Want to Make a Difference? Come to Grand Central on June 30th and Support a Great Cause!

Show your support for international not-for-profit Dress for Success by joining actress and singer Vanessa Williams and Allergan, Inc., the maker of BOTOX Cosmetic (Botulinum Toxic Type A), as they launch the "BOTOX Cosmetic: Express Success" charitable education campaign.

When: Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Time: 11:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.
Where: Grand Central Terminal,
Vanderbilt Hall
New York City
(Park Avenue at 42nd Street)

In honor of working women, Allergan is donating $250,000 to support Dress for Success in its efforts to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women express success in the workplace and in life.

The campaign will kick off with a Rack Relay Race on June 30th and we invite you and your friends to support the cause by bringing donations of nearly new professional attire, while having fun running the races during your lunch break.

Get involved at ExpressSuccessCampaign.com

As an added bonus, DSW, the Discount Shoe Warehouse, is offering a 1-day only shopping coupon to all registered racers, and a $100 gift card to the winning team!

A great cause with great benefits! Come on out to support! Hope to see you there!!!

R.I.P. Michael: We Will Miss You Greatly...

Michael Jackson passed away yesterday (Friday, June 25th) at the young age of 50 years old. Controversial as his life may have been, the man had talent. He had an amazing stage presence and was an incomparable dancer. He was a true performer. He was the "King of Pop". Please, join me in honoring his memory...

Sound Advice: 10 Tips On How To Pack Your Suitcase For Your Trip (Helpful Hints For The Overpacker)

By Marion Kummerow (somewhat paraphrased)

When packing for a trip, you need to consider the weather, as well as the activities you are planning to participate in.

One important thing to keep in mind for all air travel is not to over-pack. Most carriers allow only 20 kilo or 45 lb if you’re traveling economy. Furthermore, you want to travel as light as possible in case you have to drag your luggage around with you.

Here is a list of ten recommendations:

1. Don’t pack last minute.
This will give you the chance to buy some things you need before your departure.

2. Start with the things you need for every vacation.
Toiletries, underwear, socks, medicine, etc. Always take sunscreen: the depletion of the ozone layer are making the sun's rays more and more dangerous every day.

3. Chose your main colors.
In order to be able to combine all the pieces try to stick to three main colors. Black and white are always two of my main colors because they go with everything. Add your favorite color like red, pink, green or blue.

4. Chose the basic everyday outfits.
For short journeys (up to one week) pack one complete outfit for every day. For longer journeys, take one complete outfit for every day of the first week. Afterward, you’ll have to repeat clothes or do laundry.

You’ll probably spend most of your time outdoors and walking around, visiting the different sights. Therefore, your basic outfit could consist in jeans and T-shirt. Don’t forget to pack a set of underwear and socks for each day.

5. Pack two evening outfits.
If you plan to go to a fancy restaurant, the opera or a [club], you’ll need an evening outfit. Don’t take more than two or three of them and make them simple yet stunning: black pants/skirts and a glamorous top.

6. Don’t forget bad weather gear.
Always take at least two sweaters, in case the weather gets cold. An umbrella or rain jacket will be suitable as well.

7. What about sports?
Never go anywhere without a bathing suit! It’s so tiny and you never know when you can use it. Maybe the weather is really hot and you want to go to the beach (or a lake) or the weather is really bad and you want to enjoy a tropical feeling in an indoor swimming pool.

8. Chose three pairs of shoes.
Take one or two comfortable shoes or sneakers for the everyday activities, one nice pair for the evening and maybe some really glitzy high heels for the occasional night life event.

9. Take as little jewelry as possible.
Carrying your fine jewelry all across the world and taking it in and out of the hotel safe might make yourself a target for theft. Don’t ruin your vacation! Choose some basic pieces of jewelry and travel with those.

10. Spread all clothes to consider out onto your bed.
Once everything is spread out on your bed, start packing your suitcase. Count the number of pieces and ask yourself:

Do I really need 20 T-shirts for a 2 week vacation?

Then, start putting half of the pieces back into the closet.

About the Author:
Marion Kummerow is the author of http://www.inside-munich.com and an experienced traveler to destinations all over the world.

http://www.isnare.com/?aid=85279&ca=Travel

Being an overpacker myself, I found this article to offer some great advice! I hope this post was at least a bit helpful to someone out there!!!

Happy Travel, Everyone!!!

(A List of Just) Twenty Fun and Easy Ways to Exercise!!!

According to research, two of the top 10 reasons people don't exercise are exercise boredom and perception that exercise is too difficult. When workouts or other activities are fun and/or easy to incorporate into everyday life, people are more likely to stick with them, many studies show.

