We’re well into the new year and you’ve probably already tanked half your list of New Year’s resolutions. If you are like most people, this list probably included: going to the gym, losing weight, taking tango lessons, calling your mother more often, and more.  But let’s face it – EVERYONE had resolutions. Most are broken by January 10th.
So let’s shake it up a little this year and try ten “Dental Resolutions” which are not only easy to keep but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health. Here they are:

1)   GET RID OF SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS
We all need to hydrate, but we don’t need excess sugar and artificial chemicals. These drinks are bad for your body and pull an all out assault on your pearly-whites. Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, it will save you money as well!

2)  CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH
Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have long-standing sentimental value. The fact is – you should replace your brush every two months or so. If the bristles don’t look almost brand new, chances are your teeth aren’t being cleaned well and your toothbrush is harboring lots of yucky bacteria.

3)  FLOSS EVERY DAY
Look – we’re dental professionals. We know that most people don’t floss. But that really is a shame. Flossing every day helps to prevent gum disease – so not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances of heart disease and others illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will significantly decrease. If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don’t be embarrassed! Our fantastic team will be glad to show you how.

4)  WEAR YOUR SEATBELT
We all know that seatbelts save lives, but even in minor accidents teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward. So buckle up and save your smile!

5)  USE A MOUTHGUARD
Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable. There’s a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouth guard – and it’s not to scare their opponents. Give us a call and we will fit you (and the entire tiddly winks team) with beautiful custom mouth guards.

6)  TEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING
Please don’t use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else. Nibbling on your friends is optional (with their permission, of course).

7)  SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH
As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren’t reason enough to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo. There are so many reasons to quit smoking – so please make this the year!

8)  BUT THEY’RE GOOD FOR YOU!
The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well. Yes – eating your veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts not only increase your overall health; it boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums. Added benefit: crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

9) WHITEN YOUR SMILE
There is no question that a nice white smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to others. If you’ve been putting this off – make 2012 the year you finally will be showing your beautiful smile to the world. There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be – give us a call or stop on in and we will be glad to show you how.

10)   DON’T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS
We know that visiting a dental office may not be at the top of your “things to do” list for the New Year, but by seeing a dentist on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from ever occurring. It’s a small investment with a big payoff – a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, plus fresh clean breath.  Incorporating the above tips will keep your smiling, and keep you on the road to good health.

When people ask me how long I have been married and I reply, “almost 14 years”.  The way eyes bulge out of sockets, you’d think I said something outrageous.  I don’t know why people are so surprised.  I am proud of my 14 years.  But I think of my marriage as a lifetime commitment and 14 years is hardly a lifetime.  We still have work and time to put in.  When you consider that 50% of marriages end in divorce statistic, I guess that’s a lot of couples not making to 14. But on the other side of the 50% that divorce, there are 50% that don’t.  To me, that means a lot of marriages are succeeding too!

Needless to say out my peer group, I have probably been married the longest.  I get a lot of people asking for advice and such.  Although, I am not an expert, I am an advocate for marriage, so I try.  Lately, my single friends are really on me.  I guess as women, once the clock starts to tick, we are eager to explore options and figure out if we are going to settle down on not.  Most of my friends want to settle into relationships and eventually have families.  They seem to be progressing quite nicely, I made add.  Now, my divorced friends are experiencing more challenges.  I have been single and married.  But I have not been divorced and remarried.  So my perspective comes from a more speculative place.  I don’t have any experience to really substantiate my opinions.  But I try!  And so are they…trying to meet people, trying to prepare themselves to be spouses again, trying to find a real connection with a great man (just like my single friends).  In addition to the single lady plight though, they are also trying to heal from their previous divorce, consider their children in the equation and learning from their past experiences in marriage without harping on them and holding the new perspective guy accountable.  That’s A LOT!

We all just want to be loved!  And just because you are divoreced doesn’t mean you don’t believe in marriage and commitment and more importanlty, doesn’t mean you are damaged goods.  I asked a few of my male friends, what are there thoughts on divorced women and some of their responses surprised me and no wonder my girls are having such a hard time!  Here is what they said…tell me what you think?

Are divorced women date-able?  Why or why not?

Most said yes.  Especailly if she is attractive and has her stuff together.   (We can talk about what stuff means on another day)  But the few that said “no, not really.” Said that divorced women have issues and they haven’t moved on from their divorce.  They think they know everything about relationships because they have experienced a divorce and they play the expert card.

That response really didn’t surprise me.  I don’t think that’s unique to divorced women.  I think men feel that in general when it comes to dating and relationships, they want to be the boss.  And as women, we generally do try to apply what we have learned from past experiences.  Not because we are trying to be experts, we are just trying to be cautious, smart and protective ourselves.

