Max Your Mojo

If you’d like to be a better lover – I’ve got some expert advice...

If you’re love life could use a boost – consider taking it OUT of the bedroom. Lou Paget, author of “The Great Lover Playbook,” says anyone can be a better lover – if we take this advice:

• When your partner makes you proud – say it out loud – and tell other people about it too. Champion your Lover.

• Pay attention. When your partner has something to say – stop what you’re doing and really listen.

• Get touchy. Holding hands, a longer embrace or spontaneous caress WILL be noticed when it’s not expected.

Kissing is one of the easiest ways to jump start your love life. Long term couples fall into kissing routines – so consider switching up your technique a bit. Start by kissing your partner the way you’d like to be kissed.

Shiny Hair

Shiny hair is all the rage. Here is how to get it...

In the 80s, big hair was in. Stiff hair was all the rage in the 90s. Now it’s all about shiny hair. Harper’s Bazaar tells us how to get it:

• Lose your plastic brush. Use a boar bristle one instead. A natural brush breaks less hair and redistributes oil and shine.

• Condition first! That’s right – apply the conditioner first but not to the roots. Then, without rinsing, apply the shampoo to the root area. Lather, then rinse it all out.

• Rinse with cold water. It closes the cuticle for smooth hair. If you blow dry – finish on the cool setting for the same reason.

To keep your hair smooth and shiny, avoid any products with alcohol. Silicone sprays are filling the shelves and they work great – but go easy with it. If you use too much your hair will fall flat and look greasy.

Skip the Gelpac

If you use those liquid gel packs in your dishwasher, switch!

Those premeasured liquid gel packs for your dishwasher are convenient – but they’re no good. That’s because you can’t split them in half. They’ve actually got too much detergent in them which leaves residue on your dishes and can even shorten the life of your dishwasher. They’re expensive too.

You’re better off buying the solid tablets – and then split them in half! That’s all you really need if you’ve got soft water. If you have hard water, go ahead and use the whole thing.

Don't Do That!

We should stretch before we get active – right? No!

You can skip those big stretches before you work out. According to personal trainer Dmitriy Petrov, touching your toes or bending side to side can do more harm than good. The whole purpose of a warm-up is to heat up your muscles so they’ll be less prone to injury. Dramatic stretches like that don’t raise your body temperature and are just stressing out your cold muscles.

The best warm-up techniques include dynamic stretches like jumping jacks, peddling or even a slow walk for a few minutes.

Let it Go

Most of us keep stuff we really don’t need....

Cutting down on clutter can be a daunting task – but a lot of us make it harder than it needs to be. Barbara Hemphill, author of “Taming the Paper,” has 3 common mistakes we make:

• Thinking you’ll need that someday. Ask yourself - what is the worst possible thing that could happen if I get rid of that.

• Saving papers. 4 out of 5 saved documents will never be used again – and could be replaced.

• Going it alone. You’ll need cooperation from family members. Convince them their stuff can go too – and you’re doing them a big favor.

Blaming others will get you nowhere. If you live with a pack rat, offer to help them get organized. Tossing their stuff without their permission could make matters worse.

Packing Light

If you’re headed away for the weekend – pack light...

Packing a bag for the weekend should be easy – but most people overdo it. If you have more than 10 items of clothing in there, you’re over-packing. Here’s the list:

• 3 shirts – 2 short sleeve, 1 long.

• 3 pair of underwear.

• 1 sweater.

• 1 pair of pants, shorts or skirt, in addition to the one you’re wearing.

• 1 extra pair of shoes or flip-flops.

• 1 bathing suit if you need it.

The trick is to pick a color scheme so you can mix and match all your items. Leave the pajamas at home - pack something lightweight to sleep in.

Unhealthy Health Food

Some foods LOOK like they’re really good for you - but looks can be deceiving...

