Blizzard on the Beach!

I'm back from my mini vacation to Atlantic City where I got to experience a first....snow on the beach! A blizzard actually. If you've never seen snow on the sand, you'll wanna check out some of the pictures below:

Cinnamon Roll French Toast

Since I'm on vacation and have time to cook breakfast, I thought I'd try out this recipe I've had for a while and been wanting to try:


INGREDIENTS
1can (12.4 oz) Pillsbury refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
2eggs
2/3cup milk
4tablespoons maple syrup
1teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS
1. Bake cinnamon rolls as directed on package. Let rolls cool completely.












2. Spray griddle or 10-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat griddle to 375°F or heat skillet over medium heat. Slice each roll in half crosswise.












3. In a shallow dish, whisk eggs, milk, 2 tablespoons of the maple syrup and the vanilla until blended. Dip each cinnamon roll slice into egg mixture, turning to coat completely. Place on griddle. Cook about 2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.



















4. In small bowl, whisk reserved icing, the remaining 2 tablespoons maple syrup and enough warm water to create a pourable syrup consistency. I love vanilla, so I added a little to this mixture.



















Serve over French toast...Jay stopped by on his way to work and he's a picky heater. This recipe passed the Jay test!

The 5 Christmas presents that will SAVE money

Giving someone money for Christmas is weird, unless they're your kid. So it's better to do it indirectly. If someone you know is struggling financially this year, there are five Christmas presents that will save them money and here they are:

#1.) A Filtered Water Bottle. It purifies regular tap water while you drink from it, and they go for about $15 at Target. If the person you give it to normally buys one bottle of water a day, your present could save them hundreds of dollars a year.

#2.) The Belkin Energy-Saving Power Strip. TVs and computers suck up power even when they're turned off. And unlike normal power strips, the Belkin Energy Saver prevents it from happening.

--It costs about $40, which is a lot for a power-strip. But it can reduce your electric bill by about that much every year. On the downside . . . you're giving someone a POWER STRIP for Christmas.

#3.) An Electronic Thermostat. They cost $30 at Home Depot, and they're programmable, which means the person can set it to automatically adjust the temperature when no one's home.

--And according to the Alliance to Save Energy, replacing an old thermostat with a PROGRAMMABLE one can shave 10% off an average person's heating or air-conditioning bill.

#4.) A Half-Decent Coffee Maker. If the person you're buying a gift for goes to Starbucks every morning, a nice coffee-maker can save them in the high hundreds over the course of a year.

--Plus, the regular coffee they make at home will have a fraction of the calories that lattes and mochas have. You can get a cheap coffee maker at Wal-Mart for around $15, or a nice one for about $100.

#5.) The Roku. It's a little box that plugs into your TV and lets you watch thousands of HD movies online for free. They start at about $70 and go up in price. But if the person loves watching movies, it'll help them save on rentals.

--Just make sure it's not a waste of money, because if the person has a Playstation 3, an Xbox 360, or a Wii, they can already access the same movies. And the BIG catch is, they need to have a Netflix account to watch most of the free stuff.

--If you want to be extra nice this year and sign them up for Netflix TOO, subscriptions start at $8 a month, which is about $100 for a full year.

10 Secrets of Great Moms

I found this interesting list of 10 secrets of great moms from Redbook magazine. Who knew?

Gather Helping Hands. Enlist everyone you can to help you. Just because you're a mother, that doesn't mean you have to be Wonder Woman.

Help Homework Happen. As soon as your kids get home from school, set them up for homework time, with each child at his or her own station in the kitchen so that they don't mix up their papers. Then find something to do in the vicinity so that you're nearby for help if they need it, but not hovering over them.

Put Nightmares to Bed. When your child has nightmares, here's how to ward off 'monsters': Use a battery-operated handheld fan to chase them away, and fill a spray bottle with 'Go-Away Monster Spray.' Then lie in bed with your child and ask him what he'd like to dream about, suggesting pleasant things like sharing an ice cream cone or building a sand castle on the beach.

Win the Sweets War. Serve your kids whatever you plan to feed them for dinner, including a small portion of dessert, all together on those plastic sectioned character plates (Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob are their favorites). Each area has chicken, rice, salad, and a Popsicle, or something similar. I don't bug them to eat the veggies before the treat, so even if they have dessert first, it's small enough that they don't fill up -- therefore they always move on to eat a nice amount of dinner. It works like a charm.

Get Feelings Out There, Good and Bad. When there is a cranky child on your hands, swoop them into your lap and say, It's time to complain, so let's complain together. Oh, I feel so angry, or hurt, or sad,' hugging her the whole time and letting her be cranky. After a while, she felt soothed and ready to move on. Also, she learned to put words to her feelings.

Banish Boo-Boo Fears. If the sight of blood terrifies your child, use dark washcloths to clean up cuts and scrapes. Better yet, try storing the cloths in plastic bags in the freezer -- the coldness will help with pain relief.

Make Bath Time a Treat. When your kids are babies and it comes time to bathe them, drop the bottles of soap and lotion into the warm bathwater. That way, when you lather them up, they'll feel nice and warm and won't get a chill.

Prioritize Family Dinner. If you're having a tough time with your kids being rebellious, start enforcing family dinner with no TV, no phones, and no guests -- just your family. Talk about school, homework, and other concerns the kids might have, and sharing these nightly times together should really improve your kids behavior.

Sleep Easy. Put the baby bassinet in the living room during the day, especially if you have other children. Your baby will become accustomed to the noises, and then she'll be able to take a nap anywhere!

Teach the Value of Friendship. When your child is down in the dumps because a child at school doesn't like her/him, Ask them about another kid who you've noticed that's been treated poorly.
Tell them maybe they could be friends. Tell her a good friend is more valuable than any amount of popularity.

There's passion hidden in your soup!

The soup you slurp does more than take the chill off a cold day. Psychologists have discovered an astonishing link between what you ladle into a bowl and what kind of man will really bring your passion to a boil. A woman's choice of soup reveals her ideal fantasy man, says psychiatric researcher Miriam Douglas of Cincinnati, OH.

• French onion -- You have a daring, adventurous personality, and you're always ready for a challenge. Chances are you're attracted to men with similar tastes, and you can best bond with them by sharing some electrifying experiences.

• Chicken noodle -- You're a warm-hearted, nurturing woman who places your sweetheart at the center of your world. Smart men are a real turn-on for you, and you show your love by thoroughly pampering your honey.

• Vegetable -- You're a responsible person who looks for a man who's a true partner, sharing in all decisions. And if your sweetie gives you the high degree of devotion you crave, you'll shower him with affection in return.

• Clam chowder -- You have a habit of falling in love with love, and your taste for novelty may keep you changing partners on a regular basis. Don't be so quick to rush from man to man because you could miss your soul mate in the shuffle.

• Cream of Tomato -- You yearn for the good life, and an ambitious man with a lot on the ball is right down your alley. You're willing to work right alongside him to achieve the financial security you must have to be happy.

• Baked potato -- You're a straight shooter who demands a matching honesty from your mate. Most importantly, if a man shares your strong sense of community and volunteerism, he's sure to win your heart.

How to stand out at your company Christmas party

Office holiday parties are a great way to meet people, mingle and make the kind of small talk that can help advance your career. That is, unless you handle it badly. Then it could derail it. So what can you say that will make you stand out in a good way? Martin M. Antony, a professor of psychology at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario and the author of "10 Simple Solutions to Shyness," says you should reach out to someone by smiling, making eye contact and just being approachable. Show that you are open to conversation. And when the talking begins, this is what you say:

1. Give compliments -- Offer someone else a compliment, but make sure you are honest and don't overdo it. If you receive one in return and feel uncomfortable, just say "Thank you." Don't discount the praise by telling the person all the reasons why you don't deserve it.

2. Join an ongoing conversation -- At a party, it is perfectly appropriate to join an ongoing conversation. People often walk about, moving in and out of different conversations. See if you can join in with a group of people who are discussing something that interests you.