Are kids an issue?

Again, most men said they would date a divorced woman with kids.  A few even said, that they would prefer to date a divorced woman who had kids conceived in marriage vs. a “baby momma”.    Now, those who said kids are an issue, said that usually a divorced Mom has an active father in an ex-husband and they may not want to compete with him.  He’ll be around.  He will be involved in the kids lives and therefore, in their lives as a new couple.

Now, maybe I am naive.  But that surprised me!  Seems like men should want and expect other men to be men and fathers.  Take care of their kids and be in their lives.  I thought most men would feel some type of way about having to take care of another mans children.

Why and how is dating a single woman with so called baggage different from dating a divorced woman with the same baggage?

I use the term baggage for lack of a better word.  But in this conversation, I felt  a lot of the issues being applied to divorced women could apply to single women too. So I asked,” how and why is the divorced woman’s issues different?”  Here is what they said…

True, anyone can have issues from past relationships that they carry with them.  But married women seem to be especially bitter because the break up was more involved.  It takes longer to leave a marriage then it does a bad relationship.  Lawyers are involved, money, property and usually kids.  So its more heartache and headache and its hard to get over that.  More has been invested, so you feel a greater loss when a marriage ends.  Yes, single women experience break ups and some, from long term relationships, but their was no wedding, so you aren’t as emotionally invested.  And even if you have acquired property together and kids, you don’t have to get lawyers to leave.  You can just bounce!

So you see why I got a little steamy.  Steamy, as in hot and mad.  Its such a double standard!  I know FABULOUS women single and single by divorce that will make amazing life partners to the right man.  But when you are dating and having to navigate through all this, I see why it so hard to see what might be right in front of you! Now, once I calmed down and removed my emotion out of it.  I listened to what the men were saying.  Processed it and could appreciate the perspectives.

I will say, I am far more invested in my marriage than I was in my dating relationship.  Yes, both financially and emotionally.  A huge financial blow or emotional breakdown would  be devastating!  I certainly expect my husband and I to be active co-parents, so a divorce would complicate that.  Not to mention, the grief it would cause my children.  So their emotionally well being would have to be attended to. Lets not forget, somebody has to find a new place to live.  Tell all your mutual friends and your families.  Who’s side are they going to pick?  How will those relationships change?   And that’s probably just the tip of the iceberg…you haven’t even begun to deal with your individual needs, grief, depression and stress.

After going through all of that, the divorced wife may have some things to work through before she’s ready to date.  If she is dating a man who has never been married, well she has earned some stripes and she would be NUTS to not attempt to value what she has learned from that experience.  Her experience can be an asset to the new marriage.  Although, her past may give the man a shorter leash to act up, you have tons of rope to be the greatest man alive!

- There is Life After this Marriage

As hard as it is to believe right now, one day this marriage will just be something you did once. You’ll go on and you’ll have what you create.

- Get out of denial

Ask yourself: Do you really want this marriage, or are you hanging onto it out of fear? If being alone is a scarier thought than staying in a broken marriage, you’re letting fear make your decisions. Are you mourning the loss of what your marriage was, or what you thought marriage would be?

- Don’t Burn Daylight

Grieving doesn’t have a time frame on it, but life does. Whether you realize it or not, life is marching on. There comes a time when you have to accept the fact and say, “I’ve got to get on with my life, I’ve got to get on with raising my children, I’ve got to get on with putting things together where I can be a happy, meaningful, productive member of society.” Find a way to put one foot in front of the other and move forward.

- Take the catastrophic language out of your mind

“My life is over,” “I’ve lost everything,” and “Things are horrible” are labels that can have a powerful impact on how you feel. Recognize that it’s factually not true. Your life isn’t over, it’s just a new beginning for you. Changing the negative tapes that run in your head can change how you physically feel.

- Don’t waste Time with Regret

At some point you have to say, “It is what it is.” You can’t do anything about what you did before; but you can do a lot about what you’re doing now.

- Be an example for your children

What kind of mom do you think your kids are experiencing when you’re sitting around and crying and looking over your shoulder at what was instead of what is?

You’ve Accepted It. Now It’s Time to Jump Start Your Life!

-  Define a New Relationship with Your Ex for Your Children

Your old relationship was husband and wife, your new relationship is as common allies of your children.

- Talk to Your Kids

Divorce can create emotional wounds in children. Talk to them about what’s going on, what they’re feeling, and how things will get better. Involve them. If they know there are things they can do to help this transition, it will give them a feeling of power.

