Val

A newly-engaged working mom of two (soon to be three) lovely little boys, I'm curious about the people, places and things that make up the world around us. I love working out and spending time with my boys; and I am as likely to tear up a karaoke stage as to deliver a dynamic lecture in the classroom. I am also a former Associate Professor of Communication and Media Arts at SUNY Genesee, and a SUNY Chancellor's Award-winning educator. A lifelong WNYer, born and raised in Cheektowaga, I now live with my fiance and our kids. I've been on the radio in Buffalo since the 90s and am known to change hair colors frequently.

Here’s Your First Look At The Hottest Toys For Christmas

Admittedly, our concept of time is bad since the pandemic bagan -- but Christmas is just over 100 days away, and the shopping season will soon be upon us.

5 Sneaky Ways To Save Money This Fall

If you're like me, the arrival of September brings the anxiety of holiday budgeting. Just in time for fall, we've got five sneaky ways you can actually save some real money.

73% of Us Are Using Our Car For This — And It’s Not Driving

With many people working from home -- or staying close to home -- our cars aren't getting as much usage as they once did.

At least, not for driving.

Advice For New Homeschoolers From Moms Who’ve Been Doing It All Along

More parents than ever will be electing to homeschool for the upcoming academic year, and for a majority, it'll be their first time doing it.

Find Out If New York State Owes You Money

So far $261,333,720 has been returned to New Yorkers in 2020 alone. There is currently $16.5 billion (yes, billion) in unclaimed funds.

Four Things You’re Doing To Wreck Your Kitchen Plumbing

There are two types of people at the kitchen sink -- those who throw items willy-nilly down the drain.... and those of us who've had issues with our pipes.

Stop Doing This If You Want Your Dishwasher To Work

Friends, the kitchen is a minefield. From how to fold the towels, to if you're even allowed to use those towels, couples can find lots to argue about -- and if they can't take the heat, well...you see what I did there.

Here’s How To Get The Best Deal on McNuggets at McDonalds

Conventional wisdom says that you'll save money buying in larger quantities, which is why I always buy the 80-pack of toilet paper at Sam's Club, because savings.

But when it comes to McDonalds, bigger isn't better after all.

Here’s One Presidential Candidate We Can All Agree On

From the Dream House to the White House, there's an outstanding female candidate ready to take on all the challenges of 2020, and at the same time, inspire girls everywhere to strive for leadership positions as they grow up.

It’s 2020, Why Not Stay At A Creepy Clown Hotel

But in a world where school's been cancelled for months, offices are empty, airlines are practically giving away flights, and taking a vacation means working around quarantine orders and travel bans, it's safe to say there's nothing usual about Summer 2020.

And so our vacation destin…