Cancer is a Bitch: Or, I'd Rather Be Having a Midlife Crisis

Gail Konop Baker

Gail Konop Baker's cancer diagnosis came in her mid-40s, when she should have been contemplating things such as a midlife crisis. Instead, breast cancer becomes her midlife crisis. As she's taken through a whirlwind of appointments , Baker must grapple with what her diagnosis means for herself and her family. It's a contemplative but funny account of one woman's battle with breast cancer

Eating Pomegranates: A Memoir of Mothers, Daughters, and the BRCA Gene

Sarah Gabriel

If someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with breast cancer, you've probably heard of the BRCA gene. This is the mutated gene that is passed on from mother to daughter that can cause breast and ovarian cancer. Many women who discover they have the gene have preemptive mastectomies in order to prevent the development of cancer. Sarah Gabriel had her ovaries removed to prevent the BRCA gene from rearing its ugly head, but developed breast cancer instead. She's honest about her struggles as she contemplates how her diagnosis will affect herself and her family.

The Foremost Good Fortune

Susan Conley

Being diagnosed with breast cancer is earth-shattering enough. But receiving your diagnosis after your husband uprooted your family from your comfortable home in Maine to Beijing? That's what happened to Susan Conley. Not only was she trying to manage a new household, learn Mandarin, and make sure her two young children were adjusting to a brand new way of life, but she had to do it in between chemo treatments. It's an amazing story, full of culture, wit, and some deep introspection.

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Celeb beauty faves

Whether it's on the red carpet, backstage or on set, my clients want to know what products their favorite celebrities are using. So I have included some of my old favorites and a few new ones that I have proudly introduced to my makeup and grooming kit!

On their lips

Embryolisse is on everyone’s lips. Literally! This French brand is a staple in many a makeup kit and on dressing tables of celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Scarlett Johansson and Demi Moore. One standout product is their classic Lait-Crème Concentre, $28, an amazing moisturizer for all skin types that provides the perfect base for ANY foundation or concealer. My new favorite is their Baume Secours, $22, essential dry skin balm with apricot and almond oil which is great anywhere but especially on the lips!

On their face

For years, professional makeup artists on the sets of Glee and American Idol, photographers, celebrities and brides have sworn by and trusted OC8 Professional Mattifying Gel, $28, to reduce shine, even skin tone and control oil up to eight hours! It keeps you red carpet ready even under the hottest lights or in the stickiest situations. Dab a little on over moisturizer and under oil-free makeup and you are "set!"

Skin Authority knows a thing or two about skin. Heather Morris and Chord Overstreet from Glee and Emily Proctor and Mario Lopez are fans and it shows! Using the highest concentration of natural ingredients without parabens, dyes or fragrance makes this brand a must-have in the makeup trailer or in your home. My new favorite is Wrinkle Reversing Serum, $139, that plumps and fills in the deepest wrinkles.

On their teeth

How do you and your favorite stars keep those pearly whites looking their best? Well, by using Rembrandt Intense Stain Dissolving Strips, $25. These strips effectively remove stains from red wine, tea, coffee and from smoking. Teeth will look noticeably whiter within two weeks when used twice daily. The strips dissolve within 10 minutes which makes them easy, effective and perfect for on the go!

On the guys

Male celebs like Adrien Brody, Andre "3000" Benjamin and Gael Garcia Bernal love Gillette Fusion ProGlide Styler, $20. Guys today need a little skin TLC and want to simplify their grooming routines. This wet/dry shaver achieves incredible closeness, custom trims up to three lengths and has an edging blade to sculpt and define facial hair lines. Pair with Fusion Pro Glide Shave gel, $4.

You know guys want the easiest, fastest way to groom and boy, am I so lucky to have found this… Tao of Man has an all-natural, herbal 3-in-1 cleanser called Daily Skin Defense, $25, for successful men on the go like Leonardo DiCaprio. Cleanse impurities, combat shaving irritation and defy the signs of aging, all in one multipurpose product!

More beauty

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Photo credits: Apega/WENN.com, Nikki Nelson/WENN.com, BusinessWire

Whenever it's been a hectic day of running around or chasing after the kiddies, the last thing I want to do is think about dinner. But since we all have to eat, I'm forced to burrow around in my fridge and find something that will cook up quick and fill everyone up until breakfast. It's on these nights that I throw together a quick salad because there's nothing easier or healthier than a big dinner salad.

While chicken and steak are usually my go-to proteins for a dinner salad, every so often I like to use shrimp because they're so yummy. But the shrimp also gets me that necessary dose of B vitamins and antioxidants. I usually just throw a handful of shrimp in with the other salad fixings and am completely satisfied. But then Sunset magazine suggested adding a couple peaches to the mix, and I was floored. Not only did I get the wonderful flavor from the shrimp, but now I had the added sweetness of the peach as well. The salad was out of this world and a combination I will definitely try again.

