What if along with good eating and regular exercise, there was one missing component that could help you stay happy, confident and with less stress? What if it might reduce your chances of dealing with diseases such as cancer? What if you could find out what’s eating you so that you don’t binge eat? What if I told you that it’s as close as a pencil and paper or your computer?

Come away with me. We’re “going” exotic, to the incredible country of Tunisia. But before you “pack a bag” here are some tips. *Make copies of your passport, with the number. Leave one home with a friend you can contact should something happen and carry an extra copy, tucked in a suitcase or other spot. Do the same with credit cards. Why? This will make it easier to have duplicates faxed if you must get another.

Who doesn’t love a party? Just the thought of friends and family in for hors d’oeuvres and drinks makes us smile. But then it hits you. Half of the family should be watching their weight and the other half is, including you. What’s to be done? Try these simple and slim hors d’oeuvres. Trim down your favorites with the tips at the end and like that famous, butter-enriched chef says, “Bam!” You’ll have a great gathering without any weight gain. Now that is my kind of party. Spreads At just 59 calories for a heaping tablespoon serving, have a few without the guilt.

The time has come. You’re serious about shaping up for the new year or high school reunion or just because you know you need to. You’ve tried it on your own. You fell off the fitness wagon within a few weeks. You’ve given yourself pep talks in the mirror until the mirror is tried of listening. What’s a body to do? Perhaps it’s time to hire a personal trainer.

What’s happen to your middle? A jelly belly? It’s time for some middle management that will trim the belly bulge, love handles and that spare tire. Doing so can help you reduce the chances of heart disease. Have you been ignoring your waistline and chalking up its growing circumference to age or inactivity? Blame it on your “parents”: Mother Nature and Father Time do have a lot to do with growing middles. But fight back especially if you inherited some health concerns.

Stop talking about it. Start checking out healthy vacation opportunities. There is nothing better for a dull late winter or early spring day than visiting websites and talking about where to spend vacation time. To tempt you and make it a bit easier, here are my personal recommendations. I have visited each of these vacation destinations within the last twelve months, loved the services and accommodations and found that I can’t help but shout their praise. After you’ve visited any or all on the list below, I’d love to hear what you have to say.

What if you knew you could look six years younger by this evening and would spend less than $20? Yes, that’s the deal. Whether you’re going to a work party, a class reunion, or meeting someone, anyone, you want to impress, why settle for less? Here are some tricks gathered by my staff and those in the health, beauty and fashion industries.

When they’re fresh from the Farmer’s Market, a quality produce store or best yet, your garden there is nothing in the world like a tomato. While it’s still a tad cool to have some grown in my garden, there are some exceptional ways to prepare the fat-free, ultra flavorful vegetable (or fruit, depending on who you believe).

What if you learned that there was a drink that would make your skin bright, your digestive system feel great, keep mild depression at bay, make you stronger, and could help you lose weight? What if you learned that not having this drink could cause gastro-intestinal problems especially with elimination, make your organs malfunction and possibly cause irreparable damage to your skin, hair and heart?

Have you looked in the mirror lately? Okay, that’s rude, but I recently did this after a long business trip with a never-ending meeting. In the glaring light of a hotel room my reflection definitely got my attention. Not in a good way. You may have heard me scream. Have you done that? Here are some of the ways to revitalize and reverse your appearance age. I think of appearance age as the reflection in the mirror and it has nothing to do with what your driver’s license says.