I’ve been surrounded by stressful situations lately, too many to name, and stumbled upon a mom blog that hit the spot — she’s got beautiful photos that you can download to your desktop or just print out.

It’s the perfect idea for some breathing space. View the images here.

Normally we hear the sad stories about a child drowning when we are reminded of the need for all parents to learn CPR. Typically it’s a tragic story, one that you can’t bear to watch so you change the channel on the TV or turn the page in the newspaper. We ignore things that are hard to watch.

My mom told me about a positive story and it just warms my heart. A two-year-old boy was SAVED by his sister and his mother, who performed CPR. Without the CPR her child wouldn’t have been revived.

The full story can be read here.

Related:

• Find where to get certified in your area — it doesn’t take long and isn’t expensive.
• Read my account of taking CPR.
• Read my post about infant swim lessons.

I stayed up last night watching the Grammys — not because I’m in love with music and had to see an awards show. Not because I love to stay up late. But because I needed to see the show — we reported on it this morning on our company Web site. Covering big events is secretly fun, even though the late hours take something out of you.

I also spent time doing Valentine’s cards for the grandparents and aunts/uncles for my son. It’s not something I need to do, but think is sweet. I include a recent photo and pop the cards in the mail. I’m just thankful they are in the mail today — so they will arrive by Valentine’s Day.

I’m a little tired today, so I’ll leave you with a great quote I got from my soap opera:

“Positive thoughts lead to positive results.”

Cane Ashby
“The Young & The Restless”
January 2008

Read my collection of Quotes from TV here.

I’ve been wanting to write a post about bubble baths and tell all the moms out there to be sure to take one this month. I think this form of relaxation is empowering — and deserving. But, now we have more reason to take a bath — Yahoo Finance did an article about how to save money and taking bubble baths is number one on its list!

Take bubble baths. If soaking in hot water doesn’t cheer you up, find out what does, because it could stop you from wasteful splurges after a bad day. “Especially in times like these, it’s very important for people…to find other ways [than shopping] to make themselves feel better, whether it’s tantric methods, meditation, Chinese balls, or bubble baths—just do what will not break the bank,” says Ken McDonnell, program director at the American Savings Education Council.

February is a short month, but it’s a leap year so there’s an extra day. The Pink book that I refer to often has a great list of “to dos” at the end of each chapter (each month), but it’s always bothered me that I have to read all the way to the end to get ideas of things to do during the month. I am going to try some ideas for myself as goals or inspirations at the beginning of the month. Here are some I thought of for February.

• Give Valentine’s to your kids
• Be sure to let the ones you love know it this month. More than just saying it.
• Hug your kid every day this month — no matter how old he/she is
• Do something just for you
• Read a book that’s just for fun. Something light, something that may not even have a lot of merit, but something fun to get your mind off of all that ails you.
• Send Valentine’s cards to your child’s Grandparents.
• For Valentine’s Day draw hearts on your driveway with sidewalk chalk. It will make your mailperson smile
• Stay in on Valentine’s Day. Order a pizza even. Skip all the hoopla surrounding fancy dinners and enjoy being together, no matter what you are doing.
• Make Rachel Ray’s “You Won’t Be Single For Long Vodka Cream Pasta” one night this month. It’s “Yumm-o”
• Stop by the Godiva store and buy just one piece of chocolate. Eat it on the spot.
• Buy yourself a new robe, PJs or slippers (or, hey, all three!) — anything that is new, and comfortable for an evening at home.
• Sit by a fire at least once this month. If you don’t have a fireplace, visit a local hotel or restaurant lobby that has one. Order a glass of wine or specialty coffee and think about life without interruption, just letting the crackle of the fire shift your thoughts. You’ll be amazed at how much clarity comes when sitting so still.