Blog Posts by Woman s Day

By Woman's Day Staff

summer wreaths

Who says they're just for Christmas? Give your front door (or kitchen wall) a pretty touch with these easy, cheerful rings. Photo credits: Miki Duisterhof/ Woman's Day

Ideas by Shana Faust; Craft styling by Matthew Gleason
Spruce up your floors with 5 easy ideas.

MATERIALS

· Scrap fabric in 7-10 patterns, cut into ten 14" x 1½" strips per pattern
· 12" round foam floral and craft ring
· Scissors
· 6" length of floral wire

1. Loop a fabric strip around the ring, right side out, and tie in a double knot at the front.

2. Continue around the entire ring, alternating fabric patterns and staggering placement of knots. Every few inches, scrunch the strips together so the ring doesn't show. Trim any loose threads.

3. Loop floral wire through fabric on the back of the wreath to create a hanger.

The more patterns you use, the tighter you should keep your color palette, so your

By Melissa Matthews Brown

woman in her 40sMissing your youthful glow and plump lips of years past? Learn how to take years off your look without heading to the dermatologist. Instead, try the following age-defying makeup tricks that'll give sagging skin a boost, deflate puffy eyes and more. Photo Credit: Ericka McConnell.

When lids are swollen they lose definition. Bring back depth with two shadows: one in a light color (try gold) and another in a medium shade like bronze. "Swirl both colors together with a brush before applying to your lids and just beyond the crease," says Silver. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place ShadowCreme in Antique Gold and Golden Sands, $17.50; EsteeLauder.com.
Make your eyes look brighter with eyeshadow.

"My skin tone is uneven." - The fix: Wear full-coverage foundation

"An older complexion needs more coverage, not more product," says celebrity makeup artist Jake Bailey. Translation: Layering on

By Ayn-Monique Khlare


red, white and blue room

In this 1960s cabin in the northeast corner of Georgia, every day is the Fourth of July. "The yard is full of blue hydrangeas," says Craig Kettles (C-Designs.biz), who decorated the home. "Between that and the view of Lake Burton, blue was a logical jumping-off point for a color palette. We added the red to give it pop." The iconic color combo, plus natural textures, distressed finishes and quirky antique furniture, gave this remodeled home its vintage American feel. Here's how to do it on your own. Photos by: Gridley & Graves

DETAILS:

This vinyl floor is made with three shades of vinyl tiles.

Though the living room reads as patriotic, it's actually grounded in neutral tones. "We painted the walls white and the floors a putty color to create a blank canvas," says Kettles. This brightened up the original pine planks-keeping the texture of the wood but making it easier to patch holes or cover any stains that

By Yasmin Sabir

Potato ChipsSnack Attack

Looking for more ways to use America's favorite snack food? Go beyond the bowl and add potato chips to these savory and sweet foods for added crunch and flavor. Then, keep clicking through to spice up snack time with 8 exciting options. Photo credit: Alexandra Rowley/Woman's Day

Hot 'n' Cheesy Chips: Spread 5 oz (4 cups) plain chips on a foil-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with ½ tsp Cajun seasoning and ½ cup grated Cheddar and bake at 400°F for 5 minutes.

Crispy Chicken Strips: Coat chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut lengthwise into thirds) in crushed potato chips (use barbecue or jalapeño for zing), pressing gently to help them adhere. Bake at 400°F until cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes.

Crunchy Mac 'n' Cheese: Crush 1 cup potato chips, then toss with 2 scallions (finely chopped) and 2 Tbsp chopped parsley. Sprinkle over mac 'n' cheese and bake for 20 minutes.

Chocolate Treats: Sprinkle crushed plain chips

woman with cancer wearing head scarfBy Arricca Elin SanSone

When a friend or friend's family member is seriously ill, you want to support her, but it's difficult to know what to say and do. "Because illness is random and unfair, many of us feel tongue-tied or blurt out the wrong thing and inadvertently upset our friends," says Jeanne E. Decker, PhD, a psychologist in Richmond, VA. "But the right words can provide much-needed comfort and support to a family in crisis." Here's what to avoid saying to anyone battling illness-or with a relative who is-as well as how to offer encouragement. Photo by: Getty Images

1. I'm sure you/he/she will be okay.

While you're obviously trying to reassure your friend, "you simply don't know this is true," says Dr. Decker. "You may feel comfortable uttering a platitude, but it sounds as if you're removed from the situation and the pain your friend is feeling." A better approach: Say something like, "I'm so sorry your family has to go through this," which emphasizes that you care for

working mother with baby on lapBy Dawn Papandrea

Being a mom is one of the most demanding jobs in the world. And while women who take on paying work in addition to parenthood have their hands full, they represent the majority of mothers. "Women at home with their children represent only a small percentage of families in the U.S.," says Dr. Beth Anne Shelton, professor of sociology at University of Texas at Arlington. Yet working moms-just like their stay-at-home counterparts-often face harsh judgments from those who question their parenting situation. Here are nine remarks working mothers hate to hear and what to do if someone says one to you. Photo by Thinkstock

1. Do you really have to work?

"Most women (and men) work because they need the earnings and/or health benefits," says Dr. Shelton. But a family's financial situation isn't anyone else's business. And even if someone's sure a family can survive on one parent's paychecks alone, they might use the second income for "luxuries" like saving for their

By Olivia Putnal

Decor: Colors for a luau are always bright and bold hues, so you can get your paper dinnerware in a vivid range of colors such as blues, yellows, greens and pinks. Use tiki torches to decorate the yard and greet every guest with a lei-a cute yet inexpensive touch. Other ways to bring the island feel to your backyard include using a luau table skirt or an inflatable palm tree.

Activities: The limbo is a must, of course! Try this limbo kit to get you started-it includes everything you'll need, even the music

By Joy Bauer, RD

weight loss imageSlimdown Success

In my work for the Today Show, I meet dozens of inspiring women and men who have battled (and conquered!) obesity. That's why I started a segment called the Joy Fit Club, which features people who have lost 100 pounds or more using their own strategies-no pills, potions or surgery. Each of them would say, "If I can do it, anybody can." Three Joy Fit superstars-Stacy Allendorf, Rosie Coates and Cari Hartman-have had incredible journeys. Use their insights and draw strength from their stories to reach your own goals.

AGE: 52; HEIGHT 5'7"; BEFORE: 288 LB; AFTER: 168 LB; Total Lost: 120 lb

As a single mom and a devoted teacher, Stacy spent her life taking care of others-and eating heavy cafeteria food and homemade baked goods from her students' parents. In 2001, Stacy's father died from heart disease, so she began to rethink her habits. Four years later, when she had to ask for a seat belt extender on a