Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen happily writes and blogs full-time in Vancouver. Her work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Woman's Day, Writer's Digest, and More. Her degrees are in Psychology and Education, from the University of Alberta.

She created the "Quips and Tips" blog series, including Quips and Tips for Successful Writers. She has written five ebooks: 75 Ways to Make (More) Money Blogging; 73 Ways to Fire Up (or Just Fire) the Muse; Letting Go of Someone You Love; 75 Ways to Survive Pet Loss, and 80 Ways to Say "I Love You."
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  • 5 Ways to Break Your Addiction to a Person
    Love addiction feels like a desperate need to be with a person, a need that overwhelms everything else. These tips will help you stop feeling helpless and start taking control.
  • How Do You Stop Feeling Jealous About His Ex?
    Do you get jealous when your boyfriend or husband sees his ex-girlfriend or ex-wife?A reader - let's call her Amanda - asked for help with her boyfriend. He sees his ex-girlfriend regularly, and talks to her a couple times a day.
  • How Your Childhood and Personality Affects Your Finances
    Do you enjoy your money - and the things it brings? I don't.I grew up with a single mom and no money -- we were on welfare, and often went to the food bank for groceries.
  • Are You a Pushover at Work - or in Your Relationship?
    Do you say "yes" to your coworkers, boyfriend or husband - and regret it? Do you do things you know you'll regret later, like accepting extra work assignments or lending money to a guy you've dated for a only few weeks?If so, you're not alone.
  • Did You Get Pregnant the First Time You Had Sex?
    It takes most couples a year (on average) to get pregnant - but there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for why it takes different women different amounts of time!My most popular article on Couples Coping With Infertility is Why Can't I Get Pregnant? It lists four different "fertility checklist
  • How Do You Know If He's The One?
    I knew my husband was "the one" the first time we hung out together. We were just friends, but he was definitely the marrying kind: responsible, caring, loving, and kind.But I wasn't ready to get married, so we stayed friends for 15 years. He moved in with another woman, I moved to Africa for 3 year
  • What Do You Do When Your Family Doesn't Pay You Back?
    If you've ever loaned a few hundred bucks to a relative who refused to pay you back, I'd love to hear from you!What would you tell a guy whose wife keeps loaning her 34 year old son (Jack, his stepson) money that never gets paid back?
  • A Cheating Husband Needs Advice
    "How do I save our marriage after cheating on my wife online?" asks Sammy, who describes how he cheated on his wife in Emotional Cheating - How Innocent Friendships Cause Problems. "I love my wife and kids so much. I just made the biggest mistake of my life."He didn't realize he was emotionally chea
  • 5 Types of Toxic People to Avoid at Work...And Home
    Spending time with toxic people, such as bullies or narcissists, can lead to emotional numbness, low energy, low self-worth, and even physical problems such as nausea, headaches, or muscle tension.
  • Tired of Feeling Grouchy, Growly, Grim? 6 Good Mood Foods to Chew On
    If you lash out at anyone and everyone because of a prickly mood or PMS, don't reach for the happy juice or pills just yet! The foods you eat have a direct effect on how you feel.
  • What Your Hair Says About You
    "Hair is often an excellent predictor of someone's self-image and lifestyle," writes Jo-Ellan Dimitrius in Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior - Anyplace, Anytime. However, she also says: "Because so many hairstyles are acceptable on women, most stylistic deviations d
  • Have You Created Something That Is a Great Gift - and Do You Sell It?
    If you created something that would make a great gift, here's your chance to promote it for free on my gift giving blog, Quips and Tips for Giving Gifts! How will you promote, describe, advertise your product? By writing an article about it for my gift giving blog.
  • How to Stop Energy Vampires From Bleeding You Dry
    No, this kitty isn't an energy vampire - nor will she bleed you dry! "Real" energy vampires drain your spirit and soul by depleting your positive energy. Energy vampires, such as drama queens, leave you feeling drained and listless.
