Today's Obsessions

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• 8 Tips for a Perfect First Kiss …
• 7 Environment Friendly Household Practices …
• 9 Books on My Holiday Wish List …
• 7 Things from a Can/Bag That Taste Better Than the Real Deal …
• 7 Time-saving Exercise Tips …
• 7 Beautiful Christmas Photos …
• 8 Great Make-Up Items for Girls with Green Eyes …
• 8 Signs You May Be a Hypochondriac …
• 8 Wrinkle Myths …
• 8 Quick Cures for Writer’s Block …
• 7 Facial Powders I Recommend …
• 7 Reasons to Explain Your Lack of Concentration …
• 7 Yummy but Healthy Cereals …
• 8 of My Favourite Reality Stars …
• 8 Weirdest Sports from Around the World …
• 7 Clues You Are Ready for Marriage …

8 Tips for a Perfect First Kiss … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 11:49 AM PST One of the most sweet and romantic parts of young love (and old love) is the kiss – THE kiss – the one that is remembered above all other kisses for the rest of your life. How do you make that first kiss so special? Read on and see! 1. Save The Date From the time I was born, it seems, I have been taught that it is good to save kissing and any other physical pleasures with the opposite sex for marriage. Think of how special it would be for your very first kiss to be with the man you had just pledged your heart to for the rest of your lives! My cousin done this, and she says that there is nothing so wonderful as having waited to be married to kiss! 2. Be Picky I understand that not everyone will have the same beliefs as I and my family do about waiting until marriage, so if you feel you must kiss before marriage, I hold nothing against you. However, I do beg you to be selective on who you choose to give that first kiss to. Giving away a first kiss is much like giving away your virginity – once it’s been done, there’s no going back. So please, choose wisely! 3. Be Comfortable Just relax and be yourself! If you can’t be yourself with the person you’re going to kiss, it’s probably not a good idea to kiss them!

7 Environment Friendly Household Practices … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 10:02 AM PST Environmental conservation is an important cause supported by many individuals and organizations. Time, effort, and a lot of money are put into spreading information about this cause. Many have joined the effort and are living "greener" lifestyles. You can also help save the environment through the little things you do at home. Here are seven environment-friendly household practices to incorporate into your daily life. 1. Line drying clothes Photo Credit: ♥ Angel of light ♥ If your community and the weather allow it, opt to line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer. You can use the spin cycle to get out most of the water from your clothes to hasten the drying time. This practice will save on energy consumption and money, as well as reduce your household's carbon footprint. 2. Dishwasher vs. Manual Washing Photo Credit: TheAmazingShrinkingMan There are many dishwashers that are efficient when it comes to energy and water consumption. If you have a full load of dishes to wash, then it is good to use an efficient dishwasher. But if you only need to wash a couple of plates, then it would be better to hand wash them. To further reduce energy consumption, choose to air-dry your dishes instead of using the dryer setting of your dishwasher. 3. Proper sorting and disposing of trash Photo Credit: rotate arbitrary Sorting your household trash can greatly help the environment. You can have separate garbage bins for biodegradables, recyclables, and non-biodegradables. If you have any chemical or toxic wastes, make sure that you dispose of them properly.

9 Books on My Holiday Wish List … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 10:00 AM PST As a true bibliophile, whenever my birthday or a holiday rolls around, I'm always ready to share my amazon.com wish list. There are so many new books I want to read! And this year's no different. With the holidays coming, I've taken a good look at m bookcase, and I think I have room for all of these… here are 9 of the books on my holiday wish list… 1. "Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century" by Michael A. Hitzik Price: $19.80 at amazon.com Having visited the Hoover Dam, and been charmed by its elegance and by the sheer scale of it, I can't wait to read more about it. I read a snippet on the NPR website, and heard an interview with the author, and I have so many questions I hope the book will answer! 2. "Confections of a Closet Master Baker: One Woman’s Sweet Journey from Unhappy Hollywood Executive to Contented Country Baker" by Gesine Bullock Prado Price: $16.32 at amazon.com Before I read this, I had no idea Sandra Bullock had a sister, one who also used to be in a Hollywood success. But, unlike Sandra, Gesine didn't like the scene, and left for a new career as a baker. This memoir is so funny, and so charming… I loaned out my copy, and never got it back, so I need it again, please! 3. "Asleep: The Forgotten Epidemic that Remains One of Medicine’s Greatest Mysteries" by Molly Caldwell Crosby Price: $15.25 at amazon.com I've read, and adored, all of Oliver Sachs' books, and I especially enjoyed "Awakenings," which tells the story of some of his encephalitis lethargic patients. This new book chronicles the first of the cases that preceded these, after World War I, which killed a million people and permanently disabled so many more. We don't know much about it, even now, and it's so interesting.

