When you first met, he couldn’t take his hands off you. But lately, he’s been a little distant in the boudoir. Or maybe you’re feeling frisky and he simply seems distracted. What to do?

Let’s face it. Getting a man in the mood isn’t usually a serious challenge. By their own admission, most guys are more than happy to engage in acts of intimacy at the drop of a dime. But we all – men and women, alike – have those days when we could use a little help in the romance department. And, besides, most guys are seriously turned on when their partner takes the lead.

Below, are my well-researched, highly effective intimacy tips. They incorporate all of the senses and are guaranteed to put the zing back into your sex life. And at the very least, you’ll have a lot of fun trying them out together! (OK, I tried some of these out on my boyfriend and they worked, so I thought I’d share.)

1. Bubble, bubble, no toil or trouble.
Prepare a candlelit, vanilla-scented, bubble bath. According to neurologist Alan Hirsch, of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago, vanilla is the aroma that arouses men most. Add a few more key ingredients to your sensual bath potion, such as you waiting for him in the tub with two glasses of wine, and voila! Let the games begin.

Read 5 Steamy Phone Sex Tips

2. See me, feel me, touch me.
Give your guy a sensual massage, and incorporate some items with diverse textures, such as a silk scarf, a feather. or a scratchy wool sweater. Be creative, but be sure to choose things that will feel different on his skin. Light a scented cinnamon candle (cinnamon is a known aphrodisiac for men), and choose a massage oil with aphrodisiac properties, such as lavender or frankincense. And don’t forget the blindfold – for him.

3. Let me whisper in your ear.
In your sexiest voice, leave a message on his voice mail about what it is that draws you to him and why you can’t wait to see him later – the breathier the better.

4. Look into my eyes.
Staring contests are a childhood staple, but this is one kids’ game worth revisiting as adults. Staring directly into the eyes of your lover without breaking your gaze can be a powerful tool for arousal, and it can also enhance intimacy during lovemaking.

Christmas carols on the radio, department store Santas, holiday window displays, ads for the latest gift ideas—these are among the many festive signs of the holiday season. While many of us welcome the pageantry, others feel a powerful loneliness that undercuts any possible feelings of comfort and joy.

According to a 2006 survey conducted by the research firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner for the American Psychological Association, one in four Americans report experiencing loneliness during the holiday season. Perhaps you’re among them. If so, you might dread the feeling and wonder what you can do to avoid it.

Reasons for Holiday Loneliness

Why, during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s, can a person feel lonely? After all, they are times of social gatherings, shared rituals and reminiscences. And if a person is lonely at other times, why do holidays seem to make the feeling even worse?

Read Treat Yourself! 10 Things You Should Do for Yourself This Holiday Season

“Loneliness is or seems more intense during the holidays because of all the media coverage that describes holidays as a time for gatherings, friends and family,” says Elaine Rodino, Ph.D., a psychologist in private practice in State College, Pennsylvania. She asserts that this Norman Rockwell–like characterization of the holidays can seem unreal to people whose families don’t fit the traditional-nuclear-family mold due to circumstances within or beyond their control. Deaths, divorce, misunderstandings, financial problems, geographical separation—these and other factors can affect a person’s sense of isolation during the holidays.

Holidays also have a way of bringing up the past, causing us to compare current holidays to previous ones. According to Susan Anderson, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of The Journey from Abandonment to Healing and Taming Your Outer Child, “The sights, smells and sounds of holidays hearken back to childhood when you were nestled in your family and create a painful contrast to your current aloneness.”

Of course, that’s if your past holidays were happy ones. But what if your memories of those times are sad or even traumatic? In that case, you might still feel lonely if your emotional wounds haven’t been addressed and healed.

Up next: How to cope with holiday loneliness.

Would that we could all be world travelers! These five holiday gifts are perfect for your friend who can’t wait to hit the road (or airplane, or boat, or, hot air balloon, or…) on her next big adventure. Tally-ho!

1. Luxe travel guides ($9.99 each, luxecityguides.com). Think you know travel guides? Trust us: You’ve never met a guide like this before. Cheeky yet classy and a whole lot of fun, Luxe’s city guides fit easily in your bag and open up the world to you. If your favorite travel addict has a trip planned for 2014, slip the corresponding guide in her stocking this holiday season; or, if she likes to dream about where she’d eventually like to go, get her a boxed set with three guides you handpick yourself.

2. Anne Taintor luggage tags ($9.99 each, annetaintor.com). Best. Luggage tags. EVER.

3. Ineke deluxe sample fragrance collection ($25, anthropologie.com). Scent is the most powerful memory trigger there is, so what better gift for a world traveler than seven eau de parfums that bring to mind everything from a nightblooming garden to a Shakespeare play? AND they’re all small enough to satisfy the TSA’s requirements. Our favorite destination-inspired scent: Field Notes from Paris, of course!

4. Bespoke map necklace ($21, etsy.com). If you and your travel buddy bestie have a favorite city you’ve explored together, capture the memories in the form of a handmade necklace. You select the location, and this fabulous Etsy seller will take an old map and turn it into a beautiful pendant. Love!