We might just be sabotaging our diet by picking foods and snacks that LOOK healthy. Consumer Reports has a list of unhealthy health foods to avoid:

• Veggie chips – they’re usually fried in oil and loaded with fat.

• Trail mix – most brands have about 700 calories in one cup.

• Granola cereal can have about 400 calories per serving. You’re better off with Cheerios.

• Wraps are high in calories, and volume. Split one, or go for a sandwich on whole wheat.

Popcorn is a good snack option, but only if it’s air-popped. Instead of butter and salt, try some grated parmesan on there – it’s got less fat.

Your Brain on Google

This is your brain on Google...

Neurologists say the Internet is changing our brains – and it’s not for the better. We process electronic pages differently than printed ones – and it can affect how much we learn and even alter our brains. When we read online – we have to process more than just words. Ads, hyperlinks and alerts from other pages are big distractions. They interrupt our train of thought - and our mental plasticity.

Even if we ignore those distractions, we’re making a conscious effort to do so. That split-second decision is a conscious one and can zap us of some brain power.

Source: Nicholas Carr, author of “The Shallows”

Curiosity Killed the Dog

Spring has sprung – and if you’ve got a dog, avoid the daffodils...

Please don’t eat the daffodils – especially if you’re a dog. Dofodils are poisonous to dogs and can cause all kinds of digestive problems and even convulsions. Watch out for azaleas too – they could be deadly for dogs.

There are several spring flowering shrubs that can hurt your dog. If you notice any strange behavior such as clumsiness, drooling, erratic behavior or vomiting – check with your vet – and make a note of any plants the dog may have gotten into.

Allergy or Cold?

Are those sniffles an allergy – or a cold?

It’s peak season for allergies – and for colds. So how can you tell the difference? According to allergist Dean Mitchell, both colds and allergies give you that overall crummy felling, sore throat and dull headache. However, if you’ve got body aches or swollen glands – you’ve probably got a cold. A cold can last about 7 to 10 days. Allergy symptoms can stick around for 2 or 3 weeks.

REALLY Organic

If you’d like to buy organic meat for half price – buy in bulk...

You can get organic beef or pork for half price – IF you buy the whole cow or pig. Steve and Annette Economides, authors of “Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half with America’s Cheapest Family,” say we can eat organically for a lot less than we think. Just head for the nearest farm or ranch instead of the meat department. If you buy an organically raised cow or pig – you can have it butchered by the farmer or by a student in the butchery program of an area tech school. You’ll need to find another family to go half on the hooves with you – unless you’ve got a REALLY big freezer.

While you’re at the farm – offer to get a little dirty. Some organic farms will lower the prices of their inventory a lot for customers willing to do a little farm work.

Work of Passion

Should you hold out for a job you love? Not necessarily...

If you hate your job, that’s a problem – but if you don’t LOVE your job, that’s okay. According to the Harvard Business Review, we can get too emotionally attached if we’re doing what we really love for a living. Charlene Harris, author of “True Blood,” says the best writers don’t fall in love with their characters or their words. They don’t mind being edited and are open to anything that makes them better.

Getting paid to do something you really love is great – but it’s rare. Turning a passion into work can take the fun out of it. Most people have trouble looking at something they love objectively.

Typing Test

If you need to learn something, should you write it – or type it?

Writing something down is still the most effective way to make it stick. Keyboards just can’t compete with pen and paper in the learning department. In a recent test, two groups of adults were asked to learn and write in an unknown alphabet – one group used pen and paper, the other typed. The recall of the writers outscored the typing team hands down. Writing takes more mental effort and taps into a part of our brain that typing doesn’t touch - leaving a much stronger mental imprint of information.

Buyer's Remorse

If you’re trying to decide between a Blackberry and an iPhone, you'll probably pick the WRONG one...

We weigh a lot of options when choosing cell phones, cars and other stuff – and it turns out we often pick the WRONG one. When comparing similar items we look more closely at the one we’re tempted to rule out because we wouldn’t want to miss out on some great feature. The more we inspect it, the more good stuff we’re likely to find.