Here is a list of just 20 ways to do so:

1. Play Twister. Flexibility and fun, all rolled into one retro game.
2. Table tennis (ping-pong). It keeps you on your feet and moving about so it ranks as an easy and fun way to get in a little exercise.
3. Twirl a Hula-Hoop. A great ab toner and heart-rate raiser (hula-hoops.com).
4. Shopping. You can go to a large shopping mall and spend the day walking and shopping or you could go to a large shopping center and park at one end and walk all the way to the other end.
5. Hiking. Whether you hike to a waterfall or your plan a romantic picnic at the end of your hike, you'll never realize that you're actually exercising because you're having so much fun.
6. Dance. Did you know high energy dancing burns up to 400 calories per hour?
7. Sign up for an exercise class. There's something uplifting and highly motivating about exercising in a group.
8. Remember Jumping Jacks? See how many you can do during one or two commercials while you’re watching television.
9. Pillow Fight! Getting irritated at your partner? Feeling tense? Have a pillow fight!
10. Race. Going somewhere? Leaving somewhere? Park in the back and race your partner to the front.
11. Arm wrestle. Both arms and with as many people who are willing to do it.
12. Replace the recliner with a stationary bike. Even if you bike super slow, it’ll be more movement than if you were just sitting on the couch or recliner. And find a comfy one so you’ll actually sit on it.
13. Pass time efficiently. Waiting for a pot to boil? Try some standing wall push-ups while you wait.
14. Help others while you help yourself. Sign-up for several charity fitness events throughout the year.
15. Stair climbing. If you've got a flight of stairs in your home or nearby, then you have an instant, inexpensive piece of fitness equipment.
16. Play with toys. Get colorful exercise balls, bands and weights that you'll want to use.
17. Make cookies from scratch. Instead of the Cuisinart, use a wooden spoon - it takes major arm strength.
18. Skip to the beat. Substitute skipping for your usual jog or mix it into your walk/jog workout (iskip.com)
19. Reach for the sky. It used to be called trampolining; now it's called urban rebounding (urbanrebounding .com).
20. Lead a cheer. Act like a teenager at a cheerleading "camp" class (cheerleading.net)

So, get out there and get yourself moving to a better "you". As you just read, there are at least 20 easy ways to do so while having fun!!!

In NYC and looking to "Kid Around" (with the kids) this Summer?

(Single Mom with Acting Goals here.)
Ready for the Summer? Here's a "survival guide" of free and cheap events, from concerts & movie-screenings to square dancing and roller-skating to keep your little one's busy this Summer:

The Bronx:

Celebration Congo! At the Bronx Zoo: Meet Gorillas Pattycake, Zuri & Hali as part of the 10th anniversary of the Congo Gorilla Forest exhibit. Also enjoy special Wildlife Theater performances, African dance & drum performances & traditional African storytelling. In addition, remember that every Wednesday is a pay-what-you-wish-day. (Tomorrow and Sat.; also June 26-27 & July 3-4, 10-11 & 17-18. 10am-5pm; $14-$18. Fordham Rd & Bronx River Pkwy www.bronxzoo.com)

Fun & Movies in Pelham Bay Park: Join in free bike lessons, arts and crafts, storytelling and much more at Family Day from noon to 3pm. Then stick around for one-night only screening of "ET: The Extra Terrestrial" from 8 to 10. Sit back on the great lawn of the Bartow-Pell Mansion Museum & grab a bag of Reese's Pieces for this Steven Speilberg classic (Sat., July 11; free. Hutchinson River Pkwy & Bruckner Expressway, 718-885-1461)

Queens:

Rock 'N' Skate: Strap on a pair of wheels of wheels & head out to this annual skate clinic. Whether you can make figure eights or barely stand up, there's equipment on loan to all ages & plenty of music to keep you grooving. Best of all-you'll have Rockaway Beach as your backdrop. (Thurs., June 14, and Weds., Aug. 12, 6-9pm; free. Rockaway Beach Skating Rink. 108th St & Shore Front Pkwy., www.nycgovparks.org)

Queens County Farm Museum: The borough's own 47-acre working far, features orchards, hayrides, herb gardens & livestock just blocks from the Q46 bus. It also hosts events like this summer's Thunderbird American Indian Mid-Summer pow Wow: July 24-46, 40 Indian nations will come together for a dance competition on the orchard grounds. Visitors can also take in Native American art, crafts, jewelry and food. (Open daily from 10am-5pm. Free admission, but Pow Wow is $4-$15. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway; take the E or F train to the Kew Gardens/Union Turnpike station & then the Q46 to the Little Neck Parkway stop; www.queensfarm.org)

