5-Minute Mood Boosters: Whether you’ve got a case of the Mondays or an argument with a friend has left you in a foul mood, reaching for the nearest chocolate bar isn’t your only option for a quick pick-me-up. When it comes to feeling better in a flash, everything from concentrating on your breathing to giving a stranger a compliment can help. Read on for eight quick, easy—and often surprising––ways to turn that frown upside down.
Give Your Bathroom an Eco-Makeover: If you’re like many Americans, you’ve already taken some steps toward reducing the size of your carbon footprint. Maybe you’ve replaced incandescent lightbulbs with long-lasting compact fluorescents, switched to high-efficiency laundry detergent or placed a low-flow adapter on your showerhead. But there are lots of other, more substantial ways to protect the planet while adding value to your home. Here are five household items you can replace that will not only save resources, but cut your utility bills over the long haul, too.
How do you celebrate Earth Day every day?
8 Wedding Rules That Can Be Broken: Spring is upon us, which means that wedding season is in full swing. But while wedding celebrations are often steeped in tradition, not everything is as it once was. Couples are personalizing their nuptials more and more, and as budgets become stricter, a lot of the old etiquette is being pushed aside. From who pays for the reception to how long afterward you can send a gift, find out which wedding rules are being bent, and which ones can be broken.
6 Tips for a Greener Home: With Earth Day coming up on April 22, everyone has eco-friendly on the brain. But not only is going green good for the environment, it’s better for your health, too—especially at home. Being aware of things like recycling, nontoxic cleaning products and your home’s lighting are the first steps to greener living. WD spoke with the some of the Web’s top green bloggers to find out how you can make your home a more eco-friendly environment.
The 411 on Food Cravings: Food cravings are a normal part of life; after all, who hasn’t at some point found herself staring into the freezer, ready to eat more than just a few scoops of that mint chocolate chip ice cream? While the occasional “crave-in” isn’t a big deal, if it happens regularly, it can lead to weight gain, not to mention a slew of other health problems including headaches, bloating and feeling downright blech. Though you may not be able to curb your food cravings entirely (in my book, spinach and celery will never satisfy a hankering for chocolate or chips), understanding what causes them can help you develop a realistic plan for dealing with them.
All-Natural Ways to Fight Bloating: Most of us are familiar with bloating—that uncomfortable, swollen feeling in your belly. Whether the bloating is caused by water retention, gas or constipation, you don’t necessarily need to head to the pharmacy right away to find relief. The edibles below may be able to help, thanks to their natural anti-bloating properties. But before you chow down, check with your physician to make sure your symptoms aren’t indicative of a more serious issue.
10 Rules for Renting a Vacation Home: Renting a vacation house is a family-friendly option for any budget. “With a whole house you get more amenities, such as a full kitchen, and more privacy than a hotel room,” says Alexis de Belloy, vice president of HomeAway.com. The biggest perk? A house rental is often 30 to 50 percent less expensive than a hotel. Add in the money you’ll save by cooking for yourselves and having a private garage or driveway to park in, and it’s a deal you shouldn’t pass up. Plus, all that extra space will provide families with plenty of room to spread out and stay out of one another’s hair—making for a very relaxing vacation. Whether you’re looking for beach, mountaintop or big-city accommodations, here’s everything you need to know before you rent.
Order the Perfect Restaurant Meal Every Time: While cutting into the steak you order every time you eat out, how often do you look across the table and envy your dinner companion’s dish? Whether you’re overwhelmed by the menu or simply afraid to branch out, the result ends up being the same-old plate of food hat often leaves you feeling unsatisfied. To help get you out of your food-ordering rut, we talked to industry insiders to learn the art of the perfect restaurant meal. From what not to order to a different approach to dining, learn how to conquer the menu the next time you dine somewhere new.
When a Good Dog Behaves Badly: Find out how to handle a misbehaving pup by setting a routine, talking to your vet and more.