If you know someone with that smartphone or car you’re considering – ask them what they DON’T like about it. Chances are that won’t be on the list of great features.

Instant Bliss

Would you like to feel better in 10 seconds?

The next time you feel a wave of stress coming on – yawn. Forcing a yawn gets oxygen to the deepest parts of your lungs and stimulates your brain – in a good way. Here are a few more quick stress-busters:

• Wash your hands with scented soap. The sent activates the brain’s pleasure center and cool water on your wrists lowers body temperature.

• Chant for 10 seconds. Choose a positive or empowering phrase and repeat that to yourself. That helps put you back in control of the situation.

• Rub your ears. Stroking the circumference of each ear hits your marma points and can instantly ease tension.

Am I Boring You?

There are some tell-tale signs you are boring someone...

The next time you’ve got a good story to tell – keep your eye on your listener. Their body language will let you know if you’re boring them. Here’s what to look for:

• If they fidget or turn slightly away from you – they’re bored.

• If they stay silent or don’t ask questions – change the subject.

• If THEY try to change the subject – go with it – your story’s no good.

• If their responses are short or one worded such as “wow” or “really” – pick a new topic – or conversation partner.

Catch My Drift?

We have sailors to thank for some everyday phrases. Let’s chew the fat...

You’re either under the weather or have a clean bill of health. Or maybe you’re three sheets to the wind. We have sailors to thank for all of those phrases. Sheets are the nautical term for the ropes that control the sails – and if 3 are loose – you’re out of control. Here are some more salty sayings:

• Slush Fund: Clever cooks secretly stowed leftover fat and grease – or slush - from meals, then sold it to candle makers ashore.

• Filibuster: It’s how the English pronounced the Dutch word for the pirates who were successful at obstructing and blocking shipping trade.

• Chew the fat: Sailors had to rely on super tough salt-cured meat on board. It took so long to eat they would gather together to and chat to kill some chewing time.

Source: Sea Talk Nautical Dictionary

Close Encounters

Who likes to snuggle more – men or women?

If you think women like to cuddle more than men – you’re right – but not by much. A recent survey revealed some pretty slim margins with intimate behavior. Here’s how men and women rated post-close encounters on a scale of 1 to 5:

• Intimate talking: Men 3.14 – Women 3.41
• Kissing: Men: 3.06 – Women 3.45
• Cuddling: Men 3.48 – Women 3.76

The study did reveal two after-the-act options that the men rated higher than the women did. Sleeping and eating.

Source: Journal of Sex Research

Mind Your Own Business!

The next time you want to give someone advice – make sure you’re not meddling...

Are you just trying to help? Or are you meddling? There’s a big difference, and Judy Kurianski, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship,” tells us when to mind our own business:

• Two friends are arguing. Stay out of it if it involves taking sides with one of them. Encourage them to work it out on their own instead.

• A coworker is upset. Don’t dig for hidden agendas or dirt on the boss. If it doesn’t involve you, don’t offer to help.

• Someone you care about is making a big mistake. If they don’t want your advice, avoid giving it anyway. Offer to talk about it – but don’t imply you know what’s best for them.

Watch Your Faceback

Some of your Facebook friends could be up to no good - watch your back...

If you don’t quite remember that kid from your elementary school who is requesting your friendship on Facebook – beware - he could be an evil robot. If someone has got a couple thousand friends, there’s a good chance they’re a fake and a hacker. One recent hacker collected data from over 1 million accounts and sold that info for about $25 per “friend.”

Obviously we shouldn’t friend people we don’t know – but if you’re still tempted – avoid profiles pictures featuring professional models. Check when they joined Facebook. If it’s recent and they have a lot of friends, it’s a fake.

Sexy Walk

Do you have a sexy walk?

