The Best Ways to Do Anything and Everything

5 Best Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day

2011-01-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

Figuring out the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day - or the best way to say "I love you" on Valentine's Day - depends on you and your partner, your relationship, and even where you live!

Here are some ideas that will make Valentine's Day fun and romantic...

5 Best Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day

1. Play the Jelly Belly game. A fun, romantic way to spend Valentine’s Day is to play fun games in the bedroom -- or not in the bedroom! For example, you could blindfold him and feed him Jelly Bellys. If he guesses the flavor correctly, he gets a prize (a kiss? a foot massage?). If he guesses wrong, you get a prize (a back massage? a piece of rich dark chocolate?). To make it more interesting, combine jelly bean flavors (eg, rootbeer + ice cream = root beer float, coconut + pineapple = pina colada, chocolate + cherry = chocolate covered cherries, etc.). Or you could play the I've Never - The Game of Truth!

2. A romantic gift bag of messages and toys. For Valentine’s Day last year, I gave my husband a drawstring cloth bag of sensual goodies. My favorite are the love notes: there are 15 or 20 notes that we draw out of the bag with our eyes closed, which contain loving actions that we both enjoy. Our drawstring bag also includes massage oil, a pen and paper for new love ideas, a book, candles, and other assorted goodies. This is one of the best ways to celebrate Valentine's Day because it's inexpensive and romantic!

3. Plan a Valentine’s Day treasure hunt. When was the last time your partner searched for lost gems or a buried treasure chest? A Valentine’s Day treasure hunt can be inside the house, yard, park, neighborhood, city – or even a neighboring town or city. Prepare clues that lead him from one place to another. You can have as many as 15 clues, or as few as three. The last clue could lead to your bedroom, a candlelit bathtub full of bubbles, or a hotel room you’ve booked. Prepare the “treasure chest” with candles, music, roses, and chocolate.

4. Find cool foods to feed each other. I’m considering buying my husband Baconnaise for Valentine’s Day, even though he’d probably rather get a power tool — but he has every tool known to man! Food can be a fun gift idea, even for men who don’t cook, including pickle popsicles, snake wine, Astronaut ice cream, chocolate covered grasshoppers or ants, curry-flavor buffalo dung beetles, or edible crickets. If your husband loves chocolate, you can find gorgeous gourmet chocolate figurines and specialty items (eg, chessboards, teddy bears, fruit, books, etc). For more ideas, search the internet for online retailers of exotic food products. Perhaps one of the best Valentine's Day gifts for men is to order a case of “homemade” beer or wine from a store that does all the mixing and brewing for you. Mind you, that would do it for me -- and I'm not a guy.

5. The absolute best way to celebrate Valentine’s Day is to learn your and your partner's "love language." And, remember that your partner’s love language may not be natural for you. If you need help expressing love in different ways, remember that those ways may feel awkward and uncomfortable. If you can’t say “I love you”, you need to learn how. The five love languages are words of affirmation, acts of service, quality time, physical touch and gifts. In 80 Ways to Say “I Love You”, I describe how to express love in each of those different ways.

For more Valentine's Day ideas, read Creative Chocolate Valentine's Day Gifts.

Best Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

2011-01-03T06:16:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is to figure out why you're sad. Are you always depressed after the Christmas holidays because all the excitement and anticipation is over? Or, is there a physical cause for the winter blues, such as a lack of light or the "feel good" hormone, serotonin?

Pinpointing the cause of your depressed feelings can help you beat the winter blues. And, here are more tips for feeling better fast...

Best Ways to Beat the Winter Blues

Learn about light therapy. Light therapy for Season Affective Disorder or seasonal depression involves relaxing for an hour with a light box or special light unit. Different types of light therapy treatment include light therapy lamps, special light alarm clocks, and even salt lamps that provide natural ions. Light therapy, light boxes, or even increased exposure to natural sunlight could help reset the biological clock and decrease the winter blues. Light therapy is often an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder because it allows more light to be absorbed through the skin.

Be kind to others – and gentle with yourself. Ranking high in the studies of what helps people to be optimistic and healthy is helping others. Recently, a customer in the drive-thru line at a Pittsburgh-area Starbucks paid for the coffee of the customer behind her. That customer was so pleased that she then paid for person behind her. The chain continued for two hours! You don’t have to make a grand gesture. To overcome seasonal depression, smile at someone on the street, hold a door open, wave someone into you lane on the freeway.

Learn about herbs that cure depression naturally. In The Brain Wash: A Powerful, All-Natural Program to Protect Your Brain Against Alzheimer's, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Depression, Parkinson's, and Other Diseases, Michelle Schoffro Cook describes two natural depression medications: St John’s wort and ginkgo biloba. “St John’s wort is particularly effective for depression, particularly for mild to moderate symptoms without the side effects often associated with drugs,” writes Cook. St John’s wort may not be as effective for severe depression, but if you’re not taking any antidepressants, it may be worth a try. “Ginkgo biloba improves neurotransmitter production in the brain and helps bring oxygen-rich blood to the brain to improve functioning,” says Cook. This natural herb may also help fight feelings of despair.

Connect in real ways with other people. I’m not talking about making small talk at parties or with strangers. One of the best ways to beat the winter blues is to make connections that renew your spirit and soul. This means different things to different people – but you could interact with people less fortunate than you, perhaps by volunteering at a shelter or hospital. Connect spiritually at your church or temple. Connect with nature by taking a walk through a park or along the coast. Look into your dog or cat’s eyes, and connect with on a soul level.

What do you think of these ways to beat the winter blues? Comments -- and more tips -- welcome below.

Best Ways to Save Money in 2011

2010-12-30T05:47:00.000-08:00

What are the best ways to save money in 2011? It depends on your lifestyle and personality (eg, How much debt do you have? What's your money personality?). But these unusual ways to save money work for most people most of the time.

They're more psychological than the "same old same old" money saving tips...

Best Ways to Save Money in 2011

Relate your financial goals to your overall life purpose. What do you want to do with your life — where do you see yourself in 5 years, 10 years, 20 years? Your thoughts become things, so stay focused on what you want to achieve in your life. Relate your life goals to specific money goals. Say, for instance, your life goal is to live in a home with a view of the ocean. Cut a picture of your dream home out of a magazine, or sketch it yourself. Paste it your fridge, bathroom mirror, office wall. That vision will help you stay motivated to save money this year.

Get rid of household and office clutter. When your home is cluttered, you often spend money to replace things you can’t find. You keep buying “organizers" such as containers and shelving units -- and you may even hire a professional organizer. Sometimes you buy things you don’t need to declutter your home — and they just cause more clutter and more debt! So, one of the best ways to save money in 2011 is to declutter. The less clutter you have, the better able you can see and find the things you need. Food will be less likely to go bad in the fridge. Warranties and guarantees and receipts will be at your fingertips. You won't have to spend money replacing stuff you have, but can’t find. Decluttering can even increase your motivation to set and achieve financial goals.

