While searching for your phone bill, you found another Bill. The ridiculously good looking Bill that you met at that party where you took “shaking that ass” a little too far. You tried to identify the other dude in the photo but that side was crinkled and stuck to another document resembling DMV renewal papers that screamed, Past Due. Ooops. You meant to take care of that. Your pile is out of control. Your clutter is ruining your social life and your sanity.

Did you know that your disorganization could be making you cuckoo? Clutter, unnecessary piles and chaos can lead to major anxiety. And when you’re anxious, you’re stressed and sometimes, well, bitchy. So stop stacking and start organizing.

Here are some quick tips to reduce the mess and get your life in order:

Toss It Baby. Instead of tossing papers and other pieces of useless material, we tend to pile stuff that’s trash-worthy. Try to have a garbage can in each room, and make sure it’s accessible. Dispose of it properly in the recycling bin.

Get Hooked. Sick of your hallway looking like the Gap the day after Christmas? Buy some hanging hooks and place them in the pantry, hallway and the door next to the garage – wherever you typically tend to drop hats, sweaters, jackets, handbags and more.

Store It. Create a storage wall to hold books, bins, boxes and everything in one place. If you are feeling all artsy, color code each one to make it easier to find. Even in the kitchen, bamboo containers are not only eco-friendly but they look killer. For bamboo baskets and more, check out the line at Crate and Barrel.

Rack ‘Em Up. Take a look at your desk. Can you even see it? Designate and label nifty boxes for organizing specifics like paid bills, outstanding bills, receipts, namesakes, DVDs, take-out menus, etc. Make it cute, damnit! Set up separate canisters for things like pens, pencils, scissors and other random desk items you can’t live without. Ding, ding, ding! If you live without them daily, store them. Capeesh?

Be Tacky. In the kitchen or office, put up a peg cork board or magnetic display for invitations, To-Do lists, pictures and reminders that end up piling up on a table. This will make it easier to see.

– Sarah

Sarah Rosenhaus is one of Hollywood’s most sought-after interior designers, working with today’s hottest celebs and creative influencers. Specializing in residential interior design, Sarah works with clients to fulfill their vision with meticulous attention to detail.

It’s not your fault. The deodorant you bought bragged about its all-natural ingredients. You read the label expecting your aloe-filled pit pores to smell like a lavender field in Provence. So, how come you smell like a plumber in 90-degree heat?

Deodorants and anti-perspirants are very different. Anti-perspirants actually stop the body’s natural process of sweating and prevent your pores from releasing toxins.
 Your underarms are the gateway to your lymphatic system and their job is to fight infections. So taking small steps, such as using a deodorant, can help protect you from any potential health risks. But, most deodorants on the market (even natural touting products we all love) have looming chemicals that are not really talked about.

The two biggest culprits are:

Aluminum. Some studies have found a link between Alzheimer’s disease and aluminum. A 1993 World Health Organization “Public Health Report” cited autopsies that found high concentrations of aluminum in the brains of those afflicted with Alzheimer’s disease. This is a memory you might want to hold onto.

Propylene Glycol. Commonly found in our cosmetics and hair care products, it’s a form of mineral oil used in automatic brake and hydraulic fluid, and industrial antifreeze. Nice. It serves as a humectant, helping retain moisture content to preventing things from drying out. The Material Safety Data Sheet warns users to avoid skin contact with propylene glycol as this strong skin irritant can cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage. Honey, you’re rubbing it all over your pits.

Just like other beauty products, all deodorants are not created equal. Some help mask odor and soothe while others are duds like that guy you found on yourfuturegroom.com.

So what to buy? No worries. The gals at Healthy Bitch Daily sweated it out for you, and guess who came up smelling like a bed of roses? These picks are aluminum, paraben and propylene glycol free:

SMASHING. LaVanila Healthy Deodorant.It’s 100-percent natural and fights odor with powerful antioxidants, antibacterial agents, active botanicals and essential oils. It’s a bit on the pricier end, but your pits are worth the extra pocket change. Go Vanilla nutso with Vanilla Grapefruit, Vanilla Coconut, Vanilla Lavender, Vanilla Grapefruit and, of course, Pure Vanilla. $18,www.sephora.com.

