What To Absolutely Give Your ‘Kid’ Before He Heads Off For College

Pretty soon, your little chick is going to flee the nest and head off to college, for the first or fourth time, and you’ll be heading to Bed, Bath & Beyond for sheets, towels, and all the other necessities she’ll need to live on her own!

You also might want to include some of these in her (or his) luggage, to make her life as stress free as possible.

After all, that’s what parents are for, right?!

FAMILY TIES

Even if he doesn’t display a framed photo of you and his siblings on his dorm dresser, he can stash it in a drawer and sneak a peak when he’s feeling homesick. This frame will also let him see you in action, which makes it that much cooler!   

COMING TO THE RESCUE

Save her from making a mad dash to the drugstore when she cuts her leg shaving in the shower or develops a headache from too much studying.

COOL COPYCAT

Sure, the dorm or library has a printer your kid can use, but just think how much more time he can devote to writing the paper when he can print it right in his room. (more…)

How To Be A Great Dog Owner

There’s a first for everything, even getting your first dog when you’re 50, or even 60, like I did. If only I had asked dog owners for their wise advice before we picked up the five-month-old Norfolk Terrier we named Rigby, I probably could have avoided some big boo-boos along the way.

If you’re considering becoming the “person” for a dog, or have recently brought a dog into your home, consider these sound recommendations from FOFriends.

Rigby looks like a plucked chicken after his recent summer haircut.

This is more of a before-you-become-a-dog-owner recommendation. Don’t ever, ever, ever get two puppies from the same litter. Especially girls. Ever, ever, ever! We didn’t know about this, and as responsible pet owners our job was to keep both of our girls safe. When the fighting started we had to literally pull them apart to make them stop. After the third time of cleaning up blood and fur we had to make the heart-wrenching decision to re-home one of them. She’s happy, healthy and loves her new family, but the one we kept is depressed and won’t eat for days (yes, she’s been checked out, twice). There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her and if we made the right decision. I know we did for her, but not for our girl or me. If I had known this I would have never done it.”
Jodi Smith Rasar (more…)

Happiness In 26 Seconds!

“This is my mother-in-law and me celebrating her 85th birthday. I will be 55 next month. I say keeping moving and have a positive attitude. Thank you for your site,” wrote Renee van der Touw.

The moment we saw the clip we had to ask Renee to tell us more about herself and her MIL.

Birthday girl Gloria, a former librarian, traveled the world, taught music, and is an expert on birds. As if that’s not enough, she’s also a modern dancer who performed in the 60s and 70s  at the famous Fillmore West in California. “She used to hang with Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters,” Renee said. Ed. Note: Writer Kesey wrote One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest and was a wild and wooly guy tied into the psychedelic 60s. (more…)

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Do Your ‘Kids’ Check In Or Are They Checked Out? That Is The Question!

We asked you how often your adult children call to say hello, and simply to check if everything is okay, and we learned that some of your ‘kids’ are saints and others, not so saintly. When you read about Alicemary Devln’s son, you just might want him as your own!

Mine do all the time. I have three girls but I did have four. One passed away, but she called. They are so good to me.”
Shirley Santos O’Hara Clark

Never. I used to call mine several times a week and visit them all the time. True they lived close but it doesn’t matter. Hubby would call his parents at least once a week as well, and they lived about four hours away. Sometimes months go by without hearing.”
Claudia Sheldon Cizin (more…)

Could You Fall For A Much Younger Man?

When we asked on Facebook whether you could fall for a man 25 years younger (like 64-year-old Brigitte Macron, the wife of the new 39-year-old president of France), we were amazed (and delighted) by the big response. The post received almost 42,000 views, and 250 women weighed in. While many FOFs said “no way,” others weren’t quite so definitive. We love Melanie’s comment!

I taught my son to love with his heart, and to be open minded. Race, religion, same sex, disability don’t matter. Loving the person you’re with, that’s something to explore. And being happy is a treasure. I’d hope I could think the same way.”
Priscilla Witt

Guys date/marry much younger women and no one blinks. I say, good for her! Next.”
Barbara Winslow

“No. I was married to someone for over 32 years, together for over 33, who was five years younger, and there were always subtle differences, throughout our years together. In the end, I think it made a difference, to him.  