5. MyWalit double zip mega purse ($164, jennibick.com). Nothing is worse than an aching shoulder after carting around your mondo travel bag all day. The solution? This colorful little item. Made of Italian leather, it’s ridiculously roomy, yet tiny and compact. With 11 credit card slots, a transparent ID window, a note section, eight compartments, space for loose change, and double zip protection… well, just think of it as the TARDIS of wallets: It’s bigger on the side.

image credit: Fashionista Conference

This past week we had the pleasure of sitting down with E! Fashion Polices very own George Kotsiopoulos, and the new ambassador for P&G Fabric Cares Washable Fashion Initiative. At the Fashionista “How to Make it in Fashion” conference, George shared with us about his new partnership with Tide and Downy and discussed the benefits of using washable fabrics for designers future collections.

George informed us about so many useful tips and tricks for maintaining an amazing wardrobe, and he even discussed the trends and select pieces he’s loving right now! Check out the full interview below.

Betty Confidential: What motivated you to work with Tide and Downy on this initiative to prove that Washable Fashion can be fashionable?

George Kotsiopoulos: “I’m all about Washable Fashion and I want to be on the front of this movement, it’s the future of textiles and fabrics. And giving consumers what they want, which is an easy way to care for the garments they love while not compromising on price or quality. If you are going out and have a particular shirt or dress you were looking forward to wearing, you should have the instant gratification of being able to wash it yourself and wear it when you want. I love my clothes, as you can imagine, and have been doing my own laundry with Tide and Downy since I was in the third grade! My mom ruined one of my favorite shirts and from that point on I have done my own laundry.”

Betty Confidential: If there was one thing you would like consumers to take away from this “Washable Fashion Initiative,” what would it be?

George Kotsiopoulos: “It’s fashionable and it saves money! Also 90% of your clothes are washable. Having the power to wash and care for your clothes provides instant gratification.”

Betty Confidential: Do you have a specific strategy or criteria you follow when choosing items to wash at home? Is there anything we should inform our readers to be cautious of?

George Kotsiopoulos: “I wash mostly everything, but my rule is: If in doubt, wash in cold water on the hand wash or delicate cycle, then lay flat to dry. And with Tide Pods, you just pop it in the drum and as a single-unit dose, you don’t have to worry about over or under dosing.”

Betty Confidential: What tips can you provide to help our fashionistas mix and match high and low-end pieces that create fabulous looks?

George Kotsiopoulos: You don’t even need to mix high-end into the mix if you don’t want to, fashion is accessible at every price point. Don’t spend a lot of money on denim or t-shirts. But certain things you can’t scrimp on like a man’s suit or the perfect LBD. Spend money on the pieces that look expensive. If you want a crazy statement shoe, get those at fast fashion. They’re inexpensive but they look expensive. Spend money on the quality things you are going to wear over and over again.

Betty Confidential: In what ways can we protect and preserve a high-end or low-end wardrobe?

George Kotsiopoulos: “Step one: Use the right detergent. Tide Pods of course– which, most people don’t realize, have cleansers, stain fighters and brighteners. And, don’t forget the fabric softener. Tide and Downy can elevate your lower end items and protect your high end.”

Betty Confidential: What are some trends you are loving right now? And, what do you predict we will see more of in the future?

George Kotsiopoulos: “I like the chunky knit sweaters and extravagant shearlings in fun colors. Psychedelic prints and printed fabrics; also, I kind of love the idea of brights for fall, since you usually just think about them for spring or summer.”

Betty Confidential: Lastly, just for fun, if there was one piece of clothing or an accessory you could not live without, what would it be?

George Kotsiopoulos: “This week? My Valentino monk-strap shoes and the Cartier watch my boyfriend gave me. Generally? My H&M cotton and silk blend Man Men-esque polo shirts and a great pair of skinny trousers that are slightly cropped (with a little bit of stretch).”

Do you put costumes on your pets? I don’t, but that’s mostly because I don’t think my SO’s and my two cats would sit still long enough for us to fasten them into anything. Well, that and the fact that Nymeria would probably try to eat whatever we put on her (everything is food to her until she shoves it in her mouth and determines it’s not. Then it’s a toy.).

Somehow, though, these pet owners manage to wrestle their cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, and more into Santa hats for the holiday season. The pets don’t look super happy to be wearing all that festive finery, but in some ways, their reluctance just adds to the charm. So here’s your Monday funny, Bettys: 12 disgruntled pets wearing Santa hats. Happy holidays!

It’s like Groundhog Day every holiday: Your mom or a friend of the family opens his or her mouth and asks you a highly personal, probing question (“When are you finally getting married?”) and you’re left fuming and causing a holiday-halting shouting match or else embarrassed and sullen. Now if that doesn’t say “the holidays,” we don’t know what does.

So why do people launch into these off-putting inquisitions year after year? “Sometimes people feel obligated to say something and they are not always sure how to say it,” explains Larry Kubiak, Ph.D., director of psychological services at the Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center in Florida. “You feel like you should say something, but rather than thinking it through, you regret it as soon as you say it.”

Other people know exactly what they’re doing when they ask you a rude question. Adds YouBeauty Relationship Expert David A. Sbarra, Ph.D., “Families often say mean things couched in a nice way.”

Unless you plan on hiding out at home, there’s no escaping these nagging questions that relatives or family friends feel compelled or even entitled to ask within five minutes of walking through the front door. While it’s hard not to bristle and then throw out a sarcastic remark, there are better ways to handle these aggravating moments.

Whether your man hasn’t popped the question yet or you’re in between jobs, here’s how to cope with those annoying questions we’re all faced with when we head home for the holidays:

Whether your bestie likes to build things, grow things, program things, or just otherwise MAKE things, give her a gift this holiday season that will keep her—and her hands—busy for hours. Get ready to DIY!

