Here We Are...with Luci

Risky Business...Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

RISKS
To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.
To reach out for another is to risk involvement.
To expose feelings is to risk exposing your true self.
To place your ideas, your dreams, before a crowd is to risk their loss.
To love is to risk not being loved in return.
To live is to risk dying.
To hope is to risk despair.
To try is to risk failure.
But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, and is nothing.
They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live.
Chained by their attitudes, they are a slave, they have forfeited their freedom.
Only a person who risks is free.
~ Author Unknown

This saying has hung on my office cork board for years. It flew off seemingly on its own the other day. I reread it and decided to share it with you.

When I hesitate over risking something, it reminds me to jump in with both feet so I can avoid ever saying "coulda, shoulda, woulda." I hope it helps you do the same.

Is there something you are afraid of risking? What are you longing to roll the dice on? Take a risk today and live free. Tell us what you risked...sharing can help another woman step outside her comfort zone.

Summer Reading: What's In Your Beach Bag?

FEATURED ARTICLE OF THE MONTH: Comment On Here We Are For A Chance To Win A Signed Hardcover Copy of Lisa Scottoline's Latest Best Selling Book, "Look Again"

It is time to pick up that book that has been waiting for you since the cold days of winter. There is no better place than in a beach chair to turn the pages of an intriguing thriller, a victorian romance, or the current chick lit. Whatever your pleasure, indulge yourself!

Tell us what you are reading, going to read, want to read...I just finished my summer catch-up reading of James Patterson's books: Sail, Cross Country, Mary Mary, and Judge & Jury. If you like a thriller then I recommend any and all four. Warning: Each has its own brand of Patterson violence but the suspense is worth the gore.

As for the vampire trilogy that is o' so popular. I am finally giving myself over to it. There is a copy of Twilight at the top of my "to read" stack, along with two more Patterson books, Cross and Double Cross. Okay, this is beginning to sound like an obsession but I just love the Alex Cross story-lines. 

This latest book by Lisa Scottoline looks to be another page turner in her long line of heart pounding plots. Lisa has managed to sell over 25 million copies of her books while raising a daughter as a single Mom! No easy feat, but her readers are glad she discovered her passion for writing. Check out the video trailer or read the first chapter of "Look Again" here.

How to win the July Gift Giveaway of "Look Again" -

1. You must be a Here We Are email subscriber (more info here)
2. Tell us in the comments section what you are reading or recommend a book you've read
3. Comments published on any and all July entries will count - so if you are not currently up on the latest best seller, jump in on another conversation and share your thoughts!

NOTE: Comments are moderated, so you won't see them immediately upon submission. As long as they fall under our policy, they are published ASAP, and I do not reveal email addresses - ever!

Not sure what to comment about? Check out the popular comment thread answering Bionic Beauty's question, "What are you reading?" Jami, the Bionic Beauty, inspired this entry. The girls that commented at Bionic Beauty are responsible for me going over to the dark side...I want in on the vampire action, too!

So here's to your toes in the sand and nose in the book...remember to comment! The next book in your beach bag could be "Look Again."

July...The Summer Is Upon Us!

Announcements, Updates, & Reminder - An EASY As Pie Recipe To Enjoy This 4th of July

Announcements

Our "Chick Flick Chat" Movie Date is set for Friday, July 17, at 6:30pm EST. The selected movie for this chat is, "He's Just Not That Into You," starring Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Gennifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, and Jennifer Connelly. If you haven't seen it, now is the time to view it OnDemand or rent the DVD. Listen live and call in (646) 929-2473 to share your thoughts on this fascinating look at dating, love, friendship, marriage, and more! NOTE: You don't have to "sign in" to Blog Talk Radio to call in and/or listen live at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Here-We-Are.

Updates

Speaking of the Here We Are radio show...Did you miss the recent show, "Calling All Women: What You Must Know About Your Body & Synthetic Hormones And How Herbs Can Help" with Herbalist Cynthia Johnston of MoonMaid Botanicals? If you did, no matter what your age, you will hear eye-opening information about this troubling area and learn that natural options do exist.

The Here We Are May Great Gift Giveaway Recipient is subscriber & blog list member Jami, the Bionic Beauty, for her May comment on Five Easy Ways To Green Your Bathroom. If you haven't yet checked out the Bionic Beauty website, now is the time and remember to subscribe - this popular blog is celebrating its second anniversary with lots of giveaways and more terrific information, tips, and freebie offers than ever! Congratulations Jami on your anniversary and for receiving a signed copy of Kathy Ireland's latest book, "Real Solutions For Busy Moms."

Reminder

Blueberries are plentiful right now and there is still time to bake up a fresh dessert for the weekend...Here is my sister-in-law, Lynn's, "Blueberry Easy As Pie" recipe.

Pie Ingredients:

• 1 Pillsbury Pie Crust (use 1 of the 2 dough sheets)
  
• 2 pints fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons corn starch or flour

Crumb Topping:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup softened butter (1/2 stick)(NOT melted)
  
• Dash cinnamon
  

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Cover a cookie sheet with foil or parchment paper (makes for an easy clean-up). Unroll one pie crust into a 9 inch pie plate and crimp the edges. Toss the blueberries, sugar, and corn starch/flour together and then fill the pie plate.

Mix the crumb topping flour and cinnamon in a bowl. Add the sugar and cut in the butter using a fork to combine until it is a "crumbly" mixture. Pour topping over pie.

Put pie on covered cookie sheet and into oven on bottom shelf. Bake 45 - 60 minutes until the crumbs are golden brown and the pie is bubbling. Remove, cool on wire rack.

