Blog Posts by Woman s Day

sad womanBy Stephanie Emma Pfeffer

Every marriage has its uh-oh moments that leave you questioning your compatibility as a couple. While some behaviors, like cheating, are obvious deal-breakers, other seeming threats can actually have a positive impact on your relationship. Below, nine marital mannerisms that may seem ominous but truly can be good, according to experts. Plus, what to watch out for so things don't go too far. Photo by: Thinkstock

1. You both fantasize about other people.

"Fantasies are an ancient aphrodisiac," says Iris Krasnow, author of The Secret Lives of Wives: Women Share What It Really Takes to Stay Married. "A vivid imagination allows you to open up to your partner physically and emotionally." So thinking about a sexy neighbor, for example, can improve your marriage-as long as those racy visions stay in your mind. That means leave it out of pillow talk; neither of you needs to know exactly who-or what-the other is thinking about. And don't let daydreams

Read More »from 9 Marriage Problems that Are Actually Good for Your Relationship

By Olivia Putnal

The kids are out of school and the whole family is ready for some summer vacation fun-but choosing the right destination for everyone can prove tricky (not to mention expensive). Luckily, WomansDay.com has the inside scoop on 13 wallet-friendly cities around the country that are jam-packed with activities for the whole family. Whether you're looking to hit up an action-packed theme park or a relaxing beach-side resort, there's a vacation spot here that meets every family's needs. Read on to get the nitty-gritty on the offerings in our top family-friendly cities, then hit the road for a trip the whole clan will never forget.


Seattle, Washington

This waterfront city has a welcoming atmosphere and offers plenty of options for everyone. Kids will want to watch sea lions feast along the shore's edge or check out the boats coming in and out at the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks. Then, there's the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden, home to over 500 species and 1,500

Read More »from 13 Family-Friendly Vacation Destinations

By Alexandra Gekas

Once it's warm outside, everyone wants some fun in the sun. But if you're a dog owner, you may feel badly when you head out for exercise while your pooch whimpers from behind the window. Instead of facing a daily guilt trip, bring along your furry friend! Believe it or not, there are plenty of activities you can do with your pup that'll give both of you a wonderful workout. From swimming to biking to fetch, here are eight ways you can get fit with Fido. Photo credit: ThinkStock

Walking

It's one of the most common ways dog owners stay active with their pet, but there are better (and worse) ways to go about it. "Walking is easiest for everybody because it requires no special training and it's the one activity that poses the least risk of injury to pets," says Marty Becker, DVM, pet expert at Vetstreet.com and author of Your Cat: The Owner's Manual. "But don't start out too brisk with your pets, especially if they're overweight or obese." Instead, begin

Read More »from 8 Exercises to Do with Your Dog

By Woman's Day Staff

Danielle Steel

Steel's Loves

A powerhouse author, Steel has penned more than 100 best-selling novels-and she's still going. Her latest work, Hotel Vendome, will be released November 1. But churning out dazzling fiction isn't her only hobby; the popular novelist also loves to revel in the work of others. Click through to see which tomes have inspired her the most. Photo credit: Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

One of fiction's earliest portrayals of a strong, independent woman. "I love the humanity of Bronte's work." Photo credit: Len Lagrua/Woman's Day

Decode the body language of people around you.

It's Your Time by Joel Osteen

"This book makes you feel as though you can make something better of yourself and your life, no matter what has happened to you." Photo credit: Len Lagrua/Woman's Day

Bonjour Tristesse by Françoise Sagan

Published when the author was just 18, this novel is about the power struggle between a young girl and

Read More »from Danielle Steel’s All-Time Favorite Reads

By Woman's Day Kitchen

burgers on the grill

Make the Perfect Burger

Ketchup, fine. Cheese, sure. But why not take your patties to a happier place with surprising fixings that will please every palate? No matter which of the following five fabulous burgers you cook up, these grilling tips will guarantee patty perfection. Photo credit: iStock

1 Heat grill to medium-high. Start with 1 1/4 lb ground chuck (we like 85% lean) and gently form into 4 balls. Don't overwork the meat-this can result in a tough, dry burger.

2 Flatten each ball into a 3/4-in.-thick patty. Make sure the top and sides are the same thickness throughout.

3 Using your thumb, make a shallow 1½-in.-wide indent in the top of each patty (this will help the burgers maintain their shape while they cook). Season the patties with ½ tsp each salt and pepper.

4 Lightly oil the grill. Place the patties on the grill, indent-side facing up, and cook until the burgers release easily from the grill, 4 to 5 minutes (don't press or

Read More »from 5 Bigger (and Better) Burgers

By Woman's Day Staff

family walking outdoors

Summer Love

Hello, summer! To make the most of it, read our best advice from over the years for every sunshiny-day activity, from backyard cookouts to fun getaways. Photo credit: Thinkstock

For the King of Cookouts

1 | Simplify the menu. Try to make everything ahead so you have only one last-minute food to prepare, in addition to grilling. July 1991 Photo credit: iStock

2 | Charcoal is ready for cooking when it's covered with white ash. September 1979

3 | Space food evenly on the grill and two to three fingers' width apart. About a quarter of the grill should be left empty, so you have room to move food away from any flare-ups. June 2011

4 | Find and remove all standing water. A few flowerpot saucers can produce enough mosquitoes for the whole neighborhood. July 2010

5 | Barbecued foods are messy; balancing plates and glasses is hard. Make sure every guest has a seat at a table. July 1991

6 | Figure a little more than a pound of meat

Read More »from 75 Tips for Summer Fun

By Woman's Day Staff

woman getting a facialYou'd be amazed at all the beauty freebies you can snag. We've rounded up our five favorites.

Mario Badescu Skincare First-time customers: Fill out a questionnaire (is your skin oily or dry? do you have wrinkles?) at MarioBadescu.com. You'll get four to six sample products tailored to your skin type in the mail. Photo credit: Getty

Benefit Cosmetics Swing by one of Benefit's Brow Bars on your birthday to receive a complimentary brow wax-just present an ID card with your birth date on it. Visit BenefitCosmetics.com to find a location near you.

See the best short hairstyle for you.

Olay Professional Pro-X Sign up at Olay.com/Skin-Analyzer and you'll receive a special headband. Snap and upload onto Olay's site a picture of yourself wearing it and get a personalized skin analysis. Repeat the process every few months to see if the skincare products you use-whether Olay or not-are working.

Merle Norman Cosmetics A free facial? You bet! Stop by one of Merle Read More »from Score Free Beauty Products and Treatments!

By Alyssa Shaffer

The Gastroenterologist Says: Check for GERD

If you have heartburn more than twice a week, you could have a condition called GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease. With GERD, the muscles in the lower part of your esophagus (which connects your stomach to your throat) don't fully close after you eat or drink, so the food, along with stomach acid, splashes back up into your esophagus. This is what gives you those unpleasant symptoms, including a pain or burning in your chest and/or the feeling that food is stuck behind your breastbone Photo credit: Shuttershock

Some people also experience a sore throat or coughing, or have trouble swallowing. Over time, stomach acid can damage the lining of your esophagus, which can put you at risk for ulcers and even a precancerous condition known as Barrett's esophagus, so it's important to treat it.

Find out which foods are best for every body part.

Making some basic lifestyle changes, including quitting smoking

Read More »from How to Tame Heartburn