(Long Island, N.Y.) My husband said I should be ashamed of myself. “Fighting with a twelve year old, who does that?”

I was cranky, hungry and eight months pregnant. While waddling down a city street, a young boy in a yellow jacket approached me selling candy bars for his catholic school. There were a bunch of rowdy kids toting boxes of candy, manning the street corners.

“Hey,” he said. “Wanna buy a candy bar?” I was starving, but I had my sights set on something far better than a candy bar. I needed butter. Not something like butter, or buttery. No, I craved just plain butter.

“No thanks,” I politely replied, and kept walking. The young boy had a nasty smug on his face. He looked me up and down.

“Thanks for nothing!” he spat, and ran off the other way.

I settled on an “everything” bagel — thinking it would be the perfect vehicle for my desperate craving. When I asked for an extra side of butter, the teenage girl looked at me with horror.

I was heading home when another kid selling candy bars stopped me in the street. This kid was crafty.
“Hello, Miss.” (He called me Miss. Smooth.) “That’s a lovely pink shirt you are wearing,” he said.

“Why, thank you.”

“Could I now interest you in a delicious chocolate bar? Before you answer, I want you to remember, it’s for a good cause, I promise.” This kid was good. He called me Miss, he complimented my shirt. He was polite, and looked me right in the eyes. How could I turn him down? He scored the sale.

“Sure,” I said with a smile. “What’d ya got?

“Let’s see Miss, I have crispy crunch, almond, and plain. It’s for charity…”

“You had me at hello.” I joked.

“At what?” He didn’t get the Jerry McGuire joke.

“Never mind. I’ll take one almond and one plain…for my son.”

My toddler at home doesn’t even like chocolate. Silly boy! Why I felt the need to lie to a kid with a mouth full of braces is beyond me.

“How much?”

“Two bucks please.”

As I handed him the money, the boy who I first turned down, was eyeing the sale and became angry. As I tore open the almond bar and took my first bite he ran up to me.

“Hey, what the hell? Why didn’t you buy a candy bar from me?”

“Um, no reason really, jut that other kid was so nice,” I explained while I bit off another chunk of chocolate. The other candy bar peddlers began to crowd into our conversation. Things were going to get ugly.

“Just so you know,” the kid snickered,” chocolate will make you fat.” I was going to be the adult and just walk away, but he followed that up with “Oh, too late. You’re already fat!”

“I’m pregnant, Einstein!”

“Pregnant or not — you’re still fat.”

Ouch, that hurt. I was just chastised by my doctor last week for gaining more weight in one month than many women do their entire pregnancies. Ok, so what, I gained a Backstreet Boy. Tar and feather me. When my husband teased me, and said that I should jog home from the hospital, I threw my sneaker at him. I didn’t need it anyway. They didn’t fit — even with the laces out. I walked all day in one-dollar rubber flip flops.

Needless to say I was in a mood. I just couldn’t be the bigger person. The rotten boy was just asking for it. He was. His friends began to huddle in, and I went for the jugular.

“I may be fat, but at least I ain’t ugly!” The other kids erupted in laughter as the arrogant smile on the chocolate salesman disappeared.

“She got that right!” teased another boy, and they all ran off in laughter, leaving the smarty pants walking the other way calling me every curse he could think of. Some of them were really interesting combinations of insults, and I was slightly impressed by his creative use of curse words. He had talent after all. So I continued on home, not realizing in my anger, I consumed both chocolate bars. My husband was right — I should have been ashamed of myself, for devouring the boy and the chocolate. Nah, I had no shame. I shouldn’t have to have shame. I’m pregnant for God’s sake!

(Long Island, N.Y.) So, the economy is looking a little bleak. Unfortunately, the only advice many people have to offer is… join the club. There was a poster that hung in my 7th grade science class that I still remember. It read: Some People Make Things Happen, Some Watch Things Happen, Others Just Sit Around and Wonder, Hey, What Happened? The words ring true—especially now. I recently learned about a network of female entrepreneurs banding together—for growth during these tough economic times.

Ladies, take note. Savor the Success, the national social network for female entrepreneurs is all about making things happen. What a brilliant idea! The network just launched first Holiday Catalog with the hottest products from today’s growing population of women business-owners. Designed to support the Network’s members, the Holiday Catalog features gorgeous jewelry, green fashion, organic beauty and food items, stunning gift baskets, among many other selections ideal for gift-giving this holiday season.

