Animals In Need Of Better Homes

Here's a fundraiser that will be fun for you AND the kids. It's the "Animals In Need Of Better Homes" bowling event Sunday, June 8th, at Strathmore Lanes on Route 34 in Aberdeen. It runs from 2 - 5 pm. The cost is $15 per person and includes 3 games, a pitcher of soda, and a bucket of popcorn per lane. The proceeds benefit the Monmouth County SPCA. You may even see me there with my boys, who just love to bowl! Let's all do our part to help the helpless animals in need of 'forever homes' who are currently being cared for by the amazing people at the Monmouth County SPCA in Eatontown. Stop by and see them sometime!

Wrong Window Opens At Brookdale

went to opening night of "Wrong Window" this past Friday at Brookdale Community College's Performing Arts Center and it was even better than my expectations. If you crave a good laugh, you must see this show. In fact, I laughed so hard that I cried. We're talking mascara-running-down-my-face crying.

This show was written by and stars Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore and does not disappoint. Billy is hilarious and so is his "neighbor" Glen Jones. The two of them and their zany physical comedy and funny lines will have you laughing so loud and hard that you'll have trouble catching your breath. Jeff Babey is disgustingly funny, Art Neill is downright creepy in a crazy-funny way. Jane Milmore and Susan Travers reminded me of Lucy and Ethel at their best! Billy and Jane - I don't know how you keep topping yourselves and writing funnier and funnier comedies each spring!

Mark Fleming is a great director, and this show is just tremendous. Oh, and a note to Jennifer Bukovec...I never would've thought that 'playing dead' could be so funny! Wrong Window runs through June 7th, so treat yourself to a night of fun. You can call 732-224-2411 for tickets. And you may see me there because I'll surely be going back again!

Top Ten Tips for affordable family vacations this summer:

Mike Messina of Willow Valley Resort offers the Top Ten Tips for affordable family vacations this summer:

1. Book lodging that offers free meals or allows kids to stay for free.

2. Choose accommodations with extra amenities and free kid-friendly activities.

3. Ask about discounted tickets for local attractions.

4. Contact the local visitors bureau to find out about free community events and activities.

5. Plan an itinerary before arrival to reduce needless travel and expenses.

6. If available, take advantage of free transportation provided by the hotel.

7. Look into cost savings by booking a trip mid-week.

8. Make a checklist when packing to avoid unnecessary purchases at your destination (sun block, over-the-counter medicines, bathing suite, etc.)

9. Stock the hotel room fridge with your own snacks and beverages.

10. Set a budget for gift shop purchases and stick to it.

Wherever you're headed this summer.....have fun and be safe!!!

Bad Reasons To Buy A Home

I just read an interesting article by Liz Pulliam Weston at MSN Money on bad reasons to buy a home. And, on this topic, I happen to agree that you shouldn't be judged on whether or not you own a home.

The article says: "Lots of people feel like they have to follow the American Dream of owning a home, even when it's not something they really want or need and definitely not something they can afford. For some people, renting is cheaper than owning. For some people, it's a choice between renting an affordable place in a great location versus straining to buy a less desirable home in a place requiring a long commute or in a neighborhood you're not crazy about." I happen to agree!

Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore's Comedy

It's that time of year.....when Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore write and star in an original comedy that they present at Brookdale Community College's Performing Arts Center.

If you've seen one of Billy and Jane's comedies, then I'm sure you've already purchased your tickets for this year's show. If you HAVEN'T yet seen one of their shows, I highly recommend that you plan to see this one. Billy and Jane are Hollywood and Broadway writers and actors and their shows are hysterical!!!!!!!!! In fact, the whole cast is always amazing. This is truly a great evening out and you won't be disappointed.

The show opens this Friday, May 23rd, and runs through June 7th. The name of the show is "Wrong Window" and you can call 732-224-2411 for tickets. I'll be there opening night and would love to meet you in the lobby before the show!

Adventure To Health

I was recently at CentraState Hospital in Freehold for their Baby Fair and was shown around the new addition to the hospital....an incredible building called the Barry Tobias Ambulatory Care Center.

It's a giant white building attached to the hospital on Rt. 537 that houses an amazing gym and fitness center, among other things, and something called "Adventure To Health" which is why I'm writing this blog.

