Mom Knows Everything

I was looking around the internet for some Easter crafts to do with the kids and I found this website www.dltk-holidays.com/easter/crafts.html with all kinds of different Easter crafts for kids of various ages. If you are looking for some crafts to do with your kids this Easter this looks like a good one to check out. I know I'm going to be using it to make some crafts with the kids this week.

My friend was over the other day having coffee and chatting. We got to talking about Easter and what the kids wanted for Easter this year. I was trying to explain to her about Sunny The Easter Bunny from the movie The Easter Bunny Is Coming To Town. I can't believe she has never seen it because it's a classic. I was telling her about why the Easter Bunny brings clothes, why a Easter flower was called a Lily and how the first Easter bunny chocolate was made.....according to the movie that is. I also told her how the Easter Bunny always brings me an Easter Lily for Easter. She said she wanted some mac memory and wondered if he brought that as well. I told her I didn't think so, but if she was really good and left a carrot out for the Easter Bunny you knew know.

What does the Easter Bunny bring for your kids? Have you seen this movie?

The winners of the Studio MovieBox HD & Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD Giveaway are Tom and Michele P. Congratulations to both of you! I will be in contact with you shortly to get your addresses to mail you your prize.

Camera Critters is a weekend meme, about what else but critters, created my very own BBFF, Misty.



I nearly missed seeing this deer the other day as it blends in so well with the trees. Actually it was the kids who saw it first and of course they hollered "DEER!" which in turn gave me a start. I'm telling you I thought I was going to have to get one of those pulse oximeter because they startled me so much by yelling about the deer so loud. I'm was actually surprised they didn't scare it away.

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Nothing exciting weather wise around here except for dark cloudy skies with cold cold cold rain. Did I mention it was a cold rain? Well it is and it's miserable outside. I guess you kinda have to expect that for Spring in Canada eh. And since the weather is so yucky today I'm spending the day inside searching for some online backup. My computer is getting very full and slow so if I don't figure something out I'll have to invest in some more storage or even a new computer. Have a great Friday everyone!

The wonderful people at KMR Communications Inc. has graciously sponsored another giveaway for one of my readers and this time it's for some great hair care products. Tonic Shop the haircare company that’s all about sun, surf, and style and all Tonic products are formulated to be 100% earth-friendly, free of sulfates and parabens.


Threesome is an innovative all-in-one hair care solution for the active waterman looking to get rid of a little extra baggage (and salt): a high performance shampoo, conditioner and body wash in one convenient bottle. Indulge with a powerful cleansing formula that utilizes a blend of proteins and nourishing botanicals enriched with vitamin B5 to help eliminate salty hair and skin that results from those long sessions. Infused with natural peppermint and tea tree oils to create a multi-sensory experience and stimulating tingle, Threesome replenishes moisture to tired hair and skin worn by the elements. Except for the sandals and smile on your face, no one will know you just got out of the water. From beach break to board meeting, make it a Threesome.

• 3-in-1 shampoo, conditioner and stimulating body wash
• Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
• Detangles, protects and leaves your hair and skin sinfully clean
• Lather into wet hair, rinse, and repeat (if you can handle it)
• Retails for $12.00/ 8 oz bottle

Luster is a leave-in conditioning mist with powerful UV-inhibitors and natural botanical oils designed to protect hair from the damaging effects of sun, salt, wind and chlorine. Use before or after your outdoor exploits to avoid embarrassing stares, awkward silences and multiple trips to the bathroom mirror. Our unique cream-to-mist technology doubles as a luxurious moisturizer that re-hydrates dull skin with aloe vera and grapeseed oil, leaving a subtle scent of remote tropical island. Think French West Indies meets the Caribbean with a delicious blend of vanilla, banana and a hint of sparkling orange extract. Luster is the answer to split ends, breakage and dry, tangled hair. From knotty to nice, give a new meaning to surfer hair and luster your locks!

• Leave-in conditioning mist and luxurious body moisturizer made with aloe vera, grapeseed oil and wheat protein, for added volume and protection.
• Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
• Spray on wet or dry hair, comb through, use generously for sleek, shiny hair. Enviable!
• Retails for $14.00/ 8 oz bottle

The Chronic shampoo and conditioning system is a potent formulation of superior plant-infused ingredients created to cleanse and fortify weather beaten hair. The lightweight formulas gently cleanse and restore balance while improving the overall condition of your hair with intense shine and added volume. Infused with a calming blend of flower and plant aromas. It’s The Chronic, yo!

