TOMATO & APPLE TART

Serves 6 | Preparation 40 min

Ingredients:

• 1 puff pastry
• 4 medium-sized tomatoes
• 3 apples
• 1 red pepper
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• A few sprigs of thyme
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• Salt, pepper

Related: Chicken Fajita Pizza 

Directions:

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to fit your tart pan. Poke it all over with a fork.

Peel the apples, slice them, and toss in lemon juice.

Rinse and slice the tomatoes and pepper.

In a skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic with the pepper slices for 10 minutes.

Arrange the pepper slices on the dough and alternate with tomato slices and apples slices. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with granulated sugar, thyme, and olive oil.

Bake for 30 minutes in a preheated oven at 350ºF or until golden. Enjoy!

More from GalTime.com:

• Celeb Guy Fieri’s S’more Pizza 
• $50,000 Burger Recipe 
• Bruschetta with Sauteed Greens and Manchego 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook!

E! News reports that Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick welcomed their second child, a daughter named Penelope Scotland Disick, early Sunday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

The reality TV starlet says:

“Scott and I are overjoyed to welcome our precious angel Penelope Scotland Disick into our lives. We are forever blessed. Mommy and baby are resting comfortably.”

Penelope weighed in at 7 lbs., 14 oz. and was born via natural delivery.

Momager Kris Jenner adds:

“It was a great. She had an easy delivery. [Penelope] is so cute. She looks just like Mason. She’s so beautiful. We are so happy.”

Congratulations!

More from GalTime.com:

• Anderson Cooper Reveals He is Gay
• Kim Kardashian Plans Wedding with Every Boyfriend 
• Matthew and Camila McConaughey Expecting Baby #3!
• Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise Move Out 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

consumers: reduce your bbq bottom line

By Jeanette Pavini, Coupons.com Consumer Savings Expert

Summer is just not the same without a good barbecue. Here are eight cost-effective tips to get your BBQ on this summer without feeling guilty about the extra party costs.

8 Frugal BBQ Tips

1. Where’s the party? If your backyard is just not cut out for entertaining, a local park or beach is an easy and inexpensive way to get people together. Just be sure to do your homework– some places require permits or reservations.

2. Tank Tips: There’s no need to buy a new propane talk – refill or exchange your old one instead. Although you will save more with a refill, it can be a hassle. You can also exchange your tank. Bring in your old tank and swap it for a new one at supermarkets, gas stations, hardware and home improvement stores.

Related: Sneaky Ways You Pay More at the Grocery Store 

3. Meat Tips:

• Ask your butcher what time of day they typically mark down meat. It’s usually in the early morning or evening. This is generally due to overstock or meat approaching it’s “sell by” date, but it is still possible to stock up if you freeze it immediately. Some stores have two rounds of markdowns. For example, a package of chicken might be marked down 30% in the morning, and if it doesn’t sell by evening, it could be marked down to 60%!
• Big is better. Usually a large cut of meat will be cheaper than the same amount cut into smaller pieces. And, you can always ask the butcher if he will cut it into smaller pieces for free. Save even more when you buy bone-in cuts of meat. In the past year, the price of fresh whole chicken has increased 8%. However, buying a whole fresh chicken still costs close to $2 cheaper per pound than buying boneless chicken breasts.
• Select meet vs. Prime. Only 2-3% of beef meets the requirement to be labeled Prime, which is the highest grade of beef. The next rung down on the beef ladder is Choice grade and below that is Select. You can still get a tasty meal with Select grade — because it has less marbling, it is leaner but that also means it may not be as tender and juicy. Choose a tender cut like a sirloin, which is usually very moderately priced. You will save about $1 per pound getting Select as opposed to Choice.

4. Grill It: Remember, the grill is not just for meat. Make your grill do double duty so you’re getting the most out of your charcoal. Grilled vegetables are easy and delicious. Use extra marinade or basting sauce from your meat right on your grilled vegetable. Also, if you’re serving a crowd, check if there is a wholesale produce market in your area. This is where restaurants shop so you’re going to get the same wholesale prices and the freshest fruit and veggies you can buy. The catch – you have to buy in bulk and you usually have to shop very early in the morning. Garlic bread, vegetables, even dessert can be made on the grill, so fire it all up for a grilling feast.

Related: How to Throw a Party for 12 on Just $80! 

5. Simple Desert Ideas: Keep dessert simple and roast s’mores right on the BBQ. Kids will love it! You don’t have to use a classic chocolate bar, try a peanut butter cup s’more for extra yum.

6. Beer deals: To find the best prices on beer, go to SaveOnBrew.com. Enter your zip code and they’ll show you the best sales on beer at grocery stores near you. You can even search by brand to find the best deals for you.

7. Sangria Time: Sangria is another great option because you can make it ahead of time and a little goes a long way. Buy whatever fruit is on sale. Pineapples, oranges and berries work well. Combine it with wine, a bargain bottle is okay for this recipe, and add carbonated water and a sweetener like orange juice. Chill overnight and you’re ready to go for a refreshing cocktail treat!

8. Creative Drinking: Instantly transform any drink with these flavorful ice cubes. Put a small berry in each pocket of an ice cube tray, fill halfway with water or lemonade and freeze for an hour. Then fill the tray completely and freeze solid. You can also use an herb like mint or basil in your cubes to give drinks an extra twist of flavor.

More from GalTime.com:

•  5 Common Mistakes that Could Cost You Your Home 
• Real Ways to Make Money Online 
• Slash Summertime Costs with Frugal Home Projects 
• 10 Ways to Not Get Ripped Off Buying Wine 

The right hair color can transform your look and give you a beautiful confidence boost.

The good news? At-home color can help you achieve salon sexy results on-the-cheap. The bad? Picking out the perfect hue can be a “hair-raising” experience. Actually, so can applying it!

Clairol Color Director and celebrity stylist extraordinaire, Marie Robinson, “highlights” what you need to know before you head to the drugstore!

Liquid! Foam! Creme! There are so many different formulas on the market. Does it matter which one I choose? There are a variety of formulas available to meet different at-home hair color users’ specific needs. Foam is ideal for at-home hair color users looking for an easy-to-use, mess-free product or first-timers. The foam is drip-free. Liquid formulas (like Clairol’s version, below) are the traditional option, still frequently used by women who feel comfortable sticking with a formula they know and trust. Crème formulas are in-between liquid and foam formulas.

Related: 5 Tips to Keeping Your Hair Color Looking Salon Fresh 

Clairol Nice n’ Easy Non-Permanent Hair Color, $8.99

What are the main differences between permanent and demi, or non-permanent, formulas? I always stress that before deciding on the proper form of hair color, women decide what type of formula – whether a permanent or demi-permanent – is right for them. Here’s a simple breakdown of the options:

Permanent Formulas:

- Provide all-over hair color that will completely change the color of your current hair color

- Do not wash out and lasts 6-8 weeks, they also require routine colorings to help maintain upkeep and root regrowth

- Cover 100% of grays, so it’s perfect for women fighting those stubborn grays

Demi- or Non-Permanent Formulas:

- Allow you to enhance or change your hair’s tone or go slightly darker, but not lighter

- Provide a subtle change

- Gently blend grays

- Fade out gradually within 28 washes, so you don’t have to worry about a rootline

Let’s say I want to lighten my locks. How do I know which shade is best for me, or how light I should actually go? If you’re planning on lightening your hair, keep your skin tone in mind. Warmer blonde shades, like strawberry or rose gold tend to flatter most skin tones, while platinum looks best on cool skin tones. With blondes, the lighter you go in color the cooler you should go in tone to counteract brassiness. For ultra light blondes, I recommend selecting shades with “ash” in the name.

What if I’m looking to darken my locks? How do I choose the most flattering shade? If you’re coloring your hair to a darkest brown, choose a warmer shade for a more flattering color as it will complement your skin the best. Very dark brown shades in cool tones will look more black than brown. A good rule of thumb is to gradually go darker. If you go with the more darker shade first, the contrast might be a bit too much against your skin tone and hard to get used to!

Related: The Top 3 Hair Color Trends for this Year! 

What if I’m looking to make a drastic hair color change? If you’re making a drastic hair color change, such as going more than two shades from your current color, I recommend you consult with a stylist.

Some formulas allow you to “highlight” your hair with a comb. How can I achieve the look without looking “stripey”? To avoid looking “stripey” with at home highlights, try these tricks:

- If you have long hair, pull your hair back in a ponytail or pigtails and pull random pieces out from the hair line.

- If you have short hair, pull pieces of hair from the roots.

- Using a highlighting kit, paint lightener on those pieces, as well as a few strands at mid-length and ends that are in the ponytail. Avoid painting too close to your roots, which can give the appearance of chunky or “stripey” highlights.

Remember to select highlighting shades that are only a few shades lighter than your current one. Too much of a contrast won’t give you that soft, highlighted look.

Revlon Frost & Glow, $8.99

I usually get my hair colored at the salon, but I’m looking to save money with a root touch up kit. How do I know which color to choose? Root touch-up kits are wonderful to give your hair color a boost or cover roots and grays between regular colorings. Next time you visit your salon, ask your stylist to recommend a shade or just check out the back of the box on at-home hair color boxes as they provide a great visual of what works for your hair color. If you’re still uncertain, many hair color brands have a 1-800 number (1-800-CLAIROL) that can help with your hair color needs!

