Blog Posts by Woman s Day

By Brynn Mannino

Have you got business cards littering your bag, computer passwords you can't keep track of or coupons that you always forget to use? Whatever your clutter dilemma, check out these easy and efficient ways to get your stuff in order.

Paperless Filing

If you're like us, then it takes you all but five minutes to misplace a receipt-especially one you need for a tax return or expense report. Finally, a real solution to keeping those slips in order: This compact device extracts and digitally organizes vital info into the PDF of your choice, including a digital contact list, tax record and more. NeatReceipts, $199.95; NeatCo.com

For avid coupon clippers, this 24-tab portfolio is the key to a better shopping experience. Sized to fit in your purse, the pretty planner, available in a number of adorable patterns, also attaches to your shopping cart so you can quickly find deals as you peruse the aisles. Purse Size Deluxe

By Jennifer Tzeses

They've stood the test of time, handed down from one generation of women to the next. Those age-old beauty commandments-"Thou shalt shampoo daily," "Thou shalt slough away dead skin"-have been faithfully followed for years without question. But did you ever wonder how these universal decrees could possibly apply to all of us? Here, we give you the lowdown from the pros on who really needs to follow these rules and who can-and even should--break them.

Rule 1: Wash Your Hair Every Day

You may be trained to cleanse your mane like clockwork, but you could actually be causing your tresses unneeded distress. "Generally, only women with fine or oily hair need to wash it every day to prevent strands from getting too greasy or weighed down," says Nexxus Creative Director Kevin Mancuso. Those with dry or coarse hair can usually wait a few days before lathering locks, he says, as this helps your scalp's natural moisture rebalance itself and keeps color looking

By Woman's Day Staff

The snow is melting and the temperature is rising, which means it's time to break out your warm-weather wear! But while spring definitely calls for a wardrobe uplift, that doesn't mean you have to buy all new clothes. These essential items are enough to make your wardrobe shine-without breaking the bank.

Wear this updated classic come rain or shine, thanks to its versatile color and figure-flattering cut. The knee-grazing hem works equally well over skirts, pants and dresses. But be sure to choose a sturdy cotton or poplin fabric, says Goodman. "It will help your coat retain its shape and keep you from looking disheveled." Worthington by JCPenney trench, $99.99; JCP.com.

By Olivia Putnal

We've all suffered from hunger pangs that always seem to hit around 3 p.m., causing us to reach for a candy bar, chips or some other unhealthy snack. What that grumble in your stomach really means is that you didn't eat the right foods during lunch to sustain you for the rest of the afternoon. To make sure you're fueling up properly, have a look at these filling foods that will help hold you over until dinnertime.

Complex Carbohydrates

Skipping complex carbs at lunch is sure to land you in the hunger zone later in the day. Not only does your body digest them slowly, keeping you full longer, but they also happen to be very nutritious. "Whole grains are rich in fiber, which is key for a healthy digestive tract and preventing several types of cancer," says Mark Spielmann, RD, nutrition manager of La Rabida Children's Hospital in Chicago. When choosing bread, make sure it has at least two or three grams of fiber per slice and is made with 100 percent whole

By Amanda Greene

Whether you're feeling sick or trying to stay healthy, there's one person who you can always call for guidance. But while your general practitioner is a pro at assisting you, it turns out there are a few things you can do to lend him a hand as well. From what you should bring to your appointment to important changes to report, find out eight ways you can help your doctor help you.

1. Come with an open mind.
If you're like most people, you probably search the Internet to find out what is wrong with you before heading to the doctor. But just because you came up with a Web diagnosis, doesn't mean you shouldn't be open to other ideas. "While I do welcome every patient's input, please hear us out," says Cheryl Wu, MD, a pediatrician at LaGuardia Place Pediatrics in New York City. "Good doctors have all received vigorous training in asking the exact right questions, ticking off mental checklists and performing an objective physical exam. Extensive training and

By Gail Sheehy

You can only care for another person as well as you care for yourself. Imagine yourself as a parent on a faltering plane. When the oxygen masks drop, you put yours on first, then your child's. The same thing goes for a caregiver. To be a good care manager, you need to take care of your own health.

Keep your routine.

If you normally get up and stretch and shower before sipping coffee as you get dressed and watch the news, don't stop. Even if you're more anxious about catching the doctor than catching up with the latest world crisis, stick with what's most familiar. It will calm you and your family, especially if you still have children living at home.

Get serious about self-care.

Don't skip your regular checkups! Make sure you get your annual exam and tell your doctor you're caring for a sick loved one. Even better, ask to have your necessary tests performed at the same medical center where you take your loved one and try to schedule them on the same

By Jill Provost

You walk with your girlfriends at lunch and have sworn off candy bars in exchange for lowfat snacks. So why is the scale not budging? Despite our best intentions, we all fall prey to habits that are plumping us up-even if we don't realize they are. Here, sneaky traps that can sabotage weight loss and what you can do about them.

Your lunch buddies are voracious eaters.

You've heard of the brat pack, but what about the fat pack? According to a recent study, self-control (or lack of) is contagious. If you dine with ravenous or junk-food-loving friends, you'll unconsciously mirror their eating habits. But don't reserve a table for one just yet-especially if you're a heavy eater. Some of us fall into our worst habits when no one's watching, says Brian Wansink, PhD, author of Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More Than We Think. Your best bet: Eat with people who practice portion control.

You put yourself in temptation's way.

News flash: You cannot satisfy your

By Alexandra Gekas

"Love and marriage, love and marriage…go together like a horse and…" well, you know the lyrics. While we've been singing songs, writing poems, living for and dying over matters of the heart for centuries, how much do we really know about wedded bliss? Whether it's the traditions that surround it or the biology that fuels it, here are 10 little-known facts about-you guessed it-love and marriage.

White Wedding

Pucker Up

Men who kiss their wives in the morning are said to live five years longer than those who don't. So pucker up and start your day off right!

Give It Away

A 2006 study found that altruism leads to marital bliss. Participants were asked whether they