“In the midst of the economic crisis, we decided to band together and create a catalog to generate buzz and sales for one another,” said Angela Jia Kim, Co-Founder, Savor the Success. “Now more than ever, small business is the backbone of our economy. Can you think of a better way to support today’s savviest female entrepreneurs?”

The Holiday Catalog is available online at and will be distributed nationwide to friends and business associates of the Network’s members. Savor the Success provides a unique combination of online and in-person networking events, as well as cooperative public relations opportunities to help female entrepreneurs boost visibility. Headquartered in New York City, it has seen triple digit growth in membership each month since its launch earlier in 2008.

Save the date. In support of this Holiday Catalog, Savor the Success is celebrating female entrepreneurs in the NYC Metro area on December 8th with a special Holiday Cocktail Party. In attendance will be celebrity Gretta Monahan of Bravo’s Tim Gunn: Guide To Style – an accomplished entrepreneur herself, Gretta will be sharing tips on how she built her own business empire.

Before you download one holiday picture, consider this.

(Long Island, N.Y.) I’ve always been a big believer in the importance of backing up your computer. For a while, I was diligent and dutifully made copies of all my important files on CD’s. Smart move, but major time suck. Then, like many things I know I ought to do, I got lazy and fell really behind. I kept planning to back it all up but the task landed out on my long list.

When a writer-friend said she lost an entire novel from a computer virus, I started to get worried about my own computer contents and decided it’s time to catch up. Not only do I do most of my business online, my computer is packed with priceless files—hundreds of pictures and videos of my children. Every holiday, every birthday. A loss like that would be life-changing.

That same writer-friend who took a devastating digital blow (yes, practically an entire novel!) said she found what she thought to be the best way to backup your computer: Carbonite. Her selling point: You just set it and forget it. Kind of like that Rotisserie commercial!

Carbonite, she explained, automatically and securely backs up the irreplaceable contents of your computer. And I must say, for what you’re protecting—it’s pretty affordable; $49.95 per year no matter how much stuff you need to back up. So I took the free trail offer and after a week, decided to give it a whirl. I paid for the year, unsure if it was money well spent.

Carbonite launched its Online Backup service in May 2006. Carbonite’s industry-first offer of unlimited backup space for a flat low price revolutionized the market for consumer and small business backup services. So far, the company has backed up more than 4 billion files, has restored more than 300 million lost files for its customers and has a large data center where capacity is measured in petabytes. There are Carbonite users in more than 120 countries.

Founded in 2005, Carbonite believes that computer users should not have to think about backup. The company’s mission is to provide an affordable, reliable, secure and easy-to-use solution for the mainstream computer user. Carbonite is available to consumers and small businesses through numerous channels, including its corporate Web site, major US retailers and international distributors.

Now, in theory, it sounds like a perfect backup plan. You don’t have to remember a thing or be super-tech savvy to get it rolling. It quietly backs up all your files on its own after you sign up and follow the set-up wizard’s directions. I felt secure knowing that all my music downloads, financial records, emails, were all getting safety stored somewhere in cyberspace and available if I need them.

Again, it sounds like the perfect plan—so long as it worked. When it comes to devastating data loss, experts can’t stress it enough: It’s not a matter of if; it’s a matter of when. I knew that and I worried about the day I’d need to see if Carbonite does what it promises.

So a few months ago, I was on the phone with tech-support when my computer wouldn’t load. He guided me through a few diagnostic tests, paused and cleared his throat.

“Mrs. Mascarella,” he said, “Is your computer backed up?” Gulp. My heart sank.

He broke the news that my computer had a virus and I lost everything. Yes—everything. My precious pictures, my ITunes, my articles, my contracts, videos, emails. Whoa. I needed to sit down because the room was spinning. Once he got my computer up and running again, I sat there staring at the screen—completely devoid of any files.

I headed off to Carbonite.com with my password and sick feeling in my stomach…praying. So, I followed their instructions to restore my files and went grocery shopping, trusting it would just do its thing. Hours later, I returned to my computer—behold—my files—they’re ba-a-a-ck! What a sigh of relief! I seriously thanked my lucky stars and wanted to give Carbonite’s CEO a big hug. (I’m cheesy like that!)

