Spring Break - DISNEY!

Happy Anniversary! Celebrating at Downtown Disney.

Disney! The happiest place on earth! I love it! Bill loves it! I know it's the land of manufactured joy but we love it there so much I don't care what you say. 

Here's a recap of our trip - a 20th anniversary celebration - and some miscellaneous Disney stuff:

Spring Break – At least I think that's the reason it seemed so crowded. I also heard there were several conventions going on in Orlando. Last time we visited Magic Kingdom in the spring we had a pretty easy time riding every ride we wanted, when we wanted. This time lines were LOOOOOONG. Not that I'm complaining...much. After all, we were at Disney! 

Except that the impatient side of me didn't want to wait in line. On previous trips there were times we felt like we had the run of the park, so waiting in line this time was a little frustrating. Either the crowds were smaller in the past or I was more tolerant or maybe I was just having PMS and was the tiniest bit irritable during this trip.

And then...some Disney magic happened!  We were given 12 passes that allowed us to jump on rides IMMEDIATELY!  These weren't the typical Disney fast passes that give you a time to return to a certain attraction.  These were golden fast passes.  No waiting!  Jump on NOW! 

Awesomeness!

Mickey Mouse – One of the things I wanted most from this Disney visit was a picture with Mickey Mouse. You would think that would be easy since we WERE AT DISNEY but, let me tell you, that is one elusive mouse.

There is a special meet-and-greet at Epcot for guests staying on Disney property (we weren't) and Mickey shows up at the pricier character lunches and dinners - meaning you pay for the privilege of having your picture taken with him – but for the average guest unwilling to fork over the cash, seeing Mickey was a matter of being in the right place at the right time. I actually started to think I had a better chance at winning the lottery.  We did, however, get picture with Winnie-the-Pooh and a few of Winnie's friends.

A Second Honeymoon - Being alone with Bill at Disney felt honeymoon-ish. As a matter of fact, it was the first time we vacationed together without kids since our honeymoon TWENTY YEARS AGO!  (I say "kids" because when you have an only child you're always bringing along a friend.)

Bill was also more relaxed than he had been on previous trips. In the past, the minute he set foot on Disney property he morphed into the Park Nazi, barking out orders and dragging Justin and me through the parks for every possible waking minute.

Back then it seemed like we were the first people to enter the park each morning and the last to leave.  Since this was like our 10th trip to Disney, Bill let me sleep until 8 or 9 in the morning and I actually laid by the pool one afternoon.  Heavenly!  (On previous trips there was no laying by the pool because the Park Nazi wanted to RIDE THE RIDES.) 

Conversations went like this:   You want a snack? Eat fast because I want to ride the Rocking Roller Coaster! Sleep? Do it when you get back to Pennsylvania! Shower? Make it quick! A Nap? Are you kidding me!

Retirement Plans - I got to see the Electrical Parade, which has always been a favorite. We also rode the monorail MANY times because Bill is fascinated with trains and decided that when he retires he wants to move to Orlando and become a monorail driver. Oh, and he told me I should get a job at Disney too. While Disney doesn't factor in retirement dreams, I always thought it might be fun be a firefly in the Electrical Parade because the costume is kind of cool.  Of course when that time rolls around I'll be about 62 years old and most of the fireflies look like their in their 20s so maybe I should consider a different Disney career path.

Food - Bill and I have a tendency to reward ourselves with food and there was a lot of rewarding going on during this trip. We had the German buffet at Epcot, the lunch buffet at the Crystal Palace and the seafood buffet at Cape May.

Oh, how I love buffet eating!

The best part is that Disney caters to people with food allergies.  If there is something on the buffet or menu that you can't eat, they'll make it allergy-free or make you whatever you want. 

My food allergies are such a nuisance, but Disney managed to make eating so enjoyable.  I felt pampered - even important - when the chef would come the table before I ordered, offer to make me my own special meal and let me jump to the front of the buffet line as he explained the ingredients in each item.  Loved it!

I won't bore you with any more details of our trip but will tell you that we stayed late, watched the fireworks at Epcot (spectacular!) and drank too much alcohol before riding the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. Sober it's the most ridiculous ride EVER. (The part that supposed to be Pooh's dream is creepy and weird with the black lights and smoke rings.) Late at night after a few drinks and when you're the only people riding, it's downright hysterical. Definitely one of those you-had-to-be-there moments.

Here's a few more pictures:

I know...it's a silly picture but when you're at Disney, you're supposed to be silly!

During our trip Bill decided he wanted to become an "official Disney pin trader." That meant every time we saw a Disney cast member - which was about every five feet - he had to stop to look at their pins and negotiate a trade.

Pluto wanted to be in the picture too!