  • Is Your Boyfriend (Sister, Mom, Coworker) Deep in Debt? 5 Ways to Help
    There's nothing worse than seeing a boyfriend or loved one struggle with debt, and there's nothing you can do to help.Well, maybe it'd be worse to see a him struggle with an illness -- yes, that would be worse.My sister spends till the cows come home, and leave again, and come back home again. She d
  • Of course money buys happiness - who are we kidding?
    Are rich people happier than poor people people? Yup. Research about money and psychology shows that money really does buy happiness.
  • 5 Lessons in Paying Off Debt From Reality TV
    I didn't think reality TV had anything to teach me about reality -- much less paying off debt -- until Freedom Debt Relief (FDR) emailed me these tips!They're too good to keep to myself, and FDR gave me "carte blanche" to spread them around...so here's how to get something valuable from all those ho
  • The Best Ways to Celebrate Valentine's Day
    Figuring out the best way to celebrate Valentine's Day - or the best way to say "I love you" on Valentine's Day - depends on you and your partner, your relationship, and even where you live!
  • 5 Ways to Stand Up for Yourself at Work or Home
    Are you a pushover, doormat, or people pleaser? Stop it -- it's not good for you or anyone around you! These tips for standing up for yourself at work or home will help you become more assertive.The following suggestions are inspired by something that often happens in my writing career: editors and
  • Best Ways to Save Money in 2011
    What are the best ways to save money in 2011? It depends on your lifestyle and personality. For instance, How much debt are you in? What's your money personality? How many kids do you have? How much money do you make? What are your money goals for 2011?These money saving tips work for most people mo
  • It's all in your mind: 5 psychological ways to attract more money
    Attracting more money into your life isn't just about cutting coupons and brown bagging it to work! It's your mindset and attitude that can make a huge difference in cash flow...and that's what these tips are all about. Psychology.
  • Do you lie to your partner about money? 5 ways to 'fess up
    One of my friends earns a bit 'o money from blogging, and gets paid through PayPal. She doesn't tell her husband about this -- he has no idea she's got this stash of cash! Is she lying about money? You better believe it.
  • Office romance gone sour? 6 ways to get over a work breakup
    Breaking up isn't on anybody's bucket list, but -- ready or not -- it happens. It's especially difficult when you have to see your ex at meetings, in the office hallways, and in the lunchroom or cafeteria.My friend Tamara dated a coworker for six months. He decided things weren't working out, and br
  • Want to write a book or blog post? 6 ways to write better
    We all have a story to tell -- and writing that story may be the most creative, interesting thing we ever do! Even if we write a book and it never gets published, we still reap massive rewards from the act of writing.But even if we're "only" writing for ourselves, or if we're writing blog posts that
  • 5 money resolutions couples should NEVER set
    'Tis the season to start thinking of your New Year's Resolutions! Maybe this is the year you get your finances in order once and for all...
  • How to help loved ones who need money - without lending it!
    My sister is a terrific spender: she doesn't think twice about buying $200 jeans, $150 haircuts, and $25,000 vehicles. And it's not like she has the money -- she's in debt up to her perfectly plucked eyebrows.I'm the cheapskate saver in the family; my biggest luxury is getting my hair cut for $20 at
  • 6 signs your diet is dragging you down
    Do you feel blah, bored, or chronically tired? Does your skin look poor, pale, or prickly? Do you have trouble concentrating or making decisions?Don't blame your partner, kids, or job. It could be your diet.
  • How to pay off your debt when you earn peanuts
    It's one thing to pay off your student loan or credit card debt when you're a lawyer or doctor earning over $100,000 a year -- but it's a whole different ballgame when you make $30,000, with bonuses! I was one of those crazy starry-eyed kids who racked up thousands of dollars in college debt. I earn
  • How Not to Blow Your Diet on Thanksgiving
    Yum -- how can you resist Thanksgiving eats and treats? Luckily, you don't have to blo your diet this weekend -- you can eat healthy and enjoy your turkey with all the trimmings.
