Starving

I wish had a dollar for every time my kids said "there's nothing to eat in this house." I'd never have a financial issue again! My kids will stand in front of an open refrigerator or pantry, starring at stuff they claim is inedible; they see 'nothing'. I see cantaloupes that just need cutting, cartons of yogurt, apples, leftover pork chops, cans of soup, boxes of mac and cheese, ramen, crackers, waffles, peanut butter, chips, ice cream... you catch my drift. Even when the cupboard looks bare there is plenty to eat. It might take a little scoop, slice or time in the microwave, but really there is plenty to consume. The more truthful statement is "there's nothing I want to eat available right here right now"- instant gratification is the need. I've been here too, but since I'm the one paying the grocery bill I'm more inclined to eat the leftovers. I'm hoping my kids will learn this lesson as well, along with how to change a roll of toilet paper, how to put your dirty dish directly inside the dishwasher, how to not leave their stuff strewn on over the place. Yeah, I've got plenty of content for future columns.

She buzz words

• Momstrosity
• Febreeze
• Matches
• Crafty

Right now she could be

• Taking her child for a vaccination
• Packing up her briefcase
• Framing a picture
• Folding the laundry

She questions

• Is she living paycheck to paycheck?
• If she had to gain 10 pounds, what would she eat?
• What's the one risk she'd really like to take?
• What would she do if she knew she would not fail?

She surprise...

There are no iPhones or iPods allowed in the Bill Gates family home. This Microsoft family will not endorse anything Apple. His wife, Melinda, was quoted in Vogue magazine saying, "There are very few things on the banned list in our household, iPods and iPhones are two things we don't get our kids."

She Green

• She saves water by installing a ShowerStart Evolve Lady Bug: when the water warms up, this showerhead holds the water to a trickle until she restores the pressure with the pull of a cord. www.evolveshowerheads.com
• Toastabag: this reusable, dishwasher-safe bag makes a great grilled cheese in the toaster. www.firebox.com

She pet

Poochie-Bells are the latest tool for house-training a dog. These heavy-duty bells resemble a Christmas ornament but, attached to a door handle, they become the gateway to going outside. Instructions are included on how to teach a dog to ring the bells in order to go outside. Designed to accommodate all breeds, different colors are available and she can even have her pet's name embroidered on it. www.poochie-pets.net

She Health

• The National Institutes of Health offers reliable, up-to-date medical information covering most conditions at www.medlineplus.gov.
• Allergy season is coming. She can prepare herself and her family by finding a specialist in her area. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology can point her in the right direction - log on and head to the website www.allergyandasthmarelief.org.

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com