Manhattan:

Swing-A-Ring Nights: Ever wanted to run away to the circus? Well, here's your chance to learn the tricks. On Saturday nights, kids can learn activities like juggling, ring-swinging, unicycling and more at Riverside Park. (June 27 & July 11 & 25, Aug. 8 & 22. 5pm; free. Hudson Beach & 105th St., www.riversideparkfund.org)

MidSummer Night Swing Kids Day: Jump, jive & wail at this event hosted by Lincoln Center. Kids learn swing, ballroom and tango steps from "Mad Hot Ballroom" teacher Rodney Lopez at Damrosch Park. (Sat., July 18, 3:30pm; $5. 62nd St b/w Columbus & Amsterdam Aves. www.lincolncenter.org)

Staten Island:

Nature Story Theater: Who doesn't like a good puppet show? This event, held at Clay Pit Pond's new Interpretive Center, offers fun for the whole family. Enjoy the antics of the Clay Pit Puppets, whose shows deliver both entertainment & education. (sat., June 27, 2:30pm; free, but registration required. 2351 Veterans Road W., 718-967-1976)

Pizza Tour with Staten Island New York: Enjoy a slice & soda from Staten Island's best pizzerias, including Denino's, Jimmy Max & Lee's. B/w meals, visit local sites such as the College of Staten Island & the Staten Island Zoo. Attendees also get a SINY Tour T-shirt. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance. (Saturdays, 11am-3pm; $40. Starts at the Staten Island Ferry terminal; 347-273-1257)

Brooklyn:

Mermaids of the Deep: Head to the New York Aquarium for this year's summer kickoff. Your kids can learn legends about life under the sea, with music, games and aquatic arts & crafts to satisfy their appetites for fun. (This Sat. & Sun., noon-4pm; $9-$13, Surf Ave & W.Eighth St 718-265-3474)

Coney Island Boom-A-Ring: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is back in town, & it's brought all the high-flying excitement you've come to expect from the circus. Bring the kids to Coney Island for summer fun under the big top. (Through Mon, Sept. 7. Various times; $10-$65. 2015 Boardwalk West 201-507-8900)

Brooklyn Botanical Garden: Don't miss June's Plant Part-y, July's Buggin' Out or August's Water Wonders. Kids can learn about the wide world of nature, from the creepy-crawlies to the rambling rivers. These weekly workshops are free with the price of admission. (Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Various times; $4-$8 900 Washington Ave & Eastern Pkwy.; www.bbg.org)

Happy Family Planning & Have a Great Summer!
(I'll be back at another time with more thoughts and ideas!)

Parents, Listen Up!!! This New Company Keeps Children Safe!!!

We Keep Children Safe dot Com

It has come to our attention that a company named "We Keep Children Safe dot Com" has just been launched.

They work in partnership with Child Shield, U.S.A™ - America's Protector of Children.

The premise of their business is to offer families a comprehensive and proven MISSING CHILD PREVENTION and EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROGRAM.

Why would a family be interested in in this program?

Just check out the following staggering facts:

Did you know:

• there is a technique that child molesting predators are using to gain the trust and gratitude of a parent and befriend their child in less than 30 seconds, right in public?
• 
  
• most children are taken by someone known to the parent?
• 
  
• having your child become missing has surpassed all other forms of losing a child? (example; car accident, illness, etc.)
• 
  
• 90% of convicted child molesters will re offend, only 3% get caught again?
• 
  
• for every crime a child molester is convicted of, there are, on average, 8 others they are responsible for?
• 
  
• for every Registered child molester in a given neighborhood there are 5 to 8 others that haven't been caught or met the state requirements to be registered?
• 
  
• the most recent statistics from the FBI state: 40% of abducted children are dead within 1 hour, 75% are dead within 3 hours?

YOU MUST PREVENT YOUR CHILD FROM BECOMING MISSING !

We Keep Children Safe dot Com, working in affiliation with Child Shield, U.S.A™ has a twofold mission:

Our primary goal is to reduce the alarming numbers of lost, missing, abducted, and runaway children in America. To that end, our child safety program provides families with an array of easy-to-follow educational materials that will empower their children with important knowledge that can help prevent a tragedy.

