Bests,Trends &Tips for Solo Living -- plus Fab Microwave Recipes

Scroll down to read all, or click on ... Barbara Kafka's Microwave Recipes for One (or Two ... Dr. Bella's Insights on Single Life & Solo Living ... 5 Money Wasters ... 10 Fun Food & Wine Matches ... A Dozen Financial Do's & Don'ts ... Sassy Stats ... 10 Tips for Hiring a Handyman ... 8 Weight-busters ... 4 Regifting Tips ... 10 Ways to Beat Cancer ... 11 Health Hazards ... 20 Ways to Brighten Your Home ... 15 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain ... Trends! ... Guys, Avoid These 9 Romantic Blunders ... 11 Ideas for Healthy Snacks ... `10 Best Holiday Toasts ... 7 Useful Party Websites ... 6 Exercises to Forget Him! ... Dating Alternatives to Dinner ... 10 Ideas to Beat Seasonal Affective Disorder ... Niche Dating Sites ... Icky Bacteria Alert ... 5 Ideas for Fun Parties ... Personal Food/Exercise Pyramid  

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Our Solo Lady Microwave Recipes for One (or Two)

by Barbara Kafka

When I was introduced to Solo Lady by this site's travel columnist Janet Rodgers, I realized that I had found the perfect venue for one of my favorite areas of cooking and writing, microwave recipes for one.

The microwave oven makes it not only practical but also rapid and enjoyable to make oneself a meal after a busy day. It requires no fat, does vegetables brilliantly as well as fish, providing both pleasure and health.

I'll be adding specially chosen recipes regularly here at Solo Lady. Do try them, and enjoy!

Scrumptious Scallops

This is a light and lovely dinner for one made in a high-power microwave oven. It is particularly good in summer when really large white scallops are around. It goes extremely quickly so be sure to bring water with salt to the boil and put some orzo or riso pasta in to boil which will serve to enjoy the ample juices provided by this dish.

¼ teaspoon olive oil
2 ounce (large) shallot or 2 medium ones, peeled and cut across into thin slices
½ pound large scallops (5 or 6 to the pound)
A few sprigs of tarragon, enough to put 4 or 5 leaves on each scallop
3/4 teaspoon cumin
Kosher salt to taste

Slick the bottom of a deep soup plate or pie plate with the oil. Arrange the shallots in a paving style round on the bottom. Put the scallops in a touching layer on top. Put tarragon leaves on each scallop. Sprinkle cumin evenly over scallops. Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap. Microwave for three minutes. Prick plastic with the tip of a sharp knife and remove. Spoon drained pasta into juices surrounding the scallops. Sprinkle with salt. Eat and by all means use a spoon.

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Luscious Artichokes

This past weekend, I found the most glorious, fat artichokes in the market. It is after all artichoke season. The weather was sweltering. Rather than eat a whole meal for lunch, I had two artichokes. For more normal use, make one for yourself and one for a guest or to eat the following day. I simply used mayo from a jar to dip into; but a simple vinaigrette would be good. On a diet? Use balsamic vinegar.

1 lemon juiced
2 large globe artichokes, basal outside leaves snapped off and two inches cut off top of artichokes as well as the tips of the other leaves removed with a scissors

As the artichokes are cut and trimmed, rub them all over with the lemon juice. Any remaining juice can be put in the dressing. Place artichokes next to each other in a soufflé dish or other container just large enough to hold them. Cover dish tightly with microwave plastic wrap.  Microwave in a high-power oven for 4 minutes. Prick plastic with the tip of a sharp knife and remove. Eat and enjoy.

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Colorful Tumeric Shrimp

Turmeric is a gorgeous orangish powdered spics from rhizome related to ginger. It is extremely healthful. The main component is curcumin. (Look it up on the Web.) Here it is paired with companionable colors of shrimp and tomato. I like to serve it at room temperature with half of a peeled and sliced avocado per person. It will serve two as a first course and be an ample meal for one, perhaps with some softened rice, or bean thread noodles.

2 tablespoons turmeric powder
¼ cup olive oil
½ pound raw peeled medium shrimp
½ cup basil leaves thinly shredded across
1 cup ½-inch dice tomatoes
Juice of 1 lime
Kosher salt to taste
1 or ½ avocado peeled and sliced

Stir together turmeric and oil in a 4-cup glass measure. Cook uncovered for 30 seconds in a high-power microwave oven. Remove measure from oven. Stir in shrimp, basil and tomatoes. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook 2 minutes and 30 seconds. Pierce wrap with tip of a sharp knife. Remove wrap. Stir in lime juice and salt. Allow to come to room temperature. Serve with avocado and noodles if desired.

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Delish Fish with Spinach & Tomato Sauce

If you have tomato sauce on hand—bottled sauce is fine—the only real work here is stemming and washing the spinach, and that’s not much. It is healthful (145 calories) and almost fat free.

I suggest serving it with a side dish of pasta with a little olive oil. Or you can accompany it with bread, a salad, and a glass of wine and still be on a diet.

½ pound spinach leaves, washed, stemmed and thoroughly dried, loosely packed (about 2 cups)
4 ounces flounder filet or other firm white fish filet
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons tomato sauce (I particularly like the Tomato Sauce Casalinga from My Microwave Gourmet Healthstyle Cooking)

1. Mound the spinach in the center of a 10-inch pie or quiche dish. Cook uncovered at 100 percent, for 40 seconds.

2. Remove from oven. Push spinach to the edges of the plate to form a ring. Place filets in the center. Sprinkle lightly with pepper. Pour tomato sauce over the fish. Cover the dish tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook for 2 minutes in a high-powered oven or 30 seconds longer in a 700-watt oven. Prick the plastic to release steam. Serves 1.

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Ginger Apple Treat

Into even the leanest life, a sweet craving will fall. Coming home one evening, I wanted something sweet, but not cloying and if possible a little unusual. Here is the result. I loved it, quickly made in my high power oven. Add another minute for a 700 watt oven. Start it before your main course and eat when you feel like--hot or warm.

6-ounce Granny Smith apple
2 slices of ginger root
1 1/2 tablespoons walnut pieces
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1/3 cup coconut milk
2-3 sprigs cilantro

Core the apple removing all seeds and membrane and 1-inch of skin from the top of the apple. Leave a thin piece of apple covering the bottom.  In an individual bowl such as a Chinese or Japanese rice bowl, put the ginger root. Put the apple on top. Stuff with walnut pieces allowing an extra bit to fall around the outside. Pour the lime juice over the walnuts and top of apple. Sprinkle on sugar. Pour coconut milk over apple. Stick cilantro sprigs around outside of apple. Put a toothpick in top of apple to hold the plastic wrap with which you will cover the apple off of the apple. Cook in microwave for three minutes. Prick plastic to release steam. Remove plastic and tooth pick. Spoon some of the liquid and cilantro into apple. Allow to cool until ready to eat.

