I’m driving today to work, listening to Mad Cow radio show, as Mad Cow is interviewing the ever controversial Ralph Nader, who is pitching his newest book “The Seventeen Traditions" as well as his website.

It peaked my curiosity. NOT that I’m a big fan of Ralph Nader, but surprisingly something he said really caught my attention. He spoke about seventeen traditions that he was raised with, that STILL can apply for today’s generation.

Being a parent is so difficult! Any advice that reinforces positive traits with your kids is worth my consideration.

Out of 25 reviews on Amazon.com, ALL 25 raved about the book.
I then went to Barnes and Noble, and read peoples review. They unanimously loved the book too.

In a world of iPods, Nintendo DS lites, Razor cell phones, PlayStations and drugs, sex, and defiance … it’s nice to be reminded of core values, ethics, and how to raise your kids with wisdom.

Posted by Melody at 10:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It’s amazing how we take technology for granted. Without thinking or hesitating, you pick up the phone to call your kids, send an email, track them down at their friend’s house, talk to them 20 times while at work to answer the most basic questions, “Mom, can I watch TV” “Mom, can I have a snack?” “Mom, can I take my bike and go down the street to my friends house?” etc etc etc.

Today I am WISHING for these questions (but on any other day I would be annoyed and bothered). You see, my little girl has left on a jet plane for overnight summer sleep away camp. Summer Camp Policy: no cell phones, no phone calls, no calls home, no game boys, no electronics, no iPods, no emails.

I feel like a lost puppy! Of course I’m thrilled she’s having a great time and is fortunate enough to be able to enjoy summer sleep away camp (it’s outrageously expensive). But it’s so hard as a Mom not to talk to your little girl for 4 weeks. Yes, I realize I am joining thousands of Moms who have already toughened their skin and accepted this distance, this uncertainty, and this lack of communication between your most precious daughters. Nevertheless, knowing you are not alone in this feeling of loss does not make it easier when it’s 8:30 pm and you casually walk down the kid’s hallway, wishing you could bend down, kiss your little girl on her forehead, rub her back and say, “Goodnight honey, I love you.”

Posted by Melody at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I’m driving to take my kids to summer camp this morning, and on National Public Radio I hear that “Cow’s are causing global warming.” My daughter went wild! She had a field day and thought it was so funny.

According to NPR, "In New Zealand, one-third of these warming gases come from animals, in the form of methane. So researchers are trying something unique to lower New Zealand's greenhouse-gas hoofprint: They want to change what goes on inside the stomachs of millions of sheep and cows. " My daughter starts imitading cow's burping.

Even Mark Murray’s blog joked about it.

But this really is OLD news. Back on December 11, 2006, in an article entitled “In the War on Global Warming, Eating Cows is more dangerous Than Driving a Gas-Guzzler” it claimed that

"Livestock are responsible for 18 per cent of the greenhouse gases that cause global warming, more than cars, planes and all other forms of transport put together," states a new 400-page report by Britain's Food and Agricultural Organization according to The Independent.

The sad news is … it’s NOT funny. I am announcing to the blog world that admittedly, I don’t do enough to help STOP global warming. But this is going to change now. I am committed to learning, researching, and changing my habits to improve the world (oh wait a minute; I need to lasso up old Betty in the barn … I think she’s getting away.)

Stay tuned as I learn, and share, my newly found knowledge of Global Warming and Going Green . . .

Posted by Melody at 10:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Father’s Day can mean many different things to many different families. But to me, there is nothing more precious than having my husband share a special moment with his kids, alone, while casting a fishing line in a lake or standing on a sandy beach shore.

Talk about quality time. When else can you have your kid’s undivided attention, to discuss school, friends, special occasions, or to probe and find out if your kid is having difficulties in school, being bothered with drugs and alcohol, being bullied. Fishing with your son and daughter can open up lines of communication that otherwise would not have happened.

It is so rare, in our busy schedule, to actually STOP, LISTEN, and COMMUNICATE with your kids. Try fishing … it’s a great gift and a wonderful opportunity to relish special conversations.

No kidding, it was my youngest son’s idea. We just went online and ordered our Father’s Day Gift from Cabelas Master Fly Fishing catalog … an awesome rod and real on sale for just $59.95.

Posted by Melody at 11:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just don’t get it! Yes, the latest trend is to have huge, oversize bags. Yes, the bigger the better. More buckles. More studs. More compartments. More leather. More of everything … except fashion.

I know I’m bucking the trend. Vogue magazine and Harpers Bazaar magazine will vehemently oppose to my statements, but have the “designers” really tried out these oversized monstrosities?

Let me put it into perspective.

I STRONGLY believe that every single day…. You should change your purse based on your shoes. Though I am not considered a fashion expert, this is one pet peeve of mine. It is utterly DISGUSTING to wear black shoes with a brown purse. It is critical to change purses to be coordinating with your shoes --- DAILY.

Today, women are carrying damn near duffle bag sized purses. The totes are so enormously big it makes you wonder if they are smuggling an immigrant baby across the borders. Even major news channels are featuring how women are hurting their backs by schlepping heavy bags.

I personally prefer a small, petit bag so that it ONLY holds my cell phone, palm pilot, credit cards safely tucked inside the zippered compartment (no wallet, no change purse--- no nothing), lipstick and a few Kleenex.

My favorite picks going into this summer are:
from Star 50 Handbags ...

from Chadwick's of Boston...

from Peruvian Connection

Posted by Melody at 01:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)