Chatelaine

I had painted the bedroom, bought the books and hung the pictures. But no amount of preparation could ready me for the trying and touching moments of the first few months with my newly adopted six-year-old son

In his first novel, Peter Heller skillfully constructs a post-apocalyptic world in which society has collapsed and the few humans that remain are a constant threat.

Smile and the world smiles with you, goes the familiar phrase. It's a lovely idea. And perhaps it's true. But it may be that the world isn’t smiling with you as much as it's laughing at you for being such a softie.

1. Budget Plan your budget in advance. Allocate funds based on specific needs. Will you be replacing the counter? Stone, or laminate? New cupboards, or just appliances?

Gretchen Reynold's best advice on exercising better, training smarter and living longer

This quaint home was overflowing with knick-knacks. Designer Samantha Pynn helped to clear the clutter and display the best collections

Beauty 100: Chic and daring, this fragrance smells citrusy at first then showcases sprinkles of heady jasmine and spicy patchouli

Beauty 100: A unique unisex scent of lime and bergamot, then warming up with an earthy infusion of vetiver, tree resin and amber

Beauty 100: This classic scent has captured our senses (and our heart) for two years and counting — a seductive floral with vanilla, wood and amber

Beauty 100: A playful berry-floral scent that finishes with a light touch of musty musk and warm sandalwood

Beauty 100: A fragrance that smells like a sweet cocktail of lemon, mandarin and peach, then quickly eases into a lightly peppered bouquet of roses

When Oprah says something we listen: you should keep a gratitude journal. And while I don't keep one in a conventional format, I do stop periodically and remind myself of the things that make me happy and how lucky I am to have them...and it works.