Getting the Best Airfare

The Thanksgiving weekend is winding down and most college students will spend today traveling back to school. The weekend flew by. In a matter of weeks, it will be time to head home for the long winter break.

More than likely, you have already booked your next flight home. Did you know that there is a website that monitors the cost of flights? If you have already purchased your ticket, Yapta will alert you when your airfare has dropped, and advise you if you are entitled to a travel credit. Not a bad way to find some extra cash for holiday spending, or to meet your college expenses. If you have not yet purchased your ticket, Yapta will assist with tracking the best fares and flights. Check out the site for more details.

To Thank You, the Coffee Is On Me!

Blogging is a bit like talking to yourself. According to my kids, this is a talent that I have mastered, so perhaps this blog is a natural extension for me.

There's a lot more to blogging than I imagined. I'm learning as I go. I was extremely pleased (and almost amazed!), that despite my lack of knowledge, I was able to manipulate some of the HTML code.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'd like to thank you for following my blog, and for your comments, calls and emails. Thanks also to those of you who already found my subscription link (on the right), without being prompted by me! I'm always eager to receive feedback, questions, and suggestions. Who knows what we'll talk about next.

To thank you, let me "buy" you a cup of Dunkin' Donuts coffee. It should arrive at school just in time to start your spring semester.

Wishing you a very happy Thanksgiving! Sending my "virtual love" your way.

Some Comfort Food for After the Turkey

If your "actual mom" is anything like your "virtual mom", she has been anticipating your arrival home from college with an overstuffed freezer, and a full fridge, bursting at the seams! I don't think I can squeeze much more in either location, but somehow I continue to add some "gotta haves".

By this weekend, we will have enjoyed one too many leftovers and we'll be ready for something other than turkey! The following comfort food pasta recipe fits the bill perfectly. It's easy to prepare, delicious, economical, and can be adjusted to feed any sized crowd. Not only can you double it, but if you prefer, you may reduce it by half. Plus, when you are at school, you can keep the ingredients on hand, always ready for some spur of the moment entertaining. Have a friend bring a salad, another brings a loaf of garlic bread, and you're good to go.

Baked Pasta with Tomatoes and Parmesan

1 pound of uncooked pasta (penne, shells, rigatoni - -any pasta works) - For a healthier slant, I use whole wheat pasta, whole grain pasta or Barilla Plus pasta, but be aware that unlike white flour pastas, these pastas are not typically full pound boxes.

1/2 cup olive oil
28 ounce can crushed tomatoes
28 ounce can diced tomatoes
(I'm a huge fan of Del Monte tomatoes and for a limited time you can sign up for a free can of Del Monte No Salt Added Diced Tomatoes)
In the summertime, feel free to substitute fresh tomatoes, cored and sliced.
Kosher or Sea Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated Parmesan-Reggiano is ideal, though it can be pricey, so any parmesan will suffice)
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Place uncooked pasta in a 9 by 12 baking dish and coat the pasta well with olive oil. Allow the pasta to stand for at least 20 minutes. Often I cover it with the oil hours ahead of schedule.

Later, add the tomatoes, and salt and pepper, and mix well. Cover with foil and bake at 400 degrees, stirring occasionally (every 15 minutes) to be certain the pasta remains well covered with the sauce. Cook until the pasta is tender, approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Stir in the cheese and serve immediately. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a real kick. This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish. It also makes a nice accompaniment to chicken. And, the leftovers are terrific.

Swapping Books: Good for the Mind, the Soul, Your Wallet and the Environment!

About a year ago I learned about a website that allows you to swap used books, just for the cost of postage. The PaperBack Swap is not only beneficial for the avid reader, but also for the college student on the hunt for textbooks or other required reading.

Here’s the abbreviated lowdown: You open an account on the site and list 10 books you are willing to swap. They provide you with 2 startup credits. Each time one of your books is requested, you mail it out and receive an additional credit. The more credits you accumulate, the more books you are entitled to request. Each book is available for 1 credit. If you are in search of a particular book, you add it to your “wish list”. They will notify you when it becomes available. The only cost to you is shipping a book that is requested from you. They will email you when one of your books has been requested, and provide you with an address and even the wrapper for the book. You wrap the book, pay for postage and mail it out. It could not be easier. Try looking for some of your required textbooks on the site. My daughter had success this past semester. Your requested book will be sent to you, free of charge. You can later add that book back on your book swap list. It’s a great way to feed your “book junkie” habit for a nominal postage fee!