3. Be prepared -- Have some topics of conversation prepared, but make sure to actually listen to the other person rather than rehearsing what you'll say next.

4. Ask questions -- Be curious and intrigued about other people and their lives and interests.

5. Be positive -- People respond better to positive statements than negative.

6. Use active listening skills -- Reflect back that you are understanding what the other person is saying. Paraphrase what they say, ask for clarification and provide feedback.

7. Try to talk about things other than work -- Take the opportunity to get to know people on a personal level.

8. Include your date in conversations by finding common interests -- This is especially important if your date is shy or doesn't know anyone else but you.

9. Stick to neutral topics -- Just like your grandmother advised, don't talk about religion, politics or sex.

Just made the most AMAZING dinner!

Jay Long and I went to SKH and picked up some groceries to make this amazing recipe. I promise you, it's delish!

Beef Sirloin Steak with Baby Spinach

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 boneless beef sirloin steak, 3/4-inch thick (about 1 pound), cut into 4 pieces
1 large onion, sliced (about 1 cup)
1 small red pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary leaves or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crushed
1 bag (about 7 ounces) fresh baby spinach
Hot mashed potatoes

Instructions
1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well browned on both sides. Remove the beef from the skillet. Pour off any fat.
2. Heat the remaining oil in the skillet. Add the onion and pepper and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, stirring often.
3. Stir the soup, water, vinegar and rosemary in the skillet and heat to a boil. Return the beef to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the spinach. Cover and cook the beef for 2 minutes for medium or until desired doneness. Serve the beef and vegetable mixture with the potatoes.

Stilettos for Yard Work? Yup!

Shoe maker Teva and New York clothing company Grey Ant have teamed up to bring us a stiletto shoe for the outdoorsy types. The fashion abomination is available in two colors (black or tan) and are currently retailing for $330.

I totally love this new invention....

It's a shirt that displays the 4th Amendment when you go through airport scanners. Love it!

In case you need a refresher, this is what the 4th Amendment says:

"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

It's That Time Of Year Again, So Here's Your Holiday Tipping Guide:

It's December now, which means anyone who provides any kind of service is going to have their hand out for an extra end-of-the-year tip. Here's a guide on how much to tip each of them.


Child Care:

--Babysitter. One night's pay, plus a small gift from the child.

--Nanny. One week to one month's pay, plus a small gift from the child.

--Daycare provider. $20 to $70 each, plus a small gift from the child.

--Child's teacher. A gift.

--Coaches, tutors, music teachers, and dance teachers. A small gift from the child.


Home and Car Care:

--Housekeeper. One week's pay or more, depending on how long they've been with you.

--Garbageman. $15 to $20 each. (--Does anybody really do this one anymore?)

--Parking attendant. $10 to $35.

--Gardener. $20 to $50.

--Snow plow guy. $20 to $50.


Apartment:

--Doormen. $25 to $100 each.

--Superintendent/custodian. $50 to $300.

--Porter/handymen. $10 to $50 each.


Personal Care:

--Hairdresser. $20 to $100, plus a small gift.

--Manicurist. $10 to $50, plus a small gift.

--Personal trainer. $25 or the cost of one session.


Pet Care:

--Dog groomer. Small gift.

--Dog walker or pet sitter. Cost of one to two weeks' pay.


Delivery Services:

--Mailman. They can't accept cash gifts, so a gift under $20.

--UPS or FedEx guy. A gift under $25.

--Paper carrier. $15 to $25 for daily delivery, $5 to $15 for weekend delivery.

The "Real Simple" Guide To Avoiding Holiday Fights:

If you and your family members tend to bicker this time of year, here's a list from "Real Simple" magazine on how to avoid holiday fighting.

--If you REALLY want to avoid a fight on Thanksgiving, the best thing to do is keep quiet and just try to get through the night. But if you CAN'T, here's what to do with seven types of difficult family members . . .


#1.) The Slacker. If there's someone who never helps out in the kitchen and won't even set the table, don't yell. Instead, give them a specific task with specific instructions.� If they STILL won't help . . . THEN you can start yelling.

#2.) The Person Who Loves the Holidays WAY Too Much. If there's someone who wants everybody to wear pilgrim and Indian hats at the table . . . and they're over the age of 10 . . . you don't have to take part.

--But don't talk about how stupid it is, or you'll look like a jerk.

#3.) The Emotional Wreck. There's bound to be at least one person who's going through tough times this year. So make sure you give them a chance to vent about it BEFORE you sit down for dinner.

#4.) The Person Who Dominates Every Conversation. If you're the host, seat them next to people who won't care . . . like kids. And try to steer the conversation toward topics that other people are experts in.

#5.) The Person Who Does Everything, Then Makes You Feel Guilty. If someone insists on doing all the cooking, then complains about it, they're probably doing it to feel superior . . . which is why it's annoying.

--But the only thing you can do is offer to help. And if they won't let you, then all that turkey is guilt-free.

#6.) The Bully. If someone starts causing trouble, try to keep things light. For example, if they say something like "You got the beauty and your brother got the brains," say something like "Yeah, and obviously you got the charm."

--If you insult them point blank, it'll start a fight. But if you do it in a light-hearted, funny way, they'll shut up.

#7.) The Alcoholic. Talk to them ahead of time and let them know that if they get drunk, they'll have to leave. Then if they DO get drunk, you just have to make sure they get home safe.

--Telling them to leave might actually CAUSE a fight, but getting them out of the situation will avoid a BIGGER fight.

Four Secrets About The First Year of Marriage

If you recently got married, or you're thinking about it, prepare: "Brides" magazine has a list of four secrets about the first year of marriage . . .

#1.) YOUR SPOUSE WILL GAIN WEIGHT. Most people lose a few pounds for their wedding, but start gaining them back as soon as the ring's on their finger.

--And that's okay. Just don't neglect your health COMPLETELY. Studies show that people who get married and stay married live longer . . . unless they gain 50 pounds and never leave the couch.


#2.) YOU WON'T SEE YOUR FRIENDS ANYMORE. You'll still see your BEST friends, but everyone else will slowly fade away. And "Brides" magazine says to concentrate on spending time with your best friends, or you'll lose them too.

--It also helps if you each do things WITHOUT each other. If you do everything as a couple, only other couples will want to hang out with you.


#3.) YOU'LL GO TO BED ANGRY, EVEN THOUGH YOU SAID YOU NEVER WOULD. It doesn't make sense to stay up all night fighting if you have to work the next day. Just don't forget about it the next day or pretend it didn't happen.


#4.) YOU'LL HAVE TWO PAYCHECKS, BUT YOU'LL STILL BE BROKE. According to "Brides" magazine, you'll save on rent, but make up for it by spending money on setting up your new place. And if you have kids, you'll have to spend a lot more.

--But it's worth noting that the website Bundle.com did a study in New York and found that married couples spent less on just about everything, including groceries, clothing, and entertainment. And they spent almost HALF as much eating out.

Think that making home improvements will help you sell your house? Nope...

With the housing market still swirling around in the toilet, you might be thinking, "Well, maybe if I redo the kitchen that'll help me sell it for a decent price." The answer is . . . no, it won't.

--"Remodeling" magazine just released the results of their annual survey and found that home improvements are having LESS of an effect on selling price than EVER.

--Up until last year, the average home improvement project boosted a home's price by 86.7% of the cost of the project. In other words, if you spend $10,000 to improve your house, it adds $8,670 to the sale price.

--But in the 2009-2010 survey, home improvements only added 63.8% of their value to the home's selling price.

--The average project cost a homeowner $50,908 and only added $32,497 of value at sale time.

--The survey found that the best projects you can do to add value are exterior enhancements that might not cost that much . . . like door and window replacements. Adding an attic bedroom also helped add value to the house.

--Adding home offices, sunrooms, backup power generators, bathrooms, and garages recouped the least amount of their costs.

Just in time for Black Friday- 5 Things Outlet Malls Won't Tell You...

