Chocolate calories are different than other calories.

Chocolate bunnies – run for your lives! 

It turns out chocolate is kind of good for us. Sure, it’s high in calories – but according to researchers from the University of California, the calories in chocolate behave differently than other calories, thanks to the antioxidant compounds in there.

Their study found that people who eat chocolate on a regular basis tend to have lower BMI levels. They also had better cholesterol and blood pressure levels and a lower risk of diabetes.

If you lose your wallet – should you call the police?

Losing your wallet is a nightmare... 

But there are a few steps you can take to make coping with the loss a little easier:

Step 1: Cancel all your cards. Keeping a list of customer service numbers somewhere can save you a lot of time. Don’t forget department store cards too.

Step 2: Call the police. They won’t be able to do anything to get your wallet back – but you’ll have a police report on hand which helps protect you against fraudulent charges and identity theft.

Step 3: Replace your ID. It’s no fun – but you’ll need a state ID or driver’s license ASAP. If you get pulled over on your way to the DMV – that police report will come in handy.

Step 4: Request a credit report and initiate a fraud alert. You’re entitled to that for free after losing your wallet. They’ll monitor your credit for 90 days and alert you if someone tries to use it.

It’s a good idea to take a few minutes BEFORE you lose your wallet to make a list of what’s in there. Library cards, reward cards and other incidentals are easy to lose track of. You’ll also need to note any automatic bill pay and subscription services. If your wallet is lost you’ll have to change your account information on those to avoid service interruption. 

Everyone has their own signature sneeze...

With allergy season in full swing – it’s time to perfect your sneeze...  

Everyone seems to have their own style – but some of them are downright startling. If you’re a high-volume sneezer – the Wall Street Journal has a few techniques that can take the edge off:

1. Use a thick handkerchief instead of a tissue. The fabric muffles the sound.

2. Hold your breath right before the onset of a sneeze. That can possibly interrupt the body's coordinated reflex.

3. Cough simultaneously as you sneeze. This also lessens the reflex while decreasing the volume.

4. Clench your teeth and jaw, which suppresses the sound. Keep your lips open to prevent air-pressure buildup.

5. Put your index finger at the base of your nose and push up slightly. This can suppress a sneeze or reduce its severity.

If you’re the type that plugs your nose when you feel a sneeze coming on – DON’T DO THAT! Plugging your nose increases the internal pressure in the airway and can cause larynx fractures, ruptured eardrums, voice changes, bulging eyeballs, bladder incontinence, and more.

If you like maple syrup, stock up now.

While much of the country has been enjoying an early spring – it’s bad news for the nation’s maple farmers...  

Experts say the early spring has devastated the industry by drastically cutting the length of this year's maple sugaring season, which requires freezing night temperatures to get the sap flowing.

One Wisconsin maple syrup producer got just 400 gallons compared to his usual 2,200. Another Vermont maple farmer said his crop was down by half this year. Maple syrup lovers can expect this year's syrup drought to increase prices by 10 percent or more.

Who hates homework more – you or your kids? Why some experts say it's a waste of time...

Could all that homework you did growing up have been a waste of time? 

Some experts say yes! According to Sydney University’s Professor Richard Walker, research has found that primary school homework offers no real benefit – and only limited results in junior high school students. 

Senior students in years 11 and 12 benefit the most from homework. Dr. Walker says the research also found, in countries where they spend more time on homework, the achievement results are actually lower.

The next time you forget to thaw that meat for dinner – use hot water...

Thawing meat for dinner? You don’t have to start the day before...  

The recommended method of thawing frozen meat is usually in the fridge – but that can take a whole day, or more. A new study by the USDA says it’s perfectly safe to thaw frozen meat in a hot water bath. This method works great for thin cuts of meat, steaks, chops and chicken breasts – and only takes a few minutes. 

To thaw your meat in hot water, make sure it’s sealed in plastic. Fill a large pot with hot tap water, put the meat in and stir occasionally. Depending on the cuts of meat – it should be thawed in 10 to 20 minutes.

Hot water thawing is safe because it’s too fast for any significant bacterial growth. Meat thawed in hot water also loses less water than air-thawed meat, leaving it juicier and better tasting.

