I Want My BTUs

It's grillin' season. According to the Health, Patio & Barbecue Association, more than 14 million BBQs were sold last year. This year, even more grills are expected to be sold, says The Arizona Republic. But people aren't just buying those wimpy half saucers with a grill rack, oh no. People are building grill alters (aka outdoor kitchens) and spending in excess of $5,000.

The Arizona Republic offers six things to consider if you're in the market for a new barbecue oasis, including other appliances, tables & chairs, lighting and gadgets. BBQs and gadgets, pinch me.

What's Your Money Attitude?

When couples argue, money is often the main character. Author Diane McCurdy says a lot of married couples can save themselves the raised blood pressure if they understand their spouse's basic attitude towards money. McCurdy says their are four basic attitudes toward handling money: savers, spenders, builders and givers.

McCurdy expands on how savers are often attracted to spenders and also how builders and givers should be considerate in their habits. The story offers ideas and the effects these attitudes have on couples.

30-Year Mortgage Rates at 4-Year High

Many young couples are having a tough time finding a home in the current housing market. Today's news says 30-year mortgage rates are at a four-year high, averaging 6.66 percent. The article also says 15-year mortgages are slightly down while adjustable-rate mortgages are slightly up from a week ago. The experts believe the rising mortgage rates is an indicator of a cooling housing market. This is good news for those looking. On the flip side, something scary to think about is since housing prices are cooling, if you get in now, you might find yourself upside down on your loan if the bubble does burst.

Check back on the website in the near future when we begin posting full stories for more information. This subject is hotter than August heat.

Marrying for Love Before Kids

The Gallup Poll released findings today that suggests 57 percent of 18-39 year-olds agree it's "very important" to marry if a couple is committed to each other; only 30 percent agree it's important to marry because of a child. These numbers are down from the responses of older generations, but as David Popenoe, co-director of the National Marriage Project at Rutgers University in Piscataway, N.J. says, "We're still quite a marrying society."

We also believe we're still a marrying society and want to hear from you. Do you have some tips you'd like to share on how you've stayed married? Please contact us at feedback@hitchedmag.com

The Clinton Marriage

Earlier this week, the NY Times (registration required) featured a lengthy story on Bill and Hillary Clinton, specifically focusing on the balancing act of their marriage. Interestingly, the article mentions how they keep a separate public life because advisors fear Bill's presence might hurt Hillary's chances at a presidential run. Of course, if you're talking about their marriage you can't overlook the Lewinsky incident, which is briefly brought up. Unfortunately, it doesn't provide any answers on how the couple seems to have overcome Bill's previous indiscretion.

Note to readers: We're working on a story about adultery in hopes to provide some answers, insight and true stories about the steps couples took. If you are in such a relationship and would be willing to discuss it for the benefit of helping others, please contact us at feedback@hitchedmag.com

Most Prefer Movies at Home

New research from the Pew Research Center reveals that 75% of adults would rather stay at home to watch a movie than travel to a theater. We admit, their really is nothing like the comfort of your own couch. Some of the factors for staying at home include the price and the rise in better, more affordable home equipment. We want to see a study that explores whether or not watching The Godfather: Part II in high definition increases your progesterone levels.

He's a Wolverine In Bed

Actor Hugh Jackman, who plays Wolverine in the film, "X-Men: The Last Stand" opening this weekend, told reporters at the Cannes Film Festival that his wife (Deborra-Lee) loves his black leather super hero outfit. Jackman said, "They'll have to make a new one for the next movie because she won't let me part with it." Jackman added, "I feel a bit silly in that outfit, but believe me, my wife really, really likes it."

Do you hear that? That's the sound of husbands across the country pulling Halloween boxes out of the attic.

Chick Flicks Equal Snuggles

Researchers at the University of Michigan have found that
chick flicks trigger an urge to cuddle up. The researchers tested hormone levels of three groups of men and women while showing them The Bridges of Madison County, The Godfather: Part II and a documentary on the Amazon rainforest. The result was an increase in their progesterone levels (the stuff that makes you want to snuggle).

Women now have some ammo to get their hubby's to watch a Meg Ryan flick. May we suggest You've Got Mail? It's contains many Godfather references, so everyone's happy.

Beat Back the Sun

The Orange County Register [registration required] teamed with the Skin Cancer Foundation to explain sunscreen labels. Before you go to Costco and purchase a pallet of sunscreen for summer, it's important to know what you're buying.

In brief, the article discusses the two main types of ultraviolet radiation that hurts our skin--UVA and UVB. UVB rays will damage the top layer of skin, while UVA penetrates deep. On a sunscreen bottle, SPF (sun protection factor) measures the time the sunscreen protects against UVB, but not UVA. To get a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays look for these ingredients: Octocrylene, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. More tips are available in the article.

Paint Your Wallpaper

Ahh, the summer projects are starting. If you're looking for something different here's a site where you can order paint-by-numbers wallpaper. That's right, you get to paint your wallpaper. Any kid will tell you that it's easy to do. Hmm, maybe (if you have kids) put up the wallpaper and have them do it. It can be their summer coloring book. Maybe before you give them the wall, you should check out their work in The Wiggles coloring book first. You know, to see if they're qualified. Of course, you could just do it yourself. Happy summer projects.