1. Wine Enthusiast wine cork trivet kit ($19.99, macys.com). Perfect for the DIY gal who also loves her wine—it’ll give her something to do with all those corks, and the end result is gorgeous. Talk about a conversation-starting piece!

2. Old World Charm terrarium kit ($45, whiteflowerfarm.com). Nothing brightens up the winter like a spot of color! Putting together a terrarium is all kinds of fun—and once it’s built, it only takes a little tiny bit of care to keep it blooming all year long.

3. Wooden catapult kit ($29.99, thinkgeek.com). Everyone needs a tiny, working wooden catapult on their desk at work they built themselves. Just sayin’.

4. Personalized knitting needles ($28, etsy.com) For the knitter in your life. Add a couple skeins of quality, colorful yarn and a Stitch n’ Bitch book for the ultimate gift.

5. SparkFun Inventor’s Kit ($99.95, sparkfun.com). SparkFun’s awesome inventor kit has everything your technologically inclined friend needs to get started building circuits and interacting with the Arduino programming language. You don’t need any electronic experience and the kit doesn’t require any soldering, so if she’s been considering dabbling in electronics, she’ll have a blast with this baby.

You’ve been with your boyfriend a few months, and with the holidays right around the corner, you may be throwing around the idea of buying your boyfriend’s mother a gift. You’re hesitant because you’re not that close to her, and you don’t want to give her the wrong thing. What to do?

Deciding whether or not you should get your boyfriend’s mom a gift can be difficult. While your boyfriend may tell you not to worry about, you do anyway because you don’t want her to think that you don’t like her. To help you decide, here are the factors that justify giving your boyfriend’s mom a present.

1. She gave you a present last year.

If your boyfriend’s mom gave you a gift last year, it’s likely she will give you one this year as well. It’s best not to be empty-handed this time.

2. Your boyfriend tells you she got you a gift.

If your boyfriend’s mother has purchased a gift for you, it’s only nice to have one to give to her when she hands hers to you. It will score you major boyfriend mommy points, too.

Read 8 Ways to Improve Your Relationship

3. You’re eating a holiday dinner she’s preparing.

As a guest in her home, it’s a nice gesture to offer a gift. Something like a centerpiece or dessert would be perfect for this type of gift giving.

4. You talk to your boyfriend’s mom often.

If you see your boyfriend’s mom a few times a week and you’ve had some meaningful conversations with her, it’s perfectly okay to get her a Christmas present. It’s likely she has connected with you, and the gift will reinforce that connection.

More tips up next!

5. She doesn’t like you.

When a boyfriend’s mom doesn’t like his girlfriend, there’s sometimes nothing that can be done about it. However, that shouldn’t keep you from trying. Asking your boyfriend what type of gift she would like and then getting it for her may make her change her feelings towards you – even if it’s just a tiny bit.

6. Your boyfriend says she would like one.

Ask your boyfriend this: If you got his mom a present, would it be well-received, or would she think it was weird? A son knows his mother best, so take his advice about it.

Read When Your Guy’s Mother REALLY Hates You

7. Your gut tells you to buy one.

If you keep thinking about getting her a gift, then you should just get her one. There’s a reason why you are thinking about it, and it’s best just to go with it. It doesn’t have to be expensive or big; just a small something to say Happy Holidays and that you’re happy to be with her son will do nicely.

Pro Tip: Presenting the Gift to Your Boyfriend’s Mom

When giving a gift, it’s important not to make it about yourself. You don’t want to make it seem like you just got it for her so you could score major brownie points. Simply hand it to her with a smile and say, “you’re welcome” when she thanks you. From that moment on, don’t mention the gift. She may say something about it, but staying humble is the best way to respond. This shows that you are selflessly giving it to her, which is a very good image to portray to your boyfriend’s mother. She wants to feel as though you’ll be just as selfless with her son.

Happy gift giving!

Marcelina Hardy is a freelance writer for Writing Services Online and a relationship coach for Relationship Repair Coach. With over seven years of experience, she can help you with articles for your website or relationship coaching for your relationship.

Ahhh – the holiday season is upon us. Peace on earth! Miracles from the heavens! Love in the air! Well, maybe not so much that last part. Who has time for romance when there are cookies to bake, gifts to wrap and relatives to passive-aggressively throw down with?

Read Why You Should Date Men Raised by Single Moms

Multi-tasking is a must during the holidays – and that includes managing your love life. Here are BettyConfidential’s tips for combining holiday shopping with a little holiday flirting … ho ho ho!

1. Wander over to that guy who looks hopelessly lost in the women’s department. Give him a coy smile and ask who he’s shopping for. If he mentions his mom or a friend – offer your opinion and compliment his good taste in clothes. If he mentions his wife – offer your opinion and compliment her good taste in men. (‘Tis the season to be generous with compliments!)

2. Accidentally pick up his shopping bag instead of yours. Say, “Oops, guess we should write our names on these bags so we don’t get them confused. What’s yours??” If he asks for your name in return, consider yourself booked for New Year’s Eve!

3. Slip over to the lingerie department and try on a “sexy Santa” getup. Text pics of yourself as tawdry Mrs. Claus to your real-life Mr. Claus. Add the following message to take your flirting up a notch: “Did I make Santa’s naughty list this year?”