Activate two money saving tips a month. We see the best ways to save money everywhere – the internet, budget books, our rich old aunts, on placemats at funky restaurants. But do we actually apply them to our lives? Nope. It’s too much. So we need to be strategic about saving money in 2011. Pick one or two money saving tips. Focus on making those two tips a habit for a month or six weeks. Then, find one two more money saving tips to work on. This way, you’re not overwhelmed with a million ways to save money.

Make two days a week “No Spend” days. “Unspend,” advise the financial gurus at DailyWorth. “No Spend Days are powerful budget-balancing tools. By simply not spending money one day a week, you give yourself more wiggle room in other areas.” I think one day a week is too easy – I challenge you to make two days a week your “No Spend” days! No DVD rentals, no 7-11 slurpees (my personal weakness), and no restaurant meals.

These are just a few tips for saving money. For the whole enchilada, go to Quips and Tips for Money and Love.

Also -- my husband and I have discovered a pot of gold in The 4-Hour Workweek, Expanded and Updated. It's not about saving money per se -- it's about living the life the way you want it, no matter how much money you have.

Any questions or comments on these "best ways to save money in 2011"? I welcome you below...

Best Ways to Write a Book

2010-12-24T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ask 10 different writers, and you'll get 10 different "best ways to write a book." Here are a few top tips for writing a book - which I suspect most writers will agree on.

If you're looking for different types of book tips, let me know below. I'd be happy to help!

Best Ways to Write a Book

Create a need to write your book. JK Rowling had to write to pay the bills. She was a single mom, desperate for income but unable to afford childcare. She was literally too hungry to be lazy — and she certainly didn’t need to increase her motivation to write! She needed to pay her bills and feed her kids. If you don’t have a need to write, create one. Do you need Starbucks frappucinos? Write 750 words first, then reward yourself with a coffee. For more tips from this bestselling author of the Harry Potter series, read Writing Quips and Tips From JK Rowling.

Write what you know. "Anything else will feel forced.I write children’s picture books, about shoes, dresses and trucks, time-outs, princesses and pirates," says Sue Fliess, author of Shoes for Me! "I have two young boys (5 and 7 years old)...and my world right now is my kids. I get at least one new idea for a story each week from them. And this year, my older son really became a proficient reader, so I find myself writing longer stories that might suit him. When I tackle a middle grade or young adult, I must tap into my 12 year old or 15 year old self and draw on my own memories. When I start writing from a place that is true to myself, my writing is better. I’m not winging it, and it does not feel forced, it feels real. Hopefully it will be real to the reader."

Learn why book manuscripts aren't published. If you're serious about not just finding the best ways to write a book but actually getting published, you need to learn why most books don't get published. In 17 Reasons Book Mansucripts Aren't Published, a panel of editors and publishers share their reasons for rejecting book manuscripts. Good reading for aspiring writers!

Remember that writing a book is hard work. Even if you have the best idea in the world, it doesn’t mean you can write a good book. Whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction, you must learn about the aspect of the genre that may make your book a bestseller. You must know how to create an attention-getting introduction, end chapters with an intriguing hook, and write a page turner. You need to create interesting, believable characters and realistic settings, and build an excellent plot that leads to a gripping climax.

Fire up your determination. Determination is the will to continue writing, seeking an agent’s representation, meeting with your writer’s group, accepting rejections, and overcoming whatever stumbling blocks and difficulties you encounter along the way. If you’re determined to write your book despite what people say, what your internal critic says, and whatever doubts and fears you have, you quadruple your chances of success. Determination includes continually reading about writing and improving your writing skills.

If you lack motivation, you might find 73 Ways to Fire Up (or Just Fire!) the Muse helpful.

If you have any questions or thoughts about these best ways to write a book, please comment below...

Best Ways to Be Happy

2010-12-15T19:59:00.000-08:00

Okay, I admit that the best ways to be happy for me aren't necessarily the best ways to be happy for you...but there may be a few tips that work for both of us!

If these happiness tips don't appeal to you, tell me what does in the comments section below...

Best Ways to Be Happy

Connect in real ways with other people. I’m not talking about making small talk at parties or with strangers. One of the best ways to be happy is to make connections that renew your spirit and soul. This means different things to different people – but you could interact with people less fortunate than you, perhaps by volunteering at a shelter or hospital. Connect spiritually at your church or temple. Connect with nature by taking a walk through a park or along the coast. Look into your dog or cat’s eyes, and connect on a soul level.

Be kind to others – and gentle with yourself. Ranking high in the studies of what helps people to be optimistic and happy is helping others. Recently, a customer in the drive-thru line at a Pittsburgh-area Starbucks paid for the coffee of the customer behind her. That customer was so pleased that she then paid for person behind her. The chain continued for two hours! You don’t have to make a grand gesture. To be happy, smile at someone on the street, hold a door open, wave someone into you lane on the freeway.

Accept yourself without judgment. Your mind is split between your ego and your spirit. The ego judges you, keeping you stuck. Your spirit or higher self, accepts you as you are. The more you can view yourself from your higher self, the less you are your ego. This way to be happy involves imagining that you are looking over your own shoulder, and watching without judgment. If part of you is watching ourselves without judgment, then there must be a part of yourself that isn’t negative. The more we can be the spirit that simply accepts, the less we become our ego.

Find direction in your life (aka your bliss). What makes you happy? What are you doing when you lose track of time? Who do you love spending time with? What did you want to be when you grew up? “Direction provides focus and inspiration and is the antidote to day-to-day monotony,” writes Robert Pagliarini in The Other 8 Hours: Maximize Your Free Time to Create New Wealth & Purpose. “In the real world, you achieve direction by creating compelling goals.” He says setting and achieving life goals provides feedback, which can fuel your motivation and inspiration.

To learn more about being happy, read How to Be Lucky - 10 Ways to Get Luckier in Life and Love.

What do you think of these "best" ways to be happy? Comments welcome below...

Best Ways to Make Small Talk

2010-12-15T09:07:00.000-08:00

I was at a party last night, and used two of these four best ways to make small talk! They work -- but the trick is remembering them when you need them...maybe my next post should be the "best ways to remember the best ways to make small talk"...

Best Ways to Make Small Talk

Parrot the key phrases. Repeating certain words is a sure-fire way to keep conversations going. For instance, if your date says something like, “The last time I saw a live concert was in the 90’s, when I won tickets to Elton John.” This is the perfect time for you to say “Elton John?” or “concerts in the 90’s” or “live concerts.” More often than not, your date will keep talking about that topic. Try it — it works!