7 Things from a Can/Bag That Taste Better Than the Real Deal … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 09:44 AM PST I am a processed food junkie and shoot me if I know how did I ever managed to go from "anorexic" to "loving everything that has the expiration date printed on it"! Now, my past aside, let me tell you which 7 pre-packed things I especially love and why… 1. Mashed potatoes Photo Credit: JaBB I don't know about you but I totally love the taste of instant mashed potatoes. It doesn't taste like the home made one, that's for sure, but my sister and I are completely crazy about that specific smell and taste. Did I mention the word "taste" too many times? Well it does taste great, there's nothing I can do about it. Plus, it's ready in just 5 minutes! 2. Tuna fish pate Photo Credit: hthrd I love fish but I hate all those little bones and I especially hate that overly fishy smell! Now, I know that sounds strange coming from a person that has tried more sea creatures than the great white shark, but you'll have to agree that some fish and fish products do smell less "fishy" than the others. That's especially true for home made fish pate… at least for the ones I had the misfortune to taste. 3. Canned peas Photo Credit: doolloop I always have a can of pre-cooked peas in the house because that's the tastiest, easiest to mix in a salad thing ever. How do they manage to cook it and make it so delicious without any sauce? I just can't do that with frozen peas and I'm really not a bad cook! I'm going to tell you a little secret, but don't think I'm weird, please. I like to open a can of peas, take a spoon and dig in. No plate, no bread, no mayo or dressing of any kind. Just peas. Is that weird?

7 Time-saving Exercise Tips … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 09:35 AM PST It’s a hectic life for us mommies! How can we find the time to squeeze in some (much needed) exercise with little ones under our feet and that endless list of chores? 1. Clean The House Yes, you read correctly. Studies show that one hour of cleaning house in general will burn 204 calories per hour. Doing light cleaning like dusting, changing bed sheets, folding clothes or taking out garbage for an hour will burn 170 calories. Ironing for an hour will burn 156 calories! Don’t worry if you have many hard wood floors – mopping for an hour will burn 238 calories, can you believe it? 2. Carry Your Kids You can burn 204 calories just by carrying your baby for an hour! Talk about mixing work with pleasure! 3. Cook A Big Meal That’s right! Cooking for an hour will burn 170 calories! So, don’t worry if you spend a couple hours in the kitchen a day – you’re working off what you will be eating in a bit – a double reward for your hard work!

7 Beautiful Christmas Photos … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 09:00 AM PST My favorite time of year has finally arrived! The christmas season never fails to bring joy to my heart. Along with the carols, the hot chocolate, the presents and the snow, there is one more thing I have to admit I love about christmas, and that would be christmas photos! Here are 7 beautiful christmas photos to give you inspiration to decorate your home for this holiday season! 1. Patriotic Christmas Photo Credit: southernsteelar Being a future military wife myself (only 8 weeks and counting!), I full support our troops! Around christmas, the morale of our soldiers overseas tends to get a little lower than normal. Do your part to support our troops and send a christmas package for them to enjoy! Oh and don’t forget to decorate your home in patriotic colors this season! 2. Baby’s First Christmas Photo Credit: daisychick_1 What can be more beautiful than the most precious creation in the world? A sleeping baby never fails to touch my heart. I think this little one may be dreaming of all the toys they will find under the tree on christmas morning! Just look at that sweet expression on his or her little face and tell me that doesn’t want to make you spread some christmas cheer? 3. Christmas Lights Photo Credit: halmorgan There are few things less lovely than christmas lights on a winters eve night. I love how these trees just seem to glow with radiance! It’s as if you can feel the anticipation of christmas on it’s way, busy shoppers rushing around trying to finish up buying gifts and get them wrapped before Santa arrives!