Curried peach and shrimp salad

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 peaches, chopped
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Juice of 1 lime
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
• 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric

Directions:

1. Boil the shrimp in a large pot of water until opaque, about one minute; drain, shock with cold water and transfer to a large bowl.
2. Add the peaches, onion, avocado, and lime juice to the bowl of shrimp.
3. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the spices and cook for one minute. Pour the spiced oil over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>

Other peach recipes

Baked peach French toast
Caribbean peach slaw salad with crispy tofu
Peaches and cream muffins

With October 31 fast approaching, your kids are sure to beg to have all their friends over for a festive Halloween-themed party. Here are some great tips to make sure your party is the talk of the playground!

How to... Plan a kids Halloween party

Step 1: Consider ages

Keep in mind the ages of the children attending your party. Having a house full of 4- or 5-year-olds will call for a much different party than if your kids are 7, 8 or 9. Keep your party age-appropriate to ensure everyone has a great time.

Step 2: Choose a theme

Are your kids and their friends more likely to enjoy a friendly jack-o'-lantern party or a scary-themed celebration complete with ghosts, ghouls, spiders and zombies? Age will be a big factor in this decision, as will the temperament of your individual children. Be sure to consult with your kids about what kind of party will be most fun for them and their friends.

Another important consideration is whether this will be a costume party, and make sure your guests are aware either way. No kid wants to be the only one that comes in costume or the only one not dressed up at a Halloween party.

Step 5: Fun activities

Finally, once everything is prepared and everyone has arrived, keep your little guests entertained with Halloween-themed games, crafts or other activities. With a full schedule of fun things to do, your kids’ friends will leave looking forward to next year’s Halloween bash!

More Halloween ideas

Homemade Halloween decorations
Family-friendly Halloween party
Frugal Halloween party fun!

Many opponents of nursing in public wonder why the mother can’t simply pump a bottle beforehand or throw a blanket over herself and her baby. The truth is, it isn’t that easy.

Straight from the tap
is best

Breastfeeding — covered or not — is often the only way a mom can feed her baby, and here’s why.

Nursing in public has become a hotly-contested right among Americans, and although it is protected by law in 45 out of the 50 states, issues still pop up — mothers are still asked to cover up, move to the restroom or leave the premises while nursing their children. One of the rallying cries of those opposed is, “Why can’t she just cover up?” Others wonder why the mom can’t simply pump milk into a bottle beforehand instead of nursing. The fact is, it isn’t that simple.

Covering up

Covering up sounds so easy — just toss a blanket over your shoulder and your baby’s head and everyone is happy — your baby is fed and no one can see your boobs. The truth is that moms are not required to cover up, and you can breastfeed discreetly even without a large blanket draped over your baby. In fact, a nursing cover broadcasts to everyone that you are breastfeeding , while simply lifting up your top and latching her on often doesn’t even get a second glance.

Also, some babies dislike being covered. Think about it — would you enjoy eating with a blanket or towel covering your head — especially while you were cuddled up next to someone? Even in cooler weather, it can get hot and sweaty quickly under a cover, and the babe in question is not able to settle down to comfortably nurse, which results in even more attention being drawn to Mom.

It’s also a hassle moms don’t always have the time — or the extra hands — to deal with. Kelley, mom of two, told us, “I have to hold my baby, hold my breast to help him latch, hold the cover and also hold on to my 1-year-old, not to mention the diaper bag, shopping cart, plus countless other child-related things that mommies have to keep track of.”

Pumping

Pumping is an entirely different matter. Pumping requires a breast pump of course, which can be expensive, but also bottles, a place to store the milk, and the ability to warm it up to give to the baby. Some moms struggle to get milk from a pump because as wonderful as breast pumps are, they are not babies. Even if you get a good response from your pump, you likely won’t be getting the same amount of milk — babies are just more efficient at emptying your breasts. And skipping a feeding from the breast while you are out can cause engorgement or mastitis. Last but certainly not least, some babies won't take a bottle.

“The best thing about breastfeeding is that it's always ready to go,” shared Rachelle, mother of two and the mom behind Unlatched. “It's the right temperature and you don't really need any supplies to do it. Pumping a bottle may sound like it's easy to do, but it's not. Pumps are expensive, many moms are not able to get milk while pumping, and skipping feedings while out in public can actually affect their milk supply."

Decades ago, before bottle feeding and formula became the new norm for new moms, it was not a big deal for babies to be fed from the breast wherever Mom happened to be — like this mother waiting at a train station. Even when there is more breast exposure in film, advertisements and your local pool, breastfeeding continues to be seen as something that should take place behind closed doors. With more moms nursing in public, and more citizens being educated on the laws, hopefully breastfeeding a baby will someday be as unremarkable as bottle feeding a little one.

More on nursing in public

What are breastfeeding nurse-ins all about?
Breastfeeding in public a breeze for Beyonce
Target facing nurse-in after alleged harassment of breastfeeding customer

Is everyone on Nashville trying to keep a secret? The short answer: Yes. Country superstar Rayna James is trying to keep her feelings — and her past — with ex-flame Deacon Claybourne under wraps while her mayor candidate husband, Teddy, tries to keep his past financial indiscretions under wraps.

Oh, and Juliette Barnes shows there's a lot of vulnerability underneath that b****y exterior. That's this week's Nashville in a nutshell.

