Hanging Off The Wire

My mother always told me not to work too hard, but I don’t think mom ever counted on this. She’s a great woman, but I don’t think she knew what the pressure of being a businesswoman and a mom, as well as a wife and member of all kinds of clubs, would do to a woman - it’s a lot of pressure keeping up with the Joneses these days. I’ve got so many responsibilities from answering my boss’s late night emails on my Hughesnet in San Juan Bautista to taking the kids to and from all their practices to preparing meals for everyone – things they like to eat that taste great. I really don’t know where some women find the time, because I feel like I don’t have one minute to myself and I’m not even the busiest mom that I know. I’ve only got 2 kids – what about Sally down the street who has 5 – how in the world does she juggle it all? My mom would have marveled at that woman.

This guest post from Lenny Mcknight

"ToiletTree Products is a company located in Nyack, NY. Our main focus is on bathroom acessories. We launched our first product, The Original Fogless Shower Mirror, in June of 2010. Look for the release of more new products in the up coming months!"
We got to try the new super cool Deluxe Fogless Shower Mirror! ToiletTree Products has taken their Original Fogless Shower Mirror and turned it into a "Deluxe Version". This transformed mirror is now 20% larger than the Original Fogless Shower Mirror. The entire outside of the mirror is illuminated by LED lights. Look your best by taking care of your face in your shower. This patented mirror is guaranteed not to fog in the shower. No more suction cups falling off the wall! Our removable, soft silicone adhesive secures the mirror to all shower surfaces and will not damage tiles or shower walls! The mirror conveniently detaches from the bracket so you can easily fill the reservoir before each use. An included self-stored sq…

"Klutz creates activity books and other great stuff for kids ages 3 to 103. We began our corporate life in 1977 in a garage we shared with a Chevrolet Impala. Although we’ve outgrown that first office, Klutz Galactic Headquarters remains in Palo Alto, California, and we’re still staffed entirely by real human beings."
Callan got to try some really great books from Klutz! ALL books by Klutz are great in my opinion, and these ones we got are very cool.
Draw the DC Universe This book is a complete how-to-draw package, jammed with expert tips and techniques, tons of practice space, and of course, a universe of DC heroes and villains. The draw-right-in-it book comes with everything you need: a sketching pencil, a drawing marker, artist’s pencils in six colors, a big block eraser to fight crimes against the page, stencils, and translucent overlays scattered throughout for can’t-fail tracing activities.
Invasion Of The Bristlebots Invasion of the Bristlebots comes with two mini-robots -…

The Super Bowl is coming up on February 5th, so as you are planning your parties, why not think of healthier and yummier snack options? Try the hybrid snack - Popcorn Chips called Chip'ins by Popcorn, Indiana. They've combined the flavor of popcorn with the crunch of a chip! Awesome!
I got to try two flavors: Sea Salt, and Jalapeno Ranch! Sea Salt Chip'ins Here is the chip'ins for Purists. The main ingredients: Corn, sea salt, and air. While we couldn’t park a farm right next to the ocean (though that would be pretty sweet), we were able to create the next best thing: Sea Salt chip'ins, the perfect, all natural triumvirate of taste, purity and crunch. Who needs potato chips when you can have chip'ins? Enjoy, and Munch Better. Jalapeno Ranch Chip'ins As ideas go, combining outgoing jalapeño with laid-back ranch is right up there with putting wheels on luggage; it’s something so simple, yet so brilliant, that it makes you wonder why no one thought of it before. If…

Share your memories with unique family t-shirts, sweatshirts or personalized drinking mugs that proudly displays the names of everyone in your family. Creating personalized family gifts is easy and fun for kids, parents and grandparents alike. Unique family gifts are perfect for any occasion or family member!
With just a few clicks of your computer you can create a one of a kind "crossword" style design that shows the names of your entire family. A personalize message can also be placed below the design.
Great for group events such as cheerleading and sports teams, club associations, church fellowships and corporate team building. The possibilities are endless!
What about a coffee mug to your secretary for Secretaries Day, which is April 25th? High quality ceramic mug provides a gift for any occasion. Available in single quantities and up. Mugs available in only white and can be printed in up to three ink colors with no additional charge.
Check it all out at Family Matrix onlin…

