Tuesday, March 29, 2011

InStyle names these favorite fashion trends for 2011:


According to InStyle, here are the pieces of clothing and accessories you MUST have for 2011 if you follow the fashion scene:


Color Block Dress
















Framed Satchel























Cat Eye Sunglasses









Kitten Heels













Statement Ring













Floral Scarf













Bangles













Trench Coat















Rain Boots













Trouser Jeans















And Oxford Shoes

Monday, March 28, 2011

Super simple MUST try recipe!


* Special thanks to Stauffers of Kissel Hill Supermarket for supplying the groceries!
Bacon Wrapped Pork Loin with Grilled Veggies
Ingredients: 1 package of pre-marinated pork loin, 1 package of bacon, toothpicks
Directions: Slice the pork loin into 1 inch thick slices. Wrap bacon around the top, securing with a toothpick and then do the same around the sides. Grill on medium-high heat for 20 minutes making sure to turn often.
Grilled Veggies
Ingredients: 1 green pepper, 1 zucchini, 1 yellow squash, 1 bunch of scallions, 3 potatoes, seasoning of your choice.
Directions: Slice all veggies and dice potatoes. Pour a little bit of olive oil in the bottom of a grill proof dish or skillet if you don’t have a dish safe for the grill and add all veggies. Cook on medium high heat stirring frequently for 20 minutes or until veggies are tender.
Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
Ingredients: Bunch of fresh asparagus, bacon, olive oil, salt and pepper.
Directions: Wrap asparagus tightly in bacon. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over bacon wrapped asparagus and season with salt and pepper. Grill on medium high heat on the top rack of your grill for about 20 minutes or until asparagus is tender turning frequently.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Five Foods and How to Make Them Last Longer in the Fridge:

According to the magazine "Prevention", the average family throws away 122 pounds of food per month and wastes $590 a year on stuff that eventually goes bad. So here are five perishables, and how you can make them last longer in the fridge.

#1.) Eggs. Most new refrigerators have a special spot on the door for eggs. But you shouldn't store them there because it makes them vulnerable to fluctuations in temperature. If you keep them in their original cardboard container and store them INSIDE the refrigerator, they'll last 3 to 4 weeks past their expiration date.

#2.) Milk. The same rule applies. Milk should be stored in the back of the fridge, where the air stays coldest. And when you're at the store, you should buy milk last so you minimize the amount of time it goes unrefrigerated.

#3.) Lunchmeat. Just make sure you store it in the meat drawer, which is specially designed to keep cold air in. As long as you don't forget to reseal the bag every time you use some, lunchmeat should last 3 to 5 days past its expiration date.

#4.) Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes should always be in the fridge, but large varieties should stay at room temperature until they're bright red. Putting them in the refrigerator too early prevents them from ripening. And don't put ripe tomatoes near other vegetables in the fridge because they give off ethylene, which can make green veggies go bad. The same rule applies with apples, which also give off ethylene.

#5.) Hard Cheese. If you wrap it in plastic or aluminum foil and keep it refrigerated, it should last 2 to 4 months past the sell-by date. And if there's a little mold, you don't have to throw the whole thing away. Just do what your grandparents did and cut the mold off, plus an extra half-inch of cheese below it. Other things, like bread, don't work the same way. And if one piece is moldy, you have to throw out the whole loaf.

Spring into Love! 30-Second Love Tips:

1. Use “Follow Up” Bonds
When your significant other tells you about something that’s going to happen that day, whether it’s a meeting, a doctor’s appointment, or taking your son or daughter to a soccer game, always make it a top priority to ask your mate, "How did it go?" By following up you are saying, you matter to me and I love you.

2. Bestow “Focused” Talk
If you and your significant other are away from each other during the day and you are busy but have access to e-mail or text messaging, take 30 seconds to send a romantic note saying, "Just thinking about you," "How’s your day going?" or "Looking forward to seeing you tonight."

3. Offer “Pitch-in” Connectors
Volunteering to help your significant other with tasks (like those in the kitchen or child care) even when you are busy, tired or overwhelmed yourself is another powerful way to say, "I love you. You are special to me and I care about you."

4. Display “Face-to-Face” Expressions
As love becomes a permanent fixture in our life; we often take it for granted. Don’t ignore your significant other. Routinely say hello and goodbye to each other and engage in one sentence face-to-face expressions of love such as “I love our life together,” “You’re a great mother/father,” or “Your were so kind to do that for me.”

