Would you get a tattoo? 1 in 5 people already have...

21% of American adults are sporting a tattoo somewhere on their body...  

Design popularity changes a bit each decade, but some ink spots never go out of style. Women usually opt for the shoulder, lower back or ankle. Here are their top permanent picks:

• Tribal tattoos 

• Stars – single or cluster

• Flowers

• Zodiac signs

• Angel tattoos – and wings on back

• Hearts

• Fairies

• Celtic interlocking patterns

• Bluebird 

• Butterflies

Popular ink spots for men are the arms, chest and back. Their favorite picks are:

• Phoenix – a mythical bird rising from the ashes

• Crosses – Celtic, Maltese or Iron

• Tribal Pattern

• Pinup Girl 

• Dragon

• Anchor

• Skull

• Nautical Star

• Bluebird

• Celtic Knot

The most illustrated age group is between the ages of 30 and 39. According to a Harris Poll survey, only about 14% say they regret getting their tattoo.

If you think gas prices are high – check out vanilla!

Just be glad our cars don’t run on vanilla... 

A worldwide vanilla shortage is sending prices WAY up. The price for one kilo of vanilla recently jumped from $25 to $40 in a single day. All of the world’s vanilla supplies are grown in Madagascar, Mexico and India – and those crops are suffering. Mexico’s vanilla yield dropped by 90% in the last year and that has put a huge demand on the other two regions.

Industry analysts say we can expect the price of vanilla ice cream to increase by 10% per scoop. We’ll probably pay more for some other favorite foods, medicines and perfumes too – all of which depend on good old vanilla.  

How about a nice relaxing spa treatment – with snakes!

 

We tend to think of spa treatments as relaxing and indulgent...

Some ancient, less conventional methods are making a comeback in the spa world – and some of them are downright creepy:

• Snail anti-aging masque: In Siberia, snail slime is the fountain of youth. There, you can have African snails placed all over the face and body. They’ll slither around on you leaving you coated in their wrinkle-reducing excretion.

• Fish bath: You may have heard of the fish pedicure, where tiny carp nip away at your calloused skin. In China, you can relax your whole body in a tank full.

• Bird poop facial: A trendy New York Day Spa smears the “gifts” from a nightingale all over your face or back to treat acne.

• Snake full body massage: For just $90, a spa in Israel will unleash three different kinds of snakes on your face, neck and back. Their massaging muscular movements will soothe your cramped muscles and stiff joints.

• Leech rejuvenation: They’ll suck your face and improve your blood flow, leaving you with a healthy glow.

If you prefer organic produce – look for the number 9...

There is a simple way to find out if those grapes, carrots or apples were organically grown...

 Look for the number 9. The little stickers you find on produce contain a price lookup code, or PLU. It’s a 4 or 5 digit number on the sticker applied directly to the produce, or on the packaging. If that number starts with 9, it was organically grown. 

Conventionally grown produce will have a PLU code starting with the number 4. If that fruit or vegetable was genetically modified, the PLU number will start with the number 8.

Who is smarter – the cat or the dog?

Brace yourselves cat people, a new study claims DOGS are smarter! 

Researchers, who charted the evolutionary history of several mammals' brains, say they’ve revealed a link between social interaction and brainpower. Because dogs had more social tendencies, their brains and skulls got bigger over time. The brains and skulls of cats hasn’t changed much, due to their less social and aloof dispositions. 

The study also says that dogs are skilled at social bonding which further stimulates their brains. That rule doesn’t apply to most cats, who prefer napping, hunting and grooming to pleasing others.

Hide Your Underwear!

If there is dirty laundry in your house – that could be hazardous to your dog...  

According to Veterinarian Kemba Marshall, underwear, socks and pantyhose are the three most common choking hazards for dogs. Q-Tips, razors and other personal items are dangerous too. It’s no secret that dogs LOVE stuff with a strong scent – especially your scent. Some dogs could actually ingest some smaller “scented” items. 

Remind your family that dirty laundry and personal items needs to make it INTO the bin or trash can, for the dog’s sake. Make sure you’re dirty laundry baskets have a lid that snaps shut or is too heavy for your dog to lift – and take some extra precautions with your dirty delicates.

Easter baskets don’t have to be ALL junk...

You can have your chocolate bunny – and eat it too... 

And you can feel a little better about that if it’s a DARK chocolate bunny. It’s got less fat and more antioxidants than the milk chocolate bunny breed. Here are some other slightly healthier Easter basket items to consider from the American Dietetic Association:

• Instead of sugar, cream or caramel filled chocolate eggs, get peanut butter filled ones. The peanut butter adds protein and is low in saturated fat. 

• Instead of those little chocolate eggs, give chocolate covered pretzels instead. Pretzels are often eaten during Lent, because the twists resemble arms crossed in prayer. But because they only have a thin layer of chocolate, the fat content is pretty low. 

• Instead of the traditional jelly beans, try Skittles or Starbursts. They do have some Vitamin C which makes them slightly healthier.

• And don't forget a few hard boiled Easter eggs. They're good for you. Just make sure the Easter Bunny doesn't put them in the night before. They can't be out of the fridge for more than 2 hours.

Too much arguing is no good for a marriage – but some fights are worth picking.

The healthiest marriages almost always involve some arguing...  