If you’d like to improve your career, wit and thinking – have a drink...

Go ahead – have a drink or two...  

Just be sure to stop there.  A study from the New England Journal of Medicine has identified some benefits to moderate consumption of alcohol. Here is some of the good booze news:

• Moderate drinkers miss less work than those who drink too much or don’t drink at all. They also perform better at work and earn more.

• Moderate drinkers are quicker wits. Volunteers who drank vodka had less inhibition and scored higher on a verbal improv test than the non-drinkers.

• While heavy drinkers’ long-term cognitive function is severely impaired, moderate drinkers have better long-term cognitive function than non-drinkers, even into old age.

If you suffer from headaches - here's how to avoid some...

If you suffer from headaches on a regular basis...

...there are probably a few things you can do to prevent them. Here are some common headache triggers:

• Light: Too much light exposure can set one off. Wearing sunglasses or lightly tinted glasses indoors could make a big difference.

• Food: Chocolate, red wine, bananas, onions, aged cheese and artificial sweeteners are all common migraine trigger foods.

• Stress: A brisk walk, preferably outside, can do wonders at reducing stress before a headache hits. Start slow – some people experience headaches by getting too physical too fast.

Could you use a little serenity in your life? Try this...

If you’ve got something stressful scheduled for today – take some extra vitamin C... 

In a German study, people given vitamin C prior to giving a public speech, experienced less anxiety. The C group had fewer spikes in blood pressure and felt calmer and less agitated before taking the stage than those without the vitamin C.

When we feel nervous or stressed, our bodies use up reserves of vitamin C and leave us depleted of energy. Even if public speaking is not on the agenda, consider taking some. Vitamin C has been shown to improve mood and boost resilience.

If you’re addicted to sugar – there are a few things you can do to reduce cravings...

Sugar and sweets are the number-one weakness when it comes to food cravings...

 If you’d like to stifle your sweet tooth, try these tricks:

• Dark roast coffee like French or Italian can help reduce the urge to seek sugar for about 3 hours. 

• Drinking a mid-morning protein shake will reduce sugar cravings for another 3 hours.

• If you crave sugar while you’re watching TV – light a vanilla scented candle. That aroma activates your brain’s satiety center.

• Late night cravings can be reduced by having some peanut butter after dinner - which calms appetite hormones for a few hours.

Watch out for that teen!

If the driver next to you is a teenage girl – watch out! 

They are officially the most distracted drivers on the road. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety announced the not-so-surprising results in a recent study. Talking and texting topped the list of distractions – but they didn’t stop there. The teenage girls were also busy adjusting controls, eating, drinking and grooming more than other drivers. 

Some other gender driving differences were revealed in the study. Females were 50% more likely to reach for an object in the car. Males were twice as likely to turn around in their seats.

If you’ve got a teen boy OR girl driver – consider limiting their passenger allowance. Multiple teens in the car resulted in a lot more horseplay, loud conversations and accidents, regardless of gender.

If your fridge is packed with fresh fruits and veggies – get them out of there!

Most of us keep fresh fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator to make them last a little longer... 

But refrigerating certain produce will ruin it. Here’s the list:

• Tomatoes: They hate the cold. Storing them in the fridge makes them mealy and tasteless. They’re happiest on the counter, out of direct sunlight.

• Basil: It wilts and shrivels in the fridge. Store basil like you would fresh flowers – in a vase or jar filled with water. Change the water every day or two and cover loosely with a plastic bag to keep it moist.

• Potatoes and onions prefer the pantry to the fridge. Just don’t put them next to each other. Potatoes emit a gas that spoils onions.

• Avocados: Hard avocados need to ripen OUT of the fridge. If it’s already ripe – and you’re not ready to eat it, you’ll need to refrigerate it to prevent over-ripening.

There’s a new trend in naming babies – especially girls...

Celebrities tend to set the trends in baby naming – and the new names are old – really old... 