As an added benefit, the site also swaps audio books (for 2 credits). Note their links for swapping DVDs and CDs on top of the home page. Check it out and curl up with a good book, DVD or CD!

Sniffles, and Colds, and Flu, Oh My!

It's that time of year when nearly everywhere you turn someone has a cold. Flu season has already begun. Living in close quarters increases your chances of catching the flu, hence the reason many colleges offer flu shot clinics. Consider contacting your parents or physician to determine if a flu shot is advisable for you. In addition, your particular health insurance carrier may have restrictions regarding reimbursement. Since you may soon be home, it may be worth arranging your vaccination during your visit. Otherwise, check with your school's Health Services to determine whether flu shots are still available.

As an added bonus, send for a free sample of Airborne. Bear in mind that you can find comparable store brands of Airborne at many of your local stores (Target, Walgreens, Walmart......) at a reduced cost to you.

Guns N' Roses and Dr. Pepper

With the long awaited and much anticipated release of Guns N' Roses' Chinese Democracy, a promise to offer a free bottle of Dr. Pepper will come to fruition. Chinese Democracy, after numerous delays over the past decade, will finally be available on Sunday, November 23rd. Coincident with this release, you can log on to Dr. Pepper's website, and for 24 hours only, receive a coupon for a free 20 ounce Dr. Pepper.

Vacation Will Soon be Here

Something to think about......

During the next few weeks, colleges begin winter break. For those on the trimester system, vacations may begin as early as Thanksgiving. The long break, ranging from 3, 4, to 6 weeks in length or more, can be an ideal time to earn some spending money.

For those who find it particularly challenging to maintain a job while juggling a full semester of classes, working during vacation can provide an appropriate option. Commit to as many hours as possible over your break to earn some supplemental income, and perhaps you can reduce your work hours when your academic schedule is unusually demanding.

It may be more challenging this year, in light of the economic downturn, to find temporary employment. If you held a summer job that will consider rehiring you for the winter break, now is the time to contact your boss. Many businesses will be forced to limit the number of temporary employees. The early bird definitely catches the worm, if there are any "worms" to be had! Remember, you aren't just competing with other teens and college students; given the number of recent layoffs, your competition has significantly increased.

Good luck!

It's Freebie Friday on Thursday!

With the introduction of a new coffee blend, Cumberland Farms (located in the northeast and Florida) is offering a free cup of coffee every Friday through December 5, 2008.

Did you know today is the Great American Smokeout? Encourage a friend to quit smoking, and offer to support them throughout the process. While you're at it, "treat" them to a cup of coffee tomorrow morning!

If you'd prefer not to become a fan of Papa John's on Facebook, as mentioned in yesterday's posting, but are interested in the offer for a free pizza, you may sign up for email notifications on the Papa John's website instead.

One week until Thanksgiving!

News Flash: Bring Your Laundry Home for Thanksgiving!

Yes, you read that correctly. But before you start sharing a suggestion from your “virtual mom” with your “actual mom”, and risk putting us at odds, read on.....

It's getting to be that time in the semester where your work is piling up. Professors realize that final exams are just around the corner and they have a curriculum to accomplish. You may be trying to get ahead of yourself, so as not to be bogged down with homework over the long holiday weekend. Sounds like a great plan. Give yourself a pat on the back! Or as I tell my kids, “give yourself a star on your keppy” (keppy translates to head/forehead in Yiddish).

Instead of agonizing over when you'll squeeze in the time to run a load or two of laundry before you leave for home, consider packing a suitcase of laundry for YOU (notice the word "YOU") to run once you arrive home. By now you've certainly mastered the "how-to's" of clean laundry. Impress your family by offering to top off a load or two of your laundry with their clothes. One thing to keep in mind: plan accordingly to be certain you have sufficient clean clothing to start off the weekend, until you are able to get to your laundry. That might even land you an extra piece of pie, or at least a huge "thank you"! They’ll be kvelling (gushing with pride), I’m sure.

A midweek treat: If you choose to become a "fan" of Papa John's Pizza on Facebook, you'll be eligible for a free medium pizza with any online pizza purchase. Check out Papa John's Facebook page for details. The free pizza offer expires on 12/1/2008.