8 Great Make-Up Items for Girls with Green Eyes … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 08:55 AM PST Any girl with green eyes can tell you: if she's playing up her eye color, she's going to use purple make-up because that's the color that brings out emerald eyes the most. But some purples are so garish or awful, no green-eyed girl in her right mind would wear them. I can help you avoid the overly glittery or just plain boring, though… as a fellow green-eyed girl, I've searched my favorite make-up site, Sephora, and tried dozens of eye make-ups, so I know what's great, and what to avoid. Here are 8 great make-up items for us girls with green eyes. 1. Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 1999 (Glimmering Plum) Price: $17.00 at sephora.com I wear contacts, so it's hard to apply eyeliner that's too stiff. That's why I love this eye pencil — as the name implies, it glides right on. It doesn't smudge, though, so you can wear it all day without worrying about touch-ups. And the color's gorgeous! 2. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in Lapdance (Rich Plum) Price: $18.00 at sephora.com I love the sleek, somewhat retro look of a thick line of liquid liner on just my upper lids. This one's water-resistant, which makes it great for all-day wear, even in the pool or at the beach. You can also use it to make your own temporary tattoos, too! 3. Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Liner in Metal Head (Dark Purple) Price: $18.00 at sephora.com I know in the intro I said that I don't really like the cheap glitter look on my eyes, but this glitter liner by Urban Decay is an exception. It's easy to apply and the color is amazing, perfect for highlighting your gorgeous green eyes. You can ink a thin, subtle line over your base liner, or brush it across your entire lid for a glam-rock club look.

8 Signs You May Be a Hypochondriac … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 08:44 AM PST It's a good thing to take care of yourself, but some people go a little too far. They worry about their health so much that it occupies approximately 60% of their waking day, 70% of their dreams, and 40% of their budget. Here are some indications that you might just be a bit of a hypochondriac … 1. Competition Photo Credit: tuffig When someone tells you that they have a certain condition, you have to outdo them. If they have a cold, you have flu. If they have had a minor operation, you were in surgery for ten hours. If they broke a bone, you were the $60 million dollar woman. 2. Doctor Google Photo Credit: azbillboard You have diagnosed yourself with multiple illnesses, none of which you can actually spell. Why? Because you Googled your 'symptoms' and came up with any number of possibilities. You are probably more likely to worry yourself to death than to have any of these ailments, however. 3. Paranoia Photo Credit: Maccio Capatonda Every time you read an article about health, you worry that you may be doing harm to yourself. Are you eating too much or too little of a particular food? Are you doomed because you once sunbathed for five minutes? Is it bird flu, swine flu or crocodile flu that is going to get you?

8 Wrinkle Myths … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 08:41 AM PST We women loathe wrinkles. At the first hint of a laugh line or crow's feet, we're off to the make-up counter at Macy's to see what we can do delay the inevitable — the natural signs of aging on our faces. But some treatments, and commonly held beliefs, aren't helpful at all. We've all heard the myths about wrinkles, and here are some of my favorites. Are they true, or false? Keep reading! Here are 8 wrinkle myths… 1. Effective wrinkle-fighting products are always the expensive ones Photo Credit: L’Adamant Fille This is really not true. While the expensive wrinkle creams may smells better, or come in prettier bottles or jars or boxes, they're really not better. Most active ingredients are the same. Everyone's skin is different, and the pricey cream your BFF uses may not do anything for you, while the drugstore Olay or off-brand might work like a charm. The only way to know for sure which product will work best for you is to try them until you find one you like, regardless of how expensive, or inexpensive, it is. 2. Tanning won't cause wrinkles like real sunshine Photo Credit: savatray This is completely untrue. UV exposure, whether it's from the sunlight or tanning bed, can cause a lot more than wrinkled, leathery Keith Richards skin. It can also cause skin cancer. If you want health, gorgeous skin, wear a sunscreen every day, even on overcast days, and stay out of the tanning bed! 3. Drinking lots of water will help fight wrinkles Photo Credit: _…:::Zelluloid:::…_ This is a very common myth. While drinking water is important for staying hydrated, there's no evidence to support the statement that it will also fight wrinkles. By all mean, keep drinking your water each day! But don't expect wrinkle-free skin from your Aquafina.

8 Quick Cures for Writer’s Block … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 04:51 AM PST Oh no! Not writers block! Not when my life and my bills here are depending on it! Many get writers block and it is perfectly understandable. I am going to be honest for you. Unless something is bothering me a lot, I don't normally get writers block. I have a great deal to write about and I am so full of words, but there are times where I get it. However, I have heard of people getting writers block a lot. Below, I am going to give you 8 quick cures for writer's block … 8. Take the Dogs for a Walk Photo Credit: Chrimes.666 If you get writers block, then try taking the dogs for a nice walk. Do this, even if you just took the dogs out. Surely, your dogs are going to enjoy this one. Plus, you are going to benefit from it as the outside helps clear writers block. 7. Go for a Drive Photo Credit: janusz l This one may seem strange to you guys and girls, but when I have writers block, getting in my car and going for a ride helps me. Then, when I come back and sit at my laptop, I feel better and start typing away. 6. Read Photo Credit: AnnuskA – AnnA Theodora Yes, I just told you to read if you have writers block. You could either read about the chosen topic or read something that does not relate to the topic. This might help to get your mind flowing. You may find some ideas that will set a spark to your hands.