The second goal of We Keep Children Safe dot Com, working in affiliation with Child Shield, U.S.A™ is to offer victim families and Law Enforcement agencies a "one stop, one call source" for immediate assistance in distributing information that is vital to the recovery effort. Whenever a Child Shield, U.S.A™ registered child becomes missing, we are prepared to act IMMEDIATELY by providing local and far-reaching assistance to the child's family and Law Enforcement agencies involved.

Here is just Some of What The Offered Package Includes:

$60,000 Plus Comprehensive
Child Protection Program Includes:

(All of the items listed below apply to every child.)

• $50,000 REWARD
  is immediately posted for maximum attention and awareness to recovery your missing child
• ALL EXPENSES PAID FOR PROFESSIONAL PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
  - A licensed investigator is immediately dispatched from a database of over 3500 in the United States and over 70 foreign countries. A minimum of $2500 in services is provided with no set maximum.
  Value: $4000-$8000 for the first week.
• DUPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF VIDEO.
  Hundreds of videos can be duplicated and distributed immediately to our database of over 16,000 agencies nationwide.
  Value: Over $4000
• DUPLICATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF COLOR POSTERS.
  Hundreds of color posters can be duplicated and distributed immediately to our database of over 16,000 agencies nationwide. In addition, 1000 color posters can be sent to you for local distribution.
  Value: Over $4000
• "STOLEN INNOCENCE"
  book. This book is included at no additional cost. It gives insight into the tricks and techniques that child predators use or may have already used to gain access to you and/or your children.
• MONTHLY CHILD SAFETY PUBLICATION
  - Every month you receive, "The Shield", child safety publication. This item reminds you to talk with your child and gives you topics to talk about. There is also a pull-out page for your child with puzzles and coloring. We also keep you updated on the latest, "Tricks and Techniques", child molesting predators are using to catch your child and you, off-guard. This publication is the only, ongoing, educational program available to Child Shield, U.S.A. parents that reinforces our guaranteed program. Many parents have quoted, "The Shield publication alone is worth the investment".

And that's just the tip of the iceberg, Everyone!!!
Because we believe in this program, my husband and I have enrolled our own son.

Please, go to wekeepchildrensafe.com and find out more. We've got to do everything to keep our children safe!

The program works out to only 42 cents a day. Isn't your child's safety (and safe recovery, should the unthinkable happen) worth that much???

Funny-of-the-Week: Actual School Excuse Notes!!!

* My son is under a doctor's care and should not take P.E. today. Please execute him.
* Please excuse Lisa for being absent. She was sick and I had her shot.
* Please excuse me for being absent last week. I am in pursuing my life's dream and
training to become a Master Burger Flipper at McDonald's.
* Please ekscuse John being absent on Jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, and also 33.
* Please excuse Gloria from Jim today. She is administrating.
* Please excuse Roland from P.E. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and
misplaced his hip.
* John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.
* Please excuse Ray Friday from school. He has very loose vowels.
* Please excuse Tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots
leak.
* Please excuse Jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.
* I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because I don't know
what size she wear.
* Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday
paper off the porch, and when we found it Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
* Sally won't be in school a week from Friday. We have to attend her funeral.
* My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent a weekend with
the Marines.
* Please excuse Bob from school from Sep. 1 - Nov. 1, he had to attend a religious
sacrificial giving ceremony on Indian grounds.
* My brother used this in real life..."the only reason that I do bad in school is because
I'm near and far sighted."
* I didn't come to school yesterday because I was feeling like I was going to be sick,
but thankfully I wasn't!
* Please excuse my daughter for being late. Her broom won't start so I had to send it
back to Salem for repairs!
* I'm sorry but my baby sitter flushed my homework down the toilet.
* I'm sorry Tyler can't go to school today because his hormones are raging.
* I'm sorry I can't come to school today because I have toemonia!

Happy Hump Day, Everyone!!!

Shoe Dazzle: High-End, Personalized Shoes at only $39.99/pair!!!

Kim Kardashian considered the "little people" when thinking up her latest webstore concept. You know, the inner fashionista that would like to buy designer, high-end shoes but can't afford to pay the price of a month's rent to buy a pair? That's right-- the average woman!!! Kim found a way to offer the average woman designer shoes at the low-looow price of $39.99/pair!!!

Enter Shoe Dazzle: Your Personal Shoe Stylist.

At ShoeDazzle.com, you receive:

1. "Personal recommendations from shoe stylists.
2. Membership INCLUDES one pair of shoes per month.
3. You pay only after you select your first pair.
4. Free Shipping (within the contiguous United States)."