A Freecycle Freebie Follow-Up

To drive home the point of Saturday's (November 15, 2008) posting, "Free" Is the Operative Word for College Students, I have to share a follow-up story with you. Just after I posted to my blog, my husband mentioned that Saturday's email from Freecycle included a listing for a brand new printer cartridge appropriate for our printer, available locally. This printer cartridge retails for $45.99. Our cost: zippo, zero, nada, free! All we had to do was drive to the woman's home and retrieve it from her front steps. While we weren’t on the hunt for a new cartridge, it was well worth it - - don’t you think?

It's Time for a Study Break

Saturday was a stormy day for much of the east coast. My husband and I spent the morning taking a computer class, and then decided it was the ideal afternoon to begin preparing for the holidays. I'm a believer in stocking the freezer when I have the time to prepare ahead, thereby making it a little less hectic when Thanksgiving (or any holiday) arrives. Plenty of recipes are well suited to be frozen, and need not be made at the last minute. Six recipes later, we made significant headway! My husband often remarks that “the freezer eats better than we do". Sometimes it feels like there's some truth to that statement.

Going to college, and living on your own, are an ideal time to begin experimenting with your culinary talent. It's a skill that will evolve with practice. Personally, many of my favorite recipes have the longest history, and the fondest memories. All of us can easily equate a recipe with a time, place, or person in our lives.

One of the recipes we prepared today was pumpkin bread, and it actually stems from my graduate school days (thanks, Janet). It's simple to prepare, seasonal, and worth sharing. This recipe easily makes 2 to 3 loaves. So, share one loaf with your friends, pop the second in the freezer for a group study break during finals, and surprise your family with the third loaf when you head home for Thanksgiving, storing it in the freezer temporarily. (Your freezer can also learn to eat well!)

Let's get cooking!

Pumpkin Bread

2/3 cup oil (canola)
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
1 lb can of pumpkin (plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix)
2/3 cup water
3 1/3 cups of flour
2 tsp baking soda
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
2/3 cup chopped walnuts (or pecans) - optional
2/3 cup raisins (or dried cranberries) - optional

Beat together oil, sugar, eggs, pumpkin, and water. Sift dry ingredients together and blend into the pumpkin mixture. Stir in nuts and raisins. Pour into greased loaf pans and bake at 350 degrees for 55 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester or toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.


Notes: Use two 9 x 5 loaf pans or three 8 x 4 loaf pans.
You can also bake this recipe in mini loaf pans, cupcake tins, or mini cupcakes (which I chose for the Thanksgiving meal). If you use smaller tins, keep a watchful eye on your oven since you will need to reduce the overall cooking time.

Did you know that you can save energy by not warming your oven to temperature prior to baking? Let’s face it, sometimes a recipe takes much longer to prepare than we anticipated, and our oven has been unnecessarily left on coming to temperature. Consider turning it on as you load your oven with the loaf pans. You will need to increase the baking time by 5 or so minutes.

Reminder: See the prior posting Warm Your Soul (November 11, 2008) for suggested ways to reduce your costs when purchasing spices.

Allow the breads to cool COMPLETELY prior to wrapping them up for storage.

Now, call a few friends, put on a pot of tea or coffee, and enjoy yourselves!

"Free" Is the Operative Word for College Students

Consider it your mantra. "Free" sounds and feels good.

I bet I'd be hard pressed to find a college student who isn't familiar with the website Craigslist. However, if somehow it has eluded you, be sure to check it out, and encourage your parents to do the same. Essentially, Craigslist is an enormous site for classifieds and forums. It has an extensive listing of such categories as jobs, internships, housing, as well as items for barter, for sale and for free (there's that word again!). According to the website, Craigslist is located in "more than 550 cities in over 50 countries". So go online, find your state, and narrow it to your region or county. The possibilities are endless on Craigslist.

There's another site that may be less familiar to some of you - - Freecycle. As the name implies, this site is truly free, with the added benefit of saving the environment by recycling, and thereby reducing items uselessly sent to the landfill. Once you join a group in your area, you are able to see what people are giving away. If an item interests you, you arrange to get it. It's that simple. As an example, when my son wanted yet another new instrument to add to his repertoire, we posted an ad on Freecycle. He quickly received offers for 3 guitars, and ultimately found a bass guitar with an amplifier that someone was willing to give to him....you got it, FREE! Similarly, I posted an ad in search of knitting needles and now have an enormous selection of different sized needles, with yarn remnants thrown in to sweeten the pot! You'll be amazed by what people are willing to part with. We're still on the lookout for a harp, and a banjo, and a ukelele, and a...........!