Old lady baby names are all the rage among the rich and famous. Jennifer Connelly named her daughter Agnes; Tori Spelling chose Hattie and Chad Lowe loves his baby Mabel. Some more popular celebrity “old lady chic” baby names came straight from the most popular baby name list of 1880:

• Minnie

• Clara

• Florence

• Bessie

• Ethel

• Cora

• Maude

• Doris

• Mildred

• Rose

• Lillian

If you’re planning to see The Hunger Games – make it an early show.

If you or your kids want to see The Hunger Games – go in the afternoon if possible... 

Watching a horror flick, or even the news, late at night can interfere with your sleep. According to the Journal of Neuroscience, unsettling images make a big impression on our brains - and going to sleep while they’re still fresh gives them more opportunity to take hold. There’s a good chance you’ll dream about the bad stuff that night, or think about it more the next day. 

If we focus on something pleasant and relaxing for the last hour we’re awake – we’re much more likely to wake up feeling more refreshed and in a better mood.

Does your house smell lemony fresh? If so, it’s probably also organized....

How does your house smell? 

According to a French study, the scents we prefer say a lot about our home and our personality. Here are some common scent preferences: 

• Lemony fresh types usually live in a clean and organized environment. They like light-colored furnishings and enjoy taking walks.

• Orange attracts whimsical and creative types. Their house may not be spotless – but it will be warm and inviting and calm.

• Mountain spring lovers are probably environmentally conscious. They may have leather furniture. They like gardening and might even drive a hybrid car.

• Ocean breeze people are laid-back and easygoing. They’ve probably got a pet or too and treat them like members of the family.

• Lavender likers often have high-stress jobs or a hectic family life. They probably unwind at the end of the day with a book or a glass of wine.

• Floral fragrance lovers are usually sweet and romantic at heart. They are generous, caring and have a weakness for classic love stories.

If you’d like some help getting your kids to do chores – there’s an app for that...

If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em... 

There’s a new app that will definitely get your kids’ attention – and might even leave them ASKING for chores! It’s called Chore Pad and it lets you set up a schedule for chores and sync it up with family members. 

You can customize your Chore Pad with photos and rewards and set up reminders and alerts for each assigned chore. Your kids - or spouse - can compete and vie for chores to improve their stats, scores and awards. Making the bed and taking out the trash just got even more challenging.

If you’re planning to dye eggs for Easter – buy them now!

Fresh eggs are great – unless you’re planning to hard-boil them... 

Eggs that are 1 to 2 weeks old are much easier to peel than fresh. Now is the time to buy them if you’re planning to dye eggs for Easter. Gourmet.com says you can see how old an egg is with a simple water test. Fill a pan with cold water, submerge the egg and watch how it behaves:

• Stays on its side on the bottom: 3 to 6 days old

• Stays on bottom with wider end tilted up slightly: a bit more than 1 week old.

• Stands on its narrow end: 2 to 3 weeks old.

• Floats at the top: toss it out – it’s rotten.

The egg turnover in supermarkets is highest right before Easter – and there’s a good chance they’ll be fresher and harder to peel. If you wait too long – there could even be a white-shell shortage – and you’ll be stuck trying to dye the brown ones.

Could your dog be suffering from Dogzheimer’s?

Just like people – dogs are prone to some cognitive dysfunction as they age...  

Veterinarian Dr. Patty Khuly says dogzheimer’s or canine dementia can be a serious problem. Recognizing the symptoms early can help your vet determine how to treat it. Here are some symptoms to watch for:

• Sleep cycle disturbances

• New anxiety

• Inappropriate howling, barking or whining

• Repetitive behavior such as pacing

• Staring at walls

• Getting lost in the house

Adhering to a strict schedule and designated space may help comfort and protect a dog with canine cognitive dysfunction – and there are also some dementia-specific drugs that can help some cases.

Are car washes bad for your car’s finish?

Spring is in the air and there’s a line at the car wash...

According to Consumer Reports, unless that car wash is all hands or brushless – you might be better off washing it yourself. Those automatic brushes can be abrasive to your car’s finish. To preserve or restore some showroom shine – you’ll need to wash your car the right way:

• Don’t wash it if it’s hot or has been sitting in the sun. Heat softens paint and you could do some damage.

• Park in the shade, hose it off first – and plan to work in sections, changing dirty water often.