Here's How it Works:
"ShoeDazzle is a monthly membership society. Every month, for just $39, you will receive an extraordinary pair of shoes. The shoes are handpicked for you by our fashion experts. There is no obligation to purchase shoes once you register, and you are charged only after you choose your first pair of shoes. In any month, you may choose to "Skip This Month" in your account section."
All you have to do is:

• "Take our Fashion Survey:
  It only takes a few minutes for us to get to know your style.
• Our stylists pick 5 shoes for you:
  Based on your survey results, our fashion experts provide you with a choice of 5 fashionable shoes each month, from which you choose one. If you do not like your choices, you can select "Skip this Month" and you won't be charged for that month.
• Choose the pair you want:
  We provide free shipping. If you are unsatisfied with your shoes, simply return them to us using the pre-printed return shipping label provided with your order."
• (Check out the FAQs if you have any further questions.)

How great is that, Fashionistas-in-the-Making???!!!

My sister, Single Mom with Acting Goals, has signed up for Shoe Dazzle and she's going to be at the ready to review their quality of service and products as soon as she gets a good feel for the company. So, keep an eye out for that upcoming post!

And as always...

Happy Shopping, Ladies!!!

In NYC and looking to shop for higher-end clothes/makeup/household items at discount prices?

If you're going to be in NYC anytime soon and are looking to buy some higher-end items at discount prices, check out the following stores:

1. Gabay's Outlet
actually carries overstock from some of New York's finest department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman and Henri Bendel (and they're available from 50% - 80% off!!! Isn't that a great find?!). Gabay's Outlet is family owned and operated. They even offer a mailing list that you can sign up for, where you can get the inside scoop to hear about new arrivals.

Address: 225 First Ave. (between 13th and 14th)
Phone: 212-254-3180
Subway: L to 1st Avenue; 4/5/6, N/R/W to 14th Street/Union Square

2. Loehmann's
offers clothing at 30-65% off retail. They have a famous "Back Room"where they have high-end designer merchandise at bargain prices. Go to their website and sign up for their "Insider's Club" if you would like additional coupons.

Address: 101 Seventh Ave. (near 17th St.)
Phone: 212-352-0856
Subway: 1/9 to 18th Street

3. Century 21
is marketed as "New York's Best Kept Secret". But it's hardly a secret at all. If you plan on going there, be prepared to face throngs of "in the know" shoppers. This is usurped by the fact that their are amazing discounts available. To beat the crowds, going in the early morning or the mid-afternoon (when a lot of people are at work) will more than likely help.

Address: 22 Cortlandt St. (between Church St. and Broadway)
Phone: 212-227-9092
Subway: E to World Trade Center; 2/3 to Park Place; N/W to City Hall

4. Find Outlet
offers ever-changing inventory. Sign up for their weekly email so that you can be in the know on the current week's offerings at the stores. (If you plan on trying on the clothes though, be prepared for tiny dressing rooms.)

Chelsea Location Address: 361 W. 17th St., between Eighth and Ninth Aves.
Phone: 212-243-3177
Subway: A/C/E to 14th Street

SoHo Location Address: 229 Mott St.
Phone: 212-226-5167
Subway: 6 at Spring St., N/R/W at Prince St.

5. Syms
offers designer clothing lines, such as Tommy Hilfiger and Kenneth Cole. For convenience sake, there are differently shaped tags for men, women and children and different colors for each size. (Which makes things much easier!) You can sign up at their website to get 10% off of your first purchase.

Midtown East Location Address: 400 Park Ave.
Phone: 212-317-8200
Subway: E/V to 53rd/Lex, 6 to 51st/Lex

Financial District Location Address: 42 Trinity Pl.
Phone: 212-797-1199
Subway: 4/5 to Bowling Green

5. Cosmetic Market
is somewhat like a discounted drugstore, but at the same time, so much more than that. There's a lot you can pick-up here, but if you are looking for a specific high end brand you more than likely won't find it. When going to Cosmetic Market, walk in with an open mind and ready funds, and walk out with some amazing deals.

Address: 15 East 37th Street (near Madison Ave.)
Phone: 212-725-3625
Subway: 6 to 33rd St/Park Ave, 7/B/D/F/V to 42nd Street, 4/5/6/7/S to Grand Central

As always,
Happy, Happy Shopping!!!

For Those Who Are Interested in Watching the Original "Slater Saves the Max" Clip from Saved by the Bell...

Below is Slater's (now) infamous speech from Saved by the Bell's "Save the Max" episode:

(As you can probably already tell, I was not able to figure out how to configure the video to start manually instead of automatically. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.)

Slater Saves the Max

Do YOU think Mario Lopez (and Jimmy Fallon) did a good job of reenacting the original scene?