  • Debt Cures - 10 Ways to Pay Off Your Credit Cards Quickly
    Are you drowning in credit card debt? These "debt cures" will help you pay off your bills fast -- and help you get ready for holiday spending sprees! These tips are also effective for paying off medical care costs, mortgage loan payments, and student loans -- and help you manage debt better. And the
  • 5 Ways to Heal a Broken Heart
    There are many ways to heal a broken heart -- and different things work for different people! Some jump right back into dating and relationships, while others need to retreat and "lick their wounds" for awhile.And, some people get stuck in the past for years.
  • How to Get a Life You Like
    Don't like your life? Fine - you can get a life you like, and it'll be better than the one you dream of! These tips for improving your life range from making more meaningful connections to avoiding life leeches. "Getting a life is hard to define," writes Robert Pagliarini in The Other 8 Hours: Maxi
  • 7 Money Management Tips
    Sometimes all it takes is a few smart money management tips to reduce your financial stress. I'm not saying it's always easy to solve financial problems by applying a few tips....but sometimes all you need is one little trigger that sets off the "aha!" moment in your brain.And voila! You're suddenly
  • Are You a Financial Pushover? Test Your Money Backbone
    Do you stand up for yourself when it comes to love and money? It's not just about spending what you want -- it's about being honest with your partner about what you spend...and, it's about getting respect from your partner about his spending habits.
  • Fighting With Your Family? 6 Ways to Cope With Raging Relatives
    Are your sisters yelling, your parents arguing, or your brothers braying? Maybe you're the "raging relative" who needs to be calmed down! Fighting with family members is normal and sometimes even healthy. But, if those arguments cause problems in other aspects of life, then they need attention.Check
  • 11 Ways Men and Women See Money Differently
    Growing up, were you told that men know more about money than women? According to one financial guru, men and women see money totally differently because of how they were raised. And, these opposing perspectives are the root of many money fights in relationships.For instance, women see money in term
  • Dump Your Relationship Baggage - 5 Ways to Heal a Heartbreak
    Are you lugging around a ton of baggage from a past relationship (or several past relationships?). You're not alone -- my most popular articles are about breaking up and getting back together. It can be such a struggle to move on after a relationship ends -- even when we know the relationship is unh
  • Take Your Hand Off My Tush! 8 Ways to Stop Sexual Harassment at Work
    Sexual harassment at work takes many forms (lewd innuendos, long stares, tushie touches) - but, luckily, for every type of harassment there's a way to deal with it!These tips for stopping sexual harassment at work range from defining sexual harassment to collecting evidence; they're based on one of
  • Are Your Friends Keeping You in Debt? 5 Ways to Spot a Poor Friendship
    My friend Michelle spends every paycheck she gets, and then some. She doesn't seem to care that she's in debt up to her eyeballs. And every time we hang out, I end up spending money that I don't have! Do you have friends like that -- friends who seem to encourage you to spend, spend, spend? If you'
  • 23 Ways to Make Your Kids More Money Savvy
    If your kids weren't born good with money, don't fret! These 23 ways to help your kids be more money savvy will teach them good money habits -- even if you're not a financial whiz like Suze Orman."How are learning to a ride bike and learning about money similar?" asks Karyn Hodgens, creator of KidsS
  • Knowing Isn't Doing! 6 Ways to Make Money Tips Work
    You may know a gazillion money tips -- you can even work with and write about money every day, like me -- but there's a big difference between knowing about money and applying what you know to your daily life!For instance, I've known for 20 years that I should create a household budget...but do you
  • 5 Ways to Live Big on a Small Budget
    Even if you're earning minimum wage, you can "live in luxury" -- depending, of course, on what your definition of luxury is! These money saving tips may not help you purchase a Jaguar or house on the beach, but they could get you started on the road to financial abundance...First, one of my favorite
  • Hate Your Job? 5 Ways to Make Work Better
    Never mind Monday morning -- does every day at work get you down? Most of us can't just quit our jobs...but we can do little things to make work better.Don't knock these tips until you try them! You never know what could result from putting these babies into action...