SERENE. Hugo Natural Dual-Action Formula. Not as glamorous as LaVanila, but definitely kept us dry and happy much longer than expected. Hey, he even called the next day. Do know, the stick glides on a bit chalky-like but you’ll smell like a flower garden. For some, you might have to apply twice a day. $5.26, iherb.com.

SMELLY. Nature’s Gate Lavender & Aloe Deodorant Stick. This pretty stick actually has organic essences fresh from a field locally grown in California. It boasts baking soda to help neutralize odor. We didn’t omit any bad body odors, but strange ones? Why, yes. Nature’s Gate left our armpits with a weird aroma-from-my-freshly-washed-bathroom-floor. Probably best for those who don’t sweat during a status meeting. $4.89, Whole Foods retailer or www.wholefoods.com

SIMPLE. Make your own natural deodorant: Mix equal parts cornstarch and baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil in a glass jar. Pat on with a washcloth. Like a spray deodorant? Try combining 1/4 cup witch hazel, 1 tablespoon glycerin and a few drops of essential oil into a small spray bottle. Works like a charm.

Don’t sweat the small stuff. You got it figured out.

– Julie C.

Clenching your fists, you glance over at Mommy with crossed fingers hoping that both of you walk out with lollipops.Please Lord, I swear I will brush more. I pinkie swear! Just when your dentist is breathing way too hard on top of you (which will later be cause for therapy), you hear him muddle something about fluoride. Sound familiar?

Like most of us, you likely grew up in a household of traditional toothpaste. Many dentists suggest we use fluoride in our pasty to prevent cavities. But get this shit: Right on the tubes there’s a warning not to swallow more toothpaste than is used for brushing, and if you do, seek professional help or contact a poison control center.

As if it might not get swallowed at some point. Yeah, that’s what he said. So what’s the problem?

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS is placed into toothpastes and some mouthwashes in order to create foaming. Foaming is all bells and whistles, folks. It won’t get your teeth any cleaner. But do know this – the harshness of this chemical has been linked with causing microscopic damage to the oral tissue that lines the inside of your mouth, which then leads to canker sores. Ouchie.

Tooth Sensitivity. Toothpaste can also cause tooth sensitivity, which happens over time when the tooth enamel is worn away. Many toothpastes are also too abrasive and can actually strip away the tooth enamel — one striptease too many for your busy life — and are typically full of sugar promoting the growth of bacteria that causes tooth decay. Double Ouchie.

Fluoride.  Although scientific research has supported the benefits of fluoride treatment in preventing tooth decay, many people question its safety and effectiveness. Several interest groups say increases in dental fluorosis and fluoride levels in water are exceeding optimal levels. These groups say fluoride treatments are unnecessary and more dangerous than originally thought. Hmmm, your choice.

There are plenty of great, natural toothpastes on the market that are good for your teeth and gums. These natural products use:

Zinc Citrate. A natural occurring mineral that helps control the calcification of plaque into tartar

Natural Silica. Derived from sand, improves cleaning and gently whitens without harsh abrasives or bleaching ingredients

Xylitol. Helps to remove plaque

Here are some of our favorite recommendations that are Sodium Lauryl Sulfate free and contain all-natural ingredients:

Tom’s of Maine Natural Clean & Gentle Care. This tube is specifically SLS and fluoride-free. Read the labels because Tom’s offers a few pastes that have SLS and fluoride (again, your choice). $4.23,Drugstore.com.

Jason Natural Powersmile Toothpaste Vanilla Mint. Contains three natural whiteners to polish and whiten without harsh abrasives. Exclusive antibacterial Perilla Seed Extract helps prevent tartar build-up. Peppermint essential oils leave your mouth feeling all tingly. $4.09,Vitacost.com.

The Natural Dentist. This powerful pasty offers a herbal blend for gum health. It strengthens teeth, prevents cavities, protects against acid erosion and freshens breath. $6.19, Drugstore.com

-Julie C.

