Baby, we know you got skills. Perhaps you can speak four languages, compete in triathlons or whip up a five-course meal at a moment’s notice. But tell us: Do you have any idea how to fix your car when it breaks down?

If you said yes, know that, at this very moment, we are bowing in admiration. If you said no, well, don’t worry, because you’d be surprised how many bright, well-educated women fall short when it comes to basic automobile knowledge. Unfortunately, car maintenance and repair is something many of us were taught to leave to the experts—or at least the guys in our life. But we say, ladies, it’s time to hit the road prepared.

Here are 10 things every woman should know about cars and driving. For details on how to actually do all this stuff (hey, we never said we knew everything), consult Julie Sussman’s book, Dare To Repair Your Car: A Do-It-Herself Guide to Maintenance, Safety, Minor Fix-Its and Talking Shop, and check out our links to video tutorials. Now show that cute little Mini Cooper who’s boss.

You should know how to…

1. Change a flat tire. A flat or blowout could happen on a moment’s notice, and you best be prepared. Never drive without a spare tire, or “donut” in your car. A jack and tire iron are also pretty essential, unless you’re certain you’ve renewed that AAA membership. If you can safely change a tire when the need arises, you’re on your way to automobile-goddess status. Note: After successfully replacing the flat, don’t just put the damaged tire where the donut used to be—for God’s sake go out and buy a new tire.

2. Check and change the oil. Running low on oil is bad for your car’s engine, so know how to check it. Actually being able to refill the oil gets you bonus points, but it’s perfectly respectable to take your car to the station to get it serviced. Your car manual (yes, you gotta read that) will tell you approximately how often a change is needed; for instance, every 3,000 miles or more.

3. Check and adjust the tire pressure. It’s not only dangerous to ride on over- or under-inflated tires—it also drains gas mileage. That’s why it’s a good idea to know how to check your tire pressure, and if it’s low, how to add the right amount of air. It’s also wise to keep a roll of quarters in your car, because some air machines still operate the old-fashioned way.

4. Refill the windshield wiper fluid. Of course, this one’s a no brainer: Dirty windshields mean less-than-stellar visibility when driving. You should know where to add the fluid (check your car’s manual if you don’t), and have a jug of it in your trunk for emergency refills.

5. Replace the wiper blades. Effective windshield wiper blades are a necessity in almost any weather. Don’t worry about memorizing the size your car requires (most stores have a guide you can use), but do know how to determine when you need a new pair, and how to change them. Replacement directions are usually right on the back of the package, but here’s a nifty how-to video.

6. Jumpstart a vehicle. Knowing how to jump-start a car is an impressive skill to have. Even if you fail to breath new life into the damn thing, making an attempt is more valiant that sitting in your car crying. Of course, you don’t stand a chance if there are no jumper cables in your trunk. So please, keep some jumper cables in your trunk. (Read our list of the “10 Things You Should Always Keep in Your Car Trunk.”)

7. Handle bad road conditions. Inclement weather and other factors can cause sliding or spinning, and it’s easy to panic if that happens. It’s important to keep calm when driving conditions take a turn for the worse, and to know that you shouldn’t slam the brakes or jerk the wheel hard in the opposite direction. Here’s a great video that shows how to control your vehicle by steering out of the spin.

8. Drive a standard transmission. Being able to operate a manual transmission will make you the coolest chick on the block. Truth is, you never know when you might need to drive a stick shift. It’s not that hard—just ask someone with a manual transmission to take you to a large parking lot after hours and teach you everything you need to know. About the car, that is. Watch this quick tutorial before you hit the mall at 2 a.m.

9. Go off-roading. You say you already know how to drive on a dirt road? Congratulations. But we’re talking about log bridges, large rocks, and crazy-off-road conditions that might find you somehow, someday. Find a friend with an off-road vehicle (a Jeep would do nicely) and hit the trails. With a little practice, you’ll be ready to navigate some badass adventures in no time. Check out Debbie Anderson’s book Simple Rules for the Road Warrior Princess for inspiration on solo road (and off-road) tripping.

