Working from my home offices allows me great flexibility to tend to my business, gardens and of course my miniature schnauzer Violet as well. From my office each window frames views that make me feel like there are paintings placed there for my enjoyment. The beauty of my arborvitaes are matched by how perfectly they are lined to create privacy and a lush dense hedge. Beauty beyond the imagination- not just the setting but the neighborhood as well. A wonderful place to renew the soul and get inspired and work. But sometimes I’m so close to it that it’s possible to be distracted from what is around me. My expectations are absurdly high for my home and gardens, and in my focus on that sometimes I lose track of how special it is, and it takes the kindness of a personalized note to remind me just how wonderful and special it is.

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What did you do for your bachelorette party?

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Recently I started to notice that there seems to be a tip jar just about everywhere you see a cash register. 10 years ago we would be aghast to be expected to tip in most of the places it’s expected of us today. The “take a penny—leave a penny” trays have been evicted from their prime cash-wrap real estate to make room for this tip jar. Today, the tip jar is popping up in some unexpected places; recently I saw one at a local tag sale! But also at less extreme locations: coffee shops, gas stations, convenience stores, pizzerias and deli counters—locations where, at first glance, tipping seems less out of place. But when I thought about it I had to ask myself “Tipping for what exactly?” It seems that performing a standard part of a job description has become an opportunity to ask for tips. And tip jars, by their very presence, have begun to convey a certain expectation or obligation, to the point where my friends and I realize that we feel guilty if we don’t leave a tip.

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What’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever received?
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What boyfriend accessory do you like to keep close?

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Who is your favorite 90210 star?

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For many of us loving a pet comes with many rewards but understanding our pets can be sometimes challenging—unless you have a dog like my Violet Von Schhnorkenheimer. This now-12lbs bundle of joy has no issues communicating to me or anyone else for that matter.
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Did you have a theme birthday party as a kid?

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What do you turn to when you’re having a bad day? A trip to the beach? A hug from your kids? Your favorite cookies?

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In Friday’s episode of “Better”, we talked to Stephanie Pfeffer of Family Circle about the world’s financial situation and our children’s need to spend. Now, it’s your turn. What was the luxury item you “had to have” when you were growing up? Post your responses below. They could be read on air.