The Best Day of My Life

The Best Day of My Life


Today, when I awoke, I suddenly realized that this is the best day of my life, ever! There were times when I wondered if I would make it to today; but I did! And because I did I'm going to celebrate!

Today, I'm going to celebrate what an unbelievable life I have had so far: the accomplishments, the many blessings, and, yes, even the hardships because they have served to make me stronger. I will go through this day with my head held high, and a happy heart.

I will marvel at God's seemingly simple gifts: the morning dew, the sun, the clouds, the trees, the flowers, the birds. Today, none of these miraculous creations will escape my notice.

Today, I will share my excitement for life with other people. I'll make someone smile. I'll go out of my way to perform an unexpected act of kindness for someone I don't even know.

Today, I'll give a sincere compliment to someone who seems down. I'll tell a child how special he is, and I'll tell someone I love just how deeply I care for her and how much she means to me.

Today is the day I quit worrying about what I don't have and start being grateful for all the wonderful things God has already given me. I'll remember that to worry is just a waste of time because my faith in God and his Divine Plan ensures everything will be just fine.

And tonight, before I go to bed, I'll go outside and raise my eyes to the heavens. I will stand in awe at the beauty of the stars and the moon, and I will praise God for these magnificent treasures.

As the day ends and I lay my head down on my pillow, I will thank the Almighty for the best day of my life. And I will sleep the sleep of a contented child, excited with expectation because I know tomorrow is going to be the best day of my life, ever!

Don't Quit

Don't Quit

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low, and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you frown a bit,
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is strange with its twists and turns,
As everyone of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about,
When he might have won had he stuck it out;
Don't give up though the pace seems slow,
You may succeed with another blow.

Success is failure turned inside out,
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And you can never tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit,
It's when things seem worst
That you must not quit.

The song "Hope" was written and performed by Margi Harrell

http://llerrahmusic.com/dontquit.htm

So Much Depends On You

So Much Depends On You


"I got two A's" the small boy said,
his voice was filled with glee,
his father very bluntly said
"Why didn't you get three?"

"Mom, I've got the dishes done"
the girl called from the door.
Her mother very calmly said,
"Did you sweep the floor?"

"I mowed the grass" the tall boy said,
"and put the mower away"
His father asked him with a shrug,
"Did you clean off the clay?"



The Children in the house next door
seemed happy and content
The same thing happened over there,
but this is how it went:



"I got two A's" the young boy said,
his voice was filled with glee,
his father proudly said "that’s great,
I'm glad you belong to me"



"Mom, I got the dishes done,"
the girl called from the door.
Her mother smiled and softly said,
"Each day I love you more."



"I've mowed the grass," the tall boy said,
"and put the mower away"
his father answered with much joy,
"You've made my happy day"



Children deserve a little praise
for tasks they're asked to do,
if they're to lead a happy life,
so much depends on you!

Better In Time

Better In Time - Leona Lewis

It's been the longest winter without you
I didn't know where to turn to
See somehow I can't forget you
After all that we've been through

Going coming thought I heard a knock
Who's there no one
Thinking that I deserve it
Now I realize that I really didn't know
you didn't notice you mean everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All I know is I'ma be okay

Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
And even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time

How could I turn on the TV
without something there to remind me
Was it all that easy
To just put aside your feelings

If I'm dreaming don't wanna let
Hurt my feelings
but that's the past
I believe it
And I know that time will heal it
If you didn't notice
boy you meant everything
Quickly I'm learning to love again
All I know is I'ma be okay


Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
And even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time

Since there's no more you and me
It's time I let you go
So I can be free
And live my life how it should be
No matter how hard it is I'll
be fine without you
Yes I will


Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
And even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time

Thought I couldn't live without you
It's gonna hurt when it heals too
It'll all get better in time
And even though I really love you
I'm gonna smile cause I deserve to
It'll all get better in time

Before He Cheats

Before He Cheats - Carrie Underwood

Right now he's probably slow dancing with a bleach blond tramp,
and she's probably getting frisky...
right now, he's probably buying her some fruity little drink cause she can't shoot whiskey...

Right now, he's probably up behind her with a pool-stick, showing her how to shoot a combo...

And he don't know...

That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats...
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.

Right now, she's probably up singing some
white-trash version of Shania karaoke..
Right now, she's probably saying "I'm drunk"
and he's a thinking that he's gonna get lucky,
Right now, he's probably dabbing on 3 dollars worth of that bathroom polo...
And he don't know...

That I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats,
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.

I might've saved a little trouble for the next girl,
Cause the next time that he cheats...

Oh, you know it won't be on me!

No...not on me
'Cause I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up 4 wheel drive,
carved my name into his leather seats...
I took a Louisville slugger to both headlights,
slashed a hole in all 4 tires...

Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats.

Oh.. Maybe next time he'll think before he cheats...

Ohh... before he cheats...

Strong Enough

Strong Enough - Cher

I don't need your sympathy
There's nothing you can say or do for me
And I don't want a miracle
You'll never change for no one
And I hear your reasons why
Where did you sleep last night?
And was she worth it, was she worth it?

I'm strong enough to live without you
Strong enough and I quit crying
Long enough now I'm strong enough
To know you gotta go


There's no more to say
So save your breath and walk away
No matter what I hear you say
I'm strong enough to know you gotta go

So you feel misunderstood
Baby have I got news for you
On being used, I could write the book
But you don't wanna hear about it

'Cause I've been losing sleep
And you've been going cheap
And she ain't worth half of me it's true
I'm telling you, that

(chorus)

I'm strong enough to live without you
Strong enough and I quit crying
Long enough now I'm strong enough
To know you gotta go


There's no more to say
So save your breath and walk away
No matter what I hear you say
I'm strong enough to know you gotta go

Come hell or waters high
You'll never see me cry
This is our last goodbye, it's true
Now,I'm telling you

I'm strong enough to live without you
Strong enough and I quit crying
Long enough now I'm strong enough
To know you gotta go


There's no more to say
So save your breath and walk away
No matter what I hear you say
I'm strong enough to know you gotta go

Make Your Dream Home

Make your dream home
It's not the end of the world if you have to change houses. Know that you and your kids are going to create memories there and that's what makes it a dream home.

Make Time For Yourself

Make time for yourself
Make a priority to be a little selfish and do something just for yourself. The most important gift you can give your children is to take care of their parents. Try a new class, start exercising, or reconnect with an old hobby you've forgotten about.

Create A Support Squad

Create a support squad
Ask for help. People appreciate being asked for help. It's a gift to them to allow them to be there for you. Create a support squad of your closest friends who won't mind providing you with emotional support, professional guidance and ongoing inspiration. Realize that you're not the first person to go through this.