I’m now considering buying subscriptions for some of my family and friend for holiday gifts. My dad would be totally devastated if he lost all the pictures of his grandchildren—all 3,000 of them, I kid you not! He doesn’t have a clue how to backup and because getting started is so easy, it’s the perfect present for him and maybe a few friends on my list that I know don’t have a good backup plan. Friends don’t let friends let their data just go down the drain. Just a pre-holiday tip: if you want to head off a major meltdown, head to www.carbonite.com

(Long Island, N.Y.) Strange, how some things just fall into your lap. Ten years ago, I was sitting alone on a Miami beach, weeping very quietly, when a stunning woman wearing an over sized red hat and expensive sunglasses walked over and placed a book at the edge of my towel. She said nothing, just smiled and walked back to her blanket.

Embarrassed that she saw me crying and uncertain how to react, I picked up the book and scrutinized the cover. Hmm. A self-help book. I was 24 years old and had never read a self-help book in my life. But feeling obligated to the stranger in the red hat, I began to read “The Dragon Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” — and within an hour, a strange sense of peace settled in.

The easy, breezy, non-preachy tone spoke to my fears, lagging self-worth, hopeless wandering and big-time boyfriend problems. That woman didn’t hand me a book; it was more like a compass. Got problems? asked the author, Alan Cohen. Well, what are you waiting for? Get up and fix them! Halfway through my read, I looked around for the woman, but she had left the beach.

I went on to buy all of Cohen’s books, and with a little help from friends, family and the subtle nudges of that book to always know my worth, I found my way just fine.

Five years later, while sitting on a curb, about to buckle my roller-blades, I heard a couple fighting in the car parked next to me. From what I overheard, he didn’t want to be in a relationship anymore, and she was begging for one more shot. She got out of the car, cursing, her eyes swollen with tears as the guy sped off.

As she walked toward the swing sets and made a call on her cellphone, I opened my trunk and found the worn copy of “The Dragon Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” that lived in my car. I walked over in stockinged feet and handed her the book, as it had been handed to me. As I roller-bladed up the path, she opened the book.

Recently, after a dinner-party conversation had turned to discussion of life-changing books, I thought about “Dragon” for the first time in years. I wished I could thank the woman who gave it to me, and I also always wanted to thank the author for writing such an amazing book.

That night I Googled Alan Cohen and found his Web site. I clicked on “contact us” and wrote a letter, explaining how deeply his books moved me and helped me through a dark time.

But as I was about to hit “Send,” I panicked.

Would he even read this? Think I’m nuts? Zap my well-thought note with the delete button? Would it be tossed in the trash by an assistant? Printed out and used for kitty-litter?

Alone in my room at 3 a.m., I blushed at the very thought of sending this silly letter, but I clicked — and off it went. My feelings were mixed: This is by far the sweetest, most brilliant, ridiculous, foolish thing I’ve ever done. Oh well, what’s done is done. You can’t unsend e-mail. (Trust me, I’ve tried.)

The next day, a reply waited in my inbox. I opened it and read a long, personal response thanking me for my thank-you. I was floored and suddenly motivated to thank more people who had somehow, some way touched my life. I sent a thank-you note to a longtime friend, Michelle, who once baked me a cake with a big M&M smiley face on it after I broke up with my boyfriend.

She responded: “I can’t believe you remember that! That was years ago. I’m so touched, and um, you’re welcome. …”

But I did remember. Even though we speak every couple of weeks and I’ve thanked her hundreds of times for being an awesome friend, I didn’t remember thanking her specifically for that cake. Why hadn’t I?

My two thank-you notes left me feeling giddy all day, and that night I wrote a list of all the people I needed, wanted, or was too shy to thank. I hurried off to the store and bought a few packs of blank cards. For those whose address I knew or could find, I’d send a handwritten note. For others, I’d send e-mail.

Each time I hit “Send” my heart pounds in my throat as if it were something I accidentally swallowed. When I dropped the first two
handwritten cards in the mailbox, I felt slightly embarrassed but flipped up the flag anyway. There’s something strangely risky about sending a thank-you out of the blue. But the rewards far outweigh the risks. What a high it’s been.

I e-mailed a thank-you to a woman whom I’ve never met. She was very kind to me in the beginning of my career, her words of wisdom to a novice much appreciated. I finally found the guts, almost two years later, to tell her that. Within hours, she wrote back. I braced for the response I feared:

Dear Ms. Jane Mascarells: I’m a very busy woman and don’t remember helping you out two years ago. Sorry. If I did, you must have caught me on a very good day …

Nope. She didn’t call me a buffoon with too much time on her hands or a kiss-up. She even spelled my name right:

“Hi Janene! What an absolutely lovely letter! I cannot TELL you what this means to me!”

