Sure it’s cold out there – but does the dog really need another coat?

Dogs already have a built-in fur coat – so do they really need a sweater too?

In some cases - yes. Veterinarian Marty Becker says it’s actually a really good idea to put a sweater or coat on small dogs, super-thin dogs like Greyhounds or Whippets, dogs with short or thin fur, elderly dogs, arthritic and chronically ill dogs. These dogs have more difficulty generating and retaining their own body heat – and could probably use a little help to stay warm and dry.

Dr. Becker says even hearty, healthy dogs can wear a sweater or coat if they don’t mind. An extra layer to keep them dry and clean and save you some bath time won’t hurt a thing. Just be sure it fits properly and doesn’t impede their vision or movement in any way.

If you like those 100 calorie snack packs – stop buying them...

Those individual snack packs are a rip-off...

They made the new Reader’s Digest list of things you should never buy again. That’s because the recent trend to package small quantities into 100-calorie snack packs is just a way for food-makers to get more money from unsuspecting consumers. The price 'per unit' cost of these items is a lot more than if you just buy one big box of your favorite munchies - and then parcel out into single serving storage bags. Here are a few more “don’t-buy” items on the list:

• Microwave sandwiches: You’re really just paying for its elaborate packaging — plus a whole lot of salt, fat, and unnecessary additives. For the average cost of one of these babies, you could make a bigger, better, and more nutritious version yourself.

• 'Snack' or 'lunch' packs: These 'all-inclusive' food trays might seem reasonably priced but you're actually paying for the highly designed label, wrapper, and specially molded tray. The actual edible ingredients are worth just pennies and are filled with salt.

• Pre-formed meat patties: Frozen burgers are more expensive than buying the ground meat in bulk and making patties yourself. It takes less than 10 seconds to form a flat circle and throw it on the grill! Also, there's evidence that pre-formed meat patties might contain more e. coli than regular ground meat – most of the recent beef recalls have involved pre-made frozen beef patties. Fresh is definitely better!

• Tomato-based pasta sauces: A jar of spaghetti sauce typically runs $2 to $6. The equivalent amount of canned tomatoes is often under $1. Make your own sauces from canned crushed tomatoes or fresh tomatoes. Stir in some wine or wine vinegar, a little sugar, your favorite herbs, and whatever chopped vegetables you like in your sauce.

If you got a gift card this holiday – hurry up and use it!

Got gift cards?

Forget about saving them for a rainy day – get out there and use them – the sooner, the better. According to a recent Consumer Reports poll, about 113 million adults received gift cards last year – and a lot of them were never redeemed. Here are some good reasons NOT to hang on to them:

• The new rules that prevent some gift cards from expiring within five years don’t apply to reloadable cards and vouchers from sites such as Groupon, Living Social and BuyWithMe.

• Bank issued cards are convenient – but some of them carry inactivity fees if you don’t use them within a certain amount of time.

• In the event a retailer goes bankrupt – all bets are off. There could be fewer places to redeem them or less time to do so.

Of course you could always lose or forget about that gift card you so carefully tucked away. Lost and forgotten cards account for the majority of those unused.

Add some raspberries to the shopping list...

Move over blueberries – it’s raspberries turn to brag...

One cup of raspberries has twice as much fiber as a cup of blueberries. On the antioxidant scale, raspberries outweigh strawberries, kiwis, apples and even tomatoes. Research with black raspberries has shown them to have anti-inflammatory properties and they’re good at fighting DNA damage.

In case you’re wondering – there IS a difference between blackberries and black raspberries. The plants are related but they taste a bit different. Blackberries are a little more tart than black or red raspberries. Fresh raspberries are kind of pricey at this time of year – but frozen raspberries are still a good option and have most of the nutrients as freshly picked.

You may have put a lot of thought and time into choosing that perfect sweater gift - but...

Have you returned any gifts yet? If so, were there shoes or a sweater involved?

According to the latest MarketTools study – clothes and shoes are the most often returned gifts after Christmas. Toys and games came in next, followed by electronics, kitchen and bath products, beauty products, jewelry and watches.

If you haven’t gotten around to returning stuff yet – don’t wait too long. Some retailers are tightening their return policies and that return window is getting smaller by the day – especially if the person who bought you that ugly sweater or lame gadget was an early shopper.

If you’re looking for a job, social networking skills count...

Social networking has become more and more intertwined with careers and job hunting...

If you use it right, it can really broaden your exposure and open some doors. Career and networking expert, Barbara Patchter, has some professional advice on how to use the 3 big ones:

• LinkedIn: Fill in your profile completely and include a professionally appropriate photograph. It’s important to join LinkedIn Groups in your field and participate in discussions - just be sure you don't make it all about you. Congratulate others on their successes and share relevant leads and industry buzz.

• Twitter: When it comes to tweets, go for quality over quantity: Tweeting all the time is the equivalent of talking too much. Don't just tweet about yourself. Be gracious and tweet about others. If you're looking for work, use TweetMyJobs, a Twitter-based jobs database.