• Daily shampoo and conditioner regimen specifically formulated for normal and color treated hair.
  
• Good to you and the environment: Paraben-free, sulfate-free, not tested on animals, contains no animal products or by-products, environmentally friendly and completely non-toxic.
• Leaves hair silky and smooth.
• Shampoo: massage into wet hair, lather and rinse. Conditioner: apply to clean, damp hair; comb through and rinse thoroughly. See you in the green room!
• Retails for $14.00/ 8 oz bottle

With the help of Tonic hair products you can have great looking hair while helping the environment.

You can win all three of these great products.

• Leave a comment on this post.
  
• Twitter about this contest for an extra entry.
• Post about this contest for an extra entry.
• Facebook status about this contest for an entry.
  
• Subscribe to my feed for an extra entry.
• If you don't have a blog/website just leave your name and email address in the comment section.
• Contest open to US residents only.
• Contest closes midnight AST April 11th with the winner to be announced the following day.

*Be sure to let me know in the comment section if you Tweet, subscribe or post about this contest for the extra entries.


The products in this review/giveaway were given to me free of charge for testing/review/giveaway. My review and opinions are not influenced by this or any source, they are my honest opinion of the product.


CONTEST CLOSED! The winner is Michele P.

Because my son's recent surgery he had to wear a large compression bandage over his head. It basically looked like he was wearing a helmet. He complained a lot about how itchy it was. My husband came up with a great idea to get rid of the 'itchies'. What he did was pretended to grab the itchies off his head and put them in an empty mason jar. Because 'itchies' are invisible you couldn't see them in the jar, but we knew they were there. At the end of the day we simply emptied all the 'itchies' out of the jar outside. My son loved it and laughed when my husband caught the 'itchies'.

I think this is a great idea to help kids when they have the 'itchies' and can't scratch them.

I went to the drug store to pick up my daughters acne pills and some other necessities and it was all I could do not to fill up my cart with Easter chocolates. The store was full of them. It got me to thinking that Easter is actually is less then two weeks away and I really need to get my butt in gear and start decorating. Yes, I decorate for Easter. We have an Easter tree, window clings, bunny nicknack's and even egg garland. We also hang plastic eggs on the tree outside. Before I do that though I have to get hubby to take the Christmas lights off of it. I know, pretty bad eh, I still have Christmas lights still up.

I'm going to be posting some Easter recipes and crafts in the next week so come back to see what's up for Easter.

Being a parent, especially one who's child just had surgery I know how important health insurance is. The costs of medicine alone can be astronomical unless you have some sort of coverage. There are a lot of different health insurance companies out there that offer many different varieties of coverage and costs. One of the most popular ones among my friends and family is Blue Cross Blue Shield. I'm not telling which health insurance company to go with, but I am telling you that as a parent having health insurance is definitely a must. Even if you don't have children you really should have health insurance. Which health insurance program you should go with is up to you. Do some research to find which company is best for you. There are lots of great websites that can help you do this including www.HealthInsuranceReviewer.com. For your own sake, and you children's, I highly recommend health insurance.

Camera Critters is a weekend meme, about what else but critters, created my very own BBFF, Misty.


Our cat had kittens on Monday. Four sweet little kittens and each one of them looks different. I was really surprised that there were four of them because the cat was not very big. Have you ever noticed how quickly animals can get rid of belly fat right after they have babies while it takes us so long, years even to lose our baby bellies. It doesn't seem fair does it?

I took my son to get his compression bandage off today. He was really happy it was going to be taken off, but when they tried to take it off they had to cut some of his curls to get it off. That made me a little sad about the curls, but I know he will be able to sleep so much better with the large compression bandage off and a small head bandage on instead. He's been sleeping with me the past couple of nights because he's been having such a hard time sleep and in order to get him comfortable enough to sleep without putting any pressure on his incisions I've had to sit up and hold him while he's sleeping. That means not much sleep for me and some serious neck cramps. Thank goodness for joint pain relief cream! Hopefully now though he'll be able to sleep better and so will mommy.

Thank you all for the comments and the emails regarding my son's surgery. He's not doing too bad, thanks to Children's Advil. He goes back tomorrow to have the compression bandage removed and a different bandage put on.