5. Exhibit ”Touch and Go” Contact
When you and your significant other arrive home how much time passes before you touch each other or offer a quick hug or kiss? When you and your mate are together, whether you are watching TV, emptying the dishwasher or reading, take 30 seconds to reach out to each other. This quick touch says, "I see you. I hear you. I love you."

Spring is the time for new beginnings. It’s your time to recharge your relationship!

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Fight back against bullying:

Being bullied in school is one of the most demoralizing experiences your child can face. The two main reasons children are bullied is for their appearance or social status. They don't conform to some social "norm," maybe because of how they act, look, or their sexual orientation. It can lead to victimization, low self-esteem, a kid becoming increasingly withdrawn; some even attempt suicide.

What can a parent do? The law is on your side. After the Columbine shooting in 1999, which was believed to have been the result of schoolyard bullying, 44 states expressly banned it.

Report the behavior to teachers and the school principal immediately. Make sure to document times, witnesses, and places where your child was bullied. You'll wanna report the instance (or instances, including verbal abuse) as well as send a written report (for your personal records) to the teacher and the principal.

If your child's teacher and principal don't take action against the bully within a reasonable time, report the bullying to the school district superintendent in writing. In your letter, outline all instances of bullying and include any other documentation (such as photos) to help prove the bullying exists. If the school district fails to act, they can be liable for your child’s injury as a result of the school bullying.

If your child has been physically assaulted, call the police right away. If your child suffered any physical injuries from the bullying, take pictures as evidence and have your child write a detailed description of what happened to insure accuracy. Depending on the severity of the physical assault, the bully may end up in juvenile detention. The police also have the power to administer a restraining order against the bully that keeps him a safe distance away from your child. And yes, experienced personal injury attorneys are available to help you if you have to take it that far.

Keep in mind: The bully might be a victim, too. They may be learning their behavior from their parents, or maybe the parents are getting divorced, which is a trying time for most kids. Or worse, the child himself is being abused at home. You just don't know.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Did you know?

Drugstores really mark up many items simply because the consumer is coming in for convenience or because they need a prescription filled. Cosmetics, hair accessories and toys are sold at a high markup to ensure that the drugstore can make some money off those items.
Hair accessories such as brushes, for example, have a 75% markup, he says. Over-the-counter medications, like antacids, pain relievers and vitamins rank among the highest drugstore arkups. Here is the breakdown:

· Antacid Tablets - Markup: 399%
· Pain Relievers - Markup: 398%
· Vitamins - Markup: 395%
· Nasal Decongestant PE - Markup: 392%
· Acne Treatment - Markup: 387%
· Antibiotic Cream - Markup: 385%
· Allergy Medicine - Markup: 377%
· Greeting Cards - Markup: 150% to 200%
· Hair Accessories - Markup: 75%
· Jewelry - Markup: 70%
· Toys - Markup: 50%-60%
· Cosmetics - Markup: 50%-60%

Thursday, March 17, 2011

And Now, Five Random Facts About St. Patrick's Day:


#1.) St. Patrick Wasn't Irish. We've said it before and we'll say it again . . . St. Patrick wasn't actually Irish! He was born in Scotland or Wales, and brought to Ireland as a slave. Also, his name wasn't Patrick . . . his given name was Maewyn.

#2.) Until 1970, Irish Bars Closed On St. Patrick's Day. In 1903, St. Patrick's Day was named a national holiday in Ireland. Nice tribute . . . but in Ireland, bars have to close on national holidays. That was overturned in 1970.

#3.) America Is Far More Irish Than Ireland. There are more than 35 million Americans with Irish ancestry. The population of Ireland is 4.2 million.

#4.) Four Out Of Five Americans Wear Green Today. And about 20 million, or about one out of 13, go to a bar.

#5.) It's Really Easy To Dye The Chicago River. The Chicago River is dyed green for St. Patrick's Day . . . and it only takes 40 pounds of green vegetable dye to do it. That green lasts for a few days.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Four Secrets Your Bikini Waxer Hasn't Told You:

Women do a lot of things for men, and one of the most painful is the bikini wax. So "Cosmo" has a new list of bikini waxing secrets that a lot of women don't know. Here are the top four.

#1.) Get Waxed Between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. That's when your pain threshold is at its highest. So it won't hurt as much as it would in the morning.