- Make a Plan
Assess your situation financially, look at your resources to see what your options are in terms of housing, job and finances.

- Create a Support Squad

Ask for help. People appreciate being asked for help. It’s a gift to them to allow them to be there for you. Create a support squad of your closest friends who won’t mind providing you with emotional support, professional guidance and ongoing inspiration. Realize that you’re not the first person to go through this.

- Get Your Resources and Assets Around You

Do everything you can to program yourself for success. Find out what your strengths and skills are and focus on them to help move you in a new and positive direction. Everybody has a personal truth ” what you believe about yourself when nobody’s watching. Remember that you will create the results in life that you believe you deserve.

- Make Time for Yourself

Make a priority to be a little selfish and do something just for yourself. The most important gift you can give your children is to take care of their parents. Try a new class, start exercising, or reconnect with an old hobby you’ve forgotten about.

- Make Your Dream Home

It’s not the end of the world if you have to change houses. Know that you and your kids are going to create memories there and that’s what makes it a dream home.

- Find Your Authentic Self

Although you may no longer be one half of a couple, you are still 100 percent the person who you are. Find that person again.

- Find Your Passion

What is it that will make you excited to get out of bed every day? Make a list of what you can do to reach your goals.

- Have Some Joy with Your Kids

Choose to live with some fun in your new life. Create new memories with your children that will carry them into the future with self-esteem, confidence and happiness.

- Protect yourself in the future

It’s important to always look at a relationship and ask yourself, “What’s it costing me to be in this relationship?” If you totally lose yourself in it, then the cost is too high.

That’s it.  Feel free to share your thoughts!

Quin,

SpicyWifey.com

———————————————————————————————————

*Dr. Phil McGraw, perhaps the most well-known mental health professional in the world, is the host of the new leader in daytime talk, Dr. Phil. Launched in 2002, Dr. Phil provides the most comprehensive forum on mental health issues in the history of television. For nine years, Dr. McGraw has used the Dr. Phil platform to make psychology accessible and understandable to the general public by addressing important personal and social issues. Using his top-rated show as a teaching tool, he takes aim at the critical issues of our time, including the “silent epidemics” of bullying, drug abuse, domestic violence, depression, child abuse, suicide and various forms of severe mental illness.  More on Dr.Phil at http://www.drphil.com/splash/

Once seen as an alternative, “hippie” lifestyle, organically grown foods have become mainstream. In an effort to reduce exposure to pesticides, many families (especially those with pregnant women, young children or people with weakened immune systems) are choosing to go the organic route. But the truth is, that while organic food is healthier, it is also slightly more costly.

So how do you reap the benefits of cleaner food without breaking the bank?  You could use a fruit & vegetable cleaner, which helps remove pesticides. You could also be selective about WHAT you buy organic. Some foods are more resistant to pesticides, so conventionally grown is appropriate. But other foods are virtual cauldrons of chemicals and should avoided completely and replaced with their organic counterparts.

How Do I Know Which Ones?

The general rule on fruit is: those  that have thick and/or inedible skins are safer, as the majority of the toxins remain in the skin which is then discarded.

1. Avocados
2. Banana
3. Pineapple
4. Kiwi
5. Mango
6. Papaya
7. Watermelon
8. Citrus Fruits

When considering vegetables, choose ones that are naturally resistant to pests, thereby requiring less pesticides to begin with.

1. Asparagus
2. Broccoli
3. Cabbage
4. Onions
5. Celery
6. Radishes
7. Sweet Potatoes

What Should Be Avoided?

Watchdog organization The Environmental Working Group releases a report each year of the most pesticide –ridden fruits and veggies. Known as “The Dirty Dozen” (thedailygreen.com) , this list changes from year to year and is meant only as a guideline, as conditions vary from farm to farm, year to year. Their findings are based on analysis of the Department of Agriculture’s data on pesticides. Remember, however, that the government sets what it deems “allowable pesticide limits”; all food grown commercially in the United States has SOME pesticide used on it. But according to The Environmental Working Group, if you avoid conventionally grown versions of the following, you can reduce your exposure by as much as 80%:

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (Imported)
7. Grapes (Imported)-and yes, this also means raisins and wine
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries

With all the options in the grocery store these days, it can be hard to know what to choose. We all want to feed our families and ourselves the best, cleanest foods possible, and while that can get costly, if we inform ourselves, we can find the happy medium.

Buen Provecho!

