Wouldn’t it be nice to put your phone in “drive” mode? There’s an app for that.

In an effort to curtail texting and other dangerous driving distractions...

...the big mobile carriers have come out with some apps to help keep your eyes on the road:

* AT&T DriveMode: This can be set to automatically turn on when it senses that the vehicle has reached about 25 mph. Its “allow list” lets you choose five contacts who can call you without being blocked and vice versa.. Navigation and music are the only apps that can be used while driving. It also takes a few minutes to deactivate when the car is stopped. That’s by design to prevent phone temptation at traffic lights.

* Sprint Drive First: This one turns on and locks the phone when the car reaches 10 mph. Five contacts can ring through, and you can access up to three apps. In hands-free mode while using Bluetooth, you can call out to anyone. Sprint also has a website that allows a person (such as a parent) to monitor the phone to tell whether the app has been deactivated.

* Verizon Safely Go: Unlike the AT&T and Sprint apps, this one has to be manually activated every time a driver gets in the car. It allows calls from three “VIP” contacts to get through unblocked. It also lets you use three apps while driving, letting you choose from almost any app on the phone.

While experts say these apps aren’t perfect, they are a step in the right direction and are worth a try. Each carrier’s app also features an onscreen 911 button that will work any time.

Oysters and chocolate aren’t the only aphrodisiac foods on the menu. More romantic options...

If you’ve heard oysters are an aphrodisiac, it’s true. 

Thanks to their amino acids which trigger the production of sex hormones, oysters can be a great first course for that romantic meal. Here are some other options for the menu:

* Chili Peppers: They can speed up the heart rate and turn the heat on.

* Avocado: They can boost your levels of youthful vigor and energy, thanks to their vitamin E.

* Bananas: There’s just something sexy about them and the bromelain can trigger testosterone production.

* Olive oil: The Greeks believed olives made men more virile and there could be something to that. Olive oil promotes blood flow and hormone production.

* Figs: They represent fertility and sexuality and they’re bursting with drive enhancing potassium.

* Artichokes: Peeling back those leaves together and sharing the heart can be downright romantic. They also improve blood flow.

And for dessert, something chocolate with whipped cream and a cherry on top. Chocolate enhances feelings of pleasure. Whipped cream boosts libido and that cherry has vitamins and minerals that help set the mood.

Is the thermostat a bone of contention in your home? Who likes it where...

If you and your partner can’t agree on where to set the thermostat - don’t blame gender. 

While some people think that women are more likely to turn up the heat, recent studies say it’s not that cut and dry. Men, menopausal women and overweight people tend to heat up at night and may sneak or lunge towards the thermostat to turn it down. 

The researchers have found the best thermostat compromise setting for sleep. They found most people sleep best between 60 and 70 degrees meaning 65 is the sweet spot. While that may sound chilly, keep in mind your bed absorbs and traps the heat in so you’ll feel a lot warmer.

Can you drive a stick shift? 10 things you need to know...

There are some basic life skills all of us should learn, or teach our children. 

Here are 10 to start with:

* Start a fire without matches. You never know when this might come in handy- a fire is one of the most important elements for survival for a human being- providing warmth, light, and energy.

* Know how to swim. If you don’t know how to swim yet, you need to seriously consider learning. There are a number of emergency situations where you might need to swim in order to survive or help someone else in the water.

* Jump start a car. This isn’t as easy as it seems. If you watched your parents do this in the past but never learned for yourself, now’s your chance. Don’t be unprepared when the need for it arises. 

* Change a tire. Changing a tire is something you can learn how to do in a matter of minutes that could save you lots of time and headaches on your next road trip.

* Perform CPR. 70 percent of Americans feel helpless during a cardiac emergency, and here’s another surprising statistic- the life you save is most likely the life of someone you love, because 4 out of 5 cardiac arrests occur at home.

* Do the laundry. This includes separating lights and darks and reading labels.

* Make a Bed. Take the time to learn how to do it right. We spend almost one-third of our time in bed.

* Know how to sew. Basic sewing skills such as sewing a button back on or mending a sock are a must. Advanced sewing skills improve concentration and self-confidence.

* Drive a manual transmission vehicle. Learning to drive a stick shift can help you understand a car engine. A more informed and advanced driver is also a safer driver.

* Tie someone else’s tie. Both men and women should master this skill. You may need to help a child or an elderly person with a tie some day.