The way we walk says a lot about our sex appeal. When women are strutting their stuff, that lateral sway in their hips gets a lot more pronounced. When men turn on the charm, their shoulders broaden and swagger. Researchers figured out we change our walk if we know we’re being watched. It’s nothing new – our stone-age forefathers and mothers used it all the time. An irregular or lazy walk could indicate a genetic weakness and limited life expectancy – while a sexy strut screams that you’re healthy and likely to live long enough to raise children.

Not-So-Heavy Lifting

Who has the time or equipment to exercise every day? You do!

We have a valuable fitness tool wherever we go – gravity. Fitness expert Jonathan Ross says, if you find you don’t have the time or right equipment to get in shape, you might need to change your idea of exercise all together. You’ve got weights wherever you are – a child, a briefcase or even a rock – put them to work – and have some fun. Get the whole family involved. You don’t have to choose between spending 30 minutes working out or bonding with them, you CAN do both.

We often set aside time for exercise or work out in isolation. That can put the pressure on or even result in another excuse to skip it.

Washing Hair

If you wash your hair every day, you  might be overdoing it...

Washing our hair every day is a relatively new trend. In the 1950s, women had their hair washed and styled about once a week. That was a lot compared to the turn of the century when once a month was more the norm. Our hair follicles work non-stop to secrete sebum, the natural oils that waterproof and moisturize our skin and hair. We go to a lot of trouble to wash that off and replace it with other products.

How often we wash our hair is really a personal choice and depends on hair type and other factors. If it gets oily, dirty or if you’ve been swimming or using products – you’ll need shampoo. Otherwise, consider skipping the shampoo once in a while - especially if your hair is coarse or color treated.

Emotions At Work

Should you check your emotions at the door for work? Not necessarily...

The next time you get really angry at work – use it! Flipping out or deploying the emergency chute probably won’t help much – but according to Anne Kreamer, author of “It’s Always Personal,” you can use that anger constructively. Schedule a one-on-one meeting to air your grievances. That establishes some boundaries.

If you break down and cry at work – it’s not the end of the world. It’s a biological reaction to a real problem. Take a walk outside if you start to tear up. Regroup and make a point of addressing the person or thing that reduced you to tears.

Got Eggs?

It’s national egg salad week!

National egg salad week is always the week after Easter Sunday. If you’re ready start cracking some of those left over colored eggs – there are a few safety issues to consider. If the eggs were used in a hunt outside, be sure to rinse them off before peeling them, especially if they were in a spot where pesticides or animals were present. Toss any eggs that were really hard to find. If they were unrefrigerated for more than 2 hours, or cracked in any way, they are NOT egg salad worthy.

Predicting Weather

You can rely on others to tell you about the weather – OR you could predict it for yourself...

,,.Here’s what to do:

 

• First - check the grass at sunrise. If there’s dew on there – it probably won’t rain. If it’s dry – that could indicate wind or clouds and potential rain.

• While you’re checking the grass – throw a piece into the air to detect wind direction. Easterly winds indicate an approaching storm front – westerly winds the opposite.

• Finally – build a campfire. If the smoke rises steadily – you won’t need an umbrella. If the smoke swirls and descends – pack a raincoat.

Desk Top

What’s on your desk?

At work or at home - everything on your desk says something about you. Psychologist Miriam Fox has the rundown:

• Memorabilia – you’re loyal and approachable and don’t jump to conclusions.

• Plants – you’re committed and tend to get the job done.

• Photographs – you’re generous and motivated and probably successful.

If your work space is a mess – it’s not all bad. You’re clever and open to new ideas. If it’s neat and uncluttered – you’ve got traditional values and like to be in control.

The One

How do you know if you’ve met The One?

Love at first sight would sure take a lot of the guesswork out of dating. However, if you’re still wondering after that first glance – there are some tell-tale signs that this could be “the one.” Amy Spencer of Match.com tells us what they are:

• Common quirks. Lots of people like the same music or movies – but if you have some not-so-common interests or hobbies – it’s a good sign.