"She's the most famous singer ever"

Poor Rayna just can't win. Last week, her label basically tells her she'll have to open for Juliette to keep her album going — and she rightfully tells them to shove it. This week we see that even her kiddos — and even maybe her baby daddy Deacon — can't seem to resist her charms.

Juliette is still trying to lure Deacon away from Rayna with plenty of flirty glances, kisses — and even a bit of songwriting/skinny-dipping in a lush green pasture. She even tries to lure him with a $50,000 guitar.

"Sometimes a guitar is just a guitar," a sheepish Deacon tells Rayna and Watty White after receiving the rare string instrument. Uh, no, Deacon — but thanks for trying.

Also, what's the deal with Juliette and Deacon? He seems to love the attention the young lil thang gives him, but does she really like him for him — or is it all a ploy to further her career? We're not really sure, but she does seem to have a genuine puppy dog crush on him.

"I think something about you makes me want to grow up," Juliette tells Deacon at one point.

Vomit.

Hayden Panettiere swears she's not channeling Taylor Swift >>

Watty White: Puppetmaster

Speaking of Watty, he tells Rayna that the "idea" he had during a rainy night at The Bluebird Café was for her and Deacon to go on a stripped-down tour in lieu of her sure-to-be-a-disaster arena tour. Deacon's down for it, but Rayna's hubby isn't so sure he wants her alone with the dreamy bandleader.

Watty has plans for Scarlett and Gunnar, too. He offers to record the pair's demo, which we're assuming is like having George Strait or Garth Brooks offer to break your career. Scarlett acts like a weirdo about it, mostly because her boyfriend Avery is trying to be a big-time country star and what kind of co-dependent girlfriend would she be if she pursued her own career?

Gunnar wants both the demo and the girl. He eventually convinces her to take the opportunity, but not before Avery finds out about the impromptu Bluebird performance and demo offer. He pouts about it, but tells Scarlett she should go for it.

Spoiler alert: He really doesn't want her to go for it.

Secrets and more secrets

As for Teddy and the mayoral race? Daddy Warbucks is still pulling all the strings and signs up Teddy and his daughter dearest for an intensive background check. Rayna is evasive during her interview, especially when it comes to Deacon. It's obvious she's hiding a lot about their relationship — like a love child — but she tells the suits that their romantic relationship stopped when Deacon went to rehab.

Teddy was pretty honest about everything, it seems — except for that "bad business deal" that apparently bankrupted a lot of people. Daddy Warbucks is super-excited that his puppet is hiding something 'cause it'll make pulling the strings a lot easier. So, how bad were Teddy's business deals? Pretty bad, it seems: Cameras cut to him burning some documents in the fireplace. It's pretty much universally understood that burning important documents = big sinister secret.

Teddy does relent on one thing, though. He thanks Rayna for going through the background check, saying he knows it wasn't easy for her. Then, he gives the Deacon tour his blessing.

But will this tour go through? Rayna makes an impromptu visit to Deacon's acoustic performance at the Bluebird and they perform one of their old songs together. It's obvious that there's still a lot of raw feelings all around and that a tour would pretty much mean lots of guilty sex.

Overall, the episode was pretty boring, but we got the much-needed character development. Previews for next week promise a lot of fireworks, including a visit from Juliette's meth addict mom. Can't. wait.

Images courtesy ABC

iPhone apps

Spanish
learning apps

Between the useful functions your iPhone serves and the entertainment it provides, you might have your iPhone glued to your hand during your waking hours. We do, too. You've heard the saying "There's an app for that" — and there is! We're bringing you fun and useful apps for your iPhone every week. Today, we're sharing five apps for learning Spanish.

You don't need an expensive language learning program or time-consuming class to become fluent in Spanish. With these iPhone apps, you can learn Spanish whenever and wherever you want, and at your own pace. Whether you just want to be able to have a basic conversation or want to master the language, there's an app for that.

This free iPhone app helps you immerse yourself in Spanish and learn the language at a rapid rate. You will learn basic phrases and vocabulary quickly by listening to two narrators who pronounce the words in a variety of intonations and speeds. Spanish in a Month helps you learn Spanish as if you were in its natural spoken environment.

Price: Free

Spanish Touch Trainer is an immersive sentence translation game that teachs sentence construction, verb conjugation and vocabulary broadening in a fun, effective manner. It's not about boring flashcards but rather contextual associations. This highly-rated app features exercises at both the beginning and advanced levels.

Price: $2.99

This free iPhone app teaches Spanish through an engaging set of study tools and games. It features native speaker audio, an entertaining puzzle game, manual and automatic flash cards, quizzes and much more. Whether you are just learning or want to refresh your Spanish, the free version of 24/7 Tutor Spanish is just what you need to get started.

Price: Free

iStart Spanish is a highly-rated app that will take you from scratch all the way to conversation level. It features 50 lessons of high-quality audio instruction by three different language professionals. This app is informative and fun — making it easy to learn Spanish in an engaging manner.

