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June 25, 2007

How Much is a Stay-at-Home Parent Worth?

It's a question that has been asked often, and several studies over the years have even attached a number to the job. The latest figure was calculated by Salary.com and the result was reported on many Web sites recently (like this Reuters article), and it adds up to $138,095.

I can't say I'm surprised, but apparently, a few folks got their panties in a wad about it. Come on people, it's just a study. Noone is saying stay-at-home moms should be paid $130,000 per year (although that would be lovely) by the government or anything like that. Some people conducted a study to see what all those jobs stay-at-homes do would add up to IF they were part of a traditional, pick-up-your-paycheck-on-Friday kinda job. But hey, it's a free country. Think what you'd like.

Posted by L.C. at 07:52 PM | | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Filed under: General 40ish | Parenting

June 14, 2007

Going Home Again

ringsAt least once a year, my kids and I pile into my car and make the 700-mile trek to the South Florida town where I spent the second half of my childhood. Our drive begins in the rolling hills of Northern Georgia, and gives way to the flat, orange-grove dotted landscape of central Florida. Finally, when the orange groves disappear, and we leave Orlando in the dust, we know we are close. And I get that little lump in my throat.

South Florida is an interesting place to grow up in. Vacationers see it as a sunny, tropical paradise. But we (those who have lived there, that is) know it can be just a bit different at times. We've lived through numerous hurricanes and the daily scorching heat, and we endure things like Spring Break traffic. But then I remember being a teenager, when I could hop into my car and be at the beach all oiled up and ready to tan in 20 minutes flat--from my driveway to my beach chair at the water's edge.

Each year when I return, now that I've lived away from there for more than 20 years, I still marvel at the palm-tree lined streets and stretch of sandy, white beach. I pass my old high school and get a bit choked up, and crack a smile as I pass the restaurant where I went for my first car date (a total disaster, by the way), and my best friend's street, and the mall where I spent countless hours shopping as a kid and a teenager.

And even though the address on my driver's license says I live 700 miles away from here, I know that this is home. It will always be home.

Posted by L.C. at 08:12 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed under: General 40ish | Meaningless Gab

June 05, 2007

I'm a Shoppin' Fool

I've found some great buys recently that wanted to share with you:

  • Ann Taylor Loft trouser jeans (don't seem to be available online) are quite wide-legged and comfy, but still stylish. Their black-pinstripe-ish style makes them easy to dress up.

  • Chunky, studded slide sandals from Lifestride--I've been looking for something like this for about two years now, and finally found them!

  • The world's most perfect, lightweight, and stylish laptop case from Rainebrooke--only $24.95 on sale, and free shipping! I am currently traveling and love this bag more every day. (I got the light pink to brighten up my life a bit : )

  • The cutest wrap top and espadrilles from Newport News, just in time for my summer trips.

  • And if you happen to make your own jewelry like I do, check out the beads from asia-charisma.net. This company is in Thailand, but shipping is cheap and fast, and their silver is beautiful.

Posted by L.C. at 10:42 PM | | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed under: Reviews | Shopping