Got Books? 2012 Book Sale

It's that time again. Time to start collecting books for my annual book sale. I can't believe that this is my 7th year doing it. Time flies! 


This year the proceeds will be divided between two organizations.

The first one is near and dear to me: The Gina LaRocco Scholarship Fund. Gina's mom, Kathy, and I work together in a small office and we've been friends for years. In 2009 Kathy, her husband Richard, their son Anthony, and their entire family had their world turned upside down. Gina was killed in a car accident on her way to work. She was just 23 years old. Kathy and Gina weren't just mother and daughter, they were the best of friends. Speaking of friends, Gina had too many to count.

She was a beautiful girl who looked equally like her mom and her dad.

Gina graduated from Weymouth High School in 2004. After attending college, she decided to pursue a career in cosmetology. She worked at Joanna's House of Beauty in Hingham and eventually moved on to Supercuts in Hanover. Gina LOVED her job. She was passionate about being a hairdresser and it showed in her work.  Her family has set up a scholarship fund in her name to help young woman get started in a career in cosmetology. Over the past 3 years, the Fund has helped several young women achieve their dreams.


The other organization that will benefit from the book sale this year is Cradles to Crayons.

Cradles to Crayons (C2C) provides homeless and low-income children with the essentials they require to thrive-to feel safe, warm, ready to learn and valued. Cradles to Crayons collects new and like-new children's items through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers, and are distributed to disadvantaged children across the state through a collaborative network of social service agencies and school partners.

I've been donating to C2C for many years. I was first introduced to them when I worked in Boston and the company that I worked for did an annual community service day. I chose C2C because it was close to where I live. I had no idea the impact that one day of volunteering would have on me. I've been back several times to volunteer (although, not as much as I'd like). The last time I went, I even brought my niece. She had a great time. I was glad to share that experience with her.

 Since I'm unable to volunteer my time right now, I like to donate items. You all know that I'm a bargain shopper. Whenever I find a great deal on children's clothes or shoes, I buy them and donate them to Cradles to Crayons. I know that whatever I give will be put to good use locally.


So clean out those attics, basements and bookcases. I'll take whatever you've got. 


If you're local to the south shore of Massachusetts and you'd like to donate books, please let me know. I'll even pick them up! 


If you'd like to drop them off, the address is 37 Center Street, (East) Weymouth. 


The book sale this year will be held Saturday, August 11. 


Thank you from the bottom of my heart. 

Mystery Bag Giveaway

**This giveaway has ended. Thank you to all who entered.**

Using Random.org to pick a winner, it came back with #8. That would be Janet at MuffintopMommy. Congratulations Janet!




When I was a child (and last year) and I went to the penny candy store, I always gravitated towards the "Mystery Bags." You know, they're usually a small, white bag folded over with a couple of staples on top to keep you from peeking in. They sold for $1. I had to have one. I had to see what was inside. The suspense of it all was too much for me.

Fast forward to today. I thought it would be fun to put together my own Mystery Bag for you. It's chock full or fun, girly stuff, with a value of over $100!

To enter leave your first name, last initial and email address. 

Winner will be drawn Thursday, June 7 at 9:00 PM.

Good luck!

P.S. There may be some Puopolo Candies in the bag.

My Sunscreen Soapbox

Skin cancer runs rampant in my family. Last year at this time my dad was just finishing up treatment for a rare type of skin cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma. Thankfully it was caught early and he needed only minor surgery and six weeks or radiation.

As a result of our family history, we are always mindful of wearing sunscreen. I always put it on if I'm going to be spending time at the beach or a pool, but I'm not great about putting it on everyday. I have to be better about that.

Buying sunscreen can be expensive. I always stock up when it's on sale. If I happen to run out before I can get it on sale, I head to the Christmas Tree Shops. They always have brand name sunscreen at a great price. You can also pick up some inexpensive beach toys for the kids while you're there.

At a recent trip to the dermatologist, I asked if he could recommend a brand of sunscreen. He said that the brand does not matter, one of the ingredients does. He mentioned avobenzone.  He said to make sure that the sunscreen that I buy has that in it. Avobenzone helps to reflect the suns most damaging rays. To keep your skin from being sunburned, it's best to use an SPF of 30 or more.  

I'm begging you to use sunscreen. I'm also begging those of you who still insist on using tanning beds to stop! It's so dangerous.  In fact, indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74% more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.  Switch to spray tans if you want that "summer glow." 


In conclusion, slather on that sunscreen before going outside. Your skin will thank you! 






Thanks for listening to my rant. I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. 

Hit the Sink

A couple of weeks ago I stopped at a "spa" to get a last minute eyebrow wax. Yes gentlemen, it takes a lot of pain and effort to be a woman.  But, I digress. This "spa" was also a nail salon; you know, the kind where you don't need an appointment. You can walk in as they're locking the door and ask for a pedicure and they're happy to oblige.

Anyway, I decided I was tired of the "two caterpillars fighting above my eyes" look, so I stopped in. I asked if anyone had time to do a brow wax and they guy behind the counter said, "sure." Within seconds I was whisked to a room out back and asked to lie down on a table that was covered with a dirty sheet. The woman who walked me to the room talked to me for a minute and then went to work on the wooly mammoths living above my eyes. As she was pouring hot wax on my face it occurred to me, 'this chick never washed her hands!'

Photo credit: CDC.gov

I was instantly skeeved out (is skeeved even a word? I think it is because I use it all the time). What the heck? Take the 45 seconds to wash your filthy hands. I have no idea what she was doing before this but I'm pretty sure it had something to do with someone else's feet. What is wrong with people? I think I wash my hands about 50 times a day. If I even touch money for a second, I'm off to the sink. I keep wipes in my car for those times that I go to the drive-thru and hand them dollar bills. Ick! That money could have been in a strippers g-string the night before. Oh my God, the woman who did my eyebrows could have just clipped someone's toenails and then handled money and then touched my face. GROSS!

