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    Blog Posts by Woman s Day

    • Pantry Containers 101


      By Woman's Day Staff

      Containers are a little like that pair of expensive shoes you want-you love them, but do you need them? It's true that dry goods last longest in airtight containers, but those containers can also take up a lot of space since they're frequently half-empty, and if they're not see-through, you don't instantly know what's in them. And then there's the time factor. "It may look neat, but transferring every little cracker and marshmallow into containers is not how I want to spend my time," says Marrero.

      So what are containers good for? The stuff you buy from bulk bins, like nuts or rice. (You'll also want to use containers if you're worried about bugs or rodents, which can eat into cereal boxes and candy bags, as can the moths and larvae that live in grains.) Containers are especially good for foods stored on kitchen counters or open shelves, where looks matter. If you need containers, here's how to do it:

      Be square. Square bottoms take up less space, as do Read More »from Pantry Containers 101
    • 9 Limited-Edition Foods with Cult Followings


      By Brynn Mannino

      Did you hear? For the first time in nearly 16 years, the McRib is available at every McDonald's in the U.S.! Until recently, the BBQ pork sandwich was only available for limited periods at select locations, inspiring websites for fans to track the beloved menu item down. But the McRib is not alone in its cult status. Below are 10 limited-edition foods that elicit cravings in legions of fans. Whether they're released only once a year like Girl Scout cookies, or celebrate a specific season like Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte, get the facts on some of your favorite foods that are available for a limited time only.

      McDonald's McRib

      The last time the McRib was offered at every McDonald's across the country was in 1995. But from November 2 through early December 2010, this sweet and savory barbecue sandwich is available at all 14,000 U.S. locations. Over the last three years alone, the boneless meat sandwich on a sesame seed bun has hit sales numbers in the $60 Read More »from 9 Limited-Edition Foods with Cult Followings
    • Have a Back Pain-Free Day

      By Megan McMorris

      When you think of epidemics, back pain probably doesn't come to mind-but maybe it should. Roughly 80 percent of us will experience it at some point, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It's a leading reason why people miss work (accounting for an estimated 83 million sick days each year), and it can be expensive: We spend more than $85 billion a year searching for relief, reports a study in The Journal of the American Medical Association.

      Back pain is hardly a new problem, but it does seem to be more common these days. Incidence of lower back pain in particular, has increased over the past 40 years, according to a study published in the journal Rheumatology. It's not clear why it's on the rise, but some experts think obesity and a lack of activity may play a role. "They can certainly make recovery harder and recurrence more likely," says Hector Rodriguez, DO, an osteopath and associate professor at Pacific University in Pacific Grove,

      Read More »from Have a Back Pain-Free Day
    • Are You an Emotional Eater?

      By Joy Bauer, RD

      Food was so simple when we were kids-we ate when we were hungry and stopped when we were full. (Ever catch your 5-year-old daughter tossing her half-eaten doughnut in the garbage because she's had enough? What a concept!)

      But as we get older, we often use food in a different way: We eat when we're happy, sad, lonely, anxious and even just plain bored. Who hasn't polished off leftovers just because they were, well, there?

      We all eat a little too much from time to time, but eating in response to feelings rather than hunger can harm your health, both physically and psychologically. Many of us will eat more when emotions are the driving force, yet food provides only temporary relief. Once your spoon hits the bottom of that pint of cookies 'n' cream, the feelings remain-along with a hefty serving of guilt for eating too much.

      Here's how you can kick the emotional eating habit, and recognize and respect your body's real hunger cues.

      Think Before You

      Read More »from Are You an Emotional Eater?
    • 10 All-Natural Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep

      By Sarah Jio



      Do you have trouble falling asleep at night but dread the idea of taking sleeping pills and dealing with potential side effects? If you're looking for alternate ways to induce the zzz's, here are some natural remedies that can help lull you into dreamland. Photo: © Thinkstock

      Melatonin
      Mela…what? This natural hormone, which is made by the body's pineal gland, is available over the counter, and many health experts say it can safely help you get drowsy before bed (it may even have immune-stimulating and antioxidant benefits, too). But, as with all herbal and natural remedies, it's best to get your doctor's OK first. "High levels of melatonin may raise the level of another hormone, prolactin, aggravating the risk of depression or infertility," says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, an internist and the author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! "Although I don't know of any danger yet from using melatonin in higher doses, I would only use a dose higher than a half-milligram under

      Read More »from 10 All-Natural Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep
    • How to Make Your Dream Guy a Reality

      By Kristin Koch


      So your Prince Charming isn't always so…charming? Maybe you wish your partner were a little more romantic or helped out around the house. Just because the yelling, nagging and bribing hasn't gotten you anywhere doesn't mean you can't get him to change his ways. Here's how to get your guy to put down the toilet seat, bring you flowers and do the dishes-without having to ask him 10 times.

