Fall in love with yourself so you can find a man who will fall in love with the REAL youI know you say you're looking for a loving and committed man to share your life, but I have to ask...have you found yourself yet? I know you've heard this before and it sounds trite, but everyone says it for a good reason. If the answer to the question is no, beats me, or who cares...then you probably have a few steps to take before you're going to attract Mr Right. Here's what I propose: stop focusing on him and start focusing on you.


This is especially true if you're a woman dating over 40. You have your career, friends and family pretty well figured out. I'm betting you do quite well as a single gal. It's also likely you have spent decades taking care of others and are not used to - or even unable to - think of yourself first. Also, you've soaked in more gunk than a sponge sitting in a sink for a month that's never been squeezed out. (Gross analogy, but purposeful.)


You are filled with unfulfilled relationships; twisted body image; ideas of how men are and should be; doubts about

Our first edition of " Happy Homes U.S.A." for 2012 is now airborne! We normally circulate the hard copy version locally before we prepare the national edition [which is where the link at the bottom of this page will guide you]. We're asking for story donators from each of the 50 states. Please, keep the stories relative to something about your home improvement experience. Short and sweet, ok?

For the month of February 2012, we're looking for story donations about home improvement experiences from the people of California and Massachusetts. As usual, when we don't get story donations which are consistent with our criteria for inclusion in our newsletter: "Happy Homes U.S.A," we fill in those gaps with other home maintenance and improvement information which is pro-home enjoyment and anti-home fraud.

Criteria for Submission for Happy Homes U.S.A.
The donated story must:
1. be about your own home experiences whether you rent or own the home
2. not entail a condominium compound or

sneezing girlby Rachel Lincoln Sarnoff

Executive Director/CEO

Healthy Child Healthy World

www.healthychild.org

Is there a link between the environment and illnesses such as pediatric cancer, asthma, allergies and behavioral problems? According to the scientists and doctors who advise Healthy Child Healthy World, the answer is yes.

For example, we believe it makes sense to reduce children's exposure to chemicals like Bisphenol A (BPA), which last month the U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) acknowledged has a "biological plausibility" for causing breast cancer.

When encouraging parents to avoid cans lined with BPA, among other things, we're motivated by the Precautionary Principle, established in 1998, which states:

"When an activity raises threats of harm to human health or the environment, precautionary measures should be taken even if some cause and effect relationships are not fully established scientifically."

But many say that the links between the

Spray bottle By Woman's Day Staff

"Help, I ran out of... "
Just used up the last of your cleaning products? Before you dash off to the store to pick up more (and lose the motivation to mop your floors or finish dusting), reach for these kitchen staples, suggests Leslie Reichert, author of The Joy of Green Cleaning. Photo Credit: Shutterstock

...furniture polish
Instead, use: Olive oil, white vinegar and lemon juice
How it works: The olive oil nourishes and prevents the wood from cracking, while the acidic vinegar cleans.
Helpful hint: Combine ¼ cup of each; pour some onto a soft cloth. Spritzing the solution directly onto furniture can discolor it.

Transform furniture from cheap to chic.

...fabric refreshing spray
Instead, use: Vodka
How it works: Both items are odor-eliminating ethanols. The spray is distilled from petrochemicals, the vodka from grain.
Helpful hint: To avoid an alcohol odor, mix the vodka in a spray bottle with equal parts water. Never use near an open

Time marches on with these classy calendars.

2012 Animal Calendar Set
2012 Animal Calendar Set
Unlike Matt Damon, you don't plan to buy a zoo. But you can still spend every day with your favorite woodland creatures and barnyard buddies, each detailed with two months of the year.
Available at fredflare.com, $15.

Linda & Harriett Letterpress Calendar
Linda & Harriett Letterpress Calendar
Pull double duty with whimsical letterpress illustrations that can be used as postcards.
Available at lindaandharriett.com, $30.

Hairstyles Fit for Cooler Temps

Pam Lostracco Mountain Calendar
Pam Lostracco Mountain Calendar
No need to spend seven years in Tibet. Just one will do, in the form of Pam Lostracco's Mountain Calendar, inspired by her travels through Thailand and Laos.
Available at etsy.com, $30.

Sarah Pinto Polka-Dot Planner
Sarah Pinto Polka-Dot Planner
Hello, sunshine and summertime fun, courtesy of a bright yellow appointment book. Oh, happy day, month, and year.
Available at sarahpinto.com, $20.

Favorite 2011 Beauty Finds

Susy Jack 2012 Wall Art Calendar
Susy Jack 2012

Use Your Sun Sign's Element to Refocus After the Holidays
Now that the holidays are over, it's time for life to return to normal ... right? Sometimes it's not that easy. After all, your old routines may not suit the 2012 version of you.

This new year brings fresh energy that encourages you to revamp your career, relationships and day-to-day living. Explore what really motivates you according to your sign's element (Fire, Earth, Air, Water) -- and get back to basics in 2012!

Fire signs: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
You power through the post-holiday blahs by adopting "just go for it" as your personal motto. Rather than dwelling on what needs to be done, simply dive in and take action! Uranus's positive influence helps Fire signs start this year with a fresh perspective. An experimental attitude creates a sense of freedom, and your unique ideas have great value right now. Furthermore, Venus brings a certain sweetness to help you get along well with others. Take a chance and announce your fabulous ideas -- you'll be surprised at how supportive

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but since I turned 55, it has been a weird world. It's almost like I don't exist in this world of youth. For example if I go to get a hair trim, I end up with a full blown cut. And I do not mean in a good way. And what happened to jeans, OMG I can't fit in any of them. And look ladies I walk 2 miles every morning and exercise at least 5 times a week. Of course I am not a size 4 anymore, but we can blame that on aging. We need to revolt. I just want to say...hey I am a person. I may not be in my twenties or thirties but I still want to look good. Since not all of us oldies can afford a face lift, tummy tuck, or whatever, we still are here. HELLO. Oh well I have said my piece, good luck ladies of my age and Good Luck.