“I could not fathom being with someone who could be my son. About all you would have in common is sex. And that only goes so far.”
Jan Nielsen (more…)

When Was The Last Time You Felt In Danger?

“When the danger is great, one must not run away.”

Pope Benedict XVI

“Danger is sauce for prayers.”

Benjamin Franklin


Whether you agree with Pope Benedict, and face peril head on, or talk to a higher power when you’re in jeopardy, danger is an undeniable fact of life. Except if you’re Mavis. What a lucky lady!

Three weeks ago I had an allergic reaction to a medication. I felt as if I were having a stroke or heart attack. I thought I was possibly dying. All I could think of was my 16- year-old daughter and how much I love her. What would she do without me?  I was afraid I would die in front of her.

“My husband called 911 and off to the ER we went. I was eventually ok thank God-amen. However, that experience was frightening and I’m so grateful and blessed to be ok.”
Cindy Anelante

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10 Things You Must Tell Your Children Before They Move Out On Their Own

At last, your “child” is moving out of your house, into his own place, and you can’t wait to be enveloped in peace and quiet. Not so fast! Unless you arm him with some practical advice before he’s out the door, chances are he’ll be back at your door sooner than you think.

1. Leave an extra set of keys with us (because we know how forgetful you can be).

2. Don’t use a stepladder unless someone is there to spot you.

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Be Honest, Do You Have A Favorite Child?

When we asked if you have a ‘favorite’ child, many of you diplomatically said they’re all your favorites. Destiny offered the cleverest answer of all! And Patti’s definitely was insightful.

“I have a favorite. It changes all the time. But yes. LOL”
Destiny Walser Head
“I would like to say, ‘I hope not,’  but I think some do. Each of mine is my favorite for different reasons; be it in their accomplishments, or because of their heart. I love them equally and am blessed to call them, ‘MINE’.”
Paulette Greyn

“Calling a child a favorite has no bearing on the amount of love you feel for all your children. I love all four of my children equally, it’s limitless. I am, however, closest to my second oldest. We just have a stronger bond. As simple as that.”
Geri Show-Gilbert

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An Innovative New Way For Us To Keep In Touch With Our Parents



Are you finding it difficult to stay in touch with your parents and other loved ones who aren’t tech-savvy? FabOverFifty has partnered with ViewClix to show you how you can!

Teaching your mom and dad to text-message may not be a cinch, but teaching them to video chat may be nearly impossible. The ViewClix Smart Frame, an innovative new device, solves the problem by providing a hassle-free way for your digitally-challenged parents to video chat and instantly receive photos from family and friends, anywhere.

The ViewClix Smart Frame’s large 15.6 inch HD screen displays photos in a slideshow until the Smart Frame receives a video call, and then it automatically connects you so you’re face-to-face with mom and dad. ViewClix also includes FREE access to UNLIMITED photo storage in the ViewClix Cloud. (more…)

Fond And Not-So-Fond Memories Of Your Pregnancy

“When I was pregnant with my son, I felt him move for the first time when we were traveling on the Greek Island of Crete. It was only a fluttery feeling, but I knew what it meant, and it was thrilling,” remembered Geri Brin, founder of FabOverFifty. Here are some other great, and not so great, memories of being pregnant.

The best part was finally hearing the words ‘You are pregnant’ after 5+ years of trying and being told I would probably never be able to. The worst part was the terrible heartburn I had with both my pregnancies. But, all in all, both my pregnancies were some of the most wonderful times of my life! Feeling your baby move inside of you is a feeling that can’t be described. I also found that creating life is truly a miracle.”
Dee Ann Kennemer McFalls

My last pregnancy was over 3 months early. The bad part is that I was nauseated before I even knew I was pregnant – 30 minutes before I had them. Also, everyone thought they were my grandchildren. The best part was feeling the rollercoaster of them moving and kicking each other! Yes, they are all perfect!”
Karen Anderson Warren (more…)