Can your family survive on 1 income

Can your family survive on 1 income3

Cricket Jones was a stay-at-home mom for 28 years and raised five children. Then she and her husband divorced.

The Boise, Idaho, woman doesn't regret staying home, but she does wish she'd finished her college degree and kept one foot in the work world with some kind of part-time employment.

"When I divorced, I was left without any skills to get a decent-paying job," Jones said. "I went back to school at the age of 48 and became employed a year later. Not the best way to do things."

Search for how much of your pay should you save on Bing

How much of your pay should you save?

Many discussions about becoming a stay-at-home parent focus on the benefits to the children and the immediate costs -- having to live on a budget, eating out less and so on.

But deciding to become a one-income family carries some long-term financial risks as well, especially to the person who's leaving the workplace. Without careful planning, the result can be more debt, less in retirement savings, atrophying job skills and greater vulnerability to economic setbacks.

The stay-at-home parent not only gives up current income but may also face lower lifetime earnings and retirement benefits because of time away from work. In her book "The Price of Motherhood," former New York Times economics reporter Ann Crittenden estimated her decision to stay at home cost her between $600,000 and $700,000 in reduced income and lost pension credits, while economist Shirley Burggraf calculated that a couple earning a combined income of $81,500 could lose more than $1 million if one partner stopped working. Even a lower-income couple where one partner earns $30,000 and the other $15,000 faces a $600,000 difference if the lower-earning spouse stays home.

Taking just a few years off from work wouldn't be as expensive, but labor economists warn that any substantial time away from the working world can result in lower earnings when you return.

When I asked my Facebook fans who lived on one income to offer their best advice, it boiled down to this: Prepare well in advance for what you're about to do.

"Plan, plan, plan," wrote one. "One of the best things we did was refinance our home at a low interest rate while we still had two incomes (so we could qualify) under stricter banking rules. Also, we started living without my husband's check to see if we could live on one income. His checks went into our emergency savings fund."

Kristina Olson of Delta, Utah, and her husband started living on one income while she was pregnant with their first child. Before that, they paid off $28,000 in credit card debt. Her one regret is that they didn't start living on one income earlier and retire all their nonmortgage debt.

"I do wish we had used more of my income to pay off more debt before that, but all of our rates on student loans and vehicles have always been lower than 5%," Olson said. "We have paid off some here and there, but probably could have been completely out of debt a long time ago."


Candace Thelen Rose of New Richmond, Wis., echoed that sentiment. The family trimmed utility, insurance and food costs, but such moves ultimately weren't enough to prevent her from having to go back to work.

"It would have been so much easier to stay on one income if we had not had $400 a month to pay on debts," Rose wrote.
Source:MSN.com

foods help you sleep

 Foods help you Sleep

 

10 Foods That Can Help You Sleep. Trying to get more shut-eye? Take a look at your diet. Eating the right foods in the hours before you hit the hay may help you fall asleep faster, say experts, and even improve the quality of your sleep. Keep reading for your get-sleepy grocery list, and remember to stop noshing two hours before bedtime to give your body enough time to properly digest.

Almonds
“Almonds are a winner,” says Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, medical director of the Fibromyalgia and Fatigue Centers, and author of the bestselling book From Fatigued to Fantastic! “They contain magnesium which promotes both sleep and muscle relaxation,” he says. “And they have the added benefit of supplying proteins that can help maintain a stable blood sugar level while sleeping, and help promote sleep by switching you from your alert adrenaline cycle to your rest-and-digest cycle.” Try this bedtime snack: Have a tablespoon of almond butter or a 1-ounce portion of almonds to help your body relax.

Tea
Yes, avoiding all caffeine in the evening hours is key, but some decaf varieties can help get you into sleep mode, says Dr. Teitelbaum. “Chamomile tea is a very helpful and safe sleep aid,” he says, adding that green tea is another good choice. “Green tea contains theanine, which helps promote sleep. Just be sure you get a decaf green tea if drinking it at bedtime.” Experts recommend trying a 1-cup serving of the hot stuff.

Miso Soup
You love to order this comforting, broth-based soup in Japanese restaurants, but keeping a few 8-ounce packs of instant miso soup at home may be key when you’re having trouble falling asleep, says Stella Metsovas, CN, a nutritionist in Laguna Beach, California. Here’s why: Miso contains amino acids that may boost the production of melatonin, a natural hormone that can help induce the yawns. Bonus: Research shows that warm liquids like soup and tea may also relieve cold symptoms, helping you sleep better when you're feeling under the weather.

Banana
Worried about falling asleep tonight? Have a banana before bed, says Saundra Dalton-Smith, MD, an internist and the author of Set Free to Live Free: Breaking Through the 7 Lies Women Tell Themselves. “Bananas are an excellent source of magnesium and potassium, which help to relax overstressed muscles. They also contain tryptophan, which convert to serotonin and melatonin, the brain’s key calming hormones." Try this tasty and incredibly simple bedtime smoothie: Blend one banana with one cup of milk or soy milk (and ice, if desired). Pour and enjoy!