She also wrote that she was having a really tough day and my note not only made her day, it made her year. We exchanged a few chatty e-mails since then and are now working together on something.

I had no idea how powerful a simple, sincere and specific thank-you could be. I have no intention to send a thank-you note to Lou, the deli manager who always gives me a slice of cheese to eat while I’m shopping — a flirty wink is thanks enough.

But I have made it my goal to not be afraid to show appreciation, for big things and small. If the president of Nabisco wants to respond to my thanking him for those 100-calorie snack-packs, then so be it. So far I’m up to recipient No. 11 on my thank-you list of 26, and growing.There are a couple of people I haven’t been able to reach. And so:

To that beautiful woman wearing a bright red hat on a Miami beach in 1996: Thank you. To that woman crying on a swing set in Montclair, N.J., on a hot June day in 2001: You’re very welcome.

(Long Island, N.Y.) What’s the good word? Here’s four “favorite things” you ought to know about here on Long Island.

A local business you can trust: M Dolson Flooring

Whenever we get some work done on our house—I usually cringe. That’s because my husband is the most detail-oriented person I’ve ever met. (Read: near-impossible to please.) And it’s not that he’s a difficult person, it’s just that money is tight these days and if he’s paying someone to do a job, he expects them to do a stellar one. Unfortunately, that rarely happens. Contractors cut corners, rush the work and get my husband on the phone with them, complaining up a storm—for good reason. (Doesn’t anyone keep their word anymore, actually show up, and pay attention to detail?)

So, when I first heard my very meticulous husband highly recommending a local company to family and friends—I was floored. In fact, we’ve referred M Dolson Flooring many times in the last few years and always got a “thank you” from the happy, very satisfied customer. Here’s the deal: If you need your hardwood floors done, Dolson is the guy you want. They’ll come in, move all the furniture out, refinish the floors, move your furniture back in. No fuss, no muss and no frustrations! Their work is good. Real good.

You’ve just got to make some plans ahead of time to get out of the house. And that’s why a reliable recommendation is key: you don’t want strangers in your home without knowing beforehand they’re dependable and trustworthy. Owner Mike Dolson doesn’t advertise and says all of his business is by word-of-mouth. (Which in my opinion is why he’s really, really busy!)

And if you’re picky about the stain or undecided, he’ll work with you until you chose one you’re satisfied with. “Show me a picture of anything that’s wood,” says Dolson, “and I’ll match it.” In addition to refinishing wood floors, they also; sand decks, do ceramic tile and bathrooms, install hardwood floors. If you’re not sure if they do it, give them a ring and ask.

Seriously, if you’re going to invest any money in fixing up your home, you’ll want a crew you can trust. It’s family owned and operated: Dolson works alongside his father, uncle, two brothers and a loyal, skilled crew– and have done so for many years. “Any wood floor out there that needs to be refinished—we do it,” says Dolson. They’re located in Sound Beach but serve all of Suffolk and Nassau.

On a personal note: I assure you, they’ll treat your house as if it’s their own and won’t, well, wipe the floors with you by overcharging. So that’s why I’m spreading the good word. For inquires and estimates call Mike at (631) 821 7353 or email MDolsonFlooring (at) aol.com

A great way to whip up a fresh dinner in a flash: What’s 4 Dinner

The one question that often throws me for a loop: What’s for dinner? Many nights I’m staring into an open (empty) refrigerator, shrugging my shoulders thinking, “It sure beats me!” Well, one Smithtown-based business has got the answer: What’s 4 Dinner is a custom “meal assembly kitchen” where you come in and create dinners for your family that are both easy to assemble and affordable. How cool does this sound: All the ingredients are already sliced and diced, and ready for you to assemble 4, 8, or 12 meals. Each meal serves a family of 4 – 6. The best part is all of this can be done in less than two hours!

Now doesn’t this sound peachy? You can be eating fresh, homemade meals that are prepared in their kitchen then cooked in yours. They do all the grocery shopping and prep the ingredients, (dice, chop, and cut) you assemble them the way your family likes them. Each station has everything you need for that particular dinner. It’s the easy, and affordable, convenient way to prepare healthy, homemade meals in no time. I personally think it would make a great gift for any new mom.

“Since everyone is so concerned with the economy and they have two parents working, a lot of time dinner together is only for special occasions,” says co-owner Donna Schukal. “We make it so that dinner together can be an every night occasion and it does not have to be a lot of work or processed, unhealthy food.” She says the quality of the food combined with the ease of preparation “make us stand out from any competitors.”