Today it's back to reality - work, cooking, cleaning and hundreds of errands.  Oh, and did I mention that I dropped my laptop while we were in Florida and I have to get that fixed too? Grrrr!


Happy Monday!  Hope you have a great day!

Who Should Pay Off Student Loans? You or Your Kid?

At 46 years old, I have my share of regrets in life - everything from the millions of parenting mistakes I've made, to the amount of junk food I stuff in my mouth each day. And there is one regret I'm still paying for. Every. Single. Month.

It's my student loan and it sucks.

Whenever I think we might have a few dollars left at the end of the month, Sallie Mae swoops into my bank account and snaps up any extra cash, meaning I can't buy those sexy summer sandals Victoria's Secret and Bill can't gorge himself on Red Lobster's endless shrimp promotion.

That debt is from my second round of college. I went back to school in 1996 to be a Physician's Assistant. It was a demanding 5 year program which stretched into 9 years because when I started I had a toddler AND a full time job AND a husband who had two jobs. (Lordy, what was I thinking!) It was a ton of work - the hardest thing I've EVER done - and today, I am not even working in the medical field because in a really roundabout way, I found a job as a writer.

But regardless of where I'm working, I've still got to pay for that education and it wasn't cheap. Chances are, my loan won't be paid off by the time Justin is out of college. While I was paying bills last week and checking out my student loan balance, I started thinking: Who do you think should shoulder the student loan debt for your kids? Mom and Dad or the student?

Both Bill and I went to college – him once and me twice – and both of us paid off our own student loans. Growing up, my parents didn't even want me to get an education and instead encouraged me to “work in a grocery store until you find a guy to marry.” Wanting a bit more out of life, I put myself through school and after navigating my way through thousands of dollars in education repayments, the one thing I walked away knowing – besides lots of medical terminology – is that I don't want to saddle Justin with student loans.

For starters, it's not like Justin ever had a choice about going to college. Bill and I drilled it into his head since he was barely old enough to talk. It was an expectation since before he was born. So in that sense, it hardly seems fair to make him pay for something we planned for him to do his entire life.

Secondly, Bill and I both learned firsthand how difficult it is to be fresh out of school, looking for your first grown-up job and trying to establish your life while shelling out hundreds of dollars each month for an education that you are not yet putting to use. It's a shock to your system to graduate and have to start paying bills. It's almost cause for a monthly heart attack when you see what you racked up in student loans. (Hell for me, it still is.)

In a few years when Justin walks across the stage at Marietta and turns his tassel to the side, there's nothing more I'd like than for him to start with a clean slate. No Sallie Mae or federal loan witch hunters breathing down his back and no enormous balance to worry about paying.

Because - like I said - I remember how difficult it was for Bill and I starting out with a ton of debt and we don't want our child to go through the same thing. But...oh that darn but!...I'm not sure that we can. Although we live within our means and have good jobs, it may not be possible for us to take on the complete burden of Justin's student loans.

When the repayment time comes, our plan is to help when we can, for example making the monthly loan payment until Justin gets a job and throw in extra cash when we get a return on our income tax or a bonus at work or win big on a scratch off lottery ticket. (Hey, it can happen!)

Otherwise, that what-did-I-even-learn-that-was-worth-this-much-money student loan is going to be his responsibility. Of course if our circumstances change – say if we would hit the lottery, strike oil or I write a best selling novel – one of the first things Bill and I will do is pay that sucker off!

(If you have a kid heading off to college or currently in college, check out these Extreme Ways To Pay Off Your Student Loans and Must-Haves for Dorm Life.

What are your thoughts on student loans for your kids' education? Do you think it is the responsibility of the parents or the kids to pay for a college education? If you could afford to pay or your child's entire student loan, would you? Have you?  Friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter.

Did You Let Your Kids Play With Toy Guns?

Last week I was cleaning out Justin's closets. (Yes, I'm still cleaning his room, a job I started right after he left for college in the fall. If you'd like to see why it's taking me so long, check out the pictures and blog I wrote about it several months ago.)

I've managed to clear out his dressers and shelves and have since moved on to his closet...which is a scary place to spend an afternoon. It's also a happy/sad/fun trip down memory lane. There are toys in there that Justin hasn't played with in ten years. Some we kept because they were sentimental favorites. Others just got buried in the mess. Butr each is a reminder of a different growing up stage in his life.

Like the huge bag of plastic Army men holding machine guns and the cap guns and water pistols, the wooden Davey Crockett rifle, the G.I. Joe action figures and the airsoft guns, BB guns and paintball guns.

Some were birthday and Christmas gifts and others were treasured army themed toys and guns that Justin saved his money to buy. (Like the sniper pump rifle and the empire sniper rifle.)
 

