I don't know where I've been the last couple of months, but it became apparent this weekend that I've been ignoring one of the biggest fads to hit in, well, the past couple of months.

If your kids, or your kids' friends, aren't sporting thin, rubbery bracelets crafted into colorful shapes -- butterflies, kites, hearts, guitars, drums, giraffes ... well, you get the picture -- they're still being rocked to sleep or have children of their own.

Boys and girls are donning these bands by the dozens. A package of 24, depending on the brand, is under $5 or $6. They are one hot trade, and stores can't keep them in stock. While my daughter and I were standing in line at Centerville Cardtique on Saturday -- Silly Bandz in hand, of course -- we learned from a teacher that they're becoming a distraction in some classrooms. They've also caused some fights and, thus, are morphing into contraband. Still other teachers, realizing their allure, are giving them as rewards for jobs well done.

As I resist the urge to use a couple of them to tie up the celery and keep the egg carton closed, I wonder what my daughter would say if I forced her to wear rubber bands as a fashion statement. Gotta believe I know the answer to that one!

My daughter and I just finished watching Kevin Sullivan's "Anne of Green Gables'' movies, a Canadian made-for-television series. We loved them, and HIGHLY recommend them. The first of the three movies was made in the mid-1980s. They're absolutely great family viewing, but keep in mind that each movie is 3 to 4 hours, so you might want to pace yourself. The characters are rich, and the scenery beautiful. My daughter has read all but the last two of the "Anne'' book series. She gave lower marks to the final movie adaptation, "The Continuing Story,'' because it strayed too far from the book plot. It was also the darkest of the three. The first two movies get a cumulative four thumbs up from us! The movies are great for a rain day, and, according to my daughter, the books are wonderful fare rain or shine. Although I haven't read them, I will now.  

I worked at the LancMoms.com both at the Baby and Toddler Expo most of Friday. Great time! Lots of parents, grandparents and, of course, babys and toddlers. There were hot dogs, subs, ice cream and other foods to be sampled, not to mention dozens of displays that tout everything from alpacas to consignment clothing to children's health to makeup and massages for mom (and dad)! Bob and Larry of Veggie Tales fame strolled through the crowd as did several mascots including Cylo. There was plenty of entertainment, and contests and lots of giveaways to boot! But the best part of the day was the people -- vendors and participants alike. A great crowd! If you didn't make it today, get down to the Lancaster County Convention Center on South Queen Street tomorrow (Oct. 30.) The Expo runs 9 a.m-6 p.m.!

My daughter and I watched part of Oprah's "Ultimate Favorite Things'' show on Monday. It was the second of back-to-back giveaways, and the last of her talk-show TV run. If you've never seen it, Oprah talks about the things she loves -- everything from a basil keeper to a Coach purse to a Pottery Barn jewelry box holding diamond earrings to, yes, even a Volkswagen Beetle -- and then presents every audience member with one of each item. As in, a basil keeper, the diamond earrings, the purse and the car ... and much, much more.

The audience goes wild and, several times on Monday, I could barely watch. Mostly because I wanted to be in Chicago at that show receiving those same gifts. I was jealous. Big time. Then my daughter pipes up: "Mom, wouldn't it be great to be there?! You know, to give away all of those gifts?''

Oh my gosh! Instantly, I felt very small and selfish. My daughter had the right idea, and certainly without any prodding from me. I was focusing on the receiving, my 11-year-old on the giving. It's not that it wouldn't be fun to get some gifts, she confided later, but imagine giving so much away. Lesson learned, just in time for Thanksgiving!