Dairy Milk
Yogurt, milk and cheese do contain tryptophan, notes Dr. Dalton-Smith, but also have a surprising sleep-inducing nutrient: “Calcium is effective in stress reduction and stabilization of nerve fibers, including those in the brain." That means a serving of your favorite Greek yogurt before bed can not only help you sleep, but also help you stop worrying about the weird thing your boss said earlier at work.

Oatmeal
You eat it for breakfast, but could a bowl of warm oatmeal help you get more rest? Yes, says Stephan Dorlandt, a clinical nutritionist based in Southern California. “Think about it,” he says. “Oatmeal is warm,soft, soothing, easy to prepare, inexpensive and nourishing. It’s rich in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon and potassium—the who's who of nutrients known to support sleep.” But go easy on the sweeteners; too much sugar before bed can have an anti-calming effect. Instead, consider topping your bowl with fruit, like bananas

Hard-Cooked Egg
If you have trouble staying asleep at night, it may be because you didn’t eat a pre-bedtime snack high in protein, or perhaps your snack was too high in simple, high-sugar carbohydrates, like cake and candy. “The problem with simple carbs is that they can put you on a ‘sugar roller coaster’ and drop your blood sugar while you're sleeping, causing you to wake at 2 or 3 in the morning,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. A better bet? “Eat an egg, cheese, nuts or other protein-rich snack instead,” he says, “so you can not only fall asleep, but stay asleep.

Edamame
Craving a salty snack before bed? Turn to lightly salted edamame, says Dr. Dalton-Smith—especially if you’re dealing with menopause-related symptoms. “The natural estrogen-like compounds found in soy-based products can be very beneficial in controlling those nighttime hot flashes that can disturb your sleep,” she says. If it’s crackers and dip you’re craving, try making this easy edamame recipe: In a food processor, blend together 2 cups of shelled, cooked edamame with 1 tsp salt, a drizzle of olive oil and 1 clove garlic (optional) until smooth.

Cherries
Oddly, a glass of cherry juice may be an effective way to fall asleep faster, says a team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and University of Rochester. In their study, they found that cherries, particularly tart cherries, naturally boosted the body’s supply of melatonin, which helped people with insomnia. While the jury is still out on how much juice or how many cherries are needed to make you sleepy, experts say sipping a glass of cherry juice (available at most natural foods stores) or having a serving of fresh, frozen or dried cherries before bedtime couldn’t hurt.

Cereal
There’s no need to feel guilty about having a small bowl of cereal before bed, especially if it’s a low-sugar, whole-grain cereal. Not only is it a healthy snack (make sure you top it with milk to give your body the protein it needs), but it may also help you snooze. “Complex carbohydrate–rich foods increase the availability of tryptophan in the bloodstream, increasing the sleep-inducing effects,” says Dr. Dalton-Smith. Bonus: Top your bowl with a sprinkling of dried cherries (see above) for extra help catching your zzz's.



Source: womansday

how to handle office gossip

how to handle office gossip

You have already approached this person in the past about their negative comments, but they just don’t seem to understand that you don’t appreciate what they are saying about you. Depending on who this person is and where it is taking place, you may want to be very careful how you deal with the situation so that you will not look like the temperamental, angry, crazy one.
Most likely if you heard about the gossip it came from someone who doesn’t really care for this person either. Determine how significant this gossip is to your reputation by observing how other people have handled the gossip in the past. Some people may have ignored him or her, stop inviting them to events, decided to leave them out of gift exchanges, didn’t bother to acknowledge them during holidays, and conveniently left them out of news about family and friends. You have a choice of how you will handle this negative person in the future.

Some gossip may be big enough to start a firestorm of other gossip and eventually get someone fired. If you are experiencing this, here is what you need to do. Go to your boss and tell them what you have heard them say about you. Share your truth with your boss so that he or she will not assume anything about you. Remind your boss of past issues you have had with this person. If you have a Human Resources office at your workplace, write up a report and have them stick it in your file. You may want to get a mediator involved if the gossip has worsened and confront he or she spreading it.

Once you have discussed the matter with the boss, notified Human Resources, and possibly shared your truth with others, if you haven’t already, journal what has happened on which days and include a time if you can. Later, if anything else should come up about the gossip, you will appear to know what you are doing and have a solid case to stand on in front of a board. If you can get others to talk to you about their experiences with this negative person, then note what they have told you as well. They may or may not deny ever having a conversation with you later, but it will be hard for them to argue against a specific time, date and location when you both talked.