Justin loved “boy” toys like cars and trucks. Although he'd play with Legos, he always had an affection for toy guns. When he was little, Bill and I were never firmly, absolutely against the idea of toy guns. We never said “No, we do not want our kid playing with war toys and weapons.” Part of this was because Justin was a good kid - something we don't entirely take credit for. He came into the world with relaxed, good-natured attitude and kept it until about a month ago when he morphed into a snotty, know-it-all teenager. More on that later. Another reason was because little boys naturally gravitate towards guns, G.I. Joe and army play the same way little girls are attracted to Barbies, baby dolls and the color pink.
 

Of course we monitored his gun use and made sure what he was playing with was age appropriate: Plastic guns that made noise when he was young and water guns when he got older. When Justin was about 11 water guns were replaced with airsoft guns and those were eventually replaced by paintball guns. There were many afternoons we had 10 or 12 boys with paintball guns (the empire axe was a favorite) tramping around our yard, hiding in the bushes and “shooting” each other.

Bill and I never thought there was anything wrong with Justin playing “Pow! You're dead!” with his buddies, which is why I was surprised when a friend with younger children recently told me she couldn't believe we were so liberal and open-minded about all the shoot-em-up stuff Justin enjoyed. She went on to add that she would NEVER allow her children to play with toy guns.

While I respect her opinion, I have to wonder why she thinks toy guns are so evil. Justin and his gun-tottin' friends went on to be great students and great athletes in high school. All were overachievers, all are attending college and all have grown up willing to take risks and committed to pushing themselves to do better and work harder.

I'm not saying playing army and war games made then good kids or made them stronger, faster and braver.  What I am saying is that it certainly hasn't caused any negative behavior. None of them has ever resorted to any type of violence or has ever had any difficulty telling reality from fantasy. A few friends even had a hunting license and hunted with a real guns when they were 12 years old and guess what? They're good kids.
 

What are your thoughts on toy guns?  Did you let your kids play with them when they were younger? If you have small children, do you allow them to play with toy guns? If not, why? Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Toms River, NJ Couple Sues Landlord Over Haunted House

The supposedly haunted house in Toms River, NJ. It doesn't look scary!

Do you believe in ghosts? I'm not sure I do but if you read the blog, you know I have a fascination with the paranormal and even wrote about our attempt to find a ghost in Nemocolin Castle: Our Trip to a Real Haunted House. That's why the story about the New Jersey couple who believed they rented a haunted house captured my interest.

I caught the end of the story on Good Morning American on Saturday morning. Fascinated, I searched online for more info and here's what I learned:

Josue Chinchilla and his fiance Michele Callan of Toms River, New Jersey are suing their landlord for the refund of their security deposit after they rented a house they believe is very haunted. Apparently, they were so spooked by what they encountered in the home that they lived there for only one week before fleeing.

During their seven days in the house the family claims they heard unexplained whispering, noticed the lights flickering off and on, felt someone tugging at their bed sheets at night, heard foot steps in the kitchen when no one was there and claimed that things randomly fell out of their closets. But none of that was as horrible as what they heard through the floor vents: The rumbling of something down there in the dark like something beneath the house.
  

Josue, Michele and Michele's two children were so frightened they had a paranormal group and a pastor investigate the house. The group concluded the house had an “intelligent” haunting which the pastor believed was the result of demonic possession.

The owner of the house, Dr. Richard Lopez, isn't buying the ghost story and is unwilling to return the couple's $2,250 security deposit. He thinks that family is trying to avoid paying rent they suddenly realized they couldn't afford. But the family is insisting they never would have rented a moving truck and packed up all their stuff only to move out of the home one week later. To recoup their sanity (and security deposit), Mr. Chinchilla and Ms. Callan have filed suite against Dr. Lopez. Dr. Lopez has also filed a suite of his own against the pair for breaking the lease.

If parts of this story sound familiar that's because it smacks of something straight out of The Amityville Horror.

Remember that spooky book and movie about the Lutz family? It was scary stuff...which stopped being scary after it was admitted (much to the embarrassment of paranormal “experts”) that the tale had been fabricated over a bottle of wine.

In a strange twist, the movie The Amityville Horror was filmed in the same town as this haunted house. Was that inspiration for a scary story or just an odd coincidence?

I'm not sure where I stand on this one. Both the landlord and the family make valid points. On one hand, moving is a pain in the butt and its doubtful someone would want to do it twice in seven days. On the other hand, people have been known to try to make money off of ghost stories and the public's fascination with them. 

I can tell you that as someone who doubts that ghosts exist, I'd be willing to spend the night in that house and write an account of my experience.

Really...I would.

Ghosts don't frighten me. Hell, after 20 years of marriage and raising a teenager, there isn't much scares me anymore. I even watched all the Paranormal Activity movies one night in the dark while I was home alone.

If you'd like to read more about supposed hauntings, check out the Most Haunted Places in America and America's Best Haunted Houses.

