Kamis, 02 Desember 2010

Today's Obsessions

Today's Obsessions


9 Gorgeous T-Strap Shoes …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 11:03 AM PST

9 Gorgeous T-Strap Shoes …

It seems everywhere I look this season, from the runway to catalogs to my favorite shops, t-strap shoes are there. They're so hot, and can give even the most boring outfit a much-needed style boost. I've been searching for a new pair to go with my favorite skinny jeans, and here's what I've found… here are 9 pairs of gorgeous t-strap shoes!

1. Grazing Main Street Heels

Grazing Main Street Heels
Price: $49.99 at modcloth.com
These t-straps would be so perfect for work, with a ruffled blouse and skinny-cut pants, or with patterned leggings and a long tunic. I love the ruffled strap, and the color is gorgeous, a pearly, vibrant black.

2. Chicka Chicka Blue Bloom Heel

Chicka Chicka Blue Bloom Heel
Price: $127.99 at modcloth.com
Will you have enough room in your closet for these pretty blue t-straps? I hope so! I love the little blue rosette on the toes, complete with a single green leaf. The heel is stacked and short, perfect for a day when you know you'll be doing some walking, but you still want to look chic.

3. Pros and Contrast Heel

Pros and Contrast Heel
Price: $54.99 at modcloth.com
So many of us fall back on the basic black heel when we're wearing our little black dresses, but why? Add some visual interest with these black and white graphic heels… I love the stack effect, and the button at the side. I'd wear these with a short LBD or even to the office with something red.

7 Ways To Get Your Way …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 10:49 AM PST

7 Ways To Get Your Way …

Negotiating with a tough boss, an upset spouse, or an indifferent friend can be pretty difficult. Here's the good news; you can get your way and let them think they are getting their way! You don't have to manipulate, but here are 7 surefire ways to get your way every time!

1. Be Open

Be Open
Photo Credit: Josef Seibel

You've heard it said before, "Honey attracts more flies than vinegar". It's certainly true! Don't wear a sour expression. Smile and be pleasant, have a cheerful disposition! When asking for something you want, have a good attitude and open body language. You'll be so agreeable, it will work like a charm!

2. Use "I" Statements

Use
Photo Credit: Tonya Evans

Use "I" statements, not "you" statements. For example, if you're trying to convince hubby to go to the mall with you, don't say "You never go shopping with me anymore". Instead, try saying "I miss having you with me when I go to the mall. I enjoy your company!" This way, you don't sound accusing or nagging.

3. Show Appreciation

Show Appreciation
Photo Credit: RussellReno

Make sure that you make note of and comment on things that you appreciate about the other persons disposition or attitude. Acknowledge their helpfulness in situations and show your gratitude for allowing you to do something or for giving you what you want. Everyone wants to know that his or her thoughts, feelings and actions have merit!

7 Great Gifts for Little Kids …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 10:02 AM PST

7 Great Gifts for Little Kids …

Shopping for little kids usually means shopping at a store filled with, well, little kids. Messy, noisy, crying, loud, adorable, precious little kids. Save yourself the hassle and find the perfect gift for the little ones on your list at a stores you already shop at — Anthropologie and Urban Outfitters! Here are 7 great gifts for little kids, and you won't have to go to a kid's store to get them!

1. Slow and Steady Hat

Slow and Steady Hat
Price: $38.00 at anthropologie.com
We're always telling our children (and ourselves) that slow and steady wins the race, and what better way to prove it by giving your munchkin this adorable hat, complete with a persistent snail winding his way around the crown. It's made of a super-soft cotton rayon blend with gold metallic threads woven through. Cute!

2. Roland Rabbit

Roland Rabbit
Price: $78.00 at anthropologie.com
This heroic little bunny isn't just the perfect pal for your little man or girl. He's also the hero to a community of women in Kenya who make their living making him! He's so soft and cuddly, made from wool fibers spun on bicycle wheels. I love his sweet little bunny tail!

