Empty

Empty milk cartons and toilet paper rolls are common in many households, leaving mom frustrated that her family can't seem to be considerate enough to 'get it'. The best she gets is when someone will actually open a new roll of toilet paper, but not put it on the actual roll. It's a mind blower as to why anyone, especially the child she is raising won't take the few extra seconds it takes to replace the roll properly. The same applies with the dishes. "It takes the same amount of time to put the dirty dish in the dishwasher as it does the sink'" is a cry heard across the country regularly.

Today I opened my freezer and found three empty boxes; Eggo's, Lean Hot Pockets and Ellio's pizza boxes were not only taking up valuable room but were just waiting to be crushed and thrown away. But noooo, there they sat, waiting for mom to do the task. But I didn't, I would not throw these boxes away. For the first time I left them there with hopes that someone who is really hungry and wanting the contents will grab the box with anxious anticipation only to be disappointed that no food is available. I attached a post-it note to these boxes saying the contents would be refreshed after they were thrown away properly. Some may find this a mean tactic, but I'm trying to make a point with the least amount of nagging. Perhaps after I successfully train my family to trash things properly I can then work on having them take it to the curb. One toilet paper roll at a time, I mean one step at a time...

She buzz words

• Floss
• Brown bagging
• Gift wrapping
• Leaf Bag

Right now she could be

• Planting tulip bulbs
• Visiting a neighbor
• Updating her computer
• Signing up for a class

She Question

If she could get some extra schooling in one subject which would it be?

She tip...

Cranberries can stay fresh for up to a month in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer. Stock up while they are on sale this season

She cooks..

Some seasonal dry spices from last year might not be fresh enough for this year. She can check the freshness of her spices online at the site www.spicecheckchallenge.com.

Cleatskins: form a cup on the bottom of any pair of cleats, making for a quick escape off the soccer field on Saturday morning. It's machine washable and keeps dirt out of car too. For more information, log on to www.Cleatskins.com

She Dress

Finding the perfect wedding dress while you're pregnant may seem like a contradiction, but it's a reality. Recognizing all women are entitled to a fantastic dress on their special day, these designers now offer wedding dresses for those who are expecting:

• A Pea in the Pod: www.apeainthepod.com
• Mimi Maternity: www.Mimimaternity.com
• Motherhood: www.motherhood.com

She can sign up to be a blood donor and receive texts or email messages when her blood type is needed in her area at the site www.takesalltypes.org.

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com