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, is observed for two weeks. The timing varies based on the changes in the track of the new moon, but it generally begins in late January or early February. In the year 2012, the Chinese New Year begins on January 23rd. The New Year's Festival will be celebrated from midnight of January 22nd (Chinese New Year's Eve) to February 6th (Lantern Festival).
Based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, 2012 is the year of the dragon. The dragon is the 5th sign of the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is considered to be a symbol of power, success, happiness, and good luck. People born in the year of the dragon are said to be self-assured, passionate, brave, generous, smart, and witty. However, they are also considered to be egotistical and bossy.
The color red, thought to keep evil spirits at bay, is popular during the Chinese New Year Festival. Citizens often wear the color red. In addition, red banners are posted in the cities. Elder family members often off…

Is That A Picasso On Your Fridge by Dan Consiglio
About The Book: Kids create them. Parents submit them. An art critic reviews them. And don’t think for one second he doesn’t know exactly what he’s talking about! With characteristically overblown, egotistical, WTF critiques, this book hilariously deconstructs works of children’s art as if they were the newest installations at a modern art museum. Age can’t constrain greatness. Mozart composed at five. Picasso was painting at seven. If one doubts that young children reveal signs of genius every time they touch crayon to paper, just ask any parent about the artwork on their refrigerator door. But regular people don’t understand “art,” so it is impossible for them to see the difference between the work of an idiot savant and a kid who's just an idiot. In this book with its 60 color images of real kids’ artwork, New York art critic Dan Consiglio separates the wheat from the chaff in the field of children’s art.
My Thoughts: This is a come…

Young Me, Now Me by Ze Frank
About The Book: Open to any page in Young Me, Now Me and you’ll see a cherished childhood snapshot alongside a brilliant reproduction taken decades later. Nothing is overlooked in these amazing photo pairs - family members have been rounded up in the same spot in the old backyard, special clothes have been sewn to match kiddie outfits, poses and facial expressions are perfectly replicated, and, if needed, spaghetti sauce is smeared from cheek to cheek to imitate the explosive lunchtime of a happy baby. While these efforts at accuracy are impressive and often hilarious, the amazing thing is what people didn’t do - change. No matter how many years passed between the old and new photos, you can still see that same curve of the smile, angle of the face and look in the eyes. Here is the thread connecting years ago to now. Also included are charming anecdotes that tell the surprising, intriguing and heartwarming back stories of the individuals who re-created these…

Gifts do not have to conform to the stand materialistic nature of modern gifts. Why does everything have to be throwaway in this society. I want a gift that is sustainable, that is eco friendly and that can give something back to society, back to nature and the environment. One that has always struck me as a apt is a Memorial Tree Gifts, a wonderful expression of a memorial. A memorial Tree is a gift that lives on in the place that it is planted, in memory of the loved one and as a gift that keeps us focused on the future. It represents a connection to earth, the tree gift that is representing the departed loved one.
There are several options that you can pick when you are planning a Memorial Tree gift idea. There are business that will plant a memorial tree gift on land that they own and this can be done in America, Ireland or Israel. So all needs are catered for. There are also businesses that will send you a memorial tree as a gift, delivered to your home, so that it can be planted …

Discover your private lingerie showroom! Adore Me is a monthly, online style society that works with a team of designers to provide a personalized selection of sexy, trendy, and comfortable intimates each month. They offer bras, panties, boy shorts, stockings, leggings, chemises, baby doll, and more! Membership is just $39.95 per month and includes the designers’ services, the item of your choice, free shipping and free exchange! And if you don't want to buy anything this month, just skip it and they'll have a new showroom for you soon!
From my personalized January Collection, I chose the Brooke Babydoll. The gorgeous built in bra structure of this babydoll gives support and lift to your bust, while the flowing skirt relaxes over the curves of your body. Nothing pairs your need for a non-fitted, comfortable chemise with your lovers desire for a structured bra that gives emphasis to your bust, like this lovely babydoll. ~Push-up demi cups ~Hot pink detailing across cup and bow at…

