These tips from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can help:

- Set priorities. Make sure the basic expenses are covered, then consider how much you might have to spend on summer activities. Set a budget to prevent overspending, and cut back on some areas if you can to put more in the summer fun fund. Summer is for fun, but not at the expense of sabotaging your smart financial goals.

- Find deals. If you want to travel, take advantage of flexible bookings now offered by many airlines and hotels to attract cautious customers. Other ways to save on travel include using rewards points and traveling at off-peak times. If you want to stay close to home, take advantage of free local activities, festivals, parks, trails, and museums, more of which are opening every day.

If you like to summer in the same spot, and know that it will be a longtime family tradition, consider the financial pros and cons of investing in a vacation home, says CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional Joshua Charles CFP®.

"Many people will purchase the second home with the idea of renting it when they are not using it (Vacation Rental by Owner - VRBO), or use a management company to find renters and manage the property," says Charles. "This can help offset the monthly expenditures, but be careful as you might be dedicating more money, time and energy than you expected to for the venture," he cautions.

Other options for investing in your favorite getaway without the headaches of ownership include:

- Timeshares. Timeshares require less work than homeownership, but they may have pricey recurring fees, so read the fine print, says Charles.

- Fractionals. If you buy a vacation home with a group of people, family, friends, or other investors, the upfront cost is less and there is no need for offseason rental. Plus, there are potential tax deductions.

A CFP® professional can provide guidance and advice to help you plan your best summer ever, whether planning this year's vacation or setting the stage for years of memories.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice about vacation planning and vacation-home investments.

"He'll Be Waiting"
by Liz Alterman

When Tess Porter agrees to pick up her boyfriend's college pal at the airport on a snowy December night, she has no idea she's about to embark on the most dangerous ride of her life. Two days later, the 17-year-old wakes up in a hospital with broken bones, unable to remember how she got there.

Her parents are acting strangely, and neither James, her boyfriend, nor her best friend Izzy has visited. As she struggles to physically recover, Tess wrestles with haunting questions: What happened? Will her memory ever return? And what if she's better off not recalling any of it? Purchase at https://amzn.to/2PtOUHi.

"Ellerslie"
by William Francis

"Who is the Lady of Ellerslie?" F. Scott Fitzgerald is hoping for a quiet retreat to write his next novel following "The Great Gatsby." He and his wife Zelda rent a mansion in Delaware known as Ellerslie. Their stay is anything but quiet. There is another guest staying at Ellerslie -- a female spirit who roams the property.

Looking to sell Ellerslie, the owner hires April Ross, the only female student at the University of Delaware's History Department, to research the estate's history. It doesn't take long before April realizes the true reason she was hired -- to uncover the identity of the ghost. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3l8Jmxe.

"Walking with Ghosts on Ward's Pond"
by Heidi Sprouse

In 1906, the murder of factory worker Grace Brown, found dead in a lake, rocks the nation. Her lover, Chester Gillette, is the main suspect. Journalist Charlie Baxter goes to the former home of Judge Ward, prosecutor in the case, where he finds himself haunted by Chester's ghost. He hears a scream and is stunned to meet Katherine Grace Brown, a woman who shares the name of the murder victim.

Katherine is tortured by nightmares of the same man and woman in a boat on a summer's night. She resembles the woman and feels her terror the moment she falls overboard. Katherine is hoping to find peace, but instead finds herself pulled into an old murder case. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3rO2e7w. 

"Love Him/Hate Him"
by Chris Bedell

Seventeen-year-old Connor doesn't believe his best friend Evelyn's death was an accident. Falling down the stairs was random, and Connor can't help but wonder if someone might've pushed her. Determined to find out the truth, Connor starts his own investigation.

He suspects a married man with whom she was having an affair, but he has an airtight alibi.