Here’s another idea: if someone close to you is ill or injured and you want to help but you’re not sure how—this might be a terrific idea: Make them a week’s worth of meals! For more info visit: www.whats4dinnerinc.com

Beyond Long Island–But Easy to Get Online

An at-home work out that really rocks: Dove’s Bodies

I’m not exactly a gym-girl. I usually wander around, baffled by the equipment. And the fact that my two kids make it impossible to get out to the gym. So I’m forever on the hunt for home workouts that are fun to do. Facing the fact that it’s just oh-so-easy to plop on the couch, I need a fitness routine that’s easy-to-follow and challenging.

A few months ago, I hit pay-dirt: Celebrities flock to Dove’s Bodies. Her name sounds so soft but Dove Rose’s workouts are intense–and effective. And you don’t need an LA address to take her class. I just tried one of her at-home DVD’s and all I can say is wow. Dove’s workouts really do rock. There’s old-school push-up, lots of squats, props–and she mixes up the routine so brilliantly, you just don’t get bored and head for the sofa. www.dovesbodies.com

An online destination for a special delivery: Get Quoted

Sometimes, an inspirational quote is all you need to put a spring in your step. I love, love, love quickie words of wisdom and often jot the good ones down in a notebook or display them near my computer to keep me going.

For a daily dose of quotes delivered to you each day, browse any of these online destinations and sign up for a free email subscription—a little inspiration in your inbox:

• www.meditationsforwomen.com Each meditation reinforces in some way the requirements of unshakable self confidence and self-esteem. They take only a minute to read and are quick positive thoughts to start your day
• www.dontquoteme.com Topical and timely, this free subscription service serves up a fun and informative quote each day. Plus, each quote comes complete with the biography of the speaker and interesting details about the quote.
• www.alancohen.com. Best-selling author of 20 inspirational books and CD’s, Alan Cohen’s site also features a free daily archive of over 1,000 inspirational quotes by himself and others.

(Long Island, N.Y.) If there ever was a day to reflect about your life, your purpose, your mortality–it’s today 9/11. And more reason for me personally to ponder how precious life is– I recently had one of those near-death experiences that shake you to your very core. Long story short: A pickup truck was speeding towards me–head-on–in the wrong lane, going the wrong direction. With cars on both sides of me and little time to react all I could do was brace myself in the split seconds I might have had left.

But it wasn’t anything like I read or heard about, where your life flashes before your eyes. No, in those heart-pounding seconds, all I could think was

Thank GOD the kids are not in the car.

After I got home, safe and sound and feeling lucky, I looked back on those slow-motion moments of terror and instead of fear, I felt relief that the kids were home with dad playing in the backyard.

And then it hit me: The Letter.

When my kiddos were still babies, I did something a bit morbid but very comforting. I left a letter for them in their baby books. A just-in-case letter, should something terrible happen to me suddenly and I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. My biggest worry was, what if something happened to me before they were old enough to form lasting memories? So I wrote them a sweet, short note (sure) telling them how much I love them—but much more important—how much they loved ME. I would never want my children to grow up thinking, “I never had a chance to tell my mom I loved her.” So, I let them know how their first sentences (the both of them) was I LOVE YOU and how many times they’ve helped me/hugged me/held me in their short little lives and if I should die, to never feel sad or haunted or cheated. I just pray they never have to read it.

So with these thoughts heavy on my mind, I read something yesterday that had me weeping all night.

From www.savelorishouse.com

Lori is a single mom battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and chronic Lyme disease. She faces the loss of her home to foreclosure within days because she’s too sick to work. She has medical bills totaling more than $50,000, which may ultimately reach $120,000.

Ironically, earlier this summer an essay Lori wrote about her young son Jack coming to terms with the idea of death was finally published in the Washington Post. Though the essay was written well before Lori was diagnosed, or even knew that she was ill, there’s a bittersweet sense of urgency in her writing that adds a poignant postscript to the piece. In her essay, Lori struggled to reassure her son that she’ll always be there to protect him. “I tell him I’ll always be here for him, one way or another. Always always always. Just like my mother is here for me. Just like I was there when he was 3. It is an impossible promise, a gamble with his trust. I secretly pray I don’t let him down, not on this.”

If you visit the site, there’s a donate button and more information. Read Lori’s Washington Post essay first. As a parent, you’ll feel as I do the pressing need to help out —anyway you can. On this day—or any day, really—please remember the power of paying it forward.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Want to know how to easily score a gazillion thank you’s from your kids? Hop on the LIRR and whisk them away to New York City to see the Gazillion Bubble Show at New World Stages. It’s magical!