Joke-of-the-Week (for SBTB fans): Mark-Paul Gosselaar is really Zack Morris???

Mark-Paul Gosselaar recently showed up at Late Night with Jimmy Fallon...
as Zack Morris!!! It was pretty cool to watch him method act. Very convincing! (LOL!) (And he's hardly changed at all! For anyone who has ever wondered what Zack would look like as an adult, your answer is: Pretty much the same!!!)


Anyone who was as faithful a SBTB viewer as I was will find the clip below very nostalgic (90s clothing, technology, etc.) and quite funny:

What do YOU think? Is Mark-Paul Gosselaar REALLY Zack Morris in disguise??? :-P

Jimmy Fallon is Working on a "Saved by the Bell" Reunion!!!

Growing up, one of my favorite shows of all time was Saved by the Bell. The original show was where it was at. The College Years and The New Class were both well and good but none compared to the original. (We all know that sequels, prequels, spin-offs never can never really compare to their predecessors. For example: We all know the movie Grease but how many people have ever even heard of Grease 2 starring a very young Michele Pfeifer?)

It has been 20 years since the show began. (I can't believe it's been that long already!!!) In honor of this fact, Jimmy Fallon (host of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) has decided to try and put together a Saved by the Bell (SBTB) Reunion on his show. This is pretty exciting for anyone who was as avid a fan as I was!!! (While I was in college, someone gave a speech and referenced SBTB. Everyone bonded over it. That goes to show how popular the show was when we were growing up.)

Now, those of you who weren't fans may be scoffing at this idea, wondering, "What's the big deal??? It was just a show!!!" My response is, "Didn't you have something in your life when you were growing up that you would love to have again, even if just for a moment?"

Actually, you know what? I don't believe I can put it any better than Mario Lopez did when he recently showed up at The Late Show. Watch the clip below (which is actually a tribute to an episode where A.C. Slater gives a speech of a similar sort) and you'll understand:

If you couldn't before, I hope you can now relate. Please, sign the petition and help us put together a full SBTB Reunion!!! (Jimmy Fallon calls it "The Impossible Dream". So, let's go ahead and) "Dream the Impossible Dream!!!"

Part II: Real Dolls: Why Can't These Men Just Accept Real Women???

My post on The Perfect Woman sparked some major interest and discussion on the topic of inanimate mates. Further research brought forth a documentary entitled Love Me. Love My Doll. It's about male owners of rubber, life-sized dolls: Real Doll, the Ultimate Lovedoll.

If you watch the entire documentary, you learn that these men are afraid of relationships with real women. They are so afraid that they'd rather have a life-long doll companion. You cannot LOVE a doll!!! Okay, maybe you can develop an emotional attachment to one...I guess. But an inanimate object cannot LOVE you back!!!

Give me a break!!! Why not wholeheartedly try a relationship with an actual woman?! Nothing ventured, nothing gained!!! Relationships aren't perfect. They're not meant to be!!! Humans, by nature, are imperfect.

When I watched this documentary, I came to one conclusion. These men are selfish. Yes, they have problems--but we all do. With the availability of the internet, one can surely find a mate with similar interests.

Take Michael, for example (one of the men from the documentary). He found a girlfriend on the internet. They had a lot in common. And each considered themselves open-minded. But in the end, Jody (his girlfriend) just couldn't stay with a man who likes to have sex with dolls. It's creepy and unnatural. And just plain selfish!!!

One of Michael's reasons for "needing" the dolls was that he could have sex with them whenever he wanted; something you can't do with real women. (Speaking to men like Michael:) "Uh, hello!!! Get over yourself!!! I'm sure the woman in your life (if you would ever actually be brave enough to go out and find love) will want something that you can't give her! Should she search elsewhere? Do you honestly think that because your mistresses don't have heartbeats, it's not cheating??? Come on now! The dolls are designed to be your idea of perfect women! How could a real-live woman ever truly compete with that???"

Below, I am posting the first segment of the documentary. You can find the rest on YouTube. (Warning!!! These clips contain some sensitive material that may not be suitable for younger viewers!!!):

What do you think? Are these men perfectly normal, mentally sick, or just plain selfish?

Looking for Things to do with your Child(ren) in NYC?

Check out Mommy Poppins. It's the place to go to find Indoor activities (such as museums, movies, etc.), Birthday Party ideas, a Camp and Summer Program Guide, Classes, Preschools, and the New York City Pregnancy and Baby Guide.