3. Giraffe Hand Puppet

Giraffe Hand Puppet
Price: $32.00 at anthropologie.com
This adorable giraffe hand-puppet is truly unique. No, really, he's one of a kind, hand-made from recycled wool by Cate & Levi. He'd make such a great gift, and will provide hours of fun imaginary play!

7 Items and Their Caffeine Contents …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 10:02 AM PST

7 Items and Their Caffeine Contents …

We all know that coffee, Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew, and chocolate are loaded with caffeine, but do you ever pay attention to how much caffeine you are ingesting? Did you know that too much caffeine could kill you with a heart attack, stroke, or other cardio-vascular problem? (Though it would take quite a bit to do that) You can visit energyfiend.com to see how much of your favorite caffeine source it would take to kill you. In the meantime, here are 10 items that are known for their caffeine and their contents:

1. Coffee

Coffee
Photo Credit: frida!!!

Coffee is the most popular source of caffeine in the world – it is 75% of the United States caffeine intake. Americans consume 400 million cups of coffee a day – that is 146 BILLION cups a year! And that is just here in America! 14 billion espressos are consumed each year in Italy and Japan ranks 3rd for most coffee consumption. In your average 8 oz. cup of coffee, you will find between 115-175 mgs of caffeine and 330 mgs in a Starbucks 16 oz Grande Coffee.

2. Red Bull

Red Bull
Photo Credit: Mohammed AL-Awadi احبج ياكويت

Red Bull is the most popular energy drink in the world. It has been cautioned against the consumption of too much of this beverage due to risks of detrimental effection on endothelial function and normal blood coagulation, though the actual caffeine content is only 80mgs in one can.

3. Jolt

Jolt
Photo Credit: soybearbrew

Jolt was first created in 1985, and still exists today, though the company is nearly in ruins. They no longer offer their great “battery bottles” with the re-sealable aluminum lids, but still have the same 71.2 mgs of caffeine per can.

8 Documentaries I’m Crazy About …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 09:56 AM PST

8 Documentaries I’m Crazy About …

I love documentary films. I’ll watch just about any documentary that I find, because even if I don’t start out interested in the subject matter, a well put together documentary will help me see it from a different angle. Some of the docs I like are serious, some are lighthearted, and some are extremely sad. Either way, here are eight of my very favorites.

1. Capturing the Friedmans

Capturing the Friedmans
Price: $24.99 at amazon.com
This documentary was very good and very troubling. I still catch things when I watch it. It interested me to the point where I have attempted to keep up with the family, via internet searches of course. I would love to see a sequel, but I fear that will never happen. I don’t want to give too much away to anyone who wants to see this, but let me just say that it brings to light many aspects of both child abuse and the possibility of false or implanted memories. Everyone I have ever watched this with has come up with a different conclusion.

2. Zoo

Zoo
Price: $$13.49 at amazon.com
I’ll tell you straight up, this documentary is more than a little gross, and it is definitely not recommended for children. However, given the nature of the subject, the film itself is tastefully done and rather beautifully shot. It is extremely eye-opening as well – but still gross.

3. The Execution of Wanda Jean

The Execution of Wanda Jean
Price: $18.99 at amazon.com
I’m a fan of crime based documentaries and this is a great one. It is by turns entertaining and tragic, inspiring laughter, anger, and empathy. This is one of those documentaries that I can watch over and over again, and always find something new.

7 Hot Ankle Boots …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 09:51 AM PST

7 Hot Ankle Boots …

Boots are so hot this fall, showing up on catwalks, in shops, and on the feet of every fashionista I know. Thigh-highs, lace-ups, engineer boots… I am so thrilled that there are so many kinds! But my personal favorites are ankle boots — I love the way they look, and how versatile they are. Here are 7 pairs of hot ankle boots…

1. Storybook Forest Boot

Storybook Forest Boot
Price: $159.99 at modcloth.com
These ankle boots are all whimsy, perfect for wearing with an otherwise run-of-the-mill outfit. Note the marbled stacked heel, the gold-threaded knit cuff, and the adorable buttons on each side. See the teacup and parasol? I'd wear these with lace leggings, a cute mini, and a ruffled top and vest.