10. Call a tow truck. Triple-A can be your best friend when car trouble has you stranded. If your vehicle breaks down and, despite all your homework, you have no idea how to fix it, just dig through your wallet for that handy little AAA card. You knew you paid your annual dues for a reason.

Safe driving!

I’ve visited Japan twice, and both times I was mesmerized by the seemingly effortless beauty Japanese women radiate. Their bodies are slim and fit, and their clothes fit so well they appear custom-made just for them. The great majority of ladies—even the women over 60—have flawless porcelain skin that appears lit from within. And their hair—don’t me started on their hair—is always smooth and frizz-free, even in the hottest, most humid weather.

Walking around Tokyo last summer in 99-degree weather, I had to wrestle my wavy hair into a ponytail or bun, or wear it under a hat to prevent that Don King look. And by midday, the little makeup I had on was melting into my face. But there they were, those Japanese girls, walking around the sweltering city in long pants, with their smooth, shiny hair hanging down their backs, not a lock or lash out of place. So one night at dinner, I asked my husband’s gorgeous cousin, who lives in Tokyo and works for a Japanese cosmetics company, what beauty secrets she and other Japanese women were hiding from us Americans. … //READ MORE

I was getting ready for a girls night out, a long-anticipated evening of friends, fun conversation and frufru cocktails. I was still at home, waiting for my friend to pick me up, thinking that I had cleaned up pretty nice—especially given the fact that just an hour earlier I had paint stains on my shirt from doing a craft project with the kids, my hair was piled in a tangled mess on my head, and dog hair clung to every inch of my yoga pants. Now that my locks were actually washed and I was sporting a new pair of heels, I was ready to shed my mommy skin and tackle the grown-up world. I was feeling pretty good.

Then the doorbell rang and in walked my friend. I looked at her and in two seconds realized she had a powerful new beauty tool in her arsenal, and I was jealous.

“Uh, exactly what is happening south of your eyebrows?” I asked her. … //READ MORE

It happens to even the nicest master bedrooms. First the mattress grows old. Then maybe the lighting and bedding get a little tired. Things that don’t belong there start drifting into the scene. Everything turns messy. If you have children, then eventually the kid stuff —and even the kids themselves—take over. There are many reasons your bedroom may have lost its attraction, but that’s no excuse. Here are a few easy steps you can take to transform your boring bedroom into a bedazzling boudoir.

1. Clean up your act. Clutter in the bedroom is a real libido killer. A messy space can cause stress and anxiety and prevent you from relaxing, which will in turn quash desire. So pick up any clothes, papers, empty glasses, laptops and toys that are on the floor or stacked on dressers or on your bed, and make your room romance ready. … //READ MORE

Admit it, there are times when you feel off-balance and frazzled. Maybe you’re running late for work, can’t find a parking space or just spilled a cup of coffee on your new skirt. Perhaps you just had an argument with your partner that left you flustered and overly emotional. Or maybe you’re stuck in traffic with a screaming baby in the backseat. Whatever the scenario, you feel like your world is spiraling out of control and need to pull yourself together—fast.

As a yoga practitioner and teacher, I’ve learned there’s no one formula for every person. But each one of us has the creativity and resourcefulness to come up with strategies to help calm themselves through life’s less-than-perfect moments. To get you started thinking about it, here are some simple strategies that can help most women quiet their monkey mind—the incessant chatter that goes on inside our heads—and regain clarity. Even when it seems like the universe is conspiring against us. … //READ MORE

It seems like everyone these days wants whiter teeth, including most of the patients who walk through the door of my dental practice. Teeth whitening is currently the most ubiquitous cosmetic dental procedure performed, and it’s no surprise considering the look is constantly emphasized by celebrities and their perfect white teeth.

I like to encourage most people to go for a natural look when seeking out lightening methods. There is such a thing as taking it too far, with some patients whitening like mad. However, it is nice to wipe away years’ worth of coffee, tea and food stains, and to remove discoloration that comes with age. A brighter smile can actually make you look years younger!

There are so many whitening methods available these days, from over-the-counter products and at-home remedies, to more potent in-office procedures. Most of these processes are safe and effective, as long as the steps are tailored specifically for you. How do you know which approach is best for you? Read on and find out … //READ MORE