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Veal Delight with Cream

Last week I promised a sinful and delicious recipe. I forgot just how healthful the microwave is. It isn't easy to make a rich main course. This is an excellent shot. I tested it in a high-power oven. If using an older oven, up the time to four minutes.

As usual, bring water to a boil; prepare the recipe; cook egg noodles and put recipe in oven.

1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon curry powder1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Ground black pepper to taste
1/2 pound veal cut in 1"- chunks
1/4 pound mushrooms sliced or coarsely chopped
1/4 pound pearl onions, peeled (the size usually found in Gibsons
4 sprigs tarragon

Combine cream, veal and seasonings. Put a row of onions inside the rim
of a nine-inch glass pie plate. Make a bed of mushrooms in the center.
Place tarragon n top. Top that with the veal and pour liquid over. Cover
tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Cook in microwave oven for three
minutes. Prick wrap with tip of a sharp knife. Remove plastic. Mix
together and serve over drained noodles.

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Healthy Heavenly Chicken and Mushrooms

Many years ago, a Frenchman, Dr. Pomiane, wrote a book about cooking in ten minutes. He stated that when one comes in the door one should put some water on to boil even if one doesn’t know what it will be needed for. In this case, it will be needed to cook some rice to accompany the chicken. The rice takes longer to cook than the rest of the meal.

Recently there has been a lot of talk about the taste that the Japanese, umame, have added to the customary Western group. It is usually cited as being present in soy sauce. I find it happily in the dried mushrooms used in this recipe which are also aromatic. They are porcini in Italian, cepes in French and Boletus edulis most properly. They seem very expensive; but a very small amount needs to be used as they are very light in weight.For want of a better phrase, I describe the usual store-bought white mushrooms as “plain white mushrooms.” The proliferation of ingredients available to us has made nomenclature much more difficult.

The recipe is for use in a high power oven. If the oven is only 700 watts, cook dried mushrooms for two minutes and the chicken for six.

¼ ounce dried porcini
½ cup chicken stock, homemade (more about this another time) or commercial (watch when adding salt
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
4 to 5 plain white mushroom caps, about 4 ounces, thinly sliced
2 teaspoons kosher salt, extra at the end if desired
½ skinned and boned chicken breast, or one each leg and thigh skinned and boned
4 ounces thin string beans (haricot verts) tipped and tailed
Black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons heavy cream, optional

Put the dried porcini and the stock in a two-cup glass measure. Poke the mushroom pieces down into the stock. Cook in the microwave for 1 minute. Remove from oven and stir in mustard and sliced mushroom caps.Place chicken in the center of a nine-inch glass pie plate. Put half of the string beans on either side. Pour mushroom mixture over chicken along with the heavy cream if desired. Cover dish tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Use two overlapping pieces if need be. Cook for Four and a half minutes. Before removing from oven, prick wrap balloon that will have formed with the tip of a sharp knife.Serve to yourself with the pre-made rice and a good glass of red wine.

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Spring Salmon in a Hurry

Below I give a main course that is the essence of spring—all on one dish. It can't get much easier. Of course, if you're having company, say a friend, you don't have to abandon the handy microwave. Double the ingredients and follow the longer timing given at the end. The recipe is written both for a 700-watt oven and for the newer, high power ovens.

For One: High Power Oven

8 ounce skinless salmon fillet about 1-inch thick
¼ pound asparagus, tough ends snapped
¼ pound small white new potatoes very thinly sliced
½ lemon
Olive oil, to taste
Salt, to taste
Pepper to taste

To serve 1 using an older 700-watt oven: Cook as below for 4 minutes

To serve 1 in a new high-power oven: In a 9”x9” oven proof dish or glass pie plate, put the piece of salmon to one side. Put a pile of asparagus in the center and spread out the potato slices in the remaining space. Cover tightly with microwave plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 3 minutes. Without removing from oven, prick plastic to release steam. Serve yourself drizzling everything with some olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Eat. A glass of white wine would be lovely.

To serve 2: Double ingredients. Use a rectangular microwavable dish roughly 14” long. Put asparagus in the center. Put a piece of fillet on either side. Spread  potato slices at either end. Cover tightly with plastic warp and cook for 4 minutes 45 seconds.

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Barbara Kafka, our Solo Lady cooking expert, is the author of award-winning books her readers swear by, among them Vegetable Love, Roasting: A Simple Art, Party Food, Soup: A Way of Life, and The New York Times bestseller Microwave Gourmet. Vegetable Love was winner of the 2006 IACP award for Best Single Subject Cookbook, and Barbara was recently honored with the James Beard Foundation lifetime achievement award. She was a regular contributor to The New York Times and has written extensively for food magazines in the United States, Great Britain, and Australia. Read more, order books or ask Barbara at bkafka.com

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Champagne with Potato Chips?
                                                                                       

Solo women, like most wine drinkers, can get intimidated by which wines to serve with which foods. But you really can drink wine with just about anything, according to a new web site devoted to food and wine pairings, www.NatalieMacLean.com. Zinfandel with your Tex-Mex? Not a problem. A little Chardonnay with your fried chicken take-out? Delicious. Pinot Noir and wild boar? Why not, says Natalie MacLean, who has included these in a free, interactive matching tool at www.nataliemaclean.com/matcher.

"The old rules about white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat just don't give enough guidance anymore," says MacLean, author of the bestseller Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass. "With modern fusion cuisine and wines from new regions around the world, the choices-and confusion-are great."
   
Here are Natalie's top 10 fun food and wine matches:   
   
1.  Popcorn with Chilean Chardonnay
2.  Nachos with California Zinfandel
3.  Potato chips with French Champagne
4.  Pizza with Italian Chianti
5.  Fish and chips with German Riesling
6.  Hamburgers with Australian Shiraz
7.  Smoked salmon with Canadian or Oregon Pinot Noir
8.  Quiche with New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc
9.  Canned brown beans with tawny Port
10. TV dinner steak with French or Washington Cabernet Sauvignon

MacLean's matching tool pairs wines with any dish: meat, pasta, seafood, vegetarian fare, pizza, eggs, cheese and even dessert, including Jell-O and fudge (for those who like to layer their vices). You simply choose the food or wine from a drop-down menu to get the pairing suggestions. There are also lots of recipes for those planning a meal.  The matcher is updated regularly with new dishes and wines from the 87,000-plus readers who subscribe to Natalie's free e-newsletter, which offers tips on how to buy, cellar and serve wine.

