Women's Life Link Be Well, Be Happy, Be YOU!

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.

For those of you who don't know what a "Gateway Drug" is, allow me to define it in its most common use. A gateway drug is a substance that when frequently introduced to the body may cause one to desire more potent doses of the same or require a stronger substance to be satisfied. Though, this post is not about actual drugs, I want you to recognize that the addicting properties of some foods and how they act in the body can be similar.

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.

Strengthening Your Immune System As with other viruses, it is important to sustain your immune system. You can do it by consuming foods high in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as citrus fruits (orange, lemon, and the like), broccoli, garlic, onion, ginger, and turmeric.

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.

Have you ever considered what it means to act your age? The actions, attitudes, and philosophies of each age group have become fuzzy in a world that produces more and more women who obliterate the mindsets of past generations. With 41-year-olds like Dara Torres winning Olympic medals and children like Miley Cyrus building financial empires well beyond the norm, who's to say what you shouldn't do at any age.

1. Do create a new trend amongst your peers. Just be confident and own it whatever "it" is! 2. Don't over dress for your child's baseball game. There are plenty ways to look good without heels and jewelry.