What Age Is It Okay To Leave Your Kids Home Alone?

This seems to be an issue that comes up a lot, especially as your kids grow older.

Now I don't know about you but my parents didn't leave me alone until I was about eight years old. Some parents think that is too young, while others are indifferent about it. Others might also prefer that their children are left with a nanny or babysitter because it guarantees more safety, and the parents don't have to worry about their kid(s) getting injured or setting the house on fire somehow.

It's funny because a lot of my friends were never left alone until they were in high school. As a matter of fact, I had to babysit three kids and one of the girls was going into her freshman year of high school, when you could clearly tell she was more than capable of taking care of herself. It all depends on the family, I guess.

What age would you leave your kids home alone? How old were you when your parents left you home alone?

Do You Spend a Lot of Green to Go Green?

Some items to help you live a green lifestyle are cheap, like our bamboo dinnerware, but for the most part, living green can make your green dwindle.

What are some cheap ways you stay green? Does the rumored high prices of living a green lifestyle shy you away from it?

Your Dog's Tail Will Wag With This 'Wooden Dog House Room with A View'!

This is probably one of the coolest things to buy for your dog!

As a dog owner, I know my pet, Angel, will love this. Out of all the money I've spent on toys and other products for him, this one will probably be the best product I've spent my money on.

Angel loves the outdoors and he definitely likes relaxing in a tight, closed space. He used to hate his kennel but now he loves it because he has his own area to relax in. However, since he is getting bigger and hardly has any room in his kennel anymore, I figured this was the best option so he can enjoy his space but relax on the deck if he wants to enjoy the weather.

If your dog is like mine, this Wooden Dog House may be the perfect gift for your pet... and it's only $70! Sign up today so you can add this item to your registry at MyRegistry.com!

How Often Do You Tell Your Kids 'I Love You'?

When you think about it, those three words are very strong and it's important to tell your kids that you love them every day.

Growing up in a family where my parents always said "I love you" to me and to one other, I found it surprising when some of my friends told me that their families don't believe in saying the phrase. According to them, their parents said, "I don't need to tell you that I love you. You should just know--it's a given."

Whether you "know" it or not, and whether you're even close--as a family or by distance--or not, it's nice to remind your children (and for children to remind their parents) that they are loved. Obviously, you don't want to overdo it, but repeating those words a few times a day will strengthen your parent-child relationship and maintain an everlasting bond.

How often do you tell your children that you love them?

And The Wedding Date Is...

Every time couples get engaged, I wonder how they decide on their wedding date. I mean, they've come a long way deciding to get married, but how is the wedding date decided?

I understand it all depends on the season at times, but do couples close their eyes and point to a random date on the calendar?

I know it sounds silly, but do couples pick a random date to get married? I know some don't. For example, a friend of mine got married on Halloween because it's she and her fiancee's favorite holiday, and I know a couple that is getting married the same day she and her fiancee started dating exclusively. Interesting, eh?

Did (or does) your wedding date had/have a hidden, significant meaning behind it? How did you decide when you were going to get married?

How 'Heelarious' Are These Heels?

I was introduced to these heels by a friend of mine.

They look super cute and are designed for 0-6 month-old baby girls. They come in 6 different styles, some that are leopard, hot pink, black, and so forth. Not only does this company sell heels, but a new line of baby boots, too!

However, there was a controversy over these products because some parents didn't find them so 'heelarious.' In fact, some mothers found them dangerous in case their baby fell or got stuck somehow.

What do you think? Does the stylistic twist outweigh the possible danger? Would you buy these heels for your baby girl or give them as a gift?

Go Green... And This Time, I Mean Tea!

How many of you are sick of Lipton, black, earl, or even fruit-flavored tea? Don't fret because green tea is in your future.

Just like food, beverages have a major impact on your health. The reason why I'm suggesting green tea is because it is scientifically proven to increase your metabolism and have positive effects on your overrall health.

Here are some of its benefits (thanks to green-tea-expert.com):

• fights against cancer
• helps stabilize diabetes

• prevents cardiovascular disease

• keeps your skin acne-free, making it healthier and prettier

• assists in weight loss regimen

• slows the aging process

• aids your digestion

• encourages bowel regularity

• provides you with a mild stimulating effect without causing sleepless nights or nervousness especially during pregnancy

Learn to love green tea. Your health will thank you!

Spanking: How Bad Is It?

One of the major things to do as a parent is disciplining your child. Every parent has a different technique--some spank, others scold, and some just resort to the old-fashioned "time out" punishment.

Over the years, though, spanking has become a very controversial topic because some parents believe it is linked to the possiblity of child abuse. Although the two are completely different, some are afraid that a tap on the mouth to correct a child will eventually progress into violence as the years go on. What do you think, though?

As a child, I was spanked a few times but it never accelerated into a violent situation. My parents liked to scold me more because that's how they were disciplined. I guess it all depends on your parents' methods, eh?

