Blog Posts by Woman s Day

Simple Changes

When you spend your days in the summer sun, heading indoors can feel downright dreary. The accents that were so inviting in the winter months (think thick throws and heavy drapes) seem stifling in warmer weather. But you can update your decor without staging an overhaul. Kira Obolensky, author of Good House Cheap House, offers tips for revamping your interior in minutes. Her easy upgrades for every room will make your home almost as inviting as a trip to the shore.

Table It

Serve supper on a table set with bold, mix-and-match linens. Look for solid and patterned pieces in coordinating hues. For example, polka-dot or striped paper napkins in sherbet shades pop when set atop bright round placemats. Indoor/Outdoor 15" Placemat, $1.99 each; BedBathandBeyond.com

Indoor Greenery

You don't need a green thumb (or even a yard) to enjoy a summer garden: Cluster potted flowers or herbs by a sunny window. Choose vessels in different shapes and sizes; as long as they're made

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By Angela Ebron

These days, we're all scrambling to keep our money safe, and no one knows that better than financial expert Suze Orman, whose latest bestseller is Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan. Before you stuff your cash under the mattress, check out her road map to steer yourself in the right economic direction.

In Your 30s:

You're likely married, caring for a young and growing family, and thinking about buying a house. You have a solid decade of work behind you and you're forging your career, trying to achieve the goals you've set for yourself. But in the current economy you may be worried about yourself or your husband getting laid off. And, if you're like most 30-somethings, you've probably racked up a good amount of credit card debt too.

Your To-Do List:

1. Think 40 years ahead. The main thing you have going for you in your 30s is time. "You still have 35 or 40 years until you retire," says Orman. "Now it's more important than ever to put money in a

Read More »from Your Ultimate Savings Guide

By Karen Ansel, RD

Chances are, you've eaten something with an artificial sweetener in it today. Once used mostly for replacing sugar in your coffee or slashing calories in soda, artificial sweeteners are popping up everywhere- frozen yogurt, oatmeal, flavored waters, even cookies. Can these sugar substitutes really help you slim down? It's complicated, but the answers to these FAQs should help you decide.

Will they help me cut calories?

In theory, yes. Long-term research has shown that artificial sweeteners can help you eat anywhere from 5% to 15% fewer calories each day. (A handful of animal studies have hinted at the opposite-that sugar substitutes may prompt you to eat even more-but so far that hasn't held up in human studies.) But there's a catch: Tasting something sweet can stimulate your appetite, which is fine if what you're eating has enough nutrients to satisfy your hunger. For example, if you have a grilled chicken sandwich for lunch along with a small

Read More »from The Sweet Truth About Sugar

By Madonna Behen

Myth: Always wait an hour after eating to go swimming.

Truth: If your child's just going in the pool to play, then he doesn't have to wait it out. There's no evidence that eating right before getting in the water increases the risk of stomach cramps or drowning. That said, strenuous swimming (like laps) soon after eating could interfere with digestion and lead to a stomachache.

Myth: A T-shirt over a bathing suit blocks out the sun.

Truth: A white T-shirt has an SPF of about 3. So bring on the waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply after swimming. Also, use shirts with SPF built in for coverups, or try washing clothes with an additive that gives them an SPF of 30.

Myth: Poison ivy rashes are contagious.

Truth: It's the oil from the plant that causes the red, itchy rash; once you wash it off, you're not contagious. So always have kids wash arms, legs and feet with soap and water after they play in the woods or bushes.

Read More »from Summer Health Myths—Busted

By Mary Hunt
A big coordinated garage sale in my neighborhood recently gave me a surprising wakeup call. It's one thing to see a family's stuff spread out in the front yard, but quite another to see a whole neighborhood's castoffs at one time. All I could think of as I walked from one yard to the next was all the dumb decisions that led to this colossal display of stuff- purchased with dollars, now offered for pennies.

Imagine how much cash you'd have right now if you could get a do-over on all the thoughtless purchases you've made in your lifetime. Me? I'd be one wealthy woman!

I can't tell you what those little money wasters are in your life (the five pairs of black shoes in your closet? dozens of owl figurines for your collection?). All you have to do is take a walk through your house to see what you've been throwing away your money on. Me, I've learned that there are a lot of "conveniences" I don't really need. Once you put an end to them, it's like giving yourself a raise.

Read More »from Stop paying for things you don't need

By Kimberly Fusaro
Staying with a friend or family member is a great way to save some money when you travel. But if you'd like to get invited back, it's best to brush up on your houseguest etiquette before packing your bags. Here, Lizzie Post-great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post, author of How Do You Work This Life Thing? and one of the bloggers behind Etiquette Daily-shares her tips for being a top-notch guest.

1. Nail down the dates of the visit before you go-and stick to them. When your hostess doesn't provide specific dates (and, trust us, she doesn't really want you to stay as long as you like) it's up to you to pick them. Listen for subtle clues ("Well, I'll be super-busy at work starting August 8") and be respectful. If you would like to visit for a week but suspect your hostess can only handle a three-day visit, stay with someone else for the second half of your trip.

2. Be clear about who'll be joining you. It may be obvious to you that you would never travel without

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Fireworks are an important part of any Independence Day celebration, however, they are not all fun and games. We contacted Ralph Apel, president of the National Council on Fireworks Safety, to find out five essential rules for fireworks safety so you can have a safe and injury-free holiday. Read on to see what he recommends.

1. Avoid M-80s and Cherry Bombs. While fireworks are legal in 45 states and DC , these are not and are extremely dangerous.

2. Read the label so you know what to expect.

3. Assign a "designated shooter" to find a flat, hard surface away from the crowd, put up a barrier and use a shooting box (most fireworks retailers sell them). He or she should wear eye protection.

4. Keep your distance If you're in the crowd, stand 20 to 40 feet away from the shooter.

5. Got sparklers? Make sure everyone stands at least 6 feet apart so no one gets burned. Light only one at a time and have a bucket of water handy to put them in after they go out. Whether the

Read More »from 5 Fireworks Safety Tips

By Diane Benson Harrington

You have stuff piled up all over the house. You can't keep track of the kids'-never mind your own- schedule. Face it, you need to get organized. Don't worry. You won't have to break a sweat or devote huge chunks of time in order to get things under control. A few minor changes are all you need to put an end to the chaos and bring order to your life.

1. Get in the habit. Do a few small things regularly: Toss clothes in the hamper when you take them off, sort the mail as soon as it arrives, put items back in their proper place after use. Little routines-even obvious ones-do make a difference. "If you feel challenged by the very idea of getting organized, starting with simple habits makes it easier," says Regina Leeds, author of One Year to an Organized Life.

2. Box it up. Well-stocked, labeled plastic or cardboard grab-and-go boxes help you sort your life and minimize the time you spend hunting. Try them for anything: Bill Paying (envelopes, return

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