Got a dish or a wine to stump Natalie? Just e-mail her via her web site and she'll suggest a match for you. Natalie MacLean has won four James Beard Journalism Awards, including the MFK Fisher Distinguished Writing Award. Rex Pickett, author of Sideways, says that Natalie "writes about wine with a sensuous obsession," and is "laugh-out-loud funny."

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Dr. Bella's Insights:

The New SAT (Singles Aptitude Test) -- Help Create It!

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Notes from a Single Voter -- Court Me

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Issues of Women Working Outside the Home

One of the biggest shifts in the past few decades: "the number of women working outside of the home has almost doubled," according to CNN.

This is, indeed, a demographic revolution well worth examining. The issues it raises are significant. For example:

earning enough to live with dignity? How many are working more than one job and still not making ends meet? And what about the women in the workforce who are doing fine economically - what are the societal implications of a class of women who are no longer tethered to men for economic life support?

And what about the quality of the workplace? How has it changed for women - and men - who have children and want to care for them? Can workplaces become "family-friendly" without also becoming hostile or unfair to workers who do not have partners or children? Have employers come to recognize and respect a panoply of important people and passions in their workers' lives, and not just the ones packaged in conjugal boxes?

Those are just a few of the deeply important questions that could be posed in a piece about the doubling of the number of women in the workforce. But they are not the questions that interested CNN.

Instead, the segment opened with a 39-year old woman who had achieved a high level success as a corporate executive. CNN introduced her not to praise her but to pity her. You see, she has started to hear "the loud tick tock of her biological clock." So she has left the executive suite for a job "which allows her more time to date."

Enter the one and only person CNN has invited to comment on women in the workforce - author Sylvia Ann Hewlett. Look no further than the dust jacket of her book, Creating a Life and you will get a good sense of what she is about: "The more a woman succeeds in her career," Hewlett claims, "the less likely it is that she will have a partner or baby." Hewlett trotted out for CNN the same dire statistics she peddled in her book.

There is only one problem with Hewlett's claims: They are wrong. Women with outstanding accomplishments on the job are no less likely to marry and then have children, if that's what they want, than women whose workplace achievements are more ordinary. (For a particularly insightful and thorough debunking of the Hewlett book, buttressed by evidence from a nation-wide study of 33.6 million women, see Garance Franke-Ruta's article in The American Prospect.)

Back to the one woman CNN has found who was once an executive but is now seeking marriage and children. The reporter asked her what she might do if she does not find the right man in five years. "I think I would be very open to single motherhood," she replied.

Wrong answer! The voice-over tells viewers what she was supposed to say: "What she really wants, though, is someone with whom to raise a child."

The reporter takes it from there: "What's your perfect kind of guy? We might be able to find him for you with this broadcast."

So there you have it. CNN, the so-called liberal network, takes a story about women's march into the workplace and turns it into a dating game.

Successful single women have long been the targets of scare stories warning that their fancy jobs won't love them back and their high-powered eggs will shrivel and die if they don't hurry up and procreate. (I discuss this in more detail in my book, Singled Out: How Singles are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After.) CNN perpetrates these backlash myths under the banner of balance. How difficult it is for these women with their career successes to have it all, sighs the network.

I think the concept of "balance" has been under-analyzed and overrated. Stereotypically, balance is something that dedicated career women do not have, and will not have until they have added a spouse and children to their lives. But what about the women (and men) who do not want to follow someone else's script for a neatly-proportioned life, and want to tip their own scales toward the pursuit of social justice or scientific discovery or an understanding of the human condition?

And what about the trade off between individual balance and the greater good? Take former Justice Sandra Day O'Conner, for example. When she walked away from her lifetime appointment to the Supreme Court, she said she wanted to spend more time with her husband, whose was in poor health. Perhaps in doing so, she achieved greater balance in her life. Maybe she also deserves credit for being a caring spouse. Surely her husband benefited from her decision. But what about the nation? As one who believes that our country would have been far better served by the decisions of O'Connor than by those of her successor, I am saddened by her balance. I wish Sandra Day O'Connor were single, and dedicated her time to serving the cause of justice for as long as she lived.

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Passionate Pursuit

At dinner, Brenda mentioned that she had been talking about me with some of my other friends. They were "concerned." They have been, for years. They are all academics, with the comfort and job security that comes with tenure. I have no regular source of income. They are all homeowners. I rent. They have all spent more than a decade here in California, and have the networks of friends and neighbors that come to surround people who settle in and stay a while. I'm a relative newcomer, and knew no one very well when I first arrived for what was supposed to be a one-year sabbatical.

Not long ago, I had what they had. I had a university job, with tenure. I lived in the same small town for more than two decades. I had circles of friends and a home that I owned.

Then I walked away from it all to pursue my passion - the study of the place of people who are single in contemporary American society. I live in that place, and I have all my life.

For many years, I kept a private mental inventory of observations that seemed worth pondering. For example:

• A colleague and I were hired at the same time, in the exact same position, and continued working for years. He can leave his Social Security benefits to his spouse when he dies; mine will go back into the system.
• Candidates stand aside a spouse, as if to say, "Vote for me - I'm married!" But what I really want are candidates whose devotion is to the welfare of the people they are serving.
• Couples treat themselves to wedding spectacles that honor no boundaries of extravagance or self-indulgence; yet it is single people who are stereotyped as selfish.

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If You Dine Alone, What Will People Think of You? (Part 1: See If You Can Predict the Results)

On a beautiful summer evening at Baltimore's Inner Harbor, back when I lived on the East Coast, I stopped for dinner at an outdoor café. My server lingered a while each time she appeared, offering conversation along with the refills of my iced tea. I wondered - did she think I was uncomfortable dining alone?

In fact, I was feeling serene. I had spent a busy, boisterous day with three guys I adore - one of my brothers and his two sons. They had already left. I wanted to stay and savor in solitude the warm breezes, fresh seafood, and the parade of people passing by.It wasn't just my server who seemed surprised and a bit protective of her lone diner. The hostess who seated me also did the solo-diner double take, glancing an extra time or two to see whether there really was someone else with me, who had just wandered off for a moment. At least she did not ask the "just one?" question. (Nor did a spotlight follow me to my table, as happened to Steve Martin in The Lonely Guy.)

While people-watching, it struck me that no one else seemed to be at the Inner Harbor on their own. I observed intently for 20 minutes, and never spotted even one person who seemed to be there without another person or group alongside them. Wasn't there anyone else within driving distance of the Inner Harbor who would have enjoyed heading off on their own to saunter around on such a perfect evening? I have always thought it odd that in a nation supposedly known for its rugged individualists and daring adventurers, so many people seem reluctant to venture on their own into safe and comfortable places such as restaurants and movie theaters.