You may be ready for some football - but is your TV? The best super settings...

If you’re hosting a Super Bowl party this weekend, think beyond the chips and dip. 

Make sure you and your guests get the best view possible by adjusting the settings on your TV for super viewing. You have a few options here:

* Try a factory picture preset. Ironically, you don’t want “sports mode.” the best choices are “natural.” “cinema” and “pro.” Experiment with these to see which ones your TV has and which you prefer.

* Make the adjustments yourself. Freeze-frame a nighttime scene on your TV then turn the brightness down as far as you can without losing details. Then find an image with a lot of white and turn the contrast up as far as you can without washing it out.

Don’t forget the sound. The Super Bowl, like nearly all HDTV shows, will be broadcast in 5.1 Dolby Digital. This is the same sound format found on Blu-ray Discs and DVDs - so go ahead and experiment with your sound to get it just right for game day.

Have you got back, neck or shoulder pain? How to sleep it off...

There’s a sleep position for just about every ache and pain. 

Here are some expert recommendations to help you sleep it off:

* Back pain: Sleep on your back or side. When on your back, keep a small pillows under your head and under your knees to keep the spine aligned. On your side, put that pillow between your legs.

* Neck pain: Sleep on your back or side. You’ll also need one of those rounded neck pillows for support. In both positions, you want the pillow higher under your neck than your head. 

* Shoulder pain: Sleep on your unaffected side, hugging a pillow - or a friend.

* Heartburn: Sleep on your left side. Lying on your left side positions the esophagus in such a way that it makes it harder for the acid to escape the stomach.

If you love fine art but can’t afford to buy it, renting is always an option.

Most of us can’t afford to buy a new great work of art every few months - but now we can rent it. 

There are several options for art lovers that make it possible to either try before you buy or change the art scenery on a regular basis. Fine art rentals range in price according to artist, value and length of rental. Lesser know artists could be yours for as low as $25 a month and the sky's the limit for some really valuable or sought after pieces.

Most art rental services include the necessary insurance in their fees and give you the option to buy if you really fall in love. A few popular rental art galleries are Artsicle, HangArt and Patau. 

Is your Tweet ready for prime time?

If you’re on Twitter, don't start your Tweet with a username.

According to Jay Acunzo, senior content manager at HubSpot, the most common mistake users make is starting a Tweet with a username. That’s because leading with a username features that Tweet to just the sender and anyone mentioned in it. 

There’s an easy fix for this. Start your Tweet with the message or add a period before the username lead, and your Tweet will appear in all of your follower’s news feeds.

Your grocery store is full of tricks. Which ones we fall for...

Walk into any supermarket and you’ll probably smell fresh bread or rotisserie chicken. 

That’s a dirty trick. They know those aromas get our salivary glands working and we spend more when we’re salivating. Here are some other classic supermarket marketing schemes:

* That 12-pack of soda is a better deal than the 6-pack. When we buy more for the week, we drink more for the week. We’re better off paying a little more for a little less.

* The produce department is at the front of the store because those bright colors put you in a good mood and inspire you to buy more. If you’re trying to save, start shopping in the middle aisle stocked with bland boxes and cans. 

* Those nifty misters in the produce department aren’t there to keep the fruits and veggies fresh. That water can actually cut the shelf life. What it does do is make the produce look fresh and shiny and add a little weight. Shake them off so you’re not paying extra for water. 

* Supermarket music is often a bit slower than average which slows you down and makes you spend more time and money. Wear headphones with upbeat music and you’ll probably spend less. 

* The 10 for 10 sale is the most effective one in the store. More people fall for that than any other special. Some of us can’t resist 10 cans of tuna for $10 and miss the 89 cent cans right next to them.

If you’re tired of boring old mint toothpaste - you’re in for a treat.

Need a gift idea for Valentine’s Day? How about some toothpaste - chocolate toothpaste! 

That’s one of the new flavors Crest has come up with and they’re expected to be on the shelves in early February. According to their website, “it’s a whole new world of deliciousness for toothbrushes everywhere and it’s ready to take your mouth on an exhilarating ride.” 

Along with the new Mint Chocolate Trek toothpaste, you’ll be able to brush with Lime Spearmint Zest and Vanilla Mint Spark. Crest anticipates these flavors will appeal to dental daredevils and adventurous, experimental consumers.

Do you walk the same way every day? Why we need to switch it up...

