Blog Posts by HybridHer

Father's Day is almost here, and dads across the country will soon be celebrated by their families with cookouts, cards, and gifts ranging from homemade artwork to the classic choice: a new tie. As we enjoy the festivities, though, it's good to take a few moments to reflect on why we're celebrating in the first place. To put it simply, our fathers are instrumental in shaping our lives-and they deserve our recognition and thanks for their guidance and love!

When you look back on your dad's influence, you'll probably be reminded of some tried-and-true truths he passed on to you that are still leading you in a positive direction to this day. Here are the fourteen truths our dads taught us, taken from Pocket Truths for Success:

The first impression is made in the first 90 seconds. You may remember your father straightening his collar, squaring his shoulders, and putting on a smile before he entered a room. Chances are, he knew that each time you encounter a new person, he or she

Think you're doing your employer or family a favor by giving up on sleep to get more done?

You're wrong.

We may tell ourselves that we're sacrificing sleep for the benefit of others, but the data says otherwise. Studies show that when you're exhausted you're less empathetic, quicker to anger, less emotionally engaged, and - there really is no dressing this one up - more self-absorbed.

Think about it, how focused can you be if you're dead-dog tired?

Most of us recognize that we're not as proficient with complex tasks when we're exhausted. Yet we often underestimate the effect that sleep deprivation has on our relationships, professional and personal.

Here are 5 fatal relationship mistakes you tend to make when you're exhausted:

1. You're reactive. Your spouse or boss says, "We've got a problem." In a well-rested state you'd ask for more information. In a sleep-deprived state, you're more likely to get defensive, and assume it's about you. Your defensive reaction ignites

Spa Living for LessYou need an afternoon of pampering. A massage? Yes. A facial? Totally. Some aromatherapy? You're there. If you crave the healing touch of a top notch spa but can't afford it these days, how about borrowing some of the ambiance and integrating it into your day? Here are five inexpensive ways to indulge in the spa lifestyle without really spending anything.

Seize the Day

Set your alarm a little earlier and squeeze in some time to reflect on the day ahead while reinvigorating your body. Whether it's a meditative walk, some gentle stretching or sweating it out on the treadmill, pretend you are waking up every day at Canyon Ranch and start your morning with some refreshing physical activity. One of my favorite fitness instructors often reminds his classes to think of exercise as "moving meditation." Give yourself the time to get to it before the day begins and you'll come away feeling like you're on some relaxing retreat.

Drink Spa Water

One of my favorite treats (besides

Your kids, ages three, six, and eight, are active kids. You want to channel that energy in positive directions, in ways that will benefit them for years to come. You've asked them what they'd like to do: they don't know. You've suggested dance classes, little league sports, summer camp and family volunteerism: your kids don't seem interested. What do you do? With the goal of helping your kids become well-rounded adults, do you force the issue? Or do you respect your kids'right to find and pursue their own interests?

The answer is that you strike a balance: force activities in general but not specific activities. The only way for kids to know what they do / don't like is for them to try a variety of activities and see for themselves. Therefore, provide your kids with a list of at least 10 diverse, suggested activities and let them choose a few that they'd like to try. Note that not trying any on the list is not an option. Let your kids try the activities they've chosen. It's not

Keep these food-label terms in mind next time you're browsing the grocery aisles:

No Added Sugar - No sugars were added during processing (does NOT mean sugar-free).

Fat Free - No more than 0.5 grams of fat per serving.

Low Fat - 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

Reduced Fat - 25% or more less fat than a serving of the regular version.

Calorie Free - No more than 5 calories per serving.

Low Calorie - No more than 40 calories per serving.

Light or Lite - About 30% fewer calories than the regular version and 50% less fat.

High Fiber - 5 grams or more of fiber and 3 grams or fewer of fat per serving.

Good Source of Fiber - 2.5 to 4.9 grams of fiber per serving.

Cold Pasteurized - Actually means "irradiated" - the food has been exposed to ionizing radiation to kill bacteria, viruses or insects. Read more about this process on Wikipedia.

Cage-Free - Hens aren't confined to tiny cages and are allowed to roam around and spread their

1. When your spouse comes to you with a problem, you downplay it, saying, "Things will get better in time," or "You're blowing this out of proportion."
2. When something bothers you, you don't tell your spouse because your spouse should know not to act this way without you saying anything!
3. Your relationship with your children is more important than your relationship with your spouse.
4. You refuse to compromise. It's your way or the divorce court.
5. You belittle your spouse because it makes you feel better about yourself.
6. You constantly brush off your spouse's sexual advances because you are "not in the mood." You do not look into ways to get yourself in the mood. Thus, you can't remember the last time you had sex.
7. You treat your mother-in-law like vermin, even though you know this bothers your spouse.
8. You let yourself go. You no longer take steps to make yourself sexy and desirable for your spouse. Sometimes, you don't even brush your teeth or bother

We often hear or read about what women should or should not do to promote a healthy pregnancy and prevent problems during labor or after the child is born. However, one of the key timeframes in which to consider changing behaviors is the period before conception.

The following practical tips will guide you so you can change behaviors on your journey to motherhood, avoid dangerous external factors and get ready to conceive a healthy child.

1. Start prenatal care before you get pregnant. Schedule an appointment with your ob-gyn and/or midwife for a check-up before you conceive. This will give them chance to identify and treat any issues there may be.
2. Don't eat for two; nourish for two. There is usually some misconceptions about what women should eat before and during pregnancy. It is about eating more quality products, not about eating more quantity. This means that you should increase your intake of foods with high nutritional value and decrease the amount of food

No one enjoys browsing the aisles of superstores more than me. I am guaranteed to knock off everything from birthday gifts to cleaning supplies (heck I may even go wild and throw in a sports bra because I can never escape without at least one random purchase) making the whole experience very satisfying.

But yesterday I was a little unsure of my trusted friend. Because although I may pick up a gallon of milk and a snack or two, I'm not sure I want to take it any further than that.

Call me crazy but something about nestling a package of chicken breasts next to my sports bra and antibacterial wipes just seems… wrong. Sure, there is the butcher vs. supermarket dilemma, but can I really buy meat from the same place I just ordered patio furniture?

The convenience is oh so tempting. But in the end I just can't do it. Step away from the meat case I mentally whisper and resign myself to a stop at the butcher. Sorry big red, but I heart you anyway.

So tell me, have you taken