Pay attention to what he or she says. When you're making small talk, follow up on specific sentences. For instance, if she says she's "excellent" when you ask how she's doing, ask why – and ask where you can get some of that! If she says she's exhausted, follow up on it. When you're making small talk, remember that great conversations and good connections are yours if you show genuine interest.

Ask open-ended questions that require an explanation. For instance, “How are you?” isn’t an effective way to make small talk. It's better if you ask “Whatever happened with ‘__________’ “? or “The last time we spoke you said ________. What happened with that?” This tip is from 10 First Date Conversation Starters -- which isn't just about making small talk on dates!

Talk about the elephant in the corner. If you notice that there seems to be nothing to talk about, then your date is probably noticing the same thing. Talk about that! I use this as a conversation starter regularly: “Isn’t it awkward when you feel like you have nothing to say?” Then you’ll start talking about that – and you’ll both be more relaxed. Try it – it's one of the best ways to make small talk.

For more small talk tips, read Small Talk: The Art of Socialising.

What do you think of these ways to make small talk? I welcome your commentes below...

Best Ways to Find Blogging Jobs

2010-12-11T14:49:00.000-08:00

Knowing the best ways to find blogging jobs will help you make money online -- and make you very very happy. I love blogging for a living. Though I'm not earning over $100,000 a year right now, I expect to be making that much in a year from now. O happy day!

Here's what I think about finding blogging work...

Best Ways to Find Blogging Jobs

Be present in a blogging community. Which community does not really matter — Twitter, writers’ forums, LinkedIn groups, or your own blog – but your presence there is very important. This community can be the blogs you visit on a regular basis or a favorite writer’s discussion board - whatever works for you. To connect and network with other bloggers and writers, visit the site regularly and contribute often.

Use social media -- Twitter, of course! “I use Twitter more for finding news topics, connecting to people, and promotion, rather than finding freelance jobs,” says Nick Belardes. “There are so many fellow journalists and news sources on Twitter who found my Twitter novel. I’ve done several interviews that I think have been really helpful in promoting me, which in turn helps promote my freelance work. Any press that we write or that we get for ourselves via social networking engines like Twitter helps writing careers.”

Find a blogging coach or mentor – but do not copy her blog style or ideas. When I first started freelance writing, I had lunch with a successful travel writer. While she picked at a salad, I picked her brains – and that one meeting was the beginning of my writing and blogging career. Since then, she’s been an invaluable source of support and information. If you want a blogging job, soak up the wisdom of successful bloggers – but never copy their blog styles or steal their ideas and add your own twist! Stand on the shoulders of giants, but forge your own path.

Follow a writing or blogging blog that is growing. My Quips and Tips blogs are growing too big -- they're more than I can handle, and I'm hiring bloggers. I posted my blogger job on Quips and Tips for Successful Writers (Want a Writing Job? Quips and Tips is Hiring Bloggers), and got tons of response. But I can't hire everyone...and you know who I approach first? Bloggers who email me directly and say how much they like my Quips and Tips blogs. I'm not looking for syncophants or suckups, but for people who really know my blogs. So, one of the best ways to find a blogging job is to get to know the growing bloggers!

What do you think of these ways to find blogging jobs? I welcome your comments below...

Best Ways to Deal With a Breakup

2010-12-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

The best ways to deal with a breakup depend on why you broke up, how long the relationship lasted, who else is involved, and even how many breakups you've dealt with in the past. These ways to deal with a breakup are short and sweet, and they all lead to more tips for surviving breakups...

Best Ways to Deal With a Breakup

Take control — find ways to empower yourself. You can’t change how you feel or what happened between you and your ex, but you can control what you focus on! You can control what you do, what you talk about, and what you think about. Instead of obsessing about your broken heart, what happened when you dated your coworker, why you broke up, and how heartbroken you feel, focus on other aspects of your life. Think about where you want your life to go. Where do you want to be in one year, or five years? What are your career goals, your life plans? One of the best ways to deal with a breakup is to take a step back from your current path and look at your life in a new way.

Make a clean break from your ex. One of the standard breakup survival tips is to avoid contact with your ex. But if you work together, it can be difficult or even impossible to avoid each other! Find out if you can work in different departments or divisions. Ask if you can get a transfer to a different location – either in your city or in another state or province. Brainstorm ways to stay at your job and avoid contact with your ex.

Avoid the temptation to get revenge. If you’re angry and hurt because of the breakup, you may be tempted to get back at your ex. Maybe you want to spread rumors, criticize him to your coworkers, or talk about how disappointing he was in bed. Don’t do it! Resist the temptation to get revenge! Attempting to get back at him will backfire. Revenge only prolongs the painful feelings and makes you look bad. To deal with a breakup at work, you need to focus on healthy ways to let go of someone you love.

Remember that dealing with a breakup doesn’t happen overnight. Letting go of the past isn’t something you do once – and poof! You’re free, healed, and happy! Rather, letting go is a journey peppered with steps forward and steps backward, good days and bad days. The trick is to hang on to those good moments and good days...and remember that eventually they'll outnumber the bad. For more tips on dealing with a breakup, read 10 Ways to Heal a Broken Heart.

What do you think of these "best ways to deal with a breakup? Comments welcome below...

Best Ways to Lose Belly Fat

2010-12-07T11:40:00.000-08:00

Sometimes my "best ways to..." articles don't apply to everyone. But these "best ways to lose belly fat" are universally applicable -- which means they will work for you if you keep doing them! But remember: no tips for losing belly fat will work if you only do them once or twice.

So, try these on for size...and keep trying them for at least three months...

Best Ways to Lose Belly Fat

Count the empty chocolate wrappers or potato chip bags. This fat loss tip is based on food psychologists Brian Wansink’s research: keeping the empty wrappers right in front of you will remind you of how many treats you ate, which will encourage you to stop eating sooner than if you weren’t keeping track. It’s easy to keep mindlessly munching the mini chocolate bars and bags of potato chips – and forget how quickly the calories are add up! Keep the evidence of your snacking in plain view.

Change the order in which you eat food. Instead of eating the French fries and burger first, fill up on a large salad with no salad dressing. Then, if you have room, go for a bit of the burger and fries. And, don’t eat the boring iceburg lettuce salads with cucumber! I put apple chunks, red and orange peppers, spinach, red onions, orange chunks, pumpkin seeds, and raisons on my salads. The idea is to eat more veggies and fruits, and eat less carbs, starches, and fat. You don’t want to eliminate fat entirely – it’s good for your brain, hair, and body cells – but you do want to stick to small portions of healthy fats.