2. Do You Believe in Magenta? Boot

Do You Believe in Magenta? Boot
Price: $49.99 at modcloth.com
Do you believe in magenta? I do! Any why not, with boots like these? I love the brighter-than-bright velveteen hue, and the retro-inspired metal details on the cuff. Pair with an LBD and a cropped jacket, maybe something with a print…

3. Warm Reception Boot

Warm Reception Boot
Price: $147.99 at modcloth.com
So cozy warm and soft, so furry and fuzzy and plush! These are a much more chic version of your favorite bunny slippers and robe, guaranteed to keep you feeling snuggled even in the chilliest of weather.

10 Educational Christmas Gifts for Children …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 09:46 AM PST

10 Educational Christmas Gifts for Children …

Buying toys is a pretty good Christmas strategy, right? I definitely agree on that one. However, kids always get a lot of toys and I somehow think buying yet another one is a waste of money. Now, I don't have my own kids yet, but since I do a lot of shopping for my junior family members, I just feel the need to share my fascination with educational toys. Parents find them motivating and kids totally love them so I think I'll be doing my fair share of educational gift shopping this Christmas too. I especially like these following 10:

1. Stepping Into Science play kit

Stepping Into Science play kit
Price: $34.99 at toysrus.com
You might call it childish but I honestly consider this toy fun enough to try it myself! This toy really makes learning about chemistry, biology and science fun and it gives children a chance to play, do experiments and see how scientific truths actually work in practice.

2. Brain Quest Series Flash Card Decks: Preschool


Price: $10.95 at toysrus.com
This is a stocking-stuffer that will surely help make the little ones in your family smarter. You can even re-learn a few things as you help them “play” with the cards!

3. Human Skeleton Casting kit

Human Skeleton Casting kit
Price: $12.99 at toysrus.com
Show them that a skeleton is not a scary spooky monster but something a human body could not function without! This interesting toy comes with an educational booklet with all of the bones named, illustrated and explained as well as the moulding and casting kit to make this learning activity as fun and interactive as possible.

7 Reasons Why I Love Cooking in a Crock-pot …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 09:31 AM PST

7 Reasons Why I Love Cooking in a Crock-pot …

I'm sure you know what a crock-pot is so, if you don't mind, I'm going to skip the long introduction. Now, when it comes to this useful thingy, there is no heated debate – you are either a proud, happy owner, or a proud, happy owner-to-be. I fall into the first category, so let me tell you why I love it so much:

1. Minimum effort

Minimum effort
Photo Credit: emdot

Anybody using a crock-pot will tell you this is the first and the most obvious of its many benefits. One of the things I hate about regular cooking is having to be around the stove all the time! That means that, if I want to cook something really special or I've made a mistake and picked some of the tough meats, I can say goodbye to the next 2-3 hours of my day. However, his majesty, the crock-pot, doesn't require any looking-over. Just throw the food inside, turn it on and come back after an hour or two. Or, if you have a fancy version that automatically switches to "keep warm" mode, you don't have to bother to check it until you get hungry!

2. Great tasting food

You have to try the food from the crock-pot because you have nothing to lose. And I mean literally! Since crock-pot is basically a sealed dish you don't need to open until the meal is ready, all the flavors released from the food that's being cooked remain inside. The food absorbs its juices and the flavors mix creating a completely different, I dare to say much better, taste.

3. The food is healthier

Now, I know you love those crunchy brown things that appear on meat and potatoes during baking or frying but scientists say we should avoid them because they are can cause many diseases including cancer and heart disease. Honestly, the hole in the ozone layer, and the fact that every once in awhile a big chemical company gets slapped for leaking toxic waste, are enough to get me worried. I don't need an extra risk.