Conversely, it's a terrific way to give away items you may no longer be using. Recently, we cleaned out our garage - - no small feat! We donated countless items to charity. However, we had some items that were less appropriate for donating: old cans of paint, old tires, old Collegeboard SAT and AP books (you remember those! I bet you're smiling.), etc., with no obvious place to dispose of them, short of the landfill. A quick posting on Freecycle, and we received a bunch of responses from interested people. We left them at our mailbox to be picked up. Easy!

So, with a little ingenuity, and thinking outside the box, you may find just what you've been looking for, and it's FREE. Be a treehugger.

It's Freebie Friday And You Know What That Means!

The holidays are upon us and the stores are doing everything possible to lure us in to shop.

First, I’ll share a coupon for a 30% discount at the Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. It’s also for a good cause. Specify a nonprofit, and 5% of your purchase will be donated to your chosen charity. Details are on the coupon, but be aware that it is only good through November 16th.

Time for a little pampering!
Purchase an Almay mascara for $6.99 at Walgreens and receive a rebate for $6.99. Not a bad deal, huh? All you need to do is go to your local Walgreens and pick up the current Easy Saver Catalogue (good October 24, 2008 - November 22, 2008). This offer is mentioned on page 38. If you prefer, you can view the catalogue and rebate details on the store website.

And, if mom happens to be reading my blog, or you'd like to spread the word or "treat" her, on the same page they are offering L'Oreal Age Perfect Pro-Calcium Radiance Perfector (moisturizer), for $19.99 with a $19.99 rebate. Please note: Consolidate your rebate with mom's since only one refund is allowed per address, per family, per household, per month. (That’s a lot of “pers”!) If your roommate is submitting a rebate to your same address, you'll lose out. Read the instructions carefully. You can purchase these products online, just be cognizant of the shipping costs.

Be sure to save your receipt, and then go online to arrange for your rebate by clicking on Easy Saver Catalog and "claim rebates". If you prefer, you can submit your rebate by mail, as explained in the Catalog. Follow the instructions carefully, and be certain to postmark/submit your rebate online by November 29, 2008. If you opt to receive the rebate on a Walgreens gift card, then you will receive an additional 10% back. Requesting a check, however, only entitles you to a rebate for $6.99. It couldn't be any easier, especially when you claim it online.

As an added bonus, Walgreens is offering a coupon for $5 off any purchase of $20 or more. This coupon is good today and Saturday only. Read the fine print for restrictions.

Happy weekend!

Planning To Go Abroad? Get That Passport!

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, and the end of the semester not far behind, many college students are getting ready to venture abroad for the spring semester, for a school break, or for the summer. If you haven't already done so, now is the time to apply for your passport. It wasn't that long ago when it took 2 to 3 months, or even longer, to receive your passport. There is currently a 3 week wait for the processing of routine applications, according to the U.S. Department of State's passport site.

The State Department's passport site, in addition to walking you through the process of obtaining a passport, covers topics such as travel warnings and alerts, visas, general information for students, and an abundance of travel information. Since you may soon be home for Thanksgiving, take the time now to check out the passport requirements, in case you need to locate some of your personal documents.

Of special note:
A significant change will occur as of June 1, 2009, when it will no longer be quite as simple as it used to be, to return to the United States from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require a passport, passport card or a traveler card (NEXUS, FAST, SENTRI) from those U.S. citizens entering the U.S. by land or sea. Don't be surprised if there is a sudden surge in passport applications, and therefore an increase in the time it will take to receive a passport, as the June 1 deadline approaches.

Your Cell Phone Is Your Lifeline

Can you even imagine life without your cell phone? Losing it would be devastating!

When my daughter was a freshman, she unknowingly dropped her cell phone on the Boston "T" (subway). Imagine our confusion when we received a call from a complete stranger telling us he had our daughter's cell phone. More importantly, we immediately wondered where our daughter was. Fortunately, the caller was quite honorable and gave us information as to how my daughter could retrieve it: at his place of employment, in a very public location.

Now the tricky part. How do we reach my daughter to pass along the contact information? We had no obvious way to call her. We emailed her, hoping she might be near a computer, and soon after she called us back. She and a friend were able to retrieve the phone together. If you ever have a similar experience, be certain to call your cell phone provider immediately and request a hold on your phone, eliminating the risk of an enormous phone bill. And, in the interest of your safety, be certain to pick up your phone in a very public location, accompanied by a friend.

