Friday on Today 8/10

Today's Money featured Jean Chatzky discussing The Cost Of Kids. According to her, 64% of people have unrealistic expectations of the costs of raising children. And from today's page from the book of the obvious: the more you make, the more you spend. That means the less you make, the less you spend. As if anyone didn't know that already. But part of the reason parents spend so much money is because they think they need bigger houses, bigger brand new cars--why would you need a brand new car? Kids can share bedrooms; there's no need for each kid to have his or her own bedroom and bathroom. And Jean suggests getting pre-owned cars and driving them into the ground. The same advice I received years ago and still adhere to. Except back then we called them used cars. And you can fit three kids in the back seat so you don't need to buy giant SUVs just because you have kids. She also suggested developing a budget and prioritize. Which things are important and what can you do without? She had other suggestions but in the middle of this segment, my Boston Terrier dragged the water bowl into the middle of the kitchen floor and from there, my English Bulldog decided to attack it. The Boston doesn't like bulldog slobber in his water so demands new water. The bulldog sees the water bowl in a different place and goes after it, spilling water all over the kitchen. It's a good thing they're cute. See pics at http://cafepress.com/karmicbulldog.

Today's Style editor, Bobbie Thomas had some tips for looking good in Do-It-Yourself Beauty. For starters, there's a class in LA that teaches make-up application. One woman who was taking the class said not to be afraid to try anything. Your face is like a canvas and you can always wipe it off. For those of us who don't live anywhere near LA, you can go to make-up counters and get free samples and advice. Also there are several websites you can learn from such as http://maccosmetics.com/ and http://covergirl.com/. And there are plenty of books and DVDs. Check my Amazon search box to find some. Some people e-mailed their beauty questions such as what to do after a bad brow job, as in you're left with hardly any. Bobbie suggested Red Earth Brown Perfecting Kit, which uses powder to fill in sparse brows. Don't use a pencil, or you'll like a clown. Or Phyllis Diller. The point is to try to look natural. And someone else asked about how to make your feet feel smooth, or look good, or something to that effect. Bliss products for feet were recommended. You can also visit http://nailsmag.com/ for more tips on pedicures.

Cleaning Up Your Online Reputation was the subject of the next segment. Some people are turning to Dotcom Defenders to help them protect their online reputations. Reputationdefender.com tries to persuade bloggers and website owners to take down offensive or damaging material. Some website owners say it's a futile effort and it tries to take away artistic or journalistic freedom. And the Today Show hosts said it's tough with all those "mean" bloggers out there. Bloggers are mean now? Maybe if we got paid huge amounts of money to eat cupcakes, drink coffee and talk to people for a couple hours in the morning we'd be happy and smiley all the time too. Not that I'm agreeing that all bloggers are mean. Just don't cross a blogger and they'll be no need to hire a dotcom defender.

Submit your favorite sandwich to Best Sandwich In America at http://todayshow.com/ for the latest contest. I guess you submit a picture of your sandwich. They went from vacation photos to sandwiches. What's next, your favorite T-Shirts? Silverware? Plates?

Forever Young showed us some Home Back Breakers. Things in your home that are causing back pain such as your unforgiving floors. Someone from Prevention Magazine, sorry I never got her name, suggested things like using a step stool to rest your left foot on while standing for long periods. Maybe for when you're washing the dishes or folding the laundry. Some other common problems included: mattresses and pillows. She said that your head, back and neck need to form a straight line while lying in bed for good alignment. That's for people who sleep on their backs. For people who sleep on their sides--the most natural and comfortable sleep position--keep a pillow between your legs. I have one of those special pillows that fits between your knees and I love it because it doesn't keep falling out of bed like my old one did. And if you sleep on your stomach, you should place a pillow under your hips. Another problem: cradling the phone. This causes a lot of strain on the neck so use a speaker instead. Or you can get some headphones if you really need to have hands free while you're on the phone. Problem: slouching on the couch. Put a pillow behind your back to keep from slouching. Pillows are the answer to everything, aren't they? Also, use a laptop tray. I use my dogs since they insist on sitting on my lap. And finally, use freestanding toilet paper holders if the built-in ones are too hard to reach. Too much twisting isn't good for your back.

Kool And The Gang performed "Ladies' Night" while all their fans grooved in the rain. I've had that song in my head all day--it's very catchy. Did you know they've been together for 40 years? I didn't.

They wrapped up the show while showing more pictures from the America The Beautiful ongoing segment and playing that classical song, "Hoedown." I always loved that song.

Have a great weekend all.