  • 5 Signs of a Financially Healthy Woman
    Are debt, credit cards, or student loans controlling you, or are you controlling them? Are your finances a source of freedom or a cause of stress? These signs of a financially healthy woman will help you figure out if money is controlling you, or if you need to take control of your money. "Women ne
  • 10 Myths About Getting Pregnant as You Get Older
    My fertility doctor told me that too many wome have misconceptions about age and fertility levels. Sure, he said, we hear about women getting pregnant in their 40s - but it's easier said than done.Here are 10 facts about a woman's fertility (or infertility as she ages)...it's not exactly the best ne
  • 6 Smart Ways to Spend Your Income Tax Refund
    "More than half of all Americans will get a tax refund this year," say Scott and Bethany Palmer, authors of First Comes Love, Then Comes Money: A Couple's Guide to Financial Communication. "Since the average refund is around $2800, that money can make a significant difference to your financial secur
  • Tips for improving a bad credit rating when you have massive credit card debt
    Toni will soon be opening the champagne because she's finally paying off her credit card debt -- after four years of making payments!Now, she wants to know how to improve her bad credit rating....
  • 4 Ways to Bounce Back From Financial Bankruptcy
    Has your ship sunk and now you're drowning in an ocean of unpaid bills, debt, and piranha-like creditors? Going financially bankrupt feels terrible -- but it doesn't have to be the end of your dreams of financial security or even prosperity! "Bankruptcy is designed to give people a fresh start," sa
  • 6 Steps to Financial Fitness for Women
    Are you a financially independent woman? That is -- are you in control of your debt, income, and spending habits? Are you controlling your money...or is it controlling you?Financial fitness is just as important as emotional, spiritual, and physical fitness for women. Luckily, achieving fitness level
  • 6 Ways to Get Supple as a Couple
    Do you and your lover need to tone down and shape up? These six weight loss tips are especially geared for couples -- and they'll help you get to know your man (or woman) in a whole new way! My husband and I do Pilates, core fusion, and various fitness programs together. Not only are we learning mor
  • 9 Money Tips for Women in Their 20s, 30s, and 40s
    Are you controlling your money, or is your money (and debt) controlling you? Basic personal finance may not be that interesting to most women in their 20s or 30s, but it's one of the keys to a happy, fulfilled life!Money may not make you happy, but it can at least make you miserable if you're misera
  • 8 tips for first-time home buyers
    Whether you want to buy a new condo or house in three months or ten years, you need to know the steps involved. First time home buyers are in an exciting and terrifying position -- and these tips for new home owners will help smooth the process... "Home ownership remains a good investment and a big
  • Yes, You Can Quit Your Day Job! 6 Tips for Starting a New Career
    Do you want to go back to school, get a new job, or otherwise change your career? You can quit a job you're tired of and change your career path! These tips are inspired by the successful Suze Orman, who encourages women to find work they love -- even if it means going back to school or taking a low
  • Help! I Can’t Stop Thinking About My Ex
    Relationship breakups are bad enough - but the fallout is worse when you can't stop thinking about your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend! One of my blog readers - a guy - asked for help with his obsessive thoughts.
  • 6 steps to starting your own business
    "I believe in businesses where you engage in creative thinking, and where you form some of your deepest relationships," said Anita Roddick, creator of The Body Shop. "If it isn't about the production of the human spirit, we are in big trouble."
  • The Benefits of Getting Your Period
    If you think getting your period isn't fun or exciting, then you don't know how cool "the curse" really is! There are several benefits to getting your period; in fact, menstruation can actually be good for your physical, mental, and emotional health.
  • Are You SAD? Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder
    If you're feeling sad these days, blame it on the weather! The fall season brings shorter days and less light (and the light you do get can be less intense, depending where you are in the world). Your low mood may be due to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. "Long nights and cold weather days are
  • Are you a saver – and he’s a spender? How to fix those money problems
    If you like to save for rainy days and he'd rather buy umbrellas, rain gear, and rubber boots when payday hits, then you're coping with two different money personalities!
  • Going to college? 7 steps to success
    It's never too late to succeed in college -- even if you're entering you're entering your last semester! These seven steps to success will help you balance achieving your goals with enjoying the college experience...because all work and no play makes Jane a dull girl...
  • 4 ways to overcome procrastination at work
    What are you avoiding at work -- and are you making the job bigger by putting it off?
