What the *?

The next time you’re at a loss for that word or phrase...

There is a way to Google something even if you can’t remember exactly what it is? The secret weapon is the asterisk key. It works as a wild-card in a Google search. Just type in your phrase with an asterisk in place of the word you can’t recall. To be, or not to *. You get the idea. It even works for multiple forgotten words. Just use an asterisk in each void. To be, or * to be, that is the *.

There’s a website that has taken Google’s asterisk wild card to the next level. At PhraseUp.com you can type in the part of that phrase, sentence or sentiment you’d like. Put an asterisk in place of words you’re stuck on and a list of suggestions will pop up.

Sunburn Relief

If you got a sun burn, here's some relief...

Even if we know better – most of us get a sun burn – somewhere - early in the season. Dr. Doris Day, author of “Forget the Facelift” has some relief after the fact:

• Take an aspirin or ibuprofen right away to reduce the pain and swelling that’s bound to kick in over the next few hours.

• Get in a cool spot – that lets your skin release some of the heat.

• Find the aloe vera. Straight from the plant is best but 100% aloe vera gel is a very close second. It will soothe the burn and help with the healing.

• Soaking in a luke warm bath is good too, it cools your skin and helps to rehydrate which will reduce some of the peeling later.

If you have fever or chills, call the doctor, that could be sun poisoning. You really need to keep moisturizing and stay out of the sun for the next few days. Skin damage from the sun is cumulative and your skin needs time to heal.

Pure-Bred Protection

Some dogs are more prone to cancer than others...

Unfortunately, all dogs and cats are at risk of getting cancer – especially pure-breds. According to Shawn Messonnier, author of The Natural Vet’s Guide to Preventing and Treating Cancer in Dogs,” certain breeds are prone to certain cancers, such as tumors in terriers and Labrador lymphoma. There are some natural ways to protect our best friends:

• Spaying and neutering prevents certain types of cancer – and it’s never too late.

• Weight is important too because excess body fat increases their cancer risk.

• Ask your vet about the best vitamin supplements that build cancer immunity for your pet – they vary by size and breed.

Also, if your pet spends a lot of time outside, apply sunscreen to the nose, tips of the ears and top of the muzzle – and consider keeping them inside during the most intense midday hours.

Greener Grass

Is the grass REALLY greener on the other side? Yes – in a way...

This grass IS always greener on the other side – or at least it appears that way. That’s because you’re looking at the other side from farther away and at a different angle. Grass naturally grows in patches with bare spots and usually some weeds mixed in. If we’re standing directly above those imperfections, we’ll see them. When we gaze to the other side of the fence - or across the street – our line of site will prevent us from seeing smaller bare patches, and those green weeds blend right in with the grass.

Fat Burner

There’s something you can do that burns more fat than jogging...

If you’d like to lose some body fat – sprint it off! Fitness expert Dmitriy Petrov says a quick sprint is the most powerful fat buster we’ve got and can burn more calories than a long walk, jogging or a session on the tread mill. To do it effectively you’ll want to sprint a short distance, followed by a slow jog or walk to catch your breath. Now repeat – that’s it.

If you can work your way up to 20 minutes a day of quick sprints – you’ve achieved what’s called high intensity interval training which continues to burn calories for up to 24 hours after the workout.

Swimsuit Advice

If you hate the way you look in a bathing suit – help is on the way...

Do you look great in a bathing suit? Congratulations. For the rest of us, style expert Michelle T. Sterling has some advice:

For women, the most flattering suit for all body types is a one piece with high cut legs and one shoulder strap. The one strap diagonal has a slimming effect and the high cut leg makes for a less square backside. The most slimming print is vertical or v-shaped patterns. Sheer and flowing cover-ups are really flattering for everyone too.

Men have it a little easier. Esquire Magazine says any body type can pull off bold, fun prints to celebrate the fact that you’re NOT working. But lose the below-the-knee board shorts if you’re over 18. Retro shorter track-style shorts are back in IF you’re in shape. Speedos – not yet.

Jerk at Work

Do you work with someone who is rude?

Most of us have had to work with a real jerk at some point in our lives. If that time is now, executive coach Martha Newman has some advice. You’ll need to speak up. Silence, indifference or dirty looks can just exacerbate the behavior. You’ll need some tact. Choose your words carefully and throw in a positive if you can. Let them know you appreciate their input more when they’re not being difficult.

If the person is an UBER-jerk – you may need to speak up to management or human resources instead. Stay calm and leave emotions out of it. Composure will lend a lot more weight to your case.

Best Breakfast

There’s something you can have for breakfast that fights belly fat...

Some cereal, orange juice and maybe some yogurt sounds like a pretty good breakfast. It’s a REALLY good breakfast if you’d like to lose some weight or belly fat. Researchers at Purdue University discovered that people who get a lot of calcium and vitamin D in the morning lost a lot more weight than those who don’t. Calcium stimulates enzymes that melt fat - and vitamin D enhances calorie burn. That one-two punch in the morning speeds up our metabolism and reduces the craving for fattier foods later in the day. Look for cereal, yogurt and orange juice fortified with calcium and vitamin D, and don’t forget the fat-free milk.

Smoker's Best Friend

If someone you love is a smoker – you probably want them to quit...

Here is a list of things NOT to say:

• “You’ll get cancer.” Pointing out the obvious risks suggests they are ignorant or stupid.  Smokers already know the risks. Your warnings are akin to the buzz of a mosquito and they’re likely to push you away or tune you out.