Most of us take walking for granted - and we’re doing it all wrong. 

According to Dr. Barry Franklin, author of “One Heart, Two Feet,” a lot of us could use a refresher course in walking. Here are some common gate mistakes:

* Tilting forward: Some of us tilt our upper bodies forward, as though we’re walking into the wind. That increases pressure on the lower back and strains the shins.

* Swinging the arms: Don’t waste energy swinging your arms side to side or pumping them up and down. That makes walking less efficient. The best motion is a horizontal pump.

* Walking the same way every day. Switch it up once in a while with shorter faster-paced steps and moderate and longer strides.

Dr. Franklin also suggests taking a birthday walk. Each year on your birthday, go to a track and walk one lap, recording the number of steps on your pedometer. Aim to complete the lap in about the same number of steps each year. If it takes you more steps each year, you are regressing toward the "senior shuffle" and compromising your core-muscle strength and overall vitality. 

If you’ve got bad breath, there could be a fix in your spice rack.

Some people are prone to bad breath, regardless of how much they brush or chew gum. 

there are some natural remedies for bad breath that can be even more effective than minty fixes that just cover it up for a while. 

* Suck on a piece of cinnamon bark. You can find it in the super market in the spice section. It has antibacterial properties that get to the root of the bad breath problem.

* Carefully chew on a whole clove. This is an ancient breath freshener that really works. If that’s just too strong, try steeping about three of them in a cup of hot tea. 

* Chew some herbal leaves. mint, basil, parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme all have breath freshening power. 

If you’d like to lose weight before spring, turn down the heat. Where to set your thermostat...

If you’re packing on pounds with comfort food through the cold winter, get a grip. 

Spring is just around the corner and we can use the cold weather to lose some weight. A recent study found that mildly cold indoor air can actually activate your body to burn some fat. The sweet spot for weight loss on your thermostat is somewhere between 63 and 66 degrees. 

You won’t have to leave it there. Dropping the indoor temperature for two hours a day, for six weeks, can trigger the effect. This works best for middle-aged people and might have the opposite effect on children and senior citizens because their metabolisms tend to slow down in the cold. 

If any of these foods go on sale, stock up. Which ones last forever...

While it might not make sense to stock up on yogurt or eggs that are on sale, some foods last forever. 

Keep your eye out for specials on these items and feel free to buy a lifetime supply:

* Honey: Pure honey may change color or crystallize over time but it keeps safe indefinitely. 

* Rice: White, wild, arborio, jasmine and basmati rice all have an indefinite shelf life when stored correctly. Brown rice won’t last as long. 

* Sugar: White, brown or powdered sugar won’t spoil because they don’t support bacterial growth. Keep them in a cool, dry area in an airtight container. 

* Hard liquor: Distilled spirits such as vodka, rum, whiskey, gin, and tequila don’t spoil, even after opening. Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight. 

* Maple syrup: If it’s pure, it will last forever. 

* Pure vanilla extract. It’s expensive, but it tastes better than the imitation and won’t go bad.

* Salt: Table, kosher and sea salt are all worth stocking up on if they’re on sale. They’ll never spoil or go stale. 

Frozen pipes are every homeowner’s nightmare. How to prevent that from happening...

Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during the winter months. 

Any pipe that runs against an exterior wall is at risk. Here is some advice from the American Red Cross to prevent your pipes from freezing:

* Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

* Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. 

* Let the cold water drip from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe—even at a trickle—helps prevent pipes from freezing.

* Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night.

* If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.

* For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. 

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, your pipes could be frozen. Here’s what you do: 

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe, water will begin to flow through and will help melt ice.

* Check the other faucets in your home. If one freezes, others may too.

* Apply heat to the froze pipe using a heating pad, hair dryer,or towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, or any other open flame.

* If you can’t find or reach the frozen area, call a licensed plumber.

You’re supposed to ask questions at the end of a job interview. Here are three good ones...

Any questions? 

You really should have some prepared for the end of a job interview. Here are some very effective questions to ask a potential employer from some top hiring managers:

* Is there any reason why you wouldn’t hire me? It takes guts but go ahead and ask. It lets you know where you stand before you walk out that door.

* As an employee, how could I exceed your expectations? This conveys confidence without sounding brash. It also suggests you’re eager to succeed.

* What excites you about coming to work? This question turns the tables a bit and should produce a little insight beyond the job description and first impressions.

