M-I-C-K-E-Y

After eavesdropping on the karate moms today I am now an expert on how to take an elementary child to Disney World. In fact, I feel like something is wrong with me because I'm not taking my kids to Disney for Spring break, a treat these women do regularly. Much to the dismay of ALL their husbands and the electrician sitting next to me, these women complain about not being able to upgrade a room and how their husbands won't go on rides with the kids. Once in awhile he shoots me an exasperated glance and I'm appreciative of his patience. My goal with my kids was to get them to see as many of our National Parks as possible before they leave the nest. Sure, we've done the Disney thing and have had a blast, but thankfully many experiences have revolved around media events which makes these memories extra big. Sure the Rockin' Roller Coaster is great and Cinderella's castle is memorable, but so is waking up to trout fish and rock climbing in the Grand Tetons and hiking around the Grand Canyon.

Is it a matter of taste or expectations? I'm not sure. As far as these particular women go Disney is it, hiking in a wooded park does not appeal to them, at all. Hiking around rides and attractions is much more their style. I saw the eye roll of all eye rolls when I mentioned Yellowstone to a friend in the group. It does make me wonder what's needs to happen to have out national resources rediscovered and appreciated. I think there is a pressure to make sure her family can say "been there". Perhaps you can remind her what came first, a leaf or Dumbo.

By the way www.NationalParks.org

She buzz words

• Ice Scraper
• Windshield Wash
• Driveway
• Shovel

Right now she could be working at a ..

• Church
• Funeral Home
• Recreation Center
• Town Hall

Right Now she could be..

• Listening to her child's problems
• Burning a CD
• Making Copies
• Wallpapering a room

She stats...

• 74% of Redbook readers say cutting clutter at home would help 2011 be their best year ever.
• 59% of women surveyed say that donating to a charity is their preferred way to get rid of unwanted items.
• 68% of Redbook readers say reducing stress would help make 2011 their best year ever.

She dieting...

Here are some more ways she can live large on less:

• Find and cook recipes for favorite restaurant meals at www.copykat.com
• Host potlucks where guests dress up and each bring one dish.

She vent...

"How is it that I've already broken the resolutions for the New Year including the 'I will not break resolutions' resolution."

She communicates

• Getting a customer service representative on the phone to handle a situation can be an event in and of itself. Here are some tips to help her get fast customer service thanks to the National Consumers League.
• Know when to call: Tuesday and Thursdays after lunch are the slowest phone traffic times.
• Have all account information available and handy.
• www.Gethuman.com and www.Fonolo.com gives numbers for more than 1,000 companies that have actual people that will pick up the phone.
• Be brief yet descriptive with reason for call
• Complain via Twitter. If said company has a Twitter account (AT&T, Starbuck's, etc.) send a tweet and wait for a response.

She Travel

Taking a small chance could get her an amazing travel deal.

www.Travelocity.com's "Top Secret Hotels" feature won't disclose all the info she's purchasing until it's a done deal, still she'll know the city, price ( about a 50% discount) and star rating of the hotel she's booking before she hands over her credit card information.

www.FamilyGetaway.com is like eBay where people bid on trips. Most locations are not disclosed yet the deals and steals are great.

She Site

Have damaged photos that you want to save?

There is a simple way to fix ripped and old photos. Log onto www.ScanCafe.com.

Out of town and in need of a rest room? Get the zip code and log onto the website www.Sitorsquat.com.

• Get more She Prep at www.ShePrep.com