Get Your Resources and Assests Around You

Get your resources and assets around you
Do everything you can to program yourself for success. Find out what your strengths and skills are and focus on them to help move you in a new and positive direction. Everybody has a personal truth — what you believe about yourself when nobody's watching. Remember that you will create the results in life that you believe you deserve.

Make A Plan

Make a plan
Assess your situation financially, look at your resources to see what your options are in terms of housing, job and finances.

Talk To Your Kids

Talk to your kids
Divorce can create emotional wounds in children. Talk to them about what's going on, what they're feeling, and how things will get better. Involve them. If they know there are things they can do to help this transition, it will give them a feeling of power

Define a new relationship with your ex for your children

You've accepted it. Now it's time to jumpstart your life!

Define a new relationship with your ex for your children
Your old relationship was husband and wife, your new relationship is as common allies of your children.

Don't Waste Time With Regret

Don't waste time with regret
At some point you have to say, "It is what it is." You can't do anything about what you did before; but you can do a lot about what you're doing now.

Take the catastrophic language out of your mind

Take the catastrophic language out of your mind
"My life is over," "I've lost everything," and "Things are horrible" are labels that can have a powerful impact on how you feel. Recognize that it's factually not true. Your life isn't over, it's just a new beginning for you. Changing the negative tapes that run in your head can change how you physically feel.

There is life after this marriage

There is life after this marriage
As hard as it is to believe right now, one day this marriage will just be something you did once. You'll go on and you'll have what you create.

Clean House

A clean house is the sign of a broken computer.

Eight Things You Need to Know About Divorce and Marriage

Eight Things You Need to Know About Divorce and Marriage by
Laurie’s guest this week is Cynthia Rubin, family law attorney. Join them as they clink plastic glasses and have an honest conversation about divorce, the law, and how you can protect yourself before, during and after. Does the judge care about the cause of your divorce? Why getting support is so important. What to do if you are down and out, broke, and feeling trapped. And what makes for a good divorce? Read More

Don't burn daylight

Don't burn daylight
Grieving doesn't have a time frame on it, but life does. Whether you realize it or not, life is marching on. There comes a time when you have to accept the fact and say, "I've got to get on with my life, I've got to get on with raising my children, I've got to get on with putting things together where I can be a happy, meaningful, productive member of society." Find a way to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.

Nutty Maxine

A man without a women is a bachalor. A women without a man ia a genious.

Get out of denial

Get out of denial
Ask yourself: Do you really want this marriage, or are you hanging onto it out of fear? If being alone is a scarier thought than staying in a broken marriage, you're letting fear make your decisions. Are you mourning the loss of what your marriage was, or what you thought marriage would be?

Be an example for your children

Be an example for your children
What kind of mom do you think your kids are experiencing when you're sitting around and crying and looking over your shoulder at what was instead of what is?

Quotes For The Day,

Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don't know how to replenish its source. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of illness and wounds; it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings.

Anais Nin:

A Day Of First's

Sundays can be the longest day if you are divorced or even widowed. Kids are grown, they live far away, they are visiting their fathers, or they are just busy with their own fa miles.

I never really understood this concept till it happened to me. Now I understood how my father felt after my mothers death. Don't get me wrong I called and spoke to my father each Sunday for sure along with other days of the week. But Sunday was eatch in stone I would either call him or he would call me. It seemed to make his day a bit easier and gave him something to look forward to as well each week.

This past Sunday a dear friend called and asked if I would like to go out for lunch to Old County Buffet in Mankato. I had never been there. So I was very excited to try something new. I also had never been to Mankato as well. So on the drive down it was great to see new country side, towns, and a bit of history. The drive took us along the Minnesota river. Some these towns had so many Queen Victoria homes dating back to the early 1800's.

After lunch we went to the mall. It felt good to get out a walk, window shop and visit along the way. Each of us suffer from fibromyaliga so this was good exercise to walk and take our time. Even a few practical jokes where played on each other along the way as well.

On the drive home we took a detour through New Ulm. This was another town I had never been to as well. It was a wonderful drive along the country side.

New Ulm is a German settle town. There, where miles and miles of Queen Victoria Area homes. The stain glass windows, design of each home was unique. There where no 2 homes alike. Many of the homes have been listed on the National Registry as historic landmarks. We took our time stopping frequently to stretch and walk along the sidewalks to get a good look at them. There where even a few city monuments we took in.

Time flew by so fast it had been several hours since lunch so astopped for an ice cream cone came at a good time. By the time we made it home nearly 8 hours had past.

It was an amazing day for me as I had experienced so many new items, exploreing new towns and traveled roads I had never been on before. I will cherish this day for many months to come. And suggest to many of you do the same don't just sit at home looking at 4 walls get out and experience life.

Quotes For The Day

Ex husbands are called Ex for a reason. Why call them anything else.

Marcia Chumbley

Quotes For The Day

Remember, Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, but she did it backwards and in high heels.

Faith Whittlesey:

Quotes For The Day

If women are supposed to be less rational and more emotional at the beginning of our menstrual cycle when the female hormone is at its lowest level, then why isn't it logical to say that, in those few days, women behave the most like the way men behave all month long?

Gloria Steinem:

Quotes For The Day

Sometimes I wonder if men and women really suit each other. Perhaps they should live next door and just visit now and then.

Katharine Hepburn:

Quote For The Day

I am a woman above everything else.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis:

Quotes For The Day,

You have to have funny faces and words, you can't just have words. It is a powerful thing, and I think that's why it's hard for people to imagine that women can do that, be that powerful.

Ellen DeGeneres

Quotes For The Day

Sometimes you can't see yourself clearly until you see yourself through the eyes of others.

Ellen DeGeneres

Girls Weekend-Retreat

Girls Weekend

This past weekend we had a "Girls Weekend". There was 6 of us we went to my cabin up north for some R and R. We had only 2 rules there was to be no talk of work/jobs or discussion of men/husbands or former husbands. There was no agenda of activities. The day and evenings where open to come and go do the things each one of us enjoyed.

Some of the actives we did was swimming, golfing, hiking, biking, miniature golf, bingo, dancing, drive in movies or just sit back have a glass of wine and read a good book. There was even discussion of faith and religion. Many paired of and did activities together. In the evening we had great discussions around the bon fire. Tried to solve many problems of the world. Reconnected as good friends. A few of us where scolded (myself included) for not staying connected or in communications with others.

I was soon forgiven, but looking back it was true I had lost contact with a couple of my friends. Mostly because of the controlling marriage I had been in. My ex husband had isolated me from these friends that are dear and wonderful people.

We have a span of over 20 plus years together. We had lived on the same street together, and some of us had worked together. We had been there over the years to watch our children grow, go off to college get married and the enjoyment of grandchildren. 2 of us had gone through a divorce, 1 had remarried, while others suffered and survived cancer. You might call us another version of "desperate housewives."
4 of us have lost our own mothers and we realized we are now the generation we had always envisioned our parents at. We all had empty nest homes. This was a good time in our lives we felt young vibrant. We laughed so much that we had tears of joy, there where giggles, humor, and good debates on different subjects.

