Blog Posts by Woman s Day

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

By Jordan Shakeshaft

book and a cocktail

Sometimes there's nothing more satisfying than sitting back with a great book. That is, until you discover a deliciously fitting cocktail to go with it. Featuring all the vibrant colors, textures and flavors of the author's singular world, each of these mouthwatering mixed drinks has the power to transport you beyond the written word. And that's not just the alcohol talking. Check out 10 lit-enhancing cocktails that will take these reads to new heights. Photo credit: Shuttershock

Sweet, citrusy and refreshing, the Caipirinha (pronounced kai-peh-REEN-ya)-a cachaça-based cocktail muddled with sugar and fresh lime-is best known as Brazil's beloved national drink. Perhaps that's why it pairs so well with the lush and enchanting Gabriela, Clove and Cinnamon-a tale of unlikely romance between a rich Syrian bar owner and the poverty-stricken Brazilian woman he hires as his chef, who soon blossoms into an unmatched beauty

By Arricca Elin SanSone

jack russell terrier in crate

Before You Leave:

Ask yourself if your pet travels well.

"Cats and dogs like routine," says Bernadine Cruz, DVM, an associate veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Woods, CA, and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). "If your pet gets upset in the car or in unfamiliar surroundings, he'll be happier not accompanying you." (But if you'll board him for the first time, get your vet's recommendation for a reliable facility and acclimate your pet to the setting by boarding him overnight before a longer stay.) Pets that are very young, very old or have serious

By Woman's Day Staff

woman's smiling face

If it feels like no matter how much moisturizer you slather on, your face still looks blotchy, irritated and dry, there's a good reason. "Our skin naturally loses moisture and gets thinner as we age, causing it to become much more fragile and susceptible to inflammation," says New York City dermatologist Craig Austin, MD. But you don't have to see red. These three brilliant solutions can help keep your skin flare-up free. Photo credit: Corbis

"An easy way to stop adverse reactions is to avoid what triggers them," explains Neal Schultz, MD, a New York City dermatologist. Steer clear of long, hot showers and cleansers containing solvents like mineral oil or petrolatum, which can strip your skin of its natural oils, drying it out and causing ruddiness. Toss any skincare products with artificial dyes and fragrances, as both are common irritants. Photo credit: iStock
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