Related: 3 Easy Ways to Camouflage Your Roots 

L’Oreal Root Rescue, $6.39

I’ve always wanted to color my hair myself, but I’m scared that I’ll mess it up! Any tips? If you’ve never colored you hair before a few simple tips are all you need to ensure success:

- Wear an old t-shirt during the hair color process and have some dark towels on hand.

- Apply Vaseline to your hairline to avoid getting extra hair color on your skin.

-  Keep baby wipes or baby oil on hand in case any dye makes contact with your skin.

- Check the hair color instructions to see if you should work with dry or damp hair.

What’s the best way to maintain my color and prevent fading this summer? To maintain your color and prevent fading during the summer months, make sure you incorporate the following into your beauty routine:

- Wait 24 to 48 hours after coloring to wash your hair and, if possible, avoid daily washing.

- When washing, use shampoos and conditioners specially-formulated to help protect color-treated hair.

- Treat your hair to a weekly deep conditioner to help lock in color and replenish moisture.

- Apply a heat-protector spray prior to using heat styling tools to help shield your hair.

- Reduce exposure to the sun and chlorinated water.

- Protect your color from the elements by wearing a hat while you’re in the sun, conditioning hair prior to swimming and rinsing with fresh water afterward.

Alterna Bamboo Smooth Anti-Breakage Thermal Protectant Spray, $24

More from GalTime.com:

• 7 Tips to Keep Your Hair and Scalp Healthy this Summer 
• Popular Beauty Myths, Debunked! 
• Be a Golden (Sunless) Goddess: Self-Tanning Tips n’ Tricks 
• 5 Makeup Must-Haves to Try ASAP! 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

for consumers: all about ereaders

Up until recently, if you wanted to read a book, you simply borrowed or bought it. The book itself had a spine, binding, and paper pages. Fast forward a few years and times have changed. With all the advances in technology, it seems like everything has a screen and a wireless connection… including books.

In the past few years, the eReader industry has exploded. There’s a wide change of possibilities out there. But which eReader is right for you? Here are some tips from Phillip Chipping, Owner of Knowonder!, a leading publisher of content for kids. According to Chipping, there are three main choices.

3 Main eReaders

1. Apple iPad: The iPad is the most expensive option, starting at $399. With the extra expense comes the ability to hold more apps, movies, books, music and more.

2. Amazon Kindle: The Kindle is a good choice for people who don’t want/need a tablet to do all the “gadget stuff.” There are three models: the Kindle, the Kindle Touch and the Kindle Fire, each differing in their functions aside from reading. They range in price from $79 to $199.

3. Barnes & Noble Nook: There are four different versions of the Nook to think about. There’s the Nook Simple Touch, Nook Simple Touch with GlowLight, Nook Color and Nook Tablet. The “Nooks”  vary in price from $99 to $249, with different degrees of complexity.

Also worth noting: Android also offers tablets and soon there will also be eReader options from Microsoft. Before you make your final selection, Chipping suggests some additional points to think about.

Related: Summer-Proof Your Gadgets

All About eReaders

• All eReaders require an Internet connection of some sort. Whether they’re equipped with 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi, they all need an Internet connection to download books. Another feature that’s available on most eReaders is the ability to download a book on your computer, and then transfer the book to the eReader by USB. All books can be read offline once they are downloaded.

• It is possible to rent books. If you have any type of Amazon Kindle, for a yearly fee you can have access to a service called “Prime” and can rent and return books. Local libraries have also begun making digital books available for rent, so track down that library card! Keep in mind that most selections are quite limited, but hopefully in the future will be broadened.

• Digital books may be more affordable. The price of books in comparison to their digital version is sometimes very similar, but there are cases when you will be paying less for the digital. There are many eBooks for sale for $4.99 and under. Because eBooks are easy to buy, you can feel guilt free if you impulsively splurge on a trashy romance novel just because you are in the mood.

• Availability of books is one of the greatest advantages of owning an eReader. Amazon has the most-extensive selection of books for the Kindle. However, regardless of which tablet you choose, when they do have the book you’re looking for, the ease of buying and downloading the book is well worth it.

Whatever your needs are, with all the different types of eReaders out there you’re sure to find the right one for you.

More from GalTime:

• Best, Must Have Travel Gadgets 
• 7 Ways to Speak Geek 
• 5 Smartphones that Can Replace Your Camera  
• Fun in the Kitchen with Food Network Apps 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook!

understanding the baby blues post pregnancy

The birth of a child is a miracle: new human life is created.  The birth of a child is magical.

And, it’s freakish, really, if you’ve ever seen it happen…  an entire body comes out of another body.

Upon the birth of a child, a mother’s eyes, glazed over with tears, yes from pushing, but then from joy, are opened to a new purpose in life:  motherhood.  Her heart is opened to a love she never knew existed…

And then, life is grey.  She sees the world in shadow, even in bright sunlight, 12 hours north of her 3 a.m. breastfeeding.  The fluffy, air-light diapers with pretty pastel pictures on them weigh down her hands. They are so heavy to her she can change her baby – just barely.  Or maybe not at all.  The diapers, her hands, she… everything is so heavy.  And the heaviness just won’t lift.

Sometimes having a baby – essentially a helpless miracle – can result in a helpless, suffering mother – a mother struggling with Postpartum Depression.

Related: Postpartum Fathers 

The summer months (August, then July) are the most popular birth months in the U.S.  Of the mothers who will give birth this summer, (or anytime this year), as much as 15% will develop Postpartum Depression. Fortunately, there is help.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) is the most common complication of childbirth, according to Dr. Shoshana Bennett, psychologist and author of Postpartum Depression for Dummies.  Just as there’s no shame of gestational diabetes, there’s no reason to be ashamed of Postpartum Depression, Dr. Bennett explains.   “This is not a character weakness or a personality flaw.”

What is PPD?

PPD is a form of depression experienced by a mother anytime within a year, (although it is seen most often within the first three months), of giving birth.

Common symptoms include:  anxiety, low self esteem, frequent crying, change in appetite, nighttime insomnia, loss of energy, fatigue, and hopelessness.

“If you ask a woman with PPD, ‘How are you doing?’” notes Dr. Bennett, “she will answer to the gist of ‘I’ve lost myself.’ ‘I don’t know who this is. This is not me.’  And, she doesn’t see an end to this.”

How is PPD different from “The Baby Blues”?

While “The Baby Blues” are transient (lasting less than 2 weeks) and mild, per Dr. Bennett, PPD lasts longer than two weeks and is severe enough to affect a mother’s daily functioning.

While anyone can get PPD, factors that can increase a mother’s risk include:

• History of psychiatric illness
• History of PMS or PMD
• Mood changes from birth control, which can indicate a sensitivity to hormone shifts
• Isolation, poor partner support

Related: Is Crying Out Dangerous for Kids?

How is PPD Treated?

Dr. Bennett recommends an “individualized wellness strategy” that includes:

• “Chunks of uninterrupted nighttime sleep – even breastfeeding mothers can get these if they’re willing to pump and somebody else on duty gives the bottle.”
• Nutrition: “Nibbling protein every 3 hours or so keeps the blood sugar even.”
• Exercise
• Physical support  (someone to give you a break)
• Emotional support
• Hydration
• Time in the sunlight
• Speaking with a specialist who understands perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
• Realistic expectations:  Dr. Bennett advises throwing out myths such as, “This is the best time of my life”, “I shouldn’t have needs”, and, “Breastfeeding is wonderful.” A more realistic thought?:  “This is bootcamp.”
• Prevention:  Have a plan of action in place before the baby comes.  Know, for example, who’s going to be available to help.

Having a baby is life-changing.  Change, while it can be wonderful, is challenging for everyone.  Knowing what to expect and enlisting support and help can make change – even changing, say the “poopiest” of diapers, easier and happier.

More from GalTime.com:

• Top 10 Pediatric Myths 
• New Baby Sleep Strategies 
• Sippy Cups, Bottles, Pacifiers Could Pose Health Risk 
• 5 of the Craziest/Coolest Baby Gifts 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Anna Katzman is a Clinical Nurse Specialist in psychiatry, certified in child and adolescent mental health and a freelance writer and an intern for GalTime. You can visit her blog for additional information.

3 great destinations for families, 3 great destinations for couples, and 3 great destinations for singles. 

Got some time off this July or August, but have no idea where to jet off to for some fun or relaxation?  GalTime’s travel guru, Anne Banas of SmarterTravel.com, helped us put together a list of hot summer 2012 destinations.

Families

Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas

Nothing is more fun than visiting an ancient civilization while simultaneously lounging in the pool or exploring lionfish in a lagoon. Promotions for the Atlantis are ample right now, making it a great opportunity to vacation while saving a bundle! The kids will love learning about the Mayan civilization while enjoying the beaches, visiting the delicious restaurants, and overall, going on a wonderful adventure.

