Today's Obsessions

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• 7 Things A Woman Should Not Give Up …
• 7 Shows that Should Not Have Been Cancelled …
• 7 Tips of My Favorite Tips to Use in the Kitchen …
• 8 Great Gifts for the Techie on Your List …
• 7 Great Country Songs …
• 9 Great Holiday Books for Kids …
• 7 Festive Holiday-Scented Body Washes …
• 7 Reasons to Start Wearing Sexy Lingerie …
• 10 Amazing Johnny Cash Songs …
• 8 Ideas for a Holiday Party …
• 5 Short But Great Posts on ANTB…
• 8 Tips on Putting Up Christmas Lights …
• 7 Cool Christmas Icons …
• 8 Tips for Becoming a True Leader …
• 7 Window Decorations …
• 5 Ways to Relax…

7 Things A Woman Should Not Give Up … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 09:10 AM PST It seems that many women decide how they live their lives based on their current romantic or committed relationship. This is definitely not true for every woman, but I think many will understand what I'm talking about. Sometimes women, including me, give up many things in their lives just to conform to the life they are trying to have with their partner. I agree that some things like bad habits and vices should be gotten rid when you are trying to build a life. However, there are just some things that you, as a woman, should not give up for your relationship. 1. Friends Photo Credit: experiencegla Unless your friends are bad influences, then you should not forget about them despite being in a committed relationship. They have been there for you even before you met your man. They do not deserve to be ditched. You should try to schedule regular bonding time with them. 2. Source of income Photo Credit: Darrren Hester Gone are the days when men were the sole providers and women the ones supported. You should have a source of income that can provide for your needs and wants. You should not rely on a man to put food on the table and to give you the occasional shiny trinket. 3. Savings account Photo Credit: Philippe Put If you have your own savings account, you have better chances of controlling your finances. Always set aside at least 10% of every paycheck you receive to an interest-earning savings account. You need to be prepared for any unforeseen emergencies.

7 Shows that Should Not Have Been Cancelled … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 09:08 AM PST I was thinking the other day about all the shows I’ve kind of gotten into watching, and then they just disappeared. I’ve been lucky because the only things I watch with real regularity are trashy, time-tested reality shows, and House. Still, I hate getting the rug yanked out from under me and thought I’d vent about the shows that left me morose when they went off the air. Here are 7 shows that should NOT have been cancelled! 1. Freaks and Geeks Price: $48.99 at amazon.com This makes the list solely because I love Jason Segal. And the kid who plays Sweets on Bones. And Judd Apatow. Did I mention I loved this show? Why oh why did it get cancelled? 2. Arrested Development Price: $52.49 at amazon.com And this makes the list because I have a thing for Jason Bateman. I am so glad to see him, you know, work again. Also, I thought this was sharp. And did I mention Jason Bateman? Yum! 3. Lone Star Price: $0.99 per episode at amazon.com This is the show that made me take notice of the fact that I might get my heart broken some more during the fall season. I’ve never really noticed before. I mean, I watch House and Bones, and they are never going anywhere. I only saw Lone Star twice but I liked it – or else Jon Voight’s lips hypnotized me, I’m not sure.