When I first looked for research on the topic, I didn't find much. There was a study published in 1981 that reported that people seem more distressed at the prospect of walking into a restaurant alone than walking into an empty room alone, staying home alone, or living alone. Why the hesitation?

The celebrated sociologist, Erving Goffman, offered one explanation: "To attend alone is to expose oneself as possibly not being able to muster up companionship." Yeah, I know. You didn't need a sociologist to tell you that if you go out to dinner on your own, other people will think you are a loser.

I'm a social psychologist, though, and a numbers-loving one at that. No matter how strong my intuition may be, and how many others may seem to agree with me, I want to see the relevant research. What do other people really think when they see someone dining alone? Continued at: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200804/if-you-dine-alone-what-will-people-think-you-part-1-see-if-you-can-predict_____

If You Dine Alone, What Will People Think of You? (Part 2: The Results)

Thanks to all who predicted the results of the study that asked, "If you dine alone, what will people think of you?" A variety of suggestions were offered. My colleagues and I - before we actually conducted the study - thought all of your predictions seemed plausible.

Well, all except one: the one that was correct! "Adora" nailed it when she said, "It is probably no big deal if you dine alone."I don't mean that no one ever has a snide thought about a person who is dining solo. The shoppers who commented on our photos did have some unkind things to say about the solo diners, including the very remarks that some of you predicted. But, they also made many neutral and positive observations.

Most importantly, the people who commented on the pictures were no more likely to say anything negative (and no less likely to say anything positive) when the person in the picture was dining solo than when the same person was with other people. We looked at all sorts of factors to see if they mattered - for example, was the person in the picture a male or a female? A younger adult or an older one? Were the people making the comments male or female? Single or married?

No matter what we included in the analyses, the answer was always the same - there were no consistent differences in how a person was judged depending on whether that person was dining solo vs. with one or more other people.

Let me explain. Some negative comments were made about the solo diners, as we anticipated. For example, people said things like, "He is lonely," "Doesn't have many friends," "She looks depressed." But look at some of the other comments we got:

"Enjoying a few good peaceful moments."
"She just wanted to eat by herself."
"Wanted to relax."
"Traveling."
"He seems to be enjoying his dinner."
"Wanted time to ponder."

And my favorite: "He is secure."

For comparison, let me tell you about some of the comments that were made about the pictures that showed one man and one woman dining together. We expected those pictures to elicit mostly kind words. We did get some positive comments. For example, people said that the man was out to "dinner with his wife for fun;" or that the two are having a "fine, quiet conversation

Others said that "they are very close," or that "they enjoy spending time together." But now look at some of the other comments that were made about the male-female pairs: They went to dinner "to have a talk because their relationship needs some mending."
"She is upset."
"He thought he liked her."
They wanted to "get away from the children."
She went out to dinner with him "out of obligation - she's married to him."

We found the same mix of some positive, some negative, some neutral comments for all of the different sets of diners we studied - same-sex pairs, one person sitting across from a male and a female, or a male and a female on each side of the table.

Two of the people who commented on Part 1 of my post made an important observation. "Terry" and "Ladyexpat" said that by showing people photos of solo diners and asking for comments, we were creating a focus on the solo diners that may not occur naturally. Maybe when people go out to dinner, they just pay attention to their own dinner (or dinner companions), and hardly even notice the other people in the restaurant.

There is some great research relevant to Terry and Ladyexpat's point. I think that work may also help to explain why people are reluctant to go out to dinner on their own, even though they are probably not going to be judged any more or less harshly than if they were went out to dinner with other people. The studies were conducted by Thomas Gilovich and his colleagues to document what they call "the spotlight effect" - "people's tendency to overestimate the extent to which their behavior and appearance are noticed and evaluated by others." Continued at: http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/living-single/200804/dining-alone-part-2-here-s-what-people-really-do-think-you

(If you have a question or comment please go to our SL message board and communicate with Dr. Bella! Or write her at, sololady@sololady.com)

Bella DePaulo is our Harvard-trained Solo Lady psychologist, and the author of Singled Out: How Singles Are Stereotyped, Stigmatized, and Ignored, and Still Live Happily Ever After. She is a Visiting Professor of Psychology at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

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Five Money Wasters

by Aleksandra Todorova
SmartMoney.com

Brand Names At the drug store or supermarket, some brand items are simply not worth buying. The generic versions are just as good and cost much less. This can be anything from bananas and paprika to most over-the-counter medications. The secret: Generic items are often made using the exact same formulas as the brands you like. In some cases they're even made by the same companies. But since drug stores and supermarkets don't have to advertise these products, generics are much cheaper. Click here for some specific examples.

That said, not all generic items are worth buying. The classic example: paper goods. Because the cheaper generics are made with fewer fibers, they're often thinner and hold less liquid. Click here for a list of generic items that aren't worth the savings.

Regular cost: At Walgreens, a 100-count bottle of Bayer aspirin costs $6.50. Smart savings: Walgreens generic aspirin is just 99 cents. You save: 85%. Not Using Benefits Granted, we're paid to work, so the workplace isn't your logical money pit. Answer this, though: Are you taking advantage of all benefits your employer offers?

We don't just mean your 401(k), but perks with more immediate gratification, too. Take your flexible spending account, which lets you use pretax dollars for medical expenses, including over-the-counter medications. If you're in the 25 percent tax bracket, you'll save $25 out of every $100 you spend. These days, almost all employers -- 96 percent -- offer FSAs, according to consulting firm Hewitt Associates. Many employers also offer dependent care spending accounts to set aside pretax dollars for child care, and have transit programs that do the same with commuting expenses.

A few more perks to consider: group purchasing discounts, such as group auto insurance (35 percent of employers have them, according to Hewitt) and group home owners insurance (34 percent). Additionally, 22 percent of employers offer entertainment discounts, such as cheaper museum admission or movie theater tickets.