Complicating the situation is Connor's unexpected hookup with Evelyn's twin brother, Liam, who is trapped between his attraction to Connor and his abusive father. Connor struggles with his growing attraction for Liam. Their secret rendezvous are fun, but if Connor is going to have more with Liam, he'll have to be honest about his feelings and his suspicions of who killed Evelyn. Will either survive the truth? Purchase at https://amzn.to/38An9n0.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The pandemic created a major shift in the way people consume - and, more importantly, trust - information, especially as it relates to vaginal health. In fact, a new survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of RepHresh of 2,000 American women age 24-34 reveals that two in five women named Google as their go-to source of information over a physician when experiencing discomfort or vaginal health symptoms.

Many women are also turning to social media for health advice. For example, on TikTok, hashtags relating to the words "sex education" have over 70 million views. A now infamous TikTok video, providing a tutorial on how to relieve constipation through "vaginal splinting" has racked up over 3 million views and the latest popular #icecubechallenge claims to tighten the vagina and curb bacterial overgrowth.

While these trending DIY/at-home medical hacks can be entertaining, many of these practices are not only ineffective at controlling the natural balance of good and bad bacteria, but can be dangerous and cause more harm than good. Melting an ice cube in the vagina can elevate the natural pH balance and trigger a bacterial infection as the pH of water (7.5-8) is higher than the normal vaginal pH (3.5-4.5). And, while vaginal splinting is a scientific method used by medical professionals, experts caution trying it at home as it poses a risk of bacterial spread if not done properly.

The RepHresh survey found that over half (51%) thought a vagina should have a neutral pH, and only 12% correctly identified "moderately acidic" as the ideal pH balance. In addition, the top three most Googled phrases and questions respondents needed answers about included "vaginal discharge" (44%), "do I have a yeast infection?" (39%) and "vaginal odor" (37%).

With an uptick in misinformation, most women frequently misdiagnose their vaginal symptoms. That's why it's more critical than ever that women turn to trusted health care professionals for advice, proper diagnosis and remedies for the actual problem.

Here are a few important things women might not know, but need to know to maintain good vaginal health:

1. Vaginal odor is completely normal and should not be a cause for alarm. Refrain from using unnecessary scented products, including wipes and washes that claim to eliminate odor with fruity or flowery fragrances, as this will not solve the root cause of the issue, which is an unbalanced pH. Do look for clinically-backed and doctor-recommended products for vaginal health, such as over-the-counter RepHresh Gel, which rebalances pH to a healthy range, eliminates odor, and lasts up to three days.

2. Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections can present similar symptoms, such as unusual vaginal discharge and discomfort, so when women run to the drug store and buy an OTC yeast medication such as Monistat, they are not addressing the root cause of the problem. Two out of three times it is BV, which must be treated with an antibiotic from their health care provider. But, antibiotics can kill the good and bad bacteria and cause a yeast infection, so make sure to take a vaginal probiotic once a day such as RepHresh Pro-B as it contains 2 strains of vaginal lactobacilli to keep the vaginal flora in balance and eat foods high in probiotics like a healthy no-sugar-added Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, or miso.

3. High sugar and alcohol intake can elevate pH imbalances and contribute to an overgrowth of yeast. Maintain a healthy moderation of sugary drinks and junk food as excess amounts not only impact vaginal health, but overall weight gain and wellness.

4. Vaginal discharge is a completely normal function in which the vagina naturally removes old cells to keep the environment healthy and clean. Some women have more discharge, while others might experience very little, and it can change in color and thickness depending on the ovulation cycle. However, discharge accompanied with itching, burning, fishy odor, swelling, unusual color, or pelvic pain should be brought to a doctor's attention as it can be a bacterial infection or STI and must be treated appropriately.

Before trying something new, consult with your healthcare provider especially when things seem off to ensure the safety and efficacy of the method or product you are considering. And, don't miss your annual OB/GYN visit.

Maria Sophocles, MD, OB/GYN is the Medical Director of Women's Healthcare of Princeton in Princeton, NJ.

With the unique challenges and unpredictability caused by the coronavirus pandemic, many people were forced to neglect or ignore their savings and financial planning. That's certainly understandable. But as the economy improves, new workers and those approaching retirement can take advantage of smart ways to plan and save in a way that they may not have been able to a year ago.

