Look around you, at work and home. Do you feel overjoyed or annoyed? Your environment affects your moods, attitudes, emotions, and energy level. What things sap your energy? You need to figure out ways to reduce, eliminate, or change your environment, so that it lifts you up rather than brings you down. These tidbits might help.

1. Clear the clutter. This requires effort and can be time-consuming, but the real reason people dread clearing clutter is emotional attachment — and because you no idea how to organize what you keep. Focus first on the areas of the home that are most important to your health and vitality, especially the bedroom. Read the rest »

What percentage of coupons from the Sunday paper do you actually use? Five, maybe ten percent? You are not alone. Most people cut out only a small percentage of the coupons from those weekly inserts. In order to make a serious dent in rising grocery bills, you need to have coupons for many of the products you buy, not just a few each week. The good news is that there are a number of resources other than the Sunday supplement coupons that provide coupons for your favorite brands.

Friends, Family, Co-workers: Instead of buying multiple copies of the newspaper, just to get more coupons, share inserts with friends, co-workers and neighbors. Once you have cut the coupons you want, pass your inserts around to others and have them do the same for you. You will find that many people you know don’t even cut coupons and you will receive complete inserts with all the coupons. Read the rest »

Now that summer is in full swing, taking baby outside brings on a new challenge: protecting him from the sun.

The clever folks at Secure2Me have a great solution that doesn’t involve applying lots of sunscreen. Read the rest »

Having a baby changes everything and most of it is for good. However, I often hear the same complaint from busy parents that feel their relationships outside the home have suffered since having children. Although being active on online groups and boards can be rewarding, it is not the same. Humans need one on one interaction. It is absolutely imperative that children get to socialize with others, but it is also important for parents to show their child how they interact with their peers as well. Read the rest »

An important element to remember at your child’s next birthday party is to take pictures. If your tend to get caught up with making sure the party runs smoothly then get someone to help and capture the precious moments. Be sure to get candid shots and close up angles that are engaging, expressive and detailed. I asked a fellow mom and professional photographer for some advice on taking pictures of kids’ parties. Below are 10 clever tips. Read the rest »

Check out a natural craft dough that you don’t have to make yourself, plus giveaways for children’s books, a Cabana Life shopping spree and a personalized charm necklace.

Eco-Dough: Looking for a natural craft dough, but don’t have the time to make it from scratch? Then check out the fabulous eco-dough (also available gluten, soy, or dairy free) by green art supplier Eco-Kids. Read the rest »

How to Pack the Perfect Beach Bag

Every Day with Rachael Ray wants to get readers ready for summer in every way. There are items for head to toe – signature flip flops from Tory Burch to slinky sundresses from Voom. In addition there are all sorts of home and outdoor items like a seagrass beach mat, iPod cases that will keep the sand out and a Fred Ice Kabob tray to keep your drinks cool.

Check out the fun pool and beach items like a nautical swim ring or waterproof books. Read the rest »