As I sat in my writing chair this morning, I realized that for some reason my thoughts would not stay on any one subject long …

Fact #1 - You need it for much more than building strong bones and teeth, including for blood clotting, the transmission of nerve impulses, and the regulation of the heart's rhythm. Fact #2 - Calcium is the most abundant mineral in our bodies; women carry about 2 1/2 pounds worth. The chalky substance found in rocks is mostly carried in our bones and teeth (about 99%). Your muscles, soft tissues, and body fluids carry the rest.

1. Don't wear flip-flops or mules when it's raining; the flipping motion of the shoes will splatter the backs of your legs with water and whatever else in which you step. I never did this again after ruining a good pair of white pants. 2. Don't sweat the little out-of-place hairs. Today's natural-looking trends not only permit but even encourage styles that are not perfect. It's okay to be a little un-done.

After spending 12 hours without power last night, I suddenly realized how unprepared our family is for emergency situations. It wasn't the fact that I missed the American Idol elimination I'd been waiting all season for; it was the fact that we couldn't find the flashlight, my kids couldn't light candles without burning themselves, and everyone just sort of lost all composure. Kudos to our pioneer ancestors who didn't even have electricity.

Every day, millions of women spend 8-10 hours sitting in an office chair or desk in order to do their job. They think about getting that last report done, calling that client, impressing the boss, but what they may not think about is how their job might be a health risk.

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or at who made you do it. She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

1. Do own one timeless dress. 2. Don't think layering is just for winter; this fashion key is hip all year long. 3. Don't ever wear anything that could pass for country curtains or a bedspread. 4. Do find the impressive array of colorful, textured, and classy bags at Dillard's. Pictured at upper left, Antonio Melani "Louise" Shopper, $219.

Truth be told, no two women are exactly alike. We don't look alike, sound alike, act alike, or share the same fashion sense. Because of this wonderful fact, I decided to do a search for some unique fashions that can be categorized for different style and body types. Just remember, it's okay to cross over into someone else's category. You just might find you are more versatile than you thought you were.

Have you ever sat in a room with people you resented? Did you put on a pretentious smile, attempt to flatter them in some way, and yet, seethe inside about the uncomfortable meeting? At some point, most of us experience this horrible situation. And it's not easy to communicate with positive results when an offense comes between two or more people. In this post, I will talk about some different ways to get past resentment in couple and group situations.

Coupled with a pushover complex, our perceived ability to be superwoman can be more harmful than productive if we overwhelm ourselves with responsibilities that fit haphazardly into our schedules.

1. Do add a little glitz to your usual work clothes; beaded skirt or cardigan, sequined scarf, or a rhinestone belt will do the trick. (Photo of Embellished Cardigan; available at Spiegel.com, $119). 2. Do buy an orange or hot pink purse to add a punch of color to any outfit.

If you are anything like me, keeping in touch with friends can take a back seat to work, housekeeping, grocery shopping, and mom's taxi service. A dilemma that strains even the best friendships. We all want to improve our relationships but often struggle with consistent communication, the foundation of any good friendship. Fortunately, with a little creativity and planning, we can keep our best buds close.

1. Do pay attention to where you walk; I once caught my heel in a drainage grate. If only everyone could be rescued by a handsome doctor when they step in a hole. (Photo from Columbia Pictures, The Wedding Planner). 2. Do be honest with a friend if she needs to change something about her outfit. You wouldn't want her to let you go out in a too-tight dress or a shade of lipstick that makes your teeth look yellow. It's just good Karma.

I recently posted an article on skin cancer awareness and embracing pale skin. Well, today a friend on face book posted a link to information on vitamin D. Because many are shunning the sun, they are unfortunately suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. I, myself, find it difficult to stay in the sun for any length of time without showing signs of burning. This leaves me with the challenge of finding another way to get my share of the important vitamin.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a good time to make skin care and sun protection a top priority while counting down the days to warmer weather. With over one million people diagnosed with skin cancer each year, every woman needs to pay close attention to how they are caring for their skin. Though an effective skin management routine doesn't guarantee you won't get skin cancer, it does reduce your chances significantly.