Did you get dumped this month? You’re not alone. Why people are breaking up...

A lot of people are starting the new year - solo. 

More relationships hit the skids in January than any other month. According to a recent study, about one fifth of couples call it quits this month. Most couples admit that breaking up during the holidays is just too hard and that “out with the old and in with the new” is a common theme at the start of a year.

So why are they breaking up? Couples in the study blamed financial stress, seasonal depression and the desire for a fresh start for ruining their relationships. If you’re still together, play nice. The next peak breakup season starts right after Valentine’s Day.

Check your kids’ pockets - for this candy. A new dangerous trend...

If your pre-teen or teen child has suddenly acquired a taste for Smarties - that could be cause for concern. 

Believe it or not, there is a new dangerous trend among that age group which involves crushing up those small, colorful Smarties candies that come in a roll and snorting them in an attempt to get high. 

It’s been reported they’re trying it with other powders like aspartame and Crystal Light too. Not only do Smarties contain nothing that will produce a high, this fad is ultra-dangerous and can lead to nasal scarring and potential lung irritation and infection. 

Does your favorite moisturizer or cream come in a jar? Why you need to switch...

When it comes to products you put on your face or body, stay clear of those that are packaged in a jar-like container. 

According to Bryan Barron, author of “Don't Go to the Cosmetics Counter Without Me,” products designed for the skin should not be exposed to light or air. As soon as you open that product in a jar, it begins to break down - and dipping your fingers into a jar transfers bacteria from your hands into the product, causing the important ingredients to further deteriorate.

The best skin products to look for are those that come in a squeeze tube or a pump dispenser, especially if it contains anti-aging ingredients such as peptides, vitamin C or retinol. 

Even if you don’t use snail mail much, you should probably buy some stamps.

Add some Forever stamps to your shopping list this week. 

This weekend, the price of a regular stamp is going up, from 46 to 49 cents. Forever stamps are a little more expensive than standard stamps, but this is about a 7% increase, more than usual, and will certainly pay off over time, especially if you plan to use the mail for cards, holidays or invitations. You have until Sunday, January 26th to save on stamps.

Binge TV watching is on the rise. Why it’s not all bad...

If you’ve already got plans to spend Valentine’s Day with Kevin Spacey, you’re probably a Binge TV watcher. 

As hardcore House of Cards fans count down the days to their next fix, some Breaking Bad and House of Cards fans are still catching up. Binge TV watching is all the rage, and although it sounds bad, there could be some benefits to it. According to a recent Netflix study, TV viewers are no longer zoning out as a way to forget about their day. They are tuning in, on their own schedule, to a different world and some really good storytelling. Catching up on the latest must-see series also encourages conversation and keeps us in the social loop. 

Nearly 80% of TV bingers surveyed said watching several episodes of their favorite shows at once actually makes the shows more enjoyable. Over half of them say they watch with at least one other person and set aside some quality time to do that. 

Some of our favorite things are on the list of worst foods to eat.

Bacon and soda might not surprise you...

...but bagels, popcorn and even fish even made it onto this list of worst foods to eat:

* Bacon: Just three slices contains 435 milligrams of sodium -- about one-fifth of the average adult's daily allowance.

* Soda: It’s like drinking liquid candy. Most sodas contain high fructose corn syrup, food dyes, preservatives and other sketchy ingredients

* Sugar Substitutes: There’s nothing natural about these sugar-free sweeteners which are habit forming and can significantly increase risk of weight gain, metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

* Condiments: There's a reason these foods can skip the refrigeration, they’ve been engineered not to deteriorate -- and are packed with preservatives and additives such as food coloring, sweeteners, salt and trans fats. 

* Some fish: Swordfish is one mercury-dense variety. So are king mackerel, marlin and albacore tuna.

* Butter-flavored microwave popcorn: It doesn't get its flavor from butter, it gets it from chemicals and flavoring agents. Another concern with microwave popcorn is what's in the bag. More chemicals are used in that to make it fireproof and leakproof. 

* Bagels: The average bagel is going to cost you about 350 calories, and that's before you add any toppings. Most of them are made with refined white flour, which has been linked to weight gain, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. 100% whole grain bagels are much better for us.

Could you be the perfect man or woman? We’ll meet them both...

Is there such thing as a perfect man or woman out there? 

