More Brenda picks: 3 can't-miss conversations on Shine

Happy Monday everyone,

We all have days when our to-do list stretches so long that it doesn't leave a lot of free time to spend on fun things - like indulging ourselves in Shine! With this in mind, I've come up with my latest list of must-read posts from our Shine community. These fun, discussion lively posts are worth checking out, even if you only have a minute to spare.

So join in the conversation. As always, please abide by our Community Guidelines when posting or commenting and help us keep Shine a healthy, thriving place. Thanks!

1. User post: New Barbie has tattoos
Shine user sunshinelady asks: "Do you think this is a bad move on Mattel's part or do you think it is much ado about nothing?"

Conversation snippets:
"How is this any different from the Band aide tattoos? or the temporary Tattoos that you can buy? Technically don't care bears have tattoos? on their belly and their feet. I think that if people feel the need to get upset about this then maybe they should watch the news and see what is really worth getting upset over."

"I used to draw on my Barbies as a child. I just never called it a tattoo! LOL"

"The Barbie Doll in my eyes always represented propriety and purity. Let's not give these dolls body piercings and other markings."

"I don't think the tattoos are exactly barbed wire and satanic depictions! I cut my Barbies hair and put stickers all over her when I was a kid and I am a normal adult! I didn't become a serial hairdresser or anything:-) OMG people if you don't agree with it don't buy it!"

2. User post: Fabulous New Internship + Wonderful, Loving Boyfriend = Broken Friendship?
Shine user Cheryl met a wonderful man but her best friend blames her for becoming a horrible friend.
Cheryl wants to know: "Does every woman in a new relationship / new job go through this? And if so, is there any way to mend it?"
[[Brenda's note: Cheryl updated her post on March 4th to clarify user feedback. We love that!]]

Conversation snippets:
"wow i can't believe how childish she is being. i am sorry but maybe she just isn't that great of a friend! but at the same sense maybe you should at least call her even if its for 5 minutes a day, that may save the friendship. but i think that she needs to understand more!"

"Maybe you are being a bit of a smug jerk-why are you expecting her patience,support and acceptance? Are you sure you've earned it?"

"It sounds like your friend realizes that she is no longer a priority to you, and I'm guessing that hurts her feelings. We can all imagine that it must be pretty lame to realize that you were only a good friend because it was convenient. And while that may not be how you see it, it sounds like she sees it that way."

3. User post: Cut household expenses and SAVE big money
I think anyone can relate to Shine user Roxy who asks the expense question:"We've all heard of the 'skip the coffee at Starbucks and bundle your tv, cable and internet' and haven't we all done that? But what else can we do?" Find out how Roxy is feeding her family of 7 AND paying the electricity during these lean times.