Disney Cruise

If you’ve had the opportunity to attend one of Disney’s famous theme parks, might be time to try the Disney Cruise Line. The line has destinations from Europe to the Caribbean to Alaska, and each boat is fully equipped with youth clubs and magically themed restaurants for the kids alongside adult-only dining and night clubs. Take a picture with Mickey Mouse or see a show hosted by your favorite classic characters, with some of your most favorite people.

Honolulu – Oahu

Although Hawaii is a flawless vacation for any occasion, Honolulu is specifically perfect for families with its various family friendly activities like swimming with the dolphins and Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park. Bring the whole family for a vacation that the kids will remember forever.

Couples

Paris, France

There’s nothing quite as dreamy as taking walks along the Seine or holding hands under the Paris night sky as the Eiffel Tower radiates The City of Lights in the background. Grab your own pied-a-terre for a couple of weeks and spend mornings munching on croissants and fresh cheese. A city rich with culture and filled with romance, there really is no better place to fall in love. And no matter whom you go with on this incredible journey, it is certain that you’ll both “always have Paris.”

Fiji

The premium honeymoon destination, Fiji is basically as close as you can get to paradise. The beaches are breathtaking and the ocean is clear enough to see various forms of sea life while snorkeling or rafting through each of the Fiji islands. Grab a kayak for two and immerse yourself in the magnificence of Fiji.

Maui

Although Maui gives the feeling of a far off exotic destination, it’s right here in the United States. Share a towel on the beach with your special someone, grab a couple’s massage at one of the many incredible spas, or just relax together while enjoying the fantastic climate and fresh island fruit.

Singles

Las Vegas, NV

The ultimate singles paradise, Las Vegas is the perfect getaway to enjoy your freedom, do a bit of gambling, or see a great show. And with all the wedding chapels scattered around town, there’s a chance you might even come home hitched!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

The notorious “Disneyland for Adults,” Amsterdam is jam packed with sinful amusements from the infamous “coffee shops” to The Sex Museum. The ideal walkable city, Amsterdam is just the place to clear your head and enjoy the exquisite architecture and free spirits.

Miami, Fl

Without a doubt, Miami has become a place known for its gorgeous beaches, as well as its skimpily dressed inhabitants. The clubs are plentiful, as are the tropical drinks, making Miami a picture perfect vacation spot for anyone flying solo.

Travel information provided by Anne Banas at Smarter Travel Media.

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri is sharing recipes from his cookbook with GalTime. It’s an eclectic mix of recipes (kinda like Guy Fieri, himself). And it’s also filled with photos & stories.

THe Dish:

S’more Pizza

guy fieri:

“i say it on triple d all the time – everything has a “kicker”. it’s what it takes to make the dish outta bounds. the kicker here is the chili and cayenne. oooooh yeahhhhhh!”

The Recipe:

Makes 2 pizzas

• 2 store-bought, 1-pound pizza dough balls
• 1⁄4 cup slivered almonds
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 sleeve graham crackers, crushed (about 1 1⁄4 cups crumbs)
• 1⁄2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1⁄2 cup all- purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup fine cornmeal
• 3 cups mini marshmallows
• Two 4- ounce dark chocolate bars, broken into 1⁄4- inch chunks

Related: $50,000 Cookie Recipe 

Special Equipment: pizza peel and pizza stone (or pizza pan)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

2. Form the pizza dough into two 12- to 14- inch rounds, ¼ inch thick. Bake, preferably on a pizza stone, for 4 to 6 minutes, until just beginning to brown. Leave the oven on at 400°F.

3. While the pizza crust is baking, toast the almonds in a dry medium skillet over medium- high heat. Transfer the almonds to a plate to cool.

4. Melt the butter in the skillet. Add the graham cracker crumbs, chili powder, cayenne, and salt. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the crumbs are well- coated. Remove from the heat and set aside.

5. For each pizza, top the crust with half of the marshmallows and scatter half of the chocolate over the marshmallows. Return to the oven for 3 to 5 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and lightly browned. Sprinkle the pizza with half of the graham cracker mixture and top with half of the almonds. Let rest 3 to 4 minutes, slice, and serve. Repeat to make the second pizza.

More from GalTime.com:

• The Joy of Having a Backyard Camp Out 
• Chef Guy Fieri’s Watermelon Pork Tacos 
• Apple Crostata with Oat Topping Crumble 
• Chicken Fajita Pizza 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

This recipe is reprinted with permission from Guy Fieri’s Food Cookin’ It, Livin’ It, Lovin’ It, by Guy Fieri with Ann Volkwein, William Morrow/Harper Collins Publishers, 2011.

According to a study conducted by the University of Texas Medical Branch and published in the July issue of Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, your sexting teens may be engaging in more actual sexual behavior than your non-sexting teens.

This study looked at the relationship between sexting and sexual habits of 948 students from the ages of 14-19.

Here’s what parents should know about their sexting teens:

1. The girls who were engaging in more sexting were also more likely to have started dating and having sex.

2. Among girls, more sexting was associated with a greater likelihood of using alcohol and drugs before engaging in sexual activity.

Related: Sexting: You Can Do Something About It  

3. Among males, sexting was also associated with a greater likelihood of being sexually involved but there was no reported association with alcohol and drug use prior to engaging in sex.

4. Among girls, more sexting was associated with sex with multiple partners.

Related: Teaching Your Kids to Respect Their Body

5. This association between sexting and multiple partners was not found in the sample of male teenagers.

So, parents, here are 5 more reasons to become tech-savvy. Your teens’ electronic behavior may be similar to their off-screen behavior. See your teen sexting? Yep, it is time once again to have a conversation about safe sex and good decisions. And here are 5 more reasons to monitor your teens’ electronic lives. The electronic lives they lead may be something you need to know about.

More from GalTime.com:

• Parents Teaching Their Kids to Text and Drive?
• I Walked in On My Teen Having Sex… Now What?
• Mothers & Daughters: Can You Be TOO Close for Comfort?
• Do High Tech Parents Know Too Much About Their Kids?

Connect With GalTime on Facebook!

Barbara Greenberg and Jennifer Powell-Lunder are authors of the hit book, “Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent’s Guide to Becoming Bilingual.”  They’ve set up an interactive website for parents and teens to listen, learn and discuss hot topics and daily dilemmas. You can find it at www.talkingteenage.com.

TMZ reports that Kris Humphries’ ex-girlfriend, Myla Sinanaj, is pregnant with his baby.

A source confirms that Myla is 3 months along, but hasn’t yet told Kris he is the father (after these reports, we’re sure he’ll figure it out).

This news surely won’t be good for his divorce from Kim Kardashian. He previously claimed he was “devastated” by their break-up and was suffering emotionally.

Sounds like Kris actually moved on pretty quickly…

More from GalTime.com:

• Kris Humphries Wants Wedding Cash Revealed
• Kim Kardashian Plans Wedding with Every Boyfriend 
• Matthew and Camila McConaughey Expecting Baby #3!
• Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise Move Out 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

My rosy cheeks tend to get a little too rosy! And having red skin does not a gorgeous (and natural looking) summer glow make!

It seems like I’m always on the hunt for beauty products that will even out my skin tone. And while there’s no cure-all, I’ve found a powder that truly helps even out the stituation: Stila Set & Correct Powder ($34).

It contains a trio of color-correcting setting powders: green (to reduce redness), lavender (to counteract yellow undertones), and peach (to brighten and illuminate.)

Simply twist the dial to “shave” the compact evenly, swirl your brush in the loose powder, and apply!

Yes, it definitely helps even skin tone and reduce redness, but what I love most is that is doesn’t make your skin look “chalky,” which many powders tend to do. Stila says its secret is the way the powder is “baked,” combined with the infusion of Vitamin E and jojoba oils. Whatever the reason is, I’m loving it!

I like to apply Set & Correct after my BB cream and HD Concealer (Make Up For Ever, if you must know!), then finish things off with a light veil of bronzer. Whichever way you choose to apply it, this stuff is foolproof to use and will give your skin a super soft sheen. It’s perfect for sunny days and steamy summer nights!

Stila has also launched a new shade of Custom Color Blush: Self-Adjusting Bronze ($20). The beauty of this one-shade-fits-all compact is that it adjusts to your skin’s pH level, resulting in a hue that’s unique to you!

This blush leaves behind a beautiful bronze shimmer that makes your skin appear utterly sun kissed.  The satiny powder is easy to blend, but I learned very quickly that a little goes s a long way, so my tip is to apply sparingly!

I knew I had achieved a flawless flush when my husband said that my face had a “summer glow.” Score one (ahem, two) for Stila!

You can find these products at Ulta, Sephora, and StilaCosmetics.com.

*Disclaimer: The product(s) reviewed in this article was provided to GalTime by the public relations firm that represents the manufacturer. All opinions are those of the author. 

summer learning tune-ups for kids

By Steve Reifman

It is incredibly important to keep your child’s mind productively occupied during the summer months.

One way to accomplish this task is to encourage kids to participate in a variety of engaging writing projects.

Children who write over summer vacation not only avoid summer learning loss, but also develop greater enthusiasm for writing and improve their skills as they head into the next school year.

Share the following options with your child to see which ones resonate.

1. Make a book about a topic of strong interest.  Whether we’re trying to encourage students to read or write, I recommended that you start with your child’s passions. When kids own the choice of what they will write, motivation increases significantly. Children who love animals may want to research one and create a book – complete with text, illustrations, labeled diagrams, and more.