Price: $4.99

AccelaStudy Spanish features six proven methods to improve retention, pronunciation and comprehension of fundamental Spanish vocabulary. It's perfect for students, travelers or anyone who wants to learn Spanish quickly and efficiently. Over 6 million people around the world have used AccelaStudy to master a language. The app features more than 2,400 vocabulary words in more than 60 subject areas, including more than 200 of the most commonly used verbs. With the spaced repetition feature, flash cards, quizzes and other components, you'll learn Spanish in no time.

Price: $9.99

More iPhone apps

Best apps for the iPhone: Decorating apps
Best apps for the iPhone: Budgeting apps
Best apps for the iPhone: Fitness apps

Is your child about as interested in the idea of working out as he is in doing math homework on a Saturday morning? The good news is there are some fun ways to get your child movin'.

In fact, some schools are even getting in on the act and upping the ante on their phys ed classes. The idea is to focus on individual challenges instead of team competitions. In other words, ditch dodgeball for skateboarding. Be on the lookout. You might soon see individual sports such as inline skating, mountain biking and even ice skating popping up at your child's school.

Experts agree that a child gets more out of an individual sport like skateboarding — and it stays with him far longer in life — than a group activity such as the ever-popular schoolyard game, dodgeball. With a nationwide obesity crisis, educators and parents are looking for any and all creative ways to move kids from the couch to the concrete.

So why not follow suit at home? A child is far more likely to want to go outside and imitate Tony Hawk than he is to willingly run around the track or do sit-ups.

Easy ways to exercise without the kids even knowing it >>

More ways to help your kids stay fit

How to make exercise fun for kids
Healthy eating habits for kids
How is sugar hurting your kids?

Pumpkin pie bites

We consulted caterer and event planner Andrea Correale of Elegant Affairs, who provided us with a variety of Halloween recipes.

Pumpkin pie bites

Premade pie crusts make these Halloween desserts a breeze.

Makes 24 pies

Ingredients:

• 2 refrigerated ready-to-roll pie crusts
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter
• 1/2 cup chocolate morsels
• Vegetable oil
• Resealable plastic bags

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Use cookie cutter to cut 12 pumpkin shapes from each pie crust. You will need to roll the dough thinner than it comes out of the box.
2. Press dough shapes into a 24 cup mini muffin tray.
3. Apply egg whites from one egg to the top edges of each pie. Mix cream cheese, sugar, canned pumpkin, remaining 2 eggs, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice together until thoroughly combined.
4. Spoon mixture into each pumpkin-shaped pie crust.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Remove pies to cool and repeat with second pie crust. Place the muffin tray in the freezer to cool it quickly for reuse.
6. Keep refrigerated.

Decorations:

You can add whipped cream to the top of the mini pies or decorate them with a chocolate happy face instead.

1. To decorate, melt chocolate in a heatproof bowl in the microwave on medium.
2. Heat in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until melted. Add a little vegetable oil to make the chocolate more fluid.
3. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and cut the corner off. Drizzle or draw faces on pies.

Black and orange spook cups

Candy corn spoons

Black and orange spook cups

Ingredients:

• 1 quart cold milk, divided
• 1 package Jell-O chocolate fudge flavor instant pudding mix
• 10 glasses or plastic cups
• 1 package Jell-O vanilla flavor instant pudding mix
• Red food coloring
• Yellow food coloring
• 10 Oreo cookies, crushed
• 1/4 cup Halloween sprinkles

Directions:

1. Add two cups of the milk and the dry chocolate pudding mix to a large bowl.
2. Beat with a whisk for two to three minutes. Spoon evenly into glasses, filling each half full.
3. In a separate bowl, mix remaining two cups of milk and the dry vanilla pudding mix.
4. Beat with a whisk for two to three minutes. Stir in drops of food coloring until pudding is the desired shade of orange.
5. Spoon evenly over chocolate pudding layers and top with crushed cookies.
6. Chill for at least an hour or until ready to serve. Top with sprinkles.

Candy corn spoons

If you are in a rush and want something that looks good and tastes good, grab some spoons! These candy corn spoons are perfect for a last-minute get-together or if you run out of desserts and your Halloween guests are craving something more.

With these tray-passed desserts, you can simply add a little bit of yogurt or pudding, a mandarin orange and a bit of drained crushed pineapple onto each spoon for a easy, sweet Halloween treat.

Spooky screwdriver

Black cherry ghoul

Spooky screwdriver

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces orange juice
• 4 ounces black vodka

Directions:

1. Pour in orange juice. Gently layer black vodka over juice. Serve.

Black cherry ghoul

Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 ounces black vodka
• 1/2 ounce blackberry brandy or Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur or cherry juice
• Berries or cherries for garnish

Directions:

1. Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well. Pour over ice and serve.

More Halloween recipes

DIY pumpkin keg and harvest sangria recipe
Top 10 scary snacks for Halloween parties
Halloween candy cookies

Images courtesy of Andrea Correale, Elegant Affairs

Heather McElhatton knows how to write a book that will entertain you from start to finish. She creates characters and stories that are relatable, fun, and teach you something along the way. The best-selling book, Pretty Little Mistakes put her on the map as an author who would write funny books where neurotic behavior is put proudly on display — where you'll root for the heroine and champion her, mistakes and all.