Pause for 10 seconds before you eat anything. When I ask, “Should we have some chocolate?”, my hubby pauses. He thinks for at least ten seconds. He checks in with his stomach. He checks with his head. I don’t know what he’s thinking about exactly, but he doesn’t just say “okay!” One of the best ways to lose belly fat is to think before you eat.

Identify your eating triggers — and find out what works for you. I tend to munch mindlessly right after lunch, especially when I feel anxious or scared about work (I’m a full-time freelance writer and blogger, and I get stressed!). I could sit in front of Judge Marilyn and eat granola, nuts, popcorn, sunflower seeds, and chocolate chips for hours — especially if I have a difficult article assignment. But I’ve achieved my weight loss goals by finding my own best ways to lose weight. Over time I’ve learned what does and does not work for me, and I keep doing what works.

What do you think of these ways to lose belly fat? Comments welcome below...

For more tips, read Best Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off.

Best Ways to Reduce Stress at Christmas

2010-12-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

My best way to reduce stress and relax is to do Pilates or Yoga -- which I intend to be doing in 15 minutes! But exercise isn't everyone's best way to reduce stress. Here are a few ideas to help you relax...

Best Ways to Reduce Stress at Christmas

Enjoy a blast from the past. Humor and stress management expert Leigh Anne Jasheway-Bryant has a ton of unique stress busters up her sleeve! She recommends “blowing bubbles, hula-hooping (which also burns off calories and tones the core at the same time), bouncing on a mini-trampoline while working through problems (it reminds your body and mind that resiliency, the ability to bounce back, is important and often easy), and using a funny handshake when arguments are getting nowhere.

Practice acceptance. Here's a great way to have a positive attitude at Christmas, from my "Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers" blog partner, Gini Grey: "Instead of balking at holiday rituals or grimacing in the presence of your least favorite relative, try accepting the situation or person as they are and notice how your mood improves," she says. "Acceptance is simply acknowledging what is instead of resisting reality. It moves you out of judgment and into a place of peace and calm."

Get enough sunlight – even in winter. If you struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the winter blues, make sure you’re getting enough light, even if it’s indoor. Consider buying a light box, or research natural ways to lighten the winter blues. Vitamin D and melatonin are both stimulated by sunlight, and they both play roles in improving mood and facilitating sleep. Sunlight can reduce the effects of holiday stress and improve your mood.

Let go of your expectations. Don’t tie yourself down to a particular outcome: giving the best Christmas gifts, having the most beautiful holiday decorations, or cooking the best ham and turkey dinner. The best way to reduce stress at Christmas is to be open to all possible outcomes. Remember that sometimes even the worst possible results or situations can turn out to be better than the ones you originally wanted!

Take time to reconnect with who you are, or your source of strength. If you’re spiritual, make time to connect with God or the source of your spirituality. Stop to say a quick prayer or meditation during your crazy Christmas shopping or decorating rush! Make it a priority to connect to the source of your power – don’t lose yourself in the Christmas craze. Even if you don’t believe in religion or spirituality, take time to ground yourself by spending time alone. This will help make Christmas meaningful.

If you find yourself depressed at Christmastime, read Christmas Depression? 5 Tips for Overcoming the Holiday Blues.

Best Ways to Improve Male Fertility

2010-12-05T18:31:00.000-08:00

The first of these "best ways to improve male fertility" may surprise you, because it has nothing to do with male fertility, sperm count, or getting pregnant! But, it's an important tip for getting healthy and strong sperm...

Best Ways to Improve Male Fertility

Brush and floss your teeth regularly. One research study found that men who received regular dental treatments and who took care of their teeth had improved sperm health, compared to men who didn’t take care of their teeth. Untreated dental problems and poor dental hygiene may contribute to overall poor health. An, bacteriospermia (bacteria in semen) has been linked to male infertility. So, to improve male fertility, floss and brush your teeth at least twice a day. This may improve your love life, too!

Eat salmon, sardines, anchovies, walnuts. “DHA and other essential omega-3 fatty acids help improve blood flow to the genitals and increase sexual function,” writes Heidi Murkoff in What to Expect Before You’re Expecting. “Fertile men’s sperm contains more of this essential fatty acid than the sperm of infertile men.” Other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include arugula, crab, shrimp, flax, and chicken. To increase sperm count, load up on foods that contain healthy omega-3s.

Avoid environmental toxins. Some natural health experts say the semen of the average man today has half the sperm than men did 50 years ago. And, their sperm isn’t as healthy as it was before. Increased exposure to environmental toxins may be the cause, which means you should avoid void plastic containers for food storage, plastic bottles, wraps and utensils. Eat organic food as much as possible to avoid pesticides and herbicides, and eat lots of fruits and veggies to increase your antioxidant levels. Fruit and veggies high in antioxidants include green leafy vegetables, kale, carrots, citrus, broccoli, cauliflower and yams.

Consider nutritional supplements for fertility, such as FertilAid. Vitamin C and zinc are the most important supplemental nutrients to enhance fertility. Vitamin C (2,000 to 6,000 milligrams daily) helps prevent sperm from clumping or sticking together, thus increasing male infertility and improving sperm count. Zinc supplements have been shown to increase testosterone, sperm count and sperm motility. High zinc sources include oysters, organ meats, lean beef, turkey, lamb, herring, wheat germ, legumes and nuts. Supplements such as FertilAid for Men contain the right blend of vitamins and minerals for fertility.

What do you think of these ways to improve male fertility? Comments welcome below.

For more fertility info, go to Quips and Tips for Couples Coping With Infertility.

Best Ways to Overcome an Affair

2010-12-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Overcoming an affair is tough, but not impossible! These "best ways to overcome an affair" revolve around breaking up, letting go, and moving on.

You can stay in your relationship and rebuild your lives together, but that's not what these tips are all about. If you want tips on rebuilding your relationship, let me know in the comments section below. These tips are about letting go...

Best Ways to Overcome an Affair

Don’t take the affair personally. The reason he cheated has nothing to do with you! Don’t berate yourself for how the relationship unfolded, or what you did or didn’t do. Men cheat for reasons that may have nothing to do with you or your relationship. It's not about you, it's about him. To learn more, read Why Men Cheat.

Listen to what he says, but believe what he does. “It has been over a year and half since he broke up with me but he still tells me he loves me every time we talk,” says a reader on an article I wrote for Quips and Tips for Money and Love. “I want him to come back to me completely but he says he can’t do that.” If your ex-boyfriend says he can’t get back together with you, believe him. He may say he loves you — and he may truly love you — but if he really wanted to be with you, he would be with you. If he says he isn’t in love with you anymore, you need to focus on other – better – parts of your life. You must accept what he says and move on.