Yes, according to online dating site Plenty of Fish. They polled over 81,000 users between the ages of 25 and 35 and narrowed the results down to one ultimate guy and gal.

Miss Perfect is 25 years old, Catholic and has about three drinks a week. She loves dogs, has a graduate degree and makes between $50,000 and $75,000 a year. She’s also thin and athletic, of course.

Mr. Perfect is not afraid of commitment. He wants a relationship and should be able to pick up the tab considering he makes $100,000 to $150,000 a year. He’s most likely Christian with an athletic build and brown hair. In a perfect world, he wants to have perfect children with Mrs. Perfect some day.

When is the last time you ate sauerkraut? Why it’s not just for hot dogs anymore...

When you think sauerkraut you probably don’t think trendy superfood - but good old sauerkraut is super good for us. 

It’s packed with probiotics and other super stuff like vitamins C and K, potassium, fiber, folate and iron. While sauerkraut can help to redeem a not-so-healthy hot dog, go ahead and give it a chance with some other meats like corned beef and pot roast or in a savory stew or soup like potato leek. Chopped sauerkraut can add a nice zing and texture to guacamole and salsas or even add a new dimension to that boring old salad or sandwich.

When buying sauerkraut, look for brands that are labeled “raw” and “unpasteurized.” Or get creative and make your own. All you’ll need is some cabbage, salt and a mason jar.

January is almost over. Quick - buy these things before February...

If you haven’t been shopping since Christmas - get out there. 

The end of January is a great time to score some big bargains. While it may be slim pickings, what’s left of Holiday merchandise is at rock bottom now and about to disappear. You’ll find Christmas cards, wrapping and decorations at up to 75% off right now. It’s also a good time to buy jewelry. Prices won’t get much lower than late January and they’ll spike back up for Valentine’s Day.

January also yields the lowest prices on big ticket electronics and fitness merchandise like TVs, cameras, gaming systems, home gyms and bicycles. If you’re in the market for a house, pick one of those up now too.

Real men don’t eat sugar. How it affects them...

If you’re a guy with a sweet tooth, listen up:

A new study has found that sugar can actually decrease your levels of testosterone. They tested 74 men and found their T levels took a dive after eating or drinking their sweet samples. This was an important finding for men, as testosterone levels have a big impact on libido, energy, bone density, muscle mass and red blood cell production.

Experts recommend that men reduce their use of sugar, including breads and pastas, before considering testosterone treatment, as their levels could improve significantly on their own with a whole foods diet. The fasting required for most blood tests can also be inaccurate if you normally eat a lot of sugar.

If you’re looking for a job - social media matters. What to scrub...

It’s time to take a good long look at your social media sites - especially if you’re looking for a job. 

According to Miriam ­Salpeter, author of “Social Networking for Career Success,” these innocent posts Can Ruin Your Chances:

* Inappropriate posts and photos are obvious no-nos. Don’t rely on privacy settings, go ahead and delete anything that comes across as unprofessional.

* Complaints: If you have used your social-media account to vent anger at businesses, bad drivers, former employers, your current boss or anyone else, remove as many of those posts as possible. Excessive complaining may make you appear to be a negative person, and employers don't like to hire people who have poor attitudes.

* Political commentary. A potential employer might have different political opinions—or worry that its customers do. Lose the political posts that make you seem extreme or inflexible in your views. They also suggest you’ll have trouble getting along with ­coworkers.

* Anything that could be interpreted as insensitive to other people. This includes jokes that involve race, gender or even someone else’s looks or behavior. Condescending or bullying remarks will towards others have to go.

* Anything confidential: Beware of posting accomplishments or tactics that aren’t public knowledge. Nobody wants to hire a blabbermouth. 

* Arguments. People who engage in heated debates online might be argumentative in the workplace as well. Don't show your temper online.

A recent study found that 94% of employers use or plan to use social networks as part of their hiring process. That includes weeding out unprofessional or problematic candidates. Post accordingly.

Some people are just smellier than others. What to do about that...

Are you extra smelly? If so, your genes may be to blame. 

Hyperhidrosis is a condition that can cause extreme odor in some people - and it’s usually genetic. If you shower every day and still experience excessive perspiration and odor, there are some steps you can take to get it under control. Dermatologist William P. Coleman suggests bathing twice a day using deodorant soap, paying extra attention to areas where you sweat. You’ll also need to apply an antiperspirant deodorant twice.

