These are pretty interesting, so click and check it out.

Something Interesting

• Do you email your significant other too much? We’ll take a look at marital emails

  If your spouse isn’t replying to your emails – it could be a hint that you’re overdoing it. Some couples get in the habit of emailing or texting every little thing they forgot to mention. It can really erode the romance after a while - there’s just not much to look forward to by the end of the day, according to Paula Szuchman (Shoeman), author of “Spousonomics”. Oversharing erodes at the natural mystique in a relationship - and we’re supposed to refrain from communicating stuff that’s not an absolute emergency to keep that relationship more interesting.If you’re not getting ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• What do people over 65 regret most about their earlier life?

  If you are under 50 and worry about getting older – you can stop it right now. In a landmark book due out next week called “30 Lessons For Living” over 1,000 people 65 and older (the oldest was 110) were asked about getting older and the OVERWHELMING consensus was:• They are happier now than in almost any other time in their life.• They don’t worry much about dying. As several put it – “dying is a young person’s worry.”• You have to choose to be happy – but it is not that hard to do.And ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Halloween wasn't always called Halloween.

  Happy Hallowmas! That was the original name of All Saints' Day - our Halloween. In the 8th century, there were so many saints, that there were not enough days in the year to recognize each one. Pope Gregory IV ordered All Saints' Day be observed in 837 to honor them all.If you are a Hallowmas purist, don't forget to carve you're apple. The ancient Celtics believed that if you peel an apple in front of a mirror by candlelight on Hallowmas, you will see your future spouse. The longer your unbroken peel is, the longer your life will be. ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• A few very common beauty rituals could be causing you harm. I’ll tell you what they are

  To make yourself look beautiful everyday, you go through your regular beauty routine. But some of the things you do may not be so good for you. For instance:• Brushing Wet Hair. Because the bristles of a brush are so close together, they can yank on wet hair and cause it to break. It is always better to comb wet hair first with a wide tooth comb first to untangle wet hair before you brush it. • Ignore Your Neck. Ever seen those older women whose faces look okay but their necks are wrinkly and saggy? The reason – ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Why are women always telling us what to do? I’ll tell you why that automated voice is usually a she

  Please enter your password, press 1 for English, recalculating route. She’s all over the place, telling us what to do. There’s a good reason that guiding voice is usually a female. Clifford Nass, author of “The Man Who Lied to His Laptop,” says it’s much easier to find a female voice that everyone likes than a male voice that everyone likes. He says this phenomenon starts in the womb. Fetuses react favorably to the sound of their mother’s voice – but not to other voices. Female navigation has been around for a long time. In World War II, women’s voices ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• You might be surprised at what some experts say might help your marriage.

  If you’d like to strengthen your marriage – start arguing, keep secrets, stash some money and sleep in separate beds! It may not sound like “happily ever after,” but some relationship experts are recommending some new rules:• Arguing: In a recent study, the couples who expressed their anger or frustration from time to time were the happiest. If there’s no arguing, chances are one person is always getting their way and you could be headed for Splitsville.• Secrets: Research has shown couples who share too much information about past relationships or secret desires are more likely to wind ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’ve got a digital camera – I’ll tell you what you NEED to take a picture of

  What’s the first picture to show up in your digital camera’s review? It should be an address or phone number. If you lose your camera – it’s your best hope of getting it back. Write out your email address or phone number and take a picture of that with a request of return. If your digital camera has an option to set a photo as a cover shot – that should be it. You also might want to have a bunch of pictures of babies, kids or pets in there – they don’t even need to be yours. Studies have ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• You’ve got less than a week to come up with a Halloween costume.

  Chances are, you’ve got some pretty good Halloween costumes just sitting in your closet. Here are a few good last minute ideas:• Mime: White face paint and gloves will pretty much say it all, silently. A striped shirt or turtleneck helps and a vest completes the look. You can even make your own face paint out of cornstarch, shortening, flour and water.• Igor or Quasimodo: A large sweatshirt, and old pillow and messy hair make for a great last minute, warm costume.• Bunch of grapes: A bag of purple or green balloons, a box of safety pins ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’d like to be a little less lazy – I’ve got a few interesting apps just for you

  For those of us who HATE getting out of bed in the morning – there’s an app for that. It’s called Snooze – and they’d LOVE you to keep hitting that button. After downloading the app, you can pick from a list of worthy charities. Every time you hit that snooze button – 25 cents goes to that charity. Who would have dreamed that sleeping late would be productive?If you’d rather play games than exercise – there’s an app for that too. This one is about to be released and it’s called Zombies, Run! If you don’t get moving ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Women used to wear them all the time. Then they were out. Now they’re back IN.

