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Wow… Times Are Tough

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You simply cannot pick up a paper without some headline about the real estate market’s bursting bubble, the failing economy, gas price increases or worse. Basically, as the media presents it, our nation’s finances are in the pits. No wonder so many of us are also feeling squeezed. Maybe you are worried about your job security if the company you work for is struggling in this economy. Maybe you have your house on the market for less than the amount you owe on your mortgage. Or, maybe you simply feel like you don’t have enough to make ends meet. Given … Continue reading →

Two Favorite Cleaning Products

Last year when I got married, I moved into my husband’s house and wow! Cleaning a whole house, instead of just my previous bedroom, kept me really busy. I enjoy having a house and taking care of it, but cleaning it can be a big chore if I don’t stay on top of it. To make cleaning a more speeding process I have found some favorite products to help me do a quick clean. To clean floors I love the Swiffer WetJet! They work great on wood, tile, linoleum, and almost any kind of hard flooring. What is perfect about … Continue reading →

Fitness Founder Jack LaLanne Dies at Age 96

The founder of our modern fitness movement, Jack LaLanne died this past week at the age of 96. You have to admit, the guy looked good for 96 years old! For more than 70 years, LaLanne taught about the benefits of strength training and eating a healthy diet. What he started decades ago has turned into a multi-million dollar industry. The sad part about it is that despite his beneficial teachings, Americans continue to struggle with weight issues. It was in 1936 that the nation’s first health club opened. At the time it served as a place to not only … Continue reading →

Plan Allowing Forclosed Families to Stay Put

According to the Los Angeles Times a “right to rent” plan will allow homeowners to rent their forclosed homes back and stay put. The basic idea is simple. In recognition of the extraordinary crisis, Congress would give families that took out mortgages at the peak of the boom and are facing foreclosure the option to remain in their homes as renters for a substantial period of time — five to 10 years — while paying the market-rate rent. Earlier this year, Freddie Mac launched a similar policy, giving former homeowners the option to lease their recently foreclosed properties, but on … Continue reading →

Christina Applegate Has a Double Mastectomy

Yesterday, the headlines read something like “Christina Applegate says she is 100% clear of cancer.” I thought to myself “Wow that is a bit of a bold statement.” I mean, how can she be so sure? Today, the news broke that the “Samantha Who?” star had undergone a double mastectomy. For those that may not know, this means she had both her breasts surgically removed. The 36 year old actress had been diagnosed with breast cancer in one breast earlier this month, so why the surgery to remove both breasts, which some may see as radical? In her first interview … Continue reading →

Types of Jobs for Dogs

I’m forever praising Murph for all the help he gives me with chores, but some dogs truly do work for a living. I got to pondering all the many types of jobs for dogs there are when I was coming up with ideas for animal holidays and observances there should be if there aren’t already. For that article I stumbled across Aimee’s article about working group dogs as part of my research and it dawned on me: “Wow. I never realized just how many dogs work.” Yes, times are getting tough, but, no, this won’t be an article of ways … Continue reading →

Investment Strategies in a Volatile Economy

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Certainly, our economy is in a state of unrest. Given this, how should we invest for the future when the future is so uncertain? If you are still reasonably young and saving for future goals like a child’s education, retirement, or a dream home, then you should be able to traverse this volatile market and still come out ahead. With proper planning, long-term investments can often ride the ever-changing market tides. Diversification is the number one way to ensure long-term investments are protected. The more diversified your investment portfolio is, the less likely fluctuating stocks and bonds will dramatically affect … Continue reading →

How Did Our Economy Get into This Mess!

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If you have been following our economy’s downturn, you will most likely be able to label the number one cause – the housing market. When the real estate bubble burst, it caused a huge trickling affect on our whole nation’s economy. It wasn’t only the drop in house value that caused the spiral. The hugely growing housing bubble led to many families borrowing into their growing equity. As they borrowed against this huge asset (their home), they pumped money directly into the economy. Unfortunately, this money was “borrowed” and not real income. Still, it temporarily boosted our economy. When the … Continue reading →

My Favorite Television Moms

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First of all, Happy Mother’s Day! Now, let’s get down to the business of this blog – my favorite television mothers! Television has been around for a while, so I have about 60 or so years of shows from which to choose. If I left out one of your favorites, please let me know! 10. Florida Evans – “Good Times” Oh sure, you might not be living in the lap of luxury, but you would sure have a lot of love. Florida showed her love for J.J., Thelma, and Michael all the time, but she wasn’t afraid to offer them … Continue reading →

“My Son Has Juvenile Diabetes and Autism.” A Mother’s Interview

The following interview is with Ammey, a mother whose children have multiple medical and cognitive conditions. Of particular interest to me is her situation with her oldest son, Khy, who has both juvenile diabetes and autism. Ammey responded to my blog, Do You Have BOTH Juvenile Diabetes and Autism in Your Family? Here is her story. 1. Tell us a little about your family. My name is Ammey, and I’ve been married for thirteen years to my husband Mikel. We have three children: Our son Khy is 14, Kaine is 11, and Lilli is four. Khy has autism, asthma, type … Continue reading →