Yes! I live in Massachusetts too (but not in Boston) and got my BPL card earlier this year. The selection of ebooks is so much larger than my local library's, even though we're part of a large consortium. It's worth noting that you don't have to go into the city to take advantage of this. You can apply for an on-line only library card right from your computer and start using it right away. So easy and convenient.

I commute to work every day with my extrovert - two hours round trip trapped in brutal traffic with a non-stop talker. Literally nowhere to hide. I have actually asked him to please stop talking. "Why, Mum? I like talking. Talking is fun. Do you know what I like about talking?..." and he launches into more talking about talking. Sigh.

I bought both. Wore my high school ring until I got my college ring. I'm ashamed to say I don't even know where the high school ring is now. I still wear my college ring, but I don't have the traditional style with the big stone and the engraved sides. I opted for a signet ring with the school seal. My name and year of graduation are engraved inside. I love my alma mater and met my dh there so still feel very attached to the place.

If you're looking for yourself (as opposed to the kiddos), then my money-saving tip is to consider the kids section. I wear a 7.5 and bought a pair of kids size 6 that fit me fine and were a lot cheaper. I got mine from Amazon for less than $20, which I consider a steal.

We've stayed at two resorts in Punta Cana with kids and liked them both: Catalonia Bavaro and Iberostar Dominicana. Food was definitely better at the Iberostar but we liked the room setup and beach better at the Catalonia. We don't use the kids clubs or programs so can't comment (plus our kids are much younger than yours), but the vibe at the resorts was definitely not couples only.

I read this one this week, too. Love Kristen Ashley! This one wasn't my favorite of hers, but it still was very good. I think she needs her own rating system because IMHO, these Chaos books aren't nearly as good as the Rock Chick series, but still so much better than a lot of the contemporary romances that are out these days.

I greatly enjoyed The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty earlier this year.

Do you have a Five Below nearby? I saw some there. Our local Walmart also had them. We are fortunate to have a Lego store nearby and usually go right to the source. The staff there is great and usually help us figure out which figures are in the bags.

My library network, which is usually pretty good, doesn't have any of her books. I rarely buy books but I'm willing to shell out for these ones.

Thanks for this recommendation. DEVOURED it yesterday and can't get it out of my head this morning. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

We've done all inclusives in the Dominican Republic a couple of times, and they were great. We stayed at the Catalonia Grand Bavaro in Punta Cana for a week, and then the Iberostar in Punta Cana for 2 weeks. Relaxing, fun vacations.

My 10 yr old says she believes. I think she's getting skeptical but doesn't want to derail the gravy train. She gave us a pointed look and told us that all of her friends' elves on the shelf came out the day after Thanksgiving (ours is delayed because I'm just not a huge fan of the elf), so I think she's onto us. I'll just leave it be, though. However, if I heard about her getting teased by other kids I think I'd debunk the myth to avoid any social stigma.

Since you liked Bossy Pants, what about the Amy Poehler book? I can't vouch for it personally, but I heard a clip of it on NPR last week, and the reviewer was raving over it. My favorite audiobook is To Kill a Mockingbird, read by Sissy Spacek.

Terms of Endearment When Harry Met Sally Pride and Prejudice (Colin Firth version) Pretty Woman

I always say I don't watch much TV, but then when the conversation turns to specific shows, I realize that I watch more than I thought. Specifically, I'm hooked on Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones, Homeland, and now the new Starz Outlander series. Fortunately, these series are pretty much staggered throughout the year, so I've basically got something going on all the time. DH has the TV on all evening every evening, so I'll watch some of his shows with one eye on the TV and the other eye on a book. Modern Family, Grimm, and Big Bang Theory apply here.

My DD is participating in a spelling bee as part of a fundraiser for her school. She's one of 10 kids in her grade who qualified. Part of the fundraiser is that the parents buy ads in the program. Any suggestions for cute phrasing for the ad? I've thought of a couple but I'm sure there are better ideas out there... How do we spell proud? A-B-B-Y We couldn't BEE prouder, Abby! Thanks in advance!

Would it make sense to consider what you're trying to accomplish by banning screens? Are you trying to preserve some family time? Trying to make sure schoolwork is accomplished? Trying to limit distractions during dinner? Trying to encourage more exercise? Just generally feel like it's too much? If there's some specific goal, then maybe just set parameters to achieve that goal. For instance, no screens until schoolwork is done, or while we're eating, or during some designated family time. If it's a more general sense that screens are taking over, then maybe set limits on duration or frequency. My kids are also screen-addicted these days. I'm trying to muster the energy to lure them away from screens with more activities/engagement as opposed to banning them or setting limitations, which I think would spark a revolution or a sense of their suddenly being punished for something that I've been allowing all along. This is hard to do, though.

What a pretty suit! That waist must be incredibly flattering. Do you have a Loft nearby? This shell is pretty and would bring some color close to your face, and a bright pink would look nice with your coloring in your avatar picture. Teal might be nice, too. I think the neck has to be fairly high if the blouse is going to show while the jacket is buttoned. The neckline of the jacket has a lot going on already (in a good way), so I'd keep anything underneath fairly simple. For jewelry, maybe play up the silver in the buttons (if they are silver - hard to tell online) with a sleek but substantial silver necklace, cuff bracelet, and earrings?

What a great sentiment.

My daughter just won our town costume contest by dressing up as a Publishers Clearinghouse Sweepstakes winner. I put her in a ratty bathrobe and curlers then made a giant check for a million dollars with the publishers clearninghouse logo (really easy to draw). She also carried a small bouquet of balloons, but you could substitute with silk flowers or not carry anything else at all. It was a huge hit, and so easy and cheap.

I agree that it seems to be a big draw on HGTV. For myself, I would have no interest in double sinks. I can wait the five minutes while DH finishes getting ready before I go brush my teeth. It seems icky to share the bathroom, even with DH. But then again, I thought I'd never have need for an attached garage, en suite bathroom, or double ovens, and I couldn't live without any of them now that I have them.

Not to make this too personal and take over your thread, but my mother never would have divulged the real reason she couldn't attend. She'd list 100 excuses - to herself, to me, to anyone - rather than acknowledge that it was anxiety keeping her home. And she would feel like she had to come up with some reason or other, as lame or as improbable as it sounded.

I won't lie. It did bother me, and at the time I couldn't see that she really COULDN'T make herself go to these events. I get it now, but it was hard at the time. I hope people can show some grace to kids whose parents may not outwardly appear to be participating or pulling their weight. It might not just be laziness or lack of caring.

When I was growing up, my mom had a great deal of social anxiety. I was a good student, joiner, etc. but my mom never went to anything because she just couldn't make herself do it. It stinks to be the only kid who didn't have a parent go to parent/teacher night - especially when you're an A student and the teacher gives you funny looks the next day. I had many kind and generous aunts and uncles who did attend things with/for me, though. I was very grateful to them and to the teachers/group leaders/coaches who accepted this arrangement without judging. Kids can definitely pick up on the vibe if a group leader is miffed with them and/or the parents. While she wasn't up to attending meetings or much interaction, my mom was a great behind-the-scenes volunteer. She'd cook, sew, bake, and make sure I got everywhere I needed to be on time and prepared. I don't see the big deal about a parent not being physically present at the meeting.

I like my gray hair, too, and I love my mom's so I'm hoping that when all is said and done I'll be able to go back to gray. BUT, I'm in my early 40s and have a newly-turned-4 year old. On two separate occasions I have been mistaken for his grandmother. Holy smokes, say it ain't so! It will be hair dye for me at least until the other mothers at the playground start to get a few grays in...