Fearless Fabulous You

The U.S.A. discards nearly 60 million tons -120 billion pounds every year. That’s nearly 40% of the entire U.S. food supply, or around 325 pounds of waste per person. In her new book, "No Scrap Left Behind: My Life Without Food Waste," Teralyn Pilgrim shares clever ways to upcycle leftovers, repurpose table scraps and ultimately trim the grocery bill on average $100 a month (about $1300/yr.) -all...

Heart valve disease affects more than 5 million people in the U.S. and leads to 25,000 deaths each year. Aortic stenosis, the most common form of heart valve disease, affects 5% of people 65 and older. Heart valve symptoms may be subtle and develop slowly over time, putting a life-threatening strain on your heart. Early diagnosis of heart valve disease is key says Janet S. Wright, MD, FACC, Direct...

Silence is golden but a buried gem amid the constant buzz and noise surrounding us. Stillness is also important, but many feel pressured to always keep going and doing Women have had to work harder to push forward, speak out and take action to Make Progress and Be Somebody. That is achievement in one aspect of life. But it's also important to embrace stillness and silence and tune out the physical...

Imagine you are holding a set of five keys. Each key can be used to unlock an aspect of your life: Your Mind, Your Soul, Your Heart, Your Talent and Skills, Your Happiness and Definition of Success. Which would you unlock first and what you do to open the door to your future? Keys can unlock your potential and open a heart, or they can be used to shut yourself in and protect you from pain. You can...

Size matters but not always. You must size up a situation or a person where it really counts. It's not just by the numbers but by one's actions and their impact. One must measure a person's character over one's wealth. Small acts of kindness can deliver large amounts of hope. But being small minded, tearing others down to look better and sizing people up by their material wealth rather than streng...

Women have forged new paths and broken glass ceilings over the last 50 years, but many social stereotypes and pressures remain. Pressures to maintain an appearance, marry and have children, excel in a career, attain social status and serve one’s community are examples. Fearless Fabulous You Host Melanie Young addresses coping with social pressures with Alicia Lamberghini-West, Psy. D. a licensed p...

Women's rights have come a long way thanks to activists who used their voices to drive change. Examples include the right to vote (19th Amendment 1920), Equal Pay Act (1963), Equal Rights Amendment (1972), Roe vs Wade (1973), Women's Educational Equity Act (1974) and Pregnancy Discrimination Act (1978). Until the 1970s, women could not acquire credit or a mortgage. There are always challenges, fro...

The joys and challenges of motherhood are numerous. But many women are childless by choice or by circumstances. After being asked many times “Why don’t you have children?” Fearless Fabulous You’s Melanie Young says, “Just because I am not a mother does not mean I am selfish or my life as a woman is incomplete. There are no right or wrong directions in how we choose our lives. I respect and appreci...

"How do you do? What do you do?" How many times have people asked you this? And how do you respond? Americans, in particular, tend to ask that question. Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young shares tips to navigate these personal questions about your life, career, in-between times, job interviews and those awkward moments when you prefer to keep matters private. Learn how to convey confidence, be...

Have you ever referred a piece of business to a colleague without accepting anything in return other than a thank you...or vice versa? You are a good egg. But if you expect to be paid for referrals or your sage advice and ideas, then you need to be a hard-boiled. Establish your terms on what you can offer and expect in return. Offer help but also set boundaries. Most businesses involve a transacti...

Are you living with clutter in your home? How does clutter making you feel? Mental clutter is as important to clear out as the physical. Yet, many wait too long to start the process. Certified KonMari Method (TM) Organizer Jenny Albertini discusses the mental impact of clutter with Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young, including how to take steps to mindfully manage your head space, home environm...

Millions of travelers are hitting the highways and skies, a record number since the pandemic. Joanna Teljeur, consumer advocate and senior editor for Air Advisor, joins Melanie Young to discuss tips to make airline travel hassle-free, from trip planning to insurance to packing essentials. Know your rights if your flights are delayed or cancelled and do your homework when visiting other countries t...