About Jennifer Johnson is Sick of Being Married

First, Jennifer Johnson was sick of being single. Then she got hitched and now she's pretty sure she's sick of being married. Sometimes tying the knot just means getting strangled.

Jennifer Johnson used to be stuck in a cubicle, single, and boasting a strong addiction to Cinnabon frosting. Now she's walked down the aisle to her dream man — who happens to be good looking and successful. But you know what they say about the grass being greener? Jennifer begins to wonder if that saying might be true when it comes to her new husband and his questionable family.

It can't be good when you call your honeymoon the honeymoon from hell as Jennifer does. But for good reason: It takes place in a Christian resort bought and paid for by her mother and father-in-law, complete with virgin daiquiris and yoga. And before she knows it, she's organizing abstinence dances and joining the ladies who lunch group. All the while she's wondering what's happened to her and the life she thought she was going to be living.

You'll laugh out loud as you go on a wild ride with Jennifer as she tries to figure out if this is all married life is really cracked up to be.

More reading

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your questions answered

Easy decor solutions

Does your apartment feel too small? Are you inundated with clutter? Overwhelmed with what color to paint your new home? We have the answers to some of the most common concerns when it comes to getting your space in tip-top shape.

We have Sabrina Soto, decor expert, HGTV host and author of Sabrina Soto Home Design, here to share her top design tips with SheKnows. This week she's helping us handle some of our most frustrating decor-related questions.

How to do I make my small space appear bigger?

No room? No problem, says Soto. There are a few simple but effective ways to open up your home no matter how much square footage you're lacking. Start with mirrors. "Mirrors are great in small spaces. They reflect light and create the illusion of a big space." Next, be strategic about furniture. "It's a good idea to choose small scale furniture. Heavier pieces tend to overpower in small spaces," she explains.

What should you buy? Soto suggests Lucite and acrylic furniture because it takes up less "visual" space .

How do I cut back on clutter?

The first step toward a clutter-free lifestyle is to stay organized, stresses Soto. "Putting things away and keeping tidy will keep you aware of what you have, and what you don't need," she explains. If you're worried about the fact you don't have time to keep things organized, it doesn't have to be a daily chore. "Schedule a 'mini de-clutter' day once a week to put things away and get rid of the things you don't need."

I can't afford art but need something on my walls — what can I do?

Blank walls can make your home feel sparse, whereas art adds personality and interest to any room. But buying paintings can get costly. "If you absolutely love a piece but can't afford it, purchase a poster print," suggests Soto. "They are cheap and affordable. Just frame and hang."

Want to get more creative? Decorate with photos. "Make your own art," says Soto. "Gather your favorite photographs and create a photo collage." Whether it's candid family shots or your favorite travel moments, a grouping of your best pictures adds warmth and looks great.

It's too dark in my apartment — how do I brighten things up?

Not every home is going to get a lot of light, or be set up to optimize the light it gets. "To brighten your space, make sure to use lighter color schemes. Darker colors can weigh a room down," advises Soto. "Add pops of bright color such as orange, yellow or red and incorporate in your accents, pillows and throws."

I can't decide on a color scheme — where do I start?

Whether you're moving into a new home or redecorating the one you have, choosing a color scheme can be daunting. "You can never go wrong with complimentary color schemes," says Soto. "Match your blues with orange hues and purples with yellow tones." She also recommends picking two or three of your favorite colors and using them in a 60-to-30-to-10 ratio for the perfect color balance. "This is something I like to call the system of trios."

I don't want to buy new couches — how can I refresh my living room?

If your sofa is still in good shape, you don't need to splurge on another. "Either cover it with a new slipcover or switch up your sofa pillows and throws for fresh ones," suggests Soto. "Small little updates can go a long way."

Is there a stylish way to hide all those wires?

Wires from all your gadgets and home electronics can look messy, but there is a way to make things look tidy. "Purchase a surge protector or multi-power socket. This keeps all of your wires in one place and is easy to keep out of sight behind a back paneled furniture piece," says Soto. She also suggests creating a cable basket or shelf under your desk to run the wires to keep your floors clean and wires hidden.

More decor tips and tricks

Update your mudroom for fall
Upcycle your old living room furniture
Home decor made easy with Sabrina Soto

President Barack Obama and presidential candidate Mitt Romney will be on the ballot on November 6. But before you head to the polls, you should know where each stands on these important issues.

Hey, Mama, it's good to be informed, right?

There's no doubt that times are tough for most families these days. Money is stretched thin between housing, rising prices of food and gas and more. And with so many people out of work or otherwise underemployed, a better job market would mean better times for moms and dads.

Everyone will agree that education in the United States needs improvement. Ranked 27th in the world in math, 22nd in math and 7th in literacy, our kids aren't getting as good an education as they could be. Teachers work so hard, but mandates from the government have made things very difficult.

Who is in charge of your body? Reproductive rights really center around this question -- and depending on where you fall on the pro-life vs pro-choice debate, candidates speak to both sides.