7 Tips of My Favorite Tips to Use in the Kitchen … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 09:06 AM PST If I'm not outside piddling in the yard, then I'm usually in the kitchen baking, copying down new recipes, or reading a recent email about cooking that my aunt has sent me. Here are 7 tips of my favorite tips to use in the kitchen. I hope you find these tips useful, and possibly even interesting enough to pass on to someone else! 7. Use baking soda to get burnt stuff from the bottom of a pan Photo Credit: JavaJunkie This is a tip I read about many years ago. I couldn't imagine it working that well, but tried it anyone after scorching some oatmeal. I added about an inch of water and dumped in some baking soda. It's hard to say how much, since I'm bad about measuring anything. It was probably around an eighth of a cup. After adding the water and baking soda, I let this concoction boil for a few minutes and then turned it off. The charred oatmeal was floating in the pan! If there's any residue left over, it easily scrapes off with a scrubby after using the baking soda and water mix. 6. Substitute a piece of bread for a spoon drip I like doing this when I'm cooking spaghetti sauce. Every time I stir the sauce and then lay the spoon on the bread, there's a bit more sauce on it. It's a great snack to munch on while I wait in line to fill my plate when the sauce and spaghetti finally finish cooking. This trick also saves me from having another dirty dish to add to the collection in the sink after dinner. If I use bread for something greasy, then I let the cats have the piece of bread as a treat. 5. Combine white vinegar and boiling water to get rid of lime build up The ground where I live is filled with limestone. The well water tastes amazing, but eventually the coffee pot, tea kettle, showers, and toilets have a build up of lime deposits. Everything seems to have a white, crusty film on it. I used to only use the vinegar and water solution to clean out the coffee pot and kettle each month, but I've found that pouring this same mix on the shower walls and inside the toilet bowl has the same effect. Yeah Kitchen Tips!

8 Great Gifts for the Techie on Your List … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 09:05 AM PST While I'm not a technophobe by any means, I'm not nearly as attached to technology as my oldest daughter. And I'm not nearly as excited about it as she is, either… she's always calling me or texting me with links to hot new products, things she just can't live without. I've been saving her lists to use as shopping guides for Christmas, so if you have another techie to shop for, keep reading! Here are 8 great gifts for the techie on your list, from the inexpensive stocking stuffer to the pricier "big gift." 1. USB Retro Lamp Price: $7.95 at perpetualkid.com My daughter absolutely adores any gadget that connects to her laptop via USB. But this one cool, even to an old board like me. It's a lamp, sort of the laptop version of a book light. It comes in orange or white, to cast a cool or warm light on all of your online doings. 2. Electric Garden Charging Station Price: $24.99 at modcloth.com I hate the tangled mess of cell phone, iPod, and camera charging cords, so this is an ideal gift for a techie or just for a neat-freak like me. Simply coil the cables under the box, and plus them in discreetly among the green blades of "grass." It's so much tidier than a big mess of cables, right? 3. Hello Komputer Study Buddy Flash Drive Price: $28.99 at modcloth.com What tech-savvy girl couldn't use an extra 2 gigabytes of storage space for homework, paperwork, or just music? This adorkable Hello Kitty study buddy can hold all of those things and more — she comes pre-loaded with a bevy of cute screensavers and wallpapers, too!

7 Great Country Songs … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 09:04 AM PST Are you a country music fan? If you are, there's a good chance you've probably already heard all of these songs before! But if you haven't, you should definitely look them up! They are amazing songs about life and love and the things that really matter in life. Here are 7 great country songs! 1. This Ain't Nothin' Price: $1.29 at amazon.com Craig Morgan puts it best. I can't even begin to describe to you how this song touched my heart the first time I heard it. And it never fails to have that same effect on me every time I hear it again! You will be reminded to think about what you have instead of what you've lost. 2. Love Like Crazy Price: $0.99 at amazon.com This song made quite and impact for new singer Lee Brice! This song speaks of a man and woman who have stuck together over the years through thick and thin and have a strong love to show for it. The beat is catchy and the lyrics are moving! 3. You're Gonna Miss This Price: $8.94 at amazon.com Wow. This song speaks to me in a very personal way right now because I'm going to be moving out on my own in the not-so-distant-future! You really stop and think about the little everyday things in your life that you take for granted after hearing this song. Life truly does pass by very quickly.