Learn how to “self-sooth.” I found this term in a book about eating disorders, and it’s great breakup advice! Self-soothing involves doing things that make you feel better, things that help you reconnect with your authentic, happy self. An example of self-soothing is to recall a time that you were happy, proud, and centered – perhaps after you made a mistake and moved on or accomplished something you were proud of. Talk on the phone with people who love you, who make you feel great about yourself. One of the best ways to overcome an affair is to learn how to take care of yourself in healthy ways.

Keep your long-term life goals in mind. Step back from your emotions and feelings and yearnings for a moment. Answer these questions logically and rationally – write your answers in a journal or diary: Is your boyfriend the healthiest choice for you? Are his life goals in line with your long-term life goals? Is he emotionally, physically, and spiritually available to you? Does he want to work on your relationship? Does he bring out the best in you, and make you feel secure, loved, smart, and independent? The best way to overcome an affair is to keep reminding yourself that this is not the relationship for you. If it was, he wouldn't have cheated.

What do you think of these ways to overcome an affair? Comments welcome below...

Best Ways to Get Out of Debt

2010-12-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

The best ways to get out of debt depend on the reasons you're in debt, how much debt you have, and what kind of debt it is! So, though I've listed a few ways to get out of debt here, they may not apply to all people in all circumstances.

But, these tips could help you -- especially if you apply them to your life for at least a month.

Best Ways to Get Out of Debt

Understand your spending habits. The first step to get out of debt is to understand your saving and spending habits. To get your spending in control, use a small notebook or PDA to jot down every penny you spend for at least two weeks. This will help you identify the source of your financial problems.

Visualize financial abundance. Another way to get out of debt is to take a few minutes every day to imagine the new, debt-free you! Dream about how your discipline and new spending habits will pay off in the end. Sit back, close your eyes, and imagine a time when no requests for late payment arrive in the mail and there are no mounds of loans to pay back. Look forward to the results of planned savings, such as vacations, new furniture or even retirement.

Prioritize your bill payments. One of the biggest money mistakes people make is paying extra money because of the interest on their debt. Unless you pay off your debt the right way, you’ll never make any real progress. Pay off the debt on the bills that have the highest interest rates, then move on to the bills with lower interest rates.

Remember: small changes can have HUGE effects! There are a lot of small money saving techniques and strategies that can help you get out of debt. For instance, you can cut back on one coffee a day (approximately saving $4 per day). This is an easy way to start solving your money problems.

For more money help:

What do you think of these ways to get out of debt? Comments welcome below...

Best Ways to Earn Extra Money

2010-12-02T17:23:00.000-08:00

What are the best ways to earn extra money? It depends on your skills, interests, current job, and even your blogging ability! Check these tips out -- you may find something you didn't even know you were looking for...

Best Ways to Earn Extra Money

Find ways to maximize your income. Are you due for a promotion or raise at work? Does your employment make full use of your education and training? Can you take courses that will elevate you to the next level in your career? Can you create sources of passive income? This all depends on your job situation, work environment, and even the city you live in…but it’s worth exploring.

Activate two money saving tips a month. There are smart ways to save money everywhere – the internet, books, your rich old aunt, on placemats at funky restaurants. Don’t try to implement every money tip you find; instead pick two a month. Focus on making those two tips a habit. In a month or six weeks, find two more money saving tips to work on. This way, you’re not overwhelmed with a million ways to save money – and you’re steadily progressing towards financial abundance.

Use a cash back credit card. There are several types of credit cards rewards programs, but keep it simple. When you earn a dollar in rewards, take a dollar — instead of merchandise or vacations. The best way to use your credit card’s rewards program is to remember that you’re better off spending less money or earning more money, not accumulating more possessions or more debt. Points programs can be restrictive, and a free plane ticket can lead to an expensive hotel room and restaurant meals. Whether you get a statement credit or a check in the mail, remember that cash back makes more sense than other types of rewards.

Live from your vision, not your circumstances. Creating a vision is difficult, but once you know what you want for your life (such as being credit card debt free, or paying off your mortgage), you have a framework for your future finances. Your circumstances will never get you closer to your goal; only your vision can guide you towards what you want. If your goal is to earn extra money, act like someone who is already financially successful and responsible (and don’t go nuts with your credit card!). To achieve your financial goals, focus on what you want — not where you are.

For more money help:

What do you think of these ways to earn extra money -- can you think of better ways? I welcome your tips below!

Best Ways to Propose Marriage

2010-12-02T10:51:00.000-08:00

The best way to propose marriage to your girlfriend or boyfriend depends on you, your relationship, and your inside lovers' jokes! These tips for proposals will get you warmed up and ready to propose...

Best Ways to Propose Marriage

Propose the way she would want! Is your most romantic idea of a marriage proposal a big flashy sign at a NY Knicks basketball game? Sounds exciting, but it may not be the best way to propose marriage to your girlfriend. Put yourself in her shoes: what is her favorite way to be loved and wooed? What’s her "love language"? The best way to say "I love you" is to put yourself in her shoes. Match your marriage proposal to her personality and lifestyle. Ask her to marry you in a way that reflects your love and relationship.

Let your personality shine through. When you propose marriage, include your own personality traits and lifestyle -- not just your efforts to use her “love language.” For example, I don’t like to play fight or wrestle with my husband, and we have different senses of humor. So, to remain true to who I am, my marriage proposal wouldn’t just involve wrestling or his comedic style. I'd try to find a way to propose that reflects my personality, his personality, and -- most importantly -- our relationship. A marriage proposal should remain true to both partners' perspectives -- just like a happy marriage celebrates both spouse's personalities and lifestyles.

Expect to be nervous – and be honest about your feelings. My husband was shaking when he proposed, and said he couldn’t believe how nervous he was! Asking someone for their hand in marriage is a huge step – regardless of whether the person who proposes is a man or a woman. So, expect to get a little sweaty. Also, be honest about how nervous or scared you feel when you say “I want to marry you.” I loved that my husband told me how nervous he was, because it showed his vulnerability and love for me. It made him more human and lovable. Be nervous, and share your feelings about proposing marriage.

Know the key to a happy marriage. A husband’s emotional engagement is the single most important factor in determining marital happiness – wedded bliss – for a wife. University of Virginia researchers found that women care more about being understood, having their needs met, and spending quality time with their husbands than money or household chores. Remember that knowing the best way to propose is just the first step to a long, happy married life together!

If you haven't seen how Hollywood proposes marriage, read The Best Wedding Movies of All Time.

What do you think of these ways to propose marriage? I welcome your comments below...

Best Ways to Make Money Blogging

2010-11-30T16:30:00.000-08:00

I know these "best ways to make money blogging" work, because I earn a living as a full-time blogger! I love it; it's the best job I've ever had.