When you get 6 women together there is always going to be room for good discussions. We each have our own opinions. And we all discovered many of us had change our opinions from what we believed 20 years ago.

All in all this was a great weekend and bonding. We reconnected as women, mothers, grandmothers and most of ALL GOOD FRIENDS

Quote For The Day

One must desire something to be alive.

Margaret Deland,

What is Your Destiny

What is Your Destiny's.

Sunday 7-20-2008

I went to church that morning. The sermon hit me like a nail and hammer. What is your destiny?

Your destiny is what you create it to be.

Sundays are usually the longest day when you are single/divorced. You can make the day what you want it to be. Along with that what is your destiny just to sit and have self pity or to get up and live and dance to a new life song. The choice is yours!

As for myself..this was how I spent my Sunday. Remember you only can take life one day at a time.

That afternoon I went to the movies with a good friend. We saw Wall-E silly but fun show. It was one that was simple and you can laugh and have a good time with. After the show we went for a burger. Yes simple, but enjoyable. We talked of the show and our lives. Good advice shared on simple things, auto repair, weather, and recalling other old movies with animation creatures in them. One came to mind was a robot called No.5. Neither one us could recall the name of the movie. It was one of those items you know you should know it but just can't think of it. We came back to my place to research on the net. our search term was "Movies robot No5." there it popped up "Short Circuit".

The rest of the evening was spent with conversation, good laughs and atruly enjoyable with a good friend. What a great way to round out the weekend or on the other hand start a new week.

While I Still Can Dance.....

>While I Still Can Dance....

I will share your hopes and dreams and desires.
I will belive that you can turn your dreams into reality.

Women Use Friendship to Tackle Domestic Violence

Women Use Friendship to Tackle Domestic Violence

- Whoever first said that “a friend in need is a friend indeed” certainly knew what she (or she) was talking about. Good friends encourage you to live your dreams, and stand by you through good times and bad. And, as one recent poll shows, women are most likely to confide in a friend when they are facing violence in their home.



“Women draw support from friendship on so many levels, from sharing beauty secrets and common experiences to dealing with life’s ups and downs,” says Shelley Simmons of The Body Shop, whose recent global survey revealed that 59 percent of women are most likely to confide in a friend if affected by domestic violence. “Social misconceptions about domestic violence may make women feel more comfortable confiding in a friend whom they can depend on for caring, nonjudgmental support.”



No one is certain exactly how common domestic violence is since many cases probably go unreported. The U.S. Justice Department, however, estimates the number of annual cases somewhere between 960,000 and 3 million. Across all age groups and social strata, women experiencing violence in the home are far more likely to turn to a friend for help than anyone else, including police, health care providers and support groups, The Body Shop survey shows.



“With the approach of International Friendship Day in August, it’s a great time for women to get educated on how to recognize the signs of domestic violence and what to do to help a friend going through it,” says Simmons. The Body Shop’s 2008 Stop Violence in the Home Campaign focuses on how friendship can provide a lifeline to women in crisis, and promotes education on how women can help each other if they are facing domestic violence. Also, for every “For Me, For You” Shea Lip Care Duo sold, the company will donate $9 of the purchase price towards domestic violence prevention, education and rescue.



Tell-tale signs a woman is experiencing violence in the home include:



* She has become quiet or withdrawn from friends.

* She ends phone conversations suddenly when her partner appears.

* Her friends feel unwelcome or tense when her partner is around.

* She shows signs of difficult-to-explain bruises or cuts.

* She has mentioned that her partner is possessive or jealous.

* Socially, she begins to see less of her friends.



“Once a friend confides in you about violence in her home, there are many things you can do to help her,” Simmons says.



* Be patient. Listen, but don’t judge. She must make decisions about her life in her own way and her own time.

* Don’t be critical of her partner, as this may make her feel ashamed and prevent her from confiding in you again.

* Don’t give up if you lose contact with her for a while. She may temporarily retreat.

* Tell her that the violence isn’t her fault; it’s a choice and her partner is the only one responsible for his behavior.

* Remind her that domestic violence is illegal and the police have to investigate. Encourage her to seek confidential help from the police.

* Continue to support her and don’t give up on her. You may be her only lifeline.

* Finally, if you suspect she is in immediate danger, you have no choice but to go to the police. Saving her life trumps saving the friendship.



“You may not know someone who is dealing with domestic violence, but it’s still possible to help those who are,” Simmons says.



First, education is key. Teach your teen girls that domestic violence is never acceptable. Second, be the best friend you can be; you never know what emotional challenges a friend faces. Simply by sharing love, support and fun times, you could be giving support to a friend who needs it, even if you don’t know it yet.



Finally, support causes that raise funds for victims of domestic violence. “Not only does buying a ‘For Me, For You’ Shea Lip Care Duo support efforts to end domestic violence, it’s also a great way for someone to show a friend she cares and give her a gift that will make her feel good about herself,” Simmons says.



To learn more about how you can support the fight against domestic violence, or to find a store of The Body Shop near you, visit www.thebodyshop.com.



Courtesy of ARAcontent

Celebrate the Queen Bee in all Women

Celebrate the Queen Bee in all Women

Although moms get their own special day of recognition every May, what about all of the other women that help make the world go ‘round? Grandmothers, sisters and best friends all deserve to know how much they are appreciated on a daily basis.

The summer months are dotted with special days dedicated to the ladies. This summer, declare all of the women you know a queen bee and celebrate the things that make them beautiful – inside and out. Keep these dates in mind and surprise her highness with a day of pampering.

Gorgeous Grandma Day – July 23
Girlfriend’s Day – August 1
Sister’s Day – August 3

Natural beauty is easy to attain with an item you most likely already have in your kitchen cupboard – pure honey. Used by itself or with a combination of ingredients, honey can help moisturize, ward off unwanted bacteria and help give your skin an all-over natural glow. Not only is honey a humectant, it also contains vitamins, enzymes, minerals and antimicrobial properties, making it one of the more natural ways to indulge your skin.*

Christopher Watt, Hollywood aesthetician to stars such as Halle Barry and Jennifer Lopez, has developed a database of recipes especially for the National Honey Board that focuses on natural ingredients and easy do-it-yourself directions.

* Not a significant source of vitamins, enzymes or minerals.

