If You're In the Market for a Digital Camera: Read This First!

As a blogger, there are a few necessities that need to be at your disposal everyday: a good story, a computer of course, and a reliable digital camera.

I was recently in the market for a new camera, and the amount of time I spent on research was beyond ridiculous. If I had only known about bestinclass.com, I could have let someone else do all the hard work for me.

Bestinclass.com is a website dedicated to people who know what they want, but due to their schedule, they struggle with finding the adequate time needed to do the proper research. (Sound familiar anyone?) As a result, they come home with a less than satisfactory product. Currently, bestinclass.com is focused solely on digital cameras.

Let us say, you're in the market for a Canon Digital Camera. The website will display all Canon digital cameras available but will do so by breaking the information into many helpful categories such as: best compact, cheap, and best for travel photos. Just to name a few.

What if in the past you've had very good luck with Sony products? So, you've already decided that when it's time, you'll also purchase a Sony digital camera. On top of that you know you want something that's small and under $250? Once you're on the Sony page, simply make the correct selections from the size and price columns. Only recommendations fitting your criteria will be displayed. It's that easy.

After I purchased my camera, my husband looked a little less than thrilled that I had a new toy and he didn't. With Father's Day coming up, it was time to put this website to the test. I knew my husband was looking at Nikon Digital cameras. I selected the travel category since he takes most of his pictures while on the road. I also chose to only view models under $300. I received three recommendations.

Some of my favorite features about bestinclass.com are that it doesn't overload you with pages and pages of useless information. The more you know about what you want, the better a search it can perform. In addition, you won't just get a picture of the product. You'll receive a description, customer reviews, specifications and an option to buy.

If you're in the market for a digital camera, bestinclass.com is definitely the place to begin.

Hero Of the Week

I began this column last week as a way to tribute deserving individuals for going above the call of duty. While watching the nightly news, I became disturbed when I came to the realization that every story they ran that night involved violence, suffering or worse. While the story of this weeks hero involves violence; his heroic actions were selfless and should be commended.

The person I chose for Mommy Maestro's Hero of the Week is Stephen Tyrone Johns. Johns was the security guard who was fatally shot this week at The Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington D.C. In an ironic twist, he actually thought the shooter needed help getting through the door, so he held it for him just before being shot to death.

Since the purpose of this column is to talk about the greater spirit of people (in this case Mr. Johns), I will not speak any more of the shooter or his views.

While the story is disturbing, it comes with a valuable lesson. It may be a bit cliche, but let's face it: life is short. There is no way of knowing when we walk out that door in the morning if we are are going to return at night. There is no way of knowing that the kiss we left on our child's forehead will be our last. There is no way of knowing if our actions today will leave lasting impressions for years to come.

Mr. John's left behind an 11year old son. He was quoted as saying: "He was always there for me when I was down or sad."

Thank you Mr. John's for leaving a lasting impression on us all.

R&S Avenue (Cool Children's Clothes)

What do you get when a brother and sister join forces to create a children’s fashion line? Well, you get a mix of ruffles, vintage and a cool modern look which is sure to please every child’s taste.
R&S Avenue takes shopping for children’s designer clothes to the next level by offering everything you need to complete an outfit in one place. Once you’re done choosing a coordinating outfit, R&S also offers leggings, socks, and jewelry. Not to worry, for your extra cool kid, you can also pick up a purse, headband or a pair of sunglasses.
Don’t forget the baby! R&S Avenue's children's boutique offers rompers, bibs and onesies for the tiniest of rebels. They’re sure to have people taking a second look once they hit the streets in these cool clothes.
From swimwear to outerwear, R&S Avenue is ready with hip styles in children's fashion for any season. With a mixture of cool colors and unique designs your child will look classic in all kinds of weather.
Don’t forget to drop by during Halloween. From bats to scarecrows to butterfly's, R&S Avenue offers unique costumes at reasonable prices.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift, stop by R&S Avenues easy to use site. All products are separated by sex, brand and size. If you like what you see but are unable to decide, why not purchase a gift card? R&S Avenue accepts all major credit cards, and your gift cards are delivered by email.
So what are you waiting for? Looking for a bit of rock and roll to add to your child’s closet? You’ve just found it with R&S Avenue.