9 Great Holiday Books for Kids … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 08:51 AM PST Books are such wonderful holiday gifts, especially for little kids. Do they really need another game for their XBOX or Wii? If you're looking for a great holiday book to buy for the little person on your list, I can help! Here are 9 great holiday books for kids. 1. "Olive the Other Reindeer" by Vivian Walsh Price: $13.59 at amazon.com Sweet little doggie Olive is confused — she thinks she's one of Santa's reindeer and so decides to help him with Christmas. This book is so bright and sweet and brilliantly illustrated, and though I also love the DVD version, the book is nothing like it, with so scariness or negativity. So cute! 2. "How Santa Got His Job" by Stephen Krensky Price: $6.99 at amazon.com Haven't you ever wondered how Santa got the many skills required to do his job? This book explains it all, going over Santa's past jobs (working in a zoo, at the post office, and at an all-night diner) that got him where he is today. It's cute, and geared towards kids younger than 5. 3. "Auntie Claus" by Elise Primavera Price: $10.88 at amazon.com Spoiled little Sophie has an Auntie who disappears every winter, and she always wonders where she goes, so one year, she stows away in Auntie's luggage to find out. Gradually, little Sophie figures out her Auntie's secrets and learns that, as Auntie puts it, “It is far better to give than to receive!”

7 Festive Holiday-Scented Body Washes … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 08:44 AM PST Along with winter-themed perfumes and gorgeous scented holiday candles, I love celebrating the season with festive body washes and bubble baths. It's just another way to add a layer of fragrance, and there are so many scents to choose from! I've found so many great holiday body washes at my favorite online shop, Philosophy, I just had to share! Here are 7 festive, fun holiday-scented body washes… 1. Philosophy Have a Cherry Christmas Price: $16.00 at philosophy.com I never really thought cherry was much of a holiday scent, but now that I think of it, a lot of my favorite holiday sweets are topped with cherries… and this 3-in-1 very cherry scented shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath reminds me of all of my favorite cherry treats. 2. Philosophy Candy Cane Price: $16.00 at philosophy.com Is there any scent as holiday-ish as a peppermint candy cane? One tiny whiff will bring visions of red-and-white striped candies to mind. This bubble bath and shower gel is ultra-rich and exhilarating… I love the fresh scent and it makes me feel so festive! 3. Philosophy the Heart of the Season Price: $20.00 at philosophy.com Philosophy believes that giving is the heart of the holiday season, and it's true. This 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath celebrates that notion — every purchase of this lush cranberry scented stuff will benefit the Joyful Heart Foundation.

7 Reasons to Start Wearing Sexy Lingerie … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 05:31 AM PST Reason number one: it's sexy, reason number two: it's sexy, reason number three: it's sexy! Don't worry girls, I'm in the mood for jokes today. Most of us don't wear sexy undies every day, some of us don't wear them at all but do we really need a big reason to have at least one or two gorgeous sets for those special occasions? If you haven't thought about it, or sexy lingerie was never on your list of priorities, here's my 7 pros to consider next time you go shopping for underwear: 1. To feel sexy Photo Credit: joshfassbind.com Being sexy is a state of mind, remember that girls! You don't have to have perfect proportions or wear revealing clothes to feel sexy. It's all in the way you present yourself. I had a friend in high school that was far from perfectly proportioned… she wasn't even a beautiful one. But that didn't stop the boys from running after her. She was hot, she was popular and she was a desirable girlfriend candidate because that's the way SHE had presented HERSELF. 2. To rekindle old flames Photo Credit: Lorando Labbe Let's be honest, every relationship falls in a rut in some period. It's not even a rut, it's the state in which you feel completely comfortable with each other and nobody feels the need to impress or attract the other person. Old clothes, no make-up, bad hair, going to bed in your favorite old AC/DC T shirt. Sounds familiar? Then wake up girl and start going through your lingerie drawer because I'm sure you have a sexy bra and panties set or a see-though teddy somewhere inside. Your significant other won't know what hit him and, let's be honest once more, seeing him lusting like a teenager is a real turn on.

10 Amazing Johnny Cash Songs … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 04:49 AM PST My dad introduced me to the music of Johnny Cash many years ago, and I am so grateful for this. Cash is a REAL musician and singer, not the so-called singers that clog up the charts these days. Unlike him, however, they are unlikely to have careers that span decades and appeal to all ages. Have a listen to some of these wonderful songs. 1. I See A Darkness I discovered this song recently, and it immediately became a firm favourite. Such a beautiful song … 2. Hurt How many 'mature' artists could successfully cover songs by younger musicians? In his later years Cash did fantastic covers, including this song by Nine Inch Nails. He brings such raw emotion to it, and it is especially poignant listening to it now, knowing that he would die soon after.