• Future flinching. If neither of you flinches when the future comes up – you’re in good company. Try suggesting something next summer – and watch for the reaction.

• We terms. If you both let the word “we” pop out more than “I” and “you” – you’re probably on the right track.

“We should start planning for that bird watching expedition next summer.”

Staying Asleep

If you have trouble staying asleep – there's a drink for that...

Attention insomniacs! Researchers found some help for you – by mistake! Tart cherry juice. Scientists were studying the effects of the juice on heavy exercisers and their sore muscles. Several of the participants coincidentally reported sleeping much better during the study. Well that lead to a whole new study of course – and sure enough – it worked. Insomniacs who drank two glasses of tart cherry juice a day slept significantly better. The juice was even more effective than some of the popular herbal sleep aids.

Happy Vs. Hopeful

Do you consider yourself happy – or hopeful?

If you’re happy – you’ll probably choose something LESS healthy than someone feeling hopeful. In a recent study, happy shoppers opted for a candy bar – while hopeful shoppers were more likely to go for a piece of fruit. That’s because happy people tend to live in the moment – while hopeful people think about the future more.

When we’re feeling proud about the past we throw caution to the wind. If we’re anticipating feeling proud – we make careful choices to increase the odds of success.

In Season

There are some really tasty and healthy super foods in season.

Now is a good time to start buying strawberries. The season just started and prices are coming down. They’re high in vitamin C, antioxidants and fiber. Here are a few more super foods to stock up on:

• Avacados - they’ve got the good fat in there along with some potassium and vitamin E.

• Spinach – it thrives in the spring, has vitamins A, B, C, E and K - and is super good for you.

• Asparagus – it’s great for detoxifying, anti-aging and is even considered an aphrodisiac.

Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny is resting up for his big day.  So where did he come from?

Chances are, bunnies are one of the first things that hop to mind when you think of Easter. We have the Pagans to thank for that. Their goddess Eastre represented fertility and rebirth in the spring - and the rabbit fit the bill. Germans brought the symbol of the Easter Rabbit to America in the 1700’s. Children would leave their hats out as nests at Easter – and if they were good, the Easter Bunny would lay colored eggs in there, another symbol of rebirth.

The Germans also created the first edible Easter Bunny. It was made of pastry and sugar, not chocolate.

Kiss Allergies Goodbye

If you suffer from allergies – find someone to kiss.

Kissing can actually boost your immune system and even lessen allergic reactions. You’ll need to find someone you REALLY like to kiss though – it could take about a half hour. Allergy prone couples who kissed for 30 minutes had a 40% drop in the blood levels that respond to allergens. Kissing floods the brain with oxytocin which helps lessen allergic reactions.

Good Grudge

Holding a grudge can improve your marriage.

Did your spouse break a promise? It’s okay to stay mad for a while. A recent study found wives who hold grudges were more satisfied in their marriages than those who don’t. Author of the study, Dr. James McNulty says, if you let your partner off the hook too easy – it just encourages bad or inconsiderate behavior, with little or no incentive to change.

Ouch!

The next time you have to pull a Band-Aid off – should you watch?

If you need to endure some pain – go ahead and watch. Pulling a bandage off or getting a shot will hurt less if you look at the spot that’s about to hurt. Volunteers in an Italian study felt less discomfort when heat was applied to their feet if they watched. That’s because our vision helps triggers a signal to our brain that helps it anticipate pain and kick in some dulling action.

Survivable?

Could you survive a nuclear blast? Yes.

It’s not a pleasant thought – but knowing what to expect in the event of a nuclear blast could make all the difference in the world. Irwin Redlener of the National Center for Disaster Preparedness, says a nuclear attack is more survivable than most people think. Here’s the basic drill:

• A blinding flash is the first sign of a nuclear explosion. That’s our queue to find shelter immediately – preferably away from any windows. Never look around for the source of the flash.

