Having just received notice of the fee for my daughter's skating team next year, I am very familiar with this issue: Kids' sports are expensive, and not just for private leagues or clubs. Results from a recent C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health show that 61% of kids who participate in school sports must pay a fee (independent of transportation and equipment costs) to play. Only 6% were able to have fees waived.

As might be expected, only about one-third of kids from lower-income families participated in sports, while more than half of kids with higher-income parents played sports. Results are based on a representative sample of parents of kids ages 12 to 17.

Overall, the poll found, participating in sports costs parents almost $400 per child, of which an average of $93 went to school fees. Read more about saving money on youth sports, and let me know if you have cost-saving suggestions to add.

Do you subscribe to any "flash sale" websites--the kind that offer short-term deals on specialty items, like designer shoes, kids' clothes, or housewares? I've never been tempted, since I just don't tend to shop that way. I shop for what I need, not what's on sale.

However, a new player on the flash sale scene got me to fork over my contact info. It's called Lucky Chic and (maybe you guessed this?) it specializes in health and fitness brands and products. I've only just begun to check it out, but the site promises deals on activewear, electronics, vitamins and supplements, beauty products, and fitness equipment. I compared the retail value listed on Lucky Chic with manufacturer's sites, and found them to be accurate; the sale prices were typically 50 to 60 percent off.

To join, just enter your name, email address, and zip code, then tick off a few boxes stating your favorite workouts and activities. You'll then see relevant deals, typically available for 2 to 3 days only--after which they're replaced by a new set of offerings.

Have you found good buys on flash sale sites? Any advice for newbies?

What's that? Via his foundation, chef and healthy eating advocate Jamie Oliver is organizing Food Revolution Day this Friday, and dinner parties are part of the celebration. "Food Revolution Day is a chance for people who love food to come together to share information, talents and resources; to pass on their knowledge and highlight the world's food issues," says the Jamie Oliver Foundation. To participate, you can host a party featuring fresh ingredients (no boxed or processed foods please!).

Or, search for a food event near you. Restaurants, farmers' markets, groceries and food businesses are sponsoring tastings, cooking demos, and other events celebrating healthy, whole, local foods. Schools and companies can also participate by signing a pledge to promote food education. The entire event is also a fundraiser for foundation projects in the U.K., the U.S., and Australia.

Early this week I injured my wrist while ice skating. Yes, at my age; yes, in May; yes, my wrist and not my ankle. At the figure skating club's annual ice show, moms are invited to participate in a special number with their skaters. My daughter has been wanting me to do it for three years, and I finally said yes--only to tumble backwards during my second practice, breaking my fall with my left wrist. (But not before also hitting my head. Ouch.)

My wrist isn't broken, but it is sprained and sore. My doctor gave me a brace and told me to ice the wrist twice a day. I remembered my stash of Arctic Ease cooling pads, which turned out to be perfect for the job. Within about a day, I noticed improvement in my pain and swelling. So I'll be back on the ice for tonight's performance. Wish me luck!