8 Things Guys Should Not Do in Front of Girls …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 08:59 AM PST

8 Things Guys Should Not Do in Front of Girls …

There are a number of pet peeves that women have about men! A guy acting in a specific waycan really put a woman off of establishing any form of relationship with this person. Regardless of what the relationship is between a man and a woman, here are 8 things that guys should not do in front of women.

8. Laugh at a girl

Laugh at a girl
Photo Credit: redjoe

There is nothing wrong with laughing with a girl, if she says something funny or does something silly then it is polite and acceptable to laugh. However, it is not right to make fun of a woman for no reason. Also, if she has done something and is not laughing, always wait for her to laugh first.

7. Pretend that they are someone else

Photo Credit: xploiter

This may sound strange but you would be surprised by how many guys pretend to be someone else in front of a woman. For example, they act as though they are rich or more sophisticated than they actually are or lie about their occupation and so on.

6. Talk about their latest conquest in the bedroom

Talk about their latest conquest in the bedroom
Photo Credit: Everything and the rest

No girl does wants to hear about a guy's latest conquest in the bedroom, this is regardless of whether they are a friend or a potential partner. In truth the latter would most definitely ruin any chances of a possible relationship. Women do not want to hear about what a guy gets up to in bed; in my opinion it does not make them appear anymore attractive.

7 1980s Girl Rockers I Love …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 04:53 AM PST

7 1980s Girl Rockers I Love …

I am a child of the 1980s, and many of the unique, grrrl-power singers and rockers from the decade remain important to me. You can find them on my playlist at any given time, and I typically sing homages to them in the shower – as long as no one is home to hear me. Here is my top seven list, of the favorite-favorite girls who still make me want to secretly be a rockstar.

1. Joan Jett

Joan Jett
Photo Credit: spacehindu

My A1 choice of all time (although she’s tied with #2). I loved the Runaways as well, but Joan’s solo career was my favorite. If anything, she’s gotten hotter than she was back in the day, and I am so, so glad she’s still around. This growling little pixie packs a lot of punch and she snarls like James Dean. I fell in love the first time I saw the video to "I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll."

2. Annie Lennox

Annie Lennox
Photo Credit: jacksonpanix

Also my A1 choice of all time. I would marry Annie Lennox if I could. Her androgyny and sense of style spoke to me when I was younger, and it still does. I love her in the Eurhythmics and I love her now. Her videos are some of the most theatrical works of art I have ever seen, and of course I adore her for putting Hugh Laurie in "Walking on Broken Glass." Her voice is like a miracle and she is so ridiculously beautiful, someone ought to make her into a porcelain doll. She looks like one anyway.

3. Madonna

Madonna
Photo Credit: alexcruzdemalta

The Material Girl was awesome in the 1980s. Watching her evolve throughout the decade was something else. At the time, a lot of people simply assumed she would find her niche and settle, but twenty years later, I am pretty sure that she’ll be innovative right to the grave. I love a lot of Madonna’s music, but I think her rebellion was more natural when she was first starting out in the business.

9 Cool Old Genre Video Games …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 02:13 AM PST

9 Cool Old Genre Video Games …

My husband is the most intelligent person when it comes to games. I can't even find a game he hasn't played or owned when he was a kid. When it comes to old genre games my husband can talk for hours about each game and tell me tons about it. So, I decided to make this blog for you all. Now let me give you my 9 Cool Old Genre Video Games …

9. Castlevania

Castlevania
Photo Credit: plasticfetish

My favorite Castlevania game was on the old Nintendo called Simons quest. In the game you go through levels fighting the undead to get to Dracula and defeat him at the end. As the series progress it gets more in depth and with each new console out it makes a new path to the series.