If doubling up on your hygiene doesn’t help, see your dermatologist. Your medical insurance may cover treatments for hyperhidrosis, which range from prescription deodorant to botox injections or liposuction for severe cases. 

It’s just a cold - should you see a doctor?

The common cold is the most frequently occurring illness in the world. 

While there’s still no cure, how you treat it can make a big difference. Old-school advice of plenty of rest and lots of fluids is still the best cold protocol. While those remedies won’t likely cure or shorten the length of your cold, they can help prevent common cold complications such as secondary infections of the ear, sinuses or pneumonia.

Typically, older children and adults don’t need to see a doctor for the common cold. However, if it persists for more than 10 days or is accompanied by a fever, sore throat, chills, facial pain or headache, by all means, have it checked out.

There’s one thing you can add to your meal that almost guarantees it will taste better.

If you’d like your meal to taste even better - say grace first. 

A simple ritual like closing your eyes and giving thanks for what you’re about to eat can actually enhance the experience and flavor. A Harvard Business School study put the ritual theory to the test and found it really works. Birthday cake tastes better after singing Happy Birthday and a chocolate bar tastes better if you break it in half before unwrapping it.

The study also found that the more elaborate the ritual, the better the meal. Cutting or peeling fruit in patterns, lighting candles or setting a pretty table could be the secret ingredient that instantly makes you a better cook.

Did you take your magnesium today? Why you need to...

If you’re not already taking it, you probably need some magnesium. 

Dr. Dennis Goodman, a cardiologist and author of “Magnificent Magnesium,” says 80% of us don’t get enough. Here’s why it matters. Low magnesium is linked to heart disease, stroke, headaches, depression and more. 

Who needs magnesium? Dr. Goodman says if you are generally healthy, you can’t go wrong. If you have a lot of stress in your life, assume you’re low in magnesium. And if you take calcium, you need extra magnesium too. If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, magnesium may even provide some relief. As with any supplements, check with your doctor first. You can also have your magnesium levels measured. Ask for a magnesium red blood cell, or RBCmg test. 

How is that New Year’s Resolution going? Why it’s make or break time...

If you made a New Year’s resolution - and you made it past last Friday, you’re winning. 

January 17th is the day most people give up. If you’re weakening or feeling discouraged, now is the time to ask for support from friends, family or colleagues. Remind them you’re still working on it and it’s make or break time. Once you get past this next week you can consider yourself a resolution finalist. 

If you quit smoking, you’re really close. Most quitters experience mood swings and cravings for about three weeks. Hang in there and think of all the money you’re saving. If you’re trying to lose weight, don’t be discouraged if it’s slow to come off. Instead of getting hung up on numbers, focus on how you feel and other aspects of your body like clearer skin and less puffiness.

Google is at it again. Wait until you hear their latest “smart” development.

It seems there is a new “smart” something developed every week...

...and Google is at it again with smart contact lenses. Don’t get too excited. They won’t give you x-ray vision or play movies. They’re being developed for diabetics. 

The smart lenses are still in the testing phase. Once perfected, they could be a great option for the one in 12 Americans who suffer from diabetes. The smart lenses have built in sensors that can measure blood sugar levels. No needles or swabbing required.

The 2014 Color of the Year has been announced - and the winner is…

A new year - a new color. 

Pantone, the global authority on color, has announced the 2014 Color of the Year - and the winner is: Radiant Orchid. Expect orchid to be blooming in abundance in retail stores as they roll out the racks of spring apparel. Radiant Orchid is described as captivating, magical and enigmatic. An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid has the power to inspire confidence and emanate great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.

When you wear your Radiant Orchid, Pantone suggests you pair it with sister shades of lavender, purple and pink. When decorating with Radiant Orchid, accessorize in tandem with turquoise, teal and light yellows.

You’re not the only strategic, driven applicant out there. Resume buzzwords to kill...

There’s a good chance the only thing unique about your resume is your name. 

LinkedIn has just revealed the latest list of overused resume buzzwords. If you’d like yours to stand out a bit, It’s a good idea to pull up your resume and check to see if you’re overdoing it with any of these top ten:

* Responsible

* Strategic

* Creative

* Effective

* Patient

* Expert

* Organizational

* Driven

* Innovative

* Analytical

LinkedIn recommends ditching some of those predictable adjectives and skills and replacing them with an actual endorsement or accomplishment. Everyone likes a good story. If you can grab some attention with something about yourself on your resume, that will make a bigger impression than more of the same old words that everyone else is using. 