• Take cover. Flying glass or debris would come several seconds to a minute after the flash. It could be accompanied by a wall of pressure and high winds.

• Fallout from the mushroom cloud consists of radioactive dust, concrete and other debris. That generally starts falling about 10 minutes after the explosion. You MUST avoid that.

Cars don’t provide enough protection. The best place to be is below ground. If you’re out, find the nearest underground parking garage or basement if you can. If you’re home – basements or interior rooms are the best.

• Stay in your shelter for at least 4 to 8 hours. Don’t try to locate or find family members.

• Wait for an all-clear from authorities.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a piece of cloth or a dust mask. You don’t want to inhale radioactive fallout in the hours or days after an explosion. Don’t eat or drink anything that has been contaminated with fallout.

What's That Called?

If you’re stopping for coffee – grab a zarf!

So, did you get the zarf for your coffee? That’s what the cardboard sleeve is called that protects your fingers from the hot cup. Here are some other things that have names you might not know about:

• Armsays are the arm holes in your shirt.

• Your glabella is the space between your eyebrows.

• That dangling curl of hair is also called a feat.

Few things are more annoying than having an itchy acnestis. That’s the word for the spot on your back that can’t be reached with your own hands.

Sticker Shock

Gas prices aren’t the only ones going up...

Brace yourself – and your wallet. Gas prices aren’t the only ones on the rise. Here are some more potential sticker shockers we’ll see this summer:

• Airfares: They’re already up 22%.

• Chocolate: Expect a price increase in about 8 weeks.

• Coffee: It’s already jumped 27% since January.

• Fast food: Higher beef costs will boost the price of burgers.

If you need new tires – get them soon. Prices are rising there too because the natural rubber prices have jumped more than 75 percent in the past few months.

Spray No More!

Something in your department store has changed....

If you were dreaming of a career as a department store perfume sprayer - you're out of luck. Department stores are phasing them out and opting for experienced perfume specialists. According to fragrance marketing expert Pamela Vaile, spraying people just doesn’t convey luxury anymore. Perfume sprayers got popular in the 1950s when women first started buying perfume for themselves – and didn’t seem to mind a free shot. When today’s women were surveyed – many admitted taking an alternate route through the store just to avoid a fragrant assault.

3:23 PM

If you watch what you eat, close your eyes this afternoon...

Researchers have found a sweet spot on the clock for craving calories. For most of us, it's somewhere between 3:00 and 3:30 in the afternoon. That’s when our energy takes a big dip – and takes our willpower with it. Atkins Diet nutritionist Linda O’Byrne said they surveyed 1,250 dieters – and that mean, not so lean craving time worked out to be precisely at 3:23 pm.

Killer Clothes

Are your clothes nicely pressed and wrinkle free? They could also be poisonous!

You may be careful about what you put IN your body – but beware of what you put ON it. Your clothes may be full of dangerous chemicals.

• “Wrinkle free” or “no-iron” clothes can contain toxic PFCs – which can’t be eliminated. We absorb them through our skin and they accumulate in our body’s cells.

• Synthetic fibers like polyester and nylon may have polyvinyl chloride in there. It’s a carcinogen that disrupts hormones.

If your clothes have been dry cleaned – get them out of the plastic and air them out before wearing them. Wearing a barrier layer like a T-shirt or tank top underneath can also protect you from some of the chemicals used in the dry cleaning process.

Gaming Hunger

Do video games make you eat more? Yes!

Video gamers work up a real appetite and consume more food – even if they’re not hungry. Researchers have found gamers tend to reward themselves with food. The mental strain of achieving that next level or defeating that foe triggers the urge for a gaming break and an edible celebration. Some gamers eat while playing – and still have the urge to reward themselves with more food during breaks – even if they’re not particularly hungry.

Asleep on the Job

Do you get sleepy at work?