#2.) Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen 45 Minutes Before Your Appointment. They help with the pain, but they're also anti-inflammatories, so they help with any swelling afterwards.

#3.) Don't Schedule Your Waxing Right Before Your "Time." If it's that time of the month, your skin is more sensitive. Get waxed at least three days before you're supposed to start. And obviously, don't get waxed DURING that time.

#4.) After You Get Waxed, You Shouldn't Work Out for 48 Hours. Waxing makes your skin more sensitive to sweat, bacteria, and chafing, which can all cause little red bumps to pop up. And tight clothing can cause ingrown hairs.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Seven Weird Signs You Might Be Stressed Out:

According to the magazine "Prevention", you might be more stressed out than you think. Here are seven random signs you're dealing with too much stress.

#1.) Weekend Headaches. According to the director of the Washington University Headache Center, a sudden DROP in stress can cause migraines. So if you have bad headaches during the weekend when you're relaxing, it might be because you're NOT stressed out.

#2.) Bad Cramps. A Harvard study found that women are more than twice as likely to have extremely painful cramps when they're stressed out. Researchers say that exercise is the best remedy, because it helps relieve stress AND menstrual cramps.

#3.) A Sore Jaw. It could be a sign you're grinding your teeth at night, which is often brought on by stress. If you DO grind your teeth, ask your dentist about trying a nighttime mouth guard. It might make you look like an extra from "Revenge of the Nerds" . . . but mouth guards reduce grinding, or stop it completely, in 70% of patients who use them.

#4.) Bleeding Gums When You Brush Your Teeth. Brazilian researchers analyzed 14 studies, and found that stressed-out people have a higher risk of developing gum disease. They think that the hormone cortisol . . . which your body produces when you're feeling stressed . . . might impair your immune system and allow bacteria to invade your gums.

#5.) Itchy Skin. A recent Japanese study of more than 2,000 people found that the ones with chronic itch were twice as likely to be stressed out. Obviously the itching itself caused some of the stress, but the researchers think that feeling anxious also aggravates conditions like dermatitis, eczema, and psoriasis.

#6.) Bad Allergies. Some researchers think that stress hormones stimulate the production of a certain blood protein that causes allergic reactions. And a 2008 study at Ohio State University found that allergy sufferers had more symptoms after they took a test that was designed to stress them out.

#7.) Stomach Aches. In a study of over 1,900 men and women, the ones with the highest stress levels were more than three times as likely to have abdominal pain. Doctors aren't sure why, but one theory is that the intestines and the brain share nerve pathways, and when your brain reacts to stress, your intestines follow. But if you have CHRONIC stomach aches, see your doctor to rule everything else out. You might have an ulcer, food allergies, or irritable bowel syndrome. Or you might be lactose intolerant.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Five Sneaky Ways to Save Money on Gas:

Gas has gone up more than 40 cents in the last month, and according to Triple-A, the national average now sits at $3.54 a gallon. You probably know that having enough air in your tires is important, because it can improve your gas mileage by about 3%. But here are five more sneaky ways to save money on gas.

#1.) Buy Gas at Night or Early in the Morning. Gas stations store their gas underground, and it's denser when the ground is cold. So you actually get slightly more gas for your money if you pump before the sun comes up.

#2.) Try to Hit the Pump Midweek. Gas prices tend to rise slightly on Thursday, then drop back down on Tuesday or Wednesday.

#3.) Don't Get Gas Until You Need To. It's heavy, so driving with a full tank burns more fuel. But don't drive around on fumes either . . . it can screw up your fuel pump.

#4.) Don't Use High-Octane Gas If You Don't Need It. It seems obvious, but apparently some people still think high-octane gas is good for their low-octane cars. So just to be clear, unless you're driving a high-performance car, a motorcycle, a truck, or an SUV, the higher octane level won't improve your car's performance, and it's a waste of money.

#5.) Don't Drive Aggressively. According to the Department of Energy, 60 miles per hour is the most fuel-efficient speed on the highway for most cars. And according to a recent article on MSNBC.com, speeding can cost the equivalent of between 21 and 71 cents per gallon.

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Stunningly Dumb Warning Labels From Forbes Magazine:

Label: Never operate your speakerphone while driving. Product: Jabra Drive 'N' Talk.
The 2010 winner of the annual Wacky Warning Label contest, which challenges Americans to find the most ridiculous warning labels in the country. The Jabra Drive 'N' Talk is a Bluetooth speakerphone accessory for cellphones to be used in the car. So should it just be called the "Talk"?


