Sometimes, visiting the perfume counter can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down what you might like, try taking an online fragrance-finder quiz. That way, you'll have a place to start when you get to the store. You can find a fragrance quiz by doing a simple search, but many major perfume websites also have them. You can also test out samples that come in magazines or ask people you know what their scent is if you like it. When you go to the store, you want a blank canvas, so to speak. Skip putting on any perfume that morning so it won't compete. Also, skip other items you use with strong scents, such as lotions and body washes. The first step to testing a perfume is spraying it on a card. Smell it when you first spray it, but also try smelling it again in about 5 minutes, once it's had time to dry and settle. If you like it both times, you can move on to the next test. Often, perfume counters will have coffee beans on the counter to help you clear out your nostrils. Take a good whiff between scents to help clear your palate, so to speak. Next, try it out on your skin. You may wonder why you have to smell it both on a card and your skin. However, each perfume interacts with your skin and body chemistry, giving it a unique scent, different from every other person who wears it. Therefore, you want to make sure you like the smell on yourself before you buy it. Consider leaving it on for a few hours before buying it. You may find you don't like it after having it on for a while.

Summary: Try a fragrance quiz. Skip applying fragrances before you go shopping. Spray it on a card. Spray it on your skin.

If you put the liquid into the blender first, the machine will have an easier time combining the ingredients. Although milk and juice are common smoothie liquids, you could use water, coconut milk, yogurt, or non-dairy milk, such as soy, hemp, or almond milk. Instead of pouring in more milk, which will make the smoothie thinner, add a scoop of Greek yogurt or frozen yogurt. The Greek yogurt will add protein and firm up the smoothie while the frozen yogurt will make the entire smoothie taste creamier and thick. Experiment by using different flavors of yogurt. You could match the flavors of the fruits or use complementary flavors. For example, make a peach smoothie with peach Greek yogurt or try a peanut butter smoothie with chocolate frozen yogurt. You'll get a lot of delicious flavor from the produce you use, so you don't have to add spices unless you want a very specific flavor. For example, if you want warming flavors, add a few pinches of cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, or cardamom. For a strong herbal flavor, put 1 to 2 sprigs of fresh herbs, such as basil or lavender. You can use your favorite type of sweetener to enhance the flavor of your smoothie. If you don't want to use standard sugar, try adding a few soft dates or dried figs, prunes, or apricots. You can also drizzle honey, maple syrup, or agave syrup into the smoothie. If you're unsure how much sweetener to add, you may want to blend the smoothie and then taste it. This will give you a better idea of how much sweetener to use. Cut back the amount of fruit you use so you use a total of 2 to 3 cups (350 to 525 g) of fresh produce. You might use 1 cup of fruit (175 g) and 1 cup (175 g) of vegetables, for instance. Leafy greens, such as spinach and kale, blend easily. You could also try celery, cucumber, or bell peppers.

Summary: Pour 12 to 1 cup (120 to 240ml) of liquid into a blender. Scoop in additional dairy if you'd like to thicken the smoothie. Include spices, herbs, or flavorings to make a unique smoothie. Mix in your choice of sweetener according to your taste. Add vegetables if you'd like a fresh-tasting smoothie that isn't very sweet.

Everyone is differentsome people like to wake slowly and quietly, while others may start the day with activity and noise such as music or TV. Choosing the most pleasant wake up experience will make your morning routine nicer and easier to stick to. Set the alarm on your music device or TV to come on when you wake up. Stash your electronic devices where you won't be tempted to use them right upon waking up. Leave your bedroom as soon as you wake up so you're not tempted to go back to bed. Not only will it help to get you moving, but it will also have great health benefits. Make your bed right away. Do chores that were left from last night such as emptying the dish rack or picking up clothes. Stretch for several minutes to ease into more activity. Practice a few minutes of calisthenics such as jumping jacks or pushups. Putting aside time to gather your thoughts and plan your day can be the perfect start, especially if your days tend to be hectic and stressful. Arrange a quiet space for your quiet time, away from people, pets, and electronics. Don't let anyone or anything interrupt your special quiet time. We've all been told that breakfast is the most important meal of the dayit's true! Your body and brain need fuel after fasting for 812 hours. Plan your breakfast the night before if it makes it easier for you to eat in the morning. Start with a glass of water, which has multiple health benefits. Choose healthy and nutritious foods and drinks to provide the best fuel for your daythese include fruits, dairy products, protein (eggs, meat, soy), and grains.
Summary: Decide on the most effective ways for waking up. Move your body or exercise. Meditate or have several minutes of quiet. Eat breakfast.