8. Final Fantasy Series

Final Fantasy Series
Photo Credit: hnbrown

One of the only Final Fantasy games I've played was the 3rd one on the SNES, which later became Final Fantasy 6 on ps1. This game was one of the best Final Fantasy I've played. However, I've kept up with some Final fantasy titles that my husband played and they have some good stories to them.

7. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country
Photo Credit: Mr._Z

Donkey Kong Country has always been one of my favorite super Nintendo games to play when I was not having a Mario fit. Donkey Kong launched its first side scrolling video game that brought the SNES to a new level of gameplay. Now, they are making a donkey Kong country on the Wii and I can't wait to play it!

8 Most Insanely Insured Celebrity Body Parts …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 02:01 AM PST

8 Most Insanely Insured Celebrity Body Parts …

Unlike us ordinary, everyday people celebrities are known to insure the body part or parts that they use the most. Here are 8 most insanely insured celebrity body parts.

8. Bette Davis's slender waist

Bette Davis's slender waist
Photo Credit: cooperscooperday

Bette Davis known for her acting and amazing figure, in particular waist, took out an insurance policy of twenty eight thousand dollars. In comparison to all the others mentioned on this list it does not sound like a lot of money, bear in mind that she would have taken out her policy back in the nineteen thirties. Her policy meant that if she were to put on any weight around the waist then she would receive money for it.

7. America Ferrera's Smile

America Ferrera's Smile
Photo Credit: connecticut movie filming

This is quite a puzzling one for me because I have always thought that America Ferrera's smile needed work, it often appears to be lopsided and looks awkward. However, with that said she has insured her smile for ten million dollars.

6. Angela Mount's Taste Buds

Angela Mount's Taste Buds
Photo Credit: danichro

The British Wine Expert Angela Mount has her taste buds insured for fifteen million dollars. In my opinion this is unbelievable, so if something goes wrong with her taste buds, her income will be affected and she can receive a pay out of that amount of money. My question is, what happens if she catches a cold because we all know that are taste buds play up then?

8 Tips For Preventing Colds …

Posted: 02 Dec 2010 12:31 AM PST

8 Tips For Preventing Colds …

Here it comes again … the cold weather, bringing with it coughs, colds and sneezes. How often do we remark on how scientists can do so many amazing things, but they still can't cure the common cold? Well, you may not be able to cure a cold, but there are several steps that you can take to try to prevent them, or shorten the duration. I haven't tested all of them personally, but it's worth a try …

1. Garlic

Garlic
Photo Credit: oneworldmj

I once met someone who was convinced that eating large quantities of garlic regularly stopped them catching colds. If there was any truth to this, it was probably down to the repellent effect – as we all know, garlic certainly keeps other people away! I did have to request him not to breathe in my direction …

2. Chilli

Chilli
Photo Credit: Zé Eduardo…

This is the method I swear by, and one I stumbled across by accident. If I use chillis in cooking every day, I catch very few colds. If I don't, then I spend a lot of time sneezing. So I've got my supply ready in the cupboard – hopefully it will work as well this year.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C
Photo Credit: Piedmont Photo

The jury is still out on this one. Some doctors believe that a daily dose of high concentration Vitamin C acts to prevent colds. Others think that there is no truth to this, and that high doses have no effect at all. You be the judge!

8 Delightful Christmas Crafts…

Posted: 01 Dec 2010 11:01 PM PST

8 Delightful Christmas Crafts…

There is nothing like a handmade holiday. I have just finished making my DIY Christmas tree and now my head is filled with the idea of crafting all sorts of holiday decorations. If you are in the same boat, you’d love these handmade holiday ideas I found:

1. Subway Art + Banner

The framed subway art looks classy and will be wonderful if you have an all-white decor for the holidays. The banner is adorable, too. There is nothing like the colors minty green, red, and white together to give your home that winter Christmas feel.