I am so proud of him for the way he was such a big boy through out the whole ordeal. He did way better then me. I was a nervous wreck through out the whole thing. I sure don't need to search for the best weight loss pills because I don't think I've eaten since the day of the surgery because my stomach has been in knots since.

Once again thank you all for the messages of love for my son!

My son is having surgery tomorrow morning so I will be away from my computer for a while. Posting should resume by the end of the week. Thank you all for stopping by.

Camera Critters is a weekend meme, about what else but critters, created my very own BBFF, Misty.


This is the newest member of our family, Pumpkin. Since my daughters hamster died a few months ago she's been asking for a new pet for her bedroom and we finally gave in and let her get a fish. I must admit, he is very pretty.

To check out more participants of Looking At The Sky On Friday or to join in on the fun yourself click the badge above.


There is still some snow on the ground, but the sun is shining, the sky is clear and the temperatures are above freezing. Well, at least during the days they are. It's been so nice lately that the kids can actually start going back outside to play. Sure they get muddy, but that's half the fun right!

I'm the first to admit that I'm sensitive. My feelings get hurt easily. I'm sensitive to the cold weather so much that my skin cracks in the winter. Yep, I'm sensitive, but my teeth are probably the most sensitive things on me though. I cringe at cold drinks and hot coffee because I know it will make my teeth hurt. Because of my sensitive teeth I have to use sensitive tooth products.

Crest and Oral-B have come up with some great new sensitivity product that can help you with your sensitive teeth.

For those of you who like using an electric tooth brush like me, there new Oral-B Vitality rechargeable electric toothbrush designed for those with sensitive teeth.

Oral-B Vitality Sensitive rechargeable power toothbrush has all the great features of the Vitality Precision Clean combined with a softer brush head that’s gentle on the teeth and gums of those who suffer from sensitivity.

- Provides a thorough yet extra-gentle clean
- Removes more plaque than an regular manual toothbrush
- Includes a timer in the handle to help brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes

It works great and it's gentle on your teeth and gums. I really like the fact that there is a two minute timer on it so you know when you have brushed long enough instead of watching a clock or just guessing when two minutes are up.





For those of you who, like my husband, prefers a manual toothbrush but still has sensitive teeth there is the new Oral-B Sensitive Advantage toothbrush.

Oral-B Advantage Sensitive manual brush is an extra soft manual toothbrush to help protect sensitive teeth and gums.
- Features gentle ComfortClean™ bristles and an ergonomically designed handle to clean gently and comfortably
- Provides a thorough cleaning of teeth and gums

This works great for a manual toothbrush. Not only does it clean well, it is very soft so it's gentle on your sensitive teeth and gums.











Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield gives you all the benefits of the original Crest Pro-Health toothpaste, but with the added bonus of protection for sensitive teeth.

Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield toothpaste is smoother than the original Crest Pro-Health toothpaste; Sensitive Shield contains Stannous Fluoride to help protect teeth from sensitivity.
- Builds increasing protection against painful sensitivity
- Contains stannous fluoride
- Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield toothpaste also protects against the seven areas dentists check most: cavities,
gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, whitening and fresh breath.

I'm a big fan of Crest Pro-Health toothpaste and I use it daily. My problem was that I also had to use a sensitivity toothpaste too. Now that there is Crest Pro-Health Sensitive Shield I just have to use the one toothpaste.

We all know flossing your teeth is a must, but we have all heard for our kids, and in my case even my husband, that it hurts when they floss. Crest Glide Pro-Health Floss for Sensitive Gums is a soft and gentle and will make flossing for those with sensitivity easier.

Crest Glide Pro-Health Floss for Sensitive Gums is our softest Glide floss, designed to make flossing more
comfortable for even the most sensitive gums.
- Softer to handle and softer feel when applied between teeth and gums
- Softer feel via increased compressibility
- Silky smooth texture slides easily between teeth
- Effectively helps remove plaque and food particles in-between teeth to help prevent cavities.

This is the softest floss I've ever used. It's like silk and it also has a great light mint taste to it.

For more information on Crest and Oral-B sensitivity products and their range of other wonderful products simply go to the Crest website www.prohealthcanada.com and the Oral-B website www.oralb.ca.



The products in this review were given to me free of charge for review. My review and opinions are not influenced by this or any source, they are my honest opinion of the product.