  Love them or hate them – pantyhose are back in style. In the old days, 10 or 20 years ago – most women ALWAYS wore stockings while wearing a dress or skirt outside of summer. Fashion trends and tanning products gave nylons the boot for a while. Now, according to the fashion industry, the bare-leg look is SO 2010. Just ask Kate Middleton. A royal trendsetter, she opts for super-sheer hose for a young, sleek look. Shows like Mad Men have given stockings a boost too. Vintage style stockings with a seam down the back are all the rage on ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Is the 7-year itch a real thing in marriage?

  The seven-year itch has been a phrase synonymous with marital disaster since the 1950s. So is there anything to it? Statistically, yes. Studies have shown that most couples will express some decline of happiness and satisfaction in the first 10 years of marriage. It turns out there are generally two marital humps to get over in that first decade. The first phase usually hits around year 4 when the fireworks and passion start to fade for many couples. The second phase of marital strife usually strikes between year 7 and 8. Some anthropologists have a seemingly logical explanation for these ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Do you write in print – or cursive? I’ll tell you which is better

  Most of us have a default handwriting style – and it could be time for a change. Altering our natural style of writing can have an effect on our disposition. Handwriting expert, Nancy B. Irwin, says if you tend to print, give cursive a try – and get used to it. Writing anything in cursive or script relaxes the brain. The simple flow of transforming one letter into another without stopping and starting is almost meditative.If your handwriting is super small or cramped – you’ll want to switch that up too. Practice making those letters a little bigger. Go ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you want to be successful – one personality trait trumps all the others. I’ll tell you what that is

  When we think of really successful people, we usually think of personality traits like ambition, drive or talent. Those are all good – but according to Heidi Grant Halvorson, author of “Succeed,” the trait that trumps all the others is trustworthiness. it’s basically the first rung of the ladder we will climb towards success. If your boss doesn’t trust you, you won’t get key assignments. If your employees don’t trust you, you won’t get their best effort.Dr. Halvorson explains that it’s actually the perception that you’re trustworthy that matters the most. You can be honest, fair and reliable all ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’re traveling for the holidays – book your flight now! I’ll tell you which days to shoot for

  It used to be you could get some better deals on air travel by waiting until the last minute – but that’s not the case right now. The average costs of flights are up about 18% up this year. Airlines are cutting back, which means fewer flights have empty seats to fill last minute. Accord to Rick Seaney, CEO of FareCompare.com, the longer we wait to book a flight, the more we’ll pay. He estimates prices will rise $5 per day between now and Thanksgiving.To get the lowest prices, avoid flying the Sunday and Monday after Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving Day ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• When you’re finished reading that newspaper – stick it in the fridge.

  Are you finished with that paper? Save it for your refrigerator. Newspaper is the perfect liner for your produce drawers. It absorbs any excess moisture that just makes that produce go bad faster. Newspaper is also a great odor absorber – and will keep the drawers and the whole fridge smelling fresher.While you’re at it, crumple up a few sheets of newspaper and stick them in any coolers you’re about to store for the winter. They’ll smell a lot better next summer and help prevent mold and mildew.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you want to be more powerful – all you have to do is act like it.

  Do you know what a power pose is? A power pose is where you open up your body and take up space. And when you do that you become more powerful. Doing things like putting your feet up on the desk, clasping your hands behind your head or sitting at a table leaning forward with arms stretched out – these are power poses. And when you do them, here’s what happens – it changes your hormones.In a study, people who assume power poses increase their level of testosterone and decrease their level of stress hormones. In other words, when ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Oatmeal – it’s not just for breakfast anymore. I’ve got some other things to use it for

  Chilly mornings are prime-time for a nice bowl of hot oatmeal. If you’ve got a little left over – go ahead and smear that on your face. Oatmeal absorbs oil and bacteria from the skin and exfoliates dead skins cells. Leave it on there for 15 minutes, then rinse. Here are some other alternate uses for oatmeal:• Oatmeal bath: Grind some oatmeal into a fine powder and fill some pantyhose with it. Tie that around your faucet and fill the tub. Give that wet oatmeal bulb a squeeze once in a while for a super-soothing soak.• No time ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’d like to make a REALLY good first impression – I’ll tell you what to do - and NOT do

  Making a good first impression goes beyond a firm handshake and a warm smile. One of the most effective things you can do is to stop talking. Ann Demarais, author of “First Impressions,” says most of us tend to talk too much at first – especially if we’re nervous. It’s a good idea to have a few questions ready that require more than a one-word answer. Don’t worry about what you’ll say next – just listen, it will come.Once you’ve got the conversation going – you’ll want to avoid some common mistakes. Skip the long story you might think ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Should you toss that cotton that comes in a bottle of pain reliever?