  • 5 Tips for Saving Money on Medical Care
    The only thing worse than being sick is spending money you don't have on your health! Here are five tips for saving money on health care, from one of my favorite financial experts: Ethan Ewing of Bills.com. 1. Keep up to date with your health checkups. Do not skimp on medical care to save a few dol
  • 5 Ways to Cope With Toxic Female Friends
    Is your BFF an energy vampire? She is if she gives you "apples" that are actually dripping with poison. Toxic female friendships won't just drag you under and keep you down, they can actually make you unhealthy, anxious, and depressed.Here are several signs of friends who aren't really friends -- an
  • How reducing clutter decreases your debt
    Do you have piles of clothes in your bedroom, mountains of junk in your closets, and stacks of files in your office? If so, you might be more likely to have bills and debts you can't pay. Some experts believe that the more clutter you have, the more debt you're in.Here's something else clutter and d
  • Top 10 Things to Pack for a Hiking Trip
    Even the most beautiful, exciting hiking trips are ruined if you forget a few essential items! This list of things to pack will help make your hike enjoyable -- whether you're going to Europe, Africa, or the nearest mountain range.First, I gotta share this beautiful quotation:
  • 3 tips for talking about money for couples
    Money is a common reason for divorce -- but this financial expert says it may be an even more common cause of breakups among couples who are not married!
  • User post: How to Date a Rich Man
    Do you repeatedly pick romantic partners who are total losers? Maybe you're sick of boyfriends who live off of you without so much as a thank-you. Perhaps you wonder why you can't find a man who will pay his share - let alone pay your way.If you're ready for a whole new dating experience (aka dating
  • 7 tips for taking charge of your finances
    Do you feel paralyzed or terrified at the thought of taking contol of your budget, credit card debt, or income? Or maybe it bores you to tears -- but you know you have to do it, my friends. Why? Because being in control will free your heart and mind, which will give you energy to do other things. S
  • User post: 3 Ways to Get Pregnant Faster
    Are you hoping to have a baby sooner rather than later? These five tips for boosting fertility may help -- plus, here's why you should keep trying to conceive, even in these uncertain economic times! "History shows that during a recession, birth rates drop as couples delay childbearing," say Tami Q
  • What you need to know before lending money to friends or relatives
    Have you ever had to sue a friend to get the money you loaned back? I have, and it was not pretty."If you lend money to a friend or family member, be prepared to never see it again," is the standard advice. I disagree: I'd lend money again, AND I'd make sure I'm repaid!
  • User post: 10 Ways Money Problems Improve Your Relationship
    "When money is removed from the table, love becomes its own currency," says therapist Gilda Carle, Ph.D. "This is great news for relationships. Amid the doom and gloom, sizzling passion can build. And the "us against the economy" interaction creates an unflappable bond."
  • User Post: 5 Easy Ways to Work Out Without Leaving Your Office
    "Sitting behind a desk all day is just as abusive to the body as playing a contact sport," says Jay Cardiello, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach. "Each year, thousands of people suffer from desk-related injuries such as lower back pain, Carpal-Tunnel syndrome, arthritis and obesity."Cardie
  • 9 tips for building an emergency fund
    I don't want to drag you down, but you never know when you'll be facing job loss or financial difficulties -- and people who are struggling now know the supreme importance of building an emergency fund! Financial expert Ethan Ewing shares nine steps to build a nest egg… and they're not too painful
  • 8 money management tips for couples
    "I could write my own check, but I like him (husband) to give it to me. Money is sexy," said Helen Gurley Brown.
  • Maria Shriver’s advice to Michelle Obama
    When I hear Michelle Obama share her goals for Barack's term in the White House -- such as creating an "Obama China pattern" -- I wonder what Maria Shriver's advice for her would be. Shriver was in a similar position -- standing by her man when he entered politics -- and if she could do it again, sh
  • 8 Tips for a Rich Retirement
    Think you're too young for retirement planning? Think again! You know how fast time passes -- and if you don't think and act now, one day you'll be kicking yourself for not planning your retirement earlier. First, a cute quip about the rat race:
  • Are you assertive enough? A quiz and 9 tips
    You may have heard the word "assertiveness" a thousand times, yet have you ever stopped to think about how the right communication affects your job, relationships, and life?
