Mimosa: The Official Color of 2009

FOUR EASY WAYS TO GET HEALTHY

A lot of people are ALREADY worried that they won't live up to their New Year's weight-loss resolutions. So if you want to get healthy in 2009 without losing hope, here are four little changes that will help you get there . . .


#1.) STOP SAYING YOU'RE "ON A DIET". Instead, think of it as eating in MODERATION. If you eat what you WANT . . . but just not as much of it . . . you're less likely to fall off the wagon and more likely to really lose weight.



#2.) DRINK 8 GLASSES OF WATER A DAY. When you feel like eating a bag of chips or a box of cookies, have a tall cold drink of water instead. Your brain actually sends the same signals for FOOD as it does when it wants water.


--Drinking eight glasses each day makes your skin more vibrant and helps you shed pounds. Plus, if you make water your drink of choice, you're less likely to consume all those empty calories found in soda and fruit juice.



#3.) CHANGE THE POTATOES YOU EAT. If you sub in sweet potatoes for the regular old white variety, you'll cut tons of sugar and starch out of your diet. Bake them, boil them, mash them or even make French fries. You'll still enjoy the health benefits.



#4.) CHANGE THE CLOTHES YOU WEAR. You won't realize you're gaining weight if your clothes ALWAYS fit, so stop buying those pants with elastic waistbands. Remember, you're not a kid, so don't buy clothes you'll eventually grow INTO.


--Instead, buy stuff that fits, and then be proud when you need to have it taken in.

DRIVING STYLE REVEALS YOUR PERSONALITY

Whether you have endless patience behind the wheel or often fly into a blind rage at other motorists, the way you drive is a window into your true personality and it began forming in childhood, years before you took the wheel. "We call the back seat of the car 'road rage nursery,'" says Dr. Leon James, a psychologist at the University of Hawaii. See what your driving style reveals about you:

You'd rather go under than over the speed limit, prefer side roads and never begin a trip without a planned route. - You're ambitious, practical and hardworking. The time and thought you take to plan a road trip reflects the dedication to detail you bring to work projects. You're also generous with your time and talents when it comes to family and friends, putting in that extra effort to make others happy.

You prefer public transportation or carpools to driving alone, and you plan errands carefully to save gas. - You're a dreamer who'd rather not be behind the wheel so you can relax and let your mind wander while you're on the way to your destination. When you must drive, you show your public spirit by carefully combining all your errands in one trip to save gas and help the environment.

You can drive in the tightest traffic jams without a care, love the fast lane and avoid accidents with superior reflexes. - You drive just like you think fast. You're also hyper-observant, reacting to things that most others don't even notice. That's why you can merge, change lanes and spot trouble way ahead of the rest of the pack. You find creative ways to solve problems while others are still idling.

Your driving record is A+ because you obey all traffic rules and always forgive the stupid mistakes of other motorists. - You're a sweet natured person who glides through life the way you glide through traffic. You see driving as a team effort, going with the flow to achieve the same goal. You also believe in giving everyone the respect they deserve, and you're warm generosity attracts scads of loyal friends.

WAYS TO DEAL WITH A NOISY OFFICE

CareerBuilder.com offers these tips to eliminate excess noise at work when you don't have an office door to close.

White Noise -- If colleague conversations and ringing phones have you reading the same sentence over and over, try purchasing a white noise CD to play in your computer.

Radio/CDs -- If your company allows it, download a media player onto your computer, bring in a small radio or listen to some of your favorite CDs.

Plants -- Plants are good at absorbing noise. Talk to your office manager about getting some greenery in the office to help take the edge off the hubbub -- and they look nice too!

Nonreflective Surfaces -- Make some noise of your own and consult the facilities manager about putting some noise absorption materials in your office, such as carpets, curtains, dividers or acoustic ceiling panels.

Confront the Culprit -- If it's just one person in the office who is making all the noise, talk to him or her and explain your situation. They may not even be aware of how loud they are.

Set Up a Noise-Free Zone -- Perhaps you and your colleagues can designate a particular conference room or area that can be used to escape the noise. It's always good to have a quiet place to consult with clients or interview candidates.

Noise-Canceling Products -- There are many products out there that can help with the vexing problem of noise pollution. From small, lightweight headsets to varying types of earplugs, these devices can be used to reduce annoying noise.

Move It and Lose It -- If an ill-placed copy machine is causing too much traffic, or an over-burdened fax machine rings constantly, check with office services about the possibility of relocating the noise-maker. If that won't work, see if you can relocate your work station further away from the machines.

Post a Sign -- Simple and friendly "quiet" signs in hallways and outside conference rooms will help remind co-workers to keep it down when leaving a meeting, heading down the hallway or grabbing a cup of coffee.

Soup reveils personality

French onion -- You have a daring, adventurous personality, and you're always ready for a challenge. Chances are you're attracted to men with similar tastes, and you can best bond with them by sharing some electrifying experiences.

Chicken noodle -- You're a warm-hearted, nurturing woman who places your sweetheart at the center of your world. Smart men are a real turn-on for you, and you show your love by thoroughly pampering your honey.

Vegetable -- You're a responsible person who looks for a man who's a true partner, sharing in all decisions. And if your sweetie gives you the high degree of devotion you crave, you'll shower him with affection in return.

Clam chowder -- You have a habit of falling in love with love, and your taste for novelty may keep you changing partners on a regular basis. Don't be so quick to rush from man to man because you could miss your soul mate in the shuffle.

Cream of Tomato -- You yearn for the good life, and an ambitious man with a lot on the ball is right down your alley. You're willing to work right alongside him to achieve the financial security you must have to be happy.

Baked potato -- You're a straight shooter who demands a matching honesty from your mate. Most importantly, if a man shares your strong sense of community and volunteerism, he's sure to win your heart.