• Facebook: Professional contacts may ask to friend you on Facebook and may feel insulted if you turn them down. As an alternative, ignore the request and ask them to join you on LinkedIn instead. However, you may find you have better access to customers if you do connect with them on Facebook. If you're starting a business, consider creating a separate Facebook page for it.

Are you ready for some holiday detox?

If you went a little overboard over the holiday – or if you’ve still got a few more days to go – Chef Chad Sarno is cooking up a post-holiday detox to get us back on track:

• Dark leafy greens are on the menu. Eating greens like kale, spinach, chard and collards really amps up your vegetable consumption – which you’ll need.

• Stick to whole foods. To give your body a chance to rid itself of all that junk, make sure to incorporate whole grains and fats from foods like avocados, nuts and seeds. Chef Sarno suggests cooking a big pot of brown rice in the beginning of the week and working that into different meals like soups, salads and stir fries.

• Have a drink – of herbal tea, and as much water as you can stand. Also, aim for at least one real juice a day, no sugar added.

If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector – get one!

We hear about the dangers of carbon monoxide and tragic stories every year, especially in the winter...

Carbon monoxide detectors are an absolute must – year round – and the E.P.A. says we need to be careful about how we choose one. CO detector technology is still developing and they’re not quite as reliable as smoke detectors yet. Be sure to look for UL certification on any detector you purchase.

Once you’ve purchased and installed your CO detector, don’t let that lull you into a false sense of security. Preventing carbon monoxide from becoming a problem is still the best protection for you and your family. Be sure to have fireplaces and any fuel burning appliances checked and maintained regularly – and never idle your car in the garage, even if the garage door is open.

If you’re looking for something to do with a child this week – build a house.

If you’ve got some time to kill during school break this week – drag out the blocks and build something...

Researchers at Temple University say building blocks are still one of the best toys a kid can play with. When physical construction is involved – that play time doubles as learning time and can build some real skills. Construction blocks help with our math, engineering and science skills and can strengthen planning, cooperation and communication when you build together.

For babies and toddlers, building with blocks flexes some skills like fine motor, balance and even verbal skills – especially in the demolition phase.

Smartphone apps are fun – but they can suck the life right out of your device...

If your smartphone battery barely lasts the day – you’ve probably got too many apps on there...

There are a few things you can do with that iPhone or Android to get a little more out of your battery:

• Turn off push notifications. Those let you know when new email or messages arrive and all that automatic monitoring drains your battery. You can still check manually any time you want.

• Turn your Location Services off when you’re not using them. You probably don't really need them if you’re not using your GPS.

• Find the setting that will let you turn off any apps you’re not using. The less apps you have running, the more battery life you’ll have. There’s even an app to turn off your apps automatically. It’s called JuiceDefender.

Live wallpapers and animations are really cool – but they suck the life right out of your device. If you really like the bells and whistles – you might want to invest in an extended or secondary battery.

What’s the big deal about Greek yougurt?

We’re seeing a lot more Greek yogurt in the dairy aisle these days...

It may cost more – but it’s also got more. Dietician and fitness specialist Rebecca Scritchfield says it’s mostly about protein. Greek yogurt’s straining process leaves about twice as much protein as is found in typical American yogurt. That extra protein is good for you, especially if you: exercise vigorously, are recovering from an illness, are pregnant, breast-feeding or going through menopause. The additional protein in Greek yogurt can also help you feel fuller longer and eat less. She also says Greek yogurt typically contains only about half as much sodium and carbohydrates as American yogurt.

Now for the bad news: Greek yogurt has less bone-building calcium than regular yogurt - and more saturated fat than non-diet American style. It also has more calories – but those extra calories come from protein instead of added sugar which is a good thing.

If you’d like to make your iPhone or iPod a little louder – without speakers – try this...

You have a handy little amphitheater right inside your kitchen cabinet...

If you put your iPhone, or any other handheld device, inside a cereal or salad bowl – you’ll automatically pump up the volume. Here are a few more handy life cheats from The Daily Buzz:

• Rubbing a walnut over scratches, dings and scrapes in furniture will blend them in.

• Hull a strawberry with a drinking straw. Start at the bottom and push the stem right out.

• If you’ve got plastic bread tags and a Sharpie – you’ve got custom power cord labels.

• Try making your own popcorn in a plain brown paper lunch bag for a fraction of what the pre-packaged stuff costs.

If you’ve got dry winter skin – eat this...

Dry winter air can take a toll on our skin – and we can soften things up a bit with some tuna fish...

It’s a great source of the Omega 3’s we really need in dry weather. That’s just one of the foods that help prevent dry skin – from the inside out. Here are a few more:

• Avocados are packed with nourishing vitamin E and antioxidants.

