1. Prior to posting about a certain product on your blog, what do you look for in that product? What makes it good or bad for you?

I look for products that are unique but accessible and usually very affordable. Occasionally, we post products that are more for daydreaming, ("If money were no object, I would buy...") but we like to feature products that can fit into the spending budgets of our readers and that make their lives a little prettier, a little brighter, a little more fabulous.

2. What smart shopping tips can you give our mom readers?

My rule of thumb is to avoid impulse buys as much as possible. Before buying something, I always try to consider why I'm buying it, if it's something that I really need or if it's something that I just want. And if I just want it, what are my reasons for wanting it. Like many people, I can't afford to blindly spend money, so taking a few moments helps me to keep things in control.

3. Do you think love at first sight is applicable for shoppers and products?

Certainly, especially if it's a product that you've been searching for and have had specific criteria that it needed to meet. Finding something that will fulfill your needs and will make your life better in the ways that it can is pretty thrilling. For example, I've had my iPhone for about two years and am constantly surprised by the ways it makes communicating easier and more fun.

4. What good do you see in Apple’s newest product, ‘iPad?’

The iPad is pretty interesting. I think, aside from being a shiny new gadget, it's a step toward making the computer more of a communal tool (I can see it being passed around a room full of people) and more of a personal home assistant.

5. What should moms look for when they are buying toys for their little ones?

Age-appropriateness is a big one and toy shopping is a really good opportunity to teach your child about needs versus wants. Kids are often pure impulse and they might get drawn in by a cool package or commercial for a toy that is for an older kid. If you give in and buy it, they'll end up being frustrated because they can't understand it. I also think it is very important to seek out toys that are well-made and durable and, yes, this often means shelling out a little more money. The benefits to this are toys that can stand up to play and you can keep the toy population of your house under control.

6. How do you think better living can be achieved through consumerism?

Often, the most powerful voice that we have is our spending dollar. We might not be able to make lawmakers and companies do what we want them to do, but being informed consumers and refusing to buy products that are harmful or poor quality can push businesses to make products that are up to our standards.

7. Please name your top three digital cameras which are in the market today?

It's been awhile since I've been in the market for a digital camera, but I've always been impressed with Canon's products, so I'll say their Rebel line of digital SLRs, their ELPH cameras and their A-series of point-and-shoots.