Like wine and cheese

Happy Birthday Mom! She turned 49 today. 49?!? I seriously thought it was like 43...maybe 46...she holds her age well. I was talking to her today and she said today is the last time she's celebrating her birthday. I told her next year I'd send her a bouquet of black balloons. :-) But seriously, she is the most amazing woman I know.

Ten things I've learned from my Mom:

1. Never underestimate the power of a good pedicure. Not only that, they're necessary- every month.
2. Always use shortening when making chocolate chip cookies- butter makes them flat.
3. Never gossip.
4. You aren't above doing anything and everybody can "stand in a bucket of crap" for just a little while.
   
5. Be frugal, even if you don't need to be. Off-brand is usually just as good as name brand.
   
6. It's okay to miss things like school every once in a while for some retail therapy.
7. Chocolate has 0 calories if it's consumed with friends.
   
8. Family is THE most important thing.
9. You're never too busy to help another person.
10. If you don't know something, ask your Mom. More than likely, she knows.