It's day 29. Does your computer know when your period starts? My iPod just warned me that I'm about to be incredibly cranky. Using my past blog posts as a guide, by searching for key words like "horrible cramps" and "PMS", I found some details of my last few periods to set up the background data. For years I've found myself blogging in the middle of the night while crying and complaining. Then some commenter, usually my sister, will go "Your life sucks? You mean just like how it did right about this time last month?" How embarrassing that it always hits me as a giant surprise.

If you want a less stressful, less expensive, less wasteful holiday celebration -- without acting like an eco-grinch -- take a look at the new holiday book of the season: I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Gifts, Decorations and Recipes That Use Less and Mean More by Anna Getty.

Get green goods you need without spending a dime by taking advantage of an eco-contest -- or 3! Spend less money and stay green by getting creative:

I hear people bemoaning the high cost of "going green." And while organic food does cost more than its chemical-laden counterpart, I'm here to tell you that it's easier to spend more for healthy food when you save money in other ways. We can skip many of the green cleaners, deodorizers, and personal care products, most of which are fairly expensive. Why? Because baking soda is our friend. What's so great about baking soda?

I was getting dressed for work this morning when I saw that my sandals were showing off my gnarly toes.  I had a pedicure (minus the manicure) in late spring when I began wearing sandals again, but I can't afford to go back often.  My solution?  Put on my sandals, size up the direness of the situation, and then touch-up where needed.  I figure that my feet are rarely still anyhow, so the polish doesn't need to be perfect, just passing.  I may splurge for a special occasion (like that outdoor wedding I'm going to next weekend)

You are more likely to suffer damage to your home from termites than from fire or storms, but your homeowner's policy won't insure you against this hazard. Termite treatment companies will offer you warranties once they've inspected and treated your home, but there are things you can and should do to minimize risks, whether or not your home has been treated. I've worked in the pest control industry for thirty years and have dedicated my work exclusively to termite inspections for over twenty years.