  You know that cotton in a bottle of pain reliever that you have to dig and pinch at to get to the pills? Go ahead and throw it out. It's only in there to protect the pills during shipping. And don't just jam it over to the side, take it all the way out. That cotton absorbs moisture once the bottle has been opened and can damage the goods.We should also avoid keeping our pills in the bathroom. In fact, a medicine cabinet is about the worst place to keep medicine. The temperature and humidity changes in the bathroom ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If someone you know could use some cheering up – get some roses! I’ll tell you how they work, scientifically

  You can really cheer someone up – with roses! It’s scientifically proven. Researchers at the University of California determined that the scent of roses elevates our spirits and relieves tension by activating our brain receptors. It doesn’t have to be the real thing – rose candles, spray or scented lotion can do the trick too.Roses can do more than cheer us up. The scent can help us get to sleep, enhance our dreams and even lower blood pressure and breathing rates.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Fish is good for you, right? Not this kind. I’ll tell you which one to throw back

  Eating fish is usually a pretty healthy choice – but there’s one common variety we should probably just avoid. Tilapia, one of the most popular fish in North America, is actually not so great for us. Researchers from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine say that farm-raised tilapia has really low levels of the goods stuff – omega-3 fatty acids. What’s worse is that it’s also got high levels of potentially dangerous omega-6 fatty acids, the bad stuff. With all that bad fat, eating farm-raised tilapia, which is usually what’s offered in the supermarket, could be worse for you ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Some generic stuff is actually better than the name brand.

  If you’re a sucker for name brand products – you might want to rethink that generic purchase. Sure, it’ll probably save you a little money – but it could also actually be BETTER than the name brand. Here are a few generic items for your list:• Juice: In many cases, the generic is actually better than the national brand because it is produced regionally and involves less processing and transportation.• Cereal: Those colorful boxes and effective advertising of the favorite brands wind up coming out of your wallet. Most generic versions look and taste exactly like the name ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If fall allergies are driving you nuts, I’ve got some advice

  If your voice is scratchy and your eyes are itchy – it could be fall allergies. You might even wind up with a sore throat and an itchy or runny nose. Blame it on ragweed. It’s in the air from coast to coast and 75% of us are allergic to it. Over-the-counter antihistamines provide some relief for most people – but there are some foods to avoid eating too. Cantaloupe, banana, chamomile tea, sunflower seeds and honey can actually make matters worse for people allergic to ragweed. If you’d like to get away from the ragweed all together – good ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• What you watch on TV says something about you.

  Did you see Dancing with the Stars? If you like that show, you’re empathetic and youthful. What we watch on TV reveals a bit about our personality. Here’s the rest of the lineup:• If you like talk shows like Dr. Oz, Dr. Phil and Ellen, you’re a fast thinker and enjoy absorbing information. • If a fantasy or sci-fi like True Blood, The Vampire Diaries or Fringe is your thing, you’re the creative type that likes a challenge.• If you’re hungry for cooking shows, you’re patient, sincere and logical.• Fans of reality shows like Project Runway, The ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Where does your heart line end? I’ll help you read your palm

  We’ve all got a heart line on our palm. It’s the one that starts about an inch under your pinky finger and runs up towards one of your fingers. Hand analyst Ronelle Coburn says that line can really help explain the relationships in our life. Where that line ends on your hand can hold some valuable insight. Now, take a close look at your dominant hand:• If your heart line ends under your index finger – you’re a diplomat. You’re thoughtful and considerate but may lack a little in the spontaneity department.• If that line ends about half ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• There are certain vitamins you SHOULDN’T be taking.