With this site, you should potentially never be at a loss for finding something to do with your child(ren) in NYC again! (But if you want other options, you can check out my husband's post on Great Things to Do with Your Kids in New York City.) Check out these sites and find something fun to do with your child(ren) today!!!

Part I: The "Perfect Woman"??? Intriguing or Appalling?

Hello Everyone,

I just saw a video of "The Perfect Woman". Her name is Lisa and... she's a robot!!! "She" has supposedly been in production for three years now and is due to be released by the end of the year. There is a website in existence that claims that one can go to The Perfect Woman Website and pre-order her!!!

According to the video, one of the investors in this project, who wishes to remain anonymous (no surprise there) says that she is being made to appeal to all of the single men out there. If this were serious, could you imagine going to someone's home and meeting their robotic wife??? There's just something majorly creepy and unnatural about that.

And according to the website, to remain equal, they are working on the male version as well! The website/video don't really say whether or not the robot would be equipped for sexual satisfaction but can you really see yourself having sex with a robot??? I mean, come on now. I personally find the idea appalling.

The odds are this whole thing is some kind of joke/prank that was put out there for the prankers' entertainment (although there is no actual proof either way) but imagine if it were actually real? I highly doubt the robots would appeal to the single people of the world. They would appeal to the mentally sick people!!!

Watch the video below and decide for yourself:

What do you think? Is the idea of a robot mate intriguing or appalling?

Part III: Nicole by O.P.I.'s Nic Sticks work JUST as well as Sally Hansen's Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pens!!!

Once I, Modern Day NYC Mom, try out one type of beauty product, I feel the need to try out similar ones for comparison purposes. If you've been following along with my previous review posts, you've seen that I've already tried the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen by Sally Hansen (Part I) and to go along with that, I've also tried the Nail Art Pen by Sally Hansen (Part II) as well. Both are absolutely wonderfully portable and easy to use. They're unfortunately a little pricey. Also, the selection of colors for the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen is pretty limited. Good thing there are Nicole by O.P.I. Nic's Sticks.

Personally, I find Nicole by O.P.I. Nic's Sticks just as easy to use as the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pens. The same pros and cons pretty much apply to both, except for a few exceptions, which I will discuss now.

Pro and Con Comparison of Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks and
Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen by Sally Hansen

Pros:

• O.P.I.'s product has many different color options (twenty-four vs. Sally Hansen's eight standard colors).
• Nicole by O.P.I. offers very cute and creative names, (such as the color I bought, Date Night, which is a very pretty, shimmery red color, pictured to your left). (Sally Hansen's color names are pretty basic, such as the Sheer Pink.)
• Nic's Sticks' standard price of $7.00 is cheaper than Sally Hansen's standard price of about $8.00 ($8.29 in NYC).
• If you're using these products to save time, Nic's Sticks require only one twist to open their caps, whereas Sally Hansen requires about three (and they're both equally as secure)!!!
  

Cons:

• Nicole by O.P.I. does not make any version of the Nail Art Pen that I reviewed yesterday. (That's technically a review for the company, not the product.)

So, in conclusion, I believe that Nicole by O.P.I.'s Nic's Sticks are a better buy than Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen by Sally Hansen. They do the exact same thing at a slightly more affordable price! If the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen by Sally Hansen is ever on sale though and you're wondering which product to buy, just go for the more affordable one. They're the exact same product!!!

And again, I wish you 'Happy Shopping, Ladies!!!'

Funny-of-the-Week: An Attorney Left Speechless!!! (A Rare Occurence Indeed!) :-)

(The following is supposedly a true story.)

Scene: A courtroom where a witness is testifying in a case involving a man biting off the ear of another man during a fight. After supplying testimony which was very bad for the defendant, the witness was being cross examined by the defendant's attorney.

Attorney: You said that you saw the defendant and the plaintiff in a fight?

Witness: Yes.

Attorney: You then said that you were concerned for your safety and that, because of this concern, you sought shelter elsewhere?

Witness: Yes.

Attorney: You further stated that during this time of seeking shelter, you turned your back to the fight at hand?

Witness: Yes.

Attorney: And then you testified that that was when the defendant bit off the plaintiff's ear??!!

Witness: Yes.

Attorney: Well, that makes for an interesting question then! If your back was turned to the fight then you obviously must have had the plaintiff and the defendant out of your field of vision, correct?

Witness: Yes, correct.

Attorney: Well then, did you see the defendant bite off the plaintiff's ear?

Witness: No.

Attorney: (Smugly) If you did not see him do it, how could you possibly know that the defendant bit off the ear of the plaintiff?!?!

Witness: I saw him spit it out.