7 Facial Powders I Recommend … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 04:45 AM PST Facial powder is one of the few makeup items I don’t mind splurging on, as long as it’s a quality product I can use for a while. Typically, powder and concealer are all I use, because my skin just doesn’t handle foundation well. These are some of my favorite facial powders of all time, from minerals to matte to SPF! 1. One Hot Minute, Benefit Price: $30.00 at sephora.com I’m usually not a fan of bronzing powders and the like, because I am way too pale for them to look good. I always end up with a very noticeable makeup line. However, this one is really light, you just get a pretty, rosy tint, and the powder itself is super lightweight. It’s a great highlighter too. 2. bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral Veil, Bare Escentuals Price: $19.00 at sephora.com I love mineral powders. They even out my skin tones better than anything else, and this does better than most. I think it’s a great deal for what it does, and I love the shades they offer. Typically I either find something that’s too light to cover up any blemishes or too dark to look at all natural, but this bareMinerals powder matches my skin perfectly. 3. Blended Face Powder, Clinique Price: $19.00 at sephora.com I love this powder for its lightness. A friend of mine uses it and let me borrow it, and I promptly fell in love but have yet to get a whole jar for myself. The reason I love this brand is because it makes my pores look teeny tiny. Always, always a good thing!

7 Reasons to Explain Your Lack of Concentration … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 04:23 AM PST I often have trouble concentrating, and I’m sure you do as well, at least some of the time. I want to work on improving my concentration and focus on the coming year, but I realized I first needed to figure out why I am having trouble focusing. Here are some things that explain a lack of focus. I hope they help you as well! 1. Multitasking Photo Credit: JayceG Being able to multitask is definitely a gift. I have always thought I was good at it, but now I realize that is one of the reasons I cannot focus on certain things. When I’m trying to write three different things at once, work on graphics, and talk on the phone, I ultimately mess up something about each task. Checking your email, talking to your spouse, making dinner, and trying to do the laundry all at the same time … it’s probably not going to work out. 2. Not Enough Nutrients Photo Credit: fringehog I am really guilty of this one. When you don’t get all the nutrients you need, you simply cannot concentrate. Like, I never eat breakfast and I frequently skip lunch as well. Not only is that totally unhealthy, but I am not feeding my brain – something every grade school and health teacher I ever had told me to do. Over and over. Eating right is important, for both your body and your brain. 3. Not Relaxing Photo Credit: JacobWilliamForquer Even if you can’t take a vacation, you have to take some time for yourself. When you get too stressed, your focus flies right out the window. Even if you have to relax by taking a bath, going for a walk, or just sitting in silence listening to music, make sure you take the time to do it. And if you can get away, even if it’s only for the weekend, try to do so whenever it’s possible. Your batteries need to be recharged once in a while.

7 Yummy but Healthy Cereals … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 02:53 AM PST Despite the bags of chips, soda in the pantry, and random candy bars in the freezer, eating a good breakfast is something I make sure both my boys do before heading off to school. Occasionally I'll let them indulge in a sugary cereal that they've asked for, but they tend to be bored with it after a few days of eating it for breakfast. They usually revert to finishing this box of cereal in the evenings as an after school snack and then I don't hear them ask for the same cereal again for another year or so. Here are 7 yummy but healthy cereals that are great for helping you start the day off right. 7. Honey Nut Cheerios Photo Credit: laffy4k The manufacturers of Cheerios have boasted about this cereal's ability to lower cholesterol levels and they now come in tastier varieties. I was never a big fan of plain Cheerios, unless my mom made marshmallow treats out of them. I was thrilled when Honey Nut Cheerios came to be. The addition of honey to each little O made them much tastier than the original, but just as healthy. All varieties of Cheerios are made from oats, which is the ingredient that makes them so packed full of goodness. 6. Frosted Mini-Wheats Photo Credit: Jemlnlx The cinnamon streusel variety is not only tasty, but a bowl full has just 180 calories. There's no cholesterol or saturated fat in these little wheat biscuits and the standard serving has 5 grams of fiber too. There also isn't any sodium in the cinnamon streusel flavored mini-wheats, which is perfect for my husband too. Cinnamon is one of those beneficial spices too. It's great for lowering blood sugar levels, prevents bacterial growth, and the smell alone is supposed to improve memory and cognitive function.