It’s a sign the lines of communication are wide open. Of course, too much arguing can be problematic. Elizabeth Lombardo, author of “A Happy You,” says we need to choose our battles – and there are a few that can actually improve your marriage:

• You’re obsessed with your phone/iPad: No spouse wants to compete with Angry Birds or Tweets at the end of a long day. Let your partner know that makes you feel slighted and try to agree on some tech-free time zones.

• You spend too much/you’re too cheap. Money is the number one argument topic in marriage. It can be a valuable spat to have if you do it right. Don’t waste time or energy arguing about money from the past. Wipe the slate clean. Voice any current concerns and focus on a plan for the future you can both agree on. 

• You need to see a doctor. This is an argument worth having. If you see a change in your better half, or they’re complaining of ailments that haven’t been addressed, go ahead and nag.

If you need to make an important decision, you should hold something first...

If you’d like your next decision to be a better one – hold it!

 New research published in Science Daily says people make better decisions when they have a full bladder. That’s because when the mind is struggling to restrain a bodily function, it’s easier for us to exert self-control in other areas. 

The authors of the study explain - when we’re preoccupied with thoughts of finding the closest bathroom, our ego is in check – and we’re much less likely to over-think things or give into unrelated impulses.

You got the interview – now don’t blow it by blurting out the wrong thing...

If you’re job hunting, you know competition is stiff. 

 Your resume may speak for itself – but you need to be careful about what YOU say during the interview. Here are a few statements to avoid from some top hiring managers:

• “I want to be upfront about my weaknesses.” No you don’t. Admitting a flaw without being asked is a bad idea. If you are asked, talk about a weakness that isn’t central to the position you’re seeking. 

• “How much vacation/sick/lunch time do I get?” Company perks are great - but asking about them during an interview suggests you’re focused on the wrong things. Wait until they’ve made an offer to ask about benefits.

• “I love your glasses!” Skip the personal compliments. They may come across as fake or flirtatious. Look for something in the room OTHER than the interviewer to comment on.

• “I haven’t been able to find a job because of the bad economy.” Blaming your situation on the tough job market will make you seem passive. Try to find a positive spin. “It’s been challenging, and there have been some options - but I’m seeking a long-term role with the right company.

If you’re filing your taxes online – there are some safety precautions you must take first...

Tens of millions of people will be filing their taxes online this season... 

If you’re filing electronically, make sure you and your computer are protected. Consumer Reports’ Guide to Online Security says it’s important to update all your software before you begin. If you’re using an online tax preparation site, be sure you have the latest version of your favorite browser installed. That version will have addressed any security holes from the past. 

Also, be sure you’re current with all updates to media players such as Adobe Flash. You’ll be better protected from hackers trying to gain unauthorized access to your PC and personal info on websites such as IRS.gov.

It’s VERY important to Double-check the website address before you begin. The official Internal Revenue Service website is www.IRS.gov, NOT www.IRS.com.

Read My Writing!

You probably know our handwriting can say a lot about our personality...  

If you’ve ever wondered what yours is saying, you’re in luck. Graphologist Kathi McKnight has an overview of the handwriting basics for us:

• If your writing slants to the right, you’re open to the world around you and like to socialize with other people.

• If it slants to the left, you like to work alone or behind the scenes. For righties, a left slant can be an expression of rebellion.

• If your writing doesn’t slant at all, you tend to be logical and practical – and maybe a bit guarded with your emotions.

• If the size of your letters is large, you have a big personality. If it’s small, you’re focused and probably shy. If it’s average sized, you’re well-adjusted and adaptable.

It’s not polite to stare – but it’s a good idea...

Most of us are taught NOT to stare at a very young age... 

Unfortunately, that little bit of etiquette can compromise our safety. Joe Navarro, former FBI agent and author of “What Every Body is Saying,” explains: For most of history, we humans have been very good observers, utilizing all our senses. As we evolved and moved into closer proximity of each other, we became observationally lazy. We humans now tend to rely on other people’s observations – or mind our own business in an attempt to be polite.

Mr. Navarro says good observation skills are critical in this day and age and it’s never too late to learn them. To hone your skills, get in the habit of asking yourself at all times, “How does this situation or this individual make me feel?” Your subconscious is always working to protect you. If something doesn’t look or feel right, there’s a reason for that – and you should be prepared to change course or react accordingly.

If you woke up with a stiff neck – don’t try to ignore it...

If you sleep on your stomach – you probably get a stiff neck from time to time... 

According to neck and back expert Dr. Michael Mizhiritsky, that’s the worst sleeping position for your neck. If you do wake up with a stiff neck, don’t head straight for the hot shower. The best approach for relief is cold. Apply an ice pack for 15 minutes once an hour. That will help prevent spasm in the neck. Pop some ibuprofen too – and repeat as needed.

A stiff neck might sound minor – but you’ll want to baby it a bit to prevent further injury. Gentle massage can help. Skip the gym and try to avoid lifting anything over 3 pounds. That includes pets and kids.

If you’re tempted to fertilize your lawn this week – save your time and money!

Weed killer and fertilizers are popping up on store shelves everywhere... 

But according to horticulturalist Frank Rossi, author of “The Slacker’s Guide to a Great Lawn,” you really don’t need to bother with that just yet. A lot of lawn masters can’t wait to get out there and start the weed and feed spring ritual. Rossi says, unless you have a history of weed problems; you can skip the whole weed-killer thing for now. The feeding part can wait too. He says Memorial Day and Labor Day are the best times to apply fertilizer.