Just the other night someone asked me if I was planning to stay up and watch the solar eclipse that's going to occur on August 21, 2017. I didn't even have an answer. I just stared at them with open eyes and mouth....thinking.....stay up???? The science teacher in me nearly had a heart attack. Clearly this person had no idea what a solar eclipse is. If they did they would have realized that the Sun has to be in the sky so that the moon can move in front of it. This can only happen during the day. So unless they think I sleep all day, there's no reason for anyone to 'stay up' and watch it. In fact, it's going to be almost impossible NOT to watch it! And that brings me to safety.

The eclipse is going to occur on August 21, 2017, during the day, across the USA.

The Sun rises in the Western US first so this is where the first eclipse will be able to be viewed. The first total eclipse will be viewed in Oregon at 10:15 AM PST (Pacific standard time). Here in New York we should begin to see the partial at about 1:23 PM EST, and it will continue until 4:00 PM - that is 2 hours and 37 minutes smack in the middle of the day my friends. Pretty hard to miss. And pretty tempting not to look at!

Check the times for any city here: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/

And yes, a total eclipse can be viewed without protection.  BUT THE PARTIAL CAN NOT. I mean, you can choose to, but that would be like committing vision suicide. Stupid choice. The partial leading up to the total, and the partial that will be viewed by the millions upon millions of people that are not in the path of total eclipse MUST be viewed safely.

Now considering that it is pretty much in the middle of a regular work day (Monday), and considering it is the summer, this means that most people, including children, will be out and about. Knowing it is human nature to be curious (especially children) it is extra important to be prepared. Whether you will be picking the kids up from camp, hanging out at the beach, or simply barbecuing dinner in the backyard YOU KNOW HOW TEMPTING IT WILL BE TO LOOK UP.  So please, look up safely!

Here's why you need to look safely:
Remember looking at the Sun and then seeing black spots? Or how about temporary blindness when some idiot flashes his brights in your eyes at night? Why do welders need to wear special eye protection? Basically, the rods and  cones in your eyes get over excited from bright lights and it takes a few seconds to minutes (longer, maybe never, if you looked at arc welding light) for your eyes to adjust back to normal. Watch this educational video for more detail:

So what does that have to do with an eclipse? Well, you are still looking at the Sun, and probably more often for a longer period of time in order to watch the eclipse. NASA's website states: "The solar radiation that reaches the surface of Earth ranges from ultraviolet (UV) radiation at wavelengths longer than 290 nm to radio waves in the meter range. The tissues in the eye transmit a substantial part of the radiation between 380 and 1400 nm to the light-sensitive retina at the back of the eye. While environmental exposure to UV radiation is known to contribute to the accelerated aging of the outer layers of the eye and the development of cataracts, the concern over improper viewing of the Sun during an eclipse is for the development of "eclipse blindness" or retinal burns."

Bottom line: view the partial eclipse safely. Check out NASA's page about when and why.

Oh, and using a filter for your eyes and then looking through a camera, telescope, or binoculars that doesn't have its own filter is a huge NO NO. Your eyes will not be protected enough. The device must have it's own special, approved, filter because of the magnification.  So be smart and do your research! 

Here's a few ways to view the eclipse safely with your eyes:
NOTE: even with these precautions do not stare constantly at the eclipse. Look, then look away. You need to continuously give your eyes a break.

A Few things NOT to do:

• do not use regular sunglasses or solar eclipse glasses that are fake or not approved. Check to see if your eclipse glasses are approved at AAS Certification.
• do not use filters that are not approved
• do not look without protection for any reason
• do not leave children unattended during viewing
• do not look non-stop at the eclipse even with filters
• do not use a telescope, camera, or binoculars unless they have their own special filter. A filter on your eyes is not enough when magnified through modern technology!
• do not commit eye suicide by taking any chances looking at the sun with your naked eye. Your retinas can not be replaced.