• Don’t use dish detergent, brushes or rags. They’re all too abrasive. The best tools are a lamb’s wool mitt, natural sponge and microfiber cloth for drying.

• Waxing is a nice finishing touch – but doing it right is labor intensive and that layer of protection only lasts about a month.

Some work-from-home opportunities sound pretty good - and some are scams!

Working from home can be a win-win situation and earn you some extra cash – IF you find the right opportunity... 

Here are a few too-good-to-be-true job offers to avoid:

• Stuffing envelopes. Earn big bucks folding papers and sticking them into envelopes. You will be asked to pay for your supplies or training and then usually receive worthless instructions suggesting that you con others into applying for envelope-stuffing jobs. Bulk mailers use machines to stuff envelopes.

• Medical billing or insurance-claims processing. You will be asked to pay hundreds of dollars for the software and training required. Most medical offices process their own bills or outsource to large companies.

• Assembling crafts or sewing together clothing. After YOU pay a deposit, they send you unassembled parts and instructions for you to assemble and send back. Most or all will be rejected as not meeting specifications - and the company will keep your deposit.

• Mystery shopping. Earn thousands of dollars by reporting on the quality of the service you receive in stores. Anyone who says that you can earn high pay mystery shopping is a scammer. Legitimate mystery shopping assignments typically pay up to $10 an hour – and require you to pay NOTHING up front.

Here are the best items to buy in bulk...

If you’re going to pay the annual membership for the privilege to buy in bulk – be sure to get your money’s worth...

You’ll make that money back – and then some, if you buy the right stuff. Here are a few items you should ALWAYS buy in bulk:

• Toilet Paper: It doesn’t go bad, you’re always going to need it and you use it all the time. Just make sure you have room for it and that you buy a brand that you and your family actually like.

• Bottled Water: A single bottle can cost 3 times what you’d pay for one on bulk.

• Dog Food and Treats: You’ll pay a lot less for these in bulk – but check the expiration dates and be sure you’ll use it all. Dog food does go bad.

• Gum: If they have your favorite brand – you’ll probably pay 20% less in bulk.

• Laundry Detergent: The large containers can be cumbersome – but they’ll last a lot longer and cost about half of what you’d pay in the supermarket.

• Meat: If you eat a lot of meat – and have the freezer space, you can get some very nice cuts for a LOT less. 

• Storage Items: When buying in bulk – you’ll probably need to split things up for storage. Foil, freezer bags and Tupperware are a much better deal in bulk.

• Personal Care Items: Shampoo, toothpaste, razors and deodorant are general all good bulk buys.

Source: Toni House, author of “Save Your Money, Save Your Family”

If you’d like to get organized – start with your brain...

If you rely on lists, notes and calendars to stay organized – your mind might be a mess...

Margaret Moore, author of “Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life,” says the physical tools we rely on to stay organized are useless if your brain isn’t focused. Dwelling on stress and schedules can be paralyzing – and even the most organized people need to give their brain a break.

We can help to organize our brains in as little as two minutes. The trick is to find a distraction that works. A brisk walk, gazing at a photo, or listening to a favorite song could be enough to cleanse the brain’s palate and improve focus so you can tackle the next task at hand with some clarity.

Shall I wrap that food poisoning? The hazards of doggie-bags...

You may have paid a lot for that meal – but it’s not worth getting sick over... 

1 in 4 people wind up sick after eating restaurant leftovers. If you MUST take it home – be sure to follow safe doggie-bag protocol:

• If it will be in a hot car – don’t bother.

• Refrigerate your leftovers A.S.A.P. – and definitely within two hours.

• Eat your leftovers within 3 days. The day you ordered it counts.

• Always reheat your leftovers to piping hot. 

Don’t forget to label that doggie-bag before sticking it in the fridge. Write the date on there – or a “do not eat after” date. If your doggie-bag is REALLY for the dog, stick to lean meat. They don’t need anything else a restaurant has to offer.

When you’re setting the table tonight – don’t be a lightweight.

The weight of your dishes can affect the taste of the food on there...  

A recent study found that food served on heavier plates, in heavier bowls - and beverages sipped from heavier glasses, just taste better. People naturally associate heavier plates with better-made luxury items.