• “Smoking is disgusting. I don’t know why you don’t quit.” Insults don’t work either. You probably DO know why they haven’t quit – they’re addicted.

• “Do you want the kids to see you smoking?” Shame is another non-productive approach. Most smokers are already ashamed of their dependence whether they admit it or not. The same goes for fear - they're already there.


• “If you loved me, you’d quit.” Guilt doesn’t work with addiction. Making someone feel guilty or bad about themselves can lead to resentment, and that next cigarette is just waiting to make them feel better.

Many smokers liken their cigarettes to a (worst) best friend.  If someone were going to lose their best friend - how would you prepare them?  Now, here are some things you should say or do to help:

• Take up an activity to get healthy together. Smoking gets in the way of things like dancing, golf or tennis. The activity can do the talking for you.

• Offer rewards. A positive challenge with a fun payoff can work with some smokers. If they can go a full day without smoking – a night out or favorite meal may be in order.

Ask a smoker if they wish they could be a non-smoker. If the answer is yes, remind them of some of the simple pleasures they'll have to look forward to, such as extra money, smelling and feeling fresh and less restrictions.  If the answer is no, it's a problem.  Wanting to quit is THE most important element. Quitting for you, the doctor or even the kids often doesn’t last. 

Good Old Cholesterol

Good news – cholesterol is good for you! Now the bad news...

Cholesterol has a pretty bad reputation – but the truth is it’s a good thing. According to Mary P. McGowan, author of “50 Ways to Lower Your Cholesterol,” our bodies need cholesterol to produce healthy cells. The bad news is more than half of all Americans have a lot more cholesterol than we need. Only about 25% to 30% of the cholesterol in your body comes from your diet. This means that roughly 70% to 75% of your body’s cholesterol doesn’t come from food -- it is made by your liver and often influenced by your genes.


There are some things we can eat to help keep cholesterol levels in check. Pistachios, walnuts and almonds are good snacks for that, just keep it to a handful a day because they’re high in calories. Bran cereal, apples, oranges, grapefruit and Brussels sprouts are good choices too.  If you like avocados, olives or olive oil, you're in luck.  Those are on the good-to-eat list too.  For a beverage, consider 100% cranberry-grape juice.  Antioxidants in grape juice slow down LDL cholesterol oxidation, and cranberry juice raises HDL or “good” cholesterol.

Sticky Keys

When is the last time you really cleaned your keyboard?

Computer keyboards are magnets for oil, dust, grime and bacteria and we touch them all day. The little brushes or compressed air are good maintenance – but chances are your keyboard could use a more thorough treatment once in a while. First, be sure to unplug your laptop or keyboard. Next, you’ll need some cotton swabs and alcohol. Make sure it’s isopropyl and not ethyl. Ethyl alcohol can take the lettering off the keys. You’ll be able to safely get into all the nooks and crannies with the swabs and the alcohol does a great job at dissolving any grime.

If your keys are sticky, it’s a little more tricky. Most keyboard keys will pop off easily with the edge of a small knife – just don’t force them. Now you can get in there with the cotton swab or vacuum out any crumbs and debris. If you’re taking off several keys, you might want to take a picture of your keyboard first to remember the sequence.

Sexy Dance

A lot of us should be dancing more...

If exercise doesn’t exactly turn you on – consider dancing instead. It’s good for your mood, circulation, overall health and even your libido. Studies prove that exercise can have a significant impact on sex drive, especially in women, and dancing is the perfect low-impact, low-stress exercise for the job.

Dancing boosts our endorphins – and 20 minutes a day is the recommended dose of dance to elevate libido. Salsa, burlesque and pole dancing are the most effective but any dance will do.

Iced Tea and Coffee

If you make iced tea or coffee – make it even better...

Making your own iced tea costs a fraction of what it does to buy it – and it tastes a lot better too. Teavana has some tips on making the best iced tea. Start with double the amount of tea you would for hot tea and add any sugar you might want while it’s steeping instead of after the fact. After about 5 minutes of steeping, your tea is ready. Pour it directly into an ice filled glass. That sudden cooling is what keeps the flavor and scent crisp.

If you like iced coffee, consider making some extra and freeze it into cubes. That way you can turn hot coffee into iced without watering it down.

Sunscreen At Night?

Apply sunscreen before bed – really? Yes, according to a dermatologist...

To really protect ourselves from the sun, we should apply sunscreen like moisturizer – before bed. According to dermatologist Jeanette Graf, author of “Stop Aging, Start Living,” we’re not really covered when we slather it on during the day. Sunblock collects in the skin over time and we’ll be less sensitive and won’t burn as easily if we cover our face and bodies with it at night. You’ll need another layer when you head out into the sun.

Buying AC

If you’re buying an air conditioner, size matters...

Buying the wrong size air conditioner can be a big waste of money. Air conditioners come in 3 basic sizes – small, medium and large. It’s important to get the right size for it to do the right job. Small air conditioners are lightweight and a lot easier to install, but if the room is too big, it won’t get cool enough. If the air conditioner is too big for the room, it won’t be able to remove humidity from the space and you could end up with cool and clammy air.

Size isn’t everything. You’ll need to consider the dynamics of the room you want to cool. A small room with a lot of traffic, large doors, or more people in it might require a larger unit.