Adventure To Health is a way to make health education fun for kids. It's a colorful, hands-on, mini-museum that is so much fun every kid will want to learn about their bodies! They can do things like pick a giant nose, floss giant teeth, and play body video games! Adventure To Health makes for a great Scout or class trip, too!

Learn more at: centrastate.com

Go Paulie Go!

I took the boys to see Speed Racer on Friday and we had a great time. First of all, going to an opening day 5pm show was much less crowded and good for the kids. Secondly, they had some giveaways so the boys got 'pit passes' listing all the cars in the movie. The film itself was adorable....and bright!!!

But the real reason I'm writing this is because I'm so proud of my friend Paulie Litt, who is one of the stars of Speed Racer. He plays Spritle, the little brother who's best friend/pet is a Monkey. And Paulie is amazing in this movie. He gets all the laughs and I can't say enough good things about his acting and natural talent on the big screen.

For those of you unfamiliar with Paulie, he's from right here in Monmouth County and has been on our radio show many times. He's a special human being and an old soul in a young body who's been raised in an amazing family. And this is just the latest on a long resume of wonderful acting jobs that Paulie's entertained us with.

So if you have young boys that love to race their Hot Wheels cars and go to the speedway or slot car races, I'm sure they'll enjoy Speed Racer as much as my six year old did!

Homegrown Solutions

My kids' grandpa has given me two quite interesting suggestions that he's heard about....just thought I'd pass them along:

For bee stings, immediately apply A PENNY to prevent swelling, allergic reaction, and infection. Rumor has it the copper in the penny counteracts the bite. (I'm sure it's still wise to consult a doctor, though!)

To deal with mosquitoes, pour Listerine into a spray bottle and spritz all over: lawn, deck, chairs, tables, swing set, etc.( It might work and is certainly cheaper than bug spray, but I'd beware of spraying directly on your nice wood!)

If you try these ideas before I get a chance to, let me know if they actually work!

Losing Weight In Real Life

Here are some tips from researchers on 'real life' ways to help lose weight:

Do crunches in bed. Give yourself a head-start before your feet even hit the floor by doing 50 crunches to rev your energy and tone your belly. Add a second set at night before you go to sleep.

Dance while you dress. Flip on some music and dance around while you're getting ready for work and cooking breakfast. Just shimmy and shake and bounce a bit. Move those arms and legs, and put yourself in a good mood at the same time.

Wear clothing and shoes that are comfortable enough to move around in at work. Then look for ways to get a little bit of walking in throughout the day. Lap the grocery store before you pick up your first item, take a 15-minute midday walk, or take the stairs to use a bathroom on a different floor.

Take a quick walk around the block before opening your front door after work, or try the old standby of parking in the back of the lot to walk further to your building.

Stand up more. You can boost your metabolism simply by spending more time on your feet.

Rather than sit on a bench while your kids play at the park, walk around the playground or push your kids on the swings and have little races where you chase them. Or climb the jungle gyms with them.

Toy Box Garage Sale

A Point listener sent in this great tip for moms with kids who want to try to clear out the toy boxes. She writes:

I had the kids set up a pretend garage sale in the living room. I told them to gather up all kinds of things that they absolutely did not want anymore, and told them they could sell them to me at their garage sale.

I gave them between a penny and 25 cents for each item and ended up with an entire bag filled with toys, stuffed animals, and books that are going to the needy. They were thrilled with the money they got and I'm thrilled because it made a dent in the clutter!

Weekend Fun!

I'll be attending some great events with my kids all weekend, so please feel free to join me and say hello!

I'm hosting the Kid's Breakfast at Freehold Raceway mall Saturday morning from 9 - 11am. We'll be doing Mother's Day crafts and giving away prizes for the kids, along with the free Dunkin' Donuts and free carousel rides. If you can't make this one, we do it the first Saturday of every month.

On Sunday, I'm going to take the kids to Monmouth Mall where professional photographer Gary Gellman from Gellman Images will be taking pictures of the children and providing decorative Mother's Day frames from 11am - 1pm.

Also Sunday, it's the first of the Classic Car Cruises on Arnold Avenue in Pt. Pleasant. My boys love this. And if you can't make this one it's just the first of many.