The same trick proved true for flatware. Volunteers scored the food they ate from heavier spoons and forks as much tastier than the same exact items with plastic or lightweight utensils.

If you’d like an extra jolt with that cup of coffee – have some of this too...

Skip the cream and sugar – have some popcorn with your coffee...  

British researchers say that pairing a good carbohydrate, such as popcorn, with a cup of coffee will help sustain the effects of the caffeine for a little longer.

If you’re ordering coffee for an energy boost, go with a regular coffee instead of a cappuccino or latte. Those “fancy” coffees actually have less caffeine than a good old cup of regular Joe.

Oh when those ants come marching in – try this...

If the neighborhood ants have started the spring invasion into your house...

...there are a few non-toxic household weapons that can encourage them to withdraw the troops. Scented baby powder can work wonders: It throws the scouts off. Sprinkle it around problem spots like the sugar bowl, cookie jar or pet bowls. Black pepper, cinnamon and mint can work too – but if you have pets, they might lick that up.

Household weapon of mass destruction: Cornmeal. If you can determine where the ants are coming from – and locate the colony, sprinkle the cornmeal all over it. They will eat it – but they can’t digest it and they will quickly die. If you’d like to take a more humane approach, put a jar of honey in a tree near your garden or away from your house. That’s better to them than anything your house has to offer and they’ll relocate the colony to be near it.

You can improve your golf game without even leaving the house...

Hey golfers – why not improve your game BEFORE you hit the green...  

Joel Zuckerman, author of “A Hacker’s Humiliations,” has some really effective tricks to try right at home:

• Improve your grip. Attach a form-fitting or training grip to any golf club. Hold the club for 5 to 10 minutes a day, four to five times a week. That comfortable grip will be easy to replicate when you’re on the course.

• Strengthen your hand muscles. Squeeze a dishrag into a tight ball. Let go and repeat a dozen times with each hand. Do that 3 or 4 times a week. It strengthens your wrists and dozens of tiny muscles in your hands and fingers.

• Daydream about golf. It’s been scientifically proven to improve your game. Mentally choosing your club, practicing your swing, picturing sights and sounds and the contour of the green can do wonders. Play several mental holes every day.

Are thong underwear a health hazard? Let's ask a professional...

Love them or hate them, thong underwear are a MUST wear for a lot of people, mostly women... 

There has been a lot of recent chatter that thongs are less hygienic than some other styles of undies – and that we shouldn't be wearing them. But Paul Nyirjesy, professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Drexel University, says don’t worry about it. “If you like ‘em, wear ‘em.” No studies have found evidence of any increased health risks with thongs.

Dr. Nyirjesy does say we all need to keep things loose. No matter what style you prefer, boxers, briefs, bikini or thong, any undergarments that are tight enough to leave marks on the skin can irritate and damage sensitive tissue.

You can’t be too rich or too thin. Actually, you can be too thin...

Most of us would like to be trim and fit – but being skinny can be dangerous...  

Nutritional expert, Gretchen E. Robinson, says most people aren't aware of the risks of being too thin. Underweight people have a higher risk of dying from infections, post-surgical complications and other conditions than people who are normal weight.

About 5 million American adults don’t weight enough. How thin is too thin? Underweight people are defined as having a body mass index of less than 18.5. You can discuss your BMI with your doctor, or calculate it yourself on the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute web site at NHLBIsupport.com/bmi.

If you need to boost your IQ in a pinch – do the moonwalk!

Taking a step back from a problem or a crisis can actually help you find solutions... 

Dutch researchers had participants step or walk forward, backward and to the side while tackling some mental tasks. The backward walkers outperformed the others by a significant margin. That’s because our brains automatically switch into high alert mode if we’re doing something out of the ordinary or uncomfortable.

Walking backward forces the brain to think in a completely different way. It can also strengthen existing neural connections and help grow new ones. Backward walking is even a popular form of exercise in China.

If your desk at work is messy – relax...

Cluttered or messy desks at work aren't all bad...

That disaster area could actually prompt you to focus more, think creatively and simplify the tasks at hand. Researcher Jia Liu says many great thinkers preferred to work at messy desks, including Abraham Lincoln and Sigmund Freud. 