What are your thoughts on the New Jersey home? Do you believe the family's claims that the house is haunted? Or do you think all the talk about ghosts is silly? Friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter and share your opinion.

Predicting The Start of Menopause: Would You Want to Know?

If you're a woman in your 40s, odds are that perimenopause and menopause is lurking right around the corner. Many of us don't want to think about those things at any age because of the implications: We're old, we can no longer have children, our bodies are going to change in ways which may not be pleasant.

But if you can put your emotions aside for just a minute and consider the role menopause plays in our families and our relationships and in our life, it becomes a lot more relevant and important at any age.

Knowing when we might officially enter The Change could help us manage and help take control over our body, instead of feeling as if our body is a victim of a foreign invader that hijacks our feelings and our behaviors and changes life as we knew it. For younger women, knowing when they might officially stop menstruating could give them a clue as to when they may begin to lose their fertility (about a year before menopause starts) and be especially useful in family planning.

Unfortunately, right now the onset of menopause can be difficult to pinpoint. Statistics tell us the average age it occurs is at 51 years but also show that menopause can occur between the ages of 45 to 55. To help close the 10 year span, doctors have a few projects in the works. Researchers in the Netherlands are developing a simple blood test which could help women predict when they will enter menopause and set their fertility timetable. The test looks for a hormone called anti-Mullerian (AMH). AMH blood levels are believed to reflect the size of a woman's remain egg supply.

At this point, the only test to predict a woman's fertility is an ultrasound in which doctors count the number of follicles, which house premature eggs, on a woman's ovary. The more follicles she has, the better chance she has of conceiving. The downside is that ultrasound images are not always clear and easy to read. According to doctors, a blood test which specifically detects and measures a hormone found in the follicles would be much more accurate.

That's exciting stuff. If there's anything the Dutch know, it's hormones. And windmills. And soccer. Not necessarily in that order.

About a year ago I went to the doctor with a long list of unusual symptoms never once even considering that what I was experiencing was menopause. I was shocked – SHOCKED! - when my doctor mentioned the “M” word. And this was in spite of the fact that I went to school to be a Physician's Assistant, and had some medical knowledge of women's health and reproductive issues.

I am one who likes to have all the facts so I can be prepared for the inevitable. In hindsight, had the AMH test been available five or even ten years ago, I would have taken advantage of it and saved myself A LOT of worry and anxiety. How about you? 

Would you want to know when you'll enter menopause? Or would you like to avoid knowledge of that fact as long as possible?  Check out this short quiz to Test Your Women's Health Knowledge.

Share your thoughts. Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Voter Identification Laws: Why Is This Such a Big Deal?

By now you've probably heard the controversy about requiring voters to show a government issued ID card. If you've been living under a rock, here's a summary: Several states have enacted laws or are considering laws which would require all voters to present a government issued identification card prior to casting their ballot. As a result, all hell has broken loose as political groups cry foul, some voters claim they are being discriminated against and others feel their religious beliefs are being violated.

Photo Credit: Jonloomer.com

Some people believe its classic example of blaming the rules because there are people can't or won't follow them. Others think it is a calculated effort to suppress votes among African Americans, Latinos, the recently incarcerated, the young, the elderly and those most inclined to vote Democrat.

I don't want to go into detail about all that because I'm not sure where I stand on the conspiracy theories but I do know this: When the state of Georgia enacted a voter photo ID law in 2006, black participation in that state's November elections actually increased from 513,700 to 741,000. Oh, and on a side note, approximately 25 percent of African Americans in the United States don't have a government issued ID. That alone should raise concerns on how disenfranchised and disconnected our communities have become.


As neighbors, friends and family (in other words, members of a community) shouldn't we help new arrivals and the elderly get their pictures so they can exercise their right to vote? Wouldn't that be a lot easier than all this fussing? And speculating? And finger pointing? And to the people who generously volunteer their time at the polls, is the extra second or two that it takes to check a person's ID really that time consuming and labor intensive?


Maybe, just maybe, this isn't an issue about racism or an attempt to suppress anyone's vote. Perhaps it really is about preventing voter fraud. Because the truth is, we don't live in a world where everyone is honest all the time. People – regular people, people in power and people wanting power - have been known to become so obsessed by their desires that they resort to dishonest behavior to achieve what they believe is the best outcome.


Although is not regularly reported in the news and it may not be predominant in all states, voter fraud happens. There are charges right now against four Indiana Democrats that allegedly forged signatures to get Barack Obama onto the 2008 primary ballot for that state. ACORN is famous for promoting voter fraud. Nine cases of fraud in 2011 city elections have been identified in Iowa. There are several more examples from Florida, and probably many more from around the country. These were just from the first page of a Google search for “voter fraud cases.”