  Some vitamins and minerals are good for us, and some others – not so much. Unless you’ve got a deficiency and have specific orders from your doctor, here are a few supplements NOT to take:• Beta Carotene: If you’ve heard it prevents cancer, there is no evidence that supports that. Beta Carotene supplements can actually increase the risk of lung cancer in smokers.• Folic Acid: Unless you’re pregnant – don’t bother. • Selenium: This could increase your risk of type 2 diabetes. • Vitamin B12: It’s used to prevent age-related mental decline and boost energy – but only ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• As the seasons rotate – so should your tires.

  A change of season is as good a time as any to rotate those tires! It’s a basic maintenance that is not only important – but could save you a LOT of money. Think for a moment about what those tires do all day. All that turning and parallel parking puts a lot of pressure on those front tires – even more so for front-wheel drive. They are the ones that take the heat, literally, with all that friction. When you rotate your tires, front to rear, you’re equalizing tread wear and maximizing their life.There are a few things ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you'd like to be in a better mood, there are some steps to take, LONG steps.

  If you could use a little pick-me-up, try taking some longer strides when you walk. And stand up straight while you're at it. Studies show that pessimists tend to take smaller steps and slouch a bit too. It's simple body language in motion that really works. By focusing on our posture, and taking long strides, we automatically get more oxygen which translates to more energy. Top it off with a broad smile to a passerby, and if you don't FEEL more optimistic, at least you'll appear to be.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Hopefully you have an emergency plan for your family – but what about your pets?

  In case of emergency, you might not have as much time as you’d like to make some really important decisions – like what to do with your pets. Ines de Pablo, founder of Wag’N Enterprises has some basic essentials we need to think about ahead of time:• Create an emergency contact list of friends or family who live nearby who could reach your pets quickly. They’ll need a key.• Have an emergency backpack filled with a 2 week supply of food for your pet. Also, remember you’ll need access of up to one gallon of water per pet, ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Now is a good time of year to give that immune system a boost. I’ve got a few tricks

  Our immune systems can be a bit sensitive during a change of season – but luckily there are some things we can do to give it a boost and some of them are kind of fun:• Singing: Go ahead and belt one out in the shower or the car. Singing aloud actually raises the levels of an important immune system antibody.• A hearty breakfast: A good dose of protein, carbs and healthy fats in the morning feeds our body’s natural anti-viral mechanism.• Sex: Just once a week boosts immunity by 30% - assuming your partner’s not sick....
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’d like to be “in” this fall – I’ve got the must have items for your wardrobe

  If you are looking forward to ditching the summer duds for sweater and boot season – fashion expert Nikki Pennie says there’s something for everyone in this fall’s fashion trend. Here are the must-have items:• For the women – it’s all about the skirt this year. They’ve inched up over the dress for the first time in a while. Any length will do – but the femme fatale pencil skirt is the most popular. Pair that with some classic heels and a clutch purse, and go easy on the accessories. You’ll want to lose last year’s fringe, fuzzy or ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Do you sit with your legs crossed? You might be sending the wrong message. I'll tell you what your legs are saying

  A lot of people just naturally cross their legs when they sit down. In body language, that translates to..."I'm stubborn." And then when your leg gets tingly and you decide to switch, you may as well be announcing you're frustrated or fidgety. Crossing our arms can send the same stubborn message. If you'd like to appear strong, confident, and open, put both feet comfortably on the floor, sit up straight, and lean slightly forward.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Does your back ever hurt? The worst thing you can do is stay in bed.

  Millions of us suffer from back pain from time to time. And if it gets bad enough, you might think resting in bed would help – it doesn’t. The latest research shows that bed rest weakens back muscles and prolongs the suffering. Married men may suffer more than single men because of the pampering they get from the Mrs. But the best solution is to get up, take a pain reliever, and be a soldier.Here’s another health tip … Take a deep belly breath. You can do this anywhere, anytime. Push out your bellows and suck air through your ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• How do you sign off on your emails? Here’s some insight into that...

  “Sincerely” is probably the most common email sign-off out there. But according to Peter Post, author of “Essential Manners for Men,” “Sincerely” has become all-purpose and safe and lacks sincerity. It also indicates there might be a problem. Here are some other closers – and how they come across:• “Yours truly” is a safe bet and generic enough – but it leans personal.• “Regards” is not bad – but it’s on the bland side and safe for professional stuff.• “Best” is not really best. Save that – and variations of that – for someone you really know....
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Do pricey shampoos work better than the cheap brands?