Here’s what Albert Einstein had to say about his messy desk: “If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, then what are we to think of an empty desk?”

Uh-oh, the Easter Bunny is going green!

Plastic eggs and fake grass are SO last Easter... 

This Easter could be a lot greener if the Eco Easter Bunny has his way. Here are his suggestions:

• Forget the baskets for everyone. Consider one big “family” basket.  The kids won't mind sharing at all.

• Shred your own Easter grass. Old newspapers and magazines will work just fine in the bottom of your family basket. Real grass or salad is another great edible option.

• End Easter egg emissions. Petroleum-based plastic Easter eggs generate tons of emissions and landfill waste each year. Go with real eggs or painted rocks instead.

• Skip the old-fashioned basket treats and stick some colorful organic sidewalk chalk in there. Edible Veggie Sidewalk Chalk is lead-free and made with vegan, organic food-based ingredients including beets and spinach. It's fun to draw with and good for you too!

If you have any room left over for Easter dinner – start an Easter garden compost pile with the leftovers. Consider adopting a homeless bunny who can help provide some great organic fertilizer for your new garden.

Is that business email on its way up the ladder – or down?

If the words “weekend,” “voicemail” or a profanity are in that business email – it was probably sent to someone DOWN the corporate ladder... 

A study from Georgia Tech analyzed the wording in reams of email – and discovered that certain words could accurately predict which way that mail was traveling:

The top upward words and phrases include: 

• I took 

• Kitchen 

• Please

• Discussion

• Sounds good

Some of the top downward words and phrases are:

• We are 

• Need

• Funny

• Problem with

• Let’s talk

Do you leave the radio on for your pet?

Leaving the radio on all day for your pets is a great idea... 

It can give your pets a sense of security that they’re not really alone. But they could care less what song comes on.  Charles Snowdon, animal psychologist and an authority on the musical preferences of animals, says they really do have some musical preferences – but unfortunately it’s not human music. Most animals won’t prefer Bach over Beatles or Sinatra over Sting. To animals, human music and tempos are basically all unrecognizable. 

So what DO they like? Dr. Snowdon says cats prefer music composed in their frequency range and heart tempo which is higher and faster than ours. Large dogs such as Labradors or mastiffs may respond to some music in our range – but smaller dogs such as Chihuahuas and pugs don’t care what we play.

The next time you forget to put the wet laundry in the dryer – rewash it...

If you start a load of laundry in the morning – and finish it in the afternoon – that’s too long!

If wet laundry sits in the washer for more than 30 minutes, you’ll need to start over. Charles Gerba, microbiologist at the University of Arizona, says 25% of our washing machines contain fecal bacteria and other nasty stuff. When your load sits in that dark, damp washer, the bacteria will start to flourish. 

The good news is, the heat from the dryer will kill most lingering laundry germs if you wash them the right way. Don’t overload the washer. You want to leave room for the water and detergent to penetrate all of the fabric. Transfer wet laundry into the dryer as soon as possible to keep bacteria from blooming.

How old is your doctor? It can make a difference...

When choosing a doctor, do you prefer years of experience – or youthful energy? 

A recent study found that age does matter in the medical profession – and somewhere in between is usually best. Medical experts tend to peak in mid-career. Here are some of the findings in the study:

• Surgeons between the ages of 35 and 50, with 5 to 20 years of experience, had the fewest complications.

• Surgeons with fewer than 5 years of experience, or more than 20, were associated with an increased rate of post-operative complications.

To find out how many years of experience a surgeon, or any type of doctor has, you can either just ask, or look them up on a site like Vitals.com, which compiles data from several different medical sources.

Could you get diabetes from eating too much sugar? Here's the truth...

You’ve probably heard that you could wind up with diabetes if you eat too much sugar...  

Dr. Steven Edelman, founder of “Taking Control of Your Diabetes,” says that’s a myth. There is no direct link between eating excessive amounts of sugar and developing diabetes. BUT – he says if you’re already at risk for type 2 diabetes and you become overweight or obese from all that sugar – or too much of anything – you can bring on diabetes. 

