travel momLast week I went to Washington DC for four days to attend TEDMED, the health and medicine version of the very popular TED Conference. I arrived early in DC on Tuesday and headed to a comfy spot in a cafe before the conference started so I could get some work done, only to find that I had already lost an important component of my cell phone charger. You know the part that plugs into the wall? Yeah, that one. I had just made it into the first few hours of a long trip and I was already unable to charge my phone, which by noon was at 20% battery.

No problem, I thought. I have a Mophie, so I'll be able to use that to keep my phone charged. Only it kept running out of juice as well. Okay, Katherine, let's try option C. Just use your USB plug and plug it into your computer while you sleep. Nope, that didn't work either. Moving on to option D, I decided I'd simply hang out by the conference's charging stations each day and use my USB plug there. Except so many people were using those

Read More »from Check Your Bags: 14 Travel Essentials for the Working Mom

Today is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a national event that was created to give our kids a peek into the working world. And while many companies plan a day of special events, parties, and long lunches for the kids-remember that today's really a day to show them what work is all about. So, if you're planning to bring your sons or daughters to work today, here are a few ways to make the most of it.

1. Teach Business Etiquette 101

Heading to the office is a great time to give kids a lesson in workplace etiquette. Now matter how old they are, spend some time teaching them how to give a handshake, make eye contact, introduce themselves, and greet someone properly. Once you get to the office, have them practice their handshakes and introductions as you take them around to meet the team. And don't let them wear their usual attire to the office! Make sure they pick out work-appropriate outfits, and use the opportunity to talk about your office dress code: why suits are required,Read More »from 5 Ways to Make the Most of Take Your Child to Work Day

Aries (March 21 - April 19) Just before things get better, they get worse -- much, much worse. It's like that old saw, the darkest time is just before dawn. Don't get too upset by it, though, because your time of renewal is just around the corner. Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Celtic Love Tarot Reading

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Emotions run high today, especially when money comes up. Possessiveness and jealousy rear their ugly heads early and often. There is no way out of the fuss, either -- so hold onto your wallet and defend your position. Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Destiny Reading

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Things are moving much slower than usual -- but the good news is that you can now see things that usually happen to fast to catch. It's like time-lapse photography showing a flower bloom -- or catching a sleight of

Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes -- Friday April 26, 2013

How much money you make isn't nearly as important as how you use it, according to Elizabeth Dunn and Michael Norton, authors of the new book Happy Money. In fact, they say, once you get to $75,000 a year, a bigger paycheck has no impact on day-to-day bliss. So smile, and follow their proven rules for how to be happy with less money. REDBOOK.

Shell out on friendships
Research shows that our best moods often come when we're spending time with family and friends. "Yet when many people are saving up for something major-a car, a computer, a TV, whatever-one of the first things they'll cut back on is socializing," says Dunn. "They'll say, 'I'd like to go out with you guys Friday night, but I'm saving up.' Putting money away is a very positive goal that correlates to happiness, but when your route limits time with friends, you need to think about whether that's a worthwhile trade-off."

Related: 25 Little Life Hacks to Make Life Simpler, Saner and More Fun

Splurge on experiences, not things

Read More »from How to Live Happier on the Money You Have

Discover do-it-yourself tricks that'll bolster your budget By Sandy M. Fernandez

There's nothing wrong with paying a professional to do a job for you. But even those experts agree that people often pay-a lot-for services that they could easily tackle themselves. Continue reading to learn the DIY skills that could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year. Photo by Getty Images.

Master the Sewing Machine

HOW MUCH YOU'LL SAVE Anywhere from a few dollars to hundreds per job

Most people can hand-stitch a seam or hem. But when you learn your way around a sewing machine, a world of savings opens up. You can make cushions and curtains, add years to a jacket's life by replacing a zipper, or buy that super-discounted but too-big dress and take it in. Even small projects add up: It can cost $6 to $15 to have a pair of pants hemmed, and $10 to $20 to replace a zipper. Your $80 investment for a new basic sewing machine will be recouped in no time.

WHAT IT ENTAILS Patience and practice. "You don't learn unless you make mistakes,"

Read More »from 4 Little Skills that Can Save You Big

Norma Jeane Baker and Classmates, 1941

Where's Marilyn? A rare 1941 photo of the legendary actress surrounded by her classmates at Ralph Waldo Emerson High School is headed for the auction block. The estimated price is $7000 to $9000, according to the auction house Bonhams. What's so special about this particular picture is that the actress inscribed the back: "To 'Georgie'. A super, swell fellow, in fact really keen! (I really mean it Geo.) Norma Jeane Baker.'" 

photo detail

"Marilyn had a famously difficult childhood and the period this photograph captures…[is] one of the few times of stability and relative happiness in her early life." Lucy Carr, an expert in Hollywood memorabilia for Bonhams, told the Pacific Coast News. "Her childlike appearance in this photograph is quite different than the platinum blonde bombshell image she would become known for." The auction is scheduled for May 5.

Read More »from Rare Photo Captures Marilyn Monroe as High Schooler

Aries (March 21 - April 19) Never underestimate your adversary! Pay careful attention to the other person today and everything will be fine. But assume you will end up on top and you are destined to lose, big time. Keep your eyes open. Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Life Path Reading

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Birds are chirping, butterflies are fluttering their wings and the clouds are parting -- no, it's not the song of spring, it's the special effect that money has on your heart. Don't get carried away, Taurus! Keep things in perspective. Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Chinese Luck Prosperity and Longevity Reading

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) You can overwhelm your adversary today with not much extra effort. If you're coming at the problem from more than one direction, you are even more likely to come out on top. You are David

Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes -- Thursday April 25, 2013

Aries (March 21 - April 19) Conflict looms like lightening in the distance, but it doesn't have to develop into a full-blown storm. Put some effort into it. With a bit of tact and diplomacy, you can save yourself a good amount of money. Today's Aries Reading: Free Sample Numerology One-Year Forecast

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) You need to stay fiscally healthy, and today is your day to be sure you're doing things right. Begin by sticking to your budget or simply pay attention to what you spend. It's easier than you think to get out of the red and into the black. Today's Taurus Reading: Free Sample Personal Astrology Profile

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Everyone in the family is worried about money in their own way today. One member is worried about making more -- or less -- one about spending more -- or less -- and yet another about being

Read More »from Astrology.Com Daily FinanceScopes -- Wednesday April 24, 2013