For a few days each month, our moods swing faster than Pink at the Grammy’s.  Either you’re bashing yourself for buying those hideous bath towels or yelling at your man for not calling you on his lunch break.  Honey, he doesn’t take lunch.  But before you lock yourself in a room with a cheap bottle of Chard and reruns of Full House, please know there are natural ways to ease the suffering.

But first, here’s some big No No’s:

Don’t Consume…

Salty foods. Sodium can drastically increase bloating before or during your period. Nothing less fun than having someone ask you when you are due…when you’re not.

Sugar and Dairy.  The most notable symptom sugar causes is mood swings. Dairy products and refined sugar can increase magnesium excretion, which can lead to cramping, nervousness and backaches.  Oh, and ice cream can pack on the calories.  Is that a better reason?

Caffeine and Alcohol.  Both can cause dehydration, which can lead to a myriad of issues. Caffeine can increase estrogen levels making symptoms like breast tenderness worse. Alcohol, too, can enhance symptoms, such as depression and headaches. Best of all, you’ll remember being a bitch last night.

Rumor has it you’ve gotten into some trouble in the ladies room. No, we didn’t catch you smoking (but, if you are smoking, you’re an idiot). Anyway, heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that says you are a little constipated-Sally lately. No worries, you’re one of the four million Americans that have frequent constipation, accounting for 2.5 million physician visits a year. And even more, those reporting constipation most often are women.

Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Almost everyone experiences constipation at some point in their life, and a poor diet typically is the cause. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Understanding its causes, prevention, and treatment will help you find relief.

Common causes of constipation are:

• Not enough fiber in the diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Medications
• Milk
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, aging, and travel
• Abuse of laxatives
• Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement
• Dehydration

MULBERRY JUICE. This juice contains many minerals and vitamins. What the juice does is stimulate digestion and assimilation of nutrients in the small intestine. One happy helping of this and goodbye Sally!

EXERCISE. Yay! 

PRUNES. Remember when your grandma stuffed these down your throat and never gave a why? Well, she may not have wanted to say it then, but prunes will help soften the stool making it easier to come out. But, keep an eye on your intake, you don’t want to visit the porcelain god more times than bargained for.LINSEED. Taking a teaspoon of linseed (found at health food stores) will aid in constipation. The linseed will provide certain lubrication to help ease things out. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

Now, may I be excused?

- JC Coccoli

If it’s true that you can tell a lot about a person’s health by looking at their fingernails, my friend Pam must have shiny, red, acrylic insides.   Honestly, I don’t think she’s seen her real nails (or her real hair color) in about 15 years. 

Experts have linked some distinct (and rather gnarly) nail conditions to serious health issues that could require medical attention.  Now, don’t freak out.  Just because it’s winter and your nails are a little dry doesn’t necessarily mean you have hepatitis.  But just know that your nails could be another tool in the quest for better health – are you listening Pam?

Yellow Nail Syndrome. The most common cause for yellow nails is fungal infection.   Usually accompanied by a thickening of the nail and detachment from the nail bed – ugly and hard to get rid of but not even a mild health threat.    More serious conditions associated with yellow nails stem from a lack of circulation, like chronic bronchitis or regular swelling (lymphedema.)  Rare cases can be an indication of severe thyroid disease or psoriasis. 

Pitted or Rippled Nails. Small depressions or ripples in the nail bed can be a sign of psoriasis, where scaly patches appear on the skin.  It can also be a sign of inflammatory arthritis.  Pitting is linked to chronic dermatitis and alopecia areata, an autoimmune disease that causes hair loss.  

Very Pale, White or Blue Nails. Mostly a sign of aging, very pale nails can also be a sign of heart disease, diabetes, liver disease, malnutrition and anemia.  White nails with darker rims can be a sign of liver disease like hepatitis.  Not enough oxygen is the main cause when nails have a bluish tint.  

Dark Lines Beneath The Nail. If you have dark lines under your nails and you’re pretty sure you haven’t slammed your finger in a door somewhere, you need to have a dermatologist take a look right away.  This can be a sign of melanoma.  