Enjoy the solar eclipse safely. It will be worth it!
Thanks for visiting!
Sincerely,

Recently we had a last minute backyard barbecue. My sister and her family had nothing to do, and neither did we. Since we literally live on the same block, and it was really hot out and we have a pool, they came on down for some swim time, and of course, food. We are Italian and we had to have food. Not just a little either. We had enough to feed half the block because well, you never know who else might decide to visit!  

Anyway, thats not the point of this post. The point is that when my niece was filling the pot to boil the fresh corn I noticed that she was using the hot water to fill it so I said that she shouldn't be using the hot water out of the tap.  And of course being a highly intelligent young lady she questioned me as to why. Naturally I was more than willing to share my reasoning with her but it started me thinking that maybe a quick post with some information for anyone who is interested in why would also be a good idea.

So why not consume hot tap water? This is really a personal choice and I personally choose not to drink it because I would rather be safe than sorry.  The science teacher in me further solidifies this decision and I have taught my children to never consume hot tap water as well for three basic reasons (and in this precise order): lead, contaminants, and disease.
​

How old is your house? When was it built and what are the pipes made of? Just about any home or building built before 1986 has lead in the pipes unless they have been fully replaced. Even newer metal pipes have some lead in them. Read about this at the CDC.

I live in a house built in 1931 and I KNOW there is lead in these old pipes. Drinking the cold water without running it for a few minutes (5 is recommended) first would be foolish, but drinking the hot tap water would be even more foolish! Keep reading for the reason why...
​

Where does your water come from? Is it treated by a water company with chemicals or does it come from a  private well? Do you have a filtration system in your home? If it is well water have you ever had the water tested for contaminants and particulate matter?

I have lived in both situations. Years ago I had well water and I paid to have it tested once a year.  I also had a filtration system since we lived in an area where the water table was only 4' below the surface.  Now I live in an area with a government run company that pumps up the groundwater, tests it, filters and treats it with chemicals as needed. Not ideal, but it is what it is. But either way, using hot water means that the contaminants and/or the added chemicals are more concentrated. Think about it: when you boil water only the water is steamed away. Everything else remains behind in whatever water still hasn't become steam. Simply put, the amount of contaminants stayed the same and the amount of water decreased. The heating that boiled some of the water created a greater ratio of contaminants to water. The same thing happens in the hot water tank. As the water is heated and some turns to steam, the amount of ratio of contaminants and/or added chemicals to hot water in the tank will be greater. When you use the hot tap water you will be getting water with a greater than average amount of contaminants.

Then if you cook with it the ratio of contaminants to water becomes even greater!  Of course there are variable such as the temperature you keep the hot water tank set at, how often you use the hot water, how much hot water you use each time, etc. Me, I still prefer to be safer than sorrier. Oh yeah: and lead is considered a contaminant so that would mean there would be a greater concentration of lead in the hot tap water verses the cold.
​

How old is your hot water heater storage tank and how often do you use it? How long does the water sit in there heating up? An older tank releases potential contaminants into the tank. Some people say there is actually a sludge in the bottom. I am not sure if this is true or not, but why test the theory out?  Maybe if I ever need the tank replaced I will open it up to get a look! But for now, I am not taking any chances.

The same goes for how often you use it.  If your hot water sits for hours, or even days (or more if it is a vacation home) at a time in the tank this is just more opportunity for more water to boil away and the contaminants and chemicals to become even more concentrated. Sitting also allows molds and bacterias to grow in there. Some of the growth depends upon the temperature that you keep the water at, but it could be a potential problem that I don't even want to think about. Again, no thanks.
​

Do you live in a large apartment building? Or maybe you're away on vacation staying in a big hotel and just want a quick cup of hot tea. Don't do it! These types of buildings have huge water storage tanks with the potential for Legionaires disease  according to the EPA.  

​I don't live in an apartment building but I have friends that do and I have stayed in many a hotel in my travels over the years. For me it is just something to remember and keep in mind during my visits and travels. 