We all know that fish is healthy for us, but getting your kids to eat fish can sometimes be an uphill battle. Me, my husband, and our teen aged daughter loves fish, but our five year old son is a totally different story. I've tried just about everything to get him to eat fish, including cutting it up and telling him it's chicken, without any success. That was until I got some great recipes from Van de Kamps Seafood and Mrs. Pauls Seafood.

When kids do eat fish it's usually fish sticks that they like. Both Mrs. Pauls and Van De Kamps fish sticks are made with 100% whole white fish fillets, not that mushed up stuff pressed together like other brands. You know you are getting quality and great taste with Mrs. Pauls and Van de Kamps.

Here are two great recipes from Van de Kamps and Mrs. Pauls that your kids are going to love. My five year old really enjoyed them.


ZESTY FISH STICK CRESCENT ROLLS

Ingredients:

4 Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® Fish S. caul’

1 can refrigerated Crescent Rolls

4 teaspoons mustard

1 tablespoon butter, melted in microwave

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Separate the crescent roll dough into 4 pieces. Place a fish stick on the wide end of each roll. Add a teaspoon of mustard to each fish stick. Roll up the fish sticks so most of the fish stick is covered in the dough. Brush the dough with the melted butter. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.


FISH STICKS IN A BLANKET

Ingredients:

8 Van de Kamp’s® or Mrs. Paul’s® Fish S. caul’baked

4 Taco-sized Flour Tortillas

4 pieces, Cheddar Cheese (or use your favorite)

4 tablespoons ketchup

Directions: Bake the fish sticks according to package. Heat up the tortillas so they’re nice and toasty. Add 1 cheese slice in the center of each tortilla. Spread the ketchup around tortilla, add 2 fish sticks on top of the cheese, fold and roll the tortilla around the fish stick.

For more information and great recipes go to www.vandekamps.com and www.mrspauls.com.



The products in this review were given to me free of charge for review. My review and opinions are not influenced by this or any source, they are my honest opinion of the product.

Click on the Heads Or Tails meme graphic above to find more Heads Or Tails posts or to join in on the fun.

This week's theme/prompt is EDGE Any past theme. I picked TAILS Share a Summertime memory from June 23, 2009.

Here are some of my favorite memories from last summer.




We also have a pond on our property and the kids love playing in it, even though they aren't really allowed to. We have some fish in it and we don't really like the kids playing in it because it needs a new pond aerator because on the hot days it can get a little yucky. That doesn't stop the kids from sailing their toy boats in it though.

What are your favorite summer time memories?

Taking videos of your family and children is a great way to preserve those special memories. With the help of Studio MovieBox HD and the Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD you can make those memories even more special. With their easy to use video editing tools you can make your home movies of your vacation, your daughters ballet recital, your sons play, or even a special outing an amazing video presentation that you can share with all of your loved ones.

About Studio MovieBox HD -

"Capture, edit and share your story. Pinnacle Studio MovieBox™ HD lets you quickly and easily turn your home videos into amazing videos you’ll be dying to share. Our improved user-friendly drag-and-drop interface makes it a breeze to grab photos and videos from your video or digital still camera, phone or computer and add music, edit scenes and create impact with dazzling Montage Themes, transitions, animations and effects. Just plug in, and immediately start capturing, editing, and sharing. Pinnacle Studio™ MovieBox HD is an all-in-one video editing bundle that includes hardware for input/output and Studio HD software for those who want to create amazing movies easily."

About Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD -

"Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD combines a high-quality video capture device with the easy-to-use HD video editing software. It has never been easier to wow friends and family, anytime, anywhere, with great looking videos. The included Pinnacle Studio HD software gets you up and running fast with Hollywood-style animated graphics, multi-layered effects, and titles designed by professional producers and artists. Quickly and easily import standard-definition video from a variety of analog sources—or edit HD video from an HD camcorder. The user-friendly Pinnacle Studio HD drag-and-drop interface makes it a breeze to create your own high-quality HD movies with music, montage themes, transitions, animations and effects. Then, share your masterpiece on DVD, the web, or upload to YouTube in widescreen."

You can purchase Studio MovieBox HD for $99.99 and Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD for $89.99 and also a wide range of other video editing products from Pinnacle Systems.