8 Ideas for a Holiday Party … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 04:26 AM PST Several issues stop people from having holiday parties, even when they really want to host one for friends and family. Some people don’t have the money to spend, others don’t have the time, and still others have no idea what kind of party to have. So, here are eight ideas for great holiday parties: some are frugal, others are easy, and still others are perfectly elegant! 1. Potluck Parties Photo Credit: Vucko1000 A potluck breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, or buffet can take a lot of the weight off your shoulders. You don’t have to spend the time or money making a lot of food, plus your guests can share their favorite holiday treats. This is a casual, totally comfortable party plan. 2. A Holiday Brunch Photo Credit: ResideonSurf Everyone’s obsessed with dinner or supper parties around the holidays, which could be why they get so stressed. Dinner parties are so involved and it is so hard for everyone to find time to attend. In contrast, a brunch is simple but elegant, and takes place at an ideal time of day. 3. A Cocktail Party Photo Credit: PinkBow Who says you have to cook a full meal? Having a cocktail party can be lots of fun, and it is so chic! Look up some fabulous holiday inspired cocktails, make some scrumptious appetizers and hors d’oeuvres, and you’re set!

5 Short But Great Posts on ANTB… Posted: 13 Dec 2010 04:07 AM PST 1. Inner Beauty This might read like something we’ve encountered before but we need these reminders every now and then. I like this: Happiness gives you a beautiful glow. 2. The Soaps Do you watch soap operas? Are you as involved with the shows as Barbara here? I think her confession that she renames the characters is funny. 3. Customer Service What do you think? Is customer service an obsolete concept? Check out the link to read what Marea has to say about customer service. Or lack of it in our society. 4. Dreams Times are hard. After graduating, do you consider a career in what you’re passionate about? Or would you take any job that will give you money? This was an interesting read. 5. Pause Do you feel that your life is like a video tape on fast forward? Do you now have many responsibilities that you can’t begin to consider how to do all of them TODAY? I’m sure you can relate to this great post. So what do you think of this batch of ANTB contestants? If you like their posts, don't be shy to let the writers know what you think. Leave a comment and rate their post! And don't forget, you can be part of our America's Next Top Blogger program, too. We are always looking for new members of our team and joining ANTB is your first step in becoming a part of All Women Stalk. Check THIS PAGE out for more information. Top Photo Credit: Anna Gay http://www.flickr.com/photos/annagaycoan/3752285933/

8 Tips on Putting Up Christmas Lights … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 02:02 AM PST Yay, it's holiday season again. As much as I love Halloween, I still like Christmas. It's not the "present" part that draws my attention in, although I love Santa visiting my daughter. It is the bright lights and the cheer that draws me in. So, I started early with putting up Christmas lights and would like to share 8 tips on putting up Christmas lights … 8. Style of Your Home Photo Credit: SebastianDooris Before you put those lights up, it is important that you determine the style of your home. Do you have a multi-story? A ranch? Victorian? It is important that you use lights that are going to complement the home you live in. It is a lot like accessorizing yourself for a big party. 7. Less is More Photo Credit: Morgan Wise Less is more when it comes to Christmas lights. By this, I mean that you do not want to go and turn your home into the sun. This not only wastes electricity, but it could also disrupt your neighbors, so be courteous and think about them as well. Make sure your lights don't shine through their windows. 6. Blow Up Figures Photo Credit: Caviar In number 7, I told you that less is more. However, I am not referring to those cute lawn ornaments, deer and blow up figures. With these, there is no such thing as having too many.

