Blog Posts by GALTime.com

by GALTime Contributor, Parenting Pro Michele Borba, Ed. D.
Last year your daughter was so sweet, suddenly she has an "attitude."

Two months ago your son was your best bud, now he treats you like you're totally "uncool."

Welcome to the world of parenting a teen. Throw out any of those child-rearing manuals you've used in the past. For these ages you need a whole new perspective. Mark Twain offered one of most ingenious solutions: "Put them in a barrel," he said, then and nail it shut until they turn nineteen. Only then should you let them out."

Here are a few more realistic (and legal) tips I shared on the TODAY show that might help you save your sanity and stay connected with your teen. The trick is to find the one solution that works best for you and your teen and then keep on using it until it becomes the common bridge that helps you stay connected.

1. Know They're A Little Bit Crazy. If you think you suddenly have an alien in your midst, applaud yourself. You're

Shamrocks, leprechauns, a pot of gold and the color green. Guess what holiday is right around the corner? As the saying goes, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day. To help you celebrate, we've asked some of the country's top mixologists to share their favorite St. Patrick's Day drink recipes. Put down that beer and get ready to toast your Irish luck with a fabulous cocktail.

	Lucky Bottom Cocktail		Trevor Thorpe Award-winning Mixologist www.dressthedrink.com
	Slice of Heaven		Trevor Thorpe Award-winning Mixologist www.dressthedrink.com
	Kilkenny		Raphael Nicas Lead bartender, Tulio Ristorante Seattle Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants
	Patty Smash		Dr. Mixologist -

by GALTime.com Staff

When you think about the issues that send married couples into therapy, you probably think money, children, sex, infidelity, in-laws. Well, here's a new one that may shock you...the environment! That's right... going green has some partners seeing red.

"Like anything that goes on between two people, when one person wants to take new actions and promote health and the other person starts to experience it as unwelcome change rather than something they're on board with, its inevitably going to create conflict," says renowned marriage and family therapist Jane Greer, Ph.D.

Tania Reuben charged head first into the green movement after her children were born. She now writes a blog as the Pure Natural Diva. "We recycle. We're now composting. I use power strips and reusable bags. I send my daughter to school with waste free lunches," says Reuben.

Sounds simple, but for husband Michael it was quite an adjustment. "She was, I think, voted or put in some

by GALTime.com

taxhelpIf you haven't done your taxes yet and you're looking for a break, you may just be in luck-and we're not talking about a refund from the IRS. Tax preparers are being hit hard by the economy--and by the surge in do-it-yourself software. (The nation's largest tax giant H&R Block saw its retail business drop 5.7% in fiscal year 2009, although its online business was way up. #2 Jackson Hewitt say a 13% drop.) Experts say tax pros, big and small, are doing whatever they can to bring people in the door …and that means discounts and deals!

Michael Rubin, CPA, CFP of Total Candor Tax Prep says, "We offer every single client a free one-on-one consultation to explain to them a number of things we discover about their financial decision as we go through their returns. That's something a tax software can't do. "

In addition to free consultations, you'll find student discounts and referral bonuses. Rubin says, "Every client who offers us a referral to another client saves

by GALTime Style Expert Kerri Winick, of Celebutante Sisters

Dancing the night away with friends. That sounds fabulous! Dancing around because you're just plain uncomfortable in your undies? Not so much!

No matter what style you wear "under there," sexy skivvies that stay put on your skin can be a tall order! Vivvos Brazilian inspired under?wear has got you covered! This line of boyshorts and thongs hugs your best assets, giving your booty a boost! Not to mention, the bright colors and bold patterns will have you tossing those boring granny panties aside! (Hey, it had to happen some time!)

They're perfect for work and play, but these sassy pants are also great for hitting the gym. The light, moisture wicking fabric will keep you cool during a sweat session. Don't just take our word for it. Leah Allinger, 2012 beach volleyball Olympic hopeful, wears Vivvos exclusively! What inspired the line? And why is there no cotton crotch in this underwear? Check out our exclusive

by GALTime contributor Desiree Miller of Bottles To Britches

Christine Monteith adores her baby girl, giving birth in what most would consider a pretty typical delivery this past January. But the part just after delivery was different than most others these days. She chose not to cut the umbilical cord. So, for days afterwards, Christine carried the baby AND the placenta wherever she needed to go. There was nothing medically wrong with the baby to require this. Christine made a conscious choice to have what is known as a Lotus Birth.

That's when "the cord and the placenta...stay with the baby until it naturally falls off, which tends to be about three to four days," explains certified Midwife Jennifer Gagnon.

During pregnancy, the umbilical cord connects the baby to the mother, delivering nutrients to the baby while taking away the waste. But, "After the first three minutes or so when the blood vessels have spasmed and the cord has clamped itself of there is no more

Work at home moms face the daunting task of pulling double duty. They have obligations to their employer but they also have to navigate children who figure 'Mom's home, so she's here for me.' How many times have you said, 'Mommy has to work' only to be answered with either a blank stare or, more likely, increased demands. If your kids are older, after school is prime time for them. Your kids need you and they often aren't great at sharing your time, especially with some stranger on a conference call or some 'silly' computer. Here it comes-- guilt! How can you do what's right for your kids and set boundaries to get the job done? We asked GALTime parenting expert Maureen O'Brien, PhD, a developmental psychologist and parenting coach:

Because you're physically present, kids naturally expect a work-at-home parent to be available. Younger children lack the skills (patience, the ability to keep quiet) that allow us to easily juggle their needs and our work responsibilities

by Elisa Zied, M.S., R.D., C.D.N.

foodpyramidIt's the American Dietetic Association's National Nutrition Month. To celebrate this year's theme, From the Ground Up, I was inspired to put together a simple list of 31 tips and tricks to help you boost your nutritional fitness this month and beyond. It is my hope that after reading these 31 simple do's, you'll be inspired to try one each day for the entire month, or at the very least infuse several of these into your life more often. If you do, you'll likely lose weight and feel energized and great, not to mention markedly improve the overall quality of your diet. Please post comments about those tips you find most helpful and how you incorporated them. Eat well and enjoy!

fruitsveggies1. Try one new food today from the fruit group. Fresh, canned, dried or frozen varieties are all fine (but make sure none contain added fat or sugar).
2. Drink at least 4 to 6 8 ounce cups of plain water. Keep a water bottle on hand that you can refill and be sure