Nails Separating From Nail Bed. Other than nail fungus or injury, nails that have “lifted” can be a reaction to drugs, nail hardeners or acrylic nails. 

Terry’s Nails. A condition where the nail appears opaque but the tip has a dark band.  Can be a sign of aging or more serious conditions that include congestive heart failure, diabetes, liver disease and malnutrition.

Nail Clubbing. When fingers enlarge and the nail curves around the fingertip.  Could be the result of low oxygen levels in the blood or a sign of lung disease, inflammatory bowel, cardiovascular or liver disease. 

Know that most of the nail conditions associated with serious disease are rarely the first sign.   Being a healthy person means paying attention to your body – your nails are another way to do this.  If you have any concerns about the appearance of your nails, see a dermatologist promptly.  

You can stop biting your nails now. 

– Julie H.

You’ve probably had one. Your yoga instructor has definitely had one. And, likely, even the mysterious femme bot in the locker room who’s twelve-pack abs and bulging neck veins infer she had far more than the recommended daily dose of spinach for lunch.What is this one we speak of? A coregasm.

A what? Let’s start with a definition – A coregasm is an orgasm that results from strong core exercise work.  The question is: Do they really exist? Oh yes, my dear, they most certainly do. So, naturally, the next question is:  How do I get me one of those? Let me walk you through the why and how, and chances are you’ll be rethinking doing crunches and get thee to a core-focused workout class by tomorrow morning.

Deconstructing the Coregasm Cocktail. FYI – You need to know women can have 10 different types of orgasms (more in a future column).  The stimulation may be of a different body part, including your mind, yet the resulting orgasm’s sensation will be felt genitally. And the same regions of the brain are activated during orgasm, regardless of the area of stimulation.

There are three main ingredients in the orgasm recipe:

One. Enough nerve stimulation.  Women have 4 different nerve systems, (pelvic, pudendal, hypogastric and vagus) that carry sensation to the brain from their vagina, uterus and cervix.

Two. Enough blood and oxygen to swell and fuel the genital tissue, and

Three. Muscles that are able to contract.  FYI – There are studies that show the better shape your PC (pubococcygeus) muscle is in, the more orgasmic sensation you’ll feel.  So start those Kegels ladies.

The Coregasm Experience. Keeping the orgasm recipe in mind, the women and men who have experienced coregasms during intense core workouts – be it crunches, pilates, or yoga – have activated all three components during their workout that they would during a sexual encounter.

One. They have heightened respiration, often with sharp exhalations.

Two. The four nerve systems are being stimulated by the core contractions, so when they tell you in yoga you are doing an internal massage of your organs, baby, you are ..

Three. There is more blood flowing and more oxygen in the blood. Orgasms are powered by oxygen and blood and …

Four. They are rhythmically contracting the lower pelvic floor muscles during core contractions.

The combination of these four – especially the strong regular contractions of the PC muscles – can and will initiate an orgasm. Gives a whole new meaning to Downward Dog.  In conclusion, if this little phenomenon is happening for you, then mystery solved. For the remainder, don’t make this a performance pressure ‘thing.’  Think of it as a nifty fringe benefit instead. Regardless, you’ll have killer legs.

- L. Lou Paget, Sexuality & Relationships Expert and Best-Selling Author

An international best-selling author of five books and AASECT* Certified Sex Educator, Lou Paget has spent the last 15 years traveling the world to set the record straight about sexuality, regardless of age or gender. Best known for her pre-eminent sexuality seminar company, FRANKly Speaking Inc., Lou’s books have been translated in 28 languages in over 60 countries.  When not talking and researching about sexuality and its current trends, Lou can be found golfing, and surfing news and pop culture sites. She lives in Beverly Hills, California.

We live in a new day and age, honey. Recycling isn’t just for tree huggers. Actually, it’s one of the easiest ways you can help slow climate change and global warming. Tag on another resolution this year that will preserve and protect our planet’s natural resources for future generations. You can still commit to burning all your ex-boyfriend’s love letters and writing Grandma more often – your other resolutions don’t have to suffer.