From then on, we realized we needed a better plan. We had both our kids provide us with the cell phone numbers for a few of their closest friends. While my daughter's cell phone's address book listed our phone numbers as "Mom" and "Dad", which made it obvious for the good Samaritan to call us to report the phone loss, there's also another commonly accepted practice for designating who should be contacted. When you set up your address book, include the acronym ICE, "in case of emergency", before the names of the people you designate to be called. So, for instance, "ICE Mom", "ICE Dad", "ICE daughter Sarah". This clearly specifies your preferred contacts. We also provided our kids with the phone numbers for some extended family members and friends.

And, by the way, have you called your mother lately?!

Warm Your Soul

The temperatures here in the northeast are beginning to drop, reminding us that blustery weather can't be far behind. Take a break from your work and warm up with a soothing cup of tea from Yogi Tea.

It's also the perfect time, for those of you who are no longer participating in a college meal plan, to prepare a large batch of soup. Today's recipe is not only easy to prepare, but extremely nutritious. Like many soups, it freezes beautifully. Cut, chop and cook once, but by doubling the batch, and freezing it, you can later defrost and enjoy it on those evenings when your time is tight or you just don't feel like cooking.

***Note my tips at the bottom of the recipe, before you shop for the ingredients and begin preparing.

Black Bean Soup

3 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 large stalk celery, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped
4 cups chicken broth or vegetable (I used two 14 1/2 ounce cans)
3 15 1/2 oz cans of black beans, rinsed and drained
Juice from 1 lime (we enjoy it with extra lime juice added to the soup and added as a condiment, and suggest purchasing extras)
1 Tbsp tomato paste
salt (optional)
condiments: sour cream (non or low fat), salsa, cilantro, additional lime juice

In a large pot, heat the oil. Add the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Stir in the cumin and cook 1 minute. Add the celery, carrot, stock and beans. Heat to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir in the lime juice and tomato paste. To thicken soup, puree the beans in a blender/Cuisinart and return to pot (I like to keep some of the beans whole and only puree part of the soup). Be extra careful when transferring the hot soup to the blender and don't fill the blender more than halfway. You can add it in small batches. If you don't have a blender, you can use a potato masher. Add salt (optional). Serve with sour cream, salsa, cilantro and lime juice.

*** Tips
All good chefs learn ways to cut back on ingredients and costs. Once you gain experience in the kitchen, you'll easily learn to modify recipes.

First of all, follow the sales. I appreciate that your time is limited for reading the ads. It's challenging enough to get to the grocery store, much less plan and cook a meal. When you are at the store, keep your eyes out for sale signs on some of your preferred products.

Try different olive oils. They can vary in taste and price. I use extra virgin olive oil. If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, they sell a nice, moderately priced olive oil.

While I prefer keeping a head of fresh garlic in the kitchen, it may save you time if you purchase a jar of minced garlic and store it in your refrigerator. It's a close second to fresh.

Consider purchasing products (black beans) that are store brands. The least expensive brand of black beans will work fine for this recipe, and for most other recipes utilizing black beans.

Since I use black beans and low sodium chicken broth quite often, I keep my pantry well stocked with extra cans of each.

Often when you use tomato paste, you open a can and only need a tablespoon or two. Take the remaining tomato paste and spoon it out by tablespoons and freeze it on a tray or on waxed paper. Once frozen, remove the individual tablespoons of tomato paste and transfer them to a plastic container to be stored in your freezer for later use. Next time you need a tablespoon of tomato paste, you'll be all set. You needn't even defrost it, if you are adding it to a recipe on the stove.

Spices can be a huge drain on your budget. In recent years, I've read numerous articles suggesting the purchase of spices at the dollar store, odd lot, closeout stores, or similar places. It's a huge savings and I've been equally satisfied with the taste. Otherwise, look for the generic brands and spices that are on sale, to replenish your supply.

The condiments for this recipe are optional, but a great addition, and from my perspective they really enhance the flavors. Choose the ones that you are more apt to enjoy.

Textbooks and more

It is more than likely that time in the semester when you have already registered, or will soon be registering, for classes. Those $100 and higher textbooks are a reality. However, a little ingenuity will help you monitor those steep costs. .

Consider registering for free with Borders Rewards to receive a variety of (nearly weekly) specials throughout the year. For example, while it expires today, a recent email includes a coupon (for members) for 30% off any purchase of $10 or more, online or in the store. Do not despair, inevitably there will soon be another email with an additional book discount available. For more information regarding the benefits of joining, read the program benefits and facts. In the meantime, find out the titles and ISBN numbers for your textbooks, and this may be just one of many ways to begin cutting your costs.