The following tips from CFP Board, a nonprofit organization dedicated to benefitting the public by supporting professional standards in personal financial planning, may give you some ideas on how best to plan for your retirement:

- Go high-tech, with caution. "Keeping track of your personal finances is time-consuming and not what you want to do in your retirement years," says CFP Board Ambassador Bill Schretter, CFP®.

"I recommend all my clients automate as much of the saving and reporting functions as possible. However, I do not recommend that you use free service apps," he emphasizes.

Why? Many free service apps will use your information to try to sell you financial and non-financial products that you don't need and could siphon away from your retirement savings.

"I recommend that you purchase your own program or use programs that your advisor or bank provide to help you keep your finances organized," says Schretter. "Let an app automate regular tasks, but leave the most important financial advice and management to qualified human beings," he adds.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can provide guidance as you consider these points in retirement planning, whatever your current work status or age:

- Review your goals. Does your retirement wish list include a cruise to Alaska, an African safari, or your own house on a secluded lake in the woods? Do you want to open a small business, or help out your children and grandchildren with education costs? Consider potential expenses now to plan savvy withdrawals later.

- Watch for tax traps. "If your withdrawal plan puts you into a higher tax bracket, you might want to lower the amount you plan to pull out," says CFP Board Ambassador J.J. Burns, CFP®.

Also, diversify with a range of accounts that are taxed differently for more flexibility. If you don't have a Roth IRA or 401k, it is never too early or too late to start one, and a certified financial planner can give advice on moving some retirement savings into one of these accounts to maximize future income.

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice and tips to make the most of your income in retirement.

Whether plans for visiting relatives, exploring a new destination, or revisiting a favorite vacation spot, loading the car and getting behind the wheel is second nature. But, upgrading a road trip with an RV may be just the ticket to making the next adventure the best one yet.

According to Phocuswright's US Consumer Travel research, almost half of Millennials are interested in renting an RV for a leisure trip within the next 12 months. It may be because hitting the road in an RV is an exciting way to spend time traveling with friends or family on a nature-filled adventure. Don't have an RV? Thanks to sites such as RVshare, RV rentals are easier to find and book than ever. With more than 100,000 RVs to choose from across the country, the peer-to-peer marketplace has a variety of vehicles with options ranging from a luxury motor home to a confined camper, there is something for everyone at any price point. There is no special license required and the RV insurance is built-in.

"RV rentals are a great option for those to experience the RV lifestyle without having to buy an expensive vehicle," says RVshare's CEO Jon Gray.

"Travelers come to our site to find RVs for a weekend of camping or a multi-week road trip. With a bedroom, bathroom and kitchen all on-board, an RV is essentially a hotel room wherever you want it."

Want to ditch the sedan and upgrade to a motor home? Here are a few tips for renting an RV for first-timers.

• Use a trusted site: Use a trusted site such as RVshare.com where payments are protected and the owner of the vehicle is verified. RVshare also offers roadside assistance, 24/7 customer service, insurance and other perks to protect your trip and payment.
• Have a plan before booking: With camping, road tripping and RV travel being in high demand this summer, campgrounds will get booked up, especially on weekends.
• Narrow down the options: For a first-time renter, finding the right RV may feel daunting. First, consider the trip type, how many people will be traveling and what the goal of the road trip is. For a couple, a Class B Campervan is a great option for two. A family should look at a Class C driveable RV, which boasts a lot of space but is still maneuverable for those intimidated by big rigs.
• The owner is the best resource: When booking with a peer-to-peer platform, the owner is the best resource to answer questions about the vehicle, including what is included, their rules about pets and if the RV is suitable for long road trips.

Interested in learning more about how to book an RV rental? Visit RVshare.com.

(NewsUSA) - (NU) 

“The Beirut Protocol ”
by Joel C. Rosenberg

  Trapped behind enemy lines. Brutally tortured and threatened with death. And the worst is yet to come. Special agent Marcus Ryker has spent his whole life protecting others, but this time his own life is in danger.