Label: This product may contain nuts. Product: Peanuts & Peanut M&Ms.
Often found on bags of peanuts, including those made by Sainbury, as well as on those yellow bags of Peanut M&Ms. All of which makes you wonder what some conspiracy theorists think they're buying.

Label: Do not hold the wrong end of a chainsaw. Product: Chainsaw.
Many chainsaws bear this digit-saver, in sticker form, right on their sides.


Label: Do not use while sleeping. Product: Hair dryer.
Several manufacturers of hair dryers thought it necessary to warn users of the dangers of sleep-drying, an affliction that, apparently, befell somebody

Label: Contents may catch fire.Product: Blow torch gas bottle.
Just let 'em go up in flames.

Label: Do not drive with sun shield in place. Product: Reflective cardboard sun shades for car dashboards. OK, so what is the sun shield for? Presumably, hanging out in your car, alone, sipping a 44-ounce fountain cup of Mountain Dew, air conditioning on, sun shade firmly in place, contemplating where you'll drive when the sun finally goes down. Or you could just take the sunshade out of the window and drive in the blistering sun without it.


Label: This product may contain eggs.Product: A carton of eggs.
So that's what those are!

Label: May cause drowsiness. Product: Nytol sleeping pills.
Let's hope, for GlaxoSmithKline's sake, the warning rings true.

Label: Safety goggles recommended. Product: Staples's letter opener.
Sadly, this was a misprint. According to Amy Sandler, a public relations rep at Staples, "The label is meant for our retractable box cutter, where the blades might slide off. Package redesigns are currently being shipped to Staples and Staples.com with the correct 'Keep out of reach of children' warning." Fair enough.

Label: The Vanishing Fabric Marker should not be used as a writing instrument for signing checks or any legal documents. Product: W.H. Collins' Vanishing Fabric Markers. Well, that sure takes the fun of out it: After all, who doesn't like being handed a blank check?

Label: Never use a lit match or open flame to check fuel level. Product: Jet Ski.
This little ditty can be found on gas caps for personal recreational vehicles such as jet skis and ATVs. Should be followed by: "And if this was news to you, you are not legally permitted to operate this vehicle or, for that matter, leave the house."

Label: Do not put any person in this washer.Product: Huebsch Washing Machine.
First load: towels. Next load: the youngest daughter

Label: This product is not intended for use as a dental drill. Product: Dremel Multipro rotary tools. You can't be too careful in this day and age.

Label (on website): Do not eat. Product: Apple's iPod shuffle.
When Apple introduced its digital music player in 2005, the company added this warning on its website. Parody or paranoia? The company wouldn't comment.

Label: Keep pet birds out of the kitchen when using this product. Product: Bialetti Casa Italiana's nonstick pans. Polly may not have a thing for fancy cookware, and she might not like the fumes potentially given off by hot Teflon, either. "Many animal owners call us inquiring about it," says Richard Duran, a Bialetti consumer relations representative. Solid advice, always.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Four Things Women Are Better At Than Men:

There's a new book out this month called "Man Down" that attempts to prove that women are "BETTER" than men. And each of the 36 chapters details something women do best. Here are four of them.

#1.) Not Dying in a Car Crash. A study at Carnegie Mellon University found that male drivers have a 77% higher risk of dying in a car accident than women do, possibly because men drive more aggressively. And according to a separate study, men are also more likely to run you over when you're crossing the street.

#2.) Gambling. According to a study of 40,000 gamblers, women are better at turning a profit because they tend to act more quickly and be more aggressive with their bets. But here's what's weird: Women are also better at handling finances, because they tend to be more level-headed and focused on saving for the future.

#3.) Working the Room at a Cocktail Party. Women are much better at remembering words, faces, and daily events, which makes it easier to strike up conversations with people they barely know.

#4.) Getting Someone to Reveal a Secret. Some studies have shown that men actually gossip more than women do. And when it comes to getting people to tell them things, women have a few tactical "advantages." Which is also one of the reasons the CIA uses female spies.

THIS explains why I can't dance!