#1.) There are good reasons why you have to drive forever to get to them. One, the land is cheaper. And two, they know that if you drive that far, there's a better chance you'll feel like you HAVE to spend money to justify the trip.

#2.) A lot of the stuff isn't leftover from the main store. Outlet malls aren't the home of damaged merchandise or the main store's extra inventory anymore. They're mostly filled with slightly lower-quality items made specifically for the outlet.

#3.) Some of the outlets aren't really outlets. There's no legal definition for an outlet mall. Usually it just means more than half the stores are outlets. So plenty of the stores sell stuff at full price.

#4.) You're going to have to deal with WAY more tourists than at a regular mall. Outlet malls aggressively market to tour groups and tour busses . . . and they're FILLED with the kind of awful tourists you might not find at the real mall.

#5.) The coupon books probably aren't a good value. A lot of outlet malls sell coupon books to use at their stores. But most of the coupons aren't that great . . . just a lot of "buy something, get a crappy free gift" kind of deals.

Five Bogus Cold and Flu Myths Your Mom Believed

It's November, which means we're all about to start getting sick. And the magazine "Prevention" has a list of the five most common myths about how to prevent and recover from a cold.

--They're all things your mom probably said were true . . . but she was wrong.

MYTH #1.) YOU'LL GET SICK IF YOU GO OUT IN THE COLD WITH WET HAIR. Researchers gave two groups of people the same cold virus, then exposed one group to cold, wet conditions while the other group stayed dry.

--You'd think it would make a difference, but it didn't. The people who stayed dry were just as likely to get sick.


MYTH #2.) FEED A COLD, STARVE A FEVER. Actually, you should drink plenty of water and keep eating either way. It doesn't matter what your symptoms are.

--When you have a head cold, your immune system needs the nutrients. And when you have a fever, your metabolism speeds up and needs more calories to keep fighting off infections.


MYTH #3.) IF YOU HAVE A COLD, YOU SHOULD AVOID DAIRY PRODUCTS. It might seem like dairy products make your body produce more mucus. But research shows that's probably just an example of the placebo effect.

--In other words, in one study, people who knew they were drinking milk reported more nasal symptoms than people who drank soy milk. But when they didn't know which kind of milk they were drinking, they only reported minimal effects for both.

MYTH #4.) YOU LOSE MOST OF YOUR BODY HEAT THROUGH YOUR HEAD. Wearing a hat DOES help you retain body heat, but not because that's where you lose most of your body heat.

--You only lose about 10% of your body heat through your head, neck, and face. Which makes sense, because your head, neck, and face account for about 10% of your body's surface area.

--It just FEELS like wearing a hat is really effective because your face is five times more sensitive to temperature changes than other parts of your body.


MYTH #5.) YOU SHOULDN'T EXERCISE WHEN YOU'RE SICK. The only way to get rid of a cold is to rest. But a little exercise can actually make you feel better.

--In a study from Ball State University, volunteers with bad colds were divided into two groups. The first group only rested, and the second group rested but also exercised for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.


--In both groups, symptoms lasted for just over eight days on average. But the people who exercised felt better during the afternoons and evenings.


--Just don't overdo it. Intense workouts that last more than 90 minutes can weaken your immune system.

The Four Most-Unhealthy Halloween Candies

The average American eats 24 pounds of candy every year. And I'm not sure if you've heard, but . . . candy is bad for you. Just to put it in perspective:

--A pack of Skittles has more sugar than two scoops of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. And there are the same number of calories in nine Twizzlers as there are in a Wendy's Double Stack Burger.

--So if you want to avoid the worst-of-the-worst this Halloween, here's a list from "Men's Health" of the four worst Halloween candies, and what you should eat instead . . .

THE WORST "FUN SIZE" CANDY BAR: BUTTERFINGER. There's no faster way to swallow 100 calories and 4 grams of fat. Go with a 3 Musketeers instead. The fun size bars have 63 calories and half the fat.

THE WORST FRUITY CANDY: AIRHEADS. They're basically sugar, artificial flavors, and partially hydrogenated oil . . . which means they have trans fat. Give out Dum Dum lollipops instead. Kind of lame compared to Airheads, but they have half the calories.

THE WORST CHEWY CANDY: CARAMELS. Each one has about 40 calories and more than one gram of fat. And you never just eat one. Instead, have a "Now And Later." They have less than half the calories and almost no fat.

THE WORST NOVELTY CANDY: REESE'S PEANUT BUTTER PUMPKINS. They're like regular Peanut Butter Cups, but bigger . . . which is why they're so amazing. But they also have almost two-thirds more calories.

--So stick with Reese's BITE SIZE Peanut Butter Cups. You can eat four, and it's still better for you than eating one Peanut Butter Pumpkin.

Six Ways To Stop Wasting Food

If you want to stop wasting food, obviously step one is eating what you put on your plate. But if you REALLY want to get serious, here are six tricks from "Country Living" on how you can make the most out of your groceries . . .

#1.) STORE COTTAGE CHEESE OR SOUR CREAM UPSIDE DOWN. It creates a vacuum that keeps bacteria from growing. Just make sure the lid's definitely on tight before you try it.

#2.) USE PAPER TOWELS TO LINE THE BOTTOM OF THE VEGETABLE DRAWER IN YOUR REFRIGERATOR. They'll absorb the extra moisture, which is what makes vegetables rot.

#3.) BEFORE YOU PUT A BLOCK OF CHEESE AWAY, SPREAD BUTTER ON THE END YOU CUT FROM. It helps seal in the moisture so you won't have to cut off a dry chunk next time.
--The only problem is, you save slices of cheese by wasting butter. And spreading butter on a block of cheese definitely won't make it any healthier.

#4.) MAKE VEGETABLES CRUNCHIER WITH A BOWL OF ICE WATER. You can make carrots, celery, or radishes crunchy again by putting them in a bowl of ice water along with a slice from a raw potato.

#5.) NEVER THROW AWAY HONEY. It doesn't go bad. So if it looks cloudy, it just means it's crystallizing. But you can turn it back into honey by running the bottle under hot water.

#6.) DON'T SEPARATE BANANAS UNTIL YOU'RE READY TO EAT THEM. They last longer if you keep them in a bunch.

Does It Embarrass Your Dog If You Put Him In A Halloween Costume?

We're less than a week away from Halloween. And with it comes the annual dilemma: Do you want to put an adorable but humiliating costume on your dog?

--The question is, of course, if dogs can feel embarrassment. Different experts have different opinions on the matter. Here's what some of them have to say.

--"The Pet Psychic" Sonya Fitzpatrick: "They feel everything. And they know when people laugh at them. I talk to thousands of animals . . . it really hurts their feelings."

--Another pet psychic, Patrice Ryan: "Pets know they're loved by their owner, and then the owner is allowing people to look at them and have a good laugh. It sends conflicting messages to the pet. So the pet is not really happy with that."

--Val Heart, animal communicator: Val isn't sure if dogs can be embarrassed or not, but, quote, "a lot has to do with the proper training to wear clothes that they've received and the responses or rewards they get when they're wearing it."

--Tamar Geller, animal behaviorist: "Dogs don't like to stand out because of their wild heritage: Wolves singled out from the pack were more susceptible to attack. They've never been taught to associate being dressed up with pleasure."

--Bonnie Beaver, a professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M: "If they're unhappy, [they're] probably reacting to the costumes themselves or the limited mobility they have when dressed up."

--The verdict? Four experts are against dressing up your dog . . . although only the psychics think the costumes embarrass the animal. One expert says that if you dress them up, you'd better give them a lot of treats. Now you know.

"Me" Time

Me time can be restorative as sleep. Savoring even a few minutes of it adds fuel to your being, enhancing your energy for the rest of the day," says Carol Kauffman, Ph.D., assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School in Boston. "Indulging can even increase your performance at work." To savor stolen moments, remember this:

Start small. Close your eyes while listening to soothing tunes. Any activity can give you pep "if it calms and connects you to your core self," she says.

Relaxing daily is as essential as going on an annual vacation. "View each 24 hour period as a microcosm of your year, and take a break," Kauffman says.