Those are my personal reasons for not drinking hot tap water in my home, or anywhere else for that matter. In my opinion, it's just not worth it to use it. Do you have any other reasons to add? I would love to hear from you! But remember, everything is a choice. I am not telling you not to drink hot tap water, just the reasons that I choose not to! The choice to drink it or not is yours!

Check our our other Health & Wellness posts and follow us on social media :-)
Sincerely,

Sources:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/health/29real.html
​http://mesaaz.gov/residents/water-resources/services/water-quality/lead-and-copper
​https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm
​http://www.labtechtests.com/page/Common_Drinking_Water_Contaminants.aspx​​
​https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/legionella

Happy people are healthier people. I know you have probably heard this a thousand times, but it is true, and it's pretty simple too!

Why are happy people healthier?

• The biggest reason that happy people are healthier is because of their heart. They literally have healthier hearts. I believe it's because they have less stress which we we know is the big K>I>L>L>E>R when it comes to heart problems. 
• Happy people are also healthier because they are able to fight off infections easier and have less aches and pains. It is because they tend to have better immunity and a more positive attitude about not getting or feeling unwell!
• And finally, happy people are healthier and generally will live longer, mostly because of the reasons stated above. ​So why waste time being unhappy and miserable?  Start being happier today.

But how? How can you simply make yourself happy when  you really aren't? 

Mind over matter, with a little practice.  Trust me when I tell you, I have my good and bad days just like anyone else but here is what I do to be, and stay, happy:

1. Think happy thoughts and choose to be happy. This is the most important thing you can do. I say to myself , " I am going to choose not to let 'such and such' bother me." And then I don't let it bother me. I also try to find some positive about everything, even if it is small. If the thought creeps back in I shut it down again and focus on the positive instead.
2. Smile. A lot. It's contagious.  I can't stress this enough. If you are smiling all the time for yourself and at others, they generally will smile back and it just makes everyone nicer, and happier, to be around. Including you!
3. Be thankful and count your blessings for what you have, not what you don't have. One of the big reasons people find themselves unhappy is because they are always thinking about what they don't have. Instead, think about what you do have: family, friends, your pet, a nice home, etc. Focus on all the wonderful things in your life instead.
4. Let go of anger and forgive. This is huge.  It takes a lot of energy to stay angry at people for both big and little things. Thats angry, stressful energy and it is very unhealthy. For your own health you need to move forward and forgive. It doesn't mean you have to forget, but if you forgive them their transgression no matter how big or small, you can then use that energy to move toward happiness instead.
5. Be generous. Do nice things for others for no reason other than to feel good about it. Hold a door, help out, compliment them, smile and ask them how they are. When you do nice things expecting nothing in return it feels good and leads to feeling better about who you are as a person which in turn leads to happiness.
6. It's your responsibility to to make yourself happy, not anyone else's. It's also not your job to make others happy, it's theirs. If we leave it up to others to make us happy then we can never really be truly happy inside.
7. Find a balance. This is the last thing, but it is important.  There has to be balance between work and play. Take time to chase butterflies, smell the flowers, etc.  You deserve it!

​Of course you can find this extra time by creating a simpler life for yourself and your family!
You knew that was coming, didn't you?
Hang in there, my book "The ABC's of Creating A Simpler Life" should be out this fall, but in the meantime there are a lot of ways to help simplify your life throughout this site so there is no reason not to get started right away!
​But most importantly, be happy :-)

Thanks for visiting!
Sincerely,

Sources:
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/six_ways_happiness_is_good_for_your_health​

I take a nap every single day. I just have to. My body wants it and needs it. Even a small 15 minute nap rejuvenates me so that I can get through the rest of my day! Taking a nap is good for you at any age and this post will share why!

Taking a nap is nothing new, People in other countries take naps too! After all, isn't that what a siesta is?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, the siesta, or midday nap, goes back thousands of years and is still common in warmer countries where Spanish is spoken. However, they are also relatively common in other countries such as Italy (called a riposo), Greece, the Philippines, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Nigeria.