Related: 9 Great Educational Apps for Kids and Teens 

2. Collaborate with a friend.  Children who don’t enjoy writing alone often enjoy writing with somebody else because the social component provides a sense of belonging, increases success, and makes the activity more enjoyable. Because “school writing” tends to be an individual endeavor, kids will likely relish the opportunity to spend time over the summer working on a cooperative writing project. The type of project kids create is not that important. What matters most is that they are having an enjoyable experience exercising their “writing muscles.”

3. Document Family Trips. If your family will be traveling over the summer, your child can write about where you go, what you do, and the funny moments that inevitably happen along the way. Taking photographs throughout the trip will provide your child with all the material necessary to create either a physical or electronic scrapbook to share with friends and relatives.

4. Keep a journal or diary.  Both boys and girls will enjoy and benefit from keeping a daily or periodic journal. They can write about their experiences, commemorate their successes, and express their frustrations, secure in the knowledge that their personal thoughts and feelings are completely secret.

5. Seek out kid-friendly online writing opportunities.  Every time kids finish reading a book, for example, they can write a review on amazon.com or other sites. Children love expressing their opinions, and creating a review offers valuable persuasive writing practice. Taking a stand and supporting it with evidence is an important academic skill.

Related: Crafts to Help Your Kids Unplug this Summer 

6. Send letters to family and friends. Though it may seem antiquated and out-of-date in these times of e-mailing and texting, writing letters is a terrific way to develop skills and communicate with others. In addition to corresponding with distant friends and relatives, kids can exchange letters with nearby friends, decreasing the turnaround time and, thus, creating the opportunity to communicate more frequently.

7. Extend favorite school projects.  Every spring in my classroom my students create “Edge-of-Your-Seat” fiction stories that contain suspense and tension. Many kids are so excited about these projects that they choose to create sequels over the summer. Kids love reading different book series, and they take great delight in the thought of making a series of their own after the school year ends.

8. Write poetry. In the final Writing Workshop unit of each school year, my students write a series of free-form, non-rhyming poems about any topics they wish, and they love it. Children who tend to become intimidated by the thought of writing longer stories and research projects often feel more at ease crafting their poems, which are usually on the shorter side. Similarly, kids who experience difficulty with capitalization, punctuation, and spelling enjoy this genre, where conventions rules are more relaxed.

More from GalTime.com:

• Top Pinterest Pages for Parents 
• Confessions of ‘Bad’ Moms & Why We’re Still Good 
• How to Talk to Your Kids about the Jerry Sandusky Trial 
• Family Road Trip Survival Guide 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook!  

Steve Reifman is a National Board Certified elementary school teacher in Santa Monica, CA. He is also the acclaimed author of several books, including Changing Kids’ Lives One Quote at a Time and Eight Essentials for Empowered Teaching and Learning, K-8, and the creator of the Chase Manning Mystery Series for kids 8-12.  

enjoying barbeques as a diabetic

During the summer months, many of our favorite activities are combinations of three essential elements: being outside, being active, and eating.

When we’re out enjoying ourselves, it can be very easy to overlook some of our basic nutritional needs. Many of us have experienced a sudden sense of extreme thirst or hunger after a busy day in the sun.

For those with diabetes, however, mowing the lawn or participating in one more tennis match and forgetting to have a snack can be more consequential.

“Good blood sugar control is vital to diabetes care to prevent or delay the onset of complications of disease.  Nourishing meal plans, physical activity, and appropriate medication are all key to healthful living with diabetes. Make the effort to plan ahead this summer,” advises Joni Rampolla, registered dietitian and Director of Nutrition and Wellness for Medifast.

“There is a lot of excitement and fun this time of year, and a lot of us are outdoors, on vacation, exerting ourselves, and visiting new places. These factors make it all too easy to forget meds, lose track of mealtimes, or not pay attention to what your body is telling you. Eat enough healthy food to cover activity and keep hydrated in the heat. Test blood sugar levels more frequently to ensure you stay in your target range. Have a plan in place in case you experience a low blood sugar level,” she says.

Related: Summer Treats: What’s Healthy and What’s Not 

Rampolla shares the following recommendations regarding how people living with diabetes (and their loved ones) can be proactive about health and wellness while enjoying the summer months:

Certain popular summer food items diabetics may want to avoid or enjoy in moderation…

Like any other time, people with diabetes should pay attention to the fat content and glycemic quality of food (how likely it is to cause a sudden upsurge in blood sugar). So, high-glycemic foods such as sugary sodas, frozen pops, juice blends, white bread and rolls, and candy should be limited.

High fat foods cause a prolonged rise in your blood sugar, which you may still see the effects of 3-4 hours after you have eaten. As far as protein sources, it’s important to go easy on fatty hotdogs, sausages, fried chicken, burgers and salads made with mayo.

Instead, opt for a grilled chicken breast, fish that isn’t fried such as a shrimp kabob, or a veggie burger with a whole-grain bun. Finally, limit drinks with caffeine and alcohol when out in the heat, since both can dehydrate your body.

Related: How to Become a Happy Eater

Summer foods recommended for diabetics…

Luckily for people with diabetes—and everyone else, summertime is high time for fresh, local produce. A diet rich in fresh, non-starchy vegetables and fruit provides great taste and plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals without playing havoc with blood sugar.

Protein sources that are low in saturated fat are the best choice, these include: low fat cuts of grilled, baked, stir-fried or broiled meats or skinless chicken breast, salmon or other fish, low fat cheeses, soy, beans, and legumes or a low fat, sugar free Greek yogurt.

Foods that may help control blood sugar levels include steel cut oats due to the soluble fiber it contains, flax seeds, cinnamon (American Diabetes Association: “Diabetes Care,” Cinnamon Improves Glucose and Lipids of People With Type 2 Diabetes, Alam Khan, December 2003) or vinegar.

Where portion control comes into play…
Summer is a great time to break the habit of three big meals and instead, fuel your body with smaller servings of healthy food every two to three hours, especially when you’re on the go.

Eating small, frequent meals helps regulate blood sugar levels. Excessive carbohydrate intake can happen if you are not mindful about your food intake. Be mindful of your portions to allow you more flexibility to taste a variety of foods without over- consuming.

Related:  4 Top Tips to Stop Overeating 

A great tool is the plate method where half of your plate is filled with non-starchy vegetables (like grilled zucchini, green beans, broccoli, or spinach summer squash). Keep the carbohydrate or starch to a quarter of your plate (corn, brown rice, or wheat roll), and the protein (chicken, fish, lean meat) to the remaining quarter.

This provides a nice healthy balance of nutrients.

General advice for attending a barbecue this summer…
Again, it’s about planning ahead. Wear good shoes to protect your feet. Participate in physical activity. Make sure there are healthy food choices, and if not, bring your own. Emphasize lean protein, fresh, non-starchy vegetables, fruit and whole-grain carbohydrates.

Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and don’t overdo exercising in hot weather. If you start to feel dizzy, stop whatever you’re doing and check your blood sugar levels immediately.

Rest in a cool, shady place.  Remember that taking care of your health allows you the time to spend with your family and friends. Use the time to enjoy the company. Be mindful of your food intake, knowing what is in the foods you chose ahead of time so you can relax and enjoy your time with loved ones during the party.

More from GalTime.com:

• Natural Ways to Fight Aging 
• 5 Health Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore 
• Using Food as Medicine 
• Take Your Food on Vacation 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Danielle Miller is a freelance writer and editor from the Boston area. She is a publishing project manager and has written articles on health and relationship-related topics for various outlets for several years. She is also a book editor, working mainly on books relating to science, technology, and user experience.

Read more: http://galtime.com/article/health/39603/28172/summer-treats-whats-healthy-whats-not#ixzz1zQMHWUki

You’ve taken the time to learn how to take better photographs, and you’ve organized them neatly on your computer, so what’s your next step? Sharing your masterpieces with your friends, family, and the rest of the world! Of course, there are dozens of photo sharing websites out there, so how do you know which one is right for you? We’ll run down some of the most popular options and help you decide for yourself.

Flickr and Picasa: The big kids on the block
The first names that probably come to mind when you talk about photo sharing are Flickr and Picasa, and with good reason. More than a million photos are uploaded to Flickr in a typical day! And Picasa is fully integrated with Google+, as well as having a robust desktop app, which makes it incredibly easy to use.

How do they stack up?

What you get for free: A basic account is free on both Flickr and Picasa. With Flickr, this allows you to upload two videos and 300MB of photos every month; your photostream is limited to the 200 most recent images you’ve posted. Flickr lets you tag, caption, and set copyright permissions on your photos, as well as organize them into collections and sets.

Picasa gives you 1GB of space to upload photos and videos, with the only other restrictions being 20MB per photo and 1GB per video and a limit of 10,000 web albums and 1,000 photos per album. Also, photos smaller than 2048 x 2048 pixels and videos less than 15 minutes don’t count toward your free storage limit. With Picasa, you can organize your photos into folders, choose privacy settings for each album or individual photo, and tag and caption each photo. Unlike Flickr, Picasa also has a variety of photo editing tools, such as image enhancement, saturation, and red-eye removal.