  Spending a lot of money on stuff that just goes down the drain in the shower is a waste. Consumers spend a lot more on shampoo than they do on conditioner – but it should be the other way around. Sean Jahanbigloo, celebrity hairstylist, says the $3 and $4 shampoos work just as well as the $10 or $20 bottle. They might smell nicer – but they don’t clean any more effectively. Instead, Juan says we should splurge on a decent conditioner because they really are more effective than the lower-end brands.Also, resist the urge to buy your shampoo ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Are you the jealous type? Good! I’ll tell you how that can actually help your relationship

  Do you feel pangs of jealousy over your partner’s new colleague or acquaintance? According to relationship expert Jennifer Oikle, that could be a good thing. She says a little bit of jealousy can go a long way in protecting your relationship. It’s natural for people to feel attracted to other people once in a while – even if they’re already spoken for. The important thing is not to act inappropriately on that attraction.Jennifer says you can address the situation with your partner by discussing it honestly. Go ahead and let them know you picked up on some potential chemistry, ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• The next time you go for a manicure – skip the drying routine!

  Most women enjoy a good manicure from time to time – but if you do it on a regular basis – skip the UV dryer at the end. Those nail salon dryers are like little tanning beds – and according to a report in the Archives of Dermatology, that UV light increases our risk of cancer and wrinkles. If you use them every two weeks or so, that’s considered "significant exposure". Dermatologists are reporting more cases of skin cancer on the fingers – typically a very rare location – in patients who have frequent exposure to nail-drying lights.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you tend to hover over your kids – get out of their way!

  If you hover over your kids to be sure they don’t get hurt – not only are you a helicopter parent, you could be making them fat! A new study in the American journal of Preventative Medicine found that the single biggest barrier to children’s physical activity on a playground was the presence of a hovering parent.If you’re that parent lingering under the jungle gym or warning “Not too high!” on the swings – your kid is a lot less likely to run around and get as active as the other kids. And if you’re the parent who feels ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Allergies could be at an all-time high this season.

  If you’ve been sneezing a little more lately – it’s not just you. According to Estelle Levetin, of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, this year’s fall allergies could last up to 27 days longer than average in much of North America. Fall allergies go from mid-August through the first autumn frost. Mold, dust mites and ragweed are the most common triggers.The number of Americans with allergies is much higher now than it was 30 years ago. Some of it can be blamed on genes – but longer pollen seasons aren’t helping. We’re also a lot cleaner ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Do you carry your cell phone in your pocket? That could be a really bad place for it.

  Do you carry your cell phone in your pocket? That could be a really bad place for it. According to Dr. George Carlo, public health scientist, we’re exposing ourselves to potentially harmful EMR – or electromagnetic radiation. He says because we don’t yet know the health risks our phones could be posing – we must be exercising every caution. Here are his suggestions:• Avoid that hip pocket. The EMR could be lowering your upper-thigh bone density on that side.• If you keep your phone in a purse – it should be on the side farthest from your body ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• You got the job offer – now it’s time to negotiate salary. I’ve got some help in that department

  One of the toughest aspects of an interview or job offer is the salary phase. Negotiating can be tricky – and there are some definite dos and don’ts.• Do be ready to talk about it – just don’t be the first one to bring it up, unless you’re being asked to sign papers.• Do your research. Find out what you’re worth before discussing it. Don’t go into negotiations unprepared.• Do think about it ahead of time – and decide what you’re willing to accept. You don’t want to get caught off-guard on the subject.• Do take ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• What should you do if your kid gets in trouble at school?

  If your kids aren’t perfect angels at home all day – chances are, they’re not perfect in school either. Ron Clark, author of “The End of Molasses Classes,” has some advice for parents when the child misbehaves at school:• Don’t make excuses for them – it hurts their chances of developing a strong work ethic and success.• Don’t helicopter or swoop in to defend them. It’s OK for your child to get in trouble sometimes. It builds character and teaches life lessons.• Trust the professionals. Teachers work with kids every day and might see your child in ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Teens and drug problems are nothing new, but where they're getting them is.

  A generation ago, the average age when drug abuse began was 15 - now it's 12 or 13. A big contributor to that young age is that drugs are easier to access now. Prescription drugs that is. There's a virtual pharmacy full of new drugs out there being prescribed to a generation of parents and grandparents whose kids might know just what to look for on the label.If anyone in your house is prescribed medications with warning stickers about driving after use, those bottles need to be locked up. It's not just your own kids you need to worry ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• When you go on a trip does it ever feel that the return trip home goes by faster?