The Birds and The Bees of Recycling

You can always recycle these things: Steel cans, aluminum cans, newspapers, magazines, catalogs, junk mail, plastic beverage bottles, milk jugs, glass bottles and jars, cereal boxes, other clean and dry cardboard boxes.

These items are better left in the trash, or better yet – don’t use them at all: Styrofoam, food-soiled paper, wax paper and ceramics.

Household hazardous wastes should never be thrown away! These include paint cans, motor oil, car batteries, pesticides, and pool chemicals. Check your community resources and guidelines on how to dispose of these items separately and safely.

Here are five quick tips for the woman who’s still coming to terms with recycling:

1. Collect newspapers in a paper grocery bag or in tied bundles. Set them out on trash pickup day.

2. Don’t recycle wet cardboard. It can clog sorting machines. Throw it away to keep from contaminating the rest of the load.

3. Don’t recycle bottle tops. They’re not made of the same plastic as recyclable bottles. But don’t sweat it if you forget – it’ll be sorted out at the recycling center.

4. Rinse cans, but don’t worry about crushing them. Aluminum is the most valuable and the most recycled item in the US. It can be recycled again and again and well, you get it. Each recycled can is regenerated and back on the shelf in as little as 60 days. Goooooo Waste Management!

5. Don’t torture yourself if you can’t get the lime of your Corona … or the last of the almond butter from the jar. Try to empty and rinse glass jars and containers when you can. But no worries – the recycler has ways of eliminating contaminants.

For more specific instructions and information, call your local public works department or recycling organization. That way, you can be sure you’re doing your part, and doing it right.

-Rebekah

As we say Ciao! to yet another decade, it’s time to drop-kick our old, tired workout routines to the proverbial curb, and embrace the fierce new trends in fitness. While balance training and core stability are by no means newcomers to the fitness world, they are pulling a Robert Downey Jr. and making a well-deserved comeback in a huge way.

Our fitness extraordinaire and celebrity trainer, Elise Gulan, is showing us some of her favorite new trends to help you have fun, find bliss and maybe even get your mojo back. Who would have thunk?

The Key is to Get Balanced. We know all about balance. From balancing our checking accounts to our antioxidant-rich dark chocolate with leafy greens, stability is a key component to keeping our lives harmonious.  2010 is all about fitness that stabilizes our core and keeps us centered.  Check out these retro-fitness trends that prove …everything old is new again.

Hula Hooping. What’s all the hoopla? Well, for starters, hooping not only improves balance, but it can burn a whopping 200 calories in just 30 minutes! Tighten your belly and narrow your waist while impressing your friends and family with your mad skillz.   You’ll also support and strengthen your hips and knees. For classes and DVDs with Hoopnotica, click here. To learn more about starting your own hoop community, click here.

Ballet. We’re not a 100-percent on board with pink tights and fluffy tutus, but we all secretly wish for the graceful strength of ballerinas. Improve posture, relieve stress and tone your full body while increasing flexibility.  In addition to giving you legs even Gisele would envy, classical ballet builds muscles that help protect the spine. No tutu required. Click here to learn more about ballet conditioning.  

Shake it Out.Ballet rules in terms of technique and alignment, but why not expand your horizons. Get that booty shaking with Afro-Brazilian.  Work those hips with Bollywood, or just express yourself with good ole’fashioned hip-hop for a full-body shredding. Hip-hop is a fabulous way to get centered, get ripped and get down with yo bad self.

Fierce Fusion Fitness. Fusion classes have been a staple of the workout world for over a decade but here are some fun, fresh combinations that keep you moving and shaking. Check out your local gym’s group fitness program for these and other workouts designed to maximize your healthy bitchiness and minimize your time commitment.

Yollet: 30 minutes of ballet. 30 minutes of Yoga. Need I say more? Click here to learn more.

Disco Yoga:Disco moves + yoga = Stayin’alive! Click here to learn more.

Burn Bliss:Feel the burn and find your bliss! Okay, I’m partial … I did create this class for Equinox Health Clubs, but it was featured in Shape magazine as a new hot discipline for 2010. Burn Bliss fuses moves from yoga, Pilates, ballet, qi gong, and martial arts for a unique and effective way to get high-energy intervals using mind, body, strength and low-impact cardio. Click here to learn more. Don’t have an Equinox near you? Pick up “Shape: 20-Minute Makeover,”which features moves from Burn Bliss.