When it comes to addressing matters of gossip with family members it is better to discuss it when no one but the offender is present. You want to be respectful but firm. Always open your discussion with a statement then followed with a question. “I am aware that you have been making XYZ statement about me and would like to know why?” He or she will most likely deny ever saying anything. Allow them to speak, and then tell them, “I would appreciate it if you and anyone else in the family would come to me with a problem and not go around talking about me behind my back. If you or anyone else can’t do that, then it’s best we don’t associate with one another.” He or she may not want you to become distant, because they may be relying on you for something or they may not want to be the one talked about later for driving you away. When you approach the offender, you always have the upper hand to make things work in your favor. You may have an even better approach, but remember your goal is to come away as the bigger person.

Read more: socyberty

12 Most Creative Objects Inspired by the Rubik's Cube

12 Most Creative Objects Inspired by the Rubik's Cube

The Rubik's Cube is a 3D mechanical puzzle invented in 1974 by Hungarian sculptor and professor of architecture Ernő Rubik. Originally, it was called the "Magic Cube". Meet 12 of the most creative objects inspired by the famous cube.

Nike Rubik's Cube

 Inspired by the Rubik's Cube, Nike has produced the Rubik's Cube Nike Blazer. The Blazer has an upper which features completed lines on the Rubik's Cube in all the colors you would find on the puzzle such as red, white, blue, yellow and green.

Rubik's Cube Light Lamp

Rubik's Cube Light Lamp is a Fun Gadget remake of the infamous Rubik's Cube we all grew up on. Created by Eric Pautz, this is another variation to add to the many before that grants additional utility with the light it shines from the many colorful patterns created

Colorblock Note Cube

 Here is a fun desk accessory for all the Rubik's Cube fans out there, the Colorblock Note Cube

Rubik's Cube Wooden Furniture 

 It is inspired by the Rubik's Cube made of MDF painted with original colors. Designed by Umberto Dattola Italy

 

Rubik's Cube Salt and Pepper

The coolest looking salt & pepper mills on the market. Perfect for your dinner table or as a great gift with a retro twist. The action of grinding the salt & pepper has the same feel and sound as the classic Rubik's cube puzzle. 

Rubik's USB Flash Drive

In this Instructables website, you will learn how to make your own Rubik's USB drive, a great DIY for the weekend.

Cube Clock

Given up on trying to solve the original Rubik's cube? Try this one instead. It only takes a simple twist to jump between the built-in features.
The display on the 3-inch cube will show you the current time, date and room temperature, and there's an alarm function as well to go with that.

 

Rubik's Cube Bag

 Made from bright-colored squishy fabric complete with a Chanel-style chain, this would be a perfect dressing-up or going-out piece for those who want to add a little fun and novelty to their look.

Rubik's Cube Cake

A 6" square 1980's inspired on Rubik's Cube cake with 2 hand sculpted monkeys created by www.fortheloveofcake.ca in Toronto.

Rubik's Cube Sandwich

 

 Ever wondered what a Rubik's Cube would look like in sandwich form? Well, now you know: delicious. The "Rubix Cubewich" contains "cubes of pastrami, kielbasa, pork fat, salami, and two types of cheddar

Rubik's Cube Dessert

 How pretty and delicious does this look? Food doesn't have to be boring, chop some fruits, give them a Rubik's cube shape and have fun.

Keyboard/Sudoku Rubik's Cube

Tired of the normal Rubik's cube challenge? Have the keyboards from a dead computer? Well, here is the thing for you! The Keyboard/Sudoku Rubik's cube.

Source: Special

Baby-wolf

 
This girl called Suprata and she is from Thailand.Local people call it "baby-wolf"because of the thick hair on her face, arms and back.Hair growth can not be stopped, even laser removal procedure was powerless (
This disease is called hirsutism and hypertrichosis or werewolf syndrome.

Top Ten Beauty Looks from the 2011

The right dress and accessories mean nothing if paired with the wrong hair-do or botched makeup look. We look at 10 women who got it oh-so right at this year’s Golden Globes…



 1. Eva Longoria looked perfectly polished with her flawless skin that simply glowed with a touch of nude lipstick and blush. The look was topped of with a slick of liquid eyeliner, a set of false eyelashes and a perfectly coifed up-do.

RESCU Recommends: Use individual false eyelashes instead of a full set so you get that ‘barely there’ look. We love Ardell individual lashes. (RRP $16.95 - available at selected Priceline stores nationally.)












                                                  
  2. Amy Adams look was strong and defined yet decidedly feminine
with her toffee coloured locks curled in whispers around her face. Her porcelain skin was prettified further with pink lips and cheeks; seemingly innocent alone, but teamed with lashings of black mascara, her look was amped up to sexy. To get the look, try Napoleon Perdis Long Black mascara. (RRP $33 - for all stockist inquiries call 1800 814 572.)