In addition, if you are beginning to plan for the holidays, today's email provided a coupon (for members) for 40% off all Cd's (limit 3).

Barnes and Noble offers a similar membership card, however, they charge a $25 yearly membership fee. Given that many university bookstores are owned and operated by Barnes and Noble, this may be an option worth considering.

Also, begin to ask around at school to see who may have already taken the class you're intending to take. They may be willing to sell or lend it to you.

I'll cover a number of additional ways to save on textbooks in future posts. Stay tuned!

Who doesn't love chocolate......

especially when it's free? I wanted to get the weekend word out, before it's too late. Head to a Godiva store near you and sample some mouth watering truffles. You can check the store locator to find a location near you. It's the perfect study break, the perfect anything break, really! There are additional dates for free tastings listed on the site.

It's Freebie Friday!

Who doesn't love freebies?! I can't promise one every Friday, but I'll alert you to steals and deals as often as I can.

While I don't mean to nag, as your virtual mother I ask you, "When was the last time you cleaned your room or apartment?" It's been that long, huh? Take advantage of a new environmentally friendly product from Arm and Hammer. Purchase prior to December 15, 2008, and be sure to mail for your rebate by December 31, 2008. Read the rebate form for instructions. And while you're at it, send this posting to good ole mom and dad and let them take advantage of this rebate, too.

I fed you on election day, now get cleaning!

Traveling for Thanksgiving

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is three weeks from today! Chances are, you probably already arranged your travel for the long holiday weekend. A number of years ago I was advised by Amtrak to make reservations in July, when the fares were at their lowest and the reservations were wide open. This past summer, with gas prices escalating, train travel was booming! After checking online, followed by a phone call, I was alerted to the fact that some of the lowest fares were no longer available and certain trains were booking up, months ahead of schedule. On the other hand, apparently the airlines have recently begun to lower fares for Thanksgiving and December travel. If you haven't already done so, you may be surprised by what you'll find. Can't you just smell that turkey roasting?!

Consider registering with Amtrak Guest Rewards. Currently, they are offering 500 bonus points just for registering, and double points if you travel by December 12. Check their site for additional offers. If you already have your reservations, you can still sign up for Guest Rewards and reap the benefits.

History in the Making!

After one of the longest running campaigns that I can recall, we now have a new president-elect. Regardless of your political beliefs, this was an historical event for the United States.

For those college students reading my blog, I imagine you had the luxury of spending election night attending a well planned event on campus, surrounded by thousands of your "closest" friends! Lucky you. The energy must have been amazing. Personally, my kids, who both attend a university in the Boston area, were similarly participating in a school wide event. We kept in touch throughout the evening with text messages, instant messages, and phone calls. And when the election was ultimately decided, my kids happened to be together, and called home. I can only imagine how many cell phones were in use at that moment! All of us will always remember where we were and who we were with when history was made, and share those memories for years to come.

Here's my tip for today. Before the supplies run out, head out early and purchase your local newspaper, as a memento from this election. I suggested to my kids that they pick up the Boston Globe, while I ran out early to buy extra copies of the New York Times.

Freebies on Election Day

After a long time in the thinking stage, it is time to get this blog going. So I ask, if a mom blogs on the web, will anyone find her? Will anyone listen?

Special thanks to Sarah, Dan, Mary and Marc who participated in an extremely "scientific poll" to choose the name for this blog.

The concept for this blog developed in recent years when my kids, their friends, and my friends' kids headed off to college. While many were so well prepared to live independently, there were inevitably some questions that would arise: the how-to's of laundry, shopping, cooking, cleaning; the best way to find a bargain in airfare, train fare, theatre tickets, restaurants, books, toiletries; and numerous other topics. There's plenty to chat about.

Tomorrow is our long awaited election. By now, I hope that those of you who are of voting age have long since registered to vote, intend to vote locally or have mailed your absentee ballots. For most college students, this is more than likely your first election. History in the making.

To celebrate Election Day and for exercising your right to vote, there are a few freebies that you can enjoy on November 4th:
Ben and Jerry's, from 5 to 8 pm will be offering a free single scoop of ice cream.
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts is offering free star shaped patriotic donuts to all customers who present an "I Voted" sticker.
And similarly, head to your local Starbucks, tell them you voted and they'll give you a free tall (12 oz) cup of coffee.
But most importantly, remember to get out and vote in this extremely important election!

I hope you'll come back soon!