What you get if you upgrade: A Flickr Pro account, which costs $24.95 per year, gets you unlimited uploads and storage, unlimited sets and collections, access to your original files, stats on your account, ad-free browsing and sharing, and HD video uploads and playback. Picasa doesn’t have a pro account setting, but if you want to upload more than 1GB of files, you can purchase more storage in amounts ranging from 20GB for $5 per year up to 1TB for $256 per year.

Facebook and Twitter: The social networking giants
Facebook and Twitter aren’t specifically for photo sharing, but you can certainly use them to get your pictures to the masses. Of the two, Facebook has the more robust media integration. Facebook allows users to upload 200 photos per album, with no limit to the number of albums. You can add photos easily via the web or the Facebook mobile app, and it’s simple to tag other Facebook users in your photos or add a location and other notes.

Remember that tagging people in the photos you post (or allowing others to tag you) can affect the privacy level of that photo. Check Flickr’s Tagging FAQ for more information.

Twitter also has integrated photo uploading for both its web page and mobile apps. Uploaded photos are automatically included in your user gallery, where the 100 most recent images will be displayed. Once you’ve posted more than 100 images, however, older ones will no longer be visible, so it’s not a great option for long-term storage.

Tumblr: Mini-blogs for photographers
Tumblr is an interesting hybrid between a blog and a photo sharing site. One clever feature of Tumblr lets you password-protect your photos so that only folks with the secret code can access your images. You can create multiple Tumblr blogs beneath one master account.

Once you’ve created a Tumblr, you can upload photos from your phone or from your computer and post photos singly or in multiples as a gallery. Tumblr also integrates seamlessly with Twitter and Facebook, allowing you to cross-post your images instantly.

Unlike most other photo sharing sites, you can customize the appearance of your page, choosing a theme and tweaking fonts, headers, and background images. (Yes, it’s just like MySpace — and some folks even include annoying background music on their Tumblr pages, too.)

Photobucket, Shutterfly, and Snapfish: Prints and more
Photobucket, Shutterfly, and Snapfish were among the first photo sharing sites on the web, and they still have a huge number of loyal users. For non-commercial users, Photobucket offers unlimited photo uploading and storage and up to 500 videos per account (though it reserves the right to limit excessive usage). You can easily share photos via email or post to Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, and other social media. Play with fun options like digital slide shows and photographic effects, and turn your photos into physical prints and other customizable gifts.

A Shutterfly account is also completely free and offers unlimited photo storage. Create Share sites, secure personal web pages where you can share photos, videos, and more with family and friends. Shutterfly offers a wide range of prints and other items that can be created using your photos, and visitors to your Share sites can, too. In addition, you can order Shutterfly photo prints for pickup at Target, Walgreens, and CVS stores.

Snapfish also offers free, unlimited photo upload accounts plus the ability to create prints and gifts from your images. Prints can be shipped directly from the site or picked up at many different stores, including Walmart, Walgreens, and Meijer. Members can share photos or albums via email, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, Windows Live Spaces, Typepad, and WordPress.

Which service should you choose?
Which photo sharing service is right for you depends largely on how you plan to use it. If you want to upload hundreds and hundreds of photos, Picasa’s huge space offerings make it a great choice. If you want to be able to set copyright permissions and share with millions of other users, Flickr is an excellent option. If you’d prefer to upload one or two photos at a time on a customizable blog, check out Tumblr. If your goal is to produce physical items and prints of your pictures, you might want to try Photobucket, Snapfish, or Shutterfly. If you just like to upload and share the occasional picture to your social media outlet of choice, Facebook and Twitter are incredibly popular.

[Image credit: C.P. Storm]

Originally appeared on: Tecca.com
This article was written by Katherine Gray and originally appeared on Tecca

More from Tecca:

• Beginner’s guide to digital photography
• The dangers of oversharing via your social media photos
• How to digitize your old print photos

Tecca.com is a personal technology site dedicated to helping you get the most out of the devices, services, and digital media in your life. We’re here to reduce the stress and increase the fun by making tech more accessible, more useful, and easier to understand.

Tecca on Twitter

Boy, have times changed since my little one was really little. Back then, the Diaper Genie and wipes warmer (did you know they make these for adults now?!) were the newest, hottest tot tech must-haves on the market. Today, it seems it’s all gone high tech. Baby monitors, bouncy seats, and even strollers are some of the best of this year’s digital gadget gear that can make life a easier for parents of little ones.

Withings Smart Baby Monitor
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $299

This internet-connected baby sound and video monitor lets you check in any time from anywhere. You can set up automatic alerts and motion detectors or even monitor room temperature and humidity. From your iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, you can play a lullaby, turn on (or off) a multicolor nightlight, or talk to your child with the dual-direction microphone. The monitor offers night vision, pinch-to-zoom control, and a video camera that lets you capture close-ups of your sleeping beauty in those sublime moment’s of total peace.

4moms mamaRoo Infant Seat
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $199

For many frazzled new moms and dads, a safe, soothing place like a baby swing to put your little one down for a few minutes can be a total sanity-saver. The swings are supposed to mimic a parent’s movement. But people don’t vibrate or swing. (If you do or know someone who does, I want to see video — stat.) People bounce and sway, and that’s what the mamaRoo does, providing natural movements that just so happen to soothe and comfort your little one. It has unique motions such as car ride and ocean. It also has built-in nature sounds, or you can dock your iPhone or iPod right in the base and give your baby a first playlist.

4moms Origami Folding Stroller
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $850

Man, these 4moms are really onto something. This company’s also the maker of the mamaRoo and the Origami Folding stroller that I’ve talked about a lot before. Trying to fold up a heavy and unwieldy baby stroller can be like a dance with the devil. With the Origami stroller, a simple twist and push of a button causes the buggy to automatically fold itself into a compact little package you can fit into your car, carry up stairs, or stow away behind an open door. You push the stroller to recharge it, and it even has running lights and a USB port to charge your cell phone while you’re walking. This stroller’s not only awesome, it’s like magic — and for that, you’ll pay a small fortune. That’s reality TV mom Bethenny Frankel using one recently in Manhattan.

Chicco Dance Baby Walker
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $90

From pushing babies to trying to keep up with them, the Chicco Dance Baby Walker is another great new gadget pick. It offers another way to get babies hooked on music at an early age, with an interactive musical play tray and MP3 player, so you can play your own tunes and even build your baby a personalized soundtrack. It easily converts from a walker to a stationary activity center, folds flat for easy storage, and has brake pads to prevent tumbles and spills.

The Puj Tub
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $45

When my daughter was a baby, itty-bitty baby bathtubs were anything but. They were clunky, chunky, heavy, splashed water everywhere, and made a new mom’s life harder than it had to be. The Puj Tub fixes all of that. It actually fits in the sink, you can set it up with one hand while holding baby in the other, and it hangs and stores flat. Genius.

Boon Glo Nightlight
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $66

How does a toy with glowing bouncy balls help a toddler fall asleep? Like magic. The Glo is part night-light, part toy, part something you imagine Dr. Seuss might have come up with. For toddlers versus babies, this multicolored, interactive night-light has removable, illuminated Glo balls that don’t get hot and can’t break. They’re solar-powered, so their light fades after about 30 minutes. You can even tuck them into bed with your child. I really like the Glo company’s spin on this gadget, that it’s “95% effective at keeping monsters away all night long.” Cute.

Cloud b Sleep Sheep Sound Machine
Buy it: From Amazon
Price: $17

When it comes to cute and cuddly, this gadget takes first prize. It’s a plushie and a soothing sound system offering the sounds of a mother’s heartbeat, spring showers, ocean surf, or whale songs. It comes with a Velcro tab so that you can secure it outside the crib, since the latest pediatric warnings tell you not to put anything inside a baby’s sleeping area. It comes in a giraffe model, too.

Really need it or just plain really want it?
I know, many parenting purists will tell you that you don’t need any of this newfangled gadgetry — just a whole lot of love and patience, and you’ll do just fine with whatever you happen to have (or get for your baby shower). Having been through it all myself, I admit that’s totally true. You really don’t need it. But it’s okay to want it, get it, and love it all the same. The best part of all of this new mom and baby gadget gear? It doesn’t take being a high-tech parent to use it.

What’s one gadget you can’t imagine getting through those first few years without? What one baby gadget do you wish someone would invent? Join in the conversation in the comments section at the bottom of column. And remember, they grow up really fast!

[Image credit: growingyourbaby.com]
This article was written by Jennifer Jolly and originally appeared on Tecca.com.

More from Tecca:

• Everything you need to know about being a tech-savvy parent
• How to find the best deals on baby necessities online
• Withings Smart Baby Monitor keeps tabs on your your baby using night vision tech

freebies and deals for consumers 

The 4th of July and freedom go hand in hand. There’s freedom of speech, the freedom to run around with sparklers and the freedom to celebrate our country’s birthday. But did you know “freedom” also means tons of free goodies? A number of nationwide chains are offering up great freebies or half price deals to celebrate Independence Day this year.