Thanks for the wonderful people at Pinnacle Systems I have a Studio MovieBox HD and a Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD to giveaway. The first prize winner will receive the Studio MovieBox HD and the second prize winner will receive the Dazzle Video Creator Plus HD.

Enter to win -

• Leave a comment on this post.
  
• Tweet about this contest for an extra entry.
• Post on your Facebook status about this contest for an extra entry.
  
• Post on your blog/website about this contest for an extra entry.
• Subscribe to my feed for an extra entry.
• If you don't have a blog/website just leave your name and email address in the comment section.
• Follow me on Google Friends Connect for an extra entry.
  
• Contest open to US and Canadian residents only.
• Contest closes midnight AST March 28th with the winner to be announced the following day.
  

*Be sure to let me know in the comment section if you Tweet, Facebook, subscribe or post about this contest for the extra entries.



No compensation has been received for this post. The products in this giveaway were given to me free of charge for giveaway. My review and opinions are not influenced by this or any source, they are my honest opinion of the product.



CONTEST CLOSED

Camera Critters is a weekend meme, about what else but critters, created my very own BBFF, Misty.


"What? We're looking up no exam life insurance. Honest, we're not checking out the latest cat toys!"

It seems that my daughter is not the only one enjoying her new computer. Her cat, Dedara, seems to be enjoying it as well. As long as Dedara stays of those cat dating sites it'll be fine. She really seems to like sitting on my daughters lap while she uses it. It must be the heat or the electricity from it that she likes to be near.

What to do with your kids over March Break? That was my question this week. I had a lot of things to do and taking them out somewhere wasn't an option everyday, instead they played Groovy Music City.

Groovy Music City is a software program that allows kids to create their own music even if they don't play an instrument. It teaches them the basics of sound, rhythm, pitch and composition of music using fun pictures and animation. Groovy Music City is the third installment of Groovy Music software with Groovy Shapes and Groovy Jungle being the other two in the series. Groovy Music City is aimed for children 9 and up.

Computer requirements for Groovy Music City -

Windows 98/2000/XP or Mac OS X 10.2 or later
• 1.4GHz processor (2GHz recommended)
• 512MB+ RAM
• 155MB+ free hard disk space
• 16-bit sound card
• CD-Rom drive required for installation


My thoughts -

My kids and my nieces and nephews loved playing Groovy Music City. During March Break there is always a lot of kids at my house and this was a great way to keep them entertained while they learn something. They all had a great time creating music and loved to get everyone to listen to the songs they made. With music class being cut down on in our schools this is a great way to help teach our children about music.

You can find more information about Groovy Music City and the other Groovy Music programs at www.GroovyMusic.com. Groovy Music City can be purchased online from various software stores and Amazon.



The products in this review were given to me free of charge for review. My review and opinions are not influenced by this or any source, they are my honest opinion of the product.

Drinking water is healthy for us, but getting your kids to drink water is sometimes a challenge. One way to get your kids to drink more water is making it more appealing to them. Getting a glass of water from the tap just ain't going to cut it with kids today, and lets face it water from the tap just doesn't taste good. Buying bottles of water can be very expensive and not environmentally friendly. Using a home water filtration pitcher is the best way to go. Kids would much rather pour a glass of water from a sleek looking water filtration pitcher then stick a glass under a tap.

One of the newest, and I personally think best, water filtration pitchers available is the MAVEA brand. They offer a couple of different pitchers in various sizes that can fit your family and budget.


The MAVEA water filtration pitcher I have is the Elemaris model. It comes in 2.4 L and 3.5L sizes and it also comes in black or white.














The sleek design of the MAVEA water pitcher makes it perfect to fit in the side door of the fridge which definitely is something that is handy to us moms because there is never any room in the fridge to put anything big.












Another great thing about this water filtration pitcher is that you don't have to take the top off to fill it up. There is a spot right on the top that allows you to fill it up. No more struggling to get the top of and then back on right again.












The Elemaris I have even has a digital read out on the top of it that tells you when you need to change the filter. No more trying to remember when the last time you changed a filter. Busy moms like us are lucky enough to remember to put shoes on when we got out instead of wearing slippers we have on so who in the world can remember when the last time they changed the filter in the water picture.







