I also found that Teen Vogue is much less vile than I expected. It's mostly about fashion, really not much to object to. My daughter enjoys it.

Hmm, I don't know anything about this whole area, but I did find one link that might have some helpful information in it: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Fine-Art-3122/2009/7/Suggestions-other-Ebay-Selling.htm My parents had some paintings that we sold through a high-end furniture consignment store, but they were more decorative than fine art I guess. Good luck. I think sometimes people don't realize that it can be harder to get rid of things than it is to accumulate them.

What about asking the original gallery if they know anyone who would sell them on consignment? Or calling around and asking similar galleries the same question?

I got it as an adult, and the only thing that worked for me to relieve the severe itching was to rest my hands and feet on ice packs. I wish your son a speedy recovery!

Here are a few more good ones I haven't seen mentioned yet: Whistling Vivaldi The Boys in the Boat Unequal Childhoods (2nd edition)

How about Zihuatenjo? Beach + local culture! We made a trip there when our child was around 3-4 and it was a very successful family vacation.

The only thing that works for me is titanium or niobium.

I love my FitBit... it definitely encourages me to be more active on a daily basis.

Whenever I need data access for my iPad, like when I am traveling, I just pay $20 to Verizon for one month of access (this is their cheapest rate, I believe). Then I change the setting via my iPad so that it doesn't renew automatically after my paid month is over. Much cheaper than a contract for a smartphone! Once you've got the account set up with Verizon Wireless, you just turn the data plan on and off using the Cellular Data section of Settings. It's very easy and convenient.

Thanks for your post. I like the idea of dropping the idea casually as a future option then forgetting about it. Acquiring a healthy attitude toward (and understanding of) weight management is a big challenge for most young women, I think.

This is a follow-up to the suggestion that, for a teenage girl concerned about her weight, it might be worth getting a body fat measurement. I've thought about this for my daughter as part of general education about weight management. Good idea? Bad idea? I wouldn't do it until she was done growing and more or less settled into her adult body. She's athletic but with her body type will never be skinny so I thought an objective, useful measurement that she can compare from year to year might be helpful to her in her young adulthood. Any thoughts, experiences, or opinions on the subject to share?

You could also take a look at the August 2012 Harper's magazine article on Mary Kay, which you can find on the pinktruth site, although it's a little hard to read there. I remember reading that article when the magazine came out -- it was pretty vivid.

Has anyone tried letting the gray come in (to brown hair) and then adding some lighter highlights if the resulting color is too dull? I'm in my early 50s and starting to think that all-over haircolor doesn't look realistic with the face past a certain age. I'm thinking it may be time to let the gray in to the mix. Has anyone tried this?

Here's a fun and inspiring read along these lines (I got it from the library): http://www.amazon.co... counter school My cooking is a work in progress too. But my family really appreciates my efforts.

OK, this is what I wear as one (small) step up from athletic shoes: http://www.zappos.com/mephisto-laser-navy-nubuck Nordstrom had them in the stores about a year ago, when I bought mine, and still has them on the website. They might still have them in the stores. They look a little nicer than the picture. I usually do OK with Merrells and Keens (but can't get past the clown shoe look on the Keens). I have a wide-ish foot, high arches, and admittedly no great fashion sense :-). But I really like my blue Mephisto lasers and wear them most days. Good luck... if you find a shoe you like, please let us know.

Ummmm, what's your price point? I'm with you on the never wanting to sacrifice comfort for fashion.

I got some good family recipes from this cookbook: http://www.amazon.com/Good-Housekeeping-Family-Vegetarian-Cooking/dp/1588167925/ref=sr_1_28?ie=UTF8&qid=1361049048&sr=8-28&keywords=vegetarian+family+cooking It gives both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options for a lot of the recipes. I first got it from my library (I like to try out cookbooks before purchasing).

Another FitBit user here (an older version, no longer available). I love it and have definitely been more active since starting to use it. I use it to keep track of my steps and to track my sleep as well. Love that dashboard! The social groups (optional) are nice too.

I think we all struggle with change. Sorry to add Yet Another Book Recommendation, but I found out about this book here in the WTM forums and, even though a lot of examples are from the business world, I found it very helpful: Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

Thank you for the recommendation for "Switch: How to Change Things When Change is Hard." (I learn a lot from reading these boards!). As other posters have mentioned, it has a lot of examples from the business world but some about changing personal habits as well. It's an easy, enjoyable, and optimistic read. I'm going to ask my 13-year-old to read it, because I think the ideas could be very "sticky" and helpful throughout her life.

Wow, thanks for the upcoming lower contrast scheme! That will be much appreciated.

Adding my voice to the pleas for the hover. It makes a huge difference to the usability of the forums. OK, fora :-)

Yes, thank you for posting the link to this article -- I found it interesting too. I am going to borrow the book from my library.

I know there are a lot of Suzuki fans here but I don't think you necessarily need a Suzuki teacher or Suzuki approach with a teenager, especially one who already reads music. There are past discussions here about how to find and interview potential teachers, so I would start with those. Also an interesting question about how to self-study music theory! I don't know, but I know there is such a thing as AP Music Theory so I would probably start by investigating that.

I just read this thread very quickly, and I don't want to overlook or oversimplify any (potential) anxiety issues here. But absent any particular complications, I wanted to say that I think for girls in particular, marital arts are a one-way ticket away from disordered eating tendencies. The emphasis is on being strong and being respectful of your body and its capabilities. No one cares what your body type is under a gi. The emphasis instead in a good studio is on being strong, capable, and developing one's character. Best wishes to the OP and her daughter. It's a challenging issue.