First, I’ll say that my family and I are no strangers to live family shows. We’ve been to a bunch: Annie, the Circus, Go Diego Live, Disney Princesses on Ice, The Christmas Spectacular, The Backyardagains…the list, as you might guess, goes on and on.

It usually turns out to be a $60 nap for my daughter who snoozes right after intermission and for my son, after he downs a $10 cup of popcorn, he’s asking when it will be over already. But the Gazillion Bubble Show, their eyes were glued to the stage and they were mesmerized by one of their favorite things–bubbles! And boy were there lots of them.

Honestly, the show is stunning and it’s as kid (and parent friendly) as they come. It’s not just bubbles blowing all over the place–I found it heartwarming, funny at times and inspiring. My husband and I were in awe and the kids can’t stop talking about it….

Warning: When you get home, you’ll be asked over and over again by your kids to do amazing things with bubbles and begged to accomplish feats only a bubble genius like Fan Yang (the show’s creator/producer/performer) can pull off.

Fan Yang is a 12-time Guinness World Record holder and is known as ‘the greatest bubble artist in the world’. He weaves his life story through the show and he’s entertaining and so likeable. Really makes you want to focus on a dream and follow it with unflinching courage. He floated his way up from humble beginnings all in pursuit of a dream and a childhood fascination with bubbles.

And who knew anyone could do such amazing things…with soap! They float, bounce, spin. The there’s bubbles inside bubbles, smoking bubbles, bubbles of all shapes and sizes. (I know, I sound like Bubba from Forrest Gump talking about shrimp!) Please pardon the pun but it really is unbubble-believable.The show is suitable for any age and don’t be surprised if you’re as spellbound as your kids.

Before or after the show, the kids can get a photo inside a gigantic bubble ($20) and you can buy some really cool bubble gadgets for the kids. Again, consider yourself warned. Please make it clear to the kiddos that you simply cannot perform the many bubble tricks as seen at the show. I spent the entire day after repeating, “Nope, sorry–I haven’t the slightest idea how to make a mega bubble.” Only Fan Yang (or his wife Ana who also performs the show) can pull off such intricate bubble tricks that make you scratch your head and ponder the laws of physics.

Gazillion Bubble Show
New World Stages
340 West 50th Street
New York, N.Y. 10019
tickets: www.telecharge.com
or call 212.239.6200

Online coupon sites: Can you really save a bundle?

(Long Island, N.Y.) When I heard some of my friends rave about those online coupons sites, honestly, I just didn’t buy it. You find a code or a coupon and you get some special deal just for clicking around and searching some site first. Yeah right.

Well, I recently decided to give it a whirl. Since gas prices have gone through the roof and I needed to do some last-second shopping for my summer vacation, I opted to hit the net and fill up my online shopping cart–sans filling up the tank with gas. Only problem was–I procrastinated too long and now I was in need of a bathing suit–pronto. It would cost me more in expedited shipping than it would in gas, so I felt like I was just spinning my wheels.

So I found the perfect suit online and just before I was prompted to “proceeded to checkout” I decided to try one of those coupon sites and see what all the hype was about. I typed in the name of the company that I was about to make $60 richer–and I spied a coupon code for FREE shipping–that was there for the copying. I kept scrolling and there was another code for “free expedited shipping”. I wrote the code down on a piece of scrap paper not too convinced it was going to actually work.

I’m a skeptic and really didn’t think there was a snowballs’s chance in hell I’d receive my bathing suit in three days, without any extra charges. Free three-day shipping for just typing in a an eight-letter code I found on a coupon site? Hmm–we’ll see about that.

As I was finalizing my order, there was a little box that you could type in a promotion code. I typed in that code and was blown away: It worked! Yep, it was free and I got my tankini in three business days! FREE! I love FREE.

I would have paid full price to rush it to my door step had I not stopped and checked a coupon site. So, Now I’m a believer. And I’m not alone. According to online-measurement firm Hitwise, visits to online coupon sites have increased 56 percent between the week of June 6, 2008 and the same week in 2007. With record breaking gas prices–it just make sense to shop and save at home.