7 Cool Christmas Icons … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 01:26 AM PST It's the holiday season and here I am, doing like I did last holiday season, writing blogs for Christmas. I definitely love the holiday season and there are many different reasons behind this. I have decided to write about 7 cool Christmas icons. When I say icons, I am talking about characters. For number 1, I am going to put my favorite Christmas character. Until then, can you guess who it is? Now, let's jump into the sleigh, let Rudolph guide our way and start reading what I have to say! 7. Frosty the Snowman Photo Credit: photocillin "Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul …" Oh yes, surely we know this song. If you don't, then just Google "Frost the Snowman" lyrics. Frost the Snowman is definitely a popular icon that we see around during Christmas. 6. Elves Photo Credit: Boy_Wonder Oh yes, without those elves, those good little boys and girls would not be getting any toys! Those elves work all year long to build those toys and they load them up for Santa. The elves are definitely an icon for Christmas. Oh and no, I'm not talking about elves from Wow (I had to add it). 5. Sleigh Photo Credit: Weaselmcfee The Christmas sleigh pulled by reindeer is a famous icon that you will see around during Christmas season. You will see different varieties of the sleigh.

8 Tips for Becoming a True Leader … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 01:11 AM PST In these days many leaders are corrupt, fighting for their own good, instead of helping the masses, being a true leader is a challenge, they must have compassion for the people, they must trust in their power to change things…. 8. Step on your exaggerated ego Photo Credit: Glenn Batuyong If you want to be a real leader you must listen to your employees, they may have some good advice to share, for the benefit of the company, stop intimidating them or seeing them from an upper position, they are people like you, the only difference is the social position. Acting like a monarch does not motivate them, they will only hate you and envy you and they could leave their job in the end if they are not happy with your decisions. 7. Be open to people Photo Credit: Ido Kron (off…) Listen to any suggestions and make decisions after consulting every partner, the good functioning of the company is in fact the most important thing, you must let the information flow in every direction and the communication must run smooth between different groups. Don't be jealous if another good employee becomes a leader for having a good performance, a true leader takes people with him on the hierarchic scale. 6. Be a visionary Photo Credit: i_am_mindspell True managers must visualize themselves and the firm many years from now to see what achievements they have accomplished in their position, this makes you improve yourself if the future doesn't look good. You must always be open to new things as the world changes and the requirements also change.

7 Window Decorations … Posted: 13 Dec 2010 12:42 AM PST I love windows! The more I have in my house, the better. But a plain, undressed window is about the most ugly thing I know. I love life and color with my windows. So, here are a few windows to help you make your windows a beauty to behold. 1. Valance & Sheer Curtains Photo Credit: eg2006 If you’re looking for a sweet, or romantic look, go for sheer curtains with a coordinating valance over the top. If you’re worried about privacy, install some blinds under the curtains to let down at night. In the day, they will be hidden under the valance. 2. Hanging Decorations Photo Credit: mahonyweb If you like things a little different around the house, try this idea! Hang different items from fishing line at varying lengths in front of the window. For Christmas, try ball ornaments like what is pictured, when Easter comes, you can use eggs, wintertime can be snowflakes, and whatever else you like. One idea I had for spring was flowers to match the decor in my room. Imagination is key to decorating! 3. Roman Shades Photo Credit: sewingshades Roman shades are back in style and add a lot of detail and visual interest to your room. You can easily make them out of matching fabric to the rest of your room decor, or buy them in many different styles, including bamboo.

5 Ways to Relax… Posted: 12 Dec 2010 07:25 PM PST 1. Cocktails Sometimes, a good drink is enough to make you forget all the troubles of the day. Or year. Here is a great recipe for you to try. I bet this smells wonderful! 2. Birdwatching There is something about observing nature that calms me down. I can spend hours just looking at foliage! Birdwatching is something that makes me happy, too. 3. Photowalk Now that the weather has become cooler, taking photowalks would be less of a hassle. Check out the links for photos Alix took of New York. They are gorgeous! 4. Bake How about some clementine torte? You can whip one up today or a few for your holiday dinners in the coming weeks. Not only will baking relax you, the smell of this cake will also make other people in your home happy! 5. Meditate Well, this one is a no-brainer. If you are looking for some relaxing scents that can help you meditate, check out the link. What do you think of these ideas, ladies? If you have more suggestions on ways to relax this season, we’d love to hear about them. Top Photo Credit: Coco+Kelley

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