JOANIES PRACTICAL TIPS

HELPFUL HINTS

   Forget about the diets, the excercise machine, jogging in the snow or heat (bad for the knees) and the miracle fat burning pills.  Forget about the anorexic model's look, the size 3 dresses, the push up bra, and the latest control top pantyhose.  Forget about the artificial nails, hair colors (unless you are grey at 20 like I was) and painful hair removal.  Live smart - walk as much as possible, eat fresh fruits and veggies, fish, lean meats and breads and pasta made from unprocessed whole grains, and enjoy an occassional dessert or snack.

ROMANCE

  1. When you want to be sexy and dress up - do it for you, not for him! 
  2. Don't buy the commercials, you are you - be yourself - if someone wants you, let it be for who you really are! 
  3. Stress is a state of mind - its real and it hurts physically as well as mentally - know how to relax and enjoy!  A friend of mine last week said - DON'T STRESS ABOUT THE THINGS THAT YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OVER - THERE ARE ENOUGH THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT THAT YOU CAN CHANGE - AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT THEM - STEP BACK A MOMENT AND THINK OF THE SOLUTIONS YOU CAN WORK ON FOR THE PROBLEMS WITHIN YOUR CONTROL.
  4.  Don't give up what you like for someone else who doesn't appreciate your likes.

IN THE KITCHEN
    Veggies going bad in the fridge?  Make a simple soup with a little veggies, anything you have lying around (a bit of meat or beans left from last night's meal?) some boullion, herbs, onions, garlic (always good for you).  Don't be afraid to experiment - after all, if it doesn't turn out, you were going to toss them anyhow!

   Fruit and cheese - a great dessert.  Wedged sharp cheddar, a tart apple or pear make a great dessert - nice color, too!

   Try to stay away from processed foods - don't buy into the microwave in a minute frozen foods - a fresh veggie steams just as fast in the microwave as foil coated pasta in a chemical sauce.

   You don't like seafood?  Try to find a fish you do like - salmon, trout, tuna, or whitefish are all very mild fish.  They are easy to prepare and very good for you!  Check out my Healthy Recipes for quick, wholesome meals at "Healthy Recipes".

MONEY TIPS
ARE YOU TIRED OF THE EXPERTS WHO TELL YOU HOW TO SPEND YOUR MONEY WHEN THEY ARE MAKING 10 TIMES MORE THAN YOU?

   You can only have more money by doing things differently - make more, save more, or spend less.  Given most of us are stuck with the "raises" that just keep us ahead of inflation - the answer is spend less - or spend more wisely - which in turn can save us more!

Buy used and save a bundle!
GENERALLY SPEAKING

  1. A new car depreciates 20% in its first year.
  2. A newly built home costs 25% more than the house for resale across the street.
  3. A piece of furniture costs double in the display room over that antique or slightly used piece that you find in the newspaper or antique store - and the antique is more than likely better made!  (Do you think that new flakeboard bureau will last over 100 years?)
  4. Used books read the same as new ones, and usually are 50% off or better yet, support your local library, where the books are free!
  5. Have you been to a thrift shop for cool vintage clothes?  Check it out - most are run by charities - any money that you spend will go to a worthy cause!