• Anything orange will do. Pumpkin, carrots, mangoes and apricots have got beta-carotene which helps with skin tissue growth and repair.

• Blueberries have got vitamin C and E and help to prevent free-radical activity.

• Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats which help to protect the skin cell membranes. It’s also got skin quenching vitamin E and beta-carotene.

If someone got under your skin over the holiday – here's you're assignment...

If you’re ticked-off at someone, or holding a grudge...

...now is a great time to forgive and forget. It’s for your OWN good. A recent study found those who can manage to forgive others have lower blood pressure, lower levels of stress hormones – and they even live longer! People who hold on to anger, resentment or thoughts of revenge are much more prone to depression and other illness.

The holidays and end of the year are a natural time for good will and wiping the slate clean – while a new year is as good a time as any for positive change and new beginnings.

If you’re looking for a resolution – slow down!

Most of us REALLY need to slow down...

According to Carol Mithers, author of “The Benefits of Slowing Down,” finding a slower rhythm can improve just about every aspect of our lives. Here’s how:

• Slow Spending: Instead of whipping out a credit card to make impulse purchases - ask and answer the hard questions first: Why am I buying this? Do I really need it? Can I actually afford it? Will I use it? Slow spending allows you to reduce or get rid of debt and teach your children the value of limits.

• Slow Weight Loss: Diets that boast quick weight loss may work in the short term, but there is a very high chance all that weight you lost -- and then some -- will come creeping back. When you lose weight slowly at the rate of one to two pounds a week, you're far more likely to keep it off.

• Slow Parenting: If you need a computerized calendar just to coordinate all your children's many activities and carpools, it's time to chill. What would happen if you spent a season with no scheduled activities? Your children will likely discover something new: imagination. They'll realize how much fun a big, empty box can be, and they'll create new games that don't require a controller.

• Slow Hobbies: Knitting a sweater, cross-stitching, any hands-on hobby will force you to slow down and sit down. You'll learn patience and deliberation. The repetitive and rhythmic motion of knitting or stitching will create a sense of soothing peace and calm. And you'll even have something to show for it in the end!

• Slow Conversation: To engage in real conversation, you have to make time for it. It doesn't work in an e-mail or on the phone. It requires in-person face time with no time limit and no cell phones to interrupt. What happens in the end? You'll feel connected.

Don’t throw that empty wine bottle away!

Most beverages come in a can or plastic bottle these days – but not good old wine...

Don’t let those nice glass bottles go to waste. Wine bottles can add a really nice touch to any table if you’ll be serving water. After you rinse them out thoroughly, you can remove the label with some nail polish remover and a cotton ball. Recork your wine bottle water and keep some in the fridge. Unlike a lot of plastic bottles – glass wine bottles are perfectly safe to wash and reuse.

If losing weight is one of your New Year’s resolutions – I’ve got another one for you,

If your goal is to eat less in 2012 – make room for a side order of sleep!

Most experts agree, getting plenty of sleep should be the first step in any weight loss attempt. Here’s how lack of sleep can work against you:

• Just 3 consecutive nights of bad sleep increases insulin resistance – which makes us more likely to store fat.

• People who sleep less than 6 hours per night eat an ADDITIONAL 220 calories per day.

• Sleeping less alters your hormones and forces your body to experience more intense feelings of hunger.

Michael Breus, author of “Beauty Sleep,” says we need about 7 and a half hours of quality sleep per night. If you’re already getting that, another half hour will not necessarily help you lose weight - but if you are a five-hour sleeper and start to sleep for seven hours a night, you will start dropping weight.

We already know gold is good – but what’s so great about frankincense and myrrh?

"...they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

We’re all familiar with the story of those three treasures – and if you’ve ever wondered what exactly frankincense and myrrh are, we’ll take a closer look – or smell. It’s all about the alluring fragrance of these two gum resins made from tree sap.

Both frankincense and myrrh were valuable commodities and in high demand across the Middle East. They were both commonly used in religious ceremony – and for other stuff too. Back in the day, before bathing was a daily ritual, people used the smoke from those resins to make themselves smell better. The ash of frankincense was also used by women as makeup. Both frankincense and myrrh had medicinal uses too and were used to treat ailments such as leprosy, plague, scurvy and even baldness.

If you’re feeling sad – I’ll tell you who to call...

Have you called your mother lately?

A recent study found that hearing your mother’s voice is the best stress relief out there – even for adults. Researchers say the oxytocin that is released into the bloodstream during labor – and which floods the brain during breastfeeding and cuddling – is what creates the unique bond between mother and child. For most of us, that bond will last forever.

When we hear our mother’s voice, even on the phone, oxytocin levels rise and it can have the same effect on our brains as a physical hug. If you happen to have a message from your mom on your voicemail, you might want to save that one as a pocket dose of oxytocin.

If you’d like to stop someone from snoring – I’ll tell you what to feed them...

If snoring interferes with your sleep at night – have a banana before bed...

