Sum Sum Summertime

Frugal is the name of her game, even if she is working. She's trying to get the most for her dollar when ever she shops, she seeks to not break the bank while still saving for her retirement and kids college. There is nothing comforting about this economy.

Fashion design is changing with these economic times as well. In an attempt to service the low-budget consumer, high-end labels are producing more reasonably priced styles similar to Ralph Lauren's new American Living line at JC Penney. Summer camp enrollment is steady but not increasing as it has been in the past. Nationwide camps report that parents have signed kids up for shorter periods. For many, it's a full house this summer. She's adjusts daily: to the kids' ever-changing summer schedule, to her college kids being home, and to an increase in her workload in the new season. She's grilling more than ever, featuring hamburgers, hot dogs and salads. Grocery shopping has turned into a sport for her, where the one with the most diaper coupons wins!

Khakis, capris, sandals, and sundresses round out her wardrobe. Who knew a Vera Wang design could be so reasonable and cute from Kohl's? After-dinner walks and nights out for ice cream are a few of the regular summer happenings she enjoys, yet she's conflicted; she's living what should be lazy, hazy days and really she's cutting and chopping all over the place.

She Buzz Words

• Manolo Blahnik's
• Pool Noodle
• Salt Scrub
• Ticks

Right now she could be..

• Putting air in an exercise ball
• Organizing her pantry
• Writing another to-do list
• Planning a healthy dinner
• Dropping off a picture at frame shop

She's not so sure...

More preschools are now assigning homework to 4-year-olds, even through the summer. Is that too young?

She likes it when...

An extra checker opens up just as she is about to get at the end of a very long checkout line.

When interviewing women, Redbook magazine uses a list of words and allows the interviewee to pick three off the list that describe her best. Here is the list:

She is...

• Mother
• Wife
• Boss
• Lover
• Leader
• Nurturer
• Cheerleader
• Maid
• Multitasker
• Problem-solver
• Confidante
• Partner
• Survivor
• Chauffeur
• Ringleader

Which three would she pick?

She's safe

• Swim season is in full effect and even though it's scary to think about a possible water accident, she needs to be prepared because they happen every summer. CPR doubles a drowning person's chances of survival and she can take a 30-minute do-it-yourself course by logging onto the website at www.americanheart.org
• "Come back here and put on your helmet" is a typical saying as she watches her child try to speed away on a bike. Studies show that head injuries have increased 10% since 1991 possibly be- cause riders feel more confident and take more risks; this inflated sense of security can cause many an accident. There are more than 6,000 bicycle-rider deaths per year in the US and 80% of them are due to head injuries. Safe bike rules are necessary for all riders.

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