Insider Tip: Hair stylist Laini Reeves created Amy’s hairstyle with the help of Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo and Conditioner to keep it frizz-free, nourished and sleek. (RRP $28.95 - available at selected hair salons nationally)





3. Angelina Jolie relied on her usual (yet extremely effective) tactics to create a sultry and sexy look, making Brad Pitt the proudest man in the room. Her go to look of pared back elegance is all about thick liquid eyeliner, glossy nude pink lips and her simple brushed back mane (courtesy of her hair stylist David Babaii and his famous Beach hair spray), only proved further why she is regarded as the sexiest woman alive. (David Babaii Bohemian Beach Spray - RRP $22.95 – available at Priceline)

RESCU Recommends: For expert tips from Angelina’s own stylist David Babaii, read our interview with the celebrity hair king here!






4. Mila Kunis (co-star of the critically acclaimed Black Swan) looked elegant and ultra feminine with her understated up-do and strong eyebrows. Lancôme Make up artist Tracey Levy chose perky coral hues to contrast perfectly with her emerald gown making it one of the ‘lust have’ looks of the season.

RESCU Recommends: Re-create this effortlessly chic look with Lancôme L’Absolu Nu in Coral Ribbon for a face brightening and always flattering pout. (RRP $49 - available in March at David Jones and Myer)










5. Claire Danes was a favourite in both the style and beauty stakes with her fundamentally chic look. Everything about her makeup from her pink, glossy lips to her long eyelashes, accentuated her soft features;
 whilst her blonde side-swept fringe exemplified old school glamour. We love.

RESCU Recommends: Achieve Claire’s ‘blushing’ cheeks with Napoleon Perdis pink ‘Cheek to Chic Duo’. (RRP $39 - call 1800 814 572 for stockists.)











                                                                                                                                                                  6. Dianna Agron (a favourite amongst GLEE fans) pulls of what most women can’t – dark eye makeup and lip colour PLUS a ‘prom’ looking hair-do. Instead of looking OTT, Dianna looks innocently sexy with her volumous curls and deep plummy coloured lips. Chanel make-up artist Angela Levin used CHANEL Rouge Coco Lip Colour in Ballet Russe to get this perfect pout.

RESCU Recommends: For a bevy of big, bountiful curls opt for hot rollers. We love the Vidal Sassoon curling iron (RRP $29.95 - available from Priceline stores nationwide) and lightly spray with a finishing spray (try moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray RRP $34.95) and voila - Instant Hollywood Hair!






7. Julianne Hough’s (Burlesque star) beauty shone at this years Golden Globes. We love the simplicity of her bronzed make-up paired with a Frenchy-chic hair do. This low-key look worked beautifully with her eye-catching choice of gown.

RESCU Recommends: For an all over bronzed glow try ‘Thin Lizzy’ makeup compact. (RRP $49.95 - available from selected pharmacies nationwide.)









8. Lea Michele would have been in utter ‘glee’ over the positive press reaction to her look. The pretty-in-pink dress was sexed up with soft curls framing her flawless complexion, offset by a light (yet sizzling) smoky eye. The overall effect was young, sexy, and playful.

Insider Tip: Lancôme Make up artist Melanie Inglessis created Lea’s smoky eye using Lancôme Color Design 5 Pan Palette in Taupe Craze and Hypnôse Custom Volume Mascara in Black. (RRP $52 – for your nearest stockist, call 02 9931 8888.)








9. Emma Stone (the hilarious star from ‘Superbad’ and ’Easy A’) shocked the world with her newly found elegance and light blonde hair. Sporting a stylish pulled back hair do and a fresh, sophisticated makeup look; the world’s perception of Emma instantly changed into respect for the ladylike young woman gracefully walking down the red carpet.

RESCU Recommends: For a flawless complexion like Emma’s try MAC Face and Body foundation for a sheer finish. (RRP $60 - available online and at selected retailers nationally.)







10. Carrie Underwood was the epitome of glamour with her side-swept fringe, elegant hairstyle and the classic dark smoky eye paired with nude, natural lips. Stunning.

RESCU Recommends: Try Maybelline’s ‘Bronze Beam’ lipstick for a subtle lip colour with a slightly bronzed glimmer. (RRP $13.95 - for stockists click here.)

Celeberties Photoshop Fashion Victims

In the right hands, Photoshop can make fashion models look even more gorgeous than they already are. In the wrong hands, however, beautiful women become deformed freaks who look like they were (badly) assembled in a factory somewhere. Here are ten examples of Photoshopped fashion disasters.

Beyonce, after the trash compactor accident.

This is hopeless! Let's just make the dress longer.

You've got to hand it to Lindsay Lohan; she has never let her tiny T-Rex arm slow down her career.

Oh, the hip bone's connected to the... OH MY GOD, NO!

I've heard of webbed toes, but this is ridiculous!