Australian researchers claim that bedtime banana might actually stop the snoring for up to 6 hours. One of the most common causes for snoring is poor muscle tone in the throat. During sleep, the weak tissue in the throat can relax and sag, which blocks the flow of air. Bananas contain unique fatty acids that can actually help to keep airwaves open.

This Australian study was pretty limited, testing the banana theory on just 8 people – but it’s creating a lot of buzz in the field of sleep apnea and more bananas are sure to be put to the test.

Do men REALLY think about sex every 7 seconds?

If you’re a guy – and you DON’T think about sex every 7 seconds – you’re probably perfectly normal...

A recent study in the Journal of Sex Research suggests that old 7 second sex stat is WAY off. A group of Ohio State University students, male and female, were asked to tally their thoughts about eating, sleep and sex over the course of a week on a golf-counter. Their results: Men thought about sex an average of 19 times per day – while women though about it 10 times a day.

So what about sleeping and eating? Men thought about food 18 times a day and sleep about 11 times. For women, eating scored 15 and sleepy thoughts came in around 8 per day.

If you’d like to know why you were “friended” or “unfriended” on Facebook, here are the stats on that...

Do you “friend” people on Facebook that you don’t know in real life?

Some new research sheds some light on why we “friend” or “unfriend” on Facebook:

• 82% site knowing someone offline as a reason for adding them.

• 60% consider a mutual friend as reason enough.

• 11% of friends are added for business networking.

• 8% admit to adding a friend because of physical attractiveness.

• 55% of Facebookers “unfriend” because of offensive comments.

• 39% remove friends due to sales or soliciting.

• 23% of friends are dumped for depressing comments.

• 14% for political comments.

When it comes to “unfriending,” women are much more likely to hit that button. Men are more likely to use social media for careers, networking and dating and are not as sensitive to what others post.

If you’d like to boost your immune system – there's a song for that...

It can soothe the savage beast, put a spring in your step – and music can even boost your immune system...

In one study, participants who listened to soothing music had significantly lower levels of stress hormones than those suffering in silence. The group was then treated to some upbeat, feel-good dance music and their levels of antibodies actually increased. Dr. Ronny Enk, who led the study, says the pleasant state of mind induced by music results in direct immune enhancement.

Feel good music can boost more than our immune system. If you tend to drink more when loud music is playing – there’s a reason for that too. Participants in another study rated the taste of alcohol in a dance-club environment. The louder the music was – the sweeter the alcohol tasted and the more they drank.

Did three kings, riding camels, really visit the baby Jesus?

It’s a familiar story and scene – three kings, on camels, arriving with gifts to see a newborn Jesus...

According to The Holy Bible, there were wise men, and gifts, and a visit – but the other details were not so specific.

The bible does report that magi, or wise men, paid their respects. Because the word “magi” is plural, there could have been 2, 4 or more wise men. It may be assumed that there were three because that’s the number of costly gifts presented – gold, frankincense and myrrh. The Bible does not mention any camels, nor does it refer to the magi as kings – so those details could still be open for debate.

Another misconception a lot of us have is that these wise men came to visit the infant Jesus as he lay in a manger. We have greeting cards and Christmas pageants to thank for that image. The magi did not arrive until sometime after Christ’s presentation in the Temple in Jerusalem. Jesus was more likely a walking, talking toddler by then.

Sources: Luke 2:22-39, Matthew 2:16

The next time you’re bitten by a deadly snake – I’ll tell you what NOT to do...

If you happen to get bitten by a poisonous snake – you can skip the sucking-the-venom-out step...

It turns out that wilderness trick does more harm than good. Putting your mouth on that wound can introduce bacteria into that mouth. It also increases the odds of infection to the wound.

The first thing to do is to get away from the snake. Even a dead snake can reflexively bite for up to an hour. Next, call 911. You’ll want to keep the affected area below the heart and get to a doctor ASAP for anti-venom treatment.

If you’d like to avoid stuffing your face over the holidays, here's some advice...

The holidays are full of temptations at every turn –

and if you’d rather not make a pig of yourself, Reader’s Digest has some advice:

• Have a low-calorie snack before a big dinner. That way, you won’t be ravenous at dinner time, and you’ll avoid second helpings.

• Try the 20-20 rule. Put 20% FEWER high-calorie foods – and 20% MORE fruits and vegetables – on your plate.

• Eat slowly. It takes your brain about 20 minutes to start sending out those “I’m full” signals. So the slower you eat, the fewer calories you’ll consume. If you’re a naturally fast eater, take a sip of water between bites to slow yourself down.

• Watch the alcohol. Not only does a 5-ounce glass of wine have about 120 calories, but drinking too much impairs your judgment. So, the more you drink, the more you’re likely to eat.

• Have just a few bites of dessert. The first bites always taste the best because the dopamine kicks in. After that, your brain gets bored – that’s your cue to walk away.