Is it okay to spank a child when he/she misbehaves or would you rather scold your child? How were you disciplined?

How Do You Free Your Mind, Body, and Spirit?

As we all know, exercising is beneficial to everyone's health. It releases endorphins and gets rid of all the built-up, unwanted stress from your day.

I try to go to the gym a few times a week, but I've found that yoga relaxes me the most. I don't exactly know why because most of it is just stretching, but there's something so peaceful about it.

Yoga has many benefits. Not only does it improve flexibility and relieve stress, it tones your body in an incredible way. Plus, you're never bored because you're twisting your body into a pretzel most of the time.

Anyway, I strongly recommend this to anyone and everyone. Even if you're a beginner, the positions aren't crazy enough to injure you. I started it as a beginner (with hardly any flexibility) and yoga is practically my husband. Come on, give it a try!

If you are in need for some yoga apparel, click here!

What do you do to relieve daily tensions?

Wedding Songs: Contemporary vs. Classic

Ah, the wedding song: Perhaps one of the hardest decisions to make about your special day. After all, there's so many songs out there that deal with love and capture the feeling your significant other gives you - which one do you choose?!

Do you opt for a more contemporary love song that maybe played on the radio a few years back? A Kelly Clarkson song? Or do you choose the song your parents danced to - or atleast came out in their decade?

What song do you plan on waltzin' to on your special day?

Leashes for Children: Yay or Nay?

These little guys are everywhere: airports, grocery stores, parks, etc. While it can seem understandble (who wants to lose their little one?) it can also seem a tad on the crazy side. Can you ever help but not picture a dog every time you see a kid trying to run from their parent...only to be held back by some fabric?

So what do you think? Should leashes stay off children in lieu of a pet? Or is it your choice of safety?

I'm Addicted to My Reusable Shopping Bag...

... And you should be, too!

I go grocery shopping at least once a week and I've found it annoying to come home with a bunch of plastic bags. For a while the world had no choice, but now that reusable shopping bags have been created, I kissed my plastic bags goodbye.

Not only is it more convenient, but you're helping the environment if you switch over to these bad boys. You don't need to worry about lugging home plastic garbage bags that will only get dusty and smelly. You can just purchase a reusable shopping bag for .99 cents and take it to the store with you each time. They don't even look like shopping bags so you can use it as a little tote bag if you're going away for the weekend.

Most are even fashionable, too, so not only are you saving the environment, but you'll look fab while doing it, too!

Do you own a reusable shopping bag? What ways do you try to save the environment when shopping?

Jazz Up Those Baby Toes!

We already know your little one is cute, cool and could grab anyone's attention - but why not give them more to talk about?

Dress up your tike's feet with these little guys! Jazzy Toes Baby Socks are perfect for little guys or gals, and is available at the MyRegistry shop.

Just remember to put the actual shoes on, too!

It's Been A Year Since I Fell In Love... With My Brita Pitcher.

Yes, it's been a year and our love is still going strong!

Where did I meet my match, you might ask? MyRegistry.com, of course!

I used to buy water bottles every day, and after burning a hole in my wallet from buying three water bottles a day, I decided that I finally needed to resort to a Brita Pitcher. So, I purchased this one for only $30 bucks and saved a lot of money over the course of a week. I can just wash and refill my water bottle, which is convenient, especially coming home after an intense workout at the gym.

Get your Brita pitcher now at MyRegistry.com! You and your wallet will be happy.

Do You Need An Extra Kick in the Morning?

You don't need to go to the Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, or any cafe to drink espresso anymore!

If you're pretty much addicted to coffee or simply love the taste of it every morning and evening, you might want to invest in an espresso/cappuccino machine.

This Delonghi Pump Espresso/Cappuccino Maker makes rich and fine espressos/cappuccinos for two. Plus, you can make hot chocolates and lattes by utilizing its dry steam feature!

If you're sick of spending money every day at cafe's, give this espresso/cappuccino maker a chance.

Get it now at MyRegistry.com!

Sizzlin' Baby Stroller: Get Yours Today!

If you're having a baby and looking for a stroller, car seat, and bassinet, this

Bugaboo Cameleon Baby Stroller w/ Bassinet product fits your needs perfectly! Not only does it come in different colors, but it has many features that will keep you and your little bundle of joy happy.

One of its best features is that it tilts three ways: sitting up for your baby to see his or her surrounding, reclining so your baby can sleep, and laying down so your baby to look at the sky or the stars. Another plus is that the stroller has a 2 wheel position for the sand and snow.

Some more features include:

• Reversible seat
  
• Reversible handle bar


• Aerosleep mattress in the bassinet


• Adaptable to various car seats


• Machine-washable fabric
  

... and much more!

If you're interested and willing to take a sneak peak, sign up to add this product to your registry at MyRegistry.com!