Great news! According to scientists at the University of Montreal, your complete lack of rhythm might not be your fault. They've actually identified a condition called "BEAT DEAFNESS," where a person's brain actually can't PROCESS a musical beat . . . which makes it impossible to properly dance to it. Unfortunately, before you say "Well that explains it, I am a horrible dancer because I have beat deafness" . . . there's only been one documented case of this EVER in the entire history of mankind. That doesn't mean there's only one human in history who had beat deafness . . . he's just the only one who had it diagnosed. He's a 23-year-old who's been identified at Mathieu, and the team at the University of Montreal has been studying his case. They believe that beat deafness comes from a disconnect in the brain between the area that identifies rhythm and the area that controls movement.

The 10 Biggest "Passion Killers" In a Relationship Include Long Work Hours, Snoring, and Not Regularly Buying Better Underwear?

According to a new survey, these are the top 10 things you do that are "PASSION KILLERS." Yes, you. You specifically. Sorry to call you out like this.

#10.) Disgusting bathroom habits, like leaving nail clippings on the floor, or a stained toilet bowl.

#9.) Bad fashion choices, and not regularly replacing your underwear with new, more attractive underwear.

#8.) Snoring.

#7.) Drinking too much alcohol.

#6.) Not bringing the romance anymore.

#5.) Too much time with in-laws or extended family. Especially having one of your parents move in with you.

#4.) Personal cleanliness and hygiene issues.

#3.) Long work hours.

#2.) Becoming too tight or too loose with money.

#1.) Gaining weight, and a lack of exercise.

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Four Life Lessons You Can Learn From Charlie Sheen:

Someone on Yahoo posted a list of life lessons we can all take away from the Charlie Sheen meltdown, and some of them are pretty legit. Here are the top four.

Lesson #1 The Things You Do Outside of Work Can Derail Your Career. Obviously you can't show up for work drunk . . . which Charlie claims he never did. But what he DID do was badmouth his boss in public. So make sure you know who's reading your Tweets before you go complaining about your job on Twitter. Your boss might be reading them without you realizing it.

Lesson #2 No One Is 100% Secure in Their Job. If you make a big enough mistake, it doesn't matter how much money you've made for your company. Even the star of America's favorite sitcom got fired.

Lesson #3 Learn to Keep Your Emotions in Check. It's okay to be emotional, but if you make DECISIONS based on your emotions, you'll end up making BAD decisions . . . like going on the radio and saying you're gonna sue all your bosses.

Lesson #4 Take Responsibility for Your Mistakes. If you DO make a mistake, accept responsibility and make sure your apology sounds sincere. So in other words, don't say what Charlie Sheen said a few days after he made fun of his boss Chuck Lorre. He said, quote, "I'm sorry if I offended you. Didn't know you were so sensitive."

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Five Ways the Federal Budget Cuts Could Affect Your Health:

According to the Senior Public Health Correspondent for AOL News, the budget cuts being proposed by Republicans in the House AND the Obama administration both put America's health at risk. Here's a list of five federally funded organizations that are likely to get cut, and what it might mean for your health.

#1.) The Consumer Product Safety Commission. This week, they're launching a long-awaited public database of products. For the first time you'll be able to easily find any safety hazards associated with things you buy and things you already own. The database is supposedly huge, but the proposed budget cuts would slash their funding, and they wouldn't be able to keep the database current. The budget cuts would also end a policy that requires manufacturers to have every product tested for safety by an outside company.

#2.) Poison Control Centers. The bill that recently passed the House would cut 93% of the funding, and close 57 centers around the country. Meanwhile, accidental poisoning is one of the top causes of unintentional death in the U.S.

#3.) The Environmental Protection Agency. The House bill aims to eliminate one third of the E.P.A.'s funding, and it would prevent the public from reviewing offshore drilling permits. According to the head of a non-profit called the Environmental Working Group, the cuts would also jeopardize the quality of our air and water. And he predicted a spike in asthma cases around the country.

#4.) The Occupational Safety and Health Administration. They're the people in charge of making sure construction companies and factories don't do things that put their employee's lives at risk. And the proposed 18% cuts in the House bill would result in about 8,000 fewer hazard inspections around the country each year.