Apparently, the tradition began so that farmers could take a rest during the hottest time of the day, usually for about 2 hours. Even though this reason may no longer be necessary (for many of us anyway), a nap, or siesta, is still a good idea for many reasons!

• It is still a very good idea to be out of the Sun at the time of day when the rays are the most direct (think skin cancer and more....) which is usually around noon.
• ​Even if you don't rest for two hours, any rest 15 minutes or more will help energize you for the remainder of the day.
• Many countries recognize the afternoon siesta as being important whether for resting or just spending time at home with family for a meal and their day literally stops for the afternoon siesta!
• Napping not only re-engerizes you, but it will help with your motor function and thinking. You will be able to work like new again! This reduces mistakes and accidents as well.
• Stress can be relieved through napping every day.
• This in turn can boost your mood levels and make you feel better.

Some interesting facts:
Source: http://sleep.org/articles/napping-around-the-world/
Note: These are taken word for word from the site above as changing them would not have made any sense!

• In China: Workers often take a break after lunch and put their heads on their desks for an hour-long nap. It’s considered a Constitutional right.
• In Italy: The riposo may begin anytime between noon and 1:30pm and run until 2:30pm to 4:00pm. Businesses shut down, and public venues like museums and churches lock their doors so their employees can go home for a leisurely lunch and a snooze.
• In Spain: The siesta is deeply ingrained, as businesses often close for hours to accommodate the mid-day rest. While the siesta can span two hours, only a fraction of the time is actually spent napping; first, there’s lunch with family and friends, then a rest. Because of the mid-day break, people often work later into the evening.
• In the U.S., napping isn’t quite a cultural tradition—at least not yet. But we’re gradually moving closer to that lifestyle. Some big-name companies (like Google) are becoming increasingly nap-friendly, largely because they believe that it increases productivity. Go Google!​

I know that many people think that if you nap regularly you are either lazy or sick. Napping is usually only associated with babies, children, old people, or sick people after all. Right? Well, no, not right. There have been some very famous, and very significant people in history that were nappers! Here are just a few: Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Albert Einstein, Napoleon, John F. Kennedy, and George W. Bush are all said to have taken afternoon naps regularly!
​

Moral of the story?
Take a nap every day!
​It should be obvious by now that it is
​good for you :-)

Thanks for visiting!
Check out more Health & Wellness here and please follow me on social media.
Sincerely,

Sources:
https://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping
http://sleep.org/articles/napping-around-the-world/

One of my favorite Christmas gifts this year was my salt lamp. It's a gift that will literally keep on giving all year long! Yeah, I know that sounds corny but it's so true.

Here's why I love my salt lamp:

• Perfect amount of light for any room at night (like a nightlight but better).
• The light is a very relaxing warm glowing color. It's very soothing at the end of a stress filled day.
• Contributes negative ions (small amounts) that can help to balance out the positive ions generated by electronics.
• Helps to clean the dust and allergens from the air when the salt crystals absorb the microscopic water molecules carrying them. Only pure water evaporates back into the air leaving the particulate matter behind. It's sort of like the distillation process.

​There may not be a lot of scientifically backed evidence that salt lamps actually clean the air or provide enough negative ions to make a difference, but I still think they are worth it!

Why? Because there is scientific proof that negative ions are beneficial to us. We also know for a fact that salt absorbs moisture, so if the lamp does even a little of these beneficial things, why not have one? Especially because the smaller the home and/or room the lamp is in, the greater it's potential beneficial effect! Common sense. So simple.

​Oh yeah, and the simple warm glow of the lamp makes me feel better!