  People who go on vacation usually often feel that the trip home goes by faster than the outward leg of the trip. One theory has been that it is because we become familiar with the route – but that turns out to be wrong. Scientists now believe the “return trip effect” has to do with expectations. People often underestimate how long the outward bound part of the trip is going to take. So the experience feels longer. They then overestimate how long the return trip will take – so it ends up feeling shorter.In one study researchers at Tilberg ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Aspirin is handy for aches and pains. I’ll tell you what else it’s good for

  If you keep aspirin on hand for pain relief or heart health – go ahead and put it to use for some other stuff:• Keep cut flowers fresh for longer by dissolving an aspirin in warm water for the vase. The aspirin helps the flowers soak the water farther up the stem.• Rub an aspirin on a bug bite to relieve the itching – just dampen the bite first.• Aspirin can help remove food, grass and rust stains. Crush up a few tablets and dissolve them in hot water. Rub that mixture right on the stains.• ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you know a college freshman – I’ve got a list of professors’ pet peeves for them

  Every teacher has a pet – and a pet peeve. Etiquette advocate, Jodi R. R. Smith, has a list of professors’ pet peeves that college students should study up on:• Typing, texts and tweets: Professors use them too – but it’s rude and distracting for them if you’re networking while they’re teaching. It’s distracting to other students too.• It’s ALL important. Missing a class might be forgivable – but asking if you missed anything important is not. • Ear buds. They WILL be noticed. And you’re not fooling anyone with one bud.• Personal grooming – that belongs ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Check your fingernails. I’ll tell you what they could be saying about your health

  Our fingernails can be important indicators to some serious health problems. It’s a good idea to give your nails a close inspection from time to time – here’s what to look for:• Pale nails are normal with aging – but could also indicate anemia, liver disease or malnutrition.• White nails with dark rims can be a sign of liver problems such as hepatitis.• Yellow nails are usually a result of a fungal infection. In rare cases it could be something more serious such as thyroid disease, diabetes or lung disease.• Blue-ish nails could mean the body ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Care and washing labels in clothes are mostly symbols. Do you know what those symbols mean?

  Do you know what each of those symbols mean on the care label of that shirt you’re about to wash. All new U.S. garments sold in the U.S. are required to have a care label – and some of them skip the words and just use the symbols. Here’s what they mean:• The first one is usually a container of water with a temperature in there. That means it can safely be washed in cold, warm or hot water – depending on the number.• The next one is the triangle – that refers to bleach. You’ll often see ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Do you doodle? We all should be doing it. Doodling can help with focusing and memory – and can even help with mood and productivity.

  • If you’d like to feel happier – draw some smiley faces. Just seeing one naturally makes most people feel better.• To get creative – draw a flower. Don’t stop there, keep adding detail or draw something nonsensical to get the juices flowing.• If you need to forgive someone – draw a heart. Even if it pains you – write their name in or near the heart.• If you’re stuck on something – try doodling on the right side of the paper. We naturally associate the left side with a starting point – and it can help ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you are going on a job interview – you need a pair of glasses

  When it comes to finding a job – appearances count. That old trick of wearing glasses to make you look smart can actually help. New research found people with glasses get hired more than people without. A British survey of employers revealed photos of applicants wearing glasses were perceived as more intelligent and more professional.Even if you don’t need glasses – consider having a prop pair on hand for that next interview. And if you’ve got a profile picture on a job networking site – put that prop to work for you.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• It might be a good idea to have your kid play a musical instrument.

  If your child is interested in learning a musical instrument, that may be something you’ll want to encourage. Long Island University researchers found that second-graders who took twice weekly piano lessons significantly improved their listening ability – and performed much better on vocabulary tests than those kids who did not play an instrument. The conclusion was that by learning music children also improved the skill of hearing and storing vocabulary words more efficiently, for future use. Although the study looked at children who took individual lessons – kids may be more willing to learn an instrument in a group setting ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• A few strategically placed items in your workspace can really convey a sense of authority.

