Memorial Day marks the start of summer, which means longer days, spending more time with your kids, and counting down the days until school starts.

Next weekend will be full of opportunities to watch parades, eat barbecue or go swimming. But why not take this opportunity to get active outdoors and share a new experience with your kids? Take a hike and explore where you live!

You may be thinking that embarking on a family hike looks more like a meandering walk that happens to be on a dirt path. But that doesn’t mean hiking with your little ones can’t be enjoyable.

Before you lace up your kids’ hiking boots this summer, keep the following tips in mind. 

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What if I told you your Mother’s Day celebration doesn’t have to be brunch at a crowded restaurant with your family? I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with eggs Benedict, a chance to drink your coffee while it’s hot, or indulging in a mimosa with fresh-squeezed orange juice. And there’s nothing wrong with spending quality time in a restaurant with your family (or maybe there’s a lot wrong with that, depending on the ages and temperaments of your kids). As a mom, you’re thinking of other people constantly. Why not use Mother’s Day to pamper yourself for a change?

According to Merriam-Webster, pamper means, “to treat with extreme or excessive care and attention.” What would you do if you had a whole day to indulge in whatever you wanted—without worrying about what anyone else wanted? It’s mind-boggling, I know. Here are some ideas to help you plan your day.

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If your family is like mine, they like eating dinner. And if you’re like me, though you enjoy cooking dinner, you secretly wish your family didn’t expect to eat a meal every single night. Unlike Tab and Garbage Pail Kids, however, dinner is not a passing trend. It is here to stay, which means we need to figure out some ways to deal with it. Here are some of my favorite meal planning hacks.

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A daily skincare routine is crucial if you want to keep your skin healthy and looking its best.

Many of us fail to give our skin the tender loving care it deserves because proper skincare takes time, dedication and effort. It also requires consistency to maintain results.  It’s no different than any other aspect of a healthy lifestyle, whether it’s maintaining weight, building strength, or boosting endurance.

But a great daily skincare routine doesn’t have to be intimidating.  You can establish a regimen that’s quick, simple and affordable if you’re willing to take the time and make a commitment to your skin.

All you need is ten minutes a day for results that will amaze you! Five minutes in the morning and five minutes at night in five simple steps!  So, let’s get started!

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If you’re like most people, you were energized in January and ready to do anything necessary to start a new fitness routine in the new year. And if you’re like most people, by February, your motivation vanished along with the cookies you swore you wouldn’t eat. Studies show only four percent of people who join a gym in January step foot in that gym in February.

If you are one of the many who wanted this year to be different, there’s no way around it. You’re going to have to work for it. But there are three things you can do before you even lace up your sneakers to lay a foundation for success.

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Have you ever stood at your closet door, looking at your piles of folded and not so folded wardrobe, and felt like you have nothing to wear? Your pants are too tight in the derriere. The shirts all make your bust look lopsided. And your favorite dress has a hole that has needed mending for, um, 5 years?

Give your wardrobe a makeover by only keeping items that fit, are comfortable, versatile, and of great quality.

Do an inventory of what needs to be repaired, tossed out, or given away.  If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in six months, give it a solemn funeral and say goodbye.

Then, check if you have these 10 items that every busy professional woman must have!

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“I can’t do my eye makeup,” said the attractive woman in my makeup chair with a groan, as she slumped down and let her high heel shoe fall off and hit the floor. She could run a successful company, raise 3 children, and teach a slamming yoga class to leave you breathless, but thought she couldn’t do her eye makeup.

“I’ve tried and tried but it just takes too long and I can’t get the liner to go straight or look normal. I’ve nearly given up,” she continued, letting the other shoe flop on the floor with a thud. “My mascara ends up down my face, my eye shadow disappears, and by 3pm I look like I just got out of bed!”

“I’ve seen this despondent look before,” I replied with a concerned expression. Handing her my silver mirror, I said, “When you leave here you will know how to make up your eyes like a badass.”

So, here are my five basic guidelines to achieving a great look with eye makeup!

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Valentine’s Day is a great reminder to reach out and show someone you care.

Physical acts of love, such as hugging your kids, breast-feeding a newborn, cuddling with your partner, or holding a friend, releases oxytocin in the body, according to PsychCentral, a mental health research organization.

Often called the “love hormone,” oxytocin decreases fear, worry and feelings of isolation. It also reduces stress, one of the primary culprits for skin issues.

To make the most of February’s theme of love, consider some of the ideas below.

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It may be overwhelming to think that you have the power to change the world.  How can ONE person make a difference? 

Besides, you already have a full plate between your family and your career.  Not to mention trying to be a fuller person by watching what you eat, exercising more and taking better care of your skin.  Now, you want to add world peace to the mix of things to do today?

Yes, because real change starts within ourselves. Each one of us can make the world a better place when we act with purpose, compassion and love. Every day, you have an opportunity to add value to the world and encourage others to do the same.

You don’t have to quit your job and start a non-profit, join the Peace Corps, or become the next Mother Teresa to make a real difference. Even small changes can have a meaningful and lasting impact.

Not sure where to start?

Learn five simple ways that you can help make the world a better place!

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I've been a fitness fanatic and skincare enthusiast since my teens, so I’ve had a lot of time to figure out what works and what doesn’t when it comes to having beautiful, glowing skin.

One thing I can tell you that no doctor would dispute is that your skin is your largest organ. You need to take care of it meticulously, every day. Like a fine piece of clothing, the more you wear it without cleaning it, and carefully tending to it, it will begin to show its age faster than you can imagine.

It’s important to start thinking about your skincare regimen as early as possible. I wish I had been told in my teens not to take my anxiety out on my face by picking at it. But, it’s also never too late to start working on better skincare. If you’re older, I’m just going to warn you, it’s going to require some serious energy!

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