Over 70% of American women travel solo. Are you one of them? Solo travel can offer a one-of-a-kind experience. Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young spent years traveling solo. She shares tips, resources and anecdotes to travel smart and safe. Research destinations to learn customs, dress codes and treatment to women. Try to make local contacts and always let someone know where you are. She says:...

Social media has its good side and its bad side. Statistics show social media apps can be addictive and potentially harmful to your mental health, especially for young people. Even the U.S. Surgeon General has called for warning labels on social media apps. Why spend your time scrolling your phone checking in and comparing your life to others when you can just enjoy your own life? Fearless Fabulou...

Have you been saving a special bottle of wine to drink or a piece of fine jewelry to wear for "that special occasion?" Why wait for a day or event that may or may not occur? After opening three "special occasion" bottles of wine one night that were all past their prime, Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young says, "why wait?" Use your best silver and china. Wear your good jewelry and clothes. Plan...

Scientific research has shown a direct link between alcohol consumption and reduced health risks, including several cancers. The World Health Organization says no amount of alcohol is safe. Wine writer and cancer survivor Melanie Young share her decision to continue drinking wine in moderation while accepting her risks. She notes ultra processed foods, those high in nitrates, saturated fats, sugar...

"After being single and successful on my own, I refuse to be a Plus One in a couple and in a society where men still receive preferential and deferential treatment over women. Stand up for being the One and Only You," says FFY Host Melanie Young. She addresses the frustration of being treated as an "invisible woman" and subtle- or not so- indignations. "Defy Invisible. Remain Invincible," she says...

It is important to give someone a hand to lift them on their way up in life/career through mentoring, referrals and encouragement. It is also important to offer your support when someone is struggling to keep up or who appear to be spiraling downward in their life and career. Whether it is job loss, divorce, health challenge or being "aged out" of a career, be there to lend hand and lift a spirit....

"If I could have a frank discussion with my younger self, this my advice to her," says Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young. "Prudent planning and setting priorities are key to navigating life and having no regrets." She shares pragmatic steps to prepare for your future life while enjoying your present one and says: "Live for today with No regret Be prepared for challenges you have not met Life i...

It's a fact that many older Americans are not financially prepared for retirement. That's why staying in the workforce longer, securing a new job or finding gig work may be necessary. But how do you deal with job rejection because you are considered over-qualified or "advanced" (age matters whether left unsaid). FFY Host Melanie Young discusses way navigate a job search after age 55, promote your...

Patience may be a virtue, but it's becoming scarce in the era of instant gratification and "I need it now" mentality. Feeling impatient and dealing with impatient people adds to stress. Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young admits her own challenges keeping her patience and addresses how to calm down and slow down. She provides tips to handle impatient people from friends and family to work collea...

How many times has someone asked to "pick your brain" or meet to gather information. Offering free advice is helpful and generous. But sometimes people cross the line and take advantage of your time and expertise. FFY's Melanie Young says giving your free time can be beneficial but know when to draw the line. If someone is asking you to do something that you normally charge for, be honest with you...

A life-changing trip to Italy with her mother and sister after her father's death, a life-altering traumatic personal experience, and a life decision to become an entrepreneur all shape Susan Gravely's story. Founder of Vietri, a global brand built around imported hand-crafted Italian tabletop products and garden accessories for the home, and author of the book, "Italy on a Plate,” Susan shares he...

Slowing down can be beneficial for your overall health, including inner calm, cognitive and physical well-being, enhanced bonding with others and feeling comfortable in your environment. Slowing down can also take adjusting after living a fast-paced life of multi-tasking. Fearless Fabulous You Host Melanie Young shares insights on slow living. Self-care, exercise and mindfulness are important, als...

"Did you eat all that?" "You eat like a bird!" " Good girl! You cleaned your plate." "Why did you order that?" Has anyone said these words or similar to you when you are eating? How did it make you feel? Food shaming- judging and commenting to someone about how or what they are eating - has no place at the table. As a young girl, food shaming led Fearless Fabulous You's Melanie Young into unhealth...