RECIPES:

The Honey and Gold Luxe Facial

Ingredients:
1/3 cup pure honey
1/4 cup papaya, peeled, seedless (optional)
1 banana (optional)
1 Tbsp. Chamomile tea (optional)
24-karat gold leaf sheets

Treatment Instructions:
Steep 1 Chamomile tea bag for 5 minutes and set aside. Mix together honey, papaya and banana in a small bowl. Add 1 Tbsp. Chamomile tea; mix until completely blended. Apply to clean skin in circular motions. Leave on face for 10 to 15 minutes. Remove using tepid water. Apply gold leaf sheets to entire face and neck. You may need to use tweezers to handle as the gold sheets are very thin and delicate. Leave on skin for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water, followed by a cool rinse. Skin may appear shiny after application. If desired, wash face with a gentle cleanser. Apply moisturizer.

Note: Honey may be used alone on clean, damp skin prior to the gold leaf application.

Golden Honey Body Polish

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pure honey
1/2 cup Dead Sea Salt (can substitute Epsom Salt)
2/3 cup grape seed oil
24-karat gold leaf sheets

Treatment Instructions:
Combine honey, Sea Salt (or Epsom Salt) and grape seed oil. Crush 2 to 3 sheets of 24-karat gold leaf until almost powder consistency; add to honey mixture and combine. Apply in bathtub or shower to damp skin. Work the mixture in on rough areas such as elbows, knees and the soles of your feet. Rinse with warm water. Towel dry and apply moisturizer.

Note: You may also add the crushed gold leaf to further enhance your favorite moisturizer.

Foaming Vanilla Honey Bath

Ingredients:
1 cup sweet almond oil, light olive or sesame oil may be substituted
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup liquid soap
1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Treatment Instructions:
Measure the oil into a medium bowl. Carefully stir in remaining ingredients until mixture is fully blended. Pour into a clean plastic bottle with a tight-fitting stopper or lid. Shake gently before using. Swirl desired amount into the bathtub under running water - then step in and descend into a warm, silky escape.

For additional beauty tips and recipes using pure honey, visit http://www.honey.com/.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Women and Mid-Life Divorce

Women and Mid-Life Divorce


It’s supposed to be forever, for richer and poorer, for better and worse, in sickness and in health, and until death do you part. However, far too many women are finding that when they reach mid life, they are facing divorce. The reasons are many, and sometimes, it may difficult to determine one exact cause why a marriage may end, however one thing is certain, women who are facing divorce must take care of themselves and move on with their lives.

Divorce is equivocal to death. In fact, it is normal to expect that there will be a great time of sadness and even a grieving stage when divorce first takes place. It will take time for women to realize that their relationship has finally ended. Even if the woman knows and understands that the divorce is final and that there is nothing she can to do to change the circumstances or situation, she will still face a period of grieving. The important thing is to recognize the signs of normal grieving and be wary of letting that grief and sorrow turn into depression.

When a woman faces divorce, she must be on the look out for becoming depressed. One of the best things that she can do is get out of the house and become active. Whether it is volunteering in her community, spending time in church or social activities, or just enjoying a day at the theater, women must not stay inside lest they begin to lose hope and vision for the rest of their lives. It’s also important to realize that you are not alone. There are many other women who are facing the same thing that you are. If you feel that you are becoming increasingly sad, you may want to meet with other women who are experiencing mid life divorce. There are many divorce support groups, check with your local community recreation center or church to see when the next meeting is. Sometimes just having someone to talk with is the best therapy of all, and you’ll make new friends.

Taking the time to nurture yourself is one of the most important steps you can take. Many women, who are in their middle years, have spent their time taking care of children and their husband. Once their nest becomes empty and they face divorce they can become very depressed. Instead of giving in to this sadness, take the time to learn something new. Don’t let this be a time of sorrow, but make it a time of joy. Consider if there is a hobby or craft that you’ve always wanted to learn. Take a class in your community. Not only will you get out of the house, but also you’ll be focusing your mind on other things, and staying active. You’ll more than likely meet new people and will feel better about yourself.
It’s also important to make sure that you don’t overeat and take care of your health. When women become sad it is common to turn to food, excessive sleep, and a lack of exercise. This is the worst thing that you can do. It’s a good idea to get out of the house every day, watch what you eat, and make sure that you get plenty of sleep each night. By taking care of your physical health, you’ll be able to withstand the emotional stress that comes with divorce. By spending time with friends, getting out, and engaging in activities you’ll find that you’ll begin to heal from the divorce and move on with your life more easily.

A native of the Midwest farm country in Iowa, Marcia Chumbley has lived in a number of locations. She has resided in Chicago, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Minneapolis, Minnesota., Living in rural and metropolitan areas taught Marcia to always look for the best opportunities each community could offer. She now lives in a rural area of Minnesota that has a small city flare and closeness to the land.
Marcia’s work experiences outside the home include over 30 years in the medical and insurance field in manager, investigator and administrative roles. She has also worked as a contract administrator for a world wide security company. Marcia has work in the corporate world outside of her home and has various home based businesses over the years. She holds a degree in business management and is CMOM certified.
Marcia is the founder and publisher of a Christian Work From Moms and Grandparents web site “Faithful Grannies.com”, Work At Home Divas Online for Boomers, Crafters and Stay At Home Moms, and Work At Home Moms Choices-WAHM Choices.com . She is a well known published and featured author through out the internet.
Marcia’s successful home based businesses now allow her time and freedom to pursue her personal and professional interests. Marcia’s vast knowledge of the cottage industry, internet, and marketing has created success in the business world both on and off the internet.

Reduce Stress with Spa Secrets at Home

Reduce Stress with Spa Secrets at Home

Ahh...the spa. The tranquil sounds, low lighting and refreshing treatments are just what the doctor ordered to add some peace and serenity to the hustle and bustle of your busy life. But most of us don’t have the time (or funds) to interrupt our daily routine and make spa visits more than an occasional treat. Luckily, there are many ways that you can treat yourself to “spa-tacular” experiences each and every day.

Here are a few ideas to add some “spa” to your day and achieve a more serene state of mind.

Shower Worries Away
From the minute you awake in the morning, step into a spa sanctuary with a revitalizing shower. Start by updating your current showerhead with an oversized rain shower, such as Moen’s Inspire 9-inch Rainshower with InvigoRain pressurized spray, which provides a strong, invigorating rain shower experience with full coverage that envelops the entire body in high- performance water sprays. Or if you’d prefer a variety of spray options, try a multi-setting showerhead. Moen’s Inspire multi-setting showerheads allow you to choose the distinct spray setting that suits your mood. These showerheads are available at Lowe’s in today’s most popular finishes.

Create a Pleasant “Scentmosphere”
As you slip out of the shower, continue to stimulate your senses by smoothing aromatherapy oils over your skin. Products with essential oils provide both psychological and physical benefits; the aroma stimulates the brain, while the oils leave your skin feeling clean and moisturized. Some brands, such as Aveda, even offer a variety of body oils to “balance,” “calm” or “refresh” your senses.