You're worth it. "You invest time in people you love, so you should be one of them," she advises.

What you need to know about fruit

I got this email from a listener and knew I had to share it with you. All of this info comes from Dr. Oz.

We all think eating fruit means just buying fruit, cutting it up and popping it into our mouths. It's not that easy. It's important to know how and when to eat fruit.

What's the correct way to eat fruit?

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUIT AFTER A MEAL! FRUIT SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.

Eating fruit like that plays a major role in detoxifying your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.

Let's say you eat two slices of bread, then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it's prevented from doing so.

In the meantime, the whole meal rots and ferments, and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach, and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.

Eat your fruit on an empty stomach, or before your meal! You've heard people complain: Every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc. This will not happen if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. Fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas. Hence, you bloat!

There's no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruit becomes alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruit, you have the Secret of Beauty, Longevity, Health, Energy, Happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT the concentrated juice from the cans. Don't drink juice that has been heated. Don't eat cooked fruit; you don't get the nutrients at all. You get only the taste. Cooking destroys all of the vitamins.

Eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit-fast to cleanse your body. Eat fruit and drink fruit juice for just 3 days, and you will be surprised when your friends say how radiant you look!

KIWI: Tiny but mighty, and a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E and fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange!

AN APPLE a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants and flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C, thereby helping to lower the risk of colon cancer, heart attack and stroke.

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits and protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.

EATING 2 - 4 ORANGES a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent and dissolve kidney stones, and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. Also a key source of lycopene, the cancer-fighting oxidant. Also found in watermelon: Vitamin C and Potassium.

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene, good for your eyes.

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer!

Can you believe this? For those who like to drink cold water, this applies to you. It's nice to have a cold drink after a meal, however, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you've just consumed, which slows digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.

A serious note about heart attacks.

HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE

Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they're asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful, and be aware. The more we know, the better our chance to survive.

I've got no words for how awesome I think this is....

Celebrate Being Single!

If you've recently gone through a breakup, you might be working through some pain and not have a lot to celebrate ... until now. It's National Singles Week! Time to celebrate the fact that you're not stuck in a bad relationship and that you can do whatever you want and date whoever you want! According to YourTango.com, here are some reasons why being single rocks:

• More Free Time -- This is the no-brainer. Relationships are a major time-suck. You now have time for hobbies, laundry, working out and just goofing off all day with nowhere to be.

• Opportunities for Love -- Even if you don't have anyone in your sights right now, don't worry. When you find someone, you'll get to fall in love again. It'll be fun and exciting.

• Your Time Is Yours -- When you're part of a couple, it's considerate and pretty normal to check in with your significant other to see what they're doing and if they want to join you in what you're planning on doing. When you're single, you're free to do what you want, when you want and how you want -- without any need to run your plans by anyone else.

• Free to Be Weird -- We all have little weird behaviors that make us happy that we try to hide around other people. No more need to keep your guard up. Just relax and be yourself.

What Women REALLY Want in a Guy

When it comes to finding the perfect husband, attractive women really are pickier. They want a handsome, good-looking man to someone who will be loyal and devoted to them. David Buss from The University of Texas at Austin and Todd Shackelford from Florida Atlantic University have answered that age-old question: What do women want? These are the four qualities attractive women want in a man:

Good genes, reflected in desirable physical traits
Economic resources
The desire to have children and good parenting skills
Loyalty and devotion

Five Secrets You Should Never Keep

Everyone has a little something to hide --but some things are so serious they absolutely must be shared with your significant other. The love gurus over at redbook magazine discovered a handful of secrets that you should never keep to yourself!

1. You've Got Money Issues. Remember the golden rule of communication --often couples don't realize the other is getting in deeply in debt because they simply don't talk.

2. There's a Chance Your Relationship Is In Trouble. JENNINE ESTES --a marriage and family therapist --suggests bringing up "scary feelings" like boredom or resentment before any real damage is done. Speak up quickly --even if it hurts.

3. You're Unhappy in Bed. "Faking it" may be an easy way out, but it's just not fair. Chances are the man in your life will be supportive --and will do almost anything to please you.

4. Something's Up With Your Health. Your well-being affects your entire family --open up and you could be surprised how the team will rally around you.

5. You've Had a Traumatic Past. People hold onto their secrets due to our good friend fear. Too bad hiding information can create distance in your relationship --open up, expose the scars and you'll probably see some major benefits.

6 things your body does that science can't explain...

From Cracked.com, here they are:

Yawning - it doesn't actually seem to serve any purpose. And it's strangely contagious.

Adolescence - Some believe teenagers were awkward balls of nerves and nose grease as early as the Homo erectus era over a million years ago, while others think it's a much more recent development.

Placebo Effect - A guy says he's feeling nauseous, you give him a sugar pill and tell him it'll cure it. He stops worrying about his stomach, thus the stomach calms down.

Dreaming - We really know very little about what causes them or what purpose they serve (Even though human beings are obsessed with dissecting and interpreting dreams).

Blushing - Some scientists, noting that women blush more than guys, have suggested that blushing developed specifically so they could prove they were honest and submissive towards men.

Pubic Hair - You're on your own on this one!

AI Auditions Online!

"American Idol" is now holding auditions online. Fox is celebrating the show's 10th anniversary by accepting videos from budding young pop stars at MySpace. The entries can't be longer than 40 seconds, and you have to choose from a list of approved songs.

Those include "Ain't No Sunshine" by BILL WITHERS, BARRY MANILOW's "Copacabana" and KEITH URBAN's "Kiss A Girl." Fox says some of the best entries will get an-in personal tryout in Los Angeles.

You have until October 6th to get their video audition uploaded, and you must be between the ages of 15 and 28.

Learn more a MySpace.com/americanidol.

What chefs never tell you:

C'mon, admit it; you've always wanted to know what the chef's know about dining out. Who better to ask? The people at the Food Network did and here are some highlights:

--Chefs are picky eaters; most in the survey said they hate liver, sea urchin, tofu, eggplant, and oysters.

--When eating out in other restaurants, chefs say they avoid pasta and chicken. They're often the most overpriced (and least interesting) on the menu.

--Appropriate tip: 20 percent, which is what chef's say they leave when they eat out (but 90 percent said it's fair to penalize bad waiters with a smaller tip).

--Menu "specials" are often experimental dishes. Only five percent said it's a way of using up old ingredients. Most use specials to try out new ideas or serve seasonal ingredients.

--Favorite restaurant: The French Laundry in California's Napa Valley. Dinner for ONE: $240. Before wine.

--Favorite fast food joint: Wendy's.

--Critics are more likely to get special treatment before movie stars do, by a 71-to-63 percent margin

--Roaches are more common than you think. Three-quarters admit they've seen roaches in the kitchen, but 85 percent give their kitchens an eight out of 10 for cleanliness.

--Only 13 percent have seen a cook do unsavory things to a customer's food.

--Chefs cook when they’re sick. Half admitted they did. It's not uncommon to get cut on the job, get stitches and come back to work.

--The five-second rule actually applies. One quarter said they'd pick up food that dropped on the floor and cook it.

--Waiters try to influence the order, according to 95 percent of the chefs.

--Restaurants mark up wine by a lot more than you think --up to 2½ times what it would cost in a wine store.

Seven Secrets of Low-Stress Families:

Life should be easy when you have a mommy, daddy, the pitter-patter of little feet and the family dog all under one roof, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case! Redbook magazine reports researchers from UCLA went on a mission to find how families with two working parents, at least two kids and a mortgage manage to keep it all together --peacefully!

1. Low-Stress Couples Don't Divvy Up the Chores. The key word here is "we" --no keeping score, no keeping track --happy households are focused on their common goals and partners pitch in without being asked.

2. Low-Stress Families Find Small Moments of Togetherness. While "bonding" may be nice to look at on the front of a Hallmark card, the true connections don't have to made on family vacations at Disneyland. Taking time to help out with homework, brushing your little girls' hair or making everyday tasks like laundry fun can go a long way.