4. While shopping inside a store blaring Christmas carols at a decibel fit for no man or reindeer – lean over to a cute guy and say, “This song is going to be running through my mind all night long. Unless you want to give me something better to think about…”

In life, whether it is a career, relationship or hobby, we often start out in one direction and wind up pursuing something completely different. This type of change can be scary because we frequently fear the unknown. When transitioning into a new career role such as business, IT, or even an internship, I have a few points of advice that embrace change and helped me along the way.

Have an Open Mind

Wearing many hats will provide you with greater experience within a profession. By learning the odds and ends of multiple roles, you can offer more efficiency in your position. Understanding what is going on around you helps you be a better employee, no matter what role you have.  This could even mean starting as an intern and learning the processes of multiple positions and then receiving more responsibilities by working your way up. Proving you are knowledgeable of the company is one of the best ways to show your employer you are qualified.

Take Initiative

If I have learned anything, it is how to pick up the phone. We live in a very instantaneous time where the world is at our fingertips. But, with that said, just because you might be responsive on email, Facebook, Twitter, Text, etc. that does not mean the rest of the world is. If you need to contact a client, or find out further information, I wouldn’t waste time asking around. Picking up the phone and taking initiative goes a long way.

Prioritize

All day long we received millions of emails and have so many demands put upon us. Especially when in a new role, it can be overwhelming. As a perfectionist, I am the ultimate procrastinator. I procrastinate because I have the fear of an imperfect end product. I have learned to write priority lists to help organize my tasks. You only have so much time in a day; in order to maximize your time, figuring out a way to organize and execute each task will help you stay proactive. There’s nothing better than walking away from a long day feeling accomplished (with all those items crossed off your list!).

Use — and Further – Your Education

Whatever your level of expertise is, master’s degree, BA, or maybe just starting out with a few online classes, you are building your skill set. By tapping into the communication skills you learned in your freshman public speaking course or the leadership role you played in a group project, these types of skills are transferable and can be adapted to many scenarios in a new profession. We often hear of individuals majoring in something distinct like criminal justice and then perusing a profession in social work — how did they get from point A to point B? We make those transitions based upon a wide variety of training and guidance we gain during our educational journey.

The bottom line is to recognize your experiences in all walks of life, most importantly the accomplishments you have in education because your intelligence can be applied to everything you do in one shape or another.

Have Fun

Life can be hard. Too many times we face things that we cannot control. And, even the areas of life we can control cause us to always be on the move. Maybe it’s a combination of work, kids, animals, errands, bills … you name it, the list goes on.  But what is the point if we do not enjoy and have fun? Our jobs are very important to our well-being and the well-being of our families, time-to-time I think if we take a step back and simplify processes, or take life a little less seriously, we would be more productive, happier and better employees.

In any new position, try to keep an open mind, learn to take initiative, prioritize your tasks and have fun with what you do.

Whether you’re seeking further success in your current role or a new opportunity, Kaplan University can help you prepare for the exciting possibilities ahead.*

As an accredited university built on more than 75 years of experience,† Kaplan University offers a wide range of career-focused programs designed to develop the skills and knowledge leading employers seek. Our focus: to offer you the most direct educational path to achieve your goals. Are you ready for a change? Learn more at kaplanuniversity.edu

* Kaplan University cannot guarantee employment or career advancement.

† Kaplan University is regionally accredited. Please click here for additional information about institutional and programmatic accreditation.

The holidays are a wonderful time of the year to take a break and spend time with close family and friends. That’s why it’s important to avoid getting caught up in all the holiday shopping mayhem and the stress that goes with it. In a recent TOTSY.com survey of nearly 2,200 moms, three out of four moms said they hated having to play NASCAR driver to find a spot in the mall parking lot for some last minute shopping to find the perfect gift! So it’s no surprise that online holiday shopping hit record sales at over $37 billion last year.

Here are some essential online resources from mother, wife, mom expert and founder of I’m Not Obsessed Media, Vera Sweeney:

1. Online wishlists are your new best friend:

Moms are usually inundated with endless phone calls from aunts, uncles and grandparents asking what the kids want for the holidays. Luckily, technology is catching up and there are online wishlists that can help save you time. One of the best wishlists I have seen is offered for FREE by Tykoon.com. Kids & parents select their most wanted items from the 100% kid-safe Tykoon Store. Links to wanted items can be sent directly to family members through the online and iOS app for easy purchase and delivery from Amazon.

2. Work the private sale sites!:

Private sales sites have become a mainstay in the way moms shop because they offer fantastic Black Friday level discounts … ALL THE TIME. These limited time stores offer lower prices but can have longer shipping times so get started early. One site I use a lot around the holidays is TOTSY.com, which offers up to 90 percent off retail prices for products for kids and grown ups! They also give you access to great quality products and brands that can be hard to find at big box retailers for that unique and perfect holiday gift.

Also of course check out BettyConfidential Shop, where we offer a specially curated selection from some of our favorite designers!

3. Bloggers just might be moms’ little helpers for the holidays:

Every year, it’s a struggle to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list, along with the deals that will help you stretch your budget. Luckily, there are hundreds of bloggers already doing your homework for you! I love to gather up all the awesome products, deals, giveaways, discounts and contests I come across and share them online with readers of my blog, so come by and take a look at Lady and the Blog. Keep an eye out for my flash giveaways and contests where you can win great gifts and gift cards to help out with your Christmas budget.

Check out two of our best gift guides:
Gifts for Your BFF You’ll Want to Steal Back and 12 Gifts for Living Gorgeously!