Mood Music
Music has powerful effects on our mood. In fact, numerous studies prove that music can ease tension and uplift our frame of mind. As you start or end your workday, keep the pressures and stresses outside the car by swapping your Top-40 tunes for more tranquil harmonies. Amazon.com has a variety of great CD ideas, such as “Calm the Mind,” a compilation of relaxing piano compositions and the soothing sounds of nature, or “Peace: Pure Classical Calm,” a broad array of soothing classical tunes, or create your own serene mix by downloading your favorites from iTunes.

Less Stress at Your Desk
Does work have you stressed out and tense? Take a few moments at your desk for the art of reflexology. This age-old technique involves applying pressure to the reflex points on the hands to improve circulation and stimulate relaxation. Start by pinching each of your fingertips. Then, grasp each finger at its base and tug firmly. Allow your grip to loosen slightly, graduating it from the base to the finger tip until your finger slips out of your grasp completely. Within minutes you’ll be feeling less stressed and ready to finish out the day.

Fancy Feet
Whether you’re on your feet at work or just suffering from those stylish, but not so comfy shoes, the end of the day can leave you with sore and swollen feet. Luckily, treating your tootsies is simple to incorporate into your day – even while working on other tasks. Try a footbath with a variety of features, such as bubbles, jets and loofah, to energize your sore soles. Or for an easy (and inexpensive) fix, use a small, frozen plastic water bottle and roll your feet over it to stimulate pressure points and reduce swelling. Both treatments will refresh fatigued feet and are simple enough for you to enjoy while multi-tasking.

By adding just a few of these spa-like secrets to your day, you’ll soon be feeling cool, calm and collected – all without an appointment!

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Dance While You Can

My heart aches when I read that someone” forgot to live” yet I fear they express is all too common for many people today. Caught up in the business of living, we rarely have time to take close look and consider our personal lives. The urgent needs of the moment, weather at our workplace or within our families or with our friends, surround us and scream for our constant attention. We are so caught up in the race to keep up what we tend to lose track of where we really are with our lives…. and who we are becoming. For some people, the lost is devastating.

I recently spoke with a woman who described her husband, very successful in business as a “soulless man.” Everything about his life – his time, energies, and loyalties – was focused on his work, and when he came home, he had nothing left to give her or their children or anyone else. In her own haunting words, she said that “somewhere in his chase to get to the top, he lost his soul.”

None of us want to look back on our lives and wonder where the years have gone, especially with regrets that we never discovered what it means to live. But if we never stop and question where we are in our lives, this might be our experience.

Thank goodness, we don’t have to go this way. We can learn to really live our lives to the fullest. We’ve all known people who do so, people who have discovered their own life songs and make a fulfilling dance of their lives, even if they never dance with their feet. There are steps they have learned to make their dance possible. The beauty is that they can dance anywhere and all the time.

Dance While You Can is meant to help you slow down and consider your life’s dance. You may discover that you need to redirect your focus. It may be something as simple and yet profound as telling someone you love them or as complex as reconsidering your career and how you are using the gifts and talents God has given you.

It is said that Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that was essential part of himself had been neglected. No matter what stage you are in life, it’s never too late to examine your inner life and make certain that, as Socrates said, it’s worth dancing.

Men are like....

1. Men are like Laxatives . They irritate the crap out of you.

2 Men are like. Bananas . The older they get, the less firm they are.
3. Men are like Weather . Nothing can be done to change them.

4. Men are like Blenders You need One, but you're not quite sure why.

5. Men are like Chocolate Bars .. Sweet, smooth, & they usually head right for your hips.

6. Men are like Commercials . You can't believe a word they say.

7. Men are like Department Stores ... Their clothes are always 1/2 off!

8. Men are like .. Government Bonds .... They take soooooooo long to mature.

9. Men are like .. Mascara . They usually run at the first sign of emotion.

10. Men are like Popcorn . They satisfy you, but only for a little while.

11. Men are like Snowstorms . You never know when they're coming, how many inches you'll get or how long it will last.

12. Men are like Lava Lamps . Fun to look at, but not very bright.

13. Men are like Parking Spots All the good ones are taken, the rest are handicapped

7 Secrets to Happiness

7 Secrets to Happiness
True joy — not quickie mood boosts but that totally stoked mental state — boils down to these surprising essentials. Behold, your ticket to bliss. By Meaghan Buchan

We live in a world where there are endless possibilities. Think about it: As women, we have a billion options when it comes to careers, relationships, clothes...hell, even groovy exercise classes. And yet, we’re more bummed out than ever before. Proof: When Americans were surveyed in the 1950s, 53 percent said they were “very happy,” but by the late 1990s, it was down to 30 percent. “Intuitively, having so many choices should make you happier, but it can actually make you feel worse,” says Barry Schwartz, PhD, author of The Paradox of Choice: Why More Is Less. “The more options you have, the higher your expectations, and when your expectations are sky-high, you’re destined for disappointment...no matter how good things get.”
So if such abundance doesn’t make us happy, then what does flip our bliss switch? Is it adopting the lifestyle before we had so many life options? Not entirely. Our parents grew up with fewer choices to make, but assuming their life goals isn’t the answer, because the world isn’t the same place today. The key is actually a mix of things, some timeless and some that relate to this generation. Here, the essential elements.

1. You Need a Solid Core Group of Friends
Look at Carrie from Sex and the City. Through everything from Post-it Note breakups to snapped stilettos, she is generally one happy camper. Why? She has her posse. “Friendship is one of life’s main joys,” says David Niven, PhD, author of The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People. “Spending time with people who really know you affords you the freedom to be yourself, which increases contentment.”
But you don’t need to be the founding member of your own fab four to be happy. “You can have a small close-knit gang or various friends that factor into different areas of your life but aren’t necessarily part of the same group,” says Niven. “What matters most is that you feel open with them and they can be open with you.”
Of course, establishing openness doesn’t just happen. Friendships need nurturing. “In order for the relationship to grow, you have to share bits of your more private thoughts,” says Niven. Maybe that means spilling your secret desire to, say, audition for American Idol. “Once you reveal more of yourself and see that these friends accept you for who you really are, you’ll feel connected and therefore happier,” adds Niven.

2. You Gotta Have Adventures
Quick: Recall your favorite college memory. A hundred bucks says it wasn’t that time you studied really, really hard and got an A minus on your Chem 101 exam. The, um, yum incident with the teacher’s assistant in the lab after class ranks a little higher, no? Thought so. And that’s the point. “If everything you did in life was safe, you’d never have any exhilarating moments or crazy experiences to recall, both of which give you the sense that you’re truly living,” explains Brian Luke Seaward, PhD, author of Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart.
Now, we’re not suggesting that you totally hurl caution to the wind, but don’t get hung up on always staying on the straight and narrow. “People assume that doing the right thing leads to happiness, but actually taking risks does,” says Seaward. For you, that might entail going off on a three-day weekend with a new guy or just wearing that extraslinky minidress.