So cliché but TRUE: “Old habits die hard.”  I started running in my fourth grade PE class against classmates during recess. Shortly afterwards, I’d earned my title as the fastest person in the school. Little did I know, being one of very few blacks in the community, I was racing for my acceptance among my white peers.  Now all of a sudden, I was no longer the last girl standing as captains picked teams in PE class. I was amongst the jocks. I was accepted and not the just the little black girl. I never imagined that one experience of success would have set the stage for my entire life and some twenty-seven years later I’d still be running.

From winning elementary Presidential Physical Fitness Awards, to setting middle and high school records on the track, I earned a bid to attend Eastern Kentucky University on a track scholarship. My college running regime was pretty tough to say the least. A member of the track and cross country team meant running year round and if you wanted to experience a mere slice of success, you’d run on your own outside of the regular season.

Today, at 35, I get up and run out of habit. After years of training and competing, it becomes a lifestyle. My days just do not seem complete without hitting the pavement and working up a little sweat. Some call it a runner’s high, but for me, it’s more than a high. It’s a lifestyle. I’ll admit, running in the cold is difficult and becomes more of a mental toughness, but like my old coach used to say, “Suck it up and just run.”

I like to run when the sun is beaming hot, causing sweat to drip off my body giving me the feeling that I’m working hard. Most, call me crazy for running in such hot conditions. I drink plenty of water, staying hydrated and keep it moving at a pace that is comfortable for my body. When that high really kicks in, I go for a second run of the day, hoping that it’s topped off with a little sprinkle of sky water.  Either way, I’m not ever going to stop running, God willing. It gives me a peace that is unexplainable. Add my MP3 player to the mix and I am in Runner’s Heaven.

When first starting to run, here are a few side notes to be mindful of:

• Purchase a pair of proper running shoes. Runners should go to a store for runners. Visit stores that have running experts as representatives who can properly fit you into shoes that match the makeup of your feet.
• Change running shoes frequently according to mileage. Use your training shoes for running and nothing more. You don’t see football players walking around in cleats outside of practice or competition.
• Drink plenty of water for hydration.
• Warm-up first with a light jog. Then stretch.
• Listen to your body and rest when needed.

Research tells us that it takes about 30 days to develop a habit. I encourage you set a new goal and put running on your agenda. Start slow like anything, and increase to improve. True, it’s not for everyone, but you will never know until you try. When you’ve made it a habit, it will quickly become more than a high. It will be a lifestyle.

- Ericka Herd
coachherd@yahoo.com

Giving gifts to the special woman in your life is a great way to let her know exactly how much she means to you. Choosing that gift, however, can be stressful and overwhelming. Where to begin? Regardless of your budget or your comfort level in a lingerie store, the perfect gift is easier to find with our guide.

Beauty Products
Every woman likes to feel gorgeous. So why not try a beauty kit? Like the Shany Makeup Kit by SHANY Cosmetics. The Sunset Collection, Extra Large features a wide array of shades. It comes complete with eye shadows, blushes, liners, glosses and more. Or the Bare Minerals Start Up Kit. This starter pack allows her to test out one of the fastest growing product lines in the world. The free Bonus Gift is sure to add more bang to your buck!

Fragrances
Experts say that memory is tied very closely to our sense of smell. So perhaps give her a perfume to lift her mood, her energy or the eyebrows of everyone around her. Think of her personality as you stand in front of your choices. Perfumes are generally classified as spicy, sweet or floral. Which one is she? If all else fails, smell several and stop when you get to the one that makes you think of her. If on a budget, try the bath shops, like Bath and Body Works. They always have delicious scents that won’t break the bank. Gucci’s Rush 2 is a deep, earthy musk with hints of palm wood and gardenia, and is a great day to day casual scent. Paris by YSL is an ultra-feminine floral perfume infused with rose and sandalwood with a touch of vanilla. The eternal classic Ralph Lauren Polo Sport is timeless, with a clean, sporty scent.

Creature Comforts
Sometimes the simple things make the best gifts. Gifts to comfort, soothe, and relax are always appreciated. Foot massagers, like the Jilbere Massaging Foot Spa, help ease tension from a long day and keep her feet soft and sexy! A Beautyrest Micro Mink Warming Throw is a fabulous way to wrap her in warmth on a cold night. The faux mink feels luxurious and decadent without the cruelty to animals!  Sunbeam makes a nice heated throw too.  And a beautiful basket filled with indulgent bath gels, salts, skin creams and spa goodies will brighten any day. These can be found at almost any store and generally fit into any budget.

