Mind Body & Soul magazine is going through a transition period. We ask that you please be patient. We will try to get your next issue out as soon as possible while still maintaining the high quality publication you have grown accustom to.

I have a wooden chest, full of wrapping paper and ribbon and interesting gifts I’ve picked up throughout the year. I also collect unusual things to decorate the present:  things from nature like pine cones and shells, trinkets from the dollar store like hair bows or super hero figures.  I have my own December surprise when I open the chest each year - I often don’t remember who a particular present was intended for, but I almost always find the right thing for someone on my list.

No matter how low the temperature goes, I try to spend some time outside. On Christmas or New Year’s Day, my family bundles up and heads to the park with treats for birds, squirrels and bunnies. There’s nothing like sun sparkling on fresh snow to warm your spirits. Back home, we treat ourselves to hot cocoa, a warm fire and snuggling.

Caring for an aging parent is anything but easy. Try and look for the positive aspects in your day to day dealings with your parent. In the meantime, visit caremanager.com and type in your zip code to find health and human services specialists in your area.

Sometimes, as hard as we try or as much as we love our partner, we just don’t get them. In this regular column, questions that come from you, our readers, are addressed by local family therapist Dr. Balew. Through revealing explanations to burning questions like, “Why does my husband monopolize the remote?” Dr. Balew will help you begin to see your partner in a whole new light.

Have you ever looked at another woman who seems to have it all together and asked yourself,” How does she do that?” We have, which is why we showcase women who have just completed an amazing feat, like losing a significant amount of weight or completing a marathon with her children. We find out the secrets to their success and share their insights with you. Plus, local experts reveal how you, too, can become one of “those” women!

Healthy recipes for the busy lifestyle are often hard to come by, but Mind Body & Soul is full of delicious tips for preparing, serving and, most importantly, shopping for great tasting, nutritious food. And did we mention these recipes are designed to be prepared quickly and easily? Don’t worry … it’s our little secret!

In every issue, we make it a mission to help dispel the myths about menopause. You’ll discover new ways to combat hot flashes, improve your memory, control your moods and accept that menopause is just another beautiful phase in growing as a woman.

Looking and feeling beautiful is important to women of all ages, but it’s about so much more than having a good hair day. From the importance of what you eat to using proper moisturizers and getting enough rest, we explore beauty from all angles. For example, you’ll find beauty tips for the woman who has undergone a mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer. And, you’ll discover the joy (yes, joy!) that comes with aging gracefully and beautifully.

One of the most important aspects of living a balanced life is spending time examining our souls. To help you get in touch with the moral or spiritual side of your being, we include articles that talk about meditation, chakras, reiki treatments, hot stone treatments and more. We also talk about the importance of maintaining a positive mental attitude.