3. It’s Time to Toss Excess Stuff
If you can barely scrape together enough change to spring for that $4 latte, you’ll love this: Money (and all the crap that you can buy with it) won’t bring you happiness. In fact, when wealthy Americans were surveyed, they reported being only marginally happier than the general public. “When you have limitless funds, you tend to be hellbent on accumulating more,” says New York clinical psychiatrist Janet Taylor. “In the process, you lose the ability to appreciate what you do own and have difficulty feeling fulfilled.”
And you don’t need to be a gazillionaire to get caught in this trap. The problem might be that you just can’t seem to throw anything out. Like your favorite sweater from your high school days, that (hello!) is from the damn Gap, not specially knit by Grandma. “Extra belongings weigh us down and crowd our space, making us feel overwhelmed and disorganized,” says Dr. Taylor. “Lightening up will help you regain control and, therefore, happiness.”
On that lighter note, now is the perfect moment to purge. You don’t have to clean house completely, but you should hold on only to stuff you Love (with a capital L). “If you haven’t used or admired something in six months, part with it. No guilt allowed,” she insists. To be clear: That doesn’t mean stacking things in a giveaway pile in the corner of your room. It entails bagging up the items and disposing of them ASAP — whether you donate them to Goodwill or swap ’em on eBay.

4. A Balance of Busy and Dead Time Is Key
Always zipping around in spaz mode without a second to spare for even a pee break is bound to take a toll on your mood. But so is idling the day away on the couch. “Overextending yourself induces stress, yet it also makes you feel productive, like you’re contributing something, which is very important to happiness,” says Niven. “Similarly, inactivity breeds boredom, which inspires feelings of uselessness and discontent, but lulls are vital.” Essentially, all go-go-go will wipe you out, as will a solid diet of nada, but a mix of both? Bingo!
Okay, so how do you strike the perfect balance? Fill your days with stuff you love (your Tuesday-night step class) and stuff you have to do (balancing your checkbook). Just keep in mind that at the end of the day, you want to feel like “you’ve accomplished something but that you’ve also relaxed,” says Niven. Of course, the toughest part for most of us is learning to let go. For you, it might be enough to vow not to dwell on work after-hours or to schedule regular vacations. Others find meditation helpful. No, you don’t need to lie in the dark, chanting om for 10 hours. A quick eight minutes is all it takes, according to Victor Davich, author of 8 Minute Meditation. To do: Start by sitting upright with your hands on your thighs, palms up. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Hold it for a two second count, then release, letting your breath ease into its natural rhythm. Focus on keeping this concentration for the eight-minute span and you’ll feel lighter instantly. Really.

5. It’s Crucial to Give in to Temptation
You log overtime at work, hit the gym religiously, stick to a low-fat, no-fun diet, and even remember birthdays. Or maybe you aren’t quite so type A. But you still get to work on time, kiss your boss’s ass when you’d rather kick it, and play nice to your folks. Face it, making it in this world takes some serious discipline, regardless of your personality profile. “The pressure to keep up is so exhausting that it would seem like the payoff for showing such restraint would be great,” says Seaward. “But if you don’t stop to savor something pleasurable, you’re going to wind up miserable.”
Clearly, you must indulge. Some thoughts: Splurge on a gourmet sandwich one day for lunch instead of brown bagging it. Surf the Web rather than returning that hundredth e-mail. Get the deluxe spa pedicure. “When you feel completely overwhelmed, that’s actually when you need to treat yourself the most,” says Seaward.

6. Liking Yourself Is Nonnegotiable
Since you’re human, you have no doubt had one of those “Omigod! I can’t believe I said that” moments, followed by a “Stupid, stupid, stupid” fist to the forehead. Like, say, the time you introduced your guy to Bob the CEO at the office barbecue, only Bob’s name is actually Bill. Then you spent the rest of the night harping on what an idiot you are. “We tend to beat ourselves up, but it’s necessary to let ourselves off the hook,” says Ed Diener, PhD, professor of psychology and leading happiness researcher at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “Inevitably, you’re going to make mistakes, and yet you still have to like yourself.”
The same holds true for those so-called physical imperfections that you let deflate you. You know, the slight crook in your nose that you swear makes you a prime candidate for The Swan. We can all point to 10 things that are wrong with us, but the key to happiness is appreciating yourself despite them, adds Diener.
And that ain’t easy. But it’s important to learn to keep your inner critic in check. So for every time you get down on yourself, remind yourself of something you excel at and get comfortable talking yourself up by tossing one positive thing (e.g., props from your boss or a sweet e-mail from your boyfriend) into conversation. “We tend to downplay our successes because we don’t want to sound like a braggart, but sharing good news is uplifting,” says Diener. “Not only are you reflecting on something that made you feel awesome, but the other person is going to get excited for you, which gives you an even bigger lift.”

7. You Must Stop Mentally Browsing
We know you’ve been here: You’re sitting at a restaurant, menu in hand, when the deliberation begins: Chicken or fish? Chicken or fish? After angsting for 20 minutes, you go with the fish... and then sit there until the meal comes, wondering if you should’ve gone with the chicken. Okay, maybe this is a very mild version, but in life, we do this on a larger scale all the time. “We convince ourselves that there must be something better out there, but ‘mental browsing’ is a recipe for dissatisfaction,” says Schwartz. “You’re wasting time and energy on doubting a good move just because there was another option, or 10, that you didn’t choose. You’ll never be happy if you live like this.”
The solution? Whenever a decision is in doubt — like whether your current guy is The One — pick two characteristics that are important to you (in this case, maybe it’s a sense of humor and a close-knit family). Once your criteria are established, ask yourself if they’re being met. If so, forget other options and move on. You’ll know if another option is better for you because it’ll nag at you. So relax, you’ve made the right choice...or at least one that’s going to make you happy.

Dance While You Still Can

Dance While You Still Can


I will make a commitment to fulfilling my dreams.....
no matter what I may be feeling.......
and I will dare to move forward
in the face of life's challenges
I will belive that what God
has placed inside me
is superior to the mountians
that stand in my way.

Winning at Weight Loss Takes Team Effort

Winning at Weight Loss Takes Team Effort
– Many overweight individuals try to lose those extra pounds on their own, instead of finding help that can teach them how to get and stay healthy. Interestingly, recent studies show that not only does the likelihood of being overweight increase among friends and family members, but also the opposite holds true.

When people joined a group based weight-loss program with friends and family, they lost more weight and kept it off better than those who joined the same program alone, according to research published in the Journal of Consulting Clinical Psychology.