As a mother, health care matters -- not just for our kids but for ourselves too. Whatever your specific concerns are, having access to health care and life-saving medications is essential. But what's the right way to ensure that Americans get the health care they need?

More on the issues and debates

Presidential debate: Romney 1, Big Bird 0
Vanessa Williams: I had a teen abortion
Celebrities speak out for Planned Parenthood

Photo credits: WENN

Parents like monitors for safety reasons and convenience. It’s fun to listen to your baby or watch him if you have a video monitor. Monitors may also provide reassurance to parents that their babies are breathing well.

Too much of a good thing?

If you spend hours listening to or watching your baby on a monitor, you may have trouble sleeping or worry too much about what you may hear or see.

Carrie Caroll, a mother of twins says, "I personally can attest to nights where I would not want to turn the monitor off as I wanted to try my best to keep watching my infant twins sleep. After a few nights of that, my husband and I opted to only use the sound portion of the monitor, and would turn on the video if the babies made an unexpected sound. That was key for us."

Can monitors reduce SIDS?

We want what’s best for our babies and to keep them safe — some manufacturers claim monitors will reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome .

However it's important for all parents to know that according to the Federal Drug Administration , these claims are untrue. The FDA warns parents not to purchase these products simply if they think it's going to reduce the risk of SIDS.

The best "monitor" for your baby? You.

The Safe to Sleep Campaign — formerly known as Back to Sleep — and the FDA both recommend room sharing with your baby and putting him on his back to sleep. This sleep position has reduced the risk of SIDS by nearly 50 percent.

Whether or not you decide to buy a baby monitor, remember that nothing will replace you or your partner when it comes to monitoring your baby's health.

More about baby monitors and other baby gear

Baby monitors: Which one is right for you?
Best baby swings on a budget
New baby gear for 2012

If you’re the type of person who believes in working hard, likes helping others and is a hands-on HR professional who delivers best results by working within a team, then this is the role for you.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Employee Engagement – Provide HR knowledge and expertise to all levels of the organization to assist in day to day business challenges and long term needs of the company. This role should be a coach, expert and partner to all departments within the company in matters relating to employee relations, growth and developmen,t and related fundamental areas of the entire employee experience.
• Process & Systems Guru – Be the “go-to” person in the department for HRIS items including report and functionality issues. Work with various systems to discover and implement efficiencies within the department that extend to the company in matters relating to on-boarding, exit, benefits, recruitment and related items.
• Recruitment – Partner with managers to provide full lifecycle recruiting assistance. This could entail posting openings on job boards, conducting phone interviews, extending offers and managing requisitions, performing background and reference checks, etc.
• Benefits Administrator – Conduct all benefits meetings for new hires, in and out of state. This role also ensures the proper administration of benefits including healthcare, 401K, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and COBRA. This role requires someone to be savvy and knowledgeable with benefits to resolve any issues and understand the fundamentals of how various programs work.
• Projects – Oversee training curriculum, audits, HRIS/intranet design, employee events and other projects as needed.

Qualifications

Hands down, we need someone that is organized, tech-savvy and really likes to work with all kinds of people! These things are helpful too:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Minimum of 4 -5 years working experience in HR capacity, preferably in Generalist role for 1-2 years
• Familiar with leaves, COBRA & benefits administration, compliance and other State/Federal regulations
• HRIS/ADP HR solutions knowledge is a plus
• Experience supporting domestic & International locations.
• Strong capacity for different office programs: Microsoft Office, Excel & Power Point
• Creative in problem solving for all various issues
• Effective oral and written communication skills, excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proactively maintain a positive work environment that supports an open door policy
• Have a “go getter” attitude

Submit resume to Ashley.Mullins@sheknows.com; no phone calls, please.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility , but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.

This is a full-time position and salary D.O.E. Employees will receive health, vision and dental after an introductory period. In addition, 401K, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability benefits are provided.

Also responsible for coordinating support with other senior and principle administrators, developing junior-level staff and acting as tier 2 support for the server and desktop environment. Must be willing and able to work in a dynamic, growing and international environment

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position will have 7+ years experience supporting and working in Windows arena, experience with VMware, and Storage experience. BS in Computer Science or relevant work experience required. MCSE certification a plus.

• Expert level knowledge in Windows Server 2003/2008, Active Directory, and Desktop applications, as well as back office applications including Exchange, SQL Server, System Center Configuration Manager.
• Experience with VMware virtual infrastructure 3.5/4 administration
• Experience with enterprise systems
• Experience with SAN technologies, including implementation of iSCSI SAN, FCSAN, NAS Storage and Microsoft Clustering 2003/2008
• Experience in implementing automated processes, developing standards and designing/managing stable infrastructure.
• Managed and grown Ethernet networks and fiber-channel networks in fully redundant layout, performing maintenance.
• Experience in RAID configuration and redundancy.
• Expertise with Active Directory and related domain level components and protocols DNS, DHCP, SMTP and WINS
• Experience with administration of MS SQL Server
• Experience with Dell PowerEdge servers
• Understanding of server and network performance within an enterprise business application environment
• Experience with Technical Project management
• Experience with Windows scripting and automation, using WMI, Powershell, or Perl
• Ability to lift up to 50lbs.
• Ability to participate in an on-call rotation
• Limited travel required

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelors/Masters degree in a related field
• Cisco CCNA or related knowledge
• Experience in an Agile/Scrum environment
• Experience with Internet Advertising and Marketing

Submit resume to Ashley.Mullins@sheknows.com; no phone calls, please.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility , but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.