Tech Toys
Guys aren’t the only ones that like high-tech toys! Ladies love having the hot new gadgets just as much! How about a laptop or tablet? Chances are there is a Kindle that will make your woman and your wallet happy. From the original, with access to more than 800,00 titles for $10 or less; to the Kindle Fire, with more than 18 million books, movies, magazines and more. Plus, with the Fire, she’ll never have to search for WiFi!   Other popular eReaders are the Nook and Kobo.  Or fill an mp3 player with songs she likes, songs that make her think of you and, of course, ‘your song’. Or load a digital picture frame with pictures of the 2 of you, highlighting great moments in your relationship, or even images hinting at times to come.

Diamonds
Enough said.  Diamond earrings, diamonds rings, diamond necklaces.  We love them all!

Jewelry Sets
Every woman loves getting jewelry. But if diamonds are not in your pay grade, don’t worry. If you’re not sure if you should buy a necklace or bracelet or ring, no problem. Boxed jewelry sets are an easy way to give the gift of sparkle. As a general rule, heart shaped is a safe way to go. The Unusual Freshwater Pearl Set includes teardrop earrings and a delicate bracelet and necklace to compliment almost any wardrobe.

Candles
Scented or unscented, candles are a good way to make a woman feel cherished. Something to let her know that she is on your mind. Beautiful designs with exotic flavors and ingredients from all corners of the Earth are in most malls and department stores, and inexpensive choices are available just about everywhere else.

Creative Ideas
Gifts that foster creativity make a woman feel that you cherish her mind as much as any other part of her. Stationary sets and craft kits can be found at just about any price point. Blank journals whether leather bound or paperback, encourage self-expression and creative thinking.

Cashmere
Regardless of how discerning her taste, every woman loves soft, luxurious cashmere. A coat, sweater or pashmina (like a big scarf) are sure to please. Even a pair of gloves will make her feel special without emptying your wallet. And with yummy cashmere, you can’t choose the wrong color!

On The Go
And for the woman on the go, gifts that bring the comforts of home to her commute never go unappreciated. A nice travel bag, briefcase, messenger bag can keep her organized and less stressed. Travel mugs let her take her favorite coffee, tea, soup, etc wherever she goes. Tried and true Thermos makes a 16 oz leak proof travel mug that comes in colors to coordinate with any style.

See also >>> The Ultimate Guy Gift Buying Guide.

—————

Disclaimer

There’s no question about it, you love your man.  But the love isn’t always conveyed in gifts you buy him.  The dress shirts, cologne, pajamas, and neck ties.  All are considerate gifts but all tank in the ‘awe’ department.  They only manage to yield a forced smile from your guy. This time you want more.  You want him floored.  Here’s how to do it. Below are three Guy Gift Buying Rules, guaranteed to garner his respect, and give him goose bumps.

Guy Gift Buying Rule #1  -  Buy him what HE likes instead of what YOU want him to have.
Remember the gift is for him, not you.  Be honest.  That cologne you bought was really for you, right?   It’s how you wanted him to smell.  Cologne is fine, but it’s a casual-day gift, not special occasion. Other common offenders are: gloves, socks, cologne, ties, and clothes.  Only get these gifts if he specifically asks for them.

We, men, have a script for unwanted gifts:  Hold our breath.  Act enthused.  Grin with a big smile.  Say “Yeah baby I love it!” Then pan over to the kids for the thumbs-up and Best Actor nomination.  Later, we jump online and surf for deals on stuff we really want.  Stuff like gadgets.  Let me say that again.  Stuff like gadgets.

Guy Gift Buying Rule #2  – Buy him gadgets.  All men like gadgets.

Name a guy you know who doesn’t like gadgets.  Take your time.  We’ll wait…….  You can’t?  That’s because there are none.  Men love gadgets like women love shoes.  There are thousands of gadgets.  The key is to buy gadgets of his interest.  Tech-heads like computer gadgets.  Sports-heads like tv gadgets.  Fishermen like fishing gadgets.  Car guys like car gadgets.   Entrepreneurs like efficiency gadgets.  Hunters like camouflage gadgets, and so on.  Simply put, you can’t go wrong with gadgets.

Guy Gift Buying Rule #3  – Keep the receipt and don’t get upset if he uses it.
Even the best universal remote won’t work on every tv.  Likewise, even the best buying guide may not fit every guy. Your guy may be odd.  So include the gift receipt. Remember, it’s not about your ego, it’s about making him happy.