8 of My Favourite Reality Stars … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 01:57 AM PST There are so many Reality television shows that sometimes it is difficult to keep track of what is what and who is who. Here are 8 of my favourite reality stars to help you out and they are listed in no particular order. 8. Peter Andre Photo Credit: UGArdener After Peter Andre's appearance in I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, I have viewed him in a completely different light. He appears to be a genuine and quite sweet guy, who at the same time is still quite honest with the things that he says. 7. Janette Manrara Photo Credit: karen in toronto Although Janette Manrara did not win season 8 of So You Think You Can Dance, she did dance a mean and sexy salsa. Some of her moves were unbelievable and she did not appear to falter in any way, shape or form. Her performance in this show, and how her lively personality seemed to shine through her dancing, has kept her name at the forefront of my memory. 6. Heidi and Spencer from The Hills Photo Credit: Melissa and Paul Yes this pair can come across as rather sickly when together; they almost look like the perfect couple and attempt to be very perfect in their appearance. However, the reason why I like these reality stars so much is because they are both very determined and have made sure that they stay in the limelight for longer than their allotted time.

8 Weirdest Sports from Around the World … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 01:43 AM PST There are so many strange sports that it's hard to choose just 8 to mention. However, I did choose the 8 weirdest sports from around the world that I could find. Feel free to let me know about others you've come across. I know there are tons more that are offered by little towns in remote villages and such. It's just so difficult to find them all! 8. Octopush And you thought Water Polo was difficult! Underwater hockey involves lots of kicking with flippered feet to stay underwater, as opposed to treading to stay above water. A good set of lungs is also required in order to hold your breath long enough to try and push the puck to the goal. The rules are similar to those in hockey. This non-contact sport is played in South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and the UK. 7. Trampoline Volleyball Clubs in Belgium started this sporting event, but it has since caught on in Germany, Kuwait, Spain, and Brazil as well. Technically it is known as Bossaball. This sport includes not only moves seen in volleyball, but also in soccer and with some gymnastic moves thrown in for good measure. The event takes place on something that resembles a child's bouncy castle without the sides and fun shaped roof. Too bad this isn't an Olympic sport. It would be excellent fun to watch! 6. Shin Kicking This 400 year old tournament is part of the Cotswold Games in England. A shin kicking competition involves two adults facing one another, grasping one another's shoulders and then kicking the crud out of each other's shins. The winner is the last one standing with the most points. You get a point if you cause your opponent to fall down. Competitors are allowed at least a little bit of shin protection. They can stuff hay down their pants to soften the blows of the kicks to their shins. I'm not sure that would do much good, but then I'm not willing to test it out and see!

7 Clues You Are Ready for Marriage … Posted: 19 Dec 2010 12:46 AM PST Being with someone for a long period of time often leads to the question, "Am I ready to marry this person?" This can be a tough question to answer. Each person is different and it can be hard to know if you can truly trust your feelings or not. Here are 7 clues you are ready for marriage that might be helpful to you. These are merely suggestions and won't be accurate for everyone. 7. Putting your needs last isn't an issue Photo Credit: lumi ® People who have lived alone for many years often have a hard time thinking of others. They have often been conditioned to take care of themselves and try to make sure they put themselves first. If you only have yourself to worry about, then don't you usually do what makes you happiest? When you come to the point that your happiness means less to you than the happiness you are able to create your significant other, then you just might be ready to make the next step; marriage. 6. You trust and love this person completely Photo Credit: Whipped Bakeshop In my opinion, there's nothing more important in a relationship than a perfect balance of love and trust. Of course, this has to go both ways. When there isn't any doubt in your mind about the love and trust you have for this person and that it is seemingly endless, then this is definitely a good sign that there could easily be a wedding in the near future. 5. There's no separation between families anymore Photo Credit: arkworld Have you ever been with a person for so long that there really isn't any difference between families? They sort of mesh together after a while and there isn't a prominent distinction between 'My Parents' and 'Your Parents'. Everyone is one big happy family and accepting of each other. It's always easier to talk about marriage to someone when you know your family likes this person as much as you do.

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