Be Kind To Your Teeth

Do you want to spend more time at the dentist’s office? Change these bad “teeth habits.” And see your dentist for regular checkups. Avoid: Chewing on ice. Ice cubes can chip or crack teeth. Fix: Drink ice-less beverages or drink through a straw. Chew sugarless gum instead if you need an alternate “chewing” activity. Avoid: Using teeth as tools. They’re meant for chewing, not opening small packages. Fix: Find the right tool to get the job done. Avoid: Nail-biting. It causes stress on your jaw from holding it in an unnatural position. Fix: Use bitter-tasting nail polishes and keep your hands busy. Avoid: Grinding or clenching teeth, which wears them down. Fix: Wear a mouth-guard to bed. Need a referral for an outstanding dentist?

Boost Your Chrisima

Can we develop charisma? Yes, you can, says, D.A. Benton, author of Executive Charisma. Here are five skills you can practice to improve your charisma quotient. 1. Be confident. When introducing yourself say your name and then tell something about yourself. This helps to draw a question from the other person, and can lead the person into a conversation with you. 2. Walk with purpose. Pause before entering a room and project confidence as you walk into the room. 3. Use the double hand shake. When you shake someone’s hand, use the two-handed grasp. While shaking with right hand, your left hand grasps the person’s arm at or below the elbow. 4. Focus on your goal. Charismatic people know what they want and are passionate about it. Focus on what you want and how to get there. 5. Be a good listener. Listen when other people talk. Value their opinions and make eye contact.

Things To Keep In Your Car

 Your owner’s manual. Become familiar with it.  A functional spare tire (if your car is equipped with one) and tire-changing equipment.  A First Aid kit, flashlight and batteries, jumper cables, multi-purpose utility tool, cable ties, emergency whistle and duct tape. You can buy these separately or purchase an AAA Road Assistance Kit from Amazon.com for $25-$60. Snacks and bottled water.  A charger for your mobile phone.  Road flares.  Fire extinguisher. Buy one specifically made for cars at a store like Home Depot or AutoZone.  Blankets and bottled water.  Emergency cash in small bills ($50).  A tire gauge.  Foam tire sealant. Check out: www.fixaflat.com

First-time Homebuyers Tips

The best advice is to learn from the mistakes of others. Here are two of the most common mistakes I see: • Not knowing what you can afford. Examine your budget, get a copy of your credit report, and sit down with a qualified lender to determine how much of a loan you can afford. Ask your REALTOR® for several lender recommendations and comparison shop for a mortgage before looking for a home. • Forgetting to consider the overall costs of home ownership. You can make the monthly payment, but remember to add in the cost for homeowners’ insurance, property taxes, utilities, plus maintenance.

Secrets to finding the right home at the right price

Lots of homebuyers waste time and money by not doing their homework before going home shopping. Here’s what you should do: • Analyze your NEEDS before you start looking. Make a list, including price range, size, general location, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, etc. • Know what you WANT in your next home. List the features you’d like to have and rank them in terms of importance. If you have a spouse, set your priorities as a couple. • Understand how much home you can afford. Become familiar with your “payment-to-income ratio” and your “debt-to-income ratio,” two guides bankers and mortgage lenders use to determine how much loan you can afford.

Thank you Bill Boeing!

William Boeing founded his aircraft manufacturing business in Seattle 100yrs ago. Even though they outsourced much of the 787 and moved the headquarters to Chicago I am proud to have their legacy represented in our great city! Let’s celebrate their contribution to the history of the United States as well. They opened plant 1 on the Duwamish to build seaplanes for WW I, built the plane that carried the 1st airmail, built the 1st sole intention passenger airplane, built the 1st pressurized-cabin passenger transport, built up to 350 B-17 & B-29 bombers per month during WW II, and ushered in the jet age with the incredibly successful 707. Even though Boeing is slowly pulling jobs from our region they still play an oversized role in our economy. I see a bright future with the 737 MAX, 777 X and the amazing 787. I have several friends who work for Boeing that earn living wages and can count on funded retirements. Go Boeing!