Air traffic controllers aren’t the only ones falling asleep on the job. Overnight shifts or floating work schedules go hand in hand with fatigue. There are some things you can do to counteract that:

• Consolidate your sleep – you NEED 7 hours - in a row.

• At work, get up and walk around every half hour.

• Multitask. Doing one thing for an extended period of time just enhances drowsiness.

• Smell something sweet or strong. Mint, pine or even coffee stimulates the senses and can really help keep you alert.

Eat Out for Less

If you enjoy eating at restaurants – you can do it for less!

The next time you make reservations at a restaurant – consider a midday meal. A full meal at lunch costs about half of what a full meal at dinner does in a lot of restaurants. Here are some more tricks for saving money when eating out:

• Go for two appetizers instead of an appetizer and a main course. You can always order more but you probably won’t want to.

• Leave BEFORE desert and coffee. You’ll save a lot – in empty calories and money.

• If more than two people are having wine – order by the bottle instead of by glass. You can save even more by bringing your own and paying the $10 to $12 corking fee.

Facebook Envy

Those friends on Facebook sure are having a great time. Or are they?

Are your Facebook friends all out having a great time without you? According to a recent study from Stanford University – our perceptions may be off a bit. It’s simple envy. We notice the smiling faces and good stuff first and chances are we are trapped at work or home when we see them.

In the study, college freshmen were asked to rate their perception of their peers. They overestimated the good times – underestimated the bad times – and generally felt worse about their own lives in comparison.

Love and Marriage?

Love and marriage didn’t always go together…

Would you marry someone you don’t love? Probably not. But it wasn’t always that way. In ancient Greece – love had nothing to do with it. It was up to the father of the bride to find someone socially worthy for his daughter who had no say in the matter. In the middle ages, the Catholic Church instituted the sacrament of marriage – a blessing to encourage the love to kick in AFTER the ceremony.

By the 12th century – the French poets had their say – and had a big influence on match making. Love emerged as the essential theme in relationships – and traditional arranged marriages began to take the back seat.

Junior Boss

About half of us work for someone younger than us...
Is your boss younger than you? Join the club. Young management is on the rise and Career Builder has a list of pet peeves from the old folks – over 35 – about their younger bosses:





• They didn’t earn their position.
• They micromanage.
• They play favorites with younger workers.
• They don’t give enough direction.

So what’s a mature worker to do? Adapt – and try to focus on their strengths. Rosemary Haefner, Vice President of Human Resources at CareerBuilder says younger and older workers both need to recognize the value that each group brings to the table.

Easter Grass

If you’re shopping for Easter – skip the fake basket grass…

You know that fake plastic grass that Easter baskets are lined with? Skip it. It’s just as easy and colorful to fill that basket with tissue paper, yarn or fabric. It’s also less expensive, more eco-friendly and easier to clean up.

If you’re going to let the Easter bunny deal with the baskets instead – have him bring his own authentic grass from outside. Just make sure it’s not from an area treated with pesticides or from where the dog hangs out.

Check Your List

Are you a list maker? Here's something to add…

If you jot stuff down that needs to be done – that list could end up overwhelming you. If your list isn’t really manageable it can spiral out of control. The trick is to have more than one list. “Remodel the kitchen” should not be on the same list as “Buy stamps.” Keep the routine stuff on a separate list from the big to-dos.

There’s something else you should add to the big to-do list. Rewards! After you add a daunting task – the next item should be a reward. See a movie, a favorite restaurant – anything you’d really look forward to doing.

Luke Warm Coffee

If you’d like to taste a really great cup of coffee – take your time. I’ll tell you when to drink it, in a minute…

It takes nine months of effort for that coffee to get from bean to cup – so slow down and enjoy it. According to coffee expert George Howell, the best tasting cup of coffee is actually around room temperature. When we take that first sip of hot coffee – our taste buds shut down. If you let it cool off a bit you’ll get much more flavor. Like wine, coffee flavor is actually enhanced and opens up after it’s had a chance cool and breath a bit.