Paparazzi Spotlight

I have been reading the coverage of the photos taken of Will and Kate during their recent vacation. The Royal couple was staying at another members home when a paparazzi photographer snagged some topless pictures of the Duchess of Cambridge. The latest read was that the Royal family has asked the lawyers to look into the whole thing and ask the magazine to remove photos published.

There is no doubt the life of a celebrity or in this case a Royal couple has to be extremely hard living day to day with cameras following you around literally all day. The minute you step out the door from home or are out and about, the cameras are snapping. Simply walking their new puppy caught snapshots of the couple, but I guess it comes with the paparazzi spotlight.

Vacation To-Do List

What's always nice about starting a new month is the freshness factor of new things cropping up in the way of work or simply the vacation plans that are finalizing quickly. Let your vacation to-do list help keep you from getting too frazzled by keeping track of everything.

Hang the list on the refrigerator to add or mark off items which is actually motivation that you are making progress as the days leading up to the  vacation take shape. Have the kids make their own vacation to-do list for gadgets, games and other stuff they plan to take with them.

The vacation to-do list is handy if you are expecting house guests this week. Let it help get the house ready and refrigerator stocked by jotting down what you need. It's going to be a patriotic week celebrating the 4th of July either away from home or the staycation which is just as enjoyable.

Garage sale earns extra cash

Have you marked the summer vacation trip on the calendar yet? As plans take shape, so will the budgeting for gas, hotel, food, entertainment and more. Here's a way to earn some extra cash for the trip.

Plan a weekend to have a garage sale. I know it's a lot of work getting everything organized to sell, but it is worth the effort. Don't go it alone, get the kids involved and maybe ask a neighbor if they want to go in with you and sell some of their things.

The economy has many people out and about especially on the weekends looking for garage sales. There might be a city ordinance on placing signs around so don't overdo it. Just make sure to post one at the entrance to your subdivision. Plus, some colorful helium balloons tied to the mailbox post at your house is  welcoming.

When having a garage sale, price the items to sell. People are looking for bargains and some may talk you down on a particular piece. Go ahead and bag it up as sold. The whole idea behind a garage sale is to try and sell items you no longer want and to make some extra cash. Go a lot of jeans, price them for a $1.

The only thing you want to bring back inside is the empty table that displayed all those good buys. Have fun!

Summer Skin Hydration

Just as the winter months can dry out the skin, the summer season is right behind when it comes to dryness. Vaseline is your go-to moisturizer for helping to keep the body smooth and hydrated in the summer.

Rub Vaseline on the elbows, feet, legs and other drying spots. The lips definitely need moisturizing so dab some on them to prevent dryness and cracking. Pack a small jar in your luggage when traveling this summer. It's an inexpensive health and beauty product to keep on hand. Place a jar of Vaseline on the counter in the kid's bathroom.

With more time spent at the pool, beach or sunbathing for an awesome tan, the skin loses moisture.The winter isn't the only time to benefit from the moisturizing uses of Vaseline. It's a summertime favorite too!

Tweak exercising as temps rise

The temperatures are on the rise as the summer months are about to kick into gear. There are just a couple of days left in the month of May and it's been pretty hot in lots of places including Atlanta.

It may be time to tweak your exercise routine especially for those walking or running outdoors. If you work from home, starting a half hour or hour earlier will help as the morning temps can begin already in the 80's. For those who arrive home from work, the evening walk is still doable with Fido who will have his/her leash ready to go. You may have to shorten the walk in the hot temperatures, but can always go back out after dinner when it's a bit cooler.

Here's another exercise tidbit ->When traveling by car for a weekend getaway, take the dumbbells along for a quick workout of the arms. Do a few sets right in the hotel room or guest room at your family or friend's house. It's a quiet way to stay in shape without disturbing others. Plus, those shapely arms will look fabulous down at the beach or night out on the town.

Explore a new city ~ San Diego

Hello again, how is the day been going? It's getting cloudy, but the sun still gets around them before it sets. You know me, always stumbling upon something and this fits that bill. It's a Roundtable of four people talking about all the things to do and more in San Diego, CA.

I tried to post the video to accompany the piece, but it didn't fit the page well and cut some of the folks sitting at the table off. Watch it here ->Roundtable.

It's nice to explore and learn about other cities especially if you plan to visit there. Getting recommendations is always a good idea when traveling. One tidbit I like is how dog-friendly the city is;-) If you visit sunny San Diego, that beach chair has your name written all over it.

Now Playing - Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation

GREAT FAMILY MOVIE ->Mr Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962) via Classic Cinema Online

Happy Fun Friday and this classic movie sets the day off nicely. It's a favorite starring James Stewart and Maureen O'Hara. Think back to your family vacations long ago and those enjoyed now. Getting everything packed and into the car can be challenging, but worth it.

Not to give too much away, but the scene at the beach where Mr. Hobbs meets a beach bombshell who introduces herself and the book she's reading, "War and Peace" is cute. I hope she has lots of sunscreen for time in the sun reading that huge novel:-) Enjoy the movie, it's loads of fun!

Saving money is a family affair

Good Hump Day, hope the week is moving along nicely. Now you know it would not take long in the new month for me to give a few words on budgeting & savings. It's just May 2nd and we're gearing up to pay some bills, right. Many have probably started paying them online which is good, save a stamp and drive to the post office. Put a little extra on that credit card bill.

Don't underestimate the $5 to $10 dollars towards the savings each month. You won't believe how that amount will grow left untouched. As summer vacation plans begin, the money saved will help gas up the car, buy food, and souvenirs from the trip. Encourage the family to save their money from chores, cutting lawns or dog walking gigs. Learning early to budget and save money is a family affair where everyone shares ideas on just how to accomplish these goals.

Tax Day

 

Yep, it's Tax Day! Are any of you buried in paperwork trying to finish up your taxes? I didn't think so, you're organized. If you will receive a refund, start planning on how you will use it. Making some extra payments on a credit card or any debt is a good idea. Also, save some of the refund for summer vacation travel plans. The gas prices and food are two of the top things that will be higher this vacation season. The important thing is to use the tax refund wisely in whatever way fits your lifestyle.

Slopes in Aspen

Michelle, daughters take off for the Obamas’ 16th vacation, MSN
Hitting the ski slopes in Aspen, Colorado...Sweet!