4. Online stores are a must if you want to save time and avoid lines…but look for ones that are truly special!:

Sure, we all know most stores have online sales for Cyber Monday but there are so many amazing products that don’t get carried in mass retailers. Luckily you can find them online at specialty web retailers. One site I like is Oompa.com, that sells safe, quality and unique baby toys from around the world. Their ‘naturally brilliant’ selection includes brands like Green Toys, who produce a line of classic children’s toys constructed from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly materials.

About Vera: Vera Sweeney, mom, blogger, social media influencer and New York resident, is the founder of LadyAndTheBlog.com. She is considered one of the top female digital influencers in today’s social media space. Her lifestyle and parenting brand helps busy women stay on top of the latest trends in fashion, food, family and travel. Some of Vera’s recent accolades include being named “Top 50 to follow in Social Media” by Restaurant Business Magazine (2012), Babble’s Top 50 to Follow (2010, 2011), and “Top 5 to Follow on Long Island (NY) by Newsday. She has been featured on media outlets including CBS News, Fox 5 News, E! Entertainment, Pregnancy and Newborn Magazine, The NY Post’s Page Six, and the Rachael Ray Magazine. Follow her on Twitter at @VeraSweeney and on Facebook at http://facebook.com/inomommy

I am terrible at winter, in general. I can kind of get into it for a little while, usually, at least through the holidays. And on a totally frivolous note — I do love being able to wear boots and cute sweaters! But once the new year rolls around, and all the holiday cheer is spent, and it’s freezing and DARK all the time …. UG! That’s when I start to start having fantasies of either moving somewhere like Miami beach, or magically morphing into some kind of creature that hibernates. Seriously. I find winter can be terribly depressing, what with the long nights, the cold, dry air, and the difficulty of doing something as simple as walking a few blocks to the park (Too cold! Too slippery! Where’s my hat? It’s dark ALREADY?) — let alone meeting friends for dinner (LEAVE THE HOUSE NOW?!)

I’ve never been officially diagnosed with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but I know I suffer from all the symptoms, and it’s really easy for me to slip into depression during the winter, which is no bueno for me, my health, or for my family! This year, due to a terrible personal loss, I’m working extra hard to battle the winter blues, so I’m happy to get help and advice from the pros. Dr. Josie Howard, a member of the Simple advisory board, specializes in women’s mental health with a focus on psychodermatology (a popular skincare treatment that connects the mind and body as it examines disorders caused by stress). She gave me some really great advice on how to fight back against SAD: 

1. Let there be light!

“The gold standard for seasonal affective disorder is to go back to the source of the problem — light, ” says Dr. Howard. She  recommends  purchasing a simple light box from places like Costco, etc. which has a broad-spectrum light. Sitting in front of this for the prescribed amount of time, which differs, first thing in the morning can “make a huge difference.”

2. Get moving.

“Lifestyle measures which support mood and emotional wellness become all the more important — and often more challenging — during the winter months of short, grey days,” says Dr. Howard. First, she says, “regular aerobic exercise is essential.” According to Dr. Howard, it takes relatively little — 20-30 minutes — on five or more days per week to make a “huge difference in energy and outlook.” This is especially true in the dark winter months, when you really need that burst of energy and oxygen!

3. Sleep: it’s for more than just beauty.

“Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and good sleep hygiene is paramount,” says Dr. Howard. Here’s a great video where Dr. Howard talks about the importance of relaxation and sleep in terms of your overall heath, as well as your skin’s health and appearance!

(ps: I just want to add my own tip for getting a good night’s sleep: Give yourself the comfort of knowing you cleansed your face before you got in bed! If you really run out of time,  Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes are lifesavers! Followed by Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer = bliss!)

4. Eat right.

“An often overlooked, but very important, component of caring for ones mind and mood is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables,” says Dr. Howard. “There is increasing recognition and research evidence pointing to the link between emotional wellbeing and robust fruit and veggie intake — and, conversely between intake of processed foods and depression.”

And, she points out, the same thing goes for good skin!

Read: Your Gorgeous Skin Loves Apples & Pumpkins! Tips + Recipes (Including Delish Mulled Apple Cider)

5. Be social!

“Nurturing supportive relationships during the winter months can be incredibly strengthening of ones positive outlook on life and sense of resilience,” says Dr. Howard.  “This may take extra effort in the winter months — when it’s dark and cold out, it’s hard to get motivated to get out and socialize — but so critical to do!”

Now, that doesn’t mean you have to have plans seven night a week, or that your plans have to be overly ambitious. “Set realistic goals,” she advises. “You don’t have to go out dancing all night; meeting up with a group of friends for a fireside chat is just as good … though don’t forget to get your body moving during the day!”

Great advice, right? And just remember — after December 21st, the days start getting longer again. Summer will be here before we know it!

Do you feel blue in the winter?

It’s no secret that I’m totally reliant on my electronic devices. In fact, I wrote an article for YouBeauty last year about an experiment to nix social media for a week. I nailed the task, but sunk back into my junkie-like addictions within a month’s time.

The truth is, technology makes me feel secure. I like knowing what’s going on in my friends’ lives, keeping up with old classmates and feeling as if I have more friends by using social media. (The numbers say so, right?)

But something happened to me recently that kind of changed my life. Rather than giving up Facebook for Lent (been there) or promising not to check email for the weekend (done that), I let go of technology for human interaction—and in turn, I tuned into the human spirit.

