The large downturn in real estate is leaving a record number of homes on the market ... Some frustrated sellers are getting creative, using sites like onlinehousetrading.com to connect with other sellers who might agree to "swap" -- or buy one another's property.


While the idea of trading houses temporarily for vacations has long existed, permanent house swapping is a new trend ... and www.onlinehousetrading.com is one of six such launched sites. The sites do not complete the transactions, they simply play matchmaker, similar to the role of an online dating site by aggregating a large number of properties & analyzing their "swap criteria."


Finding the right match is one thing, but finalizing the transaction can be a bit complicated ... OnlineHouseTrading recommends both clients agree to use one title company & recognize the deal's not done "until everyone signs off."

According to a recent post by money saving blog WalletPop.com, many parents have put off signing their kids up for summer camp this year. Must admit, I'm one of them. A weak economy and high camp prices can't help but make you look twice & reconsider. Indeed, we may be suffering from Summer Camp Sticker Shock.

Our childcare system works well in Summer, but -- must say -- it takes some logistical prowess to crack the off-school calendar code, especially if you're a working parent &/or juggling other caregiving & community efforts. If you're creative and do a little homework, you can find some low-cost summer camps or alternative programs in your community.

Here are some tips:
- Some camps offer discounts for early sign-up (better hurry!)
- Camps affiliated w/ non-profits like YMCA or the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts) will be cheaper.
- Opt. for a Day Camp vs. a Sleep Away camp – find & compare camps at www.acacamps.org
- Nearly two-thirds of camps offer camper scholarships or financial aid. Many others allow parents to spread payments over the course of a year.
- Ask about discounts for enrolling more than one child.

More money saving tips: eHaggling - Your Mouse as a Bargaining Chip.

The folks at this new luxury blog brought this to our attention ... It's the ultimate green house, potentially generating more energy than it actually uses. A negative carbon footprint:) Bratt Pitt is rumored to be potential buyer. Given the cost per square foot (not to mention cost of getting there), it's got to be a short list, but perhaps sign of things to come ... Take a look:

Here's one of the best kept secrets on the Internet & the fastest way to catch the "Must See" moments from TV in the last 24 hrs. From the funny late-night TV joke right after you fell asleep, to the cliffhanger you missed. These guys are ALL over it. Is really impressive how they pull it together. It's one of the few sites I visit daily. You'll be surprised how much more "with it" you feel in 5 simple clicks ...

Was away with my extended family this weekend. Am embarrassed to say, they've all done a better job of "going green" vs our home. This Neutron Battery-Powered "smart" mower might help get us over the hump, especially -- as they wisely point out -- 17 million gallons of gas are SPILLED every year by people filling or TRYING to fill their mowers. A "smart" tractor & we're in ...

Other items in this DESIGN WITHIN REACH catalog also amazing. Related Blog: Green Daily

Here's one's for the boys ... Asylum.com is a new site featuring all things guys care about – from girls to sports to work to pop culture. Editorially, the site falls somewhere in between Maxim magazine and GQ. Recent features include pranks you can play on your office workers, hottest female newscasters and craziest breakfast cereals of all time ... You get the idea. It's expected to be nominated for industry awards. Men are voting. Women are rolling their eyes.

If your ideal vacation involves hiking, climbing, skiing, surfing and the like, add popular travel blog Gadling.com to your list of "must clicks." The site caters to what it calls the "engaged traveler," those who enjoy getaways filled with pure adrenaline and adventure ... Think rafting in the Grand Canyon, trekking through the Himalayas ... or a unicycle tour of Vietnam. Gadling also keeps readers abreast of travel deals, trends and the latest gear.

Recent featured destination/activities on Gadling.com include scuba diving and playing tennis in a cave and a look at the world's best islands.

I trust you're getting our newsletter .... ;) If not, sign up here.

This week we're highlighting Stylelist.com on-air & online ...

RELATED POSTS: Designer Spring Shoes

& Fancy Flip Flops

I've known Lindsay Martin for as long as can remember & have had privilege of eating some of her food this year .... Am thrilled to see she is opening a bakery in lovely Dorset VT. What a wonderful accomplishment. If you're ever there, am sure it's worth a stop ... I certainly plan on making one;)

ESSEX GREEN: 802.867.0101

How cool is this ....! Haven't tested it yet, but can't wait to. You can turn a 10-30 second digital video clip into a little print flip book to re-create the moment. The smallest size would make the cutest party-favor can think of ... See Rave Reviews from bunch of sources, including HGTV's "I want that!" Me too:)

WATCH THIS. Some of the numbers will floor you .... Did you know ...

You know cellphones have risen to new level when Madonna debuts a track form her new album as an exclusive advance. Switched.com has full story re: Madonna pre-releasing via cellphones. Leave it to Madonna to pave the way ...

I miss my friend Chrissy. She moved to Malibu & took all her good shopping company out west .... I am kind of over Tory Burch, but these shoes made me re-think it. Shopping-related posts are some of our most popular. So, we'll do a Spring round-up. Let me know if you spot any "must-haves." In the meantime, Chrissy this shoe is sooooooooooooo you (& maybe me too if they go on sale). XO

As discussed on radio this week, if you've ever been around Disney stars & their handlers, you know they run a tight ship. So, THIS must be a calculated decision to let Miley be Miley along with her best friend Mandy Jiroux as she transitions from having a 7-9 year old following to maintaining & building pre-teen & teen fans.

Reminds me of the transition of Lizzie McGuire to Hilary Duff.

The antics are pure 15-year-old. According to People Magazine, Miley does the editing. In other words, it's pretty much what every other teen girl you may know is doing -- except the beds they're jumping on are at the Four Seasons and the snacks they're pigging out on are on a private plane vs back of the station wagon. Otherwise, same, same.

Will say this ... Miley probably has 18 months tops before hanging out in bed with your girlfriend is going to have a whole different connotation & be the kind of viral video that cultivates the wrong kind of fan base. I hope she & everyone who works with her gets this & doesn't learn the hard way.

See what you think. As with the Hannah Montana concert, you may want to adjust the volume DOWN ...