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A Dozen Financial Do's (and Don'ts)

We take the advice of the experts at Wachovia bank, to make sure we single women make the most of our money for future tax breaks. And when possible, consult a financial planner:Six Do's:

1) Instead of selling property, swap it. You can defer capital gains on real estate by reinvesting in a new property. Especially important if you're newly solo, when you may want to downsize to someplace more appropriate.2) Consider tapping your IRA early, without paying a penalty. Normally, tapping money from an Individual Retirement Account or other retirement account before age 591/2 prompts a 10% penalty. But that won't happen if you meet the requirements of a little-known IRS provision called Code 72t. There are several conditions, so consult a financial pro.3) Monitor proposed tax law changes. Investors and homeowners need to follow them closely. 4) Consider consolidating your retirement accounts. One IRA account will make your funds easier to manage, and offer broad investment options. But watch out for lost tax advantages. Consult a tax advisor.5) Update your will. Especially if you have gone through recent changes such as divorce or widowhood. Talk with your attorney about updating the language and provisions to make the most of new exemptions. 6) Check your designated beneficiaries. Make sure the info reflects your current family situation, and that designations support your objectives.

Six Don'ts: 1) Don't get stuck paying credit card interest. Nothing is more difficult to get out of. If needed, rates can be lower with a home equity loan, and interest may be deductable. 2) Don't chase investment trends. Think long-term.3) Don't forget to rebalance your portfolio at least once a year. Allocations shift with the markets, so make sure your holdings haven't gotten away from you. 4) Don't neglect reviewing your insurance coverage needs to reflect your current situation. 5) Don't ignore international equities. Overseas investments could help buoy your portfolio if the US market turns bearish.6) Don't shirk your retirement accounts. Contribute the maximum to 401(k)s and IRAs.

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Sassy Stats for Single Women

Looks?

A recent survey by the Connecticut firm, Prince & Associates, showed that two-thirds of 1,134 people polled nationwide would marry an average-looking person they liked if they had money — and by money, they meant in the ballpark of $1.5 million. Survey respondents had incomes between $30,000 and $60,000, the national median.  Russ Alan Prince, who studies the wealthy, explains the phenomenon simply: "People want to have the good life."            

But the survey respondents were savvy enough to know that money can't buy them love: A full 43 percent said they expected they'd probably end up divorced from their dreamed-of money mate.

Women were more likely, overall, to consider money in the marital equation. Nearly three-quarters of surveyed women in their 30s said they'd marry for money, compared to 41 percent of men in their 20s.

Brette McWhorter Sember, a former divorce attorney and author, says while, obviously, no one ends a healthy marriage thinking they'll marry up, it's her experience that divorced women particularly do shoot higher, financially, the second time around.           

"I don't think that we can attribute this to greed — I think you ought to also consider the statistics that show that women who divorce are thrown into financial difficulty, as opposed to men who generally come out of it just fine," Sember says. "The experience of being practically destitute can be a powerful motivator."            

Divorced women who are thrust into paycheck-to-paycheck living aren't the only ones with an eye on financial assets while dating. Men whose income has become diluted by child support and alimony also realize the power of a partner's financial finesse, says Pat Nowak, author of "The ABCs of Widowhood." Some 61 percent of men in their 40s said they'd marry for money in the Prince & Associates survey.            

"So finding someone to date, with substantial resources, is now considered quite acceptable," Nowak says. "Why be poor when you can combine assets and live the life you previously did?" (from Divorce360.com)

Yoghurt Info

Of those who eat frozen yogurt, ice cream or gelato, two in three young adults and seven in 10 of those who have at least one child at home said they'd prefer to enjoy it at a shop where they could be with friends and family and have fun.

When asked which flavor they would choose if they could only eat one kind of frozen yogurt, ice cream or gelato for the next month, nearly two-thirds still stuck to the old favorites – chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla – in that order.

Down There

According to a durvey launched by Vagisal, vaginal discomfort has a significant "emotional toll" on women: 80 percent feel frustrated, 68 percent suffer increased self-consciousness and 29 percent get angry.

Increasingly Solo

Based on an analysis of Census data and trends, BusinessWeek magazine projects that by 2010 nearly 30 percent of American households will be inhabited by someone who lives alone.  By then, married couples with kids will drop to 20 percent. 

This shift in lifestyles and household arrangements, including the boom in solo senior living, is bound to have an effect on American society -- socially, economically, and politically. Perhaps some of the current challenges faced by solo seniors will become less daunting as government agencies and private businesses pay more attention to those who are home alone.

Can a Season Save a Relationship?

Trish McDermott,  world-renowned authority on romance states that  “statistically, your relationship is most likely to end in the different seasons as follows: Spring 15 percent, Summer 23 percent, Fall 23 percent, Winter 38 percent.” So, if your relationship survived winter, the odds are in your favor to survive spring and move forward.

About Cheating Husbands

“The average (infidelity) case is wrapped up in four to eight hours,” explains Thomas Martin, a private investigator and former federal agent with the FBI.  Here are some statistics based on his 38 years and 30,000 marital surveillance cases:

• 1. Who’s hiring him?  80% of his clients are women, only 20% are men.
• 2. What happens next?   A total of 65% of the women, who have caught their husbands cheating, divorced them.   Of all the cases that he handled, 100 percent of all men who have caught their wives cheating have divorced them.
• 3. Who gets caught?  About 80 percent of the 25,000 men who we had followed were caught easily. Many men don't think that their wives will call a PI and have them followed," Martin said.
•  4. Unexpected news?   Out of all their cases, about three percent of spouses have been caught with same sex partners.  
• 5.  Stern warnings? Eight of his clients over the last few decades have died from AIDS contracted from their cheating spouses. "The first thing I tell them once they are done crying is, 'Get your ass to the doctor,'" he said.

Disordered Eating

Self, one of the least culpable among women's glossies and certainly deserves credit for undertaking the following study with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Now, brace yourselves for the results of this survey of 4,023: Sixty-five percent of women ages 25 to 45 engage in disordered eating, "such as skipping meals or cutting out food groups." (If skipping a meal doesn't register as particularly unhealthy, note that these are cases in which the women say it's "associated with emotional and physical distress.") In addition, 10 percent of women report behaviors consistent with anorexia, bulimia and binging. Other findings, as summarized by the press release:

--67 percent of women (excluding those with actual eating disorders) are trying to lose weight
--53 percent of dieters are already at a healthy weight and are still trying to lose weight
-- 39 percent of women say concerns about what they eat or weigh interfere with their happiness
--37 percent regularly skip meals to try to lose weight
--27 percent would be "extremely upset" if they gained just five pounds
--26 percent cut out entire food groups
--16 percent have dieted on 1,000 calories a day or fewer
--13 percent smoke to lose weight
--12 percent often eat when they're not hungry; 49 percent sometimes do

Cynthia R. Bulik of the UNC School of Medicine added a rotten cherry to this sickening sundae: "More than 31 percent of women in the survey reported that in an attempt to lose weight they had induced vomiting or had taken laxatives, diuretics or diet pills at some point in their life. Among these women, more than 50 percent engaged in purging activities at least a few times a week."