Here is a press release about MAVEA with some great information about the product -

NEW GENERATION FILTER TECHNOLOGY

• Micro-screen eliminates black particles from ending up in the water – one of the top consumer complaints with current pitcher systems

• Quick preparation – no pre-soaking required

EUROPEAN STYLE & DESIGN

• Smart Meter takes it beyond time to also measure volume of filtered water and water quality (hardness)

• Features a unique pour-through and neoprene handle and feet to prevent sliding & scratching

CERTIFIED FILTRATION PERFORMANCE

• Significant reduction in chlorine taste, odor, and other unwanted elements

• Softens water for a great natural taste

• Silverized filter inhibits the risk of bacteria growth

ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

• All pitcher and filter elements are BPA-free

• MAVEA has developed a one-of-a-kind comprehensive recycling program that repurposes 100% of the MAVEA Maxtra filter materials

• Recycling depots and mailing at MAVEA’s expense make it easy for consumers to return and recycle used filters

I was really impressed with the MAVEA Elemaris water filtration pitcher. Not only is it environmentally friendly, it also looks great and the kids seem to enjoy drinking the water from it.

To find out more information about MAVEA and their line of products go to www.mavea.com. You can purchase a MAVEA water filtration pitcher online from Amazon and from Sears here in Canada.



The products in this review were given to me free of charge for review. My review and opinions are not influenced by this or any source, they are my honest opinion of the product.

Click on the Heads Or Tails meme graphic above to find more Heads Or Tails posts or to join in on the fun.

This week's theme/prompt is HEADS - cup


I am constantly pick up cups, plates and you name it after kids so my sister got me this wall hanging. Now if only the kids would get the hint eh!

As women our lives have changed drastically since we were teenagers. We were carefree then, the only thing we had to worry about was whether or not the boy we like was going to ask us to the big dance and what we would wear. Now as mothers we are lucky to wear something that doesn't have a spit up stain on it. The book From Beer To Maternity by Maggie Lamond Simone chronicles her life as a carefree young woman to her life as a wife, mother, and menopause.

About the book -

"Don’t look in the mirror, step on the scale, or say no to chocolate - and other suggestions for growing older gracefully!

Maggie Lamond Simone always had a witty and sarcastic remark at the ready as she grew up. Her second grade teacher in fact worried about her being so flippant at such a young age; twenty years later, as a police officer escorted a drunken Simone away from the car she had just wrecked, she asked him to drop her not at home but at the bar where her friends waited. She quit drinking the next day.

When she finally came up for air, she was afraid that she wouldn’t be funny without the alcohol, but had a startling revelation: she wasn’t funny in the first place—the world was.

So words became her weapon of choice, and for the next 15 years she worked as a columnist in Syracuse, New York. She has since focused her immense talents and formidable mental skills on her nearly obsessive fascination with coming of age and parenting in America.

“People in their twenties today are not what they were in the 1960s,” she wisely concludes. “Today they’re still kids. Back then they were middle-aged. And I mean that in the nicest possible way.”

Her new book From Beer to Maternity captures the wit and wisdom of her adventurous life as a late-blooming adult, and then wife, and then parent, and through it she shares the intelligent and wonderful insights she’s acquired with the rest of us.

“Well, really,” she complained to her mother after getting a puppy. “How hard can babies be? They wear diapers. They wake up, you go four feet and change them. You don’t even need slippers, for Pete’s sake.”

Of course, there are more concrete signs that one's body has, er, "peaked." A friend recently cried with delight, "Look! She has old lady arms just like the rest of us!" This would be a concrete sign. And if I ever wear a sleeveless top again in my life, you may feel free to observe this phenomenon.

Want more? Okay. Happy to oblige.

You know your body is fading as fast as your mind when . . .

-You show pictures of your child to a colleague who says, "Your grandson is beautiful!"

-Salt and pepper are no longer a spice combination. They're a hair color.

-Phrases such as "more of me to love" and "home again, home again, jiggedy jig" pop into your head with frightening regularity.

-You have used "sensible" and "shoes" in the same sentence.

-Hot baths are no longer a luxury, unless you consider it a luxury to be able to stand up straight.

-You wake up one day to find a Reader's Digest on the back of your toilet . . . and read it.

-10:00 p.m. has gone from "Woohoo! Party time!" to "Woohoo! Bed time!"

-The "locate handset" button on your telephone beats out the remote in order of importance.

-Clothes don't have to be fashionable. They just have to be loose.

-You no longer ask someone to repeat something so you have more time to come up with a snappy response. You ask him to repeat it because you didn't hear him.