3. Low-Stress Parents are Role Models --Not Pals. When mom and dad are patient and supportive of one another the kids can feel it and will be more inclined to act the same. Furthermore, parents who delegated chores to children as opposed to asking which ones they'd prefer suffered through fewer tantrums.

4. Low-Stress Moms Make Dinner From Scratch. Researcher MARGARET BECK discovered that almost every family spends an hour getting supper on the table, whether or not they're using "convenience" foods. Have a picky eater in the house? Put the little ones to work --Ms. Beck found that kids who assisted in food preparation always ate what was served and the mood in the house was lighter with a little team effort.

5. Low-Stress Moms Take Five Minutes of Me Time. The working woman is under a lot of pressure, but unwinding for just a few minutes is a key to keeping mom healthy.

6. Low-Stress Families Watch TV Together. If the gang wants to kick back with some tube time, don't sweat it! Believe it or not --laughing together over a sitcom or checking out your favorite sports teams can be a great way to bond.

7. Low-stress Families Embrace Daily Rituals. Routine and continuity helps families thrive. Reading bedtime stories every night, saying what you're thankful at dinner or any "little moment" repeated daily makes life comforting.

Seven Ways You Can Increase Your Child's Success in School

School is back in session for lots of kidlings around the country, so how are you gonna help your child tackle another year of new experiences? The parenting gurus over at Shine!.com put together this list:

1. Make Sure Your Kids Get Enough Sleep. Lack of z's can seriously impact a child's ability to learn and perform. Set a bedtime routine, stick to it every night and shut off the cell phone, TV and computer at least thirty minutes before bed.

2. Applaud Their Efforts the Right Way. Studies from Colombia University show how you praise your kids can enhance --or impede--their achievement. Rather than emphasize getting straight A's, ask how hard they're working. This will encourage their persistence and they'll be less likely to blame bad grades on lack of ability.

3. Respect Their Learning Style. There are eight kinds of intelligence or, simply put --ways people learn. Pay attention to which type your child gravitates to, even if it's not the way YOU would do it.

4. Pay Attention to Their Peers. Peer pressure exists --but it's not always bad. Keep tabs on their friends' grades and talk, talk, talk about the future and all the possibilities. One Ohio State University study found that kids are more likely to have buddies who plan to attend college if they have a warm, positive relationship with their parents.

5. Make Family Meals a Must. Get everyone together at the dinner table and you'll be poising your precious bundles of joy to make good choices. Colombia University researchers discovered kids who eat with mom and dad are less likely to use drugs, alcohol, develop eating disorders and achieve higher grades. What you have really doesn't matter --but turn off the phone and TV so you can enjoy one another's company. Are you schedules headed in every different direction? If time doesn't allow a group supper, shoot for a late-evening snack or dessert.

6. Cut the Stress. Conflict within the home impedes a child's ability to learn. "De-stress" your babies with long walks, group stretches or movie night. Do you have a sticky wicket in the house? Teach them its okay to walk away from an argument, refuse to engage with a "screamer" and watch for warning signs that someone's about to come unglued.

7. Tailor Expectations to Your Child's Abilities. It's natural to imagine your mini-me is the next Rhodes Scholar --but every child is different. Approach school like a rubber band --gently stretch but don't snap! While a neighbor may brag about test scores, grades or their offspring's gift of intelligence, the apple of your eye will still go on to do amazing things. Remember this mantra: "Tailor thy parenting only to thy child."

Domestic Habits That Annoy Women

Men. They drive us crazy, but we woman can't live with them and we can't live without them can we? Whatever the reason, men have a unique and sometimes gleeful way of irritating the ones they love most. Here are the 10 most annoying things men do when living with women. If you can think of more, feel free to comment below!

1. Men leave a wake of empty containers
2. They splash the mirror when they brush their teeth
3. Leave hair in the sink after shaving
4. Use 10 drinking glasses a day instead of one
5. Pee on the toilet seat
6. Litter the ground with laundry
7. Don't do house work
8. Burp and fart indiscriminately
9. Develop a martyr complex when sick
10. They channel surf rapidly (and seemingly aimlessly)

What's Your Purse-onality?

One of the most vital pieces of a woman's wardrobe is her purse. And what's inside your bag provides a wealth of clues about her:

Colorful clutch -- Bright-eyed and energetic, you bustle through life with a charming effervescence that draws others to your circle in droves. You overcome most of life's pitfalls with a cheerful grace, and you easily pump up the spirits of family and friends who are feeling blue.

Couture -- You're a go-getter who wouldn't be caught dead without your designer duds. Sure your bag may be costly, but you're a self-confident sort who knows you deserve only the best. Your belief in your own abilities makes you a natural-born leader, and others trust your judgement in important situations.

Backpack -- You're an unpretentious woman who's physically fit and ready for whatever life brings. You're never more alive than when you're enjoying outdoor activities that challenge your endurance, but your loved ones are also vital to your happiness. Wherever you go, your family unit will always be included.

Carryall -- There's a cornucopia of items in your bag -- from over-the-counter drugs to a complete makeup kit. You're a practical woman who's prepared for any contingency, and your mother hen approach is just fine with your family and friends who thrive on your nurturing warmth.

Shoulder bag -- You have your eye on the man chance, and you believe that hard work coupled with burning ambition will carry you to the top. People admire your drive because you get ahead with out hurting others. You're also a witty conversationist who is a welcome addition to any gathering.

What your dreams mean....

Ever wake up in the morning and wonder what that strange dream you had last night was all about? Dr. Martin J. Aronson, professor of psychiatry at Columbia University, says the meanings of dreams vary tremendously, but the interpretations of certain dream symbols is universal and easy to translate to your everyday life. Here are six of the most common themes, and how they could relate to you:

Caves -- Tunnels, doorways, bureau drawers or mossy caves represent a desire for affection of the need to get closer to a female in your life.

Running -- Being chased means you are running away from something that is too difficult or you are avoiding a confrontation.

Aliens -- Dreaming of creatures from outer space can be an indication that some outside force is playing a role in your life and you are uncertain of your surroundings or something that is going on in your life.

Water -- A calm stream of water stands for security, safety and comfort. Turbulent water on the other hand can mean there is a disruptive force in your current environment or that you feel overwhelmed.

Falling -- A drop generally means instability in your life but a free fall with no clear beginning or end represents a lack of connection the world around you.

Nightmares -- Contrary to what most people think ongoing nightmares are nothing to worry about.

And the celebrity you dream of reveals changes you may have in your life, if you dream of...

Madonna -- You'd like to make a change in your life.

Johnny Depp -- You want to make more intellectual, independent choices.

Courtney Love -- You'd like to be more gutsy.

Robert Downey Jr. -- You fear your own talent is somehow being squandered.

Britney Spears -- You're unsure how you should present yourself to the world.

Ben Affleck -- You want to be more carefree and adventurous.

Simon Cowell -- You fear that you're inadequate.

Sick of it All?

Being sick is terrible. You look horrible, feel bad and have to blow your sick days recuperating. Sick of it all? Here's how to wage germ warfare at the office.

Close your mouth. Germs travel through the air. In fact, they can fly as far as 30 feet. So if you're forced to sit near someone who's coughing, wheezing, or sneezing, keep your mouth shut; it's better to breathe through your nose where tiny hairs act as filters to keep out the germs.

Wash your hands. You get infected by touching hard surfaces: the coffee maker, the copy machine, and elevator buttons, where filthy, germ-encrusted co-workers have inadvertently left behind viral critters that can live for hours. A study by Purdue University says that the fix is to wash your hands often with antibacterial soap and warm water.

Hit the gym. Moderate exercise two or three times a week will help ward off a cold: A mellow workout increases the circulation of your immune cells, boosting the chances that they'll collide with and vanquish the virus.

Get a window seat. You want to avoid stagnant, germ-laden air at all costs, so get to the conference room early for meetings and snag yourself a spot near an open window or an air vent.
If you must share an office with a bonafide sicko request a desk fan.