Risk factors for diabetes include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of type 2 diabetes. People of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islander or Asian-Indian descent are also at an increased risk. Dr. Edelman says if you have none of those risk factors, gaining weight from overindulging in sugar is not likely to lead to diabetes – but it can contribute to other health problems, such as heart disease and cancer -- so it’s still best to eat sweets only in moderation.

What do some people do it in the shower, in the car and even on the treadmill?

Do you daydream?  

People who do tend to have a strong working memory, according to a new study in the journal Psychological Science.  Those who daydream frequently are better at processing multiple thoughts at one time – and finding solutions.  If you don’t daydream frequently – you might want to work that into your schedule.   Letting your mind wander from time to time can actually help your brain process information, and can serve as a productive mental workout. 

You may be daydreaming without realizing it.  Most people do it in the shower, in the car or during a workout.  Pay attention to where your mind wanders during routine tasks.  That’s when it’s most likely to draw from your working memory to find solutions for the most pressing issues.

If you’d like to get a lot more done today – here's a strategy that really works,

How’s your to-do list today?  If you’d like to keep things moving – invoke the two-minute rule...  

David Allen, author of “Getting Things Done,” says most people push secondary tasks aside or move them down the list to deal with the crisis of the moment.  But those should actually be at the TOP of our list.  David says the little, unimportant things too often demand much more attention later on than they deserve - and become too important because they weren't handled when they would have been easy.  Check your list - ask yourself “Could this be done in less than two minutes?”  If so, do it – and cross that off the list.

The two-minute rule can even apply to some of the bigger to-dos on your list.  Break them down and tackle the steps that CAN be done in two minutes or less. 

What should you do if you’re tempted to stray?

Should you ignore that smoldering glaze from a stranger across a crowded room? 

According to Judy Kuriansky, author of “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to a Healthy Relationship,” if you’re in a committed relationship, there are some steps you can take to stave off the temptation to stray:

• Remind yourself not to misinterpret that attraction as a sign that your current relationship is flawed. It’s normal to be drawn to other people – and it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with your partner.

• Set safe limits. Flirting can be innocent as long as it doesn’t get physical. Remind yourself of possible consequences and your commitment and integrity.

If the urge to stray persists, seek professional counseling. You may need help to confront unresolved conflicts within yourself – such as an exaggerated need for attention or fear of commitment.

Watch out for that.... treeeee!

Could that tree fall on you? 

Extreme and unusual weather can do a number on big trees. Even if it survives the storm, you should check it out for any damage that could lead to a fall. Tree expert, Art Morris, says we should inspect any large trees on our property. Check the roots, the trunk and lower branches first. Then use binoculars or look from a top window in your house at the canopy. Here are some red flags:

• Root plate: If the roots near the trunk have pulled out of the soil at all – or look decayed or damaged – that tree will likely topple in the next storm.

• Mushrooms or fungus around the base of the trunk is a sign of possible dead or decaying roots.

• Tight V-shaped forks where two trunks meet is a natural imperfection – but the chances that tree will split are pretty high.

• If more than 25% of the limbs are dead – the tree probably can’t be nurtured back and should come down.

Some trees that typically DON’T weather storms well are ash, cottonwood, pine, silver maple, sweet gum, sycamore and tulip poplar.

The next time you’re grocery shopping – beware of "featured" stuff...

It’s hard to ignore those featured items in the supermarket – but some of them are rip-offs! 

Here are a few to avoid:

• Organic onions and avocados: Those two items are naturally pesticide-free. The same goes for most produce with non-edible skin – including bananas and garlic.

• Swordfish: Because it’s scarce, swordfish is expensive - but it also contains unusually high levels of mercury. Buy halibut instead. It’s a lot cheaper and cleaner and has fewer calories. 

• Gluten-free baked goods are another rip-off, because they cost three times as much as the regular varieties. Gluten-free goodies don’t have fewer calories or more nutrients than products with gluten. So unless you’ve been diagnosed with celiac disease, you’re wasting money. 

• Cartoons: If one of your favorites is on the packaging – you’re probably paying more for the rights and marketing. 

Wait! That milkshake could be poisoned!

Before you slurp down that creamy shake, or dollop on some zesty dressing... 