Get a salt lamp today and see if it makes you feel better!
If you already have one,
​I would love to hear what your thoughts are :-)
Sincerely,

Sources:
http://www.projectwellnessnow.com/can-himalayan-lamps-make-you-healthier/
​http://www.criticalcactus.com/himalayan-pink-salt-lamp-health-benefits/

It was recently that time again. You know, that time to turn the clocks ahead. I absolutely abhor doing this. Yeah, yeah, you lose an hour of sleep when you 'spring ahead' but for me, it's more than that. As I get older and older it just takes me longer and longer to adjust. I really started thinking about this last week as I was suffering daily and realized that changing the time is a really bad idea. Why should my body have to adjust twice a year to a time change? Who's idea was this and why? I knew it couldn't be good for my body, or anyones else's for that matter, so why on Earth are we still doing this? That's when I decided to some research and want to share why we should end daylight savings time.

How does daylight savings affect our health?
First, daylight savings time basically gives you jet-lag! Web MD says that springing forward interrupts your circadian rhythm, otherwise known as your sleep-wake cycle, and well, this leads to all sorts of other problems. Here are a few of the problems this creates:

• Drowsy drivers which leads to more accidents
• Less focused workers which leads to decreased productivity, and possibly work accidents and/or mistakes
• Heart attack levels that spike the day after the time change
• Strokes levels that increase the day after as well
• High school students who are much less focused and distracted (more than normal)
• Cluster headaches are more common for a short time

Sounds great, huh? Note that these "problems" can take from 1 day to 3 weeks to level off!!! That means there are a lot of people out there suffering for several weeks (and causing the suffering of others around them). Why should we do this to our bodies and our health? It just doesn't make any sense...

What states observe daylight savings time?
Guess what? Not everyone is!  Here in the US there are many states that no longer observe daylight savings because states are free to make their own choices regarding time! The states that choose not to are Arizona (most of it), and Hawaii.  We have some overseas US territories that also choose not to observe and they are Puerto Rico, American Samoa territories, the Northern Mariana Islands, and the US Virgin Islands. It is my understanding that most countries in the southern hemisphere do not change their time either. 

Who started daylight savings time?
Believe it or not, the Germans started it during World War I in an effort to conserve fuel. Many other countries apparently soon followed, albeit inconsistently, including the US.  In the US it was put into consistent use during World War II, again as part of the war effort to conserve fuel.  After the war there were periods of trial and error, but it wasn't until the 1970's that it became consistently used again and later became federal statute.

Why did we start using daylight savings time?
It appears it was all about fuel conservation. Apparently countries would be able to reduce the lighting demand thereby saving fuel for the war effort instead. In the US we had a major fuel shortage in the 1970's (this was probably true everywhere else too) so I can see the connections and understand why we made the changes. However, as a science person I was shocked to read that these changes were not originally based on any evidence! They had no proof that daylight savings time actually saved fuel!  Not too long ago, I think it was 2008, someone finally did a study (read about that here) and basically they discovered that changing the time decreased energy use in the evenings, but at the same time it increased the need for more lighting in the mornings. It was basically a wash!

Why are we still using daylight savings time?
There are several reasons. Though they say most people don't want it (they have done surveys apparently), they also say that people think they are owed an extra hour of daylight. Ha! This is absolutely preposterous. They could get that extra hour simply by getting up an hour earlier in the morning! Changing the clocks doesn't change the amount of daylight, it simply changes when we get to enjoy it. That brings me to the farmers. Many people claim that they are doing it for the farmers but that is BS (yes, bull shit). The farmers don't need to change the time! They are going to do what farmers do: work from sunup to sundown to grow their crops. Period. Time has nothing to do with it. The last potentially reasonable explanation is that crime rates go supposedly go down. Apparently criminals love doing their dirty work in the darkness, so by changing the time, they don't get out and 'rob' as much. What!!!! Again, I am just going to state this simply...the amount of daylight and darkness does not change. It's just a matter of what time the sun rises and sets every day. I just don't get how this decreases crime. There is still the same amount of darkness for criminals to do their 'thing.' Unless of course they have set work hours, say like from 6 PM to midnight so that when we change the time those hours are decreased from a 6 hour work day to a 3 or 4 hour work day???? What am I missing here?

What did we learn from this?