Below are common Guy Gadget Gift Favorites:

• Watches – Women compare purses.  Men compare watches.  Ever seen a watch flashed in a music video?  Enough said.  Business professionals tend to like watches with multiple dials.  Invicta watches are quickly becoming a favorite with men.  Trendier guys like whatever is current.  Latest being bling bling, casual watches, and G-Shock watches.
• Sports memorabilia – The 2011 World Series was one of the greatest in History.  Even if they’re not a St.Louis Cardinals fan, all sports buffs will love it.  It’s the story of an underdog team that barely made the playoffs then came back to win it all.  Amazing!  The best World Series’ DVD ever!  Get him one and buy me one too.  The 2011 World Series DVD.
• Digital cameras – There are two types: point-n-shoots, and SLRs.  Point-n-shoots are small and more portable. They often record video and boast basic picture modes. The top point-n-shoots can record video in High Definition (HD).  That’s sexy!  Good digicams are:  Nikon Coolpix S3100; Canon  PowerShot SX230HS; Sony Cyber-shot; and Olympus  E-PM1.  Digital SLRs are larger, more professional, and more customizable.  They allow expansion components such as zoom lenses, and hot shoe flashes for greater range.  Good SLRs are:  Nikon D3100; Canon EOS Digital Rebel T3; Sony Alpha A33; and Sony Alpha A55.
• HD video recorders – Much like digital cameras, video recorders come as portable versions or large full-feature units.  Make sure they record in High Definition. which simply means ‘clear picture.’  Good portable video recorders are: Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD, Sony Bloggie Touch Camera, Flip UltraHD Video Cam.    Good full-feature video recorders are: Toshiba  Camileo X200, Sony HDR-CX160, and Sony HDR-XR160.
• HD Flat Screen TVs- The bigger the better. I’m not sure when big TVs became synonymous with masculinity but they are.  So what are 720p, 1080p, and 1080i?  In short, they represent picture clarity. The ‘p’ stands for pixel.  The more pixels, the clearer the picture. Blu-ray DVDs, Playstation 3 games, and X-box games look AWESOME in 1080p.  Other of that, most will only need 720p since not many shows transmit at 1080p.  Good flatscreen TVs are:  Toshiba 32C100U, Toshiba 32SL4, VIZIO XVT323SV, LG 42LV4400, VIZIO E422VA, and LG 47LK520.
• Blu-ray player -  (writer salivates)  Ever watched a blu-ray movie on a 1080p television?  I have.  Enjoyed it so much I needed confession the next day. (smile)  Blu-ray players are amazingly clear. “Father forgive me for I have sinned; it was Halle Berry.” Blu-ray players also have crystal clear sound and functions similar to a fast computer.  Playing blu-ray discs on a high definition tv yields the best experience. A few good blu-ray players are: Sony BDP-S380, Toshiba BDX2000, and LG BD670.
• Laptop computers – I’m often asked what specs to look for in a computer.  Here’s  a checklist:  320gb hard drive or larger, 4gb RAM or larger,  an Intel i3, i4, or i5 series processor or a dual-core AMD E-series or better;  a strong graphics card for a gamer, graphic designer, or video editor; at least 3 USB ports.. A few good laptops are:  Toshiba Satellite L755D-S5363, Lenovo G570 43348PU, and Sony VAIO EJ2.
• Mountain or Road Bike – Cycling is growing as the gym alternative for Blacks.  Buying him a bike puts him ahead of the trend.  Click here to learn about bicycle types.
• Software – Business Operating Software like Microsoft Office, Idea Organizing software like OneNote and Visio, accounting software such as Quickbooks Pro and Peachtree, and dictating software such as Dragon.
• Smart phone accessories – For men, Otter Box covers are to phones what Hummers are to SUVs.  Masculine!  We love Otter Boxes.
• Computer Tablets – tablets are quickly replacing netbooks are portable computing options.   Good tablets are:  Sony SGPT111US,  Asus Eee Pad, Ipad, Samsung Galaxy Tab, and the Motorola XOOM.
• eReaders – Great gift avid readers.   Kindle Fire and Nook color are the hottest units.  Kindle 3 and the Sony Reader Touch are good non-color units.  Some prefer non-color for less eyestrain. Kobo is also gaining momentum.
• Computer glasses –These reduce eye fatigue and allow him extended hours in front of a screen.  Awesome!  Gamers and tech-heads love these.  I have mine on now;  10 hours and counting. Popular glasses are Gunnars: Sheadog, Attache Phenom, and PPK.
• Car radio and accessories – Be sure to pick a radio with an Aux In option so your guy can connect his MP3 player. Good units are:  Sony MEXBT3900U, JVC KD-HDR60, and Pioneer DEH-3300UB.
• Shoes – Did you know they now have UGGs for men?  Nice!
• Netflix Or Blockbuster online subscription – streaming videos are catching on.
• Amazon gift cards
• Video Games  – Yes, some men still play video games.
• Visa & Mastercard Gift cards
• Fitness equipment
• Magazine subscriptions
• L.E.D. flashlights – I can’t explain it.  But we like bright lights. Bayco 61 LED and NSP-1136 are good ones.
• Tools

Following this list, will not only surprise your man, but a satisfied guy gives you leverage in gift-receiving.

