Getting Your Kids to Listen to You

I’ve been a little frustrated with my son lately. It seems like I have to ask him ten times to do anything, and even then he still won’t do it. He’s unbelievably stubborn; and too smart for his own good. That whole reverse psychology thing doesn’t work with him anymore. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve lost my cool with him before when he won’t do what he’s told, much less acknowledge that he’s even been asked to do anything. He’s a pro at ignoring. After our nightly shower battle, I finally decided to do a little research … Continue reading

Teen With Cancer Has to Cancel Date With Taylor Swift

A few months ago, Kevin McGuire, an eighteen year old who has cancer, ended up getting a date with Taylor Swift. Unfortunately, he isn’t well, and cannot go to the Country Music Awards with her, after all. His community is showing him a ton of support, in response. Kevin McGuire was first diagnosed with cancer when he was thirteen years old. He is now eighteen, and continuing to battle the disease. Many teens have concerns about going to prom. Kevin was worried that he would not find a date for prom because he was going through chemotherapy, and believed that … Continue reading

The Lost Art of Counting Back Change

Way back in the day, shopkeepers ran tallies of numbers in their heads as they looked over your purchases. In some grocery stores, the cashiers were required to know the prices of all the products. And when it came time to pay, they would count back your change without the aid of their cash register. In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, there isn’t time. We have scanners to tell us the prices and feed them directly into the cash register, which is more like a computer than ever before. When we’re done, we hit a button and we’re told how much … Continue reading

Airline Luggage Wars—-Can It Get Any Worse?

I’ve had my share of luggage horror stories (many of which I’ve shared on this site), but now I am bracing for what could prove to be a cataclysmic move by the airline industry in regards to checked bags. As if the price of airfare wasn’t enough to force you to vacation in your own backyard airlines are about to take another shot at your wallet via your luggage. Recently, United Airlines announced that it would be making a major (and alarming) change in its checked baggage policy. Instead of being able to check in two bags for free, as … Continue reading

Sad Stray Pup Update

You know that little stray Beagle I puppy sat last week? The one I had named Winky? Wayne and I were walking Murph in the neighborhood the other day and we ran into the neighbors who had found him. (Which bears clarification. I guess Winky is not a him but a her.) To our surprise they still had her! The neighbor was coming out with their existing dog, Zoe, and Winky on a leash. Winky was so happy to see us. She remembered us. With squeals and yips of delight she strained to get to us and we greeted her … Continue reading

Jenna Bush Sets a Wedding Date and Britney Tries to get Pregnant-—AGAIN

It’s not easy putting together a wedding in less than four months, but I have a feeling Jenna Bush won’t have a problem pulling it off. Ah, the perks of being the first daughter. While it hasn’t been officially confirmed by the White House, published reports say the 26-year-old twin daughter of President Bush will marry her fiancé Henry Hager on May 10th in Texas. So much for a White House wedding… According to sources, Jenna Bush is planning a small wedding to be held at the president’s ranch in Crawford, Texas. By choosing the gated, 1,600-acre Prairie Chapel ranch, … Continue reading

Where Would I Be without My Notepad and Datebook?

We single parents do fuss a bit over our time management! Even though I do try to keep my life as simple as possible and I do advocate for trying to let things go and NOT get too wrapped up with checklists and deadlines, I have to admit that I would be lost without my datebook and my notepads and lists… As I write this morning, I have my datebook lying open by the phone, a manila folder in front of my with the notes for a proposal project I need to finish, and a little yellow pad to my … Continue reading

Celebrity Updates: Fabio vs. George Fallout and “Hannah Montana” Sky High Ticket Prices

George Clooney is a “low-class scumbag.” At least according to the famous longhaired literary lover Fabio. As you’ll recall from my previous blog, the actor (best known for his role in those butter substitute commercials) and movie star George Clooney recently got into a scuffle at a Beverly Hills restaurant after the former “Facts of Life” star allegedly insulted some of Fabio’s female companions. The romance novel icon stunned diners at the upscale eatery when he exchanged fighting words with Clooney before both men started to get unflatteringly physical with each other. Now Fabio is going on the record, defending … Continue reading

Thanksgiving Weekend Getaway Deals for Families with Children

I’ve dedicated an entire series of blogs to alternative Thanksgiving destinations. In this blog I am focusing on families who are trying to make the most of their children’s Thanksgiving break from school. Once you’ve stuffed yourselves with protein and pie you might consider making post-Turkey Day memories at a resort or theme park. Lucky for you it’s not too late to find an affordable Thanksgiving travel deal. The following packages cater to families with children by offering kid-friendly activities and amenities. For a weekend of family fun check out the following: MINNESOTA If you have children between the ages … Continue reading

Travel Updates: More Unique Turkey Day Travel Destinations and No More Lost Luggage

For the past few weeks I’ve been providing alternative destinations for those of you who are fed up with spending Thanksgiving Day passing the potatoes to your pea-throwing younger cousins and having to share a sofa bed with your second cousin’s snoring Saint Bernard. This next Turkey Day destination will have you flying far, far away from Aunt Lucy’s creamed corn—-all the way to the other side of the Atlantic. Italy is a great place to celebrate this all-American holiday with some new friends. Specifically at the Bauer Hotel in Venice. That’s where you’ll find Francesca Bortolotto Possati, the owner … Continue reading