#5.) The U.S.D.A. and the Food and Drug Administration. 500 million more pounds of beef and poultry are expected to be processed this year. But in both Obama's budget AND the House budget, the U.S.D.A. isn't getting the money to hire more inspectors. So that means the same number of workers will have to work longer hours to inspect more food. And it'll increase the chances of bad meat and poultry showing up in the grocery store.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Five Reasons You Shouldn't Quit Drinking Coffee:

You've probably seen articles on why drinking too much coffee is bad for you. But if you drink it in moderation . . . and you don't load it up with cream and sugar . . . coffee is actually GOOD for your health. In fact, it has more antioxidants per serving than blueberries do, and it's the top source of antioxidants in the average American's diet. So to help kick off the work week, here's a list that'll help you feel better about your favorite morning addiction. It's five reasons to NOT quit drinking coffee.

#1.) It's Good For Your Heart. Even though coffee raises your heart rate and blood pressure when you drink it, research suggests it might actually LOWER your blood pressure in the long run. And moderate coffee drinkers . . . which means one-to-three cups a day . . . are also less likely to suffer a stroke. Researchers think it's because the antioxidants help protect your arteries from inflammation.

#2.) It Might Help Prevent Diabetes. According to several studies, the antioxidants boost your sensitivity to insulin, and people who drink four or more cups of coffee a day have a lower risk of developing type two diabetes. But here's the catch: If you have too much caffeine, it doesn't work. So you're supposed to switch back and forth between regular and decaf.

#3.) It's Good for Your Liver. The case isn't closed on this one, but some research has shown that the more coffee you drink, the less likely you are to develop liver disease. And one analysis of nine different studies found that for every two cups of coffee you drink per day, your risk of developing liver cancer drops by 43%.

#4.) It's Good for Your Brain. According to at least one study, drinking up to five cups of coffee a day reduces your risk of dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. Researchers think the antioxidants protect your brain cells and make the neurotransmitters in your brain work better.

#5.) It Helps With Headaches. 200 milligrams of caffeine . . . which is what's in the average 16-ounce cup of coffee . . . can relieve mild headaches and even migraines. Experts don't know exactly WHY it works, but they do know that caffeine boosts brain cell activity, which causes the surrounding blood vessels to constrict. And one theory is, the constriction helps to relieve the pressure that's causing the pain.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Five Myths About Living Longer That Have Just Been Debunked:

There's a new book out called "The Longevity Project", about a 90-year-long study on what makes people live longer, healthier lives. And some of the results are pretty surprising. According to the study, here are five things people THINK make them live longer . . . but don't.

Myth #1.) Stay Optimistic. In the study, kids who were described as "extraordinarily cheerful and optimistic" were LESS likely to live to an old age. --But being cynical and pessimistic wasn't good either. The people who lived the longest were the ones who felt satisfied with life, but also had enough drive to accomplish things.

Myth #2.) Gardening and Walking Aren't Enough to Keep You Healthy. According to government guidelines, you're supposed to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least four times a week. --But that doesn't mean you have to go jogging. The study found that middle-aged people were more likely to live a long life if they stayed active doing something they ENJOYED. And walking or gardening for 30 minutes was enough. -Jogging and going to the gym works too, but most people don't stick with it as they get older.

Myth #3.) Being Too Serious Is Bad for You. In the study, people who were carefree about life in general didn't live as long, because they didn't do as many things to protect their health. And they also engaged in riskier activities. --The people who lived the longest were responsible, persistent, detail-oriented, well-organized, and sometimes obsessive.

Myth #4.) Working Long Hours at the Office Is Killing You. Constant stress isn't good for your health. But apparently, being promoted IS. The subjects in the study who experienced the most career success also lived the longest. --And the ones who moved from job to job without gaining more responsibility were more likely to die young.

Myth #5.) Marriage Makes You Live Longer. It's only half true. The researchers found that women can live just as long if they NEVER get married, as long as they have an active social life.
--But single MEN weren't so lucky. They outlived the guys who got married MORE than once. But the guys who lived longest were the ones who stayed married to the same woman their entire lives.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Take this quiz to see if you're built to make big money:

With so many people either unemployed or looking to change jobs in today's unpredictable economic environment, people are putting a lot of extra thought and time into their job searches, prepping for their interviews and padding their resumes to stand out as "the ideal hire." However, did you know that your fate as an earner could already be determined by your outward appearance and actions? Take the quiz below to find out how many attributes and physical characteristics you have that favor you to make some big bucks, regardless of who your former employer was or how gold-plated your work history may be.


1. How tall are you?

a. 6' 0" (+)
b. 5' 6"
c. 5' 4"
d. 5' 2" (-)
Timothy A. Judge, Ph.D. of the University of Florida and researcher Daniel M. Cable, Ph.D. of the University of North Carolina, found a link between taller height in men and higher salaries. Their findings suggest that a 6'0" tall man will earn over $160,000 more over the course of a 30-year career than a shorter man in that same position.