If you plan on picking up a new sofa or maybe just a couple of throw pillows, take the family to your local Ikea store where kids eat free. Unlike most kids eat free deals there is no purchase necessary, meaning mom and dad don’t have to buy anything. Just bring your child (under 12 years old) in to get their free meal. Clearly, whoever said, “There is no such thing as a free lunch” never took their kids to Ikea on the 4th of July, or if they did they took them to the Houston Ikea where this offer is not valid.

Related: Have a Fabulously Frugal 4th of July

Now that the kids are fed it’s time to suit up and head to Hardee’s or Carl’s Jr, If you are one of the first 50 customers to show up in a Spiderman costume after 11:00am on July 4th, you will receive a free grilled cheese bacon thick burger. Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are prohibiting masks, and if dressing like the web-slinging crusader is not your style you can always just print this coupon for $1 Dollar Off a Grilled Cheese Bacon Thick Burger.

Looking for a way to unwind before the fireworks display starts? Head to Chilli’s Bar and Grill where you can use this Free Chips & Queso Coupon to recieve the free appetizer with any Entree Purchase.

Related: Last Minute Recipes for the 4th!

Parched and in need of a little refreshment this July 4th? Starbucks is giving away free tall coffees as part of their #INDIVISIBLE initiative to get a dialog going regarding the upcoming election. Interested in a less caffeinated way to quench your thirst? Use this Jamba Juice Buy One Get One Free Coupon to cut your smoothie bill in half!

Before you head off to the parade or back yard barbecue be sure to stop by Walgreens.com and take advantage of their 4 Free 5×7 Prints Independence Day offer. It will free up some space on your memory card so you can capture the look on the kids faces when the fireworks begin. Check out Walgreens.com on July 3rd to get the promocode.

Tell the world how patriotic you are by requesting a free vinyl American Flag Sticker from StickerGiant.com or create a free t-shirt compliments of VistaPtrint.

If you happen to be a current member of the armed forces, or a veteran you can enjoy a free day of fun at Knotts Berry Farm Amusement Park in California or at Six Flags America. You might also want to check your local theme parks website to see if they offer up a free admission for military members this July 4th.

While not entirely free Spaghetti Warehouse is offering up to three entrees at $5 dollars each  so you can feed a family of four for just $20, not bad for a night out. Boston Market is celebrating our country’s birthday with a 50% Off Family Meals with this coupon and Papa John’s Pizza will take 50% off any regularly priced item when you order online using the promo code PARTY50.

More from GalTime.com:

• Three Cheers for Red, White, and Blue Desserts! 
• How to Throw a Party for 12 on Just $80
• 5 Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale 
• Top Summer Entertaining Tips 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

understanding the causes of infertility

By The “Mommy” Docs

You conceived your first baby on the first try. No stress, no counting on the calendar, not even quite sure you were ready.

The next one should be just as simple, right? Unfortunately, your first experience with conception does not necessarily predict what will happen the next time around.

Below, we answer some common questions we hear about secondary infertility.

Read on to learn more about this condition, as understanding your fertility clock is key to making each possible moment of conception count.

What is secondary infertility?

Secondary infertility means you’re experiencing difficulty conceiving after a previous pregnancy, whether it ended in birth or miscarriage. Its prevalence in couples has increased by 60 percent in last 20 years, occurring in nearly 12 percent of couples. Often couples will delay seeking help because they assume everything will fall into place as it did the first time.

What is the most common cause of secondary infertility?

The most common cause of secondary infertility is increasing maternal age. More frequently, women are delaying childbearing. In general, almost 15 percent of women wait to have their first child until after the age of 35. Some women may be close to 40 before they are ready for baby number two, an age when fertility rates decline rapidly.

How does aging affect fertility in general?

You are born with all of the eggs you are going to have. They age as your body does and lose the ability to form a healthy embryo. At age 40, almost half of your eggs are genetically abnormal and unable to grow. By age 42, over 80 percent are abnormal. For this reason, it is so important that women over 35 do not miss any opportunities to conceive. Using an ovulation kit or an iApp to predict ovulation can insure that you know when is the fertile time of your cycle to optimize your chances of conception.

Can my diet and overall health influence my ability to conceive the second time around?

Many women are surprised to hear that their diet and overall health cannot overcome the effects of aging. Often times after a baby, women find it difficult to lose the extra weight they had gained. This, too, can cause fertility problems. Women who are overweight have higher levels of estrogen, because estrogen is stored in fat cells. When estrogen levels are elevated, the normal cycle of ovulation can be shut down. Women may find that their periods become less predictable or they may skip them all together. If your periods are more than 35 days apart, talk to your doctor about dietary changes you can make to lose weight or about medications that can help you to ovulate.

What forgotten factors might be hindering my chances of conception?

Everyday factors may also hinder a woman’s likelihood of conceiving. After baby number one, some women simply do not have the time or energy for sex. Having a toddler, or two, at home leaves many moms exhausted. The last thing on their mind after a day of work, making dinner, chasing a little one, and organizing the house is being intimate with their partner. As much as they love their partner, sex can feel like a chore. In these cases, identifying the most fertile times of the month – with the help of an ovulation calculator – can focus a woman’s energies to the times that they are most likely to conceive.

Dealing with secondary infertility can awaken a variety of emotions, and the experience is unique for every woman. You may feel guilty for waiting so long to try again, stressed about making time for sex while juggling the duties of a wife and mother, or angry that this is happening to you. Do your best to accept these emotions as they come and know that everything you are feeling is normal. Be open and honest with your OB/Gyn and she will work with you to discuss your options and help you through this journey.

The Mommy Docs are practicing OB/GYNs and stars in the hit show “Deliver Me,” airing daily on Discovery Fit and Health, in addition to a new series in development. The Docs are also authors of “The Mommy Docs’ Ultimate Guide to Pregnancy and Birth,” and spokespersons on behalf of Insight Pharmaceutical’s portfolio of women’s health products, including e.p.t and Monistat.Their opinions and professional recommendations are their own. 

Best Summer Wines from Sonoma

One of America’s most popular wine regions, Sonoma is a heavenly place to spend a summer, (I should know, I used to work there!). But even if you can’t take a few months off to indulge in your wine country fantasies, you can get a taste of summer in Sonoma at home with wines like these:

Cartograph

2009 Pinot Noir, Floodgate Vineyard

This relatively light-bodied Pinot bucks the current, American trend and serves up the elegant grape with delicious restraint. It is both refreshing and food-friendly, both attractive features for summer.

Inman Family Wines

2011 OGV Estate Pinot Gris

Bright and fresh with the kind of texture that cries out for the next sip, this pretty citrus Pinot Gris finishes long with sophisticated minerality.

Related: 10 Ways Not to Get Ripped Off Buying Wine 

Kelley & Young

2011 Kathleen Rose

With its floral and strawberry notes, this pretty pink is positively summer in a glass. Made from a blend of Bordeaux varietals, it offers lush fruit in the mouth and dry, citrus and mineral finish.

LaFollette Wines

2007 Pinot Meunier, Van der Kamp Vineyard

A big, deliciously funky and totally surprising wine, this is a great one to break out with bbq. It offers a mouthful of black fruit, touch of licorice and just enough spice on the finish to keep the ending interesting.

Mauritson Wines

2009 Rockpile Ridge Cabernet Sauvignon

From this winery noted for its Zinfandels comes a Cabernet with complexity and balance. Black fruit, tobacco and chocolate dominate its aromas and flavors but all appear in harmony and what we could only call delicacy when it comes to CA Cab.

Related: Zin City (Zinfandel that Is!) 

Simi Winery

2008 Landslide Vineyard Cabernet

A true star in Simi’s wine lineup, the Landslide Cab is loaded with black fruit, bramble and a hint of herbs and spices on the nose. It’s pleasingly soft and plush in the mouth with cherries and plums up front and coffee and earth on the finish.

Thomas George Estates

2009 Chardonnay

Pleasingly lean, but clearly American, this is the kind of Chardonnay I like to sip in summer. Its fruit is pretty, with citrus and peach. A bit of malo-lactic fermentation gives it the kind of texture that slides across the tongue like silk.

More from GalTime.com:

• Ingredients for a Romantic Dinner for Two 
• Last Minute 4th Of July Recipes
• Drink Yourself Skinny
• Bruschetta with Sauteed Greens & Manchego 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Fourth of July is the perfect summer holiday to bring everyone together. While celebrating our nation’s independence, red, white and blue, are a must on for your summer spread. Here are some ways to show off your patriotic cooking skills to those loved ones.

Drink Ideas:

These drinks are for Adults Only!

Watermelon Margarita

INGREDIENTS

4 cups cubed watermelon

2 tablespoons sugar

3 limes, 2 juiced and 1 cut into wedges for garnish

8 ounces tequila

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, puree the watermelon and sugar until smooth. Pour the puree through a fine mesh strainer. Transfer the liquid to a pitcher and add the lime juice, tequila and 4 ounces of the Triple Sec. Stir to combine.

In a shallow dish, combine the kosher salt with the chili powder. In a second small plate, add the remaining 1-ounce of Triple Sec. Dip the rims of 4 margarita glasses in the Triple Sec, then coat them in the salt and chili mixture. Divide the margarita between the 4 glasses and garnish each with a lime wedge.