Isn't a requirement that voters prove their identity the best way to combat fraud? Wouldn't voter ID laws protect the integrity of elections, so that Americans can know their vote counts? And what is the big deal about showing an ID anyway? You need it to pick up concert tickets at the box office. You also need to show it when you write a check and board an airline. Heck, last week I was asked to show ID when I bought allergy medicine. Is it really that unreasonable to be asked for it when voting for the leader of the free world?


Just thinking out loud today. I apologize for a blog full of questions, but here's one more: What are your thoughts on the new voter identification laws? Don't be afraid to share your opinion. Friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter.

A Few Healthy Reasons to Love Chocolate.

It's a few days after Easter and if you have kids, chances are you have a boatload of chocolate in your house. With Justin in college we, unfortunately, did not. Not wanting to feel left out, yesterday I bought a 2-1/2 pound bag of Nestle chocolate eggs in four flavors: milk chocolate, crunch, Butterfinger and creamy caramel.

I know what you're thinking - 2-1/2 pounds is a lot of chocolate for one person to eat. And you're right, it is. But I'm going to enjoy every darn egg in that bag.

To help you enjoy your chocolate without guilt, here's some justification for eating the stuff (you're welcome!): Results of a recent study published in The Journal of Nutrition show that the effects of “moderate chocolate consumption show strong benefits against cardiovascular disease.”

So that means chocolate can make you skinny, enhance athletic performance, boost your mood, make you skinny (I know I said that already but it's worth repeating) AND possibly prevent a heart attack?

Yes!  But wait, there's more!

Preliminary research also shows that chocolate may help treat migraines AND inhibit colon cancer - both of which run in my family and tend to appear in middle age.

Wow! That means chocolate may have the potential to protect our bodies from almost anything bad ever. (Well, almost.)

Oh chocolate, just when I think I couldn't possibly love you any more, you give me even more reasons to. 

Why am I not eating chocolate right now?!

Apparently some scientists believe chocolate has moved beyond the “better for us than we thought” phase and into the “something which can actually improve our health” domain.

A panel of researchers committed to investigating chocolate's magical medicinal qualities has been formed. This group is called the International Society of Chocolate and Cocoa in Medicine and they are devoted to learning the health benefits of “moderate” chocolate consumption. Of course it make take some time before they develop any chocolate-based miracle cures but with 2-1/2 pounds of chocolate eggs in my house, I see no reason to wait for that glorious day.

That would like...taking a few minutes to learn what “moderate” consumption really means. (And if reading this post made you as hungry for chocolate as it's made me, here are a few surprisingly healthy chocolate recipes.)

Are you a chocolate lover too? Do you believe chocolate actually does have several health benefits? Share your thoughts.  Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Meine Güte! This Country Loves Sex Toys!

Occasionally when I'm conducting research for an article, I stumble across some interesting trivia that I just have to share. Like last week when I read that tennis star Bjorn Borg's underwear line questioned 1,700 people between the ages of 18 and 30 about their sexual practices and learned that the people of Germany enjoy using “mechanical gadgets” in the bedroom. You know, sex toys.

Who knew! And on a side note, who knew Bjorn Borg had an underwear line?

According to the Germans who participated in the survey, 44 percent of them admitted to using toys and gadgets in the bedroom on a regular basis, adding that they preferred mechanical stimulation when doing the deed.

Oh baby! What's German for “ooh la la”?

I guess this shouldn't come as a surprise. After all, the Germans know their way around mechanics. They are the nation which has given us some of the greatest cars on the road.

Other countries, however, aren't quite as free spirited and adventurous as the Germans. (Dare I say, kinky?) In the same survey, sixty-five percent of British people said they would rather have sex with the lights off - hardly surprising since the British appear to have an uptight demeanor about them. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with being uptight but nothing sends the message that you've got body image or insecurity issues like hitting the sheets in pitch black.

When asked about their lighting preferences, fifty-three percent of Germans admitted to wanting the lights on during sex. Could that be because they need to see what they're doing with their gadgets? Or so they have enough light in the room to find the On/Off switch? Or because they truly enjoy visual aspects?

If you ask me, it sounds like those Germans have a great attitude towards sex. They're open minded, honest, fun-loving, and willing to experiment. What I don't understand is why Germany didn't make the Forbes top 10 list of the world's happiest countries. You would think all the “extra” stimulation would make them the happiest, most relaxed people on the planet. Unless, of course, the citizens of Deutschland were so busy playing with their toys that they weren't interested in answering any more survey questions.

For more sex trivia, check out these Funny Sex Laws and these Creepy Sex Toys.  If you have any thoughts on this worthless bit of trivia that you are willing to share, you can friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter.

