Fair Fighting

When my husband and I disagree on something, I don’t like to use the phrase, “We got into a fight.” That makes it sound like one of those knock-down, drag-out arguments that can quickly spiral out-of-control. Thankfully those days are long behind us. We are too mature—okay, maybe it’s really that we are too tired—as middle-aged adults to engage in that type of warfare. And I can’t even really call our disagreements “arguing” because that sounds like two people going at it verbally. We don’t even do that anymore. – Now we have what I call “discussions.” Oh sure, sometimes … Continue reading

How to Fight Fairly

Marriage comes with arguments even with the most loving couples. Two separate people have two separate opinions sometimes. Fighting while not pleasant isn’t necessarily bad for you marriage, as long as you fight fair. Here are some tips. Never Hit Below the Belt As the person closest to your spouse, you have some a pretty lethal arsenal of weaponry that you could potentially throw at your spouse in times of anger. But hitting below the belt on sensitive topics will only betray the trust your spouse has for you, not win the argument. It is tactics such as these that … Continue reading

‘Tis the Season for Fighting

While Hallmark and Kay Jewelers commercials may try and lead us to believe this is a season of receiving romantic gifts and creating peaceful memories, anyone involved in a real-life relationship knows this can be a season for anything but blissful moments. The holidays add stress. There are extra errands to run, gifts to buy, parties to attend, and schedules to shuffle. Yes, amidst the chaos there are happy times or else no one would sign up for the seasonal celebrations year after year, but there’s also the potential for plenty of chaos and short fuses –and I don’t just … Continue reading

All’s Fair – Julie Coulter Bellon

Kristen Shepherd believes she has it all. A successful political campaign expert and engaged to be married to her handsome, charming co-worker Michael Forbes, her future seems bright. But when she gets a call on her cell phone just moments before the wedding ceremony, informing her that Michael has tried to move all her money to an account in Saudi Arabia, her dreams come crashing down around her. She confronts Michael, only to have him tell her that he’ll explain everything, once they’re married. She can’t handle the idea of marrying someone who would abuse her trust in this way, … Continue reading

Fighting Credit Interest Rate Increases

With the struggles in the banking industry, many financial institutions are looking to their credit card branches to help them recoup losses. Traditionally, credit cards are the most profitable venture a bank or lending institution offers. With the high rates they charge both consumers in interest and the merchants in fees, this is usually a win-win for the company. Unfortunately, consumers are being hurt by this crunch. Many credit card companies are now increasing interest rates to help drive up the profits. Even good customers, with strong credit scores and payment history, are receiving letters notifying them their interest rates … Continue reading

Family Affair on NBC

You know what they say about sisters who work together… The family ties that bind Hollywood’s famous Arquette family will get even tighter next month. That’s when Rosanna Arquette will guest star on sister Patricia’s show “Medium.” The NBC hit series will be getting a double shot of the Arquette’s on April 7th. Show producers say the 48-year-old actress will take on the role of “a calculating ‘cougar’ who enjoys the challenges of bedding younger men.” Rosanna’s character reportedly appears in the dreams of crime-fighting psychic Allison Dubois (played by Patricia) “when her sexual escapades turn deadly,” according to network … Continue reading

Meet Pets Blogger Extraordinaire Aimee Amodio: The Interview

Aimee’s dogs Moose and Lally You know her as Aimee Amodio (or maybe by her Families.com handle NewroticGirl). I know her as my fellow Pets blogger. But just how well do we really know the woman behind the myth? Or just how true an animal loving soul she possesses? We’re about to find out. Aimee had the fun idea of interviewing every author we know, including ourselves, about our pets and how they factor into our writing lives. I thought it was a brilliant idea and hopped right on board to interview this prolific fellow animal-loving blogger who I so … Continue reading

Do Fairy Tales Exist in the Congo?

Anderson Cooper’s breaking my heart. Last month I watched an episode of 60 Minutes where he reported on the possibility of a world without gorillas because of all the unrest in the Congo. Well, gorillas aren’t the only ones whose lives are in danger and experiencing massive upheaval. Last night Anderson Cooper reported about the women of the Congo and all the suffering they’re enduring. “It is, in fact, a war against women, and the weapon used to destroy them, their families and whole communities, is rape.” ~-60 Minutes-~ He told about the unbelievable violence women in villages endure at … Continue reading

Fighting About Money Doesn’t Fix the Problem

Money. Money. Money. It’s the guilty party in most marriages when it comes to fighting with your spouse. Whether you talk about your finances, pool your resources or leave it to one spouse or the other to manage it – money is a huge bone in the midst of any relationship. If you’re thinking that money is one of the leading causes of divorce, you’d be right. So How Do You Deal With It? Financial issues are the pink elephant in the middle of your marriage. But you have to recognize that fights about money aren’t just about money. Those … Continue reading

Cholesterol Fighting Foods: Part 1

There are essentially two types of cholesterol: good cholesterol and bad cholesterol. The good version actually helps combat bad cholesterol, which then prevents plaque formation in your arteries. Bad cholesterol, called Low Density Lipo Protein (LDL) is caused by saturated fats (for example butter), while good cholesterol is tied to unsaturated fats (like olive oil). Your liver uses saturated fats to make cholesterol. Sources of these bad fats you should avoid or limit are whole milk, cream, butter, cheese, meats (beef, lamb, pork) and palm kernel oil, coconut oil and vegetable shortening. Certain foods are known to decrease bad cholesterol, … Continue reading