See also >>  The Caveman’s Guide to Buying for Her.

—-

Disclaimer

It happens more often than you think.  Someone panics and leaves someone who truly cares for them.  Emotions are funny like that.  Relationship decisions made out of haste.  Sometimes these decisions are the product of unresolved conflicts.  Other times these departures stem from outside influences, or lust.

Influences like:  jealous friends urging you to leave; charming offers from opportunists who say all the right things; pressure from family members who appear to have your best interest at heart.  Embattled, you succumb to these influences.  Most conformists do.   Moral fiber is in short supply these days.

But in your heart you knew they loved you.  Still, you left anyway.  Better opportunities await, you say to yourself.  So you step.  On to the dating field you go, eager for a new start.

You meet new candidate number one.  Damn.  That was rough.  After the thrill, you find they weren’t as awesome as you thought they’d be.  You write it off as a flute.  Not all others will be like that, you say.  Months go by and much of the same.  Reality sets in.  Plan B doesn’t appear to have been such a good plan at all.  Dating is hard and the competition is thick.  The girls are much younger than you, bodies firmer.  The guys are more eager and aggressive.  Plus, you had forgotten all about those lonely nights; that cold bed, how it was before you met your ex.

You miss that umbrella of love you were once covered in.  Their touch.  Their voice.  Their warmth. But they’re gone.  You left.  Now pride won’t let you return.  Pride only has one friend – Loneliness.  And only has one adjective – Foolish.

I know this story too well.  And I know how it ends.

It is upon the offender to recover the offended.

My advice?  If you miss them, call them.  If they still love you, they’ll welcome you back.  If they don’t, consider it a lesson.  It was a bridge that you burned.  Contrived explanations will only harden their heart.  So, let these be your first words: I’m Sorry.

And going forth, remember:  Home is not out in the streets. Home is where love is.  Real love.  The kind of love that loves you back.

(Excerpt from forthcoming book by Glenn Avery.  Email: g.avery@grouptrails.com to join mailing list.)

Yes OneNote, that strange-looking software you’ve seen in your program list but breeze pass for Microsoft Word or Outlook. I personally, believe OneNote is Microsoft’s most significant software release since the creation of Microsoft Word. Still, few use it. Probably because they don’t understand its power.

Imagine having one software that can hold all of your files, all of your research, all of your ideas – all in one place. That’s OneNote. It’s like a blend of MS Word, Excel, MS Project, but with more organizing power. Microsoft OneNote 2010 – Download

Its usefulness to students, business owners, planners, or anyone with goals, can be invaluable. It’s like having a digital 3-ring binder that never runs out of space. A source for all of your Word docs, Excel spreadsheets, video clips, audio files and PDFs. Once you try OneNote you’ll wonder why you didn’t use it sooner. Below is a list of the features that’ll make you fall in love with OneNote. Or check out this brief tutorial.

1. Unlimited space for notes. Create unlimited notebooks, unlimited sections, unlimited pages, and unlimited sub-pages. That’s organizing power! Notebooks become subjects. Sections become topics. Pages become support material. Each section allows for password protection of content.

2. Drag and drop content anywhere. Unlike the linear nature of Microsoft Word, OneNote allows typing anywhere, and dragging-dropping files anywhere on the page. This freedom stimulates brainstorming and promotes creativity.

3. SideNotes allow quick note taking. Even without having OneNote on, you can still take notes quickly. Pressing the Windows Key + N key opens up a feature called a SideNote. SideNotes are small windows that pop-up allowing you to quickly draft notes. Close the SideNote and the note is automatically saved into an ‘unfiled notes’ page for future sorting.

Microsoft OneNote 2010 – Download

4. Capture and Import screen clips from anywhere. Often there are areas on the web you want to include in your notes. Hitting the Windows Key + S opens up a screen-clicking tool. This tool allows copying of anything visible on screen, then drops the screen-clip into a OneNote page.

5. Imbed projects files right into OneNote pages for quick access. No more searching for files in folders. Drag all of your files into a OneNote page and all of your support files are right in front of you.

6. Content is automatically linked back to source. Paste content into OneNote and it automatically creates a link back to the source webpage or file folder. This is an invaluable tool for researchers who often have to re-reference information from content they’ve cited.

Microsoft OneNote 2010 – Download

7. Never have to hit save again. Much like an active database, OneNote instantly saves all content entered into it. No more saving. No more losing content.

