I love a great car girl movie and with much anticipation am looking forward to a movie night with the girls to go see this new movie - Flash of Genius!

Can a good movie reduce stress? I've always believed that smiling and laughing is healing in some way. And, there is a lot of evidence that supports that theory. I also know that for me, music can deeply affect my mood. Some songs are sad reminders of the past, and others are happy reminders of experiences I never want to forget. Seeing the movie Mamma Mia with my daughter, and listening to all the music, is definitely going to be a lasting and happy memory for me.

There is almost nothing better for me than a great chick flick with a theme around a road trip, a classic car and the friendships, complexity and challenges of middle-aged women.

My very favorite perk of having two parents in the house again is that occasionally I get to take just one kid out to do some bonding. Today's agenda was "girl time," and my daughter skipped along by my side as we headed out to see Kit Kittredge, an American Girl.