White Wine California Citrus Sangria

INGREDIENTS

3 bottles pinot grigio

1 1/2 cups brandy

3/4 cup orange liqueur

1/2 cup sugar

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 blood orange, thinly sliced

3 kumquats, sliced

1 lime, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Pour in the sugar, stir or shake the pitcher thoroughly to mix. Add all citrus slices at once. Allow the mixture to sit for 1 hour before serving to allow the citrus flavor to come through.

Related: How to Have a Frugally Fabulous 4th of July

Finger Food:

These rolls are great for small or large get-togethers alike. They’re easy to make and will impress your guests.

Asian Summer Rolls:

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE SUMMER ROLLS:

2 ounces Vietnamese or Thai rice noodles

6 rice paper rounds

1/4 cup, or 12 fresh Thai basil leaves (or regular basil leaves), rinsed and dried

6 medium shrimp, cooked and halved

1/2 cup shredded carrot

1/2 cup, or 12 whole large fresh mint leaves, rinsed and dried

3 red-leaf lettuce leaves, leaves, spines removed, leaving 6 halves

VINEGAR DIPPING SAUCE:

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons warm water

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon chili sauce (recommended: Sriracha)

1 tablespoon lime juice

1 teaspoon fish sauce or low-sodium soy sauce

1 tablespoon finely shredded carrot

1 scallion, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS

Bring water to a boil and cook rice noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse and cool (makes about 2 cups).

Line up ingredients in small bowls before beginning to make rolls. Fill a large bowl or saucepan with very warm water. Place a rice paper round in the hot water. Soak for between 30 seconds and 1 minute, or until rice round is pliable and pattern on the round is barely visible. Remove and place on a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel.

Place 2 basil leaves on the inner edge of the rice round, about 1-inch from the edge and leaving about 1-inch on each side. Top with approximately 1/4 cup cooked rice noodles. Place 2 shrimp halves on top. Top with about 2 tablespoons carrots, then 2 leaves of mint. Fold 1 piece of lettuce leaf and place on top of pile. Bring the edge over filling and tuck underneath. As you continue to roll, fold in the sides. Finish rolling, repeat with the other rolls, and reserve under a damp cloth or paper towel. When ready to serve, slice in half and serve, cut ends up, with dipping sauce.

Dissolve sugar in warm water, combine with other ingredients, and chill until ready to use.

Related: 3 Cheers for Red, White and Blue Desserts

Desserts:

Desserts are always a must during holiday parties. This red, white, and blue themed treat is sure to get everyone feeling patriotic.

Berry Tart

INGREDIENTS

TART DOUGH:

1/4 cup almond meal

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

9 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 large egg yolk

PASTRY CREAM:

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 cup sugar

4 large egg yolks

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 vanilla bean

Pinch salt

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 1/2 ounces white chocolate, finely chopped

1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

2 cups fresh raspberries

Confectioners’ sugar for dusting the top

DIRECTIONS

To make the tart dough: In a food processor combine the almond meal, flour, confectioners’ sugar and salt. Pulse several times to combine. Add the butter and egg yolk, process just until the dough comes together. Distribute the dough into the 13-by-4-inch tart pan(or 10-inch round).
Lay plastic wrap over the dough and press it into the pan so that it is an even thickness. Remove the plastic and freeze the dough until it is firm, about 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cover the dough with foil and fill with pie weights or beans. This will keep the dough from slouching in the pan. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and beans, bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until the crust is a light golden color. Allow to cool to room temperature.

Prepare the pastry cream: Whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of sugar. Add the egg yolks to the cornstarch and mix into a smooth paste. Set aside.
Bring the milk, remaining 1/4 cup of the sugar, vanilla bean, and salt to a gentle simmer in a medium saucepan. Slowly, and in small amounts, whisk the hot milk into the egg mixture. Once the egg mixture is warm to the touch, pour it back into the milk in the pan.

Bring the custard to a gentle boil, whisking continuously for 2 to 3 minutes. The pastry cream will thicken almost immediately, but it is important to cook the starch until it isn’t grainy. When the pastry cream is done it will be smooth and glossy.

Remove from the heat and add the butter and white chocolate to the pastry cream. Allow to sit for 3 minutes, then gently whisk them together. Pour the pastry cream into a shallow container. Cover with plastic wrap, pressed directly on the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Set the container in the freezer for 15 minutes (this cools down the eggs quickly) and then refrigerate for up to a few days.

Fill the cooled tart shell with the pastry cream. Decorate the top with the berries and refrigerate until ready to serve. Dust with confectioners’ sugar right before slicing and serving.

More from GalTime.com:

• Summer Treats: What’s Healthy & What’s Not 
• $50,000 Burger Recipe
• How to Eat Your Way to Healthy, Beautiful Hair 
• Bruschetta with Sauteed Greens & Manchego 

Getting your kids off-line

Let’s face it — at any given moment of the day, if you want to guess what your teen is doing you have a very high probability of guessing correctly if you suspect that they are on some form of social media. And yes, we the parents may be doing the same.

According to a recent survey of 1,030 13-17 year-olds conducted online by Knowledge Networks, teens are heavy users of digital media. Consider the findings:

1.  Nine out of 10 (90%) 13 to 17-year-olds have used some form of social media.

2.  75% of teenagers currently have a profile on a social networking site.

3.  One in five of the teens surveyed (22%) had a current Twitter account.

4.  As suspected, Facebook dominated social networking use among teens: 68% of all teens said Facebook is their main social networking site as compared to 6% for Twitter, 1% for GooglePlus, and 1% for MySpace.

5.  For the majority of teens, social and other forms of digital communication are a daily part of life.

6.  Approximately two thirds of teens text every day.

7.  A little more than 50% surveyed visit social networking sites daily.

8.  Approximately 11% of the teens surveyed sent or received tweets at least once every day.

9.  More than a third of teens visited their main social networking site several times a day.

10.  Approximately one fourth of teens were considered  “heavy” social media users, meaning that they used at least two different types of social media each and every day.

Given this data, what’s a parent to do? This is based on the assumption that we want our kids to get some sunlight, communicate in person at least some of the time, and that we want their daily lives to include a healthy balance of physical, social, and other stimulating activities.

Here are some ideas based on the activities of many parents who have addressed this problem successfully:

1.  Model a balanced daily schedule yourself. Your teens are watching you very closely and if you are constantly plugged in electronically then you certainly can’t expect your teens to do otherwise. After all, you are their most influential role model.

2.  Charge their cell phones outside of their bedrooms, so they are not up until the wee hours of the night texting. Most teens are already sleep-deprived, right?

3.  Set a limit on the amount of time that they can spend on their computers. Yep, they may get angry at you for setting this limit, but absorbing our teens’ anger is what parents are supposed to do. Remember we are their parents, not their friends.

4.  Get their passwords, so that you can monitor their use of Facebook because lots of conflicts start there. Yes, they will be resistant but hey, you bought the computer, right? And, your goal is to look out for your kids’ safety, correct?

5. Consider access to the various forms of social media a privilege not a right. If they abuse it then they lose it for a specified amount of time. I can assure you that this will be very effective.

Good luck as you help your kids navigate their digital lives. It may not be easy, but many other aspects of parenting are also not easy.

Barbara Greenberg and Jennifer Powell-Lunder are authors of the hit book, “Teenage as a Second Language: A Parent’s Guide to Becoming Bilingual.”  They’ve set up an interactive website for parents and teens to listen, learn and discuss hot topics and daily dilemmas. You can find it at www.talkingteenage.com.

How many times have you purchased (or got suckered into!) buying new makeup, only to add it to the “graveyard” drawer of items you’ll likely never use again?

It’s certainly easy to do! With a slew of products promising beauty bliss, it can be tough to navigate through the worth-your-while buys versus the waste-of-time products.

That’s why I decided to go straight to a trusted source! I asked a professional makeup artist which products are worth adding to a gal’s cosmetic bag. Not only are these buys worth your beauty bag real estate, they might just revolutionize your current beauty regimen!

BB Cream: Beauty Balms are all the rage and for good reason. This one-step product basically provides anti-aging, hydration, and a coverage of light foundation — all in a single tube. Think tinted moisturizer that helps fight fine lines, dullness, uneven skin tone, and acne, plus provides SPF protection, blemish coverage, and makeup priming powers. (Whew. With that long list of benefits, the one-step skincare title is well deserved.) One to try: Garnier Skin Renew B.B. Cream, $12.99

Related: Why Our Celeb Makeup Artist Swears By Face Primer 

Brow Highlighting Pencil: Want to take your brows from “meh” to “wow” in a single stroke? By applying this highlighter under the arches, you instantly lift and illuminate, making your face really pop. This pencil can also be used on the inside corners of eyes, providing a brightening affect. One to try: Benefit High Brow Luminous Brow Lifting Pencil, $20

Blending Sponge: You’ve probably spotted these teardrop-shaped sponges and wondered what the big deal is. Due to the sponge’s design, you can finally achieve the perfect blend. Forget fingers or the old-school triangle-shaped sponges (which can leave streaks and uneven coverage). This new blending sponge will leave your makeup virtually undetectable every time. One to try: Beautyblender, $19.95

Related: Popular Beauty Myths, Debunked! 