8. Fast Search for easy navigation. A powerful feature is OneNote’s search. One keyword search will return all content relative to the search regardless of the notebook it’s in. The search is even powerful enough to find words embedded within pictures.

9. Convert pictures to text. OneNote has strong Optical Character Recognition technology built within it. This means you can right-click on a picture and OneNote will read each word in the picture, and copy it to your clipboard for pasting. This can save lots of time by eliminating the need for retyping.

10. Create audio/video notes. One click of the ‘record audio’ or ‘record video’ button starts the OneNote recorder. This is an awesome feature for recording speeches and meetings. When finished, the media files are embedded right into the current OneNote page. OneNote can also playback the files within OneNote.

11. Also: Save to the cloud for team access; Create to-do lists; Import/Export to Outlook; and create equations right within OneNote pages.

Microsoft OneNote 2010 – Download

This year more than 1.3 million skin cancers will be detected in the United States. Of those, 7300 will be fatal.

We must be careful to employ new methods to protect skin from sun-exposure damage – if we are to reduce the frequency of skin-cancer diagnoses and age-related skin problems.

Until recently, sunscreens have been our best protection from the sun. But their protection is not ideal because of inadequate use, incomplete UVA/UVB protection, and/or toxicity.

In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says that due to the additional costs and risks from increased concentrations of active ingredients, the maximum SPF should not exceed 30.1

Choose natural sun protection – a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt. And when you and your children race for the outdoors this spring and summer, keep in mind this information to help you choose a safe and natural sunscreen product such as Lavanilla Lab sun screen.

A few safe products for you and your children include: Alba Botanica SUN, Aubrey Organics Sunscreen. Below are a few tips on picking sunscreens.

Mary F. Shackelton MPH, ND is a Naturopathic Physician with a practice in Boulder, Colorado. Dr. Shackelton practices family medicine with an emphasis on children’s and women’s health. Within the children’s health specialty she successfully treats most common childhood ailments including: ear infections, immune dysfunction, allergies, eczema, asthma, behavioral disorders, and other chronic illnesses. Dr.Shackelton can be reached at: mary@allnaturaldoc.com

The content and opinions expressed on this Web page do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the Grouptrails.com
________________________________________
1 DeSimone EMn: FDA proposes changes in sunscreen regulations. American Pharmacy NS34(6):26-31, 1994
2 Environmental Health Perspectives, Volume 109, Number 3, March 2001,
In Vitro and in Vivo Estrogenicity of UV Screens. Margaret Schlumpf, Beata Cotton, Marianne Conscience, Vreni Haller, Beate
3 Environ Health Perspectives 107 (suppl 6):907-938 (1999).
4 J Am Acad Dermatol 2003, Jan: 48(1): 1-19.
5 Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2003 Oct;19(5):242-53.
6 Skin Pharmacol Appl Skin Physiol. 2001 Mar-Apr;14(2):69-76.
7 Anticancer Res. 2002 Nov-Dec;22(6C):3873-7.

While on medical rotations, I rediscovered a lost art – the jump rope.  I’m too busy and too poor to have a gym membership, so one day I decided to buy a jump rope from a local thrift shop.  The rope cost me a whopping buck fifty.  It travels with me via air, car or train.  It’s compact and I can whip it out whenever I please.  The best part is, I can achieve high cardio activity by jumping in intervals in as little as 30 minutes.  Depending on what other exercises I’ve done for the day I’m guaranteed to burn at least 600 calories.  A brisk walk or core repetitions between jumping can really pile up the number of calories burned.

Jumping rope ranks high among the most cardio driven activities; it’s second only to jogging.  No treadmill is required for this healthy past-time.  It took me a minute to relearn the technique for jumping rope, as there is a rhythm one must achieve for high cardio quality.  You can jump rope anytime, anywhere, and most importantly, it’s fun!

Worried about looking stupid?  Don’t.  Ever wonder how boxers become so lean and coordinated?  They jump rope!  The weaving and bobbing requires serious core strength which jumping rope provides.  Jumping rope works the biceps, triceps, back, abs, quads and calves.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Jumping:

• Not too much rope.  Adjust the rope as needed. Hold the handles and step on the rope; shorten it to where the handles reach your armpits.
• Wear properly fitted athletic shoes.  Big shoes are hard to jump in.
• Don’t jump too high.  It’s not basketball.  One inch off the floor as that’s needed.

Calculate how many calories you burn jumping rope using this user-friendly calculator link.  And as always, check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for a fitness routine. This will ensure you can withstand the impact and intensity of jumping rope.  Until next time, have fun!