If you’re a novice online coupon clicker like myself who really wants to get in on all those special promotions, discounts, super sales and not-so-secret codes, here’s the scoop on a really great money saving site you can trust: CouponCabin.com

It was created to give online shoppers an easy and fast way to save money while shopping online and features more than 950 online stores with more than 4,000 coupons and deals from 20 different product categories. CouponCabin.com sees about one million unique visitors per month and over 91 million clicks. Since the site’s inception, CouponCabin.com has saved shoppers a combined grand total of $250 million. On average, in only 90 seconds spent on the site, shoppers save about $13 per use.

Are you sold yet? I am. And this site is now the first place I’ll hit when shopping online–for anything. Just keep in mind not all coupon sites are created equal. It’s buyer (and saver) beware out there. Scott Kluth, founder and president of CouponCabin.com shares these tips:

• Be Safe – Only Shop at Secure Websites: Secure websites are definable by a yellow padlock in the status bar. By shopping at a secure website it ensures hackers are unable to obtain any of the shopper’s personal information.
• Save On Shipping – Search for Discounted or Free Shipping Coupons: Sites like CouponCabin.com have entire sections dedicated strictly to coupons for discounted or free shipping.
• Let The Sales Find You: Register for e-newsletters to stay constantly informed of sales and discounts.
• Stack For More Savings: Stacking is an online shopping trick that allows shoppers to use multiple coupons at once providing extra savings. If there are two promotional code boxes, make sure to use two different coupon codes to maximize savings.
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Hey, New Yorkers: You’ve GOT to tune in to American Gladiators this Monday night (July 14th at 8 PM on NBC) to root on one of our own.

(Long Island, N.Y.) This.. is… Anthony Pagnotta, a NYPD detective and Farmingdale native who will take on Titan and company. I had the chance to ask Anthony a few questions about what it was like to partake in the greatness that is American Gladiators. (Can you tell I’m a fan!) My daughter flexes in the mirror like she’s CRUSH but that’s besides the point! On with the questions:

You’re used to going head to head with the thugs of NYC. How does that compare to the challenge of facing the American Gladiators?

Going against the criminals in NYC, you definitely have to be aware of the unexpected and be on your guard at all times. Just like going up against the Gladiators. The difference is when your in the streets and it comes down to using physical force, you are fighting for your life not competing in a competition. Then again the average criminal is not 6’9” 300 lbs.

What made you decide to try out for the show? tell me about what that was like and what the reaction was from your family, friends and coworkers?

Since I was younger I loved to watch American Gladiators and always wanted to compete on the show. The problem was I was a skinny kid that really never worked out. Then I began to hit the gym and gain a little weight, but the show went off the air. In January the show came back and sitting on my couch I said to myself “I can do this” ( just like all of America) . I thought I would have time to really train and get into cardio shape, but I checked the website and found out the tryouts were being held in 2 weeks for the next season. At that time I decided to go for it. I told my family, friends and coworkers that I was going to tryout. The first reaction from my coworkers was laughter and jokes. One of my co-workers said: “I didn’t know they make baggie spandex”. My family on the other hand was nervous about me going to tryout. They didn’t want me to get injured, but they supported me in what I wanted to do.. My girlfriend Shellon supported me from the beginning and motivated me through out the show. The tryout was on a cold and rainy Saturday in February. I stood online outside Crunch Fitness gym in NYC for over 10 hours. I was Cold and stiff as a board. I did the physical tryout. Which consisted of pull ups, sprints and other physically activities and then proceeded directly into a short interview process. After that it was just a waiting game to be called back.

Who will we see in the arena rooting you on?

I would’ve loved to have my entire family and friends in the audience, but because the show is in L.A that will not be possible. But my cousin John and his family, my parents Louis and Caroline Pagnotta will also be there along with the love of my life Shellon.

What was it like training for the show? What did you do to prepare?

To train for the show I tried to do as much cardio as I could in the time that I had. I normally do weight training especially on my upper body (as most guys do), but I am not really a cardio guy. So when I knew I was going for the show I started working out my legs and running as much as possible. The problem is there is no way to train for the show. The events are made to use all parts of your body and parts that you just don’t normally use.

Are you glad you did it?

To be on the show is a honor for me. To be picked from the thousands that tried out was truly humbling. I wanted to show my nieces and nephews that no matter how old you are or what shape you are in, if you set your mind to something and give it your all you can you can achieve anything. It all comes down to what’s inside your heart. Never give up on your dreams and goals.

If I win the grand prize which is $100,000 and a Toyota truck I plan to engage my girlfriend Shellon and give her the wedding she always wanted. Shellon who is a upcoming female rapper supports me in everything I do.