This is a full-time position and salary D.O.E. Employees will receive health, vision and dental after an introductory period. In addition, 401K, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability benefits are provided.

Pink may have gained 55 pounds during her pregnancy, but 15 months after her adorable daughter Willow was born she has lost it all — and then some.

The singer is showing off her rockin' body on the cover of Shape, and while those newly sculpted abs look like they've never tasted the pleasures of cheesecake, nothing could be further from the truth.

"I ate a lot of cheesecake during my pregnancy," Pink said. "Also anything sour — Sour Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, key lime pie..."

While she opted to "be kind" to her body in the first few months after giving birth and not jump right into a crazy diet and exercise program, she did eventually start working out with Jillian Michaels and Jeannette Jenkins. Now, she says, she's in the best shape of her life.

"They both kicked my butt more than any other person I've ever worked out with," she said.

How did she do it? Another one of her trainers, Gregory Joujon-Roche, told Shape that when he worked with her, "Our training was a ton of cleansing, cardio, martial arts, lengthening, toning, stripping, and sweating. Everything was fun, loose, and high energy! We focused on a lot of free-motion body awareness."

Pink: Overdose survivor, proud "F*** you" fund owner >>

"We'd aim for 90 minutes, five days a week. Wherever we were, we were in an environment of 75 percent heart rate, 'steady Eddie' as we like to call it. Her heart rate would be between 155 and 165 for the entire session. The only time that rate would go down was during a rest, which would be stretching. It's not grueling, but it's definitely tough to sustain that heart rate for the entire 90 minutes."

A great attitude towards your workout helps, too. Joujon-Roche revealed that Pink "always took that time to be with you and is always fully present. She really honors her workout time. She's just a great human being, which is rare in the rock and roll world. She was always willing to try anything, always optimistic and up for a challenge."

Read the complete interview with the uber-buff Pink in the November issue of Shape.

Image courtesy Shape

What is your approach to explaining ADHD and why do you believe it's radical?

Ben Glenn: I’m passionate about encouraging parents and teachers to think outside the box. I believe that ADHD is a special disorder because it has so many positive characteristics to offset the negative ones. Getting a diagnosis of ADHD is not the end of the road; it’s the beginning of an amazing adventure. It’s definitely not all fun and games, but with support, treatment and having people in your life who understand how the ADHD brain functions, anything is possible.

Don’t discount the dreams your kids might have of being artists or musicians or jugglers instead of doctors and lawyers and architects — they can be extremely successful doing something completely unorthodox with their lives. Getting As in school and a college degree is no longer the only road to success. Educate yourself, network with others in the same situation and stay strong.

How common is ADHD today and why so many cases?

Glenn: Statistically, ADHD affects about 3-5 percent of preschool and school aged children. Because we know that ADHD is not something you "grow out of," it's also fair to say that overall, 3-5 percent of the adult population in the U.S. also has ADHD. There is still no information about the true cause of ADHD.

A real diagnosis

What are your thoughts on those who say ADHD is overdiagnosed and many kids are overmedicated?

Glenn: It can “feel” like ADHD is overdiagnosed, but then again there are statistics that show over and under diagnosis. I don’t believe that ADHD is overdiagnosed. What has happened is that testing is more readily available now than ever and people are more aware of ADHD. Also, there have been several studies that have found statistical proof that a genetic link exists between parents and kids diagnosed with ADHD.

Is ADHD a real struggle and something that impairs the day-to-day lives of people who have it? Absolutely. And if a diagnosis helps the person have access to treatment and to gain a better understanding of what makes them tick, then I’m all for it. But a child cannot learn to function better with ADHD through medication alone. There needs to be a number of things going on concurrently, such as, behavior modifications and educational accommodations.

ADHD is not a fake disorder developed by the drug companies to make money selling drugs. I like a good conspiracy as much as the next person, but that one is just silly.

The perks and pains

What do you believe are the peaks and pitfalls of ADHD?

Glenn: The pitfalls: ADHD is the consummate disorder of time management. People who have it are time blind. Add to that impulsivity and distractibility and it’s not hard to see why someone with ADHD is not able to complete a task without exerting a lot of effort. Getting organized, prioritizing their activities, being on time, and completing tasks are a constant struggle. In school children, hyperactivity is a great challenge in the classroom. Add to that extreme forgetfulness and you can see how frustrating this disorder can be.

The plus side: People with ADHD are usually amazingly creative. They are intuitive, and for the most part full of positive energy. When it comes to working on something that they are excited about, people with ADHD are almost superhero-like with their hyper focus. They tend to be generous and compassionate. They often have a great sense of humor, and the ability to inspire others. With the right attitude, helpful accommodations and the right support system, kids with ADHD can become very successful.