1. Our bodies take from 1 day to 3 weeks to recuperate from the 'jet lag' and are prone to heart attacks, accidents, and more during this time. And we don't even get a good vacation out of it...
2. Every state has an individual choice. So I guess that means it is up to the governor?
3. It was all started by the Germans to save fuel to fight World War I. So it was started to fight a better war? I'm just saying...
4. Evidence shows that the fuel savings swaps from more night use to more morning use and is basically a wash. So...it really isn't conserving any fuel as was originally intended?
5. There is no good reason for still continuing to use it. It helps some, it hurts some, and farmers, well they don't really care either way.​​ So why the heck are we still doing this?​

What do you think?
Should daylight savings stay, or should it go?
I would love to hear from you!
​
​Sincerely,

Sources:

• ​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time_in_the_United_States
• ​http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2015/03/150306-daylight-savings-time-spring-forward-united-states-science-nation/
• http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/03/13/7-ways-daylight-saving-time-can-affect-your-health.htmlhttp://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/features/how-daylight-saving-time-affects-your-health

It's that time of year again when I go back to teaching high school and lo and behold, I get sick.  I guess you could call it my annual cold.  Not only do the students inadvertently 'share' their illness', but the teachers do too!  It is really inevitable.  We can have up to 32 total students and teachers in a classroom with the door closed (by law) and a few windows open that rarely generate any breeze, especially if they open into a courtyard.  We can bring in our own fans and sometimes, if we are really fortunate, we might get to teach in a room that has an air conditioner once or twice a day (most teachers move from room to room throughout the day).  Just think about how many hands touch the knob on the door to the classroom with 9 periods a day in there and you can see why germs are so easily shared.  And no matter how careful you are, they are in the air after every sneeze and cough too.  

Ok, enough of that.  We all know germs spread.  But what can we do when we get a cold or the flu to help it go away faster and feel better sooner? It's already well known that these are viral and that antibiotics simply won't help. That leaves it up to you.  It is pretty common knowledge to drink tea with lemon and honey, take hot steamy showers to help clear the sinus' and loosen up chest congestion, to keep the house at a cooler temperature, and to sleep in a semi-seated position to prevent post nasal drip. But what else can be done?

After years of getting my 'annual' cold after returning to school in the fall I have come up with two tried and true remedies that I know help me, so hopefully they will help you too!

Disclaimer: Always check with your doctor or healthcare professional before trying any new treatments or holistic medicines. Especially if you or your loved ones have pre-existing medical conditions.

1. Neti Pot - Clear your sinus' and fight infection!

2. Diffusers: Breathe better and purify the air!

Thanks for visiting!
I hope you found this post helpful and that if you have a cold or the flu it helps you to feel better!
:-)
Sincerely,

You won't believe how simple it really is! Watch the video and find out :-)

• Collect a handful of fresh peppermint leaves. Choose leaves with a nice dark rich color.  
• Chop them up while you boil a pot of water.  
• Add about a tablespoon of chopped peppermint to your favorite tea cup.
• Cover with boiling water and wait 5 - 10 minutes.
• You can choose to strain out the leaves or drink them right up with the tea!
• Simply Delicious :-)

Check out our other videos on our You Tube Channel!

If you like what you see consider following us on social media :-)

Thanks for visiting!
​​
Sincerely,

There are many different essential oils available.  Some oils are helpful when coming down with a cold and some are more helpful if you are tired or stressed. You can even buy or make blends of different oils to help focus on specific problems.  Regardless of the oil, all you need is from 1 to 3 drops depending upon the oil and size/type of diffuser.  Our pendants only require 1 drop to help you feel good!