Preventing Burglaries and Break-Ins

Photo Credit: Bullethole.com

The latest FBI statistics show that a house, apartment or condominium is burglarized once ever 15 seconds. Wow! That's a lot of break-ins and a frightening thought.

Fortunately, there are plenty of precautions you can take to reduce the risk of a break in. I found several great suggestions on State Farm's website. Although some are common sense, they are worth repeating:

To prevent a break-in:

• Keep all doors and windows locked when you leave the house.
• Never open the door to a stranger or person you don't know.
• Use a peephole to identify visitors before opening the door.
• Have a neighbor keep a spare key to your home. Never hide it out doors.
• Don't tell strangers your daily routine.
• Don't post vacations or out of town plans on social networking sites.
• Lock all visible doors when you are working outside.
• Use automatic timers when you are out of town.
• Consider installing a security system and motion detectors around your home. (For information on a recommended installer in the Monroeville, PA area check out the link at Monroeville Alarm Systems.)
• Keep your garage closed even when you are are home. This prevents burglars from noticing a pattern that a closed garage door means you are not home.
• Keep your curtains or blinds closed as a way to not display your belongings.
• Eliminate any shrubs around windows or doors which may serve as a hiding place.
• Remind your children not to talk to strangers about your home, its contents or your family schedule.

If you will be away from home for more than a day:

• Forward your telephone calls to the location you are visiting. Savvy burglars often verify whether or not a person is home by making a telephone call.
• Have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail or newspaper.
• If you are traveling for an extended period of time, make arrangements to have your grass mowed or snowed shoveled.
• Make every effort to have your house look the same as it does when you are living in it.

Have you ever been robbed or experiencing a break in? What precautions do you take to protect your home? Do you have any great tips which weren't mentioned? Friend me on Facebook, find me on Twitter or email me at mcginn8@yahoo.com.

Would You Wear a Wig? How About Hair Extensions?

Tyra Banks wearing a wig. (Photo Credit: Allthatsfab.com)

For my birthday, Bill gave me a gift certificate to a local salon which, in my opinion, is the greatest gift ever. Who doesn't love a little pampering? Earlier this week, I put it to use and got a manicure and a pedicure. While I was sitting in a totally awesome massage chair soaking my toes in warm, bubbly water, the lady beside me started chatting about her grandchildren and her husband. And then, she leaned over and said, “Can I ask you a personal question?”

Oh no. Is it just me or do you also cringe when someone says that to you? Before I could answer “No” she said,  "Are you wearing hair extensions or a wig?"

Huh?!

I wasn't, but for some reason it made me laugh hysterically. Besides, who asks that? Here's the best part...when I told her she was looking at my real hair, she didn't believe me until she pulled on it. Crazy, right?

Cut to a few hours later, I'm working on a health and beauty article and stumble on a website that sells discount wigs...that are really nice. Some are long and wavy. Some are short, trendy and sassy. All looked like healthy, shiny real hair.

My own hair is thick and unruly, although at midlife, it's not quite as thick as it used to be. It's a strange mix of straight and curly. If I don't dry my hair with the blow dryer on the hottest setting, saturate it with straightening spray and rake a flat iron through it, it takes on a Rosanne Rosannadanna look. I've tried different hairstyles over the years but because my hair is totally uncooperative, all have been an epic fail. Even my “stylist” gave up when I asked her for side bangs and my cowlick made them pop up like Alfalfa.

Some days I hate my hair and most days I think it's ugly, which is why someone asking me if I was wearing a wig – choosing THIS hair – was so funny.

As one who's worn the same hairstyle since high school (long with bangs, angled in the front with the ends bent under) I was intrigued by the thought of wearing a wig. There are many advantages: Not having to wash your hair for a day or two, being able to temporarily change your look, the time saved drying and styling it and the money saved on hair products.

Plenty of celebrities such as Beyonce Beyonce, Tyra Banks, Katy Perry, Dolly Parton and Jessica Simpson wear wigs, making me wonder: Can a regular woman wear a wig without her neighbors snickering?

...And without a wig (Photo Credit: mhrw.com)

Today wigs are nice, beautiful even. Made with real hair and dyed in natural shades, they don't resemble that dead animal-like thing I used to play with in my grandmother's beauty shop. Although some are expensive, there are many good quality, cheap wigs for women available. 

Call me crazy, but I'm thinking about giving it a try. (And then writing about the experience, of course.) It might be fun to temporarily and radically change my look and try something different – like that chin length bob I've always been afraid to get. 

Have you ever wanted to drastically change your look without really changing your look? What do you think about wearing a wig? How about hair extensions? Have you seen these cool hair extension ideas? Post your comments here, friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter.

Spartan Race: You'll Know at the Finish Line

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Spartan Race for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Just taking a stab here, but I bet you're not exercising enough.