Have a party with your buds. More friends, fewer colds, according to a Carnegie Mellon University study, because your pals help you deal with immune-system-suppressing stress. And a couple of stiff drinks a day seem to help keep the colds at bay. (Some docs say alcohol hurts a cold virus's ability to reproduce.) But the bartender should cut you off after two so you don't get dehydrated.

Kiss someone hot. Good news: Lipsmashing is still safe, since 90 percent of cold viruses lurk in your snot, not your spit.

Three Beauty Wives Tales to Ignore!

1. Eating Chocolate and Greasy Foods Makes You Break out. Sorry, unless you actually rub the pizza on your face this probably won't happen. DR. DIANE BERSON admits there are a few foods that can increase the risk of blemishes --the levels of iodine in sushi, shellfish and soy sauce have been known to cause inflammation and clog pores.

2. Dry Skin Causes Wrinkles. Moisturizer won't solve all your aging issues. Collagen breaks down far below the surface of the skin, but keeping your complexion soft will relieve the look of fine lines. If you're serious about caring for your precious looks the best thing to do is grab your sunscreen, preferably one that contains vitamin C.

3. Cold Water Will Shrink Your Pores. This is thanks to genetics, not H20. One tip you can follow is to keep those pores clean --they look bigger when they're clogged with oil and dead skin and any product with salicylic acid will wash them right out.

LIVE & LOVE LIKE NEWLYWEDS

The following list is from Dr. Schwontkowski's book "Partners for Life -- 50 Ways to Keep Your Love Honeymoon Fresh Forever."

Plan and serve foods and beverages your lover likes. There are several ways to a man's heart, the stomach is one of them. The same holds true for women, and savvy guys and gals will take advantage by taking the time to prepare those favorite snacks, meals and refreshments as a token of their love.

Don't be stingy with sex. And try to select love locations that your partner likes or finds adventurous and exciting. You don't always have to "go to bed."

Talk with your lover, and prepare yourself in advance for conversation that lasts awhile. If you have trouble starting a conversation, rely on topics that everyone is interested in and knows a little something about: Food, fond memories and friendly gossip come to mind.

Compliment your lover honestly, lavishly and often, both when you are alone and with other people. Whenever your lover does something that you appreciate, say so. Make sure you find something to praise every day, even if it's just "Thanks for putting the cap back on the toothpaste, dear," or "My don't you look good in that sweater."

Touch your lover's "oohhh baby" spots -- even when you're in public. Be discreet, but send a strong signal that you can't keep your mind -- or hands -- off your sweetie. Don't think you have to be a centerfold to use this strategy -- you don't.

Give your lover a stress-busting massage every day. With practice you can go head to toe in five minutes, bonding all the way.

Have you written any love letters lately? If so, keep it up. If not start now -- and don't stop.

Say, "I love you," at least twice a day and even more when you can squeeze the words in. Everyone needs to feel loved and needed. Enough said.

Regularly set aside time to romance your lover for hours on end. Not to guys: If you're a "two-minute man" and don't know how to maintain for hours, there are plenty of excellent how-to books and manuals. This doesn't include regular morning or late-afternoon walks together, which are highly recommended for your health and for bonding as a couple.

Make your lover laugh every day. Practical jokes dished out in the spirit of fun can work wonders for a relationship. Or you can get up a few minutes early and find the best comic strip in the newspaper you can share.

Work Out Right at Your Desk!

Can't find a spare moment to hit the gym? No worries --sneak in a workout at the office! The fitness pros over at Shine!.com suggest doing performing these sweat-free exercises while you're waiting for a client, on the phone or ditch the coffee break for a quick calorie burn.

--Wall Sit. Just like the name says, plop your hind quarters somewhere besides the chair while reading, opening mail or talking on the phone.

--The Plank. Hit the floor and prop youself up on your elbows with the rest of your body straight. This is a total toner and you only need 20-100 seconds to feel the burn.
--Jumping Jacks. Activate your brain and get the blood pumping!

--Heel Rises. These are probably the most incognito move on the list. Lift up and down while waiting for the elevator or during that hour-long conference call. Put your feet in a "V" for an extra bonus for the hind quarters.

--Butt Squeezes. No one will know you're tightening those glutes. Hold your cheeks in tight for ten-second stretches.

--Stand Up and Sit Down. Do this as many times as possible while tucking in your buns and abs.

You are what you eat....

Did you know that what you typically put on your plate speaks volumes about your personality? Discover what your choices mean by completing this quiz and find out more about you:

Your typical breakfast is:

A. Hot cereal with blueberries.
B. An English muffin.
C. Eggs and toast.

Your favorite sauce over pasta is:

A. Garlic and olive oil.
B. Alfredo.
C. Marinara.

You eat most of your food:

A. At lunchtime.
B. At night.
C. By munching throughout the day.

When you're nervous, you tend to eat:

A. Nuts, chips or fruit.
B. Candy, cake or cookies.
C. Ice Cream.

Analysis

Mostly "a" - You're a practical person who opts for good nutrition that tastes delicious, too. You're also quite confident in the kitchen your favorite room in the house where you prepare innovative recipes for family and friends.

Mostly "b" - You're so energetic and open to new things that your food choices are an eclectic mix. You're more concerned with enjoying yourself than worrying about consequences. You figure pleasing your palate is worth some extra exercise.

Mostly "c" - You're wise enough to eat nutritious foods while feeling no guilt over an occasional indulgence. Being so conscious of what it takes to stay healthy makes you a happy person who's less likely to ever become overweight.

Happy 4th of July!

So I managed to walk out of the house today wearing one black and one blue flip flop and only noticed it when it was too late to go back and change. And my finger smells like bacon and I didn't eat bacon today. Can this day get any stranger?

Happy 4th of July!

Wait! What?!?

It's July 1st already?!? Where has this year gone?

HAHAHA. And that's what I think about this.

Poor lady, but this is pretty funny stuff:

http://www.todaysbigthing.com/2010/06/07

This makes me SICK. As in ANGRY sick.

What kind of parent introduces their baby to smoking? SO, SO, SO WRONG!

Travel Fail

It's travel season and some guys made a video of of travel fails. We all hope these things don't happen to us, but you have to admit some of them are pretty funny:

FIVE BAD HABITS YOU WANT TO KEEP

Watching television can make you smarter. Gossiping can make you less critical of yourself. And coffee can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Yes, some bad habits -- in moderation -- may actually be good for you. Ladies Home Journal reports that some bad habits can have surprisingly good effects. Here are five that get a bad rap, but can be good for you.

Television -- The good: When you watch shows that exercise your mind, it can actually make you smarter. Some shows can give you a cognitive workout, while others will encourage you to reflect on your marriage and family life. Still others will almost always teach you something new. The bad: If you turn into a couch potato and watch TV excessively while your family does other things, it's a problem. Sitting in front of the TV for too long can drain your energy. If you watch more than two hours a day, it's time to dial down the habit.

Facebook -- The good: Facebook can help you deepen relationships and connect with people from your past with whom you long ago lost touch. It can be a valuable resource for information, too. Posting a message that you need the name of a good plumber or tips for planting a vegetable garden can result in information you would not have otherwise received. The bad: When you spend so much time on Facebook that you neglect your work, family or household chores, you may need to restrict your use by building it into your schedule. Be disciplined and only check in at those times.

Gossiping -- The good: When we gossip about other people, it can make us less critical of our own lives. A celebrity's third trip to rehab or the neighbor's failed marriage can make you realize you're doing just fine. Gossip, which is human nature, also relieves stress and can create a culture of closeness. The bad: If you purposely spread vicious stories about someone else that could be potentially damaging, it's time to stop. Too much gossiping can make you seem insecure or egocentric.

Coffee -- The good: Regular coffee consumption is actually good for you! Numerous studies have shown multiple health benefits, including a lower risk for stroke, dementia, Parkinson's disease, type 2 diabetes, liver cancer and gallstones. The bad: If you indulge in fancy, high-calorie java drinks, they can make you fat since they're not only packed with caffeine, but also calories. And pregnant women shouldn't drink coffee at all because it can increase the risk of miscarriage.