What Would People Do to Save Their Marriage?

Divorce360 commissioned a Roper poll to find out what people would do to save their marriages. If you're divorced you might have tried one of these:

• 85% of people who have thought about divorce at some point are willing to make an effort to save their marriage. Nearly 10% would change religions, (Like Katie Holmes did for Tom Cruise before they married).60% would go to counseling.46% would move.35% would ignore the possibility that their spouse was cheating.
• 30% would reconsider their desire to have or not have children

Odd Stats of Interest to Solo Women

$201: Average amount spent by men on dates every month.

380,000: Women who are stalked by husbands or exs every year

2.2 million: Marriages that take place in the US every year (that's 6,000 a day)

5.5 million: Unmarried couples living together

10 million: Membership total for match.com

$2.4 billion: Jewelry merchandise sold in the US in 2/2004 (from Florida International Magazine, 2/2006)

***

Here are more odd stats from the 2007 OkCupid.com survey of 5,000 singles:

- Be courteous, and wear deodorant: 46% of singles say body odor is the biggest first date no-no.

- No need for a sobriety test: 42% of singles don’t drink on a first date.

- Failure to Launch, Part II?: 27% of singles want to know right away if their date still lives with their parents.

- Loose lips, better dates?: 82% of singles would rather have a date who talks too much than doesn't talk enough on the first date.

Healthy Men

For those of you single women who seek a healthy guy: from Men's Health Magazine, 2007,

Countries Where Men are Well-Fed:

Portugal, Spain, Canada, Italy, Greece

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10 Tips for Hiring a Handyman

Solo women often need a bit of help around the house, let's face. Ask previous clients these questions before hiring to be sure you get the best possible handyperson:

1. Were you able to communicate well with the contractor?
2. Were you satisfied with the quality of work?
3. Were you satisfied with the contractor’s business practices?
4. Did the crew show up on time?
5. Were they comfortable with the trades people the contractor subcontracted to?
6. Was the job completed on schedule?
7. Did the contractor fulfill his or her contract?
8. Did the contractor stay in touch throughout the project?
9. Were the final details finished in a timely manner?
10. Would you use the contractor again without hesitation? If the answers to any of these questions leave you feeling a bit queasy, keep looking before you turning your home – and home life – over to a crew who may leave you with less than you expected.

Note: Tom Kraeutler is the Home Improvement Editor for AOL and host of The Money Pit, a nationally syndicated home improvement radio program. To find a local radio station, download the show’s podcast or sign-up for Tom’s free weekly e-newsletter, visit the program’s website at www.moneypit.com

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Eight Ways to Keep Off Weight

50 Ways to Slash Medical Bills

Living alone makes it especially important

by Cybele Weisser and Amanda Gengler, with Asa Fitch and Daphne Mosher

1 | ASK FOR A DEAL The rate that your doctor charges isn't set in stone. According to a 2005 Harris Interactive poll, about two-thirds of adults who negotiated for lower prices with a hospital or dentist succeeded, as did three out of five adults who bargained with their doctor. If you're paying out of pocket or face a high deductible, call your insurer's customer service number and ask about the rates it pays physicians in your area, which are typically lower than the sticker price set by providers. Then ask your doctor if he'll accept a similar amount.

2 | GET THE FACTS The more you know about the real cost of your care, the better you'll be able to negotiate discounts. Costs for 30 common hospital procedures can be found at cms.hhs.gov/HealthCareConInit, the website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or you can pay $7.95 for medical cost reports from HealthGrades, a ratings company. Large insurers like Aetna, Cigna and United Healthcare have also begun to post rates online for members, though not for every area of the country.

3 | PAY UP FRONT, IN CASH Most doctors lose thousands each year on unpaid bills and spend thousands on credit-card processing fees. If you're footing the bill, laying out the bucks in advance of treatment can get you a 10% discount on your bill, says Pam Deloney of the American Private Physicians Association.

4 | LOOK FOR MISTAKES As many as eight out of 10 hospital bills contain errors, increasing the tab by 25% on average. Keep a log of every test and medication you get, and check it against your medical file, which you can order from the hospital's billing office. If you spot an error, send a certified letter requesting a corrected bill, and a copy of all documentation to your insurer.

5 | CHECK UP BEFORE YOU CHECK IN Radiologists, anesthesiologists and other specialists don't always accept the same insurance as the doctor who admits you to the hospital. Call your doctor to get the names of the medical providers who will be involved in your treatment, and verify with your insurer that they're in the network.

6 | TRACK YOUR SPENDING Do you know when you've met your deductibles or how much money is left in your health FSA? Programs such as Quicken's Medical Expense Manager ($50 at quicken.com) can tell you and also alert you to potential savings such as overlooked tax deductions and possible billing errors.

7 | FOLLOW DOCTOR'S ORDERS Roughly half of all patients don't follow instructions about taking medicine, which results in 10% of hospital visits a year, according to the Merck Manual of Medical Information. Simply doing what you're told can save you your out-of-pocket share of the average $8,200 cost of a hospital stay.

8 | EQUIP YOURSELF Hospitals charge a significant markup on equipment like crutches or braces, so you're almost always better off buying them on your own.

9 | SEEK SMART COUNSEL If you're seeing a mental-health therapist every week, you're probably footing much of the bill: Most health plans limit coverage to 30 visits a year. You can cut the cost by going to a certified counselor or clinical social worker (average fee: $90 an hour) instead of a psychologist (around $120). A recent survey found no difference in effectiveness.

10 | VISIT A RETAIL HEALTH CLINIC Got an earache or upset stomach? Visit a walk-in clinic found at retail stores like CVS and Wal-Mart. Cost: about $25 to $100 for treating minor ailments, or about 25% less than the cost of care in a doctor's office, according to insurer HealthPartners. (But only 40% take insurance, so you may have to pay full price rather than just a co-pay.) Bonus: No appointment is necessary, and patients are usually in and out within 15 minutes.

