“Good Morning America” did a great piece this morning on how to ask for a discount at major retailers. Tory Johnson went to Macy’s, JCPenny’s and even Home Depot and got anywhere from 10 - 30% off her purchases — just by asking for a discount. To be fair, she had to often ask for a manager. She also had to be pretty persistent, but she didn’t get in anyone’s face or seem unruly in order to get the savings.

It’s worth a watch. As we all try to save money, it’s tips like these that can make the difference the next time we are shopping.

• Unfortunately, ABC no longer allow video embed links (shame) but I’ll provide the link here.
• Read the article, “Haggling, Not  Just For Flea Markets” here.

Here’s another article about moms who’ve figured out how to make good money working part-time hours. I think this is the wave of the future — utilizing women’s experiences and talents while allowing them more time with their families. It’s a win-win for companies and for American families. The companies benefit because they usually get more than they pay for from these moms, who are dedicated, smart and work savvy. Moms know how to prioritize their time and get more done with less. The moms get job satisfaction, quality pay and the flexibility they need to be at home.

The August issue of “Good Housekeeping” showcases five women who have figured out the magic solution to the work/life dilemma.

There is also a sidebar to the article that lists three companies that specialize in helping moms find good paying part-time jobs:

• flexibleexecutives.com
• momcorps.com (I’ve mentioned it before.)
• tentiltwo.com

Read the full article here.

Today I’m dedicating my post to Randy Pausch, the father who died last week of cancer. I’m sure most of you have heard all about Randy by now. Over the past 10 months he has been dying of pancreatic cancer. He was first given 3-6 months to live, but went to extreme measures to make every day count and to get as many extra days as he could with his family (a wife and three young children).

My husband met Randy once during a business meeting and says that he is just as nice in person as he seems on TV.

What Pausch has left us is a reminder to make every day count. If you only had 3-6 months to live, what would you do? How would you spend today? He gave “The Last Lecture,” last fall and wrote a book by the same title. Watch it. Read it. Then, decide how you’ll spend the rest of your life.

• Buy the book, “The Last Lecture.”
• Diane Sawyer hosts a special about Randy Pausch, it airs tonight on ABC. Check your local listings for showtimes.

I’m on vacation this week so I won’t have new posts, but will leave you with a few links of some of the blogs I read:

• Dooce.com
• Moms at work
• Women news links
• The Pioneer Woman. Great writing. Same goes for the photography.
• All the top mom blogs.
• If you want some celebrity gossip go here.

I would have never, ever though of this on my own, but it’s what’s making the difference in potty training my son: Having him sit facing the tank of the toilet when he goes potty. It’s a relatively simple concept really. By facing the tank, he has more to hold on to … there is more seat in front of him now. He also has more room to “go,” if you know what I mean.

He can climb on by himself to get on in this position and doesn’t feel like he’s going to fall in. It’s brilliant.

And, it’s working.

I have to give credit for this to his pre-school, but thought I should share this tip for those of you who will be dealing with potty training in the future. Try it, the other way.