Being Messy -- The good: So what if your desk is a pile of papers and the junk drawer is so crammed with stuff it won't open? Moderately disorganized people also tend to be more creative and efficient than those who are obsessively neat. The bad: When the boss looks at you like your desk is a fire hazard or you can't find your favorite jeans in your closet, it's time to clean up. Being messy is fine--to a point. Complete disorder is a problem. Schedule weekly tidy-up sessions to keep things under control.

Reminder

Gary Coleman Passes Away

Sitcom actor and tabloid staple Gary Coleman, 42, died on Friday (May 28) at 12:05 p.m. (Mountain Time), after slipping into a critical condition on Thursday following an earlier fall in which he hit his head.

The actor, whose congenital kidney disease halted his childhood growth at an early age, had suffered a series of health setbacks in recent years. He was admitted to the Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo on Wednesday after hitting his head in an unexplained fall and had reportedly slipped into critical condition by the next day. On Friday, doctors announced that he was unconscious and on life support in a coma due to an intracranial hemorrhage, which results from a broken or ruptured blood vessel causes bleeding inside the skull.

"Family members and close friends were at his side when life support was terminated," read a hospital statement according to a People magazine report on the actor, who had moved to Utah in 2005. "Family members express their appreciation and gratitude for the support and prayers that have been expressed for Gary and for them."

Born in Zion, Illinois, on February 8, 1968, Coleman was adopted as an infant by a local couple. He was diagnosed with an autoimmune dysfunction called focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, a congenital kidney disease that stunted his growth (he was 4'8") and required two kidney transplants as well as daily dialysis.

Coleman began modeling at age 5, after writing a pitch letter to a local Montgomery Ward store in an effort to get work, which also resulted in gigs for McDonald's and Hallmark. Discovered by a talent scout for sitcom legend Noman Lear, who cast him in a never-produced revival of "The Little Rascals," Coleman began his acting career in 1974 with brief appearances on "Medical Center," followed by roles in the sitcoms "The Jeffersons" and "Good Times."

He landed the part of a lifetime as Arnold Jackson in the 1978 sitcom "Diff'rent Strokes," in which he played the apple-cheeked, adorable adopted black son of a wealthy white Manhattan family. Coleman won over America during the show's eight-year run with his charming innocence and signature wisecracking catchphrase, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout Willis?" aimed at his older brother, played by fellow troubled teen actor Todd Bridges. At the height of the show's popularity, the child star was making almost $100,000 an episode.

Coleman failed to capitalize on the success of the "Strokes," and his career petered out via roles in dud movies such as "On the Right Track" and 1983's "Jimmy the Kid." He continued to get sporadic TV work on shows ranging from "227" to "Martin" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," but spent much of the past two decades appearing in B-movie schlock such as "The Curse of Monkey Island," "The Flunky," "Church Ball" and last year's mockumentary "Midgets vs. Mascots."

As his professional career faded, Coleman became famous for being famous, suing his parents for misappropriation of his trust fund, claiming that they drained his $18 million in career earnings from him, leaving him penniless as an adult. He pleaded no contest in 1999 to disturbing the peace after punching a female autograph seeker in California, just a year after allegedly striking a pedestrian with his truck following an argument outside a Salt Lake City bowling alley.

In addition to announcing a 2000 run for a U.S. Senate seat from California as part of the HECK (Homelessness, Education, Crime and Killers) platform, he ran for governor in the state in 2003, where he finished eighth, barely edging out fellow pseudo-celebs including porn star Mary Cary, melon-smashing comedian Gallagher and famous-for-being-famous pinup Angelyne.

Later in life, he was forced to work as a security guard on a movie set in 2008 when acting gigs dried up. He got married that year to then-22-year-old Shannon Price, though the union was rocky, landing the couple on the syndicated "Divorce Court" show. He was hospitalized in Los Angeles for undisclosed reasons in January, then again in February after suffering a seizure on the set of the TV show "The Insider."

Janet Jackson chops off her hair

Janet Jackson just turned 44 and celebrated by showing off a chic, much shorter 'do in London on Wednesday.
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Introducing The 2012 London Olympic Mascots

Alright, so, there is not a lot to be said here.

These are the official mascots for the upcoming 2012 Olympics in London.

Their names are Wenlock and Mandeville.

The "characters" were named after the birthplace of the Paralympic Games, Stoke Mandeville hospital in Buckinghamshire and the village of Much Wenlock in Shropshire, which hosted a precursor to the modern Olympic Games in the 19th century.

Saving Private Ryan DVD Recall

Ever heard of a DVD being recalled? The Hollywood Reporter says 100,000 copies of a special edition of "Saving Private Ryan" are being recalled because of an audio problem during the mastering process which damaged the Blu-ray copies of the film. New copies should be out by next Tuesday, and if you have one of the damaged copies, you can call (888) 370-8621 to get a replacement.

"So baby, what's your blood type?"

It might be a cheesy line, but at some point in your life, someone's probably asked you "What's your sign?" But in Japan, they're asking “What’s your blood type?”

Some Japanese people believe your blood type determines your personality. And just as some people follow horoscopes, the Japanese believe you can learn a lot about your life, work and love by your blood group. An article from BBC News points to a girl who said she had a bad experience with a guy who was a type B. She now steers clear of men with a B blood type, generalizing that men with B blood are disorganized.

Japanese women’s magazines offer a little help for those looking for love. Many claim that A types are dependable and self sacrificing, but reserved and worry a lot. If you’re looking for someone decisive and confident, look for someone with type O blood. A-Bs are known to be well balanced, clear-sighted and logical, but also high maintenance and distant. And then there are those with B type blood, said to be flamboyant free thinkers, but selfish.

One man says he was even asked by a prospective employer what was his blood type. He was a bit hesitant to admit he is a type B, but says he got the job anyway. Turns out she was also a B, but couldn’t hold her alcohol so at company parties she sent home all the workers with type B blood early because she didn’t want them getting drunk. In Japan, it’s called burahara, which means blood group harassment.

It’s such a big deal in Japan that even the politicians are using their blood types as a selling point during elections. The last Prime Minister revealed he is a type A on his official profile on the Internet. If he thought the favored blood type would give him a boost the polls, it didn’t work. He ended up losing.

For the record, my blood type is O ~Traci

What Moms Really Want for Mother's Day

To have my 14-year-old answer a question without rolling her eyes in that "Why is this person my mother?" way.

Five pounds of chocolate that won't add twenty.

A shower without a child peeking through the curtain with a "Hi ya, Mom!" just as I put razor to my ankle.

A fulltime cleaning person who looks like Brad Pitt.

For my teenager to announce, "Hey, Mom! I got a full scholarship and a job all in the same day!"

A grocery store that doesn't have candy/gum/cheap toys displayed at the checkout line.

To have a family meal without a discussion about bodily secretions.

To be able to step on a plane with my toddlers and not have some pencil-neck-yuppie-geek moan, "Oh, no! Why me?"

Four words: Fisher Price Play Prison

You'd think it was the 2nd coming of the Beatles or something....INSANE!

This is why I'm SO thankful not to have a teen daughter:

Let's Talk Dirty

The next time you cut up chicken for dinner, do it on a clean surface: like your toilet seat. "It has the least amount of bacteria of all the spots in your home," says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., a professor of environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona. In fact, there are 200 times more fecal coliforms—otherwise known as feces bacteria—on the average cutting board than on the typical commode.