More Tips

• Get Broad Coverage for Less -- Tips 11-14
  
  Get Broad Coverage for Less -- Tips 15-18
  
  Get Broad Coverage for Less -- Tips 19-23
  
  Pay Less for Drugs -- Tips 24-28
  
  Pay Less for Drugs -- Tips 29-32
  
  Save on Your Smile (and Sight) -- Tips 33-38
  
  Get Healthy, Get Wealthy -- Tips 39-44
  
  
• Get Healthy, Get Wealthy -- Tips 45-50

Four Tips on Regifting

Regifting was coined on a Seinfeld episode. Is it acceptable, as a busy solo woman, to do it? According to Regiftable.com, regifting is ok, but certain conditions apply:

• Never regift one-of-a kind items.
• Only new, unopened gifts in good condition should be regifted.
• Make sure you are careful. Don't regift to the person who gave it to you, or to someone who knows them!
• Your intentions

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10 Proven Ways to Beat Cancer

A new, comprehensive scientific study lists 10 major factors to help avoid cancer. As solo women, we need to take special care of ourselves and head off problems with prevention!1. Be as lean as possible without becoming underweight
2. Be physically active daily for at least 30 minutes
3. Avoid sugary drinks. Limit consumption of energy-dense foods (particularly processed foods high in added sugar and fat, or low in fiber)
4. Eat more variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and beans
5. Limit consumption of red meats (such as beef, pork and lamb) and avoid processed meats
6. If consumed at all, limit alcoholic drinks to two for men and one for women a day
7. Limit consumption of salty foods and food processed with salt/sodium
8. Don't use supplements to protect against cancer, opt for a balanced diet
9. It's best for mothers to breastfeed exclusively for up to 6 months
10. After treatment, cancer survivors should follow the recommendations for cancer prevention

And researchers also suggest against smoking or chewing tobacco in any form because of the increased risk of cancer and other serious diseases.

For the complete report, visit The World Cancer's Research Fund Recommendations for Cancer Prevention

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Eleven Health Hazards -- And How to Prevent Problems

As in the article above, about preventing cancer, we single gals especially need to take care of ourselves and avoid medical problems. So to make sure you're not hurting your health, check these out.

Skipping Flossing. It's important to floss, says Dr. Kimberly Harms, a dentist from Farmington, Minnesota, because otherwise you're allowing a little bacterial infection to fester in between your teeth and gums.You might not see the negative effects right away, but over time, your teeth and gums will decay. This can lead to cavities and gum disease. It can also eat away the bone that keeps your teeth in place, which will eventually result in a loss of teeth.

Not Using Sunscreen. A nice tan may sounds like a good way to show off your last beach vacation, but that tan could cause skin damage -- or worse. More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Go to the Doctor. You know you've got your physical coming up, but your boss needs that report ASAP so you cancel the appointment to get your work done. Or maybe you're just scared of your diagnoses.It's not uncommon for people to skip a doctor's visit, according to King. But, you may be putting yourself at risk for something that could be easily treated, and the longer you wait, the harder it will be. "A lot of people just don't think about preventative health," King said. "Do you have the immunizations you need? Have you had cancer screening?"

Stressing. Though stress is often seen as an emotional or mental condition, there is a physical component to it as well. Feelings of aggravation and nervousness cause the release of adrenaline, which increases a person's heart rate. Stress can also cause chest pain, high-blood pressure, headaches and difficultly sleeping.

Overusing Antibiotics. These problems can compound, according to King. It can become a nasty cycle, where stress leads to more problems, which, in turn, leads to more stress.Over medicating goes hand in hand with the overuse of antibiotics, the often life-saving drugs that fight bacterial infections. Antibiotics, however, don't fight viruses."People want a cure for everything, but pills don't cure it all," McDonald said. Many patients demand antibiotics from their doctors. If the physician won't write the prescription, some go so far as to get the drugs from the Internet.Instead of making people feel better, the overuse of antibiotics simply creates strains of bacteria that are resistant to drugs

Overmedicating. Whether it's high blood pressure, trouble sleeping or difficulty keeping cholesterol levels down, doctors have good intentions when they fill out a prescription slip. But, seven, 10, 22 medications later, you could start your own pharmacy from the number of pills you take every day. Plus, there is always a risk of a drug interaction between prescriptions or with an over the counter medication or even with some foods. Dizziness, nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort are just some of the side effects of too much medication. "They actually create health problems by using too many prescriptions," said Dr. William McDonald, a family physician with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Massachusetts.

Overdrinking. Most studies show that one drink a day, like a glass of red wine, may be beneficial for your heart. But, more than that and you start to run into complications like liver disease, high-blood pressure or a heart condition called cardiomyopathy, which occurs when the heart is weakened and can't pump blood efficiently And skipping a glass of wine one day doesn't mean you can drink two the next. "You can't ... say I'm not going to drink Monday through Thursday and then have five beers on Friday," King said.

Over-Processed, Fatty Foods. Eating healthy is usually easier said than done. Whether it's a lack of time, a lack of food knowledge or a lack of motivation, Americans consistently reach for processed foods when it's time to refuel.Food choices are not without consequences. Too much sodium, which is a staple of processed foods, can lead to high blood pressure. Fast food joints churn out products with massive amounts of fat and cholesterol, which turn your heart into a ticking time bomb.

Unsafe Sex. The risks associated with unprotected sex are also well documented. You can expose yourself to unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases like Chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV."It's playing Russian Roulette," King said. "You don't know. It's not like you can ask. A lot of times they don't even know.

"Sedentary Life Style. The more you move, the longer you can expect to live, says Dr. Tim Komoto, a family physician from McGregor, Minnesota. A lack of exercise, on the other hand, leads to obesity, which can, in turn, lead to other problems such as diabetes and osteoporosis.Research has also shown that a sedentary lifestyle causes heart disease and even cancer. It can even lead to depression. But, don't despair, taking a half-hour walk every day can be enough to help you strengthen your heart, lower your blood pressure, decrease your cholesterol levels and shed some extra pounds.And the worst of all:

Smoking. Cigarettes have a long list of downsides that include causing lung cancer, stroke and emphysema. "It's probably the most damaging thing we can do to our bodies," said King, who noted that cigarettes are one of the most addictive products out there today.Despite this, the American Lung Association estimates that approximately 45 million people in the United States alone smoke and about 438,000 Americans die every year from smoking-related diseases.

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Twenty Ways to Brighten Your Home

As a single woman with lots to do, you seek little changes with big impact. Here are 20 easy ways to turn so-so space into your dream home.

Tabletop Tricks

1. Be creative with silk roses. Make an impromptu table runner by scattering a layer of petals over a console or a dining room table. 2. Dine with dish towels. A great napkin substitute, they'll bring fun and color to your table. 3. Give your kitchen table a lift -- it's easy with a new set of place mats. 4. Table trick of the trade: Fill a wooden or metal bowl with fresh lemons or green apples.

Fake It

5. Paint a faux kitchen rug. The braided look is warm (but, in this version, not fuzzy). Bonus benefits: It won't stain or slip. 6. Fake a crown molding. Apply stamped-metal appliqués in a classic motif like fleur-de-lis or stars, from Architectural Products by Outwater. 7. Use mirrors to increase the feeling of intimacy. In a large living room, angle a wall mirror downward so it reflects the seats -- not just the tops -- of furniture. (To create that outward tip, hang the mirror from a slack wire that's attached to the frame at its midsection.) Cozier now? That's because the reflection gives you the sense of a lot more furniture in the room. 8. Fake a new fridge. Freshen its front with appliance epoxy paint. For a chic facade, try Rustoleum's appliance epoxy in Stainless Steel.

