Forrest Gump was right. Life IS like a box of chocolates. There are assorted flavors that are sweet, chewy, and sometimes nutty. We may not even like all of the chocolates in the box, but we have to deal with them.

There are many words to describe what happens when we don’t get what we want. Some use the term “failure” but even that word is used in the wrong context sometimes. We opt for words like “setback” and “stalled.”

Whatever you want to call it, these are the road bumps in life. If life was always smooth sailing, we’d be pretty poorly equipped people. The first rough patch and we’d probably be carried off in a strait jacket.

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Make wise choices in your daily diet and you will be on the road to looking and feeling younger before you know it. And, as Martha Stewart would say, “That's a good thing.”

Our eating habits affect our quality of life. Eat too many of the wrong types of food and you are opening yourself up to many potential health related problems. On the other hand, by eating the right kinds of food, you are helping yourself lead a healthier and longer life. In fact, eating these "super foods" will help you to look and feel younger too.

The golden rule of healthy foods is to eat raw, buy organic, and avoid processed. Cooking destroys vitamins and nutrients in food, so eating foods raw, when possible, is recommended. Organic foods are generally agreed to be a healthier alternative because they are free from chemicals and other contaminants.

Avoid packaged and commercially prepared foods as much as possible. Stay away from sugar and refined carbohydrates. Dermatologist Dr. Fredric Brandt believes that sugar breaks down elastin and collagen in the skin, causing premature aging. He thinks you can turn back the clock by ten years and improve the texture, tone and radiance of your skin, simply by reducing the amount of sugar that you eat. (Dr. Brandt counts Madonna and Cher among his clients, so he definitely has some believers in his theory.)

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Remember how our moms always seemed to have a great meal every night? Even when times were lean, she came through with fabulous meals and snacks to satisfy even the hungriest of kids. By keeping a few of the essential food staples on hand, you too can be awed for your cooking genius.

Throughout the meals we cook, there are some common items that keep popping up. These are your basic staples that no kitchen should be without. As long as you have a few of these things on hand, you can turn it into an interesting meal even when the cupboards look like there is nothing to eat.

You know how kids are. If there is not a box of cereal or a ready-to-eat meal in the freezer then there is nothing good to eat in their mind. Teaching kids how to create breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks from basic food items will keep them from spending all their money on processed foods once they are on their own. Using basic cooking skills encourages a healthier lifestyle. Satisfying meals can be whipped up from pantry staples without resorting to the expensive alternatives found in today’s grocery stores.

Let’s start with the staples we always saw on the kitchen shelves as a kid but didn’t understand why mom always had them. Staples are basic ingredients that are combined to make other things.

Useful Pantry Items

 Flour
 Sugar
 Rice (white or brown depending on taste)
 Soup (creams and various flavors)
 Broth
 Pasta
 Baking soda
 Baking powder
 Nuts and legumes
 Chocolate squares
 Canned vegetables
 Fresh vegetables like onions and potatoes

Most of us probably have some of these in our cupboards right now. For a quick meal on a cold day, many of these items can be used to create homemade vegetable stew. A pan of rice mixed with a cream soup and a can of mixed vegetables turns into a casserole side dish for dinner. Pasta with mixed veggies is also a great combination. The possibilities are endless.

Here are a few more staples no kitchen pantry should be without.

Useful Condiments and Spice Items

 Ketchup
 Mustard
 Salt (plain and seasoned varieties)
 Pepper
 Vanilla extract (and others that you like)
 Soy sauce
 Chili powder
 Powdered seasoning packets
 Relish
 Mayonnaise (regular and light)
 Cinnamon

It is an eclectic group but they can be used to create wonderful dishes. Periodically check your basic staples for expiration dates. Yes, even flour has an expiration date. Replace them as needed so they are always fresh and available in case you need them in a pinch.

All in all, these pantry items don’t cost much. Combine them and you’ve created meals that would cost five times as much when bought ready-made from the store.

By:
Linda Allen
Webmaster of GirlfriendsCafe.com
http://www.girlfriendscafe.com

You don't have to go under the knife or spend money on botox treatments in order to look ten years younger. Instead, make a few lifestyle changes and start treating yourself with a little TLC and you will be amazed at the results. Things such as sleep, diet, exercise and more play a huge role in your appearance.
Getting a good night's sleep is a sure-fire way to not only look younger, but to feel great as well. This is because while you sleep, cells go through a repair process and your body releases the hormone melatonin. This hormone has very positive effects on the skin. The result is radiant and youthful looking skin, fewer lines and less puffiness around the eyes. So do yourself a favor and get your z’s.

Be sure to eat a balanced diet, including lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Not only will this regimen help you to maintain a healthy weight, the vitamins and anti-oxidants in the fruit and veggies nourish your skin and hair. Having healthy skin and shiny hair is a definite recipe for a more youthful look.

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Why not use your tub time to indulge yourself even more? You deserve!

There is little that holds more appeal than a long, relaxing soak in a tub filled to the brim with hot water and maybe even bubbles. Why not use your tub time to indulge yourself even more? Let's set the stage.
As you lower yourself into the water, quiet, soothing music plays quietly in the background. The lights are dimmed and there's a scented candle or two burning. You have a cup of your favorite beverage within easy reach. A huge fluffy towel is set aside just for you. Lean back and rest your head on your bath pillow.

You're probably thinking, it doesn't get any better than this. Well, think again because it does. This "me time" can be more than just soothing and relaxing. So far, you've taken care of the atmosphere and mentally you're right into it. You deserve this. In fact, you absolutely love this.

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