Taking a Vacation From Technology

Here’s how it went down: I was on a trip to Fiji with five fellow journalists, all of whom were strangers. We were relaxing at the Wakaya Islands Club and Spa, a resort on a tiny island with cozy bures, or cottages, and a village within walking distance. We spent hours gazing upon the crystalline ocean and luxuriating in top-notch service. But there was no way to connect online—and we were all strangers among the locals. I couldn’t rely on a comforting glance at my iPhone during awkward conversation or retreat to my living room to stalk my newsfeed. I had a bar in my room (with champagne!), but no one to share it with and no way to show it off on Instagram. The first day on this island should have been paradise, but it felt more like panic.

Read Break the Rules! 7 Unconventional Ways to Strengthen Your Relationship

Making the Change (And Going Old-School)

But then something happened. Our group of strangers started learning from the locals. People in Fiji don’t walk around with their heads down, furiously texting their friends; they meet them at the dinner table. They look each other in the eye when they speak to you and smile while they’re walking down the street. And they laugh. A lot.

Art Markman, Ph.D., YouBeauty Psychology Advisor, says that human communication, which is the root of our ability to have relationships, is designed for a small number of people to have a face-to face conversation in real time. He explains that one of the reasons why people often feel like the friendships that they carry out online are unsatisfying is because they’re missing what makes communication successful. “If you’re really going to engage in a relationship with anyone, you have to spend time in the same place at the same time,” says Markman. “That means ditching technology—at least for a while.”

Surprisingly, this way of life crept into our own. The group of journalists began to voluntarily meet for dinner. And dinner led to drinks. We showed up promptly without a text or email to excuse us from being late and began to learn about each other’s lives, venting about breakups and trading advice on raising children. There was no phone to peek at and no voicemails to check.

If all you need is love this holiday season, you better start looking for it, sweetheart! We know it’s cold outside, but you’ll be much warmer in the arms of a handsome guy, so shut off those depressingly sappy holiday movies, take off that Snuggie, get your booty off the couch, and get outside, where it’s snowing men!

Here are 25 things you can do to bump into single guys during the holidays. Do one of these each day, and by New Year’s Eve, you’ll have someone to lip lock with at midnight.

Read Single for the Holidays: Single Bells, Single Bells

1. Take your laptop to the nearest coffee shop and check your email or do your online shopping there. Sip on a festive hot cocoa and spend the majority of your time scoping out the other coffee drinkers for SAC (single and cute) guys.

2. Avoid the Pier 1s and Crate and Barrels. These stores are full of couples wanting to decorate their shared space. Bummer. Try Borders or Best Buy instead – you don’t have to be a twosome to shop there.

3. It’s Friday night. Even if you don’t have plans yet, go to the liquor store and spend a long time perusing the aisles. If you see a potential guy, ask him what he likes to drink in the winter – you need a present for your sister’s boyfriend.

4. Catch those dog owners by going for an early morning walk. Wake up earlier than usual, bundle up, and hit the pavement. If you don’t find anyone on your outing, at least you’re working on your figure.

5. Every Sunday, grab a girlfriend and plant yourself at the nearest sports bar. Order a beer, and just wait – the football-watching guys will come to you.

6. On Monday night, do your errands in your favorite football jersey. Odds are the Monday Night Football fans will be out and about getting ready to watch the game.

7. Better yet, grab some friends and go to the game. Find cheap tickets to the NFL, NHL or NBA and hit the stands (and maybe the beer line).

8. Hit the gym and exercise your flirting skills by asking a cute guy for some workout tips or techniques.

9. Ask if you could be your friend’s plus one at their office holiday party. Strike up a conversation with one of his/her coworkers who is obviously flying solo for the night.

10. Host your own holiday party and encourage your guests to bring their friends (especially if they’re cute and single!). Impress them all with a delicious spread, and an equally delicious-looking outfit.

11. Take a Saturday morning stroll through the park – you’ll be surrounded by dog owners, bicyclists, runners, joggers, and the guys who have better things to do on the weekend than be hungover.

12. Shop in the men’s section of stores like H&M, Zara, and J.Crew. Ask a cute stranger his opinion on what you should get your brother (or imaginary cousin) for Christmas. If it doesn’t pan out, retreat smoothly to the women’s section.

There’s more! Read on…

Holiday baking sure can be time-consuming, so if you are looking for that fast and easy shortcut that will allow you to squeeze in a little more “me” time this holiday season, bake up a storm with these kitchen timesavers. From five-minute Christmas morning scones to festive and easy-to-make sugar cookies, be prepared to rock the inner domestic diva you never knew was inside of you!

1. Mrs. Fields sugar cookie mix ($1, available at Dollar Tree stores nationwide). With all those festive sprinkles, who could resist this classic holiday cookie? Even better, it will take you half the time to bake compared to whipping it up from scratch.

2. Lake Champlain vegan organic Fair Trade unsweetened cocoa ($10.50, lakechamplainchocolates.com). Make those brownies or cookies extra chocolate-y with this organic Fair Trade unsweetened cocoa.

3. Duff blue suede cake mix ($3.49, duff.com). Wow your SO’s parents with this easy-to-make blue suede cake rich with yummy blueberry flavor. Simply ice it up with some store-bought frosting and your guests will think you slaved over this baby all day.

4. Sarabeth’s perfect buttermilk biscuit mix ($10, sarabeth.com). Ideal for Christmas morning entertaining and for those who like minimal cleanup, this ready-to-make buttermilk biscuit mix pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit and hot coffee.

