Points

Frequent flier miles sound better than they are, unless you travel for a living. You might have enough to qualify for a free round-trip ticket but the trick is to find dates that are comparable to the time you want to fly. Most of the time black out dates coincide with family plans and there's a limited amount of seats available when cashing in your miles. It can be a tedious process. The last two times I tried to use my miles I was forced to just buy a ticket. I'm usually able to find a flight to my destination but not a return that is available if I use my points. I'm planning now for a trip next summer just so I can have the time to figure out how to use my miles and travel at the time I want, to the place I want; for me, that's London. My daughter just returned from a trip abroad and I must admit as touristy as it seems, the photo of her jaunting across Abbey Road was a keeper. I want a photo like this too, hence the beginning of my quest to use my miles to pay homage to the Beatles and Harry Potter and the Queen. I get frequent flier miles when I grocery shop, use my charge card and rent a car. Should an airline like to branch its way further into the world of a woman I'd advise giving miles for every manicure, nose wiped, coffee purchase and text message sent. Looking at where a woman frequents is beneficial for all of us not just the airlines who she feels are truly out to not so much nickel and dime her but rob her and make traveling non-existent in her life. She frequents schools, pet stores, Target, grocery stores, oil change facilities, restaurants and anywhere else her kids, family and friends need her. Notice I left exercise out of this list; that's a given, but if anyone wants to give her miles for showing up to that you'd score some of your own points.

She buzz words

• Shark
• Ice Cream Truck
• Schedule
• Warehouse Store

She could be a

• Cake decorator
• Art Store Employee
• College Registrar
• State Trooper

She Tech

Modern technology is having an adverse affect on her kids' ears. Five million kids and teens have noise-induced hearing loss, with cell phones and headphones the supposed culprit. Symptoms of hearing loss can go unnoticed. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing at ages 8, 10, 12, 15, and 18.

• Americans make up 4% of the world's population, but they consume 66% of the world's illegal

She Health

• There are conflicting reports as to what fish is safe to eat and when and how fishing affects the environment. She can get official information at www.fishwatch.noaa.gov.

She's lovin

• Buccaneer Blends BBQ. To order or find locations to buy, www.BuccaneerBlends.com
• McCormick's Crusting Blends: better than breadcrumbs. www.crustingcraze.com
• Switch Flops. Buy a new pair of flip-flops and switch the easy-on ribbon straps to match your wardrobe; accent buttons included. www.switchflops.com
• "Peace Love Grateful Mom" t-shirts at www.peacelovemom.com
• Smashbox's Body Bronzer
• Adhesive wrapping paper: no more searching for the tape. www.hallmark.com
• Minute Maid Pomegranate Tea: excellent source of antioxidants and vitamins C and E

She baby

• BioEars are the first and only earplug to contain an antimicrobial agent to fight the growth and spread of germs and bacteria within the ear.
• Sun Smarties is a line of protective clothing sunscreen. Sunblock can wash off, but Sun Smarties protect all day long. They are made with a soft UPF 50+ fabric. www.onestepahead.com
• Scalding from tap water is the most common burn injury in children up to four years old. A Hot Stop Tub Spout shuts off water flow if water hits an unsafe temperature and is recommended by the Home Safety Council.

She vent

"Why does summer day camp have to start the same time as school did? How is anyone

She likes it when...

• She catches up with an old friend

She Travel

Many major airlines are charging for services she may not even realize she's paying for. Most are charging approximately $25 to check a second bag, some are charging for the first bag. There could also be a fee when reselecting your seat, along with a service charge when using a "real person" (reservationist) to book a flight. Some companies now consider this a privilege. Speaking with a reservationist, then booking online, and packing light are ways she can save.

She sniffs

According to a new study from Wheeling Jesuit University, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee can actually keep you on task, even if you're not drinking it. The scent stimulates an area of the brain responsible for general alertness. More studies are needed. She might wonder how other scents affect her productivity.

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com