Quick Fixes

9. Bring on the baskets. They're the secret to containing shelf clutter, says interior designer Mary Gilliatt. 10. Get into mood lighting. Dimmers are easy to install, and they help you set the scene for your space -- a cozy conversation in the living room or a quiet meal for two in the dining room. 11. Hide the home gym. All it takes to conceal your treadmill is a beautiful screen.12. Trash the can. Retire the metal wastepaper basket and use a pretty hamper as a rubbish bin instead.

Artful Solutions

13. Give your address some dash. Replace the plain (and probably faded) numbers on the front of your house with a distinctive ceramic plaque from Santa Barbara Ceramic Design. You can grout the number tiles yourself, or they can be mortared-to-order.14. Group botanical prints or photos as a collection for big impact. 15. Support your artist-in-residence. Have three or four of your child's drawings or paintings professionally matted and framed. Arrange them on one wall. As a collection, they'll look striking and surprisingly mature. 16. Make your own wallpaper from old magazine covers, vintage sheet music, gift wrap, maps (road or nautical) or even a stash of beautiful wine labels: Use craft glue or rubber cement to adhere the covers or labels to the wall, smooth with a ruler, let dry for 24 hours and top with two coats of water-based paper polyurethane for a waterproof finish.

Décor

17. Scour flea markets for pitchers and vases of different shapes and sizes; display them together. 18. Make wall space your showplace. Instead of paintings or prints, hang shelves to display keepsakes and collectibles. 19. Hang paper lanterns in a family room or a hallway; unusual colors and sizes will cheer up the space.20. Stripe it rich. Blinds.com offers colorful designer blinds that match hues in most of Sherwin-Williams's paints.

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14 Tips to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

by Robert Reames

Trends for Solo Living!

Have you heard about FoodTees? (www.FoodTee.com) And new to the FoodTee Market are tank tops, yoga bags, and more than 15 new designs. FoodTee products are designed to let people express their unique healthy living values with food images and entertaining sayings that are available on shirts for adults, children and toddlers, as well as on baby organic onesies, totes, aprons and yoga bags.

Some of our most popular images are Celery / Stalker; Cherries / No Sugar Added; Tomato / Locally Grown; Cauliflower /Flower Child; Raspberry / All Natural; Peapod / Live Green; Carrot / Bite Me; Doughnut / Think Before You Eat; Broccoli / Tree Pose. You have to at least take a peek--they really are adorable--and they promote better health (www.FoodTee.com). In addition, a portion of the proceeds are donated to help promote healthy school nutrition education.

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Take Note Of These Nine BIG Romantic Blunders

Solo women. copy this list for your male relatives and friends. And give it to your significant other in case you can't tell him yourself!

Hey Guys, Do Not:

**  Buy her an appliance (no blenders or dishwashers)
**  Buy her clothes ( the exception is some romantic lingerie as long as you don't spend more than two hours in Victoria Secret, ok, four hours)
**  Go dutch
**  Give her cash (no matter how nicely you wrap it)
**  Get married on Valentine's Day (thinking you can save a gift every year)
**  Get your secretary a Valentine's gift also (in fact, never ever do this or you are in very big trouble)
** Give her anything weight related (no diet books, no gift certificates for liposuction)
**  Ask for a divorce (it will kill the mood!)

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Quick Ideas for Healthy Snacking

by Amy Lippman

The truth is that our society doesn’t make it easy to be healthy – especially in the snack category. At practically every street corner it’s easy to find cookies, chips, and ice cream. It’s not so easy to find snacks that are made from whole foods (grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits, etc.) 

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10 Perfect Holiday Toasts (Not Cheers!)

1. Blessed is the season that engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love. --Hamilton Wright Mabie

2. May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in your lamp, and peace in your heart. -- Inuit prover

3. May all your troubles last as long as your New Year's resolutions. -- Joey Adams

4. May all your joys be true joys, and all your pain, Champagne. --Anonymous

5. Here's to holly and ivy hanging up, and to something wet in every cup. -- Ogdan Nash

6. If you can't be merry at Christmas, then you can drive the rest of us home when we are! -- Mark Bromberg

7. Here's to us that are here, to you that are there, and the rest of us everywhere. -- Rudyard Kipling

8. In the New Year, may your right hand always be stretched out in friendship, and never want. -- Irish toast

9. Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better [person]. -- Benjamin Franklin

10. As you slide down the baniters of life, may the splinters never point the wrong way. -- Anonymous

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Useful Party Websites

These sites offer everything you need, from invitations to decorations, to budget planning -- perfect helpers for a busy solo woman.

www.plumparty.com -- www.iomoi.com -- www.etsy.com -- www.jamaligarden.com -- www.chosencouture.com -- www.foryourparty.com -- www.thefrontdoor.com _____

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Six Exercises to Forget Him

Doctors agree that exercise can rival drugs or therapy when it comes to the mild or moderate depression single women get at the end of a relationship. Just 30 minutes of aerobic activity, done three times per week, can cut mild depression in half.

But take it slowly. "It's important not to overtire yourself," say editors at WebMD. Start with simple activities such as walking, bicycling, swimming or jogging.

Six Ways Fitness Can Heal Heartache
People split up for various reasons. But there's a fitness solution for every kind of breakup:

1. He cheated on you: Break out the gloves. Turn your vengeful feelings into something productive. Sign up for a martial arts, tae bo, boxing or kickboxing class to channel your aggressions

2. He's just not that into you: Get a little self-esteem boost. Try the bikini workout. Strip aerobics will make you feel sexy and give you the confidence you need to go back to dating.

3. You're a commitment-phobe: Do a half-marathon and turn your desire to run away into a real workout.

4. Zzzz... he was a snoozer: Try a trendier, multifaceted workout like Budokon (a favorite of 'Friend' Courteney Cox) -- an invigorating blend of martial arts, yoga and meditation.

5. You have different musical tastes: So his favorite band is Mili Vanilli but you like Green Day. Seek out music-related workouts where you'll find like-minded souls. Many gyms offer hip-hop and Latin dance classes. Some cities even offer punk-rock aerobics.

6. You want a baby, he's not ready: Channel your inner kid by skipping, jumping rope and trying a game of kickball.

Margit Detweiler is the former editorial director of AOL Diet & Fitness/Health

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