Hot cocoa is good for you – but HOT hot cocoa is even better...

Have some hot cocoa – some REALLY hot cocoa – as in spicy...

Mexican cocoa is a blend of cocoa, cinnamon and chili pepper and has some extra health benefits in there. The pepper compounds in hot-hot cocoa can actually boost endorphins. Cinnamon improves awareness. Real cocoa boosts mood and gives you a good dose of antioxidants.

Rachael Ray’s recipe for Mexican hot cocoa is pretty easy. Here’s what you’ll need:


• 4 cups milk
• 8 ounces chocolate chips
• 4 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Combine all those ingredients in a large saucepan with 1 cup of water and cook over medium heat until hot – not boiling - whisking frequently for about 8 minutes. If you’d like to get fancy, top it off with some whipped cream and garnish with cinnamon sticks or chili peppers. Don’t forget to invite 3 friends – this treat is for 4 to enjoy.

If someone in your house is itchy or sneezing all of the sudden – I’ll tell you what that could be...

If you’ve got a real Christmas tree – don’t be surprised if someone in the house starts sneezing or itching soon...

Christmas tree allergies are pretty common. It’s actually most likely an allergic reaction to the mold – not the tree. ALL cut trees start to grow mold after about 14 days - and it’s hard to know when your tree was cut. Anyone can develop an allergy to mold – even if they’ve never suffered before.

Even if you’ve got an artificial tree – you could get a reaction. That's more likely to happen as soon as you drag it out and set it up.  They tend to collect dust and mold while in storage. If you are allergic to your tree you can try an air purifier in the room – and stay away from the tree when it’s being decorated or otherwise jostled.

The new list of overused resume buzzwords is here...

Are you creative?

If so, you’d better find a more creative way of saying that on your resume. The word creative came in at number one as the most overused professional buzzword, according to LinkedIn. Here is the rest of the list:

2. Organizational

3. Effective

4. Extensive experience

5. Track record

6. Motivated

7. Innovative

8. Problem Solving

9. Communication Skills

10. Dynamic

Nicole Williams, LinkedIn’s connection director suggests banishing buzzwords from your profile. Try to use language that illustrates your unique professional accomplishments and experiences. If you’re sending your resume to Brazil – avoid using the word multinational – that’s the number one buzzword there. In Spain it’s Managerial and in France it’s Dynamic.

Some people just seem to get more done...

If you’d like to get more done today – try working backwards...

That’s one technique used by highly productive people. Tony Wong, project management expert, shares some of his secrets on getting things done:

• Work backwards: Take a goal and break it down into smaller and smaller chunks until you have specific tasks that can be accomplished in a few hours or less

• Stop multi-tasking: Every time you switch tasks, your IQ drops an average of 10 points. 15 for men and 5 for women.

• Eliminate distractions: Lock your door, put up a sign and turn off the phone. You’ll get a LOT more done.

• Schedule your email: Pick 2 or 3 times a day to check. Checking too often is a productivity killer.

• Work in 60 to 90 minute intervals: Your brain starts to weaken after longer for that. Go for a walk, have a snack and get those glucose and oxygen levels back up before digging in again. Factor in an extra hour in breaks to your workday, in addition to lunch.

Do you avoid dairy when you’re sick?

Everyone knows that dairy products will just make congestion worse when you’re sick - right?

Well actually, that’s a myth - according to Aaron E. Carroll, author of “Don’t Cross Your Eyes, They’ll Get Stuck That Way!” He says cheese, milk and other dairy products are being unfairly accused. Numerous studies haven’t found any link between dairy products and phlegm production. In one study, people with colds were given milk and produced no more mucus than the non-dairy group. He also says that some people are sensitive to how milk feels in the mouth and that it can create a mucus-like sensation – but it’s just a sensation.

The way we shop, cook and eat are changing with the times...

Fashion, entertainment and technology are all very prone to trends – and so is eating...

AllRecipies.com has some insight to how we’ll be shopping, cooking and eating in 2012. Here are some culinary trends we can expect to be cooking up in the coming year:

• Flexitarians: More than one-third of households ate less meat in 2011. Families are expected to keep some meat in the meal plans for 2012 – but meatless meals will reach main course status more often.

• Back to Food Basics. Consumer goals for the coming year include limiting highly processed foods and seeking foods and beverages that have antioxidants, probiotics, no hormones, and a list of ingredients they can recognize and pronounce.

• Mini-Me: Miniature sweets and deserts were all the rage in 2011 and are expected to be even more popular in 2012.

• Home Economics: Consumers will shop for more quality and less waste and make sure the product sizing is just right.

• Beyond Mom’s recipes. More people are searching and using recipes online which have been tried, tested and commented on by other home cookers.

• Mobile technology is definitely the top trend for meal planning. Mobile cooking apps and downloads were up 218% in 2011 and still on the rise.

Tis the season – to wrap food in plastic...

At this time of year, you’ll see more food and goodies than ever wrapped in plastic...