Second-hand smoke is bad. So what about second-hand vapor?

E-cigarettes are a popular alternative to smoking now. 

As more people puff in public places, researchers decided to put second-hand vapor to the test. They compared the vapors of three brands of e-cigs to the real thing to measure levels of nicotine, airborne particles and carbon monoxide and other chemicals. The results did find some nicotine, but it’s only about 1/10 of that found in tobacco smoke. Second-hand vapor did not contain the particle pollutants and other toxic compounds found in traditional second-hand smoke.

The bottom line: If you’re worried about someone else’s e-cig exhaust, relax. They didn’t find anything to alarming in there. The study does recommend that e-cig smokers refrain from blowing their vapor towards vulnerable types such as pregnant women, young children or people with a cardiovascular condition that could be aggravated by exposure to nicotine. 

If you like riding a bike but hate wearing a helmet - try this instead...

A lot of cycling enthusiasts prefer to ride without a helmet. 

Well now there’s something new on the market that might change their minds and save lives. It’s called the Hövding and it’s an airbag - for your head. The Hövding was developed in Sweden and is actually a collar worn around your neck. The airbag is inside the comfortable nylon scarf and will instantly inflate into a hood surrounding your head on impact. Because it’s tailor made for biking with sensors built in to detect sudden changes in speed or movement, the Hövding is not recommended for other sports such as skiing.

The Hövding isn’t cheap. At $546, it costs more than most bikes but manufacturers are hoping to lower that price as demand for comfortable bike-riding protection increases. You can check them out at Hovding.com.

Chances are, you’ve seen an owl today.

You’re being watched - by owls. 

Look around in just about any store, school bus or cafe and you’ll probably see an owl theme on something. They’ve been spotted on backpacks, binders, pocket books, smartphone cases and are even taking over the tattoo scene. Owl scarves, hats, ties and jewelry are flying off the shelves too. Owl themed cafes are all the rage in Japan and starting to migrate into New York and other metropolitan hubs. 

According to Christiane Lemieux, owls are one of the most popular nursery and kids’ room themes going. They work well for both boys and girls and appeal to parents suffering from princess and dinosaur fatigue. If you'd like to stay ahead of the trend, expert predictions for the next big theme: Hedgehogs.

Hate robocalls? How to make them go away...

Robocalls are a nuisance. 

While registering your number on the Do Not Call list will protect you from legitimate telemarketers - it won’t help much with scam artists and fly-by-night robots. Consumer Reports has the following advice on how to play robocop with robocalls:

* If you pick up a robocall, hang up immediately. Pressing a number signals that the autodialer has reached a live number and can lead to more calls.

* Limit at least some unwanted calls by listing all of your numbers in the Do Not Call registry. Go to donotcall.gov or call 888-382-1222 from the number you want to register.

* If you have caller ID, record robocallers’ numbers and report them to the FTC via the Do Not Call registry. Your information goes into a database that can help regulators identify the sources of illegal robocalls.

Steamed meals are all the rage - but are they healthier?

Frozen dinners have come a long way since the salisbury steak made it’s debut. 

Steamed is hot in the frozen food aisle - but don’t be fooled. According to Ingles Corporate Dietitian Leah McGrath, steaming is the hottest trend with frozen meals because of a new technology that allows you to steam in the container and to consumers, that word 'steam' means healthy, so it has been a big seller. 

But there are no guarantees. You still need to read the label to be certain. Some of those healthy ingredients are actually steaming in unhealthy sauces and flavor enhancers. To really make healthy choices in the frozen dinner department, remember these numbers: 4, 5, 6. Look for meals with less than 4 grams of saturated fat, less than 500 calories and less than 600 milligrams of sodium.

Now hair this!

Did you wash your hair today? If so, give it a rest for a few days. 

Hair experts and dermatologists agree, most of us are washing our hair way too much, especially at this time of year. The winter months are particularly harsh on your hair and it could use a bit of a rest. Katia says over-washing your hair just makes it dryer, flatter and can even result in more oil production. 

So how often should you wash? Two or three times a week. On non-wash days, go ahead and use a dry shampoo or even a little talcum powder on the oily spots. The longer, thicker, curlier, and more processed your hair, the longer it can go between washes.