"Green Works products started as a visionary idea among a handful of enthusiasts at The Clorox Company. This small group of employees wanted to know if it would be possible to create a line of cleaning products that were derived from natural ingredients and still effective at cleaning. The inspired result was the creation of Green Works, a line of cleaning products that are at least 95 percent naturally derived. The idea hit home with millions of people. Today, Green Works products are a best-selling line of natural cleaning products. Green Works products are not tested on animals." Unfortunately, the post-holiday New Year's clean is inevitable – but choosing a naturally derived, yet affordable option for your cleaning products makes a big difference. Green Works products are formulated using plant and mineral-based biodegradable cleaning ingredients, packaged in bottles that can be recycled and never tested on animals. Experience the difference Green Works c…

The second annual DigiTour national tour is coming to a city near you!
Neuro is a proud sponsor of the DigiTour which is a large-scale music tour featuring some of the Internet’s most popular musicians and personalities including Dave Days, DeStorm, Ricky Ficarelli, Alex Goot, Asher Monroe, Nice Peter, and The Key of Awesome, who have a combined two billion views and 10 million subscribed fans.
The tour will be stopping in 17 major cities across the U.S. and each venue will feature a top YouTube star from each region as the opener.
Neuro is so excited to be a part of this year’s tour, that the drink company is offering a chance to win the ultimate 2012 DigiTour VIP Experience which includes roundtrip airfare for two from any of the 50 United States; Two-night stay in a luxury hotel; Car service to and from the airport; and Two VIP passes to the tech rehearsal, kickoff show and after-party of the 2012 DigiTour held in Los Angeles.
Consumers can enter by going to http://www.facebook.com/Dri…

The Star Trilogy by Donald Samson
The Dragon Boy - Book One Orphaned twice by the time he was nine, he was living on the streets and did not even know his own name. He was not allowed to set foot in the one place he was determined to find work. To complete the disaster of his young life, he was in love. The object of his affections was Star, an immense, emerald-green dragon. But here good fortune finally smiled upon him: Star was a Luck Dragon. Suddenly he was admitted as a barn boy into the elite Dragon Compound. He was given three warm meals a day, work, and even a name. And best of all, Star took him on as his own secret apprentice. 
The Dragon Of Two Hearts - Book Two The curse of the wild dragon, Scorch, lies heavy upon the land of Gladur Nock. Scorch holds the people hostage to his ravenous and bloody demands. Michael, who has wandered for years as a knight errant, hears of the dragon’s bane and realizes that the Luck Dragon Star had trained him for this moment. Full of for…

Coversation Is Sexy by Todd R. Reed
About The Book: "We don't talk as much as we used to." "He never listens to me." "She expects me to read her mind." "Where did our passion go?" Sound familiar? Falling in love and being in love seemed so easy once upon a time. What happened? What went wrong? How do you fix it? The answer, according to Todd R. Reed, aka "The Communication Coach," lies in getting that communication flowing again - even better than it did in the first blush of your romance. Everyone knows that communication is the super glue that holds a relationship together. It's a no-brainer that when couples lose the ability to share and express their thoughts, feelings and emotions, their relationship suffers. Communication breakdowns happen to the best of us, and while it's tempting to want to point fingers, no one is necessarily to blame. Chalk a lot of it up to the everyday stresses of life - work, finances, raising ch…

The Obamas by Jodi Kantor
About The Book: When Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election, he also won a long-running debate with his wife Michelle. Contrary to her fears, politics now seemed like a worthwhile, even noble pursuit. Together they planned a White House life that would be as normal and sane as possible. Then they moved in. In the Obamas, Jodi Kantor takes us deep inside the White House as they try to grapple with their new roles, change the country, raise children, maintain friendships, and figure out what it means to be the first black President and First Lady. Filled with riveting detail and insight into their partnership, emotions and personalities, and written with a keen eye for the ironies of public life, The Obamas is an intimate portrait that will surprise even readers who thought they knew the President and First Lady.
My Thoughts: I've always been very interested in The Obamas. Not necessarily the political side of them, but more the personal side. This boo…