Open Discussion: Oscars 2012

Did anyone out there watch the Oscars last night?  What did you think?  Did Billy Crystal impress you?  Definitely much better than James Franco last year.  What was your favorite part of the show?  My was definitely when Cirque Du Soleil came out to preform.  The cast performed amazing stunts and trick.  Some seemed nearly impossible, yet they performed them so effortlessly.  They were just breathtaking!  What is your take?  Grab a Latte, Put up Your Feet, and Join the Discussion!

Open Discussion: Mom Faces Jail Time

Have any of you heard of Tara Keener?  She is an ER Nurse and loving mother who now faces the possibility of jail time.   Why does she face jail time?  Because she tried to save her son's life.    I know what you're thinking, "What????"   I thought the same thing.  This all started because the Pennsylvania mother saw her son slumped over in a school bus with children surrounding him.  The children were yelling that they couldn't get him to move and that they couldn't wake him.   Worried that her son was seriously in trouble, Ms. Keener rushed onto the school bus to try to save him.  The driver warned her that it was illegal for her to come onto the bus, but she was focused solely on her son.  It turned out, her son was just in a deep sleep and was fine.   Despite the situation, the bus driver reported Ms. Keener. A few days after the incident, a trooper told her she wasn't going to be charged. But almost five months later Keener discovered that she was indeed facing a third-degree misdemeanor, an offense that could lead to jail for a year, and a $2,500 fine.

Did you know that it is illegal to board a school bus?  If you thought your child was in danger, would you board the bus regardless?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Affiliate Programs

Every week I am offered an opportunity to sign up for various Affiliate programs.  Some offers come from sponsors I've worked with in the past and some come from random companies that I've never heard of before.  I know many bloggers take advantage of these programs and make a little extra cash on the side.  I, on the other hand, have never joined any of these programs.  The main reason I've avoided them in the past is because I don't feel comfortable sharing my social security number with these companies.  For some of the legit companies, I understand that they might need it for tax purposes, but it still just doesn't feel right.  Plus, how do you know if they are legit or not.  Are they actually going to pay you or just use your blog for free advertising?  Since I've never signed up for any affiliate programs I'd love to hear feedback from you all.  It is worth it?  Is it safe?  Do you know of any companies that don't require your Social Security number?  

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Digital vs. Hard Copy

We are living in the age of digital, well…everything. Anything you could possibly need seems to be right at your fingertips. With a click of a button, we can download movies, music, TV shows, books, newspapers, etc… Digital vs. hard copy has been an ongoing debate between my husband and I for years. Which is better? Which is more practical? Although I am losing some ground when it comes to digital music (I mean how convenient is ITunes), I stand firm when it comes to digital pictures and books (for now, at least). Don’t get me wrong, I love my digital camera as much as the next person, but I think we need to take the time to print hard copies of the pictures we cherish. What happens if your computer crashes tomorrow? Are you willing to risk losing all those precious memories forever?

Then that takes us to my beloved books. Could I possibly be satisfied reading from a digital reader for the rest of my life? Would I miss the feel and smell of a real book? I am currently testing out a Sony Reader (on loan from my wonderful mom). I have to admit, it is not all bad. It doesn’t have the same book feel to it, but it is definitely more eco friendly. It also takes up less space and is more cost effective. But are those reasons enough to convince me to stop buying my books??? I guess only time will tell. While there are advantages and disadvantages to both digital and hard copy, we all have our own preferences. Where do you stand in this ongoing debate?

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion.

Open discussion: Munching at Midnight

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night to your stomach growling? Or maybe you are a night owl and sometimes need a little something to keep you going. I know they say you shouldn’t eat anything past 7:00 pm, but sometimes you just need a snack. I know I can’t be alone in this. So what healthy foods will satisfy those night time cravings? If you wake up in the middle of the night and just can’t get back to sleep, you may want to try some starchy foods (unless you are on a low carb diet). According to Dr. Oz, “Foods that quickly raise your blood sugar also raise blood levels of the amino acid tryptophan, which the brain converts to mind-soothing serotonin.” So try something simple like microwave popcorn or an English muffin to help you get back to sleep. If your diet doesn’t allow you to eat many carbs, try a snack packed full of protein. Low fat cheese, turkey, or egg whites are some excellent choices.