Here are a few of my blogging tips -- but remember that what works for me may not work for you. The best way to find out is to try these tips yourself...

Best Ways to Make Money Blogging

Look for the right affiliate programs. Find products and services to help your readers! How? By figuring out what search terms do your readers use to find your blog? For example, readers often find Quips and Tips for Successful Writers by searching for “feature article ideas”, “how to end an article”, and “magazine writing tips.” So, my advertisements should focus on freelance writing, magazine articles, and writing tips. I can help my readers by giving them the opportunity to get better at writing for magazines, or writing in general. I also feature books, books, and more books on Successful Writers because I love books! Promote stuff you believe in, fellow scribes.

Set financial goals for your blog. My long-term intention is to earn a solid living as a blogger, and my financial goal for the next six months is to earn $2,000 per month from my affiliate programs. Not everyone has the time, ability, or inclination to build their blog(s) this way – but many bloggers have an extra hour or two a week to play with Google Adsense or Amazon ads on their blogs. What’s a realistic financial goal for your blog? One way to determine this is to take the figure you’re earning now, double it, and make it your intention to earn the new amount in six months. For more of my best ways to make money blogging, read How to Make Money Blogging for Writers.

Experiment with different types and sizes of ads. So many choices! Banner ads, product images, text ads, in-text link ads, pixel/favicon ads, contextual links, eBook ads, exit ads, lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Start with the ad types and sizes that you dislike the least, let them run for a couple of months, and see if you make money. Keep in mind that you probably need over 1,000 page views a day before you earn $100 or even $50 a day with your blog. The best way to make money blogging really depends on your niche and products.

Be search engine friendly, with strong content. This is by far my favorite way of promoting my Quips and Tips blogs! I want to help writers (and bloggers) find the answers they need, so I need to make sure my blog posts are optimized for search engines. If you’re curious about keywords and key phrases, read SEO Tips for Web Writers and Bloggers.

For more money help:

What do you think of these "best ways to make money blogging"? I welcome your thoughts below...

Best Ways to Achieve Life Goals

2010-11-30T12:03:00.000-08:00

Searching for the best ways to achieve life goals is the first step to success and happiness! But remember: when you achieve your goals, you're not done. Achieving goals is addictive, which means you'll want to set and achieve more goals...it's a happy upward spiral.

Here are some of the best ways to achieve your goals in life...

Set one or two life goals at a time. Don’t make the mistake of setting goals for all aspects of your life at the same time! You’ll get overwhelmed, and won’t achieve any of them. Instead, pick one set of goals to focus on. When you’re progressing in that area, then work on a different set of goals. One step at a time, my friends!

Live from your vision, not your circumstances. Creating a vision is difficult, but once you know what goals you want for your life, it sets a framework for everything you do. Your circumstances will never get you closer to your goal. Only your vision can guide you to get what you want. If your goal is to lose weight and be healthy, then act like someone who is already fit. If your goal is to make money, act like someone who is already financially successful and responsible (and don’t run amok with your credit card). One of the best ways to achieve life goals is to focus on what you want and where you want to be, not where you are.

Consider your personality traits. When setting and achieving life goals, factor in your personality traits. Are you someone who likes doing things on your own or do you thrive in a group? Do you operate best in the morning, afternoon or evening? To achieve a goal, you will have do something that goes against your natural style, like attending school at night when you are a morning person or fitting a workout in the morning when you are more energized in the evening.

Adjust what doesn’t work. When you’re working towards your personal goals, it’s important not to view the need for an adjustment as “starting over.” Instead, you are simply picking your goal back up after reviewing it. All the experience and effort you have already put in still counts…and you’re one step closer to achieving your goals. For more info, read How to Recognize Goals That Aren’t Good for You.

Do you think these are the best ways to achieve life goals -- or do you have better ones? I welcome your thoughts below.

To learn more, read What Goals Should I Set for My Life? The Best Types of Life Goals.

Best Ways to Survive a Breakup

2010-11-30T10:05:00.000-08:00

My "best ways to survive a breakup" may not be the same as your "best ways to survive a breakup"! But, the only way to find out what works is to try different things...and that's what these tips are. Different ways to survive different types of loss.

Best Ways to Survive a Breakup

Remember both the good and the bad parts of the relationship. When you have to let go of someone you love, it’s easy to focus on the great parts of the relationship and his personality. But, don’t forget the flaws! This is one of my favorite breakup tips because remembering both what you loved and what annoyed you will keep you grounded. And, being grounded will help you overcome heartbreak. Be objective and balanced when you think of the person you lost.

Realize that his leaving isn’t a direct reflection on you. No matter how beautiful, successful, slim, or rich their wives are, some husbands will be unfaithful. Men cheat and leave their marriages for a wide variety of reasons – many of which have nothing to do with their wives. To learn more about cheating husbands, read Why Men Cheat on Their Wives. But more importantly, remember that your husband left you for another woman because of his problems – which aren’t a reflection of you! It’s not that you’re not good enough, or she’s a better woman. One of the best ways to survive a breakup is to keep reminding yourself that your husband left you because he has his own issues.

Clean up your ex's clutter. Do you have his stuff all over your place? Get rid of everything. Seeing his clothes, toiletries, books, or other items just keeps your wounds fresh. Put everything he left behind in a box, and throw or give it away. Clearing out your home, car, and workspace will help clear your mind…which will help you heal from a relationship breakup. To learn more, read How Do I Get Over Him? Relationship Breakup Help.

Remember the dog-and-vomit analogy. It sounds gross, but hang in with me! I recently read There Is a Season by Patrick Lane, about his journey through addiction and recovery. He said thinking about sad things in the past is like a dog returning to his own vomit. I love this analogy, and use it when I start berating myself for something I regret doing. Instead of raking myself over the coals, I tell myself that I’m not a dog and I refuse to go back to my own vomit…and I then think “Eeewwww…” and I move on! This is a very practical, effective way to overcome obsessive thoughts about an ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend.

What do you think of these best ways to survive a breakup? I welcome your comments below.

For more relationship breakup help, read how to let go of someone you love.

And, one of the most popular books on Amazon is It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Break-Up Buddy. It'll help you see you're not alone.

Best Ways to Get Pregnant

2010-11-29T08:53:00.000-08:00

These "best ways to get pregnant" are basic tips for getting pregnant. As with anything, getting pregnant depends on your body, genetics, and lifestyle. And don't forget about your partner! Both of you need to get as healthy as possible -- which may include getting a fertility test.

But before you worry about fertility tests, make sure you're following the basic guidelines for getting pregnant...