  When a routine advance trip along the Israeli-Lebanese border goes wrong, American operatives are ambushed and captured by a rogue Hezbollah special forces team. If Marcus and his colleagues are tortured and executed on live television, the president will have to enter another war he likely can't win.

Marcus faces a life-or-death battle, and the odds of survival are narrowing. Escape seems impossible. Rescue is a fading hope. This is the CIA’s most valuable operative as you have never seen him before. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35Po5Ci.

“First Dog on Earth”
by  Irv Weinberg

  “Heartwarming story about relationships among people and dogs.”

  At the dawn of civilization, a wolf dog befriends an old hunter and revives his alpha powers among his human tribe. Together with the animal’s pack, they discover a new way of life -- a shared odyssey of survival and trust that grows into the most successful partnership the Earth has ever known, changing dogs and humans forever.

  This is the poetic story of how civilization progresses all because of the abilities the dogs bring the tribe. How does the greatest love story in history begin? With a leap into the unknown. “Like no other book you've read!” Purchase at http://amzn.to/38pfW8j.

“How to Train Your Hooman: A Field Guide”
by  Gwen Romack

   This is the lighthearted and funny read we so desperately need in these not-so-light-hearted times – and the perfect Mother’s Day gift for those dog-loving moms. 

  Follow this unique story told by an extraordinary dog, Finn. He’s irreverent, funny, and full of sass. Based on his real life, join Finn as he issues weekly reports back to K9 Rescue Headquarters on the strange behaviors and rituals of his rescue-“hoomans.”

  With sarcastic wit, he observes the curious world around him, heroically saves his unwitting hoomans from dangers (see also: evil electric toothbrush), and shares his musings about the often-lackluster level of service he feels he receives. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bzqKDV.

“Waxing Pathetic ”
by M. B. Clark

  Waxing Pathetic is a sardonic, often hilarious, raging stream of consciousness from one mad American woman. From the pathetic to the political, the lunatic to the poetic, Clark's memoir is a masterwork of dry wit and piercing observation. 

  From Been Down This Road, where she relates her high school dating history, to This is Real...and Surreal, where she takes down some pathetic politics, Clark merges real events with dream-state fiction that evokes deeper truths hidden in memories. Waxing Pathetic will leave you breathless as you are taken down roads not taken by most American women. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3aTrCT3.

NOTE:BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

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An engagement ring is inspired by courtship memories. If an engagement ring could talk, it might tell you a story of "boy meets girl" and how an awkward guy got up the courage to approach the girl across a crowded room. The story continues with dates, vacations, meeting the parents. An engagement ring might reflect on a first vacation together, favorite walk, and the features of a girl's personality that captivated the boy into popping the question.

A ring might recall asking a father's permission, sneaking a sample ring from a drawer to determine the perfect size, and even providing some inspiration for a design that would bring her to tears when she said "yes."

Engagement rings are followed by wedding rings, which tell the story of a bright day full of joy as two become one in front of family and friends. In the future, these rings will experience years of holding hands, warming hearts, rubbing shoulders, holding babies, and serving as a reminder of a lifetime of love with the love of your life.

Custom diamond engagement rings from Cornelis Hollander help you tell your unique love story with timeless beauty. Our engagement and wedding rings represent your love, energy, and commitment to each other.

The story doesn't stop with the walk down the aisle some bright day in June, it is only beginning, and the team of skilled designers at Cornelis Hollander is honored to help start you on your journey together.

The Arizona-based company has four decades of awards and testimonials for its customized engagement ring designs that range from classic to modern, with stunning settings and sparkling gems.

"Our diamond rings are exceptional because they are made uniquely for the wearer, making them exclusive, memorable, and personal. Your ring is the ultimate storyteller of your style and commitment," according to Cornelis Hollander's son, Walter Hollander, who inherited the company from his father.

Visit cornelishollander.com for more details and to explore a unique collection of handcrafted diamond ring designs.

"The Living Room: A Lung Cancer Community of Courage"
by Bonnie Addario

The words "lung cancer" strike fear in all of us. But where is the hope? It can be found in "The Living Room," by Bonnie Addario, a 17-year survivor of stage 3B lung cancer and a determined activist on behalf of patients suffering from the disease. "The Living Room" tells the stories of 20 lung cancer patients who have bravely fought the disease and found ways to thrive, not just to survive.