  • Your diploma. Some people think it looks tacky, but it demonstrates ability, pride and confidence. Don't give it center stage though. • A family photo. It defines who you are. • A dumbbell. Set it on the floor in full view. It says to your co-workers, "I take my health as seriously as the company's." • A map or globe. It demonstrates you're a big picture thinker. • A signed anything. It conveys importance through association. • A set of something. Encyclopedias, rare books, whatever. It shows you have a focused and curious mind. • A ticking clock. It ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Should you eat your veggies raw – or cooked? I’ll tell you which is better

  Eat your veggies! But consider cooking them first. Raw veggies are good – but cooking them is even better in some cases. Our bodies absorb up to 30% more nutrients in certain cooked vegetable, especially the dark green, iron-rich variety. Steaming and microwaving are the best methods to preserve the good stuff.Most vegetables contain anti-nutrients. Those are the plant’s defense mechanism to keep animals from eating it. In some cases, cooking vegetables can lessen or even eliminate some of the anti-nutrients in there that aren’t good for us anyway.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Some personalities gain more weight than others. I’ll tell you who is most vulnerable

  Some people are just more prone to gaining weight than others. In an ongoing study, researchers are linking specific personality traits to weight gain over time. Those who are prone to anxiety and aggression are much more likely to pack on the pounds. Risk-takers are especially at risk too. Cynical and competitive people are likely to win a weight gain contest against those who are laid back or easy going. The heaviest trait of all was that of compulsiveness. Compulsive people are the most likely of all personalities to battle the bulge.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Do you have to wash those “pre-washed” salads?

  Those pre-washed and triple-washed salad greens sure are convenient, but are they cleaner? According to Consumer Reports, you really should wash them AGAIN anyway. They tested all different brands and still found bacteria and contamination present in a lot of them. They also report that the packaging didn't make a difference. Salad greens in both bags and those plastic clam shell containers tested about the same.If you're buying packaged salad, check the dates, and choose the one farthest from the use-by date. Rinsing won't remove ALL bacteria, but it will get rid of any residual soil.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• The next time you need to dress for the occasion – what color will you choose?

  The colors we wear can have an effect on how people perceive us. Here’s how to pick the right hue for you: • If you’d rather blend in, or not be noticed, wear gray.• If you’d like to put others at ease, wear a medium or dark blue.• If you’re turning over a new leaf, wear green – it suggests new growth.• If you’d like to come across as creative or playful, wear orange.• If you’re unique, pick purple.• If you’d like to convey compassion, put on some pink.• If you’re feeling confident – ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• Nothing hurts worse than having someone you love – reject you. And now we know why it hurts so much and what helps heal it.

  Breaking up is hard to do. In a new study, researchers looked at brain scans of subjects who had recently been rejected by their partner - and who were still in love with the person who rejected them and still hoped they would return. They found that romantic rejection stimulated the same parts of the brain as cocaine and other addictions. In other words, romantic love acts much like an addiction in the brain. This helps to explain why behaviors by people who have been rejected – like stalking – are often difficult to control.The good news is that ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’d like a good night’s sleep tonight – have a glass of wine with dinner. I’ll tell you which variety helps, in a moment…

  Not all red wines are created equal. Some varieties might actually help you get a better night’s sleep. The skin of the red grape is a great source of melatonin, which is released in wine during fermentation. Cabernet and Merlot are two varieties with high levels of the sleep inducing compound. Researchers say having one glass with dinner can trigger your brain to produce even more melatonin right around bed time. Don’t have dinner too late though – drinking too much or too late can actually have the opposite effect.
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you’re a procrastinator – I’ve got some strategies that might help

  If you’re avoiding something on that to-do list – consider doing that first. Piers Steel, author of “The Procrastination Equation,” says doing the worst thing first can be the most effective approach for a procrastinator. He says attacking the hardest task when our energy is fresh gives us the best chance of success. Just having that difficult task on the list can drain us of precious energy each time we think about it.Another productive approach for procrastinators is to start your day over at 2 pm. It’s easy to feel defeated if the morning has slipped away without accomplishing ...
  Click here for the full entry. →

• If you want to get people’s attention – whisper…

  If you have something really important to say, consider lowering your voice. Lower the volume, AND the tone. Studies show that pitch and volume can actually have a bigger impact on people than the words themselves. Our brains are wired to perceive lower pitches as calming and inviting, and high pitches as irritating, literally putting our ears on the defensive. When we're talking to someone we really like, we subconsciously lower our voice which makes them feel more appreciated and connected to you.Few things are more powerful than a whisper. We naturally concentrate and give that subtle statement a ...
  Click here for the full entry. →