“Obesity isn’t a problem that occurs in a vacuum,” says Karen Miller-Kovach, chief scientific officer of Weight Watchers International. “It should be no surprise, then, that the solution also doesn’t occur in one either.”

Whether simply working to lose weight and exercising with a friend, or attending group meetings through an organized weight loss program, people find better success with support, studies show. Witness the Weight Watchers phenomenon: those who attend meetings lose, on average, three times more weight than those who try to lose weight on their own, according to research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Still not convinced that group support will work for you? Consider these tips when evaluating a weight loss support group.

* Look for a group that offers nonjudgmental support. “Few of us respond well to pressure and embarrassment,” says Liz Josefsberg, Weight Watchers Leader. Find a group, like Weight Watchers, where your progress is praised but not necessarily shared – unless you want it to be. “No one shouts out your weight or shares it with anyone but you,” Josefsberg says. “And if you don’t want to know it, we won’t tell you either. We’ll note it in the computer for later so you can track your progress.”

* Seek a setting where the emphasis is on total health and how your progress makes you feel, rather than on the numbers. Most of us have enough stressful goals to achieve at work and home; a weight loss goal should be something that makes you feel positive, not stressed. A gathering where you are able – but not required – to speak up and share will create a supportive, positive and stress-free experience.

* Both sexes need – and succeed with – support. Weight isn’t just a woman’s issue; both sexes struggle with obesity and the health ramifications of excess weight. Cardiovascular disease, which includes weight-related problems like heart disease, hypertension and stroke, is the number one killer of women, according to the American Heart Association. Losing 10 percent of your body weight is not only the first big step toward your ultimate goal weight, but it can also reduce your risk for many diseases and increase your self-esteem.

* Programs that advocate a specific quick-fix diet may be successful for some people for a period of time, but are difficult to sustain in the long run. Seek a weight loss program that emphasizes healthful variety and portion control, rather than a restrictive diet that may make you feel deprived. This allows you to fit your weight loss program into real life, including special occasions like birthdays, weddings and get-togethers.

* Meetings should be dynamic, diverse and fun. For example, Weight Watchers meetings not only include weigh-ins, but information on a weekly weight-loss topic, as well as support, tips, strategies from others sharing your weight loss journey.

* It is helpful if group leaders have gone through the program themselves and successfully lost weight as a result. “You wouldn’t take your car to a mechanic who’d never driven one,” says Josefsberg. “You’ll benefit more practically and emotionally from guidance delivered by someone who’s successfully lost weight following the same program you’re following.”

* Look for a weight loss program incorporating support that fits conveniently into your life. Most of us find weight loss challenging enough without compounding the difficulty. Programs like Weight Watchers now offer many meeting sites and online tools to help you stay on track between meetings.

You can find a Weight Watchers meeting by logging on to http://www.weightwatchers.com/, or by calling (800) 651-6000.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Living Beyond Midlife Divorce

Living Beyond Midlife Divorce
By James A. Fussell - McClatchy Newspapers

Kansas City, Mo. — The day the appraiser came, Suzy Brown cowered in a closet. She cried whenever she tried to leave. Unable to regain her composure she fell to her knees and held herself as she rocked back and forth on the floor.

Selling her home was hard. Leaving the life she loved was even harder. A midlife divorce in the fall of 2000 left her no choice. She was 53 and alone after her 33-year marriage suddenly fell apart. She wondered if she'd ever find happiness again.

Seven years later, she has. Remarried in 2004 to "a wonderful man," she has dedicated her life to helping women in similar situations do the same. She plans to host a "Midlife Divorce Recovery Boot Camp" in Kansas City, Mo., to help women let go of the pain and find a new direction in their lives.

"I just want them to have one day where they can get some resources, be reassured that they can get through this and know that life has all sorts of wonderful possibilities," she said.
When it comes to the pain of a midlife divorce, Brown, who now lives in Kansas City, Mo., knows how much it hurts.

Related link
• http://www.midlifedivorcerecovery.com/
Her first husband, an otherwise good man who gave her many memories and four children, cheated. Worse, she said, he lied about his sincere vow to end the affair. The love and the trust she had spent a lifetime building were gone. Left in its wake were a collection of challenges women facing midlife divorces know all too well — devastation, menopause, an empty nest and a broken heart.

After her divorce, Brown became a shell of her former self, a dark shadow, a lonely echo. She wasn't sleeping well or eating right. She couldn't stop sobbing. Many days it was all she could do to get out of bed.

Then there were the questions.
How could she support herself? Would the hurt ever go away? Would anyone ever love her again? And who was she, anyway? Surely she wasn't the woman who had thrown things and — in a jealous rage — driven out of her way to holler insults at the other woman? Oh, but she was. And it hurt.

One day she decided she had had enough. She wrote in her planner, "I'm done with all of this ridiculous sobbing!"

It was then she discovered that she was hardly alone. Four women in her neighborhood and several of their friends had gone through similar pain. Maybe, she thought, they could help each other cope. She invited them over, even gave them a workbook with suggestions for taking action. They became known as the R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Women, an acronym for Rising Above Divorce in Confidence and Love. Eventually Brown turned that workbook into an actual book called "Radical Recovery" (Leafwood Publishers). The book will be in stores in May.

There were many keys to Brown's recovery. She asked for help, gave up her sadness and stopped feeling sorry for herself. She took simple steps, such as getting dressed and putting on makeup, that made real changes possible. She's confident others can do the same.

"I just want to give them hope because hope makes them realize there is life after divorce," she said. "And I want them to understand they have a choice. This situation makes you act crazy and out of character and absolutely despairing for a while. But once you get through the screaming and the sobbing, you can choose to have an absolutely incredibly amazing life."

Economy Woes Often Worse for Women Workers

Economy Woes Often Worse for Women Workers
– Soaring gas prices and wages that still don’t keep pace with what men earn aren’t the only worries the current troubled economy serve up to women workers. Women are at greater risk than men of experiencing a disability, and more than half the female workforce is unprepared for the financial impact of long-term disability, according Social Security Administration data.

The rate of disability among working women in the United States has grown almost twice as fast as among working males during the past decade (over 60 percent and 32 percent, respectively) according to Social Security Administration data. Half of women (51 percent) are unprepared to cover their living expenses for three months or more should an accident or injury leave them unable to work, according to the Council for Disability Awareness’ 2008 Worker Disability Planning and Preparedness Study.

The economy has imperiled resources that women could normally rely on if they lost their paycheck, including credit cards, home mortgages and savings. The collapsing housing market, personal credit card debts averaging $10,000 per household and the fact that savings rates are at an all-time low are posing serious challenges to the ability of women to cope with the financial impact of disability. To make matters worse, two-thirds of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, according to “Parade Magazine,” making the threat of loss of income even more serious.