Any last words before we watch you take on the American Gladiators this Monday night?

I would like to thank my parents, Shellon, my sisters Lisa and Louann, nieces, nephews, the 88th pct, all my Friends and everyone who supported me through this journey.

Top NYC Vets Reveal the Season’s Most Common Ailments & the Secrets to Keeping Pets Safe This Summer

We all know by now you can’t leave a child in a hot car–even for a moment. But what about our furry friends? How can we keep them safe this season? Yep, summertime has arrived and right along with it comes plenty of very real pet health hazards, some of them life-threatening. From the scorching summer sun to parasites and even July Forth fireworks, summer fun can be anything but for our furriest family members. Expert veterinarians at West Chelsea Veterinary in Manhattan say taking simple precautions can ensure a happier, healthier summer while avoiding unplanned vet visits at the same time.

Common Summertime Hazards Pet Parents Should Watch Out For Include:

Independence Day Fears – With the loud booming and cracking of fireworks, flashing lights and the sounds of cheering people, the Fourth of July often causes confusion and fear in our household pets. “People don’t realize pets’, especially dogs’ hearing is much more sensitive than our own. Additionally, pets don’t understand where noises like these are coming from, and naturally, that can cause a great deal of anxiety in companion animals,” explains veterinarian Mike Farber of West Chelsea Veterinary.

“We do have a number of patients whose owners know their pets will have a problem coping with the noise and action of the holiday. As long as a pet has a healthy check-up, we’ll go ahead and prescribe a mild sedative to make the night easier for them,” says veterinarian Jennifer B. Berg of West Chelsea Veterinary.

Keep Them Hydrated – New Yorkers know ‘The City’ gets scorching hot in the summer. Pets, just like people, need to drink lots of water in order to stay cool and comfortable. “Hydration is very important for all mammals, so pets, like their owners, should have lots of water available to them at all times. This is especially true for shorter-nosed breed dogs such as bulldogs, older pets, and pets with chronic health issues,” says Dr. Berg.

According to Dr. Farber, pet owners should “Change their pet’s water frequently and make sure pets know where to find it. When you come home each day, take the time to clean the water bowl and put out fresh water. Heat can cause bacteria to grow in a water dish very quickly, so make sure it’s clean and ready to drink.”

Pets and Hot Cars Don’t Mix – Even running a quick errand can spell trouble for a pet that is left alone in a car during summer. “Leaving a pet in an unattended car is never a good idea, even with the windows wide open,” says Dr. Berg. “The temperature in a car can raise 20 degrees or more in just a few minutes!”

Can’t Take The Heat – “Heat stroke is the most dangerous condition we see in the summertime. It’s an extremely serious medical condition where a patient’s body temperature can skyrocket to 106 degrees and, as a result, can be fatal,” says Dr. Berg. “Patients more susceptible to heat stroke are older, obese, short-nosed breeds. It’s crucial for pet owners to pay attention to warning signs and be considerate of their pet’s heat tolerance levels. While heat stroke can be difficult to recognize at first, pets in serious danger can exhibit panting, drooling, vomiting and even weakness. We recommend owners walk their dogs in the early morning or after dusk, keeping any midday walks as short as possible.”

Lost Pets – Whether venturing out to the Hamptons or going hiking in the mountains upstate, the summer months offer plenty of opportunities to get out and explore. If pet owners take their pets with them, these adventures mean more opportunities for pets to get lost. “There is no internal GPS system for pets that would lead them back home,” says Dr. Berg. “If a pet gets separated from their owner and is lucky enough to land at a shelter or vet clinic, an implanted microchip can be the device that reunites them with their families. Also, wearing a collar with up-to-date I.D. tags is always a good idea.”

Pet-Safe Travel – Whether traveling by plane, train or automobile, Dr. Berg says “Pet owners should have their pets with them at all times. There is always a risk involved if pets are made to fly in a cargo area or holding cage. For people who need to travel with their cats by car, doing so after dark is a better time. Cats are usually less stressed at night and less likely to become car sick, too.”

Fleas, Ticks & Heartworms – In this day and age of pet portability, “Dogs that travel outside the city are often exposed to fleas and ticks. When they return to city dog runs and doggie day cares, they can expose other dogs they meet to these external parasites,” explains Dr. Berg. “Heartworm is also a concern. It’s a disease transmitted to pets through mosquito bites. The best tip for pet owners is to talk to their vets about heartworm prevention.”