Life Tools and Tips

You never know when an elderly family member might become ill and require extensive care. At that point, you have to make a major decision: You can place him or her in a home where they’ll get the assistance they require or take it on yourself. The latter option is preferable with most families because of emotional reasons and the fear of not finding a good facility. However, you need to understand that it’s a huge commitment. When my mom had cancer (though she wasn't elderly), it was a constant responsibility to meet her needs. Of course, I was willing and loved her dearly, but it didn't stop it from being overwhelming at times. Today, I’m going to discuss some of the things you can do to help elderly family in your care. 

Life is so busy these days, and nobody wants anything to slow them down. That includes those pesky signs of aging that affect our bodies and our senses. So what can you do to get over those odd wobbles and hurdles that wisdom and experience can throw your way? Try these 4 technologically advanced products that help ease aging. Hint: you don't have to be old to enjoy the benefits either!

Have you ever thought that you were not able to do something, or that you couldn’t achieve your goal? Some people even think that they …

I picture Frenchy, in the movie Grease, blowing a big pink bubble- the epitome of a cool, gorgeous high school drop out. It's one of those iconic snaps not easily forgotten. It's also not easy to forget how satisfying a good wad of Double Bubble can be, especially to a kid. And, yeah, G'ma told us more than once to chew quietly or don't bite off so much. Regardless of parental boundaries or iconic stigma, for most, chewing gum remains a timeless and legit way to burn off some nervous energy. I have also realized there are other surprising health benefits of chewing gum. Check this out!

How do we take back control of our lives and put stress behind us? I just had an 1.5 hour conversation with my integrative doctor about this very topic. Stress is a killer...literally. Managing stress levels goes a long way to help your life, specifically, your physical and mental health. The fortunate thing is that simply making a few small changes to your lifestyle will help curb stress and the body's response to it. Though I could talk about this topic for much longer, here are 5 top stress-busting actions.

I've never met a woman who didn't need help from other people from time to time. That help often comes in the form of advice from the bestie or mom. The problem with taking advice all the time is that your best interest might not be winning out in the end. Opinions can be tainted with the personality and desires of the people giving them. It's important to make sure that you serve your needs and create happiness with the decisions you make. Here are 3 major things to consider when getting advice.

Have you ever looked at a woman at the mall or while at a party and wondered what she has that makes her stand out so much? Women who show confidence in their appearance, abilities and social skills are usually perceived as more attractive by both men and women. The great news is that you can always improve your own self-confidence. Sometimes, all it takes is a little boost on the outside to get the inside to believe it. Here are my top 4 stunning ways to show confidence.

Salt is one of the most useful things you can have in your house. Not only can it help with cleaning and purifying the air, but you can also use it in a number of beauty treatments. Intrigued? Good! Here are some useful tips to use salt for home, beauty, and health.

Stress is a part of everyday life for just about everyone. Fortunately, some stress can be a motivator that is actually helpful for some. It can get you out of bed, push you to bring your full effort to everything you do, and help you reach your goals. The problem comes when stress levels become so significant that they shut you down. From experience, I know there are many things that create stress but none like money and your job. Remember, you have the power to change things for the better in both of these areas. Here are 2 major ways to beat harmful stress.

Most women, whether young or old, have at least one hobby. That little activity that allows her to escape from the stresses of life. It also puts her back in touch with her creative side. I've had so many hobbies over the years, it's hard to remember them all. And, yes, I have made money with some of them. For me, it was simply fun to create things that people actually wanted to buy. For others, it's all about living the dream of supporting themselves by doing something that doesn't feel like work. Either way, here are my top 3 tips to turn your hobby into cash.

There are many things you can take from your job or career to benefit you personally...and, no, this isn’t about stealing office supplies for home use. Among the technical skills and job specifics you glean from your position, there are other savvy skills that will serve you. And, these days, with our jobs taking so much of our time, we want to get all that we can out of those precious hours. Here are 3 life skills you want to take from your job.

Have you ever noticed how the universe seems to put obstacles in your path just as you try to improve your life? I'm not sure if this is the case or we just realize that change is not as easy as we often think it will be. Nevertheless, if we want a better life, we must press through the challenges with wisdom, clarity, and understanding. Watch out for these 5 obstacles to living the life of your dreams.

Whenever you expand your mind and open up to new opportunities, you are on your way to becoming an improved person. I'm not saying that something is wrong with you, me or the next woman. I'm saying that we all can grow, change, and develop as we see the need and have the desire. The fact is, when you improve your mind, you improve the world.

Life is never simply a walk in the park. Obstacles and challenges make us duck, dodge, and dance our way through. And, sometimes, despite our effort to avoid adversity, disaster strikes. When it happens, it can create a lack of self-confidence, among other personal problems. Trust me, I understand getting kicked in the teeth and thrown to the ground of life. At times, the only thing you have to hold onto is a thin thread. That said, even a small connection to life and your inner strength can get you through. Remember, being down is never the end as long as you get back up after adversity strikes.

If you've wanted to form some new friendships or even fall in love, you must first meet some new people. I know this may seem like a daunting thing to do, especially in the scary world we live in. However, approached with a plan, this fundamental activity of being social can be fun and safe. Here are my top 5 ways to meet new people.