Get fit and get fabulous, honey. The New Year is all about new chances.

- Elise 

Elise Gulan is a celebrity trainer and television personality who has charmed the pants off the fitness industry with her challenging and motivating ‘mind and body’ techniques. Elise contributes to a myriad of publications including Shape, Self, Women’s Health, Glamour and Elle, along with a series of top-selling fitness DVDs.  Ms. Gulan’s diverse hosting and fitness talents have been featured on various networks including ABC, E!, Lifetime Television and MTV. Visit her Web site at www.elisegulan.com.

The in-laws are gone and, apparently, so is your bank account. Countless mall trips resulting in a handful of gift cards have left you spent, fed up with society and kind of blotchy.  You need a facial desperately but you don’t trust the crap-in-a-box at your neighborhood drugstore, which is perfectly capable of leaving you with more problems than you started with.

Listen my little retired elf, there are many ways to get your lovely face scrubbed and rubbed right in your kitchen.  Your pantry, cabinet and fridge house all the ingredients you need to beautify in a cinch without the pocket pinch. (That’s right, Mrs. Childs. Don’t mess with Dr. Seuss)

EXFOLIATE

What you need: Fuji Apples OR Papaya and Pineapples

Why: Fuji apples have a rougher texture and contain malic acid – an alpha hydroxy acid that is great for exfoliation and hydration. Papaya and pineapple juice contain enzymes that give good face.

How: Take the Fuji apples and slice them. Remove all the seeds and gently rub in a circular motion.  When you are finished, squeeze the juice out and apply like a toner or splash.  You can also dip a cloth in the Fuji juice and dab on your face for a more intense treatment.

How: Just mix a little papaya with some pineapple juice and apply to your face.

DEFOLIATE AND BRIGHTEN

What you need: Rice Flour

Why: Rice flour is a wonderful defoliator and brightener all-in-one. It is great for reviving the skin after pulling an all-nighter.

How: Mix Rice flour with some water and use as a morning cleanse.

BREAKOUTS AND BLACKHEADS

What you need: Baking Soda 

Why: Baking soda is great for disincrusting (great term, eh?) breakouts and softening blackheads. While you’re at it, give Charlotte back her mirror.  No one needs to get that personal with her pores. 

How: Mix baking soda with water to create a runny consistency.  Dip a piece of cloth in the solution and apply it to your face like a mummy. A hot mummy.

BONUS FRUITY TIP: Use a cotton ball to apply lemon or grapefruit juice for added cleansing, exfoliating and brightening. 

ACNE/OILY SKIN TREATMENT

What you need: Tomatoes

Why: Tomatoes have antioxidant qualities that can prevent skin damage and help tighten pores, which helps reduce the likelihood of an acne breakout.

How:  Slice tomatoes and lay them on your skin. If you tend to be a little inflamed, cold compresses are great to relieve the swelling of unsightly blemishes.

BONUS: AT-HOME SPA RECIPE

Light a soy candle, grab Susan Boyle’s newest CD and rub-a-dub-dub your woes away.  Here’s a quick at-home recipe using chamomile – a very calming and powerful anti-inflammatory agent.

Cucumber and Aloe Vera Face and Eye Mask

Ingredients:

* Aloe Vera from the plant

* Cold cucumbers

* Chamomile tea bags

* Rose petals or lavender

Preparation: Steep the chamomile tea. Gently wet your face with a steaming washcloth soaked in rose petals, lavender or chamomile water. Slice the cucumber. Place cucumbers or chamomile tea bags in the freezer for five minutes. Apply this mask to face while lying down. Place aloe vera around the face, neck and eye area. Place sliced cold cucumbers around the face and over eyes. Let sit for 15 minutes. Wash face off with same steaming washcloth soaked in rose petals and lavender. Then add juice from steeped chamomile with a cotton ball for a great refreshing splash.

Good night, my dear. Beauty sleep awaits.

 -Sara