Patricia Hunt, a leading BPA researcher, says we really need to be careful about that. Here are some plastic no-nos to keep in mind:

• If you’re using plastic wrap – don’t let it touch the food. Even at room temperature, Saran-type wrap can release chemicals into the foods they touch. We’re better off using foil or glass containers. If you’re using plastic wrap to cover a container – stick a layer of paper towel or wax paper over the food first. That goes for sandwich bags too – we’re better off with waxed paper bags if you can find them.

• If you’ve got a favorite plastic container – it’s probably time to replace it. Those are the ones most likely to be damaged. If they’re warped, scratched or discolored, that means the plastic is breaking down, and releasing more chemicals into your food.

If a skin care product makes your skin worse at first – should you keep using it?

You may have heard that some skin products might make your skin worse before they start “working.”

Not true – according to Dermatologist Neal B. Schultz, author of “It’s Not Just About Wrinkles.” There really shouldn’t be any adverse effect from a new product. He says to pay attention to how your skin feels right after you apply the product. If it’s not right for you, you’ll usually FEEL that there is a problem before you see it. A tingling or prickling sensation that doesn’t go away within a minute or so probably means it’s not right. Wash it off immediately and don’t use it again. If there is a rash or irritation the next day, the same rule should apply. It’s probably not right for you and you should stop using it. If it’s a prescription, check the area before the next application and let your doctor know if you’re having any type of reaction.

If you have no reaction to a product – and it doesn’t seem to be helping, Dr. Schultz says be patient. Some products for conditions such as acne take a week or two to start working.

We’re in the holiday home stretch – and so are the scammers...

With less than a week until Christmas – the scammers are pulling out all the stops...

Consumer Reports has some classics to keep an eye out for in the next few days:

• Travel warnings: Watch out for unexpected hotel or flight confirmation or cancellation notices. They’re designed to trick consumers into clicking unsafe links to “stop” reservations you never made in the first place.

• Festive downloads: Beware of holiday-themed articles, music, screensavers and greetings. If it involves downloading or installing – skip it. Better safe than sorry.

• Special deliveries: Don’t accept notices about delivery delays or confirmations on unordered packages; phishers often pose as well-known retailers or shipping companies to rip you off.

How much water should you be drinking every day?

The old rule of drinking 8 glasses of water a day is a bit outdated...

How much water we need depends on a few different things. If you exercise vigorously, you’ll need more water, and maybe a sports beverage to replace some electrolytes lost through sweating. If your exercise is light to moderate, without much sweating, you can skip the sports drink and stick to plain water, before and during your workout.

Generally speaking, we should be drinking half of our body weight in ounces of water per day. If you weigh 120 pounds, you’ll need to drink 60 ounces of water per day to stay properly hydrated.

The new light bulb laws are about to go into effect. Here's the new light bulb lingo...

As of January 1, 2010, the law phasing out standard 100-watt incandescent bulbs goes into effect...

CFLs and LEDs vary in wattage and you’ll need to go by lumens instead. Here’s some help with the new bulb lingo:

• 40 watts = 450 lumens

• 60 watts = 800 lumens

• 75 watts = 1100 lumens

You’ll need to choose a color too. Most people prefer “warm white” over CFLs and LEDs labeled as “cool white” or “day light.”

Source: Noah Horowitz, Natural Resources Defense Council

Should you treat a fever – or ride it out?

The next time you come down with a fever – consider riding it out...

A new study suggests that letting a mild fever run its course could be your best course of action. By treating or suppressing the fever – you could be depriving yourself of some natural healing power. That fever is part of the body’s natural line of defense and can make certain parts of the immune system work a little harder. By letting it do its thing – leaving the fever untreated could shorten the length of what ails you. Any body temperature over 103 is no longer mild and should be brought to the attention of your doctor.

Some people will never agree on politics, religion and Brussels Sprouts...

Some foods can stir up some really strong opinions for some people...

Shine Magazine has a list of the most common controversial foods:

• Cilantro: Yes, it does taste like soap – and some people just LOVE that.

• Brussels Sprouts: These bitter little buds are a favorite food to hate.

• Eggplant: People who don’t like it are not likely to EVER change their mind about the chewy, sponge-like, flavor-sucking vegetable.

• Mushrooms: You either love their earthy flavor and texture – or wouldn’t touch that fungi with a 10-foot pole.

• Pulp: With more orange-juice choices on the shelves now – even more families are feuding over pulp or no-pulp.

If you’re tipping this holiday season – here are the basics...

If you’re tipping the hairdresser or dog walker for the holiday...

...Consumer Reports has some holiday tipping tips:

• One week’s pay is a good tip. If you pay your dog walker $75 a week, give them a $75 tip.

• For someone you already tip on a regular basis, like a hairdresser, consider adding a small gift to the tip like some fancy soap or a candle.

• Crisp new bills from the bank will make your tip a little more special.