(Dead Silence)

Attorney: No further questions.

(Not so smug now, are we? LOL!)

Part II: (IF You're As BAD at Doing Your OWN Nails As I AM,) When Using SH's Nail Art Pen, ALWAYS Have Nail Polish Remover (and Q-tips) on Hand!!!

I was so excited to find theColor Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen by Sally Hansen yesterday, that I rushed out today to buy the Nail Art Pen by the same company. As for ease of use? It is most definitely easier to use than thin nail polish brushes. Being that it's purpose is much more precise than the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen, my review will be based on that fact.

As I mentioned yesterday, I've always been very bad at polishing my own nails. While the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen is definitely the answer to my basic nail polishing needs, the Nail Art Pen is a bit more difficult for me to use. The design is just fine. Implementing it just takes more time and patience.

The pen itself is designed like a marker and works like one as well. The solution it contains is water- based, so it won't stick to your nail on it's own (a base and top coat is required). If you wish to use it just to place a design on your nails, you can always just use a clear base/top coat. The fact that it's water-based makes it easy to remove (and it's also environmentally safe)!!!

Unfortunately, water-based "paints" take longer to try. So, no drying an entire job in under ten minutes like with the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen.
(Warning: If you don't have nail polish remover (or water and soap) handy and you get the solution on your skin, it will initially stick. It behaves much like Correction Fluid in this way. [Being that I don't have the most steady hands in the world, I have a tendency of doing this, thus requiring me to have nail polish remover on hand, which I consider a bit of a con.])

As for the price? Ease of use is usually worth it. But at $8 per 2ml (compared to the average nail polish bottle size of 10ml), is it really worth it? That depends on how much you want to be able to design your own nails. Personally? I don't think I'll be buying any other color [I bought the basic white] anytime soon, unless the price were to dramatically drop. (I think I'll try the Nail Art Decals next.)

I covered what most matters to me about the pen (and what I, in turn, thought would be most important to my readers). If you'd like to learn even more about the product (from a teenager who seemingly has a lot more time and spendable cash than this new Mom [me]), check out JackieAm's (quite extensive) review below:

As always, Happy Shopping, Ladies!!!

Part I: Ladies, Listen Up! Polishing Your Own Nails is No Longer The Impossible Dream!!!

I have always been very bad at polishing my nails. I mean, I've tried all of my life to perfect the polish. But no matter what I've tried (taking my time, trying to keep the coats light or stick to light colors, etc.), nothing has worked. I figured I had no choice but to either have someone else do my nails for the rest of my life (which can get pricey) or just leave them undone (which is the easiest option for the Mom on the run). That was until today.

I recently noticed an ad for a nail polish pen on the side of a city bus. I thought, "How novel. Being able to hold the nail polish applicator and nail polish in one hand should make things much easier! I think I'll give that a try."

So, today during my lunch break, I walked into Duane Reade with a question and walked out with the answer. Sitting at my desk at work (something I could have never done with an old-fashioned nail polish applicator and bottle), I was able to polish the nails on both my hands and feet in under 10 minutes!!! And here's the best part: all of my nails were dry within 11 minutes. You couldn't ask for something better than that!!!

Have I peaked your interest? Would you like to know the name of this little gem? It's the Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen by Sally Hansen. (Sally Hansen often delivers great beauty products at some pretty good prices.)

The Color Quick Fast Dry Nail Color Pen isn't the cheapest nail polish on the block at nearly $10 a pen, but it is definitely not the most expensive either. (It's pretty moderate.) The question is, how much are you willing to spend to help make beautifying yourself just a bit easier?

If we, as women, are willing to go to a nail salon and pay $15 (or more) a session to get our nails professionally (buffed and) polished each week, how much more cost-effective would doing our own nails be!!! (For information on being cost-effective by budgeting, check out my husband's article: To Budget Or Not to Budget.) It would also save us time traveling, what with not having to leave our home to do it ourselves. (In case you're wondering about putting your own designs on your nails, Sally Hansen offers Nail Art Pens as well. Once I try one, I'll let you know whether or not it's as easy to use.) It just makes sense! (Nicole by O.P.I. also offers similar pens: Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks (pictured here). I am going to give them a try next and let you know whether or not they work just as well!!!)

After years of bad experiences, my search for the perfect do-it-yourself nail polish is over! No need to take my word (or the picture of my perfectly polished nails) for it though. Why not try it for yourself?

(FYI, this is not a paid review. I just found another product I'm passionate about and I wanted to share it with you all. Remember, my goal is to make my readers' lives easier! Luv you all!!!)