The people you will meet in "The Living Room" will lead you to believe that miracles are all around us, that they're happening every day, and that they just might happen to the next cancer patient who picks up this book. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2LUl3pT.

"Attachments"
by Jeff Arch

At a boarding school in Pennsylvania, a deathbed request from the school's dean brings three former students back to campus, where secrets and betrayals from the past are brought out into the open -- secrets that could have a catastrophic effect on the dean's 18-year-old son.

Told in alternating points of view and time frames, "Attachments" is the story of two best friends and the girl they both love. The book is a puzzle -- and the only one who knows how all the pieces fit is in a coma. Revelations come out into the open, and someone is about to learn something he may or may not be able to handle. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3vs8dQG.

"Don't Say a Word! A Daughter's Two Cents"
by Elizabeth Roper Marcus

For the over 44-million adult children in America whose parents are driving them crazy and for baby boomers who are laughing about it, this is one of the few complete comic narratives that plumb the emotional challenges involved, as we navigate the line between anguish and laughter, rage and love.

"Don't Say A Word!" illuminates the maddening challenge of watching our parents' final decline, a challenge familiar to frazzled adult-children everywhere.

A perpetually warring, tyrannical pair in their 80s -- a Macy's dress buyer and a dentist -- begin wintering in Mexico.?The surprising ways in which these parents come undone reveal just what they'd spent their lives trying to hide, thereby setting her free. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3pjc7sT.

"The Magic Pond"
by Hélene Schweiger

"There is a silver lining to every cloud." That is the motto of author Hélene Schweiger, who presents us with a tale about courage, adventure, and the magic of friendship, geared for children as well as adults. As we all go through difficult experiences and changes in our lives, the message in this story helps see the strength we have in ourselves to become who we truly are.

The author loves nature and sees beauty everywhere. She uses storytelling on a daily basis as a perfect way to convey messages to children and adults, helping children become the wonderful adults they have the potential to be. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35wRHVa.

BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

However, many women may not realize that their risk of heart disease also increases during the menopausal period, according to Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, M.D., a practicing physician in New York City and an expert in women's health.

"There is no time like the present for women to commit to better heart health and overall health," says Dr. Okeke. "Women who suffer from pre- and post-menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and hormonal imbalance now have a way to help ease their discomfort and the debilitating effects of their symptoms with over-the-counter supplementation."

The HerHeart supplement from BergaMet North America, a manufacturer of exclusive natural supplements, represents a new frontier in managing menopause symptoms. The oral supplement product is designed exclusively for women, and contains Citrus Bergamot SuperFruit™, a unique high-quality citrus bergamot with a 47% BPF (bergamot polyphenol fraction) concentration (the highest available in North America and exclusive to BergametNA), along with other ingredients that have been shown to help balance hormones and ease the discomfort of menopause. HerHeart also helps promote heart health; the product is engineered to help reduce arterial age and to improve cholesterol levels.

Data from clinical trials of HerHeart show a 42% improvement in comfort level and a 75% reduction in hot flashes; other benefits include increased sexual desire and arousal.

"I am getting heart and mind healthy," says Kimberly L., a consumer who uses the HerHeart supplement.

"I am using this for pretty much every reason," she says. "Menopause, anti-inflammatory, thyroid issues, and blood sugar, too." After two weeks of taking HerHeart, "I am no longer having night sweats. I am sleeping better. I have a very noticeable amount of energy now," she adds. The HerHeart product "is doing everything the company said it would," Kimberly says. "I would like to continue on for the 90 days, to see how my cholesterol and liver function does. I am super-excited over the help with menopause. My husband appreciates the change in my attitude!"

Visit tryherheart.com for more information about the supplement, and visit Bergametna.com or call 1-855-556-2131 for more details about other Citrus Bergamot Superfruit™ products for better health. The BergametNA stock symbol is HYEX.