Read more expert parenting advice

Parenting Guru: The benefits of emotion coaching
Parenting Guru: Do your kids get good sleep?
Parenting Guru: Are you a mean mom?

As the campaigning begins to wind down, President Obama makes another stop to chat with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. This will be the president's fifth time sitting down with the liberal host on his Comedy Central show.

If it seems strange for a president to visit Comedy Central so many times, there's a simple explanation. President Obama may be our commander-and-chief, but he's also a pretty funny guy. Just check out this clip of President Obama "slow jamming" on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

The atmosphere Stewart creates for The Daily Show is one in which President Obama flourishes. And who doesn't perform at their best when they're with their fans/friends? This should be an excellent chance to hear Obama discuss the things he's most passionate about without all the time constraints of the debates.

While Stewart's show is satirical and should never be taken as an unbiased news source, he always strives to feature important and intelligent guests, many of whom work within or comment on our government and the state of our country. His interviews are enlightening but almost always carry a light-hearted tone, as well.

If you're not on Obama's team, it may be best to DVR the show and fast-forward through Stewart's opening antics. The Daily Show is not for the sensitive type.

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart airs on Comedy Central weeknights at 11/10c.

Photos courtesy of WENN.com

Yummy mummy dogs recipe

Serves 10

Ingredients:

• 1 can refrigerated crescent rolls or breadsticks
• 10 large turkey dogs
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Mustard or ketchup

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet lightly with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Unroll the dough and separate it, making four rectangles. Gently press the dough so that a seal forms where it is perforated. With a sharp knife, slowly cut each of the rectangular pieces into 10 strips, making a total of 40 strips.
3. Begin wrapping the dough around each of the hot dogs , stretching the dough as you go so that you create the look of a bandage but leaving a small open space at one end for the eyes. Place the hot dog on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining hot dogs.
4. Bake for 13-15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Using ketchup or mustard make two little dots on the dogs making eyes. Serve with extra ketchup, mustard or barbecue sauce.

More hot dog ideas

Kogi hot dogs
Mexican hot dogs
Carnival corn dogs

With all of the time our children spend in an online environment, we need to be vigilant about their safety. Identity theft isn’t just a problem for adults — it can happen to anyone at any age.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

What can we do to make sure kids aren’t sharing their private information and putting their identity at risk?

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, and what better time to brush up on the latest information for keeping our kids safe online? It isn’t just tweens and teens, either — younger children are often online more in a day than their parents. We spoke with William Pelgrin, founder of Cyber Griffin, Inc. about his tips for staying safe online.

Social media smarts

Our tweens and teens are constantly spending time on social media sites. Could someone gain enough information through Facebook or other sites to steal his identity? “Identity theft doesn’t necessarily require the attacker to break into the social media site,” says Pelgrin. “Attackers can harvest information that our children post online and combine pieces of information from multiple sources to try and steal your child’s identity.”

It is important to be aware of what the potential dangers are and discuss with your kids what they should and shouldn’t share. Even adults can be lured into a false sense of security on the internet and post a lot of private information without realizing it.

How to tell if you may be a victim of identity theft >>

Password smarts

Many people feel that accounts requiring a password are safe, but it’s how you use the password that makes all the difference. “Passwords are a first line of defense, so it is critical that your children understand why they must use them, and how to make them strong,” says Pelgrin. Passwords should be a minimum of eight characters, with a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Having a strong password helps, but don’t let your child make a common mistake and use the exact same password for all of his accounts. Once cracked, a hacker has access to everything.

More online security tips

“The more information that’s online the more information an attacker has available,” says Pelgrin. He offers the following tips that parents should discuss with their kids.

• Make sure the computer or device your child is using has security protections on it. Anti-virus software and firewalls are key in helping prevent unauthorized access or infections from viruses.
• Make sure your children are careful about what they post. Don’t post details about where they are or what they plan to do .
• Make sure your children restrict access to what they share online. Make sure any online interactions or posts are only visible to people they know.
• Make sure your children understand that downloading and installing third-party applications on their social media sites may change their security settings and allow access to their social media profile.
• Check with the three credit bureaus to see if your child does have a credit report. If so, this could be a red flag that your child’s identity may have been stolen.
• Avoid using free internet “hot-spots” for sensitive internet transactions, like banking. There isn’t enough protection in place and passwords can easily be picked up by an attacker.

Check out these popular virtual worlds for tweens and teens >>

Kids have fun learning online safety

Pelgrin and the security experts at Cyber Griffin, Inc. created an online game called Hax Attacks as a fun way to educate people about safe internet practices. “Hax Attacks is a way to teach people to change their behavior, but have fun while doing it,” he says. “The premise of the game is you have to avoid Hax, the evil character who will try to destroy your data. You score points for making smart cyber moves throughout the game.”

Talk to your kids about online safety and make sure your family information stays protected.

More online safety

7 Things your kids shouldn't share online
Tracking your child's grades online
How to help your kids protect their online identity