Lifestyle

The holidays are a hectic time filled decorating, cooking, gift buying and entertaining. It is the time of year when we fill our homes with traditional decorations, keep our ovens roaring with special recipes, and run hither and yon as we try to get everything done in time. Flickering candles and a fire in the fireplace add to the cozy family feeling and holiday glow. Unfortunately, sometimes we are so busy creating atmosphere and running errands that we forget to pay attention to basic safety. Sadly, this distraction can put our homes and our loved ones at risk. The following basic reminders... more ...

Everyone cherishes the opportunity to give and receive during the holidays. Giving gifts at this special time offers a way to honor those we love. Thinking up a special gift to wow the spirit or warm the heart can be fun and when you've given just the right thing, it's like hitting the jackpot. However, since coming up with new ideas every year isn't easy, here is a guide that might help spark your imagination without emptying your wallet.     Go Green Give something that grows. Even those who aren't gardeners love to receive plants, trees or flowers as gifts. A s... more ...

Twinkling lights, clinking glasses and crackling logs on the fire automatically give the holidays a romantic feel. However, the season can also place extra pressure on dating couples. How do you balance your relationship with the stresses and significance of the season? Follow these holiday dating tips to help you negotiate the mistletoe this year.     Talk About It No matter how long you have been dating, communication is key to avoiding some of the worst holiday dating mistakes. You may want to set some ground rules to manage expectations. For example, you can agree on whether ... more ...

There's nothing new about feeling gun shy after a relationship ends badly. However, when a marriage ends, feelings of disbelief accompanied by deep sadness and an intense sense of failure can make you want to give up relationships forever. Some people who divorce may never remarry. But for many, divorce is simply a case of having made the wrong match. Dating after divorce offers another chance to make the right one.     Are You Ready? Be patient and gentle with yourself. Make sure you have given yourself time to heal after your divorce. If you are full of anger or still locke... more ...

Everyone has heard of writer's block but you may not know that being "blocked" creatively can happen to anyone. It can happen when your mind is busy with life's details and you feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it happens and you simply feel stuck. Solutions to problems are hard to find or you feel like you are in a rut. Whether you need to grease the wheels for work or whether you are a creative person who needs a jumpstart, the following tips can work for you.     Morning Pages Julia Cameron, the author of "The Artist's Way," wrote that people of all t... more ...

You live in one city and the one you love is across the country. Family obligations or work keeps each of you tethered to your towns but you are determined to hang on and somehow make your relationship work. Some people might think this sounds like heartbreak and torture and consider all long distance dating to be doomed. For others, long distance dating is romantic and somehow they make it work for them. Here are some ideas on how to make the most of a faraway romance.   Same Wavelength When you start a long distance romance, pick a moment to talk about the ground rules. Know that par... more ...

For many of us, there comes a time when we realize that our parents should no longer live alone. They may need to move into a different living situation because of health reasons, financial reasons or simply because their current home has become too large for them to manage on their own. Adult children want the best for their parents and sometimes they assume that moving their mother or father into their own home is the best solution. But is it? Consider some of the following issues before you make this decision.   Options Your parent may wish to move in with you or perhaps it is you w... more ...

If you tend to cringe when you open your utility bill each month, you probably need to be more proactive about how you use energy at home. Small, simple changes in every day habits can mean big savings, especially if you are consistent. Try some of these tips and you may be able to look at your next utility bill with your eyes wide open.       Lower the Lights Turning off the lights when you leave a room and only using the light you absolutely need seems like common sense but many people leave lights blazing throughout their houses as if every night was a party. Consider in... more ...

If you find you that you have extra space in your house and extra room in your heart, you may want to consider getting a pet. Caring for a pet has been linked to improved health and mental well being and animals everywhere are waiting for a human family. All you need to do is choose.   Make a Match Are you a dog lover? Do you have a passion for birdsong? Consider carefully before investing in what may be a very long-term relationship with an animal. A dog may live 12 years while a cat may live 20 and a bird may last several decades. Assess your lifestyle. Do you really have room for a ... more ...

When you are first dating, being in a group can be easier than being alone together. If you are in a group, others can fill in awkward gaps in the conversation and give you time to get comfortable with your date. Group dates also give you a chance to see how your partner interacts with others. Is he polite? Is she warm? Here is a sampling of casual settings and activities that will engage a variety of couples.       Give Back Organize a service project for the group. You can volunteer to paint a school, collect clothes for the homeless or work at a food bank. Community serv... more ...