5.  Wholesome Chow organic gluten free scone mix ($5.69, wholesomechow.com). Need another yuletide morning breakfast idea? This dairy and gluten free mix just takes five minutes to make. Add your favorite nuts and dry fruits for an added burst of flavor.

6. Stonewall Kitchen gingerbread cookie mix ($6.95, stonewallkitchen.com). Nothing says Christmas better than some timeless gingerbread treats, so for fast baking, just add an egg and some butter, and voila! A fresh batch of holiday goodness.

If your bestie always has her tunes on and rocks out wherever she goes, odds are she’s a total music addict. So why not surprise her with one of these fab gift ideas this holiday season? From high-tech headphones to handmade art objects made from old records, she’ll have the most musical holiday ever!

1. Jambox ($149.99, jawbone.com). Tiny box; big sound! Connect your phone, your laptop, or anything else to it thanks to its many input options (including wireless Bluetooth!) and rock out wherever, whenever. Oh, and did we mention that you can customize its color scheme? Love!

2. Record clock ($26, etsy.com). An old vinyl upcycled into a snazzy clock? Yes please! This one is made from the Rolling Stones album Some Girls, but take your pick from everything from The Beatles to Johnny Cash.

3. MakerBot Mixtape ($39, makerbot.com). Remember the days when you’d spend hours with your trusty double tape deck boom box, putting together mix tapes for all your friends? Well, now you can relive those days with the convenience of the digital age. Just plug MakerBot Mixtape into your computer, drag and drop the audio files you want onto it, and gift away!

4. Onkyo ES-FC 300 (V) on-ear headphones ($149, amazon.com). A word of advice: Don’t get Beats. Everyone I know who has ever owned a pair says they break ALL. The TIME. And they’re CRAZY expensive. No good. This pair from Onkyo made Forbes’ 10 Headphones That Are Better Than Beats list,  and they’re definitely going to give your music-loving friend the most bang for the buck. Also, they’re violet. I mean, they come in neutral colors, too—but how can you say no to violet headphones?

5. Crosley Cruiser portable turntable ($99.99, alwaysfit.com). Sure, it may not be quite as practical as an MP3 player—but if your pal adores the sound of vinyl, here’s a way to let her take it with her wherever she goes (within reason). Bonus: It comes in a whole bunch of fun colors!

The holiday season won’t last long. If you blink, you just might miss it. Here’s a list of twelve, great dates to enjoy the holiday cheer. No turtle doves or partridge-in-a-pear tree required.

1. See The Nutcraker.

It’s tried. It’s true. Nothing says holidays like The Nutcracker. And nothing goes better with nut, than cheese and wine. After the show, stop at a wine bar for a nightcap!

2. Go ice skating.

Find a local rink and lace up those skates. Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and take a spin on the ice. Whether it’s your first time on blades or you are a budding Olympian, this is a fun way to let your hair down. And if you happen to fall, isn’t a nice to have someone to lend you a hand to get back up.

Read Holiday Survival Guide: In-Law Edition

3. Enjoy a night at the museum.

Check out an exhibit or two at your local museum. There’s something romantic and cozy about being in a museum after dark. Most museums have cafes or one nearby. Afterwards, have a cup of coffee and engage in a bit of conversation.

4. Try a fire-side chat.

Find a local lodge or tavern and warm the bones by the fireplace. Sipping hot toddies by a toasty fire is enough to get you in the holiday mood and maybe a little bit more.

5. Do a drive-by viewing.

Almost every town has the crazy Griswold house. Take a drive through a Christmas light park or neighborhood and ooh and awe at the visual displays. Play Christmas music in the car for a nice background effect. Looking at all the lights may create the spark you are looking to ignite.

Read the rest here!

With a long list of gifts to give and food to prep, the last thing you’re thinking about is you. But the secret to the holiday mindset? Clear your mind! Before you even think about your gluten-free guests or dodging your family’s inevitable life trajectory questions, here are 10 to-dos that will save your sanity all season long.

1. Say no to attending or hosting a party.

Say it with us: no. “To be happy we need to have a social life. However, there is a point of diminishing returns here. If we overextend ourselves and get involved with too many commitments, we risk feeling stressed and resentful toward others,” says YouBeauty Happiness Expert Matthew Della Porta, Ph.D. You don’t need that stress-induced zit to resurface, along with a family feud. So stop that ugly mess before it starts. What to do instead?

“Think carefully about your top two or three social priorities for the holiday season and fulfill them. Beyond these engagements, don’t be afraid to be choosy!” Della Porta says. “The holiday season is inherently stressful, so take advantage of opportunities to minimize this stress by keeping your social life simple and focused on those closest to you.” Don’t have to tell us twice!

Read Take a Holiday from Perfection

2. Commit to spa time. The spa lounge can be jam-packed this time of year (even more stressful, hearing people gab about their holiday prep). Go when you can get some peace pre- or post-massage. Your best bet at most spas is Monday through Thursday between 11a.m. and 4p.m., according to William Myers, Spa Director at Haven Spa in New York City. (Request a much-needed lunch break and put it on your schedule so you don’t inadvertently accept a meeting request for that time.)

If you can’t get away to splurge for an hour, ask your partner for a neck massage—it can reduce the stress hormone cortisol. Come nighttime, take things into your own hands with a relaxing routine that rivals a spa. The goods: “Quality essential oils in the bath, exfoliating gloves or soap, candles and warm herbal neck wraps,” Myers suggests.

