about an issue in your life.  That was the case when fellow blogger Michele Cheplic recently posted, “No Chance to Miss Your Kid.”  The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. My 18-year-old son is two weeks away from graduating technical school (Security Forces) at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.  His first duty station is going to be Turkey, which we anticipated to not happen until March. Yesterday I received word from him that his orders to go will likely be earlier, possibly the beginning of February.  … Continue reading

Raising Money Savvy Children

Logan and I went to the dollar store tonight. Originally this was just to pick out some Christmas presents for some dear friends of ours, but when Grandpa heard where we were going he couldn’t resist giving Logan a few dollars of his own to spend while we were there. Logan of course was very excited to get to pick some things out, but more importantly it provided a perfect opportunity to teach him a mini lesson on some rather important topics in today’s society. While he is only four, he was able to understand that two dollars can only … Continue reading

Saving Money on Frontline

This week it was time to buy more Frontline medication. I like to buy in bulk, as long as I can be assured that the meds won’t expire before the year is out. I selected 12-month packs of feline and canine Frontline and put them in my virtual shopping cart, and then was amazed at the price. $300? That seems like way more than I’ve ever paid for it before. When my husband came home, I asked him about it. Did he remember their flea/tick medicine costing this much, because I didn’t. He said no, although it was maybe $200 … Continue reading

Sleeping in Separate Beds: You’re Not Alone

Our culture believes that couples who sleep in separate beds are either experiencing or inviting problems in their marriage. Because I’m a light sleeper, I’m a firm believer that couples should be free to sleep separately if necessary. Jon and I almost always sleep together, but if one of us is restless we move to another bed, to keep that person from being woken up. I know that sleeping in the same bed improves intimacy. Once kids are part of the equation alone time between couples is scarce, and time in bed together, even if it’s just the process of … Continue reading

George Clooney – Humanitarian

Really George Clooney? You are already extremely talented (having an Oscar to attest to that), incredibly good looking (having left behind him a string of beauties and he is currently dating statuesque WWE Diva Stacy Keibler), and now continues to be unbelievable giving. If he wasn’t so lovable and charming, we would surely all hate him. This time, Clooney has auctioned off his beloved 2008 Tesla “Signature 100” Roaster for charity. He said the car, with only 1,825 miles, was a joy to drive, but he loves something else even more – helping make the world a better place. Clooney’s … Continue reading

You Can’t Please Everyone

From the time I was little I have always been referred to as something my mother calls a “people pleaser.” I make decisions based on what is going to make other people happy. While caring about other people’s happiness is indeed a wonderful quality, the problem arises when you care so much about other people’s happiness that you lose sight of your own. When you are no longer able to stand up for yourself and your wants and needs because you are so afraid of what others might think, a new kind of dilemma occurs. This is something I have … Continue reading