If you need to stay up late to study or finish up a work project, your first instinct may be to reach for the caffeine. Although the caffeine may do the job, it could also prevent you from falling asleep later (not to mention leave you wired the next day). A healthier option would be to make a small salad of dark greens or chopped veggies. Veggies contain a great amount of complex carbs and folate. Complex carbs provided the body with energy while folate is proven to help the brain function faster. Unsalted almonds would also be a good choice. “The satisfying crunch will help you work off your anxiety, while the B vitamins and magnesium help your brain make relaxing serotonin. And at only 160 calories for about 22 almonds, you won't add weight worries to your woes.” (Dr. Oz)  What do you do to satisfy those nightly cravings?  Do you manage to eat healthy, or do your sweet craving usually win?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Nudity in Films

In my mind, there is way too much nudity in films today.  There are so many good stories that could be shared with the younger crowd (and the older without embarrassment) if the nudity would be eliminated.  I know there are many films that "require" nudity to keep the storyline real.  I could argue that, but I'll let it go.  There are other films though, usually comedies, that throw in nudity just for the sake of having in the films.  They know the majority of their audience is men, and of course want to please their audience.  In my mind, however, it is unnecessary and quite hard  to watch, especially with my husband sitting right next to me.  We actually try to steer clear of those films, but now-a-days, it pops up in most film with an R rating.  I know everyone has different opinions on the issue, and I'm interested in hearing yours.  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Halloween

Halloween 2009

Halloween is a fun time for everyone.  You get to dress up and play pretend and just be silly.  I will admit, that I don't do much for Halloween, but my Fall decorations fit just fine for me. :)  However, I do love passing at goodies to the cute little munchkins that come to my door every year.  I even enjoy looking at some of the parents who try to match their outfits to their little tykes.  What I don't like is when the older kids come to my door with or without costumes and stick a pillowcase in my face.  In my opinion, teenagers are too old for trick-or-treating.  However, if in their mind they just are having fun, then dress up and show some manners.  Halloween "protocol" calls for you to have a costume and say trick-or treat.  If you can't do both of these and end the exchange with a thank-you, please don't come to my house.  What are your feelings on Halloween?  Love it? Hate it?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Parental Duties

I love being a mom.  It is who I am and what I choose to be.  I love being able to take care of children, teach my children, and above all love my children.   Most moms I have met, feel the same way about their kids.  Although we do not solely identify ourselves as mothers, motherhood is probably the most important role we have right now.  We love and cherish our families, but I for one can admit that I do not enjoy all my parental duties.  As a mom of babies, I didn't mind changing diapers or washing TONS of laundry daily.  As a mother of toddlers, I didn't mind cleaning up accidents or cleaning up an entire plate of dinner off the floor.  As a mother of young girls, I don't mind helping with homework or becoming a chauffeur.  The parenting duty that I just don't enjoy, and haven't since birth, is giving baths.  I know, it is a weird thing to not like, but I just don't.  When they were babies and toddlers, I had to worry about them drowning in the tub and destroyed my back and knees leaning over the tub.  Not such a big deal unless you have a bad back and knee.  As they got older, I had to deal with the whining and crying every time a drop of water got in their eyes or their sister took the toy they were playing with.  At the end of bath time, I was so wet, I needed a bath.  And now that they are older, I have to monitor them so they actually get clean and I somehow always still end of soaking wet.  What parental duty could you live without?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Professional Photography

Every mother loves getting professional photos taken of their little darlings, but no one loves paying the steep prices. Do you feel that the quality of your photos depends on the price? Would you be just as happy taking your child to the Wal-Mart portrait studios as you would taking them to the Picture People?  Or do you prefer a photographer who works out of the studio and on location?  With Christmas cards coming, it's time to find the perfect photo!


Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Sibling Rivalry

A few days ago, a close friend and I were discussing sibling rivalry.   Where does is stem from?  How is it learned?  In both our families, and hopefully most others, it certainly isn't taught.  And if it isn't widely taught, why is it clearly visible no matter where you travel in the world?  Certainly children crave attention and strive to get noticed by mom and dad, but I find that the majority of arguments in our family have nothing to do with my getting my attention.  At a younger age, I'm sure the egocentric mind plays a major role in sibling rivalry. "I" am the most important person and therefore, "I" should always get my way.  Young minds simply cannot comprehend any differently.  But as the children grow, so does the rivalry.  I know without a doubt that my girls and my friends' girls love each other 100%, but they can go at it like they are enemies.  For a parent, this can be stressful and irritating.  But unfortunately, sibling rivalry is here to stay.  Where do you think sibling rivalry stems from?  What are your thoughts on controlling it?  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Flu Shot

My children have received the flu shot every year since they were born and thankfully, they have never had the flu.  I know that some parents don't bother with the flu shot and most of the time their kids don't get sick either.  I think in my friend circle, we are split down the middle with who always gets shots and who never gets shots.   I know that I get the shots out of fear of my children suffering for a week with the flu.  In my opinion, the flu shot has been proven safe and my kids have never had a negative side effects to it.   So for our family, it works.It is officially flu season over here on the East Coast!  It is the season of germs, missed school, and flu shots. Although it is only the beginning of flu season, many children have already been affected by the virus this year.  My baby nephew, who lives in Maryland, had to go to the hospital last week because the flu had hit him so hard.  It is so hard to watch our kids struggle being sick with just a cold, but the flu is downright scary.  The flu progresses differently for different people, but everyone is at risk of high fever, pneumonia, and even death.  What are your opinions on the flu shot?  Does your family get it?  Why or Why not?   