• A handwritten note shows you put some thought into it ahead of time and is also perfectly acceptable instead of cash if money is tight.

If you need to take some cash out – look for one of these ATMs...

The next time you’re looking around for an ATM machine – keep looking until you find one in a bank...

ATM’s located inside a bank are much safer than freestanding machines. Banks have multiple security features and scammers and crooks know that. Freestanding ATM machines are a LOT easier for thieves to tamper with.

If you need to make a cash deposit, avoid non-bank ATMs at all costs. There have been instances where machines in public places have been altered by scammers who will be happy to take that cash or information you deposit.

Those loud TV commercials are about to get quieter...

The days of a blaring commercial interrupting your favorite TV show are about to be over...

The FCC is passing regulations that limit the volume levels of TV commercials and even dole out penalties to broadcasters that bombard us with loud ads between shows. We have the CALM act to thank for it all. That’s the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation act which was passed by Congress last year.

Under CALM, televised ads’ volume levels can’t exceed the loudest part of the show they’re in – and the loudest part of the ad can’t be sustained through the whole thing.

If you’ve got a pet – and allergic guests coming over, do this first...

If you’re expecting allergic friends or family for the holidays...

...there are a few things you can do to your pet and your house to keep everyone a little more comfortable:

• Take a bath. Washing your pet with a mild, pet-safe shampoo will significantly reduce the amount of allergens.

• Plug in a HEPA air filter in common areas and in a guest bedroom if necessary.

• Clean your house two days before guests arrive. That gives any allergens rustled up into the air some time to settle.

• Set up a pet free zone in the house after you’ve cleaned – especially in any potential guest sleeping spots.

It’s a good idea to always have allergy medication on hand if you’ve got pets. That way any guest with an unexpected reaction will be able to find some relief without an inconvenient or late-night run to the store.

Which browser do you use? Now let's see if that's the best choice...

Most of us use one of three browsers – Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome or Microsoft Internet Explorer...

A new study by Accuvant found Chrome to be the best choice when it comes to security features. Firefox came in last of the 3 and most vulnerable to web-borne threats. Chrome performed best in Sandboxing - the method a browser uses to limit access and data exposure on your computer.

Browsers are constantly changing and improving in order to compete with each other – and Accuvant has not yet rated some other less popular browsers like Safari and Opera.

If you’d like to catch the flu – I’ll tell you where to go for that...

If you haven’t gotten vaccinated for the flu yet – it’s not too late...

Flu season runs through May. If you’d rather tempt fate, here are a few of the most likely places to find the flu:

• Day care and preschools are the perfect playground for the flu virus - which loves to share.

• Doctor’s offices are high-risk zones. If the waiting room is small, crowded or not split into well and sick areas – consider waiting outside. Don’t forget to use hand sanitizer on your way out.

• The store has a nice selection of germs. People shop no matter what at this time of year. Skip using a cart if possible and use your own pen to avoid public pens and surfaces at the checkout.

If you wind up with the flu anyway – quarantine as much as possible at home to avoid spreading it. If a child is sick – designate a few easy to clean toys for them to use until they’re feeling better. TV remotes, phones, computer keyboards and mice used by the patient will be covered in cooties – so share accordingly.

Hey guys! If you’d like to be more attractive to women – have some celery...

Did you know certain foods can actually make you more attractive?

It’s all about pheromones. Those are chemicals we excrete that can actually change the behavior of those in close proximity. According to Dr. Manny Alvarez, certain foods cause males to emit scents or hormones that make them more appealing to women. Here are three attractive choices:

• Celery: It contains a compound used in sprays and colognes that stimulates sweat glands and is believed to act as an aphrodisiac for women.

• Truffles: They contain androstenone and androstenol – hard to resist.

• Parsnips: They pack a one-two punch of pheromones and boron, which helps you metabolize estrogen while enhancing testosterone levels.

Even good liars make some obvious mistakes...

If someone’s just not acting like themselves – they could be lying...

Men’s Health has a list of behaviors that are dead giveaways in lie detecting:

• Inconsistent behavior: If someone who is normally mellow seems agitated or animated, or vice versa, that’s a red flag. Listen for changes in speech pattern too.

• Steady gaze: It’s natural for people to look around or shift their gaze as they think and contemplate. A gaze that is TOO constant or steady is a hint they are either not listening or trying to gain your trust – both signs of insincerity.

• Mouth service: Coughing or clearing the throat frequently – and other gestures that involve covering the mouth too much is common behavior from someone with something to hide.

If you’re watching your weight – here's a delicious appetite suppressant...

If you’ve got a diet resolution in your future, or are just trying to keep your weight in check – have plenty of honey on hand...

In a recent study, women who sweetened their breakfast with honey had higher levels of appetite-suppressing hormones than those who used sugar or artificial sweetener. Those who used honey on their food or in beverages also reported feeling more satisfied and lasted a little longer in between meals.