Best Ways to Get Pregnant

Know when you are ovulating. Ovulation is the only time of month you can get pregnant, so you need to know when your fertile days are! You need to introduce the egg to the sperm at the exact right time — and you don’t have a huge window of opportunity. You could take your temperature to predict ovulation, but fertility monitor test sticks are more reliable. Ovulation predictor kits or fertility monitor test sticks are popular, affordable ways to determine your most fertile time of month.

Eat antioxidants to improve sperm health. Antioxidants prevent cell damage from free radicals. Free radicals are produced naturally by your body when it breaks down your food, but are also created when you’re exposed to things like toxic chemicals, radiation, cigarette smoke, or pollution. Since sperm are also cells, you can make sperm healthy by adding antioxidants to your diet. In fact, researchers have found that men who took antioxidants in supplement form had less DNA damaged sperm than men who did not take antioxidants. Some researchers found that couples had higher pregnancy rates if the men took additional antioxidants. To learn which foods contain the highest amounts of antioxidants, read 5 Foods That Increase Sperm Count, Production, and Motility.

Remember that not getting pregnant isn’t just a “female problem.” Infertility seems like a woman’s issue, but at least 33% of problems getting pregnant are due to male infertility. About 33% is due to unexplained infertility, and 33% is because of female infertility. If you can’t get pregnant, make sure that both you and your partner take a few fertility tests — there are even some at-home fertility tests that are effective and easy. Conceiving a baby takes time and effort…and a bit of humility.

Research the basic pregnancy tips on how to get pregnant. Researching the best ways to get pregnant on the internet is fine, but take what you read with a grain of salt! Not everything you read is fact — and not all tips for getting pregnant apply to all people. For instance, some pregnancy websites say that increasing zinc will increase sperm production. But, if a man isn’t producing sperm in the first place, then all the zinc in the world won’t help. I encourage you to read books like Taking Charge of Your Fertility for basic, solid pregnancy information.

These are just a few tips for getting pregnant! To learn more, read The Best Ways to Get Pregnant - Infertility Solutions.

And if you have any tips or questions, please comment below!

Best Ways to Write a Book

2010-11-28T16:58:00.000-08:00

What are the best ways to write a book, you ask? You've come to the right place! These writing tips apply to fiction writing, freelance writing, blogging, business writing, and everything in between...

If you don't find what you're looking for here, please comment below. I run Quips and Tips for Successful Writers, and have hundreds of book writing tips up my sleeve.

Best Ways to Write a Book

Picture your stories as “full circles.” A story can be circular, with a beginning, a middle, and an end. Some stories even end up in the same place they started — and the best ones have hints and quiet references to the beginning throughout the whole story. I also like to think of it as leaving a trail of breadcrumbs throughout your story: your readers pick up one crumb at a time, nibble throughout your story, and end up satisfied. To learn more, read Story Writing Help – 6 Ways to Write Better Fiction.

Remember Anne Lamott’s writing tip. “Perfectionism is the voice of the oppressor,” said Lamott. “It will keep you insane your whole life.” Your writing won’t be perfect, fellow scribes…but it will be done, and it will be yours. To overcome procrastination, fear, and self-doubt, forget about being perfect. Instead, write the way your heart and head dictates. If you need motivation, read How to Write the First Draft - Writing Tips From Writers.

Carve out 30 or 60 minutes a day for writing your book. I had to force myself to keep writing both Fire Up (or Just Fire!) the Muse and 75 Ways to Make (More) Money Blogging – I wrestled with self-doubt and fear (What if nobody buys my ebook? What if people buy it, but don’t like it? What if, what if, what if?) The best way to write a book is to overcome doubt and fear is to set your ebook writing schedule and stick to it. (Which, by the way, is what Fire Up the Muse is all about: overcoming writer’s block, fear, doubt, self-criticism — and being a successful writer).

Find your writer's voice. In an article about menopause for alive magazine, I used the phrases “the crimson tide” and “Aunt Flo” instead of “your period.” I hesitated at first (Would readers get it? Is it too casual for a health magazine?), but decided to let it rip – and the editor emailed to say she loved those specific phrases! Taking risks when you write will help you find your writer’s voice -- and finding your voice is one of the best ways to write a book.

What do you think -- are these the best ways to write a book? I welcome your thoughts below!

Best Ways to Pray to God

2010-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

There's not one best way to pray to God that works for everyone; it's not that easy! You need to find the best way for you to pray, depending on your personality, spirituality, lifestyle, and reason for praying.

And, you need to try different ways to pray until you find what works for you. Here are a few prayer tips to try...

Best Ways to Pray to God

Learn about Biblical prayer. To be God-centered and and Biblical, prayer must include God! Listening for God’s voice can be challenging, especially if you feel distant from God or if you’re easily distracted. If you’re trying to reconnect with God, you might find How to Renew Your Spirituality helpful. Learning to listen for God’s voice takes practice and patience – and it can be one of the most relaxing, peaceful parts of your day.

Try Centering Prayer. Centering prayer is about silencing your heart and mind for peace, for increased spirituality, and for the emotional and spiritual strength to cope with whatever happens in your life. This type of prayer is about communing with God. It’s not about getting what you want; it’s about finding the strength to cope with what you get. To learn more, read Centering Prayer - How to Pray With Your Whole Heart.

Pray in a way that works for you. I created Quips and Tips for Spiritual Seekers with Gini Grey, who often writes about meditation. Much of what she says works for prayer, too! Here's one of her best ways to pray to God, in her article about praying for others: "When I was in my late teens and early 20s I prayed while taking my dog for a walk late at night. Staring up at the expansive, sparkling sky helped me to feel a deep connection to the Creator. Now, I often pray with my eyes closed while meditating. Meditation merges me with my spiritual self and the source of all life. Whether you pray at your bedside before going to sleep, or while walking in nature, it doesn’t matter. Opening the line of communication to the God of your heart is what counts."

Accept that you get distracted while praying. If you fight or try to move away from your distraction, then you’ll just become more distracted! Resisting your distraction only magnifies it, prolongs it, makes it worse. So, instead of working feverishly to overcome your distraction, try accepting that you are distracted. Accept your lack of focus. Tell yourself, “Feelings of distraction while praying are normal. It’s okay for me to feel this way.” To learn how to stay focused, read How to Pray When You're Distracted - Mindful Prayer Tips.

“Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.” ~ Søren Kierkegaard.

What do you think -- what's the best way to pray to God? I welcome your comments below!

Best Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

2010-11-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for the best ways to lose weight and keep it off, remember that losing weight fast doesn't translate to keeping it off. Don't scramble to drop 40 pounds in a month, becauuse it'll backfire!

These tips for losing weight and keeping it off will help you create a healthier, happier lifestyle...