  • How to improve your credit scores
    "The rich are different from you and me because they have more credit," says John Leonard.To accumulate credit, it helps to know the basic definition of a credit score: It dictates how likely you are to repay a loan and make payments on time, which affects whether you'll get loans, mortgages, or cre
  • 7 unusual ways to spend less money
    Research shows that people spend money because they feel powerless. If you're struggling with debt and spending outside your budget, check out these seven ways to feel more powerful in your life…because they're also unusual ways to spend less money! "Consider two individuals, one a successful mil
  • 7 tips to make buying a house easier
    Buying your own home may seem crazy in this shaky economy -- but it's actually the best time to buy! Financial expert Ethan Ewing of Bills.com says the slow economy and low interest rates might give you the best deal in town.... But remember:
  • User post: How to Break Up With Your Boyfriend (or Girlfriend)
    Ending a relationship isn't easy, even when you're miserable together! But, remember: "Giving up doesn't always mean you're weak; sometimes it means you're strong enough to let go." - UnknownThese tips on how to break up with your boyfriend will help you break the bad news with less pain and awkward
  • 10 tips for getting out of debt
    "Credit buying is much like being drunk," says Joyce Brothers. "The buzz happens immediately and gives you a lift…the hangover comes the day after."
  • 4 Ways to Break a Bad Habit
    "Each time you do something new you become something new," says psychologist Kenneth Herman, author of Secrets From the Sofa. A big part of breaking bad habits is trying new things to find what works! Here are eight effective ways to break out of your routine and getting what you want out of life -
  • User post: Surviving an Affair
    "It's best to come clean as early as possible," says marriage counselor Gary Neuman, author of The Truth About Cheating. "Be honest with your partner when you're just beginning to become interested in someone else."
  • Dr Phil’s Response to Insults About Being Childfree
    Here's Dr Phil's response to a letter in Oprah Magazine from a woman who is childfree. She never got pregnant not because of infertility, but by choice...and her friend insulted her for not having kids. I'm sharing her letter and Dr Phil's response here because he gave great advice about coping with
  • User post: 11 tips for preventing identity theft
    Even a ten year old child can be the victim of identity theft - and her parents may not know about it for years! By then, some serious damage has been done. To protect your name and identity, here are eleven tips from financial expert Ethan Ewing, president of Bills.com. First, a quip from Jack Lon
  • User post: 8 Common Types of Plastic Surgery for Women
    In large doses, Botox is a toxin that can cause botulism, according to Dr Nieca Goldberg in her book, Dr Nieca Goldberg's Complete Guide to Women's Health. Here, she describes several benefits and drawbacks of different types of plastic surgery for women. Dr Goldberg also describes a surgery she had
  • User post: 10 tips for increasing your body confidence
    Here are ten tips for increasing your body confidence, based on quips and quotations from women who have accepted their bodies, minds, and selves. They have regrets and flaws - and they're honest and vulnerable about their bodies.
  • Successful Dating Tips From the Author of "5 Simple Steps to Dating Bliss"
    Dating expert Ian Coburn offers five successful dating tips, and explains how this advice will improve your love life and help you achieve your relationship goals!
  • The Best Breakup Songs: Music to Heal Broken Hearts
    Breakup songs can help heal broken hearts! Getting over a betrayal, letting go of someone you love, screaming your anger out, and surviving heartbreak are what these songs are all about. The best songs for broken hearts are ones that meet you where you're at - whether you're furious, defeated, crush
  • How Your Period Affects Your Libido, Hormones, and Mood
    Here, Dr Rebecca Booth, author of The Venus Week, describes the benefits of getting your period - and shares how your menstrual cycle affects your libido and mood.
  • Reasons for Female Infertility
    If you've been trying to get pregnant for over a year without success, you may want to consider consulting a fertility specialist. He or she can go review the reasons you're having trouble conceiving. First, consider these reasons for female infertility - the stats may surprise you! And, one mom sha

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