Sheets: You never really sleep alone
When you're rolling around between the sheets, you're basically rolling around in your own filth. Studies have found feces, salmonella, and E. coli on bed linens—even ones fresh out of a washer, Gerba says. His research shows that sheets can contain 0.1 gram of feces, salmonella, and E. coli after just one night's rest. That means they'd collectively contain about 10 billion microbes.
Your cleanup: Wash your sheets once a week, and make sure the water is hot

Water bottle: Bacteria to go
What better way to save cash and keep trash out of landfills than to drink from reusable plastic water bottles? Just don't let the bottles become bacterial bombs. Researchers at the University of Calgary found significant levels of coliform bacteria in 9 percent of water bottles used by elementary school students—suggesting that when thirsty youngsters open the bottles with dirty hands, they can dump a host of fecal matter into the water. When they empty the bottle, the damp, warm, closed space becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Your cleanup: Since water bottles tend to have narrow necks, they can't undergo a thorough cleaning in the dishwasher. If you must reuse your bottle, wash it with hot, soapy water and use a bottle brush. Feel free to reuse the bottle, as long as you wash it after every use and air-dry both the bottle and cap completely, Gerba says.

Gym bag: Have you ever cleaned it?
Probably not, but you should. Now. Think about it: Even though spray bottles are usually placed around gyms to wipe down equipment, most people don't use them. When you toss your clothes into your gym bag, the sweat from who-knows-how-many people transfers to the bag. Your cleanup: After you remove your gear, sanitize the inside of the bag with a disinfectant wipe. You can stash packets in one of the side pockets so they stay handy but separated from the clothes. But if the bag is machine washable, you should also toss it into the machine every week.

Carpet: Wall-to-wall germs
Your carpet probably contains about 200,000 bacteria per square inch, making it 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat. Rugs are botanical and zoological park. Hundreds of thousands of different types of species live there. These invasions occur because the average person sheds about 1.5 million skin cells every hour; these skin cells hit the rug and serve as food for germs. Add in food particles, pollen, and pet dander, and you have a gratis buffet. And since a vacuum cleaner's suction and rotating beater brush don't usually reach the bottom of the carpet, you're bound to have communities of E. coli, salmonella, staphylococcus, and other bacteria down there. Every time you walk on the carpet or roll around on it with your kids, you disrupt the bacteria, bringing some closer to the surface. Your cleanup: Hire a company to do a deep steam-cleaning at least once a year, and consider covering high-traffic areas with machine-washable area rugs.

Remote control: Channels of high-def filth
One day we'll change channels using our brain waves. When that day comes, we'll all be a lot healthier, because 50 percent of television remotes tested positive for rhinovirus, according to a University of Virginia study. The rhinovirus can live there for a few days, and other germs can survive for up to a few months, thanks to the many hideouts found amid the rubber buttons and various LEDs. Ever have popcorn with your DVD movies? You're making matters worse. If you eat something greasy, then cough in your hands and go back to the remote, you've deposited an organism with some oil, which offers the germs protection on a device that isn't cleaned very often to begin with. Your cleanup: Sanitizers don't work well on remotes because you can't get the cleaner into the cracks. Try a plastic-sleeve protector that can be wiped clean daily with a disinfecting wipe or other type of sanitizer. When you're traveling, bring along a few ziplock bags to slip onto the remotes in hotels.

Watchband: Time's up
Ever wonder why leather watchbands start to stink after a few months? That smell is most likely caused by microbes, possibly Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that can cause skin infections. Because leather is porous, it absorbs sweat and skin cells that serve as food for bacterial growth. Your cleanup: Rubber and plastic are safer than leather because they don't absorb sweat as readily, and they can be cleaned with soapy water. If you prefer a leather strap, wipe it down once a week with a leather cleaner

Things that aren't gross
We live in a microbe-laden world. But there are things you don't need to be particularly obsessive about. Here are three of them:

1. Your hairbrush. The only reason you'd want to clean out the brush would be to remove gel or spray residue and unclog hair from the bristle. Infections from hairbrushes are rare, she says. So if those residues and hair knots don't bother you, leave them alone.

2. Your jeans. There are no studied health risks associated with wearing most clothing items several times without washing them. (Your underwear, however, contains feces, and needs to be washed after each wearing.)

3. Your body. Daily showering strips away necessary oils and some of the 150 good kinds of bacteria found on your skin, says New York University microbiologist Philip Tierno Jr., Ph.D. The bacteria guard against pathogens that can cause infections. The average person can shower every other day—or at least skip one shower a week, Tierno says.

Five Signs He's Not Over His Ex

So, you've met your latest Mr. Right Now but something seems a little "off." Are you freaking out for no reason or are your fears real? The love sleuths at Betty Confidential discovered Five Signs He's Not Over His Ex!

1. He Jumped Right Into Your Relationship. Captain Fantastic may say he's over his last love, but if he swung right into your arms chances are he avoided the grieving process entirely. A good clue that he's done is if he can talk about it candidly and admit what went right --and wrong.

2. He Fell For You Before His Relationship Ended. Yes, charmers like JOHN EDWARDS and TIGER WOODS can talk a good game about how their wives don't understand them, but the truth is that's who they're going home to! Remember the old saying --if he does it with you, he'll do it to you!

3. When It Comes to His Ex, He Only Deals in Extremes. Does he snarl when her name comes up or talk about her constantly? Neither are good signs. A good way to discuss the subject is by suggesting you have a conversation about past relationships, what went wrong and what needs to be done differently.

4. He Can't Break the String. If your man has children with another girl or they were together for a long time there's some reason to stay in touch. If neither applies and he likes to correspond, voice your concerns --if he gets defensive that's a major red flag.

5. He Obsesses Over the Remnants of the Relationship. Do you catch him stalking her Facebook page or reminiscing with old photos? Mr. Wonderful is definitely not recovered from the love gone wrong. This doesn't mean your twosome can't work out, but understand you'll be part of the grieving process.

Last Minute Tax Stuff You Need To Know

Your taxes are due today, postmarked by midnight tonight.

Postage meter postmarks aren't acceptable.

It'sthe taxpayer's responsibility to use correct postage. IRS doesn't pay Postage Due.

Forms are available at Post Offices, many public libraries, and online at http://www.irs.gov/

Other Tax Stuff:

If you can't file today, you can file an extension (form 4868) which gets you until Oct 15 to file (though you'll still have to pay any taxes owed, and what you don't pay, you'll have to pay interest on). Hint: if you owe, pay, even if you delay filing. You can even get an installment payment plan from the IRS online.

What's the IRS looking for this year? The number of big corporations audited by the IRS has dropped in the past 20 years. Instead, more midsized and small firms are facing reviews.
It should also be noted that Congress has cut the IRS budget at the same time the agency has hired Higher-priced private contractors to collect tax debts. So what money is there doesn't go as far.

Common mistakes: not signing the return (that's the biggest), bad math (that's the second biggest), forgetting to include a check (if you owe money), and including enough postage. Last thing you want is to get your forms back with insufficient postage, and then get penalized for filing late.

If you owe, don't make your check out to the initials "IRS." That's because if the check falls into the wrong hands, they can change the "IRS" to "MRS" followed by someone's name. Instead you should write out the entire three words "Internal Revenue Service."

Don't have the money to pay what you owe? You can propose an installment plan by attaching Form 9465 to your return. The IRS will answer within 30 days. They'll also charge you 13% interest on past-due balances.

Maybe you're getting a refund? About 78 percent of us will, and usually, it's because we overpaid our taxes all year long. Ideally, you want to pay or be owed within a hundred bucks. To figure that out, you need to ask your employer to revise the tax withholding from your paycheck (the lovely W-4).

Waiting for a refund? You can call the IRS Teletax number to find out if it's ready and on its way, or if there's a problem. Call 800-829-4477.

Questions? There's an IRS taxpayer help line, open from 8 am to 5 pm. 800-829-1040. Keep in mind, though, that helpers don't always give correct info. A Congressional study last year found they were wrong 40 percent of the time, and if you follow their wrong instructions, it's not their fault, so double-check everything.

It's a good idea to photocopy all your tax forms and keep your own records. The IRS loses an average of 2-million documents a year.

For whatever reason, some people never get their refunds. They've moved or provided an incorrect address. The IRS has nearly $100 million in undelivered tax refund checks. Think you're due? Call 'em: 1-800-829-1040, or go to the "Where's My Refund?" section on the IRS home page at irs.gov.