3. Fit in a fitness pose each day. You’ll ward off holiday blues and get your body ready to slip into your favorite dresses. Don’t know where to start? We have day-by-day yoga poses that you can follow in real-time. Yoga lifts mood by increasing levels of the brain chemical gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. (Low GABA levels are associated with depression and anxiety.) And these ballet poses from Mary Helen Bowers will get you longer, leaner and have the poise to take on anything this season.

4. Write a gratitude note. Stuck on your Wish List? Stop and think of what you already have… Your friends and family! Pick someone to write your thanks to. “Sending a gratitude letter gives you the benefit of feeling grateful while making someone else feel good and appreciated,” Dr. Della Porta says. Even if you don’t send it, just writing what you appreciate about the relationship is proven to boost mood. “Realistically, few of us are able to live like this all of the time. However, the holiday season is a great time to experiment with this philosophy,” Della Porta says. So send that letter, already!

5. Find your perfect bold lipstick. Nothing boosts confidence like a bright splash of lipstick. You’re guaranteed to get compliments, that’ll put some swagger in your step. The best part? You won’t have to fuss much with the rest of your makeup (or outfit even) when your lips are the star. This one’s easy, just take our Lipstick Quiz for personalized lip tips.

6. Pretox. Why detox when you can pretox? We’re talking about getting a jump start on getting your body fit before the parties roll around. Americans gain an average of one pound over the holidays (speaking of rolls…). It can be a daunting task to try to lose that stubborn pound after the fact, so it’s better to be proactive about never adding it at all. But it’s not about limiting the quantity of food, but making you satisfied with the quality. Get step-by-step tips here to have yourself a merry little pretox.

7. DIY Scrub. You’ve got leftover brown sugar from baking, so put it to good use! Nothing feels more luxurious than a warm lather that leaves you silky-smooth (especially if the weather’s been drying you out). No time to choose from a sea of exfoliating products? You won’t spend a dime on these ingredients already in your cupboard.

Read Get Your Go-To People in Place

8. Volunteer. An unexpected way to treat yourself is by treating others. “It’s tempting to think that we need to pamper ourselves to be happy (and sometimes this is a good idea),” Della Porta says. “However, as I’ve mentioned in one of my articles, I believe that genuinely caring for others and putting their needs before yours yields a special kind of joy that is otherwise unattainable,” Della Porta says.

In other words, showering yourself with fine-leather goods and cashmere slippies isn’t the real recipe to a happy holiday. But charity work is! It’s proven to make you happier. In fact, the more you do, the happier it makes you. Set aside one weekend to devote to your favorite charity. ‘Tis the season for giving!

9. Connect with nature. If you live in a winter wonderland, don’t hibernate! Start a snowball fight or go sledding. Snow or not, just get out there. Connecting with nature is linked with vitality (the secret to looking younger!). Even a 15-minute walk induces positive emotions, such as enthusiasm and “aliveness.” Put down that energy drink, a walk will give you the push you to stay up till all hours.

10. Meditate. Each day, set a timer on your phone and do nothing for that allotted time—even if it’s just five minutes. A simple place to start is by sitting and focusing on your breath. Whatever your aim—better sleep, more energy, a cheerier disposition—meditation can help you get there. If you’re afraid you’ll snap at a certain someone at your next family gathering, hear this: Meditation can make you kinder. If completely clearing your mind seems like an impossible task, the kind of meditation that’s right for you.

More from YouBeauty.com:

Tips to Treat Yourself Kindly

Find Your Best Bold Lip Color

RECIPE: Sugar-Honey-Oil Scrub

It’s midnight and the ball is about to descend upon Times Square, but you look around and that special someone to kiss is nowhere to be found. “Alone again this year,” you think to yourself, and then a bomb goes off in your mind, igniting an avalanche of other panicked thoughts as you reflect upon the year: “I thought he was the one!” or “I can’t believe I’m single again!” or “What did I do wrong!” or “I wonder if he’s with her tonight!”

If your love life wasn’t what you thought it would be in 2013, don’t despair. Too often, we feel pressured to have our lives in perfect order on New Year’s Eve, complete with a killer sparkly sequined dress at an over-hyped party and someone to kiss at midnight. When the fireworks don’t go off as planned, we’re left feeling unsatisfied and disappointed. But this is not what ringing in a new year is all about. Instead, it’s a time for renewal, rebirth and new beginnings.

A few years ago, I found myself single on New Year’s Eve, newly separated from my boyfriend and in the depths of despair. I was drained of all my emotional energy and completely disconnected from myself. I needed a new beginning and a new relationship – with myself and eventually, a new boyfriend. Obsessing over what went wrong and forever mourning my failed relationship only made me feel depressed, not motivated to move on. So instead, I wrote myself a list of resolutions based upon the love lessons I learned.

Read The 12 Dates of Christmas

When I started to take my own advice, I immediately felt stronger and more competent because I had created my own roadmap. When I felt brave enough to date again, I used my list to navigate my journey on the road to love. It’s helped me to remember where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, how resiiant I can be and what I want (and don’t want) for my future. I’ve kept my list handy throughout the years, adding to it as needed, and smiling to myself as I re-read each lesson. Though some lessons aren’t applicable anymore, some I still need to remember.

If you want to move forward in 2014, take the time to empty your heart and soul of all the negative energy from your relationships passed. When you make your New Year’s resolutions, instead of lamenting over things gone wrong, write down the lessons you’ve learned so you can move forward. Make a point to start 2014 with a fresh, positive outlook and an open heart to welcome all that the new year has to offer. Here’s my list to get you started.

Read the rest here!