Don't feel bad. Most people - including me - don't. (Did I mention I haven't been to the gym since February.) I know quite a few people who started an exercise program with the New Year but gave up after only a few times. Why? Because exercising is hard and boring. Sitting on your couch with a bag of chips is much more pleasurable. And bad for you.

So I'm offering you a challenge, a chance to try something that will kick your fitness resolution into high gear. An experience that will motivate you and push you to work harder. Something new and different that your whole family can do.

It's called Spartan Race. Spartan Race is a series of obstacle course races where participants encounter obstacles ranging from extreme to ridiculous. I know it sounds hard, but each course is designed to welcome people of all ages and fitness levels. And I guarantee, it will not be boring! Where else can you leap over flaming bales of hay, throw a Spartan spear, crawl through a mud covered tunnel and scale a slippery 12 foot wall?

The race was developed by Joseph DeSena and endurance athletes Richard Lee and Selica Sevigny. Their goal was to push athletes to their limits while fostering the idea that working out doesn't need to be torturous and can be fun and entertaining.

The first Spartan Race was held in 2010 with 500 competitors between the ages of 15 to 65. Each received a Spartan Race medal and tee shirt and was invited to attend an after party which included beer, a barbeque and live entertainment. Racers were encouraged to dress as Spartan warriors and prizes were awarded for the best costumes. Participants could also get free spray on abs with a prize pack given to the best (spray on) abs.

I don't know about you, but I think that sounds fun stuff!

If you're up for the challenge and would like get in touch with your competitive side, check out the Spartan Race website . There you'll find more details about Spartan Race and information on where races are being held around your community.  Don't be afraid. Sign up!

Here's Something Yummy: Burger King and David Beckham

Photo Credit: Burger King

Since I'm Weight Watching, hungry and can't eat (much) I've noticed it helps to talk about food. Which is why I'm bringing up Burger King today. Have you taken a look at them lately?

In an effort to reclaim the kingdom, the restaurant's gotten a makeover and is all fancy now with 10 new menu items designed to let the world know their the freshhhhest kid on the block. Although I've always been more of a McDonald's fan, the Home of the Whopper is tempting me with mango smoothies, salads with real shaved Parmesan cheese and wraps with honey mustard. They've also added fancy new dipping sauces like kung pao and roasted jalapeno.

If that isn't yummy enough, look out for a new BK commercial starring David Beckham. In it, he'll be ordering a banana strawberry smoothie wearing...oh what does it matter? He looks good in anything – and so much better than that creepy monarch mascot. Steven Tyler, Sofia Vergara and Jay Leno have also signed on and Mary J. Blige will soon be singing about their chicken sandwiches. For even more excitement, food trucks will be unleashed on April 18^th, meaning that if you live 10 minutes away from a Burger King, they'll deliver fast food to your home.

What's next? Clowns? Acrobats? It's almost enough to make you forget it's called BURGER King. But yea, they'll still be selling burgers, with a new plan for the Whopper. Instead of two thin slices of cheese, there will be just one thick slice with the lettuce and tomatoes hand-sliced to ensure they are freshhhh. Oh, and it will be served in a cardboard box. Should I pause while you take in these radical changes?

Sorry creepy dude, you're out!

Never mind that everyone else has been serving fruit smoothies for, like...forever. Are the cheese changes and David Beckham enough to lure you back to the kingdom and win your love? Being more of a McDonald's fan, I'm thinking maybe. (And before you remind me that my fast food habit is bad, keep in mind that there are some surprisingly healthy fast food options.)

While BK hasn't been close to eclipsing McDonald's presence in the fast food world, they've held a solid number two position until last year when the crown was snatched from them by Wendy's. And all three should watch out – Five Guys has been gaining speed!

While the changes seem like a good thing, many in the business world are wondering if it's “too little, too late.” After all, these are BKs first major changes in 58 years. (Wow! That's one steadfast company!) What are your thoughts? Or do you not even care about Burger King? Honestly, I think it seems kind of been-there-done-that but I'm going to give them a chance.  And if you want read something really interesting, check out these Fast Food Horror Stories and Frightening Fast Food Facts.

If you have any thoughts on this (or anything else) feel free to share. Friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter. Have a great day!

One of the Best Ways to Relieve Work Stress May @#%& Shock You!

Photo Credit: Stuff Dutch People Like

Apparently the whole concept of what is and is not appropriate at work needs to be reexamined, at least where swearing is concerned. While logic suggests that dropping the F-bomb in the office could...uh...bomb your career, a new study says the opposite may be true.

No $%*# way!


That may explain why I'm way more relaxed and friendly since leaving an office job a few years back. 

No, really. I'm not kidding. I've been known to drop the F-bomb - like when I'm home alone working and get hit with that damn (I mean darn) writers block.

Yes, I admit it. Sometimes I swear...like a truck driver.