Microfinish Powder: Ever wonder how celebs have such flawless, radiant skin? The  secret is microfinish powder. This miracle powder is a loose, translucent finishing powder that can be applied over foundation or worn alone, completely evening out the complexion and erasing imperfections. One to try: MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder, $32.

Lip Primer: Wish you could prevent your lip color from pulling a disappearing act so soon? You can with the proper priming potion! A pigment-binding lip primer will not only lock in color, but will also prevent fading, creasing, or feathering. So go ahead, lipstick lovers…drink that Cosmo with total confidence, as your lip color won’t budge a bit during happy hour. One to try: Too Faced Lip Insurance Lip Primer, $19.00

So next time the sales clerk tries to tempt you, at least you’ll be up-to-date on the latest makeup must-haves! Here’s to smart purchases that won’t end up in the graveyard drawer…

Will these current makeup essentials find their way to your cosmetic bag, makeup enthusiasts? Any other must-haves you’ve recently discovered?

More from GalTime.com:

• Be a Golden (Sunless) Goddess: Self-Tanning Tricks n’ Tips 
• 10 Must-Have Summer Accessories 
• Find the Best Earrings for Your Face Shape 
• 10 Ways to Solve Common Wardrobe Disasters 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Sasha is a freelance writer and creator of beauty blog Crows’ Feet, Cupcakes, and Cellulite. For your daily dose of head-to-toe beauty you can follow Sasha on Twitter and Facebook.

Adele is expecting a baby.

In a post titled “I’ve Got Some News”, the Rolling In The Deep singer writes on her website:

“I’m delighted to announce that Simon and I are expecting our first child together. I wanted you to hear the news direct from me, obviously we’re over the moon and very excited but please respect our privacy at this precious time. Yours always, Adele xx”

The Grammy winning artist, 24, has been dating Simon Konecki, 38, since January.

Congratulations!

More from GalTime.com

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Calling it Quits

Jessica Simpson Shows Off Baby Maxwell

Reese Witherspoon to Star in ‘Men Are from Mars’

Bachelorette Recap: Arie’s Secret, Chris’ Meltdown

Connect with GalTime on Facebook!

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have decided to end their five year marriage.

The actress’ attorney Jonathan Wolfe said in a statement:

“This is a personal and private matter for Katie and her family. Katie’s primary concern remains, as it always has been, her daughter’s best interest.”

Cruise’s rep tells People, “Kate has filed for divorce and Tom is deeply saddened and is concentrating on his three children. Please allow them their privacy.”

The couple wed in an Italian castle back in November 2006, and share a 6-year-old daughter together named Suri.

money saving tips for entertaining

Another fabulous 4th of July is upon us. It’s summertime, the kids are off from school, things are a bit more relaxed, and I love having a holiday that celebrates American independence. Best of all, a perfectly patriotic get-together with family and friends doesn’t have to break the bank, if you know where to shop.

A Frugally Festive 4th of July

The Decorations – Nothing says Independence Day like a house decorated in over-the-top amounts of red, white and blue. The best place to shop for materials is your local dollar store, where miles of red, white and blue streamers await you, as well as scissors, markers, glue and (if you’re feeling brave) glitter. Show even a minimum of care to these festive accessories and you’ll find they store beautifully in a nearby drawer for next year’s parties (not to mention Memorial Day, Flag Day & Veterans Day). While you’re at the dollar store, stock up on your red, white and blue paper plates, napkins, cups and cutlery as well.

Related: 4th of July Entertaining Ideas 

The Movies – I took an informal poll of friends and family to see what movies hit the patriotic mark, and got a fabulous list. My personal pick is the 1942 Classic “Yankee Doodle Dandy” with James Cagney. Family and friends chimed in with the excellent suggestions of “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and one of my all-time-favorites, “Saving Private Ryan” as must-sees. I don’t have any teenagers in my house, but others “in the know” assure me that the 1996 film “Independence Day” is required viewing for those between the ages of 14-18.

The Food – This holiday calls for a day out of the kitchen, with a menu based entirely around your grill! My advice is to keep it simple (and inexpensive) with burgers and hotdogs. If your guest list calls for a few steaks and some seafood, start scouting out the sales at your local supermarket now, and keep the items in the freezer until the big day. Best bets for side dishes include chips and salsa, potato salad, popsicles and patriotic red and blue berries covered in impressive amounts of whipped cream.

The Fireworks – Don’t even think about setting off your own; I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard “Do-It-Yourself-Fireworks” stories that ended with less than festive results. Nothing says Independence Day buzz kill like an impromptu visit to your local emergency room. Instead, set off on a Google search of nearby parks where you can catch the show. Just grab a blanket and scout out a spot where you can enjoy a beautiful summer night sky filled with free fireworks… orchestrated by trained professionals.

Happy Birthday, America!

More from GalTime.com:

• Three Cheers for Red, White, and Blue Desserts! 
• How to Throw a Party for 12 on Just $80
• 5 Tips for Having a Successful Garage Sale 
• Top Summer Entertaining Tips 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Dressing for work in the summer gives me a fashion headache! What’s the perfect way to keep cool during your steamy commute, yet comfortable in an air-conditioned office? Thankfully, Marissa Rubin, Senior Fashion Market Editor of PEOPLE StyleWatch, has all the answers!

Which work-appropriate fabrics will help keep you cool? The best fabrics to wear to work in the summer are cottons, jersey blends, and lightweight wool.  J. Crew makes a great breathable year-round wool collection called the Super 120s. This a perfect summer suiting option for more conservative offices. Linen is another lightweight fabric—but can be sheer and wrinkle, so look for linen blends. To be safe, always wear linen with nude shapewear underneath.

How do you build an outfit that factors in both indoor and outdoor temperatures? Dressing for work in the summer is all about layering. If you live in dresses and sandals all summer, bring a lightweight jacket, blazer, or cardigan with you to the office. These pieces will help you make the perfect transition from hot to cold. Summer-weight scarves are another option – you can use them as a shoulder wrap if the office is chilly.  Scarves are also a great way to add a pop of bright color or fun pattern to your look.

Related: Spring Scarves That Will Keep You Looking Cool

Echo Python Silk Scarf, $58

Which layering pieces do you recommend? Cropped jackets and blazers, and even tweed jackets, can add a level of chic sophistication to any dress, skirt, or pant look. A draped cardigan that hangs open without any buttons can serve the same purpose. These sweaters are simple and easy, and you can always add a belt to truly define your waist. Always be conscious that your layering pieces don’t add any additional weight or bulk to your body, or you’ll never wear them!

Akira Collarless Blazer, $49.90

Express Mesh Cocoon Cover-Up, $49.90

Which shoes are best for the summer workweek? Dressy sandals in flats, wedges, and heels are great for the office. Low wedges are a smart choice because they give both height and comfort.  If you work in a conservative environment that doesn’t allow exposed toes, look for sandals and pumps with subtle peep toes so your feet can breathe in the summer heat.  Brighten up your look by wearing light or patterned pumps. Nude heels will elongate your legs, or you could try a bright hue to add a pop of color. A flirty floral, animal print, or stripe can add pattern to a solid ensemble.

Related: 10 Ways to Solve Common Wardrobe Disasters 

Steve Madden Methodd, $69.98

Kate Spade Simon, $298

Are shorts appropriate? If so, which styles are the best? Wearing shorts to the office can be very difficult to successfully pull off.  It takes a certain body type, a certain short, and most importantly, a certain office environment to do so. If you can wear shorts to the office, they should have at least a 4-inch inseam and they should never be fitted or tight.  I think solid shorts are the most professional in either pleated or flat-front styles. Look for silk or cotton fabrics in a crisp wash.  Steer clear of patterned or denim shorts – these styles tend to be too casual and playful for an office setting. The most sophisticated way to wear shorts to the office is definitely the shorts suit – match shorts and a jacket, then pair with a button-down or silk shell. Check out brands like Theory and Vince!

MARC by Marc Jacobs Shorts in Herman Twill, $136

Any summer accessories we should try? Accessorizing in the summer is all about fun jewelry! There are so many great summer necklaces and bracelets that can totally transform an otherwise simple office look into something fabulous.  If you love basic office clothes, then take a risk with your jewelry. J.Crew and Ann Taylor offer some eye-catching options!

Ann Taylor Oasis Cabochon Necklace, $69.99

More from GalTime.com:

• Find the Best Earrings for Your Face Shape 
• 10 Must-Have Summer Accessories 
• 5 Dresses EVERY Gal Should Own 
• What to Wear to a Summer Wedding 

Connect with GalTime on Facebook! 

Originally from Virginia, Marissa Rubin came to NYC with the goal of landing a career in fashion.  Since then she has held fashion editorial positions at Us Weekly, Mademoiselle, Marie Claire, Teen People, and more.  For the past 6+ years, she has called People StyleWatch her home and spends her days meticulously scouring the clothing market from designer showrooms to fashion shows and retail boutiques.  She’s always on the hunt to find the latest and greatest fashion to feature in the magazine each month.  In a perfect world, her NYC apartment would be a bottomless closet. Rubin is a graduate of NYU and currently resides in Manhattan.