Alternative 1: Instead of the Crumb Topping, use the other dough sheet on top and cut star shapes out of it. Apply and crimp the top and bottom crust edges together.

Alternative 2: No pie crust? Just skip the crust part, cover the blueberry mixture with the crumb topping, and Voila...a Blueberry Cobbler! BONUS: Less calories so you can have that second slice!

TIP: Depending on oven, you may want to cover the edges with foil so they won't burn.

Put the pie in a basket and bring to a B-B-Q. Enjoy and have a fun weekend!

Aubrey Organics Sunscreen: Protecting Your Kids As They Play In The Sunshine

A Review by Staci, The "Mom" Squad

Is it that time again? Summertime! While the livin' can be easy, the sun's rays can be harmful. Are you prepared to be out in the sun with your children? Like so many Moms, I am concerned about what I should or should not put on my babies' skin. I worry about putting chemicals on their skin but I want them to be protected while they play in the sunshine. Thankfully, I can stop worrying since I discovered Aubrey Organics at my local Whole Foods store.

After trying many brands of sunscreen, the one I like best is Aubrey Organics. The label states that the ingredients are all natural and it costs $8.50 for a handy 4 ounce recyclable tube. According to the website, Aubrey Organics' Mission is to, "provide all-natural, safe, and effective personal care and lifestyle products to the consumer."

There are seven options in the Aubrey Organics SPF product line but the one I like best is the Natural Sun SPF 25 Green Tea Protective Sunscreen. My kids have not gotten a sunburn when wearing it. After seeing the great results on my kids, I now use it, too. BONUS: Because it is tinted green, you can see where you are applying it and any spots you missed!

One thing you might notice about this product is that it stays light on the skin until it is absorbed. So if you are heavy handed with the product you will see it for a while. Plus, it has to be shaken before each use or it can be a bit watery. Two issues I am happy to deal with for the benefits this product offers me as a Mom.

TIP: For better protection, always apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.

Have fun in the sun this summer with your kids! Tell us if there's a sunscreen product you love for your kids or for yourself? Share your product discoveries with us!

[The claims made about specific products on or through this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The reviews and opinions provided are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Please consult with your health-care professional before taking or administering any new product to yourself or anyone else.]

Calling All Women: What You Must Know About Your Body & Synthetic Hormones and How Herbs Can Help

Feeling out of sorts? Hot? Sweaty? Just plain tired? Herbalist, Cynthia Johnston, may help you find the answer to your questions. Listen along as Cynthia helps us understand the effects of synthetic hormones on the body and how we can counteract them - the natural way. We uncover simple ways to live healthier no matter what your age.

Cynthia has been an herbalist for 15 years devoting herself to working with women and their families as they deal with hormone related issues. Herbs came into her life as a young teenager searching for a natural way to deal with severe asthma. She is the owner of MoonMaid Botanicals, offering natural products that are good for the body, and good for the environment.

Whether you listen on Here We Are or at our radio show page, you will come away surprised and enlightened about this confusing topic. Enjoy and stay healthy in a more natural way!

[The claims made about specific products on or through this show are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. The reviews and opinions provided on this show are for informational purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. Please consult with your health-care professional before taking or administering any new product to yourself or anyone else.]

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow, But In The Meantime...

Remember even though the outside world might be raining, if you keep on smiling - the sun will soon show its face and smile back at you. ~ Anna Lee (1913-2004)

Since Here We Are launched in October 2008, readers from over 70 countries have joined us. Wherever you live in the world, weather affects our lives every day. Lately, the continental US has been drenched with rain. Everywhere I go, I hear much griping and grousing about it. Think of this as an opportunity. In "Late September Dogs," Melissa Etheridge sings,

Come on let it rain

Let it rain down on me

Let the rain touch my hands

Let the rain set me free.

The almost constant rain over the past few weeks has me thinking about how differently we approach a rainy day vs. a sunny one. Days without the possibility of sunshine offer permission to do things we might otherwise put off doing. Suddenly, there is enough time to clean out a closet, call a friend, or get back to that forgotten book started months ago.

Even if you wish for the rain to stop its continuous downpours soon...Now is the time to indulge yourself before the sun comes out again. Let the rain wash away any pressure you are under, choose something you've put off doing and enjoy it. Once the sun comes out tomorrow, you will be back on track with the same busy agenda.

Tell us which country you are in & what is your favorite thing to do when it rains?

"Chick" Flick Chat: "Rachel Getting Married"

Like to discuss movies but no time to see the latest theater releases? No worries. Introducing Here We Are's new monthly radio show series that features movies already on DVD and On-Demand. Each month a recently released film will be the subject of the discussion. We will be selecting from a variety of genres, but the discussion is focused on the women's roles and the roles they play in that film.

So whether you like comedy, drama, action, or thriller movies...join Luci and her "Chick" Flick Chat co-host, Susan, a film and pop culture enthusiast, to chat about everything from the acting to relationships, wardrobe, and more. 

Come chat with us...At the beginning of each month, the selected "movie" will be announced in the "Announcements, Updates, & Reminders" entry (first entry of every month) along with the scheduled date of the radio show. You are invited to call in (details to follow) to share your thoughts and impressions. We'd love to hear from you!

Check out the first episode of Here We Are's "Chick" Flick Chat featuring "Rachel Getting Married," starring Anne Hathaway. You can listen to the full episode by clicking the arrow on the widget above or go to our Here We Are "station" page at Blog Talk Radio.

NOTE 1: We are working on the opening music, we know a minute is too long.

NOTE 2: Since this was the first show of this series, there are no call-ins on this episode, but we look forward to hearing from you on our July show!

If you've seen this film, share your thoughts in our comments section. Love it, hate it...tell us what you think!