      Fantasy: Casanova-or at least a man who surprises you with flowers once in a while and doesn't think a vacuum cleaner is an acceptable Valentine's Day gift.

      Reality: Your husband wouldn't know romance if it hit him in the face.

      "One of the biggest mistakes that women make is holding on to the belief that if Mr. Right was truly able to live up to his name, he would know exactly what makes you happy," says Scott Haltzman, MD, author of The Secrets of Happily Married Women. "But in order to get what you want out of the relationship, you have to ask for it." Don't just assume

      Read More »from How to Make Your Dream Guy a Reality
    • 9 Things Your Grocer Won't Tell You

      By Amanda Greene



      Despite spending nearly an hour a week grocery shopping, most of us know surprisingly little about our local supermarket. But there's plenty to learn about buying food. We spoke with experts to get the inside scoop on everything from mart saving strategies to spotting the freshest goods. Read on to discover all the things you probably didn't know about your favorite food store.

      1. There's no one "best time" to find the freshest food.
      "Supermarkets used to get food deliveries once or twice a week, but now most stores are getting shipments every day," says Phil Lempert (a.k.a. the Supermarket Guru), a food trends, safety and consumer shopping expert. "The idea that certain items are going to be fresher on certain days doesn't hold true anymore." He does, however, note that no matter what day you shop, the morning is an ideal time to find the freshest produce and dairy products. Stock is replenished from the previous day first thing in the morning (besides,

      Read More »from 9 Things Your Grocer Won't Tell You
    • 7 Surprising Ways to Use Your Cell Phone

      By Amanda Greene



      With smartphones taking over the world, a regular cell phone can feel like a relic. But there are still plenty of ways to take advantage of your mobile device. Many of the services and tricks below will not only prove the power of your cell phone, but will make your life a whole lot easier as well. From clipping coupons on the go to updating your calendar while you're out and about, you'll want to speed-dial your way to these seven cell phone secrets.

      Take charge of your cell phone battery to help you stay connected.

      1. Dial directory assistance for free.
      Looking for a phone number while you're on the go? Dialing Information can really add up-on some carriers the call can cost as much as $1.79. Instead, dial 800-FREE-411. The number will connect you to directory assistance for absolutely no cost. You'll have to listen to about 15 seconds of advertising, but it's worth it if you're looking to save some money.

      2. Google something on the go.
      You don't

      Read More »from 7 Surprising Ways to Use Your Cell Phone
    • 10 Office Etiquette Rules

      By Kimberly Fusaro


      Even if you think you have office politics down pat, it can never hurt to brush up on your workplace etiquette-especially now, when jobs are still scarce. Below are our top 10 rules for professionals, accompanied by real-life examples of coworkers behaving badly. Learn from their mistakes before your own missteps damage your professional reputation, or worse, cost you your job.

      Rule #1: Think before you speak.

      Sure, your close friends "get" your dry sense of humor and blasé attitude, but you should keep personality quirks in check when dealing with coworkers. Tina, an office worker from Pennsylvania, tells the story of a boss who could never quite phrase a compliment nicely. "A woman on her team who was getting married came to work the day after her wedding hair trial with her hair still blown out instead of its usual all-business bun," says Tina. "The boss said, 'Wow! I've never seen your hair look nice! What did you do?' She didn't come out and say,

      Read More »from 10 Office Etiquette Rules
    • 10 Easy Ways to Streamline Your Day

      By Sarah Jio


      Are your mornings crazed, afternoons jam-packed and evenings less-than-restful? Always feel behind the eight-ball, running from one task to the next? We hear you! Yes, a personal assistant or an "easy" button could help, but here are some slightly more practical ways we all can learn to streamline our days-and all the pesky to-dos on the list-for less stress.

      1. Shop for groceries on certain days of the week.

      When you hit the grocery store, do you feel like a contestant on The Amazing Race as you push your cart through crowded aisles and jockey for the last box of frozen waffles? "If possible, try to grocery-shop on Monday or Tuesday morning, when stores are less crowded," suggests Stephanie Vozza, author of The Five-Minute Mom's Club. Even at peak hours, she says, stores will be less hectic earlier in the week, since most people stock up on their essentials on the weekend and revisit later in the week when they run out of bread and milk. And help out with

      Read More »from 10 Easy Ways to Streamline Your Day

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