If you’re buying perfume for someone this Christmas – here's some advice...

Hint hint.

Perfume is a fantastic gift for someone who wears and enjoys it...

It’s also really personal. In order to pick the right perfume for someone else, there are a few things you should take into consideration first. The safest bet is to buy perfume you know they already wear. This might require some snooping or asking around – but it will be well worth the effort.

If you’d like to find a new fragrance for the recipient, put that at the TOP of your shopping list. The perfume counter should be your first stop. Stores and malls are flooded with fragrance and your sense of smell will be the keenest before you venture too far in. Ask for help from a perfume expert behind the counter and describe some of the scents you think you are looking for. You’ll want to narrow it down to just 3 or 4 before you start spraying. Once you start sniffing, your olfactory system will get overloaded. To be really sure – take a walk outside and then come back in a few minutes to give the likely choice one more whiff.

Are you expecting a holiday bonus this year?

If you’re holding your breath for that holiday bonus this year – 60% of you shouldn’t bother...

CareerBuilder.com has some holiday perks statistics to share:

• 40% of employers will be giving holiday bonuses this year. That’s up from 33% last year.

• 3 out of 10 say they’ll be giving holiday gifts.

• 58% are planning a holiday party this year – up 6% from last year.

It seems most employees that were surveyed feel it’s better to receive than to give. Only 22% say they plan on giving gifts to co-workers or bosses.

If you’ve had enough “ho ho ho” already,try this phrase instead...

For some people, high expectations, money woes and other holiday hazards can take a lot of the joy out of the season...

If you fall into that category, you might want to consider replacing “ho ho ho” with “no no no.” John Sharp, a psychiatrist at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, says saying “no” can be a be a big relief and more productive than stretching and spending more than you have, only to feel like it’s still not enough. To avoid the holiday blues, make sure you’re getting plenty of sunlight exposure and make every effort to keep your schedule as normal as possible. Spreading yourself too thin, skipping sleep and pushing the envelope are common pitfalls to those prone to holiday depression. Spending, eating and drinking more than normal can also be a recipe for disaster and a not-so-happy New Year.

If you’re prone to getting heartburn, here's some relief...

There’s a good chance you’ll fall victim to heartburn at some point over the next few weeks...

Rich foods, overindulging and large meals can take a toll on anyone. Heartburn can be serious if left untreated. If you get it more than twice a week, you might have GERD. It’s something you’ll need to talk to your doctor about – but there are a few things you can do in the meantime that can make a big difference:

• Eat smaller meals

• Don’t lie down after you eat

• Avoid fatty or fried foods, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate and caffeine

Some home remedies can offer relief for heartburn. Chewing sugar-free gum for 30 minutes after a meal stimulates the salivary flow rate and cuts down on acid. Baking soda helps too, by neutralizing the acid. Have a teaspoon with a glass of water. If you like licorice, you’re in luck. Licorice has natural stomach healing properties – just make sure to eat that in small doses because too much can have some serious side effects like high blood pressure.

Did you get stuck in the slowest line – again?

If you’d like to pick the line in the store with the best odds of moving – there’s a formula for that...

It was developed by John D.C. Little – and it’s fairly simple. First, you’ll need to determine the average wait time in any given line. To do this, take the number of people in the line and divide that by their arrival rate. If there are six people in the line and two shoppers are joining per minute – the average wait time will be three minutes.

Long lines aren’t necessarily the worst. A single-file line leading to more than one register actually moves much faster than separate lines for each cashier. Any delay in the multiple-line system stops that line completely, while a glitch in the single-line system is only a problem for one unlucky customer.

Gift cards are convenient – but they’re not necessarily a good idea…

Gift cards are still the most popular gift out there – but you need to know the downsides before you give them out...

Consumer Reports says 25% of us still have unused gift cards left over from last year. If you’d rather not risk your gift being lost, stolen, forgotten or unused – consider giving an actual gift or cash instead.

Beware of reloadable cards or those not marketed as gift cards. They often have some tricky terms and conditions and sometimes even some fees – not things you want to burden someone with as a gift. Bank-issued cards often fall into this category. The safest gift-card bet is one from a retailer that you know the recipient shops at on a regular basis.

If you’re struggling with procrastination or nervous energy, head to the bathroom...

If you’re feeling stressed out or overwhelmed – go and splash some cold water on your face...

It really does work. Cold water helps to regulate body temperature. It slows the heart rate and can do wonders at reducing anxiety. Cold water is actually really good for us in bigger doses too. Chilling the whole body in frigid water propels blood towards your organs to keep them heated, which boosts function and immunity.

If you shiver at the thought of taking an icy plunge with the local Polar Bear Club – you could get the benefits in your own shower if you can stand it. Let the water run cold for about 30 seconds, then switch back to warm. It’s stimulating, really good for your circulation and people with cold shower routines get sick a LOT less than the rest of us.