Cashing In On The Gold Rush

If you haven’t already taken advantage of the high price of gold, follow these tips to get the most money for your items. • Learn the lingo and shop around. Pure gold is measured by the troy ounce (just over 31 grams). Dealers often quote price per pennyweight (20 pennyweights equal a troy ounce), which sounds like they are paying more. Visit at least three legitimate gold buyers who are members of the Better Business Bureau, and don’t accept the first offer. • Stay clear of mail-in companies, which pay significantly less. If you use one, select one that offers free insured shipping you can track online. Remove jewels and photograph the item before you send it in. • If the piece is an antique or has fine craftsmanship, have it appraised and sell it as jewelry.

Healing Magic Of Cinnamon

Did you know that cinnamon offers more than just a great scent and taste? It has important health benefits too. A USDA scientist, Dr. Richard Anderson, recently found that cinnamon imitates the effect of insulin in the body. A study of Type-2 diabetics found that people who were given between 1-6 grams of cinnamon per day reduced their blood sugar by up to 29% depending on the amount of cinnamon they were given. In two other scientific studies, one that was published in Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, rats were given cinnamon extract to see if it would improve how they metabolized glucose. These findings may help scientists understand the role of cinnamon on the body, and open the door to much needed research. Taken a step further, cinnamon may also help people reduce their chance of developing diabetes and improve the body’s ability to balance blood sugars.

Not Getting Enough Exercise...How to Get Back On Track

One of the best ways to stay fit is to have at least one athletic hobby: walking, swimming, bowling, tennis, golf, skiing, bicycling or even dancing. If you enjoy what you’re doing, you’ll stick with it. Second, a workout partner can make the time go by more quickly, and you can have fun at the same time. Whether it’s a family member, friend or co-worker, a workout partner will encourage you on the days you may want to slide. Third, hire a trainer if you have trouble maintaining an exercise program. A trainer can guide you through a program that works for you. Remember to vary your workouts. This prevents overworking certain muscle groups, and it will keep you motivated.

Coffee Is Good For You

Studies show that black coffee – in moderation (no more than 5 cups a day) – can be good for your health. Here are four benefits you probably haven’t considered: 1. Coffee contains nutrients and antioxidants such as riboflavin, pantothenic acid, manganese, potassium, magnesium and niacin. These are all things your body needs to function well. 2. It also contains caffeine. Caffeine speeds up your metabolism and aids in fat burning. Health.com says it may protect brain cells from damage that contributes to the development of Parkinson’s, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Avoid it, however, at least four hours before bedtime, or if you have caffeine sensitivity. 3. Drinking one or two cups per day can reduce your risk of cardiovascular and liver disease, as well as lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 4. Coffee may fight depression and make you happier. But, seriously, try to hold off on the venti white chocolate mocha lattes.

7 Tips to Release Stress in Your Life

Are you a harried mom? Overworked dad? Stressed out professional? Stress is considered one of the top three contributors to heart disease and other serious illnesses. Don’t let daily stress get the best of you. Here are seven steps you can take right now to reduce your stress level, and get back to feeling more balanced and energized in your daily life... 1. Master Your Thoughts. Stress and anxiety are actually a choice. You have the power to choose how you feel at any given moment. When you are feeling stressed out, take a moment to pause and close your eyes. Ask yourself, “Is there another choice I can make that will make me feel more at peace with myself or this situation?” 2. Breathe. It sounds so simple, but breathing has a tremendous affect on your mind, body, and your mood. Focus on your breathing when you find yourself feeling stress. If you put your finger on your belly button, you’ll begin to breathe from your belly and relax. 3. Exercise. Regular exercise can release stress and make you feel more in control of your life. Try a 30-minute brisk walk, bike ride, or play a game of tennis or racquetball. 4. Take Up A Hobby. Hobbies give our body and mind a place to relax. Whether it’s painting, woodworking, gardening, or playing a musical instrument, hobbies can give us that feeling of a vacation without having to go anywhere to get away. 5. Pace Yourself. Many of us have a tendency to over schedule ourselves or our family, and then become stressed when we can’t meet the demands. Prioritize your workload and concentrate on one task at a time. 6. Lighten Up And Take The Long View. If you’re feeling anxious and tense...take a moment and ask yourself, “will this really matter tomorrow, next week, or even five years from now?” 7. Strive For Peace of Mind. You can get more out of your life by actually doing less. Happiness comes not from the number of activities things we collect, but from the opportunity to enjoy our experiences. Doing less may actually make you happier...it’s your choice.

A good walk spoiled, I disagree. Walk your way to a long life!