Best Ways to Lose Weight and Keep It Off

Take your personal tastes into account. “All the popular diets can help you lose weight because they provide almost identical calorie intakes,” says nutritional biochemist Shawn Talbott, PhD, author of The Cortisol Connection: Why Stress Makes You Fat and Ruins Your Health – And What You Can Do About It. “But different people may do better on different diets because of personal tastes. For instance, if you love bread, don’t even think about trying Atkins…because it won’t work.” For more info on different types of weight loss plans (diets, yuck), read Achieve Weight Loss Goals With 5 Healthy Diet Plans.

Strategize to deal with different life situations so you control the food – and it doesn’t control you. Use smaller plates, drink flavored waters, and bring a veggie or fruit salad or low-fat healthy dish to a party so you know there will be something you can comfortably eat. Call or Google restaurants ahead of time to check out the menu, so you’re not surprised and order food. To learn more, read The Best Ways to Lose Weight.

Learn how to feel full without overeating. You may have heard this satiety tip before - because it works. “Look for prepared foods with five or more grams of fiber per serving,” writes Dr John La Puma in Chef M.D.’s Big Book of Culinary Medicine. “Only plant foods have fiber, and most foods that are high in fiber are low in calories.” To feel full without overeating, enjoy the soluble fiber in oranges, apples, carrots, flaxseed, barley, nuts, and dried beans and peas. For insoluble fiber, eat the skins of root vegetables, green beans, leafy greens, whole-wheat bread, and corn bran. To learn more, read Satiety Tips – How to Feel Full Without Overeating.

Believe you deserve to lose weight. Some women sabotage their weight loss goals because they don’t believe they deserve to be fit and healthy. They don’t put themselves on the top of the priority list - and “if mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy”! The best way to lose weight fast is to believe in your heart and soul that you deserve it, that you’re worth the effort. Do you believe you deserve to be thin, fit, and healthy? If you don’t believe you’re worth it, you’ll never achieve your weight loss goals.

What do you think -- have you tried any of these "best ways" to lose weight and keep it off? My favorite tip is #3: figure out how to feel full without overeating.

Articles on Saving Money at Christmas

2010-11-25T06:35:00.000-08:00

These articles on saving money at Christmas encompass most of my "Quips and Tips" blogs -- including Quips and Tips for Money and Love, of course!

You don't need to spend a lot of money at Christmas to enjoy the season and show your love to family and friends...you just need to use your head. And, start thinking about Christmas shopping early, because waiting until the last minute is a sure-fire way to rack up the credit cards over the holiday season.

10 Ways to Save Money at Christmas – Holiday Gift Shopping Tips - is a great article by the financial experts at Bills.com. There are a few creative ideas there, but others that I wonder about. For instance, they suggest having a "card signing party" as a way to save money at Christmas. I've been avoiding sending Christmas cards because postage is so expensive, opting for an email holiday letter instead. Am I being too cheap?

6 Spiritual Ways to Create Financial Abundance - is about accumulating money more than saving it. I'm including it as an "article on saving money at Christmas" because it focuses on your inner richness and financial abundance. These concepts lead to peace and joy, which is what Christmas is all about!

Christmas Shopping and Saving Money - shares last minute money saving tips, such as giving a cow or goat for Christmas. Perfect for loved ones who have everything!

Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages - shares several Christmas gift ideas that aren't expensive, such as an electric toothbrush (which I'm getting for someone!) and sunglasses with UV ray protection.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Boyfriends - Creative Holiday Gifts - includes several low-cost holiday gift ideas, such as investing in an experience and planning a Christmas Day treasure hunt.

How Do I Pay Off Credit Card Debt? 6 Ways to Get Out of Debt - is for those Christmas shoppers who tried to save money at Christmas, but still wound up in debt!

Gathering these articles makes me think I should write more articles on saving money at Christmas. I don't have enough to choose from. And, I want to get more specific, such as "Saving Money on Christmas Decorations." Good thing writing is my full-time job :-)

If you need gift ideas, read Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas -- it's another roundup of Christmas Quips and Tips articles.

Merry Christmas -- and Happy Saving Money at Christmas!!

Articles on Spiritual Growth

2010-11-24T12:03:00.000-08:00

Reading articles on spiritual growth is one way to increase your spirituality -- but eventually, you have to stop reading and start practicing! These articles on spiritual growth offer practical ways to be more spiritual at work, home, and even at church...

Christian Courses for Spiritual Growth – The Alpha Course - my husband Bruce and I are taking this course, which is a practical foundation for Christianity. I love it. Last night, Nicky Gumbel (the creator of the Alpha Course) spoke on how evil appears in our lives and what to do about it -- and it changed how I view God, spirituality, and my life.

5 Spiritual Health Benefits of Meditation is an article on spiritual growth from my Quips & Tips for Spiritual Seekers partner, Gini Grey. Note that the health benefits she describes aren't just for meditation -- they're for prayer, too!

5 Ways to Be More Spiritually Healthy- describes tips ranging from "set healthy boundaries" to "pretend your mistakes are only a five second blip" (my favourite thing to do!). These are practical effective, ways to increase your spiritual growth...or at least enjoy more peace and joy in your life.

Centering Prayer - How to Pray With Your Whole Heart - is my most popular article on spiritual growth. I love this type of prayer; it really helps you relax and focus on what you're doing....praying to the Creator of the Universe. And what could be more spiritually healthy than that?

These are only a few articles I've written -- if you're looking for a different type of article on spiritual growth, let me know! I'd be happy to dig it up or write it for you...

Articles on Christmas - Holiday Gift Ideas

2010-11-24T06:57:00.001-08:00

These articles on Christmas focus on holiday gift ideas -- and I loved writing them, because now I know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas! Shopping slays me at any time of the year, much less at Christmas.

Make your Christmas shopping easy by browsing online -- and start early.

Healthy Christmas Gift Ideas - 8 Holiday Gifts for All Ages lists eight holiday gifts that revolve around health and fitness. I'm buying my husband the first thing on the list!

Best Video Games for Christmas - Holiday Gifts for Gamers was my favorite article on Christmas to write -- it was a blast! I can't wait to try Donkey Kong Country Returns.

SmartPhones for Christmas - The Best Holiday Gift Phones describes the latest phones. Some aren't out yet, but will be for Christmas.

And my last article on Christmas holiday gift ideas is Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers -- one of my most popular articles on Quips and Tips. Smart students start shopping for holiday gift ideas for their teachers early.

Yup, it's not just smart kids -- smart adults know that the best way to do your Christmas shopping is to start early. This year, I actually know what I'm getting my husband for Christmas AND his birthday (which is a couple weeks before Christmas).

He also mentioned a leaf blower, which makes me want to write more articles about Christmas -- ones that revolve around putting yourself in your loved one's shoes! I'd never, ever want a leaf blower for Christmas. Would you?