...keep in mind it could be poisoned – with nanoparticles. You can’t see them, you can’t smell them – but they’re in a LOT of our favorite foods. Food companies LOVE them because they can enhance some of the processed foods we eat. Here’s what nanoparticles can do:

• Make low fat ice cream and diet shakes creamier.

• Add more intense flavor to dressings and sauces.

• Help ketchup and other condiments flow out of the bottle smoothly.

• Enhance the rich color of bread crust.

The problem with nanoparticles is that some of them contain tiny bits of poisonous compounds such as titanium oxide, silicon oxide and zinc oxide. So how can you tell if your food contains nanoparticles? You can’t. The FDA does not require manufacturers to include them on labeling yet. 

Is your spouse named as your executor? Uh-oh...

Who would you want to be executor of your will?

If you named your spouse or child – keep thinking. Those are common choices that often result in unhappy endings. Wealth Advisor, Norman M. Boone, says choosing the wrong person can ruin your estate – and family relationships. Here are the estate traps to avoid:

• Not naming an executor or naming children can be problematic – even with small estates. Grown children are likely to disagree over household possessions. They may end up resenting each other or incurring big legal fees to settle it all.

• Your better half isn’t always the better choice. A surviving spouse is often too distraught to deal with managing the details of an estate. And if they don’t have financial experience, they could make some costly mistakes.

So who should you choose? The best executor is a trusted, levelheaded and fair-minded sibling or family friend. The next best choice is a bank or trust company. Another good option is to choose co-executors. Naming a financial person or institution along with a spouse can help spare potential hurt feelings.

Do you use a hairdryer? Now they're bad for us too...

If you plan to blow-dry your hair – do so at your own risk...

You know how to avoid electrocution or having your hair sucked into the motor – but did you know about the radiation? According to David O. Carpenter, director of the Institute for Health and the Environment, every electrical appliance in your home emits electric and magnetic fields of energy – and most of them are pretty low. But some appliances, such as hairdryers, emit higher levels of electromagnetic radiation. The levels are highest where the cord connects to the device. 

Just a foot or two of distance between you and that connection can reduce the radioactive levels to zero. Dr. Carpenter says we should take a step back from appliances like microwaves, coffee makers and washing machines when in use – and hold that blow dryer a little farther from your head.

Do you ever CRAVE bread, cereal or pasta? You might be addicted...

A lot of people suffer from an addiction they’re not even aware of... 

It’s an addiction to wheat. It’s real – and if you crave foods like bread, pasta or cereal, you need to be aware of it. William Davis, author of “Wheat Belly” says people who crave wheat are actually experiencing an addiction. When the gluten is digested, it releases morphine-like compounds that produce mild euphoria. Dr. Davis says we’d all be better off on a wheat-free diet – but 1/3 of people who give it up will experience withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, moodiness and insomnia.

Kicking wheat cold turkey is the best approach. Withdrawal symptoms usually last about a week. If you don’t think you can hack it in one fell swoop, Dr. Davis suggests tapering off. Skip wheat at breakfast for one week, then cut it out of you lunch. By week 3 you could be wheat free.

If you’re ready to tackle some spring cleaning, don’t forget the kitchen...

If a change in season inspires you to purge some stuff – take Mother Nature’s lead and start in the kitchen... 

Dr. Alejandro Junger, author of “Clean,” says nature knows what it’s doing. At any given time of year, animals all over the planet are eating whatever is local – and in season – and we should be doing just that. Spring is a great time to purge the fridge and pantry. Get rid of, or store foods that are not in season. Make an effort to buy fruits and vegetables that ARE in season. They’ll cost less – and are naturally suited to boost the vitamin and mineral levels Mother Nature thinks you need.

If you’d like to get your resume noticed – here's a secret weapon...

There is a trick to getting your resume noticed in a crowded database... 

You want to have the exact job title and description for the position you’re applying to ON your resume. That way, when the hiring manager is searching for the perfect candidate – your resume will be in the results.

There is a secret way to include the position, description and any key words you like without changing your resume for every application – invisible ink! Just type them at the bottom and change that font color to white. They won’t be visible on your resume but they will be to the database search engine.