Size Really Does Matter

Sometimes we learn from our mistakes, and sometimes, like this past weekend, we repeat them. And of course, the one I chose to repeat was the same exact one that caused the only fight my husband and I ever had. Sure, we argue like every other couple, but this was a little different. It really comes down to me insisting that I was right, and no matter how many times I was told, I wouldn't listen.

It was Christmas 2000. We stood in Sears picking out our first Christmas tree. I came prepared with all necessary measurements. In no time I had found the perfect tree. Hubby liked it, but warned me it wouldn't fit.

"Wouldn't fit," I thought. I have the sheet right here. "Sure it will fit."

So like the loving husband he is, I got to take that tree home. And like the loving husband he is, he didn't immediately scream when the branches wouldn't unfold. Instead, he lovingly changed the original plans and moved the tree to the dining room.

See, when I took the measurements, I mistakenly measured height only, and I forgot to measure the width. I know how stupid this sounds, but really, it's not like it was a table. It was a Christmas tree for God's sake.

Every Christmas season now, Hubby shares that story with our guest. I guess half the reason is because we still own that tree. I get it, I messed up, but I really picked out a gorgeous tree.

Fast forward to present day. So there I stood in Raymour and Flannigan starring at this beautiful breakfast table. Did I really need a new one right now? The truth is no. The old one wasn't broken...just ugly. I had my measurement sheet ready. There was even a red tag sale.

And then I made the call.

Me- "Hi, Hunny. You won't believe this beautiful table I found for the breakfast area."

Him- "Did you measure?"

Me- "Of course I measured. I'm holding the paper right here in my hand."

Him- "Do we need a new breakfast table right now?"

Me- (Pause) "I guess not. It's just the one we have is really small."

Him- "You can get it if you think we need it."

Me- (Thinking to myself: I'm being tested, should I really buy this?) "Thank You!!!!"

Him- "You measured, right?"

Folks, if you ever decide to buy a piece of furniture that your not sure your spouse will like do what I did: Go out for the day.

I figured by the time I returned, whatever bad feelings he may have had will have certainly been forgotten by that night.

In I walked, and there it stood. Funny, it didn't look that large at the store. But gosh, it really was a beautiful table.

In walks Hubby. He has half a smile on his face. "You measured, right?" he asked.

"Of course I measured. I even measured the width this time."

"Did you take into account that you would have to pull out the chairs to sit at that grand table?"

(Me- pausing again. Unsure of my next line. I knew whatever I said, I was going to be in trouble.)

Hubby- Giggles.

It's funny how well this man knows me. He did tell me later how much he likes the table, but that it is a little large. I agreed.

Lessons Learned:

1)One should not send a person who was asked to join a creative writing class, but who failed to make the mark in their math class into a furniture store with measurements.

2) Marry a wonderful person who enjoys laughing at your quirkiness.

3) Most Importantly Remember: Size Does Matter!

Hero of the Week

I'm a news hound. Everyday I skim through two newspapers. The local news plays in the background while I get the kids ready for school. I then watch bits and pieces of the Today show. It starts all over come dinner time when I review the local news for the second time, then the national news. I give much thanks to my mom and my history teachers for this love, but at times I have to admit it's depressing.

A common trend I find in the news today is the reporting of tragedy, violence and just complete nonsense. It seems the more ridiculous you act, the more likely you are to wake up with reporters on your lawn. While these stories tend to get the bulk of network attention, the stories that we wish we heard more often get only 30 seconds or so. Often there's not even a picture.

I claim no journalist abilities, but I know a good story when I hear one. With that said, I've decided to start a weekly column in my blog saluting a hometown hero. And although this may be a Mom blog, father's indeed get a vote. Even children for that matter. If you've gone above and beyond, you deserve to be noticed. For now, I will be pulling candidate's from reported headlines. Once I get a bit more established, I would like to call on my readers to submit votes.

The Hometown Hero I have chosen this week is New Jersey father David Goldman. In 2004 David's wife took their son Sean to Brazil to visit family. She never returned. Instead, she divorced David, remarried and began a new life. The tragedy continued when David's now ex-wife died while giving birth to another child.

