PLAYING HOOKY

   
    WHEN IS IT OK FOR A KID TO PLAY         
                                HOOKY?




Honestly! How many times did your kids tell you this year that they were sick and you knew they were not? A lot depends on age, i.e., younger kids still need more t.l.c. and "mommy time", plus they simply want to play. There are also school factors. Such as unfinished homework, peer pressure, up- coming tests, etc.
So what would be a good way to determine if your child should go to school or stay home?
Today I have my 6 year old son playing hooky (that's what inspired my blog). He tried almost every day lately, but I was strong. At this age I don't think I'll ruin his chances of getting into Harvard if he'll hang out with me for a day.
The Question is how to let them be kids without abusing your soft side. First of all you have to make sure that there is nothing important going on in school that day, such as tests or performances. Another reason they might not want to go to school is a conflict with a teacher or another student, in which case they have to go and face the music.
I have a friend who gave her kids 5 hooky cards in the beginning of a school year. If there were no factors listed above they could spend them when they needed time to rest, have a pajama day or it rained like cats and dogs. Hooky cards are not for sale or transferable!!


Make a hooky day fun, but educational. It's not a sick day, and you have to make it clear that you know they are well. Tell them they have to get homework out of the way before they start having fun.
I allow one movie (gives me time to catch up on my work). They have to help in the house or garden and do at least one intellectual task, such as read a book, research something on a computer, etc.  
Petros and I did the sticker book on creepy crawly and looked up the tallest building in the world -
         BURJ KHALIFA DUBAI TOWER 163 floors, 2717 ft. Built: 2010






             GREEN THUMB ANYONE?


Not me!! If you love flowers but have a tough time remembering when to water and how much check out  AMARYLLIS They are gorgeous and pretty low maintenance. Look what's in my kitchen!!

  






               THREE QUESTIONS TODAY


Q from Kate: I am invited to an Italian wedding of my colleague, and they are nor registered anywhere. Should I buy a gift or give money and how much?


A:  If people didn't register it's best to give money. If they are traditional Italians it's a custom to give cash or a check  to help them pay for a wedding. I think the formula should be: cover your dinner and alcohol + how much you wanted to spend on a gift.


Q from Wendy: I have a baby and I'm always tired. I'm always up at night, and I don't have energy to exercise. How can I lose the extra baby fat?


A: Hold your horses, Wendy! Give yourself a break. You are a beautiful woman and a mother. One thing at a time! You can't do everything, and now conserving energy is very important to be able to go through the day with two little ones in the house. Start working out ONLY when your baby sleeps through the night. For now take walks in the park and try to eat less carbs and more veggies. You'll be back in shape before you know it! Patience!  


Q from Tim: My girlfriend of 18 months wants to give me our promise ring back just before she leaves on a tour of the Greek Islands alone. She claims she's not breaking up with me, but I am devastated!


A: I can't bear to see you hurt, however I think you should grant her wish and take the ring back. Play it super cool and wish her well and to have a fun trip. Let her know that her breaking up the commitment makes you free as well. Make NO plans with her now for when she returns. If she asks why, just tell her you'll play it by ear. This will give you time to evaluate the situation if she is the one and if both of you are ready for a more serious relationship.








                       SUMMER NAILS


I like natural nails. However even a very expensive manicure doesn't last long with my lifestyle as a housewife. For me, the new gel manicures are a godsend. There are some salons that do it. It lasts for 10 or more days and looks freshly made. There are two different brands they use. Both are great, although I prefer OPI, though.

   














         PRODUCTS I DIDN'T CARE FOR

For $6.99 I didn't like the result. The crackle was uneven and not shiny. For better results try OPY crackle effect (I think the Katy Perry collection).






I AM IN QUEST FOR A GOOD SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR LONG AND      
                                       COLORED HAIR. LET ME KNOW!