I Love to Walk! According to Golf Digest the average golfer walks 6.18 miles on a typical course. Walkers also benefit from conversation with the whole group and have a much better feel for the upcoming shot. Most people don’t think golfers get much exercise but I disagree, especially courses like Chambers Bay – now that’s exercise!! Sometimes I even walk a second round!

6 Tips to Strengthen Your Family Bonds

Is the quality of your family life important to you? We sure don’t need to look very far to discover the challenges families are facing today. The good news is there are quick and easy ways to strengthen your family and promote each other’s personal growth. 1. Make Family Your First Priority. Strong families spend lots of quality time together. We’ve all heard the well-known quote, “How do kids spell love?” T-I-M-E! Strong families spend lots of positive time working on family projects and playing together. 2. Appreciate One Other. Strong families appreciate each other’s unique qualities and contributions and express their feelings openly. Make a commitment to compliment each other at least once each day. 3. Foster Communication. Strong families listen to each other, respect each other’s opinions, and avoid interrupting. One of the most valuable ways to foster communication is by having at least one meal together each day. Do your best to set an example by putting away your phone or computer during meal time. 4. Strengthen Commitment. Strong families work together to solve their problems. They may not always agree, but they are willing and able to bring things out into the open and to talk about them. 5. Create Traditions. Strong families stay connected – another reason for having at least one meal together each day. Also, give your children the gift of friendship with their cousins, aunts, and uncles by keeping in touch regularly. 6. Set Rules and Expectations. Strong families set and put into practice clear guidelines and limitations. Family members take responsibility for their actions. Give grace and grace will follow.

New World Handicap System 2020

It is fun to see the driving ranges and golf courses filling up again. Last year we had several major rule changes that simplified rules and speed up play. I think they did a great job getting the word out and the new rules all seem to be popular. This year we have a brand-new worldwide handicap system in place. Six different bodies came together to merge rules and get the world on the same system with the goal of making all rounds portable. The main changes include a net double bogie for everyone, daily revisions, fewer rounds used to calculate, highly recommended input the day of play so weather can be taken into account. If you have never had an official handicap you should jump on board!

Caddyshack Lines

My top ten quotes from one of my all-time favorite sports movies: 1. You’ll get nothing and like it. 2. My uncle says you’ve got a screw loose. Your uncle molests collies. 3. Last time I saw a mouth like that it had a hook in it. 4. You’re rather attractive for a beautiful girl with a great body. 5. I’ve sentenced boys younger than you to the gas chamber. Didn’t want to do it. I felt I owed it to them. 6. This is a hybrid. It is a cross of Bluegrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent and California Sensemila. 7. Just be the ball, be the ball Danny. 8. Two wrongs don’t make a right, but three rights make a left. 9. That’s a peach, hon! Oh, by golly…I’m hot today! 10. This is the worst-looking hat I ever saw! When you buy a hat like this I bet you get a free bowl of soup! Looks good on you though…

Be Kind To Your Teeth

Do you want to spend more time at the dentist’s office? Change these bad “teeth habits.” And see your dentist for regular checkups. Avoid: Chewing on ice. Ice cubes can chip or crack teeth. Fix: Drink ice-less beverages or drink through a straw. Chew sugarless gum instead if you need an alternate “chewing” activity. Avoid: Using teeth as tools. They’re meant for chewing, not opening small packages. Fix: Find the right tool to get the job done. Avoid: Nail-biting. It causes stress on your jaw from holding it in an unnatural position. Fix: Use bitter-tasting nail polishes and keep your hands busy. Avoid: Grinding or clenching teeth, which wears them down. Fix: Wear a mouth-guard to bed.

5 Foods That Fill You Up

If you’re watching your weight, you can eat more than salad for breakfast, lunch and dinner. These foods will help fill you up, not out: • Oatmeal (not instant). It’s a healthy carb with a high fiber content. • Eggs. Eat them for breakfast and you’ll have about 330 calories less than usual throughout the rest of the day. • Dark chocolate. Researchers say compounds in dark chocolate slow down digestion and make you feel full longer. But don’t eat the whole bar! • Soup. A Pennsylvania State study showed that people who had two servings of low-calorie soup daily lost 50 percent more weight than those who ate the same number of calories in snack foods. Choose broth or vegetables, not the creamy variety. • Pine nuts. They contain pinolenic acid, which stimulates hormones that suppress your appetite. Plus, your mouth likes the crunch.