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Favorite Movies

My hubby and I love watching movies.  We recently got the premium cable channels for a free trial and I am amazed at how many movies he has actually seen that I haven't.  So that got me thinking that many of you probably have favorites that I have never seen either.  So help me out by letting me know:

1)  What was your favorite childhood movie?

2)  What was your favorite adoloencent movie?

3) What is your favorite current movie?

4) What is your favorite movie of all time?

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Blogger vs. Wordpress

Today I am traveling to Maryland to to celebrate my youngest nephew's first birthday so I didn't have much time to write this morning.  So today I thought we could try an open discussion topic.  I would love to hear your opinion on the Blogger vs. Wordpress debate.  Which do you prefer?  Which do you feel is more reliable?  Which is more user friendly?    These are questions just to get us started.  I would love to hear what everyone has to say.  I have heard that many fellow bloggers are moving over to Wordpress and I was just wondering is the move worth the hassle?  Keep the discussion going and I'll chime in when I get home this evening.  Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Side Effects of Medicine

As I sit here typing this, my eyes are heavy and my head is pounding. Last night my allergies were acting up so bad that I couldn’t breathe. I searched the house for some Benadryl, but came up empty handed. I did, however, find some Pseudoephed. I decided that I would take one and that my friends, was a big mistake. The Psedoephed did do its job. My nose was clear within 45 minutes. The only minor problem was the major side effect. About 30 minutes after taking the Pseudoephed, my brain was wide awake. I could not stop thinking all night. Which of course means I couldn’t sleep all night. I guess with every medicine you take the question is, are the side effects worth it? In my case, definitely not. I would rather have trouble falling asleep with a stuffy nose than not sleep at all with a clear nose. I will not be taking Pseudoephed at night ever again. Have you ever had strange side effects with over-the-counter medicines? Were the side effects worth it? Grab a latte(I need two), put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Disclaimer: This is just my personal experience with the medicine.  I have no medical background and make no claims that these side effects would happen to anyone else.

Open Discussion: Swag Bucks

What are your feelings about Swag Bucks?  Are they worth your time?  What is the greatest amount of Swag Buck you have won at a single time?  Who is still confused about it?

Not signed up for Swag Bucks?  Click here to enroll.

Open Discussion: Health Care

One question….What are your thoughts on the new Health Care Reform Bill??? Are you happy it passed? Worried about its effects? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Home Owner Associations

How many of you out there have an HOA? Are you happy with it or would you rather do without? While the idea of an HOA sounds great on paper, the actual interference of an HOA may be less than pleasant. I will admit that I enjoy certain benefits of having an HOA. I enjoy the pool (and its maintenance), I appreciate the uniform privacy fence (a lot nicer looking when houses are so close together), and I am thankful for the cheaper trash and recycling service. On the flip side, I do not enjoy having someone critiquing every little move I make. Our HOA requires documentation and approval for any changes made on our property. Whether it is something as big as installing a fence or something as small as adding a small bush, the HOA wants to know. One of our neighbors has been cited several times for not filing paperwork on his patio. A patio that the previous owner installed without approval. The HOA doesn’t care that the patio was there when he bought the house. Another neighbor got cited for planting a new flower bed in their front yard. They actually made her walk around to all her neighbors and asked if they approved of her new flowers! If one of us had not signed the paperwork, she would have had to rip out her flowers. What are your feelings on Home Owner Association’s? Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Portrait Studios

Every mother loves getting professional photos taken of their little darlings, but no one loves paying the steep prices. Do you feel that the quality of your photos depends on the price? Would you be just as happy taking your child to the Wal-Mart portrait studios as you would taking them to the Picture People?


Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!

Open Discussion: Schools

As a parent of young children, I am constantly hearing talk concerning which type of school is best. Will our kids reach their full potential in public schools or should we take out a second mortgage to send them to private school? Then there are safety concerns. Can we guarantee our children’s physical and mental safety in either public or private school? Maybe home schooling is the answer? Although there isn’t one right answer, it is good to discuss our options to see which works better for our own family. Post your thoughts, insights, or suggestions.

Open Discussion: Shampoo

Does expensive salon shampoo really make a difference? We see all the commercial by Suave trying to convince us that their $1.99 product gives as much body and moisture, but is it really true? Since I am, for the lack of a better word, frugal, I have never bought salon shampoo. Am I missing anything? Should I invest more in my next bottle?

Grab a latte, put up your feet, and join the discussion!