David has been fighting from day one to have the custody of his son returned to him. This past week it looked as if this may happen, but while en route to Brazil the ruling was changed.

I chose David as my first Hometown Hero because of his courage, and his endearing love for his child.

It's anyone's guess how this situation is going to end. I can't even say if what David is doing is entirely right. It appeared that although what his ex wife did was illegal, she always provided a loving environment for Sean. This is all that Sean knows. Is it actually feasible to remove a child from one country and expect him to thrive in another after losing his mother and being taken from everything that is familiar? I unfortunately do not have that answer.

Whether right or wrong, David never gave up. And that is why this week, he has been chosen my first Hometown Hero.

Graduation Day

Dear Potter,

Well, it's five hours and counting until your big performance. I still have baths to give, clothes to iron, and my own list of stuff that just keeps growing. But with all the excitement around here, I thought it was only right to take just a little time out of the day to say how proud Mommy and Daddy are of you.

You have grown so much in so many ways this year. Your questions amaze even the brightest. I watched as you began to recognize numbers in September to finally in May when you began adding them together. Our countless hours with flashcards really paid off. You have begun to read to Mommy and Daddy. What a joy!

You are a testament to everything that is right in this world Potter. Nearly six years ago when you decided to come into this world two months early, no one dared tell us how successful you would become someday. But we knew. We knew that any baby that beat the odds that you did back then would be a fighter.

You remind me everyday that no matter how big my obstacles may be; in the end they are still just obstacles. You are a constant example that gifts don't need to be wrapped in bows. You are one of the best gifts we have ever received.

Happy Graduation Day Potter. We love you.

What the Hole?

Over the years, I have come to the realization that some things must have holes. For instance:

1) My morning doughnut- I don't proclaim to be a fitness guru. I enjoy a little sin once in a while. And if it takes a hole to create a zenful balance in doughnut world, then let them make a hole.

2) Ant Hills- Everyone needs a front door. Small hole, big problem!

3) The Grand Canyon- A beautiful site that I've only experienced through the Travel Channel and the right side windows of an airplane headed to Vegas. Big Hole, small problem!

4) The Bucket- "Dear Henry, Dear Henry!"

5) Hubby's Underwear- I have been told that men's underwear are not actually comfortable until they reach this state of holiness. Small holes...his problem!

And so this leads me to the topic of where I should not expect to find holes ever, never, never, ever!

My Teeth!

And there I was sitting comfortably in the dentist chair Saturday morning. I had just finished my cleaning, when I'm hit with this wonderful news: "You have a cavity."

"What? That's not possible", I said.

See, about six years ago, after neglecting the yearly exams for a while, I found a wonderful dentist office. I had all my cavities taken care of at that time, and I vowed that I would stay on top of those visits. And I did, I really did, but apparently something went haywire. Maybe I grew an immunity to fluoride? Maybe the doctor mixed up my X-Ray with the lady sitting next to me? Maybe my Dentist is due for an eye exam? Anything but a cavity. It just can't be true.

So because of this little snafu, I'm forced to spend yet another Saturday in a dentist chair. Once upon a time I looked forward to Saturdays, but not this weekend. No sir! This hole, I mean whole experience has got me pretty shaken. Apparently, it's not that big of a deal.

Please enjoy some of the comments I received from my family and friends:

1) Mother: "Well, it's about time. Really Mary, it's been six years."

My Thought: "Honestly Mom, it's not like I'm referring to my youth. I didn't mourn it's failure to exist."

2) Potter (my 5 year old)- "You should try brushing harder like you make me do. Do you want me to show you?"

My Thought: "Sure Potter, why don't you teach the newbie how to brush her teeth?"

3) Best Friend- "A cavity, that's it?" "Wait until you go for your checkup, and they just start falling out!"

My Thought- "Holy @#$%&*!"

4) Hubby- "Maybe that muffin habit caught up to you."

My Thought- (sarcastic repeat) "Maybe that muffin habit caught up to you!"

As you can tell, I'm am surrounded by a loving social circle.

Well, it looks as if I'll just have to brave this one out, and hope for better things to come. Stay tuned next week for the HOLE story!