2. Burlap Snowflake Place Mats

These place mats are fun and very easy to make. I think they will be perfect for a rustic Christmas dinner. You can even replace the snowflakes with other easily recognizable holiday patterns. How about a snowman? Or candy canes?

3. Christmas Candy Trees

I can just imagine kids asking “May I please eat the trees?”  when they see these in your home. Some naughty boys may not even ask and just take them! Just a warning, though, you attach the candies to the cone with hot glue. Basically, you must keep them out of children’s reach.

4. Christmas Bunting

Now this one is very easy to make. I might just give this a go since my little Christmas vignette is still lacking a bunting or banner. Now where do I find those Christmas stamps…

7 Tips to Prevent Chafing and Blisters During a Run …

Posted: 01 Dec 2010 10:59 PM PST

7 Tips to Prevent Chafing and Blisters During a Run …

Running looks like an easy sport but it does put a lot of stress on your body. If you are not careful, you can fall prey to major and minor injuries. There are a number of major injuries that can delay training or prevent you from running. However, there are also minor injuries that can make running uncomfortable. Chafing and blisters are the most common minor injuries that almost all runners will run into (pun not intended). Here are seven tips you can use to prevent chafing and blisters during a run.

1. Be properly hydrated

Be properly hydrated
Photo Credit: SuperDewa

Proper and adequate hydration is important during runs. Be sure to drink lots of water, as well as a sports drink with some sodium and electrolytes. You want to continue perspiring so your sweat doesn't dry into salt crystals. Salt crystals can increase the friction from body parts rubbing with clothes or other body parts.

2. Be mindful of the material and quality of gear

Be mindful of the material and quality of gear
Photo Credit: Antes + Después

Even though you want to perspire freely, you do not want sweat to weigh you down and cause chafing and blisters. Your running gear should be comfortable and breathable when you run. Cotton is not recommended for running as it is rough and can absorb sweat. Pick clothes, including socks, which are made of technical material. These materials wick sweat away from your body. Also check for bulky or rough seams in clothes, socks, and even shoes.

3. Wear well-fitting clothes

Wear well-fitting clothes
Photo Credit: one42chrisp

Chafing is caused by the constant friction from skin rubbing with clothing. For women, the piece that causes most chafing is the sports bra. Make sure that you are wearing clothes that are not too loose or too tight. A proper fit ensures that your clothes won't be moving against your skin as you run. This tip also applies to socks. Do not use socks that are worn thin because this can cause blisters.

7 Tips on Keeping a High GPA …

Posted: 01 Dec 2010 12:22 PM PST

7 Tips on Keeping a High GPA …

Maintaining a high GPA not only makes a person feel good about themselves, but it is also a bonus for those looking forward to enrolling in college courses after high school, continuing on to med school, or on to another profession that prefers to hire individuals who were at the top of their class. Here are 7 tips on keeping a high GPA.

7. Be a good listener

Be a good listener
Photo Credit: quinn.anya

Listening to directions tends to make an assignment or major class project a lot easier to complete. Being a good listener is also the best way to obtain the necessary information for daily work and to gather pertinent details for later use in class or on the job. You never know when something heard in class will benefit you later on. It could be something you thought insignificant at the time.

6. Eat breakfast

Eat breakfast
Photo Credit: Walter_Ezell

It's much harder to concentrate when your stomach is growling at you. A lack of food also makes you weak and more likely to injure yourself, due to a lack of coordination. You'll be able to focus more on what is being taught in class, thus increasing your knowledge of the subject. The more you are able to comprehend in class, the easier the exams and assignments tend to be.

5. Get enough sleep

Get enough sleep
Photo Credit: Adam Kuban

A lack of sleep causes the body to act in a similar fashion that a lack of food does. Coordination, thought processes, and basic focusing abilities are all less than par when you don't get enough sleep. Make sure to have at least 6 to 8 hours. Some people require more and others less, but 6 to 8 hours is the average for most people.

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