*Here are a few Essential Oils that we use regularly:

• Eucalyptus - Clean, crisp menthol scent - good for asthma, cough, stuffed nose, sore throat, sinus problems
• Lavender - Sweet floral scent - good for anxiety, tension, stress, insomnia, headache
• Tea Tree - Fresh medicinal scent - good for colds, flu, to ward off illness, disinfectant
• Peppermint - Sweet minty menthol scent - good for fatigue, exhaustion, or apathy, asthma, bronchitis, cough, sinus, headaches, migraines, nausea, indigestion
• Lemon - Sweet lemon scent - good for immune system booster, digestive health, household odors, fatigue, PMS, or stress
• Cedarwood - Woody scent - good for neverous tension or stress
• Bergamot - Fruity & citrusy scent - good if you are feeling anxious, depressed, tired, nervous or stressed
• Frankinsense - Warm spicy & woody scent - good for asthma, cough, cold, flu, sore throat, or fatigue​​

​​*NOTE: If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any health issues you should always check with your doctor before use!

Sources:
University of Maryland Medical Center
​

It's that time again....a new year with new resolutions.  How many of us actually accomplished all of our resolutions from last year?  I know I didn't.  But this year I have a plan!  FIVE SIMPLE, yet life changing, resolutions!  Each of the 5 resolutions is simple and straightforward  so they should be easier to follow through with, right?  Well, hopefully! But the real plan is that they become lifetime habits that I eventually don't even have to think about!

​1. Eat Whole Foods - this is not a diet but if done properly should lead to losing weight and feeling more energetic.  Eating whole foods means exactly that: eating fresh vegetables, fruits, and meats instead of anything that is processed.  If the foods are all organic, then even better!  If the food required some sort of processing in a plant and has ingredients added for whatever reason, then it is OUT!  Need some help with this?  Then check out the following site:

• Five Foods You Should Never Eat - this is an excellent informative video by a nutritionist about why diets don't work and why eating whole foods does work.  Of course it goes into 5 foods everyone thinks are healthy, but really aren't.  The video is a little long and the goal is to get you to buy into their program at the end, but the information and inspiration makes it well worth watching!

2. Exercise - Five minutes a day is all that's needed to get started and it can be simple like walking to the store instead of driving!

• Check out 4 Simple Steps to Start the Exercise Habit.  They share a simple, and painless way, to get started now.  I started today!

3. More Quality Family Time - are you usually too busy for your spouse, children, or even your parents or siblings?  Then make time for them before it is too late!  It doesn't have to cost anything either!  You can simply make a plan to do something for 1-3 hours each week.  It can be as simple as playing a game like monopoly, or going for a nature walk at the local park.  The idea is to make it a priority and schedule it in if you have to!  

• Read How to Make Quality Family Time a Priority.  The article shares many great points about why and how to do this!
• Check out my Pinterest Page Inexpensive Fun for great ideas for spending quality time with anyone in your family this year!

4. Organize - get the house in order!  This will make everything so much simpler this year.  It makes it easier to clean, takes less time to find what you need (Don't you hate searching for something?), and of course frees up quality time to spend with your family!

• Check out The Household Organization Diet - this gives a list of 15 minute per day tasks toward cleaning, organizing, and decluttering your home in just 31 total days.  It was created for 2015, however I am pretty sure it will also work for 2016!
• Check out How to Become a Minimalist - yes, this is the new "buzz word" however, I think it is a great one and I truly live by it as much as I can. Why?  Because I believe in it.  I believe that too much stuff leads to stress (must protect and take care of that stuff), less time for other things (stuff must be organized, cleaned, and have other stuff to supplement it)....etc.  I think you get the picture!  You don't have to go to extremes, however less stuff = simpler life with more time for your family!  Not to mention you can save a lot of money....
• Check out our Pinterest Home Organization Page for more ideas!

5. Grow Your Savings - even if you have debt, it is important to have some money in a savings account.  Having money saved makes me feel protected in case of emergency like when our stove blew up last year.  I usually set a certain goal to reach each year. I don't always meet it, but it helps!

• Check out How to Grow Your Savings for basic steps to getting started.  
• Check out The Budget Diet - How to Cut Your Spending by $400 a Month - not all of these will work for everyone (For example where I live there is only one electric company.) however there are some great ideas that will definitely  help you to get money in the bank!
• For more ideas on how to save check out our Pinterest Board Household Debt/Budget.