“With disability on the rise it’s clear that women need to prepare for an income-limiting disability,” says Bob Taylor, president of the Council for Disability Awareness, a non-profit organization focused on helping the American workforce become aware of the growing incidence of disability. “Economic conditions today make it even more important that women have an understanding of how they would cope in the event of a disability.”

By failing to financially prepare for a disability, working women risk serious financial consequences down the road, especially as accountability for personal financial security continues to shift away from social programs and employers and toward the individual worker.

“Women need to sit down and realistically think through what would happen if they were unable to work because an injury or illness physically prohibited them from doing so,” Taylor says.

Taylor suggests that women address this concern by creating a financial plan – and reviewing the benefits their employer offers. He also advises that you create a savings for emergency funds.

For more information about the survey or for tools and tips on how to financially prepare for disability, visit the Council’s Web site,

Healthy Sleep Routine Sets the Tone for the Next Day

Healthy Sleep Routine Sets the Tone for the Next Day
– Sleep helps our body recover from stressful daytime activities. It is also the healthy habit we most often neglect. Better sleep should be a priority along with healthy evening practices to set the tone for a good day to come.

It is usually easy for people to establish and maintain morning routines: bathing; packing a briefcase, purse or gym bag; and preparing snacks or a meal for the workday. However, evenings can be a time when we seek a release from scheduled duties. But it is vital to create thoughtful nighttime routines, starting with rituals that promote healthy sleep. To turn crucial evening hours into healthful days, consider the following tips:

“Recent studies link sleep deprivation to increased levels of a chemical that stimulates appetite,” says medical reporter and national health magazine contributing editor, Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D. “People who sleep too little probably lack energy for exercise and this, combined with an overactive appetite, can be problematic for your health.” Thus, a regular snooze schedule - even on weekends - along with moderate daily exercise can help promote a healthy body weight.

Additionally, Drayer advises against dinners with a high fat content, as heavy meals can cause the digestive system to continue “working” hard when the rest of the body prepares for sleep. Although she recommends avoiding caffeine and large meals at least two hours before turning out the lights, Drayer permits the following sleep- and figure-friendly snacks: an apple, a small serving of pretzels or hot oatmeal, 1/2 cup frozen yogurt or low-fat ice cream, as well as berries with fat-free whipped topping.

Personal care at night also impacts the quality of our days. Plaque germs increase while the mouth is at rest, so it’s important to practice good oral care before you slip into slumber. In addition to brushing and flossing, consider adding a toothpaste and oral rinse like Crest Pro-Health Night to your evening routine. Crest Pro-Health Night toothpaste protects all these areas dentists check most even while you sleep: cavities, gingivitis, plaque, sensitivity, tartar, whitening and it freshens breath. And Crest Pro-Health Night oral rinse kills 99 percent of germs without the burn of alcohol for a healthier mouth that’s cleaner in the morning.

Finally, creating an environment that is conducive to healthy sleep is essential. Many researchers suggest wearing loose-fitting clothing, keeping the room temperature cool and turning off all potentially distracting items, like the television or radio, which may cause you to have difficulty falling and staying asleep.

Choices that promote healthier sleep equate to healthful days, which is something we all need.

To learn more about Crest Pro-Health Night and for other dental health information, visit

Life After Divorce

By Dr. Phil McGraw

Divorce is a major life change that can leave a person reeling. Suddenly being on your own to deal with issues such as money, children, career changes and downsizing the family home can seem overwhelming. Dr. Phil and Libby Gill, author of the book Traveling Hopefully: How to Lose Your Family Baggage and Jumpstart Your Life offer advice on how to begin to live life after divorce.

If you’re having trouble letting go:

There is life after this marriage
As hard as it is to believe right now, one day this marriage will just be something you did once. You’ll go on and you’ll have what you create.
Get out of denial
Ask yourself: Do you really want this marriage, or are you hanging onto it out of fear? If being alone is a scarier thought than staying in a broken marriage, you’re letting fear make your decisions. Are you mourning the loss of what your marriage was, or what you thought marriage would be?
Don’t burn daylight
Grieving doesn’t have a time frame on it, but life does. Whether you realize it or not, life is marching on. There comes a time when you have to accept the fact and say, “I’ve got to get on with my life, I’ve got to get on with raising my children, I’ve got to get on with putting things together where I can be a happy, meaningful, productive member of society.” Find a way to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.
Take the catastrophic language out of your mind
“My life is over,” “I’ve lost everything,” and “Things are horrible” are labels that can have a powerful impact on how you feel. Recognize that it’s factually not true. Your life isn’t over, it’s just a new beginning for you. Changing the negative tapes that run in your head can change how you physically feel.
Don’t waste time with regret
At some point you have to say, “It is what it is.” You can’t do anything about what you did before; but you can do a lot about what you’re doing now.
Be an example for your children
What kind of mom do you think your kids are experiencing when you’re sitting around and crying and looking over your shoulder at what was instead of what is?



You’ve accepted it. Now it’s time to jumpstart your life!



Define a new relationship with your ex for your children
Your old relationship was husband and wife, your new relationship is as common allies of your children.
Talk to your kids
Divorce can create emotional wounds in children. Talk to them about what’s going on, what they’re feeling, and how things will get better. Involve them. If they know there are things they can do to help this transition, it will give them a feeling of power.
Make a plan
Assess your situation financially, look at your resources to see what your options are in terms of housing, job and finances.
Create a support squad
Ask for help. People appreciate being asked for help. It’s a gift to them to allow them to be there for you. Create a support squad of your closest friends who won’t mind providing you with emotional support, professional guidance and ongoing inspiration. Realize that you’re not the first person to go through this.
Get your resources and assets around you
Do everything you can to program yourself for success. Find out what your strengths and skills are and focus on them to help move you in a new and positive direction. Everybody has a personal truth — what you believe about yourself when nobody’s watching. Remember that you will create the results in life that you believe you deserve.
Make time for yourself
Make a priority to be a little selfish and do something just for yourself. The most important gift you can give your children is to take care of their parents. Try a new class, start exercising, or reconnect with an old hobby you’ve forgotten about.
Make your dream home
It’s not the end of the world if you have to change houses. Know that you and your kids are going to create memories there and that’s what makes it a dream home.
Find your authentic self
Although you may no longer be one half of a couple, you are still 100 percent the person who you are. Find that person again.
Find your passion
What is it that will make you excited to get out of bed every day? Make a list of what you can do to reach your goals.
Have some joy with your kids
Choose to live with some fun in your new life. Create new memories with your children that will carry them into the future with self-esteem, confidence and happiness.
Protect yourself in the future
It’s important to always look at a relationship and ask yourself, “What’s it costing me to be in this relationship?” If you totally lose yourself in it, then the cost is too high.
Source: www.drphil.com