According to the study, researches at the University of East Anglia in the United Kingdom found that swearing on the job can actually help build relationships between co-workers, relieve stress and allow employes to convey their true feelings. The researchers believe their findings have a connection to the "positive consequences" of a "permissive leadership culture” and pointed out that not all cursing – such as that used to bully peers - is beneficial.

Don't let that sweet face fool you. This kid could swear!

Being one who is not easily offended by foul language, I totally get where this study is coming from. About 15 years ago, when Justin was a toddler, Bill pointed out that my cursing was “out of control.” And he was right. We had a 3 year old who walked around and said things like “Shit! I don't want a nap!” or “I don't like this damn dinner!” We also got a phone call or two from the daycare Justin attended regarding his “inappropriate language.” (Cringe!)

I made an effort to control the stream of four letter words that flowed from my mouth and in doing so, I noticed something. When I did swear (away from Justin, or course) it felt like a little bit pressure and stress was escaping from me. It seemed those bad words worked as a release valve.

I'm no expert in the field of workplace behavior but I'm willing to bet that the “positive consequences” the researchers are referring have a lot to do with the fact that people simply perform better when they're allowed to be themselves and relieve stress in their own way. I know in my case, worrying about being reprimanded every time I said a naughty word would not only make me tense, it would also cause me to be less creative and productive.

Just to be clear, I'm not advocating swearing and other types of disrespectful behavior or saying it's alright to intentionally and regularly say something which offends your co-workers. Those people who use the F-word four five times in one sentence just because they can are so annoying! What I am saying is that it should be acceptable to blow off a little steam now and then without fearing a rap on the knuckles.

That's my opinion, anyway. And if you don't like it, why don't you just go and... oh, never mind.  Check out these suggestions on How to Deal With Stress at Work instead.

What do you think about swearing in the office or swearing in general? Are you easily offended by foul language? Do you make a point to not swear? Friend me on Facebook or find me on Twitter.

Would You Give Up Makeup For Two Months?

Recently I read an article about two women from North Carolina who dared to stop wearing makeup for 2 whole months. Oh, and they also decided to stop shaving their underarms and legs and stop wearing deodorant.

Molly and Caitlyn (Photo Credit: The Naked Face Project

The reason: They wanted to figure out why they wore makeup and be better prepared to answer questions from young girls on why women need makeup to feel beautiful.

The women behind the undertaking, Molly Barker and Caitlyn Boyle (who happen to look pretty darn good without makeup) called their experiment The Naked Face Project.

While this whole thing intrigues me, it also makes me a little squeamish at the same time. The Naked Face Project is definitely noble and praiseworthy and a cool idea, but I'm just not sure I can start singing the praises of the natural look.

Go ahead, call me vain, or shallow or egotistical or whatever else you want. I am not going to give up deodorant and shaving because of the hygiene issues and, you know...the resulting odor. I'm also not afraid to admit that the thought of giving up concealer, powder, blush, mascara and lipstick makes me want to hide from the world. That's because (dare I say it?) wearing makeup makes me feel better about myself. Is that so wrong?

I wear makeup every day - except on those days that I'm not leaving the house. While I've never woken up earlier so I could drive Justin to school with makeup,  I have been known to wear it to the gym. The makeup I use is the cheapest drugstore brand usually purchased on sale. I also use Renova, which is a prescription acne cream/wrinkle reducer. I get my hair professionally colored twice a year and touch up the roots myself the rest of the time. That's because my natural hair color is a poopie shade of brown mixed with gray. It's mousey and blah. It is the reason hair color was invented.

The lip gloss, Renova and hair color are important to me. I'm not willing to give those things up (for reasons that we can explore in another blog.)

On the other hand, Molly and Caitlyn have enjoyed their two month, makeup-less venture. Since ditching their regular beauty routines, they say they feel more empowered and liberated and that their skin looks better than ever. Caitlyn went on to say that she's saved about $150 a month. ($150! Goodness! How much makeup was she buying!)

But still, can this no makeup thing really work for everyone? Of course there's nothing wrong with going without. I know plenty of people who do. I have a friend who doesn't wear any but she's so naturally pretty that she doesn't need it. I am not her. Without makeup my skin is blotchy, my eyes are tired and I look haggard. When I look at myself in the mirror sans makeup, I think I look odd...and old. But maybe that's just because I'm so used to seeing myself with makeup that I don't like the sight of myself without it?

Sunday, April 1^st will be the last day of Molly and Caitlyn's experiment and they are asking women around the country to go without makeup for one day and see how they feel. What do you think? Are you willing to give it a try? There's a slight possibility I may be up for the challenge. I'll let you know how it goes!

In the meantime, here's an interesting article on 10 Makeup Mistakes Not to Make and pictures of Celebrities Without Makeup.