4 Star Day!

Gemini: Your successful presence, winning personality and positive attitude might annoy some people. Keep up the good vibes and you'll be noticed and promoted.

Wow -- and they say these things are too general . . .

The Recession is OVER!

When Ben Bernanke starts testifying with all his blah blah spreadsheets and pie charts and MBA mumbo jumbo, we can all think yeah maybe the economy is turning around, but here's how I know the good times are comin' back: Sephora is selling a MAKEUP AIRBRUSH for $225. Why do I need that? I don't know, but if the economy was bad, I sure wouldn't. I would make do with that little spongey thing, or uh -- my finger tip?!?! Since things are so good again, I can invest half a car payment in something to make my skin (hopefully) look flawless. I think. So -- crank up the tunes kids, bust out the Visa, and start spending again.

Who buys this?

I have banned cartoon and movie character bedding from the kids' rooms. And, in the interest of fairness, my own room as well (I believe in living by example). It's too crass and commercial! Of course, Rome asked for Bakugan or Pokemon bedding. Ewwww! But clearly, there is worse ... much worse: WWE bedding -- seriously? Why is there so much bad taste in this world??? Then, the display picture is taken in an absurdly neutral model bedroom setup with all white walls, nightstand, and pine-tone hardwood floors. Words fail me. I have to stop now.

Worst Snack EVER!

Ok, cheese on cheese -- all, actually pretty much cheese free!! Guess who loves it? Mac n cheese girl Lane! Is anyone else concerned that Easy Cheese never needs refrigeration? But it is so fun to squoosh it out on the crackers. A wonderful, horrible, snack.

First Movie and Best Footwear

Is your mom so mean and unfun that she never took you to a real movie in the theatre until you were THREE YEARS OLD?!?! Did you love the popcorn, ask to go home during the scary parts, and visit the bathroom about 5 times in 2 hours? Did you wear your best and coolest golden shoes for this auspicious outing? Did you cry when it was time to leave Chandler Fashion Mall and fall asleep on the way home? ME TOO!!!
-Guest Blogger Laney Ry
PS The movie was Ponyo. It was strange.

Best Business Name of the Year

Self-serve frozen yogurt: I like the concept -- but . . . the word "swirl" brings back stories from junior high and heads in toilets. Also, is it me, but what does the "W" look like? Wonder who was in their focus group?!? Sheesh. People should ask me. They have a flavor called EuroTart. I can't even begin to think what that must taste like. And 12 flavors with 4 variations on vanilla! Clearly, groundbreaking. You can vote online for your favorite flavor: www.swirlitfroyo.com

Nevermind. I think the kids will love it and I'm going to check it out once they open.

Fit Flops Flop

I was curious about the claims of the flipflops that supposedly give you a workout while you're just walking around. They cost $50 to $60 -- which seems like a lot for a shoe -- I mean, that's like 2 months of gym membership.

Curiously, the people I see wearing them out-n-about probably need to do a lot more than walk around in special shoes. The online review I read said the premise is like a tiny BOSU ball in your shoe. The same review said they aren't that effective. More specifically: "Perhaps, when used in conjunction with more high-impact workouts, like walking up a trail or doing some stepping, they may have an impact. But, if you'd like to do nothing but wear the shoes to tone your legs, it ain't gonna cut it." I say spend the same amount on a decent pair of Nikes and walk an extra 30 minutes a day.