2. What color is your hair?

a. Blond
b. Red
c. Brown
d. Black
Not only do gentlemen prefer blondes, but women with blond hair make a salary that is 7 percent higher than ladies with darker hair, says the University of Queensland.


3. How do people describe your face?
a. Mature looking
b. Wrinkled and weathered
c. Baby-faced and youthful
d. Pudgy
A Duke University study called "A Corporate Beauty Contest" found that mature-looking Caucasian men were perceived as more powerful in the workplace than their youthful, sprite-looking counterparts.

4. How often do you smile?
a. All the time
b. Frequently
c. Occasionally
d. Seldom
Rice University Professor Rick Wilson's new study found that good looks and success go hand in hand, and that people who smile a lot are seen as more trustworthy -- a major bonus in the workplace if you are trying to advance your career or start a new one.

5. Men, how much hair do you have and where is it?
a. Clean shaven with all your own hair
b. Bald
c. Moustache
d. Beard
In today's workplace, there is a huge emphasis on your image and appearance, because it is believed by many that your outward presentation goes along with your inward personality and capabilities. For example, U.S. News & World Report finds that hair implants and plastic surgery can actually improve your workplace standings.

6. Women, do you wear makeup to work?
a. All the time
b. Sometimes
c. Rarely
d. Never
Research and expert advice shows that women who wear makeup to work are perceived as more professional, and that made-up women get promoted faster than those who go au natural.

7. What's your standard workplace attire of choice?
a. Conservative suits
b. Hips dresses or fashionable ties
c. Casual, relaxed clothes
d. Sexy and tight outfits
The Harvard Business Review found that more than half of professional women believed that conservative attire was linked to higher levels of success. There is something to be said for not wearing distracting or inappropriate clothing to the office; after all, you want people to know you are a worker bee, not a working gal.

8. What is your marital status?
a. Married
b. Separated
c. Divorced
d. Single
Want to climb the corporate ladder? Well then hitch your career-star to your better half and enjoy a greater net worth than your single friends, says Dinks Finance and Richard Niolon.

9. What's your ancestry?
a. Russian
b. Chinese
c. French
d. German
According to 'The Millionaire Next Door: The Surprising Secrets of America's Wealthy,' households headed by persons of Russian ancestry tend to have higher net worths.


10. How often do you smoke?
a. Never
b. Occasionally (social smoking, a few cigarettes per month)
c. Frequently (several cigarettes a day)
d. Often (8 or more cigarettes a day)
If you smoke, your net worth may go up in smoke as well. According to 'The Wealth Effects of Smoking' by J.L Zagorsky, non-smokers have a net worth that is 50 percent higher than light smokers.

Calculate your score
To calculate your score, give yourself 20 points for every A answer, 15 for every B, 10 for every C and 5 for every D. (* Please note that while this quiz is based on studies and research, it is in no way scientifically certain and should not be treated as such.)

200 - 170
You are a cut-above the rest and destined to be a top-earner who easily grosses well over six figures each year. Think, law firm partner, investment banker, IT guru and entrepreneurial ninja. For people in this category, the sky is the limit and bonuses are often as big as the bucks you'll earn.

165-135
You are still coming out well above average and will enjoy a comfortable lifestyle thanks to your career. Jobs that fall into this second tier category will most likely be in high-end sales, like real estate or pharmaceuticals, or as a physician or a consultant.

130-100
Your score is right around the average. You make enough to pay bills, but do not enjoy a lavish lifestyle. Many of the jobs suited to employees in this category are standard office positions, such as federal and state workers, human resources personnel and executive assistants.

95-50
You are not destined to make big bucks in your current career situation and may want to rethink your long-term goals for career advancement. Employees in this tier often do shift work or manual labor, and don't seem to make enough to pay their bills.

Clearly getting a job today is just as much about what you look like, as it is about what and who you know.

If you find that your appearance or actions are falling short in certain areas, take the necessary steps to climb the corporate ladder. Regardless of whether the critical factor be shaving, getting hitched or dying your hair -- what do you have to lose?

Some things you have no control over, like your height or eye color; but other things are easily altered (such as how much you smoke), and can be the difference between a six-figure salary and a $50,000 salary.