Well, I'm off to take a Silkwood shower. After that I might boil my skin. Then I'll dip my entire body in Purell.

Moral of this rant: wash your hands people.

The Bitchin' 80's

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love anything 80's. It was such a great time in my life. The awkward years of braces and acne gave way to the awesome years of Bon Jovi hair and a bad attitude. Case in point:

I'm the one in the middle. I was super cool with my big hair, Gucci bag and white pumps. 

I threw an 80's party a few years ago and it was so much fun. 

I thought I'd share some tips on how to make an 80's party totally rad. 

Start with the location. A lot of people love the 80's.  You're sure to get a good crowd, so make sure you have enough space. 

If you're doing it in a function hall, decorating is easy. Think fluorescent colors for the tables. Yellow, hot pink and bright blue will work well for tablecloths . For centerpieces I used a can of Aqua Net hairspray (available at Wal-Mart) and trivia questions scattered on each table. 

Music is very important at an 80's party. You want to get a DJ who understands that you do, in fact, want to Wang Chung tonight. 

I went to an 80's party this past weekend. It was a blast!

Apparently Kelly didn't get the memo that you were supposed to dress as if it was the 80's. 

If you're attending the party as a guest, make sure you take a trip to Claire's. They have all the 80's accessories you could ever need: fingerless lace gloves, giant hoop earrings, bright colored sunglasses, leg warmers, banana clips,  etc. 

If you're like me, you're hopelessly stuck in the 80's. Here are some warning signs:

• You need a shopping cart to carry your personal stereo with you
• You watch NYPD Blue thinking, "Well, they're no Crockett & Tubbs, that's for sure."
• You want to live "in the valley"
• Your bangs are teased perfectly to 7 inches above the rest of your hair. 
• You have multi-colored earrings that touch your shoulders
• You're still bitter that WHAM broke up
• You have a tendency to turn up the collar of your polo shirts
• You never go out for a night on the town without frosted blue eye shadow
• People are constantly gagging you with spoons
• You still watch things on Beta tapes. 

If you're a fan of the 80's, try your hand at these trivia questions. If you know the answers, leave them in the comment section:

1. Where did Ronald take Cindy on their last date together in the movie "Can't Buy Me Love?"
2. In the movie "Grease 2" what does Stephanie want in a boyfriend? 
3. What was the name of the detective agency on "Moonlighting?"
4. Can you name the 5 original VJ's on MTV? 
5. What was the full name of Magnum PI?
6. In "Dirty Dancing" what was Baby's real name? 
7. What was the name of the tv show where Tom Hanks dressed as a woman? 
8. In "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" what is the principal's name? 
9. In National Lampoon's "Vacation" where were the Griswold's headed on their cross-country trip?
10. In the movie "Sixteen Candles" what was the name of the exchange student?

Thanks for hopping into my Delorean with me for this trip back in time. 

Happy Birthday Harry!

In honor of my nephews 8th birthday, I give you, "The Letter."


Dear Harry,

Today was your 8th birthday. You've grown quite a bit in the last few years.

 This is how your started out:

Since you were little, we've compared you to your cousin Bryce. You're just like him.

Here we are when you were just a little guy. I love that sweet, chubby face.

 Your sister has always been all over you. She just loves you so much.

You were just 14 months old when Brennan joined the family. You have absolutely no concept of what life is like without your little brother.

Your mom is your favorite person in the whole, wide world. Your dad is a close second.

You love telling Brennan that you've been to Florida...even though you were too young to remember it.

You can roll your tongue. I  think you get that from your dad.

You're practically a man.

Here are some more of your likes and dislikes at the ripe old age of eight.


You LOVE:

• Your mom and dad
• Your brother and sister
• Me!
• Your whole family
• Sports, especially lacrosse, baseball and soccer
• Playing outside with your friends
• Your mom's cooking
• Orange juice
• Macaroni salad
• Smoothies
• Ice cream
• Riding your bike
• Your dogs, Maisy and Otis
• Monkeys
• All animals
• Swimming
• Going on adventures
• Going to the cottage
• Boat rides
• Hearing stories about when Mom, Auntie Essie, Uncle Tommy and I were growing up. 
• Stuffed animals
• Skylanders 
• Sharing a room with your brother

You STRONGLY DISLIKE:

• Your brother and sister
• Bedtime
• Homework
• Taking showers
• Holding my hand in parking lots
• Sharing (especially toys or food)
• Not getting your way
• Sharing a room with your brother

You're a kind, gentle soul who feels things deeply and always gives 100% in whatever you do. You make me proud every single day. I can't imagine my life without you. I love you more than I can put into words.

Always,
Auntie Laura

Looking for Volunteer Opportunities

This summer I will once again be taking care of my sisters children on Tuesdays and Wednesday afternoons.  Since I'm with them for the entire day on Tuesdays, I like to plan our outings for that day. We're still working on our list of fun things to do.

This year I'd like to try something new on Wednesday afternoons. Since the kids are getting older, I want to introduce them to volunteering. As children (and adults) often do, they get caught up in the latest  gadgets or the coolest pair of sneakers that they HAVE to have. I want to show them that there's more to life than things.

First on our list will be an afternoon at Cradles to Crayons. If you don't know about them, check out their website by clicking here.  I like the idea that all four of us can donate our time. And it's really fun!

I have to admit that I'm coming up empty as far as other places to volunteer. If anyone has any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Keep in mind that the kids are 15, 8 and 6.

I'm hoping that we have a summer that's just as fun as the past few.